The UN Security Council has condemned a rampage by Israeli settlers against Palestinians in Hebron, which came after they were evicted from a disputed building in the West Bank city.

The 15-member council issued a non-binding statement on Friday that "welcomed Israel's evacuation of settlers from the compound in Hebron on December 4" but also "condemned the resulting settler violence, including against Palestinian civilians and property."

The council urged "respect for the rule of law without discrimination or exception and welcomed the efforts of the Israeli and Palestinian security services to restore calm."

The meeting was held at the request of Arab UN ambassadors who called on the organisation to "take the necessary measures to prevent further escalation of violence and deterioration of the situation on the ground in the Occupied Palestinian Territory which could have serious implications on the already fragile peace process."

Fresh violence

The UN statement came a day after 250 settlers were forcibly removed from the Hebron compound by Israeli security forces acting on an Israeli high court ruling.

The settlers shot and wounded three Palestinians, and hurled rocks at others, as the security operation went ahead.

Violence in Hebron continued on Friday, with dozens of young Palestinians hurling rocks at Israeli troops, who responded by firing tear gas.

In Gaza City, about 2,000 Palestinians took part in a Hamas-led protest against the violence by the settlers.

In the immediate wake of the evictions of Thursday, the south of the occupied West Bank was declared a closed military zone by Israeli security forces.
 
Right-wing Israelis have vowed to exact revenge for the settlers' eviction.