NEW YORK: UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for an immediate cessation of military operations in the West Bank, expressing deep concern by the latest developments in the occupied West Bank, including Israel’s launch yesterday of large-scale military operations in Jenin, Tulkarm and Tubas governorates, involving the use of airstrikes, which resulted in casualties and damage to civilian infrastructure.

In a statement issued by his spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric, the Secretary-General strongly condemned the loss of lives, including of children and called for an immediate cessation of these operations.

He also called on Israel to comply with its relevant obligations under international humanitarian law and to take measures to protect civilians and ensure their safety.

The statement added, ‘All those injured must have access to medical care, and humanitarian workers must be able to reach everyone in need.

These dangerous developments are fueling an already explosive situation in the occupied Wes
t Bank and further undermining the Palestinian Authority.’

The statement added that the Secretary-General is also deeply concerned by the recent dangerous and provocative acts and statements by an Israeli Minister at the Holy Sites in Jerusalem, stressing the importance of maintaining the status quo at the Sites.

‘Ultimately, only an end to the occupation and a return to a meaningful political process that will establish a two-state solution will bring an end to the violence,’ Guterres noted.

He concluded by saying, ‘The United Nations will continue to work with all parties towards this end, to seek a de-escalation of the current situation and promote stability in the region.’

Source: Emirates News Agency