We denounce and reject the statement by the U.S. Department of State which condemned rocket attacks from Gaza into Israel, said Saeb Erekat, a prominent Palestinian negotiator.

"The United States sees things contrary to what they are," Erekat added on the third day of the violence, which left 18 Palestinians dead. "Israel is responsible for the returning of the violence and its dangerous consequences because of the crimes it committed in Gaza."

Erekat called on Washington to press Israel to stop its airstrikes in the Gaza Strip, adding that a halt of violence would benefit both sides.