There will be a full annexation of Palestine if the conflict in the territory is not stopped, members of a United Nations Independent Commission of Inquiry have said.
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The UN Human Rights Council established an international commission of inquiry on the occupied Palestinian territory.
The commission on Tuesday presented its annual report to the Human Rights Council. The report accused Israel of “delegitimising and silencing civil society†by outlawing Palestinian human rights groups and labeling their members terrorists.
The report also accused both Hamas and the rival Palestinian Authority in the West Bank of committing rights violations.
But it said most of the violations it had uncovered were committed by Israel as part of a campaign that it said was aimed at “ensuring and enshrining its permanent occupation at the expense of the rights of the Palestinian peopleâ€.
“The commission finds that the human rights to freedom of association, expression and opinion, and the right to peaceful assembly, are being violated by the Government of Israel, the Government of the State of Palestine and the de facto authorities in Gaza,†the report stated.
“The commission concludes that the de facto authorities in Gaza target those expressing dissenting political opinions, creating a repressive climate of fear characterised by self-censorship. This constitutes violations under international human rights law.â€
Speaking on a visit to Dublin, commissioner Miloon Kothari said over the last few months “things have rapidly deterioratedâ€.
“Unless action is taken, it’s almost like de facto giving Israel a free hand at getting what they want. There has been a significant increase in plans for settlements, but also legalising outposts,†he said.
“The occupation has become permanent. Annexation is a reality of the day. If nothing is done, there will be a full annexation. If there was any time when countries who have historically claimed to be senstitive to human rights situation on the ground, this is the time to speak up.†■