Continuing settlement expansion, most notably in occupied East
Jerusalem, is making the two-State solution increasingly
unattainable and undermining Palestinian belief in the
international peace efforts, a senior United Nations official
told the Security Council today.
“In addition to illegal settlements, the practice of demolishing
Palestinian structures in the West Bank, including East
Jerusalem, and displacing Palestinians undermines the prospects
of peace,” said Nickolay Mladenov, Special Coordinator for the
Middle East Peace Process.
Briefing the 15-member body on the latest developments, Mr.
Mladenov reported that since June, Israel’s illegal settlement
activities have continued at a “high rate,” a consistent pattern
over the course of this year. Activity during this period was
concentrated primarily in occupied East Jerusalem, where plans
were advanced for over 2,300 housing units in July, 30 per cent
more than for the whole of 2016.
The reporting period witnessed the eviction of a Palestinian
family in Sheikh Jarrah, residents for over 50 years, after a
protracted legal battle. The building is located in a section of
the neighbourhood in which several settlement plans were among
those promoted in July.
“The United Nations considers all settlement activities to be
illegal under international law and an impediment to peace,” the
Special Coordinator stated.
He went on to note that violence persisted as one of the main
obstacles to resolving the conflict. Although the reporting
period was characterized by relatively low levels of fatalities,
a number of incidents occurred, resulting in the deaths of 19
Palestinians and eight Israelis. Settler-related violence and
punitive demolitions of Palestinians homes by the Israeli
authorities also continued.
“Continued violence against civilians and incitement perpetuate
mutual fear and suspicion, while impeding any efforts to bridge
the gaps between the two sides,” said Mr. Mladenov.
“I once again urge both Palestinians and Israelis to demonstrate
their commitment to rejecting violence, inflammatory rhetoric and
provocative actions.”
