RKI.News
Geneva, January 7 — A United Nations report on Wednesday condemned Israel for implementing apartheid-like policies in the West Bank, highlighting systematic discrimination against Palestinians through separate legal systems for Israeli settlers and the local population.
Released by the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, the report detailed the profound impact of Israel’s laws, policies, and practices on the daily lives of Palestinians, including in East Jerusalem. It noted that discrimination has worsened since December 2022 and violates international law, which obliges states to prevent and eradicate racial segregation and apartheid.
The report found that Israeli authorities maintain two distinct bodies of law, resulting in unequal treatment in areas such as movement, land, and water access. It warned that segregation, discrimination, and subordination appear designed to be permanent, aimed at maintaining control over the Palestinian population.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk described the situation as a “particularly severe form of racial discrimination resembling apartheid” and urged Israel to dismantle settlements, evacuate settlers, respect Palestinian self-determination, and repeal all laws and practices that perpetuate systemic discrimination based on race, religion, or ethnic origin.
The report underscores the urgent need for accountability and adherence to international law to protect the rights and freedoms of Palestinians in the West Bank.