New York, Aug. 13 (Petra)-- The UN Human Rights Office in the Occupied Palestinian Territory called on Israeli forces to remove violent settlers who are forcibly displacing thousands of Palestinians, unlawfully seizing Palestinian land and expanding settlements in the occupied West Bank.

The office said that Israeli settlers from an outpost in the Ras Al-Ain area of Qusra village last month cut off water and electricity supplies to three neighboring Palestinian homes. Last week, they closed all gates and entrances leading to the homes and erected a tent between them, preventing anyone from entering or leaving the area.

According to a statement issued by the office, three Palestinian families, comprising around 15 people, including at least two children, have been trapped inside their homes "in a state of terror," unable to meet their basic needs and without access to water or electricity.

The office said that Israeli security forces appeared to have prevented paramedics, solidarity activists and journalists from reaching the families.

It added that video footage appeared to indicate possible collusion between Israeli security forces and the settlers, showing soldiers praying alongside settlers at the site.

Israeli forces removed the settlers’ tent the day before yesterday, but did not remove the settlers themselves, who continue to besiege the Palestinian homes, the office said.

The UN office stressed that the criminal acts committed by settlers, with the support or tacit consent of Israel, the occupying power, are making life unbearable for the Palestinian families and are clearly aimed at forcing them to leave their homes and lands.

//Petra// MF