West Bank, ALRAY - Nine Security Council member states confirmed it in a joint statement the illegality of Israeli settlements under the international humanitarian law.
They declared the willingness to support any initiative aimed at restoring a just and lasting peace that allows Israelis and Palestinians to live side by side in dignity and security, as they put.
The statement, issued by Brazil, Ecuador, Gabon, Ghana, Japan, Malta, Switzerland, United Arab Emirates, and France, followed a session of the Security Council on Israel's implementation of Resolution No. 2334 of 2016.
Council resolution no.2334 reiterated its demand that Israel immediately and completely cease all settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem. It underlined that it would not recognize any changes to the 4 June 1967 lines, including with regard to Jerusalem, other than those agreed by the two sides through negotiations.
The Security Council reaffirmed that Israel’s establishment of settlements in Palestinian territory occupied since 1967, including east Jerusalem, had no legal validity, constituting a flagrant violation under international law and a major obstacle to the vision of two States living side-by-side in peace and security, within internationally recognized borders.
“We are now entering in a period of religious holidays; we appeal to all parties to refrain from further escalating tensions and to show maximum restraint.” Statement read.
The nine countries deplored what it called the high level of violence exerted against civilians on both sides, including settler-related violence.
“We reiterate the Council’s demand that Israel immediately and completely cease all settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem. We also call Israel to stop the continued demolitions and seizures of Palestinian structures, as well as the displacement of Palestinian families. We recall that settlements are illegal under international humanitarian law.” the statement added.
