UN calls for investigation as settler attacks in West Bank displace 4,700 Palestinians

NEW YORK, Feb. 21 (YPA) – The United Nations has warned of a sharp increase in violence against Palestinians in the West Bank, as Israeli settler attacks and occupation forces’ operations have forced nearly 880 families – over 4,700 individuals- to flee their homes, UN spokesperson Stefan Dujarric said Friday.

According to Dujarric, the attacks have caused casualties and widespread destruction of Palestinian property. Between February 3 and 6, three Palestinians were reportedly killed by Israeli forces, bringing the total number of fatalities since the start of the year to nine, including two children.

The UN also documented at least 86 separate settler attacks during the same period, resulting in injuries to more than 60 Palestinians and displacing approximately 146 more.

In a particularly tragic incident, 19-year-old Palestinian-American Nasrallah Abu Siyam was killed during a settler attack in the West Bank, which also left three other Palestinians wounded.

Dujarric emphasized that UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for a rapid, comprehensive, and transparent investigation into the circumstances of this incident and for holding those responsible accountable.

He urged the Israeli government to take concrete steps to stop and prevent all acts of violence carried out by settlers against the Palestinian people.

@E.Y.M