Blinken calls for restraint ahead of visit to Jerusalem and West Bank

Antony Blinken has been visiting Egypt (Khaled Desouki/Pool via AP)

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has urged Israel and the Palestinians to exercise restraint after a spike in violence that has put the region on edge.

Speaking in Cairo, just hours ahead of a two-day visit to Jerusalem and the West Bank, Mr Blinken said it is imperative for both sides to work to de-escalate tensions that have soared since last week in what he called “a new and horrifying surge in violence”.