The occupied West Bank is witnessing a silent war amid record levels of violence by the Israeli army and illegal settlers since Oct. 2023, the head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees said on Feb. 1.“Tens of thousands of people remain displaced a year after the launch of Israel’s operation “Iron Wall” – the largest displacement since 1967. Their homes are now gradually demolished to prevent their return,” UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini said on US social media company X.
On Jan. 21, the Israeli army launched a large-scale military operation in the northern West Bank, killing scores and displacing thousands.
As per the Middle East Monitor, Lazzarini said more than 1,000 Palestinians have been killed in the occupied territory since Oct. 2023, almost a quarter of them children.“Attacks by Israeli settlers continue unabated, with Palestinian communities being constantly intimidated, uprooted + their livelihoods ruined,” he said. “Impunity reigns.”
The UNRWA chief said the agency still plays a key role in providing emergency aid in the West Bank “despite immense challenges.”
“While global attention has been focused on Gaza, the flagrant disregard for international humanitarian law in the West Bank has been normalised. It has to stop before it is too late.”
The Israeli army and illegal settlers have escalated their assaults in the West Bank since the outbreak of the Gaza war in Oct. 2023.