UN to Israel, Palestinians: Put aside political fears for peace

A top United Nations official called on Israeli and Palestinian leaders to put aside political fears and stop ignoring underlying problems fueling violence and a perspective among Palestinian youth that they have “nothing to lose by sacrificing their lives.”

 

UN deputy political affairs chief Miroslav Jenca told the UN Security Council that a recent violent flare-up in the conflict continues to simmer and that leaders on both sides have to stop incitement and stand against acts of terrorism.

 

A campaign of stabbings, shootings and car rammings by Palestinians has killed 19 Israelis and a US citizen since the beginning of October. Israeli forces have killed at least 110 Palestinians, most of whom the army described as assailants.

 

“A political horizon to end the conflict now seems more distant than ever. Leaders on both sides cannot continue to ignore the underlying causes perpetuating violence and fueling extremism on all sides,” Jenca said.

 

He called on Israeli and Palestinian leaders to “let go of their immediate political fears and focus on the greater good of achieving a sustainable long-term peace.”

 

Read More: UN to Israel, Palestinians: Put aside political fears for peace – Israel News – Jerusalem Post