More than 200 Palestinians and nearly 30
Israelis have been killed so far this year in demonstrations,
clashes, military operations, attacks and other incidents, which
already surpasses last year’s death toll, UN Middle East envoy
Tor Wennesland said in a briefing to the Security Council on
Monday.
It represents the highest number of fatalities since 2005 and
reflects “concerning trends” seen in recent months throughout the
Occupied Palestinian Territory
“Palestinians and Israelis are killed and injured in near daily
violence – including just hours before this briefing when another
fatal shooting attack killed an Israeli in the West Bank,”
he said, speaking from
Jerusalem.
Extremists taking advantage
The violence is fuelled and exacerbated by a growing sense of
despair about the future, said Mr. Wennesland, whose official
title is UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace
Process.
“The lack of progress towards a political horizon that addresses
the core issues driving the conflict has left a dangerous and
volatile vacuum, filled by extremists on both sides,” he told the
Council.
“We are a long distance apart from the sentiments prevailing when
the Oslo Accord was signed 30 years ago on 19 August.”
Although the parties have taken measures towards stabilizing the
situation, “unilateral steps” continue, including Israeli
settlement growth, demolitions, Palestinian militant activity,
and settler violence.
Mr. Wennesland reiterated that all perpetrators must be held
accountable and brought to justice. He also condemned violence
against civilians, including acts of terror, and urged security
forces to exercise maximum restraint and use of lethal force.
Gaza ceasefire holding
Meanwhile, a cessation of hostilities in Gaza continues to hold
following the escalation in May. However, the humanitarian
situation there remains dire.
Gazans have been facing higher-than-normal electricity shortages
lasting up to 12 hours a day, amid lack of capacity to meet
soaring summertime demands. Additional funding by Qatar has
increased supply by nearly two hours a day.
The power cuts sparked mass protests against Hamas, which rules
the Gaza Strip, under blockade now for over 17 years.
Thousands took to the streets on 30 July, and videos
showing Hamas security forces beating protestors were widely
circulated. In response, Hamas led counter-protests against
Israel.
Hamas also sentenced seven civilians in Gaza to death for
collaborating with Israel. Mr. Wennesland underlined the UN’s
strong opposition to the death penalty in any circumstances.
Turning to the wider region, he reported on incidents such as the
deadly violence at the Ein el Hilweh Palestine refugee camp in
southern Lebanon that erupted in late July. Clashes between Fatah
and Islamist factions left 13 people dead and over 50 injured. He
appealed for restraint and called for an end to any further
violence.
Tor Wennesland (on screen), Special Coordinator for the Middle
East Peace Process, addresses members of the UN Security Council.
Funding shortfalls affect millions
Mr. Wennesland also updated ambassadors on the dire fiscal state
of the Palestinian Authority, which controls the West Bank. It
has a projected deficit of more than $370 million this year.
"Austerity measures have resulted in significant reductions to
civil servant salaries and social assistance,” he said.
Humanitarians also need funding for their activities across the
region.
The UN agency that assists Palestinians, UNRWA, urgently requires
$35 million to provided food aid to 1.2 million people in Gaza,
while the World Food Programme (WFP) needs $41 million to
restore its operations across the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
Furthermore, an overall $502 million humanitarian plan is only
around 30 per cent funded, and he called for increased
international support.
