US Ambassador Urges Israel to Ensure Palestinian Safety

U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Hammer stated on September 5 that the Israeli government is responsible for ensuring the safety of Palestinian Arabs in Judea and Samaria. Hammer made these remarks during a visit to the town of Turmus Ayya, where he met with Palestinian-Americans. His comments come amid a significant rise in attacks by Israeli settlers.

Hammer emphasized that residents of Palestinian communities have a right to live in security and that Israeli authorities must take necessary measures to protect the population. "People in these communities have a right to live in security," the ambassador said.

Washington will continue to communicate its position to the Israeli government regarding the necessity of ensuring the safety of residents in Judea and Samaria, Hammer added, reiterating that the responsibility for this task lies with Israeli authorities.

Previously, Hammer had explained the U.S. objectives in negotiations with Hamas. He clarified that direct U.S. contact with Hamas, which has drawn criticism, including from relatives of victims belonging to the "Gvura Forum," did not signify the start of negotiations. According to the ambassador, the primary goal was to convey the U.S. position directly to Hamas, bypassing intermediaries from Qatar, Egypt, or Turkey. "I understand them. They heard everything firsthand, without intermediaries, directly from the United States," Hammer stated.