UN council members express alarm over Jerusalem violence

US did not want the 15-nation body to issue a formal statement on the violence at this stage

Firefighters and security forces inspect damage at a house in Yehud, near Tel Aviv, after rockets were launched towards Israel from the Gaza Strip. Hamas said on May 12, 2021, it had fired more than 200 rockets into Israel in retaliation for strikes on a tower block in Gaza. AFP

Rescuers move Israelis from their homes in Yehud, near Tel Aviv, after rockets were launched towards Israel from the Gaza Strip. AFP

Sirens blared across Israeli coastal cities and people were moved as a barrage of rockets was launched from Gaza. AFP

An Israeli security officer inspects damage at a house in Yehud. AFP

A member of the Israeli security forces stationed in Lod, near Tel Aviv. AFP

Israeli security forces stationed on a street in Lod. AFP

Rockets are launched from Gaza city towards Tel Aviv. AFP

Smoke rises from a burning building, after it was destroyed by Israeli air strikes on Gaza. Reuters

Smoke billows from buildings hit during the Israeli air strikes on Gaza. AFP

Fire engulfs a building hit during an Israeli air strike in Gaza on May 11, 2021. AFP

Smoke rises from buildings hit during an Israeli air strike in Gaza city. AFP

A crowd gathers at the site of a collapsed building in the aftermath of Israeli air strikes on Gaza on May 11, 2021. AFP

A burnt car and trees in Holon, near Tel Aviv. AFP

The debris of a house in Ashkelon, Israel, following a rocket strike that killed a 29-year-old Indian caregiver. Rosie Scammell / The National

Two people were reported killed in rocket strikes on Ashkelon. Rosie Scammell / The National

An Israeli police officer holds his weapon as he stands in front of an injured driver moments after witnesses said his car crashed into a Palestinian on a pavement during clashes near Lion's Gate, outside Jerusalem's Old City. Reuters

Palestinians gather behind a barricade amid clashes with Israeli security forces at Jerusalem's Al Aqsa Mosque compound. AFP

Palestinians clash with Israeli security forces at the Al Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem's Old City. AP Photo

Palestinians clash with Israeli security forces at the Al Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem's Old City. AP Photo

A camera operator falls as an Israeli police officer runs after him during clashes with Palestinians at the compound that houses Al Aqsa Mosque. Reuters

Palestinian medics carry a wounded protester amid clashes with Israeli security forces at Jerusalem's Al Aqsa Mosque compound. AFP

A Palestinian man helps a wounded protester amid clashes with Israeli security forces at Jerusalem's Al Aqsa Mosque compound on May 10, 2021. AFP

Palestinians run for cover during clashes with Israeli police at the compound that houses Al Aqsa Mosque. Reuters

Israeli security forces detain a Palestinian protester near the Damascus Gate in Jerusalem's Old City on May 10, 2021. AFP

Israeli police take position during clashes with Palestinians at the compound that houses Al Aqsa Mosque. Reuters

Israeli security forces storm Jerusalem's Al Aqsa Mosque compound on May 10, 2021. AFP

Palestinians carry a wounded protester at the Lions' Gate in Jerusalem's Old City, on Monday, May 10, 2021. AP

Israeli police stand in front of the Dome of the Rock during clashes with Palestinians at the compound that houses Al Aqsa Mosque. Reuters

Palestinian medics carry a wounded protester at the Damascus Gate in Jerusalem's Old City on May 10, 2021. AFP

Palestinians rescue a wounded protester at the Damascus Gate in Jerusalem's Old City on May 10, 2021. AFP

Palestinian protesters flee attack by Israeli security forces in Jerusalem's Old City on May 10, 2021. AFP

Israeli security forces detain a Palestinian protester amid clashes in Jerusalem's Old City on May 10, 2021. AFP

Israeli security forces storm Jerusalem's Al Aqsa Mosque compound on May 10, 2021. AFP

A Palestinian protester stands atop Al Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem on May 10, 2021. AFP

A wounded Palestinian is carried during clashes with Israeli police at the compound that houses Al Aqsa Mosque. Reuters

A Palestinian gestures as he confronts Israeli police during clashes at the compound that houses Al Aqsa Mosque on May 10. Reuters

Latest: Arab League to meet on Jerusalem after night of rockets and air strikes

Amid renewed violence involving Israeli police and Palestinian protesters at Al Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem on Monday, UN Security Council members met for emergency talks.

Council members heard from Tor Wennesland, the UN’s envoy on the stalled Middle East peace process, in private online talks aimed at easing tension in Jerusalem and bringing the chaos under control.

The 15-nation body discussed a statement, drafted by Norway, that called for a halt to Israeli settlement-building, evictions and demolitions and referred to the long-standing goal of a two-state solution to the decades-old conflict.

But the council did not issue a formal statement at the talks, with diplomats saying the US saw public comments as counterproductive. Individual members did, however, release calls for an end to the violence.

Zhang Jun, the UN ambassador for China, which this month holds the council's rotating presidency, was "deeply concerned" by "disturbing" violence involving police and civilians in East Jerusalem, China's mission said in a statement.

“China condemns the violence against civilians, calls on all sides to exercise restraint and refrain from provocative actions and rhetoric and encourages immediate actions towards de-escalation,” said the statement.

“Israeli authorities should take necessary measures to prevent violence, threats and provocations against Muslim worshippers.”

Mr Zhang also criticised the “looming eviction” of Palestinian families from their homes in the Sheikh Jarrah and Silwan neighbourhoods to make way for Jewish settlers, a focal point for Palestinian anger.

“China urges Israel to cease demolitions, evictions and all settlement activities, in line with its obligations,” the statement added.

Vietnam, a non-permanent council member, posted similar comments on social media.

Ireland, one of several council members that had called for the talks, said on Twitter it was “deeply concerned about clashes and escalating violence" and urged “leaders on all sides to stand against violence” and to ease tension.

UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres on Sunday called for Israel to “cease demolitions and evictions” and for Israeli security forces to “exercise maximum restraint and respect the right to freedom of peaceful assembly”.

“All leaders have a responsibility to act against extremists and to speak out against all acts of violence and incitement,” UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Monday called on all parties to de-escalate tension in Jerusalem and urged practical steps towards that end.

“We are very focused on the situation in Israel, the West Bank and Gaza. We are very deeply concerned about the rocket attacks that we are seeing now that need to stop and need to stop immediately,” Mr Blinken said.

State Department spokesman Ned Price said Washington was also “deeply concerned” about the potential eviction of the Sheikh Jarrah and Silwan neighborhoods of Jerusalem.

In a call with his Israeli counterpart, US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan has expressed ‘serious concerns’ about the situation in Jerusalem, including the potential evictions.

US President Joe Biden has not yet commented on the crisis.

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