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- Security Council Briefings [dup 833]
- RAPPORTS DROITS DE L'HOMME RCA
- Statements by the UN Special Coordinator
Statement by UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Tor Wennesland, on changes to Israeli settlement advancement procedures
Statement by UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Tor Wennesland, on changes to Israeli settlement advancement procedures
Jerusalem, 19 June 2023
I am deeply concerned by the Israeli Government’s decision yesterday to alter settlement planning procedures that have been in place since 1996, which is expected to expedite settlement expansion. I am also alarmed by the anticipated advancement next week of over 4,000 settlement housing units by Israeli planning authorities.
I reiterate that the establishment by Israel of settlements in the Palestinian territory occupied since 1967, including East Jerusalem, has no legal validity and constitutes a flagrant violation under international law.
I urge the Government of Israel to halt and reverse such decisions, which are a major obstacle to the achievement of the two-State solution and a just, lasting and comprehensive peace.
At a time of increased violence and fragility on the ground, the prolonged absence of a political process, and concerted international and regional efforts to support constructive dialogue between the parties, such steps only push Israelis and Palestinians further apart and risk destabilizing an already highly tense situation on the ground.
[ENDS]
- Secretary-General Statements [dup 827]
Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General on Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory
New York, 19 June 2023
Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General - on Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory
Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for the Secretary-General New York, 19 June 2023
The Secretary-General is deeply troubled by yesterday’s decision by the Israeli Government to amend settlement planning procedures. The changes can be expected to expedite the advancement of Israeli settlement plans in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem. He is also deeply alarmed by the anticipated advancement next week of over 4,000 settlement housing units by Israeli planning authorities.
The Secretary-General reiterates that settlements are a flagrant violation of international law. They are a major obstacle to the realization of a viable two-State solution and a just, lasting and comprehensive peace. The expansion of these illegal settlements is a significant driver of tensions and violence and deepens humanitarian needs. It further entrenches Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territory, encroaches on Palestinian land and natural resources, hampers the free movement of the Palestinian population, and undermines the legitimate rights of the Palestinian people to self-determination and sovereignty.
The Secretary-General urges the Government of Israel to halt and reverse such decisions and to immediately and completely cease all settlement activities in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and to fully respect its legal obligations in that regard. He further calls for concrete steps to be taken to implement the commitments made in the Joint Communiqués in Aqaba, Jordan and Sharm al-Sheik, Egypt, respectively.
- Human Rights Reports [dup 1037]
- Human Rights Reports [dup 1037]