UN Chief Urges World Not to Be Intimidated by Israel's West Bank Annexation Moves

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Friday called on the world not to be intimidated by Israel’s threats to annex the occupied West Bank, as tensions rise ahead of a major UN summit where several countries are expected to recognize a Palestinian state. Guterres’ remarks come amid Israel’s ongoing military operations in Gaza and the West Bank, which have resulted in significant civilian casualties and mass displacement.

Guterres’ Warning and International Response

Speaking at UN headquarters in New York, Guterres emphasized that the international community must not bow to Israeli intimidation or threats of retaliation. He stated that regardless of international actions, Israel’s policies of settlement expansion and annexation would likely continue, but global pressure remains essential to deter further escalation. Guterres described the situation in Gaza as the worst humanitarian crisis he has witnessed during his tenure, citing famine, the collapse of healthcare, and widespread displacement among Palestinians. He also condemned Israel’s threats of “unprecedented force” in Gaza City and the ongoing suffering of civilians.

The UN chief’s comments come as more than 140 world leaders prepare to gather in New York for the annual General Assembly, with the future of the Palestinian territories and the war in Gaza expected to dominate discussions. Several Western nations, including France and the United Kingdom, are reportedly moving toward recognizing a Palestinian state, prompting Israel to threaten unilateral annexation of the West Bank in response.

Escalating Annexation and Settlement Activity

Recent weeks have seen a marked increase in Israeli settlement activity in the West Bank. According to local reports, Israeli authorities have advanced plans for over 1,200 new settlement units across several locations, including Elaazar, Ma’ale Amos, Ariel, and Gitit. These moves are widely viewed as part of a broader strategy by Israel’s far-right government to entrench control over the territory and undermine prospects for a two-state solution. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has openly called for the annexation of large swaths of the West Bank, aiming to “bury the idea of a Palestinian state.”

The Palestinian Authority and regional actors have condemned these developments, warning that unilateral annexation would further destabilize the region and extinguish hopes for peace. Jordan’s Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi has urged the international community to take urgent action to prevent an explosion of violence in the West Bank, while France and other European countries have called for Israeli restraint.

Humanitarian Crisis and Global Implications

The humanitarian situation in Gaza and the West Bank continues to deteriorate. Israeli military operations have displaced more than 40,000 Palestinians in the West Bank alone, with the rate of displacement reaching levels not seen since the 1967 Six-Day War. In Gaza, the UN estimates that nearly one million people remain in and around Gaza City, with hundreds of thousands fleeing ongoing airstrikes and ground assaults. The UN has declared a famine in Gaza, and local hospitals report severe shortages of medical supplies and staff.

Guterres’ appeal for international resolve comes as the United States maintains its support for Israel, recently vetoing another ceasefire proposal at the UN Security Council. Despite this, Guterres insists that mobilizing global opinion and diplomatic pressure is crucial to halting further annexation and alleviating the suffering of Palestinians. He urged countries to remain steadfast in their commitment to international law and the pursuit of a just and lasting peace in the region.