Mister President,

Members of the Security Council,

Mr. President,

Excellencies,

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

"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.

I am alarmed by the recent escalations in Jerusalem and around Gaza.

“With the conclusion of the candidate submissions to the Central Elections Commission, I am encouraged by the completion of this important step of the nomination process for the upcoming Palestinian Legislative Council elections.