UNITED NATIONS: The quest for peace between Israel and the Palestinians has reached a “dramatic” crossroads, United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Robert Serry, told the Security Council on Monday in a briefing on the situation, warning that the region’s future remains “more uncertain than ever”.

He said that as Israel headed into election season following the recent collapse of its ruling coalition, the resulting “deadly diplomatic vacuum can be no excuse for either side to let the present situation get even worse”.

“Now is the time to deescalate and refrain from provocative steps, re-build trust and set conditions for a return to negotiations that will resolve this conflict,” Serry told the Council.

“Hope for a lasting solution to the conflict must be restored before it is too late.”

Published in Dawn, December 16th, 2014