The United Nations has issued a stark warning about Israel’s ongoing settlement expansion in the occupied Palestinian territories, declaring it a major obstacle to peace and a violation of international law.

During a UN Security Council session on Monday, Mohamed Khaled Khiari, Assistant Secretary-General for the Middle East, Asia, and the Pacific, presented the Secretary-General’s quarterly report on Resolution 2334, which demands an end to Israeli settlement activities in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.

Khiari condemned the continued growth of settlements, stating that it deepens Israel’s occupation, fuels settler violence, restricts Palestinian movement, and undermines their right to self-determination. He highlighted Israel’s recent decision to resume land registration in Area C of the West Bank, warning that it could facilitate further illegal settlement expansion. The UN official also criticized Israel’s demolition and seizure of Palestinian structures, including internationally funded humanitarian projects, describing these actions as breaches of international law that risk forcibly displacing Palestinian communities.

The session also addressed the escalating security crisis in the West Bank, where recent Israeli military operations in northern areas have caused significant civilian casualties, including women and children, and widespread destruction in refugee camps. Khiari called for accountability and an end to such violence.

Turning to the Palestinian Authority’s worsening financial crisis, Khiari warned that it threatens the government’s ability to deliver essential services. He urged Israel to stop deducting Palestinian clearance revenues and called on the international community to provide urgent financial and political support to stabilize Palestinian institutions. He also stressed the need for robust frameworks to address Gaza’s humanitarian crisis, promote reconstruction, and support the creation of a viable Palestinian state. Khiari welcomed Palestinian reform efforts, including the appointment of a vice president, as a positive step toward institutional renewal.

Despite the postponement of a planned international peace conference, Khiari praised France and Saudi Arabia for their commitment to hosting the event in the future. He reiterated the UN’s firm opposition to any forced displacement of Palestinians, warning that such actions would constitute a grave violation of international law. Khiari also condemned recent killings and injuries of civilians seeking humanitarian aid in Gaza, calling for an independent investigation to hold those responsible accountable.

In closing, Khiari reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to its humanitarian principles of humanity, impartiality, independence, and neutrality, emphasizing that the organization will not participate in any aid operations that compromise these values. The UN continues to advocate for a just resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the establishment of a sustainable peace. (ILKHA)