Ban: Israeli occupation stifles Palestine economy and lives
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Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has renewed his call for progress in the Middle East peace process, citing the toll taken on the economy and lives of the Palestinians by the ongoing Israeli occupation.
Mr. Ban got a first-hand look at the situation on the ground during his trip last week to Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory.
Charles Appel reports.
Mr. Ban Ki-moon has once again called for an end to the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territory that began in 1967 as well as an end to the long-standing conflict.
Mr. Ban was speaking to participants at the UN Seminar on Assistance to the Palestinian People taking place in Cairo, Egypt.
Settlements and their infrastructure severely restrict access to land and natural resources by the Palestinian people, he said.
The issue also hurts prospects for a negotiated solution, he added.
The UN Chief described the situation as “unacceptable”, calling for occupation measures which stifle Palestinian life to be rolled back.
Charles Appel, United Nations.
Duration: 42″
Document Type: Audio
Document Sources: Secretary-General, United Nations Department of Public Information (DPI), United Nations Radio
Subject: Economic issues, Living conditions, Occupation, Peace process
Publication Date: 06/02/2012