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Foreign Office condemns terror attacks, calls for de-escalation
Middle East Minister Tobias Ellwood was among the international figures to condemn yesterday’s terror attacks in Jerusalem and Ra’anana, which killed three Israelis.
In a Foreign Office statement, Ellwood said, “We condemn the terrorist attacks in Jerusalem on 13 October which have resulted in the deaths of a number of Israeli citizens, as well as other attacks which have left multiple innocent civilians wounded.” He also expressed concern at “the use of force by Israeli security personnel in response to protests and security incidents, which has resulted in several deaths and thousands of injuries.”
Ellwood urged “all parties to refrain from violence, and encourage Israeli and Palestinian leaders to actively de-escalate the situation.” In a significant measure, Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu last week banned Knesset members and government ministers from visiting the emotive Temple Mount. On Tuesday, he publicly reiterated that Israel has no wish to alter the status quo at the holy site.
Meanwhile, White House spokesman Josh Earnest said yesterday that “the US condemns in the strongest possible terms the terrorist attacks, the recent terrorist attacks against Israeli civilians which resulted in the murder of three Israelis and left numerous others wounded.” He also emphasised the “importance of condemning violence and combating incitement.” US Secretary of State John Kerry also condemned the attacks, but told reporters in Washington “I am not going to point fingers [at the culprits] from afar.”
Earlier this week, European Union (EU) foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini called for calm from all parties, saying “Too many people have died already and too many families were left bereaved.” She said that, “A negotiated two state solution is the only way to bring the lasting peace and security that both Israelis and Palestinians deserve.” Mogherini recently facilitated a meeting of the Quartet (US, EU, UN and Russia) urging Israel and the PA to resume diplomatic talks. However, in light of the current violence, a Quartet mission postponed a scheduled visit to Israel this week.