We are very concerned at the high number of civilians who have been killed or injured in the course of Israel’s military operation in Nablus today. Even when countering extremist forces, the proportionality of the means employed and the absolute protection of the civilian population must always be guaranteed.

The most recent international efforts to stabilise and de-escalate the situation have given grounds for hope. The UN Security Council presidential statement issued in New York on Monday is an expression of this. We urge that these developments be further actively supported and the increasing violence stopped.