The Vatican spoke out on Wednesday against the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-policy-shift-united-states-backs-israeli-settlements-on-west-bank-263029">United States' decision </a>to no longer consider Israeli settlements illegal, joining stiff international criticism of the policy reversal.

Without naming the US, the Holy See said in a statement that "recent decisions ... risk undermining further the Israeli-Palestinian peace process and the already fragile regional stability."

"The Holy See reiterates its position of a two-state solution for two peoples, as the only way to reach a complete solution to this age-old conflict," the Vatican said.&nbsp;

On Monday, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced that the Israeli settlements were "not, per se, inconsistent with international law," breaking with UN Security Council resolutions declaring the settlements to be illegal as they are built on occupied Palestinian land.&nbsp;

The policy shift puts the US at odds with virtually the whole of the rest of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-faces-palestinian-international-criticism-of-israel-settlement-move-263219">international community</a>, and criticism came on Tuesday from the European Union, the United Nations and the Arab League. &nbsp;

Courts in Israel have declared most major settlements legal.&nbsp;

More than 600,000 Israelis live in settlements in east Jerusalem and the West Bank, alongside more than three million Palestinians. The settlements remain one of the thorniest issues in the decades-long Israeli-Palestinian conflict.&nbsp;

The Holy See said it supported Israel's right to live in peace and security within the borders that are recognised by the international community and supported "the same right that belongs to the Palestinian people, which must be recognised, respected and implemented."

Israel has welcomed the US decision, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu saying he was "very moved" by Pompeo's announcement.

US President Donald Trump's administration had "corrected a historic injustice and lined up with truth and justice," Netanyahu said.

Pope Francis, who arrived on Wednesday in Thailand ahead of a visit to Japan, has not himself directly addressed the issue.

The Vatican spoke out on Wednesday against the United States' decision to no longer consider Israeli settlements illegal, joining stiff international criticism of the policy reversal.

The Vatican spoke out on Wednesday against the United States' decision to no longer consider Israeli settlements illegal, joining stiff international criticism of the policy reversal. Without naming the US, the Holy See said in a statement that "recent decisions ... risk undermining further the Israeli-Palestinian peace process and the already fragile regional stability." "The Holy See reiterates its position of a two-state solution for two peoples, as the only way to reach a complete solution to this age-old conflict," the Vatican said. On Monday, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced that the Israeli settlements were "not, per se, inconsistent with international law," breaking with UN Security Council resolutions declaring the settlements to be illegal as they are built on occupied Palestinian land. The policy shift puts the US at odds with virtually the whole of the rest of the international community, and criticism came on Tuesday from the European Union, the United Nations and the Arab League. Courts in Israel have declared most major settlements legal. More than 600,000 Israelis live in settlements in east Jerusalem and the West Bank, alongside more than three million Palestinians. The settlements remain one of the thorniest issues in the decades-long Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The Holy See said it supported Israel's right to live in peace and security within the borders that are recognised by the international community and supported "the same right that belongs to the Palestinian people, which must be recognised, respected and implemented." Israel has welcomed the US decision, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu saying he was "very moved" by Pompeo's announcement. US President Donald Trump's administration had "corrected a historic injustice and lined up with truth and justice," Netanyahu said. Pope Francis, who arrived on Wednesday in Thailand ahead of a visit to Japan, has not himself directly addressed the issue.

Vatican criticises US policy shift on Israeli settlements

Israel targeted Hamas in strikes on Gaza early Saturday after rockets were fired towards it from the Palestinian enclave, the army said, two days after a fragile ceasefire began.

Hamas, the Islamist movement that has de facto control over the Gaza Strip, has so far kept its distance from the deadly exchanges of fire that erupted this week.

A ceasefire has been in place since Thursday morning following the violent escalation between Israel and Islamic Jihad -- the territory's second most powerful Palestinian militant group.

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said it was "currently striking Hamas terror targets" in Gaza, where AFP journalists saw the Israeli strikes and reported retaliation from inside the enclave.

The army said it launched the strikes after "two rockets were fired from the Gaza Strip towards Israeli territory" and were intercepted by air defences.

Palestinian security sources said the Israeli strikes were aimed at two Hamas sites in the north of the territory.

It was the first time Hamas has been targeted since this week's escalation began early Tuesday with Israel's targeted killing of a top Islamic Jihad commander.

That strike triggered almost immediate retaliatory rocket fire from Islamic Jihad at Israel, setting off air-raid sirens and sending Israelis rushing to bomb shelters in the country's southern and central regions.

Fragile ceasefire&nbsp;

Israel's military had said around 450 rockets were fired at its territory during the fighting and air defences had intercepted dozens of them.

It then responded with its own airstrikes, saying it had targeted more Islamic Jihad militant sites and rocket- and missile-launching squads.

After two days of violence -- in which 34 Palestinians died but no Israeli fatalities -- a ceasefire was agreed.

But it has so far been precarious, with fire coming from both sides on Friday after the agreement went into effect.

The Gaza Strip is home to two million Palestinians, and Israel and Palestinian militants have fought three wars there since 2008.

Israeli analysts said earlier this week that the focus on Islamic Jihad instead of Hamas was a clear signal that the army sought to avoid a wider conflict in Gaza.

Hamas repeatedly said it would not abandon its ally, but not joining the fight helped it maintain a fragile truce with Israel that has seen tens of millions of dollars in Qatari aid flow into the impoverished Gaza Strip since last year.

On Thursday, Israeli military spokesman Jonathan Conricus told reporters that the army had "wanted to keep Hamas out of the fighting".

"Throughout the operation, we of course between distinguished Hamas and Islamic Jihad. And all of our operations were measured, proportionate and focused only on military assets belonging to Islamic jihad," he said

Israel targeted Hamas in strikes on Gaza early Saturday after rockets were fired towards it from the Palestinian enclave, the army said, two days after a fragile ceasefire began.

Israel targeted Hamas in strikes on Gaza early Saturday after rockets were fired towards it from the Palestinian enclave, the army said, two days after a fragile ceasefire began. Hamas, the Islamist movement that has de facto control over the Gaza Strip, has so far kept its distance from the deadly exchanges of fire that erupted this week. A ceasefire has been in place since Thursday morning following the violent escalation between Israel and Islamic Jihad -- the territory's second most powerful Palestinian militant group. The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said it was "currently striking Hamas terror targets" in Gaza, where AFP journalists saw the Israeli strikes and reported retaliation from inside the enclave. The army said it launched the strikes after "two rockets were fired from the Gaza Strip towards Israeli territory" and were intercepted by air defences. Palestinian security sources said the Israeli strikes were aimed at two Hamas sites in the north of the territory. It was the first time Hamas has been targeted since this week's escalation began early Tuesday with Israel's targeted killing of a top Islamic Jihad commander. That strike triggered almost immediate retaliatory rocket fire from Islamic Jihad at Israel, setting off air-raid sirens and sending Israelis rushing to bomb shelters in the country's southern and central regions. Fragile ceasefire Israel's military had said around 450 rockets were fired at its territory during the fighting and air defences had intercepted dozens of them. It then responded with its own airstrikes, saying it had targeted more Islamic Jihad militant sites and rocket- and missile-launching squads. After two days of violence -- in which 34 Palestinians died but no Israeli fatalities -- a ceasefire was agreed. But it has so far been precarious, with fire coming from both sides on Friday after the agreement went into effect. The Gaza Strip is home to two million Palestinians, and Israel and Palestinian militants have fought three wars there since 2008. Israeli analysts said earlier this week that the focus on Islamic Jihad instead of Hamas was a clear signal that the army sought to avoid a wider conflict in Gaza. Hamas repeatedly said it would not abandon its ally, but not joining the fight helped it maintain a fragile truce with Israel that has seen tens of millions of dollars in Qatari aid flow into the impoverished Gaza Strip since last year. On Thursday, Israeli military spokesman Jonathan Conricus told reporters that the army had "wanted to keep Hamas out of the fighting". "Throughout the operation, we of course between distinguished Hamas and Islamic Jihad. And all of our operations were measured, proportionate and focused only on military assets belonging to Islamic jihad," he said

Israel strikes Hamas targets in Gaza after rocket fire

The BRICS nations, including Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, on Thursday, reaffirmed their fundamental commitment to mutual respect and share the goal of building a peaceful, stable and a prosperous world.

The document presents a shared vision of the BRICS nations on such issues as a reform of the system of international relations, strengthening of international financial and economic architecture, future cooperation between the five countries.

"Building on the work of successive summits in the pillars of economy, peace and security and people-to-people exchanges, we will continue to strengthen BRICS cooperation for the benefit and welfare of our peoples and enhance the traditional ties of friendship amongst our countries," the document said.

It also emphasised the need for a constructive dialogue and cooperation on conserving biodiversity, prohibiting the use of chemical weapons, anti-money laundering and terror financing, infrastructure, including the G20 infrastructure agenda, the New Development Bank`s Project Preparation Facility, counter-terrorism, security in the use of ICTs, major international and regional hot spots, peacekeeping and transnational organised crime.

Heads of BRICS member states also stood "unanimous" in resolving the long-standing conflicts in the Middle East and North Africa as well as Israel and Palestine."We are unanimous in our resolve that the conflicts elsewhere in the Middle East and North Africa should not be used as a pretext to delay resolution of the long-standing Palestinian-Israeli conflict," the leaders stressed.

"Guided by the international framework in places, such as the relevant UN resolutions, the Madrid principles and the Arab Peace Initiative, we reiterate that the two-state solution will enable Israelis and Palestinians to live side by side, in peace and security," they said in the document. "In this context, we express, furthermore, the need for new and creative diplomatic efforts to achieving a just and comprehensive settlement of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, in order to achieve peace and stability in the Middle East," the leaders noted.

The leaders also expressed serious concern about the ongoing crisis in the Gulf region and reiterated continuous support to the people of Afghanistan in their effort to build a stable, inclusive, peaceful and prosperous country.

"We firmly believe that there is no military solution to the situation in Afghanistan. We reaffirm our support for a process of peace and reconciliation that is Afghan-owned and Afghan-led. We express concern over the persistence of terrorist-related attacks," the document read.

The theme of the BRICS summit this year was `Economic Growth for an Innovative Future` and therefore, keeping in tandem with it, the countries highlighted the importance of science, technology and innovation (STI) as one of the main drivers of economic growth as well as a key element to shape the future of societies.

The member countries also led to the foundation of the BRICS Network of Human Milk Banks and emphasised the importance of our collective action in promoting research and development of medicines and diagnostic tools to end epidemics, to combat communicable diseases and to facilitate access to safe, effective, quality and affordable essential medicines, as well as activities to strengthen non-communicable diseases prevention.

Terrorism was another important point of focus at the summit. The leaders once again vowed their commitment to fighting terror and agreed to maintain efforts on anti-corruption law enforcement cooperation and returning of assets, including on civil and administrative proceedings.&nbsp;

The BRICS nations, including Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, on Thursday, reaffirmed their fundamental commitment to mutual respect and share the goal of building a peaceful, stable and a prosperous world.

The BRICS nations, including Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, on Thursday, reaffirmed their fundamental commitment to mutual respect and share the goal of building a peaceful, stable and a prosperous world. The document presents a shared vision of the BRICS nations on such issues as a reform of the system of international relations, strengthening of international financial and economic architecture, future cooperation between the five countries. "Building on the work of successive summits in the pillars of economy, peace and security and people-to-people exchanges, we will continue to strengthen BRICS cooperation for the benefit and welfare of our peoples and enhance the traditional ties of friendship amongst our countries," the document said. It also emphasised the need for a constructive dialogue and cooperation on conserving biodiversity, prohibiting the use of chemical weapons, anti-money laundering and terror financing, infrastructure, including the G20 infrastructure agenda, the New Development Bank`s Project Preparation Facility, counter-terrorism, security in the use of ICTs, major international and regional hot spots, peacekeeping and transnational organised crime. Heads of BRICS member states also stood "unanimous" in resolving the long-standing conflicts in the Middle East and North Africa as well as Israel and Palestine."We are unanimous in our resolve that the conflicts elsewhere in the Middle East and North Africa should not be used as a pretext to delay resolution of the long-standing Palestinian-Israeli conflict," the leaders stressed. "Guided by the international framework in places, such as the relevant UN resolutions, the Madrid principles and the Arab Peace Initiative, we reiterate that the two-state solution will enable Israelis and Palestinians to live side by side, in peace and security," they said in the document. "In this context, we express, furthermore, the need for new and creative diplomatic efforts to achieving a just and comprehensive settlement of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, in order to achieve peace and stability in the Middle East," the leaders noted. The leaders also expressed serious concern about the ongoing crisis in the Gulf region and reiterated continuous support to the people of Afghanistan in their effort to build a stable, inclusive, peaceful and prosperous country. "We firmly believe that there is no military solution to the situation in Afghanistan. We reaffirm our support for a process of peace and reconciliation that is Afghan-owned and Afghan-led. We express concern over the persistence of terrorist-related attacks," the document read. The theme of the BRICS summit this year was `Economic Growth for an Innovative Future` and therefore, keeping in tandem with it, the countries highlighted the importance of science, technology and innovation (STI) as one of the main drivers of economic growth as well as a key element to shape the future of societies. The member countries also led to the foundation of the BRICS Network of Human Milk Banks and emphasised the importance of our collective action in promoting research and development of medicines and diagnostic tools to end epidemics, to combat communicable diseases and to facilitate access to safe, effective, quality and affordable essential medicines, as well as activities to strengthen non-communicable diseases prevention. Terrorism was another important point of focus at the summit. The leaders once again vowed their commitment to fighting terror and agreed to maintain efforts on anti-corruption law enforcement cooperation and returning of assets, including on civil and administrative proceedings.

BRICS stands united in resolving Israel-Palestine, Middle East conflict

The UNESCO on Tuesday adopted a resolution condemning Israel for restricting Muslims&#39; access to East Jerusalem&#39;s historic Al Aqsa mosque compound --- considered holy by both Jews and Muslims. It also condemns Israel&#39;s blockade of Gaza and &quot;constant aggressions by the Israeli settlers&quot; in the West Bank.

The resolution, which throughout refers to Israel as &quot;the occupying power,&quot; angered the Jewish state which suspended cooperation with the cultural body after the resolution was approved last week.

Israel&#39;s ambassador to UNESCO, Carmel Shama Hacohen, accused the Palestinians of playing &quot;games&quot; on Tuesday.&quot;This is the wrong place to solve problems between countries or people,&quot; he told AFP.

UNESCO, which is responsible for protecting important heritage sites, is one of few international organisations that recognises Palestine as a member state. The body has been involved in numerous diplomatic spats with Israel ever since Palestine&#39;s admission in 2011.

The controversial resolution refers to the holy site by its Muslim name, Al-Aqsa or Al-Haram al-Sharif, making no making no mention of Temple Mount, the Jewish name for the place of worship. The mosque is considered Islam&#39;s third holiest site and the holiest site in Judaism.

Even though the resolution recognises the importance of the Old City for &quot;the three monotheistic religions&quot; --- Islam, Judaism and Christianity --- it focuses on Israeli restrictions on Muslims accessing the mosque, AFP reported. It also criticises damage by security forces to the site and nearby excavations.

Israel&#39;s envoy to UNESCO defended the Jewish state&#39;s suspension of its cooperation with the organisation as a &quot;proportional reaction&quot; to the resolution passed on Tuesday. &quot;I hope it will not last long,&quot; Shama Hacohen told AFP on Tuesday.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said last week that saying &quot;Israel has no connection to the Temple Mount and Western Wall is like saying China has no connection to the Great Wall of China or Egypt has no connection to the pyramids&quot;.

Palestine welcomes decision

Deputy Palestinian ambassador to UNESCO, Mounir Anastas, welcomed the decision on Tuesday.

&quot;This resolution reminds Israel that they are the occupying power in east Jerusalem, and it asks them to stop all their violations, especially in the fields of competence of UNESCO such as the excavations,&quot; he told the press.

Unease in UNESCO

The text of the resolution created unease in the cultural body, with executive board chairman Michael Worbs saying he would have liked more time to work out a compromise.

UNESCO chief Irina Bokova also distanced herself from the resolutions, saying in a statement that &quot;nowhere more than in Jerusalem do Jewish, Christian and Muslim heritage and traditions share space.&quot;

The resolution was adopted by&nbsp; 24 votes in favour and six against with 26 abstentions and two absentees.

Israel captured East Jerusalem during the 1967 war and later annexed it in a move not recognised by the international community, declaring the whole city its indivisible capital.

Israel considers all of Jerusalem as its undivided capital while the Palestinians see East Jerusalem as the capital of their promised future state.

(WION with inputs from AFP)

The resolution condemns "occupying power" Israel for restricting Muslims' access to the Al-Aqsa mosque compound

The UNESCO on Tuesday adopted a resolution condemning Israel for restricting Muslims' access to East Jerusalem's historic Al Aqsa mosque compound --- considered holy by both Jews and Muslims. It also condemns Israel's blockade of Gaza and "constant aggressions by the Israeli settlers" in the West Bank. The resolution, which throughout refers to Israel as "the occupying power," angered the Jewish state which suspended cooperation with the cultural body after the resolution was approved last week. Israel's ambassador to UNESCO, Carmel Shama Hacohen, accused the Palestinians of playing "games" on Tuesday."This is the wrong place to solve problems between countries or people," he told AFP. UNESCO, which is responsible for protecting important heritage sites, is one of few international organisations that recognises Palestine as a member state. The body has been involved in numerous diplomatic spats with Israel ever since Palestine's admission in 2011. The controversial resolution refers to the holy site by its Muslim name, Al-Aqsa or Al-Haram al-Sharif, making no making no mention of Temple Mount, the Jewish name for the place of worship. The mosque is considered Islam's third holiest site and the holiest site in Judaism. Even though the resolution recognises the importance of the Old City for "the three monotheistic religions" --- Islam, Judaism and Christianity --- it focuses on Israeli restrictions on Muslims accessing the mosque, AFP reported. It also criticises damage by security forces to the site and nearby excavations. Israel's envoy to UNESCO defended the Jewish state's suspension of its cooperation with the organisation as a "proportional reaction" to the resolution passed on Tuesday. "I hope it will not last long," Shama Hacohen told AFP on Tuesday. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said last week that saying "Israel has no connection to the Temple Mount and Western Wall is like saying China has no connection to the Great Wall of China or Egypt has no connection to the pyramids". Palestine welcomes decision Deputy Palestinian ambassador to UNESCO, Mounir Anastas, welcomed the decision on Tuesday. "This resolution reminds Israel that they are the occupying power in east Jerusalem, and it asks them to stop all their violations, especially in the fields of competence of UNESCO such as the excavations," he told the press. Unease in UNESCO The text of the resolution created unease in the cultural body, with executive board chairman Michael Worbs saying he would have liked more time to work out a compromise. UNESCO chief Irina Bokova also distanced herself from the resolutions, saying in a statement that "nowhere more than in Jerusalem do Jewish, Christian and Muslim heritage and traditions share space." The resolution was adopted by 24 votes in favour and six against with 26 abstentions and two absentees. Israel captured East Jerusalem during the 1967 war and later annexed it in a move not recognised by the international community, declaring the whole city its indivisible capital. Israel considers all of Jerusalem as its undivided capital while the Palestinians see East Jerusalem as the capital of their promised future state. (WION with inputs from AFP)

Israel angered as UNESCO adopts resolution on Jerusalem holy site

US Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump on Sunday told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that if elected, the United States would recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, the campaign said, marking a potential dramatic shift in US policy. 
 
During the meeting that lasted more than an hour at Trump Tower in New York, Trump told Netanyahu that under his administration, the United States would &quot;recognise Jerusalem as the undivided capital of the State of Israel.&quot; 
 
While Israel calls Jerusalem its capital, few other countries accept that, including the United States. Most nations maintain embassies in Tel Aviv. 
 
The Palestinians want East Jerusalem, captured by Israel in a 1967 war, as capital of the state they aim to establish alongside Israel in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. 
 
Netanyahu held a separate meeting later on Sunday that lasted just under an hour with Democrat Hillary Clinton, Trump&#39;s rival in the Nov. 8 U.S. election. 
 
Clinton emphasized her commitment to the U.S.-Israel relationship and her plan to take the relationship to the next level, according to a statement from her campaign. 
 
She also talked about her commitment to a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestinian conflict &quot;that guarantees Israel&rsquo;s future as a secure and democratic Jewish state with recognized borders and provides the Palestinians with independence, sovereignty, and dignity,&quot; according to the statement. 
 
&quot;Secretary Clinton reaffirmed her opposition to any attempt by outside parties to impose a solution, including by the U.N. Security Council,&quot; the statement said. 
 
During the meeting with Trump, the Republican candidate&#39;s campaign said he agreed with Netanyahu that peace in the Middle East could only be achieved when &quot;the Palestinians renounce hatred and violence and accept Israel as a Jewish State.&quot; 
 
The Trump campaign said he and Netanyahu discussed &quot;at length&quot; Israel&#39;s border fence, cited by Trump in reference to his own controversial immigration policies, which include building a wall on the U.S.- Mexico border and temporarily banning Muslims from entering the country. 
 
Other regional issues, including the fight against Islamic State, U.S. military assistance to Israel - &quot;an excellent investment&quot; - and the Iran nuclear deal, which both parties have criticized, were also discussed.&nbsp; 
 
(Reuters)

Israel captured the Arab eastern half of Jerusalem in the 1967 Arab-Israeli war. Most countries do not recognise the annexation

US Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump on Sunday told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that if elected, the United States would recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, the campaign said, marking a potential dramatic shift in US policy. During the meeting that lasted more than an hour at Trump Tower in New York, Trump told Netanyahu that under his administration, the United States would "recognise Jerusalem as the undivided capital of the State of Israel." While Israel calls Jerusalem its capital, few other countries accept that, including the United States. Most nations maintain embassies in Tel Aviv. The Palestinians want East Jerusalem, captured by Israel in a 1967 war, as capital of the state they aim to establish alongside Israel in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. Netanyahu held a separate meeting later on Sunday that lasted just under an hour with Democrat Hillary Clinton, Trump's rival in the Nov. 8 U.S. election. Clinton emphasized her commitment to the U.S.-Israel relationship and her plan to take the relationship to the next level, according to a statement from her campaign. She also talked about her commitment to a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestinian conflict "that guarantees Israel’s future as a secure and democratic Jewish state with recognized borders and provides the Palestinians with independence, sovereignty, and dignity," according to the statement. "Secretary Clinton reaffirmed her opposition to any attempt by outside parties to impose a solution, including by the U.N. Security Council," the statement said. During the meeting with Trump, the Republican candidate's campaign said he agreed with Netanyahu that peace in the Middle East could only be achieved when "the Palestinians renounce hatred and violence and accept Israel as a Jewish State." The Trump campaign said he and Netanyahu discussed "at length" Israel's border fence, cited by Trump in reference to his own controversial immigration policies, which include building a wall on the U.S.- Mexico border and temporarily banning Muslims from entering the country. Other regional issues, including the fight against Islamic State, U.S. military assistance to Israel - "an excellent investment" - and the Iran nuclear deal, which both parties have criticized, were also discussed. (Reuters)

Trump tells Netanyahu he would recognise Jerusalem as Israel capital

Israel on Thursday rejected the United Nations&#39; request to release its staffer charged with aiding Palestinian militant outfit Hamas on the grounds that he enjoyed diplomatic immunity. 
 
In early August, an Israeli court had charged the 38-year-old Palestinian engineer with diverting 300 tons of rubble from a UNDP project in Gaza to build a jetty for Hamas. 
 
Israeli ambassador Danny Danon said the UN office of legal affairs had issued a formal letter requesting the release of Waheed Borsh, who worked for the UN Development Program (UNDP). He also asked the UN to carry out a comprehensive review of its aid programs in Gaza, to ensure that funding and employees &quot;fulfill the purpose of aiding the residents of Gaza and not fund terror activities.&quot; 
 
&quot;We do not grant immunity to terrorists trying to harm our citizens,&quot; Danon said in response to the letter. 
 
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<div class="share-blockquote"><a class="twitter popup" href="http://twitter.com/intent/tweet?text=The United Nations had argued that Borsh, as a UN employee, enjoyed immunity from arrest and from legal process, and requested that its officials be allowed to visit him in jail." target="_blank">&nbsp;</a></div>
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&quot;Israel operates according to the law, and we continue to do so in this case as well,&quot; he said in a statement from the Israeli mission to the United Nations. 
 
The United Nations had argued that Borsh, as a UN employee, enjoyed immunity from arrest and from legal process, and requested that its officials be allowed to visit him in jail. 
 
After reviewing the charge sheet, the UNDP had challenged Israel&#39;s allegations and had said on Saturday that Borsh diverted the rubble under instructions from the Palestinian Authority. 
 
Israel has long alleged that aid has been diverted to Hamas which has controlled Gaza since 2007, claims rejected by non-governmental organisations and the UN. 
 
However, the UN says that more than two-thirds of the population of the Gaza Strip, which Israel has blockaded for a decade, are reliant on some form of aid, according to the United Nations.

(WION with inputs from AFP) 
 
 
 
 
 
&nbsp;

'We do not grant immunity to terrorists trying to harm our citizens,' Israeli ambassador Danny Danon told the United Nations

Israel on Thursday rejected the United Nations' request to release its staffer charged with aiding Palestinian militant outfit Hamas on the grounds that he enjoyed diplomatic immunity. In early August, an Israeli court had charged the 38-year-old Palestinian engineer with diverting 300 tons of rubble from a UNDP project in Gaza to build a jetty for Hamas. Israeli ambassador Danny Danon said the UN office of legal affairs had issued a formal letter requesting the release of Waheed Borsh, who worked for the UN Development Program (UNDP). He also asked the UN to carry out a comprehensive review of its aid programs in Gaza, to ensure that funding and employees "fulfill the purpose of aiding the residents of Gaza and not fund terror activities." "We do not grant immunity to terrorists trying to harm our citizens," Danon said in response to the letter. The United Nations had argued that Borsh, as a UN employee, enjoyed immunity from arrest and from legal process, and requested that its officials be allowed to visit him in jail. "Israel operates according to the law, and we continue to do so in this case as well," he said in a statement from the Israeli mission to the United Nations. The United Nations had argued that Borsh, as a UN employee, enjoyed immunity from arrest and from legal process, and requested that its officials be allowed to visit him in jail. After reviewing the charge sheet, the UNDP had challenged Israel's allegations and had said on Saturday that Borsh diverted the rubble under instructions from the Palestinian Authority. Israel has long alleged that aid has been diverted to Hamas which has controlled Gaza since 2007, claims rejected by non-governmental organisations and the UN. However, the UN says that more than two-thirds of the population of the Gaza Strip, which Israel has blockaded for a decade, are reliant on some form of aid, according to the United Nations. (WION with inputs from AFP)

Israel rejects UN appeal to release Gaza employee accused of aiding Hamas

Israel should stop building settlements, denying Palestinian development and designating land for exclusive Israeli use that Palestinians seek for a future state, the Middle East peace &quot;Quartet&quot; recommended today in a&nbsp;report.

The report by the&nbsp;Quartet&nbsp;entities sponsoring the stalled peace process - the United States, Russia, the European Union and the United Nations - said the Israeli policy &quot;is steadily eroding the viability of the two-state solution&quot;.

&quot;This raises legitimate questions about Israel&#39;s long-term intentions, which are compounded by the statements of some Israeli ministers that there should never be a Palestinian state,&quot; according to the report.

The day before Israeli elections in March 2015, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said there would never be a Palestinian state on his watch, only to reverse himself days later and recommit to the objective of a two-state solution.

Diplomatic sources said the report carries significant political weight as it has the backing of close Israeli ally the United States, which has struggled to revive the peace talks amid tensions between Netanyahu and US&nbsp;President Barack Obama.

Relations between the rightist Israeli leader and the Democratic president have yet to recover from their feud over last year&#39;s US-led international nuclear deal with Israel&#39;s foe Iran.

The&nbsp;Quartet&nbsp;report said Israel had taken for its exclusive use some 70 per cent of Area C, which makes up 60 per cent of the occupied West Bank and includes the majority of agricultural lands, natural resources and land reserves.

&quot;The transfer of greater powers and responsibilities to Palestinian civil authority in Area C, contemplated by commitments in prior agreements, has effectively been stopped and in some ways reversed and should be resumed to advance the two state solution and prevent a one state reality from taking hold,&quot; the report said.

Palestinian leaders should condemn terrorism

The report said at least 570,000 Israelis are living in the settlements, which most countries deem illegal.

&quot;Israel should cease the policy of settlement construction and expansion, designating land for exclusive Israeli use and denying Palestinian development,&quot; the report recommends.

It said only one permit for Palestinian housing construction in Area C was reportedly approved in 2014, while there did not appear to have been any approved in 2015.

The Palestinians want an independent state in the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem - areas Israel captured in a 1967 war. The last round of peace talks broke down in April 2014 and Israeli-Palestinian violence has surged in recent months.

A Palestinian woman tried to knife an Israeli police trooper in the West Bank city of Hebron and was shot dead, police said. Since October, Palestinian street attacks that have killed 33 Israelis and two visiting Americans. Israel has killed at least 201 Palestinians, 136 of whom it said were assailants. Others were killed during clashes and protests.

&quot;Regrettably,&nbsp;Palestinian leaders have not consistently and clearly condemned specific terrorist attacks,&quot; the report said.

&quot;The Palestinian Authority should act decisively and take all steps within its capacity to cease incitement to violence and strengthen ongoing efforts to combat terrorism, including by clearly condemning all acts of terrorism,&quot; the&nbsp;Quartet&nbsp;report said.

The Palestinian Authority headed by President Mahmoud Abbas is based in the West Bank, while Islamist group Hamas has been in control of Gaza since 2007. The&nbsp;Quartet&nbsp;said Gaza and the West Bank &quot;should be reunified under a single, legitimate and democratic Palestinian authority.&quot;

UN&nbsp;Middle East envoy Nickolay Mladenov briefed the UN&nbsp;Security Council on Thursday on the&nbsp;Quartet&nbsp;report and said it would be up to the council and the international community to use the report to decide the way forward. 
 
(Reuters)

The report added that the Israeli policy of settlement expansion erodes the 'viability of the two-state solution'

Israel should stop building settlements, denying Palestinian development and designating land for exclusive Israeli use that Palestinians seek for a future state, the Middle East peace "Quartet" recommended today in a report. The report by the Quartet entities sponsoring the stalled peace process - the United States, Russia, the European Union and the United Nations - said the Israeli policy "is steadily eroding the viability of the two-state solution". "This raises legitimate questions about Israel's long-term intentions, which are compounded by the statements of some Israeli ministers that there should never be a Palestinian state," according to the report. The day before Israeli elections in March 2015, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said there would never be a Palestinian state on his watch, only to reverse himself days later and recommit to the objective of a two-state solution. Diplomatic sources said the report carries significant political weight as it has the backing of close Israeli ally the United States, which has struggled to revive the peace talks amid tensions between Netanyahu and US President Barack Obama. Relations between the rightist Israeli leader and the Democratic president have yet to recover from their feud over last year's US-led international nuclear deal with Israel's foe Iran. The Quartet report said Israel had taken for its exclusive use some 70 per cent of Area C, which makes up 60 per cent of the occupied West Bank and includes the majority of agricultural lands, natural resources and land reserves. "The transfer of greater powers and responsibilities to Palestinian civil authority in Area C, contemplated by commitments in prior agreements, has effectively been stopped and in some ways reversed and should be resumed to advance the two state solution and prevent a one state reality from taking hold," the report said. Palestinian leaders should condemn terrorism The report said at least 570,000 Israelis are living in the settlements, which most countries deem illegal. "Israel should cease the policy of settlement construction and expansion, designating land for exclusive Israeli use and denying Palestinian development," the report recommends. It said only one permit for Palestinian housing construction in Area C was reportedly approved in 2014, while there did not appear to have been any approved in 2015. The Palestinians want an independent state in the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem - areas Israel captured in a 1967 war. The last round of peace talks broke down in April 2014 and Israeli-Palestinian violence has surged in recent months. A Palestinian woman tried to knife an Israeli police trooper in the West Bank city of Hebron and was shot dead, police said. Since October, Palestinian street attacks that have killed 33 Israelis and two visiting Americans. Israel has killed at least 201 Palestinians, 136 of whom it said were assailants. Others were killed during clashes and protests. "Regrettably, Palestinian leaders have not consistently and clearly condemned specific terrorist attacks," the report said. "The Palestinian Authority should act decisively and take all steps within its capacity to cease incitement to violence and strengthen ongoing efforts to combat terrorism, including by clearly condemning all acts of terrorism," the Quartet report said. The Palestinian Authority headed by President Mahmoud Abbas is based in the West Bank, while Islamist group Hamas has been in control of Gaza since 2007. The Quartet said Gaza and the West Bank "should be reunified under a single, legitimate and democratic Palestinian authority." UN Middle East envoy Nickolay Mladenov briefed the UN Security Council on Thursday on the Quartet report and said it would be up to the council and the international community to use the report to decide the way forward. (Reuters)

Israel should stop building settlements, denying Palestinian development, recommends Quartet report

France convened&nbsp;foreign ministers from major powers today to put Israel-Palestinian peacemaking back on the international agenda and find a common ground to bring the two sides back to the table by the end of the year.

With US&nbsp;efforts to broker a deal on a Palestinian state on Israel-occupied land in deep freeze for two years,&nbsp;and Washington focused on its November presidential election, France has lobbied key players to hold a conference that would aim to break the apathy over the impasse and stir new diplomatic momentum.&nbsp; 
 
The gathering of ministers in Paris includes the Middle East Quartet - which comprises the United States, Russia, the European Union and United Nations - as well as the Arab League, the UN&nbsp;Security Council and about 20 countries.

France has grown frustrated over the absence of movement towards a &quot;two-state solution&quot; since the collapse of the last round of talks in April 2014, arguing that letting the status quo prevail is like &quot;waiting for a powder keg to explode&quot;.

&quot;We know that we aren&#39;t going to get the Israelis and Palestinians to make peace immediately, but we want to create the right conditions to get the two around the negotiating table,&quot; said a senior French diplomat.

Neither Israel nor the Palestinians have been invited.

The meeting, the first international conference on the issue since Annapolis in the United States in 2007, will not touch on any of the chronic core differences between the two sides.

Its initial focus is to reaffirm existing international texts and resolutions that are based on achieving a Palestinian State in the West Bank and Gaza Strip co-existing with Israel, an outcome some say is becoming unrealistic.

PROTRACTED IMPASSE

Previous attempts to coax the foes to strike a deal have come to nought. The Palestinians say Israeli settlement expansion in occupied territory is dimming any prospect for the state they seek, with a capital in Arab East Jerusalem.

Israel has demanded tighter security measures from the Palestinians and a crackdown on militants who have attacked Israeli civilians or threaten their safety. It also says Jerusalem is Israel&#39;s indivisible capital and cannot be divided.

The Paris meeting will try to establish working groups comprising various countries that would meet in the coming months and tackle all aspects of the peace process.

Some groups would strive to create&nbsp;economic incentives and security guarantees to convince both sides to return to talks. Others would focus on trying to find ways to break deadlocks that scuttled previous negotiations, or look at whether other peace efforts such as a 2002 Arab initiative remain viable.

&quot;France isn&#39;t trying to reinvent things that already are out there. The idea is to rebuild confidence and convince everybody to work together to find a way to get to the next conference,&quot; the diplomat said. He said the objective was to get Israelis and Palestinians back together after the US&nbsp;elections.

A senior US&nbsp;State Department official said that secretary of state&nbsp;John Kerry&nbsp;would bring no specific proposals to the conference.

US&nbsp;delegates will be in Paris &quot;to listen to the ideas that the French and others may have, and talk through with them what might make sense going forward,&quot; the official said.

While objecting to the French initiative, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stopped short of saying Israel would boycott the conference, although Dore Gold, director-general of Israel&rsquo;s foreign ministry, told reporters in Jerusalem that the initiative was doomed.

&quot;One hundred years ago, two officials by the name of Mark Sykes and Francois-George Picot tried to dictate a new order in the Middle East. It was at the apex of the era of colonialism in our era. This effort utterly failed then, and will completely fail today,&quot; he said.

Sykes and Picot were British and French diplomats who secretly mapped out a Middle East their nations would control on defeating the Ottoman Turks in World War One, but the borders they drew have been blurred by nationalist and sectarian bloodshed in recent years.

The Palestinians have meanwhile shelved plans to push for a UN Security Council resolution condemning settlements to see how the French initiative pans out.

In a column in the French daily Le Monde on Thursday, Palestinian chief negotiator, Saeb Erekat, said the old method of bilateral talks had failed and that it was time to move to a &quot;multilateral framework&quot; that would allow the international community to impose international law in the region.

&quot;We aren&#39;t going to resolve this without the two parties and in the end the difficult choices will have to be made by them,&quot; the French diplomat said.

France has lobbied world major powers to discuss the two-state solution and bring Israel and Palestine back to the table by the end of 2016

France convened foreign ministers from major powers today to put Israel-Palestinian peacemaking back on the international agenda and find a common ground to bring the two sides back to the table by the end of the year. With US efforts to broker a deal on a Palestinian state on Israel-occupied land in deep freeze for two years, and Washington focused on its November presidential election, France has lobbied key players to hold a conference that would aim to break the apathy over the impasse and stir new diplomatic momentum. The gathering of ministers in Paris includes the Middle East Quartet - which comprises the United States, Russia, the European Union and United Nations - as well as the Arab League, the UN Security Council and about 20 countries. France has grown frustrated over the absence of movement towards a "two-state solution" since the collapse of the last round of talks in April 2014, arguing that letting the status quo prevail is like "waiting for a powder keg to explode". "We know that we aren't going to get the Israelis and Palestinians to make peace immediately, but we want to create the right conditions to get the two around the negotiating table," said a senior French diplomat. Neither Israel nor the Palestinians have been invited. The meeting, the first international conference on the issue since Annapolis in the United States in 2007, will not touch on any of the chronic core differences between the two sides. Its initial focus is to reaffirm existing international texts and resolutions that are based on achieving a Palestinian State in the West Bank and Gaza Strip co-existing with Israel, an outcome some say is becoming unrealistic. PROTRACTED IMPASSE Previous attempts to coax the foes to strike a deal have come to nought. The Palestinians say Israeli settlement expansion in occupied territory is dimming any prospect for the state they seek, with a capital in Arab East Jerusalem. Israel has demanded tighter security measures from the Palestinians and a crackdown on militants who have attacked Israeli civilians or threaten their safety. It also says Jerusalem is Israel's indivisible capital and cannot be divided. The Paris meeting will try to establish working groups comprising various countries that would meet in the coming months and tackle all aspects of the peace process. Some groups would strive to create economic incentives and security guarantees to convince both sides to return to talks. Others would focus on trying to find ways to break deadlocks that scuttled previous negotiations, or look at whether other peace efforts such as a 2002 Arab initiative remain viable. "France isn't trying to reinvent things that already are out there. The idea is to rebuild confidence and convince everybody to work together to find a way to get to the next conference," the diplomat said. He said the objective was to get Israelis and Palestinians back together after the US elections. A senior US State Department official said that secretary of state John Kerry would bring no specific proposals to the conference. US delegates will be in Paris "to listen to the ideas that the French and others may have, and talk through with them what might make sense going forward," the official said. While objecting to the French initiative, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stopped short of saying Israel would boycott the conference, although Dore Gold, director-general of Israel’s foreign ministry, told reporters in Jerusalem that the initiative was doomed. "One hundred years ago, two officials by the name of Mark Sykes and Francois-George Picot tried to dictate a new order in the Middle East. It was at the apex of the era of colonialism in our era. This effort utterly failed then, and will completely fail today," he said. Sykes and Picot were British and French diplomats who secretly mapped out a Middle East their nations would control on defeating the Ottoman Turks in World War One, but the borders they drew have been blurred by nationalist and sectarian bloodshed in recent years. The Palestinians have meanwhile shelved plans to push for a UN Security Council resolution condemning settlements to see how the French initiative pans out. In a column in the French daily Le Monde on Thursday, Palestinian chief negotiator, Saeb Erekat, said the old method of bilateral talks had failed and that it was time to move to a "multilateral framework" that would allow the international community to impose international law in the region. "We aren't going to resolve this without the two parties and in the end the difficult choices will have to be made by them," the French diplomat said.

Major powers meet to revive Israeli-Palestinian peacemaking