Tensions Between Israel and Palestinians; Emergency Meeting at the Security Council

With the escalation of conflicts, Palestinian knife attacks on Israelis, violent protests, and an increase in casualties in the recent tensions between Israel and Palestinians, the United Nations Security Council will hold an emergency meeting on Friday, October 16. Reports have also emerged about the deployment of a number of soldiers to reinforce Israeli police forces and the arming of a group of Jewish citizens to defend against potential Palestinian attacks. The Prime Minister of Israel and the U.S. Secretary of State have urged Mahmoud Abbas, the President of the Palestinian Authority, to openly condemn the recent violence and knife attacks by Palestinians. Mahmoud Abbas has called for Palestinians to pursue their protests peacefully. However, according to AFP, the wave of attacks by desperate Palestinian youth has increased, reducing the chances of de-escalation. The Israeli police are covering the body of one of the knife attackers who was shot. In recent days, Palestinians have accused Israelis of deliberately targeting and killing teenagers and young people in the streets. The New York Times reports that the release of a video showing a 13-year-old boy covered in blood, while people around him shout in Hebrew 'die,' has recently drawn attention from Palestinians. In response, Israel stated that this teenager was shot after attacking two people with a knife and was then taken to the hospital. Both Mahmoud Abbas and Benjamin Netanyahu have reacted to the widespread sharing of the video on social media. Abbas called it an 'immediate execution' of the teenager, while Netanyahu accused him of lying. Nevertheless, the Israeli Prime Minister has emphasized his willingness to meet with Mahmoud Abbas to reduce violence. Mitra Farahmand, a Radio Farda reporter in Israel, stated that there is a severe fear among Jews of Palestinian attacks, while Palestinians are increasingly concerned about Israel's response, and recent security measures have had little effect. AFP reports that Jewish citizens have armed themselves with whatever is available, 'from weapons to broomsticks.' Palestinian citizens have also expressed their concerns about the rising public suspicion and the dangers it poses. The number of patrols and checkpoints between Jerusalem and the West Bank has also increased. At least 30 Palestinians, including those who carried out knife attacks, and 7 Israelis have been killed in recent days. The United Nations Security Council is set to hold an emergency meeting to review the situation and the rising violence reminiscent of the 'Intifada' in 2002.