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21:26 GMT
WASHINGTON, July 22 (KUNA) -- The Envoys of the Middle East Quartet from the Russian Federation, the United States, the European Union and the United Nations voiced deep concern over the escalating tensions and violent clashes taking place in and around the Old City of Jerusalem, US State Department said on Saturday.
In a statement, the US state Department said that the envoys "strongly condemn acts of terror, express their regret for all loss of innocent life caused by the violence, and hope for a speedy recovery to the wounded."
"Noting the particular sensitivities surrounding the holy sites in Jerusalem, and the need to ensure security, the Quartet Envoys call on all to demonstrate maximum restraint, refrain from provocative actions and work towards de-escalating the situation," the statement stressed.
The statement added that the Envoys "welcome the assurances by the Prime Minister of Israel (Benjamin Netanyahu) that the status quo at the holy sites in Jerusalem will be upheld and respected."
"They encourage Israel and Jordan to work together to uphold the status quo, noting the special role of the Hashemite Kingdom as recognized in its peace treaty with Israel," it noted.
The statement stressed that the Quartet Envoys "reiterate that violence deepens mistrust and is fundamentally incompatible with achieving a peaceful resolution of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict." (end)
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