UN envoy tells Israel to abandon West Bank annexation plans

top United Nations envoy in Middle East told Israel on Wednesday it should abandon its plans to annex parts of West Bank, warning that going ahe would violate international law and deal “a devastating blow” to two-state solution.

Nikolay Mlev also called on United States, Russia and European Union to work with U.N. to quickly come up with a proposal to enable four parties in so-called Middle East Quartet to take up ir mediation role and work with countries in region for peace.

“Israel must abandon threat of annexation," he said. “ Palestinian leership must re-eng with all members of Quartet."

Mlev told U.N. Security Council that in coming weeks all sides should work to preserve prospect of a negotiated two-state resolution to conflict.

“se efforts must begin immediately, re is time to lose,” he said. “ fate of Palestinian and Israeli people must t be determined by destructive unilateral action that cements divisions and may put peace beyond our reach in our lifetime.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to annex Jordan Valley and Jewish settlements in West Bank in line with U.S. President Donald Trump’s Middle East plan, which overwhelmingly favors Israel and was rejected by Palestinians.

Netanyahu formed a new Israeli government earlier this month with his chief rival, Benny Gantz, and coalition agreement allows prime minister to present an annexation proposal to government as soon as July 1.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said late Tuesday Palestinian Authority will longer be committed to any signed agreements with Israel or United States, following Israel’s annexation pledge.

Mlev, U.N. special coordinator for Middle East peace process, told council he would meet with Palestinian Prime Minister Mohamm Shtayyeh on Thursday “to understand better practical side of decision by leership and its implications on ground.”

He said Abbas’ statement also calls for negotiations under international auspices, including by Quartet, to vance a negotiated two-state solution.

U.S. Ambassor Kelly Craft me mention of Abbas’ statement but ackwledged concerns by many council members about Trump’s peace plan.

“What is needed right w, if we hope to take even a first step in right direction, is for parties to sit down with one ar,” she said. “If this council is serious about wanting to see progress in Middle East, n I urge each of you to look seriously at steps you can take to encour direct negotiations.”

Immediately before council met, its four European Union members — France, Germany, Belgium and Estonia — and former member Poland delivered a joint statement. It expressed willingness “to support and facilitate resumed direct and meaningful negotiations between two parties, to resolve all final status issues and achieve a just and lasting peace.”

EU members said y are also rey to eng immediately with Israel’s new government and key parties.

two-state solution, with Jerusalem as future capital for both states, “is only way to ensure sustainable peace and stability in region,” y said. EU has said it will t recognize any changes to 1967 borders unless y are agreed to by Israelis and Palestinians.

Russia’s U.N. Ambassor Vassily Nebenzia warned that doors to a two-state solution may be closed and “ time should be wasted." He said international cooperation and action is needed w “as never before.”