UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned on Thursday violence against civilians and urged Israel to abide by its obligations under international law, including exercising restraint, using force proportionately, minimising harm and injury and respecting human life. Guterres told journalists at the UN HQ in New York that he was “deeply concerned” about the news from Jenin in the occupied West Bank, noting that the Israeli air strikes and ground operations in an overcrowded refugee camp were the “worst acts of violence in the West Bank in years.” Guterres added, “Schools and hospitals have been damaged, water and electricity networks have been disrupted, and those in need have been prevented from obtaining basic care and relief.” Guterres said resorting to air strikes is inconsistent with the conduct of law enforcement operations, adding that Israel is “responsible” for protecting the civilian population from violence.

Source: Jordan News Agency