Guterres on West Bank op

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for an immediate cessation of Israeli military operations in the West Bank, citing concerns over the loss of life, including children, following the IDF's large-scale counterterrorism operations that resulted in at least 11 Palestinian deaths. Guterres emphasized that only an end to the occupation and a return to meaningful political processes could quell the ongoing violence. In response, Israel's UN ambassador, Danny Danon, defended the IDF's actions, stating they are aimed at preventing Iranian-backed terrorism. The IDF's operations have sparked criticism, with reports indicating that the military did not adequately respond to settler violence in the region. Additionally, there have been recent incidents involving drone strikes and clashes that have heightened tensions. The situation remains precarious, with calls for restraint from the UN amid escalating conflict.