US: Israel has right to respond to Gaza rockets; Palestinians have right to safety

Jacob Magid is The Times of Israel's US bureau chief

US State Department Spokesman Ned Price speaks during a news briefing at the State Department in Washington, February 25, 2021. (Nicholas Kamm/Pool via AP)
US State Department Spokesman Ned Price speaks during a news briefing at the State Department in Washington, February 25, 2021. (Nicholas Kamm/Pool via AP)

The US is “deeply concerned” about the ongoing escalation of violence in Israel and Gaza and calls on sides to exercise restraint in order bring a return to calm, State Department spokesman Ned Price says in a statement at the opening of his daily press briefing.

“Israel has the right to defend itself and to respond to rocket attacks,” he says. “The Palestinian people also have the right to safety and security just as Israelis do.”

Price laments the loss of life to both sides, highlighting the children and innocent civilians who have been among the casualties.

He also expresses concern regarding reports that hundreds of Palestinians were injured in clashes with Israeli police in Jerusalem, noting that officers were also wounded.

“We call on all sides to exercise restraint and calm,” the State Department spokesman says, adding that the US will continue to engage on the matter.

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