Ban Ki-moon flies to Israel and the West Bank amid spiralling violence

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Ban Ki-moon is expected in Israel and the West Bank for an unscheduled visit prompted by the month-long wave of violence in the region.

Ahead of his arrival, the UN Secretary General issued a video message calling for calm from both Israelis and Palestinians.

“The United Nations stands by you. We will continue to support all efforts to create the conditions for a return to meaningful negotiations. Le me be clear: violence will only undermine the legitimate Palestinian aspiration for statehood and the longing of Israelis for security.”

Ban Ki-moon due in Jerusalem for talks amid escalating violence https://t.co/fbruxT1AB1

— Guardian World (@guardianworld) October 20, 2015

The Israeli position

Ensuring security is certainly top of the agenda for Benjamin Netanyahu.

The Israeli Prime Minister is under intense pressure.

Three recent polls suggest a large majority of Israeli citizens are unhappy with the way he is handling the current crisis:

Wave of violence spells trouble for #Israel's “Mr Security” https://t.co/hnBr1mKaBmMaayanLubell</a></p>&mdash; Luke Baker (LukeReuters) October 20, 2015

“Mahmoud Abbas said the other day; ‘I welcome every drop of blood spilled in Jerusalem.’ Are these the words of a moderate? Who glorifies these killings? He has not condemned a single one of the thirty terrorist attacks on Israelis over the last month.” Mr Netanyahu told reporters.

Reaction from the Palestinian President

Mahmoud Abbas,in turn, says Israel has created a climate of despair and frustration among young Palestinians and put them under pressure.

UN General Assembly Speech, Wednesday, Sept 30: Palestine President Mahmoud Abbas https://t.co/0o0Juev2ea#Palestinepic.twitter.com/viBLcYYVKw

— Everett Coldwell (@EverettColdwell) October 1, 2015

The Palestinian President will address a special meeting of the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva at the end of October.

It has been called to discuss the current crisis.