Clashes between Palestinians and Israeli soldiers in the West Bank city of Nablus, December 22, 2022. Photo: AFP/VNA

"We are in the midst of a cycle of violence that must be stopped immediately," Tor Wennesland said in a statement. "The Security Council has spoken with one voice, calling on the parties to observe calm and restraint, and to refrain from provocative actions, incitement and inflammatory rhetoric."

He urged the two sides to find ways to implement the commitment to de-escalate tensions agreed in Jordan last month in order to work towards a common peaceful resolution.

The UN's call came a day after the Israeli military carried out a raid in the city of Jenin, which left six Palestinians dead. Palestinian Presidential Office spokesman Nabil Abu Rudeineh said the Israeli government should be held accountable for actions that raise tensions and even threaten to destroy all previous efforts to restore stability.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Wednesday called on both sides to ease surging tensions on the West Bank. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is expected to travel to Israel this week, when he plans to discuss diplomatic efforts ahead of major Muslim and Jewish holy days.