UN Boss Calls For Restraint By Israelis & Palestinians Following Recent Violence

The UN Secretary-General has expressed concern over recent violence in Jerusalem and the occupied West Bank.

António Guterres has deplored the deaths of three Palestinians in Jerusalem's Old City and the stabbing deaths of three members of an Israeli family in West Bank settlement.

Both incidents occurred on Friday.

The three Palestinians were killed during clashes with the Israeli security forces in the Old City of Jerusalem, a holy site for Christians, Jews and Muslims.

The UN chief deplored their deaths and called for a full investigation into the incidents, according to a statement issued by his Spokesperson.

The Secretary-General also expressed concern over the unfolding violence at the holy site which has escalated in recent days.

He urged leaders on both sides to refrain from actions that could further escalate the situation.

Mr. Guterres also strongly condemned the attack on the Israeli family which occurred later on Friday.

According to media reports, three members of the family were killed by a Palestinian who entered their home in the settlement of Halamish, located in the occupied West Bank.

"The Secretary-General conveyed his condolences to the bereaved and wishes a speedy recovery to those injured in the attack," his Spokesperson said in separate statement.

The UN Chief once again called on all to refrain from any actions or words that could further escalate what the statement described as "an already volatile situation."


SOURCE: Dianne Penn, United Nations/GBC.