Global Courant
TORONTO
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday urged the Israeli government to “stop and reverse” its latest decisions on settlement activities in the occupied West Bank.
“The Secretary-General is deeply disturbed by the Israeli government’s decision to change settlement planning procedures yesterday. The changes can be expected to accelerate the progress of Israel’s settlement plans in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem,” UN deputy spokesman Farhan said. Statement Right.
Haq said the Secretary-General is also deeply concerned about the expected progress by Israeli planning officials in building more than 4,000 settlements next week.
Guterres reiterated that the settlements were “a flagrant violation of international law” and a major obstacle to the realization of a viable two-state solution and lasting peace.
He noted that the enlargement of settlements “is a major driver of tension and violence and deepens humanitarian needs”.
The enlargement “further consolidates Israel’s occupation of the Palestinian territories, encroaches on Palestinian land and natural resources, hinders the free movement of the Palestinian population, and undermines the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people to self-determination and sovereignty,” he added.
Guterres urged the Israeli government to halt and reverse such decisions, and to immediately and completely cease all settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian territory, while fully respecting its legal obligations in this regard.
He also called for more concrete steps to be taken to fulfill the commitments made in the joint declarations in Jordan’s Aqaba and Egypt’s Sharm El Sheikh.
Israel’s settlement decision
The Israeli government announced new tenders Sunday to build around 4,500 settlements in existing settlements in the West Bank.
The UN considers Israeli settlement activity illegal and says it undermines the internationally accepted two-state solution.
Estimates suggest that around 700,000 settlers live in 164 settlements and 116 outposts in the occupied West Bank.
Under international law, all Jewish settlements in the occupied territories are considered illegal.
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