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UN warns annexation in West Bank would violate international law, urges steps toward two-state solution
Summary
A United Nations representative warned that proposed annexation of parts of the West Bank would be a serious violation of international law, flagged accelerated settlement approvals and control transfers in Area C, and called for irreversible action toward a two-state solution with Jerusalem as capital for both states in line with UN resolutions.
A United Nations representative told the Security Council that settlement expansion and administrative changes in the West Bank threaten the integrity and contiguity of the occupied Palestinian territory and said senior Israeli officials’ statements about possible annexation would “constitute the most serious violation of international law.”
The speaker said Israeli initiatives over the past two years have “streamlined and accelerated the settlement approval process,” and that control over many aspects of planning and daily life in Area C of the West Bank has been transferred to Israeli civilian authorities. The representative warned that these developments deepen the risk to contiguity and to prospects for a negotiated two-state solution.
The UN representative said greater stability in the Middle East requires “irreversible action towards a two state solution with Israel and Palestine living side by side in peace and security in line with international law, relevant UN resolutions, and previous agreements with Jerusalem as the capital of both states.” The speaker urged continued UN support for efforts to advance peace, stability and a more hopeful future for Palestinians and Israelis.
