UN chief: Two-state solution in Mideast tragically more distant than ever

UN chief Ban Ki-moon (UN Photo)

New York (IINA) – UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon warned Monday that a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict seems more distant than it has for many decades, citing the ongoing violence, Israel’s settlement activity and demolitions of Palestinian homes, and the absence of Palestinian unity.
In his regular briefing to the Security Council, Ban said that more than two dozen Israelis and 200 Palestinians have been killed in the surge of violence that gripped Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory for more than six months.
He urged Israeli and Palestinian leaders to engage in a constructive dialogue that can rebuild trust, noting that the latest killings have only deepened the legacy of divisiveness, hatred and grief.
The Middle East Quartet is moving forward on a report that will review the situation on the ground, the threats to a two-state solution, and provide recommendations on how to advance peace, the UN chief said.
“Tragically, this solution seems more distant than it has for many decades,” he said, adding: “A 20-year-old Palestinian living under occupation has seen no political progress at all during his or her lifetime.”
Israel continues to demolish Palestinian structures in the West Bank at an alarming rate. The total number of demolitions in 2015 was exceeded in the first three months of this year. More than 700 people have been displaced.
The secretary general said he was also concerned by the continued punitive demolitions of homes belonging to families of alleged Palestinian perpetrators of attacks against Israelis. Punitive demolitions are a form of collective punishment, which is prohibited under international law.
This, together with last month’s declaration of “state land,” signals that Israel’s strategic settlement enterprise continues to expand on land intended for a future Palestinian state. “I once again reiterate that settlements are illegal under international law and undermine the two-state solution,” Ban said.
AB/IINA

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