Israeli Settlements

Independent Films, Web Series, Politics

SECRETARY GENERAL DEPLORES PALESTINIAN SETTLEMENTS, DEMOLITIONS, EVICTIONS
UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon repeated his call for Israel to freeze all settlement activities saying he was very concerned at the lack of progress towards peace between Israel and the Palestinians. Addressing the committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People at headquarters in New York, the Secretary General said that settlement activity was illegal under international law and contravened the Road Map obligations of Israel while undermining confidence in the peace process. In his remarks to the opening session of the committee he particularly deplored the recent demolition of the Shepherd Hotel in East Jerusalem and the continued house demolitions and evictions of Palestinian families in other parts of the Palestinian territory.

Transcripts / Production notes / Scripts

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said he was very concerned at the lack of progress towards peace between the Israelis and Palestinians, adding he has “repeatedly” expressed regret that Israel has not frozen settlement activities.

Addressing opening session of the committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People at headquarters in New York, said that the
the settlement activity in the occupied Palestinian territory was illegal under international law, and contravened the Road Map obligations of Israel while undermining confidence.

Ban said he “deplored” the recent demolition of the Shepherd Hotel in East Jerusalem and expressed concern over the continued house demolitions and evictions of Palestinian families in other parts of the occupied Palestinian territory, which he added heightened tensions.

Ban also reiterated his call on Israel to freeze all settlement activities.

On Gaza, Ban said that even though 2010 saw reduced levels of violence overall, the recent escalation of rocket attacks by Palestinians and Israeli air strikes had the potential to spiral out of control.

He stressed that while Israel’s legitimate security concerns were not in doubt, still he called on all parties to demonstrate responsibility, de-escalate tensions, and fully ensure the protection of civilians.

Tags

• Israel
• Palestine Settlements

Directors:

• Tom Osborne, UNTV

Producers:

• Susan Sacirbey