Following the latest wave of violence between Israelis and
Palestinians, UN Middle East envoy Tor Wennesland on Monday
appealed for both sides to take action towards addressing core
issues fuelling their conflict.
Mr. Wennesland said he was gravely concerned by the deteriorating
security situation in the occupied West Bank, particularly the
violence in Huwwara that erupted over the past 24 hours.
“My condolences to the family of the two Israeli brothers killed
in a shooting attack yesterday by a Palestinian perpetrator and
to the family of the Palestinian killed during a rampage by
vigilante settlers in retaliatory attacks, which resulted also in
many Palestinians injured and homes in Huwwara set ablaze,”
he said in a
statement.
International media also reported that a Palestinian man shot and
critically wounded a 25-year-old Israeli man near Jericho on
Monday.
Accountability and condemnation
Mr. Wennesland - officially UN Special Coordinator for the Middle
East Peace Process - stressed that security forces have the
responsibility to maintain security and prevent individuals
from taking the law into their own
hands.
“There can be no justification for
terrorism, nor for arson and acts of revenge against
civilians,” he added. “All perpetrators of
violence must be held accountable.
Violence, provocations, and incitement must stop immediately and
be unequivocally condemned by all.”
The situation unfolded as Jordan hosted Israeli and Palestinian
political and security officials in the Red Sea resort of Aqaba
on Sunday, in efforts to curb rising violence ahead of the holy
month of Ramadan.
Representatives from the United States and Egypt also
attended.
‘No shortcuts to peace’
Mr. Wennesland said he was encouraged by commitments reaffirmed
by the parties in the final Aqaba Communiqué, including towards
de-escalation.
He urged the sides to make all efforts to address the core issues
driving the conflict in line with UN resolutions, international
law and previous agreements.
“The United Nations remains committed to supporting Palestinians
and Israelis to achieve a just and lasting
peace,” he said. “There are no shortcuts to
peace.”
