The UN envoy for the Middle East Peace Process has expressed his deep concern about the escalated pace of Israeli demolitions and displacement plans against Palestinians in the occupied territories.

Nickolay Mladenov told the ambassadors in his final briefing as Special Coordinator, that he is “deeply concerning” over the continued demolition and seizure of Palestinian humanitarian projects and schools.

“I call on Israeli authorities to end the demolition of Palestinian property and the displacement and eviction of Palestinians”, he said. 

Israeli settlement-related developments continue, with expansions in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, Mladenov added, saying they entrench Israel’s occupation and undermine the prospect of a two-State solution. 

“The advancement of all settlement activity must cease immediately”, he spelled out, underscoring that they constitute “a flagrant violation” of UN resolutions and international law.

He also said that the latest humanitarian needs assessment found that 2.45 million Palestinians — some 47 per cent of the population currently need aid. 

“The world cannot leave the situation unattended”, said the Special Coordinator, pointing to UN resolutions, bilateral agreements and the Middle East Quartet’s efforts, all aimed at resolving the conflict.

Mladenov informed that in January, Tor Wennesland would take over the mission and called his successor “one of the most capable diplomats I have ever worked with”. 

“I wish him every success in the years ahead and hope that you will extend to him your full support, as you have done to me”, concluded the outgoing UN envoy.