UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967, Francesca Albanese, has called for the urgent deployment of an international protection force to the West Bank and Gaza Strip amid continuing violations against Palestinians.

In a post on X late Sunday, Albanese said the responsibility for ending what she described as Israel’s illegal occupation rests with other states, citing the advisory opinion issued by the International Court of Justice.

She warned that violations against Palestinians continue across the occupied Palestinian territories, highlighting restrictions on access to water, freedom of movement and essential services.

According to Albanese, Israeli soldiers and settlers continue to damage and cut water pipelines in several areas of the occupied West Bank. She also pointed to the ongoing siege of the town of Qusra, south of Nablus, saying such actions form part of a continuing pattern of violations that directly affect the daily lives and basic needs of Palestinians.

Albanese also raised alarm over conditions in the Gaza Strip, describing the situation as marked by “widespread destruction” and saying casualties continue to be reported despite the ceasefire that has come into effect.

The UN expert reiterated her call for the international community to address what she described as the political and legal roots of the crisis, with ending the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories at the forefront.

She stressed that international protection for civilians in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip has become an urgent necessity.

Albanese’s appeal comes amid continued international concern over the humanitarian and human rights situation in the occupied Palestinian territories and renewed calls for stronger international measures to protect Palestinian civilians. (ILKHA)