UN chief condemns rising violence in Jerusalem

More than 150 people were injured when israeli police attacked Palestinians worshipping in Al Aqsa Mosque on Friday.

According to the Palestine Red Crescent, most of the Palestinian injuries came from rubber bullets, stun grenades and police batons.

The fighting at the compound follows recent attacks in occupied Palestine which left at least 14 dead, and subsequent raids by zionts forces in the occupied West Bank, in which 25 Palestinians died, according to reports.

In a message released by his spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, on Friday, Mr. Guterres called on leaders on all sides to help calm the deteriorating situation and insisted that “provocations” on the Holy Esplanade must stop immediately, to prevent further escalation.

The status quo at the holy sites in Jerusalem, he said, must be upheld and respected.

The Secretary-General reiterated his commitment to supporting Palestinians and israelis to resolve the conflict, on the basis of relevant United Nations resolutions, international law, and bilateral agreements.