According to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), around 100 hectares of Palestinian land have reportedly been confiscated to make way for the new route, which is being built in the Jordan Valley, one of the most fertile areas of the West Bank.
The Head of the OHCHR Office in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Ajith Sunghay, warned that the development represents another step towards the progressive disintegration of Palestinian communities.
He said the road and accompanying barrier are likely to cut off farmers in the Tubas area from agricultural land they own, further restricting movement and economic activity. Sunghay cautioned that the project could consolidate Israel’s annexation of the West Bank and remove vital sources of income for Palestinian families.
The UN rights office also expressed concern over developments in refugee camps in the northern West Bank. Sunghay noted that the camps of Jenin, Tulkarem and Nur Shams have been emptied, with residents barred from returning for nearly a year. He said this raises serious concerns about forcible transfer, which is prohibited under international law.
Meanwhile, the UN General Assembly has overwhelmingly endorsed a recent ruling by the International Court of Justice that found allegations of militant infiltration within the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) to lack substance.
UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini welcomed the resolution, which was backed by 139 Member States. He said the vote reaffirmed UNRWA’s role as the primary humanitarian actor in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and called for international efforts to facilitate, rather than obstruct, its work. Nineteen countries abstained, while 12 voted against the resolution.
The UN Secretary-General António Guterres described the outcome as a strong signal of global support for the agency.
Humanitarian conditions across Gaza continue to deteriorate, with heavy winter rains flooding displacement sites and causing further casualties, including among children. Aid agencies warn that damaged drainage systems and contaminated water sources are increasing the risk of disease outbreaks.
The UN Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs said severe restrictions on aid entry, including shelter materials and essential machinery, are worsening the crisis. An estimated 1.3 million people are still in urgent need of shelter, as shortages of tents and winter supplies persist.
In the West Bank, more than 1 000 Palestinians have been displaced this year due to demolitions and settler violence. The UN is calling for stronger protection of civilians and an end to unlawful demolitions and attacks.
–UN/ChannelAfrica–
