UN reports West Bank civilians under mounting pressure from curfews, settler violence, and raids

A report from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has outlined a severe deterioration in conditions for Palestinian civilians across the occupied West Bank, driven by Israeli military operations, movement restrictions, and escalating violence by Israeli settlers. The findings, covering the first weeks of 2026, describe a pattern of pressure that is displacing communities, hampering access to food and healthcare, and undermining livelihoods.

Widespread Movement Restrictions and Lethal Force

The report highlights a large-scale Israeli military operation launched on January 19 in Hebron’s H2 area, where approximately 25,000 Palestinians were placed under curfew and severe movement restrictions. Roads were blocked, sniper positions were established on rooftops, and widespread detentions were reported. OCHA documented that Israeli forces killed two Palestinians, including a 15-year-old boy, and injured 87 others between January 6 and 19. One fatal shooting of a man driving with his family in Hebron was initially claimed by Israeli forces as an attempted attack, though they later stated no evidence supported that assertion.

Surge in Settler Violence and Displacement

A significant driver of the crisis is a sharp increase in attacks and intimidation by Israeli settlers. OCHA recorded at least 55 such attacks causing injury or property damage during the reporting period, injuring 30 Palestinians. These attacks, often targeting water systems and schools, have directly led to the displacement of over 100 Palestinian Bedouin and herding households in the past two weeks. In the Jericho area community of Ras 'Ein al 'Auja, at least 77 households began dismantling their homes following intensified nighttime attacks and threats.

Demolitions, Economic Collapse, and International Condemnation

Israeli authorities also demolished 27 Palestinian-owned structures for lacking building permits, displacing 50 people, including 23 children. The economic situation is compounding the humanitarian crisis. Citing a World Food Program assessment, OCHA noted the West Bank economy contracted by 13% between 2023 and 2025, with unemployment reaching 28.5%. Furthermore, tensions escalated in East Jerusalem after Israeli forces entered and shut down a UNRWA health center and demolished structures within its Sheikh Jarrah headquarters, an action UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned as a violation of UN premises.