Violent clashes in Jerusalem worry Finland

Finland on Saturday expressed concern over the violent clashes in Jerusalem on Friday during religious celebrations.

“We follow with great concern violent clashes in Jerusalem and elsewhere during religious celebrations. Violence must stop, status quo of the holy sites must be respected. Leaders must show responsibility,” the Ministry for Foreign Affairs wrote in a twitter post.

Palestinians clashed with Israeli police forces on Friday at the Al-Aqsa mosque compound in Jerusalem, leaving more than 100 people wounded.

The tension between Israel and the Palestinians has flared up in the West Bank and East Jerusalem over the past three weeks as the Jewish festival of Passover overlaps with the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

Meanwhile, the European Union follows with deep concern the latest upsurge in violence across the occupied West Bank, including in East Jerusalem and the clashes at Al Aqsa mosque on Friday morning.

“Violence needs to stop immediately. Further civilian casualties must be prevented as a priority. The status quo of the holy sites must be fully respected. Palestinian-Israeli security cooperation is essential,” said an official statement.

All leaders have a responsibility to act against extremists. The EU reiterates the call on all sides to engage in de-escalatory efforts, said the statement.