Nine member states of the Security Council affirmed in a joint statement that settlements are illegal under international humanitarian law, and are ready to support any initiative aimed at restoring a just and lasting peace that allows Israelis and Palestinians to live side by side in dignity and security.

This came in a statement issued by the countries of Brazil, Ecuador, Gabon, Ghana, Japan, Malta, Switzerland, the United Arab Emirates and France, following a Security Council session on Israel's implementation of Resolution No. 2334 of 2016, which calls for an immediate and complete cessation of all settlement activities in the land. Occupied Palestinian Territories, including East Jerusalem” and “fully respect all their legal obligations in this regard.”

"We are now entering a period of religious holidays, and we appeal to all parties to refrain from further escalating tensions and to show maximum restraint," the statement said.

The nine countries deplore the high level of violence against civilians on both sides, including settler violence, urge the parties to prevent incitement to violence, and call on the parties to comply with international law, including international humanitarian law and human rights law, and to protect the civilian population.

And the statement continued: "We reiterate the Council's demand, Israel, to immediately and completely stop all settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem," calling on Israel to stop the ongoing demolitions and seizures of Palestinian buildings, as well as the displacement of Palestinian families.

The countries welcomed last Sunday's meeting in Sharm El-Sheikh, which emphasized the importance of direct participation between the two sides, calling on all parties to respect the commitments they signed.

The countries stressed the urgent need to return the political horizon towards a two-state solution, and their full support for the efforts of Special Coordinator Winnisland, and those of others in the region to help resume talks on the basis of international law and relevant UN Security Council resolutions and agreed parameters.