Secretary of State Blinken Urges Israel and Palestinians to Exercise Restraint and Ease Tensions Amid Spike in Violence

CAIRO (AP) – U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged Israel and the Palestinians on Monday to exercise restraint and ease tensions amid a spike in violence that has put the region on edge. Speaking in Cairo, just hours ahead of a two-day visit to Jerusalem and the West Bank, Blinken said it is imperative for both sides to work to de-escalate tensions that have been escalating in recent weeks.

The call for restraint comes after a deadly attack on Friday in which a 21-year-old Palestinian opened fire close to a synagogue in East Jerusalem, killing seven people. In response to the attack, Israeli forces shot and killed a 26-year-old Palestinian man in the flashpoint city of Hebron in the occupied West Bank on Monday, according to the Palestinian Health Ministry.

The violence has been particularly devastating for the families of the victims, with the funeral of Eli and Natalie Mizrahi, a married couple in their 40s, being emotional and angry. The attack was the deadliest on Israelis since 2008.

Blinken said the U.S. was committed to helping to de-escalate tensions and find a way forward for both sides. He said the U.S. was working with regional partners to help bring about a ceasefire and a return to negotiations. He also said the U.S. was committed to helping the Palestinians build a better future.

The U.S. Secretary of State’s visit to the region is seen as an important step in helping to ease tensions and find a way forward for both sides. It is hoped that his visit will help to bring about a ceasefire and a return to negotiations.