UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed “deep concern” over escalating violence and widespread Israeli-imposed closures affecting Palestinian communities in the occupied West Bank.
His spokesperson, Stephane Dujarric, told reporters on Friday that the closures severely restrict Palestinians’ freedom of movement, access to basic services and livelihoods.
We are extremely alarmed by the intensifying violence that we're seeing in the occupied West Bank. Secretary-General is deeply concerned by the widespread closures imposed by Israel's on Palestinian community in the West Bank," Dujarric said.
Guterres is also concerned about the reports of home demolitions and the possible displacement of Palestinian residents in Hebron, he added.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday ordered an “immediate closure” of Hebron and instructed security forces to prepare for a “full lockdown” across the West Bank following a gun battle in the city.
The Israeli army claimed two soldiers were killed and three others seriously wounded in a shooting attack in Hebron.
Record settler attacks
Guterres condemned the record number of attacks by Israeli settlers against Palestinians in 2026, Dujarric said.
“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,” he added.
The UN chief also remains deeply concerned about civilian casualties in Gaza, including children, and severe restrictions on humanitarian aid deliveries ahead of winter.
Dujarric reiterated Guterres’ urgent call for civilians to be protected and for all parties to immediately cease violence, exercise restraint and avoid actions that could further inflame tensions.
Escalating violence and displacement
The occupied West Bank, including occupied East Jerusalem, has seen an escalation in Israeli military operations and illegal settler attacks since Israel launched its genocidal war on Gaza in October 2023.
The attacks have included the killing and arrest of Palestinians, the demolition of homes and other structures, the burning of mosques and vehicles, the destruction of agricultural land, the prevention of farmers from accessing their fields, and the displacement of Palestinian communities, alongside illegal settlement expansion.
