MK Ben-Eliezer: Peace talks or violence

Veteran parliamentarian tells Israel Radio resuming negotiations is only way to stop growing unrest in West Bank from spiraling out of control

Associated Press|Published: 02.24.13 , 09:50

A veteran Israeli parliamentarian warns that violence between Israelis and Palestinians will escalate unless peace talks resume.

Binyamin Ben-Eliezer told Israel Radio Sunday that "We are on the eve of an Intifada." He said stalled talks must resume if bloodshed is to be avoided.

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Tensions run high in West Bank

Ben-Eliezer's remarks follow a week of clashes between Palestinians demonstrating support for four hunger-striking prisoners in Israeli jails, and Israeli forces in the West Bank.

Palestinians have warned of violence if a striking prisoner dies.

Thousands of prisoners are set to go on a on a one-day hunger strike in commemoration of a fellow inmate, who was not fasting but who died in jail the day before.

Israel said the cause was an apparent heart attack. It has launched an inquiry. Palestinians called foul play.

Palestinian Prime Minister Salam Fayyad said that he was "shocked" by the death of a Palestinian prisoner, Arafat Jardat at Megido Prison.

In a statement released by his office, he called on the Israeli authorities to immediately examine the "true circumstances" behind his death. Jardat’s family claims he was tortured during questioning by Israel and intend to carry out an autopsy with the cooperation of a Palestinian representative.

AFP contributed to this report