The UN chief warned that the current trajectory on the ground – including this decision – is eroding prospects for a two-state solution, according to a statement issued by his spokesperson.
The settlements are illegal.
He reiterated that all Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and their associated regime and infrastructure, have no legal validity and constitute a flagrant violation of international law, including relevant UN resolutions.
“Such actions, including Israel’s continued presence in the occupied Palestinian territory, are not only destabilizing but – as the International Court of Justice reminds us – illegal,” the statement said.
The Secretary General called on Israel to reverse the measures.
He also urged all parties to “preserve the only path to lasting peace, a negotiated two-State solution, in line with relevant Security Council resolutions and international law.”
Going off course
UN spokesman Stéphane Dujarric was asked about this statement during his regular briefing with journalists in New York.
“These decisions are not taking us in the right direction,” he said.
“They are taking us further and further away from a two-state solution and from the ability of the Palestinian authority and the Palestinian people to control their own destiny.”
Relief efforts underway in Gaza
Meanwhile, humanitarian personnel in the Gaza Strip continue to respond to the immense needs of the population despite impediments and a challenging operating environment.
The UN and its partners serve hundreds of thousands of meals every day, in addition to providing digital money and monthly rations, Dujarric said.
Colleagues report that Gaza City continues to face severe shortages of drinking and domestic water despite the recent reopening of the valve on the Mekorot supply line connecting Israel to Gaza for fresh water.
Support in water and hygiene.
Currently, only 6,000 cubic meters of water reach the population of Gaza City every day, with significant losses in areas that are difficult to access.
“To mitigate this shortfall, we and our partners have increased water production and truck deliveries from private sector groundwater wells and desalination plants,” he said.
Aid partners have distributed more than 100,000 jerrycans of water throughout the Gaza Strip since late January, he added.
They have also provided more than 700,000 bars of soap, more than 25,000 hygiene kits, more than 400 domestic latrines and 250 anti-lice kits.
Threat of explosive devices
YesSince Wednesday, humanitarian mine action workers have conducted more than 200 assessments of potential explosive hazards in support of debris removal.
Last week they reached more than 10,000 educated children and adults warning them about the risks of explosive munitions, which remain a major threat.
Since the ceasefire came into effect last October, 33 incidents involving explosive devices have been reported, causing nine deaths and 65 injuries.
Restrictions and limitations
The UN aid coordination office, OCHA, noted that humanitarian assistance continues to be hampered by restrictions, including limitations on the entry of so-called “dual-use” items and those classified as non-humanitarian in nature.
This includes spare parts and certain shelter materials.
Humanitarian operations are also being undermined by Israel’s cancellation of the registration of some international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and restrictions placed on the UN agency assisting Palestinian refugees – UNRWA – and sister agencies.