The United Nations Security Council expressed its "sorrow" over the civilian deaths in the occupied West Bank on Tuesday, and "called on all parties to refrain from unilateral actions that further inflame tensions." 

In a statement issued unanimously by its fifteen members, the Council expressed its "sorrow over the killing of civilians" and called on both sides to work toward a "durable calm." 

Read by Lana Nusseibeh, the UN ambassador from the United Arab Emirates, which currently holds the council's rotating presidency for June, the statement also encouraged both sides to "fight and condemn terrorism in all its forms in a manner consistent with international law. They further emphasize the importance of holding accountable those responsible for such acts of violence."

Around 20 people, the majority of which were Palestinians, were killed in the occupied West Bank last week.

In her capacity as a national representative, she was asked for a response to Israel's recent approval to 5,700 settler homes and about Netanyahu's recent remarks that Israel "need[s] to eliminate their [Palestinians'] aspirations for a state." Nusseibeh says the UAE "condemned" the steps, and says it remains "fully committed to a two-state solution."

In the last week, attacks by Israeli settlers against Palestinians in the occupied West Bank have spiked. 

Last Monday, two Palestinian gunmen were shot dead after they killed four Israelis at the settlement of Eli.