US “extremely concerned” over confrontations in Jerusalem

“We call on Israel and Palestinian officials to act decisively to deescalate tensions and bring a halt to the violence, said US Secretary of State Ned Price on Saturday after Palestinian outbreaks in Jerusalem. “It is absolutely critical that all sides exercise restraint, refrain from provocative actions and rhetoric, and preserve the historic status quo on the Haram al-Sharif / Temple Mount – in word and in practice,” he wrote. “This includes Friday’s attack on Israeli soldiers and reciprocal ‘price tag’ attacks on Palestinians in the West Bank, which we condemn in no uncertain terms.”