UN Calls on Israel to End West Bank Operation, Citing ‘Deep Concern’

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has urged Israel to cease its ongoing military operation in the West Bank, describing the situation as “deeply concerning” and warning that it is exacerbating an already volatile environment.

The Israeli operation, which commenced on Wednesday, has been characterized by Israel as a “counter-terrorism operation.” Hundreds of Israeli troops, supported by helicopters, drones, and armored vehicles, have raided the flashpoint cities of Tulkarm, Jenin, and areas in the Jordan Valley.

Among those killed during the operation was Mohammed Jaber, also known as “Abu Shujaa,” a key figure in the Nur Shams refugee camp’s network of fighters, according to Israeli authorities. The Tulkarm division of Islamic Jihad’s armed wing responded by stating that their fighters had ambushed an Israeli infantry force near the Abu Ubaida Mosque.

Israel has reported that the simultaneous raids across the northern West Bank, which have resulted in the deaths of 16 people, mostly militants, are intended to prevent further attacks. The Palestinians, however, view these actions as an extension of the Israel-Hamas conflict, aimed at maintaining Israel’s long-standing military control over the territory.

The Islamic Jihad militant group confirmed that Abu Shujaa was killed during a raid in Tulkarm. Known for his unexpected appearance at the funeral of other militants earlier this year, he had become a symbol of resistance for many Palestinians.

The Israeli military reported that five militants, including Abu Shujaa, were killed in a shootout after taking refuge in a mosque. Additionally, another militant was arrested, and an Israeli Border Police officer sustained minor injuries.

The operation has been described as the deadliest in the West Bank since the start of the Israel-Hamas conflict on October 7. Hamas announced that ten of its fighters were killed in various locations, while the Palestinian Health Ministry confirmed 11 deaths, without specifying whether all were militants.

Since the outbreak of the war, over 650 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry. The fatalities include militants, civilians, and protesters, with the region also experiencing an increase in settler violence. Israel asserts that its operations are necessary to prevent attacks on its citizens, which have surged in recent weeks.

Israel captured the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem during the 1967 Mideast War, territories the Palestinians seek for a future independent state.