UK ‘deeply alarmed’ by growth in settler violence in West Bank
In speech to UN security council, ambassador James Kariuki condemns three 'abhorrent terrorist attacks' committed by Palestinians, but his central focus remains on Israel
Lee Harpin is the Jewish News's political editor
The UK is “deeply alarmed” at the growth of settler violence in the West Bank, ambassador James Kariuki has said in a statement delivered to the United Nations security council.
The deputy permanent representative to UK mission to the UN said the so far this year UN agencies have recorded 591 settler-related incidents resulting in Palestinian casualties, property damage or both.
Kariuki’s speech, on Monday, went on to condemn the “abhorrent terrorist attacks” in Tel Aviv on Saturday, in the West Bank town of Huwara as well as the incident in “the South Hebron hills just today.”
In his speech to the UN council session on the Middle East Kariuki said:”The UK is extremely alarmed by the growth of settler violence in the Occupied Palestinian Territories.
“So far in 2023, UN agencies have recorded 591 settler-related incidents resulting in Palestinian casualties, property damage or both. That is the highest monthly average of incidents since records began. This includes the murder of Palestinian Qusai Jamal Maatan by settlers, which the UK condemns.
“The displacement of over 400 Palestinians across seven communities from their land due to ongoing settler violence is unacceptable.
“As an occupying power, Israel is obliged under international humanitarian law to properly provide security for the local population.”
He went on to insist that the Israeli authorities “must do more to hold to account and prevent those who have made the lives of Palestinians – such as in the communities of Al Qaboun and Al Mughayyir – intolerable.”
The ambassador said this included “thoroughly investigating every instance of settler violence to bring those responsible to justice and end the culture of impunity.”
But speaking in the aftermath of three terror attacks committed by Palestinians Kariuki noted these attacks “have taken the lives of a further four innocent Israelis.”
He continued:”The Palestinian Authority must tackle terrorism and incitement.”
On Monday, Batsheva Nigri, a mother of three and kindergarten teacher from the settlement of Beit Hagai, was identified as the victim of the terror attack in South Hebron.
Israeli security forces said the suspected Palestinian gunman opened fire at an Israeli car on Route 60, the main north-south road in the West Bank, near the major city of Hebron.
But returning swiftly to criticism of Israel in his speech to the UN Kariuki added:”We also see continued violations of international humanitarian law in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, including evictions and demolitions.
“On Friday 17 August, Israel demolished a West Bank Protection Consortium school in Ein Samiya. The continued demolition of Palestinian property and the evictions by Israeli authorities from their homes are contrary to international humanitarian law, it renders Palestinians at risk of forcible transfer, and causes unnecessary suffering to ordinary Palestinians.
“This is harmful to the peace process. Israel must also urgently provide a clear, transparent route to construction for Palestinians in Area C.”
Kariuki noted that UNRWA (the United Nations Relief and Works Agency ) is facing “a deep funding crisis.”
He added:”UNRWA can only be a stabilising force in the region whilst it is able to deliver vital services to the Palestinian refugees. We call on members of the council and UN member states to work collectively to fill critical funding gaps.”
On Saturday, two Israelis, a father and a son from Ashdod, were murdered in the West Bank near the town of Hawara. Emergency services attempted to treat the two, 60-year-old Shay Silas Nigrekar of Ashdod and his 28-year-old son Aviad, but the pair were pronounced dead at the scene.
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