UN chief urges Israel to halt, reverse settlement decisions
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday urged the Israeli government to 'halt and reverse' its latest decisions on settlement activity in the occupied West Bank, said a UN spokesman.
'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,' said UN deputy spokesman Farhan Haq in a statement.
The Secretary-General Guterres is also deeply alarmed by the anticipated advancement next week of over 4,000 settlement housing units by Israeli planning authorities, he said.
Guterres reiterated that settlements are 'a flagrant violation of international law' and a major obstacle to the realization of a viable two-state solution and a lasting peace.
UN chief urged the Israeli government to halt and reverse such decisions and to immediately and completely cease all settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian territory, fully respecting its legal obligations in that regard.
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