Mindless Cycle of Destruction between Israel and Palestine Must End: UN
UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has addressed the special meeting of the Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People to mark the event.
Ban says he is deeply troubled by the rising tensions in Jerusalem, condemning the recent attacks against worshippers.
He is also calling on the Israeli side to reverse its settlement activities in the West Bank and parts of Jerusalem, saying the moves are both illegal and run against the two-state solution.
"The mindless cycle of destruction must end. The virtuous cycle of peace must begin. On this international day of solidarity, I call on the parties to step back from the brink, and find the path of peace before hope and time run out."
This year has seen a major setback for the peace process in the region, with almost 2,200 Palestinians and 70 Israelis killed in a military conflict this summer.
Some 110-thousand Palestinians remain displaced.
Rotating UN Security Council President Gary Quinlan says the 15-member council will continue to pursue a two-state solution to solve the Israeli-Palestinian issue.
"The Security Council will continue to make efforts to facilitate just and equitable solution to the Palestinian question and to achieve a comprehensive peace settlement based on the two-state solution."
In reading out a statement from Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, Palestinian UN Permanent Observer Riyad Mansour has criticized what he describes as double standards in certain of the UN resolutions, suggesting the world body is allowing Israel to act like a state above the law.
The United Nations has proclaimed 2014 the International Year of Solidarity with the Palestinian People.
Several cultural events, including a film screening, a photo exhibition and a concert by three Palestinian musicians have been held at UN Headquarters to mark the occasion.
For CRI, I'm Su Yi in New York.
