UNITED NATIONS: UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday expressed deep concern over the ongoing violence and loss of life in the occupied Palestinian territory.
“The Secretary-General condemns all acts of violence against civilians, including acts of terrorism,” his deputy spokesman Farhan Haq said in a statement.
Guterres also expressed concern over the events in Jenin on June 19, when an operation by Israeli security forces and a subsequent firefight resulted in the killing of seven Palestinians, including two children who were both students at UNRWA schools.
“It is essential to reduce tensions and prevent further escalation,” the statement said. “Israel, as the occupying power, must ensure that the civilian population is protected from all acts of violence and that the perpetrators are held accountable.”
It also called on Israel to abide by its obligations under international humanitarian law, including the appropriate use of force and taking all feasible precautions to spare civilians when conducting military operations.
“Ultimately, only a return to a meaningful political process and an end to the occupation will bring an end to this devastating cycle of violence and senseless loss of life,” the statement said.
