Jerusalem, 25 February 2013

The United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Mr. Robert Serry, is deeply saddened and concerned about the death in Israeli detention on 23 February of Mr. Arafat Jaradat, arrested on 18 February. He sends his condolences to the family of Mr. Jaradat.

Mr. Serry and Deputy Special Coordinator Mr. James W. Rawley discussed the situation of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli detention this morning with Palestinian Prime Minister Fayyad and Palestinian Chief Negotiator Erekat.

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The location of employment of workers from the oPt

The Special Coordinator follows with concern reports about the deteriorating conditions of one Palestinian in administrative detention who is on hunger strike. He calls on the Government of Israel to do everything in its power to preserve the health of the prisoner and resolve this case while abiding by all legal obligations under international law.

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14 September 2011 – The Palestinian Authority (PA) has accomplished the tasks it set out to achieve two years ago to prepare its institutions for the responsibilities of statehood, but there remains a widening gap between that progress and the stagnant political process, according to a United Nations report released today.

Since 1996 UNSCO has continually monitored and reported on socio-economic conditions in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt) and, in the process, established an extensive socio-economic database. UNSCO does not produce primary data but rather makes use of available data, that in oPt are relatively abundant. The information that is available, however, often remains dispersed and is not automatically shared between institutions.

Earlier today Maxwell Gaylard, the United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator for the occupied Palestinian territory, visited the site of a Palestinian home which had been demolished just twenty four hours earlier, following an order by the relevant authorities of the Government of Israel.

Mr Gaylard visited and spoke with the families affected in the Ras Al Amud neighbourhood of East Jerusalem. This particular demolition resulted in the displacement of thirteen people, all registered refugees, including four children.

In a statement Mr Gaylard said, "the

I am concerned that Israel has not heeded the Quartet's call to freeze settlement activity in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. Settlements are contrary to the Roadmap and international law and their continuation is causing a crisis of confidence in the effort to bring about meaningful political negotiations. In light of the persistent deadlock on this issue, a strategy adjustment is essential. The international community needs to act in unison to promote a negotiated end-game for a two State solution. I welcome US intentions to continue with its efforts

Gaza - The UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Robert Serry, received a group of 20 women leaders and peace activists in Gaza on 12 July, for a consultation on their concerns regarding peace and security in the Gaza Strip. The meeting was the last in a series of Global Open Days for Women and Peace, held around the world in the context of the 10th anniversary of Security Council resolution 1325.

A high-level UN delegation, comprised of the Executive Director of UNIFEM (part of UN Women), Inés Alberdi, the

We are closely following reports that four Palestinian legislators have received orders for their forcible transfer from East Jerusalem by the Israeli authorities. We are concerned at all measures which may heighten tension in the city and at the potentially broad consequences for Palestinian residents of occupied East Jerusalem. We call on Israel to respect its obligations under international law.