I am deeply concerned with the situation caused by the clashes between the Palestinians and the Israeli authorities in Jerusalem and other cities, in which more than forty persons, mostly civilians, were killed and many others were injured.
Japan extends condolences to the bereaved families and wishes for early recovery of the injured.
We should not allow additional casualties from further continuation of the clashes, nor should we wholly miss the valuable opportunity to bring about a just and lasting peace in the Middle East. Japan strongly urges the parties concerned to refrain from any provocations and use of violence, and to exert maximum self-restraint in order to calm down the situation as soon as possible.