UN Office condemns West Bank closures as collective punishment

The United Nations Human Rights Office has condemned the comprehensive closure of the occupied West Bank by Israeli forces, describing the measures as a pattern of collective punishment that restricts movement and threatens livelihoods.

UN spokesperson Mai al-Sheikh stated the closures, which include the entrances to Hebron and the Ibrahimi Mosque, were implemented following reports of two Israeli soldiers being killed by Palestinian militants. The restrictions are impacting the olive harvest season by preventing farmers from accessing their lands and are hindering access to schools and workplaces.

The UN office also documented over 160 settler attacks during the first two weeks of October, involving shootings, property destruction, and crop theft. These incidents reportedly targeted international journalists and European diplomats as well. The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has called for urgent international intervention to protect religious sites and end the systematic isolation of Palestinian towns.