UN: Israeli settlements in Palestinian areas a ‘war crime’

The U.N. human rights office released a report indicating that Israeli settlement activities in the West Bank and east Jerusalem could be considered war crimes. This report, which assessed developments from November 1, 2022, to October 31, 2023, highlighted that approximately 24,300 housing units in existing West Bank settlements were processed or approved, marking the highest annual increase since records started in 2017. The report criticized the recent acceleration in settlement construction.

Volker Türk, the U.N. human rights chief, expressed concern over the escalating settler violence and violations related to settlements, emphasizing that these actions severely jeopardize the feasibility of a future Palestinian state. He pointed out that Israel’s recent plans to construct nearly 3,500 new settler homes contravene international law.

Türk articulated that the establishment and growth of these settlements equate to Israel transferring its population into occupied territories, a move classified as a war crime under international law. The Israeli diplomatic mission in Geneva has not responded to these allegations.

The report underscores the widespread international stance deeming the settlements illegal under international law. This issue, along with an increase in violence in the West Bank, has been somewhat overshadowed by the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis in Gaza, triggered by a military offensive from Israeli forces against Hamas after the group’s attacks in Israel on October 7.