LONDON: The UK Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said on Friday it was “deeply concerned” by Israel’s military operation in the occupied West Bank.

An FCDO statement said it defended Israel’s right to self-defense but urged restraint in its methods in the Palestinian territory.

“We recognize Israel’s need to defend itself against security threats, but we are deeply worried by the methods Israel has employed and by reports of civilian casualties and the destruction of civilian infrastructure,” it said.

“The risk of instability is serious and the need for de-escalation urgent. We continue to call on Israeli authorities to exercise restraint, adhere to international law, and clamp down on the actions of those who seek to inflame tensions.

“The UK strongly condemns settler violence and inciteful remarks such as those made by Israel’s National Security Minister (Itamar) Ben-Gvir, which threaten the status-quo of the Holy Sites in Jerusalem.

“It is in no one’s interest for further conflict and instability to spread in the West Bank,” it added.

On Friday the Israeli military said it killed a local Hamas commander in the West Bank city of Jenin as it continued its major operation in the territory for a third day.

At least 17 Palestinians have been killed since Wednesday, including the local commander of the Iranian-backed Islamic Jihad forces in Tulkarm.