'Unlawful': UN Chief Urges Israel To Reverse West Bank Land Registration Move

Last Updated:February 17, 2026, 06:00 IST

UN Chief Antonio Guterres cautioned that developments on the ground are steadily eroding the viability of a negotiated two-State solution.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned Israel’s decision to resume land registration in large parts of the occupied West Bank, warning the move could dispossess Palestinians and further weaken prospects for peace. He urged the Israeli government to immediately reverse the decision, cautioning that developments on the ground are steadily eroding the viability of a negotiated two-State solution.

The remarks come days after the Israeli cabinet approved additional measures to expand civilian authority in Areas A and B, which together make up about 40 per cent of the territory. Guterres reiterated that Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, “have no legal validity" and are in violation of international law and UN resolutions. He called on all sides to safeguard the two-State solution, describing it as “the only path to lasting peace."

UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said the land registration step risks depriving Palestinians of their property while consolidating Israeli control.

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“Such measures, including Israel’s continued presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, are not only destabilizing but, as recalled by the International Court of Justice, unlawful," he said.

Aid Operations Face Obstacles In Gaza

Meanwhile, the UN said humanitarian operations in the Gaza Strip continue to face significant challenges despite recent aid deliveries. The UN humanitarian agency, Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, reported that nearly 1,900 pallets of food, shelter, medical, water and sanitation supplies were transported from crossing points along Gaza’s perimeter into the enclave.

However, restrictions persist as shipments from Jordan must pass through multiple transfer stages while supplies entering from Egypt via the Kerem Shalom crossing face high rejection rates, with fewer than 60 per cent successfully offloaded in early February.

Access within Gaza also remains constrained. Of nearly 50 coordinated humanitarian movements over five days, just over half were fully approved, while others were denied, delayed or only partially completed. UN officials said they remain engaged with Israeli authorities to clarify the restrictions and facilitate the delivery of urgently needed assistance.

News world 'Unlawful': UN Chief Urges Israel To Reverse West Bank Land Registration Move

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