Geneva, Switzerland - June 4, 2024

Storyline:
United Nations (UN) Human Rights Chief Volker Turk on Tuesday called for an end to the sharp rise in deadly violence in the West Bank, urging accountability for the killing of over 500 Palestinians by Israeli Security Forces (ISF) and settlers.

UN Human Rights Office reports indicate that 505 Palestinians have lost their lives in violent clashes with Israel in the West Bank since Oct. 7, 2023.

The High Commissioner highlighted that the fatality verification and monitoring of over 80 cases by the UN Human Rights Office indicated consistent violations of international human rights law on the use of force by the ISF, characterized by disproportionate use of lethal force and an increase of evident planned targeted killings.

He also mentioned that these findings showed the systematic denial or delay of medical assistance to those critically injured.

Allegations of unlawful killings must be thoroughly and independently investigated and those responsible held to account, stressed Turk.

Shotlist:
FILE: Geneva, Switzerland - Date Unknown:
1. Various of exterior of Palais Wilson;
2. Various of gate of United Nations Office of High Commissioner for Human Rights;
Geneva, Switzerland - June 4, 2024:
3. SOUNDBITE (English) Jeremy Laurence, spokesperson, Office of UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR):
"The UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk is today renewing calls for an end to the sharp rise in deadly violence in the occupied West Bank since 7 October. He urges accountability for the killing of over 500 Palestinians by Israeli Security Forces and settlers.";
FILE: Jenin, West Bank - 2023:
4. Various of buildings damaged in attacks, debris;
Geneva, Switzerland - June 4, 2024;
5. SOUNDBITE (English) Jeremy Laurence, spokesperson, OHCHR:
"Any allegation of unlawful killings must be thoroughly and independently investigated and those responsible held to account. As if the tragic events in Israel and then Gaza over the past eight months are not enough, the people of the occupied West Bank are being subjected to day-after-day of unprecedented bloodshed. It is unacceptable that so many lives have been taken in such a wanton fashion. The killing, destruction and widespread human rights violations must cease immediately."
Jenin, West Bank - Recent:
6. Various of destroyed building, rubble;
7. Various of local residents.

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