US sharply condemns twin blasts in Jerusalem that left 1 dead, 19 injured

By Michael Hernandez

WASHINGTON (AA) - The US on Wednesday "unequivocally" condemned twin blasts that rocked the contested city of Jerusalem overnight, which left one Israeli dead and injured at least 19 other victims.

"The United States has offered all appropriate assistance to the Government of Israel as it investigates the attack and works to being the perpetrators to justice," White House spokeswoman Karine Jean-Pierre said in a statement.

"We mourn the reported loss of life and wish a speedy recovery to the injured. The United States stands with the Government and people of Israel. As President Biden emphasized during his visit to Israel in July, our commitment to Israel’s security is ironclad and unbreakable," she added.

Police blamed the first blast on an explosive device. There was no claim of responsibility from any Palestinian group. In a statement, Hamas said the explosions were “the result of crimes committed by the (Israeli) occupation and settlers.”

Tension has been running high across the West Bank in recent weeks amid repeated Israeli raids that seek to detain Palestinians and ongoing demolitions of Palestinian homes.