This archive report was first published on 11 May 2021.
On May 11, 2021, the United Nations rights office in Geneva, Switzerland, issued a statement expressing deep concern over the escalating violence in the occupied Palestinian territories, east Jerusalem, and Israel.
Spokesman Rupert Colville condemned all violence and incitement to violence, emphasizing the importance of allowing freedom of expression, association, and assembly. He also stressed that no force should be used against those exercising their rights peacefully.
Colville noted that when use of force is necessary, it must comply fully with international human rights standards. He expressed particular concern about the impact of the violence on children, calling for the release of detained children.
Israel and Hamas exchanged heavy fire on May 11, 2021, resulting in the deaths of 22 Palestinians in Gaza. The violence was sparked by unrest at Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, which has been a flashpoint for tensions in the city.
Tensions in Jerusalem have been escalating since Israeli riot police clashed with large crowds of Palestinian worshippers on the last Friday of the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan in 2017.
