The UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process told the Security Council on Wednesday, that since the adoption in December 2016 of resolution 2334, which demands Israel stop building new settlements on Palestinian land, there’s been “little progress” implementing it.
Tor Wennesland updated ambassadors on a litany of violations, including “mounting pressure” on Palestinians to leave their homes, and plans for new construction outposts.
“The absence of a meaningful peace process to end the Israeli occupation and resolve the conflict is fueling a dangerous deterioration across the OPT [Occupied Palestinian Territory], particularly in the West Bank, and driving the perception that the conflict in unresolvable”, he said.
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‘Perpetual state of violence’
The UN envoy reminded that resolution 2334 called for “immediate steps to prevent all violence against civilians,” before listing a wide range of attacks carried out between June and September in the West Bank and Gaza, the vast majority of which left Palestinians dead or injured.
“I am particularly appalled that children continue to be killed and injured in large numbers,” he stated. “Children must never be the target of violence or put in harm’s way”.
He said Israel should only use lethal force when “strictly unavoidable to protect life”, must thoroughly investigate all resulting deaths or injuries, and “hold those responsible, accountable”.
“Negotiations can no longer be pushed off indefinitely”, Mr. Wennesland continued, observing that the current course is heading towards “a perpetual state of violence and conflict”.
Reversing ‘negative trends’
As resolution 2334 also calls for immediate steps to “reverse negative trends…imperiling the two-State solution”, he described some positive developments, such as on 7 July when President Abbas and Defense Minister Gantz met in Ramallah, and the following day when Israeli President Herzog and Prime Minister Lapid, spoke to President Abbas by phone.
And during his July visit to Israel and the OPT, US President Biden announced a $100 million contribution to the East Jerusalem Hospital Network; $201 million for UN Palestine refugee relief agency, UNRWA, and $15 million to address food insecurity.
Moreover, Israel issued some 16,000 worker and other business permits for Palestinians in Gaza and extended social entitlements under Israeli labour laws, to workers entering from the Gaza Strip.
Chief concerns
The UN envoy informed the 15 Council members of the Secretary-General’s concerns over continued settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank.
He highlighted the Supreme Court’s Mitzpeh Kramim decision that could set a legal precedent for additional outposts, and demolitions and seizures of Palestinian-owned property.
He also noted civilian casualties from the latest escalation in Gaza; indiscriminate rocket launches there by Palestinian militants; and the deteriorating security situation in the occupied West Bank.
He also relayed the UN chief’s apprehension that “the current negative trajectory” puts at great risk the socioeconomic and institution-building that has prepared the Palestinian Authority for eventual statehood.
At the same time, the Secretary-General welcomed the Special Representative’s 22 September report on a comprehensive package of “incremental, durable, and meaningful steps” that the parties and their partners should take, to address the current situation, strengthen the Palestinian Authority, and advance the goal of a sustainable peace.
UN Photo/Ariana Lindquist
Tor Wennesland, Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, briefs the Security Council meeting on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question.
‘Meaningful initiatives’
In closing, Mr. Wennesland stressed the need for “meaningful initiatives” to reverse the current trajectory, adding, “they are needed quickly”.
He said that “Israelis and Palestinians must determine how they envision the future”.
“Ending the occupation and realizing a two-State solution must drive our collective efforts”, he concluded, vowing to remain “actively engaged in advancing these objectives with Israeli and Palestinian leaders, and with key international and regional partners”.
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It is crucially important that meaningful initiatives are undertaken soon to reverse the current course in the Israel-Palestine conflict. The lack of progress in implementing resolution 2334 is alarming, with mounting pressure on Palestinians and new construction outposts exacerbating tensions. The absence of a meaningful peace process only fuels a dangerous deterioration across the OPT. Immediate steps must be taken to prevent violence against civilians and protect the lives of innocent children caught in the perpetual state of violence.
Could you please clarify what specific actions have been proposed to address the mounting pressure on Palestinians to leave their homes, and how these measures aim to stop the construction outposts on Palestinian land?
Sure, AmySmith123. The UN Special Coordinator’s update highlights the alarming situation in the OPT. Concrete actions must be taken to address the violations and pressure faced by Palestinians. It’s crucial to implement strategies that protect Palestinian rights and uphold international law. The international community must push for accountability and ensure that resolutions, like 2334, are effectively enforced to halt illegal activities and promote a sustainable peace process.
It’s truly disheartening to see the ongoing violations and violence against civilians in the Israel-Palestine conflict. It’s high time for concrete actions to be taken to bring about peace and justice for the people living in the region. The international community must step up its efforts to address these atrocities and work towards a peaceful resolution.
In my opinion, it’s high time for Israel to take real action towards ending the conflict in Palestine. The violations and pressure on Palestinians to leave their homes, along with the continuous construction outposts, are alarming. The lack of a meaningful peace process only fuels more violence and makes the conflict seem unresolvable, as highlighted by the recent attacks that have resulted in numerous Palestinian casualties, including children. It’s truly a perpetual state of violence that needs to be addressed immediately.
Tor Wennesland updated ambassadors on a litany of violations, including “mounting pressure” on Palestinians to leave their homes, and plans for new construction outposts.
The absence of a meaningful peace process to end the Israeli occupation and resolve the conflict is fueling a dangerous deterioration across the OPT [Occupied Palestinian Territory], particularly in the West Bank, and driving the perception that the conflict is unresolvable.
The UN envoy reminded that resolution 2334 called for “immediate steps to prevent all violence against civilians,” before listing a wide range of attacks carried out between June and September in the West Bank and Gaza, the vast majority of which left Palestinians dead or injured.
“I am particularly appalled that children continue to be killed and injured in large numbers,” he stated. “Children deserve better protection and a brighter future.”
“It’s truly disheartening to see the ongoing violations and lack of progress in implementing resolution 2334. The situation in the Palestinian Territory is alarming and requires immediate action to ensure the safety and rights of the people. Children being killed and injured is absolutely devastating. We cannot afford to turn a blind eye to the perpetual state of violence. It’s time for real change and a genuine effort towards peace.”
In my opinion, it is crucial that concrete actions are taken to stop the ongoing violence and violations in Israel-Palestine. The lack of progress in implementing resolution 2334 is alarming, and it is high time for all parties to prioritize peace and stability in the region.
Tor Wennesland updated ambassadors on a litany of violations, including “mounting pressure” on Palestinians to leave their homes, and plans for new construction outposts.
“The absence of a meaningful peace process to end the Israeli occupation and resolve the conflict is fueling a dangerous deterioration across the OPT [Occupied Palestinian Territory], particularly in the West Bank, and driving the perception that the conflict is unresolvable,” he said.
‘Perpetual state of violence’
The UN envoy reminded that resolution 2334 called for “immediate steps to prevent all violence against civilians,” before listing a wide range of attacks carried out between June and September in the West Bank and Gaza, the vast majority of which left Palestinians dead or injured.
“I am particularly appalled that children continue to be killed and injured in large numbers,” he stated. “Children
Tor Wennesland updated ambassadors on a litany of violations, including “mounting pressure” on Palestinians to leave their homes, and plans for new construction outposts.
“The absence of a meaningful peace process to end the Israeli occupation and resolve the conflict is fueling a dangerous deterioration across the OPT [Occupied Palestinian Territory], particularly in the West Bank, and driving the perception that the conflict in unresolvable”, he said.
‘Perpetual state of violence’
The UN envoy reminded that resolution 2334 called for “immediate steps to prevent all violence against civilians,” before listing a wide range of attacks carried out between June and September in the West Bank and Gaza, the vast majority of which left Palestinians dead or injured.
“I am particularly appalled that children continue to be killed and injured in large numbers,” he stated.
“Children…
In my opinion, it’s high time for tangible actions to be taken in Israel-Palestine. The lack of progress in implementing resolution 2334 is concerning. The violations and pressure on Palestinians must be addressed to prevent further deterioration of the situation. The cycle of violence, especially involving children, is alarming and needs immediate attention.
Is the international community taking any specific actions to enforce resolution 2334 and protect Palestinian civilians from the escalating violence?
It’s truly disheartening to see the ongoing violations and lack of progress in implementing resolution 2334. The situation in Israel-Palestine demands urgent and real action to ensure the safety and well-being of civilians. The international community must step up and push for a genuine peace process to bring an end to this perpetual state of violence and instability.