GENEVA: The expansion of Israeli settlements is deeply linked to problems including violence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, said UN rights chief Navi Pillay Monday.

“Certain human rights challenges... are intrinsically linked to the continuing expansion of Israeli settlements. Violence by Israeli settlers against Palestinians is one such challenge,” Pillay told the UN Human Rights Council.

According to the UN aid coordination office, the average weekly number of settler attacks against Palestinian communities resulting in Palestinian injuries and property damage soared 40 per cent in 2011 compared to 2010.

“The Israeli government must protect Palestinians and their property from violence by settlers. One step in this direction is to investigate all such incidents and hold perpetrators accountable,” said Pillay, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.

Israel's move to expand settlements in the occupied territory has been criticised by the international community, which deems the action illegal.

Pillay also slammed the firing of rockets from Gaza to Israel as “illegal and unjustifiable.”

Some 499 rockets and 328 mortar shells were fired by Palestinian armed groups during the period December 1, 2010 to November 15, 2011, the period covered by Pillay's report to the council.