U.S. ambassador accuses Palestinians of preventing peace

Jan. 10 (UPI) -- U.S. ambassador to Israel David Friedman on Wednesday accused Palestinians and their leadership for the lack of a peace deal with Israel.

The statement by Friedman denounced Hamas for praising a drive-by shooting that killed Israeli Rabbi Raziel Shevach, who was shot Tuesday in a West Bank attack.

"An Israeli father of six was killed last night in cold blood by Palestinian terrorists. Hamas praises the killers and PA laws will provide them financial rewards," Friedman said. "Look no further to why there is no peace. Praying for the bereaved Shevach family."

The Palestinian Authority, which has said peace talks are off the table until President Donald Trump revokes his decision to recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, did not immediately respond to Shevach's death.

MK Ahmad Tibi of the Joint (Arab) List faction condemned Friedman's tweet, accusing the U.S. diplomat of "hypocrisy" for failing to condemn incidents in which Palestinian protesters were shot by Israeli forces.

"Because of this hypocrisy and double standard, and because of the Trump administration's positions, the conflict is going on and blood is being shed," Tibi tweeted.

Israeli forces on Wednesday set up roadblocks and deployed into the occupied West Bank in search of Shevach's attackers, who fired at him from a passing vehicle.