The United Nations has condemned the Israeli security cabinet's decision to approve 34 new settlements in the West Bank, labeling the move as an attempt to consolidate the annexation of Palestinian territory.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk expressed "grave concern" regarding the announcement. He noted that this figure represents the largest number of settlements approved in a single action.
"This continues the marked upward trend of illegal settlement construction, which extends and consolidates the Israeli annexation of the occupied Palestinian territory," Turk stated in a social media release from his office.
Turk demanded that the Israeli government halt all expansion efforts immediately. He called for the evacuation of settlers and an end to the occupation of Palestinian land.
Expansion of Israeli presence
Reports from the Commission against the Wall and Settlements, alongside human rights groups Yesh Din and Peace Now, revealed the approval of the 34 settlements last week. According to the Israeli newspaper The Times of Israel, the decision was reached during a security cabinet meeting several weeks ago.
The Israeli executive has not yet officially confirmed the announcement.
If verified, this move brings the total number of settlements built or legalized to 103 since the current Israeli government took office in December 2022. This surge far exceeds the six settlements approved over the previous 30 years, according to The Times of Israel.
International law considers all settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories illegal. While the Israeli government distinguishes between authorized and unauthorized outposts, international bodies and the International Court of Justice (ICJ) maintain that all such constructions violate international legal standards.
