The United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Tor Wencesland, warned on Tuesday that “difficult days still lie ahead.”
He pointed out that the Palestinian and Israeli leaders bear the responsibility to reduce the current tension in Jerusalem.
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In a statement, the UN official expressed “deep concern about the course of events over the past two weeks in Israel and the occupied West Bank.
Which resulted in many deaths and injuries among civilians.”
He said, “Of particular concern is the escalating tensions that we have seen in Jerusalem in recent days in the Old City.
and in and around the Holy Places during the period of Islamic, Jewish and Christian holidays.
He added: “The United Nations has been in close contact with all the parties concerned to calm the situation, and this dialogue was constructive, and therefore I encourage the continued involvement of the concerned parties.”
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“At this crucial moment, as tensions remain high and there are still some difficult days ahead, all efforts to reduce tensions must be encouraged,” he added.
And in light of the spread of provocations, misinformation and incitement to violence must be categorically rejected.
Leaders on both sides have a responsibility to reduce tensions, create conditions for calm and ensure that the status quo is maintained in the holy sites.
For days, tension has prevailed in Jerusalem and the courtyards of Al-Aqsa Mosque, in light of daily incursions and calls by Israeli settlers and Jewish “temple groups” to continue storming the mosque, coinciding with the Jewish Passover holiday.
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The occupied West Bank is also witnessing tension between Palestinian demonstrators and the Israeli army.
Since the beginning of this April, 18 Palestinians have been killed, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health.
