CRI听力:Kerry Meets with Israeli, Palestinian Leaders to Ease Tension

During his meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, US Secretary of State John Kerry says that Israel has both a right and an obligation to defend itself.

"Clearly, no people anywhere should live with daily violence, with attacks in the streets, with knives or scissors or cars. And it is very clear to us that the terrorism, these acts of terrorism which have been taking place, deserve the condemnation that they are receiving and today I expressed my complete condemnation for any act of terror that takes innocent lives and disrupts the day-to-day life of a nation."

Kerry visited the region amidst a wave of violence between Israelis and Palestinians that has continued for about two months, with at least 93 Palestinians and 19 Israelis killed since the beginning of October.

He has discussed with Netanyahu steps that can be taken to stop the violence and improve conditions on the ground.

For his part, Netanyahu says that the international community should support Israel's fight against terrorism, which he says is "the battle of civilization against barbarism".

"There can be no peace when we have an onslaught of terror - not here or not anywhere else in the world, which is experiencing this same assault by militant Islamists and the forces of terror. Israel is fighting these forces every hour."

While Israelis keep blaming the unrest on religious incitement, Palestinians have pointed to Israel's occupation and ongoing settlement program in the West Bank, the lack of any prospects for a political solution, and a deep sense of frustration and despair on the part of the Palestinian people.

Issa Amro is a Palestinian human rights activist.

"Israel is not defending itself. Israel is defending its occupation, its apartheid, its illegal settlements, its racism and discrimination. The occupation is the main feeder of violence. The main problem is the occupation. The main problem is the illegal settlements everywhere, all over. This is the main problem, not someone carry a knife, going to a checkpoint to be killed."

Kerry also met with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in the West Bank city of Ramallah.

Abbas stressed the release of a fourth group of Palestinian prisoners detained before the Oslo Accords, with both Kerry and Abbas agreeing to ongoing communication.

For CRI, I'm Victor Ning.