UN: Israel's Construction Project in West Bank Hinders Peace Process

UNITED NATIONS (Sputnik) — The Israeli construction project in the disputed West Bank, lack of unity between Gaza and the West Bank and terrorism activity are undermining hope for a peaceful solution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Nickolay Mladenov said Thursday.

According to Mladenov, there are currently several trends that are "undermining the two-state solution," namely violence, terrorism and incitement to violence, as well as continuing Israel's policy of settlement construction along with expansion in the West Bank, and lack of unity between Gaza and the West Bank.

The special coordinator noted that a full report on the issue expected to be presented Friday did not contain a complete review of humanitarian, political, security and legal issues but instead proposed recommendations on further steps to advance to the two-state solution.

Palestinians seek diplomatic recognition for their independent state on the territories of the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, which is partially occupied by Israel, and the Gaza Strip. Israel has been building settlements on the occupied territories despite objection from the United Nations.

In 2002, the Middle East Quartet was established with the aim of mediating the peace process in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.