Maas warns against escalation

Brussels (dpa) - Following the violent clashes in Jerusalem, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas has warned against an escalation of the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians. "We can only call on all sides to de-escalate in this highly explosive situation," the SPD politician said on Monday after consultations with EU colleagues in Brussels. Hamas, which rules the Gaza Strip, launched a massive missile attack on Israel on Monday. Israel responded with air strikes in the coastal strip.

Luxembourg's Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn had previously called for a much stronger response from the EU. "The fear is that the Israelis are about to (...) occupy East Jerusalem and expel the Palestinians from East Jerusalem as well," he said, adding that the issue of "Israel/Palestine" must be put back at the top of the EU agenda. The Europeans "also have an obligation", he said.

The current tensions in the West Bank and the Arab-majority eastern part of Jerusalem have been building since the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan began. Many Palestinians are angry because police had cordoned off areas of the Old City to prevent gatherings. In addition, some Palestinian families in the Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood are facing eviction from their homes by Israeli authorities. Last weekend, there had been confrontations every night in the east of the city, resulting in numerous casualties.

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