United Nations - UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon arrived in Israel on Monday for a two-day visit, a few months ahead of the end of his tenure.

In welcoming United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon on his 11th and final visit to Israel in his present capacity, President Reuven Rivlin on Monday pleaded with Ban to do his utmost to relieve the pain of the families of soldiers Hadar Goldin and Oron Shaul, pronounced dead by the IDF, but without proof to the contrary, believed by their parents and siblings to be prisoners of war missing in action. Rivlin also included the families of two Israeli citizens “both suffering poor mental health, - one Muslim, one Jewish.”

Hamas still refuses to provide information on the two soldiers – even to the Red Cross, said Rivlin.

Turning to developments in the region, Rivlin said that there is closer cooperation between Israel and her neighbors, and that he believes that there is a regional desire to bring an end to the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians.

He also welcomed the chance for Israel to renew relations with Turkey. “We have a long history of cooperation, and I believe we have a promising future of cooperation. I understand the many Israelis that...read more at VIN