NEW YORK, August 26, 2011 (WAFA) – The United Nations said Thursday that ending the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and establishing an independent and viable State of Palestine living side by side with Israel in peace and security are long overdue.

In a briefing on the Middle East at the Security Council, UN Undersecretary General for Political Affairs, B. Lynn Pascoe, said that “serious progress towards this goal is urgent.”

“The deadlines that were set a year ago with respect to resolving all permanent status issues and completing the Palestinian state-building agenda are upon us,” he said. “However, despite continued efforts to assist Israel and the Palestinians in finding a way back to the negotiating table, the political deadlock persists. Differences remain profound between the parties regarding what terms should frame negotiations, and mistrust is deepening.”

Pascoe said that “the status quo is unsustainable and damaging to both sides,” warning against escalation of violence as was witnessed in the region in the last week.

He said that while “a fragile calm” had been restored earlier this week to the Gaza-Israel borders, “we remain concerned by the risk of escalation.”

He said that “preserving calm is all the more important to give ongoing diplomatic efforts aimed at resuming meaningful negotiations a chance.”

However, he said “with no political breakthrough and with Israeli settlement activity continuing, the Palestinian leadership confirmed its intention to approach the United Nations in September.”

The UN official expressed hope that “the international community will be able to shape a legitimate and balanced way forward to help the parties resume meaningful negotiations that will realize the two state solution.”

He praised Palestinian state building plans and reforms, stressing that “credible reforms have led to tangible economic and security improvements. These achievements must be consolidated and bolstered by genuine political prospects for Palestinian statehood to be achieved in the course of substantive negotiations.”

He urged financial support for the Palestinian Authority “to sustain its state-building and reform agenda.”

“Due to shortfalls in donor funding, the Palestinian Authority is experiencing a serious fiscal crisis and needs US$ 250 million in additional commitments immediately to meet its obligations. We call on the donors to provide timely and generous support.”

Pascoe described Israel’s settlement activities as “a source of serious concern.”

“The Secretary-General reiterated that settlement activity in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, is contrary to international law,” he said.

Additional tensions continue to arise from settler violence, Israeli army incursions, and ongoing restrictions on movement and access, said the UN official.

He said that “improving living conditions of the population of the Gaza Strip remains a priority for the United Nations.”

M.A.