UNITED NATIONS: A UN official has said that at least 200 Palestinians and nearly 30 Israelis have been killed this year in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, the highest number since 2005., western media reported on Tuesday.
Tor Wennesland, UN Mideast envoy told the UN Security Council that the violence is fueled by growing despair among the Palestinians who are still seeking an independent state.
He said that politicians in the area have failed to address the core issues taking the conflict to a dangerous level.
Over 200 Palestinians, 30 Israelis Killed This Year, UN Says
He said though Israelis and Palestinians have taken some steps to stabilize the situation unilateral steps of Israel have continued to increase hostilities.
Wennesland noted the expansion of Israeli settlements, which are illegal under international law, is a major obstacle to peace.
He said the demolition of Palestinian houses by Israel and its operations in the West Bank are also creating problems towards peace.
US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, while chairing the meeting, denounced violence by both sides and demanded prompt action to lessen the rising violence.
She reiterated US support for a two-state solution. She acknowledged the appointment of Saudi Arabia’s non-resident envoy in Jerusalem.
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Russia’s deputy UN ambassador Dmitry Polyansky also condemned the ongoing illegal unilateral actions of Israel which hamper the peace process. He called to revive direct talks between Palestinians and Israelis.
France’s political coordinator Isis Jaraud Darnault also condemned the Israeli colonization of the Palestinian areas and the Israeli demolition of a school in the West Bank’s Ramallah.
Darnault strongly believed that regional actors have an essential role to play in restoring peace in the area.
She said the political process in the region should be resumed to find a solution agreed upon by both parties.
