Fri Sep 20 08:48:24 UTC 2024: ## UN Security Council Condemns Israel’s Settlements, Urges Enforcement of Resolutions
**New York, September 12, 2023** – The United Nations Security Council convened today to address the escalating crisis in the occupied West Bank and Gaza. The meeting was marked by intense debate and condemnation of Israel’s continued expansion of settlements and its recent military operations.
Tor Wennesland, the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, painted a grim picture of the situation, noting that Israel has advanced or approved the construction of 6,370 housing units in settlements in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem. He condemned the demolition of Palestinian homes and the displacement of hundreds of civilians, stating that such actions constitute a “flagrant violation of international law.”
The Council’s focus was on the lack of enforcement of its own resolutions, particularly resolution 2334 (2016), which demands a halt to Israeli settlement activity. Helen Clark, a member of The Elders, criticized the lack of action and challenged the Council to enforce its own decisions. She also urged members to recognize the State of Palestine and support its full UN membership.
The Palestinian observer accused the Council of failing in its primary responsibility and demanded that it uphold its resolutions. He argued that the international community must not expect Palestinians to coexist with their “chains” and urged the Council to ensure respect for its own mandates.
The Israeli delegate, however, blamed Iran for the escalation of violence, accusing it of providing weapons and supporting Hamas and other militant groups. He insisted there was no territorial dispute and that Israel was defending itself against “fanatical ideology” and “hatred” towards its religion and state.
The meeting revealed a deep divide among Council members, with the US and Israel on one side and most other members condemning Israel’s actions. The US representative, while acknowledging the illegality of settlements, criticized “one-sided resolutions” and emphasized the need for a two-state solution.
The Russian representative accused the US of shielding Israel and preventing a just assessment of its actions. He called for a ceasefire in Gaza and for the Council to exert pressure on the US to take a more active role in enforcing international law.
Numerous other Council members expressed deep alarm at the growing settlement activity, the demolition of Palestinian homes, and the violence in the West Bank and Gaza. They highlighted the detrimental impact on Palestinians and urged a halt to the cycle of violence.
The meeting concluded with a call for an immediate ceasefire, the release of hostages, and the provision of humanitarian aid to Gaza. The Council members also acknowledged the need for early recovery and reconstruction in Gaza, even before a ceasefire is achieved.
The UN Security Council’s failure to enforce its own resolutions and the growing divide among its members raise serious concerns about the future of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. With the situation escalating, the international community faces a critical juncture, demanding immediate action to prevent further violence and bloodshed.
First Piper 