UN Warns Israel of 'Severe Violations' with Golan Heights Construction

Israel's Plans to Build 7,300 Settler Homes

The United Nations has condemned Israel's plans to build 7,300 settler homes in the occupied Golan Heights, saying it could constitute a "serious violation" of international law.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres issued a statement Tuesday expressing deep concern about the Israeli government's approval of the construction plans.

Construction violates international law

The statement said that the construction would violate international law, which prohibits the transfer of a civilian population into occupied territory.

The Golan Heights was captured by Israel from Syria in the 1967 Six-Day War. Israel annexed the territory in 1981, a move that has not been recognized by the international community.

Illegal settlements

The proposed construction would be the largest expansion of Israeli settlements in the Golan Heights in decades.

Settlements are illegal under international law and are seen as a major obstacle to peace in the Middle East.

International condemnation

The UN's condemnation of Israel's settlement plans has been echoed by other international bodies, including the European Union and the United States.

The US State Department said in a statement that it was "deeply concerned" about the Israeli government's decision to approve the construction plans.

Israeli-Palestinian conflict

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is one of the most protracted and intractable conflicts in the world.

The conflict has been marked by violence, occupation, and human rights abuses on both sides.

Two-state solution

The international community has long called for a two-state solution to the conflict, with Israel and Palestine living side-by-side in peace and security.

However, the two sides have been unable to reach an agreement on the terms of a peace deal.