April 2025 witnessed a marked escalation in Israeli targeting of civilians and Palestinian property in the occupied West Bank and Jerusalem, raising alarming concerns over the deteriorating humanitarian and legal situation. Statistics compiled by the Union for Justice Foundation indicate that 18 Palestinian citizens were killed, including 6 children, 1 woman, and a number of detainees, with at least 143 others injured. This surge in casualties underscores the excessive use of force by the occupation forces, which may amount to willful killings under Palestinian criminal law and international law. In particular, the killing of children raises serious questions regarding the occupying power’s adherence to the principle of civilian protection, especially for vulnerable groups, enshrined in international humanitarian law.
The report further indicates that the occupation forces carried out 1,190 incursions into Palestinian residential areas, resulting in the arrest of 781 individuals, among them 23 children and 8 women. These wide-scale raids and arrests constitute violations of the sanctity of homes, as well as the rights to freedom of movement and personal security, as guaranteed by the Palestinian Basic Law and international human rights treaties. The focus on detaining children and women particularly raises concerns about potential rights violations during custody and interrogation, including the right to a fair trial and access to legal counsel.
The Union for Justice Foundation also notes the ongoing policy of demolishing Palestinian homes and structures, with 152 buildings demolished in April alone, ostensibly for lack of permits. This policy constitutes a form of collective punishment prohibited under the Fourth Geneva Convention. It also violates Palestinians’ right to adequate housing and leads to forced displacement, which contravenes international law. Citing a lack of permits in “Area C” ignores the reality that these areas are under Israeli administrative and security control, where the authorities systematically obstruct Palestinians from obtaining building licenses.
In addition, settlers’ attacks on Palestinian citizens, their property, and holy sites have intensified, reaching 208 documented incidents. These include intrusions into and destruction of agricultural lands, armed attacks on homes and vehicles, and theft of property. The occupation authorities’ failure to provide protection against settler violence constitutes a breach of their obligations under international law. Reports even point to tacit collaboration by occupation forces with settlers, exacerbating the seriousness of these incidents and fostering a culture of impunity.
Nor was there any pause in settlement expansion and the confiscation of Palestinian lands: 27 settlement plans were examined and 10 approved, targeting thousands of dunums of Palestinian territory. Such settlement activity is unlawful under international law and United Nations resolutions, posing an obstacle to a two-state solution and undermining Palestinians’ right to self-determination and sovereignty over their land.
These escalating violations in the West Bank and Jerusalem during April 2025 highlight the urgent need for international intervention to ensure respect for international law, protect the human rights of the Palestinian people, and hold accountable those responsible for these violations.
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