The United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Tor Wennesland, stressed Tuesday, April 25, 2023, that all Israeli settlements are illegal under international law and constitute a main stumbling block to maintain peace.

In a speech to the Security Council, Wennesland affirmed that the unilateral Israeli measures, provocations and evident incitement enable violence in the occupied West Bank and obstruct resolving the conflict in the region.

He added that based on the outcomes of the Al-Aqaba and Sharm el-Sheikh Summits, he urges all parties not to take any further steps that might exacerbate the situation, calling on the occupation authorities to end the deliberate illegal displacement of Palestinians.

He concluded by confirming that there is a great need for the efforts of the international community to support Palestinian institutions and improve governance and financial support for such.