UN confirms settlement activity illegal

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon Sunday affirmed that the UN doesn’t recognize annexing East Jerusalem to Israel and legalizing settlement activity. Ki-moon, in a letter sent to Foreign Minister Riyad al-Malki, expressed concern and dismissal of the ongoing Israeli violations against the Palestinians especially in Jerusalem, namely; homes demolition, forced eviction and movement restrictions. Ki-moon said that he phoned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and called for an immediate halt to these violations as well as for Israel’s adherence to international law. He particularly expressed concern over the latest events in Jerusalem, which “undermine international efforts towards the resumption of peace talks.” He stressed that Jerusalem must be a capital for Palestine and Israel.