UN rapporteur on Palestine quits

The UN’s special rapporteur on human rights in the Palestinian territories, Makarim Wibisono, has resigned.

Wibisono quit on Monday, accusing the Israeli authorities of failing to grant him access to Palestinian areas.

“Unfortunately, my efforts to help improve the lives of Palestinian victims of violations under the Israeli occupation have been frustrated every step of the way,” Wibisono said in a statement.

The Indonesian diplomat claimed that throughout his mandate, Israel had failed to grant him access to Palestinian areas.

After taking up the position in June 2014, Wibisono said he had repeatedly requested access to occupied Palestinian territories but had failed to receive a response from the Israel authorities.

“The Special Rapporteur voiced deep concern at the lack of effective protection of Palestinian victims of continuing human rights violations and violations of international humanitarian law,” the UN statement said.