UN chief expresses deep concern over violence in Jerusalem

GENEVA: United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Sunday expressed deep concern over the continuing violence in East Jerusalem.

He was also worried about the possible evictions of Palestinian families from their homes in the Sheikh Jarrah and Silwan neighbourhoods, said Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN chief, in a statement. According to the statement, the UN chief urged Israel to cease demolitions and evictions, in line with its obligations under international humanitarian and international human rights law.

“Israeli authorities must exercise maximum restraint and respect the right to freedom of peaceful assembly. All leaders have a responsibility to act against extremists and to speak out against all acts of violence and incitement. The secretary-general urges that the status quo at the holy sites be upheld and respected,” it said.

The Secretary-General reiterated his commitment to supporting Palestinians and Israelis to solve the clashes on the basis of relevant resolutions, law and agreements.

Diplomatic sources said that the UN Security Council will hold a meeting on Monday to discuss the situation concerning clashes between Palestinians and the Israeli police in East Jerusalem.

According to Sputnik, three rockets were launched from the Gaza Strip toward southern Israel on Monday morning, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said hours after targeting Hamas in retaliation for Sunday launches. “It’s 7AM [04:00 GMT]. 3 more rockets have been fired toward southern Israel, disrupting what should have been a typical morning. Parents are waking their children and rushing them to bomb shelters,” the IDF said on Twitter on Monday as reported by Sputnik.