Under Secretary General for Political and Peacebuilding affairs Rosemary DiCarlo warned that “hopes for the realization of a two-state solution continue to be replaced by the rising fears of future annexation” by Israel of territories on which the Palestinians aspire to establish their future state. In a periodic Security Council briefing, which provides a U.N. report regarding the preceding three months, Under Secretary General DiCarlo insisted that the presiding reality, threatens the prospects of just and lasting peace between Israel and the Palestinians. In her words, “Under the pressure of violence, settlement expansion, unilateral measures, inter Palestinian divisions and deepening mutual (mis)trust the prospects for just and lasting peace remains ever more elusive. Hopes for the realization of a two-state solution continue to be replaced by the raising fears of future (Israeli) annexation. The possibility of establishing a viable in contiguous Palestinian state continues to be eroded by facts on the ground. The United Nation’s has reputedly warned that the (Israeli-Palestinian) conflict cannot be managed in perpetuity. The status quo will only lead to further deterioration of the situation, radicalization on all sides, more suffering and conflict.”
Among others, the U.N. official urged to immediately cease the indiscriminate rocket-fire toward Israel’s civilian population, yet stopped short from condemning the Islamist groups, namely Hamas, for bearing the responsibility. “During the reporting period, Palestinian militants fired 30 rockets and mortars from Gaza toward Israel. The indiscriminate launching of rockets and mortars towards the Israeli civilian population is prohibited by International Humanitarian Law and must immediately cease. Serval incendiary balloons were also launched from Gaza into Southern Israel, this must stop. Hamas must also insure that protests remain peaceful, and prevent provocations near the fence, including attempts to breach it,” she said.
With regard to the Israeli-Lebanese border, Under-Secretary General DiCarlo revealed that the United Nations Interim Force In Lebanon, which is mandated with observing the peace along the security barrier, chaired a tripartite meeting with members of the Lebanese Armed Forces and Israeli Defense Forces.
Although she did not elaborate on the contents of the meeting, DiCarlo stressed that the breach of Security Council Resolution 1701 by the Lebanese – Iranian-backed – Hezbollah, and the demanded immediate “follow up” by the Beirut government, a demand relayed to Lebanese security authorities by UNIFIL commander, Major General Stefano Del Col. She stated that “UNIFIL has now confirmed the existence of 5 tunnels, 3 of which it has confirmed cross the blue line (into Israel) and constitute violation of (U.N.) resolution 1701.”/ “The UNIFIL Force Commander informed the Commander of Lebanese Armed Forces and Minister of Defense Bou Saab of UNIFIL’s findings and requested urgent follow-up.”