The expansion of illegal Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank has reached unprecedented levels, according to the latest report presented by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to the Security Council.
The number of housing approvals issued by Tel Aviv’s regime has surpassed, highlighting an illegal policy of expropriating Palestinian land in violation of international law.
RELATED: Gaza Ramains Densely Mined with Unexploded Devices
In 2025 alone, the Tel Aviv regime approved approximately 47,390 housing units for settlers—nearly double the 26,170 units approved the previous year, marking an all-times record since the UN began systematic monitoring in 2017.
This sharp increase contrasts with the annual average of roughly 12,800 units between 2017 and 2022, which already reflected ongoing Israeli violations of Palestinian sovereignty and the right to self-determination.
Last night, Israeli settler militias attacked the Bedouin community of Ein El-Duyuk near Jericho, east of the occupied West Bank, terrifying the local residents, especially children and women. This footage was taken in the aftermath of the assault. pic.twitter.com/X4iHy16ogD
— Quds News Network (@QudsNen) December 14, 2025
Guterres strongly condemned the rapid expansion of settlements, warning that it heightens regional tensions and restricts Palestinian access to their own land. He emphasized that these illegal constructions threaten the feasibility of establishing a sovereign and independent Palestinian state.
The Secretary-General also stressed that such measures consolidate Israel’s illegal occupation, representing a clear breach of international law and the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people. He called on Israeli authorities to immediately halt all settlement activity in the occupied territories.
A Dangerous Escalation
The report highlighted an “alarming increase” in violence by settlers, often carried out in the presence of, or with the tacit support of, Israeli security forces. Guterres also condemned military operations that have resulted in numerous deaths—including women and children—and the destruction of Palestinian homes and infrastructure.
Resistance group Hamas joined the international criticism on December 12, condemning the Israeli government’s approval of 19 new settlements in the West Bank, announced by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich. The movement described the move as a dangerous escalation of annexation and Judaization efforts, reflecting an extremist government that treats Palestinian land as “colonial spoils.”
After more than 10 months of forced displacement, over 55 Palestinians from Tulkarm and Nour Shams remain without shelter as Israeli aggression ravages the occupied West Bank. pic.twitter.com/O3jaEdfEwe
— Quds News Network (@QudsNen) December 13, 2025
From teleSUR English via This RSS Feed.