Prince Zeid attributes Palestine tensions to ‘frustration and despair’

AMMAN — HH Prince Zeid, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, said that "the escalating tensions [at Al Aqsa] indicate a general sense of growing frustration and despair resulting from the situation of prolonged occupation," according to a press statement published on the website of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights on Thursday.

Prince Zeid added that the current situation is "exacerbated by recent restrictions imposed by the Israeli authorities on Palestinian worshippers wishing to access Al Aqsa compound, the ongoing settlement expansion and settler violence, and a general lack of accountability in cases such as the Duma arson attack."

The prince said that calm can only be restored on the basis of respect for human rights.

“More bloodshed will only lead to more hatred on both sides, and offer no solution in the long run,” he warned. 

At least 134 Palestinians have reportedly been injured by live ammunition in the context of clashes with Israeli forces since September 28. Hundreds more have been injured by tear gas inhalation and rubber bullets.

According to the statement, the prince said he fully supports the UN Secretary General’s call for urgent action on both sides to stop any further escalation, and further stressed the need to ensure that Israeli troops comply with international standards on use of force.