United Nations Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo warned the Security Council of a "de facto creeping annexation" of Palestinian territories. The criticism concerns a series of Israeli government decisions facilitating settlers' takeover of land previously managed by the Palestinian Authority. Over eighty countries, including Germany, Spain, and France, condemned these actions as contrary to international law and threatening the two-state solution. Israel rejects the accusations, claiming they negate the Jewish people's right to a homeland.

UN Alarm in New York

Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo warned of a de facto annexation of the West Bank through Israeli actions altering the region's demography.

Mass Protest by 85 States

A group of 85 countries, including a significant part of the European Union, officially condemned Israeli settlement plans as illegal.

Thaçi Trial in The Hague

In The Hague, prosecutors demanded 45 years imprisonment for Hashim Thaçi for crimes against humanity in Kosovo.

The situation in the West Bank is deteriorating sharply, becoming the subject of debate in the UN Security Council. According to Rosemary DiCarlo, Israeli actions, supported by far-right ministers, are effectively altering the region's political and demographic landscape. Plans to facilitate Israeli civilians acquiring land in areas administered by the Palestinian Authority have sparked particular controversy. A group of 85 states signed a joint statement condemning unilateral steps by Tel Aviv, which they believe prevent the future establishment of an independent Palestine. The conflict over the West Bank has persisted since the Six-Day War in 1967, when Israel occupied these territories. Since the 1990s, the area has been divided into control zones according to the Oslo Accords, intended as a transitional stage towards full Palestinian independence.Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich caused additional outrage by openly advocating "encouraging emigration" of Palestinians from Gaza and the West Bank. Meanwhile, Foreign Minister Gideon Saar defends the government's policy, accusing the international community of bias. Concurrently, in The Hague, the trial of Hashim Thaçi, former President of Kosovo, accused of war crimes from 1998-1999, is concluding. Prosecutors are seeking a 45-year prison sentence for murders and torture committed by the KLA. In parallel, the United Kingdom issued removal orders for islanders who landed on Diego Garcia atoll in the Chagos archipelago, attempting to block the territory's handover to Mauritius. „We are witnessing a de facto creeping annexation of the West Bank, where Israel's unilateral steps are constantly changing the reality on the ground.” — Rosemary DiCarlo85 — states signed a protest against Israel's actionsNumber of Signatory States of the Protest: Protesting group: 85, UNSC Members: 15Status of the West Bank: Land Management: Division into Zones A, B, and C per Oslo → Facilitated land purchase by settlers; Role of the Palestinian Authority: Exclusive civilian control in Zone A → Limiting competencies through military raids

Mentioned People

  • Rosemary DiCarlo — UN Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, author of the report on West Bank annexation.
  • Bezalel Smotrich — Israeli Finance Minister with far-right views, proponent of Palestinian emigration.
  • Hashim Thaçi — Former President of Kosovo and KLA leader, on trial in The Hague for war crimes.
  • Gideon Saar — Israeli Foreign Minister, defending government policy against international criticism.