U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has «strongly» condemned Tuesday’s attack by a Palestinian near a West Bank settlement that left three Israelis dead and expressed «deep concern» over the spike in violence in the area.
«The United States is deeply concerned about the increase in violence in the West Bank. We extend our deep condolences to the families and loved ones of Israeli and Palestinian civilians, including children, who have been killed over the past 48 hours,» he said.
He pointed to a «dramatic and alarming increase» in deaths and injuries between Palestinians and Israelis, «including many children», and stressed that «it is vital that the parties take urgent action to prevent further loss of life».
Blinken’s remarks followed Wednesday’s attack in the vicinity of the Ariel settlement, which left three dead and three wounded. Security forces killed the attacker as he attempted to flee the area.
Earlier on Monday, a 19-year-old Palestinian woman was killed after Israeli forces shot at a vehicle in the West Bank town of Beitunia, near Ramallah, Palestinian officials said.
Tensions have increased in recent months in the West Bank following recent attacks on Israelis, which have left more than 20 people dead. In addition, Israeli security forces have arrested nearly 2,000 suspects in numerous raids in the West Bank and East Jerusalem.
In addition, Israeli forces have killed more than 200 Palestinians so far this year, including 144 in the West Bank and East Jerusalem – including 50 in the Jenin area – more than 50 in the Gaza Strip and four in Israel, according to data gathered by the Palestinian news agency WAFA.
