UN chief condemns Israeli settler violence in West Bank

Our Privacy Statement & Cookie Policy By continuing to browse our site you agree to our use of cookies, revised Privacy Policy and Terms of Use. You can change your cookie settings through your browser. Tear gas fired by Israeli forces during clashes between Israeli settlers and Palestinians in the West Bank, July 25, 2026. /VCG UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has condemned the attacks by Israeli settlers in the West Bank, including arson attacks on two mosques, his deputy spokesperson said on Tuesday. "The secretary-general condemns the attacks by Israeli settlers against Palestinian communities in the occupied West Bank, including the reported arson attacks on two mosques, vandalism of private property, and attacks targeting Palestinians and their livelihoods," his deputy spokesperson Farhan Haq said. "Attacks against places of worship are heinous and unacceptable and risk further inflaming an already volatile situation," Haq said. "The secretary-general calls for those responsible to be swiftly identified and held accountable, in line with Israel's obligations under international law." Guterres further calls on the Israeli authorities to take immediate and effective measures to prevent further attacks by settlers against Palestinians and their property, including places of worship, and to ensure the protection of civilians, Haq said. The secretary-general urges all parties to exercise maximum restraint, prevent any further escalation, and take immediate steps to restore calm and reduce tensions, the spokesperson said. A new wave of settler violence broke out last week in the West Bank. Violent incidents southwest of Nablus on July 24 resulted in the killing of four Palestinians and two Israelis, injuries to several others and extensive damage to Palestinian property, UN Deputy Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Ramiz Alakbarov told the Security Council on Tuesday. Following the incidents near Nablus, Israel launched a large-scale arrest campaign in the West Bank, detaining at least 80 Palestinians. On July 26, Israeli settlers attacked Palestinian villages in the West Bank and set fire to two mosques – one south of Nablus and the other south of Tulkarm, according to press reports.