UN chief Guterres urges Israel to 'abandon' West Bank annexation plan

As global pressure continues to mount on Israel over dropping West Bank annexation plans, UN chief Antonio Guterres t only called on scrapping of plans but also “most serious violation” of international law. He said in a statement on June 25 that settlements are established in area it would “grievously harm” entire prospect of two-State solution along with suspension of possibility of resuming negotiations. refore, keeping all aspects into consideration, during a virtual meeting of Security Council, Guterres called on Israeli government to t proceed with West Bank annexations along with urging Palestinian leers to indulge in a peaceful dialogue.

However, Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu has me West Bank settlements one of his major ndas for his reelection campaign. However, according to UN, proposal would extend sovereignty by nearly 390 per cent of West Bank. It would also end up covering most art of Jordan Valley along with hundreds of illegal Israeli settlements. Since this plan has been backed by United States, Palestinian leers have cut ties with both Israel and US. UN envoy for Middle East, Nikolay Mlev also warned organisation that peace build over span of 30 years ‘could be at stake’. 

UN chief said, “We are at a watershed moment. If implemented, annexation would constitute a most serious violation of international law, grievously harm prospect of a two-State solution and undercut possibilities of a renewal of negotiations. I call on Israeli Government to abandon its annexation plans.”

Re - Trump Faces Critical Decision On Israel's Bid For Annexation

Re - Israeli Police Release Video Of Alleged Car-ramming Attack

UNHRC calls for strict penalties

Antonio Guterres’ call for Israeli government came just a few days after UNHRC passed resolution with a thin margin on June 19 that would implement strict penalties against Israel for settlement activities and accusations of human rights violations including an arms embargo. According to international media reports, resolution has also called on UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet to come up with a report in 2021 on how Israel can be cornered to here to UN resolutions that call for ceasing settlement activity and withdrawal to lines before 1967.

resolution has called “upon all states to promote compliance with international law and all High Contracting Parties to Fourth Geneva Convention...including by ensuring that y do t become involved in internationally unlawful conduct, and to assess potential that arms could be used to commit or facilitate a serious violation of international humanitarian or human rights law.”

Re - Arab League: Israeli Annexation Could Ignite A Religious War

Re - Israeli Lawmakers Grant Netanyahu Tax Exemptions On Benefits