The United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Nikolay Mladenov delivered his briefing on the situation in the Middle East to the Security Council, where he reported on the implementation of Security Council Resolution 2334 regarding settlements, covering the period from June 5 to September 20 of this year. He explained that the rising rates of “Covid-19” have a devastating impact on the ground and that the United Nations and its partners will continue to support the Palestinians in the response to the epidemic, with a focus on Gaza. He described limited progress in the area of settlements, but he remains concerned about plans to build settlements in E1, in addition to the dangerous rise in demolitions and seizures of Palestinian-owned buildings in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and continuing settler violence. Mr. Mladenov welcomed the 13 August understandings that have de-escalated tensions in and around Gaza, the recent meeting of the PLO’s Executive Committee and Heads of Palestinian factions, and subsequent efforts made by the leadership to strengthen Palestinian unity. To check the news, click here.