UN special envoy condemns attack against Palestinian politician

“Earlier today I spoke to Dr. Mustafa Barghouthi, Palestinian Legislative Council (PLC) member and Secretary-General of the Palestinian National Initiative party, and condemned today's attack against him near his house in Ramallah,” said Mladenov in a statement issued by his Office, referring to the incident, which, according to media reports, was perpetrated by unknown assailants.

“Such attacks serve only those who are interested in harming the Palestinian social and political fabric,” the statement continued, adding the Special Coordinator's call on the Palestinian authorities “to promptly investigate this act of terror and to bring the perpetrators to justice.”

Mladenov recalled that Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has just returned from the region, which has recently seen an uptick in violence since early September.

A series of ever-more deadly clashes between Palestinians and Israelis, including Israeli security forces, has marked much of October, with incidents reported in more than 50 different locations, including in East Jerusalem, Ramallah, Hebron, Bethlehem, Jenin, Tulkarm and Nablus.

On his return to New York this past Friday, Ban told reporters at UN Headquarters that he had had “long and detailed” discussions with Israeli, Palestinian and Jordanian leaders, and stressed that “there is still time to step back from the brink,” despite anger and polarization in the region.

“All agreed on the urgent need to reduce tensions and avoid actions that would further fuel the violence,” the UN chief said.

In his statement on Sunday, Mladenov noted that the Secretary-General had stressed the urgent need to reduce tensions and avoid actions and statements that would further fuel violence.

“This is imperative in order to restore the hope of the Palestinian people that an end of the occupation and a negotiated two-state solution are possible,” concluded the Special Coordinator.

UN Photo/Devra Berkowitz