NEW YORK, Dec 17 (KUNA) -- UN Deputy Special Coordinator Ramiz Alakbarov condemned Israeli occupation's "relentless" settlement expansion in occupied West Bank, warning it is fueling tensions, restricting Palestinians' access to their land and undermining Palestinian self-determination.
During a UN Security Council briefing late Tuesday via video call from occupied Jerusalem, he stressed that Israeli occupation settlements have no legal validity and violate international law and UN resolutions.
He added that settlement advancement in 2025 has "reached its highest level since UN tracking began in 2017." He urged Israeli occupation to abide by its obligation under international law, recalling the International Court of Justice advisory opinion of July 2024, which obliges Israeli occupation to cease all new settlements activities, evacuates settlers, and end its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory promptly.
Alakbarov warned that Israeli operations in the West Bank have resulted in large numbers of Palestinian casualties, mass displacement and widespread destruction, adding that the continued presence of Israeli forces in refugee camps contradicts commitments to end the illegal occupation.
He warned that continued Israeli occupation security presence in camps contravenes obligations to end the unlawful occupation, noting that attacks intensified during olive oil harvest. He stressed the need for Israeli occupation authorities to prevent such assaults, hold perpetrators accountable and ensure Palestinian farmers' safety.
The UN official also addressed the storming of a UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) compound in East Jerusalem by Israeli occupation forces, reminding the Council that UN premises are inviolable and protected from any form of interference.
Alakbarov expressed concern over the Palestinian Authority's prolonged financial crisis, calling on Israel occupation "must cease punitive unilateral economic measures that threaten peace and stability." Turning to Gaza, he noted some improvement in food availability due to increased aid and commercial supplies, but voiced deep concern over the territory's catastrophic humanitarian situation and extensive damage to infrastructure.
He said humanitarian access remains restricted, with aid convoys facing logistical and security obstacles, urging all parties to allow the full, unhindered entry of assistance.
Alakbarov welcomed the partial reopening of the King Hussein Bridge crossing, while noting that current supply volumes remain limited, calling on Israeli authorities to enable the timely and at-scale movement of life-saving assistance through the indispensable Jordan corridor, in line with Security Council Resolution 2720." He concluded by stressing that the ceasefire in Gaza represents a critical opportunity to halt bloodshed and improve humanitarian conditions, urging all parties to fully implement it and emphasizing the UN's readiness to support recovery and reconstruction efforts. (end) ast.sar