The global leader of the United Nations has raised concerns over the escalating tension in the West Bank, with Israel carrying out an extensive military operation in the disputed region. United Nations Chief António Guterres has openly criticized the resulting fatalities, including the loss of young lives, as reported by his spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric. Guterres urgently calls for an end to the hostilities.
Israel's security forces justify their military operation, claiming responsibility for over ten lives lost based on Palestinian sources, in response to an alarming surge in attacks against Israelis. In conjunction, there's been a notable increase in militant activities by hardline Israeli settlers in the West Bank.
Proposing Israel Sanctions
The European Union's foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell has proposed sanctions against radical Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Police Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir of Israel for their connection to controversial human rights abuses and incitement. However, the feasibility and timeline for these measures remain unclear.
The United States has already imposed sanctions on Haschomer Josch, an Israeli non-governmental organization, due to settler extremism, which led to the displacement of the Bedouin community in Hebron. The US State Department has previously imposed penalties on settlers in the West Bank.
"Extremist settler violence infections immense human suffering, poses a threat to Israel's security, and hinders peace and stability in the region," as stated by the American government. Regarding the Israeli government's stance, the Israeli Prime Minister's press office asserted that the imposition of sanctions upon Israeli citizens is viewed with grave concern.
Targeting the Enemy Network
From Israel's perspective, the primary objective of the extensive operation in the West Bank, particularly in Jenin and Tulkarum, is to dismantle a terrorist network backed by Iran. These two cities are perceived as hotbeds of militant Palestinians. Since the conflict started in Gaza about eleven months ago, approximately one hundred and fifty shooting incidents and bombings against Israelis have originated from these territories, reported a military spokesperson.
German Chancellor, Olaf Scholz, has echoed the sentiments expressed by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, warning against the escalation of the chain of retaliatory aggression. Both leaders reinforced their desire for an accord on hostage liberation and a truce in the Gaza Strip, while condemning illegal settlement expansion and extremist settler violence in the West Bank.
The volatile situation in the West Bank might expand to a prolonged conflict, according to the "Times of Israel." The operation in the West Bank, according to Israeli sources, is expected to last several days. Guterres' spokesperson has urged security forces to exhibit utmost restraint and act only when necessary to protect lives. The only solution to quell the violence, as proposed by the spokesperson, is to "end the occupation and return to a meaningful political process that culminates in a two-state solution."
Meanwhile, the hostilities in Gaza continue, with ongoing attempts to achieve a truce and the liberation of prisoners held by Hamas. An Israeli delegation is expected to travel to Doha for further negotiations with Hamas, constituting indirect negotiations mediated by Qatar, Egypt, and the United States, which have been stalled for months. During Israel's offensive against the Gaza Strip, the Hamas-controlled health authority reported at least forty-four thousand lives lost, with unspecified distinctions between combatants and civilians.
Significant humanitarian issues persist in Gaza, where between October 7, 2023, and February 17, 2025, approximately 883 Palestinians were killed in the Israeli-occupied territory, as reported by the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). The ensuing conflict has led to widespread damage, with over 292,000 homes reportedly destroyed or damaged, as per the February 2025 Interim Rapid Damage and Needs Assessment. The local economy has contracted by 83%, with 95% of hospitals currently non-operational.
