Amid the intensifying Israeli military siege on the city of Jenin in the occupied West Bank, the United Nations Office for Human Rights denounced the disproportionate and unlawful use of force by the occupying forces.

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The ongoing violence has resulted in the deaths of 13 Palestinians, 40 injuries, and the detention of dozens of people.

Thameen Al-Kheetan, spokesperson for the UN Office, stated, “The lethal operations of recent days raise serious concerns about the unnecessary and disproportionate use of force, employing methods akin to warfare, in violation of human rights laws.”

He called for independent investigations into the killings committed during the so-called “security operations.” Al-Kheetan emphasized that most of the civilians killed or injured, including a doctor and two nurses, were unarmed. He demanded accountability for those responsible for these acts.

The Israeli forces reportedly carried out indiscriminate attacks with firearms and bombings targeting civilians attempting to flee or seek refuge. Over 3,000 families have been forcibly displaced due to the violence in Jenin.

Additionally, the occupying forces have cut off water and electricity services, deliberately destroying infrastructure to render the area uninhabitable and force families to leave. The blockade has also restricted movement to other West Bank cities, such as Hebron, paralyzing daily activities and exacerbating hardships.

Al-Kheetan highlighted the increase in attacks by Israeli settlers against Palestinians, often under the watch of Israeli soldiers who allow homes and vehicles to be set on fire. He urged Israel to halt the expansion of illegal settlements and evacuate existing ones as soon as possible.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reported that in January alone, 34 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank by Israeli forces, including six children.

OCHA raised alarms over the health crisis in the region. Due to movement restrictions, 68% of healthcare centers operate only two to three days a week, while hospitals are functioning at 70% capacity.

Jenin, located in the northern West Bank, has been under occupation since 1967. The city and its refugee camps are known as strongholds of Palestinian resistance. The Israeli military siege has now entered its fourth day.

According to The Cradle, Palestinian Authority police have detained at least 65 Palestinians in recent days. The siege and the accompanying violence have drawn international condemnation, with calls for immediate action to address the escalating humanitarian crisis.

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