AHLC and other reports

Statement by UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Tor Wennesland, on the situation in the Gaza Strip

Jerusalem, 9 May 2023

"I am deeply alarmed by developments in Gaza after Israel launched a military operation this morning targeting members of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad movement (PIJ).

The Israeli airstrikes inside Gaza resulted in the killing of 13 Palestinians, including three members of PIJ, a doctor, five women and four children, and more than 20 injured.

I condemn the deaths of civilians in the Israeli airstrikes. This is unacceptable.

I urge all concerned to exercise maximum restraint and avoid an escalation. I remain fully engaged with all sides in an attempt to avoid a broader conflict with devastating consequences for all."

[ENDS]

10 MAY 2023

Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General on Gaza

Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for the Secretary-General

The Secretary-General is following with deep concern the latest security developments in Gaza, and the ongoing escalation and risk of further loss of life.

The Secretary-General condemns the civilian loss of life, including that of children and women, which he views as unacceptable and must stop immediately. Israel must abide by its obligations under international humanitarian law, including the proportional use of force and taking all feasible precautions to spare civilians and civilian objects in the conduct of military operations.

The Secretary-General also condemns the indiscriminate launching of rockets from Gaza into Israel, which violates international humanitarian law and puts at risk both Palestinian and Israeli civilians.

The Secretary-General urges all parties concerned to exercise maximum restraint and to work to stop hostilities immediately. He reiterates his commitment to supporting Palestinians and Israelis to resolve the conflict on the basis of relevant United Nations resolutions, international law and bilateral agreements.

Statement by UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Tor Wennesland, on the demolition of a Palestinian primary school in occupied West Bank

Jerusalem, May 2023

“I am deeply disturbed by the 7 May demolition by Israeli authorities of a European Union-funded Palestinian primary school for the children of Jubbet adh Dhib village, east of Bethlehem, in Area C of the occupied West Bank, directly affecting the education of at least 40 children.

The demolition followed an Israeli court order citing safety concerns in response to a petition by a settler organization. Currently, 58 schools, serving 6,500 children, face the threat of demolition due to a lack of building permits that are almost impossible for Palestinians to obtain.

A child’s right to education must be respected. I call on Israeli authorities to cease such demolitions and evictions which are illegal under international law, and to approve plans for Palestinian communities to build legally in Area C to address their development needs, including for schools.

As I reiterated at the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee (AHLC) meeting in Brussels last week, such acts that negatively impact basic service delivery for Palestinians threaten stability and undermine the Palestinian Authority. Moreover, persistent drivers of conflict, including demolitions, breed a climate of mistrust and tension between Palestinians and Israelis and undermine the prospect of achieving a political solution.”

Statement by UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Tor Wennesland, on the Situation in Jerusalem

Jerusalem, 5 April 2023

I am appalled by the images of violence inside the al-Qibli mosque. I am disturbed by the apparent beating of Palestinians by Israeli security forces and large number of arrests. I also strongly reject the stockpiling and use of fireworks and rocks by Palestinians inside the mosque.

This holy period and places of worship should be for safe and peaceful religious reflection, noting that nearly 600,000 people have visited the Holy Sites in Jerusalem since the beginning of Ramadan. I call on political, religious and community leaders on all sides to reject incitement, inflammatory rhetoric, and provocative actions.

The historic status quo of the Holy Sites must be upheld, in line with the special role of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan. The role of the Waqf is vital and it must be empowered to fulfill its crucial duties.

Leaders on all sides must act responsibly and refrain from steps that could escalate tensions.

The indiscriminate firing of rockets from Gaza is unacceptable and must stop.

The UN remains in close contact with all concerned parties to de-escalate the situation.

[ENDS]

Statement by UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Tor Wennesland, on the situation in the occupied West Bank

Jerusalem, 8 March 2023

“I am deeply disturbed by the continuing violence and appalled by the attacks of Israeli settlers against Palestinians two days ago in Huwwara, near Nablus. Israel, as the occupying power, must ensure that the civilian population is protected, and perpetrators are held to account.

I condemn settler violence against Palestinians. I condemn Palestinian attacks against Israelis. All civilians must be protected from violence.

I am also alarmed by the events that unfolded yesterday during an Israeli operation in Jenin, resulting in armed exchanges between Israeli security forces and armed Palestinians. Six Palestinians were killed, including the perpetrator of the 26 February terrorist attack in Huwwara.

We are in the midst of a cycle of violence that must be stopped immediately. The Security Council has spoken with one voice, calling on the parties to observe calm and restraint, and to refrain from provocative actions, incitement and inflammatory rhetoric. Commitments were made in Aqaba in the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan that should be implemented if we are to find a way forward.

The parties must refrain from further steps that would lead us to more violence.”

[ENDS]