UN rights chief says Israeli policy in West Bank 'resembles apartheid system'

BBC News - WorldCenterEN 3 min read 100% complete January 7, 2026 at 08:28 PM
UN rights chief says Israeli policy in West Bank 'resembles apartheid system'

AI Summary

medium article 3 min

A UN report states that Israeli policies and practices in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, constitute "systemic discrimination" against Palestinians, resembling apartheid. The report, issued by the UN human rights office, highlights the "asphyxiating impact" of Israeli laws on Palestinian daily life, citing restrictions on access to essential resources and services. High Commissioner Volker Türk noted the situation has "drastically deteriorated" over the past three years. Israel dismissed the report as "absurd and distorted," citing security threats and accusing the UN office of bias. The report is the first time a UN human rights chief has explicitly compared Israeli policies in the West Bank to apartheid. The report details that Israeli settlers and Palestinians in the West Bank are treated under two distinct bodies of law, resulting in unequal treatment.

Keywords

apartheid 100% israeli-palestinian conflict 90% west bank 90% systemic discrimination 80% racial discrimination 80% un report 80% israeli settlements 70% human rights 70% occupied territories 60% international law 50%

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Very Negative
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Source
BBC News - World
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Center (0.00)
Far LeftCenterFar Right
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90%

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