UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Tor Wennesland, expressed his deep concern over the imminent eviction by Israeli authorities of Palestinian refugee families in the occupied Jerusalem neighborhood of Sheikh Jarrah.

"I urge Israel to cease demolitions and evictions, in line with its obligations under international humanitarian law," said Wennesland in a statement.

The UN official said he was deeply concerned by the surge in tensions and violence in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, since the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan.

He pointed out that the past few days alone, two Palestinians, including a woman and a child, were killed in separate incidents, by Israeli occupation forces in the context of clashes or attacks. 

Wennesland urged all the political, religious and community leaders on all sides to stand firmly against violence, incitement and inflammatory rhetoric.

"If unaddressed, the situation could spiral out of control", he warned.