António Guterres Condemns Israel's Expansion of West Bank Settlements as a Flagrant Violation of International Law
UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemned Israel's plans to accelerate the authorization of settlement outposts in the occupied West Bank, labeling the move a "flagrant violation" of international law. The announcement by Benjamin Netanyahu followed a clash near Nablus that left four Palestinians allegedly killed by Israeli forces and two Israeli settlers dead. Guterres warned that these settlements are a major obstacle to the two-state solution and a just, lasting peace. While the international community, including the International Court of Justice, considers the settlements unlawful, Israel maintains that most are legal under its own domestic law. The UN and its partners have called for the urgent protection of civilians and strict respect for international humanitarian law. This comes amid a surge in settler violence, with the UN reporting that 77 Palestinians have been allegedly killed by Israeli forces or settlers this year. Additionally, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported that Israeli forces have tightened restrictions on Palestinian movement, preventing thousands from accessing essential services.