Riots on Temple Mount
Riots on Temple MountYonatan Sindel/Flash 90

The Middle East quartet on Saturday expressed concern over the escalating violence in Jerusalem and called on all sides to "demonstrate maximum restraint."

The Quartet comprises the United States, Russia, the European Union and the United Nations.

The envoys of the four "strongly condemn acts of terror, express their regret for all loss of innocent life caused by the violence, and hope for a speedy recovery to the wounded," the Quartet said in a joint statement quoted by AFP.

"The Quartet Envoys call on all to demonstrate maximum restraint, refrain from provocative actions and work towards de-escalating the situation," it added.

Two Palestinian Arabs died in clashes with Israeli forces on Saturday. Three died on Friday, as Arabs continue to riot over Israel's security measures on the Temple Mount.

Also on Friday, a terrorist murdered three Israelis in the Shomron community of Neve Tzuf (Halamish) as they were enjoying their Shabbat dinner.

The Quartet has been on the sidelines in recent years, allowing the U.S. to spearhead efforts to broker an Israel-PA deal.

Those efforts failed in 2014 when the PA unilaterally applied to join international organizations in breach of the conditions of the talks.

Last year, the Quartet released a report in which it called on Israel to halt its construction in Judea and Samaria, but also called on the PA to stop inciting to violence and terrorism.

Last week, envoys from the group met in Jerusalem, later saying they “agreed to meet again and to continue their regular engagement with Israelis and Palestinians, and key regional stakeholders.”