UN Chief Calls for 'Prompt' Investigation Into Recent Palestinian Deaths

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has called for a "prompt and transparent" investigation into recent deadly clashes between Israeli security officials and Palestinian civilians to determine "whether the use of force was proportional."

The call for an independent investigation into the actions of Israeli military figures comes as four people, including a 13-year-old Palestinian boy, were killed in recent outbreaks of violence, while the Palestinian Red Crescent medical service reported that 39 were wounded during clashes with the Israeli military on Tuesday.

Last week, four Israelis were killed in separate shooting and stabbing attacks in Jerusalem and the West Bank, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu threatening "harsh" action against anyone found guilty of taking part in violent attacks.

I'm prepared to resume peace negotiations without any preconditions. Abbas said he is not prepared to do this. I hope he changes his mind.

— Benjamin Netanyahu (@netanyahu) October 1, 2015

The Israeli leader has also reportedly cancelled his trip to Germany, planned for Thursday, in light of recent events.

The increase in violence, and the Israeli military's subsequent response, has led to increased concern from the international community that the clashes may spark further conflict.

Fighting 'Spiraling Out of Control'

UN chief Ban Ki-moon said he was concerned the fighting was "spiraling out of control", calling for "urgent action by both sides" to try and curb the violence.

UN human rights office urges Israel to refrain from using force against Palestinians http://t.co/u1r0lAffd3 @UN pic.twitter.com/BjoyfnOevz

— Press TV (@PressTV) September 30, 2015

He also criticized Israel over its decision to demolish of the homes of two deceased Palestinians, who carried out deadly attacks in a Jerusalem synagogue last year, with critics arguing that such measures would only inflame tensions.

While Netanyahu has been criticized for being too harsh in his crackdown of Palestinian protesters, other right-wing protesters have called for stronger action to be taken by Israeli forces, arguing that the government isn't doing enough to combat the threat of terrorism.

Following the brutal impact of Israel's 2014 summer offensive in Gaza, which claimed the lives of more than 2,000 Palestinians, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said he did not want "military and security escalations" with Israeli officials, but warned that "at the same time, we will protect ourselves."

Last year's attack on Gaza, which was highly condemned by the international community, severing diplomatic ties between Palestinian and Israeli officials. However representatives from the Middle East quartet of Europe, Russia, the US and UN are hopeful of a return to dialogue in the near future.