Secretary-General Deeply Deplores Death of Palestinians in Clashes with Israeli Security Forces, Urging Restraint by Leaders on Both Sides

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General António Guterres:

The Secretary-General deeply deplores the death of three Palestinians in clashes today with the Israeli security forces and calls for these incidents to be fully investigated.  His thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims.

The Secretary-General is concerned by the unfolding violence in the Old City of Jerusalem.  He urges Israeli and Palestinian leaders to refrain from actions that could further escalate the situation and calls on all political, religious and community leaders to help reduce tension.

The Secretary-General reiterates that the sanctity of religious sites should be respected as places for reflection, not violence.