- Abdelhakim Abu Riash/Al jazeera
Gaza – UN's Special Envoy for the Middle East Peace Process, Tor Wennesland said that 2023 ends as one of the deadliest in the history of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, with the situation deteriorating on nearly all fronts.
Wennesland conveyed during a UN Security Council meeting that discussed the situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian issue.
He also highlighted the dire humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip where the distribution of humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip still faces almost insurmountable challenges.
Konflik Israel-Palestina
- (Foto AP/Fatima Shbair)
He further mentioned that amidst displacement and fierce hostilities, the humanitarian response system is on the verge of collapse.
"The killing of civilians in Gaza, including women and children, and expressed his sadness at the loss of every single civilian, including 131 UN personnel who were killed in the Israeli aggression on Gaza," he stated.
Wennesland voiced “deep concerns” over escalating tensions in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem.
He also expressed alarm at the lethal attacks carried out by Israeli settlers against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank and Israel.
“All perpetrators of violence must be held accountable and swiftly brought to justice,” he remarked.
The UN Special Coordinator said he was appalled at the numerous instances of officials glorifying violence and encouraging the killing of civilians.
Wennesland stated that the relentless expansion of Israeli settlements in the Occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, threatens the viability of a future independent Palestinian State.
Moreover, he reiterated that Israeli settlements are a flagrant violation of United Nations resolutions and international law, calling on the Israeli government to stop these activities immediately.
The United Nations remains committed to supporting Palestinians and Israelis in ending the occupation and resolving the conflict in line with international law, relevant United Nations resolutions and bilateral agreements in pursuit of a two-State solution, he concluded.
