UN Human Rights Office: Israeli Settlements in Palestinian Territories Constitute 'War Crimes'

The UN Human Rights Office stated in a report published on Friday, March 9, that the establishment and expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem are considered 'war crimes.' The report indicates that nearly 25,000 housing units were added to existing settlements in the West Bank during the one-year period from October 31, 2022, to October 30, 2023, marking the highest figure in a one-year period in the past seven years since the office began monitoring settlements in the West Bank. The UN Human Rights Office expressed regret over the increase in new housing units in recent months. Volker Turk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, stated in a report presented to the Human Rights Council on Friday, 'The West Bank is currently engulfed in a crisis. However, the violence of settlers and settler-related violence has reached a shocking new level that jeopardizes any practical possibility of establishing a sustainable Palestinian state.' He noted that recent reports indicating Israel's intention to build nearly 3,500 homes for settlers in three areas are 'contrary to international law.' Turk's office stated that the establishment and expansion of settlements amount to the transfer of Israeli populations to occupied territories and 'constitute war crimes under international law.' The Israeli diplomatic mission in Geneva, which has consistently accused Turk's office of ignoring the violence of Palestinian extremists against Israelis, stated that the report completely overlooked the killing of 36 Israelis and the injury of nearly 300 in attacks of 'Palestinian terrorism' over the past year. Many countries around the world consider settlements in Palestinian areas illegal under international law. The Biden administration stated on Friday, February 23, that the expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank is inconsistent with international law. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken also expressed disappointment during a press conference in Buenos Aires regarding Israel's announcement of plans to build new housing units in the West Bank, stating that these plans are detrimental to achieving sustainable peace. Blinken remarked, 'These plans are also inconsistent with international law. Our government has serious objections to the expansion of settlements, which we believe undermines, rather than strengthens, Israel's security.' The Biden administration recently sanctioned four Israeli men for their involvement in settler-related violence. UN officials reported substantial evidence of 'sexual violence' by Hamas during the October 7 attack. Israeli forces raided Ramallah; Palestinian sources claimed a 16-year-old teenager was killed. Speculation continues regarding a possible agreement; Egypt remains hopeful; Hamas is 'ready' to continue the war. The Israeli Defense Minister stated that the Islamic Republic and Hamas intend to execute 'the second part of the October 7 attack' during Ramadan. The U.S. described the resignation of the Palestinian Authority cabinet as a positive step towards reforms. Arab countries and Turkey called on the global court to declare 'the occupation of Palestinian lands' illegal.