UNO: The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has taken a devastating toll in the ongoing year, resulting in the loss of over 200 Palestinian lives and nearly 30 Israeli lives – a count that has already surpassed last year's annual figures and represents the highest count since 2005, according to the UN's Mideast envoy's statements on Monday.
Tor Wennesland, addressing the UN Security Council, underscored that the surge in violence is driven by mounting despair about the future, with Palestinians still striving for an independent state. The absence of progress in addressing the core issues fueling the conflict has fostered a hazardous and unstable void, he remarked, exploited by extremists from all sides.
While some efforts have been undertaken to stabilize the situation, Wennesland pointed out that unilateral actions have further kindled hostilities.
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The expansion of Israeli settlements, deemed illegal under international law and deemed a significant impediment to peace, has continued unabated.
Wennesland also highlighted the demolition of Palestinian homes by Israel, operations in West Bank areas under Palestinian administrative and police control, and attacks by Israeli settlers. He also acknowledged "Palestinian militant activity."
The existing situation is exacerbated by the financial fragility of the Palestinian Authority and the severe funding shortages facing UN agencies, including UNRWA, which supports Palestinian refugees.
Wennesland stressed that while addressing immediate concerns and de-escalation are crucial, restoring a political path forward cannot be neglected.
US Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield, who chaired the meeting, condemned violence from both sides and called for urgent measures to reduce the escalating hostilities. She reaffirmed the US commitment to a two-state solution and emphasized the importance of dialogue.
Russia's deputy UN ambassador, Dmitry Polyansky, identified the ongoing illegal unilateral actions of Israel as a key obstacle to the peace process. He welcomed the upcoming visit of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to the region and called for a meeting of the Quartet of Mideast mediators to revive Palestinian-Israeli talks.
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France's political coordinator, Isis Jaraud Darnault, condemned Israel's colonization of Palestinian territories, highlighted the necessity of a credible political path, and stressed the significance of regional actors in restoring stability and a genuine political horizon.
As the Israeli-Palestinian conflict continues to exact a heavy toll, international stakeholders grapple with the urgent need for de-escalation, the restoration of a credible political process, and the pursuit of lasting peace that respects the aspirations of both Palestinians and Israelis.