**Title: UN Expert Calls for International Protection Force Amid Rising Settler Violence in Palestinian Territories**
**Date: [Insert Date]**
In light of escalating violence against Palestinians by Israeli settlers, Francesca Albanese, the UN Special Rapporteur for Palestine, has urged the urgent deployment of an international protection force in the Palestinian territories. Albanese made her appeal on social media platform X, emphasizing the need for an "International Protection Presence" in the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and Gaza.
Albanese's call comes amid a backdrop of increasing settler attacks, which have raised significant concerns regarding the safety and rights of Palestinian residents. She stated that "third states have an obligation, per the ICJ," referring to the International Court of Justice, to take action to end what she described as Israel's unlawful occupation of Palestinian territories. Her remarks highlight the perceived inaction of the UN Security Council, which has faced paralysis on this issue, particularly due to the United States' vetoes of multiple resolutions critical of Israel.
The legality of Israeli settlements in the West Bank has been a contentious issue in international law. The UN and a majority of the international community consider these settlements illegal, a position that Israel disputes. The expansion of these settlements is widely viewed as a significant barrier to the establishment of a viable Palestinian state. In a notable advisory opinion issued in 2024, the ICJ urged Israel to end its occupation of Palestinian territories "as rapidly as possible."
Albanese's call for international intervention coincides with recent statements from European Union officials. Kaja Kallas, the EU’s top diplomat, condemned Israel's plans to build over 1,200 housing units as part of the E1 settlement project. Kallas warned that this development would effectively divide the West Bank, isolate East Jerusalem, and further undermine the prospects for a two-state solution.
The situation has intensified since the outbreak of conflict in Gaza following a Hamas attack in October 2023. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has adopted a more hardline stance, declaring last year that "there will be no Palestinian state to the west of the Jordan River." This shift in policy has led to the approval of additional Israeli outposts in the West Bank, which Bezalel Smotrich, Israel's far-right Finance Minister, has described as a "revolution" in settlement expansion.
The rise in settler violence has been alarming. Reports indicate that there were approximately 190 attacks against Palestinians each month in the early months of 2026, according to UN data cited by The Guardian. The violence has resulted in tragic incidents, including the recent killing of a 17-year-old Palestinian and injuries to another during a confrontation with settlers.
As the situation continues to evolve, the international community is faced with pressing questions about the future of peace and security in the region. Albanese's call for an international protection force reflects a growing concern that without intervention, the cycle of violence and retaliation may only deepen, further complicating efforts to achieve a lasting resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The urgency of Albanese's message resonates with many who advocate for human rights and the protection of civilians in conflict zones. As discussions surrounding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict persist, the need for a comprehensive and effective response to the rising tensions remains critical.