United Nations warns of consequences of escalating violence and settlement activity in the West Bank

New York, August 11 (KUNA) -- Ramzy Akbarov, the UN Deputy Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, warned on Tuesday of the consequences of escalating violence and settlement activity in the occupied West Bank, stating that such actions exacerbate the suffering of Palestinians and undermine the prospects for an independent Palestinian state. Akbarov’s remarks came during a session convened by the UN Security Council at the request of its five European member states to discuss the rising violence in the West Bank. He said the current deterioration is the result of decades of unresolved conflict, which has strengthened Israel’s grip of occupation and pushed the Palestinian Authority to the brink of collapse. He noted that as of the 10th of this month, 76 Palestinians, including 18 children, had been killed in the West Bank by Israeli occupation forces or settlers. He highlighted the continued Israeli military operations and restrictions on movement, which disrupt civilian life and humanitarian activities, emphasizing that “treating the situation in the West Bank as an emergency requires urgent action.” The international official reaffirmed the UN’s commitment to supporting efforts aimed at achieving a lasting peace. (End) E.S.T. / S.A.M.