The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has resulted in more than 200 Palestinian deaths and nearly 30 Israeli deaths this year. These numbers have already surpassed last year’s figures and represent the highest death toll since 2005, according to the U.N. Mideast envoy, Tor Wennesland. Wennesland attributes the escalation in violence to growing despair about the future, as the Palestinians continue to seek an independent state.
Wennesland emphasizes the urgent need for progress towards a political solution that addresses the core issues driving the conflict. He warns that the lack of such progress has created a dangerous and volatile vacuum, which is being exploited by extremists on all sides. While there have been some efforts to stabilize the situation, Wennesland points out that unilateral actions by both Israelis and Palestinians have only fueled hostilities.
Specifically, Wennesland highlights the continuous expansion of Israeli settlements, which are illegal under international law and a significant obstacle to peace. He also mentions Israel’s demolition of Palestinian houses, its operations in the West Bank, attacks by Israeli settlers, and Palestinian militant activity. These actions further contribute to the worsening situation.
Wennesland also raises concerns about the financial fragility of the Palestinian Authority and the severe funding shortages facing U.N. agencies, including the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA. He emphasizes the need to address the critical issues on the ground and de-escalate the violence while restoring a political horizon.
During the U.N. Security Council meeting, U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield condemns violence by both sides and calls for immediate steps to reduce the escalating violence. She reaffirms U.S. support for a two-state solution and emphasizes the importance of good-faith dialogue between the parties. Thomas-Greenfield also acknowledges the appointment of Saudi Arabia’s ambassador Jordan as a non-resident consul general in Jerusalem and expresses support for any efforts that bring the parties closer to a two-state solution.
Russia’s deputy U.N. ambassador Dmitry Polyansky highlights the long-term stagnation of the peace process, compounded by Israel’s ongoing illegal unilateral actions to create irreversible facts on the ground. Polyansky identifies the unprecedented pace of Israel’s settlement expansion as the biggest threat to reviving direct talks between Palestinians and Israelis. He calls for a visit by U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to the region and a meeting of the Quartet of Mideast mediators to revive the peace process.
France’s political coordinator Isis Jaraud Darnault condemns the Israeli colonization of Palestinian territories and the continuing demolitions, including a school in the West Bank region that was financed by European donors. She also condemns violence against Israelis. Darnault emphasizes the essential role of the U.N. and regional actors in restoring a credible political horizon and calls for a solution that meets the legitimate aspirations of both Palestinians and Israelis.
In conclusion, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict continues to escalate, with a significant loss of life on both sides. The lack of progress towards a political solution and the unilateral actions by both Israelis and Palestinians contribute to the worsening situation. Urgent efforts are needed to de-escalate the violence, restore a political horizon, and address the core issues driving the conflict. The involvement of international actors, such as the United Nations and regional stakeholders, is crucial in finding a credible and lasting solution that meets the legitimate aspirations of both parties involved.
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