UN reports West Bank escalation amid Gaza ceasefire efforts

The UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) has reported a significant escalation of violence and displacement operations across the occupied West Bank, warning that reduced hostilities in Gaza should not enable intensified occupation measures elsewhere. This assessment comes as ceasefire arrangements negotiated through international mediators continue to be implemented in Gaza, highlighting the interconnected nature of the Palestinian territories and the challenges facing comprehensive peace efforts.

Settler Violence and Coercive Displacement

Roland Friedrich, Director of UNRWA Affairs for the West Bank, stated on social media platform X that settler violence and settlement expansion have created "increasingly coercive conditions" that are pushing vulnerable Palestinian communities from their lands. According to Palestinian documentation, illegal Israeli settlers have conducted over 7,150 attacks against Palestinians and their property since October 2023. These incidents have resulted in 33 Palestinian fatalities and the displacement of 33 Bedouin communities, with northern refugee camps in Jenin, Tulkarm and Nur Shams particularly affected.

Broader Patterns of Occupation and Detention

The West Bank has experienced a dramatic surge in violence and arrests during the same period that witnessed the Gaza conflict. Official Palestinian statistics indicate at least 1,056 Palestinians killed in the West Bank, approximately 10,300 injured, and more than 20,000 detained—including 1,600 children. Friedrich characterized these developments as systematically "paving the way for annexation" of Palestinian territory, raising concerns about the future political landscape of the region.

International Response and Humanitarian Concerns

UNRWA has reaffirmed its readiness to collaborate with all parties to achieve a comprehensive resolution that establishes peace and stability throughout the occupied Palestinian territory. The agency's warnings highlight the complex challenges facing diplomatic efforts led by various nations, including Türkiye, which has consistently emphasized the importance of addressing both the immediate humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the underlying occupation dynamics affecting all Palestinian territories.