GENEVA, January 24, 2025 (WAFA) – The United Nations (UN) Friday voiced deep concern that the Israeli military aggression on the West Bank governorate of Jenin may imperil the Gaza ceasefire agreement.
“Indeed it is very concerning that what's happening today in the West Bank may have an impact on the ceasefire in Gaza. It is imperative that the ceasefire in Gaza holds,” the United Nations Human Rights Office spokesperson Thameen Al-Kheetan told a UN briefing in Geneva.
Israel has been launching a massive raid on the Jenin city and refugee camp for the fourth consecutive day, killing 12 Palestinians and forcing 1,800 Palestinian residents to leave the refugee camp.
Al-Kheetan also expressed concern about the use of unlawful lethal force by the occupation forces in Jenin.
“The deadly Israeli operations in recent days raise serious concerns about unnecessary or disproportionate use of force, including methods and means developed for warfighting, in violation of international human rights law, norms, and standards applicable to law enforcement operations,” he said.
“Our office has verified that at least 12 Palestinians have been killed and 40 injured by Israeli security forces since Tuesday, most of them reportedly unarmed," he told the televised briefing.
Al-Kheetan also highlighted concerns over repeated statements from Israeli officials about plans to further expand colonies, calling such actions a clear breach of international law.
"We are also concerned by repeated comments from some Israeli officials about plans to expand settlements further still and a fresh breach of international law. We recall again that the transfer by Israel of its own civilian population into territories it occupies also amounts to a war crime."
Separately, Muhannad Hadi, Humanitarian Coordinator for the Occupied Palestinian Territory, said that funding shortages may affect the UN's ability to maintain aid flows at target levels throughout the Gaza ceasefire deal.
"Funding is an issue. We need immediate funding to make sure that we continue providing the aid for the 42 days, but also after the 42 days, because we're hopeful that we'll go from phase one to phase two," he said.
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