Security Council Briefings

The Secretary-General deeply deplores the death of three Palestinians in clashes today with the Israeli security forces and calls for these incidents to be fully investigated. His thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims.

The Secretary-General is concerned by the unfolding violence in the Old City of Jerusalem. He urges Israeli and Palestinian leaders to refrain from actions that could further escalate the situation and calls on all political, religious and community leaders to help reduce tension.

The Secretary-General reiterates that the sanctity of religious sites should be respected as places for reflection, not violence.

“I am deeply concerned by the recent surge in tensions and violence around the holy esplanade in the Old City of Jerusalem.

I welcome the commitment of Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to uphold and respect the status quo at the holy sites, and Palestinian President Abbas’ firm condemnation of violence, specifically the deadly attack on two Israeli policemen on 14 July.

I hope these affirmations will contribute to resolving the concerns of all parties and put an end to the provocative rhetoric that has added to the escalation over the past week. I note the importance of the special role of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and the historical role of King Abdullah II, as custodian of the Muslim and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem.

I call on all concerned parties to de-escalate the situation and on moderate voices to speak up against those who try to fuel tensions.”

The Secretary-General strongly condemns this evening’s stabbing attack by a Palestinian perpetrator, which resulted in the death of three members of an Israeli family in the Halamish settlement in the occupied West Bank.

He conveys his condolences to the bereaved and wishes a speedy recovery to those injured.

The Secretary-General again calls on all to refrain from any actions or words that could further escalate an already volatile situation.

The Secretary-General condemns this morning’s attack by three assailants in the Old City of Jerusalem in which two Israeli Police officers were killed and another injured. This incident has the potential to ignite further violence. All must act responsibly to avoid escalation.

The thoughts and prayers of the Secretary-General are with the families of the victims, and he wishes a speedy recovery to the injured.

The Secretary-General welcomes the swift condemnation of this attack by Palestinian President Abbas and the assurances by Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu that the status quo at the holy sites in Jerusalem will be respected. The sanctity of religious sites should be respected as places for reflection, not violence.