UN chief says Israel ‘obviously’ used ‘excessive force’ in Jenin operation

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres says Israel used excessive force in the counter-terror operation in Jenin last week.

He says he was “deeply disturbed” by news of the operation and “strongly condemns all acts of violence against civilians.”

Asked if his condemnation applies to both sides of the conflict, Guterres says, “it applies to all use of excessive force and obviously in this situation there was an excessive force used by Israeli forces.”

“Israeli airstrikes and ground operations in a crowded refugee camp were the worst violence in the West Bank in many years, with a significant impact on civilians,” Guterres says.

“I once again call on Israel to abide by its obligations under international law, including the duty to exercise restraint and use only proportional force,” he says. “The use of airstrikes is inconsistent with the conduct of law enforcement operations.”

“I understand Israel’s legitimate concerns with its security but escalation is not the answer,” he adds. “It simply bolsters radicalization and leads to a deepening cycle of violence and bloodshed.”

The Israeli operation came in response to a series of deadly terror attacks, many emanating from Jenin and its environs. The IDF says all of the 12 Palestinian fatalities were combatants, and most have been claimed by terror groups.

Yesterday, the UN special rapporteur for the Palestinians, Francesca Albanese, accused Israel of committing war crimes during the Jenin operation. Albanese has a history of antisemitism and incendiary rhetoric against the Jewish state.

Asked about the war crimes allegations, Guterres avoids answering.