“Escalation is not the answer” to “Israel’s legitimate concerns for its security”, underlined Thursday the UN Secretary General, denouncing his “excessive use of force” during the military operation in West Bank occupied this week.
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“I understand Israel’s legitimate security concerns. But climbing is not the answer. This reinforces radicalization and leads to a worsening cycle of violence and bloodshed,” Antonio Guterres told reporters, referring to the operation that took place earlier this week in Jenin.
“Restoring the hope of the Palestinian people in a serious political process, leading to a two-state solution and an end to the occupation, is Israel’s essential contribution to its own security,” he added.
“Israel’s airstrikes and ground operations in a crowded refugee camp represented the worst violence in the West Bank in years, with significant consequences for civilians,” he said, judging that the airstrikes “ conflict with law enforcement operations”.
The Israeli army announced on Wednesday the end of its military operation in the occupied West Bank. The operation launched on Monday mobilized hundreds of soldiers as well as army drones and bulldozers in the city of Jenin and the adjacent refugee camp, a stronghold of Palestinian armed groups.
“Obviously, in this situation, there has been an excessive use of force by the Israeli forces”, insisted Antonio Guterres.
“I again call on Israel to respect its obligations under international law, including the duty of restraint and the proportionate use of force,” he added.
“I also remind Israel, as the occupying power, of its responsibility to ensure that the civilian population is protected against all acts of violence.”