Following a question about the Socialist and Democrat Group Statement of 13 October 2015, “S&D members aim to strengthen dialogue with the Palestinian Arab community in Israel,” the S&D Group has yesterday reiterated its call for right of access to religious sites to be fully respected in the spirit of freedom of religion.
Richard Howitt MEP, S&D Foreign Affairs Coordinator, said:
"We were told directly about the very worrying clashes that have taken place at the Temple Mount/Haram al-Sharif site, and reiterate our call for both sides to avoid acts of incitement or provocation which could make the situation even more dangerous.
"The S&D Group statement refers specifically to the disruption of every day circumstances and conditions for people wishing to pray at, and visit, the holy site of Temple Mount. It did not state that the long historical, political or religious status quo at the Holy Site had been disrupted, and any interpretation of our statement to this effect would be untrue and regrettable.
"We will continue to take a responsible position at all times in relation to the Israeli-Palestine conflict, condemning all violence and seeking resolution to the conflict in the interest of peace and security for both peoples.
"We underline our concern about the escalation of violence in recent days and weeks, and our statement was and is a clear appeal for tensions to be diffused and further deterioration to be avoided.
"We stand by that call."
