UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has voiced "deep concern" regarding the rising violence and extensive closures imposed by Israel across the occupied West Bank. His spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, stated on Friday that these measures are severely hindering the freedom of movement for Palestinians, while also restricting their access to essential services and livelihoods.
The UN leader’s comments follow a directive from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who ordered an "immediate closure" of Hebron and instructed security forces to prepare for a "full lockdown" throughout the West Bank. This decision was made in the wake of a gun battle in the city, during which the Israeli army claimed that two soldiers were killed and three others were seriously wounded.
Beyond the closures, Guterres expressed alarm over reports concerning the demolition of homes and the potential displacement of Palestinian residents in Hebron. Dujarric also highlighted the Secretary-General’s condemnation of the record number of attacks carried out by Israeli settlers against Palestinians in 2026. He noted that the UN chief has reminded Israel of its obligations under international law to serve as an occupying power by protecting the Palestinian population and ensuring that perpetrators of such attacks are held accountable.
The situation in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, has seen a consistent escalation in military operations and illegal settler activity since the onset of the war on Gaza in October 2023. These incidents have included arrests, killings, the destruction of agricultural land, the burning of vehicles and mosques, and the displacement of communities, alongside illegal settlement expansion. Additionally, Guterres remains deeply concerned about the humanitarian situation in Gaza, specifically regarding civilian casualties, including children, and the severe restrictions placed on aid deliveries as winter approaches. He has issued an urgent call for all parties to cease violence, exercise restraint, and protect civilians.
