UN Security Council Holds Session on Israel's West Bank Actions and Peace Prospects

The UN Security Council held a session on Israel's actions in the West Bank and their impact on peace prospects.

Rosemary DiCarlo, UN Deputy Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, warned that developments in the West Bank are moving in the wrong direction, with Israel's unilateral actions risking gradual de facto annexation. DiCarlo stated: "We are witnessing gradual de facto annexation of the West Bank, as Israel's unilateral actions gradually change the status quo. If these decisions are implemented, it will lead to a dangerous expansion of Israeli civilian authority in the occupied areas."

Yvette Cooper, the British Foreign Secretary who chaired the meeting, expressed concern over rising instability in the West Bank. She described the expansion of settlements and violence by Israeli settlers as a clear violation of international law, adding: "We must prevent further instability in the West Bank and preserve the possibility of establishing a Palestinian state. The expansion of settlements and settler violence is a clear violation of international law and reduces the security of both the Israeli and Palestinian peoples."

Palestinian representative Riyad Mansour accused Israel of attempting to alter the status quo, calling annexation a violation of the UN Charter and international law. Mansour said: "Palestine belongs to the Palestinian people; it is neither for sale nor for seizure. Annexation violates the UN Charter and fundamental international laws and poses an existential threat to peace efforts."

Russia's representative echoed these accusations, stating that the annexation process is advancing openly and threatens peace.

Israel's Foreign Minister Gideon Sa'ar rejected the claims, linking Israel's actions to countering illegal Palestinian constructions. Sa'ar noted: "Nearly 300 illegal constructions by Palestinians are carried out monthly in Area C, but condemnations only target constructions for Israelis."

The session occurred amid ongoing concerns about the Middle East peace process and regional stability.