UN says Israeli settlement approvals could fuel instability

A spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres says Israel’s approval of new settlement homes can “fuel instability,” and hurt the chances for peace talks.

“We are concerned about the reports of Israel’s settlement advancements in the occupied West Bank and will continue to follow developments closely, as the Israeli High Planning Committee finalizes its meetings tomorrow,” Stephane Dujarric says. “The Secretary-General has consistently reiterated that all settlements are illegal under international law and remain a substantial obstacle to peace.”

“We urge the Israeli authorities to refrain from such unilateral actions that fuel instability and further erode the prospects for resuming Palestinian-Israeli negotiations on the basis of relevant UN resolutions, international law and bilateral agreements,” he adds.