UN calls for preserving status quo of holy sites in Jerusalem

The United Nations has reiterated its call to preserve the status quo of holy sites in the city of Jerusalem, and not to provoke the situation on the ground.

“Our position remains the same, is that we want to see the status quo as it remains to the holy sites, and we’ve urged all sides to ensure that there’s no provocative action, and that remains our message” said Stéphane Dujarric, spokesman for the Secretary-General, during his daily press briefing yesterday.

Dujarric added that the UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Tor Wennesland, remains in touch with all the parties.

READ: Hundreds of Israeli settlers storm Al-Aqsa complex in Jerusalem

Israeli extremist groups have in recent days called to storm Al-Aqsa Mosque today and mark Israel’s Independence Day.

With right-wing Israeli group Activists for the Temple calling in for celebrations of Israel’s “independence in the Al-Aqsa Mosque and wave Israeli flags and chant the national anthem”.

Responding to the settlers’ calls, Hamas warned against storming Al-Aqsa Mosque, saying it could drag the region into war.

The statement held Israel fully responsible for the possible escalation, calling on the Palestinians to “mobilise at Al-Aqsa Mosque and the city of Jerusalem”.