HAMILTON, Canada

A senior UN official on Tuesday condemned the "relentless" illegal Israeli settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank, warning that it is fueling tensions, undermining Palestinian self-determination and violating international law.

"I condemn relentless Israeli settlement expansion in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, which fuels tensions, impedes Palestinian land access, and threatens the viability of a contiguous and sovereign Palestinian State," said Ramiz Alakbarov, deputy special coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, at a UN Security Council session on the implementation of Resolution 2334.

The resolution condemns all Israeli measures changing the demographic structure, character and status of the occupied Palestinian territories, including East Jerusalem, since 1967.

Alakbarov stressed that "all Israeli settlements in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and related infrastructure have no legal validity and violate international law and UN resolutions," adding that settlement advancement in 2025 "reached its highest level since UN tracking began in 2017."

Expressing alarm over escalating Israeli violence and Israeli military operations in the occupied territory, he said, "Israeli security operations in the northern West Bank caused high fatalities, population displacement and large-scale destruction, especially in refugee camps."

He warned that continued Israeli security presence in camps contravenes obligations to end the unlawful occupation.

Condemning rising illegal Israeli settler violence across the occupied West Bank, he noted that attacks intensified during the olive harvest.

"Attacks have become more frequent and violent, often with the presence or support of Israeli security forces," he said, describing assaults on Palestinian farmers, destruction of olive trees and the loss of livelihoods that risk forcible displacement.

Alakbarov also expressed concern about the large numbers of Palestinians detained by Israel since Oct. 7, 2023, including children.

He said reports of torture, ill-treatment, sexual violence and deaths in custody are "deeply concerning," stressing that detention must be used as a last resort and administrative detention of children must end.

On the Gaza Strip, he warned that "the ceasefire remains fragile, as we have seen with continued attacks and strikes in Gaza."

He "unequivocally" condemned "the killing and injury of civilians in Gaza, including children and women," and reported that periodic Israeli strikes continue to cause civilian casualties and widespread destruction.

Regarding the "dire" humanitarian situation, he said, "While hunger has improved due to increased aid and commercial foodstuffs, key protein sources remain out of reach for most of the population, alongside severe shortages of clean water, medical care and shelter. Humanitarian access remains restricted, with aid convoys facing logistical and security obstacles."

"The UN's winterization efforts are underway, distributing tents, blankets and other essential supplies," warning that "the risk of hypothermia is increasing with the onset of winter weather."