The latest fatalities in the ongoing conflict between Israelis and Palestinians include 16-year-old Ahmed Ashraf Hamidat and 17-year-old Mohammed Musa Al Bitar, who were shot while running away after throwing stones and Molotov cocktails towards an Israeli military post near Aqabat Jaber. These deaths, along with four more Palestinians killed by the Israeli army, bring the Palestinian toll to 505 since the war in Gaza began. In the same period, 24 Israelis, including eight Israeli Security Forces members, were also killed in clashes or alleged attacks by Palestinians in the West Bank and Israel.
The High Commissioner’s Office, OHCHR, has condemned the ongoing violence in the occupied West Bank, calling it “unprecedented bloodshed.” The High Commissioner emphasized the need for Israel to adopt and enforce rules of engagement that are in line with human rights norms and standards. Any allegations of unlawful killings must be thoroughly investigated, and those responsible held accountable. The statement highlights the need for the violence to cease immediately and for the protection of human rights in the region.
The UN rights chief noted that the killing of Palestinians had reached a “record high” in the first nine months of the previous year, with a sharp rise after attacks by Hamas-led fighters in October. Since the start of 2024, almost 200 Palestinians have been killed by the Israeli Security Forces, compared to previous years. Despite the absence of armed hostilities in the West Bank, the ISF has carried out operations involving airstrikes and ground-to-ground missiles in densely populated areas, resulting in the deaths of 164 Palestinians, including 35 children.
During these operations, there has been a prevalence of Palestinian victims shot in the upper part of the body and denied medical assistance, suggesting an intent to kill in violation of the right to life rather than an attempt to de-escalate tense situations. The UN rights office has called for an end to the use of lethal force as a first resort and for a more graduated application of force to de-escalate conflicts. The ongoing violence and loss of life in the region are unacceptable, and the international community must work towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
The High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mr. Türk, has emphasized the need for accountability for all parties involved in the violence and for the protection of human rights in the region. The killings, destruction, and widespread human rights violations must come to an end, and all parties must work towards a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The UN rights office has called for a thorough and independent investigation into allegations of unlawful killings and for those responsible to be held accountable. The international community must work together to end the violence and support efforts towards a lasting peace in the region.
