New York, December 18 (Petra) – The United Nations Security Council held an open session on Wednesday on the Question of Palestine, during which members received a briefing from Assistant Secretary-General for Middle East Affairs, Khaled Khiari.

Khiari expressed concern over the ongoing Israeli settlement expansion, including in East Jerusalem, emphasizing that such actions "fuel tensions, hinder Palestinians' access to their lands, and jeopardize the viability of a future independent, democratic, contiguous, and sovereign Palestinian state."

The session followed the Secretary-General’s submission of his quarterly report to the Council last week on the implementation of Resolution 2334, adopted on December 23, 2016, which calls on Israel to cease all settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem.

Khiari voiced deep concern over Israel's systematic promotion of policies aimed at increasing civilian authority in the occupied West Bank. He noted that some Israeli officials have called for the annexation of areas within the territory.

The UN official urged the Israeli government to immediately halt all settlement activities, as well as the demolition and confiscation of Palestinian-owned structures, including internationally funded humanitarian projects, and to prevent the displacement of Palestinians, in line with its international obligations under international law.

Khiari also raised concerns regarding two laws passed by the Israeli Knesset that could potentially prevent the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) from continuing its work in the occupied Palestinian territories. He warned that such measures could have devastating consequences for Palestinian refugees.

He urged Israel to act consistently with its obligations under the UN Charter, international law, and humanitarian law, including respecting the privileges and immunities of the United Nations. Khiari emphasized that national legislation cannot override these commitments.

//Petra// AF

18/12/2024 22:16:31