In a report published by the UN human rights office on Friday, it was stated that the establishment and expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank and east Jerusalem constitute a war crime. The report, which covered the period from November 1, 2022, to October 31, 2023, highlighted that around 24,300 housing units in existing settlements in the West Bank were "advanced" – the highest number in a year since monitoring began in 2017.

The report expressed deep concern over the increase in the construction of new settlement homes in recent months, claiming that it further intensifies the crisis in the West Bank. UN human rights chief, Volker Türk, presented the report to the Human Rights Council on Friday, stating that settler violence and settlement-related violations have reached alarming levels. He warned that such actions risk eliminating any practical possibility of establishing a viable Palestinian state.

Israel's plans to build nearly 3,500 settler homes in three areas, revealed earlier this week, were strongly condemned by Türk. He argued that the move goes against international law, asserting that the creation and expansion of settlements amounts to the transfer of Israel's population into occupied territories, thus constituting a war crime under international law.

Israel's diplomatic mission in Geneva criticized the report, accusing Türk's office of overlooking violence committed by Palestinian extremists against Israelis. The mission highlighted that the report "totally ignored" the deaths of 36 Israelis and the injuries sustained by nearly 300 others in attacks by Palestinian terrorists last year.

The international community widely regards the settlements as illegal under international law. However, the recent upsurge in settlement activity and violence in the West Bank has been overshadowed by the bloodshed and displacement of Palestinians in Gaza. Israeli forces have launched a military campaign against the militant group Hamas following its deadly attacks in Israel on October 7.

The report's findings, declaring the establishment and expansion of Israeli settlements as a war crime, add new fuel to the ongoing debate and highlight the increasing tensions in the region. The situation in the West Bank and east Jerusalem continues to be a major concern for peace and stability in the Middle East.