Following the violence in East Jerusalem over recent days, Rushanara Ali MP made the following statement - 

"I am deeply concerned about the worsening situation in East Jerusalem. 

I strongly condemn the violence used against Palestinian worshippers of the Al-Aqsa Mosque by Israeli Security forces which has left over 200 Palestinians wounded. It was completely unacceptable to see violence used against worshippers gathering during the holy month of Ramadan in this most sacred of places of worship. It is vital that all holy sites are respected. 

The Israeli authorities must take steps to defuse the growing tensions in the city. The evictions of Palestinian families in Sheikh Jarrah and other areas of East Jerusalem must stop. Such actions are illegal under international humanitarian law and only serve to fuel tensions on the ground. The UK government working with the wider international community needs to take urgent action to help bring an end to the violence."