US urges Israel: Haram Al-Sharif "must be re-opened to Muslim worshippers"

WASHINGTON, Oct 30 (KUNA) -- The US said on Thursday that Haram Al-Sharif "must be re-opened to Muslim worshippers," in response to Israel's earlier closure of the religious site.
Any decision or action to change the historic status quo there would be "both provocative and dangerous," State Department Spokesperson Jen Psaki told reporters.
"We're extremely concerned by escalating tensions across Jerusalem and particularly surrounding the Haram al-Sharif, Temple Mount," she said, while condemning the shooting of an American Rabbi at the religious site.
"It is actually critical that all sides exercise restraint, refrain from provocative actions and rhetoric and preserve the status quo." Media reports note that the wounded American was an activist who advocated for more Jewish access at religious site. Psaki noted that the State Department has been in "close touch" with senior Israeli, Jordanian and Palestinian officials to try to de-escalate the situation. Secretary of State John Kerry is expected to speak with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the next 24 hours. (end) ak.sd