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Visiting U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton speaks during a joint press conference with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (not in picture) in Jerusalem, on Nov. 20, 2012.(Xinhua/Pool/Baz Ratner)
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu here on Tuesday evening that Washington will make great efforts to help Israel and the Palestinians find a sustainable solution to their long-running conflict.
"The United States will work with our partners in Israel and across the region ... for an outcome which bolsters security in the region and will be sustainable," said Clinton in a statement issued before she and Netanyahu started a late-night meeting to discuss the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestinian militant groups in Gaza.
Clinton reiterated the United States' commitment to the security of Israel and its citizens, and condemned the rocket attacks launched from the Gaza Strip against Israeli citizens and towns, stressing that such attacks "must come to an end."
The top U.S. diplomat offered her condolences to the families of those killed in the recent fighting, and expressed Washington's concern over the loss of lives on both sides. She also praised Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi for his efforts in the peace negotiations.
Clinton is scheduled to visit Ramallah on Wednesday morning and meet with President of the Palestinian Authority Mahmoud Abbas. The two will discuss the current conflict and the ceasefire arrangements, as well as the Palestinian bid to be accepted as an observing member of the United Nations General Assembly.
The current Gaza conflict, which broke out last Wednesday, has so far claimed over 130 lives on both sides. The international community is making every effort to push for an immediate ceasefire.
Earlier on Tuesday, UN Secretary-general Ban Ki-moon urged Israel to act "with restraint" and not to invade the Gaza Strip.
The UN chief also condemned the rocket attacks launched from Gaza against Israeli communities. "The loss of civilians on both sides is unacceptable," he stressed.
