In a statement to the UN Human Rights Council’s 54th session, Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor warned of a sharp rise in Israeli settler violence in the occupied Palestinian territory, which is occurring under the political cover of the Israeli government.
Settler attacks in the first half of this year alone reached 1,148, nearly equaling the total number of attacks recorded in the previous year, which was 1,187. This increase indicates an unprecedented level of violence, with almost no accountability or punishment measures in place, said Euro-Med Monitor in a press release.
In recent months, violent settler attacks classified as ‘nationalist terrorism’ and even by Israel’s own security services have resulted in the total displacement of seven Palestinian residential communities. Euro-Med Monitor stressed that the provocative rhetoric of far-right Israeli government ministers is a major contributor to the significant increase in settler violence, as the government supports settlers in various ways, includin
g protecting them from security or judicial prosecution.
The Israeli army’s accompaniment and protection of settlers while they carry out attacks on Palestinian villages and towns clearly reflects Israel’s apartheid class system in the occupied Palestinian territory.
‘As an occupying power, Israel must shoulder its responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of the occupied Palestinian population and hold perpetrators accountable, said the release.
Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor urged the international community to be present on the ground to protect vulnerable Palestinian communities at risk of displacement, as well as to take concrete steps to pressure Israel to end its military occupation, which is the root cause of destabilization and tension.
Source: Palestine News and Information Agency – WAFA