Hadja Lahbib has said that Israel has a legal duty under international humanitarian law to prevent and investigate alleged abuses against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank.
In simple terms, she warned that violence—especially sexual violence linked to settlers—is forcing many Palestinian families to leave their homes. According to available data, more than 70% of displaced households said threats against women and children were a key reason for fleeing.
The United Nations has long considered Israeli settlements in Palestinian territories illegal and has repeatedly called for a halt to their expansion. Today, hundreds of thousands of Israeli settlers live across the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
Reports indicate that attacks, including raids, property destruction, and forced displacement, have increased in recent years. Palestinians also accuse Israeli forces of not doing enough to stop or investigate such incidents.
Since late 2023, thousands of Palestinians have reportedly been killed, injured, or arrested in the West Bank, highlighting the severity of the situation.
Overall, the EU is calling for accountability and stronger protection of civilians, warning that continued violence and settlement expansion risk worsening the conflict and undermining any chance of long-term peace.
Source: Newstimehub
