UNITED NATIONS, Oct. 23 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres is deeply concerned by the widespread closures imposed by Israel on Palestinian community in the West Bank, said his spokesman on Friday.
Those closures, following an attack that killed two Israeli soldiers near the city of Hebron, severely restrict Palestinians' freedom of movement, access to basic services and livelihoods, said Stephane Dujarric, the spokesman.
Guterres is also concerned by the reports of home demolitions and possible displacements of Palestinian residents in Hebron, said the spokesman.
"The secretary-general condemns the violence caused by record numbers of attacks by Israeli settlers against Palestinians in 2026. He recalls Israel's obligation under international law as the occupying power to protect Palestinian population from such attacks and to hold perpetrators to account," said the spokesman.
Guterres also remains deeply concerned by the loss of civilian life in Gaza, including children, and the severe restrictions on aid ahead of the winter. Guterres reiterates his urgent call for the protection of civilians. He also calls on all parties to immediately cease all acts of violence, to exercise restraint and refrain from action that could further inflame tensions, said the spokesman. ■