NEW YORK, July 22, 2017 (WAFA) – United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres “deeply deplores” Israeli police killing of three young Palestinians in clashes that raged in Jerusalem and the West Bank on Friday calling for these incidents to be fully investigated, according to a statement by Farhan Haq, deputy spokesman for the Secretary-General.

“His (Guterres) thoughts and prayers are with the families of the victims,” said the deputy spokesman.

“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,” he said.

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

M.K.