Israeli settlements in the Palestinian territories under occupation have seen a significant expansion, raising concerns about the feasibility of a future Palestinian state, stated the UN human rights chief on Friday.

Volker Turk, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, emphasized that the growth of Israeli settlements amounted to the transfer of Israel's population, which he condemned as a violation of international law. The Biden administration of the United States echoed similar sentiments last month, labeling the settlements as "inconsistent" with international law, especially following Israel's announcement of new housing plans in the occupied West Bank.

In a statement accompanying a 16-page report, Turk warned that settler violence and related violations have escalated to alarming levels, posing a serious threat to the establishment of a viable Palestinian state. The report, compiled from UN monitoring and other sources, revealed a staggering 24,300 new Israeli housing units built in the occupied West Bank over a one-year period ending in October 2023, marking the highest recorded increase since monitoring began in 2017.

Additionally, the report highlighted a significant rise in the frequency and severity of both Israeli settler and state violence against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, particularly following the deadly Hamas attacks on Israel in October.

Israel maintains its claim to the land based on biblical rights, justifying the expansion of settlements. The Israeli military contends that its operations in the West Bank are aimed at countering terrorism and targeting suspected militants.

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