Guterres: Israel's actions in West Bank threaten prospects for two-state solution
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres criticized the Israeli security cabinet's decision to approve a series of administrative and executive measures in parts of the West Bank, warning that these actions threaten the prospects for a two-state solution.
Guterres stated on Monday, February 9, that all Israeli settlements in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and their related infrastructure lack any legal basis and violate international law as well as UN resolutions.
He added that Israel's continued presence in Palestinian territories not only leads to instability but is also illegal according to the International Court of Justice.
Guterres urged Israel to halt these measures and called on all parties to pursue the sole path to lasting peace in line with UN Security Council resolutions and international law.
The statement comes amid a critical human rights situation in Palestine. The UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) has said it requires $1.26 billion in urgent funding to address the humanitarian crisis.
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