Israel's West Bank settlements take two-state solution in 'wrong direction': UN

Israel's 22 new settlements in the occupied West Bank take efforts seeking a two-state solution that would see Israelis living side by side with Palestinians "in the wrong direction," the United Nations chief's spokesman said Thursday.

"We stand against all" expansion of the settlements, Stephane Dujarric told reporters, repeating calls by Secretary-General Antonio Guterres for "Israel to cease all settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian territory ... they're an obstacle to peace and economic and social development."