UN chief condemns Israeli settler violence in West Bank

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemns the attacks by Israeli settlers in the West Bank, including arson on two mosques, his deputy spokesman said Tuesday.



"The secretary-general condemns the attacks by Israeli settlers against Palestinian communities in the occupied West Bank, including the reported arson attacks on two mosques, vandalism of private property, and attacks targeting Palestinians and their livelihoods," his deputy spokesman Farhan Haq said.



"Attacks against places of worship are heinous and unacceptable and risk further inflaming an already volatile situation," Haq said. "The secretary-general calls for those responsible to be swiftly identified and held accountable, in line with Israel's obligations under international law."



Guterres further calls on the Israeli authorities to take immediate and effective measures to prevent further attacks by settlers against Palestinians and their property, including places of worship, and to ensure the protection of civilians, Haq said.



The secretary-general urges all parties to exercise maximum restraint, prevent any further escalation, and take immediate steps to restore calm and reduce tensions, the spokesman said.