US reiterates call for 'restraint' and 'calm'

The administration of US President Joe Biden has renewed its call for de-escalation and reiterated its support for what it calls for Israel's "right to defend itself". 

On Tuesday, US State Department spokesperson Ned Price said Washington also believes that Palestinians have a right to security, after struggling to answer a question on whether Palestinians are also entitled to the right of self-defence a day earlier.

Below are Price's opening remarks from Tuesday's press briefing: 

"We are deeply concerned about the escalation between Israel and those launching rockets from Gaza, and we call for restraint and for calm. Israel has the right to defend itself and to respond to rocket attacks; the Palestinian people also have the right to safety and security, just as Israelis do. 

"We are also deeply concerned about the reported loss of life in Gaza and Israel, including the deaths of children, as well as many innocent civilians injured. Similarly in Jerusalem, where there reportedly have been hundreds of Palestinian injured, as well as Israeli police. 

"We call on all sides to exercise restraint and to exercise calm. United States will continue to remain engaged with senior Israeli officials and Palestinian leadership in the days and weeks ahead."