Amid ‘ominous’ surge in Israeli-Palestinian violence, top UN officials call on parties to swiftly reduce tensions — Global Issues

“We are witnessing a increase in violenceincluding some of the deadliest incidents in nearly 20 years,” said Tor WenneslandSpecial Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process (UNSCO). “We have seen” ominous sign about what to expect if we fail to resolve the current unrest.”

Raised concerns that development on the ground is continuing on a negative trajectoryHe said that unilateral actions are driving the parties further apart, exacerbating tensions and promoting conflicts. Now, 2023 saw a record number of deaths.

deadly turn of events

since his last time council briefing in January, he said 40 Palestinians and 10 Israelis had been killed.

“I am especially appalled that children continue to be victims of violence and participate in violent incidents,” he said. “Children should never be the target of violence, exploitation or harm.”

A significant number of Palestinian casualties have occurred amid Israeli security forces conducting search and arrest operations and clashes with armed Palestinians, including in the West Bank.

‘Formula’ for progress

“Immediate efforts are needed to reduce stress, but Restoring composure on its own is not a recipe for progressHe warned and emphasized that the UN together with regional and international partners are working closely with all parties to de-escalate the situation.

Responsible Leadership in urgent need to avoid unilateral movestake concrete steps to combat negative trendsAnd strengthen the Palestinian Authority in the near future, he said.

In this regard, Mr urges parties to combine security efforts with political steps That could be stop the current trajectory of violence And restore hope to end conflict and prospects for a possible two-State solution.

EQUAL Ramadan and Passover coincide in April, he said Efforts are needed to ensure peace during Muslim and Jewish religious holidays.

“Preventing more violence is an urgent priorityrequires not only coordinated security measures, but also substantial political efforts,” he said, urging both sides to avoid taking any unilateral steps that could aggravate the situation. stress.

‘Bear of Despair’

During the Council open briefingDeputy Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), Leni Stenseth, indicates an increasing number of Palestinians are standing on “the brink of despair”.

Already Worsening conditions were aggravated by global crises such as COVID-19 pandemic and food prices increasepushing many people into poverty.

“We can almost predict that in the coming weeks there will be more violence on the West Coast,” she said, echoing calls for de-escalation. “This cycle of violence must end before it is too late.”

Clashes in refugee camps

Current conditions have left the Agency’s efforts vulnerable, disrupting vital services such as health centres. It should be noted that UNRWA schools are often the only safe haven for people fleeing violenceShe urged parties to respect the Agency’s role in providing life-saving assistance.

“The urban space inside and around is densely populated Refugee camps should not be the site of clashes with automatic weapons and tear gas,” she speaks.

In Gaza, years of conflict have isolated the population from the rest of the world, she said. Nearly all Gaza residents rely on UNRWA for food assistanceand about half of the children in school show signs of trauma.

“Palestinian refugeesfeel abandoned by the international community,” she said, noting that UNRWA and its programs remain one of the few pillars of stability.

Pointing out that the Agency’s 2022 earnings are the same as in 2013, she says demand is growing and growing exponentially.

“The status quo is no longer sustainable,” she said. Avoiding the collapse of UNRWA is in the collective interestbecause the Agency’s contribution to peace and security is “hugely” cost-effective.

“There can be no peace or security in the region without the full exercise of the rights of all,” she said, calling on the Council to give hope to Palestinian refugees by redoubled efforts to find solutions and ensure UNRWA can continue to fulfill its mandate.

Council calls for restraint

From the very beginning of the meeting, the Council adopted its first presidential proclamation for 2023strongly condemn all acts of violence against civilians and emphasizes the need for the Israeli and Palestinian parties to meet their international obligations and commitments.

In the president’s statement, The Council strongly opposes all unilateral measures that obstruct the peaceinclude, inter aliaIsrael built and expanded settlements, confiscated Palestinian lands, and “legalized” settlement outposts. The 15-member body also called for calm and restraint on all sides.

International Court of Justice

The following report of 2022 is the deadliest year in the conflictUnited Nations plenum on December 30 passed a Resolution that thing request International Court of Justice give advice regarding Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territory.