UAE condemns 'right-wing extremist groups' for violence in Jerusalem
The Emirati statement referred only to Jewish groups in "occupied" east Jerusalem in a relatively rare public criticism of its new Israeli ally.
The United Arab Emirates criticized Israel yesterday over the ongoing unrest in Jerusalem.
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs “expressed concern over the acts of violence committed by right-wing extremist groups in the occupied east Jerusalem which have resulted in injuries among civilians,” the official Emirati News Agency reported on Sunday.
The ministry also called on “Israeli authorities to assume responsibility toward de-escalation and putting an end to all aggressions and practices that perpetuate tension and hostility.”
Jerusalem is in the midst of nightly protests, some of which have turned violent. There have been fights and attacks involving Jews and Arabs in the past week near the Old City as well as Israeli police clashes with Arabs. Not all of the demonstrations have been violent. Last night, a group of Jews and Arabs gathered for an anti-hate rally in the city. The far-right Jewish Lehvava group has been involved in the violence.
