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UN / MIDEAST

A top UN diplomat for the Middle East Peace Process, urged that now is the time to “rebuild trust” in order to solve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. UNIFEED UNTV
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00:01:22
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MAMS Id
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Description

STORY: UN / MIDEAST
TRT: 1:22
SOURCE: UNIFEED-UNTV
RESTRICTIONS: NONE
LANGUAGE: ENGLISH / NATS

DATELINE: 15 DECEMBER 2014, NEW YORK CITY / RECENT

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Shotlist

RECENT – NEW YORK CITY

1. Exterior of United Nations

15 DECEMBER 2014, NEW YORK CITY

2. Wide shot, Security Council

3. Med shot, Security Council members

4. SOUNDBITE (English) Robert Serry, Special Coordinator for the Middle East Process:
“While important, we must recognize that these actions are not a substitute for a genuine peace process that will need to be negotiated between both parties.”

5. Med shot, Security Council members

6. SOUNDBITE (English) Robert Serry, Special Coordinator for the Middle East Process:
“I am very concerned that Israel has reinstated its practice of punitive demolitions, after almost a complete halt for nearly a decade. During the reporting period, six structures were demolished in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, resulting in the displacement of 231 Palestinians, including 11 children.”

7. Med shot, Security Council members

8. SOUNDBITE (English) Robert Serry, Special Coordinator for the Middle East Process:
“In conclusion, we have reached a dramatic moment in the quest for peace between Israel and the Palestinians, particularly if that peace – as we have consistently advocated – is to be based on a two-state solution. I feel 2014 changed the course of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and that the future is more uncertain than ever. As I have alerted this Council, I am deeply concerned that a one-state reality is on the parties’ doorstep if they fail to address the present deadlock.”

9. Med shot, delegates

10. Zoom out, Security Council

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Storyline

A top UN diplomat for the Middle East Peace Process, urged that now is the time to “rebuild trust” in order to solve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
In a briefing to the Security Council on 15 December, Robert Serry, special coordinator for the Middle East, said he was aware of ongoing consultations among Council members to present a resolution outlining the parameters of an Israeli-Palestinian final-status agreement. He said that “While important, we must recognize that these actions are not a substitute for a genuine peace process that will need to be negotiated between both parties.”

Serry also acknowledged the constructive steps being taken by parties concerned to deescalate tensions surrounding holy sites, noting a decrease in the number of Jewish activist and a lift to access restrictions to Muslim worshipers. However, he said that he is deeply troubled by the recent escalation of tensions in Jerusalem and the West Bank.
“I am very concerned that Israel has reinstated its practice of punitive demolitions, after almost a complete halt for nearly a decade. During the reporting period, six structures were demolished in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, resulting in the displacement of 231 Palestinians, including 11 children.”

Turning his attention to Gaza, Serry confirmed that despite initial setbacks, the delivery of construction materials via the temporary Gaza Reconstruction Mechanism continues and has scaled up significantly over the past two weeks.
Serry said that as the mechanism begins operating at scale, it will set a clear and realistic plan for Gaza, giving Gazans hope. Serry urged that the international community engage to bring affordable energy and sufficient water to the city in addition to the physical reconstruction of Gaza, saying that if these issues are not addressed, the already “devastating” atmosphere in Gaza will worsen.
Serry ended his address by stating deep concern for what he called the fragility of the situation.
“In conclusion, we have reached a dramatic moment in the quest for peace between Israel and the Palestinians, particularly if that peace – as we have consistently advocated – is to be based on a two-state solution. I feel 2014 changed the course of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and that the future is more uncertain than ever. As I have alerted this Council, I am deeply concerned that a one-state reality is on the parties’ doorstep if they fail to address the present deadlock.”

Serry urged the international community, including the Council, to take responsibility in shaping the future for Israel and Palestine. However, he said “it is ultimately for Palestinian and Israelis and their leaderships to take the courageous steps to salvage a peaceful and secure future for their people.”

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