Sun 17 April 2022:
As he delivered his annual Easter message on Sunday, Pope Francis called for free access to Jerusalem’s holy sites amid simmering conflict between Israelis and Palestinians.
“May there be peace for the Middle East, racked by years of conflict and division. On this glorious day, let us ask for peace upon Jerusalem and peace upon all those who love her, Christians, Jews and Muslims alike.
“May Israelis, Palestinians and all who dwell in the Holy City, together with the pilgrims, experience the beauty of peace, dwell in fraternity and enjoy free access to the Holy Places in mutual respect for the rights of each,” he said.
Clashes between Palestinian demonstrators and Israeli police wounded ten protesters on Sunday morning in and around Jerusalem’s flashpoint Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, the site of major clashes two days earlier, police said.
The latest tensions in Jerusalem come as all three Abrahamic faiths mark major festivals: Jewish Passover, Christian Easter and the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan.
On Saturday, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for respecting and upholding the status quo of the holy sites in Jerusalem amid tensions between Palestinians and Israel.
“The Secretary-General is deeply concerned by the deteriorating security situation in Jerusalem,” his spokesman Stephane Dujarric said in a statement.
Dujarric said the UN chief reiterated “call for the status quo at the holy sites in Jerusalem to be upheld and respected.”
On Friday dozens of Palestinians were injured in clashes with Israeli forces in the flashpoint Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem.
Guterres urged all leaders on all sides “to help calm the situation” and to immediately end “provocations on the Holy Esplanade” in order “to prevent further escalation.”
SOURCE: INDEPENDENT PRESS AND NEWS AGENCIES
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