## Israel in the News: UN Resolution Condemns Settlements ### Condemnation from UN Security Council **Jerusalem** - The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) unanimously adopted Resolution 2334 on December 23, 2016, firmly condemning Israel's illegal settlement activity in the occupied Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem. The resolution passed with 14 votes in favor and one abstention from the United States. ### Key Points: * Declares that Israeli settlements have "no legal validity" and constitute a "flagrant violation" of international law. * Calls on Israel to immediately cease all settlement activity. * Affirms that the establishment of a viable and contiguous Palestinian state is essential for a just and lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. * Calls on all states to refrain from providing any support to Israeli settlements. ### Israel's Response: Israel strongly rejected the resolution, calling it "biased" and claiming that it failed to address Palestinian terrorism and incitement. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu denounced the resolution as "a shameful surrender to the forces of terrorism and darkness." ### International Community's Reaction: The resolution was welcomed by the Palestinian Authority and many countries around the world. U.S. President Barack Obama, who abstained from the vote, expressed disappointment but stressed that the United States continues to support a two-state solution. ### Implications: The resolution underscores the international community's firm opposition to Israeli settlements and could have significant implications for future negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians. It could also strengthen legal challenges to Israeli settlements and increase pressure on Israel to adhere to international law. ### Conclusion: Resolution 2334 represents a major setback for Israel and its settlement policy. It reflects the international community's growing impatience with the status quo and its commitment to a just and lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict based on a two-state solution. ### Sources: * [UN Security Council Resolution 2334](https://www.un.org/press/en/2016/sc12647.doc.htm) * [Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's Statement on Resolution 2334](https://www.pmo.gov.il/eng/MediaCenter/SpokesmanStatements/Pages/Statement-by-PM-Netanyahu-regarding-the-UNSC-resolution-on-settlements.aspx) * [U.S. Statement on UN Security Council Resolution 2334](https://www.whitehouse.gov/the-press-office/2016/12/23/statement-press-secretary-united-nations-security-council-resolution-2334)
