The United Nations on Friday condemned Israel for attacking a refugee camp in the occupied West Bank. It called the Israeli action an “unlawful airstrike,” Medialord gathered.
The Israeli strike occurred on Thursday. According to the Palestinian health ministry, it resulted in the deaths of 18 people.
In a statement, the UN rights office expressed grave concerns over this action. It stated, “The strike is part of a highly concerning pattern of unlawful use of force by Israeli security forces (ISF).”
This pattern often occurs during military-like operations in the West Bank, a source said. These actions have caused widespread harm to Palestinians and resulted in significant damage to buildings and infrastructure.
Moreover, the office emphasized, “This incident is another clear example of ISF’s systematic resort to lethal force in the West Bank. This force is frequently unnecessary, disproportionate, and therefore unlawful.”
The UN called for an independent investigation into the incident. It highlighted the urgent need for accountability, according to AFP.
The air raid targeted the Tulkarem refugee camp in northern West Bank. The Israeli army confirmed the attack. They described the operation as a joint effort involving the Shin Bet internal security service and the air force. According to the army, the strike aimed to eliminate a Hamas leader, Zahi Yaser Abd al-Razeq Oufi, believed to be in the camp.
Consequences of unlawful airstrike
A source within the Palestinian security services noted that this air raid marks the deadliest incident in the West Bank since 2000. The escalating violence raises significant concerns about the ongoing humanitarian crisis and the safety of civilians in the region.
Israeli actions in the occupied West Bank have been a focal point of conflict for decades. After the 1967 Six-Day War, Israel took control of the West Bank, which had been under Jordanian rule. Since then, the region has seen military presence, settlement expansion, and periodic violence.
Israel has established numerous settlements in the West Bank. However, the international community largely considers these illegal under international law. However, Israel disputes this. The Israeli government cites historical and security reasons for these actions. They claim that these measures are necessary to protect Israeli citizens.
The situation complicates itself due to ongoing military operations. These operations aim to counter perceived threats from Palestinian militant groups, such as Hamas and Islamic Jihad. Often, these operations lead to clashes, airstrikes, and arrests. Consequently, they cause significant civilian casualties and widespread destruction of infrastructure.
Conflict and human rights
Human rights organizations frequently criticize Israel for its military tactics. They describe these tactics as disproportionate and unlawful. Tensions escalate during key events, such as protests and political developments.
A few days ago, Pope Francis also expressed concerns over Israeli war actions. He described that as “unlawful and disproportionate.”
This escalation in the Middle East has led to more severe crackdowns and retaliatory measures from both sides.
The conflict remains deeply entrenched. Efforts at peace negotiations are on but yet to yield lasting solutions. Meanwhile, the situation continues to evolve, influenced by political, social, and economic factors in the region.
Leave feedback about this