The United States has called for an immediate end to Israeli incursions in the Palestinian-controlled territories, charging they did nothing but "complicate" an already difficult situation.
"Israeli entries into Palestinian-controlled areas are not helpful, complicate the situation and should be halted," a State Department official requesting anonymity said.
The directive came after three people were fatally shot by Israeli troops near the West Bank town of Bethlehem, bringing the total number of dead today to six, with more than 28 injured in the lethal game of brinkmanship being played out in the historic city.
"All sides must now act in a manner that helps restore trust and confidence and avoid steps that inflame the situation and make more difficult measures to achieve calm," the official added.
Today's message was just the latest in a series of appeals from the United States over the course of the year-long Palestinian uprising or intifada for both sides to take steps to end violence that has killed more than 700 and has no discernible end in sight.
Meanwhile an Israeli embassy source here said Israeli Foreign Minister Shimon Peres is to meet his US counterpart Mr Colin Powell Tuesday in Washington.
Mr Peres, due to arrive Sunday in the US capital, also plans to address the American Jewish Congress, and will on Monday spend time in the US Senate while also meeting members of the congressional pro-Israel lobby known as AIPAC.
AFP