UN report condemns Israel's "apartheid" practices in West Bank

A UN report issued on Wednesday condemned Israel for violating international law by implementing apartheid-like policies in the West Bank, where Israeli settlers and Palestinians are subjected to distinct legal systems resulting in widespread discrimination.

The report, released by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, detailed the asphyxiating impact of Israel's laws, policies and practices on every aspect of daily life for Palestinians in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem.

In a recorded statement in Geneva, Switzerland, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk characterized the findings in the report as deeply alarming.

"Systemic discrimination against Palestinians in the Occupied Palestinian Territory is a long-standing concern, spanning decades, and the situation has drastically deteriorated since at least December 2022. Israeli authorities treat Israeli settlers and Palestinians residing in the West Bank under two distinct bodies of law and policies, resulting in unequal treatment on a range of critical issues. There is a systematic asphyxiation of the rights of Palestinians in the West Bank," said Turk.

"Whether accessing water, school, rushing to hospital, visiting family or friends, harvesting olives -- every aspect of life for Palestinians in the West Bank is controlled and curtailed by Israel's discriminatory laws, policies and practices. Israel is violating international law requiring States to prohibit and eradicate racial segregation and apartheid," he said.

He noted that every negative trend documented in the report has not only continued but accelerated, adding that every day this is allowed to continue, with the consequences worsening for Palestinians.

"The Israeli authorities must repeal all laws, policies and practices that perpetuate discrimination against Palestinians based on race, religion or ethnic origin. I call on the Israeli authorities to bring to an end its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including by dismantling all settlements and evacuating all settlers," said the UN human rights chief.

UN report condemns Israel's "apartheid" practices in West Bank

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said on Thursday that the issue of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz is a spillover effect of the current conflicts, noting the Strait of Hormuz remains unstable if the war doesn't end.

Wang, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks in a phone conversation with Saudi Arabian Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud.

The Saudi Arabian foreign minister briefed Wang on the latest developments of the Middle East situation, saying the war in Iran has caused severe impacts on countries in the region and the world at large.

Saudi Arabia attaches importance to China's important role in international affairs, and values high-level strategic cooperation with China, he said, adding that the kingdom is ready to further enhance consultation and coordination with China on platforms including the United Nations, to jointly push for the de-escalation of the situation and an end to the conflict.

Wang noted that the prolonged war in Iran, which has lasted for over a month, has caused enormous casualties and losses, and undermined the security and stability of Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries, over which China expressed concerns.

Wang said China and Pakistan recently jointly issued a five-point initiative for restoring peace and stability in the Gulf and Middle East region, which includes safeguarding the sovereignty and security of the Gulf states, stopping attacks on civilians and non-military targets, and ensuring the security of shipping lanes.

Wang said the top priority is to focus on cessation of hostilities. Actions by the UN Security Council should avoid escalating confrontations and should not legitimize unauthorized military operations; otherwise, it will lead to endless trouble, with small and medium-sized countries being the first to bear the brunt, he added.

Wang noted that China appreciates Saudi Arabia's commitment to promoting peace and ceasefire, and stands ready to work with Saudi Arabia to make efforts for the early restoration of regional peace.

Chinese FM says Strait of Hormuz remains unstable if war doesn't end