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UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that Palestinians in the occupied West Bank are facing a process of 'annexation pressure' amid ongoing illegal Israeli attacks and practices.
This was stated in a press conference held by Guterres on Wednesday, following the launch of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly, during which he answered journalists' questions.
Guterres added that the suffering of Palestinians in Gaza and the occupied West Bank 'must never be forgotten'.
He explained that Israel has not agreed to implement the peace plan in Gaza, while the occupied West Bank faces an 'annexation pressure' process through Israelis seizing Palestinian lands.
Guterres continued: 'The annexation of the West Bank must be stopped step by step'.
He mentioned that the 'Peace Council' in Gaza faces difficulties in advancing the process due to the Israeli administration.
Guterres added: 'In fact, recent attempts to move forward with the so-called first and second phases faced Israeli opposition again'.
He explained that the United Nations is focusing on advancing the plan and seeks to establish 'a situation in which Hamas is gradually disarmed, Israel gradually withdraws from Gaza, full humanitarian access is ensured, and conditions are created for a link between Gaza and the West Bank'.
Guterres said: 'By doing so, we aim to ensure that we do not face a solution for Gaza that ignores the necessity of keeping the two-state solution horizon alive'.
He criticized the current structure of the UN Security Council and the ineffectiveness of multilateral institutions in resolving global issues.
He added: 'We have geopolitical divisions, and within these divisions, there are powers that violate international law themselves, but they are in the Security Council, and as we know, this situation paralyzes the Security Council'.
Guterres emphasized that reforming the Security Council should be an 'absolute priority'.
He called on leaders of UN member states to fulfill their commitments, implement the requirements of the international organization's charter, and comply with international law.
Regarding the recent escalation of the Russia-Ukraine war, Guterres said: 'Civilians are suffering greatly during this process, and there are cascading repercussions worldwide, and there are no signs of the conflict ending'.
He renewed his call for 'an immediate ceasefire as the first step towards a just, lasting, and comprehensive peace' between the two countries.
Since the formation of Benjamin Netanyahu's government in late 2022, Israel has intensified its steps to expand settlements in the West Bank, while government officials, led by Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, boast about approving dozens of new settlements and outposts.
Israel has occupied the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, since 1967, and the international community considers Israeli settlements on occupied Palestinian land illegal under international law.
Parallel to the genocidal war launched by Israel on the Gaza Strip in October 2023, the Israeli army and settlers have escalated their attacks in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.
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