UN Chief urges immediate end to Israel's West Bank aggression

UN Secretary-General António Guterres issued a strong appeal for Israel to "immediately" end its military operations in the occupied West Bank. The aggression has led to significant casualties, including children, prompting international concern. Guterres condemned the ongoing violence and called for an "immediate cessation of these operations."

In a statement delivered by his spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, Guterres emphasized Israel's obligations under international humanitarian law, urging the Israeli occupation forces to exercise maximum restraint and use lethal force only when absolutely necessary to protect lives. He also stressed the importance of ensuring that the injured receive medical care and that humanitarian workers have unimpeded access to those in need.

Guterres warned that the escalating violence is exacerbating an already volatile situation in the West Bank and further weakening the Palestinian Authority. He reiterated that a lasting resolution to the conflict can only be achieved through an end to the occupation and the resumption of a meaningful political process aimed at establishing a two-state solution.

The UN Secretary-General's statement comes amid an intense military campaign by Israeli forces in the West Bank, described as the largest since 2002. The ongoing aggression has drawn widespread international criticism, with concerns over the impact on civilians and the potential for further destabilization in the region.

Guterres affirmed the UN's commitment to promoting stability in the region and advancing efforts towards a two-state solution as the only viable path to lasting peace. (ILKHA)