Posted on 07/09/23
| News Source: Arutz-7
Sven Kuehn von Burgsdorff, the European Union (EU) representative to Palestinian Authority-assigned territories, on Saturday blasted Israel over its counterterrorism operation in Jenin, claiming its use of force was disproportional, Turkish public broadcaster TRT World reported.
Speaking during a tour of Jenin, Kuehn von Burgsdorff said "the [Israeli] military assault on Jenin was painful" and a "violation of international law".
"We are concerned about the deployment of weaponry and weapons systems which question the proportionality of the military during the operation," Kuehn von Burgsdorff said.
"This cycle of violence has to end, it cannot continue. If there is no political solution to the conflict, we are going to stand here in a week's time, in a month's time, in a year's time, with nothing changed," he added.
The EU envoy’s comments follow UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’ sharp criticism of the Israeli operation late last week.
Guterres claimed the operation in Jenin had left over 100 civilians injured, forced thousands to flee, damaged schools and hospitals and disrupted water and electricity networks.
He also criticized Israel for preventing the injured from getting medical care and humanitarian workers from reaching everyone in need.
“I strongly condemn all acts of violence against civilians, including acts of terror,” Guterres was quoted as having told reporters.