Published: February 07, 2012
Ongoing Israeli Occupation Impedes Palestine's Economic Progress
By Mina Fabulous 
Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon today said the ongoing Israeli occupations are illegal and impede Palestinian economic viability at the West Bank.
In his remarks at the UN Seminar on Assistance to the Palestinian People, which is taking place in Cairo, Mr. Ban renewed his call for progress in the Middle East peace process.
Mr. Ban also higlighted the toll taken on the economy and lives of the Palestinians by the ongoing Israeli occupation.
"The ongoing Israeli occupations hurt prospects for a negotiated solution." -Mr. Ban
He stressed economic progress cannot be reached and sustained absent a credible political solution on the horizon.
The UN chief got a first-hand look at the situation on the ground and challenges on the road to peace during his trip to the region last week. He visited Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory.
"During my visit, I clearly saw the high economic cost of the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territory. I reiterated my long-standing call for an end to the occupation that began in 1967 and an end to the conflict." -Mr Ban
He noted that settlements and their infrastructure severely restrict access to land and natural resources by the Palestinian people.
Mother and child at the Damascus Reception Centre. UN Photo |
He underlined that that Israeli restrictions on free movement remain another vast impediment to Palestinian economic progress in the West Bank.
"This situation is unacceptable. As I said during my visit, notwithstanding Israeli steps to facilitate economic growth, occupation measures which stifle Palestinian life must be rolled back." -Mr. Ban
He also called once again for immediate action on the closure of the Gaza Strip. He stressed that the full opening of legitimate crossings for the import of construction materials is critical for Gaza's economic recovery.
He urged both parties to renew dialogue and find solution to end the long-standing conflict between the two countries.
"A two-State solution is long overdue. The status quo is unacceptable; it only guarantees continued conflict and suffering." -Mr. Ban
Israel captured East Jerusalem along with the West Bank and Gaza in the Six-Day War in 1967, but annexed the city as its united capital in a move not recognized by the international community. The Palestinians want East Jerusalem as capital of their future State.
Israeli-Palestinian peace talks have been stalled since late September last year following Israel's refusal to extend a 10-month freeze on settlement activity. That decision prompted Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas to withdraw from direct talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Mina Fabulous follows the news, especially what is going on in the US State Department. Mina turns State Department waffle into plain english. Contact Mina through NewsBlaze.
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