Middle East: ‘No justification’ for terrorism or violence against civilians, Security Council hears |
Despite the “irritation rhetoric and violent clashes” between Palestinians and the Israeli Security Forces (ISF) in the Holy Land, Tor Wennesland says that the situation in Jerusalem, remains “relatively calm.”
However, rocket launches in Gaza are “undermining the fragile stability that has existed since last May,” he continued.
“Let me be clear: there is no justification for acts of terrorism or violence against civilians. Violence, provocation and incitement must cease immediately and be expressly condemned by all“.
Furthermore, all political, religious and community leaders must “do their part to reduce tensions, maintain the status quo in the Holy Lands and ensure their sanctity.”
Meanwhile, Palestinian leaders have made some commendable efforts to defuse tensions, condemn attacks and curb violence “should continue,” Wennesland told Ambassadors, cited the help of regional and international partners in restoring calm in the Holy Land and ensuring continued outreach. for the devotees of Islam.
Deadly Attacks
Daily violence has escalated sharply in the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPT) and in IsraelHigh-ranking UN official stated.
“In the occupied West Bank and Israel, 23 Palestinians, including 3 women and 4 children, were killed by Israeli security forces (ISF) during protests, clashes, search operations and arrests, assaults and alleged attacks against Israelis, and other incidents, and 541 Palestinians, including 30 women and 80 children, were injured”.
Furthermore, Israeli settlers or other civilians carried out 66 attacks against Palestinians, resulting in 9 injuries and/or damage to Palestinian property.
“In total, 12 Israelis, including 2 women and 3 foreign nationals, were killed and 82 Israelis, including about 6 children and 4 women, as well as one foreigner, were injured by people. Palestine in gun attacks, stabbings and butts, clashes, stoning and Molotov cocktails, and other incidents,” said Mr. Wennesland.
In total, Palestinians carried out 104 attacks against Israeli civilians resulting in injury and/or damage to Israeli property. In two weeks, four terrorist attacks took place inside Israel – the deadliest attacks in years.
The Special Coordinator detailed a sizzling list of casualties on both sides as of March 22, saying that “the perpetrators of every act of violence must be held accountable and brought forward quickly.” Justice.”
‘Deep trouble’
Turn to Gaza,”the security, humanitarian and economic situation remains difficult“The Special Coordinator sheds light on barriers to accessing health care.
“Palestinians in Gaza continue to suffer the consequences of years of severe economic and mobility restrictions due to the Israeli shutdown, the nature of the Hamas regime and the ongoing threat of violence. “.
Palestinians in Gaza continue to suffer the consequences of years of severe economic and mobility restrictions – UN Special Coordinator
After months of not firing rockets, militants in Gaza fired five rockets at Israel, one of which caused property damage in the Israeli town of Sderot. Others were intercepted by the Iron Dome system, making short landings in the Strip, or in open areas within Israel.
After the launch, the Israeli authorities closed the Israeli Erez route to Palestinian workers and traders.
“The indiscriminate launch of rockets at Israeli population centers is a violation of international law and must be stopped immediately.Mr. Wennesland emphasized.
Move upbeat
Some positive developments have taken place as the Israeli Government approved 20,050 permits for Palestinian workers from Gaza into Israel, in addition to the existing 2,500 permits for traders and entrepreneurs.
And the Government has also allocated around $12 million to improve the intersections between Gaza and Israel.
Furthermore, following an agreement between the two sides, preparatory works are underway to facilitate Gaza, the necessary dual-use materials and equipment for the repair and maintenance of fishing boats as a part of revitalizing the fishing industry, which Mr. Wennesland advocates, “should pave the way for similar easing of restrictions in other areas”.
Fallout from Ukraine
Following the Ukraine conflict, soaring prices and market disruption across vulnerable Middle East families in OPT are under threat over food security..
The quarterly distribution costs of the UN agency assisting Palestinian refugees, UNRWAhas increased 42 percent since the end of 2021 in Gaza, where the United Nations accounts for nearly 60 percent of the food supply.
Without additional funding, the World Food Program (WFP) and UNRWA will not be able to meet the food needs of Palestinians this year, which could lead to unrest throughout the OPT, especially in the Gaza Strip.
He called for urgent support to UNRWA, which is facing a dire financial situation, and called on parties, regional partners and international organizations to move the Palestinian Authority (PA) to “a stronger financial foundation”, while addressing broader systemic problems.
UN photo / Mark Garten
Security Council meets on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question
Spiral tension
The violence of the past month has underscored that conflict management is no substitute for resolving it.
The UN official encouraged de-escalation, maintaining calm and addressing the causes of conflict, adding that the settlements were halted, the PA’s financial stability strengthened and the Palestinian institutions were strengthened to form the basis for a political process toward a two-State reality.
Latest violation
Amid ongoing tensions in Israel and the OPT, Mr. Wennesland raised concerns about the missile firing across the Green Line into Israel this morning, which Israel responded with artillery fire into Lebanon.
No casualties reported and UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) continues to work with the Lebanese Armed Forces to intensify anti-missile operations in order to prevent such incidents from happening again and to contribute to stability along the Green Route.
