Gaza: Ambassador Ibrahim Khraishi, Permanent Observer of the State of Palestine to the United Nations Office at Geneva (UNOG), has issued an urgent appeal to UN bodies, international organizations, and states, seeking decisive action to halt Israel's settlement activities and increasing violence by colonists in the occupied West Bank.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, Khraishi's letter was dispatched to several significant entities, including the High Commissioner for Human Rights, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), the World Health Organization (WHO), and the International Labour Organization (ILO). The appeal highlighted the ongoing hostilities in the occupied Palestinian territories, emphasizing the need for immediate intervention to address the escalating violence and halt the expansion of settlements.
The letter described a recent incident on 24 July, where four Palestinians were killed, and at least four others wounded, following an assault by armed colonist militias in al-Tal, near Nablus. Israeli forces reportedly supported the colonists, exacerbating the conflict. The subsequent response from the Israeli government involved measures such as home demolitions and increased movement restrictions, further intensifying tensions in the region.
Khraishi's letter pointed out that Israeli officials, including the extremist National Security Minister Ben-Gvir, have escalated incitements against Palestinians, with calls for harsh actions reminiscent of the destruction witnessed in Gaza's Beit Hanoun. The document argued that these attacks are not merely by-products of occupation but are integral to the Israeli strategy, which includes arming colonists and relaxing firearm regulations.
Citing the ICJ Advisory Opinion from 19 July 2024, the letter reaffirmed the unlawfulness of Israel's presence in the occupied territories, urging the international community to refrain from supporting this situation. Khraishi called for a comprehensive approach to end the occupation, including the removal of colonists and the cessation of economic support to settlements.
The letter emphasized the need for international accountability and urged states to prohibit trade with settlements and regulate corporate activities that contribute to settlement expansion. Additionally, Khraishi called for an end to arms sales to Israel, underscoring the importance of preventing weapons from reaching colonist militias.
Khraishi advocated for enhanced monitoring and documentation of violations in the occupied territories, urging international organizations to strengthen their presence on the ground. He also called on states to pressure Israel to allow access to investigative bodies and to bolster protection measures for Palestinian civilians to prevent further violations.
Source: Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA