Special Coordinator deplores settlers take over of a building in Jerusalem – UNSCO statement

Statement by Robert H. Serry, United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, on Developments in Jerusalem

Jerusalem, 29 July 2010

I deplore today's unacceptable action by armed Israeli settlers who forcibly took over a building, which is home to nine Palestinian families, in the Muslim Quarter of the Old City.  I call on the Israeli authorities to remove the settlers from the property and restore the status quo ante.

Moreover, yesterday, the Israeli authorities destroyed a number of Palestinian commercial structures on the outskirts of East Jerusalem.

These provocative acts come at a critical time in the international community’s efforts to move the peace process forward.  I call on the Government of Israel to heed the Quartet’s call to refrain from provocative actions in East Jerusalem, including house demolitions and evictions.