Nablus: The United Nations Human Rights Office in the Occupied Palestinian Territory has reported that attacks and abuses by Israeli colonists against Palestinian homes have reached intolerable levels. The office has called on Israeli authorities to take action against colonists involved in violence, unlawful land seizure, and the expansion of Israeli colonies.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency - WAFA, the UN office highlighted a significant increase in colonist activity following the establishment of an Israeli colonial outpost near Qusra, south of Nablus, in November 2025. This development has led to colonists taking control of areas west of the village in Area B, accompanied by a rise in attacks such as home invasions, physical assaults, vandalism, theft, and arson, including an incident at a local mosque.
One of the most serious incidents reported occurred in July, when colonists from an outpost in the Ras al-Ain area of Qusra cut off water and electricity supplies to three Palestinian homes. On August 9, the colonists further escalated the situation by closing all gates and entrances to the homes, setting up a tent between them, and preventing the residents from entering or leaving. This left three Palestinian families, consisting of around 15 people including children, trapped and unable to access basic needs.
The families sought intervention from Israeli forces present at the site, but according to reports, the forces did not respond. Moreover, it appeared that Israeli forces obstructed paramedics, solidarity activists, and journalists from reaching the families. Video evidence showed soldiers praying alongside colonists at the site. Although the soldiers removed the tent on August 12, they did not remove the colonists, who continued to surround the homes.
The UN Human Rights Office described the colonists' actions, supported or tacitly approved by Israel as the occupying power, as making life unbearable for Palestinian families and aimed at forcing them out of their homes and land. The office warned of the imminent risk of forcible displacement for these families.
The office reiterated that the International Court of Justice has declared all Israeli colonies illegal, urging Israel to halt all colonial activities, evacuate colonists, and end its unlawful presence in the West Bank. Until then, Israel is urged to comply with international law obligations to protect the Palestinian population, prevent and investigate colonist attacks, and ensure accountability for those responsible.