Ban Ki-moon's Statement after the Eviction Decision in East Jerusalem

On Tuesday, following the eviction of a Palestinian family from their home in East Jerusalem which sparked tension between the family and rioting settlers over the ownership of the house, the United Nations stepped in.

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon urged Israel to halt "provocative" actions in East Jerusalem. The statement issued by the Spokesman of Ban Ki-moon says:

The Secretary-General is dismayed at continued Israeli actions in occupied East Jerusalem, including the demolition of Palestinian homes, the eviction of Palestinian families and the insertion of settlers into Palestinian neighbourhoods. The eviction today of a Palestinian family in East Jerusalem is just the most recent incident.

These actions stoke tensions, causing suffering and further undermining trust. He calls on Israel to cease such provocative actions. He further reiterates his call on Israel to implement its “Road Map” commitments by freezing all settlement activity, including natural growth; dismantling outposts; and reopening Palestinian institutions in East Jerusalem.