AHLC and other reports

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

The Secretary-General appeals to all parties to immediately cease the fighting in Gaza and Israel.

The ongoing military escalation has caused great suffering and destruction. It has claimed scores of civilian lives, including, tragically, many children. The fighting has the potential to unleash an uncontainable security and humanitarian crisis and to further foster extremism, not only in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and Israel, but in the region as a whole.

The parties must allow for mediation efforts to intensify with a view to ending the fighting immediately. The UN is actively involved in such efforts, which are also crucial for delivering much needed humanitarian aid to the affected people in Gaza.

The Secretary-General reiterates that only a sustainable political solution will lead to lasting peace. He reiterates his commitment, including through the Middle East Quartet, to supporting Palestinians and Israelis to resolve the conflict on the basis of relevant United Nations resolutions, international law and bilateral agreements.

Stephane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General

14 May 2021

Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General

- on the situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory

The Secretary-General is gravely concerned by the serious escalations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and Israel, including the latest escalation in Gaza, which add to the heightened tensions and violence in occupied East Jerusalem.

He is deeply saddened to learn of increasingly large numbers of casualties, including children, from Israeli airstrikes in Gaza, and of Israeli fatalities from rockets launched from Gaza.

The Secretary-General’s thoughts are with the families of the victims.

Israeli security forces must exercise maximum restraint and calibrate their use of force. The indiscriminate launching of rockets and mortars towards Israeli population centres is unacceptable.

This spiraling escalation must cease immediately.

The United Nations is working with all relevant parties to de-escalate the situation urgently.

Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General

11 May 2021

Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General - on recent developments in Jerusalem

The Secretary-General expresses his deep concern over the continuing violence in occupied East Jerusalem, as well as the possible evictions of Palestinian families from their homes in the Sheikh Jarrah and Silwan neighborhoods. He urges Israel to cease demolitions and evictions, in line with its obligations under international humanitarian and international human rights law.

Israeli authorities must exercise maximum restraint and respect the right to freedom of peaceful assembly. All leaders have a responsibility to act against extremists and to speak out against all acts of violence and incitement. The Secretary-General urges that the status quo at the holy sites be upheld and respected.

The Secretary-General reiterates his commitment, including through the Middle East Quartet, to supporting Palestinians and Israelis to resolve the conflict on the basis of relevant United Nations resolutions, international law and bilateral agreements.

Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General

New York, 9 May 2021

Statement by UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Tor Wennesland, on the surge in tensions and violence in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem

Jerusalem, 6 May 2021

"I am deeply concerned by the surge in tensions and violence in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, since the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan.

In the past few days alone, two Palestinians, including a woman and a child, were killed in separate incidents, by Israeli security forces (ISF) in the context of clashes or attacks. An Israeli was killed by a Palestinian in a drive-by shooting and several others injured. I reiterate that ISF must exercise maximum restraint and use lethal force only when strictly unavoidable in order to protect life. Perpetrators of violence on all sides must be held accountable and swiftly brought to justice.

The latest developments related to the eviction of Palestine refugee families in Sheikh Jarrah and other neighborhoods in occupied East Jerusalem are also very worrying. I urge Israel to cease demolitions and evictions, in line with its obligations under international humanitarian law.

I call on political, religious and community leaders on all sides to stand firmly against violence, incitement and inflammatory rhetoric. If unaddressed, the situation could spiral out of control.”

[ENDS]

Statement by UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Tor Wennesland, on the postponement of Palestinian Legislative Council elections

Jerusalem, 30 April 2021

“I take note of the Palestinian leadership decision to postpone Legislative Council elections scheduled for May 22. I fully understand the disappointment of the many Palestinians who have so clearly expressed a desire to exercise their democratic rights after nearly 16 years without elections.

Recognizing widespread international support, I encourage Palestinians to continue on the democratic path. The holding of transparent and inclusive elections throughout the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including in East Jerusalem as stipulated in prior agreements remains essential for renewing the legitimacy and credibility of Palestinian institutions and opening the path to re-establishing Palestinian national unity. This will also set the path toward meaningful negotiations to end the occupation and realize a two-State solution based on UN resolutions, international law and previous agreements.

Setting a new and timely date for elections would be an important step in reassuring the Palestinian people that their voices will be heard. The United Nations reaffirms its support to strengthening the Palestinian national institutions. A prolonged period of uncertainty risks exacerbating the fragile situation.

I call on all parties to maintain calm, show restraint and refrain from violence. I urge leaders on all sides to take steps to reduce tensions, and create the conditions for a resumption of the electoral process.”

[ENDS]

Statement by UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Tor Wennesland, on recent escalations in Jerusalem and around Gaza

Jerusalem, 24 April 2021

“I am alarmed by the recent escalations in Jerusalem and around Gaza. Over the last 48 hours there was a spike of violent clashes between Israelis and Palestinians in Jerusalem and the launching of rockets by militants in Gaza.

The provocative acts across Jerusalem must cease. The indiscriminate launching of rockets towards Israeli population centers violates international law and must stop immediately.

I condemn all such acts of violence and I reiterate my call upon all sides to exercise maximum restraint and avoid further escalation, particularly during the Holy month of Ramadan and this politically charged time for all.

The UN is working with all concerned parties to de-escalate the situation.”

[ENDS]