UN Secretary-General voices concern about deteriorating situation in occupied Jerusalem
NEW YORK (QNN) – UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has voiced deep concern about the deteriorating situation in occupied Jerusalem, particularly in and around the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound.
Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said in a statement on Wednesday that Guterres is actively engaged with leaders to do all they can to lower tensions, avoid inflammatory actions and rhetoric, and restore calm.
“The provocations must stop immediately. The ongoing holy days for Muslims, Jews, and Christians should be a period of peace and reflection, not incitement and violence,” he added.
The UN chief also reiterated that the status quo at the holy sites in occupied Jerusalem must be upheld and respected.
“The UN Secretary-General is committed to supporting Palestinians and Israelis to resolve the conflict on the basis of relevant United Nations resolutions, international law and bilateral agreements,” he emphasized.
The spokesperson asserted that the Secretary-General also reaffirms the need to avoid the excessive use of force and to stop all unilateral measures, like settlements and evictions, that can undermine the two-state solution.
