PARIS, July 24 (Xinhua) -- France expressed "deep concern" on Monday over the deadly clashes between Palestinians and Israeli forces in Jerusalem, calling on both parties to show restraint, the foreign ministry said.
"France deplores the recent violence in Jerusalem and the Palestinian territories...It expresses its deep concern and its determination to help ease tensions, together with its partners," said the ministry.
France stressed "the need to refrain from any act or statement that could aggravate the conflict," urging "all parties to exercise restraint and to take concrete steps toward restoring calm," it added.
A new wave of violence broke out on earlier this month when Israel installed checkpoints and metal detectors at the entrance of Al-Aqsa Mosque compound, a move it said was necessary to preserve the security of policemen after two officers were killed there.
