UN Rapporteur: Israel's Statements on Gaza Settlements Clear Violation of International Law

The UN Special Rapporteur on the international order, Georges Katrogalos, said that Israel's recent statements regarding the establishment of settlements in the Gaza Strip represent a clear violation of international law.

He confirmed that "the Israeli Defense Minister's statement about establishing settlements in Gaza violates international law." He emphasized the need to move from political condemnations to practical actions, calling for Israel to be held accountable for its violations.

Israeli Defense Minister Yisrael Katz renewed his threats on Thursday that Tel Aviv "will never leave" the Gaza Strip and will establish a security buffer zone and settlements in its north.

He said at a conference "Israel will never leave the Gaza Strip," according to the Israeli newspaper "Haaretz," adding "there will be a wide security zone surrounding the Gaza Strip."

Katrogalos said that "verbal condemnations are insufficient to stop Israel's violations of international law," adding that "sanctions must be imposed on Israel and an arms export ban to it."

The UN rapporteur pointed to what he described as the preferential treatment Israel enjoys on the international stage, considering that it perpetuates a policy of impunity.

Katrogalos also criticized what he considered a clear double standard in the application of international justice, noting the absence of legal accountability for Israeli leaders. He explained that "the double standards of international standards are evident in the non-appearance of Israeli leaders before the International Criminal Court."

For decades, the Palestinian authorities have demanded that the international community pressure Israel to end settlement in the occupied territories, which the United Nations considers "illegal."