In a historic move, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has denounced Israel in a statement after the US and Israel were able to avert a showdown.

The statement follows Israel’s announcement that it will not authorise any new settlements in the coming months.

The Palestinian Authority (PA) had initially backed a UN resolution condemning Israel, but later backtracked in the face of US pressure.

In response, Israel promised not to approve any additional West Bank outposts, even as it readied a package of measures to advance settlement.

The UNSC’s statement is seen as a major victory for the Palestinian cause, as it is the first time the UN has taken a stance against Israel.

The statement is likely to have far-reaching implications for the Middle East peace process, as it could pave the way for further international pressure on Israel to end its occupation of Palestinian territories.

For now, it remains to be seen how the US and Israel will respond to the UNSC’s statement.