German FM urges Israel, Palestinians ‘not to fuel the fire’

German’s foreign minister on Tuesday urged Israel and the Palestinians to avoid action that could “further inflame” weeks of unrest, warning of “incalculable consequences.”

At the same time, Frank-Walter Steinmeier warned that neither Germany nor Europe as a whole can continue absorbing the large number of refugees heading there as a result of the war in Syria.

Ten Israelis have been killed and dozens wounded in attacks since the start of the current cycle of violence. At least 40 Palestinians have also been killed, either while carrying out attacks or during clashes with Israeli security forces.

“I appeal to all those responsible not to add fuel to the fire now, but to act with moderation and to help calm the situation,” Steinmeier said in Jordan.

“Anything else would only further inflame the conflict, with incalculable consequences,” he warned at a press conference on the banks of the Dead Sea with Jordanian counterpart Nasser Judeh.

The latest developments showed “how important it is now to try to attempt a fresh start in the Middle East peace process, to overcome the lack of communication between Israelis and Palestinians. At the same time we see how difficult it is,” said Steinmeier.

He was speaking on the sidelines of a conference of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe to discuss “shared security in the Mediterranean region.”

The current outbreak of violence was fueled by rumors that Israel was plotting to destroy the Al-Aqsa Mosque and take over the Temple Mount, the holiest site to Jews and the third holiest one to Muslims.

Israel has adamantly denied the allegations, saying there are no plans to change the status quo between Muslim worshipers and Jewish visitors to the site, and has accused the Palestinians of incitement. Jews can currently visit the religious holy site but are not allowed to pray there.

The German foreign minister called on countries in the conflict-riddled Middle East to build a joint security strategy and engage in “institutionalized” talks to resolve crises.

He also noted that the conflicts are having an effect on Europe, through the influx of refugees and migrants and the threat posed by the Islamic State group.

Germany is Europe’s top destination for refugees, most of whom travel through Turkey and the Balkans, and the country expects up to one million arrivals this year.

“Germany will this year take in about one million refugees, most of them from Syria and nearby. Neither Germany nor Europe as a whole will be able to accommodate an influx of this magnitude every year,” said Steinmeier.