United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, concerned by
the potential risk of escalating violence over the situation in
the Old City of Jerusalem, urged today urge all political,
religious and community leaders to refrain from provocative
actions and rhetoric.
“I reiterate my concern over the situation in the Old City of
Jerusalem. It is essential to fully respect the status quo at the
holy sites as before 14 July,” the Secretary-General said in a
statement.
The statement comes in the wake of a series of deadly stabbings,
other violent incidents and rising tensions in and around
Jerusalem's Old City since mid-June, particularly near the holy
site known as the Temple Mount and as Haram al-Sharif.
Mr. Guterres welcomed the dialogue between Israel and Jordan, in
line with Jordan's special and historic role, and encouraged
continued discussions on how to ensure security for both
worshippers and visitors.
“I am particularly concerned about the potential risk of
escalating violence; urge all political, religious and community
leaders to refrain from provocative action and rhetoric; and call
on Israel to demonstrate restraint,” the UN chief concluded.
Just yesterday, during a previously scheduled briefing to the
Security Council, the UN Special Coordinator of the Middle East
Peace Process Nickolay Mladenov, warned that Swift, decisive
action was required to revive negotiations and end the crisis in
Jerusalem before rising tensions dragged both Israelis and
Palestinians into a crisis that could impact the wider region.
Commending decisions by Israeli and Palestinian authorities to
restore access to the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound and services to
Gaza, he called upon both sides to refrain from activities that
could exacerbate tensions.
“We must not lose focus on the need to restore a political
perspective, on the need to bring Palestinians and Israelis back
into an environment that is conductive to negotiations on a final
status arrangement and avoids turning the national
Israeli-Palestinian conflict into a religious one,” stressed Mr.
Mladenov.
