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UN Security Council condemns terrorist attack on synagogue in Jerusalem

The Security Council also expressed concern “about increased tensions, which have affected both the Israeli and Palestinian people.”

UNITED NATIONS, November 20. /TASS/. The United Nations Security Council on Wednesday condemned a terrorist attack on a synagogue in Jerusalem, calling it a “despicable terrorist attack” and called on the Israelis and the Palestinians to take immediate steps to restore calm.

“The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the despicable terrorist attack in a synagogue in Jerusalem on 18 November, resulting in the murder of four innocent civilians worshipping at the synagogue and a police officer, as well as the injury of many more,” The United Nations Security Council said in a press statement.

The Security Council also strongly condemned “all such acts of violence,” and expressed concern “about increased tensions, which have affected both the Israeli and Palestinian people.” The members of the Security Council called on Israeli and Palestinian leaders and citizens “to work together to lower tension, reject violence, avoid all provocations and seek a path toward peace.”

“The members of the Security Council reaffirmed that terrorism in all its forms and manifestations is criminal and unjustifiable, regardless of its motivation, wherever, whenever and by whomsoever committed, and should not be associated with any religion, nationality, civilization or ethnic group. The members of the Security Council reminded States that they must ensure that measures taken to combat terrorism comply with all their obligations under international law,” the statement said.

The terrorist attack on the synagogue in West Jerusalem was committed on Tuesday morning. The Israeli police said the act of terror had been committed by two Palestinians from East Jerusalem, who were armed with knives, axes and handguns. Both were killed in an exchange of fire with the police.

On Tuesday, United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon condemned the terrorist act and stressed the inadmissibility of any acts of violence against civilians. He urged the Palestinians and the Israelis to avoid provocative rhetoric that only fed extremist moods.