United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres strongly condemns all acts of violence against civilians . He renewed the call on Israel to abide by its obligations under international law, including exercising restraint and using force proportionately, as well as respecting and preserving human life.
Guterres said - during a press conference held Thursday, at the United Nations headquarters in New York - that he was deeply concerned about the news from Jenin in the occupied West Bank.
He said that Israeli air strikes and ground operations in an overcrowded refugee camp were the worst acts of violence in the West Bank in many years, "and had a significant impact on civilians, including more than a hundred wounded and thousands forced to flee."
He added, "Schools and hospitals have been damaged, water and electricity networks have been disrupted, and people in need have been denied access to basic care and relief."
The Secretary-General stressed the need for all the wounded to receive medical care.