UN slams Israel’s expansion of illegal settlements in occupied West Bank
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has condemned Israel's plans to expand and legalize settlements in the occupied West Bank, labeling them a violation of international law. This comes amid rising violence in the region and a recent ICJ advisory opinion on the occupation.
Why it matters
The statement underscores the deepening diplomatic rift regarding the two-state solution and the legality of Israeli actions in Palestinian territories.
UN chief Guterres says settlements a ‘flagrant violation’ of international law, amid escalating violence.
x whatsapp-stroke copylink google Add Al Jazeera on Google info United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres reiterated that Israeli settlements are illegal [File: Omar Sanadiki/AP] By Al Jazeera Staff Published On 27 Jul 2026 27 Jul 2026 United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has condemned Israeli plans to accelerate the development of settlements in the occupied West Bank.
Guterres said in a statement released on Monday that Israeli settlements in the Palestinian territory have “no legal validity” and constitute a “flagrant violation” of international law. His criticism comes amid escalating violence in the West Bank as well as Israeli plans to legalise existing outposts and establish new ones.
Guterres said the settlements remain a major obstacle to a two-state solution and to a “just, lasting and comprehensive peace” between Israelis and Palestinians.
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