UN chief irked by diminishing chances of 2-state solution

The United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki moon Sunday expressed his worry about the diminishing opportunities for reaching a two-state solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict.

In a message, delivered by Director of the United Nations Information Centre in Cairo Bahaa Elkoussy on a celebration organized by the Egyptian Association of the United Nations on the occasion of the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People, Ban Ki moon warned against the spread of incitement and terror attacks in addition to expanding in the establishment of Israeli settlements.

In 2016, the number of Palestinian homes demolished by Israeli bulldozers has doubled against 2015; Elkoussy quoted the UN chief as saying.

About one million Palestinian children in the Gaza Strip are suffering from the deterioration of humanitarian situation due to the affected infrastructure and the weak economy, according to Ban Ki moon.

Tens of thousands of the displaced people in the enclave are still waiting for rebuilding their homes destroyed by Israeli forces, Ban Ki moon asserted.

These practices led to an increase in the feelings of anger and depression for Palestinians and Israelis as well, Ban Ki moon noted. 

The latest report issued by the Quartet on the Middle East has shown the steps that should be taken to create a suitable atmosphere to render the Palestinian-Israeli negotiations a success, Ban Ki moon said, stressing the UN and its partners of the Quartet are committed to implanting the recommendations stated in the report.

The UN chief urges all parties and the international community to renew their commitment to supporting the Palestinian people’s rights and seeking to build a future of peace, justice, security and dignity for Palestinians and Israelis alike.

Source: MENA