Gaza:The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has raised concerns that escalating violence, increased movement restrictions, and rapid settlement expansion are severely impacting civilians across the West Bank, complicating their daily lives.
According to Palestine news & Information Agency - WAFA - English, the ICRC highlighted that since the beginning of the year, numerous Palestinians have been killed, hundreds injured, and many displaced, with homes and properties damaged or destroyed. This situation has left several families without shelter or livelihoods.
Julien Lerisson, head of the ICRC delegation in Israel and the Occupied Territories, emphasized the urgent need to end the repeated and intense violence. He stated that authorities are responsible for protecting people from violence by Israeli settlers, ensuring compliance with international humanitarian law regarding the protection of public and private property, and providing residents access to essential services.
Lerisson underscored the severe humanitarian impact caused by the violence, including significant loss of life and injuries. He explained that movement restrictions hinder patients from accessing healthcare services and children from attending school, further isolating individuals from their homes and livelihoods.
He noted that ambulances face delays at checkpoints and roadblocks or are forced to take longer detours, complicating the efforts of first responders and endangering those in need of help.
Lerisson also reminded that as the occupying power in the West Bank, Israel holds responsibilities toward Palestinians, who are protected under international humanitarian law, including the duty to shield them from violence and threats.
The ICRC's statement reaffirmed its legal stance that Israel's settlement activities in the West Bank are inconsistent with its obligations under Article 49(6) of the Fourth Geneva Convention of 1949, which prohibits an occupying power from transferring parts of its own civilian population into the territory it occupies.