Prospects for resuming direct Palestinian-Israeli negotiations “remain dim”
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The United Nations political chief has called on Israeli and Palestinian leaders to get serious about overcoming the current impasse, noting that the talks begun last month have stalled and the situation on the ground in the West Bank and Gaza remains dangerous.
Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs Lynn Pascoe briefed the Security Council on the situation in the Middle East and told Ambassadors what is important now is for the parties to engage seriously on substance.
"So far prospects for the resumption of direct bilateral negotiations remain dim."
Direct talks between Israel and the Palestinians stalled in September 2010 after Israel refused to extend its freeze on settlement activity in the occupied Palestinian territory.
Outside the Council, the Permanent Observer of the Occupied Territories Rijad Mansour said he had extended an invitation on behalf of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas to the members of the Council to visit Gaza to witness firsthand the reality on the ground.
Israeli Ambassador Ron Prosor said before inviting the Security Council to visit the region, Mahmoud Abbas should visit Gaza.
