UN Reports 30,000 Palestinians Forcibly Displaced Amid Rising Violence In West Bank

Recent weeks have seen a rise in violence against Palestinians by settlers and security forces in the occupied West Bank, according to the United Nations human rights office. Thameen Al-Kheetan, spokesperson for the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OCHCR), stated that Israeli settlers and security forces have increased their attacks and harassment of Palestinians in this region, including East Jerusalem.

Since Israel initiated its "Iron Wall" operation earlier this year in the northern West Bank, approximately 30,000 Palestinians have been forcibly displaced. Israeli forces have used live ammunition on unarmed Palestinians, including those trying to return to their homes in refugee camps like Jenin, Tulkarem, and Nur Shams. The use of unnecessary or disproportionate force by Israeli security forces has been noted, even when there was no imminent threat to life.

The UN recorded June as having the highest monthly injury toll for Palestinians in over 20 years. Ninety-six Palestinians were injured by Israeli settlers during this period. In the first half of 2025 alone, there were 757 settler attacks causing Palestinian casualties or property damage—a 13% increase compared to the same timeframe in 2024.

Since October 7th, 2023, Israeli demolitions have displaced 2,907 Palestinians across the West Bank. Additionally, actions by Israeli settlers have forcibly displaced another 2,400 Palestinians during this period. Nearly half of these displaced individuals are children, leading to significant depopulation in parts of the West Bank.

The demolition orders issued by Israeli security forces since "Iron Wall" began involve about 1,400 homes. These demolitions breach Israel’s obligations as an occupying power unless absolutely necessary for military operations. Al-Kheetan warned that permanently displacing civilians within occupied territories constitutes unlawful transfer and is a grave breach of the Fourth Geneva Convention.

"Permanently displacing the civilian population within occupied territory amounts to unlawful transfer, a grave breach of the Fourth Geneva Convention and, depending on the circumstances, may also amount to a crime against humanity," he warned.

Call for Accountability

Al-Kheetan emphasized that Israel must cease these killings and home demolitions immediately across occupied Palestinian territories. As an occupying power, Israel is obligated to ensure public order and safety in the West Bank. It must protect Palestinians from settler attacks and end unlawful force by its security forces.

"Israel must immediately stop these killings, harassment and home demolitions across the occupied Palestinian territory," Al-Kheetan stressed. "As the occupying power, Israel must take all feasible measures to ensure public order and safety in the West Bank."

He further insisted on thorough investigations into all killings and alleged violations of international law. Those responsible should be held accountable. According to an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice, Israel must end its unlawful presence in occupied Palestinian territories.

With inputs from WAM