From Condemnation to Complacency: A Critical Review of the UN’s Evolving Response to Israeli Settlements in the West Bank (2005–2024)
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Abstract
After the Second Intifada ended in 2005, developments of illegal Israeli settlements intensified in the self-governing Palestinian territory of the West Bank. The settlements displaced homes, harassed native villagers, restricted movements and obstructed access to critical resources, further damaging Palestinian livelihoods in the area. For the past two decades, these settlements have been widely condemned by international actors, notably by the United Nations (UN), which has stated in numerous official resolutions and statements that they violate international law. However, the UN’s response has changed significantly between 2005 and 2023, reflecting shifts in global politics and challenges in compelling compliance with international law.
This paper reviews how the UN’s response to the settlements has evolved, dividing it into two main phases. The first phase (2005–2012) was characterized by strong condemnation through resolutions and official statements that rejected the settlements. In the second phase (2013–2023), the response shifted toward a more passive and symbolic stance. This study relies on a historiographical and critical review of official UN documents and academic literature on the subject. By identifying these two key periods, we apply case studies to analyze the changing dynamics of the UN’s response to Israeli settlements.
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References
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