CRI听力:UN Chief Calls for Renewed Israeli-Palestinian Talks

UN chief Ban Ki-moon is on a two-day visit to Israel and the Palestinian territories.

The trip comes a day after international donors pledged 5.4 billion US dollars to help rebuild the war-ravaged Gaza Strip.

Speaking at a joint news conference with Palestinian Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah, Ban Ki-moon says the United Nations will help in rebuilding Gaza.

"The United Nations will make sure that there will be efficient and effective and quick delivery of goods. This will be different from previous one. This has much more broader, comprehensive mandate and authorization. And therefore I'm sure that this will be very effectively implemented."

For his part, Rami Hamdallah says on top of reconstruction, efforts must be made to end the blockade of Gaza and the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories.

"The main Palestinian requirement is to completely lift the blockade to facilitate the movement of goods and persons. Our final goal is to remove the occupation, not only the checkpoints or the blockade, the occupation has to be ended completely. After 48 years, it's time to say enough to the occupation. Now it's a good opportunity."

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued a response, saying it's the Palestinians who are holding up efforts to create a lasting peace.

"Hamas is the enemy of all of us to seek peace. A real peace can only be achieved through bilateral negotiations with those who believe in peace. I believe that unilateral steps by Palestinians at the United Nations will not advance peace. If the United Nations wants to support a genuine reconciliation, it must avoid any steps that could undermine peace."

Despite the recrimination, Ban Ki-moon is pleading for the two sides to re-start negotiations.

"I urge Palestinians to show courage and continue engaging in the meaningful peace process. I urge Israelis to do the same, and I welcome renewed international political leadership and action. Time is not on the side of peace. We need to act immediately to prevent a deepening of an already unsustainable status quo."

The UN chief will visit the Gaza Strip later on this Tuesday.

For CRI, I'm Luo Wen.