Settlement, displacement, and demolition.. UNRWA: West Bank experiencing worst humanitarian crisis since 1967

UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini announced that the occupied West Bank is experiencing its most severe humanitarian crisis since 1967, citing Israeli aggression against Palestine refugee camps and the forced displacement of over 33,000 people, particularly from camps in the northern West Bank following the start of the “Iron Wall” operation a year ago. Israeli forces continue demolishing areas within these camps, hindering recovery efforts. UNRWA teams are providing assistance to newly displaced refugees facing increased poverty and limited access to essential services like healthcare, education, and social support.

The situation is exacerbated by Israel’s intensified efforts to annex the West Bank through demolitions, displacement, and settlement expansion, a practice the United Nations deems illegal and detrimental to the two-state solution. Since October 8, 2023, the West Bank has seen a dramatic escalation in attacks by Israeli forces and settlers, resulting in over 1107 Palestinian deaths, approximately 11,000 injuries, and more than 21,000 arrests. Lazzarini emphasized the need for sustained political and financial support from member states to enable UNRWA to continue its vital work.

(Source：جريدة القدس)