‘A unilateral Israeli decision aimed at changing the status of these areas is not valid under international law. The decision is contrary to Israel’s obligations under international law, and it undermines the possibility of a peaceful solution and a Palestinian state. The decision will make life even more unbearable for the Palestinians. We fear that Israel’s actions may lead to more unrest and violence — in Palestine, Israel, and the rest of the Middle East.

’We urge the Israeli authorities to respect previous agreements made with the Palestinians and to refrain from actions that violate international law’, said Eide.