Arab League holds Israel responsible for upsurge of violence

The Arab League on Monday held Israel responsible for the escalation of violence in the Middle-East and voiced concern over the Israeli raids against Gaza and the West Bank.

"We have to take into account the sufferings of the Palestinian people because of the Israeli blockade and the use of violence by the Israeli government," Arab League secretary general, Amr Moussa, told the press in Cairo.

The continuation of violence and counter-violence is a vicious circle that should be ended rapidly and immediately, he said, adding it is necessary to give a chance to ongoing political efforts.

To say that Israel is in a position of legitimate defense is to feign ignoring the truth, Moussa said, adding that it is the Palestinian people who is in a position of legitimate defense against the military occupation of its cities, villages and territories.

Relatedly, the Arab League follow up committee will hold an emergency meeting next Sunday in Cairo to debate the new situation in the Middle-East, Jordanian foreign minister, Abdelilah Al Khatib announced on Monday.

The committee musters the foreign ministers of Morocco, Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, Bahrain, Palestine, Tunisia and Saudi Arabia.