Ban Ki-moon calls for calm in Jerusalem and the West Bank

U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Sunday called for de-escalation in the West Bank and Jerusalem, and calm on both sides.

"Recalling the recent deadly attack on another Israeli family in the occupied West Bank, and in light of the wave of extremism and violence sweeping the region, the secretary-general is deeply concerned that these latest incidents signal a dangerous slide toward escalation," said a statement.

He "urges all leaders to condemn violence and incitement, maintain calm and to do everything they can to avoid further escalation" while adding he was "deeply troubled" by Hamas praise for the killing of Israelis.