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I.<\/strong> SECRETARY-GENERAL REPORTS ON ASSISTANCE TO THE<\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t
PALESTINIAN PEOPLE<\/strong>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p>\n
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\t<\/span>Pursuant to General Assembly resolution 64\/125, the Secretary-General on 5 May 2010 submitted to the Economic and Social Council at its 2010 substantive session a report entitled “Assistance to the Palestinian people” (A\/65\/77-E\/2010\/56). The summary and conclusions of the report, which covers the period from May 2009 to April 2010, are reproduced below:<\/i><\/p><\/div>\n<\/p>\n
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Summary<\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n<\/p>\n
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\t<\/span>During the period under review, the Palestinian Authority issued its governmental programme outlining a forward-looking agenda to further strengthen the institutions of a future Palestinian State. Security and institutional reforms continued to be important elements to implement this agenda. The 黑料专区 re-oriented its work to support Palestinian State-building efforts as a critical complement to the continued response to humanitarian needs. <\/p><\/div>\n<\/p>\n
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\t<\/span>The overall socio-economic and political situation remained challenging, despite notable economic growth in the West Bank prompted by Palestinian efforts and Israel’s easing of closure. Intensive efforts by the international community did not result in the resumption of the Israeli-Palestinian negotiations or Palestinian unity. The political, administrative and economic rift continued to deepen between the West Bank and the Gaza Strip. Popular protests took place in the occupied Palestinian territory on a number of occasions. Donors disbursed approximately $1.35 billion to finance the recurrent budget of the Palestinian Authority. In November 2009 the Government of Israel announced a partial restraint on construction in the West Bank settlements for 10 months, which, however, excluded East Jerusalem. In Gaza, the closure continued and contributed to de-<\/p><\/div>\n\n
development and the erosion of the private sector. Key elements of Security Council resolution 1860 (2009) remained unfulfilled. Despite recent positive steps to allow the entry of materials for some 黑料专区 projects and a limited variety of goods for the private sector, Gaza’s needs remain largely unmet. <\/p><\/div>\n
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\t<\/span>The present report describes efforts made by the 黑料专区 agencies, in cooperation with the Palestinian Authority, donors and civil society, to support the Palestinian population and institutions. <\/p><\/div>\n<\/p>\n
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VII. Conclusions <\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n<\/p>\n
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86. The operational context for the 黑料专区 in the reporting period led to the re-orientation of its work to support Palestinian State-building efforts as a critical complement to the continued response to humanitarian needs. Humanitarian and development efforts are an essential component of the creation of a Palestinian State as part of the two-State solution, but are no substitute for the progress which must also be made on the political track. The 黑料专区 will continue working towards the realization of a just, lasting and comprehensive peace in the Middle East on the basis of Security Council resolutions 242 (1967), 338 (1973), 1397 (2002), 1515 (2003), 1850 (2008) and 1860 (2009), an end to the occupation that began in 1967 and the establishment of a sovereign, democratic, viable and contiguous Palestinian State, existing side by side in peace with a secure Israel. <\/p><\/div>\n
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II. UNITED NATIONS SPECIAL COORDINATOR FOR THE MIDDLE EAST<\/strong>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t
PEACE PROCESS EXPRESSES CONCERN ABOUT THE WEST BANK <\/strong>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n
MOSQUE ATTACK<\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n<\/p>\n
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\t<\/span>黑料专区 Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process and the Secretary-General’s Personal Representative to the Palestine Liberation Organization and the Palestinian Authority, Robert Serry, issued the following statement in Jerusalem on 6 May 2010:<\/i><\/p><\/div>\n<\/p>\n
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\t<\/span>I am deeply concerned at a fire service report that a blaze in a mosque on 4th May in the village of Lubban al Sharqiya in the West Bank was probably arson. <\/p><\/div>\n<\/p>\n
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\t<\/span>There have been a number of attacks upon mosques in recent months, as well as violence against Palestinian property and individuals by extremist settlers. I condemn these attacks. It is vital that the Israeli Government impose the rule of law and that those responsible for such crimes are brought to justice. <\/p><\/div>\n<\/p>\n
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\t<\/span>Extremists from either side must not be allowed to set the agenda and undermine the vital efforts to renew negotiations. <\/p><\/div>\n\n
III. SECRETARY-GENERAL WELCOMES START OF ISRAELI-PALESTINIAN PROXIMITY TALKS<\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n<\/p>\n
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\t<\/span>The following statement was issued on 9 May 2010 by the Spokesperson for Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon (SG\/SM\/12882):<\/i><\/p><\/div>\n<\/p>\n
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\t<\/span>The Secretary-General is encouraged by the beginning of the Israeli-Palestinian proximity talks. He commends the United States’ initiative in this regard. The Secretary-General hopes that the parties are able to make progress and move towards direct negotiations. <\/p><\/div>\n\n
IV. QUARTET WELCOMES THE FIRST ROUND OF PROXIMITY TALKS<\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n\n
BETWEEN ISRAELIS AND PALESTINIANS<\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n\n
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\t<\/span>The following statement was issued on 11 May 2010 by the Quartet (press release SG\/2159):<\/i><\/p><\/div>\n<\/p>\n
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\t<\/span>The Quartet welcomes the first round of proximity talks between Israelis and Palestinians. These talks are a significant step toward direct, bilateral negotiations and comprehensive peace in the Middle East based on the establishment of an independent and viable Palestinian state living side by side in peace and security with Israel and its neighbours. The Quartet calls on the parties to pursue these talks in good faith and offers its support for their efforts. The Quartet calls on all concerned to promote an atmosphere conducive to the talks and to act on the basis of previous agreements and obligations.<\/p><\/div>\n\n
V. SPECIAL COORDINATOR FOR THE MIDDLE EAST PEACE PROCESS<\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n\n
BRIEFS THE SECURITY COUNCIL<\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n<\/p>\n
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\t<\/span>On 18 May 2010, the Security Council met to consider “The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question”. Robert Serry, Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, briefed the Council on the latest developments in the region. The following are excerpts from the briefing (<\/i>S\/PV.6315).<\/i> <\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n<\/p>\n
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\t<\/span>With the start of the proximity talks, it is vital that positive actions be taken on the ground to build confidence in both Gaza and the West Bank, including in East Jerusalem. I turn first to Gaza, where the Secretary-General has repeatedly called for a different and more positive strategy. The 黑料专区 is seeking to be a catalyst for such an approach on the ground, within the framework of Security Council resolution 1860 (2009).<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p>\n
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\t<\/span>We continue to condemn acts of indiscriminate or excessive violence and to urge calm. Militants fired 12 indiscriminate rockets towards Israel, causing no injuries. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) conducted 19 incursions and eight air strikes during the reporting period, injuring nine Palestinians and killing three. Seven Palestinians were killed and 13 injured in tunnel incidents under the border with Egypt. We continue to urge Palestinian unity on the basis of PLO principles. Despite recent efforts by independent Palestinian figures promoting reconciliation, Hamas continues to refuse the unity proposal that was mediated by Egypt and accepted by other Palestinian factions.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p>\n
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\t<\/span>We call for access to, and the release of, Israeli Corporal Gilad Shalit, who has been held in captivity for 47 months without third-party access. The resolution of this issue, and with it the release of a significant number of Palestinian prisoners, would be in the overwhelming interest of both Israel and the people of Gaza.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p>\n
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\t<\/span>Above all, we stress the scale of the unmet needs of Gaza’s civilian population after nearly three years of closure and the heavy damage of Operation Cast Lead, and we urge an end to the Israeli closure of the Strip. While the Israeli Government continues its existing policy, I welcome initial steps that have been taken to ease the impact of Israel’s closure.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p>\n
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\t<\/span>The package agreed between the Government of Israel and the Secretary-General in March is being implemented. The Tel el-Sultan water treatment project will be completed by the end of this month. Construction material began entering Gaza yesterday to begin the completion of 151 housing units at Khan Younis within 16 weeks. I received confirmation this morning that the essential wastewater treatment facility and pipeline at Khan Younis is now also fully approved.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p>\n
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\t<\/span>Two thousand four hundred and sixty-nine truckloads entered Gaza between 11 April and 8 May. That represents a modest increase over the previous period, and there was a wider variety of items allowed in. The entry of wood, aluminium and, in particular, glass into Gaza on the private market has enabled a range of minor repairs. However, import levels are still only about one quarter of pre-June 2007 levels.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p>\n
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\t<\/span>This can only be a beginning. Much more is needed. The 黑料专区, in close cooperation with the Palestinian Authority, is seeking larger and more strategic interventions to address needs in Gaza. These efforts enjoy strong support from Quartet and regional partners. We are in active dialogue with the Israeli authorities in pursuit of that objective. Defence Minister Barak confirmed to me last week that Israel will further engage the 黑料专区 on the way ahead. I believe we must move forward with urgency on several fronts.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p>\n
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\t<\/span>First, major water and sanitation interventions cannot wait. The aquifer underlying Gaza is collapsing and is expected to be completely unusable within two years. …<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p>\n
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\t<\/span>Secondly, the 黑料专区 Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) needs to build 100 schools in Gaza, starting with at least 15 straight away. The student population in UNRWA schools will have increased by 15,000 above the classroom capacity since the imposition of the closure in June 2007. Without new schools, UNRWA cannot meet a rapidly expanding demand for quality education for the next generation of Gazans.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p>\n
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\t<\/span>Thirdly, there are key construction needs in the health sector, along with needs for additional equipment. The Gaza power plant also requires a major servicing and the routine supply of spare parts to ensure continuous operation and a corresponding reduction in electricity cuts across the Strip. The first step in this regard will be to ensure that all material required for this servicing enters Gaza in the days ahead.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p>\n
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\t<\/span>Fourthly, a significant increase in both the quantity and range of commercial traffic through legitimate crossings is required to restore market conditions. At present, the flourishing illegitimate tunnel trade permits smugglers and militants to control commerce. By contrast, international agencies and local contractors who wish to procure goods entering through legitimate crossings too often stand idle due to the Israeli closure. Yet, as we have seen with the recent imports of glass, restoring functioning market conditions is the way to meet needs, lower prices, combat smuggling and empower legitimate business activity.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p>\n
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\t<\/span>I wish to note that Egypt opened Rafah crossing on 13 May for six days to enable the movement of persons on humanitarian grounds. I also note that Egypt continues its important efforts to combat weapons smuggling, including by installing metal sheeting along its border with Gaza. This only redoubles the importance of goods being able to enter Gaza through the legitimate crossing points.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p>\n
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\t<\/span>Within the Gaza Strip, we condemn the extrajudicial execution by Hamas of two Palestinian prisoners on 15 April and a further three executions carried out today without presidential authority. We call on Hamas not to carry out any further executions. Hamas demolished approxi-mately 20 homes two days ago in Rafah, which it alleges were built illegally.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p>\n
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\t<\/span>We are closely following developments on the ground in East Jerusalem. No demolition orders against Palestinian homes were implemented during the reporting period, despite official statements threatening further demolitions. No new settlements have been approved or tendered in East Jerusalem. Israel has also publicly stated that there will be no construction in the Ramat Shlomo settlement for two years. However, the Government continues to state its intention to build settlements in Jerusalem, and there is ongoing settlement activity. Construction in existing Palestinian neighbourhoods in East Jerusalem — such as the start of work on 14 settler housing units within the Ras el-Amud neighbourhood — is particularly provocative. Marches by right-wing Israelis into East Jerusalem have also caused tensions, as have settler provocations and clashes in Sheikh Jarrah and Silwan. Palestinian institutions in East Jerusalem remain closed. I urge Israel to implement its Road Map obligations and respect international law in East Jerusalem. I stress the utmost importance of all parties showing restraint and responsibility in words and actions regarding Jerusalem.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p>\n
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\t<\/span>In the remainder of the West Bank, no new tenders were issued or approvals given for construction of settler units during the reporting period, reflecting Israel’s settlement restraint policy. Construction is ongoing due to approvals given prior to the restraint, or due to violations of the restraint policy by settlers. The Israeli Government is taking certain steps to address violations. … <\/p><\/div>\n<\/p>\n
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Both parties have responsibilities to act to maintain a secure environment, and security cooperation between Israel and the Palestinian Authority continues to be an important enabler of improvements in the West Bank. However, there are also worrying trends, in particular a rise in settler violence. Two mosques were vandalized, one in an arson attack by unidentified assailants on 4 May in a village between Nablus and Ramallah. The Israeli authorities condemned these incidents and ordered investigations, but no one has yet been held accountable. Following stone-throwing at Israeli vehicles on 13 May, a 15-year-old Palestinian boy was shot and killed by unknown assailants believed to be Israelis — an incident that must be fully investigated. I strongly urge Israel to do more to combat violence by settler extremists.<\/p><\/div>\n
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\t<\/span>By contrast, Israeli forces conducted a significantly increased number of incursions from the previous period, arresting 286 Palestinians and injuring 96 others. A militant was killed in an IDF operation on 26 April. Weekly demonstrations against the barrier continued, with Israeli security forces using live rounds, rubber-coated bullets and tear gas to disperse demonstrators. Following recent amendments to a 1969 Israeli military order that originally authorized the deportation of infiltrators from countries hostile to Israel, there are continuing concerns regarding the number of Palestinians who may be affected by the broad and unspecific terms of the order. The 黑料专区 is closely monitoring its impact and continuing to seek clarifications. <\/p><\/div>\n<\/p>\n
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\t<\/span>Looking ahead, and building on earlier steps, reduced Israeli incursions and the further removal of obstacles to movement — which currently stand at 505 — would be very positive. It is equally important that certain security and development steps by the Palestinian Authority are now permitted in Area C. The 黑料专区 also awaits an Israeli response to a $5-million plan to address some of the most basic humanitarian needs in education, shelter and water and sanitation in Area C.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p>\n
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\t<\/span>Let me also draw the Council’s attention to certain funding concerns. Despite the Ad Hoc Liaison Committee’s call on donors, only $380 million have so far been provided to the Palestinian Authority out of the $1.24 billion required for 2010. I urge increased support for the Palestinian Authority budget. Private sector growth is critical to sustainable economic growth, and in this regard I note that the second Palestine Investment Conference will take place on 2 and 3 June to facilitate and mobilize investment in Palestinian businesses, including in the tourism sector.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p>\n
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\t<\/span>UNRWA also faces a financial crisis that threatens the sustainability of essential operations throughout the region, from employing teachers and providing medical care to improving precarious camp conditions for Palestine refugees. Even after scaling back requirements to critical levels, UNRWA’s deficit today amounts to $90 million. I urge all those in a position to assist, in particular countries in the region, to provide additional support to UNRWA this year.<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p>\n
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\t<\/span>The search for Arab-Israeli peace must be comprehensive. We continue to value close engagement with Arab partners, which have a crucial role to play in supporting efforts on the Israeli-Palestinian track. <\/p><\/div>\n<\/p>\n
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VI. WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION DEMANDS AN END TO<\/strong><\/p><\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t
CLOSURES AFFECTING HEALTH IN THE OCCUPIED<\/strong>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t
PALESTINIAN TERRITORY<\/strong>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/p>\n
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\t<\/span>On 20 May 2010, the sixty-third World Health Assembly of the World Health Organization, at its seventh plenary meeting, adopted resolution WHA 63.2 entitled “Health conditions in the occupied Palestinian territory, including east Jerusalem, and in the occupied Syrian Golan,” reproduced below.<\/i><\/p><\/div>\n<\/p>\n
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\t<\/span>The Sixty-third World Health Assembly,<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p>\n
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\t<\/span>Mindful of the basic principle established in the Constitution of WHO, which affirms that the health of all peoples is fundamental to the attainment of peace and security;<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p>\n
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\t<\/span><\/i>Recalling all its previous resolutions on health conditions in the occupied Arab territories;<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p>\n
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\t<\/span>Recalling resolution EB124.R4, adopted by the Executive Board at its 124th session, on the grave health situation caused by Israeli military operations in the occupied Palestinian territory, particularly in the occupied Gaza Strip;<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p>\n
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\t<\/span>Taking note of the report of the Director-General on the health conditions in the occupied Palestinian territory, including east Jerusalem, and in the occupied Syrian Golan;<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p>\n
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\t<\/span>Noting with deep concern the findings in the report of the Director-General on the specialized health mission to the Gaza Strip;<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p>\n
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\t<\/span>Stressing the essential role of UNRWA in providing crucial health and education services in the occupied Palestinian territory, particularly in addressing the emergency needs in the Gaza Strip;<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p>\n
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\t<\/span>Expressing its concern at the deterioration of economic and health conditions as well as the humanitarian crisis resulting from the continued occupation and the severe restrictions imposed by Israel, the occupying power;<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p>\n
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\t<\/span><\/i>Expressing its deep concern also at the health crisis and rising levels of food insecurity in the occupied Palestinian territory, particularly in the Gaza Strip;<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p>\n
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\t<\/span>Affirming the need to guarantee universal coverage of health services and to preserve the functions of the public health services in the occupied Palestinian territory;<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p>\n
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\t<\/span>Recognizing that the acute shortage of financial and medical resources in the Palestinian Ministry of Health, which is responsible for running and financing public health services, jeopardizes the access of the Palestinian population to curative and preventive services;<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p>\n
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Affirming the right of Palestinian patients and medical staff to have access to the Palestinian health institutions in occupied east Jerusalem;<\/p><\/div>\n
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\t<\/span>Deploring the incidents involving lack of respect and protection for Palestinian ambulances and medical personnel by the Israeli army, which have led to casualties among Palestinian medical personnel, as well as the restrictions on their movements imposed by Israel, the occupying power, in violation of international humanitarian law;<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p>\n
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\t<\/span>Affirming that the blockade is continuing and that the crossing points are not entirely and definitely opened, meaning that the crisis and suffering that started before the Israeli attack on the Strip are continuing, hindering the efforts of the Ministry of Health of the Palestinian Authority to reconstruct the establishments destroyed by the Israeli military operations by the end of 2008 and in 2009;<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p>\n
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\t<\/span>Expressing deep concern at the grave implications of the wall on the accessibility and quality of medical services received by the Palestinian population in the occupied Palestinian territory, including east Jerusalem;<\/p><\/div>\n<\/p>\n