New York

03 November 2009

Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General on occupied East Jerusalem

The Secretary-General is dismayed at continued Israeli actions in occupied East Jerusalem, including the demolition of Palestinian homes, the eviction of Palestinian families and the insertion of settlers into Palestinian neighbourhoods. The eviction today of a Palestinian family in East Jerusalem is just the most recent incident.

These actions stoke tensions, cause suffering and further undermine trust. He calls on Israel to cease such provocative actions. He further reiterates his call on Israel to implement its Road Map commitments by freezing all settlement activity, including natural growth; dismantling outposts; and reopening Palestinian institutions in East Jerusalem.