The United Nations has expressed concern over June 18th’s decision by the Israeli Government to amend settlement planning procedures which can expedite advancement of Israeli settlement plans in occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem.
United Nations Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres who made this known in a statement attributed to his Deputy Spokesperson, Farhan Haq on Israel and the occupied Palestinian Territory on Monday.
The UN Chief, Gutterres also deeply alarmed by the anticipated advancement the next week of over 4,000 settlement housing units by Israeli planning authorities.
He reiterated 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 UN Chief said.
Gutterres urged 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 called for concrete steps to be taken to implement the commitments made in the Joint Communiqués in Aqaba, Jordan and Sharm al-Sheik, Egypt, respectively.
Earlier, the United States Goverment is also deeply troubled by the Israeli government’s reported decision to advance planning for over 4,000 settlement units in the West Bank.
According to the statement released by the State Department Spokesman on Sunday, as United States concerned by reports of changes to Israel’s system of settlement administration that expedite the planning and approvals of settlements.
“As has been longstanding policy, the United States opposes such unilateral actions that make a two-state solution more difficult to achieve and are an obstacle to peace.
While the United States called on the Government of Israel to fulfill the commitments it made in Aqaba, Jordan and Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt and return to dialogue aimed at de-escalation.
Israel’s government Sunday granted a pro-settlement firebrand authority over planning in the occupied West Bank and lifted red tape on the settlement housing approval process.
The changes make it easier for Israel to expand its settlements on land the Palestinians seek as the heartland of their future state, at a time when hopes for peace are more distant than ever.
Palestinian Govt condemned the Israel’s decision and called upon international community to pressure Israel “to take the necessary practical steps to force the Israeli government to stop its illegal unilateral measures.”
