NEW YORK, July 17, 2026 (WAFA) - United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on Friday reiterated that all Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, along with their associated infrastructure, lack legal validity and constitute a violation of international law and relevant UN resolutions.

UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric said during the daily press briefing that Guterres expressed deep concern over Israeli authorities granting "city" status to the Israeli settlement of Givat Ze'ev in the occupied West Bank, stressing that the administrative designation does not alter its legal status under international law as part of the occupied Palestinian territory.

Dujarric said the UN chief emphasized that Israeli settlements remain a major obstacle to achieving a two-state solution and establishing a just, lasting and comprehensive peace.

According to him, Guterres continues to call on Israel to halt all colonial expansion activities and related measures in line with relevant UN Security Council resolutions, while also referring to the advisory opinion issued by the International Court of Justice on July 19, 2024.

M.N