US blocks UNSC statement on Israeli violations

NEW YORK, (PIC)– The UN Security Council failed once again to issue a press statement condemning Israeli recent violations against al-Aqsa Mosque and occupied Jerusalem.

Russia’s United Nations Ambassador Vitaly Churkin had said Tuesday that the UNSC was planning to issue a press release condemning the ongoing events in occupied Jerusalem and calling for restoring calm.

24 hours later, no UNSC press statement was issued due to US objections, according to UN diplomatic sources.

Jordan, which maintains a nominal role in managing al-Aqsa since its 1994 peace treaty with Israel, has warned that Israel’s actions, if not stopped, will affect ties between the two countries.

Jordan submitted on the behalf of Arab countries a draft resolution condemning Israel’s aggression on Al-Aqsa Mosque and its violations of related conventions.

The UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Nickolay Mladenov also warned the UN Security Council on Tuesday that recent events had “the potential to ignite violence well beyond the walls of the Old City of Jerusalem.”

But he too stressed that “all sides have a responsibility to refrain from provocative actions and rhetoric” – failing to call for the occupying power to be held accountable.

Nearly 60 Palestinians were injured while many others were detained over the past four days after a group of settlers led by Israeli agriculture minister stormed al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied Jerusalem in total provocation to Muslims’ feelings.