GENEVA, Jan 24 (Kuna) -- The High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) Volker Turk on Friday called on Israeli occupation to cease all settlement expansions and instead evacuate all settlements as soon as possible, as required by international law.
In a statement about recent Israeli occupation attacks on Jenin Camp, the spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner Thameen Al-Kheetan expressed deep concern over the use of unlawful lethal force in Jenin and Israeli occupation plans to expand settlements even further.
He also called for an immediate end to the violence in the West Bank and on all parties with influence to do everything in their power to ensure peace is achieved in the region.
The spokesperson also raised concern about the deadly Israeli operations in recent days and the unnecessary or disproportionate use of force, which are in violation of international human rights, law norms, and standards applicable to law enforcement operations.
He said multiple airstrikes and random shootings at unarmed residents attempting to flee or find safety have been reported, and that at least 12 Palestinians have been killed and 40 injured by Israeli occupation security forces since Tuesday.
Al-Kheetan called for thorough and independent investigation of all killings, adding that those responsible must be held accountable.
He pointed out that over 3,000 families have been reportedly displaced after weeks of violence by Israeli occupation forces in Jenin, and that essential services such as water and electricity have been interrupted for weeks.
He added that Israeli security forces have also shut down entrances to major Palestinian cities such as Hebron, closed checkpoints, installed 13 new iron gates to other towns across the occupied West Bank, and initiated long individual searches of vehicles at those that remained open.
"This has cut off thousands of Palestinians from neighboring communities and paralyzed daily activities," Al-Kheetan said.
He also noted that following the Gaza ceasefire announcement last week, settlers have been attacking villages and setting houses and vehicles on fire, leaving several Palestinians injured. (end) imk.ao