France warns Israel against changing "status quo" in Jerusalem

PARIS, July 21 (KUNA) -- France on Friday warned Israel about modifying the "status quo" in Jerusalem as violence again flared there after authorities denied thousands of Palestinians access to the Al-Aqsa Mosque.
At least one man was reported shot dead and hundreds wounded in the latest violence as Israeli forces opened fire with live ammunition, in addition to using plastic bullets, tear gas and rubber bullets to push back protesting Palestinians who were prevented from taking part in Friday prayer at Al-Aqsa.
Israel installed security barriers around the Mosque complex and refused entry to any males younger than 50.
The French Foreign Ministry noted that it has already expressed concern "in the face of the tensions in Jerusalem, particularly around the Al-Aqsa esplanade." The Foreign Ministry said it had noted a deterioration of the situation in the past few days.
"We call all parties to abstain from any act or statement of a sort that would aggravate tensions," Paris said, noting, "Any calling into question of the status quo carried risks of destabilisation." A week ago, earlier violence because of the security clamp down led to the shooting of two Israeli soldiers and three Arab Israelis. (end) jk.hb