NEW DELHI: Jerusalem is burning. In the past month, violent confrontations have led to the death of at least 50 Palestinians and nine Israelis. Although sporadic violence is a tragic everyday reality in the region, things are particularly bad following Israeli incursions into Al Aqsa mosque, because of which protests against Israel’s occupation garnered momentum across the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip.

Israel has responded to the protests heavy handedly, with Palestinians accusing the Israeli forces of reckless killing and other oppressive measures. For instance, the death toll cross 50 Palestinians this week, as Israeli forces two Palestinian relatives in the city of Hebron in the West Bank after they allegedly launched a stabbing attack against soldiers. One Israeli soldier was reportedly injured. Also this week, a Palestinian man identified as 24-year-old Adi Hashem Masalmeh was killed by Israeli forces near the city of Hebron after he reportedly tried to stab an Israeli soldier.

The same day, Israeli forces killed 27-year-old Ahmed al-Serhi during clashes in the Gaza Strip border with Israel. Elsewhere, Hamzeh Mousa Al-Amleh was shot dead by Israeli forces after he allegedly rammed his car into people in Gush Etzion settlement, south of Bethlehem, lightly injuring two people.

An Israeli settler too died on Tuesday, hours after he was run over by a Palestinian man near Hebron.

Violent protests and confrontations continue, marking a particularly tense month in the region.

Amid the tense atmosphere, and calls for restraint -- UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon visited the region this week in an attempt to defuse tensions -- a humus cafe in Central Israel is doing its bit to foster peace and reconciliation.

The Humus Bar at the M Mall in Kfar Vitkin is offering a 50 percent discount to Jews and Arabs who dine together at the establishment.

A translation of the cafe’s Facebook post (as translated by i100) states:

“Scared of Arabs? Scared of Jews? With us there are no Arabs, but also no Jews. With us there are people! And genuine excellent Arabic hummus! And Jewish, excellent praiseworthy falafel with free refill on every hummus, whether you're Arabs, Jews, Christians or Indians.

Special bargain: 50% discount on hummus to a table where Arabs and Jews sit together.

*Valid Sun-Thurs”

“If there's anything that can bring together these peoples, it’s hummus,” owner Kobi Tzafrir told i100.co.uk. Here’s hoping he’s even partly right.