BREAKING: White House condemns Hamas rocket attacks, saying 'Jerusalem must be a place of coexistence'

In response to recent attacks on Israeli cities by Hamas, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki issued a statement condemning the attacks, and supporting a de-escalation of the situation.

"The President's support for Israel's security, for its legitimate right to defend itself, and its people is fundamental and will never waiver," said Psaki. "We condemn ongoing rocket attacks by Hamas and other terrorist groups including against Jerusalem. We also stand against extremism that has inflicted violence on both communities."

"Jerusalem, a city of such importance to people of faith around the world, must be a place of coexistence," Psaki added.

She urged a restored calm in the city through the teamwork of leaders, officials, and citizens.

"The president and his team will continue to pursue the conditions for diplomacy, dialogue, and de-escalation, and protection of civilians," said Psaki. "Even as we work together with out friends to deter acts of violence and terrorism."

Psaki also defended the "current two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict" saying that it is the only way to achieve continued and last peace between the residents.

"We believe Israelis and Palestinians deserve equal measures of freedom, security, dignity, and prosperity, and US officials in recent weeks have spoken candidly with Palestinian officials about how evictions of Palestinian families who have lived for years, sometimes decades, in their homes, and of demolitions of these homes work against our common interest in achieving a solution to the conflict," said Psaki.

On Monday, while thousands of Israelis were celebrating Jerusalem Day, over 160 rockets were launched into civilian crowds from Gaza. The rockets reached as far as Jerusalem, with Knesset being evacuated and Southern Israel sheltering in place.

On Tuesday evening, Hamas fired 130 rockets towards Tel Aviv and central Israel, with three people, including a five-year-old girl being injured. Footage on Twitter. from the city of Holon showed missile strikes with buildings and buses.