Statement: Escalating violence in West Bank impacts humanitarian operations

Humanity & Inclusion (HI) is deeply alarmed by the escalating violence in the occupied West Bank, which has intensified since October 7th.

More than 600 Palestinians have been killed in the occupied West Bank including East Jerusalem since the 7th of October 2023. Between 7th October 2023 and 19th August 2024, Israeli authorities demolished, confiscated, or forced the demolition of 1,416 Palestinian structures across the West Bank, displacing more than 3,200 Palestinians, including about 1,400 children, which is more than double compared with the same period before 7 October, when 1,299 Palestinians were displaced, including 606 children.

On the 28th August, Israel launched a large-scale Israeli military operation in Jenin, Tulkarm, Nablus, and Tubas, resulting in the killing of at least 9 Palestinians, as reported by the Palestinian Ministry of Health.

HI local partners, including essential rehabilitation centres, are facing critical disruptions in certain areas, severely impacting their ability to operate. As a result, HI will also have to suspend operations in various areas across the West Bank, including Tulkarem, Nur Shams, and Jenin refugee camps.

The full siege and encirclement of hospitals, compounded by the obstruction of ambulance access, puts the lives of patients and the injured at grave risk, constituting a flagrant violation of human rights and International Humanitarian Law (IHL).

These operations inflict devastating destruction on infrastructure, homes, and essential facilities, forcibly displacing entire communities in violation of IHL, which requires that any displacement must be carried out under conditions that ensure the safety, dignity, and well-being of the displaced population. The failure to meet these standards exacerbates the already severe impact on the affected communities, including compromised access to essential services.

HI urgently calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities and demands the protection of civilians, ensuring unhindered access to critical healthcare and humanitarian services in full compliance with international humanitarian law and human rights law.

States should immediately suspend the transfer and sale of all weapons, parts, and ammunition where there is clear risk and evidence that they are used to commit violations of IHL. 

Additionally, HI calls on States to fully implement the opinion of the International Court of Justice that calls for an end to the unlawful occupation and cease policies and practices that violate Palestinian rights.

Notes

HI spokespeople available for interview:

• Noor Bimbashi, Advocacy Officer, HI Palestine, based in West Bank (English and Arabic)
• Mara Bernasconi,  Advocacy & Policy Manager, HI Middle East (English)