UN: situation "out of control" in the West Bank due to Israeli violence

The UN human rights chief has warned that the situation in the occupied West Bank is "out of control" due to excessive use of force by Israel."The latest killings and violence, as well as the incendiary rhetoric, only serve to plunge Israelis and Palestinians further into the abyss," Türk said in a statement.

The High Commissioner warns that "Israel must urgently review its policies and actions in the occupied West Bank in accordance with standards". "To put an end to this violence - insists the High Commissioner - the occupation must end".

Rising violence "fuelled by bitter political rhetoric and Israel's continued use of weapons" in the occupied West Bank could spiral out of control following recent attacks by Israeli settlers in several areas, according to the UN official. .

Turk called on the Israeli authorities to immediately end the violence and abide by international law regarding the use of lethal force. "Israel must urgently restore its policies and actions in the occupied West Bank in line with international human rights standards," including protection of and respect for the right to life".

"As an occupying entity, Israel also has an obligation under international humanitarian law to ensure public order and security within the occupied Palestinian territories". Turk called for "effective investigations into cases of killings committed by Israeli forces, where there is sufficient evidence of violations of national or international law", also demanding that the suspected perpetrators "be held accountable".

The UN rights chief said the underlying dynamics leading to Israel's widespread violence and wanton loss of life in the occupied Palestinian territories needed to be urgently addressed. “For this violence to end, the occupation must end," he said. "On all sides, people with political power know this and must instigate immediate steps to make it happen."