5 EU Countries Urge End to Israeli Escalation in Jerusalem

Five European countries called for an end to Israeli clashes in Jerusalem during an emergency closed-door UN Security Council session on Tuesday.

“Violence needs to stop immediately. Further civilian casualties must be prevented as a priority,” a joint statement by Ireland, France, Estonia, Norway and Albania said. “The status quo of the holy sites must be fully respected.”

China and the United Arab Emirates did not join the statement, despite being among the countries that called the meeting besides Norway, France, and Ireland.

Moreover, the five European nations condemned “all acts of terrorism” and rocket fire on Monday from the Gaza Strip into southern Israel.

However, the Israeli Air Force responded on Tuesday with strikes in the Palestinian enclave, the first in three months.

“The deteriorating security situation highlights the need to restore a political horizon for a credible peace process,” the countries’ statement said.