Tor Wennesland, the UN envoy to the Middle East, has expressed his concerns over the disturbance on the Temple Mount.
"I am deeply concerned by the deteriorating security situation in Jerusalem during these holy days. The provocations on the Holy Esplanade must stop now. I call on political, religious and community leaders on all sides to help calm the situation, avoid spreading inflammatory rhetoric and speak up against those seeking to escalate the situation. Allowing tensions to spiral further only risks another escalation. The UN is in close contact with key regional partners and the parties to calm the situation."