In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Mr. Ban voiced dismay 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.

“These actions stoke tensions, cause suffering and further undermine trust,” said the statement.

Mr. Ban called on Israel to “cease such provocative actions,” and to implement its commitments under the Road Map peace plan by freezing all settlement activity, including natural growth; dismantling outposts; and reopening Palestinian institutions in East Jerusalem.

The Secretary-General has cited continued Israeli evictions and house demolitions in East Jerusalem, and the expansion of settlements as obstacles to peace and contrary to the Road Map for a two-State solution espoused by the diplomatic Quartet – comprising the UN, the European Union (EU), Russia and the United States.

In addition to exacerbating tensions, such actions prejudge final status issues, and often have tragic human consequences, he told an international forum held in Morocco last week.

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Jerusalem must be capital of both Israel and Palestine, Ban says