Israeli Court Ruling on Sheikh Jarrah – 2 August 2021 Daily Press Briefing – (Excerpts)

2 AUGUST 2021

The following is a near-verbatim transcript of today’s noon briefing by Stéphane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General.

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Questions and Answers

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Question: …And secondly, in a very closely watched ruling, an Israeli court has proposed a compromise that would avoid Palestinian evictions in Sheikh Jarrah.  That was one of the sparks of the recent Gaza conflict.  Does the Secretary—General have any comment?

Spokesman: …On your second question on Sheikh Jarrah, we’re, obviously, following what’s going on in the court closely.  Our understanding is that a final ruling is expected later in the week.  From our standpoint, what has always been our standpoint is that all settlement activities, including evictions, demolitions, are illegal under international law.  Abdelhamid?

Question:  Yes, Steph, and welcome back.

Spokesman:  Thank you.

Question:  A follow—up to Sheikh Jarrah.  The offer given to the residents of Sheikh Jarrah was to consider them rental, consider them renting these houses, which was not acceptable, so the court was postponed to next week.  So, do you have any concrete…

Spokesman:  Well, I mean, listen, I think… we’ve seen those press reports… I mean, we’ve seen the reports, the reactions from the different parties.  Our position, I think, is pretty clear.  We will wait, obviously, till the full decision taken by the court…

Question:  Steph, I’ve been asking few questions, and I had not received an answer.  One of them is, where is Mr. Tor Wennesland?  I haven’t seen any statement from him, including the murder of a 12—year—old boy, and I’m sure you probably saw, and I didn’t get any answer.

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For information media. Not an official record.