Ramez Akbarov, the UN Deputy Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, warned of the expansion of Israeli settlement activity in the occupied Palestinian territories, referring to UN Security Council Resolution 2334 issued in 2016, which calls on Israel to immediately and completely halt all settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem.

According to the UN News Center, Akbarov stated before the Security Council that the expansion of Israeli settlement activities continues to accelerate alongside the spread of settlement outposts and steps by the Israeli Knesset to promote the annexation of the West Bank.

The UN official confirmed the illegality of Israeli settlements, describing them as a blatant violation of international law and UN resolutions, saying they systematically reduce the area of the Palestinian state and further entrench the illegal Israeli occupation.

Akbarov cited the Secretary-General’s statement that advancing the plan to build settlement units in the E1 area is a catastrophic development, which if implemented would effectively separate the northern West Bank from the south, undermining the territorial contiguity of a sovereign Palestinian state, increasing the risk of forced displacement, and fueling tensions.

He stressed the necessity for Israel to comply with its obligations under international law, referring to the advisory opinion issued by the International Court of Justice on July 19, 2024, which concluded that Israel bears an obligation to immediately cease all new settlement activities, evacuate all settlers, and end its illegal presence in the occupied Palestinian territories as soon as possible.

The UN official expressed deep concern over statements by Israeli government officials about annexing all or parts of the occupied Palestinian territories and called on the Israeli government to halt the demolition of buildings owned by Palestinians.

He condemned the escalation of Israeli military operations across the Gaza Strip, which has led to an unprecedented loss of life and destruction, denouncing the killing of civilians in Gaza, including women and children.

He called for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, the unconditional release of all detainees, and unhindered humanitarian access throughout Gaza.

He said the continued escalation of violence in the West Bank is deeply concerning, conveying the Secretary-General’s call to Israel—the occupying power—to protect the Palestinian population from attacks and intimidation, condemning all acts of violence against civilians, including terrorist acts.

He expressed concern over the ongoing and escalating settler attacks, sometimes occurring near or with the support of Israeli security forces, which lead to the displacement of more Palestinian communities, including in Area C of the West Bank.

He renewed the Secretary-General’s call for all parties to respect and maintain the status quo of the holy sites in Jerusalem, taking into account Jordan’s special and historic role, and confirmed that the United Nations stands ready to support all efforts aimed at achieving a just, comprehensive, and lasting peace.