Occupied Jerusalem: US Secretary of State John Kerry says the violence between Israelis and Palestinians could “spin out of control” unless they take immediate steps to ease tensions.
Kerry is back in the United States after visiting Israel and the occupied West Bank for the first time in more than a year. He says the US is pressing both sides to show a “genuine commitment” to a two-state peace solution.
He said the situation is close to reaching “a pivotal point” and both sides are facing “important decisions” after months of violent confrontations.
On Tuesday, Kerry met separately with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. Meanwhile on Wednesday, a Palestinian was shot after Israeli occupation forces claim he stabbed an Israeli at the Al Fawwar junction near Hebron, which has been a focal point of recent violence.
On Tuesday, Netanyahu told Kerry that civilian Palestinian projects would be allowed to advance only when Israel experienced a “return of the quiet.”
The premier also conditioned Palestinian construction in Israeli-occupied parts of the West Bank on international recognition of Israel’s right to build in existing colony blocs.
The United States rejected the notion of colony recognition with “a big no,” a State Department spokesman said.
Jewish colonies in the occupied West Bank are illegal under international law and major stumbling blocks to peace efforts since they are built on land Palestinians see as part of their future state.
“Every US administration since 1967, Democrat and Republican alike, has opposed Israeli colony activity beyond the 1967 lines, and this administration has been no different and will be no different,” State Department deputy spokesman Mark Toner said.
Kerry at the same time expressed strong support for Israel and condemned Palestinian attacks when he met Netanyahu.
In brief remarks after meeting Abbas in Ramallah, Kerry also expressed sympathy for the Palestinians” “very dire” situation and concerns “about the violence,” while stressing US commitment to a Palestinian state.
Violence since October 1 has left 92 Palestinians dead, including Palestinian in 1948 areas, as well as 17 Israelis.
