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Israeli-Palestinian conflict nearing ‘boiling point’, UN envoy warns — Global Issues


Special Coordinator Tor Wennesland called for a stronger international commitment to the Two-State solution and outlined potential ways forward.

He reports that high levels of violence in the occupied West Bank and Israel in recent months have resulted in severe suffering.

This includes attacks against civilians from both sides, increased use of weapons, and violence involving settlers.

Increased violence

“After decades of persistent violence, illegal settlement expansion, inactive negotiations and deepening occupation, the conflict has come to an end. once again reaching boiling point,” he speak.

Last week, two Israelis were killed and more than a dozen injured in bombings in Jerusalem, which the envoy condemned. A few days ago, Israeli settlers violently attacked Palestinians in Hebron, which he also condemned.

“Increasing violence in the Occupied Palestinian Territories is taking place in the context of a stalled peace process and entrenched occupation, and between growing economic and institutional challenges that the Palestinian Authority faces,” said Mr. Wennesland.

“Global trends and declining donor support have exacerbated these challenges, in addition to failing to renew democracy for the Palestinian people.”

Risk of escalation

Moreover, the “fragile tranquility” in Gaza was recently disrupted when Palestinian militants fired four rockets at Israel, prompting the country’s defense forces to launch air strikes.

“Once again, we are reminded that the mix of militant activity, weakened shutdowns, the absence of the legitimate Palestinian Government and hopelessness creates the risk of escalation,” he said. always present.

Mr. Wennesland and his team have continued to hold discussions with Palestinian and Israeli officials, as well as with international and regional actors.

Progress and limitations

The UN worked with partners to mediate and support ceasefires in Gaza in May and early in the year.

Measures have been taken to support the local economy, including improving movement and access in and out of Gaza, for both people and goods.

He continued, important projects have already been carried out, such as fueling a power plant in Gaza and supporting more than 100,000 needy families, which will continue next year.

Mr. Wennesland also pointed to progress. For example, he noted that Israel approved highest number of licenses for Palestinians from Gaza to work on their territory since 2007.

However, limitations and delays continue, negatively impacting development and humanitarian efforts.

“Prevention and de-escalation measures as well as diplomatic commitments have helped maintain calm on the ground and created some space for progress, but there is no visible movement on the political pathTheir interests may be short-lived,” he said.

Palestinian Authority issue

Meanwhile, the Palestinian Authority faces major institutional challenges, he added.

Elections have not been held since 2006 and more than half of the electorate – those aged 18 to 35 – have never had a chance to vote.

“This is happening against a backdrop of changing regional dynamics, shifting international priorities and, more recently, the aftermath of the conflict in Ukraine, which has dramatically reduced attention to this conflict”.

Get involved in political affairs

The special envoy stressed the need to take urgent steps towards a two-state solution, which, he said, “still enjoys substantial Palestinian and Israeli support”.

He outlined three related actions aimed at pushing parties forward on fundamental political issues.

“First, we must continue to engage with the parties torelieve stress and fight negative trends, especially those affecting the final state. This will involve refrain from violence and incitement and hold perpetrators accountable. This means both sides Stop taking unilateral steps to undermine the peaceincluding settlement expansion or legalization, demolition and relocation,” he said.

His second point calls for improve accessibility, mobility and commerce to create room for the Palestinian economy to develop. Among other measures, a more comprehensive approach is needed to relax restrictions on the movement of people and goods in Gaza.

Need international support

On his last point, Mr. Wennesland stressed the need to strengthen Palestinian institutions, improve governance and strengthen the financial health of the Palestinian Authority (PA).

“The political legitimacy and accountability of the PA must also be strengthened through democratic reform and opening of civil space, hold elections via OPT (Occupied Palestinian Territories) and Guaranteed efficiency and credibility of the Palestinian security forces,” he added.

“Without implementing points one and two above, this won’t be possible”, he added.

Mr. Wennesland recognized that advancing these steps “would be a daunting task” given the current circumstances. He called on the international community to commit more, as well as coordinate and sustain the interests, resources and participation of the parties.

“In the end, only Palestinians and Israelis can decide their future together,” he said. “But the United Nations and the international community – including through regional and international frameworks – must support the parties in moving towards a political horizon consistent with the core principles outlined above.”

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