DaysofPal- Israeli settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank has reached its highest level since the United Nations began systematically monitoring such activity in 2017, according to a new report by UN Secretary-General António Guterres.
In a document submitted to members of the UN Security Council, Guterres said indicators of settlement growth peaked in 2024, marking an unprecedented surge in construction approvals and tenders. The report noted that plans were submitted, approved, or opened for tender for approximately 47,390 settlement housing units during the year, a sharp increase from around 26,170 units in 2023.
The figures represent a dramatic rise compared with previous years, the report said, pointing out that the annual average between 2017 and 2022 stood at roughly 12,800 settlement units.
Guterres strongly condemned the continued expansion of Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, warning that such activities fuel tensions, deprive Palestinians of access to their land, and undermine the prospects for establishing an independent and sovereign Palestinian state.
He stressed that settlement expansion entrenches Israeli unlawful occupation, violates international law, and infringes upon the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination. The UN chief reiterated his call for an immediate halt to all settlement activity.
According to the report, more than 700,000 Israeli settlers currently live in settlements considered illegal under international law, among a Palestinian population of about three million in the West Bank.
These figures do not include occupied East Jerusalem, which the Israeli occupation annexed in a move not recognized internationally.
Guterres also expressed deep concern over a troubling rise in settler violence, including attacks allegedly carried out in some cases with the presence or support of Israeli security forces.
He warned that escalating violence and military operations have resulted in significant civilian casualties, including women and children, as well as widespread displacement and destruction of homes and infrastructure.
Israeli military operations in the West Bank have intensified since the outbreak of the war on Gaza on October 7, 2023.
Since then, more than 1,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces or settlers, the report said, underscoring the deteriorating security and humanitarian situation in the occupied territory.
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