The UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Tor Wennesland expressed deep concern over the relentless expansion of Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and over escalating violence, at levels not seen in decades.

Addressing a Security Council briefing, Wennesland said “Settlements further entrench the occupation, fuel violence, impede Palestinian access to their land and resources, and systematically erode the viability of a Palestinian State as part of a two-State solution.” He reiterated that settlements have no legal validity and constitute a flagrant violation of international law and United Nations resolutions, calling on the government of the Israeli entity to cease all settlement activity and dismantle outposts immediately, in line with its obligations under international law.

Demolitions and seizures of Palestinian-owned structures continued across the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, citing the lack of building permits, which are
almost impossible for Palestinians to obtain, he told the Council via videoconference from occupied Jerusalem.

During the period from June 15 to Sep. 19, the Israeli forces arrested mor than 1,500 Palestinians, including 88 children, in the West Bank, he said, adding that Israel currently holds 1,264 Palestinians in administrative detention, the highest number in over a decade.

UNRWA urgently needs USD 75 million to maintain food assistance through year-end for 1.2 million Palestinians in Gaza; while the World Food Programme requires USD 32 million to restore social assistance to priority families across the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPT), Wennesland said, pointing out that in addition, the humanitarian appeal for Palestinians throughout the OPT is funded at only 33 per cent.

There is no substitute for a legitimate political process that will resolve the core issues driving the conflict, the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process said.

Source: Qatar News Agency