Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
February 9, 2026 International law
UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed grave concern on Monday over reports of the Israeli Security Cabinet's decision to authorize a series of administrative and law enforcement measures in Areas A and B of the occupied West Bank.
According to media reports, these measures will facilitate the transfer of Palestinian land to Jewish settlers, thereby expanding Israel's influence in this territory.
The UN chief warned that trends on the ground – including these measures – are undermining prospects implementation of the two-state solution.
The settlements are illegal
He reiterated that all Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, as well as the regime and infrastructure associated with them, have no legal validity and constitute a violation of international law, including UN resolutions.
“Such actions, including Israel’s continued presence in the occupied Palestinian territory, are not only destabilizing but also – as the International Court of Justice reminds us “They are illegal,” the Secretary-General’s press service said in a statement.
The Secretary-General called on Israel to reverse these measures. He also called on all parties to "preserve the only path to lasting peace—a negotiated two-State solution," in accordance with Security Council resolutions and international law.
Responding to questions during a press briefing in New York, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric stressed that Israeli measures "move us further and further away from a two-state solution and from the ability of the Palestinian Authority and the Palestinian people to control their own destiny."
Ongoing humanitarian efforts in Gaza
Meanwhile, humanitarian agencies in the Gaza Strip continue their efforts to distribute food and other aid, despite obstacles and difficult operating conditions.
Residents of Gaza City continue to experience severe shortages of drinking and household water, despite the recent opening of a water pipeline connecting Israel to Gaza. Currently, only 6,000 cubic meters of water reach the city daily, with significant losses in hard-to-reach areas.
To mitigate this shortage, the UN and partners have increased water production and trucked water from underground wells and private desalination plants. Since the end of January, humanitarian agencies have distributed over 100,000 jerrycans of water throughout the Gaza Strip, Dujarric reported. They have also distributed over 700,000 bars of soap and over 25,000 hygiene kits to local residents.
Mine threat
Since Wednesday, humanitarian workers have conducted over 200 explosive hazard assessments as part of rubble clearing efforts. Last week, over 10,000 children and adults received information about the risks of mines and unexploded ordnance.
Since the ceasefire came into effect last October, 33 explosive device incidents have been reported in the enclave, killing nine people and injuring 65.
Restrictions on humanitarian access
The UN notes that humanitarian workers continue to face restrictions, including on the import of so-called "dual-use items" and goods classified as non-humanitarian. These include spare parts and some shelter materials.
In addition, humanitarian operations are undermined by Israel's deregistration of some international non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and restrictions on the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.