New York (Web Desk): The United Nations (UN) has strongly condemned Israel’s recent decision to authorize the construction of thousands of new homes in the occupied West Bank, declaring the move a breach of international law.
In a statement released on Wednesday, UN Secretary-General António Guterres, through his spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric, expressed firm disapproval of the Israeli Higher Planning Committee’s approval of more than 3,400 housing units in the E1 area.
According to the statement, the establishment of Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, stands in violation of international law and contradicts various United Nations resolutions.
The advancement of this particular project, the UN warns, poses a serious threat to the viability of a two-State solution, a framework long supported by the international community to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
The Secretary-General also emphasized that this planned expansion would severely disrupt the geographical continuity of the West Bank by effectively separating its northern and southern regions.
Such a development would further hinder efforts to establish a contiguous and independent Palestinian state.
Reiterating his previous appeals, Guterres called on the Israeli government to immediately cease all settlement-related activity.
He urged Israel to honor its legal responsibilities under international law, making specific reference to the recent Advisory Opinion issued by the International Court of Justice on July 19, 2024, which reinforces the legal obligations surrounding the issue.