NEW YORK: UN independent experts on Thursday accused Israel of accelerating what they described as a campaign of ethnic cleansing and annexation in the West Bank, with increased displacement of Palestinians and a surge in violence by settlers and Israeli security forces.
The experts said Palestinians were facing widespread intimidation and attacks, with entire communities “living in fear of settler terrorism rampaging across the West Bank day and night.”
“Against the backdrop of the US-Israel aggression against Iran and Lebanon, Israel is escalating ethnic cleansing and full annexation of the West Bank,” the experts said.
Since Feb. 28, most road gates across the West Bank had been closed by Israeli forces, restricting access to workplaces, schools, healthcare and humanitarian aid.
The closures have also hindered emergency services, leaving some communities cut off from ambulances and fire brigades.
