UK Expresses Deep Concerns Over West Bank Violence

The British government has expressed deep concern regarding Israel's ongoing operations in the occupied West Bank. They called for restraint and adherence to international law, amid escalating clashes and civilian casualties. The UK condemned settler violence and stressed the urgent need for de-escalation to prevent further conflict.

The British government voiced serious concerns on Friday regarding Israel's ongoing military operations in the occupied West Bank, highlighting the urgent need for de-escalation due to the risk of instability.

A spokesperson for Britain's Foreign Office urged Israeli authorities to exercise restraint, adhere to international law, and curb actions that could escalate tensions. Clashes in the West Bank have intensified since the beginning of Israel's conflict with Hamas militants in Gaza nearly 11 months ago.

According to Palestinian sources, over 660 individuals, both combatants and civilians, have been killed, with some fatalities resulting from vigilante-style attacks by Jewish settlers. In a significant operation on Thursday, Israeli troops killed a local commander of the Iranian-backed Islamic Jihad movement and four other militants. The UK Foreign Office emphasized Israel's right to self-defense but expressed concern over civilian casualties and the destruction of infrastructure, condemning the settler violence and warning against the spread of further instability.

(With inputs from agencies.)