UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warned Friday that an attack that killed two Israeli police officers in Jerusalem could ignite more violence and said all sides must avoid escalation.
Guterres condemned the attack, adding: “This incident has the potential to ignite further violence. All must act responsibly to avoid escalation.”
The UN chief praised Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for swiftly condemning the violence and offering assurances that the holy sites in Jerusalem will be respected.
“The sanctity of religious sites should be respected as places for reflection, not violence,” Guterres said.
Security forces locked down the area and the Al-Aqsa mosque was closed to Friday prayers after the attack.
Jordan urges Israel to reopen
Al-Aqsa Mosque
Jordan urged Israel to “immediately reopen” the mosque after the incident.
Jordan is the custodian of the compound in Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem, and has repeatedly denounced what it says are violations of rules at the holy site.
“Israel must reopen Al-Aqsa mosque and the Haram Al-Sharif (compound) immediately,” said government spokesman Mohamed Momani, who is also information minister.
He added in a statement carried by the official Petra news agency that Israel must “refrain from taking any step aimed at changing the historical” status quo of Jerusalem or the Al-Aqsa mosque compound.
“Jordan rejects any attack on the rights of Muslims,” Momani said.
The closing of the mosque on the weekly day of prayers meant the faithful had to worship outside.

Source: Arab News