UN Secretary-General Denounces Israel's 'Clear Violations' of International Law in West Bank

Guterres Condemns Settlement Expansion, Forced Evictions

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has strongly condemned Israel's ongoing settlement expansion and forced evictions in the occupied West Bank, calling them "clear violations" of international law.

In a statement released on Tuesday, Guterres expressed deep concern over the recent surge in demolitions and evictions of Palestinian homes and structures in the occupied territories.

Israeli Settlement Expansion Condemned

Guterres specifically highlighted Israel's plans to advance the construction of thousands of new housing units in existing settlements in the West Bank, a move he said would "further entrench the occupation and undermine the viability of a two-state solution."

The Secretary-General emphasized that all settlement activities are illegal under international law and constitute a major obstacle to peace.

Forced Evictions Violate International Humanitarian Law

Guterres also denounced the Israeli military's forced eviction of Palestinian families from their homes, often with little notice or compensation.

He stressed that such actions violate international humanitarian law and "undermine the rights and dignity of the Palestinian people."

Call for Immediate Halt to Settlement Expansion, Forced Evictions

The Secretary-General urged Israel to immediately halt all settlement expansion and forced evictions, and to comply with its obligations under international law.

He also called on the international community to intensify efforts to find a just and lasting solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict based on the two-state solution.

Background Information

The issue of Israeli settlements in the West Bank has been a major point of contention between Israel and the Palestinians for decades.

International law considers settlements to be illegal under the Fourth Geneva Convention, which prohibits an occupying power from transferring its own civilian population into occupied territory.

The United Nations has repeatedly called for an end to settlement expansion and forced evictions as they undermine the prospects for a two-state solution to the conflict.