The United Nations Human Rights Office in the Occupied Palestinian Territory has warned that attacks and abuses by Israeli settlers against Palestinian homes and communities in the occupied West Bank have reached “intolerable” levels, calling on Israeli authorities to remove settlers involved in violence and take immediate steps to protect Palestinian civilians.

In a statement issued Thursday, the UN office said Israeli settlers had unlawfully seized Palestinian land, expanded settlement outposts and intensified attacks against Palestinian residents, including through home invasions, physical assaults, vandalism, theft and arson.

The office highlighted the situation in Qusra, south of Nablus, where the establishment of an Israeli settlement outpost in November 2025 was followed by the seizure of land west of the village in Area B and a sharp increase in attacks against Palestinians. A local mosque was also reportedly targeted.

Palestinian Families Confined to Their Homes

The UN Human Rights Office described the situation of three Palestinian families in Qusra as particularly serious.

According to the statement, settlers from an outpost in the Ras al-Ain area cut water and electricity supplies to three nearby Palestinian homes in July.

On August 9, the settlers reportedly blocked all entrances and gates leading to the homes, erected a tent between them and prevented residents from entering or leaving the area.

As a result, around 15 Palestinians, including at least two children, were confined to their homes and left without access to essential supplies, water and electricity.

The families reportedly appealed to Israeli forces stationed at the scene for assistance, but the soldiers failed to intervene. The UN office also said Israeli forces appeared to prevent paramedics, journalists and solidarity activists from reaching the affected families.

Video footage cited by the UN reportedly showed Israeli soldiers praying alongside settlers at the site.

Although soldiers removed the settlers’ tent on August 12, the settlers themselves were not removed and continued surrounding the Palestinian homes, according to the UN statement.

UN Warns of Risk of Forced Displacement

The UN Human Rights Office said the attacks and restrictions, carried out with the support or tacit approval of Israel as the occupying power, have made life increasingly unbearable for the Palestinian families.

The office warned that the actions appear aimed at forcing Palestinians to abandon their homes and land and cautioned that the three families face an imminent risk of forcible displacement.

It called on Israeli authorities to take immediate measures to protect Palestinian communities and remove settlers involved in violence and unlawful land seizures.

UN Calls for Accountability

The UN Human Rights Office also recalled the International Court of Justice’s position that Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory are illegal and that Israel must halt settlement activities and evacuate settlers.

The office stressed that Israel, as the occupying power, remains obligated under international law to protect the Palestinian population in the West Bank.

It called for attacks by settlers to be prevented and investigated and urged Israeli authorities to ensure accountability for everyone responsible for committing, supporting or tolerating such abuses, including through penalties proportionate to the violations.

The UN warning comes amid continued concerns over rising settler violence and the displacement of Palestinian communities across the occupied West Bank. (ILKHA)