Guterres urges end to Israeli settlement in Palestinian territory

United Nations, Feb 5 : UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for an end to Israel’s settlement activity in occupied Palestinian territory, for the resumption of peace talks.
The UN remains committed to supporting Palestinians and Israelis to resolve their conflict and bringing an end to the suffering, Xinhua news agency quoted Guterres as saying on Thursday while addressing the opening session of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People.
“I reiterate my call on the government of Israel to immediately halt all settlement activity, which is a major obstacle to the achievement of the two-state solution, and a just, lasting and comprehensive peace,” he said.
Persistent acts of violence in occupied Palestinian territory as well as Israeli movement and access restrictions and other violations of international humanitarian and human rights law exacerbate mistrust between Israelis and Palestinians and make peace less attainable, according to the UN chief.
The committee plays an important role in mobilizing international opinion and assisting Palestinians and Israelis to re-engage in meaningful negotiations, he said.
The long-agreed goal is clear: to end the occupation and realise a two-state solution on the basis of the pre-1967 borders, in line with international law, relevant UN resolutions, and bilateral agreements, with Jerusalem as the capital of both states, Guterres noted.