The UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Tor Wennesland, expressed concern on Thursday over the rise in tensions in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict zone and called on the parties to exercise restraint in order to prevent the risk of losing control. He published the corresponding statement on his Twitter page, TASS reports.
“I am deeply concerned by the rise in tensions in the West Bank, including in East Jerusalem. I call on political, religious and community leaders on all sides to clearly speak out against violence, incitement and provocative rhetoric,” the UN Special Coordinator wrote. “If we leave the situation unchecked, it could spiral out of control,” Wennesland warned.
“In just the past few days, within the scope of clashes and attacks, two Palestinians have been killed as a result of separate incidents with Israeli security forces. One Israeli was killed by a car driven by a Palestinian, and several others were wounded,” the Special Coordinator listed the most notable incidents.
Wennesland called on the Israeli security forces to exercise “maximum restraint” and to use weapons only in the case of protecting life. “Those who commit acts of violence on both sides must be held accountable without delay,” he added.
