Israeli and Palestinian officials express ‘readiness’ to work to stop violence

Jordan hosts first such high-level talks in years aimed at defusing tensions in region before Ramadan

Israeli and Palestinian security chiefs have met in Jordan for the first such high-level talks in years aimed at defusing tensions in the volatile region ahead of the holy month of Ramadan, which it is feared could act as the catalyst for a wider escalation.

In a joint statement released at the close of the summit in the port city of Aqaba on Sunday, which was also attended by US, Jordanian and Egyptian officials, Israel and the Palestinian Authority (PA) expressed readiness and commitment to work immediately" to prevent further violence.