EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini held phone conversations with Israeli Prime Minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahu and with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas Sunday night to discuss the latest escalation of violence.

According to a statement from Mogherini’s office, in the calls she underlined the ‘’need to promote calm, encourage restraint and avoid actions which would fuel the tensions even further.’’

‘’Too many people have died already and too many families were left bereaved,’’ she said, condemning acts of terror against civilians and stressing that ‘’any reaction should be proportionate.’’

Moghgerini recalled her previous statements that the only way to tackle the violence and unrest is to quickly restart a credible political process.

‘’The immediate priority is for the parties to agree on substantial steps which would improve the situation on the ground and build a path back to final status negotiations. A negotiated two state solution is the only way to bring the lasting peace and security that both Israelis and Palestinians deserve,’’ she said.

According to the statement, President Abbas assured Mogherini that he is determined to keep the situation under control and Prime Minister Netanyahu restated to the EU High Representative his commitment to maintain the status quo at the holy sites.

President Abbas and Prime Minister Netanyahu have both expressed their willingness to work on the implementation of the provisions agreed at the Quartet meeting in New York at the end of September, Mogherini said.

Far from preventing the resumption of a political dialogue, the latest tensions should push both parties to work together for the sake of their people, HRVP Mogherini insisted in the calls.

While the escalation of violence with several attacks against Israelis during the last days is not formally at the agenda of their meeting, European Union Foreign Ministers are likely to discuss the issue at their meeting Monday in Luxembourg.