The Security Council discusses the acceleration of settlement in the occupied Palestinian territory.

The United Nations Security Council held a meeting on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian issue, during which members listened to a briefing from the UN Deputy Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Ramzi Akbrov, regarding settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian territory.

Akbrov referred to Security Council Resolution 2334 issued in 2016, which calls on Israel to immediately and completely cease all settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem, while emphasizing the continued acceleration of Israeli settlement expansion.

During his briefing, Akbrov reviewed the UN Secretary-General's report on the implementation of the resolution and his observations in this regard, clarifying that the expansion of settlements continues to accelerate, alongside the proliferation of settlement outposts and the Israeli Knesset's steps to reinforce the annexation of the West Bank.

The UN official affirmed the illegality of Israeli settlements, stating that they constitute a blatant violation of international law and UN resolutions, and said, "They systematically reduce the territory of the Palestinian state and further entrench the illegal Israeli occupation."

Akbrov conveyed the Secretary-General's warning against proceeding with the E1 plan, describing it as a catastrophic development, as it would practically lead to the separation of northern West Bank from southern West Bank, undermining the continuity of a sovereign Palestinian state and increasing the risk of forced displacement and fueling tensions.

He stressed the necessity for Israel to comply with its obligations under international law, referring to the advisory opinion issued by the International Court of Justice on July 19, 2024, which reaffirms Israel's obligation to immediately cease all new settlement activities, evacuate all settlers, and end its illegal presence in the occupied Palestinian territory as soon as possible.

The Secretary-General expressed grave concern regarding statements from Israeli government officials about annexing all or parts of the occupied Palestinian territory, warning that these policies exacerbate tensions in the region.

For his part, the representative of the Russian Federation, referring to the report, expressed regret over the absence of "reasons for optimism," affirming that Resolution 2334 (2016) is not only not being implemented but is being "flagrantly violated."

He cited Israel's announcement in mid-August of reviving a plan to build settlements in the E1 area, noting that this jeopardizes the prospects for a two-state solution.

Regarding settler violence, the Russian representative emphasized that "this violence cannot occur without relying on extremist settlers who receive support from the authorities."

He stated that Israeli law enforcement agencies either turn a blind eye to the crimes they commit or are complicit in them.

The Security Council meeting today took place on the last day of the high-level general debate of the United Nations General Assembly, where leaders and officials from countries reviewed their national priorities and visions for addressing common challenges.