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14 NGOs demand UK action to stop escalating violence in the West Bank

12 February 2025

We, the undersigned organisations, urgently call on the UK Government to take immediate action in response to escalating Israeli forces’ violence in the occupied West Bank, particularly in Jenin and Tulkarem refugee camps.

Since early 2025, Israeli military attacks have killed at least 66 Palestinians in the West Bank, including eight children. The ongoing siege of Jenin has trapped thousands of Palestinians, restricting access to medical care, water, and electricity. On February 2, 2025, the Israeli military demolished approximately 20 buildings in the Jenin refugee camp, further escalating displacement in the area. This latest operation has compounded an already dire situation, with nearly all of the camp’s 20,000 residents forced from their homes over the past two months.

Despite compelling evidence of unlawful killings, mass forced displacement, and attacks on civilian infrastructure, we have yet to see any meaningful action to protect civilians and prevent atrocities in the West Bank or any condemnation from the UK Government or action to hold the Israeli government and forces accountable. Israeli forces have been using disproportionate, unnecessary, and indiscriminate force – including airstrikes on civilian areas and attacks on medical facilities – which are apparent violations of international human rights laws on the use of force. Yet, there has been no clear or forceful response from the UK Government to demand an end or accountability for these actions.

Israeli forces’ atrocities which concentrated for over 15 months in Gaza are now spilling over into the West Bank, with Israeli forces deploying the same indiscriminate military tactics that have killed thousands of Palestinians in Gaza. Severe movement restrictions, including roadblocks and checkpoints, have paralysed daily life and worsened the humanitarian crisis. Meanwhile, settler violence against Palestinians reached unprecedented levels in 2024, with homes set on fire, and Palestinian communities harassed.

The UK’s failure to respond meaningfully to the International Court of Justice’s Advisory Opinion, which found Israel’s continued presence in the occupied Palestinian territory unlawful, is unacceptable. The UK must urgently exert all efforts to ensure that similar patterns of mass killings, displacement, and destruction seen in Gaza do not move to the West Bank, through:

Publicly condemn Israeli forces’ actions in the West Bank, including the use of disproportionate, unnecessary and indiscriminate force, and demand an immediate halt to military operations.
Demand an immediate and unconditional lifting of the siege on Jenin, ensuring humanitarian aid reaches those in need, along with the restoration of essential services.
Suspend all arms transfer to Israel, including the parts of the F-35 fighter jets.
Hold Israeli authorities accountable for violations of international law, including unlawful killings and attacks on civilian infrastructure.
Work with international partners to ensure Israel faces meaningful consequences and that Palestinians are protected under international law.
Outline a clear plan to end Israel’s continued presence in Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and evacuate all settlements, in line with the ICJ Advisory Opinion.

Delay is not measured in time but in Palestinian lives. Every moment of inaction costs more lives. The UK Government must use its diplomatic influence to demand an end to the violence, hold Israeli authorities accountable, and ensure Palestinians’ rights are protected under international law.

The time for action is now. The lives of Palestinians in the West Bank are at stake, and we cannot afford further delay.

Signed by: