UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres on Thursday urged Israel to abide by its international legal obligations, saying that “escalation is not the solution”.
While recognising Israel's security concerns, he emphasised the need for restraint and the use of proportional force.
His comments come after Israel this week launched a two-day incursion in the West Bank in its largest military operation in the area in decades.
The operation focused on the northern city of Jenin, a centre for several armed Palestinian groups. It involved hundreds of troops, drone strikes and armoured bulldozers.
Mr Guterres also said that Israel's use of air strikes was inconsistent with the conduct of law enforcement operations.
He reminded Israel that, “as the occupying power”, it has a responsibility to ensure that the civilian population is protected against all acts of violence.
“It simply bolsters radicalisation and leads to a deepening cycle of violence and bloodshed,” he said, calling for a two-state solution and the end of the occupation.
Israel launched air strikes this week on the densely populated Gaza Strip after rocket fire from the Hamas-run enclave.
On Thursday, Israel fired a barrage of missiles at Lebanon, saying the action was in response to a rocket launch “that was carried out from Lebanese territory, which exploded adjacent to the border in Israeli territory”.
Latest in the Jenin conflict – in pictures
-
A gunman shoots into the air during the funeral of Palestinians killed during an Israeli raid, in Jenin in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Reuters -
Palestinian Samah Sabagh shows her hands after the two-day Israeli raid in Jenin. Reuters -
Jenin residents flee as tear gas is fired. Reuters -
A damaged vehicle left in the street in Jenin. EPA -
It was Israel’s biggest West Bank incursion in two decades. EPA -
A Palestinian woman surveys the damage after the Israeli army's withdrawal from Jenin. Reuters -
Wrecked cars in an alleyway in the occupied West Bank city. AFP -
The Israeli army has declared the end of a two-day military operation in the area. AFP -
Jenin from above after the Israeli raid. EPA -
A Palestinian sorts through aid donations. AFP -
Vehicles destroyed during the raid. EPA -
The sun sets after a violent day. AFP -
Water is handed out to people in Jenin. Reuters -
An emergency services vehicle passes by as Israeli troops start withdrawing from Jenin, in the occupied West Bank. Reuters -
Smoke rises above coloured lanterns. EPA -
A burnt-out building after the Israeli assault. Reuters -
An Israeli police officer shouts at a Palestinian. Reuters -
A man wears a mask for protection from tear gas. Reuters
