UN Secretary-General's Meeting with Palestinian and Israeli Leaders

Ban Ki-moon, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, met with Mahmoud Abbas, the President of the Palestinian Authority, on Wednesday, calling for an end to the violence between Palestinians and Israelis. According to AFP, Mr. Ban, who visited Ramallah in the West Bank, told reporters after his meeting with Mr. Abbas: "We continue to support any action aimed at creating the necessary conditions for meaningful negotiations, but ultimately it is up to the Palestinians and Israelis to choose peace." He stated, "The most important challenge currently facing the United Nations is to stop the recent wave of violence and prevent further loss of life." With ongoing violence that began about three weeks ago, more than 40 Palestinians and 8 Israelis have died so far. Some of these Palestinian fatalities were among the attackers who assaulted Israelis with knives and other cold weapons and were ultimately shot. Meanwhile, the UN Secretary-General has been holding meetings with Israeli and Palestinian officials since Tuesday to stop this violence, and during a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, he stated: "The only thing that will end this violence is achieving a political solution that includes ending the occupation." Ban Ki-moon also emphasized to the leaders of Israel and Palestine the necessity of dialogue and practical action for peace after his meeting with Mahmoud Abbas. Abbas has urged Israel to respect the laws concerning Al-Aqsa Mosque. However, Netanyahu has repeatedly accused Abbas of inciting the new wave of violence by claiming that Israel intends to change the status of the Al-Aqsa compound. Palestinians are concerned that Israel intends to alter the sovereignty laws governing this site located in East Jerusalem.