Germany on Tuesday signalled its support for an independent probe into the deadly violence on the Israel-Gaza border, after the United States blocked a UN Security Council statement calling for such an investigation.

“It is our view that an independent investigation commission can clarify the violent incidents and the bloody violations at the border area,” said government spokesman Steffen Seibert.

Germany also blamed the Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas which controls Gaza for stoking the flames.

“It is clear that everyone has the right to peaceful protest, but it is just as clear that this right to peaceful protest should not be abused in order to provoke violence. And Hamas has been pushing for an escalation of violence,” added Seibert.

The United States on Monday laid the blame of the deadly unrest “squarely on Hamas”, which it said was “intentionally and cynically provoking” a response from Israel.