Several people were reportedly injured in the attacks, which included an assault on a dairy factory, while delivery trucks and homes were set on fire.
The increase in violence comes as Israeli authorities have also stepped up home demolitions, in addition to property seizures and the forced displacement and transfer of thousands of Palestinians by settlers and Israeli military, the OHCHR continued in a briefing for journalists at the UN in Geneva.
The officials reiterated that Israel’s assertion of sovereignty over the occupied West Bank and its annexation of parts of it violate international law, which has been confirmed by the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
Floods in Gaza
Meanwhile, in Gaza, hundreds of tents and makeshift shelters were flooded due to heavy rains on Friday.
“We fear that thousands of displaced families will be left fully exposed to these harsh weather conditions” amid broader health and protection concerns, U.N. spokesman Stéphane Dujarric said at a later briefing in New York.
UN partners are working to provide shelter support through rapid response teams.
Around 1,000 tents were distributed to families in Deir al Balah and Khan Younis on Thursday. Between Sunday and Wednesday, partners provided about 7,000 blankets to more than 1,800 homes, along with about 15,000 tarps to more than 3,700 homes, and winter clothing.
Aid partners stress that adequate flood prevention requires equipment not available in Gaza, including tools to drain water from tents and clean up solid waste and debris.
Help articles ‘stuck in Jordan’
“Millions of urgently needed shelter items remain stuck in Jordan, Egypt and Israel, awaiting approval to enter Gaza,” Dujarric continued.
“Terrible living conditions are also increasing people’s exposure to explosive devices, and children are among those most at risk. Some people have been injured while collecting firewood; others have to pitch tents near areas suspected of containing unexploded debris simply because they have no safer options.”
The spokesperson stressed the need to fully and sustainably open existing and additional crossings, authorize the entry of essential aid and equipment, and access all relief items from the United Nations and its partners.