RAMALLAH, Nov. 12 (Xinhua) -- The Palestinian Presidency on Thursday condemned what it described as a "dangerous" and ongoing Israeli escalation against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, warning that it could further destabilize the region.
In a press statement published by the Palestinian News Agency WAFA, Presidential Spokesperson Nabil Abu Rudeineh said Israeli policies were pushing the region toward further tension and instability.
He said continued Israeli military operations in Gaza were claiming dozens of Palestinian lives every day, while the continued closure of border crossings was preventing the delivery of essential supplies, including medical equipment, tents and food, further worsening the humanitarian situation, particularly during the winter season.
Abu Rudeineh also warned of attacks by Israeli settlers in the West Bank, citing Thursday attacks in the town of Atara, north of Ramallah, where settlers assaulted Palestinian residents and property.
The attacks left a 67-year-old man beaten and damaged four homes and three vehicles, he said.
Abu Rudeineh held the Israeli government "fully responsible for the consequences of this escalation" and called on the international community to step up efforts to protect Palestinians and end the conflict.
He stressed that security, peace and stability in the region could only be achieved through ending the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territory and establishing an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, along the 1967 borders, in accordance with relevant international resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative. ■
