The Secretary-General condemns this morning’s attack by three assailants in the Old City of Jerusalem in which two Israeli Police officers were killed and another injured. This incident has the potential to ignite further violence. All must act responsibly to avoid escalation.

The thoughts and prayers of the Secretary-General are with the families of the victims, and he wishes a speedy recovery to the injured.

The Secretary-General welcomes the swift condemnation of this attack by Palestinian President Abbas and the assurances by Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu that the status quo at the holy sites in Jerusalem will be respected. The sanctity of religious sites should be respected as places for reflection, not violence.