UN Nations Demand End to Israel’s Actions in Occupied Territories

This document is a statement from Amnesty International, quoting it’s Secretary General, Agnès Callamard, regarding the upcoming High-level International Conference for the peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution.

Here’s a breakdown of the key points:

Agnès Callamard’s Opening Statement:

She emphasizes that genuine action by states must start with a demand for an immediate and sustained ceasefire and the lifting of Israel’s illegal blockade on Gaza.
She argues that any process addressing the future of palestinians lacks credibility if these fundamental steps are not taken while Palestinians are being harmed and displaced.

Amnesty International’s Urgent Calls to States:

Immediate and Lasting Ceasefire: Demand a ceasefire, ensure unimpeded access to Gaza, and reject military-controlled aid distribution. They advocate for a UN-led humanitarian response with sustained funding for impartial organizations.
Ending Trade and Transfers: Prohibit all weapons, surveillance equipment, and military assistance transfers to Israel. They also call for the termination of preferential trade agreements and cooperation deals with Israel, specifically mentioning the EU-Israel Trade Agreement.
targeted Sanctions and ICC Cooperation: Advocate for sanctions against Israeli officials most implicated in international crimes and urge cooperation with the International Criminal Court (ICC), including implementing arrest warrants.
Reconstruction and Opposition to Forced Displacement: Commit to the reconstruction of Gaza and the rehabilitation of its people, while opposing any forced displacement of Palestinians.
Reparations and Rehabilitation: Establish mechanisms for reparations and rehabilitation for Palestinians, with Israel bearing the primary financial duty.

Calls to Corporations, Civil Society, and the Public:

Corporations: Must refuse involvement in or direct linkage to Israel’s unlawful actions and ensure they aren’t contributing to human rights violations.
Civil Society and the Public: Should continue campaigning for states to uphold their legal obligations under international law, denounce economic actors linked to Israel’s violations, and demand they cease such activities.

Agnès Callamard’s Closing Remarks:

She reiterates that Israel is not above the law and that accountability is paramount.
She urges states to end their support (active or tacit) for Israeli violations or their inaction.
She calls for a suspension of all economic activity linked to Israel’s illegal occupation, apartheid system, or alleged genocide in Gaza.
She stresses the urgency of the situation and the need for concrete action, not just empty promises.She warns that a “performative exercise” would be “unconscionable.”
She concludes by emphasizing that for the conference to be meaningful, states must heed Amnesty international’s calls and translate words into actions grounded in international law and human rights protection.

Conference Details:

The High-level International Conference for the Peaceful Settlement of the Question of Palestine and the Implementation of the Two-State Solution will be held in New York from July 28 to 29, 2025.
It will be co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia.
* Agnès callamard and other amnesty International spokespeople will be available for interviews.

In essence, Amnesty International is using this statement as a platform to strongly advocate for immediate and decisive action from states at the upcoming UN conference, focusing on de-escalation, accountability, and upholding international law in the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

what specific actions by Israel in the occupied territories are prompting the UN’s demand for an end to its actions?

Escalating international Pressure on Israeli Policies

Recent weeks have witnessed a surge in international condemnation of Israel’s actions within the occupied Palestinian territories. A growing number of UN member states are publicly demanding an immediate cessation of activities deemed violations of international law, focusing particularly on settlement expansion, demolitions of Palestinian homes, and restrictions on movement. This escalating pressure reflects a deepening concern over the stalled peace process and the deteriorating humanitarian situation. Key terms driving this discourse include “occupied Palestine,” “international law violations,” “human rights abuses,” and “peace process obstacles.”

Specific Concerns driving the UN Response

The UN’s concerns are multifaceted, centering around several key areas:

Settlement Expansion: Continued construction and expansion of Israeli settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem are consistently cited as a major impediment to peace. These settlements are considered illegal under international law by most of the international community. The UN Security Council Resolution 2334 (2016) explicitly condemns these activities.

Demolitions and Displacement: the demolition of Palestinian homes and infrastructure by Israeli authorities, often based on building permit denials or claims of illegal construction, is leading to forced displacement and exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. Reports from organizations like B’Tselem and the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) document a meaningful increase in these demolitions.

Restrictions on Movement: Severe restrictions on the movement of Palestinians within the occupied territories, including checkpoints, roadblocks, and the separation barrier, are hindering access to essential services, economic opportunities, and religious sites. This impacts daily life and contributes to economic hardship.

Violence and security Concerns: Rising violence between Israeli forces and Palestinians, including clashes in Jerusalem and the West Bank, is fueling a cycle of escalation. Concerns are growing over the protection of civilians on both sides.

Gaza Blockade: The ongoing blockade of the Gaza Strip, imposed by Israel and Egypt, continues to severely restrict the movement of people and goods, leading to a dire humanitarian situation. Terms like “Gaza humanitarian crisis” and “Gaza blockade impact” are frequently used in UN reports.

UN Resolutions and statements: A Timeline of Action

the UN has a long history of addressing the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Here’s a brief overview of recent key actions:

1. 2023: Numerous statements from the UN Secretary-General and High Commissioner for Human Rights expressing concern over escalating violence and settlement expansion.
2. Early 2024: the International Court of Justice (ICJ) delivered a preliminary ruling in a case brought by South Africa, accusing Israel of committing genocide in Gaza. While the ICJ stopped short of ordering a ceasefire,it demanded Israel take all measures within its power to prevent acts of genocide.
3. Mid-2024: The UN General Assembly passed resolutions calling for an end to the occupation and reaffirming the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination.
4. July 2025 (current): Increased calls from UN member states for a comprehensive examination into alleged war crimes and human rights violations. Discussions are underway regarding potential sanctions or other measures to hold those responsible accountable.

The Role of Key International Actors

Several key international actors are playing significant roles in responding to the situation:

United States: The US, a key ally of Israel, has historically used its veto power in the UN Security Council to block resolutions critical of Israel. Though,there are increasing calls for the US to adopt a more balanced approach.

European union: The EU has consistently called for a two-state solution and has expressed concern over settlement expansion and the humanitarian situation in Gaza.

Arab League: The Arab League has been a vocal advocate for Palestinian rights and has called for international intervention to end the occupation.

African Union: The African Union has expressed solidarity with the Palestinian people and has supported efforts to achieve a just and lasting peace.

Impact on the Peace Process and Future Prospects

The current situation is significantly hindering the prospects for a two-state solution. The continued expansion of settlements, the deteriorating humanitarian situation, and the lack of meaningful negotiations are eroding trust and increasing the risk of further escalation. Terms like “two-state solution,” “peace negotiations,” and “Israeli-Palestinian conflict resolution” are central to discussions about the future.

Humanitarian Concerns and Aid Efforts

The humanitarian situation in the occupied territories, particularly in Gaza, is dire. The UN and other humanitarian organizations are working to provide essential assistance, including food, water, medical care, and shelter. Though, access to those in need is frequently enough restricted, and funding shortages are hindering aid efforts. Keywords related to this include “humanitarian aid Gaza,” “Palestinian refugee crisis,” and “UNRWA funding.”

Legal Framework and International Law

Israel’s actions in the occupied territories are subject to scrutiny under international law, including:

The Fourth Geneva Convention: This convention outlines the rights of civilians in occupied territories and prohibits actions that violate those rights.

UN Security Council resolutions: Numerous resolutions have condemned Israel’s actions and called for compliance with international law.

The Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court: This statute gives the ICC jurisdiction over war crimes, crimes against humanity,