Deeply Concerned over Reports of Israeli Land Authorization in West Bank, Secretary-General Reiterates Calls for Policy Changes by Government

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General is deeply concerned about reports of the Israeli Government authorizing the declaration of 370 acres in the West Bank, south of Jericho, as so-called “State land”.  If implemented, this declaration would constitute the largest land appropriation by Israel in the West Bank since August 2014.

The Secretary-General reiterates his call for substantial policy changes on the ground by Israel that will improve the lives of Palestinians.  Settlement activities are a violation of international law and run counter to the public pronouncements of the Government of Israel supporting a two-State solution to the conflict.