UN Chief Calls Israel for Immediate Cessation of Settlement Activities in Palestine

UN Chief Antonio Guterres
Image Credit: Google

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called on Israel to “cease all settlement activities” in occupied Palestinian territory.

He described Israeli plans to advance the building of settlement as tantamount to “escalating tensions” and “obstructing the path to lasting peace”.

Violent Clashes in Jenin Refugee Camp Prompt Criticism:

Five Palestinians, including a 15-year-old boy, were killed, and over 90 others were injured in intense clashes.

The clashes erupted when Israeli forces conducted a raid on the Jenin refugee camp in the occupied West Bank.

This incident marks the fiercest confrontation in years, involving Palestinian fighters and Israeli troops.

UN Chief Condemns Settlement Expansion as a Violation of International Law:

The UN Secretary-General's spokesperson, Farhan Haq, reiterated that settlements are a clear violation of international law.

Haq emphasized that the expansion of these illegal settlements intensifies tensions, hampers humanitarian efforts, and undermines the rights of the Palestinian people to “self-determination and sovereignty”.

.@antonioguterres is deeply troubled by the Israeli Government’s decision to amend settlement planning procedures.
He urges Israel to immediately and completely cease all settlement activities in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

Full statement: https://t.co/2VEUluS7bf

— UN Spokesperson (@UN_Spokesperson) June 20, 2023

Israel's Settlement Planning Amendments Raise Alarms:

Guterres expressed deep concern over Israel's decision to expedite settlement planning procedures.

This will pave the way for the construction of new settlements in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem.

The approval of over 4,000 settlement housing units and the amendment of planning processes have sparked international criticism as well.

Israel's Settlement Expansion Draws International Criticism:

The United States, Israel's closest ally, expressed profound concern over the settlement expansion plans and changes to the approval processes.

Palestinian groups fear that this expansion could lead to full Israeli control over the entire West Bank, deeming it a dangerous escalation.

Call for Action:

Khaled Elgindy, a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute, stressed that strong words from the UN chief must be accompanied by concrete actions.

 Key players like the United States and the European Union should intervene into the matter.

“Without meaningful consequences, such actions are likely to be ignored,” he said, by emphasizing the necessity for tangible steps on the ground.

(Courtesy: Al-Jazeera)