Escalation of Violence and Rights Violations in West Bank 2024

The ongoing violence in Palestine has led to a tragic increase in fatalities and widespread displacement, with recent reports indicating that at least 228 Palestinians, including 51 children, have lost their lives. The exact circumstances surrounding many of these deaths remain ambiguous, yet the data underscores a troubling escalation in hostilities. Ana Povrzenic, the country director for the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) in Palestine, has condemned the Israeli forces' response, labeling it as an excessive and unwarranted use of lethal force against civilians. Israeli authorities have intensified their search and arrest operations, nearly doubling the number of raids compared to the previous year. These operations predominantly target areas such as Jenin, Tulkarm, and Nur Shams refugee camps, often employing heavy weaponry and military tactics. This aggressive approach has resulted in significant destruction, including the demolition of 81 structures and the displacement of 499 Palestinians in these regions alone. The demolition of Palestinian property has reached alarming levels, with 643 structures destroyed by mid-2024, marking a stark increase from the previous year. Additionally, Palestinian communities have faced numerous attacks from settlers, who have targeted homes and livelihood structures. Izzat Dawabshe from Duma shared the harsh reality of self-defense during these assaults, illustrating the extreme measures taken against those who resist. Povrzenic has called for a comprehensive approach to accountability, urging the international community to hold not only individual offenders accountable but also to scrutinize the broader policies of the Israeli government, emphasizing the urgent need for international intervention to address these violations of international law.