Feb 18 β€’ 21:35 UTC πŸ‡³πŸ‡΄ Norway VG

UN: Israel is conducting 'step-by-step de facto annexation' of the West Bank

The UN Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo stated that Israel is gradually affecting a de facto annexation of the West Bank during a UN Security Council meeting discussing the ceasefire agreement in Gaza.

In a recent meeting of the UN Security Council, Under-Secretary-General Rosemary DiCarlo expressed serious concerns about Israel's actions regarding the West Bank, highlighting that they amount to a step-by-step de facto annexation of the territory. She emphasized that unilateral actions by Israel are systematically altering the landscape of the West Bank, a situation that is worsening the already tense political climate in the region. DiCarlo's statement underscores the broader implications of these actions for peace efforts and regional stability.

The Security Council convened to address the recent ceasefire agreement in Gaza, underscoring the ongoing conflict and its ramifications on both sides. The meeting was originally scheduled for Thursday but was moved up due to an announcement from US President Donald Trump about his first meeting of the newly established Board of Peace. Critics have described this board as an attempt to outmaneuver the UN Security Council, raising further questions about the US's role in mediating the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

This development comes at a time when tensions remain high in the region, with various stakeholders, including international bodies and local political entities, closely monitoring Israel's policy decisions. The mention of 'de facto annexation' points to a growing concern among UN members about the legality and the long-term impacts of Israeli policies in occupied territories. As tensions mount and international scrutiny increases, the effectiveness of existing peace negotiations and the potential for new frameworks remain pivotal topics of discussion.

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