JERUSALEM: A veteran Israeli parliamentarian warns that violence between Israelis and Palestinians will escalate unless peace talks resume.
Binyamin Ben-Eliezer told Israel radio Sunday that "We are on the eve of an Intifada." He said stalled talks must resume if bloodshed is to be avoided.
His remarks come after a week of clashes between Palestinians demonstrating support for four hunger-striking prisoners in Israeli jails, and Israeli forces in the West Bank. Palestinians have warned of violence if a striking prisoner dies.
Thousands of prisoners are set to go on a on a one-day hunger strike in commemoration of a fellow inmate, who was not fasting but who died in jail the day before.
Israel said the cause was an apparent heart attack. It has launched an inquiry. Palestinians called foul play.