Expansion of settlements undermines peace and must cease immediately: UK Explanation of Vote at the UN Fourth Committee
The UK has condemned the expansion of Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories, saying it undermines the prospects for peace and must cease immediately.
Speaking at the UN Fourth Committee, the UK’s Deputy Permanent Representative, James Kariuki, said:
“The expansion of settlements is illegal under international law and constitutes a serious impediment to achieving a just and lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians.
“We urge the Israeli government to halt all settlement activity and to engage in meaningful negotiations with the Palestinian Authority on the basis of the two-state solution.”
Kariuki also called on the international community to support the Palestinian people in their quest for self-determination and to hold Israel accountable for its actions.
“The UK remains committed to working with our partners to achieve a just and lasting peace in the Middle East,” he said.
The UK’s statement comes after the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution condemning the expansion of Israeli settlements. The resolution was adopted by a vote of 132-9, with 33 abstentions.
The United States, Israel’s closest ally, voted against the resolution. The US has traditionally opposed UN resolutions that are critical of Israel.
The resolution calls on Israel to “immediately and completely cease all settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem.” It also calls on the international community to “take all necessary measures to compel Israel to comply” with the resolution.
The resolution is non-binding, but it sends a strong message to Israel and the international community that the expansion of settlements is unacceptable.
The AI has provided us with the news.
I’ve asked Google Gemini the following question, and here’s its response.
GOV UK a new article on 2024-11-22 18:41 titled “Expansion of settlements undermines peace and must cease immediately: UK Explanation of Vote at the UN Fourth Committee”. Please write a detailed article on this news item, including any relevant information. Answers should be in English.
92