New York, Feb 9 (Petra) - United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Monday expressed deep concern over the so-called "Israeli Security Council," which authorizes a series of administrative and executive measures in Areas A and B of the occupied West Bank, warning that the current trajectory on the ground, including this decision, undermines the possibility of reaching a two-state solution.

In a statement, Guterres said that all Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, along with their system and related infrastructure, have no legal legitimacy and constitute a flagrant violation of international law, including relevant UN resolutions.

He stressed that such measures, including Israel’s continued presence in the occupied Palestinian territories, are not merely destabilizing factors but as stated by the International Court of Justice are illegal.

Guterres urged Israel to reverse these measures and preserve the only path toward lasting peace in line with relevant Security Council resolutions, namely the two-state solution.

//Petra// AF