Senior international officials have called for Israel to stop its large-scale military actions in the West Bank, which Israel claims are counter-terrorism operations but have raised concerns of extending the war from Gaza. United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres and the EU’s top foreign policy diplomat, Josep Borrell, warned against Israel causing full-scale destruction in the West Bank, similar to what has occurred in Gaza.
Israel’s military has been conducting raids in various West Bank cities, resulting in the deaths of several Palestinian fighters. The raids, described as some of the largest in months, are seen as an attempt by Israel to expand its operations from Gaza to the West Bank. This comes as Israeli, American, Egyptian, and Qatari negotiators met in Doha for ceasefire talks in Gaza, where over 40,000 Palestinians have been killed since October 7.
Israel has occupied parts of the West Bank since 1967 and has expanded illegal settlements in the territory. While Israel claims to be targeting terror groups in recent operations, the EU has criticized Israel for violating international law and human rights through indiscriminate military force and settler violence against civilians.
The situation in the Middle East remains volatile, with concerns about the potential escalation of violence and the impact on civilians in the region. International calls for restraint and respect for human rights and international law continue to be emphasized.
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