Tensions increased in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and settlement activity continued and violence involving settlers continued.
“Immediate steps to reverse the negative trend and support the Palestinian people are needed” speak Lynn Hastings, UNSCO Deputy Director, United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for the Occupied Palestinian Territories, spoke on behalf of Special Coordinator Tor Wennesland.
“Violence must stop”.
Corrosive condition
Over the years, illegal settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank has gradually shrunk Palestinian lands and eroded prospects for a viable Palestinian State as violence against civilians causes exacerbates skepticism and causes a growing sense of hopelessness that the State, sovereignty and a peaceful future are slowly disappearing.
“Three hundred and ninety-nine demolition and seizure of Palestinian-owned and displaced structures this year have displaced more than 400 Palestinians,” the UN official said.
Meanwhile, a collapsed Palestinian economy, lack of unity within Palestine and the urgent need to renew national institutions have also heightened Israel’s awareness of the dangers of continuing on its current path..
Biden’s visit
Ms. Hastings said that amid concerns about continuing cycles of violence and the risk of continued escalation – with no end in sight – US President Joe Biden’s visit earlier this month signaled a new consensus on what to do. a two-state solution based on the 1967 line.
For the first time in years, the leaders of Israel, Palestine and the United States reiterated their support for a two-state solution as essential to Palestinians and Israelis alike.
“We must build on these reaffirmed commitments and work collectively to encourage steps that allow a return to a meaningful political process,“She added.
Death and violence
From clashes to shootings and stabbings throughout the Occupied Palestinian Territory, the Resident Coordinator cited examples of violence that left nearly 300 Palestinians and several Israelis dead.
She recounted that the bullet once killed the Palestinian-American journalist Shireen Abu Aqleh underwent a forensic examination supervised by a senior US security official. However, the assessors were “unable to draw an accurate conclusion” due to its damaged state.
After reviewing the results of both Israeli and Palestinian investigations into Ms. Aqleh’s death, it appears that gunfire from Israel Defense Forces (IDF) positions could be the cause but “there is no reason to believe this is intentional,” she said. Hastings.
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Evacuate and destroy
Citing a lack of Israeli-issued construction permits, recent demolition has displaced 61 Palestinians, including 31 children, and Hastings pointed out that it’s nearly impossible for Palestinians to obtain permits.
And after the decision of the Supreme Court of Justice of Israel allowing evictions in the villages of Masafer Yatta in the South West Bank, Israeli forces continued to apply restrictive measures affecting the diaspora. Palestinian and humanitarian organizations.
“I remain deeply concerned about the potential impacts of the Supreme Court ruling and humanitarian toll on the communities in question if an eviction order is carried out,” she said.
There is no substitute for a legitimate political process that will resolve the core issues that lead to conflict – UN Resident Coordinator
Vulnerability in Gaza
In light of the fragile situation in Gaza, the United Nations and its humanitarian partners continue to provide important support and further ease restrictions on movement of people and goods in and out of the Strip.
However, on July 16, militants in the area launched four rockets towards Israel. The IDF retaliated with airstrikes against what it said were Hamas targets. No injuries were reported to either side.
For the Islamic holiday of Eid al-Adha, Israel announced that 400 permits will be issued to men over 55 and women over 50 to visit Jerusalem from Gaza for the first time since 2017.
There should be a legitimate political process
Finally, the UNSCO Deputy Chief warned that if left unresolved, the corrosion situation would only get worse and supported the “ultimate goal” of the two States, living side by side in peace.
“There is no substitute for a legitimate political process that will resolve the core issues that lead to conflict,” she said, assuring that the United Nations “remains committed” to peace. fair and lasting and will continue to work with all involved to achieve that goal.
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