Post: UN Chief Reiterates Illegality of Israeli Settlements in West Bank

New york: United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on Friday reiterated that all Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, along with their associated infrastructure, lack legal validity and constitute a violation of international law and relevant UN resolutions. According to Palestine News and Information Agency, UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric stated during the daily press briefing that Guterres expressed deep concern over Israeli authorities granting "city" status to the Israeli settlement of Givat Ze'ev in the occupied West Bank. Guterres stressed that the administrative designation does not alter its legal status under international law as part of the occupied Palestinian territory. Dujarric conveyed that the UN chief emphasized Israeli settlements remain a major obstacle to achieving a two-state solution and establishing a just, lasting, and comprehensive peace. Guterres continues to call on Israel to halt all colonial expansion activities and related measur es in line with relevant UN Security Council resolutions, while also referring to the advisory opinion issued by the International Court of Justice on July 19, 2024.