UN commission calls for states and international organizations to end Israel’s presence in Occupied Palestinian Territory News
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UN commission calls for states and international organizations to end Israel’s presence in Occupied Palestinian Territory

The UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory released a position paper on Friday, asserting that all states and international organizations, including the UN, must act to end Israel’s unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

This development comes amid escalating violence and humanitarian crises in the region, particularly following Israel’s military operations in Gaza, which have resulted in significant civilian casualties and widespread destruction. The position paper highlights that Israel’s occupation, which began after the Six-Day War in 1967, has been characterized by ongoing settlement expansion and military actions that violate international law.

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) recently reaffirmed this stance, declaring Israel’s presence illegal and calling for immediate cessation of settlement activities. The panel emphasizes that nations providing support to Israel may be complicit unless they take steps to halt such assistance.

The report also draws attention to the increasing violence against Palestinians in the West Bank, where settler attacks have surged. Israeli forces have been accused of using excessive force during military operations, leading to a record number of Palestinian casualties and detentions without trial.

Recently, following a Hamas-led attack on October 7, which resulted in over 1,000 Israeli deaths, Israel launched extensive military operations in Gaza. According to Amnesty International, more than 21,600 Palestinians have been killed since then, with many being women and children. The humanitarian crisis is exacerbated by a complete blockade on Gaza, cutting off essential supplies like food, water, and medical aid for its 2.3 million residents.

The UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory investigates alleged violations of international law and human rights abuses in Israel and the occupied territories. Established in May 2021, it aims to address war crimes following the Israel-Palestine crisis and has released multiple reports detailing findings on both Israeli and Palestinian actions.

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