RAMALLAH, Aug. 14 (Xinhua) -- The Palestinian presidency said Friday that the escalating "aggression" by the Israeli army and settlers in the West Bank is undermining prospects for peace.
Palestinian presidential spokesman Nabil Abu Rudeineh condemned the recent attacks in the town of Qusra in the Nablus governorate, the siege of Palestinian families, and attempts to establish settlement outposts on Palestinian-owned land, according to a statement carried by the official Palestinian news agency WAFA.
The spokesman said these attacks, coupled with other Israeli actions across the West Bank and East Jerusalem, mark a dangerous escalation targeting Palestinians and their land, and undermine prospects for peace and stability, WAFA reported.
He called on the international community, particularly the UN Security Council, to "assume its responsibilities" by pressing Israel to halt its "comprehensive aggression."
Earlier in the day, Palestinian sources said Israeli forces prevented a number of Israeli and foreign activists from reaching three houses that have been surrounded by settlers for about a week in the Ras al-Ain area of Qusra, south of Nablus.
About 15 Palestinians, including two children, have been living in the three houses under difficult humanitarian conditions, with their access to basic necessities restricted, according to the sources.
In a statement issued Friday, Fatah spokesman Maher al-Namoura said the siege of Palestinian families constitute a "blatant assault" on Palestinians, their rights, and international laws and conventions. ■
