By Servet Gunerigok
WASHINGTON (AA) - Members of the UN Security Council expressed sorrow about the loss of civilians resulting from violence in the occupied West Bank and urged all parties to exercise restraint.
United Arab Emirates Ambassador Lana Zaki Nusseibeh said in a news conference that council members met June 23 in a closed session to discuss violence in the West Bank, and noted they underlined the need to respect international humanitarian law and the protection of civilians.
"They emphasize the obligations and commitments of Israeli and Palestinian authorities to fight and condemn terrorism in all its forms in a manner consistent with international law," said Nusseibeh, who holds the presidency of the Security Council.
"They further emphasize the importance of holding accountable those responsible for such acts of violence," she said.
"The members of the Security Council encouraged additional steps to restore a durable calm and de-escalate tensions and called on all parties to refrain from unilateral actions that further inflame tensions," she added.
The members also urged restraint to reduce tension and prevent further escalation.