Wennesland urges Palestinians and Israelis to maintain ceasefire and avoid “unilateral actions”

May 24. (EUROPE PRESS) –

The UN envoy for the Middle East peace process, Tor Wennesland, on Wednesday urged the Palestinian and Israeli parties to maintain the ceasefire and avoid “unilateral and incendiary actions” that undermine peace in the region.

“In recent weeks, the UN, together with regional and international partners, have once again mobilized to end hostilities between armed factions in Gaza and Israel. Such efforts are crucial to save lives,” he told the Security Council. United Nations Security.

Wennesland recalled that 33 Palestinians have died, including twelve civilians – four women and six children – during the latest hostilities between the parties. The Israeli Army carried out 323 airstrikes against Islamic Jihad, while the Palestinian side launched more than 1,200 missiles into Israeli territory.

“According to the Gaza authorities, nearly 100 houses were completely destroyed and more than 125 were damaged and made uninhabitable, causing the displacement of more than 1,100 Palestinians,” he said.

Likewise, it has warned that the Israeli authorities have approved the tender for 310 houses in Area C. Specifically, Wennesland has specified that on May 18, the Israeli Army issued an order to allow settlers to re-enter the area. already evacuated settlement of Homesh, in the northern West Bank.

“During the reporting period, the Israeli authorities demolished, confiscated or forced the owners to demolish 33 Palestinian-owned homes in Area C and 17 in East Jerusalem, including a donor-funded school east of Bethlehem, prompting the displacement of 89 Palestinians, including 45 children,” he said.

“I reiterate that all settlements are illegal under international law and that they are a major obstacle to peace and must cease,” he said, also calling on Israel to “put an end to the eviction of Palestinians and approve construction plans to address their needs.”