Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad Malki told Palestinian radio that Ban will arrive later Tuesday and meet with both Israeli and Palestinian leaders, according to the Associated Press. Israel has yet to officially confirm the visit.
Ahead of that visit, Ban`s expressed concern of the recent "dangerous escalation" in violence.
"I am dismayed — as we all should be — when I see young people, children, picking up weapons and seeking to kill," he said in a video message. "Let me be clear: violence will only undermine the legitimate Palestinian aspirations for statehood and the longing of Israelis for security."
He said he understands the frustration of Palestinian youth — their hopes for peace "dashed countless times," anger over "the continued occupation" and Israeli settlement expansion — but said they must find other ways to pursue their dreams and aspirations.
He called on Palestinian leaders to harness the energy of their people "in a peaceful way," saying that their goals can only be achieved by living side-by-side in peace with Israel — not through violent acts.
"I urge the youth of Palestine — as the future of your people and society — to turn your frustration into a strong, but peaceful, voice for change," he said. "I am not asking you to be passive, but you must put down the weapons of despair."
Ban also said he understands the concern for security and anger many Israelis feel — but that "walls, checkpoints, harsh responses by the security forces and house demolitions cannot sustain the peace and safety that you need and must have."
A political solution must be reached to "break this cycle of violence and fear," he said, adding that the United Nations stands by Israel.
He urged both Israeli and Palestinian leaders to "stand firm against terror, violence and incitement."
"Non-violence requires more courage and strength than violence," Ban said. "At this difficult time, let us say "enough is enough."
Ban`s remarks came as Israel announced the arrest of a top Hamas leader for inciting violence.
The Israeli military said Hassan Yousef was arrested overnight in Beitunia, southwest of Ramallah.
"Yousef has been actively instigating and inciting terrorism and publicly encouraging and praising the execution of attacks against Israelis," the military said in a statement.
Yousef — who previously has been arrested and imprisoned — is a co-founder of Hamas whose son later spied for Israel between 1997 and 2007, according to The Associated Press.
Israeli leaders have condemned Hamas officials for publicly praising recent attacks as heroes and assailants as heroic.
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry is expected to meet this week with the Israeli and Palestinian leaders. He called Monday for both to take urgent actions to stem the "senseless" violence.
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