UN laments dehumanization of Palestinians

By Nathan Morley

The report into human rights abuses in the West Bank claims that Palestinians are existing in a state of constant terror of violence from Israeli forces and settlers.

In the weeks following the Hamas attack, the report found a pointed rise in settler attacks. In all, from 1 January to 27 December 2023, the United Nations verified the deaths of 492 Palestinians at the hands of the Israeli military.

Volker Turk, the UN Human Rights Chief, has demanded an end to settler violence in the West Bank and the prosecution of both its instigators and perpetrators.

Deadliest year for children in West Bank

In a release to the press late on Thursday, UNICEF said this year has been the deadliest year on record for children in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, with conflict-related violence reaching unprecedented levels.

It said 83 children had been killed in the past twelve weeks – more than double the number of children killed in all of 2022, amid increased military and law enforcement operations. Furthermore, UNICEF said more than 576 have been injured and others have reportedly been detained.

“Children living in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, have been experiencing grinding violence for many years, yet the intensity of that violence has dramatically increased since the horrific attacks of 7 October,” the report noted.  “Conflict-related violence has killed 124 Palestinian children and 6 Israeli children since the start of 2023.”

In conclusion, UNICEF has urged all parties to abide by their obligations under international human rights law to protect children from conflict-related violence and protect their most basic right simply to be alive. “Children should never be the target of violence, no matter who or where they are,” the organization said.