Mr. President,

I brief the Council today on developments related to implementation of Security Council resolution 2334 (2016).

Settlement Activity

During the reporting period, settlement construction continued at a significant pace across the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. Plans were advanced for thousands of new settlement units. Tenders were issued for hundreds of units in existing settlements and new outposts were regularized.

This rate of settlement construction and expansion is fundamentally incompatible with the two-state solution and contravenes binding Security Council decisions. The Secretary-General reiterates that all Israeli settlement activities in the Palestinian Territory occupied since 1967, including East Jerusalem, constitute a flagrant violation under international law.

Demolitions and Displacement

Israeli authorities continued to demolish Palestinian-owned structures in the West Bank and East Jerusalem during the reporting period. Hundreds of Palestinian-owned structures were demolished, resulting in the displacement of hundreds of Palestinians. These demolitions disproportionately affect vulnerable communities, including Bedouin and herding communities in Area C.

In East Jerusalem, home demolitions and evictions of Palestinian families continued. The UN calls on Israel to halt all demolitions and displacement, particularly those affecting civilian populations in the occupied territory.

Settler Violence

Settler violence against Palestinian communities and property continued to be reported throughout the reporting period. Attacks included assault, arson, property damage, and harassment. The UN calls on Israeli authorities to hold all perpetrators accountable and to take effective measures to protect Palestinian civilians.

Call to Action

The Council's own resolution 2334 calls for these activities to cease. The resolution was adopted unanimously — it reflects the international community's clear and settled position. The Council must stand behind its own resolutions.

The United Nations calls on Israel to immediately and completely cease all settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem, and to take concrete steps to reverse the trend of settlement expansion.

Thank you.