Hamas slams UN watered-down statement on Israeli settlement expansion

The Palestinian Hamas resistance movement has criticized the UN Security Council (UNSC) for its watered-down statement in place of a draft resolution to explicitly condemn Israeli illegal settlement expansion plans, slamming the world body's weakness and frailty vis-à-vis Tel Aviv's crimes and plots.

The Hamas condemnation comes after the UNSC fell short of passing a resolution, which would have demanded the regime put an end to its illegal settlement activities.

Hamas said that the withdrawal of a UN Security Council resolution on settlements shows the organ has evaded the responsibilities devolved upon it under international conventions and principles.

The movement called on the international community, the Security Council in particular, to adopt deterrent and tough measures against the occupying Tel Aviv regime and its settlement expansion policies, and do not simply suffice to voicing worries and condemnations.

The UN Security Council issued a symbolic statement on Monday, approved by all 15 members of the Council, denouncing Israeli plans to expand illegal settlements on the Occupied Palestinian Territories. It also warned that such measures would "impede peace" and inhibit the so-called two-state solution.

The Council expressed its "dismay" with plans by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s hard-line cabinet, which seeks further construction and expansion of settlements and the legalization of settlement outposts on private Palestinian land.

 “The Security Council reiterates that continuing Israeli settlement activities are dangerously imperiling the viability of the two-state solution based on the 1967 lines," said Vanessa Frazier, the Permanent Representative of Malta to the United Nations.

“The Security Council expresses deep concern and dismay with Israel's announcement on February 12,” Frazier added, referring to the date when Netanyahu’s far-right cabinet gave authorization to the erection of nine settler outposts in the occupied West Bank.

Last week, the UNSC appeared set to vote on a draft resolution that would have demanded Israel “immediately and completely cease all settlement activities in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.”

ME