UN Calls for Ceasefire in West Bank Amid Rising Tensions, with US and Russia Support

The United Nations Security Council has issued a statement urging both Israel and the Palestinians to refrain from actions that could exacerbate the already volatile situation in the West Bank. This joint declaration, supported by the United States and Russia, signifies a rare moment of unity on a divisive issue, highlighting the widespread international concern over the escalating violence, particularly involving Israeli forces and settlers.

The statement comes in response to a concerning surge in violence in the West Bank, as reported by the UN’s Mideast envoy, Tor Wennesland. Numerous casualties have been reported on both sides, prompting Wennesland to caution the council that immediate measures must be taken to curb the violence, as there is a significant risk of further deterioration.

Of particular concern to Wennesland is the alarming levels of settler violence, with armed settlers systematically attacking Palestinian villages and instilling fear among communities, sometimes with the support of Israeli forces. The Security Council members have called for restraint and emphasized the need for additional steps to restore a lasting calm and de-escalate tensions.

This year has witnessed one of the deadliest periods for Palestinians in the West Bank in recent memory, with a sharp increase in settler violence last week alone. According to reports, 137 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire in the West Bank in 2023, while 24 individuals on the Israeli side have lost their lives in Palestinian attacks.

The United States, a staunch ally of Israel, has expressed support for the Security Council’s statement. Robert Wood, the U.S. deputy ambassador, echoed Wennesland’s concerns, emphasizing the Biden administration’s alarm over the recent brutal terror attack near the West Bank town of Eli that claimed the lives of four Israelis. Wood also condemned the extremist settler attacks on Palestinian civilians, which resulted in casualties, injuries, and significant property damage.

Amid the escalating violence, there has been widespread criticism from the council regarding Israel’s far-right government plans to construct over 5,000 new homes in Jewish settlements in the West Bank and expedite settlement approvals. It should be noted that all Israeli settlements in occupied territory are considered illegal under international law.

Wennesland warned that Israel’s relentless expansion of settlements is fueling violence and impeding Palestinians’ access to their land and resources, thereby reshaping the geography of the occupied West Bank and jeopardizing the feasibility of a future Palestinian state. Wood called on Israel to refrain from building settlements, evicting Palestinians, demolishing their homes, and urged both parties to reject terrorism and incitement to violence, as these actions only exacerbate the situation.

Vassily Nebenzia, Russia’s U.N. Ambassador, expressed serious concern about the escalating violence, citing an Israeli raid in the Jenin Refugee Camp that claimed seven Palestinian lives, clashes between Israeli settlers and Palestinians, and intensified Israeli efforts to expand and legalize settlements. Nebenzia emphasized that the situation would remain volatile until negotiations resumed for a two-state solution, enabling Israel and the Palestinians to coexist peacefully. He reiterated Russia’s call for a meeting with the Arab League and neighboring countries to invigorate long-stalled talks.

Palestinian U.N. Ambassador Riyad Mansour accused the Israeli government of replacing the Palestinian state with a state for settlers. He highlighted the settlers’ awareness of their global condemnation but their continued military, financial, and political support from the Israeli government. In contrast, Mansour argued that the Palestinians lack substantial support to rein in the settlers, despite holding the moral high ground and international law on their side. Mansour called upon the Security Council to demonstrate that help is on the way.

Israel’s U.N. Ambassador Gilad Erdan countered by accusing the council of underreporting the 3,500 attacks allegedly committed by Palestinians against Israelis since the beginning of the year. While condemning violence against Palestinian civilians, Erdan asserted that Israel is diligently working to identify and hold the perpetrators accountable. He pointedly noted that the Palestinians have failed to condemn the murders of innocent Israelis. Erdan also accused the Palestinians of seeking the destruction of a Jewish state, arguing that if Israel withdrew from the West Bank, Hamas would seize control, as it did in Gaza.

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• UN Security Council
• United Nations Mideast Envoy
• U.S. Department of State
• Russian Mission to the United Nations