The events transpiring in Israel and Palestine, and acts of violence at Al-Aqsa mosque, are unacceptable. The violence and deaths we’ve seen, including innocent children, is deplorable. All parties have a duty to deescalate tensions, protect civilians and uphold international law. Acts of violence on both sides needs to stop immediately.

Settlement expansion and civilian evictions hinder the efforts of establishing a lasting peace. The expulsion of Palestinian families from their homes in Sheikh Jarrah does not serve peace or international law and take us further away from a two-state solution. The creation of a Palestinian state can only be achieved through direct negotiations, and I encourage the parties to return to discussions immediately, to focus on a long-lasting solution, including the creation of a Palestinian state living side by side in peace and security with Israel.