The NEU is deeply concerned by the situation in the West Bank.
Twelve Palestinians, including four children, have been killed during an operation in Jenin Refugee Camp by Israel’s military. More than 100 people have been injured and thousands forced to flee.
OCHA reported that Israeli forces also prevented ambulances entering and exiting Jenin Refugee Camp, and teargas canisters were fired into the grounds of the local hospital. Damage to civilian infrastructure is widespread, and water is currently unavailable.
It is unacceptable that children are once again experiencing the most devastating edges of violence because of this ongoing conflict and Israel’s longstanding, illegal occupation.
The international community cannot allow the repeated killing of children and civilians to become an accepted by-product of Israel’s military operations.
The UN Human Rights Chief said the operation raised "a host of serious issues" regarding international human rights norms and standards, including protecting and respecting the right to life. Other UN experts said that the Jenin airstrikes and ground operation may constitute a war crime.
The NEU joins calls by UN agencies, trade unions, and NGOs for immediate de-escalation, international humanitarian law to be upheld, and for humanitarian aid to be delivered without hindrance.