NEW YORK, November 14, 2025 (WAFA) - UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Thursday issued a strong condemnation of the attack carried out by Israeli colonists against a mosque in the occupied West Bank.

“The secretary-general firmly condemns the attack reported by Israeli settlers against a mosque in Deir Istiya in the occupied West Bank,” UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric told reporters during a press briefing.

He stressed that “acts of violence and blasphemy targeting religious sites are unacceptable,” adding that such locations “must be respected and protected at all times.”

Guterres also condemned “all attacks by Israeli settlers against Palestinians and their property in the occupied West Bank,” warning that these incidents form part of an increasingly dangerous pattern of extremist violence.

“These kinds of incidents are part of an escalating trend that heightens tensions, and they must be stopped immediately,” Dujarric said.

The spokesperson emphasized that Israel, as the occupying power, is obligated under international law to protect the Palestinian civilian population and ensure accountability for those responsible.

Violence by Israeli soldiers and settlers in the occupied West Bank has surged since the start of the Gaza war in October 2023. According to official figures, more than 1,070 Palestinians have been killed and more than 10,300 injured in that period.

M.N