The United States government is closely following but is not condemning the ongoing Israeli military operation in the West Bank town of Jenin, which has left by Monday eight Palestinians dead.
“We have seen the reports and are monitoring the situation closely. We support Israel’s security and right to defend its people against Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad and other terrorist groups," a statement issued by an unnamed spokesperson of the US National Security Council said.
The US official added that "today’s events further underscore the urgent need for Israeli and Palestinian security forces to work together to improve the security situation in the West Bank. It is imperative to take all possible precautions to prevent the loss of civilian lives."
The US reaction followed condemnations by top UN officials and several Arab countries, including Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates and also Turkey.
