JERUSALEM, July 20, 2017 (WAFA) - United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Nickolay Mladenov, Thursday expressed deep concern over the recent tension following Israeli installation of metal detectors outside the gates to Al-Aqsa Mosque, a Muslim holy site in Jerusalem’s Old City.

“I am deeply concerned by the recent surge in tensions and violence around the holy esplanade in the Old City of Jerusalem,” he said in a statement.

Mladenov welcomed the commitment of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to uphold and respect the status quo at the holy sites and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas’ condemnation of violence, expressing hope that “these affirmations will contribute to resolving the concerns of all parties and put an end to the provocative rhetoric that has added to the escalation over the past week.”

While noting “the importance of the special role of the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan and the historical role of King Abdullah II, as custodian of the Muslim and Christian holy sites in Jerusalem,” the UN official called “on all concerned parties to de-escalate the situation and on moderate voices to speak up against those who try to fuel tensions.”

M.K.