A written statement was made from the UN Spokesperson’s Office on the subject.
Guterres stated that Israel is “deeply concerned and disturbed” by the plans for more than 4,000 new settlements in the occupied West Bank, and that the plan in question will accelerate Israel’s settlement activities.
Emphasizing that the settlements are a clear violation of international law, Guterres pointed out that they also pose an obstacle to a two-state, just and lasting peace.
“It is usurping the natural resources of the Palestinian people”
Guterres pointed out that the expansion of illegal settlements triggered tension and violence, and that it also deepened the Israeli occupation and usurped the natural resources of the Palestinian people.
Guterres called on the “Israeli’ government to immediately stop and reverse all settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian territories” and demanded that Israel fulfill its legal obligations.
Israel’s settlement decision
The Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation (KAN) said the Israeli government would approve a resolution at its weekly cabinet meeting that “significantly shortens” the process of obtaining permits to build new settlements.
According to the news of KAN, the decision will allow the construction of more residential units, thus encouraging the construction almost without the approval of the political level, and the first approval of the planning permission will be under the authority of the far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich.
Continuing the construction of illegal settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories, Israel plans to establish a large Jewish settlement.
Palestinians and Israeli leftist organizations such as the Peace Now Movement object to this plan.
The Palestinian Authority and the European Union also emphasize that the move in question will destroy the chance of a two-state solution.
About 700,000 Jewish settlers live around the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem. Jewish settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem are considered illegal under international law.