2022 has been deadliest year for Palestinians since 2006, UN Humanitarian Coordinator says
Occupied Palestine (QNN)- United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator for the occupied Palestinian territories, Lucia Elmi, said 2022 has been the deadliest year since 2006 for Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, including eastern part of occupied Jerusalem.
With at least 105 Palestinians, including 26 children, killed by Israeli forces, 2022 has been the deadliest year since 2006, on a monthly average, for Palestinians residing in the occupied West Bank, including eastern part of occupied Jerusalem, read a statement for the UN Humanitarian Coordinator.
The monthly average of Palestinian fatalities has increased by 57 per cent when compared with last year, the statement added.
Since the beginning of October alone, about 15 Palestinians, including six children, have been killed by Israeli forces during military operations, exchanges of fire, or in confrontations between Israeli forces and Palestinians in the occupied West Bank and eastern part of occupied Jerusalem, often following settler attacks or incursions into Palestinian villages.
In some instances, the statement noted, those killed did not appear to pose a concrete or imminent threat to justify the use of lethal force, raising concerns of excessive use of force.
In addition to this “alarming situation,” Elmi said that the United Nations is “concerned about increasing movement restrictions.”
Earlier this month, after two Israeli soldiers were killed at checkpoints in Nablus and Jerusalem, Israeli forces imposed extensive movement restrictions, limiting access of many to health care, education, and livelihoods. In Shu’fat refugee camp, these restrictions have largely been lifted, but they remain in place in Nablus. Huwwara, one of Nablus city’s only access points, has also seen an increase in the severity and frequency of settler violence.
“The Israeli authorities have a legal responsibility to ensure the protection of all Palestinians,” said Elmi.
“This includes guaranteeing that any measures taken do not affect people disproportionately.”
