Michael Lynk, UN envoy

United Nations, July 14 (RHC)-- A United Nations human rights expert says Israeli settlements in East Jerusalem and the occupied West Bank amount to a war crime.   

Michael Lynk, UN special rapporteur on human rights in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, said: "In my report, I conclude that the Israeli settlements do amount to a war crime.  I submit to you that this finding compels the international community to assess the plentiful accountability measures on its diplomatic and legal menu and to make it clear to Israel that its illegal occupation, and its defiance of international law and international opinion, can and will no longer be cost-free.”