West Bank Security Situation Remains Alarming, Warn UN Aid Agencies
United Nations, February 26, 2025 (12:00 PM) – The security situation in the occupied West Bank remains deeply alarming, with a significant deterioration impacting Palestinian civilians and hindering humanitarian operations, several UN aid agencies warned in a joint statement released today. The agencies, including the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), and the World Food Programme (WFP), cited escalating violence, settler attacks, increased movement restrictions, and a crumbling economy as contributing factors to the worsening crisis.
The statement paints a grim picture of life for Palestinians in the West Bank, highlighting a surge in violence against civilians, particularly in areas near settlements and military checkpoints. The agencies report a significant increase in attacks by Israeli settlers against Palestinian communities, often involving damage to property, destruction of livelihoods, and physical assaults. These attacks, frequently carried out with impunity, are creating a climate of fear and instability, forcing many families to live in constant apprehension.
“The situation on the ground is deteriorating rapidly,” stated UNRWA spokesperson, Fatima Khalil. “We are witnessing a disturbing escalation in violence that is disproportionately affecting vulnerable communities. The international community must take urgent action to protect Palestinian civilians and ensure respect for international humanitarian law.”
The joint statement also raised serious concerns about the expansion of Israeli settlements and the ongoing demolitions of Palestinian homes and infrastructure. These actions, deemed illegal under international law, further displace communities, undermine Palestinian livelihoods, and fuel resentment and instability. The agencies condemned these practices and called for an immediate halt to settlement expansion.
Furthermore, the UN aid agencies emphasized the devastating impact of increased movement restrictions imposed by Israeli authorities on Palestinian movement and access. Checkpoints, road closures, and permit requirements severely restrict Palestinians’ ability to access essential services, including healthcare, education, and employment. This hinders humanitarian access and further isolates vulnerable communities, exacerbating their suffering.
“These restrictions not only impede our ability to deliver vital assistance,” said Michael Brown, Head of OCHA in the occupied Palestinian territory, “but also suffocate the Palestinian economy and undermine the fundamental rights of Palestinians.”
The agencies noted the ripple effects of the escalating security situation on the Palestinian economy, which is already struggling under prolonged occupation. The increased violence and movement restrictions disrupt trade, hinder agricultural production, and further impoverish already vulnerable communities. The WFP reported a rise in food insecurity among Palestinian families, with a growing number struggling to meet their basic needs.
“We are deeply concerned about the rising rates of food insecurity,” said Leila Rahman, Country Director for WFP in Palestine. “Families are facing increasingly difficult choices between feeding their children and accessing essential healthcare. We need to ensure that vulnerable families have access to the food and assistance they need to survive.”
The joint statement concluded with a strong call to action. The UN aid agencies urged the international community to:
- Demand an immediate end to all violence against civilians, including settler attacks.
- Ensure accountability for perpetrators of violence and violations of international law.
- Halt the expansion of Israeli settlements and the demolition of Palestinian homes and infrastructure.
- Ease movement restrictions and ensure humanitarian access to vulnerable communities.
- Provide increased support to Palestinian families and communities affected by the ongoing crisis.
- Work towards a just and lasting peace based on international law and relevant UN resolutions.
The agencies warned that without immediate action, the security situation in the West Bank will continue to deteriorate, leading to further suffering and instability. They emphasized the need for a comprehensive approach that addresses the root causes of the conflict and ensures the protection and well-being of all civilians. The coming weeks and months will be critical in determining the future of the West Bank, and the international community has a responsibility to act decisively to prevent a further escalation of the crisis.
West Bank security situation remains alarming, warn UN aid agencies
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