Frequency of Attacks in Israel-Palestine Conflict Declines in 2016

Attacks in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict have occurred less often this year due to the efforts by the security forces of the Palestinian Authority as well as security coordination between the two parties, the Middle East Quartet state in a report on Friday.

WASHINGTON (Sputnik) — The Middle East Quartet noted, however, that the recent terrorist attacks, including the Jerusalem bus bombing in April and the shooting in Tel Aviv cafe in June, demonstrated that the violence in the region continues.

"The frequency of attacks and clashes declined significantly in 2016," the report said. "This slowdown is due in large part to the effective efforts of the Palestinian Authority Security Forces, who have successfully thwarted attacks, seized weapons, and arrested suspected extremists. Continued security coordination between both sides has also played a key part in reducing violence."

Palestinians seek recognition for their independent state on the territories of West Bank as well as East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip. The Israeli government denies Palestine's claims, refusing to diplomatically recognize the existence of a Palestinian state. Peace talks between the sides are consistently deadlocked.

The Middle East Quartet is comprised of Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov, US Secretary of State John Kerry, EU High Representative for Common Foreign and Security Policy Federica Mogherini, and UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.