Guterres condemned Israel’s recent advance of plans to build in the occupied West Bank
A strong statement by the Spokesman for the Prime Minister also said that settlements are a serious violation of international law and relevant UN resolutions. Antonio Guterres, he said, urged the Government of Israel to stop and reverse the expansion of settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, immediately and cease all settlement activities there and to respect the relevant legal obligations.
The statement indicated the progress of the plans for Monday over 5,500 home units in Israeli settlements in Area C of the occupied West Bank, with the retroactive regularization, under Israeli law, of three settlement outposts near the settlement of Eli.
Settlements prevent peace
Antonio Guterres stressed that Israel’s expansion of settlements, including in East Jerusalem, “it deepens humanitarian needs, causes violenceincreases the risk of confrontation, further entrenches the responsibility, and undermines the right of Palestinians to self-determination“.
The UN chief warned that ongoing settlements hinder the possibility of establishing a viable Palestinian state, based on pre-1967 lines and hinder the ability to achieve a viable two-state solution, and a flower, lasting and perfect peace. .
