Ban voices ‘profound alarm’ at growing number of deadly incidents in West Bank

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon voiced “profound alarm” today at the growing number of deadly incidents in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.

“The last few days of clashes, which resulted in the death of four Palestinians, including a 13-year old boy, and hundreds injured, are yet another worrisome sign of violence potentially spiralling out of control,” said Mr. Ban in a statement issued by his spokesperson in New York.

The Secretary-General condemned the killings and said he looks to the Government of Israel to conduct a prompt and transparent investigation into the incidents, including whether the use of force was proportional.

“He does not believe that the demolition of Palestinian houses or the construction of new Israeli settlements on occupied Palestinian land will do anything other than inflame tensions still further,” the statement further noted.

In addition, the UN chief underlined that the escalation of violent incidents underscores the need for urgent action by both sides. He welcomed the commitment by Palestinian and Israeli officials to work together to curb the violence, including through continued security cooperation.

Meanwhile, Mr. Ban reiterated the readiness of the United Nations to work with all parties to create the conditions on the ground, in the region and internationally, for a political horizon including meaningful negotiations towards a two-state solution.