A series of new Israeli operations and settlement plans in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, risk seriously undermining the viability of a Palestinian state and the realisation of the Palestinians' right to self-determination.
On 12 January, Israeli security forces launched a campaign in occupied East Jerusalem, including at least two major operations targeting two Palestinian communities. In the Shu'fat refugee camp, they raided dozens of homes and shops, detained at least 25 Palestinians, confiscated goods, and seized 10 private vehicles. In another large-scale operation, targeting Kafr Aqab neighbourhood and the boundaries of Qalandiya refugee camp, Israeli security forces reportedly demolished 70 Palestinian structures. This appears to be in preparation for major settlement projects in the area.
Since 23 January, the Israeli authorities issued eviction orders to 22 Palestinian homes in the Muslim Quarter of Jerusalem's Old City and in Al-Bustan and Batn Al Hawa areas of Silwan. This follows a series of similar notices over the past two months affecting hundreds of Palestinians who remain at risk of forced displacement in the larger area of Silwan. The unlawful deportation or transfer of a population living under occupation is a war crime, and, under specific circumstances, may constitute a crime against humanity.
This is added to the forced displacement of tens of thousands of Palestinians across the occupied West Bank since last year, including during Israel's militarised operation named "Iron Wall" a year ago, which targeted three refugee camps. Over 32,000 people who were forcibly displaced from the camps of Jenin, Tulkarem and Nur Shams are still unable to go back home. For many, their houses were destroyed by the Israeli forces.
Relentless violence by Israeli settlers - with the support and participation of Israeli security forces, as well as movement restrictions are accelerating the forcible transfer of Palestinians. In the meantime, Israeli settlements continue to expand at previously unseen pace, in breach of international law.
In December, Israeli authorities floated tenders for the construction of over 3,000 settlement units in the area between three of the most significant Palestinian urban centres: East Jerusalem, Ramallah, and Bethlehem. The same month, the Israeli Government reportedly decided to establish 19 new settlements, including around the cleared refugee camps in the north of the West Bank.
Meanwhile, the killing of Palestinians continues with generalised impunity. Since 7 October 2023 , as of 5 February 2026, we verified that Israeli forces and settlers killed 1,054 Palestinians in the occupied West Bank including East Jerusalem. Twelve were killed inside Israel. During the same period, 62 Israelis were also reportedly killed in Palestinian attacks or in armed clashes, both in the West Bank and in Israel.
For example, on 10 January, Israeli security forces shot and killed a 58-year-old man in Hebron city while he was driving his daughter and her four children. The Israeli authorities initially claimed the man had accelerated to ram soldiers, but later said there was no evidence of that. The shooting raises concern of unlawful killing.
UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk says accountability and justice must be achieved - for all the victims of unlawful killings and other human rights violations.
States must act immediately to stop the aggressive Israeli expansion of illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem. Further expansion of settlements will only entrench the racial segregation against the Palestinian people and slow the realisation of their right to self-determination.
The multiple rulings by the International Court of Justice have been crystal clear: The settlement activities must stop; Israeli settlements must be evacuated; and the Israeli unlawful presence in the occupied Palestinian territory must end. The High Commissioner calls again for an immediate end to Israel's occupation.
