Diplomatic efforts intensify for calm in Jerusalem

ANKARA – Anadolu Agency

As diplomatic efforts intensify to ease the tensions in Jerusalem between Palestinians and Israel’s following violence near a holy site, the Turkish and Egyptian foreign ministers spoke on the phone on July 23, downplaying the diplomatic disputes between the two countries. 

Turkish Minister Mevlüt Çavuşoğlu and his Egyptian counterpart, Sameh Shoukry, discussed the latest developments at the Al-Aqsa compound in Jerusalem, said the sources, who asked not to be named due to restrictions on speaking to the media.
        
Çavuşoğlu had also discussed Al-Aqsa on the phone with his Pakistani, Uzbek, and Jordanian counterparts on July 22. 

The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has decried the Israeli security move In a statement on July 23, the OIC termed the move as “illegal,”, calling for an emergency meeting in the Saudi city of Jeddah on July 24  to discuss Israeli violations against the holy compound.

EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini released a statement on July 22, urging Israel to look for a solution to ensure the safety of everyone in the region.

Israel’s deputy minister for public diplomacy says Palestinian leaders must call for calm.

The Arab League has warned Israel is “playing with fire” over the “red line” of Jerusalem and its foreign ministers will hold an emergency meeting on July 26.

Pope Francis said on July 23 that he was alarmed by the recent violence in Jerusalem and called for dialogue and moderation to help restore peace.

“I am following with trepidation the grave tension and violence of recent days in Jerusalem. I feel the need to express a heartfelt call for moderation and dialogue,” the pope told pilgrims gathered under blazing sunshine in St Peter’s Square.