❗️ICRC: West Bank conditions becoming 'untenable' amid settler violence, settlement expansion

The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has called for the urgent protection of Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, warning that surging violence, increasing movement restrictions, and accelerating settlement expansion are causing serious harm to civilians and making "everyday life untenable."

The organization said that dozens of Palestinians have been killed, hundreds injured, and many displaced this year, while homes and property have been damaged or destroyed, leaving many without shelter or livelihoods.

ICRC Head of Delegation Julien Lerisson said "the frequent and severe violence must be brought to an end," stressing that Israeli authorities are responsible for protecting the population from violence, including violence inflicted by settlers, respecting access to essential services, and protecting public and private property.

He added that movement restrictions are preventing patients from reaching healthcare, children from attending school, and families from accessing their homes and livelihoods, while delays at checkpoints are also obstructing ambulances and first responders.

The ICRC said that, as the occupying power in the West Bank, Israel has obligations under international humanitarian law to protect Palestinians, restore and maintain public order and civil life, and treat protected persons humanely.

Lerisson added that restoring the population's safety and dignity requires protecting civilians from violence and ceasing the expansion of civilian settlements.