Israel condemns UN resolution demanding 'immediate halt' to settlement activities

United States calls the resolution 'unhelpful' as it fails to address Palestinian terrorism

The United Nations Security Council has overwhelmingly passed a resolution demanding that Israel 'immediately and completely' halt all settlement activities in the Palestinian territories.

The resolution, which was adopted on Friday by a vote of 14-0, with the United States abstaining, is the first to pass the council on the issue of settlements in more than three years.

The resolution calls on Israel to "cease all settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem," and expresses "deep concern and regret" over Israel's continued settlement expansion.

The resolution also calls on all states to "distinguish, in their dealings, between the territory of the State of Israel and the territories occupied since 1967."

The United States, which has traditionally vetoed UN resolutions critical of Israel, abstained from the vote, citing concerns that the resolution would not help advance peace efforts between Israel and the Palestinians.

"We do not believe that this resolution is helpful or necessary," US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley said in a statement after the vote. "It does not address the root causes of the conflict and will only serve to further entrench the parties in their positions."

Israel also condemned the resolution, calling it "one-sided" and "biased."

"The resolution ignores the root causes of the conflict and unfairly singles out Israel," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement. "It will not advance peace, but will only make it more difficult."

The Palestinians, on the other hand, welcomed the resolution, calling it a "victory for international law."

"This resolution is a clear condemnation of Israel's illegal settlement activities," Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al-Malki said in a statement. "It is a victory for international law and for the Palestinian people."

The passage of the resolution is likely to further strain relations between the United States and Israel, which have been deteriorating under President Donald Trump.

Trump has repeatedly criticized the UN and has taken steps to reduce US funding for the organization.

The resolution is also likely to complicate efforts to restart peace negotiations between Israel and the Palestinians, which have been stalled for years.