Tor Wennesland, UN coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process condemned both the deadly shooting attack in which two Israeli brothers were murdered in Samaria yesterday, as well as the reprisal by Jewish rioters who burned vehicles and buildings in the Arab village of Huwara.
“I am gravely concerned by the deteriorating security situation in the occupied West Bank, particularly the violence we have witnessed in the past 24 hours in Huwwara, near Nablus,” Wennesland said in a statement Monday afternoon.
“My condolences to the family of the two Israeli brothers killed in a shooting attack yesterday by a Palestinian perpetrator and to the family of the Palestinian killed during a rampage by vigilante settlers in retaliatory attacks, which resulted also in many Palestinians injured and homes in Huwwara set ablaze.,” he added.
“Security forces have the responsibility to maintain security and prevent individuals from taking the law into their own hands.
“There can be no justification for terrorism, nor for arson and acts of revenge against civilians. All perpetrators of violence must be held accountable. Violence, provocations, and incitement must stop immediately and be unequivocally condemned by all.”
Wennesland said he was encouraged by the emergency summit which was held between Israel and the Palestinian Authority in Aqaba, Jordan hours before yesterday’s attack. The summit was held in response to recent violence in which 11 Israelis had been killed in terrorist attacks in Jerusalem in the previous month, 10 of whom were civilians, and several dozen Arabs were killed in battles with IDF forces in Judea and Samaria, mostly terrorists and armed combatants.
“I urge both sides to make all efforts to address the core issues driving the conflict in line with UN resolutions, international law and previous agreements, including the principles of Oslo,” he said. “The United Nations remains committed to supporting Palestinians and Israelis to achieve a just and lasting peace. There are no shortcuts to peace.”
Brothers Hillel Yaniv and Yagel Yaniv were murdered when a terrorist opened fire on the vehicle in which they were driving at the Einabus intersection. The murders led to celebrations in Palestinian Authority cities.
In response to the deadly attack and the subsequent celebrations, Israeli protesters gathered in Huwara, where clashes broke out with local Arabs.
Arabic media reported that Jewish rioters burned 50 vehicles and at least 15 buildings Sunday evening.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday night called on Jewish residents to show restraint and not to take the law into their own hands following the attack.
“A terrible tragedy occurred today. I would like to send condolences to the Yaniv family, which lost two of its dear sons may G-d avenge them,” Netanyahu said.
“The IDF and the security forces are currently in pursuit of the murderer. We will find him. We will apprehend him and we will settle accounts with him.”
“I ask – even when the blood is boiling – not to take the law into one’s hands. I ask that the IDF and the security forces be allowed to carry out their work. I remind you that in recent weeks, they have targeted dozens of terrorists and thwarted dozens of attacks.”
“Let the IDF complete its pursuit and do not take the law into your hands together we will defeat terrorism,” Netanyahu concluded.
