Amid the ongoing heightened tensions in the Middle East region between Israel and Hamas’ terrorists, India has called on both sides to show extreme restraint and refrain from attempts to unilaterally change the status quo, reports Livemint.

Underlining that an “immediate de-escalation” is the need of the hour, India’s Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador T S Tirumurti said the continuing violence, which began in East Jerusalem a week back, is now threatening to spiral out of control.

While stressing that the events of the last several days have resulted in a sharp deterioration of the security situation, Ambassador Tirumurti reiterated India’s support for the Palestinian cause and its commitment to the two-State solution.

Condemning all acts of violence, provocation, incitement and destruction, Ambassador Tirumurti said, “ We urge both sides to show extreme restraint, desist from actions that exacerbate tensions, and refrain from attempts to unilaterally change the existing status quo, including in East Jerusalem and its neighbourhood.”

Ambassador Tirumurti also added, “These incidents have once again underscored the need for immediate resumption of dialogue between Israel and Palestinian authorities. The absence of direct and meaningful negotiations between the parties is widening the trust deficit between the parties.”