Middle East: West Bank Settlements & Violence - Security Council Briefing | United Nations

Deputy Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Ramiz Alakbarov reiterated the Secretary-General's "strong condemnation of the relentless expansion and acceleration of Israeli settlements in the West Bank," stressing that all settlement activity and related infrastructure "must cease immediately." The Deputy Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator spoke to the Council today (29 Jun) via video link. Alakbarov said the escalating violence and tensions in the West Bank are “highly concerning.” He condemned all violence against civilians, including acts of terror, echoing the Secretary-General’s “deep concern over persistent and intensifying settler attacks.” Alakbarov also remained “deeply concerned” by ongoing attacks by Palestinians against Israelis. “All perpetrators must be held accountable,” he reiterated. The Deputy Special Coordinator also expressed concern over growing threats to the status quo at the Holy Sites in Jerusalem. He reiterated, “the status quo must be respected and upheld, in line with the special and historic role of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan.” Alakbarov echoed the Secretary-General in “condemning in the strongest terms the Israeli authorities’ decision to establish military facilities at the UNRWA Sheikh Jarrah compound in East Jerusalem.” He urged the Government of Israel to “rescind its decision and immediately return to the United Nations the UNRWA Sheikh Jarrah compound.” The UN official also urged Member States to “continue to politically support and financially sustain UNRWA.”