Blinken calls Ashkenazi to express concern over rocket attacks, casualties

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken phones his Israeli counterpart Gabi Ashkenazi earlier today to express Washington’s concerns regarding rocket attacks on Israel from Gaza and to express condolences for the lives lost as a result, according to a State Department readout.

The two top diplomats discussed the recent violence in Jerusalem surrounding the Temple Mount compound and the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood where dozens of Palestinian families are under threat of eviction to be replaced by ultranationalist Jews.

Unlike previous US statements on the matter, it does not include a specific condemnation of the planned evictions.

Blinken “reiterated his call on all parties to de-escalate tensions and bring a halt to the violence, which has claimed the lives of Israeli and Palestinian civilians, including children,” according to the readout.

“The Secretary emphasized the need for Israelis and Palestinians to be able to live in safety and security, as well as enjoy equal measures of freedom, security, prosperity and democracy.”

The two sides acknowledged the steadfast partnership between their countries and committed to continue working together on challenges ahead, the readout added.