UN Secretary-General António Guterres has condemned Israel’s expansion of illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank. Guterres described the settlements as a “flagrant violation” of international law. His remarks came as violence in the area escalated. The United Nations’ criticism focuses on the settlement expansion and its implications amid the worsening violence.
Palestinian officials accuse Israeli settlers of assaulting villages in the occupied West Bank and setting two mosques on fire. The allegations come after deadly clashes on Friday that left two Israelis and four Palestinians dead. Israel’s military says it has begun what it describes as a “counter-terrorism” operation in the area. DW reporter Tania Krämer examines the escalation and its immediate context.
