Neelam Rahim | neelam@radioislam.co.za

2-minute read
22 June 2023 | 18:47 CAT

Image: The Canberra Times

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called on Israel to immediately cease all settlement activities in occupied Palestinian territory, describing Israel’s plans to advance the building of Israeli settlements as driving tensions and violence and being a major obstacle to lasting peace.

The UN chief’s comments come after five Palestinians were killed – including a 15-year-old boy – and more than 90 were wounded in the fiercest clashes in years, which erupted when Israeli forces raided the Jenin refugee camp in the occupied West Bank on Monday.

“The Secretary-General reiterates that settlements are a flagrant violation of international law. They are a major obstacle to realising a viable two-State solution and a just, lasting and comprehensive peace,” Deputy UN spokesperson Farhan Haq said.

“The expansion of these illegal settlements is a significant driver of tensions and violence and deepens humanitarian needs,” Haq said.

Professor Jeff Halper, the former head of the Israeli Committee Against House Demolitions, spoke to Radio Islam International. He said Israel attempts to quench or crush the Palestinian resistance’s last elements.

“They want to expand the settlements from 400 thousand settlers to 1 million in the next few years, at the same time end Palestinian resistance,” says Prof Halper.

Palestinian groups have also expressed deep concerns that the entire West Bank could soon come under Israeli control.

Listen to the full interview on Your World Today with Mufti Yusuf Moosagie.