Elaph from London: The United Kingdom said that the expansion of Israeli settlements undermines peace and must stop immediately, stressing their illegitimacy in the occupied Palestinian territories.
This position was stated by Archie Young, the UK Ambassador to the General Assembly, in clarification of the vote in the United Nations Fourth Committee on Palestine.
The United Kingdom voted “yes” on this resolution as an expression of our firm position on the illegality of Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories.
Ambassador Young said: We have witnessed, with great concern, how an increasing number of Israeli settlers have systematically used harassment, intimidation and violence to pressure Palestinian communities to leave their lands. We call on Israel to hold those responsible accountable.
He added, after an unprecedented rise in settler violence over the past year, the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on extremist Israeli groups and individuals due to violence in the West Bank.
Not to change the demographics
We affirm our clear position that any attempt to change the geographic or demographic composition of the occupied Palestinian territories through the use of force and outside of a negotiated solution is completely unacceptable and illegal.
The British ambassador said: But I would like to clarify that we do not believe that Common Article 1 of the Geneva Conventions creates obligations on third parties.
Young stressed that the UK is clear that the Israeli occupation must end through a negotiated solution, with the unification of Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, in line with the 1967 borders and an agreed land swap, under the effective control of the Palestinian Authority, with Jerusalem as the capital. Shared for both countries, with a just, fair, agreed upon and realistic settlement for refugees.
Ambassador Young concluded by saying: Peace must be based on a safe and secure Israel alongside a viable and sovereign Palestinian state.
**Given the history of failed peace negotiations, what concrete steps can the international community take beyond condemnation to effectively address the issue of Israeli settlements and promote a viable two-state solution?**
## World Today News: Interview on UK’s Stance on Israeli Settlements
**Introduction**
Welcome to World Today News. Today we’re discussing the recent statement by the United Kingdom, condemning the expansion of Israeli settlements and reiterating its stance on their illegitimacy. Joining us are two esteemed guests: [Guest 1 Name and Affiliation], an expert on international law and Middle Eastern politics, and [Guest 2 Name and Affiliation], a specialist in Israeli-Palestinian relations.
**Section 1: Legality and International Law**
* **Interviewer:** Ambassador Young stated the UK’s firm belief in the illegality of Israeli settlements under international law. [Guest 1], can you elaborate on the legal basis for this position, particularly referencing the Geneva Conventions?
* **Interviewer:** [Guest 2], how do you perceive the Israeli government’s response to such international criticism regarding the legality of settlements?
* **Interviewer:** We often hear differing interpretations of international law in this conflict. Can either of you shed light on the specific points of contention surrounding the application of the Geneva Conventions to Israeli settlements?
**Section 2: Impact on the Peace Process**
* **Interviewer:** The UK emphasizes that settlement expansion undermines peace. [Guest 1], how do you see these settlements impacting the possibility of a two-state solution?
* **Interviewer:** [Guest 2], what are the arguments often presented by those who support settlement expansion, and how do they counter claims of undermining peace?
* **Interviewer:** In light of the recent escalation of violence in the West Bank, [Guest 1], how significant is it that the UK is calling on Israel to hold perpetrators of settler violence accountable?
**Section 3: Future Prospects and the Role of the International Community**
* **Interviewer:** Ambassador Young outlined the UK’s vision for a negotiated solution. [Guest 2], how realistic do you believe this vision is given the current political climate?
* **Interviewer:** [Guest 1], what role do you see the international community, beyond pronouncements, playing in curbing settlement expansion and facilitating a peaceful resolution?
* **Interviewer:** Looking ahead, what are the biggest challenges and potential opportunities you foresee in the quest for a lasting peace in the region?
**Conclusion**
We thank our guests, [Guest 1 Name] and [Guest 2 Name], for sharing their valuable insights on this complex and pressing issue. The situation in the Middle East remains a topic of great concern, and continued dialog and understanding are crucial for finding a path towards peace.
**Note:** This structure provides a starting point. The interviewer should adjust the questions based on the guests’ responses and guide the conversation to delve deeper into the nuances of this complex topic.
