Nickolay Mladenov, UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, addresses the Security Council via video-link. (Photo: UN Photo/Loey Felipe)

Speaking at the UN Security Council in New York, Mlandenov said Israeli occupation of Palestinian areas continue, and no progress has been made toward a negotiated two-state solution. He said the growing number of Israeli settlements, illegal under international law, remains a substantial obstacle in the peace process.

Mlandenov said Gaza has seen a reduction in violence, brokered by the UN and Egypt, but still, three Palestinians were recently killed and over 500 injured in demonstrations along the Gaza perimeter. He urged authorities to exercise restraint in the use of lethal force.