United Nations, Feb 21 : UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Tor Wennesland has voiced concern over a surge of violence between Israelis and Palestinians.

"We are witnessing a surge in violence, including some of the deadliest incidents in nearly 20 years," he told the Security Council in a briefing. "I am concerned that developments on the ground are continuing their negative trajectory, gaining in both pace and intensity. At the same time, unilateral actions are moving the parties still further apart, exacerbating tensions and driving the conflict."

Immediate efforts are required to reduce tensions. But restoring calm is not, on its own, a recipe for progress, he cautioned.

The United Nations, along with regional and international partners, have engaged intensively with all parties to de-escalate the situation, said Wennesland via a video link from Jerusalem. "I call upon the parties to match security efforts with political steps that can halt the negative slide and restore hope for an end to conflict and prospects for a viable two-state solution."