Guterres urges Israel to “change course” on West Bank policy
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said on July 16th that Israel’s policy toward the West Bank dooms the prospect of a two-state solution with the Palestinians, The New Arab and agencies reported.
Through administrative and legal steps, Israel seeks to change the geography of the West Bank, Guterres said. Additionally, he noted that settlement expansion will speed up due to land seizures in strategic areas and changes to planning, land management and governance.
“Recent developments are driving a stake through the heart of any prospect for a two-state solution,” said Guterres.
On July 3rd, Israel launched its largest land seizure in over 30 years by taking hold of over 24 million square metres of land in the West Bank. Additionally, April documents revealed the plans for even more settlements in the territory.
READ: Israeli settlers attack Palestinian shepherds in West Bank
“We must change course,” said Guterres. “All settlement activity must cease immediately.” He declared such settlements a violation of international law and an obstacle to peace with the Palestinians.
“Such moves directly undermine conditions necessary for a viable independent Palestinian state with a contiguous capital in East Jerusalem,” said Amy Cohen of Israeli NGO Ir Amim. “All this while bringing planning and building for Palestinians in the city to a complete stop.”
Guterres also said that Israel is actively taking steps to extend sovereignty over the West Bank, working against the Palestinian Authority and having legalised five Israeli outposts.
“The humanitarian situation in Gaza is a moral stain on us all,” he said.
The New Arab and agencies
