SECURITY COUNCIL DENOUNCES SETTLEMENTS AS ISRAEL PLANS TO ANNEX WEST BANK
June 26, 2024UN Security Council members voiced concern about the violence in the West Bank and urged Israel to end all settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian territory.
Stressing that the number of Palestinians killed in the West Bank remains « deeply alarming, » she said: « We’re concerned by the significant uptick in deadly violence against Palestinian civilians by settlers in the West Bank, and condemn it in the strongest terms. »
The US urges Israel, working in coordination with the Palestinian authorities, to prevent the attacks, she said, adding that advancing Israeli settlements in the West Bank is an « obstacle » to a two-state solution between Israel and Palestine.
UK envoy to the UN, Barbara Woodward, said the UK noted « with concern » the continuing construction of settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem.
« We are clear these settlements are illegal under international law. We reiterate our call on Israel to immediately and completely stop all settlement activities, » said Woodward as she condemned human rights abuses and incitement of violence against Palestinian communities in the West Bank.
French envoy Nicolas de Riviere said as the situation in the Gaza Strip continues to deteriorate, Israeli settlement activity is accelerating in the West Bank.
« France condemns this policy which runs counter to international law and which imperils the prospect of achievement of a two-state solution. We will never recognize the illegal annexation of territory, nor the legal recognition of illegal settlements, » he said while condemning violence by illegal Israeli settlers.
This comes amidst the release of a recorded speech by Religious Zionism chair Bezalel Smotrich which was reported in the New York Times, revealing a grand plan by the settler leader and his political partner, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, to change Israel’s DNA.
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English Script:
Gabriel Elizondo: In the Security Council chamber, once again calls for Israel to stop illegal settlement expansion.
Tor Wennesland: I reiterate that all Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, have no legal validity and are in flagrant violation of international law and relevant UN resolution. I urge the Government of Israel to cease all settlement activities immediately.
Gabriel Elizondo: It was in December 2016 that the Council passed resolution 2334 that stated Israeli settlements are illegal and must immediately stop. Eight years later, they haven’t. In March, the UN said illegal settlements have expanded at a record pace. At the same time, the Israeli government approved over 3000 new homes on Palestinian land. On Tuesday, council members used the meeting to again call out Israel.
Carolyn Rodrigues-Brikett: These actions, coupled with the ongoing demolitions and seizures of Palestinian owned structures, directly threaten the viability of the two state solution since they are a continuous encroachment on Palestinian territory while simultaneously displacing its lawful residents.We call on Israel to immediately and completely cease all settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian territory.
Gabriel Elizondo: Even the US, one of Israel’s most loyal allies, continued to urge Israel to stop.
Linda Thomas-Greenfield: Further we reiterate our belief that Israel’s program of support for the expansion of settlements is inconsistent with international law, and only serves to weaken Israeli security.
Gabriel Elizondo: The Council is united that Israel needs to stop its settlement expansion, but the Israeli government continues anyway, knowing that any action by the council to punish Israel would likely be blocked by the United States.
