United Nations – The UN called on Israel to cancel any planned evictions and use "maximum restraint in the use of force" against protesters.[3] United States – The Department of State expressed concern and urged both sides to "avoid steps that exacerbate tensions or take us farther away from peace".[2] European Union – The European Union called on both sides to de-escalate tensions and reiterated "violence and incitement are unacceptable and the perpetrators on all sides must be held accountable".[5] Holy See – Pope Francis spoke at Saint Peter Square urging an end to the clashes and warning that "violence breeds violence".[6] Turkey – President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan delivered a speech describing Israel as a "cruel terrorist state" and said the United Nations should intervene to "stop the persecution".[5]