U.N. chief criticizes Israel for 'repeated provocations' at Jerusalem's holy sites


U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon criticized Israel during a visit to the West Bank on Monday, saying he was "deeply concerned by repeated provocations at the holy sites in Jerusalem."
Ban's comments come as Israeli authorities prevented Palestinian worshippers from leaving the Al Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem's Old City on Monday. Jewish worshippers were entering the area to celebrate the Sukkot holiday, and the Israeli police were apparently trying to "thwart a riot," according to The New York Times. Local media reports included details of Palestinian demonstrators throwing rocks at police officers, who reportedly fired tear gas into the crowd.
Ban said that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu needed to show more leadership in working toward peace. He also criticized Israel's plans to build roughly 2,500 homes in east Jerusalem's Givat Hamatos, which would "present another obstacle to the Palestinian goal of establishing a capital in the area," The Associated Press reports.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
"This does not send the right signals, and I urge the government of Israel to reverse these activities," Ban said. "The status quo is not tenable. It is clear the sides must return to the negotiation table with the readiness to make the tough but necessary compromises."
Netanyahu, meanwhile, said that Israel is "committed to maintaining the status quo" on the Temple Mount. He said that "Palestinian extremists" have spread "false and baseless rumors" that Israel is "threatening the Muslim holy places."
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Meghan DeMaria is a staff writer at TheWeek.com. She has previously worked for USA Today and Marie Claire.
-
June 29 editorial cartoons
Cartoons Sunday's political cartoons include the AI genie, Iran saving face, and bad language bombs
-
A tall ship adventure in the Mediterranean
The Week Recommends Sailing aboard this schooner and exploring Portugal, Spain and Monaco is a 'magical' experience
-
How drone warfare works
The Explainer From Ukraine to Iran, it has become clear that unmanned aircraft are rapidly revolutionising modern warfare
-
Nobody seems surprised Wagner's Prigozhin died under suspicious circumstances
Speed Read
-
Western mountain climbers allegedly left Pakistani porter to die on K2
Speed Read
-
'Circular saw blades' divide controversial Rio Grande buoys installed by Texas governor
Speed Read
-
Los Angeles city workers stage 1-day walkout over labor conditions
Speed Read
-
Mega Millions jackpot climbs to an estimated $1.55 billion
Speed Read
-
Bangladesh dealing with worst dengue fever outbreak on record
Speed Read
-
Glacial outburst flooding in Juneau destroys homes
Speed Read
-
Scotland seeking 'monster hunters' to search for fabled Loch Ness creature
Speed Read