Special Coordinator Tor Vanesland, speaking at a Security Council meeting on Thursday, called on all parties to refrain from taking any steps that could worsen the situation.
He said violence continues daily in the occupied West Bank, along with the devastating conflict in Gaza.
The UN envoy briefed member states on the implementation of Security Council Resolution 2334 (2016), which calls for a ban on Israeli settlement construction in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
“Despite this, settlement activities continue.”
According to a recent UN report on the issue, from June 11 to September 11, more than 1,500 housing units were approved or progress was made on them in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem.
Apart from this, tenders have been invited for the construction of more than 1000 houses in such settlements.
On the other hand, the Israeli military signed an order on July 18, amending the order implementing the Oslo Accords. It was the first direct peace agreement between Israel and Palestine.
With this move, Israel’s local military commanders have the authority to direct construction activities in certain areas of the West Bank. They were first handed over to the Palestinian Authority.
destruction and evacuation
Meanwhile, Palestinian-owned structures continue to be destroyed and confiscated.
Due to the lack of Israeli permits, 373 structures of the Palestinian population were demolished, confiscated and 553 people, including 247 children, were displaced by forced eviction. Israel is evicting Palestinians from their homes in East Jerusalem, the special coordinator said.
The International Court of Justice presented its opinion on July 19 that Israeli settlements are a violation of international law and that such new activities must cease.
Additionally, the Court made clear that Israel’s presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory is illegal and must end as soon as possible.