DHAKA: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accused UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon of "encouraging terror".

Referring to the Palestinians, Ban said it was human nature for oppressed people to react to occupation, reports the BBC.

Speaking at the UN Security Council, Ban also condemned recent stabbings of Israelis by Palestinians.

More than 155 Palestinians, 28 Israelis, an American and an Eritrean have died in violence since October.

"The comments of the UN secretary general encourage terror," Netanyahu said in a statement. "There is no justification for terror."

So cautious in his use of language for so long, Ban seems determined to speak more plainly as he prepares to leave office, says the BBC's Nick Bryant in New York.

On Monday, a 24-year-old Israeli woman was fatally stabbed in a West Bank settlement - the third such attack in 10 days. The two Palestinian assailants were shot dead by a security guard.

Most of the Palestinians killed have been attackers, Israel says, while others have been shot dead by Israeli forces during protests and clashes.

BDST: 0945 HRS, JAN 27, 2016
RS