BEIJING: China’s Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Hua Chunying called for calm and restraint on Monday amid tensions in east Jerusalem between Israeli security forces and Palestinian protesters.
Speaking at a daily press briefing, the ministry expressed concern over the escalating tensions, which have left hundreds of Palestinians and some Israeli police officers injured.
“We call for calm and restraint to avoid related clashes that could result in further injuries,” Hua told reporters.
Hua noted China is willing to play a constructive role in the resumption of peace talks between Israelis and Palestinians in line with UN resolutions along with relevant international parties.
Palestinian protesters and Israeli police confronted each other in fresh clashes on Monday at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, which is considered the holiest site in Judaism and the third holiest in Islam.
Israeli Police said in a statement that “thousands of Palestinians rioted” and hurled stones and other objects from the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound at police officers.
Video footage on local Israeli media showed police firing tear gas and stun grenades at protesters. Palestinian media reported that Israeli police forces threw stun grenades into the mosque.
Palestinian Red Crescent said over 200 Palestinians were injured, while Israeli police said nine officers were also wounded.
Tensions between Israelis and Palestinians spiraled over the past few days, fueled by a planned eviction of Palestinians from their homes in east Jerusalem.
Israeli police announced earlier on Monday morning that Jews will not be allowed to visit the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound.
–The Daily Mail-CGTN
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