Violence can’t help Israel’s insecurity and Palestine’s frustration: Ban Ki-Moon

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon speaks during a joint news conference with Iraq's Prime Minister Nuri al-Maliki in Baghdad January 13, 2014. Reuters

During an unannounced visit to Jerusalem on Tuesday, United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon requested Israel and Palestine to remain in good terms with each other and get rid of the weeks of unrest to ensure safety of the coming generations.

“We must, for the future of our children, come back from this dangerous abyss,” Ban addressed the media after he met Israeli President Reuven Rivlin. He also said that his visit to Jerusalem is an indication of the “dangerous escalation” in violence among Israelis and Palestinians that is raising international concerns. “If we don’t act fast, the dynamics on the ground will only get worse,” he added.

Soon after the United Nations chief interacted with media, two Palestinians were reported dead, with one soldier injured after being stabbed by Israeli troops at Hebron. Another incident was reported following this, where three Israelis were wounded after a car attack in the occupied West Bank. The two alleged attackers were shot to death. A Palestinian was also found dead after fire clashes by Israel with five injuries reported.

Ban claimed that it is not yet too late to control the crisis situation if proper peace efforts are put in from both countries. “These are difficult times for Israelis and Palestinians. I am here in the hope that we can work together to end the violence, ease the tensions and begin to restore a long term political horizon of peace,” Ban shared during the press conference which he attended with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday night.

The UN chief will meet the Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Wednesday. US State Secretary John Kerry will also reportedly meet Netanyahu in Germany this week, and Abbas in the Middle East later.

Through a video address broadcasted on Monday, Ban conveyed a message to the Palestinian people and said that he understood the frustration they are going through, but he noted that violence is not an appropriate way to deal with such situations. The UN chief also addressed the Israelis and said that he was aware of the insecurities faced by them, but only a proper political settlement could resolve the problem and no violence could ever help.