By Qays Abu Samra and Gulsen Topcu

RAMALLAH

The president of the Palestinian Authority said Tuesday he called on the international community to help stop ongoing Israeli attacks on the Gaza strip.

Mahmoud Abbas spoke to regional and international actors to immediately stop attacks and prevent the destruction of the region, according to Palestinian WAFA news.

Separately, UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Nickolay Mladenov said on Twitter the UN was working with Egypt and others to “ensure that Gaza steps back from the brink”.

Mladenov called for an end to rocket fire and restraint by all sides.

The UN said Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was “following closely the latest security developments in Gaza,” urging maximum restraint.

Also, Arab Knesset member Ahmad Tibi blamed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the deaths on both sides.