The UN Secretary-General has strongly condemned the recent surge of attacks by Israeli forces and settlers against Palestinians and their property in the occupied West Bank.

Speaking on behalf of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres  at a press briefing, spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said that these near-daily attacks have intensified, causing deaths, injuries, significant property damage, and, at times, the displacement of entire communities.

“The Secretary-General reiterates that Israeli settlements and related infrastructure have no legal validity,” Dujarric said, highlighting that they constitute a flagrant violation of international law, including relevant UN resolutions.

The UN chief called for an urgent de-escalation of tensions and urged Israel to halt attacks on civilians and their property and to take concrete measures against these violations in the occupied West Bank.

Dujarric added that Israel, as the occupying power, bears the responsibility to protect the Palestinian population and must hold those responsible for attacks to account.

Since Israel launched its military campaign in Gaza on October 8, 2023, violence in the occupied West Bank has escalated sharply. Israeli forces and settlers have killed 1,133 Palestinians, wounded around 11,700, and detained approximately 22,000 individuals, according to official reports.

The situation remains dire, with illegal settler attacks continuing unabated. In February alone, 511 assaults were recorded across the West Bank, resulting in seven Palestinian fatalities from gunfire. The International Court of Justice earlier issued a landmark ruling in July 2024, declaring Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories unlawful and calling for the removal of all settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.