The United States has demanded Israel and the Palestinians take immediate steps to quell mounting violence as Palestinians prepared for a weekend of demonstrations.
President George W Bush singled out the Palestinian leader Mr Yasser Arafat for not doing enough to promote Middle East peace.
"The tragic cycle of incitement, provocation and violence has gone on far too long," Mr Bush said, calling on both sides to "take important steps to calm the situation now."
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Secretary of State Colin Powell later called Mr Arafat to convey the message, a spokesman said.
Mr Bush said he was deeply concerned about mounting tensions after Israel's air strikes on Palestinian targets on Wednesday in retaliation for anti-Israel bombing attacks. He said Israeli Prime Minister Mr Ariel Sharon also had a part to play.
"The government of Israel for its part should exercise restraint in its military response, it should take steps to restore normalcy to the lives of the Palestinian people by easing closures and removing checkpoints," he said.
