nThe United Nations has raised serious concerns over the Israeli military’s recent raid in the West Bank, particularly its use of force, including methods “developed for war fighting.” The operation, which took place in the city of Jenin, led to hundreds of residents fleeing their homes as the military demolished several houses. this action occured just days after a ceasefire in Gaza, which saw the first exchange of Israeli hostages for palestinian prisoners since a brief truce in November 2023.
Israeli officials stated that the Jenin operation targeted Iranian-backed militant groups in the refugee camp adjacent to the city, a long-standing hub for armed Palestinian groups.However, the UN rights office has expressed alarm over the killing of what it described as mostly unarmed individuals, calling for an immediate end to the violence and a halt to the expansion of settlements.
“We are deeply concerned by the use of unlawful lethal force in Jenin, in the occupied West Bank,” said UN human rights office spokesman Thameen Al-Kheetan during a media briefing in Geneva. “The deadly Israeli operations in recent days raise serious concerns about unneeded or disproportionate use of force, including methods and means developed for war fighting, in violation of international human rights law, norms and standards applicable to law enforcement operations. This includes multiple airstrikes and apparently random shooting at unarmed residents attempting to flee or find safety.”
UN human rights chief Volker Turk has urged Israel to adopt and enforce rules of engagement that fully comply with applicable human rights norms. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, however, has defended the operation, dubbed “Iron Wall,” stating its objective was to “eradicate terrorism” in the area.
According to Mr. Kheetan, the UN rights office has verified that at least 12 Palestinians were killed and 40 injured by Israeli security forces as Tuesday, with most reportedly unarmed.He emphasized the need for all killings in a law enforcement context to be thoroughly and independently investigated. “Those responsible for unlawful killings must be held to account,” he added.
Mr. Kheetan also highlighted that following the Gaza ceasefire declaration, Israeli settlers in the west Bank had been “attacking Palestinian villages and stoning vehicles,” with houses and cars set on fire. “We are also concerned by repeated comments from some Israeli officials about plans to expand settlements further still, in a fresh breach of international law. we recall again that the transfer by Israel of its own civilian population into territories it occupies also amounts to a war crime,” he said.
The UN has called for an immediate end to the violence in the West Bank and urged all parties, including third states with influence, to do everything in their power to ensure peace is achieved in the region.
| Key Points | Details |
|————|———|
| Location | West Bank city of Jenin |
| Operation | “Iron Wall” aimed at eradicating terrorism |
| Casualties | 12 Palestinians killed, 40 injured |
| UN Concerns | Unlawful lethal force, disproportionate use of force, expansion of settlements |
| Call to Action | Immediate end to violence, independent investigations, halt to settlement expansion |
The situation in the West Bank remains tense, with the international community closely monitoring developments. The UN’s call for accountability and adherence to international law underscores the urgency of addressing the ongoing conflict and ensuring the protection of human rights in the region.
UN Raises Alarms Over Israeli Military’s Actions in Jenin: Expert Insights
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In the wake of the recent Israeli military operation in Jenin, the United Nations has expressed deep concerns over the use of lethal force and the escalation of violence in the West Bank. Senior Editor of world-today-news.com sat down with Dr. Sarah El-Mahmoud,a renowned expert on Middle Eastern conflicts and international law,to discuss the implications of these events and the broader regional dynamics.
The Context of the Jenin Operation
Editor: Dr. El-Mahmoud,the Israeli military’s recent operation in Jenin,dubbed “Iron Wall,” has drawn significant international attention. Can you provide some context on why Jenin is a focal point in this conflict?
Dr. El-Mahmoud: Absolutely. Jenin has historically been a hotspot for clashes between Israeli forces and Palestinian militant groups. The city’s refugee camp is known as a hub for armed factions, including those allegedly backed by Iran. The Israeli government has framed this operation as a counter-terrorism measure,but the UN and other human rights organizations have raised alarms over the disproportionate use of force,particularly against unarmed civilians.
UN Concerns and International Law
Editor: The UN has described the use of lethal force in Jenin as “unlawful” and “disproportionate.” Can you elaborate on what this means in terms of international law?
Dr. El-mahmoud: Certainly. Under international human rights law, the use of force must be proportionate and necessary to achieve a legitimate law enforcement objective. In Jenin, the UN has documented instances of airstrikes and shootings that appear to target unarmed individuals, including those fleeing the violence. Such actions violate the principles of distinction and proportionality, which are cornerstones of international humanitarian law.The UN has also called for independent investigations into these incidents to ensure accountability.
The Aftermath of the Gaza Ceasefire
Editor: This operation occurred just days after a ceasefire in Gaza. How do you see this timing impacting the broader regional dynamics?
Dr. El-Mahmoud: The timing is highly significant. The Gaza ceasefire, which saw an exchange of Israeli hostages for Palestinian prisoners, was a fragile step toward de-escalation. However,the Jenin operation has reignited tensions,particularly with reports of israeli settlers attacking Palestinian villages in the West Bank. These actions not only undermine the ceasefire but also exacerbate the cycle of violence, making it increasingly challenging to achieve long-term peace in the region.
The Role of Settlements and International Pressure
Editor: The UN has also called for a halt to the expansion of Israeli settlements, labeling them a “war crime.” What’s your perspective on this issue?
Dr. El-Mahmoud: The expansion of settlements is a critical and contentious issue. Under international law, the transfer of a civilian population into occupied territory is prohibited and constitutes a war crime. Yet, we’ve seen repeated statements from Israeli officials about plans to expand these settlements further. This not only violates international law but also erodes the prospects for a two-state solution. the international community, particularly influential third states, must pressure Israel to adhere to its legal obligations and halt this expansion.
The Path Forward
Editor: In light of these developments, what steps do you believe are necessary to de-escalate the situation and promote peace in the region?
Dr. El-Mahmoud: Dialog and international mediation are essential. All parties must commit to a cessation of violence and prioritize the protection of civilians. The UN’s call for independent investigations into the killings in Jenin is a crucial step toward accountability. Additionally, the international community should intensify its efforts to facilitate meaningful negotiations aimed at addressing the root causes of the conflict, including the status of settlements and the rights of Palestinians. Only through a complete and inclusive approach can lasting peace be achieved.
