France, Egypt and Jordan agreed on resolution. France has filed Israel-Gaza ceasefire resolution at United Nations.

Israel-Palestine Clashes: France files Israel-Gaza ceasefire resolution at UN

Palestine's envoy to India Adnan Mohammad Jaber&nbsp;Abualhayjaa&nbsp;has said that his government has been&nbsp;'working for the ceasefire from the first day'&nbsp;when it comes to the ongoing situation with Israel.

According to him,&nbsp;over 200 people have lost lives in West Bank and Gaza due to actions&nbsp;of&nbsp;Israel.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Speaking to WION&nbsp;Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal exclusively, Amb Adnan&nbsp;Abualhayjaa&nbsp;hoped that India won't make reference to Temple Mount, as it is&nbsp;'encouraging Israelis in the manner which may lead to religious war'.

Temple Mount, which is the holiest site in Judaism, is known to Muslims as Haram al-Sharif, the third holiest site in Islam after Mecca and Medina.&nbsp;

He also condoled the death of Indian&nbsp;national Soumya Santhosh.

Santhosh,&nbsp;a caregiver,&nbsp;died in Israel's Ashkelon in a rocket strike&nbsp;and&nbsp;is survived by&nbsp;nine-year-old son and husband.

This is his first-ever interview amid the ongoing escalating violence between Israel and Palestine. The fighting began&nbsp;after violence&nbsp;erupted&nbsp;in Jerusalem and possible eviction of Palestinians in the Sheikh Jarrah and Silwan&nbsp;neighbourhood.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

WION: What is the current situation when it comes to the ongoing conflict?&nbsp;Will&nbsp;you&nbsp;call it a full-scale war?&nbsp;

Adnan Mohammad Jaber: The current situation in Palestine is mainly for&nbsp;two&nbsp;reasons. First is the occupation, as long as the occupation continues. Who is ignoring the Oslo Agreement, who is ignoring all the agreements with Palestinian authorities, who is killing, jailing every day in the West Bank, restricting the movement of Palestinian people via the 600 military checkpoints, is controlling 60% of the west bank, restricting the people's movement, controlling tax money of Palestinians, refusing elections in&nbsp;Jerusalem?

Secondly, there was the&nbsp;fourth election in Israel and&nbsp;Netanyahu&nbsp;has failed to form a government. Netanyahu&nbsp;knows&nbsp;how to make problems, so he started&nbsp;telling&nbsp;the right-wing of the Israelis to go to Al Aqsa to restrict the worshippers from&nbsp;praying.

Before it became&nbsp;a&nbsp;military&nbsp;issue, it was the issue of Al Aqsa and Sheikh Jarrah area where they want to displace 28 families living in their houses for 70 years. He wants to put obstacles in forming the government, so he has started with these problems because if other parties are able to form the government, Netanyahu, because of corruption, might go to jail.&nbsp;

Surely,&nbsp;it's a war, and a very bad war&nbsp;because the victims&nbsp;of this war&nbsp;are&nbsp;civilians&nbsp;mainly. We are on the eighgth day of the war and we have lost 218 people in the West Bank and Gaza, more than 5,600 people have been injured. In the West Bank,&nbsp;there are&nbsp;no weapons&nbsp;with Palestinian people, no rockets, nothing.&nbsp;250 of the wounded&nbsp;got injured&nbsp;due to&nbsp;the metal bombs. Israelis are&nbsp;committing war crimes on both sides, in Gaza and in the West Bank.&nbsp;Hope it will end soon.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

WION: How do you think the international community can support Palestine?&nbsp;

Adnan Mohammad Jaber: Israel is an exact copy of South Africa during the apartheid time. We live in an apartheid regime in Palestine.

There are&nbsp;two&nbsp;kinds of&nbsp;laws in Israel. There is a law for the Jewish people&nbsp;and&nbsp;there is a law for a Palestinians,&nbsp;who have&nbsp;Israeli nationality and there is another law, the military law for Palestinian people living in the occupied area, West Bank, including Jerusalem and Gaza&nbsp;Strip.

The international community could help a lot, first of all, they should boycott Israel, exactly as South Africa had&nbsp;been boycotted. Secondly, Americans should stop&nbsp;pressurising&nbsp;other countries to&nbsp;not&nbsp;take action against Israel. Many of the European countries&nbsp;want&nbsp;to&nbsp;take action&nbsp;but don’t act due to&nbsp;American pressure. Hope&nbsp;there will be real pressure from the international community to follow the United Nations&nbsp;resolution. Israel is the only country&nbsp;in the world which is over the international community.&nbsp;Not just&nbsp;UN resolutions, they refuse everything. Hundreds of resolutions, from the security council to the general assembly of the UN. It is the only country that can refuse everything.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

WION: Will Palestinian authorities call for a ceasefire?&nbsp;

Adnan Mohammad Jaber: We&nbsp;were&nbsp;in the beginning&nbsp;and&nbsp;had talks with some Arab countries like Egypt. Because Egypt normally coordinates in these matters. With&nbsp;Qatar...&nbsp;we spoke with France, Britain. Our foreign minister was in Europe, he was working hard with the European Union for the ceasefire. From the first day, we started to work on the ceasefire. We called on the security council, to have a resolution for the ceasefire. But&nbsp;three&nbsp;times, Americans refused, including on Sunday.&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;

WION: Then there is the issue of Hamas's rocket attacks, something that has been condemned globally...&nbsp;

Adnan Mohammad Jaber: First of all,&nbsp;let me present my condolences for that lady who passed away in Israel. We feel sorry that we have lost one Indian in this conflict. So,&nbsp;my condolences to the Indian people and her family.

Secondly, the rockets of Hamas are a reaction, not an action. The main thing is the occupation. I am&nbsp;ok&nbsp;with destroying all weapons&nbsp;and&nbsp;Israel and Palestine not using weapons. When we signed the Oslo agreement, we signed it to live side by side in peace, security, coordinate in everything together as&nbsp;neighbours. Since that time, 1993, up to now, Israel is refusing everything, destroying everything. I think we will go to the question of&nbsp;two&nbsp;state solutions and they are destroying&nbsp;two&nbsp;state solutions. Rockets is a reaction, and hope,&nbsp;we won't see any aggression on the Palestinian people in Gaza and West Bank.&nbsp;

WION: Can President Mahmoud Abbas prevail over Hamas, and is Hamas trying to exploit political space?&nbsp;

Adnan Mohammad Jaber: President Mahmoud Abbas&nbsp;is&nbsp;in connection with the leaders of Hamas&nbsp;and&nbsp;was working for the ceasefire from the first day. Any war&nbsp;inflicts damages on&nbsp;both sides.&nbsp;You need to control the Israelis and their crimes, otherwise, we will see another war. Without&nbsp;the&nbsp;end&nbsp;of&nbsp;this occupation,&nbsp;difficult&nbsp;for&nbsp;neighbours&nbsp;to live side by side, according to the international resolutions.&nbsp;Agreements have been signed with the Israelis,&nbsp;but&nbsp;there is no security in the area at all.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;

WION: Is Hamas trying to use the political vacuum in Gaza, West Bank vis a vis the election schedule?&nbsp;

Adnan Mohammad Jaber: We are a democratic state,&nbsp;and have&nbsp;democratic institutions. If Hamas via elections, takes&nbsp;advantage and wins&nbsp;the election,&nbsp;we have no problem. Let Hamas control the country. They are the main party of the Palestinian&nbsp;people,&nbsp;they have a political department as the&nbsp;organisation. If they win the elections, we will welcome that and we will give them the authority. we have no&nbsp;problem,&nbsp;this is a democracy.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

WION: How do you see India's statement at the UNSC? New Delhi reiterated its&nbsp;'strong support to the just Palestinian cause and its unwavering commitment to the&nbsp;two-state&nbsp;solution".&nbsp;

Adnan Mohammad Jaber: India is&nbsp;a&nbsp;very close friend&nbsp;of&nbsp;Palestine and I would like to thank Indian&nbsp;government for&nbsp;strongly supporting&nbsp;the cause of the Palestinian people.

Only one thing, there is something which I have seen in the statement, which is Al Masjid Al Aqsa/Temple Mount,&nbsp;which is a new expression. Al-Masjid Al Aqsa since the British was nominated to rule&nbsp;by&nbsp;Palestine.&nbsp;In&nbsp;1929,&nbsp;a mission had come from the United Nations after some conflict between the Palestinian Muslims and Jews at that time. They checked everything in Al Aqsa and said Al Aqsa is a Muslim place and Jewish people pray near the wall. It was like that without any problem. Secondly, Al&nbsp;Aqsa mosque&nbsp;is registered in UNESCO as a Muslim place.

So,&nbsp;hope this&nbsp;is not&nbsp;used again&nbsp;as&nbsp;encouraging Israelis in that matter will lead to religious war,&nbsp;which is not acceptable to anyone. India is supporting Palestine&nbsp;and&nbsp;we thank them very much, not only&nbsp;on the political&nbsp;level,&nbsp;but they also helped in many other things,&nbsp;such as&nbsp;building hospitals, schools, diplomatic institutions, women empowerment centers,&nbsp;so&nbsp;they help Palestine in many ways.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

WION:&nbsp;What is&nbsp;current situation of the Covid crisis when it comes to the Palestinian territories.&nbsp;

Adnan Mohammad Jaber: Now,&nbsp;a little bit better. Last month, before it was very bad, still a little bit better but we don't have enough vaccines to say the truth. It's not bad, these days at least. It is much better than&nbsp;two&nbsp;months ago.&nbsp;

Palestine's envoy to India Adnan Mohammad Jaber Abualhayjaa has said that his government has been 'working for the ceasefire from the first day' when it comes to the ongoing situation with Israel.

Palestine's envoy to India Adnan Mohammad Jaber Abualhayjaa has said that his government has been 'working for the ceasefire from the first day' when it comes to the ongoing situation with Israel. According to him, over 200 people have lost lives in West Bank and Gaza due to actions of Israel. Speaking to WION Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal exclusively, Amb Adnan Abualhayjaa hoped that India won't make reference to Temple Mount, as it is 'encouraging Israelis in the manner which may lead to religious war'. Temple Mount, which is the holiest site in Judaism, is known to Muslims as Haram al-Sharif, the third holiest site in Islam after Mecca and Medina. He also condoled the death of Indian national Soumya Santhosh. Santhosh, a caregiver, died in Israel's Ashkelon in a rocket strike and is survived by nine-year-old son and husband. This is his first-ever interview amid the ongoing escalating violence between Israel and Palestine. The fighting began after violence erupted in Jerusalem and possible eviction of Palestinians in the Sheikh Jarrah and Silwan neighbourhood. WION: What is the current situation when it comes to the ongoing conflict? Will you call it a full-scale war? Adnan Mohammad Jaber: The current situation in Palestine is mainly for two reasons. First is the occupation, as long as the occupation continues. Who is ignoring the Oslo Agreement, who is ignoring all the agreements with Palestinian authorities, who is killing, jailing every day in the West Bank, restricting the movement of Palestinian people via the 600 military checkpoints, is controlling 60% of the west bank, restricting the people's movement, controlling tax money of Palestinians, refusing elections in Jerusalem? Secondly, there was the fourth election in Israel and Netanyahu has failed to form a government. Netanyahu knows how to make problems, so he started telling the right-wing of the Israelis to go to Al Aqsa to restrict the worshippers from praying. Before it became a military issue, it was the issue of Al Aqsa and Sheikh Jarrah area where they want to displace 28 families living in their houses for 70 years. He wants to put obstacles in forming the government, so he has started with these problems because if other parties are able to form the government, Netanyahu, because of corruption, might go to jail. Surely, it's a war, and a very bad war because the victims of this war are civilians mainly. We are on the eighgth day of the war and we have lost 218 people in the West Bank and Gaza, more than 5,600 people have been injured. In the West Bank, there are no weapons with Palestinian people, no rockets, nothing. 250 of the wounded got injured due to the metal bombs. Israelis are committing war crimes on both sides, in Gaza and in the West Bank. Hope it will end soon. WION: How do you think the international community can support Palestine? Adnan Mohammad Jaber: Israel is an exact copy of South Africa during the apartheid time. We live in an apartheid regime in Palestine. There are two kinds of laws in Israel. There is a law for the Jewish people and there is a law for a Palestinians, who have Israeli nationality and there is another law, the military law for Palestinian people living in the occupied area, West Bank, including Jerusalem and Gaza Strip. The international community could help a lot, first of all, they should boycott Israel, exactly as South Africa had been boycotted. Secondly, Americans should stop pressurising other countries to not take action against Israel. Many of the European countries want to take action but don’t act due to American pressure. Hope there will be real pressure from the international community to follow the United Nations resolution. Israel is the only country in the world which is over the international community. Not just UN resolutions, they refuse everything. Hundreds of resolutions, from the security council to the general assembly of the UN. It is the only country that can refuse everything. WION: Will Palestinian authorities call for a ceasefire? Adnan Mohammad Jaber: We were in the beginning and had talks with some Arab countries like Egypt. Because Egypt normally coordinates in these matters. With Qatar... we spoke with France, Britain. Our foreign minister was in Europe, he was working hard with the European Union for the ceasefire. From the first day, we started to work on the ceasefire. We called on the security council, to have a resolution for the ceasefire. But three times, Americans refused, including on Sunday. WION: Then there is the issue of Hamas's rocket attacks, something that has been condemned globally... Adnan Mohammad Jaber: First of all, let me present my condolences for that lady who passed away in Israel. We feel sorry that we have lost one Indian in this conflict. So, my condolences to the Indian people and her family. Secondly, the rockets of Hamas are a reaction, not an action. The main thing is the occupation. I am ok with destroying all weapons and Israel and Palestine not using weapons. When we signed the Oslo agreement, we signed it to live side by side in peace, security, coordinate in everything together as neighbours. Since that time, 1993, up to now, Israel is refusing everything, destroying everything. I think we will go to the question of two state solutions and they are destroying two state solutions. Rockets is a reaction, and hope, we won't see any aggression on the Palestinian people in Gaza and West Bank. WION: Can President Mahmoud Abbas prevail over Hamas, and is Hamas trying to exploit political space? Adnan Mohammad Jaber: President Mahmoud Abbas is in connection with the leaders of Hamas and was working for the ceasefire from the first day. Any war inflicts damages on both sides. You need to control the Israelis and their crimes, otherwise, we will see another war. Without the end of this occupation, difficult for neighbours to live side by side, according to the international resolutions. Agreements have been signed with the Israelis, but there is no security in the area at all. WION: Is Hamas trying to use the political vacuum in Gaza, West Bank vis a vis the election schedule? Adnan Mohammad Jaber: We are a democratic state, and have democratic institutions. If Hamas via elections, takes advantage and wins the election, we have no problem. Let Hamas control the country. They are the main party of the Palestinian people, they have a political department as the organisation. If they win the elections, we will welcome that and we will give them the authority. we have no problem, this is a democracy. WION: How do you see India's statement at the UNSC? New Delhi reiterated its 'strong support to the just Palestinian cause and its unwavering commitment to the two-state solution". Adnan Mohammad Jaber: India is a very close friend of Palestine and I would like to thank Indian government for strongly supporting the cause of the Palestinian people. Only one thing, there is something which I have seen in the statement, which is Al Masjid Al Aqsa/Temple Mount, which is a new expression. Al-Masjid Al Aqsa since the British was nominated to rule by Palestine. In 1929, a mission had come from the United Nations after some conflict between the Palestinian Muslims and Jews at that time. They checked everything in Al Aqsa and said Al Aqsa is a Muslim place and Jewish people pray near the wall. It was like that without any problem. Secondly, Al Aqsa mosque is registered in UNESCO as a Muslim place. So, hope this is not used again as encouraging Israelis in that matter will lead to religious war, which is not acceptable to anyone. India is supporting Palestine and we thank them very much, not only on the political level, but they also helped in many other things, such as building hospitals, schools, diplomatic institutions, women empowerment centers, so they help Palestine in many ways. WION: What is current situation of the Covid crisis when it comes to the Palestinian territories. Adnan Mohammad Jaber: Now, a little bit better. Last month, before it was very bad, still a little bit better but we don't have enough vaccines to say the truth. It's not bad, these days at least. It is much better than two months ago.

Working on ceasefire, says Palestine's envoy; Hopes India won't make reference to 'Temple Mount', condoles death of Indian national

Israel is celebrating the Jewish festival of Shavout. But unlike other years, Israelis are staying put in underground bomb shelters, as rockets fired from Gaza. WION correspondent Jodie Cohen takes you inside a bunker.

Israel Ground Report: Everyone is staying close this Shavout says Central Israel's resident

As Israelis gear up for Jewish holiday of Shavuot, WION correspondent Jodie Cohen takes you inside a bomb shelter in central Israel where residents dash, as blaring sirens warn of incoming rocket fire.

Israel Ground Report: WION's Jodie Cohen takes you inside a bomb shelter

Advisor to Israel's Foreign Minister Michael Freeman discusses with Palki Sharma about who started the Israel-Gaza conflict and where is it heading.

The Interview: Advisor to Israel's Foreign Minister Michael Freeman speaks on Israel-Gaza conflict

211 people have died in the escalating violence between Israel, Gaza. Civilians, media, children have been caught in the crossfire. But neither Israel nor Hamas wants to de-escalate. Why? Palki Sharma brings you the latest.

Gravitas: Israel, Gaza violence enters week 2

Fighting between Israel and Hamas became deadly again on Tuesday after fresh fatalities were reported. Cross-border fighting between Israel and Hamas forces has led to the deaths of 213 Palestinians. This includes 61 children and 36 women, according to data from Gaza’s health ministry.

The death toll on the Israeli side rose to 12 when a volley of rockets Hamas fired at the southern Eshkol region killed two Thai nationals working in a factory and wounded several others, police said.&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/palestines-envoy-to-india-adnan-abualhayjaa-speaks-on-the-palestine-israel-issue-385772/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Israel seems to be in no hurry to announce a ceasefire and has vowed to continue attacks against the armed groups Hamas as well as Islamic Jihad.&nbsp;

On Monday, United States President Joe Biden urged both sides to embrace a ceasefire, a call that has not been taken very seriously so far. World powers have urged for both the sides to end the conflict and to embrace a ceasefire to end what is been dubbed as the most deadly conflict in years.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/under-pressure-biden-works-for-ceasefire-in-israel-gaza-violence-385746">Under pressure, Biden works for ceasefire in Israel-Gaza violence&nbsp;</a>

The Israeli military was cited by Reuters as claiming that its troops recently shot dead a Palestinian who charged at them with a gun and improvised explosives in West Bank. Joe Biden spoke to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday, and reportedly said that Israel has the right to defend itself against rocket attacks, but also urged them to protect civialians.&nbsp;

Brigadier-General Hidai Zilberman of the Israeli military said that their forces would continue to operate in Gaza as per a target list devised for the next 24 hours.

"The IDF (Israel Defence Forces) is not talking about a ceasefire. We're focussed on the firing," Zilberman told Army Radio.

In pictures: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pictures-indonesia-backs-gaza-as-israel-pounds-back-385787">Indonesia backs Gaza as Israel pounds back</a>

(With inputs from agencies)

Fighting between Israel and Hamas became deadly again on Tuesday after fresh fatalities were reported. Cross-border fighting between Israel and Hamas forces has led to the deaths of 213 Palestinians.

Fighting between Israel and Hamas became deadly again on Tuesday after fresh fatalities were reported. Cross-border fighting between Israel and Hamas forces has led to the deaths of 213 Palestinians. This includes 61 children and 36 women, according to data from Gaza’s health ministry. The death toll on the Israeli side rose to 12 when a volley of rockets Hamas fired at the southern Eshkol region killed two Thai nationals working in a factory and wounded several others, police said. Israel seems to be in no hurry to announce a ceasefire and has vowed to continue attacks against the armed groups Hamas as well as Islamic Jihad. On Monday, United States President Joe Biden urged both sides to embrace a ceasefire, a call that has not been taken very seriously so far. World powers have urged for both the sides to end the conflict and to embrace a ceasefire to end what is been dubbed as the most deadly conflict in years. Also read: Under pressure, Biden works for ceasefire in Israel-Gaza violence The Israeli military was cited by Reuters as claiming that its troops recently shot dead a Palestinian who charged at them with a gun and improvised explosives in West Bank. Joe Biden spoke to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday, and reportedly said that Israel has the right to defend itself against rocket attacks, but also urged them to protect civialians. Brigadier-General Hidai Zilberman of the Israeli military said that their forces would continue to operate in Gaza as per a target list devised for the next 24 hours. "The IDF (Israel Defence Forces) is not talking about a ceasefire. We're focussed on the firing," Zilberman told Army Radio. In pictures: Indonesia backs Gaza as Israel pounds back (With inputs from agencies)

'Not talking about ceasefire': Death toll climbs as Hamas fires more rockets at Israel

No war is successful without public support and public support is hard to win without propaganda.

It continues even today, not with posters, but on social media.

WATCH:

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-israel-hamas-milking-child-casualties-385713/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Everyone has a perspective to share. In the last few days, the conversation has focussed on a certain demographic - children. They have been made the face of this tragedy.

Murdering children is the most appalling war crime and there can be no excuse for it. So far, 58 children have been killed in the&nbsp;strikes. When the dust settles, both sides must answer for this atrocity.

What's worse than killing these children is the fact that they are being used as props in a war and being milked for propaganda. People are sharing pictures and videos of slain children and their families are being forced to relive the trauma.

There is no dignity in death for the children trapped in a conflict, as their pictures are beamed across the world.

As people continue to share pictures of children in a conflict, the most common answer is to reveal the true picture and to show the world how bad the situation is but this is just an excuse.

In reality, these children are being used as props. They are pawns in a grand narrative war.

Israel accuses Hamas of using children as human shields. Hamas accuses Israel of targeting schools and shelters and both use videos to evoke sympathy.

A 10-year-old girl from Gaza surrounded by a pile of rubble, her eyes brimming with tears suddnelly has a reporter sticking a mike and camera in her face.

Another visual shows a six-year-old being pulled out from the rubble, her face covered in gashes with her parents distraught but social media is busy turning her into a poster girl.

It's a dangerous trend. Children do not understand politics. They do not understand war. The world should be shielding them from this trauma.

Instead, some people are putting them dead and centre.

In Aleppo in 2016, a boy Omran Daqneesh was pulled out from the rubble after a Russian airstrike and soon the picture was everywhere. Five-year-old Omran became the face of Syrian resistance but now Omran lives in regime territory since his family was always pro-government.

His father says Omran was used as a propaganda tool by the rebels.&nbsp;

A Syrian boy Alan Kurdi who was fleeing to Europe with his family drowned after their boat capsised. His brother and his mother were all over the internet. It is said aid donations surged after it was released but the question is: is advertising a three-year-old's tragic death the only way to get people's attention?

Then there is the case of the Afghan girl who was called the third world's Mona Lisa. Her actual name is Sharbat Gula. She was clicked in a Pakistani refugee camp in 1985. For years nobody knew her name or where she lived anymore, but the picture made the front page of National Geographic.

Decades later in 2019, Sharbat Gula spoke out. She was enraged because her picture was published without her consent. It is the reality of our times. Even children are fair game in propaganda.

In 2001, when America launched its operation in Afghanistan, they dug up Sharbat Gula's picture. In the 80s she was used against Soviet occupation, and in the 2000s, against the Taliban.

The fact is, these campaigns are not out of love for children.

It's about gaining sympathy and about winning the narrative war because as they say, the smallest coffins are the heaviest.

But if you want to stop violence and safeguard children, don't use them for social media campaigns, instead blame the politicians and their governments.

If tragedy has a face, it is not of innocent children but manipulative leaders and their cunning power play.

No war is successful without public support and public support is hard to win without propaganda. It continues even today, not with posters, but on social media.

No war is successful without public support and public support is hard to win without propaganda. It continues even today, not with posters, but on social media. WATCH: Everyone has a perspective to share. In the last few days, the conversation has focussed on a certain demographic - children. They have been made the face of this tragedy. Murdering children is the most appalling war crime and there can be no excuse for it. So far, 58 children have been killed in the strikes. When the dust settles, both sides must answer for this atrocity. What's worse than killing these children is the fact that they are being used as props in a war and being milked for propaganda. People are sharing pictures and videos of slain children and their families are being forced to relive the trauma. There is no dignity in death for the children trapped in a conflict, as their pictures are beamed across the world. As people continue to share pictures of children in a conflict, the most common answer is to reveal the true picture and to show the world how bad the situation is but this is just an excuse. In reality, these children are being used as props. They are pawns in a grand narrative war. Israel accuses Hamas of using children as human shields. Hamas accuses Israel of targeting schools and shelters and both use videos to evoke sympathy. A 10-year-old girl from Gaza surrounded by a pile of rubble, her eyes brimming with tears suddnelly has a reporter sticking a mike and camera in her face. Another visual shows a six-year-old being pulled out from the rubble, her face covered in gashes with her parents distraught but social media is busy turning her into a poster girl. It's a dangerous trend. Children do not understand politics. They do not understand war. The world should be shielding them from this trauma. Instead, some people are putting them dead and centre. In Aleppo in 2016, a boy Omran Daqneesh was pulled out from the rubble after a Russian airstrike and soon the picture was everywhere. Five-year-old Omran became the face of Syrian resistance but now Omran lives in regime territory since his family was always pro-government. His father says Omran was used as a propaganda tool by the rebels. A Syrian boy Alan Kurdi who was fleeing to Europe with his family drowned after their boat capsised. His brother and his mother were all over the internet. It is said aid donations surged after it was released but the question is: is advertising a three-year-old's tragic death the only way to get people's attention? Then there is the case of the Afghan girl who was called the third world's Mona Lisa. Her actual name is Sharbat Gula. She was clicked in a Pakistani refugee camp in 1985. For years nobody knew her name or where she lived anymore, but the picture made the front page of National Geographic. Decades later in 2019, Sharbat Gula spoke out. She was enraged because her picture was published without her consent. It is the reality of our times. Even children are fair game in propaganda. In 2001, when America launched its operation in Afghanistan, they dug up Sharbat Gula's picture. In the 80s she was used against Soviet occupation, and in the 2000s, against the Taliban. The fact is, these campaigns are not out of love for children. It's about gaining sympathy and about winning the narrative war because as they say, the smallest coffins are the heaviest. But if you want to stop violence and safeguard children, don't use them for social media campaigns, instead blame the politicians and their governments. If tragedy has a face, it is not of innocent children but manipulative leaders and their cunning power play.

Children being used as propaganda tool amid Israel, Hamas conflict

As the Israel-Palestine conflict rages, what is India's position? Historically, New Delhi has supported Palestine, but today it maintains an independent relationship with both sides. This stance reflects in India's statement. Palki Sharma tells you how.

Gravitas: Israel or Palestine: Who does India support?

Why are children being made the face of human tragedies? From Gaza to Syria, pictures of slain children are used to gain social media traction. Is this genuine concern, or a desperate attempt to milk trauma? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Israel, Hamas milking child casualties

Egypt President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi pledged on Tuesday USD 500 million for recounstruction efforts in Gaza. The announcement was made by his office.

"Egypt will provide $500 million... for the reconstruction process in the Gaza Strip as a result of recent events, with expert Egyptian construction companies implementing the rebuilding," the presidency said in a statement.

The deadly violence between Israel and Palestine erupted on May 10. Since then, Israeli air strikes have killed more than 200 Palestinians in Gaza, as per Hamas-run health ministry.

As per authorities in Israel, 12 people have been killed on the Israeli side.

Sisi is holding talks in Paris with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron and Jordan's King Abdullah II aimed at seeking a rapid truce to the lethal conflict.

Egypt has also sent 65 tonnes of medical aid to neighbouring Gaza, its healthy ministry said.

With hospitals in Gaza overwhelmed by patients, the critical surgical supplies include specialist burns treatment as well as "ventilators, oxygen tanks (and) syringes," Health Minister Hala Zayed said late Monday.

Sisi on Sunday ordered the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt -- the enclave's only border point not controlled by Israel -- to open to allow wounded Gazans to be treated in Egyptian hospitals and to deliver aid.

Sources at Rafah on Tuesday said that 26 trucks of food had been sent to Gaza, with 50 ambulances ready to transport the wounded.

Egypt said it would make space in 11 hospitals nationwide at a capacity of over 1,800 beds.

Israel launched its aerial bombing campaign on Gaza after Hamas fired a barrage of rockets in response to unrest in Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem.

The Israeli strikes have killed 213 people, including 61 children, and wounded more than 1,400 in Gaza, according to the health ministry.

The UN says nearly 40,000 Gazans have been displaced and 2,500 have lost their homes.

Strikes have knocked out the only Covid-19 testing laboratory in the blockaded enclave, the health ministry has said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Egypt President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi pledged on Tuesday USD 500 million for recounstruction efforts in Gaza. The announcement was made by his office. "Egypt will provide $500 million.

Egypt President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi pledged on Tuesday USD 500 million for recounstruction efforts in Gaza. The announcement was made by his office. "Egypt will provide $500 million... for the reconstruction process in the Gaza Strip as a result of recent events, with expert Egyptian construction companies implementing the rebuilding," the presidency said in a statement. The deadly violence between Israel and Palestine erupted on May 10. Since then, Israeli air strikes have killed more than 200 Palestinians in Gaza, as per Hamas-run health ministry. As per authorities in Israel, 12 people have been killed on the Israeli side. Sisi is holding talks in Paris with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron and Jordan's King Abdullah II aimed at seeking a rapid truce to the lethal conflict. Egypt has also sent 65 tonnes of medical aid to neighbouring Gaza, its healthy ministry said. With hospitals in Gaza overwhelmed by patients, the critical surgical supplies include specialist burns treatment as well as "ventilators, oxygen tanks (and) syringes," Health Minister Hala Zayed said late Monday. Sisi on Sunday ordered the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt -- the enclave's only border point not controlled by Israel -- to open to allow wounded Gazans to be treated in Egyptian hospitals and to deliver aid. Sources at Rafah on Tuesday said that 26 trucks of food had been sent to Gaza, with 50 ambulances ready to transport the wounded. Egypt said it would make space in 11 hospitals nationwide at a capacity of over 1,800 beds. Israel launched its aerial bombing campaign on Gaza after Hamas fired a barrage of rockets in response to unrest in Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem. The Israeli strikes have killed 213 people, including 61 children, and wounded more than 1,400 in Gaza, according to the health ministry. The UN says nearly 40,000 Gazans have been displaced and 2,500 have lost their homes. Strikes have knocked out the only Covid-19 testing laboratory in the blockaded enclave, the health ministry has said. (With inputs from agencies)

Egypt pledges USD 500 million help for Gaza, sends medical aid

Israel and &nbsp;Palestine are once again entangled in a series of bloody clashes as part of the on-going decades-long conflict. The conflict has entered into second week, resulted in significant loss of life and property and more importantly, there are no signs of either side willing to retract.

Brief Background to the Conflict&nbsp;

Even though the origins of the conflict can be traced deep into the history of the region, its modern phase can be said to have begun in in early 20th century. Palestine was one of the Provinces of Turkish Ottoman &nbsp;Empire till it came under British control in 1922 as a fall out of World war 1, and remained so till 1948.&nbsp;

During this period the migration of Jews to the region increased palpably and resultantly tensions between the Arab Muslims and Jews also grew considerably. As the end of Britain’s Palestine Mandate drew closer, Britain referred the Palestine Issue to UN in April, 1947.&nbsp;

The UN came forward with a plan (UN Resolution 181 of 29th November 1947) to partition Palestine into Arab and Jewish States with the city of Jerusalem as a Corpus separatum i.e. separate entity to be governed by a special international regime under UN. The Plan was accepted by the Jews but rejected by the Arabs.

The Jews of Palestine went ahead and created an independent sovereign State in May 1948. &nbsp;What followed was a series of Arab-Israel wars and repeated armed clashes which keep erupting from time to time, including the current conflict which began in early May this year and has escalated since then and threatens to assume serious proportions.

Core Elements of the Conflict&nbsp;

What is at the core of the conflict? Essentially, the conflict has three important dimensions: ethno-religious, right to self-determination and independent homeland, and related to that are the territorial claims. The Arab Muslim Palestinians and Israeli Jews are the two parties to this ethno-religious conflict. &nbsp;

The Jews have succeeded in establishing an independent sovereign State i.e. Israel, and in securing the full membership of the United Nations and recognition from a large number countries except from some Arab League and OIC Member States.&nbsp;

In contrast, the Palestinians have so far managed to secure the status of a Non-Member &nbsp;UN Observer State. The city of Jerusalem-sacred to Muslims, Jews as well as Christians for their own valid reasons - is at the core of the territorial dimension of this conflict.

It also houses the Indian Hospice which is a historic place associated with a great Indian Sufi saint Baba Farid. &nbsp;

The city including East Jerusalem (occupied by &nbsp;Israel in 1967 war and later annexed in 1980) is under de-facto control of Israel who considers “whole and united” Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, a claim not recognised by the entire international community. &nbsp;

On the other hand, the Palestinians claim East Jerusalem as the capital of a future independent State of Palestine to be established in the territories occupied by Israel since 1967 Arab-Israel war.&nbsp;

Israel’s de facto control of Jerusalem on the ground has enabled it to invest vast resources and efforts into changing the physical and demographic characteristics of the City. The Palestinians also stake claim to whole of West Bank where the Palestine Authority is in administrative control of about half the territory.

Conflict Resolution&nbsp;

The Quartet, comprised of the USA, Russian Federation, European Union and United Nations, and established in 2002 to facilitate peace process negotiations developed a “Performance Based Road Map to a Permanent Two States Solution” and has met numerous times in pursuance of its objectives but has prima-facie, failed to deliver, presumably due to irreconcilable positions adopted by the parties to the conflict.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Israel has gradually normalised its relations with some of the key Arab countries including Egypt, Bahrain, Jordan, UAE, and is said to be moving in this direction with Saudi Arabia as well. The Palestinians have reacted by describing these developments as betrayal of the Palestinian cause by these Arab countries. &nbsp;

The rapprochement between Israel and Arab States may not augur well for the Palestinians who may not find some of them on their side in hours of desperate need if they are required to choose between Israel and Palestine. &nbsp;

The situation is further complicated by the lack of unity amongst Palestinians who went through a civil war in 2006-2007 and are now divided into two broad groups: the militant Hamas in control of Gaza and relatively moderate Fateh-led Palestine Authority in control of parts of the West Bank.&nbsp;

Current Scenario

At present the energies of the international community are focussed on finding ways and means to de-escalate the confrontation leading to cessation of hostilities. Several countries in their individual capacities have made appeals to achieve these objectives. Regrettably,&nbsp;the UN, which has a poor track record in resolving global conflicts, looks toothless once again in bringing the situation under control.&nbsp;

The UN Security Council held a public virtual meeting on 16th May preceded by two closed-door meetings earlier in the previous week but has failed to issue any official statement on the outcome of its deliberations.&nbsp;

Reports at hand suggest that the USA, a staunch ally of Israel, was instrumental in blocking resolutions/joint statement which would have condemned Israel’s military response to rocket attacks by Hamas, besides calling for an immediate cease-fire.

India’s Position

India has been consistent in its support for the “just cause” of Palestinians. For several years, even after establishing diplomatic relations with Israel in 1992, India was looking at its relations with Palestine through the prism of its relations with Israel and vice versa.&nbsp;

By undertaking a standalone first-ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Israel in 2017, PM Modi signalled de-hyphenation of India’s policy towards Palestine and Israel but nevertheless has not wavered in its principled position on Israel-Palestine conflict despite rapidly growing relations with Israel.

In its statement at the UNSC meeting, India has therefore reiterated its “strong support to the just Palestinian cause and its unwavering commitment to the two-State solution”.

Interestingly, while India has condemned the “indiscriminate rocket firings from Gaza targeting the civilian population in Israel” it has described the Israeli airstrikes as “retaliatory” without any condemnation. &nbsp;

India has thus in a way endorsed Israeli action though it stopped short of openly endorsing Israel’s right to self-defence as done by the USA in its initial statements. The condemnation of the rocket attacks by Hamas can possibly also be seen as India’s rejection of Hamas’ modus-operandi for attaining its political objectives through violent means.

What's in store?&nbsp;

It is matter of academic debate as to who between Israel and Palestine should be held responsible for triggering the current conflict. Expectedly, each one of the two is blaming the other. The Israelis are describing the rocket fires by Hamas as premeditated and their own action as retaliatory in self-defence, whereas Hamas is justifying it as its response to Israeli aggression.&nbsp;

Fortunately, the chances of a full-scale Arab-Israel war with participation by select Arab countries alongside Palestine looks remote.&nbsp;

Yet, as rightly pointed by India and many other countries, the need of the hour is to de-escalate so as to arrest any further slide towards the brink.&nbsp;

We can expect to see a flurry of diplomatic activity including by Quartet and some individual countries with the immediate objective of cessation of hostilities. Final and lasting resolution of the conflict, meeting the aspirations of the parties to the conflict, however, is nowhere on the horizon.&nbsp;

At this point in time, an agreement to ceasefire would be a great achievement. The pertinent question is how soon can we expect a ceasefire? It is somewhat intriguing in this context that the key player USA is not showing any sense of urgency. Is this by design? Is the idea behind it is to allow sufficient time to Israel to weaken Hamas as much as possible before a truce is reached? It is noteworthy that Hamas has been designated as a terrorist organization, inter-alia, by Israel, USA and the EU, and Israel has let it be known that it is targeting Hamas leaders and its infrastructure.

Hopefully, the wise sense will prevail soon and it will be possible to prevent further loss of precious human lives and damage to property.

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Israel and Palestine are once again entangled in a series of bloody clashes as part of the on-going decades-long conflict. The conflict has entered into second week, resulted in significant loss of life and property and more importantly, there are no signs of either side willing to retract.

Israel and Palestine are once again entangled in a series of bloody clashes as part of the on-going decades-long conflict. The conflict has entered into second week, resulted in significant loss of life and property and more importantly, there are no signs of either side willing to retract. Brief Background to the Conflict Even though the origins of the conflict can be traced deep into the history of the region, its modern phase can be said to have begun in in early 20th century. Palestine was one of the Provinces of Turkish Ottoman Empire till it came under British control in 1922 as a fall out of World war 1, and remained so till 1948. During this period the migration of Jews to the region increased palpably and resultantly tensions between the Arab Muslims and Jews also grew considerably. As the end of Britain’s Palestine Mandate drew closer, Britain referred the Palestine Issue to UN in April, 1947. The UN came forward with a plan (UN Resolution 181 of 29th November 1947) to partition Palestine into Arab and Jewish States with the city of Jerusalem as a Corpus separatum i.e. separate entity to be governed by a special international regime under UN. The Plan was accepted by the Jews but rejected by the Arabs. The Jews of Palestine went ahead and created an independent sovereign State in May 1948. What followed was a series of Arab-Israel wars and repeated armed clashes which keep erupting from time to time, including the current conflict which began in early May this year and has escalated since then and threatens to assume serious proportions. Core Elements of the Conflict What is at the core of the conflict? Essentially, the conflict has three important dimensions: ethno-religious, right to self-determination and independent homeland, and related to that are the territorial claims. The Arab Muslim Palestinians and Israeli Jews are the two parties to this ethno-religious conflict. The Jews have succeeded in establishing an independent sovereign State i.e. Israel, and in securing the full membership of the United Nations and recognition from a large number countries except from some Arab League and OIC Member States. In contrast, the Palestinians have so far managed to secure the status of a Non-Member UN Observer State. The city of Jerusalem-sacred to Muslims, Jews as well as Christians for their own valid reasons - is at the core of the territorial dimension of this conflict. It also houses the Indian Hospice which is a historic place associated with a great Indian Sufi saint Baba Farid. The city including East Jerusalem (occupied by Israel in 1967 war and later annexed in 1980) is under de-facto control of Israel who considers “whole and united” Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, a claim not recognised by the entire international community. On the other hand, the Palestinians claim East Jerusalem as the capital of a future independent State of Palestine to be established in the territories occupied by Israel since 1967 Arab-Israel war. Israel’s de facto control of Jerusalem on the ground has enabled it to invest vast resources and efforts into changing the physical and demographic characteristics of the City. The Palestinians also stake claim to whole of West Bank where the Palestine Authority is in administrative control of about half the territory. Conflict Resolution The Quartet, comprised of the USA, Russian Federation, European Union and United Nations, and established in 2002 to facilitate peace process negotiations developed a “Performance Based Road Map to a Permanent Two States Solution” and has met numerous times in pursuance of its objectives but has prima-facie, failed to deliver, presumably due to irreconcilable positions adopted by the parties to the conflict. Meanwhile, Israel has gradually normalised its relations with some of the key Arab countries including Egypt, Bahrain, Jordan, UAE, and is said to be moving in this direction with Saudi Arabia as well. The Palestinians have reacted by describing these developments as betrayal of the Palestinian cause by these Arab countries. The rapprochement between Israel and Arab States may not augur well for the Palestinians who may not find some of them on their side in hours of desperate need if they are required to choose between Israel and Palestine. The situation is further complicated by the lack of unity amongst Palestinians who went through a civil war in 2006-2007 and are now divided into two broad groups: the militant Hamas in control of Gaza and relatively moderate Fateh-led Palestine Authority in control of parts of the West Bank. Current Scenario At present the energies of the international community are focussed on finding ways and means to de-escalate the confrontation leading to cessation of hostilities. Several countries in their individual capacities have made appeals to achieve these objectives. Regrettably, the UN, which has a poor track record in resolving global conflicts, looks toothless once again in bringing the situation under control. The UN Security Council held a public virtual meeting on 16th May preceded by two closed-door meetings earlier in the previous week but has failed to issue any official statement on the outcome of its deliberations. Reports at hand suggest that the USA, a staunch ally of Israel, was instrumental in blocking resolutions/joint statement which would have condemned Israel’s military response to rocket attacks by Hamas, besides calling for an immediate cease-fire. India’s Position India has been consistent in its support for the “just cause” of Palestinians. For several years, even after establishing diplomatic relations with Israel in 1992, India was looking at its relations with Palestine through the prism of its relations with Israel and vice versa. By undertaking a standalone first-ever visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Israel in 2017, PM Modi signalled de-hyphenation of India’s policy towards Palestine and Israel but nevertheless has not wavered in its principled position on Israel-Palestine conflict despite rapidly growing relations with Israel. In its statement at the UNSC meeting, India has therefore reiterated its “strong support to the just Palestinian cause and its unwavering commitment to the two-State solution”. Interestingly, while India has condemned the “indiscriminate rocket firings from Gaza targeting the civilian population in Israel” it has described the Israeli airstrikes as “retaliatory” without any condemnation. India has thus in a way endorsed Israeli action though it stopped short of openly endorsing Israel’s right to self-defence as done by the USA in its initial statements. The condemnation of the rocket attacks by Hamas can possibly also be seen as India’s rejection of Hamas’ modus-operandi for attaining its political objectives through violent means. What's in store? It is matter of academic debate as to who between Israel and Palestine should be held responsible for triggering the current conflict. Expectedly, each one of the two is blaming the other. The Israelis are describing the rocket fires by Hamas as premeditated and their own action as retaliatory in self-defence, whereas Hamas is justifying it as its response to Israeli aggression. Fortunately, the chances of a full-scale Arab-Israel war with participation by select Arab countries alongside Palestine looks remote. Yet, as rightly pointed by India and many other countries, the need of the hour is to de-escalate so as to arrest any further slide towards the brink. We can expect to see a flurry of diplomatic activity including by Quartet and some individual countries with the immediate objective of cessation of hostilities. Final and lasting resolution of the conflict, meeting the aspirations of the parties to the conflict, however, is nowhere on the horizon. At this point in time, an agreement to ceasefire would be a great achievement. The pertinent question is how soon can we expect a ceasefire? It is somewhat intriguing in this context that the key player USA is not showing any sense of urgency. Is this by design? Is the idea behind it is to allow sufficient time to Israel to weaken Hamas as much as possible before a truce is reached? It is noteworthy that Hamas has been designated as a terrorist organization, inter-alia, by Israel, USA and the EU, and Israel has let it be known that it is targeting Hamas leaders and its infrastructure. Hopefully, the wise sense will prevail soon and it will be possible to prevent further loss of precious human lives and damage to property. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Opinion | Israel-Palestine: Where is the conflict heading?

The Palestinian enclave of&nbsp;Gaza's only&nbsp;Covid-19 laboratory is no longer able to carry out testing due to an Israeli air strike Monday on the clinic housing it, local authorities said.

Al-Rimal clinic, in the town of the same name in the&nbsp;Gaza&nbsp;Strip, was partly destroyed, while the territory's health ministry and the office of Qatar's Red Crescent were also hit, officials said.&nbsp;

Also read-&nbsp;<a href="Under pressure, Biden works for ceasefire in Israel-Gaza violence ">Under pressure, Biden works for ceasefire in Israel-Gaza violence&nbsp;</a>

Medical personnel at the ministry were wounded, some critically, the Hamas-run enclave's deputy health minister Yousef Abu al-Rish told reporters.

Ministry spokesman Ashraf Qidra said the Israeli strikes "threaten to undermine the efforts of the health ministry in the face of the&nbsp;Covid&nbsp;pandemic".

Also read-&nbsp;<a href="Need details, justification from Israel for strikes on media outlets in Gaza: US">Need details, justification from Israel for strikes on media outlets in Gaza: US</a>

The raids "stopped screening tests... at the central laboratory", he added.

Before the military escalation between Hamas and Israel a week ago, authorities in&nbsp;Gaza&nbsp;tested an average of some 1,600 people per day.

The rate of positive tests was among the highest in the world, at 28 percent, and hospitals have been overwhelmed by patients.

The enclave of two million residents has so far received 122,000 vaccine doses, more than half of which have not been administered, according to the World Health Organization.&nbsp;

WHO says 103,000 people have tested positive for coronavirus in&nbsp;Gaza, of whom over 930 have died.&nbsp;

The Palestinian enclave of Gaza's only Covid-19 laboratory is no longer able to carry out testing due to an Israeli air strike Monday on the clinic housing it, local authorities said.

The Palestinian enclave of Gaza's only Covid-19 laboratory is no longer able to carry out testing due to an Israeli air strike Monday on the clinic housing it, local authorities said. Al-Rimal clinic, in the town of the same name in the Gaza Strip, was partly destroyed, while the territory's health ministry and the office of Qatar's Red Crescent were also hit, officials said. Also read- Under pressure, Biden works for ceasefire in Israel-Gaza violence Medical personnel at the ministry were wounded, some critically, the Hamas-run enclave's deputy health minister Yousef Abu al-Rish told reporters. Ministry spokesman Ashraf Qidra said the Israeli strikes "threaten to undermine the efforts of the health ministry in the face of the Covid pandemic". Also read- Need details, justification from Israel for strikes on media outlets in Gaza: US The raids "stopped screening tests... at the central laboratory", he added. Before the military escalation between Hamas and Israel a week ago, authorities in Gaza tested an average of some 1,600 people per day. The rate of positive tests was among the highest in the world, at 28 percent, and hospitals have been overwhelmed by patients. The enclave of two million residents has so far received 122,000 vaccine doses, more than half of which have not been administered, according to the World Health Organization. WHO says 103,000 people have tested positive for coronavirus in Gaza, of whom over 930 have died.

Israeli strike puts sole Gaza Covid lab out of action: Ministry

In pictures: Indonesia backs Gaza as Israel pounds back

President Joe Biden and aides worked behind the scenes on Monday pressing for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas amid what one source said was frustration over Israel's bombing of a Gaza building that housed some news organisations.&nbsp;

Biden is facing growing pressure from lawmakers in his own Democratic Party to play a more vocal role, but US officials say he and his team have opted for a quieter effort, talking with Israeli officials and US allies in the Arab world.&nbsp; 
 
Watch: US asks Israel for 'justification' for strike on media building

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-asks-israel-for-justification-for-strike-on-media-building-385736/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"Our calculation at this point is that having those conversations behind the scenes ... is the most constructive approach we can take,” White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki told reporters.&nbsp;

Biden spoke by phone with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, their third conversation since the violence erupted.&nbsp;

The White House said Biden 'encouraged Israel to make every effort to ensure the protection of innocent civilians' and that the two leaders 'discussed progress in Israel’s military operations against Hamas and other terrorist groups in Gaza’.&nbsp;

"The president expressed his support for a ceasefire and discussed US engagement with Egypt and other partners towards that end," a White House statement said.&nbsp;

Supporters of the Biden administration demanded quicker action.&nbsp;

“We’re really frustrated that the administration is not moving with more urgency,” said Logan Bayroff, spokesman for J Street, a liberal pro-Israel lobbying group.&nbsp;

Twenty-eight senators, more than half of the Democratic caucus, issued a statement on Sunday calling for an immediate ceasefire 'to prevent any further loss of civilian life and to prevent further escalation of conflict.'&nbsp;

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said on Monday, he also wanted to see a ceasefire reached quickly.&nbsp;

The Biden administration has increasingly relied on Egypt because of its influence with Hamas, whose rocket barrages into Israeli cities have prompted a fierce response from Israel and led to the biggest outbreak in hostilities since 2014. &nbsp;

The administration would like to get on a glide path to de-escalation in coming days, leading to what a source familiar with the situation called a humanitarian pause in the violence to let relief assistance be delivered to Gaza and build a sustainable calm.&nbsp;

The United States was believed to be preparing significant initiatives on Gaza humanitarian reconstruction, the source said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

President Joe Biden and aides worked behind the scenes on Monday pressing for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas amid what one source said was frustration over Israel's bombing of a Gaza building that housed some news organisations.

President Joe Biden and aides worked behind the scenes on Monday pressing for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas amid what one source said was frustration over Israel's bombing of a Gaza building that housed some news organisations. Biden is facing growing pressure from lawmakers in his own Democratic Party to play a more vocal role, but US officials say he and his team have opted for a quieter effort, talking with Israeli officials and US allies in the Arab world. Watch: US asks Israel for 'justification' for strike on media building "Our calculation at this point is that having those conversations behind the scenes ... is the most constructive approach we can take,” White House spokeswoman Jen Psaki told reporters. Biden spoke by phone with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, their third conversation since the violence erupted. The White House said Biden 'encouraged Israel to make every effort to ensure the protection of innocent civilians' and that the two leaders 'discussed progress in Israel’s military operations against Hamas and other terrorist groups in Gaza’. "The president expressed his support for a ceasefire and discussed US engagement with Egypt and other partners towards that end," a White House statement said. Supporters of the Biden administration demanded quicker action. “We’re really frustrated that the administration is not moving with more urgency,” said Logan Bayroff, spokesman for J Street, a liberal pro-Israel lobbying group. Twenty-eight senators, more than half of the Democratic caucus, issued a statement on Sunday calling for an immediate ceasefire 'to prevent any further loss of civilian life and to prevent further escalation of conflict.' Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said on Monday, he also wanted to see a ceasefire reached quickly. The Biden administration has increasingly relied on Egypt because of its influence with Hamas, whose rocket barrages into Israeli cities have prompted a fierce response from Israel and led to the biggest outbreak in hostilities since 2014. The administration would like to get on a glide path to de-escalation in coming days, leading to what a source familiar with the situation called a humanitarian pause in the violence to let relief assistance be delivered to Gaza and build a sustainable calm. The United States was believed to be preparing significant initiatives on Gaza humanitarian reconstruction, the source said. (With inputs from agencies)

Under pressure, Biden works for ceasefire in Israel-Gaza violence 

As the Israel-Palestine conflict enters its second week, we bring you a report on the tiny Palestinian neighbourhood in Jerusalem from where a police crackdown escalated into a tit-for-tat rocket exchange. WION takes you to the heart of the conflict with ground reports from central Israel.

Gaza conflict enters second week| The story of Sheikh Jarrah

Crusades, Wars & Uprisings. Jerusalem has seen it all. It's called the city of peace yet remains in conflict. What makes this 'holy land' so contested? Palki Sharma explains.

Gravitas Plus: The Story of Jerusalem

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed the violence in Israel, the West Bank and Gaza in phone calls with the Qatari, Egyptian and Saudi foreign ministers, the State Department said on Sunday.&nbsp;

Blinken and Qatar's Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani discussed 'efforts to restore calm in Israel and the West Bank and Gaza in light of the tragic loss of civilian life', the State Department said.&nbsp;

The Qatari Foreign Ministry said in a statement that the two officials discussed "the recent Israeli attacks on worshippers at the Al Aqsa Compound and the attack on the besieged Gaza Strip," adding that Al-Thani stressed "the need for urgent action by the international community to stop the repeated brutal Israeli attacks against civilians in Gaza and the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque."&nbsp;

In his call with Egypt's Sameh Shoukry, Blinken "reiterated his call on all parties to deescalate tensions and bring a halt to the violence, which has claimed the lives of Israeli and Palestinian civilians, including children", the State Department said in another statement.&nbsp;

Saudi state news agency SPA reported on Sunday that Blinken also had a phone call with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud to discuss the latest developments 'in Palestine and in the region’.&nbsp;

The State Department said the two discussed "the ongoing efforts to calm tensions in Israel and the West Bank and Gaza and bring the current violence to an end."&nbsp;

Qatar's Al-Thani also held a phone call on Sunday with Shoukry, in which they reviewed 'bilateral cooperation relations and developments in Palestine’, the Qatari Foreign Ministry said in a separate statement.&nbsp;

The Egyptian Foreign Ministry said in a statement that the two ministers agreed on "the importance of working to reach an immediate ceasefire between the two sides, and they also agreed to continue coordination in the bilateral framework, as well as in regional and international ones, regarding what is in the interest of the Palestinian people and reaching a ceasefire." &nbsp;

The truce efforts by Egypt, Qatar and the United Nations have so far offered no sign of progress.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed the violence in Israel, the West Bank and Gaza in phone calls with the Qatari, Egyptian and Saudi foreign ministers, the State Department said on Sunday.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed the violence in Israel, the West Bank and Gaza in phone calls with the Qatari, Egyptian and Saudi foreign ministers, the State Department said on Sunday. Blinken and Qatar's Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani discussed 'efforts to restore calm in Israel and the West Bank and Gaza in light of the tragic loss of civilian life', the State Department said. The Qatari Foreign Ministry said in a statement that the two officials discussed "the recent Israeli attacks on worshippers at the Al Aqsa Compound and the attack on the besieged Gaza Strip," adding that Al-Thani stressed "the need for urgent action by the international community to stop the repeated brutal Israeli attacks against civilians in Gaza and the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque." In his call with Egypt's Sameh Shoukry, Blinken "reiterated his call on all parties to deescalate tensions and bring a halt to the violence, which has claimed the lives of Israeli and Palestinian civilians, including children", the State Department said in another statement. Saudi state news agency SPA reported on Sunday that Blinken also had a phone call with Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud to discuss the latest developments 'in Palestine and in the region’. The State Department said the two discussed "the ongoing efforts to calm tensions in Israel and the West Bank and Gaza and bring the current violence to an end." Qatar's Al-Thani also held a phone call on Sunday with Shoukry, in which they reviewed 'bilateral cooperation relations and developments in Palestine’, the Qatari Foreign Ministry said in a separate statement. The Egyptian Foreign Ministry said in a statement that the two ministers agreed on "the importance of working to reach an immediate ceasefire between the two sides, and they also agreed to continue coordination in the bilateral framework, as well as in regional and international ones, regarding what is in the interest of the Palestinian people and reaching a ceasefire." The truce efforts by Egypt, Qatar and the United Nations have so far offered no sign of progress. (With inputs from agencies)

Blinken discusses Gaza in calls with Qatari, Egyptian, Saudi foreign ministers 

Israeli airstrikes on the Palestinian enclave continue early morning as health officials say at least 197 civilians, including 58 minors, have so far been killed.

More than 250 wounded people were evacuated to Egypt for treatment, according to medical and border sources.

Three convoys transporting a total of 263 Palestinians crossed the Rafah border post into Egypt’s restive North Sinai region. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-pm-netanyahu-defends-media-house-attack-says-building-was-legitimate-target-385466">Also read | Israel PM Netanyahu defends media house attack, says the building was 'legitimate target'</a> 
 
Israeli airstrikes on Gaza City flatten three buildings and kill at least 42 people on Sunday, as reported by Aljazeera news.

Gaza health authorities said 40,000 people had been displaced from their homes, and the head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, Philippe Lazzarini, announced over 40 of UNRWA's schools had been converted into shelters. 
 
Watch | Israel-Palestine Conflict: Israel bombs Hamas Gaza chief's home

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-palestine-conflict-israel-bombs-hamas-gaza-chiefs-home-385477/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Israel's bombardment of Gaza entered its eighth consecutive day after raids on Sunday killed at least 42 Palestinians, wounded dozens more, and flattened at least two residential buildings.

The home of Gaza's Hamas chief, Yehya al-Sinwar, was also targeted, as reported by Aljazeera news.

The United Nations Security Council met on Sunday to discuss the worst outbreak of violence in years in Palestine and Israel.

US President Biden conferred with Netanyahu and Mahmoud Abbas, president of the Palestinian Authority, about efforts to broker a cease-fire. While supporting Israel's right to defend itself from rocket attacks by Hamas militants, Biden urged Netanyahu to protect civilians and journalists.

Over the past week, the 15-member U.N. Security Council met privately at least twice to discuss ways of reducing tensions. But efforts to reach an agreement on a statement or to hold an open meeting had faced resistance from the United States, Israel's biggest defender on the council.

Even before Sunday morning's attack, Israeli airstrikes had intensified over the weekend, with an attack on a house in a refugee camp in Gaza that killed 10 members of an extended family, including women and children, and another that destroyed a high-rise that housed media outlets of Al Jazeera.

The cross-border fire has sparked inter-communal violence between Jews and Arab-Israelis, as well as deadly clashes in the occupied West Bank, where 19 Palestinians have been killed since Monday.

A rocket on Sunday damaged a synagogue in the southern Israeli city of Ashkelon, shortly before prayers for the Shavuot Jewish holiday.

(With inputs from agencies)

Israeli airstrikes on the Palestinian enclave continue early morning as health officials say at least 197 civilians, including 58 minors, have so far been killed.

Israeli airstrikes on the Palestinian enclave continue early morning as health officials say at least 197 civilians, including 58 minors, have so far been killed. More than 250 wounded people were evacuated to Egypt for treatment, according to medical and border sources. Three convoys transporting a total of 263 Palestinians crossed the Rafah border post into Egypt’s restive North Sinai region. Also read | Israel PM Netanyahu defends media house attack, says the building was 'legitimate target' Israeli airstrikes on Gaza City flatten three buildings and kill at least 42 people on Sunday, as reported by Aljazeera news. Gaza health authorities said 40,000 people had been displaced from their homes, and the head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, Philippe Lazzarini, announced over 40 of UNRWA's schools had been converted into shelters. Watch | Israel-Palestine Conflict: Israel bombs Hamas Gaza chief's home Israel's bombardment of Gaza entered its eighth consecutive day after raids on Sunday killed at least 42 Palestinians, wounded dozens more, and flattened at least two residential buildings. The home of Gaza's Hamas chief, Yehya al-Sinwar, was also targeted, as reported by Aljazeera news. The United Nations Security Council met on Sunday to discuss the worst outbreak of violence in years in Palestine and Israel. US President Biden conferred with Netanyahu and Mahmoud Abbas, president of the Palestinian Authority, about efforts to broker a cease-fire. While supporting Israel's right to defend itself from rocket attacks by Hamas militants, Biden urged Netanyahu to protect civilians and journalists. Over the past week, the 15-member U.N. Security Council met privately at least twice to discuss ways of reducing tensions. But efforts to reach an agreement on a statement or to hold an open meeting had faced resistance from the United States, Israel's biggest defender on the council. Even before Sunday morning's attack, Israeli airstrikes had intensified over the weekend, with an attack on a house in a refugee camp in Gaza that killed 10 members of an extended family, including women and children, and another that destroyed a high-rise that housed media outlets of Al Jazeera. The cross-border fire has sparked inter-communal violence between Jews and Arab-Israelis, as well as deadly clashes in the occupied West Bank, where 19 Palestinians have been killed since Monday. A rocket on Sunday damaged a synagogue in the southern Israeli city of Ashkelon, shortly before prayers for the Shavuot Jewish holiday. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel-Palestine conflict: Gaza fighting enters second week, death toll nears 200

As Israel gear up for the Jewish holiday of Shavuot, WION correspondent Jodie Cohen takes you inside a bomb shelter in the country as we talk to citizens about the mood and situation these days in Israel.

Israel Ground Report: WION talks to citizen inside a bomb shelter

The deadly clashes between Israel and Hamas militants escalated in what has become the heaviest flare-up since the 2014 Gaza War.&nbsp;

Fighter jets of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) unleashed a series of heavy airstrikes at multiple locations in Gaza City earlier today.&nbsp;

This came hours after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu signalled the fourth war with Gaza's Hamas rulers would rage on. Hamas also pressed on, launching rockets from civilian areas in Gaza toward civilian areas in Israel. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-pm-netanyahu-defends-media-house-attack-says-building-was-legitimate-target-385466">Also read | Israel PM Netanyahu defends media house attack, says the building was 'legitimate target'</a>

The Israeli attack destroyed 15 kilometres (nine miles) of militant tunnels and the homes of nine alleged Hamas commanders, according to a news report by Israeli media outlet The Times of Israel. 
 
Watch: Several injured in car-ramming attack in Jerusalem's Sheikh Jarrah 
&nbsp;

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Israel's army said in a statement that it hit the homes of nine "high-ranking" Hamas commanders, without providing details on casualties.

The overnight bombardment also included the third round of strikes on what the army calls the "Metro," its term for a Hamas underground tunnel network.

Fifty-four fighter jets pounded 15 kilometres (nine miles) of tunnels, which the army has previously acknowledged runs in part through civilian areas.

Gazan Mani Qazaat said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu "should realise we're civilians, not fighters", adding "I felt like I was dying". 
 
'Legitimate'

The renewed strikes come a day after 42 Palestinians in Gaza -- including at least eight children and two doctors, according to the health ministry -- were killed in the worst daily death toll in the enclave since the bombardments began.

In total, 197 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, including at least 58 children, and more than 1,200 wounded since Israel launched its air campaign against Hamas on May 10 after the group fired rockets. The heaviest exchange of fire in years was sparked by unrest in Jerusalem.

In Israel, 10 people, including one child, have been killed and 294 wounded by rocket fire launched by armed groups in Gaza.

Israel's army said about 3,100 rockets had been fired since last Monday from Gaza -- the highest rate ever recorded -- but added it's Iron Dome anti-missile system had intercepted over 1,000.

Netanyahu said in a televised address Sunday that Israel's "campaign against the terrorist organisations is continuing with full force" and would "take time" to finish.

The Israeli army said it had targeted the infrastructure of Hamas and armed group Islamic Jihad, weapons factories and storage sites.

Israeli airstrikes also hit the home of Yahya Sinwar, head of Hamas's political wing in Gaza, the army said, releasing footage of plumes of smoke and intense damage, but without saying if he was killed.

On Saturday, Israel gave journalists from Al Jazeera and AP news agency an hour to evacuate their offices before launching airstrikes, turning their tower block into piles of smoking rubble.

Netanyahu on Sunday said the building also hosted a Palestinian "terrorist" intelligence office.

"It is a legitimate target," he said.

Inter-communal clashes

The violence between Hamas and Israel is the worst since 2014 when Israel launched a military operation on the Gaza Strip with the stated aim of ending rocket fire and destroying tunnels used for smuggling.

The war left 2,251 dead on the Palestinian side, mostly civilians, and 74 on the Israeli side, mostly soldiers.

Opening the first session of the UN Security Council on the renewed violence on Sunday, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called the fighting "utterly appalling".

"It must stop immediately," he said.

But the UN talks, already delayed by Israel's ally the United States, resulted in little action, with Washington opposing a resolution.

President Joe Biden's administration says it is working behind the scenes, and that a Security Council statement could backfire.

Israel is also trying to contain inter-communal violence between Jews and Arab-Israelis, as well as deadly clashes in the occupied West Bank, where 19 Palestinians have been killed since May 10, according to a toll from Palestinian authorities.

Major clashes broke out at the Al-Aqsa mosque compound -- one of Islam's holiest sites -- on May 7 following a crackdown against protests over planned expulsions of Palestinians in the Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood of Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem.

Sheikh Jarrah has been at the heart of the flareup, seeing weeks of clashes between Palestinians and Israeli security forces.

On Sunday, a car-ramming attack in Sheikh Jarrah wounded seven police officers, police said, adding that the attacker had been killed.

Police also said "several suspects" had been arrested during clashes in another east Jerusalem neighbourhood overnight Sunday to Monday.

Guterres warned the fighting could have far-reaching consequences if not stopped immediately.

"It has the potential to unleash an uncontainable security and humanitarian crisis and to further foster extremism, not only in the occupied Palestinian territory and Israel but in the region as a whole."

(With inputs from agencies)

The deadly clashes between Israel and Hamas militants escalated in what has become the heaviest flare-up since the 2014 Gaza War. Fighter jets of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) unleashed a series of heavy airstrikes at multiple locations in Gaza City earlier today.

The deadly clashes between Israel and Hamas militants escalated in what has become the heaviest flare-up since the 2014 Gaza War. Fighter jets of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) unleashed a series of heavy airstrikes at multiple locations in Gaza City earlier today. This came hours after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu signalled the fourth war with Gaza's Hamas rulers would rage on. Hamas also pressed on, launching rockets from civilian areas in Gaza toward civilian areas in Israel. Also read | Israel PM Netanyahu defends media house attack, says the building was 'legitimate target' The Israeli attack destroyed 15 kilometres (nine miles) of militant tunnels and the homes of nine alleged Hamas commanders, according to a news report by Israeli media outlet The Times of Israel. Watch: Several injured in car-ramming attack in Jerusalem's Sheikh Jarrah Israel's army said in a statement that it hit the homes of nine "high-ranking" Hamas commanders, without providing details on casualties. The overnight bombardment also included the third round of strikes on what the army calls the "Metro," its term for a Hamas underground tunnel network. Fifty-four fighter jets pounded 15 kilometres (nine miles) of tunnels, which the army has previously acknowledged runs in part through civilian areas. Gazan Mani Qazaat said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu "should realise we're civilians, not fighters", adding "I felt like I was dying". 'Legitimate' The renewed strikes come a day after 42 Palestinians in Gaza -- including at least eight children and two doctors, according to the health ministry -- were killed in the worst daily death toll in the enclave since the bombardments began. In total, 197 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, including at least 58 children, and more than 1,200 wounded since Israel launched its air campaign against Hamas on May 10 after the group fired rockets. The heaviest exchange of fire in years was sparked by unrest in Jerusalem. In Israel, 10 people, including one child, have been killed and 294 wounded by rocket fire launched by armed groups in Gaza. Israel's army said about 3,100 rockets had been fired since last Monday from Gaza -- the highest rate ever recorded -- but added it's Iron Dome anti-missile system had intercepted over 1,000. Netanyahu said in a televised address Sunday that Israel's "campaign against the terrorist organisations is continuing with full force" and would "take time" to finish. The Israeli army said it had targeted the infrastructure of Hamas and armed group Islamic Jihad, weapons factories and storage sites. Israeli airstrikes also hit the home of Yahya Sinwar, head of Hamas's political wing in Gaza, the army said, releasing footage of plumes of smoke and intense damage, but without saying if he was killed. On Saturday, Israel gave journalists from Al Jazeera and AP news agency an hour to evacuate their offices before launching airstrikes, turning their tower block into piles of smoking rubble. Netanyahu on Sunday said the building also hosted a Palestinian "terrorist" intelligence office. "It is a legitimate target," he said. Inter-communal clashes The violence between Hamas and Israel is the worst since 2014 when Israel launched a military operation on the Gaza Strip with the stated aim of ending rocket fire and destroying tunnels used for smuggling. The war left 2,251 dead on the Palestinian side, mostly civilians, and 74 on the Israeli side, mostly soldiers. Opening the first session of the UN Security Council on the renewed violence on Sunday, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called the fighting "utterly appalling". "It must stop immediately," he said. But the UN talks, already delayed by Israel's ally the United States, resulted in little action, with Washington opposing a resolution. President Joe Biden's administration says it is working behind the scenes, and that a Security Council statement could backfire. Israel is also trying to contain inter-communal violence between Jews and Arab-Israelis, as well as deadly clashes in the occupied West Bank, where 19 Palestinians have been killed since May 10, according to a toll from Palestinian authorities. Major clashes broke out at the Al-Aqsa mosque compound -- one of Islam's holiest sites -- on May 7 following a crackdown against protests over planned expulsions of Palestinians in the Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood of Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem. Sheikh Jarrah has been at the heart of the flareup, seeing weeks of clashes between Palestinians and Israeli security forces. On Sunday, a car-ramming attack in Sheikh Jarrah wounded seven police officers, police said, adding that the attacker had been killed. Police also said "several suspects" had been arrested during clashes in another east Jerusalem neighbourhood overnight Sunday to Monday. Guterres warned the fighting could have far-reaching consequences if not stopped immediately. "It has the potential to unleash an uncontainable security and humanitarian crisis and to further foster extremism, not only in the occupied Palestinian territory and Israel but in the region as a whole." (With inputs from agencies)

Israel-Palestine conflict: IDF strikes Hamas tunnels in Gaza, world leaders call for de-escalation

Pro-Palestinian groups took to streets across the globe, demanding an end to the escalating violence between Israel and Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip. In Jordan, protesters gathered outside the Israeli embassy and burned Israeli flags.

Pro-Palestinian protesters march in major cities as Israel attacks Gaza

Saudi Arabia has called for foreign ministers of the world's largest body of Muslim nations to hold a meeting on Sunday.

The gathering is to discuss Israeli acts of violence against Palestinians and the Israeli police's use of force against protesters at Al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="Qatar top diplomat meets Hamas' leader in Doha ">Qatar top diplomat meets Hamas' leader in Doha&nbsp;</a>

The kingdom will host the virtual summit, gathering ministers of the 57-nation Organisation of Islamic Cooperation to discuss the Israeli aggression in the Palestinian territory, particularly acts of violence in the vicinity of Al-Aqsa Mosque, the body said on Saturday.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="Israel bombs home of Hamas chief in Gaza; violence shows no signs of abating">Israel bombs home of Hamas chief in Gaza; violence shows no signs of abating</a>

The Saudi-headquartered OIC includes countries Iran, Turkey, Indonesia and a range of Muslim majority nations.

The sanctity of Al-Aqsa mosque, one of Islam's holiest sites, is a sensitive and emotive issue for Muslims around the world.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="Biden calls Netanyahu, reaffirms US support for Israel's right to defend itself against Hamas, other terror groups">Biden calls Netanyahu, reaffirms US support for Israel's right to defend itself against Hamas, other terror groups</a>

The OIC was formed 51 years ago in response to a Jewish extremist arson attack on the Al-Aqsa Mosque in east Jerusalem.

The hilltop on which the mosque stands is also sacred to Jews, who revere it as the Temple Mount because it was the site of the biblical temples.

Some Jews and evangelical Christians support building a new Jewish temple on the site, an idea that Muslims find alarming because they fear it would lead to the mosque being partitioned or demolished.&nbsp;

Saudi Arabia has called for foreign ministers of the world's largest body of Muslim nations to hold a meeting on Sunday. The gathering is to discuss Israeli acts of violence against Palestinians and the Israeli police's use of force against protesters at Al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem.

Saudi Arabia has called for foreign ministers of the world's largest body of Muslim nations to hold a meeting on Sunday. The gathering is to discuss Israeli acts of violence against Palestinians and the Israeli police's use of force against protesters at Al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem. Also read: Qatar top diplomat meets Hamas' leader in Doha The kingdom will host the virtual summit, gathering ministers of the 57-nation Organisation of Islamic Cooperation to discuss the Israeli aggression in the Palestinian territory, particularly acts of violence in the vicinity of Al-Aqsa Mosque, the body said on Saturday. Also read: Israel bombs home of Hamas chief in Gaza; violence shows no signs of abating The Saudi-headquartered OIC includes countries Iran, Turkey, Indonesia and a range of Muslim majority nations. The sanctity of Al-Aqsa mosque, one of Islam's holiest sites, is a sensitive and emotive issue for Muslims around the world. Also read: Biden calls Netanyahu, reaffirms US support for Israel's right to defend itself against Hamas, other terror groups The OIC was formed 51 years ago in response to a Jewish extremist arson attack on the Al-Aqsa Mosque in east Jerusalem. The hilltop on which the mosque stands is also sacred to Jews, who revere it as the Temple Mount because it was the site of the biblical temples. Some Jews and evangelical Christians support building a new Jewish temple on the site, an idea that Muslims find alarming because they fear it would lead to the mosque being partitioned or demolished.

Saudis to host meeting of Muslim nations' foreign ministers

Israel targets Hamas infrastructure, bombs Hamas Gaza chief's home.

Israel-Palestine Conflict: Israel bombs Hamas Gaza chief's home

India has expressed its "deep concern" over violence in Jerusalem at the United Nations security council session on the ongoing Israel-Palestine escalating situation.

Israel-Palestine Conflict: Israel, Palestine clash at UNSC meet

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday defended Israel's attack on Gaza tower housing Al-Jazeera and The Associated Press offices. He called the attack "perfectly legitimate attack'. His comments are sure to attract criticism for Israel which is already facing global heat.

"An intelligence office for the Palestinian terrorist organization (was) housed in that building that plots and organizes the terror attacks against Israeli civilians," Netanyahu told CBS News.

"So it is a perfectly legitimate target. I can tell you that we took every precaution to make sure that there were no civilian injuries, in fact, no deaths."

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On Saturday (May 15), an Israeli air attack flattened the building in Gaza that housed the media offices.

The attack sent alarm bells ringing across world that is already voicing concern about the escalating Israel-Palestine violence. The attack on media houses elicited a response even from the US, a strong ally of Israel. The US on Saturday asked Israel to protect the journalists.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nearly-3000-rockets-fired-from-gaza-towards-israel-army-claims-385423">Nearly 3,000 rockets fired from Gaza towards Israel, army claims</a>

On Sunday, several strong statements came from the Israeli camp. Israel army chief said that Hamas had 'misjudged' Israel's strength.

"Hamas misjudged the strength of our response," said Aviv Kochavi, the army's chief of general staff, saying Gaza had since been enduring an aerial bombardment of unprecedented "intensity".

'Premeditated violence', says Israel at UN

Israel alleged that violence by&nbsp;Hamas was 'premeditated'.&nbsp;

"It was completely premeditated by Hamas in order to gain political power," said Israel's ambassador to the world body, Gilad Erdan. He was speaking during a session called by United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on the crisis.

Hamas said its rocket fire into Israel was in response to Israeli forces' entry into the Al-Aqsa mosque compound in Jerusalem, amid high tensions over moves to evict Palestinian families in the city.

"Do you really believe that this property dispute is what caused Hamas to launch these large-scale attacks on the people of Israel?" Erdan said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday defended Israel's attack on Gaza tower housing Al-Jazeera and The Associated Press offices. He called the attack "perfectly legitimate attack'.

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday defended Israel's attack on Gaza tower housing Al-Jazeera and The Associated Press offices. He called the attack "perfectly legitimate attack'. His comments are sure to attract criticism for Israel which is already facing global heat. "An intelligence office for the Palestinian terrorist organization (was) housed in that building that plots and organizes the terror attacks against Israeli civilians," Netanyahu told CBS News. "So it is a perfectly legitimate target. I can tell you that we took every precaution to make sure that there were no civilian injuries, in fact, no deaths." × On Saturday (May 15), an Israeli air attack flattened the building in Gaza that housed the media offices. The attack sent alarm bells ringing across world that is already voicing concern about the escalating Israel-Palestine violence. The attack on media houses elicited a response even from the US, a strong ally of Israel. The US on Saturday asked Israel to protect the journalists. Also Read | Nearly 3,000 rockets fired from Gaza towards Israel, army claims On Sunday, several strong statements came from the Israeli camp. Israel army chief said that Hamas had 'misjudged' Israel's strength. "Hamas misjudged the strength of our response," said Aviv Kochavi, the army's chief of general staff, saying Gaza had since been enduring an aerial bombardment of unprecedented "intensity". 'Premeditated violence', says Israel at UN Israel alleged that violence by Hamas was 'premeditated'. "It was completely premeditated by Hamas in order to gain political power," said Israel's ambassador to the world body, Gilad Erdan. He was speaking during a session called by United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on the crisis. Hamas said its rocket fire into Israel was in response to Israeli forces' entry into the Al-Aqsa mosque compound in Jerusalem, amid high tensions over moves to evict Palestinian families in the city. "Do you really believe that this property dispute is what caused Hamas to launch these large-scale attacks on the people of Israel?" Erdan said. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel PM Netanyahu defends media house attack, says building was 'legitimate target'

UN&nbsp;Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was 'dismayed'&nbsp;by civilian casualties in&nbsp;Gaza&nbsp;and 'deeply&nbsp;disturbed'&nbsp;by&nbsp;Israel's strike&nbsp;on&nbsp;a building containing international media outlets, a spokesman said Saturday in response to reporters' questions.

The comments came as&nbsp;Israel&nbsp;pummeled the&nbsp;Gaza&nbsp;Strip with air&nbsp;strikes, killing 10 members of an extended family and demolishing the 13-floor&nbsp;Gaza&nbsp;building housing Qatar-based Al Jazeera and The Associated Press news agency, with Palestinian militants firing back barrages of rockets.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="Israel bombs home of Hamas chief in Gaza; violence shows no signs of abating">Israel bombs home of Hamas chief in Gaza; violence shows no signs of abating</a>

"The Secretary-General is&nbsp;dismayed&nbsp;by the increasing number of civilian casualties, including the death of ten members of the same family, including children, as a result of an Israeli airstrike last night in the al-Shati camp in&nbsp;Gaza, purportedly aimed at a Hamas leader," his spokesman, Stephane Dujarric, said in the written response to questions&nbsp;on&nbsp;the Israeli air&nbsp;strikes&nbsp;in&nbsp;Gaza.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="Israel orders 'massive reinforcement' of forces to quell unrest in cities after Gaza violence">Israel orders 'massive reinforcement' of forces to quell unrest in cities after Gaza violence</a>

Guterres was 'also deeply&nbsp;disturbed&nbsp;by the destruction by an Israeli airstrike today of a high-rise building in&nbsp;Gaza City&nbsp;that housed the offices of several international media organizations as well as residential apartments,'&nbsp;Dujarric continued.

'The Secretary-General reminds all sides that any indiscriminate targeting of civilian and media structures violates international law and must be avoided at all costs,'&nbsp;he said.&nbsp;

Israeli air and artillery&nbsp;strikes&nbsp;on&nbsp;Gaza&nbsp;since Monday have killed 145 people including 41 children, and wounded another 1,100, health officials say, the worst violence in the region since 2014.

Palestinian armed groups have fired at least 2,300 rockets at&nbsp;Israel, killing 10 people, including a child and a soldier, and wounding over 560 Israelis. Israeli air defenses have intercepted many rockets.

US Secretary for&nbsp;Israel-Palestinian Affairs Hady Amr was to hold talks Sunday with Israeli leaders before meeting Palestinian officials to seek a 'sustainable calm,'&nbsp;the State Department said.

The&nbsp;UN&nbsp;Security Council was to meet Sunday to discuss the violence.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was 'dismayed' by civilian casualties in Gaza and 'deeply disturbed' by Israel's strike on a building containing international media outlets, a spokesman said Saturday in response to reporters' questions.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was 'dismayed' by civilian casualties in Gaza and 'deeply disturbed' by Israel's strike on a building containing international media outlets, a spokesman said Saturday in response to reporters' questions. The comments came as Israel pummeled the Gaza Strip with air strikes, killing 10 members of an extended family and demolishing the 13-floor Gaza building housing Qatar-based Al Jazeera and The Associated Press news agency, with Palestinian militants firing back barrages of rockets. Also read: Israel bombs home of Hamas chief in Gaza; violence shows no signs of abating "The Secretary-General is dismayed by the increasing number of civilian casualties, including the death of ten members of the same family, including children, as a result of an Israeli airstrike last night in the al-Shati camp in Gaza, purportedly aimed at a Hamas leader," his spokesman, Stephane Dujarric, said in the written response to questions on the Israeli air strikes in Gaza. Also read: Israel orders 'massive reinforcement' of forces to quell unrest in cities after Gaza violence Guterres was 'also deeply disturbed by the destruction by an Israeli airstrike today of a high-rise building in Gaza City that housed the offices of several international media organizations as well as residential apartments,' Dujarric continued. 'The Secretary-General reminds all sides that any indiscriminate targeting of civilian and media structures violates international law and must be avoided at all costs,' he said. Israeli air and artillery strikes on Gaza since Monday have killed 145 people including 41 children, and wounded another 1,100, health officials say, the worst violence in the region since 2014. Palestinian armed groups have fired at least 2,300 rockets at Israel, killing 10 people, including a child and a soldier, and wounding over 560 Israelis. Israeli air defenses have intercepted many rockets. US Secretary for Israel-Palestinian Affairs Hady Amr was to hold talks Sunday with Israeli leaders before meeting Palestinian officials to seek a 'sustainable calm,' the State Department said. The UN Security Council was to meet Sunday to discuss the violence.

UN chief 'dismayed', 'disturbed' by Israel strikes on Gaza

Pro-Palestinian protesters took to the streets of Los Angeles, Boston, Philadelphia and other US cities to demand an end to Israeli airstrikes over the Gaza Strip. &nbsp;

Thousands of people shut down traffic on a major thoroughfare in west Los Angeles on Saturday as they marched two miles from outside the federal building to the Israeli consulate. The protesters waved signs that said 'free Palestine' and shouted 'long live intifada’, or uprising.&nbsp;

In San Francisco, a raucous crowd banged drums and yelled 'Palestine will be free' as they marched across the Mission district to Dolores Park. &nbsp;

A similar scene played out in Boston as protesters walked a short distance from Copley Square to the Israeli Consulate for New England, blocking traffic. &nbsp;

Footage on social media shows protesters unfurl a banner in the colors of the Palestinian flag with the words 'Free Palestine' while standing on top of the awning of the building where the consulate is located. &nbsp;

In Washington, thousands of protesters streamed from the Washington Monument and to the National Archives. In Philadelphia, demonstrators filled Rittenhouse Square to decry US support for Israel. &nbsp;

At a protest in Pittsburgh, one speaker called on lawmakers to put restrictions on how Israel can spend aid from the United States.&nbsp;

The protests were stoked by five days of mayhem that left at least 145 Palestinians dead in Gaza and eight dead on the Israeli side. The violence, set off by Hamas firing a rocket into Israel on Monday, came after weeks of mounting tensions and heavy-handed Israeli measures in contested Jerusalem.&nbsp;

Israel stepped up its assault and slammed the Gaza Strip with airstrikes on Saturday, in a dramatic escalation that included bombing the home of a senior Hamas leader, killing a family of 10 in a refugee camp and destroying a building that house the offices of The Associated Press and other media. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

Pro-Palestinian protesters took to the streets of Los Angeles, Boston, Philadelphia and other US cities to demand an end to Israeli airstrikes over the Gaza Strip.

Pro-Palestinian protesters took to the streets of Los Angeles, Boston, Philadelphia and other US cities to demand an end to Israeli airstrikes over the Gaza Strip. Thousands of people shut down traffic on a major thoroughfare in west Los Angeles on Saturday as they marched two miles from outside the federal building to the Israeli consulate. The protesters waved signs that said 'free Palestine' and shouted 'long live intifada’, or uprising. In San Francisco, a raucous crowd banged drums and yelled 'Palestine will be free' as they marched across the Mission district to Dolores Park. A similar scene played out in Boston as protesters walked a short distance from Copley Square to the Israeli Consulate for New England, blocking traffic. Footage on social media shows protesters unfurl a banner in the colors of the Palestinian flag with the words 'Free Palestine' while standing on top of the awning of the building where the consulate is located. In Washington, thousands of protesters streamed from the Washington Monument and to the National Archives. In Philadelphia, demonstrators filled Rittenhouse Square to decry US support for Israel. At a protest in Pittsburgh, one speaker called on lawmakers to put restrictions on how Israel can spend aid from the United States. The protests were stoked by five days of mayhem that left at least 145 Palestinians dead in Gaza and eight dead on the Israeli side. The violence, set off by Hamas firing a rocket into Israel on Monday, came after weeks of mounting tensions and heavy-handed Israeli measures in contested Jerusalem. Israel stepped up its assault and slammed the Gaza Strip with airstrikes on Saturday, in a dramatic escalation that included bombing the home of a senior Hamas leader, killing a family of 10 in a refugee camp and destroying a building that house the offices of The Associated Press and other media. (With inputs from agencies)

Protesters in major US cities decry airstrikes over Gaza 

Saudi Arabia on Sunday condemned "flagrant violations" of Palestinian rights by Israel and called for global action to end the recent spike of violence.

Israel-Palestine Conflict: Saudi calls for revival of peace talks

News organisations demanded an explanation for an Israeli airstrike that targeted and destroyed a Gaza City building housing the offices of The Associated Press, broadcaster Al-Jazeera and other media outlets. &nbsp;

AP journalists and other tenants were safely evacuated from the 12-storey al-Jalaa tower after the Israeli military warned of an imminent strike on Saturday. Three heavy missiles hit the building within the hour, disrupting coverage of the ongoing conflict between militant group Hamas and Israel. At least 145 people in Gaza and eight in Israel have been killed since the fighting erupted on Monday night. &nbsp;

"The world will know less about what is happening in Gaza because of what happened today," AP President and CEO Gary Pruitt said. He said the American news agency was seeking information from the Israeli government and engaging with the US State Department to learn more.&nbsp;

Mostefa Souag, acting director-general of Al Jazeera Media Network, called the strike a 'war crime' and a 'clear act' to stop journalists from reporting on the conflict. Kuwait state television also had office space in the now-collapsed Gaza City building.&nbsp;

"The targeting of news organisations is completely unacceptable, even during an armed conflict. It represents a gross violation of human rights and internationally agreed norms," Barbara Trionfi, the executive director of the International Press Institute, said.&nbsp;

In a standard Israeli response, the military said that Hamas was operating inside the building, and it accused the militant group of using journalists as human shields. But it provided no evidence to back up the claims.&nbsp;

Israeli military spokesman Lt Col Jonathan Conricus claimed that Hamas used the building for a military intelligence office and weapons development. He said "a highly advanced technological tool that the militant group used in the fighting was within or on the building."&nbsp;

But Conricus said he could not provide evidence to back up the claims without 'compromising' intelligence efforts. He added, however: "I think it's a legitimate request to see more information, and I will try to provide it."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

News organisations demanded an explanation for an Israeli airstrike that targeted and destroyed a Gaza City building housing the offices of The Associated Press, broadcaster Al-Jazeera and other media outlets.

News organisations demanded an explanation for an Israeli airstrike that targeted and destroyed a Gaza City building housing the offices of The Associated Press, broadcaster Al-Jazeera and other media outlets. AP journalists and other tenants were safely evacuated from the 12-storey al-Jalaa tower after the Israeli military warned of an imminent strike on Saturday. Three heavy missiles hit the building within the hour, disrupting coverage of the ongoing conflict between militant group Hamas and Israel. At least 145 people in Gaza and eight in Israel have been killed since the fighting erupted on Monday night. "The world will know less about what is happening in Gaza because of what happened today," AP President and CEO Gary Pruitt said. He said the American news agency was seeking information from the Israeli government and engaging with the US State Department to learn more. Mostefa Souag, acting director-general of Al Jazeera Media Network, called the strike a 'war crime' and a 'clear act' to stop journalists from reporting on the conflict. Kuwait state television also had office space in the now-collapsed Gaza City building. "The targeting of news organisations is completely unacceptable, even during an armed conflict. It represents a gross violation of human rights and internationally agreed norms," Barbara Trionfi, the executive director of the International Press Institute, said. In a standard Israeli response, the military said that Hamas was operating inside the building, and it accused the militant group of using journalists as human shields. But it provided no evidence to back up the claims. Israeli military spokesman Lt Col Jonathan Conricus claimed that Hamas used the building for a military intelligence office and weapons development. He said "a highly advanced technological tool that the militant group used in the fighting was within or on the building." But Conricus said he could not provide evidence to back up the claims without 'compromising' intelligence efforts. He added, however: "I think it's a legitimate request to see more information, and I will try to provide it." (With inputs from agencies)

Media demands Israel to explain destruction of news offices 

gaza

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