Concern about Israeli security operations in the West Bank, resignation of US Middle East Envoy Indyk, status of peace process are topics at the SG’s Spokesperson’s noon briefing (excerpts)

HIGHLIGHTS OF THE NOON BRIEFING
BY STEPHANE DUJARRIC, SPOKESMAN FOR SECRETARY-GENERAL BAN KI-MOON

FRIDAY, 27 JUNE 2014

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 U.N. HUMAN RIGHTS OFFICE CONCERNED BY ONGOING ISRAELI OPERATIONS
 IN WEST BANK AND FATE OF 3 MISSING ISRAELI TEENAGERS

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The Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, in a briefing in Geneva today, expressed its increasing concern at the human rights situation in the context of the ongoing operations by Israeli security forces after three Israeli teenagers went missing close to the city of Hebron in the occupied West Bank on 12 June.

The Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights, Flavia Pansieri, met this week in Geneva with the mothers of the three missing Israelis and expressed her sincere sympathy with them. As a mother herself, she expressed her understanding of their deep anxiety about the fate of their sons. The Human Rights Office is concerned that the three teenagers have still not been located, after being missing for 15 days, and hopes for their immediate safe return.

The Human Rights Office’s sympathy also goes out to the mothers and loved ones of the six Palestinians, including two teenagers, who have been killed by Israeli forces, in addition to the many others who have been injured, during these past two weeks. The Office reiterates its call for strict adherence to international law by all relevant actors and joins others in their call for restraint.

Asked about the resignation of US Middle Rast Envoy Martin Indyk, the Spokesman said the United Nations appreciated working with him.

Asked about the state of the Middle east peace process, he said that  the United Nations has emphasized the need for the parties to return to negotiations.

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