UN censures Israel on illegal settlements —again

The United Nations stated on March 24 that Israel has not yet taken any steps towards stopping illegal settlements in Palestinian territory. According to UN Middle East envoy Nickolay Mladenov, instead of working to halt the illegal settlements, Israel has authorized "a high rate" of settlements in contravention of international law. UNSC Resolution 2334 (PDF), which passed with a 14-0 vote at the end of 2016, called upon Israel to stop the development of these settlements "not only because they're illegal, but [also because] they are the main obstacle in the path of the two-state solution." Currently, there are 430,000 Israelis settled in the Palestinian West Bank and 200,000 Israeli's in East Jerusalem.

From Jurist, March 21. Used with permission.

  1. UN disappointed with Israel settlement decision

    On April 7, Antonio Guterres, the United Nations Secretary-General, expressed his discontent with Israel's latest decision to build settlements in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. A spokesman for Guterres said the UN official "condemns all unilateral actions that, like the present one, threaten peace and undermine the two-state solution."

    Israel's Security Cabinet voted unanimously the previous day to approve the first new major settlement in the West Bank in more than 20 years. The settlement will be constructed near Nablus and is intended to house approximately 40 families whose houses were demolished in the clearing of an unauthorized settlement in February. (Jurist, April 1)