Israeli blockades and checkpoints in Palestinian areas of Jerusalem will not ensure safety, the director general of Caritas Jerusalem has said.

Israel's security cabinet ordered police to close or surround areas of Palestinian owned East Jerusalem on Tuesday night after both Palestinians and Israelis have died in recent clashes.

"The imposition of Israeli checkpoints in Palestinian areas of Jerusalem represents a 'safety measure' that provides no security, but on the contrary increases anger and frustration, and thus feeds feelings of revenge," said Father Raed Abusahliah.

"In my opinion", said Fr Raed "they can impose all the blocks they want, but this will not ensure safety. The only way to achieve security and stability for all is to restore freedom to the Palestinian people."

Since the Israeli police launched the major security operation imposing blockades in East Jerusalem, violence has continued. Israeli police confirmed they shot dead a Palestinian who stabbed an Israeli woman at Jerusalem's main bus station.

Since the beginning of October at least 30 Palestinian civilians have been killed and hundreds have been injured, according to the Palestinian health ministry.

Seven Israelis have also been killed and dozens wounded in shooting and stabbing attacks, the Israeli authorities have said.

Israeli actions were "threatening to spark a religios conflict that would burn everything," said the President of the Palestinian Authority, Mahmoud Abbas.

However the office of Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel's Prime Minister, said the Palestinian leader's comments were "lies and incitement."

Caritas Jerusalem describes itself as a humanitarian and development organisation that represents the services of the Catholic Church in the Holy Land. It is part of the wide confederation, Caritas International.