Latest news with #UNOfficeoftheHighCommissionerforHumanRights
Gulf Today
3 days ago
- Politics
- Gulf Today
Israeli settlers accused of killing 117 sheep in West Bank attack
Palestinian Bedouins accused Israeli settlers on Friday of killing 117 sheep in an overnight attack and stealing hundreds of others in an apparent effort to chase farmers off their land in the occupied West Bank. The incident comes amid what the United Nations described this week as intensifying attacks by Jewish settlers and security forces against Palestinians in the West Bank and record mass displacements. The Israeli army did not respond to a request for comment about the mass slaughter of the animals belonging to the Arab Al Kaabaneh Bedouin community, in the Jordan Valley. Veterinarians were called in to treat a handful of sheep which had survived the knife and gun attack, some of the animals shaking uncontrollably and in apparent shock. A Palestinian checks wounded sheep after settlers attack a Bedouin community in the Jordan valley, in West Bank. Reuters Salem Salman Mujahed, a resident of Arab Al Kaabaneh, said multiple groups of settlers working in coordination had orchestrated the assault, and accused the army of standing by. "(Settlers) came near the houses. I asked them what are you doing here then we started fighting with each other," he said. "The army detained me, and they handcuffed me." He said other groups of settlers then attacked the sheep, which are vital to his community's survival. Reuters was unable to independently verify who was responsible for the attack. A Palestinian Bedouin walks in a community as an Israeli settlement stands in the back ground in the Jordan valley, West Bank. Reuters Palestinian Minister Moayad Shaaban condemned the incident, calling it part of a broader strategy to displace Palestinians from the region. "These sheep and animals were slaughtered and shot at," he told Reuters. "They are using these tools to terrify these people to leave these areas, which have been inhabited for dozens of years." MOVING AWAY The attack prompted at least one family to begin relocating. Bedouin Tareq Kaabaneh said he could no longer withstand what he called settler intimidation. "They were armed, they steal donkeys and sheep. In the night they come here and start shooting toward us," Kaabaneh said. "I am moving now from here, I want to protect my kids and my sheep, my livelihood ... yesterday I was safe, but I don't know what will happen to me tomorrow," he added. The United Nations reported this week that mass displacements in the West Bank had reached levels unprecedented since Israel first took military control of the territory nearly six decades ago. The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights in Geneva also said there had been 757 settler attacks on Palestinians or their properties since January - a 13% increase from the same period last year. At least 964 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, since the start of the war in Gaza in October 2023. The US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee demanded this week a full investigation into the killing of a Palestinian American who was beaten to death by settlers in the West Bank on July 11, describing it as a "criminal and terrorist act." The United Nations' highest court said last year that Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories, including the West Bank, was illegal and should end as soon as possible. Reuters
The Sun
6 days ago
- Politics
- The Sun
Escalating violence against Palestinians in West Bank, UN reports
GENEVA: The United Nations human rights office has reported a surge in violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, with increased killings, attacks, and harassment by Israeli settlers and security forces. Thameen Al-Kheetan, spokesperson for the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), stated, 'Israeli settlers and security forces have intensified their killings, attacks and harassment of Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, in the past weeks.' The OHCHR highlighted that approximately 30,000 Palestinians have been forcibly displaced in the northern West Bank since the Israeli military launched its 'Iron Wall' operation. The office warned that these actions contribute to the unlawful annexation of Palestinian territory, violating international law. Recent data reveals alarming trends. In June, the UN recorded the highest monthly number of Palestinian injuries in over two decades. Since January, there have been 757 settler attacks on Palestinians or their properties, marking a 13% increase compared to the same period last year. The toll since October 7, 2023, stands at at least 964 Palestinians killed by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. In contrast, 53 Israelis have died in reported Palestinian attacks or armed clashes in the same region. - AFP
Leaders
6 days ago
- Politics
- Leaders
UN Rights Office Reports Increasing Settler Attacks in Occupied West Bank
The UN Human Rights Office said that violence against Palestinians in the West Bank is growing with increasing number of killings and attacks by settlers and security forces, according to Reuters. Violent Incidents Israel Kills American Citizens in West Bank. 'Israeli settlers and security forces have intensified their killings, attacks and harassment of Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, in the past weeks,' Thameen Al-Kheetan, a spokesperson for the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OCHCR), told reporters in Geneva. Israeli settlers' violence against Palestinians has sparked anger and frustration towards the US as Palestinians mourned the death of two men, one of them a Palestinian American, killed by settlers. Approximately 1 million Israeli settlers live in illegal settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem in violation of international law. OHCHR noted that settlers have launched 757 attacks on Palestinians or their properties since January 2025. Forcible Displacement Palestinian Bedouins Flee West Bank out of Settler Violence Since the launch of the Israeli military operation 'Iron Wall', nearly 30,000 Palestinians have suffered forcible displacement in the north of the West Bank. Last week, thirty Palestinian families were forced to leave their homes in a remote area of the occupied West Bank due to the mounting violence of Israeli settlers. Members of the Bedouin Mleihat tribe started to dismantle homes built with iron sheets and wooden boards, after years of escalating harassment and attacks by settlers. 'The settlers are armed and attack us, and the (Israeli) military protects them. We can't do anything to stop them. We can't take it anymore, so we decided to leave,' said Mahmoud Mleihat, a 50-year-old father of seven from the community. Crucially, Israeli human rights group B'Tselem has documented persistent acts of violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians in Mu'arrajat, near Jericho. Building Jewish State Palestinian Bedouins Flee West Bank out of Settler Violence In May, Defense Minister Israel Katz said that Israel planned to build a 'Jewish Israeli state' in the occupied West Bank, according to Al-Arabiya. Katz's remarks followed Israel's announcement of the creation of 22 new settlements in the West Bank. He also noted that the new settlements would be a clear message to French President Emmanuel Macron and his associates: they will recognize a Palestinian state on paper – but Israel will build the Jewish Israeli state here on the ground. Annexing West Bank In this context, fifteen Israeli Cabinet Ministers from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud party have recently pushed him to immediately annex the Israeli-occupied West Bank. The lawmakers have signed a petition requesting the administration 'to apply sovereignty over Judea and Samaria (West Bank) before the end of the Knesset summer session,' which ends on July 27. They also implied that the current moment is appropriate for the annexation thanks to strong US-Israeli relations and the recent military gains. Related Topics: Israel Kills American Citizens in West Bank, Anger Turns toward US Likud Ministers Urge Netanyahu to Annex West Bank Arab Ministers Condemn Israel's Ban on West Bank Visit Short link : Post Views: 2
AsiaOne
6 days ago
- Politics
- AsiaOne
Attacks against Palestinians intensify in occupied West Bank, says UN rights office, World News
GENEVA — There has been an increase in killings of and attacks against Palestinians by settlers and security forces in the occupied West Bank in recent weeks, the United Nations human rights office said on Tuesday (July 15). "Israeli settlers and security forces have intensified their killings, attacks and harassment of Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, in the past weeks," Thameen Al-Kheetan, a spokesperson for the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OCHCR), told reporters in Geneva. About 30,000 Palestinians have been forcibly displaced in the north of the occupied West Bank since the Israeli military launched its "Iron Wall" operation. It is contributing to the ongoing consolidation of annexation of the West Bank, in violation of international law, the OHCHR said. In June, the UN recorded the highest monthly count of Palestinians injured in over two decades in the West Bank. Since January there have been 757 settler attacks on Palestinians or their properties, which is a 13 per cent increase on the same period last year, OHCHR said. At least 964 Palestinians have been killed since Oct 7, 2023, by Israeli forces and settlers in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem. Fifty-three Israelis have been killed in the West Bank and in Israel in reported attacks by Palestinians or in armed clashes, the office added. [[nid:719334]]
Scoop
10-07-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
Fiji Police Reaffirm Commitment To Human Rights In The Reform Of The Use Of Force Policy
The Fiji Police Force, in collaboration with the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), supported by UN Development Programme (UNDP) and UN Women under the UN Joint Peacebuilding Fund, successfully concluded a high-level consultation this week on the revision of the Use of Force Policy of the Fiji Police Force. The consultation brought together 30 senior police officers, with the consultation marking a crucial step in the comprehensive review of the Use of Force Policy, aligning it with Fiji's human rights obligations under international treaties, and the Government's Restore Blue initiative. The review of the Use of Force Policy led by the Policy and Research Team of the Fiji Police headquarters included the adoption of a new operational guidance and training tool – the Tactical Options Framework – which was introduced by the New Zealand Police, enhancing decision-making to ensure that use of force is reasonable, necessary and proportionate. The policy also incorporates the Perceived Cumulative Assessment using the Threat, Exposure, Necessity, Response model, and includes clear definitions, accountability mechanisms, and safeguards for vulnerable populations. Assistant Commissioner of Police Planning, Research and Doctrine, Aporosa Lutunauga said: 'As we ponder upon our vision A Safe and Secure Fiji along with our guiding mission to protect all individuals and prevent crime through strong partnerships and professional policing, we are reminded that it serves as the cornerstone for every strategy and action we undertake during this important phase. We affirm our dedication to fostering a Fiji where our values of professionalism, integrity, respect, inclusiveness, courage, and compassion should be reflected in our everyday practices and decisions.' The review is also aligned with Fiji's international obligations under the UN Convention Against Torture, and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, both of which have been ratified by Fiji. UN OHCHR Regional Representative for the Pacific, Heike Alefsen, said: 'Police officers are on the frontline of protecting human rights and law and order, and through this, enabling social cohesion. Institutionalising human rights principles is a key element in any policing reform. The consultation represents more than a technical dialogue on policy – it is a clear affirmation of Fiji's commitment to the values of accountability, transparency, and the fundamental right of all persons to life, liberty, and security.' UNDP Pacific Office Effective Governance Team Leader, Rustam Pulatov said: 'Through supporting the Fiji Police Force in building a culture of accountability and trust, with this initiative reflecting our shared commitment to a safer, more inclusive society where the rule of law protects all citizens equally.' The consultation of the Fiji Police Use of Force Policy is an initiative by the Police Commissioner to implement recommendations from the most recent Universal Periodic Review of Fiji. The consultation also served to foster greater ownership and accountability by police officers when serving the public. The finalised policy is expected to be released later this year and will serve as a cornerstone for training, oversight, and operational guidance across all divisions of the Fiji Police Force. This workshop is part of the broader United Nations Peacebuilding Fund-supported Strengthening Social Cohesion Pathways, Human Rights and Women's Civic Participation programme, led by UNDP in collaboration with the Fiji Government and supported by UN OHCHR and UN Women, which supports national reconciliation efforts and strengthens social cohesion, as well as national human rights frameworks and institutions.
