UN Rights Office expresses Grave Concern Over Escalation in Gaza and West Bank
The United Nations Human Rights Office (OHCHR) has voiced deep worry over intensifying conflict in the Gaza Strip and escalating threats to Palestinian rights in the occupied West Bank. Recent military actions have resulted in widespread destruction and a surge in civilian casualties, while plans for expanded Israeli sovereignty over the West Bank raise fears of further displacement and human rights violations.
According to OHCHR, the recent escalation in Gaza has caused significant damage to residential buildings, particularly in southern North Gaza governorate and northeastern Gaza City.This has led to increased civilian deaths and forced displacement of residents. Between August 26th and September 1st, local health authorities reported 816 Palestinian fatalities - nearly double the number from the previous week.
Approximately one million Palestinians remain in northern Gaza, facing increasingly limited safe areas and dangerous conditions for movement. The OHCHR representative noted that manny are unable to relocate due to the lack of secure locations, while others remain trapped in eastern Gaza City, inaccessible to humanitarian aid workers. Attacks on individuals seeking aid continue throughout the Gaza Strip, hindering the delivery of essential supplies.
The OHCHR has documented over 2,146 deaths near facilities operated by the US and Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which began operations in May, and along aid convoy routes.
Beyond Gaza, the OHCHR is also alarmed by growing indications of Israeli Government intentions to extend sovereignty over portions of the occupied West Bank, effectively annexing territory. The office recalled the July ruling by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) which resolute that Israel has already incorporated significant parts of the Occupied Palestinian Territory – including East Jerusalem and Area C – into its territory, constituting de facto annexation.
The OHCHR emphasized that Israel continues to expand its control through settlement construction,outposts,infrastructure growth,and the “forcible transfer of thousands of Palestinians” from areas now controlled by Israeli forces and settlers. This control is further reinforced by a network of checkpoints and barriers that restrict Palestinian movement while facilitating access for settlers.
The UN rights office warned that any formal declaration of extended sovereignty over the West Bank would have “catastrophic consequences” for Palestinians, impacting their right to self-determination and daily life. Such a move would likely lead to a significant expansion of settlements, legalization of existing outposts, and unrestricted Israeli control over natural resources.
Furthermore, the OHCHR expressed concern that israel’s stated objective – as articulated by some leaders – to annex “as much land as possible wiht the least Palestinians in it” would place Palestinians in annexed areas at imminent risk of expulsion through increased settler violence, denial of political rights, land confiscation, and widespread home demolitions.
