Netanyahu Defends Gaza Plans as Israel Heavily Criticised at UN Security Council

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faced harsh criticism from the UN Security Council on Monday over his nation's plans for constructing thousands of new homes in the Palestinian Gaza Strip.

The meeting came after weeks of escalated violence and protests in the region, with Palestinian officials accusing Israel of using "excessive force" against demonstrators.

The Council's Reaction

The Israeli decision was harshly condemned by the Security Council, with several members stating that it was a violation of previous agreements and a hindrance to the peace process.

The United States, a permanent member of the Council, also expressed strong concern, stating that such actions threatened to undermine regional stability and offered a "counterproductive" approach to solving the ongoing conflict.

Netanyahu's Response

Netanyahu, meanwhile, defended the construction plans, arguing they were essential for the Israeli population and security concerns in the region.

He claimed that the Palestinian Authority's refusal to halt payments to those who committed "acts of terrorism" against Israelis justified Israel's actions.

Regional Tensions

The ongoing tension and violent outbreaks are a tragic reminder of the complexities of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the challenging path to peace.

Many observers are concerned that the current situation, combined with the ongoing expansion of settlements in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, poses a threat to a two-state solution and a just resolution to the conflict.