The below reports are prepared by the Office of the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process (UNSCO) and are presented to the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee (AHLC) at its bi-annual meeting.
The reports provide an assessment of the efforts of the Palestinian Government toward state-building and an update on the situation on the ground.
The Ad Hoc Liaison Committee (AHLC) serves as the principal policy-level coordination mechanism for development assistance to the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt). The AHLC is chaired by Norway and co-sponsored by the EU and the US. In addition, the United Nations participates together with the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The AHLC seeks to promote dialogue between donors, the Palestinian Authority and the Government of Israel. The full report to the AHLC prepared by the Office of the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process is attached to this release and includes an executive summary of its main conclusions.
- Secretary-General Statements [dup 827]
Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General on Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory
New York, 21 June 2023
Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General on Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory
Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesman for the Secretary-General
The Secretary-General is deeply troubled by the continued violence and loss of life in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
The Secretary-General condemns all acts of violence against civilians, including acts of terror. This includes yesterday’s shooting by two armed Palestinians that killed four Israelis in the occupied West Bank and injured others and the ensuing acts of vandalism and torching of land and properties -- including a school, by Israeli settlers in Palestinian villages around Nablus and Ramallah.
The Secretary-General is deeply concerned about the events in Jenin on 19 June, when an Israeli security forces (ISF) operation and ensuing exchange of fire resulted in seven Palestinians killed, including two children, both students at UNRWA schools.
It is crucial to reduce tensions and to prevent further escalation. Israel, as the Occupying Power, must ensure that the civilian population is protected against all acts of violence, and that perpetrators are held to account. Israel must abide by its obligations under international humanitarian law, including the proportional use of force and the taking of all feasible precautions to spare civilians in the conduct of military operations.
Ultimately, only a return to a meaningful political process and ending the occupation will bring an end to this devastating cycle of violence and senseless loss of life.
- Statements by the UN Special Coordinator
Statement by UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Tor Wennesland, on changes to Israeli settlement advancement procedures
Statement by UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Tor Wennesland, on changes to Israeli settlement advancement procedures
Jerusalem, 19 June 2023
I am deeply concerned by the Israeli Government’s decision yesterday to alter settlement planning procedures that have been in place since 1996, which is expected to expedite settlement expansion. I am also alarmed by the anticipated advancement next week of over 4,000 settlement housing units by Israeli planning authorities.
I reiterate that the establishment by Israel of settlements in the Palestinian territory occupied since 1967, including East Jerusalem, has no legal validity and constitutes a flagrant violation under international law.
I urge the Government of Israel to halt and reverse such decisions, which are a major obstacle to the achievement of the two-State solution and a just, lasting and comprehensive peace.
At a time of increased violence and fragility on the ground, the prolonged absence of a political process, and concerted international and regional efforts to support constructive dialogue between the parties, such steps only push Israelis and Palestinians further apart and risk destabilizing an already highly tense situation on the ground.
[ENDS]