“There are tangible, ongoing agreements that can be formalized and expanded immediately – if there is political will,” he said. Tor Wenneslandadded that he actively engages with Israelis, Palestinians, countries in the region and the wider international community, to push for a return to the negotiating path that will end the occupation and establish two Countries.
Familiar patterns
To be sure, recent weeks have been filled with the familiar pattern of daily violence: armed clashes, settlement expansion, relocation, demolition and seizure of structures, he said. Palestinians, as well as a deadly terrorist attack in Israel.
Meanwhile, the Palestinian Authority’s financial position – coupled with the limitations of the occupation, the absence of serious Palestinian reforms and the uncertain prospects for donor support – is very poor. bad. These dynamics, combined with the financial crisis, are “dangerously converging and intensifying,” he said.
Need economic help
While immediate steps to reverse the trend and support the Palestinian people are needed, the parties and the international community need a better coordinated and strategic approach.
First of all, he called for more extended and sustainable economic relief. An agreed and updated regulatory framework for the Israeli-Palestinian economic relationship is not only important for delivering meaningful economic returns to Palestinians, but also adds a tangible political perspective. for these economic moves.
Political steps
He also called for political and security steps to be taken to address the core causes of conflict and ultimately lead to an end to the occupation and a negotiated two-State solution.
UN photo / Mark Garten
Security Council meets on the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question
The death of a hero
He also admitted kill Respected Palestinian-American journalist Shireen Abu Aqleh as she covers events in the West Bank city of Jenin on May 11.
“Her death brings Palestinians and countless others around the world together in grief and anger,” he said, as well as another reminder of the devastating human cost in life. conflict.
Against this backdrop, he reiterated the Secretary-General’s condemnation of all attacks against journalists and his call for the relevant authorities to carry out an independent and transparent investigation. “Those responsible must be held accountable,” he insisted.
