UN Special Coordinator calls for end to Israeli settler violence against Palestinians – UN news item

Senior UN official calls for end to Israeli settler violence against Palestinians

5 décembre 2008 – While welcoming the evacuation by Israeli security forces of some 200 settlers from a house in Hebron in occupied Palestinian territory, a senior United Nations official today condemned ensuing settler violence against Palestinians, calling for an immediate end to such attacks.

“As the occupying power, the Government of Israel is under obligation to protect Palestinian civilians, property and holy sites,” UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Robert Serry said in a statement, denouncing the destruction and desecration of Palestinian property, mosques and graves, as well as settler attacks on Israeli security forces.

“I remain concerned about the potential for a further escalation of a tense situation. I call for an immediate end to settler attacks and restraint and calm from all parties, and urge vigilance from the Israeli authorities to ensure that the events of yesterday are not repeated.”

He added that extremists’ actions continued to pose a threat to the peace process, and further underlined the need for action to fulfil the commitments of the Roadmap plan, which calls for a two-State solution with Israel and the Palestinians living side by side in peace.