Ban condemns Israel's approval of new settlement construction in West Bank
| Publisher | IRIN |
| Publication Date | 29 July 2015 |
| Cite as | IRIN, Ban condemns Israel's approval of new settlement construction in West Bank, 29 July 2015, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/55b9dcee4.html [accessed 29 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon condemned the announcement today that Israel has approved construction of some 300 housing units in the West Bank settlement of Beit El, as well as the planning and construction of nearly 500 housing units in a number of settlements in East Jerusalem.
"He reiterates that settlements are illegal under international law, an impediment to peace, and cannot be reconciled with the Government of Israel's stated intention to pursue a two-state solution," said a statement issued by Mr. Ban's spokesperson in New York.
Further to the statement, the Secretary-General urged the Government of Israel to halt and reverse such decisions in the interest of peace and a just final status agreement.
"The Secretary-General remains concerned about the imminent threat of demolitions in the Palestinian village of Susiya in Area C of the West Bank ahead of a 3 August court hearing on a directly related planning petition," the statement added, underscoring that destruction of private property in occupied territory is prohibited under international humanitarian law, and for which actions there must be accountability.
