UN Middle East envoy reports 'sharp increase' in violence this year in West Bank

UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Tor Wennesland reiterated deep concern on Monday over the high levels of violence in 2022 in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, which led to the death of more than 150 Palestinians.More than 150 Palestinians have been killed, the highest number of deaths in years, Wennesland told the Security Council.The envoy said he was "particularly appalled" that boys and girls continue to fall victim to violence."Also disturbing are the continued killings of Palestinians by Israeli security forces in incidents where they did not appear to present an imminent threat to life," he added."The deepening occupation, the increase in violence, including terrorism, and the absence of a political horizon have empowered extremists and are eroding hope among Palestinians and Israelis, alike, that a resolution of the conflict is achievable," he warned."I am gravely concerned by the sharp increase in violence against civilians on both sides, which exacerbates mistrust and undermines a peaceful resolution to the conflict," he said.Wennesland appealed for an end to the violence and for all perpetrators to be held accountable.He condemned all acts of terrorism against civilians, calling on all sides to help calm the situation, avoid spreading inflammatory rhetoric and speak up against those seeking to incite and escalate the situation.Turning to other matters, the UN envoy said Israeli settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, remains deeply concerning."I also remain deeply concerned by the continued demolitions and seizures of Palestinian structures," said Wennesland."I am alarmed, in particular, by the demolition of a donor-funded school in Masafer Yatta and the stated intention of Israeli authorities to demolish additional structures in the herding communities of that area, which would have a significant humanitarian toll, if implemented," he added.