Palestine, Israel urged at UN to halt unilateral initiatives

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki- moon Tuesday called on Palestine and Israel to overcome differences and halt unilateral initiatives that fuel mistrust, so as to pursue long-term stability in the region.

Making the appeal at a quarterly open debate of the Security Council on the Middle East, Ban briefed the participants on the Gaza reconstruction efforts and his recent visit to the region, Xinhua reported.

"There is no hope for long-term stability in Gaza without addressing the underlying causes of the conflict: an end to the occupation that has ground on for nearly half a century, a full lifting of the blockade on the Gaza Strip and effectively addressing Israel's legitimate security concerns," he said.

Ban said ultimately, long-term stability requires a comprehensive peace agreement leading to a viable and independent Palestinian state.

The UN chief's appeal came at a time when tensions were running high at Jerusalem where Israeli authorities imposed restrictions on Palestinians seeking to enter the Al-Aqsa Mosque, the world's third holiest sites for Muslims, leading to clashes between Palestinian worshipers and Israeli forces.

Expressing deep concern over restrictions and provocations at the holy sites in Jerusalem, Ban said: "Leaders on both sides must overcome their differences and dispense with the unilateral initiatives that serve only to fuel mistrust and polarization," he said. "The two-state solution is the only viable option for a durable peace."

Ban also praised the Palestinians for taking critical steps to forge a united path to the future, citing an intra-Palestinian reconciliation agreement signed in April and the recent historical meeting hosted by the Palestinian prime minister, Rami Hamdallad, in Gaza.

"A united Palestinian government is beginning to take shape," he said.