Off the wire
• CPC expels corrupt oil chief  • China to work with Britain to deepen mutual understanding, friendship: vice premier  • Tsunami warning canceled in New Zealand  • Chilean president declares state of emergency for Coquimbo region  • Brazil's Supreme Court outlaws companies financing political campaigns  • Chinese "Red Notice" fugitive repatriated from U.S.  • Indian stocks open higher  • Low rates will not stay long: HK Monetary Authority  • Kerry looking forward to Xi's state visit to U.S.: State Department  • China hopes Britain to further contribute to China-Europe relationship: Chinese vice premier  
You are here: 　 Home

UN Security Council calls for immediate cessation of violence in Jerusalem

Xinhua, September 18, 2015 Adjust font size:

UN Security Council on Thursday expressed its grave concern regarding escalating tensions in Jerusalem and called for an immediate cessation of violence, said a press statement of the council.

Days of clashes between Israeli police and Muslim protesters rocked Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa mosque compound this week. The conflict first broke out on Sunday when Jews celebrated their new year Rosh Hashanah and protesters vowed to protect Islam's holy site.

The council "called for the immediate cessation of violence, and for all appropriate steps to be taken to ensure that violence ceases, that provocative actions are avoided, and that the situation returns to normality in a way which promotes the prospects for Middle East peace between the Israelis and the Palestinians," said the statement.

Moreover, the council called for the exercise of restraint, refraining from provocative actions and rhetoric. It also urged full respect for international law, including international human rights law and international humanitarian law, said the statement.

On Monday, in light of the escalation of violence, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon underlined the importance of "reaching a final status agreement through negotiations on all issues, including arrangements for the holy sites that are acceptable to all. "

However, clashes have yet to halt and fears of more violence are running high with a series of religious holidays approaching.

Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, is celebrated in 2015 from sundown on Sept. 13 to the evening of Sept. 15. Enditem