Mideast Quartet calls on Israel to exercise restraint

BRUSSELS, May 9 (KUNA) -- Envoys of the Middle East Quartet from the European Union, Russia, US and UN have called upon Israeli occupation authorities to exercise restraint and to "avoid measures that would further escalate the situation during this period of Muslim Holy Days." The Envoys in a statement Saturday night expressed "deep concern" over the daily clashes and violence in East Jerusalem, in particular confrontations between Palestinians and Israeli occupation security forces at Haram Al-Sharif.
The Envoys noted with "serious concern possible evictions of Palestinian families from homes they have lived in for generations in Sheikh Jarrah and Silwan neighborhoods in East Jerusalem and voice opposition to unilateral actions, which will only escalate the already tense environment." They called on "all sides to uphold and respect the status quo at the holy sites. All leaders have a responsibility to act against extremists and to speak out against all acts of violence and incitement. In this context, the Quartet Envoys reiterated their commitment to a negotiated two state solution.
"We are alarmed by the provocative statements made by some political groups, as well as the launching of rockets and the resumption of incendiary balloons from Gaza towards Israel, and attacks on Palestinian farmland in the West Bank," it said.
The envoys said they are closely monitoring the situation in East Jerusalem, including in the Old City and Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood.
Fifty three Palestinians were wounded during confrontations with Israeli occupation forces in several areas of occupied Jerusalem, Palestinian Red Crescent Society said. (end) nk.bs