UN coordinator condemns settlement expansion in the West Bank

The UN special coordinator for the Middle East peace process condemned Israeli settlement expansion in the West Bank, warning of its repercussions on Palestinians. He noted the publication of tenders for the construction of 2,240 settlement units, and the demolition of 536 Palestinian structures, leading to the displacement of 736 Palestinians, alongside ongoing Israeli raids on Gaza.

The UN special coordinator for the Middle East peace process strongly condemned the ongoing expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank, warning of the repercussions of field developments on Palestinians and their freedom of access to their lands. The UN coordinator stated that developments in Areas A and B raise growing concerns about the encirclement of Palestinians and restrictions on their access to agricultural land and open spaces, noting the continuation of Israeli settlement activity at high levels during the period from June 13 to September 18. He explained that the Israeli occupation's Ministry of Housing published tenders for the construction of about 2,240 settlement units in the West Bank, while occupation authorities continue to demolish and confiscate Palestinian structures under the pretext of lacking building permits, which he said are nearly impossible for Palestinians to obtain. He added that Israeli occupation authorities demolished or confiscated 536 Palestinian structures in the West Bank, leading to the displacement of 736 Palestinians. In the Gaza Strip, the UN coordinator noted the continuation of daily Israeli airstrikes in densely populated areas west of the so-called "Yellow Line."