Russia concerned over escalation of tensions between Palestinians, Israel – ministry

Moscow is deeply concerned about the new escalation of tensions on the Palestinian territories, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Saturday. The statement came after the Israeli Army violently suppressed mass demonstrations in the Gaza Strip, which led to the death of four Palestinians. Moscow warned of a possible subsequent escalation of the situation, including with regard to the intention voiced by the US administration to hold a ceremony in Jerusalem in mid-May which would mark the start of the transferal of the US Embassy there from Tel Aviv, TASS reported. “We are calling on the parties concerned to maintain restraint and hold off from moves that can provoke further escalation which can grow into full-scale confrontation between Gaza and Israel,” the statement said.