UN HUMAN RIGHTS CHIEF EXPRESSES “EXTREME CONCERN” OVER RAPIDLY DETERIORATING SITUATION IN PALESTINE

New York, 24 Dzulhijjah 1436/8 October 2015 (MINA) – Escalating tensions and violence in the West Bank are an indication of growing frustration and despair due to prolonged occupation, according to the UN Human Rights High Commissioner.

Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein on Thursday expressed “extreme concern” over the rapidly deteriorating situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA) quoted Emirates News Agency WAM as reporting.

The UN Human Rights High Commissioner called for calm and restraint following the deadly escalation of violence in the West Bank this week.

Four Israelis and five Palestinians have already been killed and hundreds have been injured.

He warned that more bloodshed will only lead to more hatred on both sides, with no long-term solution.

The mounting tensions reflect what the UN human rights chief described as “a general sense of growing frustration and despair” stemming from prolonged occupation.

Recent restrictions imposed by Israel on Palestinian worshippers at the Al Aqsa compound, settlement expansion and a lack of accountability in cases such as the deadly firebombing of a Palestinian home in late July, were also cited as factors.

He said calm can only be restored on the basis of human rights. (T/R07R01)

Mi’raj Islamic News Agency (MINA)

WAM/tfaham