Both the United States and Russia stand behind the statement. It is seen as a sign that the escalating violence has created great concern internationally.
The Security Council agreed on the statement after the UN envoy for the Middle East, Tor Wennesland, said the “alarming escalation of violence” in the West Bank had led to the deaths of several Israelis and Palestinians.
He warned the Security Council that there is an imminent risk that the situation will worsen further if sharp measures are not taken now to slow the development of violence.
At least 137 Palestinians have so far been killed in Israeli attacks in 2023 and until Saturday 24 people on the Israeli side had been killed in Palestinian attacks, AP writes.
The United States, which is Israel’s closest ally, backed the Security Council statement and Robert Wood, acting ambassador to the United States, said the Biden administration shares Wennesland’s concerns.
Russia’s UN ambassador Vassily Nebenzia also expressed concern about the escalating violence and warned that the situation will remain “explosive” until negotiations on a two-state solution resume.