New York, Feb. 7 (SANA) The United Nations warned on Friday that Israeli practices continue to drive the displacement of Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, with more than 900 people forced from their homes since the beginning of 2026 amid rising settler violence and demolition operations.
UN Secretary-General’s spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said in a press briefing that settler attacks, alongside demolitions, are the primary drivers of displacement, noting a concerning escalation in recent weeks.
Dujarric said the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) documented more than 50 attacks by Israeli settlers between January 20 and February 2, resulting in Palestinian casualties, property damage, or both. He added that the UN is conducting initial damage and needs assessments to guide the humanitarian response.
He stressed the need for all parties to comply with international humanitarian law, particularly regarding the protection of Palestinians and civilian infrastructure, warning that continued violations are worsening the humanitarian situation in the occupied Palestinian territory.
Dujarric also said the UN continues to receive complaints regarding Israel’s failure to fully implement the humanitarian protocol of the ceasefire agreement in the Gaza Strip, in effect since October 10, particularly with regard to fuel supplies, humanitarian aid, and debris-removal equipment.
He noted that more than 18,500 patients in Gaza still require specialized medical treatment unavailable locally, renewing calls to reopen medical referral pathways to the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, to ease pressure on the overstretched health system in the enclave.
Israel seized the Palestinian side of the Rafah crossing in May 2024 and barred the movement of people, imposing severe restrictions on crossings and allowing only limited fuel and aid supplies, further worsening the humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip.
