New York, Aug. 13 (Petra)– The UN Human Rights Office in the
Occupied Palestinian Territory called on Israeli forces to remove
violent settlers who are forcibly displacing thousands of
Palestinians, unlawfully seizing Palestinian land and expanding
settlements in the occupied West Bank.

The office said that Israeli settlers from an outpost in the Ras
Al-Ain area of Qusra village last month cut off water and electricity
supplies to three neighboring Palestinian homes. Last week, they
closed all gates and entrances leading to the homes and erected a
tent between them, preventing anyone from entering or leaving the
area.

According to a statement issued by the office, three Palestinian
families, comprising around 15 people, including at least two
children, have been trapped inside their homes “in a state of
terror,” unable to meet their basic needs and without access to water
or electricity.

The office said that Israeli security forces appeared to have
prevented paramedics, solidarity activists and journalists from
reaching the families.

It added that video footage appeared to indicate possible collusion
between Israeli security forces and the settlers, showing soldiers
praying alongside settlers at the site.

Israeli forces removed the settlers’ tent the day before yesterday,
but did not remove the settlers themselves, who continue to besiege
the Palestinian homes, the office said.

The UN office stressed that the criminal acts committed by settlers,
with the support or tacit consent of Israel, the occupying power, are
making life unbearable for the Palestinian families and are clearly
aimed at forcing them to leave their homes and lands.

//Petra// MF