UN Warns of Volatile Situation in Israeli-Occupied Palestinian Territories

Israeli soldiers from the Nahal Brigade in southern Gaza. (Source: IDF)

JAKARTA - Senior United Nations officials warned on Monday that the continued Israeli air raids and military operations in the Gaza Strip, resulted in more casualties, making the situation in the entire Occupied Palestinian Territory remain "volatile."

"Since the deadline of June 12 for written reports, the situation throughout Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory, in Gaza and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, remains volatile," Ramiz Alakbarov, deputy special coordinator of the United Nations for the Middle East Peace Process, told the UN Security Council, reported Anadolu(30/6).

Noting "Israeli air raids and military operations continue in Gaza, resulting in more casualties," he said the total number of deaths since the ceasefire had exceeded 1,000, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.

According to Israel, they currently control about 70 percent of the Gaza Strip, he added, and continue to expand the scope of their territorial control, expanding the area that requires coordination for humanitarian operations.

Expressing deep concern over reports of intimidation during the protests in Gaza on June 26, he said: "Civilians must be able to exercise their rights peacefully, without fear, and must be protected at all times."

"Despite the ceasefire being announced eight months ago, Gaza still faces deep uncertainty and tremendous human suffering," Alakbarov said, condemning "the continued killing and injuring of civilians in Gaza, including women and children."

Turning to the occupied West Bank, he said the situation, including in East Jerusalem, continued to deteriorate, with Israeli military activity taking place in and around refugee camps in Jenin and Tulkarm, resulting in the evacuation and displacement of Palestinian households, including refugee families.

"I am very concerned about the steps taken by the Israeli authorities to implement official land registration in Area C," he said.

"There is a serious risk that this decision will facilitate further expansion of settlements and strengthening of the illegal occupation," Alakbarov warned.

He also condemned all violence against civilians, including acts of terror, and echoed the Secretary-General's deep concern over the Israeli occupation's continued and increasingly intensive attacks.

"I am deeply concerned by the recent escalation of calls for the resumption of widespread hostilities in Gaza," he added.