United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has strongly condemned Israel’s continued expansion of illegal settlements in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, warning that settlement activity has reached unprecedented levels and is fueling instability across the occupied Palestinian territories.

Guterres said that 2025 has witnessed the largest growth in Israeli settlement plans since the United Nations began systematically monitoring such activity. He stressed that the expansion represents a serious escalation and a direct challenge to international law and efforts toward peace.

“All settlements are illegal and invalid, representing a clear violation of international law,” the Secretary-General affirmed, reiterating the long-standing UN position that Israel’s settlement enterprise has no legal basis and undermines the possibility of a just and lasting solution.

Guterres also condemned the sharp rise in settler violence against Palestinians, warning that attacks by Israeli settlers are increasing at a “dangerous rate” and becoming more severe, particularly during the olive harvest season. Such violence, he noted, further endangers Palestinian civilians and deepens the humanitarian and security crisis in the occupied West Bank.

Turning to Gaza, the UN chief expressed deep concern over the fragile security situation and ongoing violence that continues to threaten the ceasefire. He noted that Israel’s regular airstrikes in the besieged enclave persist in causing significant civilian casualties and widespread destruction of already devastated infrastructure.

Despite limited improvements in the flow of food supplies into Gaza, Guterres warned that key sources of protein remain largely inaccessible for most of the population, exacerbating malnutrition and food insecurity among civilians.

The Secretary-General emphasized that full accountability must be ensured for any grave crimes or violations of international law, underscoring the need for justice and protection for civilians under occupation.

Guterres further warned that the humanitarian situation in Gaza is “catastrophic,” revealing that more than 80 percent of residential and public buildings have been destroyed or severely damaged. He said the scale of destruction highlights the urgent need for sustained humanitarian access, reconstruction, and an end to the violence.

The report adds to mounting international pressure on Israel over its policies in the occupied Palestinian territories, as UN officials and humanitarian organizations continue to warn that without decisive action, conditions for Palestinians will continue to deteriorate rapidly. (ILKHA)