UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres has expressed deep concern over the deteriorating security situation in Jerusalem and called on Palestinian and Israeli leaders to help defuse the situation.

In a statement in New York, his spokesman Stephane Dujarric reiterated his call for the status quo at the holy sites in Jerusalem to be upheld and respected.

Meanwhile, UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Tor Wennesland is in close contact with key regional partners to calm the situation.