Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories are a “flagrant violation” of international law, according to a UN Security Council resolution adopted on Friday.
It demands that Israel immediately and completely stop all settlement activity which is essential for salvaging the two-State solution, whereby Israel and Palestine exist peacefully alongside each other.
Dianne Penn reports.
Applause after the vote in the UN Security Council chamber on Friday afternoon.
Fourteen countries voted in favour of the resolution while one abstained.
The resolution describes the communities created by Israel as a “major obstacle” to achieving the two-State solution and a lasting peace.
Ramlan Bin Ibrahim is Malaysia’s ambassador to the UN and one of the co-sponsors of the resolution.
“The last time the Council adopted a resolution on settlements was over 36 years ago. Since then, the situation on the ground has worsened to the point where the very prospect of the two-State solution is in question. There is no doubt that this falls under the responsibility of the Security Council under the UN Charter to maintain international peace and security.”
The resolution also calls for immediate steps to prevent all acts of violence against civilians, including acts of terror.
It further urges an acceleration of international and regional diplomatic efforts in support of achieving a just and lasting peace.
Dianne Penn, United Nations.
