UNITED NATIONS: The UN Secretary-General Mr Ban Ki-moon strongly condemned on Friday the murder of a Palestinian child in the West Bank and called for the perpetrators of the terrorist act to be promptly brought to justice.

In a statement released here, he expressed his deepest condolences to members of the family of Ali Dawabsha, who themselves were severely injured in the arson attack.

Mr Ban said that “continued failures to effectively address impunity for repeated acts of settler violence have led to another horrific incident involving the death of an innocent life. This must end.”

Also read: Palestinian toddler burned to death by Jewish settlers

He said “the absence of a political process and Israel’s illegal settlement policy, as well as the harsh and unnecessary practice of demolishing Palestinian houses, have given rise to violent extremism on both sides.

This presents a further threat to the legitimate aspirations of the Palestinian people for statehood as well as to the security of the people of Israel”.

He urged both sides “to take bold steps to return to the path of peace and he reiterated his call on all parties to ensure that tensions do not escalate further, leading to more loss of life”.

Published in Dawn, August 1st, 2015

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