The U.S. government has conveyed to Israel its «deep concern» over the «escalating tensions and violence» in the West Bank, while calling on the parties to act «urgently» to address the situation.
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has held a conversation with Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid, in which he conveyed his regret for «the loss of Israeli and Palestinian lives» following the latest attacks and security operations.
He also congratulated Israel on its «free and fair elections» and thanked Lapid for his stance towards Washington, while stressing the «strength» of bilateral relations. Lapid on Thursday congratulated former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on his coalition’s victory in the elections.
The Palestinian Authority Presidency on Thursday blamed Israel for the recent spike in tensions and violence in the area and warned that the situation could escalate into «a major explosion» and «a point of no return» with «devastating consequences for all.»
Two Palestinians had been killed shortly before in an operation by Israeli forces in the West Bank, while earlier on Thursday three officers were wounded after a stabbing attack in Jerusalem’s Old City resulted in the death of the attacker.
Recent months have seen a spike in attacks against Israelis, while Palestinian authorities have denounced increased security operations and attacks by settlers, covered by the Israeli army, against Palestinian residents in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
