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Israeli-Palestinian violence draws Washington into the conflict

2023-06-23 18:02:51, Kosova & Bota CNA

The occupied West Bank is reeling from its worst violence in years, after hundreds of Israeli settlers entered a Palestinian town on Wednesday to avenge the deaths of four Israelis killed by Palestinian gunmen that afternoon. The United States has said it expects the Israeli government to prosecute those responsible for the unauthorized attacks. VOA correspondent Cindy Saine reports.

The cycle of violence between Israelis and Palestinians in the West Bank escalated this week as Israeli settlers moved into villages where Palestinian-Americans also live, drawing Washington into the conflict.

On Tuesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu responded to the shooting death of four Israelis in the West Bank, saying: "Anyone who harms us will end up, either in the grave or in prison."

At the US State Department, acting spokesman Vedant Patel condemned the Palestinian attacks on Israelis, saying there is no justification for terrorism, but added this warning to Israel:

((Vedant Patel, Principal Deputy State Department Spokesperson))

“There are disturbing reports of extremist settler violence against Palestinian civilians, including the death of a Palestinian child and other injuries. We condemn these violent acts and also express our condolences to the families of those affected. Accountability and justice must be pursued with the same rigor for all cases of extremist violence. We welcome the condemnation of these acts by the Israel Defense Forces and expect the Israeli government to hold accountable and prosecute the perpetrators of these attacks, in addition to compensation for lost homes and property."

One expert told VOA that the situation in the West Bank is the worst he has seen in a long time.

((Khaled Elgindy, Middle East Institute)) ((Zoom))

"There are areas that have been isolated due to Israeli blockades around some cities. It is very difficult to move between different cities on the West Coast. And of course, there are people who have lost their homes because they were burned by Israeli settlers," says Khaled Elgindy with the Middle East Institute.

The expert said that the two-state solution, Israel and Palestine, still officially supported by the United States is no longer a possible reality and that Washington must do more to respond to the reality on the ground and curb deadly violence.

((Khaled Elgindy, Middle East Institute)) Zoom Courtesy

“I think most people know that the United States provides Israel with enormous military aid, almost $4 billion annually, in addition to many other benefits associated with the special relationship. And none of that has changed, even with this radical Israeli government in power. The United States consistently avoids official criticism in international bodies such as the United Nations."

The Israeli military said it killed three members of a "terrorist cell" on Wednesday in a drone strike in the West Bank. At least 13 Palestinians and four Israelis have been killed this week, with both sides using new and more powerful weapons./ VOA