Nickolay Mladenov (Photo: Loey Felipe/UN/dpa)

UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Nickolay Mladenov recalled at a Security Council meeting that Resolution 2334, adopted in 2016, "clearly states that the establishment of settlements in the Palestinian territory occupied since 1967, including East Jerusalem, has no legal validity." He said the settlements' establishment also constitutes "a flagrant violation" under international law and a major obstacle to the achievement of the two-state solution and a just, lasting and comprehensive peace. He stressed that the continued demolitions and seizures of Palestinian structures, including internationally funded humanitarian projects, is also of significant concern, adding that this practice is not in line with international humanitarian law and must cease while affected populations must be duly compensated for damages incurred. Mladenov also expressed regret over continuing statements on the prospect of the annexation of the Jordan Valley and other parts of the West Bank.