Mideast Quartet expresses concern over Jerusalem violence

Israeli border guards fire a stun grenade in an attempt to disperse Palestinian Muslim worshippers outside Lions’ Gate, a key entrance to the Al-Aqsa mosque compound in Jerusalem’s Old City, on July 22, 2017, as they gather in protest against new Israeli security measures implemented at the holy site following an attack that killed two Israeli policemen the previous week. Stabbings and clashes that left six people dead raised fears of further Israeli-Palestinian violence as tensions mount over new security measures at the highly sensitive Jerusalem holy site. AFP

WASHINGTON, United States — The Middle East diplomatic quartet expressed concern Saturday about escalating violence in Jerusalem and called on all sides to “demonstrate maximum restraint.”

The Quartet comprises the United States, Russia, the European Union and the United Nations.

The envoys of the four “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,” the Quartet said in a joint statement.

“The Quartet Envoys call on all to demonstrate maximum restraint, refrain from provocative actions and work towards de-escalating the situation,” it added.

Two Palestinians died in clashes with Israeli forces Saturday as the army moved in to seal off an attacker’s home, following violence over security measures at an ultra-sensitive holy site.

On Friday a 19-year-old Palestinian killed three Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank and three Palestinians died in clashes with Israeli forces. CBB/rga