"RIYAD MANSOUR"

Following the violence in Gaza that resulted in at least 10 civilians killed, the Permanent Observer to the UN of Palestine, Riyad Mansour, said that “it is the duty of the Security Council to condemn these crimes”. UNIFEED

A UN spokesperson said, “the Secretary-General is shocked and appalled by the images he saw this morning of the violence and beating by Israeli security forces inside the al-Qibli mosque in Jerusalem. At a time of the calendar which is holy to Jews, Christians and Muslims, this should be a time for peace and not violence.” UNIFEED

The Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Tor Wennesland, told the Security Council that he remains “deeply troubled by continued Israeli settlement expansion”, warning that it can “further entrench the occupation, fuel tensions, and systematically erode the viability of a Palestinian State as part of a two-State solution.” UNIFEED

After a closed meeting on the Middle East, the President of the UN Security Council said, “The countries around the table agreed that the escalation of tensions needs to be something to keep abreast of and that we should try to see if there are ways that we can stop any incitement to further violence and to promote dialogue.” UNIFEED

Ahead of a closed meeting on the Middle East, Palestinian Ambassador Riyad Mansour said, “It is high time for the Security Council to shoulder its responsibility, particularly with regard to providing protection for the civilian population.” UNIFEED

UN Secretary-General António Guterres said, “Regional and international partners must collectively work – with greater urgency and determination – to help Palestinians and Israelis restore a credible political horizon.” UNIFEED

The Security Council expressed on Monday “deep concern and dismay” with Israel’s announcement of further construction and expansion of settlements and the “legalization” of settlement outposts. UNIFEED

Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Tor Wennesland, told the Security Council that “a dangerous cycle of violence persists on the ground, amidst increased political tension and a stalled peace process.” UNIFEED