UN Condemns Israeli West Bank Settlements as 'War Crime', Calls for Evacuations

Israel has resumed heavy bombardment of the Gaza Strip, resulting in over 400 Palestinian deaths and widespread evacuations, just two months after a ceasefire agreement. The Israeli government, led by Prime Minister Netanyahu, claims the renewed offensive is a response to Hamas' failure to release hostages, though critics argue this narrative distorts reality. Concurrently, UN High Commissioner Volker Turk has condemned Israel's expansion of settlements in the occupied West Bank as a war crime, urging for the evacuation of settlers and enforcement of international law. Reports indicate a significant increase in settlement construction, with calls for the international community to take action against these violations. Amid ongoing violence, humanitarian conditions in Gaza are deteriorating, with calls for a political resolution rather than military escalation to address the crisis. The situation remains dire, as both civilian casualties and tensions continue to mount in the region.