We are appalled by the alarming escalation of violence in the West Bank

The latest raid in Jenin on May 21st, in which 7 Palestinians were killed and 19 Palestinians were injured, is one of the deadliest in months and adds to the more than 500 Palestinians killed by the Israeli military and settlers in the occupied West Bank since October 7. In the past months, the episodes of violence against Palestinians living in the West Bank became a trend.

Since October 7, cities and towns across the West Bank have faced access restrictions, daily military operations, waves of arrests, punitive demolitions, and increased settler violence, leading to the displacement of civilians and a rise in deaths and injuries.

Palestinians are experiencing an alarming escalation of violence, leading to new injuries, long-term impairments, disabilities, and mental health challenges stemming from adverse or traumatic experiences.

Recurrent military operations lasting several days have limited Palestinians’ livelihoods. They have restricted access to markets, making transporting, selling, and importing goods difficult, leading to shortages and higher food prices. This situation also hinders humanitarian aid delivery, delaying the timely distribution of food assistance to vulnerable populations, and delaying the delivery of HI’s support, as persons with disabilities cannot reach the facilities where physical rehabilitation sessions are provided. The access of our HI staff is impeded as well.

Violent acts against civilians and civilian premises must stop, and all movement barriers across the West Bank must be lifted. The safety of civilians and civilian infrastructure must be prioritised.