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UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres voiced strong concern over recent Israeli decisions in the West Bank. The Israeli security cabinet plans administrative and enforcement measures in Areas A and B.
In a statement, Guterres said Israel’s presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory is destabilizing and unlawful, as noted by the International Court of Justice. He stressed that all Israeli settlements in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, have no legal validity under international law.
He urged Israel to reverse these measures. Additionally, he called on all parties to maintain the path to peace through a negotiated two-State solution, in line with UN Security Council resolutions.
Israeli Cabinet Advances Settlement Plans
According to Ynet, Israel’s cabinet is taking steps that may deepen control over parts of the West Bank. Measures proposed by ministers Israel Katz and Bezalel Smotrich include:
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Changing land registration and property procedures in the West Bank
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Allowing demolition of Palestinian-owned buildings in Area A
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Expanding Jewish settlements in the West Bank
Palestinian Leaders Condemn Decisions
The Palestinian Presidency criticized the Israeli measures, calling them a threat to Palestinian rights and an attempt to annex parts of the West Bank.
They said the moves violate agreements between the Palestine Liberation Organization and Israel, international law, and UN resolutions. These include the Oslo Accords and the Hebron Agreement.
Furthermore, Palestinian authorities warned that the measures could escalate tensions and weaken the prospects for a two-State solution.
