The United Nations has said that Israel is violating international law by building settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
UN accuses Israel (symbolic image)
The United Nations on Thursday accused Israel of openly violating international law by building settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. He called the settlements illegal and asked the new government of the country to immediately stop the expansion of the settlements. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the UN envoy to the Middle East, Tor Vanceland, reported in 2016 the implementation of the Security Council resolution, saying these settlements “do not have legal recognition”.
It sought to halt Israel’s expansion into the West Bank and East Jerusalem as these are the places Palestine wants to include in its territory. While briefing the council on Guterres’ 12-page report, Vansland said he was deeply troubled by Israel’s approval of plans to add 540 housing units and set up a frontier settlement outpost in the Haar Homa settlement in East Jerusalem.
Immediately stop displacement of Palestinians
He said it was “unlawful even under Israeli law.” It is a major obstacle to achieving a comprehensive and lasting peace and a two-state solution, Vanceland said. All activities related to expansion of settlements should be stopped immediately. Guterres and Vansland called on Israeli officials to stop demolition of Palestinian homes and other properties, displace Palestinians, and approve plans that allow these communities to legally build and meet their development needs. Take care also.
31 projects approved
An Israeli defense ministerial body on Wednesday pushed 31 projects to build settlements in the West Bank. This is the first such step after taking charge under the new government of the country. Israeli media reported that the plan approved by the civil administration included a shopping centre, a school with special needs and several infrastructure projects and some changes to existing West Bank settlements.
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