Two Palestinians were shot dead by Israeli troops during clashes in the Gaza Strip and the Israeli-occupied West Bank on Friday (January 25).

Israeli forces shot and killed a Palestinian man during weekly protests on Friday along with its border with Gaza, local health officials said.

An Israeli military spokeswoman said that about 10,000 Palestinians had amassed along the Gaza border and that some of them hurled grenades and stones toward the soldiers across the way.

"IDF (Israel Defence Forces) fighters responded by using riot dispersal means and in accordance with the rules of engagement," the spokeswoman said.

Palestinians launched weekly border protests nine months ago demanding the right of return to land from which their ancestors fled or were forced to flee during Israel's founding in 1948 and an end to a grinding Israeli blockade of the territory, home for two million people.

Another Palestinian was killed on Friday by Israeli soldiers in a separate incident in the West Bank, the Palestinian Health Ministry said.

The Israeli military said its troops had opened fire at three Palestinian suspects who were throwing stones at Israeli vehicles driving along a West Bank highway and that after receiving medical treatment, one of the suspects died.

Two Palestinians were shot dead by Israeli troops during clashes in the Gaza Strip and the Israeli-occupied West Bank on Friday (January 25). Israeli forces shot and killed a Palestinian man during weekly protests on Friday along with its border with Gaza, local health officials said.

Two Palestinians were shot dead by Israeli troops during clashes in the Gaza Strip and the Israeli-occupied West Bank on Friday (January 25). Israeli forces shot and killed a Palestinian man during weekly protests on Friday along with its border with Gaza, local health officials said. An Israeli military spokeswoman said that about 10,000 Palestinians had amassed along the Gaza border and that some of them hurled grenades and stones toward the soldiers across the way. "IDF (Israel Defence Forces) fighters responded by using riot dispersal means and in accordance with the rules of engagement," the spokeswoman said. Palestinians launched weekly border protests nine months ago demanding the right of return to land from which their ancestors fled or were forced to flee during Israel's founding in 1948 and an end to a grinding Israeli blockade of the territory, home for two million people. Another Palestinian was killed on Friday by Israeli soldiers in a separate incident in the West Bank, the Palestinian Health Ministry said. The Israeli military said its troops had opened fire at three Palestinian suspects who were throwing stones at Israeli vehicles driving along a West Bank highway and that after receiving medical treatment, one of the suspects died.

Two Palestinians killed in clashes with Israeli troops in Gaza, West Bank

Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip fired a rocket at Israel late Saturday, Israel's army said, prompting retaliatory strikes on the territory's Islamist rulers Hamas as tensions rose after another day of violent border clashes.

"Earlier tonight, a rocket was launched from Gaza towards <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/israel-launches-further-hamas-strikes-after-gaza-rocket-fired-188761">Israeli territory</a>. In response, IDF fighter jets targeted two of Hamas' underground structures in the Gaza Strip," Israel Defense Forces tweeted.

"We will continue operating to defend Israeli civilians," it added.

Two targets in Gaza City were hit by the Israeli strikes and no one was harmed, security sources in Gaza said.

The clashes come a day after a Gaza woman was shot dead by Israeli forces during weekly protests and clashes along the Gaza border.

The health ministry named her as Amal al-Taramsi, 43, saying she was the third woman to die in months of clashes that have seen at least 241 Palestinians killed.

Another 25 Palestinians were wounded along the Israeli border in Friday's violence.

The Israeli army said that around 13,000 Palestinians had gathered in multiple sites along the border.

"The rioters have burned tyres and hurled blocks, explosive devices and grenades towards (Israeli) troops and at the Gaza Strip security fence," an army statement read.

The army also struck two positions belonging to Gaza's Islamist rulers Hamas on Friday, it said.

At least once a week since March, Palestinians have taken part in often violent protests with backing from Hamas.

Most of the Palestinians killed were shot in weekly clashes, but others have been hit by tank fire or airstrikes.

Protests have calmed in recent months amid an informal truce between Israel and Hamas.

Under the unwritten agreement, Israel has allowed Qatar to provide money and fuel to Hamas's government in Gaza in exchange for relative calm.

Expected delivery of new funds by Qatar did not arrive this week, sparking speculation Israel was holding it up.

On Monday, a rocket fired from Gaza hit Israel, prompting the Jewish state to carry out a series of air strikes against Hamas targets in the Palestinian enclave.

Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip fired a rocket at Israel late Saturday, Israel's army said, prompting retaliatory strikes on the territory's Islamist rulers Hamas as tensions rose after another day of violent border clashes.

Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip fired a rocket at Israel late Saturday, Israel's army said, prompting retaliatory strikes on the territory's Islamist rulers Hamas as tensions rose after another day of violent border clashes. "Earlier tonight, a rocket was launched from Gaza towards Israeli territory. In response, IDF fighter jets targeted two of Hamas' underground structures in the Gaza Strip," Israel Defense Forces tweeted. "We will continue operating to defend Israeli civilians," it added. Two targets in Gaza City were hit by the Israeli strikes and no one was harmed, security sources in Gaza said. The clashes come a day after a Gaza woman was shot dead by Israeli forces during weekly protests and clashes along the Gaza border. The health ministry named her as Amal al-Taramsi, 43, saying she was the third woman to die in months of clashes that have seen at least 241 Palestinians killed. Another 25 Palestinians were wounded along the Israeli border in Friday's violence. The Israeli army said that around 13,000 Palestinians had gathered in multiple sites along the border. "The rioters have burned tyres and hurled blocks, explosive devices and grenades towards (Israeli) troops and at the Gaza Strip security fence," an army statement read. The army also struck two positions belonging to Gaza's Islamist rulers Hamas on Friday, it said. At least once a week since March, Palestinians have taken part in often violent protests with backing from Hamas. Most of the Palestinians killed were shot in weekly clashes, but others have been hit by tank fire or airstrikes. Protests have calmed in recent months amid an informal truce between Israel and Hamas. Under the unwritten agreement, Israel has allowed Qatar to provide money and fuel to Hamas's government in Gaza in exchange for relative calm. Expected delivery of new funds by Qatar did not arrive this week, sparking speculation Israel was holding it up. On Monday, a rocket fired from Gaza hit Israel, prompting the Jewish state to carry out a series of air strikes against Hamas targets in the Palestinian enclave.

Israel retaliates after rocket fired into Gaza: Army

The decade-long Palestinian split looks set to deepen in the coming months, with president Mahmud Abbas poised to take <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/israel-retaliates-after-rocket-fired-into-gaza-army-189938">multiple measures against Gaza</a> to squeeze its Islamist rulers Hamas.

The moves raise concerns of more suffering for Gaza's two million residents, already under an Israeli blockade and facing severe electricity shortages, while a cornered Hamas could renew violence against Israel.

Analysts say the measures will also widen the gap between Hamas-run Gaza and the occupied West Bank, where Abbas's government has limited self-rule.

Hamas and Abbas's secular Fatah party have been at loggerheads since the Islamists seized control of Gaza from Abbas's forces in a near civil war in 2007, a year after sweeping parliamentary elections.

Hamas has since fought three bloody wars with Israel and fears of a fourth remain.

Multiple reconciliation attempts between the Palestinian factions have failed but Egypt thought it had made a breakthrough in late 2017 when the two sides agreed to eventually share power.

As part of that agreement, Hamas withdrew from border crossings between Gaza and Egypt and Israel, allowing the Fatah-dominated Palestinian Authority to return and the Egyptian border to be reopened regularly.

The reconciliation agreement has since collapsed acrimoniously.

On Sunday, the PA announced it would withdraw from the Egyptian border crossing, creating a dilemma for Cairo about whether to leave it open with Hamas in control.&nbsp;

So far they have indicated they will. Senior officials close to Abbas said he is looking for other measures to punish Hamas.

Among these could be removing staff from the crossings between Israel and Gaza — making it hard for the Jewish state to allow anything into the territory without dealing directly with Hamas, which it and many other countries label a terrorist organisation.

They could also include cutting salaries to families of Hamas prisoners or rescinding Palestinian passports for Hamas employees.

Abbas has also pledged to dissolve the Hamas-dominated Palestinian parliament, which though it hasn't met since the 2007 split is still nominally the basis for new laws.

"Very important decisions against Hamas are being discussed," a senior official said on condition of anonymity.

It follows a series of arrests of those affiliated with Fatah in Gaza, according to Abbas allies.

The official said the PA spent around $ 100 million per month in Gaza, including for electricity subsidies, and was looking to cut back significantly.

"Those that want to rule Gaza must bear the responsibility of governing it," the official said.

Azzam al-Ahmad, a senior Abbas ally, and negotiator of the 2017 reconciliation agreement told AFP "the leadership is considering a number of measures".

Senior Hamas official Bassem Naim said the Islamists had seen similar threats before.

"Any type of sanctions such as electricity, preventing medicine, closing the border or cutting the salaries are intended to blackmail residents into rising against Hamas and they fail," he told AFP.

"This is the most that Abbas can do."

The Palestinians have faced stark challenges over the past two years, with <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/opinion-us-policy-on-palestine-conflict-has-changed-over-time-159087">US President Donald Trump</a> leading what he has called the most pro-Israel administration in the country's history.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing government has meanwhile continued to expand settlements in the West Bank.

Abbas's government froze contacts with the Trump administration after it recognised the disputed city of Jerusalem as Israel's capital in December 2017.

The deepening split between the two factions weakens their ability to respond to such pressure, said Hugh Lovatt of the European Council on Foreign Relations think-tank.

He said the PA withdrawal from the border crossings was part of a "package of measures designed to try and squeeze Hamas."&nbsp;

"It is not irreversible but it is certainly a very negative step. This is short-term thinking triumphing longer-term strategy."&nbsp;

Nadia Hijab, president of the Al-Shabaka Palestinian think-tank, said the infighting prevented a united front against Israeli policies.

"Palestinians fear that this latest move will cement the division and lead to a complete break between Gaza and the West Bank, something Israel has been pushing," she said.

Both sides were "playing politics with people's lives instead of taking on Israel's 50-year-plus occupation," she said.&nbsp;

At least 241 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire in Gaza since mass protests along the border began in March 2018. Two Israeli soldiers have been killed.

The protests had calmed in recent months after Hamas and Israel struck an agreement that saw Qatari aid allowed into the territory.

This week, it was reported that Israel had blocked the third tranche of Qatari funding, which could lead to increased tensions.

"If the Israelis do block the money, then I think it is almost a certainty you will see Hamas increasing the tension on the border," Lovatt said.

Hamas and Abbas's secular Fatah party have been at loggerheads since the Islamists seized control of Gaza from Abbas's forces in a near civil war in 2007.

The decade-long Palestinian split looks set to deepen in the coming months, with president Mahmud Abbas poised to take multiple measures against Gaza to squeeze its Islamist rulers Hamas. The moves raise concerns of more suffering for Gaza's two million residents, already under an Israeli blockade and facing severe electricity shortages, while a cornered Hamas could renew violence against Israel. Analysts say the measures will also widen the gap between Hamas-run Gaza and the occupied West Bank, where Abbas's government has limited self-rule. Hamas and Abbas's secular Fatah party have been at loggerheads since the Islamists seized control of Gaza from Abbas's forces in a near civil war in 2007, a year after sweeping parliamentary elections. Hamas has since fought three bloody wars with Israel and fears of a fourth remain. Multiple reconciliation attempts between the Palestinian factions have failed but Egypt thought it had made a breakthrough in late 2017 when the two sides agreed to eventually share power. As part of that agreement, Hamas withdrew from border crossings between Gaza and Egypt and Israel, allowing the Fatah-dominated Palestinian Authority to return and the Egyptian border to be reopened regularly. The reconciliation agreement has since collapsed acrimoniously. On Sunday, the PA announced it would withdraw from the Egyptian border crossing, creating a dilemma for Cairo about whether to leave it open with Hamas in control. So far they have indicated they will. Senior officials close to Abbas said he is looking for other measures to punish Hamas. Among these could be removing staff from the crossings between Israel and Gaza — making it hard for the Jewish state to allow anything into the territory without dealing directly with Hamas, which it and many other countries label a terrorist organisation. They could also include cutting salaries to families of Hamas prisoners or rescinding Palestinian passports for Hamas employees. Abbas has also pledged to dissolve the Hamas-dominated Palestinian parliament, which though it hasn't met since the 2007 split is still nominally the basis for new laws. "Very important decisions against Hamas are being discussed," a senior official said on condition of anonymity. It follows a series of arrests of those affiliated with Fatah in Gaza, according to Abbas allies. The official said the PA spent around $ 100 million per month in Gaza, including for electricity subsidies, and was looking to cut back significantly. "Those that want to rule Gaza must bear the responsibility of governing it," the official said. Azzam al-Ahmad, a senior Abbas ally, and negotiator of the 2017 reconciliation agreement told AFP "the leadership is considering a number of measures". Senior Hamas official Bassem Naim said the Islamists had seen similar threats before. "Any type of sanctions such as electricity, preventing medicine, closing the border or cutting the salaries are intended to blackmail residents into rising against Hamas and they fail," he told AFP. "This is the most that Abbas can do." The Palestinians have faced stark challenges over the past two years, with US President Donald Trump leading what he has called the most pro-Israel administration in the country's history. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing government has meanwhile continued to expand settlements in the West Bank. Abbas's government froze contacts with the Trump administration after it recognised the disputed city of Jerusalem as Israel's capital in December 2017. The deepening split between the two factions weakens their ability to respond to such pressure, said Hugh Lovatt of the European Council on Foreign Relations think-tank. He said the PA withdrawal from the border crossings was part of a "package of measures designed to try and squeeze Hamas." "It is not irreversible but it is certainly a very negative step. This is short-term thinking triumphing longer-term strategy." Nadia Hijab, president of the Al-Shabaka Palestinian think-tank, said the infighting prevented a united front against Israeli policies. "Palestinians fear that this latest move will cement the division and lead to a complete break between Gaza and the West Bank, something Israel has been pushing," she said. Both sides were "playing politics with people's lives instead of taking on Israel's 50-year-plus occupation," she said. At least 241 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire in Gaza since mass protests along the border began in March 2018. Two Israeli soldiers have been killed. The protests had calmed in recent months after Hamas and Israel struck an agreement that saw Qatari aid allowed into the territory. This week, it was reported that Israel had blocked the third tranche of Qatari funding, which could lead to increased tensions. "If the Israelis do block the money, then I think it is almost a certainty you will see Hamas increasing the tension on the border," Lovatt said.

Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas plans anti-Hamas measures as split widens

The Israeli army said Monday it had carried out further air raids against Hamas positions in the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/first-gaza-rocket-in-six-weeks-draws-israeli-riposte-187200"> Gaza Strip in response to a rocket being fired </a>over its border.&nbsp;

The Israeli air defence system intercepted the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/three-palestinians-killed-by-israeli-fire-gaza-medics-185852">rocket which was fired </a>overnight from the Hamas-ruled coastal enclave, the army.

Planes and helicopter gunships then raided "terrorist targets at Hamas military camps" on the Gaza Strip, the statement said.

The latest raids follow strikes by the Israeli army on two Hamas posts on Sunday, after balloons carried an explosive device over the border fence.

The Gaza border has been relatively calm in recent weeks after a deal in which Israel allowed Qatar to provide millions of dollars in aid for fuel and salaries in the blockaded enclave.

Following Sunday's strikes, the Israeli army statement said: "Earlier today, an explosive device attached to multiple balloons was launched on a model airplane from the Gaza Strip into Israeli territory.

"In response, (Israeli) attack helicopters targeted two Hamas military posts in the Gaza Strip."

A Hamas security source said one strike occurred east of Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip and hit an observation point for Hamas's armed wing, while the second was east of Gaza City.

The security source said no injuries had been reported.

Israel and Palestinian militants in Gaza, run by Islamist movement Hamas, have fought three wars since 2008.

Since March, protests, and clashes have occurred along the Gaza border fence.&nbsp;

Protesters have been calling for Palestinian refugees to be allowed to return to their former homes now inside Israel.

At least 240 Palestinians have been killed since the demonstrations began, most of them by Israeli fire during border clashes but also by air and tank strikes.

Two Israeli soldiers have been killed over the same period, one by a Palestinian sniper and another during an aborted special forces operation inside Gaza.

The Israeli air defence system intercepted the rocket which was fired overnight from the Hamas-ruled coastal enclave, said the army.

The Israeli army said Monday it had carried out further air raids against Hamas positions in the Gaza Strip in response to a rocket being fired over its border. The Israeli air defence system intercepted the rocket which was fired overnight from the Hamas-ruled coastal enclave, the army. Planes and helicopter gunships then raided "terrorist targets at Hamas military camps" on the Gaza Strip, the statement said. The latest raids follow strikes by the Israeli army on two Hamas posts on Sunday, after balloons carried an explosive device over the border fence. The Gaza border has been relatively calm in recent weeks after a deal in which Israel allowed Qatar to provide millions of dollars in aid for fuel and salaries in the blockaded enclave. Following Sunday's strikes, the Israeli army statement said: "Earlier today, an explosive device attached to multiple balloons was launched on a model airplane from the Gaza Strip into Israeli territory. "In response, (Israeli) attack helicopters targeted two Hamas military posts in the Gaza Strip." A Hamas security source said one strike occurred east of Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip and hit an observation point for Hamas's armed wing, while the second was east of Gaza City. The security source said no injuries had been reported. Israel and Palestinian militants in Gaza, run by Islamist movement Hamas, have fought three wars since 2008. Since March, protests, and clashes have occurred along the Gaza border fence. Protesters have been calling for Palestinian refugees to be allowed to return to their former homes now inside Israel. At least 240 Palestinians have been killed since the demonstrations began, most of them by Israeli fire during border clashes but also by air and tank strikes. Two Israeli soldiers have been killed over the same period, one by a Palestinian sniper and another during an aborted special forces operation inside Gaza.

Israel launches further Hamas strikes after Gaza rocket fired

An Israeli aircraft hit a Hamas position in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/three-palestinians-killed-by-israeli-fire-gaza-medics-185852">the Gaza Strip</a> late on Friday in response to the first fire from the territory since a November flare-up, the military said.

"An army attack helicopter targeted a Hamas military position in the south of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-court-sentences-6-people-to-hang-for-collaborating-with-israel-181215">the Gaza Strip</a>," an army statement said.

It said it had responded after a "launch towards Israel" that Israeli media said was a rocket.

Gaza's Islamist rulers Hamas said the Israeli aircraft fired two missiles which damaged one of their positions but caused no casualties.

It was the first rocket fire from Gaza since an Egyptian-brokered ceasefire announced on November 13 ended the worst flare-up around the territory since a 2014 war.

In the space of 48 hours, hundreds of rockets and mortar rounds were fired into Israel, killing one person and wounding 27.

The barrage followed a botched Israeli commando raid which killed a Hamas commander and six other militants as well as an Israeli officer.

Seven Gazans were killed and 26 wounded in retaliatory Israeli air strikes before the ceasefire took effect.&nbsp;

Israel and Palestinian militants in Gaza have fought three wars since 2008, and mass protests along the border since March 30 have triggered deadly clashes with the Israel army that have raised fears of a fourth.

During a protest on Friday, Israeli fire killed Karam Fayyad, 26, on the border east of the city of Khan Yunis, the Gaza health ministry said.

At least 240 Palestinians have been killed since the demonstrations began, most of them by Israeli fire during border clashes but also by air and tank strikes.

An Israeli aircraft hit a Hamas position in the Gaza Strip late on Friday in response to the first fire from the territory since a November flare-up, the military said.

An Israeli aircraft hit a Hamas position in the Gaza Strip late on Friday in response to the first fire from the territory since a November flare-up, the military said. "An army attack helicopter targeted a Hamas military position in the south of the Gaza Strip," an army statement said. It said it had responded after a "launch towards Israel" that Israeli media said was a rocket. Gaza's Islamist rulers Hamas said the Israeli aircraft fired two missiles which damaged one of their positions but caused no casualties. It was the first rocket fire from Gaza since an Egyptian-brokered ceasefire announced on November 13 ended the worst flare-up around the territory since a 2014 war. In the space of 48 hours, hundreds of rockets and mortar rounds were fired into Israel, killing one person and wounding 27. The barrage followed a botched Israeli commando raid which killed a Hamas commander and six other militants as well as an Israeli officer. Seven Gazans were killed and 26 wounded in retaliatory Israeli air strikes before the ceasefire took effect. Israel and Palestinian militants in Gaza have fought three wars since 2008, and mass protests along the border since March 30 have triggered deadly clashes with the Israel army that have raised fears of a fourth. During a protest on Friday, Israeli fire killed Karam Fayyad, 26, on the border east of the city of Khan Yunis, the Gaza health ministry said. At least 240 Palestinians have been killed since the demonstrations began, most of them by Israeli fire during border clashes but also by air and tank strikes.

First Gaza rocket in six weeks draws Israeli riposte

Hamas on Sunday denounced Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas's plan to dissolve the largely defunct Palestinian parliament that it controls, calling it a move to "serve his partisan interests".

Abbas said Saturday he intended to dissolve the Palestinian Legislative Council after a court decision that ordered the move and elections to be held within six months.

The ruling was made by the Palestinian Constitutional Court in Ramallah, and Hamas said in a statement it rejected the decision by a court created by Abbas "to legitimise his arbitrary decisions".

"Abbas should have extended his hands to (Hamas leader Ismail) Haniya's invitation to hold a joint meeting, thereby ending the Palestinian division," the statement said.

"Rather, Abbas opted to ruin the Palestinian political system, maintain his unilateralism, and dissolve the legal institutions of the Palestinian people. All of this is just to serve his partisan interests."

It called on Egypt, which has been seeking to reconcile Hamas and Abbas's Fatah, to block the measure.

Dissolving the parliament would allow Abbas to further pressure Hamas.

Though the parliament has not met since 2007, when Hamas seized control of the Gaza Strip, Palestinian law allows for its speaker to act as interim president should 83-year-old Abbas die in office.

Hamas won the last parliamentary elections in 2006 in a landslide, resulting in an electoral dispute with Fatah.

The split between them persists and has defied several reconciliation attempts. A range of issues have kept the two sides apart, including Hamas's refusal to disarm its military wing.

Abbas, whose Fatah is based in the occupied West Bank, has sought to pressure Hamas in recent months by reducing salaries in the Gaza Strip, which is under an Israeli blockade, among other moves.

Abbas's term was meant to expire in 2009, but he has remained in office in the absence of elections.

Hamas on Sunday denounced Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas's plan to dissolve the largely defunct Palestinian parliament that it controls, calling it a move to "serve his partisan interests".

Hamas on Sunday denounced Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas's plan to dissolve the largely defunct Palestinian parliament that it controls, calling it a move to "serve his partisan interests". Abbas said Saturday he intended to dissolve the Palestinian Legislative Council after a court decision that ordered the move and elections to be held within six months. The ruling was made by the Palestinian Constitutional Court in Ramallah, and Hamas said in a statement it rejected the decision by a court created by Abbas "to legitimise his arbitrary decisions". "Abbas should have extended his hands to (Hamas leader Ismail) Haniya's invitation to hold a joint meeting, thereby ending the Palestinian division," the statement said. "Rather, Abbas opted to ruin the Palestinian political system, maintain his unilateralism, and dissolve the legal institutions of the Palestinian people. All of this is just to serve his partisan interests." It called on Egypt, which has been seeking to reconcile Hamas and Abbas's Fatah, to block the measure. Dissolving the parliament would allow Abbas to further pressure Hamas. Though the parliament has not met since 2007, when Hamas seized control of the Gaza Strip, Palestinian law allows for its speaker to act as interim president should 83-year-old Abbas die in office. Hamas won the last parliamentary elections in 2006 in a landslide, resulting in an electoral dispute with Fatah. The split between them persists and has defied several reconciliation attempts. A range of issues have kept the two sides apart, including Hamas's refusal to disarm its military wing. Abbas, whose Fatah is based in the occupied West Bank, has sought to pressure Hamas in recent months by reducing salaries in the Gaza Strip, which is under an Israeli blockade, among other moves. Abbas's term was meant to expire in 2009, but he has remained in office in the absence of elections.

Hamas rejects Abbas plan to dissolve Palestinian parliament

Three <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/palestinians-slam-australias-move-on-jerusalem-184279">Palestinians</a>, including a 16-year-old, were killed on Friday by Israeli fire during protests and clashes along the Gaza border, health officials in the Hamas-run enclave said.

Teenager Mohammed al-Jahjuh was "hit in the neck by a bullet (fired) by Israeli soldiers", ministry spokesman Ashraf al-Qudra told AFP.

Abdelaziz Abu Sharia, 28, and Naher Yasin, 40, died from their wounds after being shot in separate incidents along the heavily fortified frontier with Israel, Qudra and a hospital official said.

The Israeli army said around 8,000 Palestinians had gathered at spots along the border, burning tyres and launching an incendiary device at soldiers that did not reach the troops. Israel's military said it had opened fire "according to operational procedures" in place, without elaborating.

Forty-six Palestinians&nbsp;including two journalists and four first aid responders were wounded, Qudra said.

Palestinians in the Gaza Strip have staged protests backed by the enclave's Islamist rulers Hamas since March 30.

At least 238 Palestinians have been killed since the protests began, mostly by Israeli fire during border clashes but also by air and tank strikes. 
Two Israeli soldiers have been killed over the same period, one by a Palestinian sniper and another during an aborted special forces operation inside Gaza.

Protesters are calling for Palestinian refugees to be allowed to return to their former homes now inside Israel.

Israel accuses Hamas of seeking to use the protests as cover to carry out infiltrations and attacks and says the army's actions are necessary to defend the border.

Israel has fought three wars with Hamas since 2008.

Three Palestinians, including a 16-year-old, were killed on Friday by Israeli fire during protests and clashes along the Gaza border, health officials in the Hamas-run enclave said.

Three Palestinians, including a 16-year-old, were killed on Friday by Israeli fire during protests and clashes along the Gaza border, health officials in the Hamas-run enclave said. Teenager Mohammed al-Jahjuh was "hit in the neck by a bullet (fired) by Israeli soldiers", ministry spokesman Ashraf al-Qudra told AFP. Abdelaziz Abu Sharia, 28, and Naher Yasin, 40, died from their wounds after being shot in separate incidents along the heavily fortified frontier with Israel, Qudra and a hospital official said. The Israeli army said around 8,000 Palestinians had gathered at spots along the border, burning tyres and launching an incendiary device at soldiers that did not reach the troops. Israel's military said it had opened fire "according to operational procedures" in place, without elaborating. Forty-six Palestinians including two journalists and four first aid responders were wounded, Qudra said. Palestinians in the Gaza Strip have staged protests backed by the enclave's Islamist rulers Hamas since March 30. At least 238 Palestinians have been killed since the protests began, mostly by Israeli fire during border clashes but also by air and tank strikes. Two Israeli soldiers have been killed over the same period, one by a Palestinian sniper and another during an aborted special forces operation inside Gaza. Protesters are calling for Palestinian refugees to be allowed to return to their former homes now inside Israel. Israel accuses Hamas of seeking to use the protests as cover to carry out infiltrations and attacks and says the army's actions are necessary to defend the border. Israel has fought three wars with Hamas since 2008.

Three Palestinians killed by Israeli fire during protest along Gaza border

A military court in the Hamas-run Gaza Strip on Monday sentenced six people, including a woman, to death by hanging for "collaborating" with Israel, authorities said.

In total 14 people were sentenced for "collaborating with the occupation," with six sentenced to be hanged and the rest sentenced to hard labour, the interior ministry in Gaza said.

The rulings came three weeks after eight people were killed when an alleged Israeli army cell in Gaza was uncovered on November 11, leading to a vicious fire fight.

Hamas fired hundreds of rockets at Israel in response, with the Jewish state striking dozens of targets in Gaza before a November 13 ceasefire agreement.

The six sentenced to death Monday were not directly related to the flareup, officials said.

Iyad al-Bozum, the spokesman of the interior ministry in Gaza, told AFP they were linked "to a communications and eavesdropping device planted by the (Israeli) occupation".&nbsp;

Six Hamas members were killed when the device apparently exploded after detection near Deir al-Balah in central Gaza in May.

Among those sentenced was a woman living inside Israel, named only as Amal, who was sentenced in absentia and is alleged to have encouraged her nephew in Gaza to collaborate with Israeli intelligence, according to the interior ministry.

Bozum hailed the rulings as a "clear message" to those who would cooperate with Israel.

"Collaborators must realise the (Israeli) occupation will not be able to protect them," he told a news conference.

The verdicts drew condemnation from Human Rights Watch.

"Rushing to sentence people to death smacks of militia rule, not the rule of law," said Omar Shakir, the watchdog's director for Israel and the Palestinian territories.

"The death penalty is a barbaric practice and always wrong, no matter the circumstance," he told AFP.

It was not clear when the executions of those in custody would take place.

According to the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights, 28 executions have been carried out in Gaza since Hamas seized control of the coastal enclave in 2007 from rival faction Fatah.

In May 2017, Hamas security forces invited journalists to attend the hanging in Gaza City of three men convicted over the assassination of a senior military commander of the Islamist movement.

During the 2014 war with Israel, a firing squad from Hamas's armed wing killed six men accused of collaborating with the Jewish state.

Hamas and its allies have fought three wars with Israel since 2008 and the Gaza Strip has been under an Israeli blockade for a decade.

Israel says the measure is necessary to isolate Hamas, though critics say they amount to collective punishment of the territory's two million residents.

A military court in the Hamas-run Gaza Strip on Monday sentenced six people, including a woman, to death by hanging for "collaborating" with Israel, authorities said.

A military court in the Hamas-run Gaza Strip on Monday sentenced six people, including a woman, to death by hanging for "collaborating" with Israel, authorities said. In total 14 people were sentenced for "collaborating with the occupation," with six sentenced to be hanged and the rest sentenced to hard labour, the interior ministry in Gaza said. The rulings came three weeks after eight people were killed when an alleged Israeli army cell in Gaza was uncovered on November 11, leading to a vicious fire fight. Hamas fired hundreds of rockets at Israel in response, with the Jewish state striking dozens of targets in Gaza before a November 13 ceasefire agreement. The six sentenced to death Monday were not directly related to the flareup, officials said. Iyad al-Bozum, the spokesman of the interior ministry in Gaza, told AFP they were linked "to a communications and eavesdropping device planted by the (Israeli) occupation". Six Hamas members were killed when the device apparently exploded after detection near Deir al-Balah in central Gaza in May. Among those sentenced was a woman living inside Israel, named only as Amal, who was sentenced in absentia and is alleged to have encouraged her nephew in Gaza to collaborate with Israeli intelligence, according to the interior ministry. Bozum hailed the rulings as a "clear message" to those who would cooperate with Israel. "Collaborators must realise the (Israeli) occupation will not be able to protect them," he told a news conference. The verdicts drew condemnation from Human Rights Watch. "Rushing to sentence people to death smacks of militia rule, not the rule of law," said Omar Shakir, the watchdog's director for Israel and the Palestinian territories. "The death penalty is a barbaric practice and always wrong, no matter the circumstance," he told AFP. It was not clear when the executions of those in custody would take place. According to the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights, 28 executions have been carried out in Gaza since Hamas seized control of the coastal enclave in 2007 from rival faction Fatah. In May 2017, Hamas security forces invited journalists to attend the hanging in Gaza City of three men convicted over the assassination of a senior military commander of the Islamist movement. During the 2014 war with Israel, a firing squad from Hamas's armed wing killed six men accused of collaborating with the Jewish state. Hamas and its allies have fought three wars with Israel since 2008 and the Gaza Strip has been under an Israeli blockade for a decade. Israel says the measure is necessary to isolate Hamas, though critics say they amount to collective punishment of the territory's two million residents.

Gaza court sentences 6 people to hang for 'collaborating' with Israel

A UN draft resolution on Yemen presented to the Security Council on Monday calls for an immediate truce in the port city of Hodeida and sets a two-week deadline for the warring sides to remove all barriers to humanitarian aid, according to the draft seen by AFP.

Britain circulated the draft to the 14 other council members after hearing a report on Friday from a UN envoy working to arrange peace talks in Sweden to end the nearly four-year war.

A vote on the measure has yet to be scheduled.

The proposed resolution would significantly ratchet up the pressure on the Saudi-led coalition and the Iran-backed Huthi rebels to seek a negotiated settlement in Yemen, where millions are on the brink of starvation.

The United Nations considers Yemen the world's biggest humanitarian crisis and has warned that without a stop to the fighting, the country will face one of the worst famines in decades.&nbsp;

The draft text calls "on the parties to introduce a cessation of hostilities in Hodeida governorate, to end all attacks on densely populated civilian areas across Yemen and to cease all missile and UAV attacks against regional countries and maritime areas."

The Red Sea port of Hodeida, which is controlled by the Huthis and is a key point of entry for aid and imports to Yemen, has seen heavy fighting over the past weeks.

The text calls on warring sides to "facilitate the unhindered flow of commercial and humanitarian food, water, fuel, medicine and other essential imports across the country, including by removing within two weeks of the adoption of this resolution, any bureaucratic impediments that could restrict such flows."&nbsp;

The truce would go into effect on the day of the adoption of the resolution.

Under the proposed measures, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres would report to the council within two weeks on the cessation of hostilities.&nbsp;

The council said it was ready to "consider further measures" to support a political solution the war, the draft said.

Salaries to be paid within a month

The measure calls for a large injection of foreign currency into the economy through the central back to support the collapsing currency and for salaries of civil servants, teachers and health workers to be paid within one month.

It supports a series of confidence-building measures aimed at paving the way to peace talks including the release of prisoners, the re-opening of the airport in the rebel-held capital Sanaa to commercial flights and strengthening the central bank.

The warring sides are urged to engage with UN envoy Martin Griffiths, who is due to travel to Sanaa this week to finalize arrangements for the peace talks that he hopes to convene soon.

Yemen's internationally recognised government said Monday it will take part in the talks, hours after the head of the Huthi rebel revolutionary committee, Mohammed Ali al-Huthi, said he was ready to freeze military operations.

The Saudi-led coalition has been waging a war in Yemen since March 2015 to push back the Huthis and restore to power Yemeni President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi, whose government is recognized by the United Nations.

British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt arrived Monday in Iran for the first time to discuss Tehran's role in Yemen, meeting with his Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif.

&nbsp;

A UN draft resolution on Yemen presented to the Security Council on Monday calls for an immediate truce in the port city of Hodeida and sets a two-week deadline for the warring sides to remove all barriers to humanitarian aid, according to the draft seen by AFP.

A UN draft resolution on Yemen presented to the Security Council on Monday calls for an immediate truce in the port city of Hodeida and sets a two-week deadline for the warring sides to remove all barriers to humanitarian aid, according to the draft seen by AFP. Britain circulated the draft to the 14 other council members after hearing a report on Friday from a UN envoy working to arrange peace talks in Sweden to end the nearly four-year war. A vote on the measure has yet to be scheduled. The proposed resolution would significantly ratchet up the pressure on the Saudi-led coalition and the Iran-backed Huthi rebels to seek a negotiated settlement in Yemen, where millions are on the brink of starvation. The United Nations considers Yemen the world's biggest humanitarian crisis and has warned that without a stop to the fighting, the country will face one of the worst famines in decades. The draft text calls "on the parties to introduce a cessation of hostilities in Hodeida governorate, to end all attacks on densely populated civilian areas across Yemen and to cease all missile and UAV attacks against regional countries and maritime areas." The Red Sea port of Hodeida, which is controlled by the Huthis and is a key point of entry for aid and imports to Yemen, has seen heavy fighting over the past weeks. The text calls on warring sides to "facilitate the unhindered flow of commercial and humanitarian food, water, fuel, medicine and other essential imports across the country, including by removing within two weeks of the adoption of this resolution, any bureaucratic impediments that could restrict such flows." The truce would go into effect on the day of the adoption of the resolution. Under the proposed measures, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres would report to the council within two weeks on the cessation of hostilities. The council said it was ready to "consider further measures" to support a political solution the war, the draft said. Salaries to be paid within a month The measure calls for a large injection of foreign currency into the economy through the central back to support the collapsing currency and for salaries of civil servants, teachers and health workers to be paid within one month. It supports a series of confidence-building measures aimed at paving the way to peace talks including the release of prisoners, the re-opening of the airport in the rebel-held capital Sanaa to commercial flights and strengthening the central bank. The warring sides are urged to engage with UN envoy Martin Griffiths, who is due to travel to Sanaa this week to finalize arrangements for the peace talks that he hopes to convene soon. Yemen's internationally recognised government said Monday it will take part in the talks, hours after the head of the Huthi rebel revolutionary committee, Mohammed Ali al-Huthi, said he was ready to freeze military operations. The Saudi-led coalition has been waging a war in Yemen since March 2015 to push back the Huthis and restore to power Yemeni President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi, whose government is recognized by the United Nations. British Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt arrived Monday in Iran for the first time to discuss Tehran's role in Yemen, meeting with his Iranian counterpart Mohammad Javad Zarif.

UN draft resolution calls for Yemen truce, two weeks to unblock aid

WION ground report: Palestinians protest at Gaza Border

There were celebrations in Gaza. People distributed Sweets and celebrated the ceasefire after two 
days of intense clashes between Palestinian factions and Israel on Monday.

On the contrary, the mood in Israel was sombre and there were protests in southern Israeli territories and&nbsp;Tel Aviv with the protesters chanting “Bibi go home”.

The Egyptian brokered ceasefire after the latest bout of violence that brought the two sides on the brink of full&nbsp;scale war since 2014 has stirred a political crisis in Israel.

Be it the general public or coalition partners, all are angry at Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu for&nbsp;signing a ceasefire deal with Hamas, the terms of which are still unclear.

The Israeli public and politician demanded a price from Gaza’s Hamas rulers for firing over 400 rockets at 
southern Israel, despite Tel Aviv sparking the latest round of violence. 
&nbsp; 
So how it all started that is threatening the survival of Bibi Netanyahu’s government right-wing government. 
&nbsp; 
The botched Israeli commando operation on Sunday night in Gaza left seven Palestinians including a senior&nbsp;Hamas battalion commander Nour Baraka dead.&nbsp;

A senior Israeli officer was also killed during the operation when Palestinian security forces gave Israelis a chase. 
 
The covert Israeli operation was in complete violation of the previous ceasefire between the two sides.

The Israeli operation is still shrouded in mystery as to what was the purpose of the covert raid. However, Israeli military analysts say such operations in Gaza are routine as part of intelligence gathering. But the tricky part of the raid was that this was exposed this time.

Also, there is suspicion whether Israel has resumed its policy of targeted assassination. Surprisingly, the Israeli commando operation comes days after Netanyahu talked about normalising things in the besieged Palestinian enclave. He even allowed $15 million Qarati cash into Gaza to pay salaries of the employees who had not been paid for years. 
&nbsp; 
Also, the deadly raid in the absence of prime minister Netanyahu, when he was in Paris to attend World War I centenary, raises many questions.

Was Netanyahu being diabolic in his deeds and words on Gaza? If not then who ordered the operation?

Experts argue there are some elements in the Israeli military establishment who doesn’t want normality in Gaza. And this operation could be the part of that larger game. 
&nbsp; 
So has Netanyahu suddenly become a peace dove? Analysts also reject this contention. They say Bibi is playing a divide and rule game with Hamas and Palestinian Authority led by Mahmoud Abbas, who has recently become more combative against Israel and U.S over President’s recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s Capital.

The ceasefire proposal agreed to by Netanyahu has rattled right-wing leader Avigdor Lieberman, who resigned as defence minister. He has termed the ceasefire as “complete capitulation to terror”. Hamas celebrated his resignation as a political victory. 
&nbsp; 
Leiberman’s resignation and withdrawal of his party from Netanyahu coalition has left Bibi with just one seat majority in the 190 member Knesset.

However, Netanyahu is seemingly unfazed by the political trouble brewing around him. But he has other problems at hand.

His another coalition partner Habayit Hayahud party is demanding that its leader Naftali Bennett be made defence minister. Bennett is considered more hawkish than Leiberman in security matters concerning Gaza.&nbsp;

Though Bennett supported the Netanyahu sponsored ceasefire, he sided with the Leiberman in the security cabinet for harsher actions in Gaza. 
&nbsp; 
The trouble does not end here for Netanyahu. His other coalition partners finance minister Moshe Kahlon and interior minister Aryeh Deri have called on the prime minister to call early election in the best interest of the country. 
&nbsp; 
But despite all the troubles, Israeli media reports say Netanyahu enjoys favourable ratings in the latest opinion polls and an early election would propel him to another term. However, only election will decide whether Netanyahu’s Gaza Gamble will pay off or prove to be his nemesis. 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

There were celebrations in Gaza. People distributed Sweets and celebrated the ceasefire after two days of intense clashes between Palestinian factions and Israel on Monday.

There were celebrations in Gaza. People distributed Sweets and celebrated the ceasefire after two days of intense clashes between Palestinian factions and Israel on Monday. On the contrary, the mood in Israel was sombre and there were protests in southern Israeli territories and Tel Aviv with the protesters chanting “Bibi go home”. The Egyptian brokered ceasefire after the latest bout of violence that brought the two sides on the brink of full scale war since 2014 has stirred a political crisis in Israel. Be it the general public or coalition partners, all are angry at Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu for signing a ceasefire deal with Hamas, the terms of which are still unclear. The Israeli public and politician demanded a price from Gaza’s Hamas rulers for firing over 400 rockets at southern Israel, despite Tel Aviv sparking the latest round of violence. So how it all started that is threatening the survival of Bibi Netanyahu’s government right-wing government. The botched Israeli commando operation on Sunday night in Gaza left seven Palestinians including a senior Hamas battalion commander Nour Baraka dead. A senior Israeli officer was also killed during the operation when Palestinian security forces gave Israelis a chase. The covert Israeli operation was in complete violation of the previous ceasefire between the two sides. The Israeli operation is still shrouded in mystery as to what was the purpose of the covert raid. However, Israeli military analysts say such operations in Gaza are routine as part of intelligence gathering. But the tricky part of the raid was that this was exposed this time. Also, there is suspicion whether Israel has resumed its policy of targeted assassination. Surprisingly, the Israeli commando operation comes days after Netanyahu talked about normalising things in the besieged Palestinian enclave. He even allowed $15 million Qarati cash into Gaza to pay salaries of the employees who had not been paid for years. Also, the deadly raid in the absence of prime minister Netanyahu, when he was in Paris to attend World War I centenary, raises many questions. Was Netanyahu being diabolic in his deeds and words on Gaza? If not then who ordered the operation? Experts argue there are some elements in the Israeli military establishment who doesn’t want normality in Gaza. And this operation could be the part of that larger game. So has Netanyahu suddenly become a peace dove? Analysts also reject this contention. They say Bibi is playing a divide and rule game with Hamas and Palestinian Authority led by Mahmoud Abbas, who has recently become more combative against Israel and U.S over President’s recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s Capital. The ceasefire proposal agreed to by Netanyahu has rattled right-wing leader Avigdor Lieberman, who resigned as defence minister. He has termed the ceasefire as “complete capitulation to terror”. Hamas celebrated his resignation as a political victory. Leiberman’s resignation and withdrawal of his party from Netanyahu coalition has left Bibi with just one seat majority in the 190 member Knesset. However, Netanyahu is seemingly unfazed by the political trouble brewing around him. But he has other problems at hand. His another coalition partner Habayit Hayahud party is demanding that its leader Naftali Bennett be made defence minister. Bennett is considered more hawkish than Leiberman in security matters concerning Gaza. Though Bennett supported the Netanyahu sponsored ceasefire, he sided with the Leiberman in the security cabinet for harsher actions in Gaza. The trouble does not end here for Netanyahu. His other coalition partners finance minister Moshe Kahlon and interior minister Aryeh Deri have called on the prime minister to call early election in the best interest of the country. But despite all the troubles, Israeli media reports say Netanyahu enjoys favourable ratings in the latest opinion polls and an early election would propel him to another term. However, only election will decide whether Netanyahu’s Gaza Gamble will pay off or prove to be his nemesis. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

How calm in Gaza stirs storm in Israel

Palestinians celebrate ceasefire deal

Gaza Conflict: Hamas announces ceasefire

Israel and Palestinian militants in the blockaded Gaza Strip have been exchanging fire in the worst escalation since a 2014 war. Here's a description of where the situation stands:

How did this round begin?

The latest round of violence began on Sunday, when Israeli special forces were exposed operating inside the Gaza Strip. In an ensuing clash, an Israeli officer and seven Palestinian militants were killed, prompting Hamas to vow revenge.

Israel said the covert operation was an intelligence-gathering mission.

Its timing has raided questions since progress had been made in recent weeks toward ending months of unrest along the Gaza-Israel border, but the Israeli military said it was necessary to defend the country.

Palestinian militants responded with heavy fire on southern Israel, launching nearly 400 mortar rounds and rockets that wounded 27 people and killed one - a Palestinian living in southern Israel.

An anti-tank missile also hit a bus that Hamas says was being used by Israeli soldiers. A soldier was severely wounded.

Israel hit back with widespread strikes on Hamas and Islamic Jihad targets, killing six Palestinians and wounding 25.

Israel says it has struck around 150 targets across the Palestinian enclave, including Hamas's Al-Aqsa TV building and an internal security building in Gaza City.

Efforts to prevent escalation

UN Middle East envoy Nickolay Mladenov said he was working with Egypt so "Gaza steps back from the brink," and called for restraint on both sides.

Israeli officials would not confirm reports on ceasefire talks, as members of the security cabinet - the body authorised to declare war - convened in Tel Aviv.

Neither side is seen as wanting another war, but the violence threatened to spin out of control.

Israeli military spokesman Jonathan Conricus said they had "the intelligence and capabilities to strike a very wide range of military targets that belong to Hamas."

Hamas's armed wing warned it would expand its targets if Israeli strikes continued.

The Israeli army estimated there were 20,000 projectiles in Gaza that could be fired.

Months of unrest

The latest round of violence came after months of deadly unrest along the Gaza-Israel border, but there had been progress toward restoring calm in recent weeks.

Israel had allowed Qatar to bring $15 million into Gaza for salaries as well as fuel to ease an electricity shortage, as part of understandings aimed at calming the border, where protests have triggered frequent clashes since March 30.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the move, saying he wanted to avoid war if it was not necessary.

As a result, border protests had been calmer over the past couple weeks.

At least 233 Palestinians in Gaza have been killed by Israeli fire since March 30, the majority shot on the border, while others have died in Israeli strikes.

Two Israeli soldiers have been killed in that time.

Egypt and the United Nations had been brokering indirect negotiations for a long-term truce with Israel, against which Hamas has fought three wars since 2008.

Gaza in crisis

Gaza is ruled by Hamas, blacklisted as a terrorist movement by the European Union and the United States.

Israel maintains a crippling blockade of the Palestinian enclave to isolate Hamas and prevent it from building up its military capabilities.

Hamas seized control of Gaza in 2007 from forces loyal to the West Bank-based Palestinian Authority, which has been seeking ways to regain power over the small territory.

Multiple efforts to reconcile the Palestinian factions have failed, and with an unemployment rate of 53 percent, Mladenov recently warned of a humanitarian crisis in Gaza, which he said was "imploding."

Israel and Palestinian militants in the blockaded Gaza Strip have been exchanging fire in the worst escalation since a 2014 war. Here's a description of where the situation stands: How did this round begin?

Israel and Palestinian militants in the blockaded Gaza Strip have been exchanging fire in the worst escalation since a 2014 war. Here's a description of where the situation stands: How did this round begin? The latest round of violence began on Sunday, when Israeli special forces were exposed operating inside the Gaza Strip. In an ensuing clash, an Israeli officer and seven Palestinian militants were killed, prompting Hamas to vow revenge. Israel said the covert operation was an intelligence-gathering mission. Its timing has raided questions since progress had been made in recent weeks toward ending months of unrest along the Gaza-Israel border, but the Israeli military said it was necessary to defend the country. Palestinian militants responded with heavy fire on southern Israel, launching nearly 400 mortar rounds and rockets that wounded 27 people and killed one - a Palestinian living in southern Israel. An anti-tank missile also hit a bus that Hamas says was being used by Israeli soldiers. A soldier was severely wounded. Israel hit back with widespread strikes on Hamas and Islamic Jihad targets, killing six Palestinians and wounding 25. Israel says it has struck around 150 targets across the Palestinian enclave, including Hamas's Al-Aqsa TV building and an internal security building in Gaza City. Efforts to prevent escalation UN Middle East envoy Nickolay Mladenov said he was working with Egypt so "Gaza steps back from the brink," and called for restraint on both sides. Israeli officials would not confirm reports on ceasefire talks, as members of the security cabinet - the body authorised to declare war - convened in Tel Aviv. Neither side is seen as wanting another war, but the violence threatened to spin out of control. Israeli military spokesman Jonathan Conricus said they had "the intelligence and capabilities to strike a very wide range of military targets that belong to Hamas." Hamas's armed wing warned it would expand its targets if Israeli strikes continued. The Israeli army estimated there were 20,000 projectiles in Gaza that could be fired. Months of unrest The latest round of violence came after months of deadly unrest along the Gaza-Israel border, but there had been progress toward restoring calm in recent weeks. Israel had allowed Qatar to bring $15 million into Gaza for salaries as well as fuel to ease an electricity shortage, as part of understandings aimed at calming the border, where protests have triggered frequent clashes since March 30. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu defended the move, saying he wanted to avoid war if it was not necessary. As a result, border protests had been calmer over the past couple weeks. At least 233 Palestinians in Gaza have been killed by Israeli fire since March 30, the majority shot on the border, while others have died in Israeli strikes. Two Israeli soldiers have been killed in that time. Egypt and the United Nations had been brokering indirect negotiations for a long-term truce with Israel, against which Hamas has fought three wars since 2008. Gaza in crisis Gaza is ruled by Hamas, blacklisted as a terrorist movement by the European Union and the United States. Israel maintains a crippling blockade of the Palestinian enclave to isolate Hamas and prevent it from building up its military capabilities. Hamas seized control of Gaza in 2007 from forces loyal to the West Bank-based Palestinian Authority, which has been seeking ways to regain power over the small territory. Multiple efforts to reconcile the Palestinian factions have failed, and with an unemployment rate of 53 percent, Mladenov recently warned of a humanitarian crisis in Gaza, which he said was "imploding."

Israel-Gaza escalation: What you need to know

Watch: WION Dispatch, 12th November, 2018

Qatar has announced it will provide temporary support to 50,000 impoverished Gaza families as mediators attempt to broker a truce between the Palestinian territory's Islamist rulers Hamas and Israel.

The Gulf state will provide $100 each to 50,000 poor families in the "next few days", a statement from Qatar's Gaza Reconstruction Committee said late Tuesday.&nbsp;

The beneficiaries are being selected in coordination with the Hamas-led authorities.

Separately on Tuesday, cash-strapped Hamas announced that civil servants would receive the majority of their salaries for the first time in months.

Hamas has controlled Gaza since ousting forces loyal to the internationally recognised Palestinian Authority in a near civil war in 2007.

Since then, the Islamists have fought three wars with Israel, which maintains a crippling blockade of Gaza.

Egypt and the United Nations have been brokering indirect negotiations that would see Hamas end months of often violent protests along the border in exchange for Israel easing its blockade.

In an Israeli-approved deal, Qatar has started buying additional fuel for Gaza's sole power station, allowing planned outages to be reduced to their lowest level in recent years.

Qatar is a longtime ally of Hamas, an offshoot of the Muslim Brotherhood.

Qatar has announced it will provide temporary support to 50,000 impoverished Gaza families as mediators attempt to broker a truce between the Palestinian territory's Islamist rulers Hamas and Israel.

Qatar has announced it will provide temporary support to 50,000 impoverished Gaza families as mediators attempt to broker a truce between the Palestinian territory's Islamist rulers Hamas and Israel. The Gulf state will provide $100 each to 50,000 poor families in the "next few days", a statement from Qatar's Gaza Reconstruction Committee said late Tuesday. The beneficiaries are being selected in coordination with the Hamas-led authorities. Separately on Tuesday, cash-strapped Hamas announced that civil servants would receive the majority of their salaries for the first time in months. Hamas has controlled Gaza since ousting forces loyal to the internationally recognised Palestinian Authority in a near civil war in 2007. Since then, the Islamists have fought three wars with Israel, which maintains a crippling blockade of Gaza. Egypt and the United Nations have been brokering indirect negotiations that would see Hamas end months of often violent protests along the border in exchange for Israel easing its blockade. In an Israeli-approved deal, Qatar has started buying additional fuel for Gaza's sole power station, allowing planned outages to be reduced to their lowest level in recent years. Qatar is a longtime ally of Hamas, an offshoot of the Muslim Brotherhood.

Qatar announces aid for Gaza amid Israel truce talks

A barrage of rockets from Gaza hit Israel during the night, the army said Saturday, hours after five Palestinians were killed during clashes on the Israeli border, in a flareup that could jeopardise truce efforts.

The largest projectile attacks in months and the border fatalities came despite talk of progress towards an Egyptian-brokered deal to end months of often violent protests along the border.

"Overnight, dozens of rockets were launched from the Gaza Strip at communities in southern Israel," the army said in a statement, putting the exact number in a separate announcement at 30.

"The IDF's Iron Dome aerial defense system intercepted approximately 10 projectiles," the army said, adding that two rockets fell within the Gaza Strip while the others landed in "open areas".

Israeli medics said seven civilians were being treated for shock.

In response to the rockets, Israeli fighter jets, helicopters and drones struck "approximately 80 Hamas targets throughout the Gaza Strip".

There were no reports of Gaza casualties as a result of the strikes.

Hamas, the militant Islamist rulers of Gaza, did not claim responsibility for the rockets, but Israel holds it responsible for any launches from the coastal enclave.

"The rocket fire is conducted in a terror-filled atmosphere which is generated by Hamas in the area of the security fence and in acts such as tonight's events," the army said.

Islamic Jihad, the second largest militant group in Gaza, hailed the rocket fire in a statement as a response to "Israeli aggressions", stopping short however of directly claiming responsibility for the launches.

A Hamas official said that following the escalation Egypt was again seeking to negotiate a return to calm.

'Riot dispersal means'&nbsp;

Earlier, five Palestinians aged between 22 and 27 died in separate incidents along the border fence, the Gaza health ministry said.

The army did not comment on the deaths but said around 16,000 "rioters and demonstrators" had gathered along the border, with some setting tyres alight and hurling rocks, firebombs and grenades towards soldiers.

Troops responded with "riot dispersal means", a spokesman added.

Three of the men were shot dead east of Khan Yunis in southern Gaza, while one was killed east of Jabalia in the north of the coastal territory, the health ministry said.

A fifth man died east of Bureij in central Gaza when a hand grenade he was holding exploded accidentally, witnesses said.

Palestinians have gathered for protests along the Gaza Strip's border at least weekly since March 30.

At least 212 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire in Gaza since the protests began, according to figures collated by AFP.

The majority have died during protests, while smaller numbers have been killed by airstrikes and tank fire.

One Israeli soldier was shot dead by a Palestinian sniper along the border in the same period.

The protesters are calling to be allowed to return to lands their families fled or were expelled from in a 1948 war surrounding the creation of Israel and which are now inside the Jewish state.

They are also protesting over Israel's crippling blockade of Gaza.

Israel accuses Hamas of orchestrating the often violent demonstrations.

Israel and Hamas have fought three wars since 2008 and much of the international community considers the Islamist movement a terrorist organisation.

Truce deal at risk&nbsp;

The fresh violence could also scupper hopes of a deal to end the months of protests.

Egypt and the United Nations have been brokering indirect negotiations between Hamas and Israel with the aim of&nbsp;calming the situation amid fears of another war.

Last week, a rocket fired from Gaza hit an Israeli home, narrowly avoiding killing a family. In response the Israeli army carried out air strikes on around 20 Hamas targets in Gaza.

The London-based Arabic newspaper Al-Hayat reported Friday that a deal had been reached that would see the protests end in exchange for an easing of Israel's blockade.

Hamas officials denied a deal had been struck but confirmed to AFP that progress was being made.

"We expect to reach an agreement very soon," a senior Hamas official said earlier Friday on condition of anonymity.

Israel also fully reopened its border crossings with the Gaza Strip this week following a week of relative calm.

It allowed dozens of trucks of fuel paid for by Qatar into the strip, having previously banned their entry in response to the border violence.

Israel says the decade-long blockade is necessary to isolate Hamas, while critics say it amounts to collective punishment of Gaza's two million residents.

A barrage of rockets from Gaza hit Israel during the night, the army said Saturday, hours after five Palestinians were killed during clashes on the Israeli border, in a flareup that could jeopardise truce efforts.

A barrage of rockets from Gaza hit Israel during the night, the army said Saturday, hours after five Palestinians were killed during clashes on the Israeli border, in a flareup that could jeopardise truce efforts. The largest projectile attacks in months and the border fatalities came despite talk of progress towards an Egyptian-brokered deal to end months of often violent protests along the border. "Overnight, dozens of rockets were launched from the Gaza Strip at communities in southern Israel," the army said in a statement, putting the exact number in a separate announcement at 30. "The IDF's Iron Dome aerial defense system intercepted approximately 10 projectiles," the army said, adding that two rockets fell within the Gaza Strip while the others landed in "open areas". Israeli medics said seven civilians were being treated for shock. In response to the rockets, Israeli fighter jets, helicopters and drones struck "approximately 80 Hamas targets throughout the Gaza Strip". There were no reports of Gaza casualties as a result of the strikes. Hamas, the militant Islamist rulers of Gaza, did not claim responsibility for the rockets, but Israel holds it responsible for any launches from the coastal enclave. "The rocket fire is conducted in a terror-filled atmosphere which is generated by Hamas in the area of the security fence and in acts such as tonight's events," the army said. Islamic Jihad, the second largest militant group in Gaza, hailed the rocket fire in a statement as a response to "Israeli aggressions", stopping short however of directly claiming responsibility for the launches. A Hamas official said that following the escalation Egypt was again seeking to negotiate a return to calm. 'Riot dispersal means' Earlier, five Palestinians aged between 22 and 27 died in separate incidents along the border fence, the Gaza health ministry said. The army did not comment on the deaths but said around 16,000 "rioters and demonstrators" had gathered along the border, with some setting tyres alight and hurling rocks, firebombs and grenades towards soldiers. Troops responded with "riot dispersal means", a spokesman added. Three of the men were shot dead east of Khan Yunis in southern Gaza, while one was killed east of Jabalia in the north of the coastal territory, the health ministry said. A fifth man died east of Bureij in central Gaza when a hand grenade he was holding exploded accidentally, witnesses said. Palestinians have gathered for protests along the Gaza Strip's border at least weekly since March 30. At least 212 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire in Gaza since the protests began, according to figures collated by AFP. The majority have died during protests, while smaller numbers have been killed by airstrikes and tank fire. One Israeli soldier was shot dead by a Palestinian sniper along the border in the same period. The protesters are calling to be allowed to return to lands their families fled or were expelled from in a 1948 war surrounding the creation of Israel and which are now inside the Jewish state. They are also protesting over Israel's crippling blockade of Gaza. Israel accuses Hamas of orchestrating the often violent demonstrations. Israel and Hamas have fought three wars since 2008 and much of the international community considers the Islamist movement a terrorist organisation. Truce deal at risk The fresh violence could also scupper hopes of a deal to end the months of protests. Egypt and the United Nations have been brokering indirect negotiations between Hamas and Israel with the aim of calming the situation amid fears of another war. Last week, a rocket fired from Gaza hit an Israeli home, narrowly avoiding killing a family. In response the Israeli army carried out air strikes on around 20 Hamas targets in Gaza. The London-based Arabic newspaper Al-Hayat reported Friday that a deal had been reached that would see the protests end in exchange for an easing of Israel's blockade. Hamas officials denied a deal had been struck but confirmed to AFP that progress was being made. "We expect to reach an agreement very soon," a senior Hamas official said earlier Friday on condition of anonymity. Israel also fully reopened its border crossings with the Gaza Strip this week following a week of relative calm. It allowed dozens of trucks of fuel paid for by Qatar into the strip, having previously banned their entry in response to the border violence. Israel says the decade-long blockade is necessary to isolate Hamas, while critics say it amounts to collective punishment of Gaza's two million residents.

Gaza rockets hit Israel after 5 Palestinians killed in border flareup

The Israeli army on Saturday accused the Syrian government and Iran of ordering Palestinian militants in Gaza.

Dozens of rockets were fired into southern Israel and Israel also threatened to retaliate whatever it chose.

"The rockets that were launched against Israel... we know that the orders, incentives were given from Damascus with the clear involvement of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards' Quds Force," Israeli army spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Conricus told journalists, referring to the Guards' foreign operations unit.

The rockets were launched by Islamic Jihad, a Palestinian militant group. They said it had signed up to an Egyptian-brokered truce with Israel to cease hostilities, though there was no Israeli confirmation.

At least 39 rockets have been fired since late Friday killing six people on the Gaza-Israel border, with 17 of them intercepted by air defences and the rest hitting open ground, the army said.

The army also said that Israeli aircraft struck eight Islamic Jihad sites and also targeted approximately 90 sites belonging to the territory's Islamist rulers Hamas.

The Israeli army on Saturday accused the Syrian government and Iran of ordering Palestinian militants in Gaza. Dozens of rockets were fired into southern Israel and Israel also threatened to retaliate whatever it chose.

The Israeli army on Saturday accused the Syrian government and Iran of ordering Palestinian militants in Gaza. Dozens of rockets were fired into southern Israel and Israel also threatened to retaliate whatever it chose. "The rockets that were launched against Israel... we know that the orders, incentives were given from Damascus with the clear involvement of the Iranian Revolutionary Guards' Quds Force," Israeli army spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Conricus told journalists, referring to the Guards' foreign operations unit. The rockets were launched by Islamic Jihad, a Palestinian militant group. They said it had signed up to an Egyptian-brokered truce with Israel to cease hostilities, though there was no Israeli confirmation. At least 39 rockets have been fired since late Friday killing six people on the Gaza-Israel border, with 17 of them intercepted by air defences and the rest hitting open ground, the army said. The army also said that Israeli aircraft struck eight Islamic Jihad sites and also targeted approximately 90 sites belonging to the territory's Islamist rulers Hamas.

Israel accuses Syria, Iran of ordering Palestinian militants in Gaza

Israel will on Wednesday resume supplies of fuel to the Gaza Strip after a 12-day halt imposed over violent border clashes, the defence ministry said.

Israel suspended the desperately needed deliveries of Qatari-financed diesel on October 12, hours after Israeli troops shot dead five Palestinians who the army said broke through the border fence and attacked a military post inside Israel.

"In accordance with recommendations by security bodies it has been decided to resume the supply of 'Qatari fuel' from tomorrow," the ministry statement said on Tuesday night.&nbsp;

On Sunday, Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman ordered the reopening of Gaza's goods and pedestrian crossings into Israel after a four-day closure sparked by a Palestinian rocket attack into southern Israel.

His office cited "a decrease in the violent events in Gaza over the weekend and efforts Hamas made to restrain" border protests as grounds for the reopenings.

Near-daily protests along the Gaza border since March 30 against Israel's crippling 11-year blockade of the impoverished enclave have sparked repeated clashes with the army.

More than 200 Palestinians and one Israeli have been killed in the violence.

The fuel deal, brokered by the United Nations and backed by the United States, Israel and others, briefly brought thousands of litres of diesel into Gaza daily to boost the impoverished territory's&nbsp;electricity supply.

But the daily shipments to Hamas-ruled Gaza's only power station lasted merely for three days.

Under the limited agreement Qatar, a longtime Hamas backer, was to pay $60 million for fuel to be brought into Gaza over six months

Israel will on Wednesday resume supplies of fuel to the Gaza Strip after a 12-day halt imposed over violent border clashes, the defence ministry said. Israel suspended the desperately needed deliveries of Qatari-financed diesel on October 12, hours after Israeli troops shot dead five Palestinians who the army said broke through the border fence and attacked a military post inside Israel.

Israel will on Wednesday resume supplies of fuel to the Gaza Strip after a 12-day halt imposed over violent border clashes, the defence ministry said. Israel suspended the desperately needed deliveries of Qatari-financed diesel on October 12, hours after Israeli troops shot dead five Palestinians who the army said broke through the border fence and attacked a military post inside Israel. "In accordance with recommendations by security bodies it has been decided to resume the supply of 'Qatari fuel' from tomorrow," the ministry statement said on Tuesday night. On Sunday, Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman ordered the reopening of Gaza's goods and pedestrian crossings into Israel after a four-day closure sparked by a Palestinian rocket attack into southern Israel. His office cited "a decrease in the violent events in Gaza over the weekend and efforts Hamas made to restrain" border protests as grounds for the reopenings. Near-daily protests along the Gaza border since March 30 against Israel's crippling 11-year blockade of the impoverished enclave have sparked repeated clashes with the army. More than 200 Palestinians and one Israeli have been killed in the violence. The fuel deal, brokered by the United Nations and backed by the United States, Israel and others, briefly brought thousands of litres of diesel into Gaza daily to boost the impoverished territory's electricity supply. But the daily shipments to Hamas-ruled Gaza's only power station lasted merely for three days. Under the limited agreement Qatar, a longtime Hamas backer, was to pay $60 million for fuel to be brought into Gaza over six months

Israel to resume Gaza fuel flow Wednesday: Defence ministry

A rocket was fired on Israel from the Gaza Strip early Wednesday, the Israeli army and police said, causing damage in a southern city.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/israel-says-it-has-destroyed-a-gaza-attack-tunnel-170910">Watch: Israel says it has destroyed a Gaza attack tunnel</a>

It is one of the first projectiles fired in recent weeks from the Palestinian territory under Israel's blockade and comes at a time of renewed tensions between Israel and Palestinian armed groups.&nbsp;

"At 4:00 AM (0100 GMT) Israelis in the city of Be'er Sheva were running to bomb shelters after a rocket was launched from the Gaza Strip at Israel," the Israeli army tweeted.&nbsp;

"We will defend Israeli civilians," it added, suggesting there would be a military response.

The Israeli police said that "a rocket struck the city of Be'er Sheva a few moments ago causing damage", although it did not specify the extent of the destruction. There were no reports of injuries.

The rocket fell into the garden of a house occupied by a family with three children who were being treated for shock, local media reported.

The Israeli army reported another rocket was fired towards the sea.

It was unclear who fired the projectiles but the Israeli army says it holds Hamas accountable for what is happening in the territory under its control and commonly hits positions of the Islamist movement in retaliation after such incidents.

It comes after months of violent Palestinian protests on the Gaza border, sparking deadly gunfire from Israeli troops and fears of an all-out conflict between Hamas and Israel, which have fought three wars since 2008.

At least 205 Palestinians and one Israeli have been killed since March 30.&nbsp;

The protesters were demanding to be allowed to return to land now inside Israel, from which their families fled or were displaced during the 1948 war surrounding the creation of the Jewish state.

Israel's defence minister said Tuesday that the protests could not be allowed to go on.

"We are not prepared to accept the level of violence we see week after week," Avigdor Lieberman told troops and commanders at an army base near southern Israel's border with Hamas-ruled Gaza.

He also suspended shipments of fuel that had been trucked daily into Gaza over the previous week under a deal brokered by the UN and backed by the United States, Israel and others.

It had seen thousands of litres brought into the fuel-starved Gaza strip.&nbsp;

The UN says Israel's 11-year blockade of the enclave, ruled by the Islamist movement Hamas, has resulted in a "catastrophic" humanitarian situation.

Gaza's two million residents endure dire living conditions including a shortage of safe drinking water and regular power cuts, partly due to a lack of fuel for the strip's power station.

A rocket was fired on Israel from the Gaza Strip early Wednesday, the Israeli army and police said, causing damage in a southern city. Watch: Israel says it has destroyed a Gaza attack tunnel It is one of the first projectiles fired in recent weeks from the Palestinian territory under Israel's blockade and comes at a time of renewed tensions between Israel and Palestinian armed groups.

A rocket was fired on Israel from the Gaza Strip early Wednesday, the Israeli army and police said, causing damage in a southern city. Watch: Israel says it has destroyed a Gaza attack tunnel It is one of the first projectiles fired in recent weeks from the Palestinian territory under Israel's blockade and comes at a time of renewed tensions between Israel and Palestinian armed groups. "At 4:00 AM (0100 GMT) Israelis in the city of Be'er Sheva were running to bomb shelters after a rocket was launched from the Gaza Strip at Israel," the Israeli army tweeted. "We will defend Israeli civilians," it added, suggesting there would be a military response. The Israeli police said that "a rocket struck the city of Be'er Sheva a few moments ago causing damage", although it did not specify the extent of the destruction. There were no reports of injuries. The rocket fell into the garden of a house occupied by a family with three children who were being treated for shock, local media reported. The Israeli army reported another rocket was fired towards the sea. It was unclear who fired the projectiles but the Israeli army says it holds Hamas accountable for what is happening in the territory under its control and commonly hits positions of the Islamist movement in retaliation after such incidents. It comes after months of violent Palestinian protests on the Gaza border, sparking deadly gunfire from Israeli troops and fears of an all-out conflict between Hamas and Israel, which have fought three wars since 2008. At least 205 Palestinians and one Israeli have been killed since March 30. The protesters were demanding to be allowed to return to land now inside Israel, from which their families fled or were displaced during the 1948 war surrounding the creation of the Jewish state. Israel's defence minister said Tuesday that the protests could not be allowed to go on. "We are not prepared to accept the level of violence we see week after week," Avigdor Lieberman told troops and commanders at an army base near southern Israel's border with Hamas-ruled Gaza. He also suspended shipments of fuel that had been trucked daily into Gaza over the previous week under a deal brokered by the UN and backed by the United States, Israel and others. It had seen thousands of litres brought into the fuel-starved Gaza strip. The UN says Israel's 11-year blockade of the enclave, ruled by the Islamist movement Hamas, has resulted in a "catastrophic" humanitarian situation. Gaza's two million residents endure dire living conditions including a shortage of safe drinking water and regular power cuts, partly due to a lack of fuel for the strip's power station.

Rocket fired on Israel from Gaza: Israeli army

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday threatened to inflict "very strong blows" on Hamas after fresh violence along the border with the Gaza Strip controlled by the Islamist group.

"Hamas has apparently not understood the message -- if these attacks do not stop, they will be stopped in another way, in the form of very, very strong blows", Netanyahu said during the weekly cabinet meeting.

Seven Palestinians were killed in clashes along the Gaza border on Friday and Israel suspended fuel deliveries, having accused Hamas of using demonstrations as cover for attacks against the Jewish state.&nbsp;

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday threatened to inflict "very strong blows" on Hamas after fresh violence along the border with the Gaza Strip controlled by the Islamist group.

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday threatened to inflict "very strong blows" on Hamas after fresh violence along the border with the Gaza Strip controlled by the Islamist group. "Hamas has apparently not understood the message -- if these attacks do not stop, they will be stopped in another way, in the form of very, very strong blows", Netanyahu said during the weekly cabinet meeting. Seven Palestinians were killed in clashes along the Gaza border on Friday and Israel suspended fuel deliveries, having accused Hamas of using demonstrations as cover for attacks against the Jewish state.

Israel's Netanyahu threatens Hamas with 'very strong blows'

Five Palestinians were killed in new clashes with Israeli forces along the Gaza border Friday, the health ministry in the Hamas-run enclave said.

The ministry did not immediately identify all the victims, but said they had been killed as thousands of protestors approached the heavily-guarded Israeli border.

Five Palestinians were killed in new clashes with Israeli forces along the Gaza border Friday, the health ministry in the Hamas-run enclave said. The ministry did not immediately identify all the victims, but said they had been killed as thousands of protestors approached the heavily-guarded Israeli border.

Five Palestinians killed in clashes on Israel border: Gaza ministry

Qatar on Wednesday pledged $150 million in aid for Gaza, a day after fuel purchased by the Gulf state arrived at the only power station in the Hamas-run enclave.

A statement from Doha's foreign ministry said the money had been pledged via the Qatar Development Fund, the government body responsible for distributing the country's foreign aid.

"Under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, the Emir of Qatar, the Qatar Development Fund has pledged $150 million in humanitarian aid to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in the besieged Gaza Strip," the ministry said.

It added that the United Nations Development Programme would oversee distribution of the aid.

The UN estimated the value of Qatar's earlier donation of fuel at $60 million.

The world body says Israel's 11-year blockade of the enclave, ruled by Islamist movement Hamas, has resulted in a "catastrophic" humanitarian situation.

Gaza's two million residents endure dire living conditions including a shortage of safe drinking water and regular power cuts, partly due to a lack of fuel for the strip's power station.

For months Gaza residents have been receiving an average of just four hours of mains electricity a day.

Gaza residents have staged regular protests since March along the territory's border with Israel, sparking deadly gunfire from Israeli troops and fears of an all-out conflict between Hamas and Israel, which have fought three wars since 2008.

Hamas has been in control of Gaza since 2007.

Much of the international community considers the group a terrorist organisation and Hamas has rejected calls to recognise Israel.

Qatar, which has poured billions into Gaza, is home to former prominent members of Hamas including ex-leader Khaled Meshaal.

Those ties came under intense scrutiny when a diplomatic crisis broke out in June 2017, pitting Qatar against a Saudi-led bloc that accuses the gas-rich emirate of supporting "extremists" and being too close to Iran.

Qatar denies the charges.

Qatar on Wednesday pledged $150 million in aid for Gaza, a day after fuel purchased by the Gulf state arrived at the only power station in the Hamas-run enclave.

Qatar on Wednesday pledged $150 million in aid for Gaza, a day after fuel purchased by the Gulf state arrived at the only power station in the Hamas-run enclave. A statement from Doha's foreign ministry said the money had been pledged via the Qatar Development Fund, the government body responsible for distributing the country's foreign aid. "Under the directives of His Highness Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, the Emir of Qatar, the Qatar Development Fund has pledged $150 million in humanitarian aid to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in the besieged Gaza Strip," the ministry said. It added that the United Nations Development Programme would oversee distribution of the aid. The UN estimated the value of Qatar's earlier donation of fuel at $60 million. The world body says Israel's 11-year blockade of the enclave, ruled by Islamist movement Hamas, has resulted in a "catastrophic" humanitarian situation. Gaza's two million residents endure dire living conditions including a shortage of safe drinking water and regular power cuts, partly due to a lack of fuel for the strip's power station. For months Gaza residents have been receiving an average of just four hours of mains electricity a day. Gaza residents have staged regular protests since March along the territory's border with Israel, sparking deadly gunfire from Israeli troops and fears of an all-out conflict between Hamas and Israel, which have fought three wars since 2008. Hamas has been in control of Gaza since 2007. Much of the international community considers the group a terrorist organisation and Hamas has rejected calls to recognise Israel. Qatar, which has poured billions into Gaza, is home to former prominent members of Hamas including ex-leader Khaled Meshaal. Those ties came under intense scrutiny when a diplomatic crisis broke out in June 2017, pitting Qatar against a Saudi-led bloc that accuses the gas-rich emirate of supporting "extremists" and being too close to Iran. Qatar denies the charges.

Qatar announces $150 million aid to Gaza

Israeli forces on Thursday (October 11) destroyed a cross-border attack tunnel that ran from Gaza into Israel dug by Hamas, the Islamist group that controls the Palestinian enclave, the military and defence minister said.

"In the past few hours our forces have neutralized a terrorist attack tunnel belonging to the Hamas terrorist organization, which penetrated Israel from the central Gaza Strip," a military statement said.

There was no immediate comment from Hamas, which has fought three wars with Israel in the past decade.

Israeli military spokesman Lieutenant-Colonel Jonathan Conricus told reporters on a conference call that the tunnel, the 15th detected and destroyed in the last year, ran 200 metres into Israeli territory.

Palestinian gunmen used tunnels to blindside Israeli forces during the 2014 Gaza war. Israel has since been developing detection technologies and laying down an underground frontier wall which, it says, will end the Gaza tunnel threat by 2019.

Israeli forces on Thursday (October 11) destroyed a cross-border attack tunnel that ran from Gaza into Israel dug by Hamas, the Islamist group that controls the Palestinian enclave, the military and defence minister said.

Israeli forces on Thursday (October 11) destroyed a cross-border attack tunnel that ran from Gaza into Israel dug by Hamas, the Islamist group that controls the Palestinian enclave, the military and defence minister said. "In the past few hours our forces have neutralized a terrorist attack tunnel belonging to the Hamas terrorist organization, which penetrated Israel from the central Gaza Strip," a military statement said. There was no immediate comment from Hamas, which has fought three wars with Israel in the past decade. Israeli military spokesman Lieutenant-Colonel Jonathan Conricus told reporters on a conference call that the tunnel, the 15th detected and destroyed in the last year, ran 200 metres into Israeli territory. Palestinian gunmen used tunnels to blindside Israeli forces during the 2014 Gaza war. Israel has since been developing detection technologies and laying down an underground frontier wall which, it says, will end the Gaza tunnel threat by 2019.

Watch: Israel says it has destroyed a Gaza attack tunnel

It's nearly 10:00 pm when young Palestinian men begin banging drums and chanting songs, while others attach incendiary devices to balloons -- all closely watched by Israeli snipers on the border.

For six months, Palestinians have gathered regularly along the fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel for often violent daylight demonstrations against Israeli policies.

But in recent weeks they have deployed a new tactic: "night confusion units".

Protests can go on until the early hours.

Organisers say they aim to force the Jewish state to ease its crippling decade-long blockade of Gaza, but residents in nearby Israeli communities say their lives are being destroyed.

Israel accuses Gaza's rulers Hamas of controlling the protests.

Hamas says it backs the demonstrations but is not commanding them and that the idea for nocturnal activity came from protesters themselves.

"Every day the young men on the border invent ways to develop marches and the most recent was the night confusion unit," Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem said.

An Israeli military official, who did not want to be named, said the night protests do not pose a new challenge.

"Our soldiers, including our snipers, have night vision equipment," he said.

"There are a few dozen, sometimes a few hundred demonstrators (at night)... they burn tyres, throw incendiary bottles and sometimes grenades and do not represent a more important threat than the daytime demonstrations."

'I love you'

The night protests come amid a resurgence in border demonstrations following a brief lull as Egypt and UN officials pursued a long-term truce between Hamas and Israel.

Those talks have stalled, along with efforts to reconcile Hamas and Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas' rival Fatah group.

As a result, there have been renewed warnings of yet another conflict between Hamas and Israel, who have fought three wars since 2008.

One recent night, AFP watched as several hundred protesters gathered a few dozen metres (yards) from Israeli soldiers -- separated by the fence -- near Rafah in southern Gaza.

In a tent slightly further into the strip, young men inflated dozens of white balloons inscribed with "I love you".

They then attached flaming devices to the balloons, and launched them towards Israeli territory.

Others hurled primitively built sound grenades; the booms resonated across the border.

"We will not stop launching incendiary balloons until we break the siege on Gaza," said Abu Anas, one of the orchestrators of the night's activities.

Anas insisted the movement was independent of Hamas.

Saqer al-Jamal, 22, said he and fellow protesters believe Israeli soldiers fear their actions.

"The goal is to confuse the occupation and send our message to the settlers nearby that there is no sleep until we achieve our demands of lifting the siege and returning to our country," he said.

Rony Kissin, spokeswoman for the Israeli community of Kerem Shalom located next to the Gaza border, called the night protests a "nightmare".

"Now they've started to throw sound bombs and it's very, very scary," Kissin said.

"The children are very afraid of it. It's very dangerous. It is really like a weapon."

'Confuse the enemy'

The border protests since March 30 have been labelled the "Great March of Return" because they call for Palestinian refugees to return to their former homes inside what is now Israel.

More than 700,000 Palestinians fled or were expelled in the 1948 war surrounding Israel's creation.

At least 194 Palestinians in Gaza have been killed by Israeli fire since the protests began. One Israeli soldier has been killed in the border area over the same period.

Israel says its actions are necessary to defend the border and stop infiltrations and attacks, which it accuses Hamas of orchestrating.

It also points to the hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage caused to Israeli farmland by the kites and balloons.

But Israel's use of live fire during the protests and clashes has drawn international concern.

Palestinians and rights groups say demonstrators have been shot while posing no real threat.

Just before midnight in one recent protest, dozens of youths approached the fence in an attempt to breach it.

One of the youngsters collapsed to the ground.

Medics treated the 17-year-old, who was shot in the foot.

Mohammed abu Aqaleen, another 17-year-old who said he was shot three months ago and walks with crutches, vowed the demonstrators would "continue to confuse the enemy with sound grenades and horns".

His family fled Jaffa -- now inside Israel -- in the 1948 war.

"This confusion will bring us back to Jaffa," said Aqaleen.

It's nearly 10:00 pm when young Palestinian men begin banging drums and chanting songs, while others attach incendiary devices to balloons -- all closely watched by Israeli snipers on the border.

It's nearly 10:00 pm when young Palestinian men begin banging drums and chanting songs, while others attach incendiary devices to balloons -- all closely watched by Israeli snipers on the border. For six months, Palestinians have gathered regularly along the fence between the Gaza Strip and Israel for often violent daylight demonstrations against Israeli policies. But in recent weeks they have deployed a new tactic: "night confusion units". Protests can go on until the early hours. Organisers say they aim to force the Jewish state to ease its crippling decade-long blockade of Gaza, but residents in nearby Israeli communities say their lives are being destroyed. Israel accuses Gaza's rulers Hamas of controlling the protests. Hamas says it backs the demonstrations but is not commanding them and that the idea for nocturnal activity came from protesters themselves. "Every day the young men on the border invent ways to develop marches and the most recent was the night confusion unit," Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem said. An Israeli military official, who did not want to be named, said the night protests do not pose a new challenge. "Our soldiers, including our snipers, have night vision equipment," he said. "There are a few dozen, sometimes a few hundred demonstrators (at night)... they burn tyres, throw incendiary bottles and sometimes grenades and do not represent a more important threat than the daytime demonstrations." 'I love you' The night protests come amid a resurgence in border demonstrations following a brief lull as Egypt and UN officials pursued a long-term truce between Hamas and Israel. Those talks have stalled, along with efforts to reconcile Hamas and Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas' rival Fatah group. As a result, there have been renewed warnings of yet another conflict between Hamas and Israel, who have fought three wars since 2008. One recent night, AFP watched as several hundred protesters gathered a few dozen metres (yards) from Israeli soldiers -- separated by the fence -- near Rafah in southern Gaza. In a tent slightly further into the strip, young men inflated dozens of white balloons inscribed with "I love you". They then attached flaming devices to the balloons, and launched them towards Israeli territory. Others hurled primitively built sound grenades; the booms resonated across the border. "We will not stop launching incendiary balloons until we break the siege on Gaza," said Abu Anas, one of the orchestrators of the night's activities. Anas insisted the movement was independent of Hamas. Saqer al-Jamal, 22, said he and fellow protesters believe Israeli soldiers fear their actions. "The goal is to confuse the occupation and send our message to the settlers nearby that there is no sleep until we achieve our demands of lifting the siege and returning to our country," he said. Rony Kissin, spokeswoman for the Israeli community of Kerem Shalom located next to the Gaza border, called the night protests a "nightmare". "Now they've started to throw sound bombs and it's very, very scary," Kissin said. "The children are very afraid of it. It's very dangerous. It is really like a weapon." 'Confuse the enemy' The border protests since March 30 have been labelled the "Great March of Return" because they call for Palestinian refugees to return to their former homes inside what is now Israel. More than 700,000 Palestinians fled or were expelled in the 1948 war surrounding Israel's creation. At least 194 Palestinians in Gaza have been killed by Israeli fire since the protests began. One Israeli soldier has been killed in the border area over the same period. Israel says its actions are necessary to defend the border and stop infiltrations and attacks, which it accuses Hamas of orchestrating. It also points to the hundreds of thousands of dollars in damage caused to Israeli farmland by the kites and balloons. But Israel's use of live fire during the protests and clashes has drawn international concern. Palestinians and rights groups say demonstrators have been shot while posing no real threat. Just before midnight in one recent protest, dozens of youths approached the fence in an attempt to breach it. One of the youngsters collapsed to the ground. Medics treated the 17-year-old, who was shot in the foot. Mohammed abu Aqaleen, another 17-year-old who said he was shot three months ago and walks with crutches, vowed the demonstrators would "continue to confuse the enemy with sound grenades and horns". His family fled Jaffa -- now inside Israel -- in the 1948 war. "This confusion will bring us back to Jaffa," said Aqaleen.

Gaza night protests step up months of anti-Israel unrest

Israel on Sunday released a French-Palestinian lawyer held without charge for the past 13 months over unspecified allegations, his lawyer said.

Salah Hamouri, 33, was freed at Jerusalem police headquarters after being brought from his cell in a prison in southern Israel's Negev desert.

Attorney Mahmud Hassan told AFP that under the terms of his release Hamouri was forbidden to take part in any celebrations, demonstration or protests for a period of 30 days and required to post a bond of 3,000 shekels ($825, 700 euros).

He was arrested at his home in Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem on August 23, 2017 and subsequently interned under what Israel calls administrative detention, which allows detention without trial for renewable six-month periods.

Neither suspects nor their lawyers are informed of the reasons for arrests and Israel's Shin Bet domestic intelligence agency had no immediate comment when asked by AFP for the reasons behind Hamouri's detention.

French President Emmanuel Macron and Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian had discussed his case several times with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, according to the French foreign ministry.

Israel says administrative detention is intended to allow authorities to hold suspects while continuing to gather evidence, with the aim of preventing attacks or security offences in the meantime.

But the system has been criticised by Palestinians, human rights groups and members of the international community who say Israel abuses the measure.

Hamouri was born in East Jerusalem to a French mother and a Palestinian father.

Palestinian prisoner support NGO Addameer, which employed him as a field researcher, said he was first arrested and placed under administrative detention in 2001, aged 16.

He was interned without trial for another five-month stretch in 2004, it said, then arrested again in 2005.

Following that arrest, he was tried and convicted by an Israeli court on charges of plotting to assassinate Ovadia Yossef, a prominent Israeli rabbi and spiritual leader of the ultra-Orthodox Shas political party.

Hamouri was released in December 2011 as part of a swap of over 1,000 Palestinian prisoners for Gilad Shalit, a soldier held captive in Gaza for more than five years.

He has always maintained his innocence.

Addameer says more than 5,500 Palestinians are currently held in Israeli jails, including approximately 450 in administrative detention.

Israel on Sunday released a French-Palestinian lawyer held without charge for the past 13 months over unspecified allegations, his lawyer said. Salah Hamouri, 33, was freed at Jerusalem police headquarters after being brought from his cell in a prison in southern Israel's Negev desert.

Israel on Sunday released a French-Palestinian lawyer held without charge for the past 13 months over unspecified allegations, his lawyer said. Salah Hamouri, 33, was freed at Jerusalem police headquarters after being brought from his cell in a prison in southern Israel's Negev desert. Attorney Mahmud Hassan told AFP that under the terms of his release Hamouri was forbidden to take part in any celebrations, demonstration or protests for a period of 30 days and required to post a bond of 3,000 shekels ($825, 700 euros). He was arrested at his home in Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem on August 23, 2017 and subsequently interned under what Israel calls administrative detention, which allows detention without trial for renewable six-month periods. Neither suspects nor their lawyers are informed of the reasons for arrests and Israel's Shin Bet domestic intelligence agency had no immediate comment when asked by AFP for the reasons behind Hamouri's detention. French President Emmanuel Macron and Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian had discussed his case several times with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, according to the French foreign ministry. Israel says administrative detention is intended to allow authorities to hold suspects while continuing to gather evidence, with the aim of preventing attacks or security offences in the meantime. But the system has been criticised by Palestinians, human rights groups and members of the international community who say Israel abuses the measure. Hamouri was born in East Jerusalem to a French mother and a Palestinian father. Palestinian prisoner support NGO Addameer, which employed him as a field researcher, said he was first arrested and placed under administrative detention in 2001, aged 16. He was interned without trial for another five-month stretch in 2004, it said, then arrested again in 2005. Following that arrest, he was tried and convicted by an Israeli court on charges of plotting to assassinate Ovadia Yossef, a prominent Israeli rabbi and spiritual leader of the ultra-Orthodox Shas political party. Hamouri was released in December 2011 as part of a swap of over 1,000 Palestinian prisoners for Gilad Shalit, a soldier held captive in Gaza for more than five years. He has always maintained his innocence. Addameer says more than 5,500 Palestinians are currently held in Israeli jails, including approximately 450 in administrative detention.

Israel frees French-Palestinian after 13 months without trial

The UN General Assembly will hold an emergency meeting on Gaza next Wednesday at 12:30 am IST following a request by a number of Arab countries, the body's president Miroslav Lajcak announced today in a letter to the 193 member states.

The session will seek a vote on a resolution to condemn Israel, similar to one vetoed by the United States in the Security Council last week, according to diplomats.

The meeting comes as casualties continue to mount at Gaza

The UN General Assembly will hold an emergency meeting on Gaza next Wednesday at 12:30 am IST following a request by a number of Arab countries, the body's president Miroslav Lajcak announced today in a letter to the 193 member states. The session will seek a vote on a resolution to condemn Israel, similar to one vetoed by the United States in the Security Council last week, according to diplomats.

UN to hold emergency meeting on Gaza next week

The latest escalation of fighting between Israel and Palestinian Hamas has pushed Gaza to the brink of war, the UN envoy for the Middle East warned the Security Council on Wednesday.

Nickolay Mladenov delivered the stark warning as the council remained deadlocked over how to respond to the flare-up between Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip and Israel.

"This latest round of attacks is a warning to all of how close to the brink of war we are every day," said Mladenov, who spoke via video link from Jerusalem.

The council met in emergency session at the request of the United States, which had asked the top UN body to condemn rocket firings by Hamas and Islamic Jihad on Israel.

But Kuwait, a non-permanent council member that represents Arab countries, blocked the US-drafted statement, arguing that it had presented its own draft resolution that addressed the crisis.

The exchange of fire on Tuesday and into the early hours of Wednesday began with a barrage of rocket and mortars into Israel from Gaza, prompting Israel to respond with strikes on 65 militant sites in the Gaza Strip.

The violence was the most serious escalation since the 2014 war between Israel and Hamas and followed weeks of Palestinian protests in which more than 100 Palestinians have been shot and killed by Israeli forces.

Calm returned to Gaza on Wednesday but the UN envoy expressed concern that ongoing protests in June will lead to further violence.&nbsp

"No one in Gaza can afford another war," said Mladenov.

Kuwait is pushing for a vote at the council this week on its draft resolution calling for "the consideration of measures" for the protection of Palestinian civilians, according to the text obtained by AFP.

The United States, which has veto power in the council, will oppose the measure, Israeli Ambassador Danny Danon told reporters.

US Ambassador Nikki Haley said "the people of Gaza do not need protection from an external source. The people of Gaza need protection from Hamas."

With the council deadlocked, France warned that the failure to agree on a response to the Gaza crisis was damaging to the United Nations.

"This increasingly heavy silence, which is becoming deafening, is not acceptable," said French Ambassador Francois Delattre.

"It is not acceptable for the Palestinian and Israeli populations, who are affected by this conflict. It is not acceptable for the world that is watching us," he said. 
&nbsp

The latest round of attacks is a warning to all of how close to the brink of war we are every day: UN envoy for the Middle East

The latest escalation of fighting between Israel and Palestinian Hamas has pushed Gaza to the brink of war, the UN envoy for the Middle East warned the Security Council on Wednesday. Nickolay Mladenov delivered the stark warning as the council remained deadlocked over how to respond to the flare-up between Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip and Israel. "This latest round of attacks is a warning to all of how close to the brink of war we are every day," said Mladenov, who spoke via video link from Jerusalem. The council met in emergency session at the request of the United States, which had asked the top UN body to condemn rocket firings by Hamas and Islamic Jihad on Israel. But Kuwait, a non-permanent council member that represents Arab countries, blocked the US-drafted statement, arguing that it had presented its own draft resolution that addressed the crisis. The exchange of fire on Tuesday and into the early hours of Wednesday began with a barrage of rocket and mortars into Israel from Gaza, prompting Israel to respond with strikes on 65 militant sites in the Gaza Strip. The violence was the most serious escalation since the 2014 war between Israel and Hamas and followed weeks of Palestinian protests in which more than 100 Palestinians have been shot and killed by Israeli forces. Calm returned to Gaza on Wednesday but the UN envoy expressed concern that ongoing protests in June will lead to further violence. "No one in Gaza can afford another war," said Mladenov. Kuwait is pushing for a vote at the council this week on its draft resolution calling for "the consideration of measures" for the protection of Palestinian civilians, according to the text obtained by AFP. The United States, which has veto power in the council, will oppose the measure, Israeli Ambassador Danny Danon told reporters. US Ambassador Nikki Haley said "the people of Gaza do not need protection from an external source. The people of Gaza need protection from Hamas." With the council deadlocked, France warned that the failure to agree on a response to the Gaza crisis was damaging to the United Nations. "This increasingly heavy silence, which is becoming deafening, is not acceptable," said French Ambassador Francois Delattre. "It is not acceptable for the Palestinian and Israeli populations, who are affected by this conflict. It is not acceptable for the world that is watching us," he said.

UN warns Gaza on the brink of war

<a href="http://wionews.com/world/terrorist-attacker-kills-three-in-belgiums-liege-gunman-dead-140693">'Terrorist' attacker kills three in Belgium's Liege, gunman dead</a>

A man killed two policewomen and a bystander in the Belgian city of Liege on Tuesday before being shot dead in a gunbattle at a school in what prosecutors are treating as a terrorist attack.

<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/what-is-the-s-400-missile-defence-system-that-india-is-eyeing-to-buy-140653">What is the S-400 missile defence system that India is eyeing to buy</a>

India has concluded price negotiations with Russia for a nearly Rs 40,000 crore deal to procure S-400 Triumf air defence missile systems for the Indian Air Force. S-400 is known as Russia's most advanced long-range surface-to-air missile defence system.

<a href="http://wionews.com/world/gaza-militants-launch-heavy-barrage-into-israel-israel-responds-with-air-strikes-140675">Gaza militants launch heavy barrage into Israel, Israel responds with air strikes</a>

Palestinian militants on Tuesday launched their heaviest mortar bomb barrage against Israel since a 2014 Gaza war and Israeli aircraft struck Islamic Jihad camps in the enclave in response.

<a href="http://wionews.com/world/trump-says-meetings-taking-place-on-us-north-korea-summit-140683">Trump says meetings taking place on US-North Korea summit</a>

US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that several meetings were being carried out between the US and North Korea ahead of the historic summit and confirmed that a top North Korean official was en route to New York.

<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/up-bypolls-re-polling-to-take-place-at-73-booths-in-kairana-140707">UP </a><a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/up-bypolls-re-polling-to-take-place-at-73-booths-in-kairana-140707">bypolls</a><a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/up-bypolls-re-polling-to-take-place-at-73-booths-in-kairana-140707">: Re-polling to take place at 73 booths in Kairana</a>

73 polling stations in Uttar Pradesh's Kairana Lok Sabha constituency will see repolling on Wednesday, the Election Commission has said.

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'Terrorist' attacker kills three in Belgium's Liege, gunman dead A man killed two policewomen and a bystander in the Belgian city of Liege on Tuesday before being shot dead in a gunbattle at a school in what prosecutors are treating as a terrorist attack. What is the S-400 missile defence system that India is eyeing to buy India has concluded price negotiations with Russia for a nearly Rs 40,000 crore deal to procure S-400 Triumf air defence missile systems for the Indian Air Force. S-400 is known as Russia's most advanced long-range surface-to-air missile defence system. Gaza militants launch heavy barrage into Israel, Israel responds with air strikes Palestinian militants on Tuesday launched their heaviest mortar bomb barrage against Israel since a 2014 Gaza war and Israeli aircraft struck Islamic Jihad camps in the enclave in response. Trump says meetings taking place on US-North Korea summit US President Donald Trump said on Tuesday that several meetings were being carried out between the US and North Korea ahead of the historic summit and confirmed that a top North Korean official was en route to New York. UP bypolls: Re-polling to take place at 73 booths in Kairana 73 polling stations in Uttar Pradesh's Kairana Lok Sabha constituency will see repolling on Wednesday, the Election Commission has said.

News brief: Big stories of the day

A Palestinian was killed by Israeli tank fire into northern Gaza on Monday, the health ministry in the Hamas-run enclave said.

It named the dead man as Mohammed al-Rudeia, 30, and said another man was wounded.

An army spokeswoman told AFP that two Palestinian men tried to breach the border fence "with the intention of carrying out an attack".

It said the pair were captured but other Palestinians on the Gaza side fired at Israeli soldiers, without causing injuries.

"In response we attacked with a tank a nearby lookout post," she said.

Eyewitnesses said the tank strike targeted an observation point belonging to an armed group.

A statement by Hamas's military wing, the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, hailed Rudeia as a "fighter", an accolade usually only given to its own members.

Separately Monday the health ministry announced the death of a Palestinian injured in clashes with Israeli forces.

Nasser al-Areenee, 28, was shot a "number of days ago" east of Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip, the ministry said, without giving further details.

At least 121 Palestinians have been killed during weeks of unrest since March 30, when Palestinians began calling to be allowed to return to their historic homelands inside Israel.

The majority were killed during protests along the border, including at least 61 on May 14.

Others have been killed in air strikes, including on Sunday when three members of the Hamas-allied Islamic Jihad militant group were killed.

Israel says it is merely defending its borders and accuses Hamas of encouraging thousands of Palestinians to break through the border and attack Israelis.

The Jewish state has fought three wars with Hamas since 2008.

It named the dead man as Mohammed al-Rudeia, 30, and said another man was wounded

A Palestinian was killed by Israeli tank fire into northern Gaza on Monday, the health ministry in the Hamas-run enclave said. It named the dead man as Mohammed al-Rudeia, 30, and said another man was wounded. An army spokeswoman told AFP that two Palestinian men tried to breach the border fence "with the intention of carrying out an attack". It said the pair were captured but other Palestinians on the Gaza side fired at Israeli soldiers, without causing injuries. "In response we attacked with a tank a nearby lookout post," she said. Eyewitnesses said the tank strike targeted an observation point belonging to an armed group. A statement by Hamas's military wing, the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, hailed Rudeia as a "fighter", an accolade usually only given to its own members. Separately Monday the health ministry announced the death of a Palestinian injured in clashes with Israeli forces. Nasser al-Areenee, 28, was shot a "number of days ago" east of Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip, the ministry said, without giving further details. At least 121 Palestinians have been killed during weeks of unrest since March 30, when Palestinians began calling to be allowed to return to their historic homelands inside Israel. The majority were killed during protests along the border, including at least 61 on May 14. Others have been killed in air strikes, including on Sunday when three members of the Hamas-allied Islamic Jihad militant group were killed. Israel says it is merely defending its borders and accuses Hamas of encouraging thousands of Palestinians to break through the border and attack Israelis. The Jewish state has fought three wars with Hamas since 2008.

Palestinian killed in Israel strike in north Gaza: Ministry

Israel has summoned the ambassadors of Spain, Slovenia and Belgium over their votes at a UN body calling for an international probe of the deadly shootings of dozens of Palestinians on the Gaza border, the foreign ministry said Monday.

The Spanish and Slovenian ambassadors were called in on Monday, while the Belgian envoy was to be summoned on Tuesday, the ministry said in a statement.

The UN Human Rights Council voted Friday to send a team of international war crimes investigators to probe the deadly shootings. The three European countries were among 29 that voted in favour.

The UN Human Rights Council voted Friday to send a team of international war crimes investigators to probe the deadly shootings.

Israel has summoned the ambassadors of Spain, Slovenia and Belgium over their votes at a UN body calling for an international probe of the deadly shootings of dozens of Palestinians on the Gaza border, the foreign ministry said Monday. The Spanish and Slovenian ambassadors were called in on Monday, while the Belgian envoy was to be summoned on Tuesday, the ministry said in a statement. The UN Human Rights Council voted Friday to send a team of international war crimes investigators to probe the deadly shootings. The three European countries were among 29 that voted in favour.

Israel summons ambassadors of Spain, Slovenia & Belgium over Gaza vote

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