The UN’s Middle East envoy Nickolay Mladenov accused Israel of not taking steps to halt its ongoing settlement construction as demanded by Resolution 2334, which was adopted by the Council after the United States, under the Obama Administration, abstained in the vote – in its last possible act to influence the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, before then President-elect Donald Trump took office. The United Nations envoy to the Middle East, who resides in the world-body’s headquarters in Jerusalem, warned the Council members that the ongoing stalled peace process between Israel and the Palestinians, and the lack of dialogue between the parties, has increased radicalization on all sides, a reality that threatens the prospects of a viable solution to the decades-old conflict, and rather provides tail-wind for a possible armed confrontation.
“Let me note from the outset that none of the developments on the ground can be divorced from the broader context in which they are happening, namely the stalled peace process, the lack of dialogue between the parties and the increased radicalization on all sides. The reporting period has witnessed a notable increase in statements, announcements and decisions related to the settlement construction and expansion. The resolution calls on Israel to take steps, I quote, ‘to cease all settlement activities in the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem.’ No such the steps have been taken during the reporting period.” / “While the resolution called upon both parties to refrain from acts of provocation, enticement and inflammatory rhetoric, such actions continued during the reporting period. Reactions by Hamas officials to terror attacks against Israelis have been particularly reprehensible and deserve condemnation.” / “The continuing, deadly violence in Israel and in the occupied Palestinian territory during the past three months also remains a concern. A recent increase of rockets fired from Gaza towards Israel is also a worrying development. Such potentially lethal provocations are unnecessary, dangerous and risk devastating escalation. Resolution 2334 calls on all to, I quote ‘clearly condemn all acts of terrorism.’ The continued incitement to violence against Jews emanating from Hamas extremists and some Palestinian groups is unacceptable and undermines trust and the prospects for peace.”