The UNRWA Commissioner-General has warned of the worsening conditions in the West Bank, including refugee camps.
He stated on the X platform that the recent operation carried out by Israeli forces in Nur Shams camp “caused loss of life and significant damage to homes and public services.”
He continued, saying that hundreds, including at least 112 Palestinian children, have been killed in the West Bank since the outbreak of the Gaza war on October 7.
Settler Violence
Lazzarini also mentioned that movement restrictions and violence by Israeli settlers prevent West Bank residents from working and deprive them of their livelihoods, creating “a state of perpetual fear.”
He said, “It is time to end the occupation and address the longest unresolved conflict through political means and a genuine commitment to peace.”
Raids in the West Bank
Israeli forces began a major raid in the early hours of Friday in the Nur Shams area near the Palestinian city of Tulkarm, exchanging gunfire with militants until Saturday.
The Israeli military stated on Sunday that 14 Palestinian militants were killed in the firefight, and nine soldiers were injured. Residents of Nur Shams stated that only five militants were among the dead so far. Authorities reported that one of them was a 16-year-old student.
Thousands Arrested
Thousands of Palestinians have been arrested and hundreds killed during operations carried out by Israeli forces in the West Bank since the beginning of the Gaza war, most of them members of armed groups but also included youths throwing stones and civilians.
The Palestinian authorities reported that a Palestinian ambulance driver was killed on Saturday while on his way to transport casualties from another attack by Jewish settlers.
The West Bank and Gaza are among the territories Palestinians seek to establish an independent state on. Peace talks mediated by the United States collapsed a decade ago.
Since October 7, the situation in Gaza has significantly deteriorated due to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. This has resulted in a humanitarian crisis marked by widespread destruction and an acute health crisis. The conflict has led to a high number of casualties, with reports indicating that thousands of Palestinians have been killed, including many children. The destruction has been widespread, affecting homes, hospitals, and other essential infrastructure.
The population faces severe food and water shortages, exacerbated by Israel’s closure of key crossings, which has halted the flow of goods and humanitarian aid. Reports indicate that most of the population is now suffering from acute food insecurity, with many on the brink of famine. The situation is so critical that basic necessities like fresh water and food are scarce, forcing rationing among the population.
