UNITED NATIONS: UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon made a surprise visit to Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories on Tuesday, in a high-profile effort to bring an end to the month-long wave of violence that has plagued the region.

The visit came amid unrest that erupted in Jerusalem a month ago over tensions surrounding the Al Aqsa Mosque compound and the Temple Mount.

It soon spread to Arab neighbourhoods of east Jerusalem and then to the West Bank, Gaza and Israel. The spate of daily attacks have caused panic across Israel and raised fears that the region is on the cusp of a third Intifada.

Most diplomats here are unwilling to comment on the UN chief’s visit and his efforts. One of them said: “when the Israelis do not heed US Secretary of State John Kerry’s call, we do not see them listening to the UN head.”

Prior to the visit, Ban Ki-moon issued a video message calling for calm on both sides. He said he understood the Palestinian frustration but that violence would only harm their legitimate aspirations. “I know your hopes for peace have been dashed countless times. You are angry at the continued occupation and expansion of settlements,” he said. “I am not asking you to be passive, but you must put down the weapons of despair.”

Addressing Israelis, he said he understood their concerns and fears due to the security deterioration, but added there was no military solution to the situation.

“When children are afraid to go to school, when anyone on the street is a potential victim, security is rightly your immediate priority,” he said.

“But walls, checkpoints, harsh responses by the security forces and house demolitions cannot sustain the peace and safety that you need and must have.”

Published in Dawn, October 21st, 2015

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