UN Human Rights Spokesperson Thameen Al Kheetan on occupied Palestinian territory

“A series of new Israeli operations and settlement plans in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, risk seriously undermining the viability of a Palestinian state and the realisation of the Palestinians’ right to self-determination,” the UN Human Rights Spokesperson Thameen Al-Kheetan told the bi-weekly press conference in Geneva today.

“On 12 January, Israeli security forces launched a campaign in occupied East Jerusalem, including at least two major operations targeting two Palestinian communities,” he added. “In the Shu’fat refugee camp, they raided dozens of homes and shops, detained at least 25 Palestinians, confiscated goods, and seized 10 private vehicles.”

In another large-scale operation, targeting Kafr Aqab neighbourhood and the boundaries of Qalandiya refugee camp, Israeli security forces reportedly demolished 70 Palestinian structures. This appears to be in preparation for major settlement projects in the area.

“Since 23 January, the Israeli authorities issued eviction orders to 22 Palestinian homes in the Muslim Quarter of Jerusalem's Old City and in Al-Bustan and Batn Al Hawa areas of Silwan,” Al-Kheetan said. This follows a series of similar notices over the past two months affecting hundreds of Palestinians who remain at risk of forced displacement in the larger area of Silwan. “The unlawful deportation or transfer of a population living under occupation is a war crime, and, under specific circumstances, may constitute a crime against humanity,” he said.

“Relentless violence by Israeli settlers – with the support and participation of Israeli security forces, as well as movement restrictions are accelerating the forcible transfer of Palestinians,” he added. In the meantime, Israeli settlements continue to expand at previously unseen pace, in breach of international law.

“Accountability and justice must be achieved — for all the victims of unlawful killings and other human rights violations,” Al-Kheetan said.

States must act immediately to stop the aggressive Israeli expansion of illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem. “Further expansion of settlements will only entrench the racial segregation against the Palestinian people,” he said.

The multiple rulings by the International Court of Justice have been crystal clear: The settlement activities must stop; Israeli settlements must be evacuated; and the Israeli unlawful presence in the occupied Palestinian territory must end. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk calls again for an immediate end to Israel’s occupation.

For more information and media requests, please contact

In Geneva:

Ravina Shamdasani: +41 22 917 9169 / ravina.shamdasani@un.org

Thameen Al-Kheetan: +41 22 917 4232 / thameen.alkheetan@un.org

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