Document Library

Statement by UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Tor Wennesland, on the Situation in Gaza and Israel

Jerusalem, 08 March 2024

“Five months have passed since the acts of terror by Hamas in Israel, including the kidnapping of over 250 people, and the onset of hostilities in Gaza.

These have been five months of suffering and pain. Too many lives have been lost, too many families have been left in agony.

We need an end to this misery now - one that will lead to the immediate release of all remaining Israeli hostages and a ceasefire that will enable a scale-up of critical humanitarian assistance to reach all Palestinians in desperate need in Gaza.”

[ENDS]

Statement by UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Tor Wennesland, on Reported Advancement of Israeli Settlement Plans

Jerusalem, 7 March 2024

“I condemn yesterday’s reported advancement by the Israeli authorities of plans for over 3,400 housing units in settlements in the occupied West Bank.

Israel’s settlement expansion continues to be a driver of conflict in the occupied West Bank, further entrenching the occupation and undermining the right of Palestinians to self-determination and independent statehood.

I reiterate that all settlements are illegal under international law, and I urge Israeli authorities to cease all settlement activity and refrain from provocative actions.”