Israel carried out airstrike against Gaza on Monday night as a retaliation after incendiary balloons launched from the Palestinian enclave started fires.

Israeli army blamed Hamas for the balloons and said that it targeted locations that belonged to the militant group.

"Overnight, IDF fighter jets struck a Hamas rocket manufacturing workshop, as well as a Hamas military compound in Khan Yunis," the Israeli army said in a statement.&nbsp;

"The strikes were in response to Hamas launching incendiary balloons into Israeli territory," the statement added.&nbsp;

The army also fired artillery in north Gaza, as per witnesses. AFP quoted medical sources in the Palestinian enclave to say that no one was killed.

Earlier in the day, Israeli firefighters had said that incendiary balloons had caused three bushfires at sites close to the Gaza Strip.&nbsp;

Launching the makeshift devices is a common tactic of militants in Gaza, which Israel has blockaded for nearly 15 years.

Israel frequently responds with airstrikes.

Monday's strikes come after six Palestinians broke out of an Israeli prison earlier in the day through a tunnel, triggering a massive manhunt.

Hamas and Israel fought a devastating 11-day conflict in May, the worst between the two sides in years.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Israel carried out airstrike against Gaza on Monday night as a retaliation after incendiary balloons launched from the Palestinian enclave started fires. Israeli army blamed Hamas for the balloons and said that it targeted locations that belonged to the militant group.

Israel carried out airstrike against Gaza on Monday night as a retaliation after incendiary balloons launched from the Palestinian enclave started fires. Israeli army blamed Hamas for the balloons and said that it targeted locations that belonged to the militant group. "Overnight, IDF fighter jets struck a Hamas rocket manufacturing workshop, as well as a Hamas military compound in Khan Yunis," the Israeli army said in a statement. "The strikes were in response to Hamas launching incendiary balloons into Israeli territory," the statement added. The army also fired artillery in north Gaza, as per witnesses. AFP quoted medical sources in the Palestinian enclave to say that no one was killed. Earlier in the day, Israeli firefighters had said that incendiary balloons had caused three bushfires at sites close to the Gaza Strip. Launching the makeshift devices is a common tactic of militants in Gaza, which Israel has blockaded for nearly 15 years. Israel frequently responds with airstrikes. Monday's strikes come after six Palestinians broke out of an Israeli prison earlier in the day through a tunnel, triggering a massive manhunt. Hamas and Israel fought a devastating 11-day conflict in May, the worst between the two sides in years. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel launches airstrikes in Gaza after incendiary balloon attacks

Israeli aircraft struck Hamas sites in Gaza early on Sunday in response to incendiary balloons launched from the Palestinian enclave, the military said, as a recent rise in cross-border violence tests a fragile truce that ended fierce fighting in May.

Sanctioned by Hamas, the Islamist armed group that rules Gaza, Palestinian groups said on Saturday they were resuming protests at the Israel-Gaza border, aimed at pressing Israel to ease restrictions on the enclave. The Israeli military said hundreds of Palestinians gathered along the frontier during the night, hurling explosives and burning tyres.

The military said its troops responded with "riot dispersal means" and Gaza medics said at least six Palestinians were hurt, one seriously. A few hours later, Israeli pre-dawn air strikes targeted a Hamas weapons manufacturing complex and a tunnel it said was used by militants, after incendiary balloons were sent across the border.

There were no reports of casualties in the bombings.

An Egyptian-mediated truce ended the May conflict in which Gaza militants fired rockets towards Israeli cities and Israel carried out air strikes across the coastal enclave. At least 250

Palestinians and 13 people in Israel were killed in 11 days of fighting.

But violence has recently increased despite an Israeli announcement this month of a resumption of Qatari aid to Gaza, a decision that had been seen as bolstering the truce.

Palestinian groups say Israel has yet to make good on its word and over the past two weeks militants have fired a rocket and sent balloons carrying incendiary material into Israel, setting off brush fires and drawing Israeli strikes on Hamas facilities.

Citing security threats, Israel keeps Gaza under a blockade, tightly restricting movement in and out of the territory that is home to 2 million Palestinians. Egypt also maintains Gaza restrictions.

Israeli aircraft struck Hamas sites in Gaza early on Sunday in response to incendiary balloons launched from the Palestinian enclave, the military said, as a recent rise in cross-border violence tests a fragile truce that ended fierce fighting in May.

Israeli aircraft struck Hamas sites in Gaza early on Sunday in response to incendiary balloons launched from the Palestinian enclave, the military said, as a recent rise in cross-border violence tests a fragile truce that ended fierce fighting in May. Sanctioned by Hamas, the Islamist armed group that rules Gaza, Palestinian groups said on Saturday they were resuming protests at the Israel-Gaza border, aimed at pressing Israel to ease restrictions on the enclave. The Israeli military said hundreds of Palestinians gathered along the frontier during the night, hurling explosives and burning tyres. The military said its troops responded with "riot dispersal means" and Gaza medics said at least six Palestinians were hurt, one seriously. A few hours later, Israeli pre-dawn air strikes targeted a Hamas weapons manufacturing complex and a tunnel it said was used by militants, after incendiary balloons were sent across the border. There were no reports of casualties in the bombings. An Egyptian-mediated truce ended the May conflict in which Gaza militants fired rockets towards Israeli cities and Israel carried out air strikes across the coastal enclave. At least 250 Palestinians and 13 people in Israel were killed in 11 days of fighting. But violence has recently increased despite an Israeli announcement this month of a resumption of Qatari aid to Gaza, a decision that had been seen as bolstering the truce. Palestinian groups say Israel has yet to make good on its word and over the past two weeks militants have fired a rocket and sent balloons carrying incendiary material into Israel, setting off brush fires and drawing Israeli strikes on Hamas facilities. Citing security threats, Israel keeps Gaza under a blockade, tightly restricting movement in and out of the territory that is home to 2 million Palestinians. Egypt also maintains Gaza restrictions.

Israel bombs Hamas sites in Gaza over fire balloons

Tensions are once again high between the state of Israel and Gaza. The Israeli defence forces reportedly have launched airstrikes and bombings on the Gaza strip on Sunday.

Israel launches airstrike on Gaza strip after border protests

Israeli jets bombed Gaza on Monday after incendiary balloons hit the country days after clashes between<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-jets-conduct-airstrikes-on-gaza-after-border-clashes-407543"> Israelis </a>and Palestinians over the weekend.

The strikes were carried out in Khan Younes in the south and Jabalia in the north, however, there were no reports of any casualties.

Israeli defence forces said the jets attacked "a Hamas weapons manufacturing site in Khan Yunis as well as terror tunnel entrance in Jabalia".

Watch:

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The IDF added that a "Hamas underground rocket launch site located adjacent to civilian homes and a school in Shejaiya, was also struck."

Reports claimed at least nine incendiary balloons were launched from Gaza. The latest development comes as Palestinian protesters tried to scale a wall near the Gaza border as Israeli troops opened fire over the weekend. A boy including an Israeli police official were injured in the clashes.

Israel and Hamas were involved in a&nbsp;11-day conflict in May as Israeli jets pounded Gaza as the militant groups retaliated with thousands of rockets aimed at Israel as 250 Palestinians and 13 Israelis were killed.

A ceasefire was finally brokered by Egpyt, however,&nbsp;there have been reports of balloons laden with incendiary material aimed at Israel in the past few months leading to tensions.

Israel's fire and rescue service said the incendiary balloons led to fires in fields along the Gaza border on Monday but there were no reports of any casualties.

Reports said the Israeli Army had activated the Iron Dome anti-missile system after rockets were launched towards the country on Saturday which was the first rocket attack since the May ceasefire.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Israeli jets bombed Gaza on Monday after incendiary balloons hit the country days after clashes between Israelis and Palestinians over the weekend. The strikes were carried out in Khan Younes in the south and Jabalia in the north, however, there were no reports of any casualties.

Israeli jets bombed Gaza on Monday after incendiary balloons hit the country days after clashes between Israelis and Palestinians over the weekend. The strikes were carried out in Khan Younes in the south and Jabalia in the north, however, there were no reports of any casualties. Israeli defence forces said the jets attacked "a Hamas weapons manufacturing site in Khan Yunis as well as terror tunnel entrance in Jabalia". Watch: The IDF added that a "Hamas underground rocket launch site located adjacent to civilian homes and a school in Shejaiya, was also struck." Reports claimed at least nine incendiary balloons were launched from Gaza. The latest development comes as Palestinian protesters tried to scale a wall near the Gaza border as Israeli troops opened fire over the weekend. A boy including an Israeli police official were injured in the clashes. Israel and Hamas were involved in a 11-day conflict in May as Israeli jets pounded Gaza as the militant groups retaliated with thousands of rockets aimed at Israel as 250 Palestinians and 13 Israelis were killed. A ceasefire was finally brokered by Egpyt, however, there have been reports of balloons laden with incendiary material aimed at Israel in the past few months leading to tensions. Israel's fire and rescue service said the incendiary balloons led to fires in fields along the Gaza border on Monday but there were no reports of any casualties. Reports said the Israeli Army had activated the Iron Dome anti-missile system after rockets were launched towards the country on Saturday which was the first rocket attack since the May ceasefire. (With inputs from Agencies)

Israeli jets strike Gaza again after incendiary balloon attacks

Israeli planes targeted Gaza late on Saturday after clashes between Israeli soldiers and Palestinian protesters at&nbsp;the border.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-fires-on-protesting-palestinians-in-gaza-24-wounded-407504">Palestinians</a> hurled firebombs at Israeli troops as they fired in return as several were injured, reports said.

Gaza's health ministry said at least 41 civilians were wounded in clashes with Israeli troops as Palestinians tried to climb the Gaza Strip's northern border fence.

Watch:

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"IDF (Israeli military) troops responded with riot dispersal means, including when necessary live fire," Israel said in a statement.

The Israeli military said its fighter jets had struck four weapons storage and manufacturing sites belonging to Hamas during the airstrikes.

The Israeli military said it had sent additional forces to the Gaza border area amid threat of retaliatory fire from Hamas and has reportedly deployed the Iron Dome anti-missile system.

The Israeli army alleged that &nbsp;"hundreds of rioters" had tried to scale the northern border and had hurled "explosive devices" as the army fired tear gas shells.

<img alt="Israeli airstike in Gaza" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="1cece40d-801a-4037-91b3-6af75e9cd70d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Israel_5.JPG" />

The military said one police soldier was wounded during the clashes.&nbsp;

Israeli police commissioner Kobi Shabtai said its forces will continue to act firmly against the protesters. The latest clashes come as Hamas on Saturday called a protest to mark the burning of Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa Mosque 52 years ago.

Hamas and Israeli troops were involved in a 11-day conflict in May as Israeli aircraft carried out multiple strikes on&nbsp;Gaza as&nbsp;rockets were fired by militants from the enclave.&nbsp;

A ceasefire was struck later brokered by Egypt&nbsp;however reconstruction activities in Gaza has been stalled even as &nbsp;Israel announced it would allow funds from Qatar to reach&nbsp;Palestinians in Gaza, however, other restrictions remain.

On Monday, the Israeli military had said its Iron Dome missile defence system had intercepted a rocket fired by militants in Gaza amid tensions in the area.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Israeli planes targeted Gaza late on Saturday after clashes between Israeli soldiers and Palestinian protesters at the border. Palestinians hurled firebombs at Israeli troops as they fired in return as several were injured, reports said.

Israeli planes targeted Gaza late on Saturday after clashes between Israeli soldiers and Palestinian protesters at the border. Palestinians hurled firebombs at Israeli troops as they fired in return as several were injured, reports said. Gaza's health ministry said at least 41 civilians were wounded in clashes with Israeli troops as Palestinians tried to climb the Gaza Strip's northern border fence. Watch: "IDF (Israeli military) troops responded with riot dispersal means, including when necessary live fire," Israel said in a statement. The Israeli military said its fighter jets had struck four weapons storage and manufacturing sites belonging to Hamas during the airstrikes. The Israeli military said it had sent additional forces to the Gaza border area amid threat of retaliatory fire from Hamas and has reportedly deployed the Iron Dome anti-missile system. The Israeli army alleged that "hundreds of rioters" had tried to scale the northern border and had hurled "explosive devices" as the army fired tear gas shells. The military said one police soldier was wounded during the clashes. Israeli police commissioner Kobi Shabtai said its forces will continue to act firmly against the protesters. The latest clashes come as Hamas on Saturday called a protest to mark the burning of Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa Mosque 52 years ago. Hamas and Israeli troops were involved in a 11-day conflict in May as Israeli aircraft carried out multiple strikes on Gaza as rockets were fired by militants from the enclave. A ceasefire was struck later brokered by Egypt however reconstruction activities in Gaza has been stalled even as Israel announced it would allow funds from Qatar to reach Palestinians in Gaza, however, other restrictions remain. On Monday, the Israeli military had said its Iron Dome missile defence system had intercepted a rocket fired by militants in Gaza amid tensions in the area. (With inputs from Agencies)

Israeli jets conduct airstrikes on Gaza after border clashes

Israeli aircraft bombed Hamas sites in the Gaza Strip on Saturday in response to incendiary balloons launched from the Palestinian enclave, Israel's military said. 
 
There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage from the strike that targeted what the military said was a rocket launching site and a compound belonging to Hamas, the Islamist group that rules Gaza. Hamas had no immediate comment. 
 
Since a May 21 ceasefire ended 11 days of Israel-Hamas fighting, Palestinians in Gaza have sporadically launched balloons laden with incendiary material across the border, causing fires that have burned fields in Israel. 
 
Palestinians say the balloons aim to pressure Israel to ease restrictions on the coastal enclave that were tightened during the May fighting. 
 
Balloon launches had mostly ebbed after Israel eased some restrictions on Gaza. 
 
But on Friday, balloons were again launched from Gaza, causing at least four brush fires in areas near the Israel-Gaza frontier. 
 
The Israeli military said its air strikes were in "response to continual launches of incendiary balloons from Gaza into Israel throughout the day." 
 
The blazes along the Gaza frontier broke out on Friday as Israel separately traded fire over its northern border with Lebanon's Iran-backed Hezbollah, in a third day of cross-border salvoes amid wider regional tensions with Iran.

Israeli aircraft bombed Hamas sites in the Gaza Strip on Saturday in response to incendiary balloons launched from the Palestinian enclave, Israel's military said.

Israeli aircraft bombed Hamas sites in the Gaza Strip on Saturday in response to incendiary balloons launched from the Palestinian enclave, Israel's military said. There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage from the strike that targeted what the military said was a rocket launching site and a compound belonging to Hamas, the Islamist group that rules Gaza. Hamas had no immediate comment. Since a May 21 ceasefire ended 11 days of Israel-Hamas fighting, Palestinians in Gaza have sporadically launched balloons laden with incendiary material across the border, causing fires that have burned fields in Israel. Palestinians say the balloons aim to pressure Israel to ease restrictions on the coastal enclave that were tightened during the May fighting. Balloon launches had mostly ebbed after Israel eased some restrictions on Gaza. But on Friday, balloons were again launched from Gaza, causing at least four brush fires in areas near the Israel-Gaza frontier. The Israeli military said its air strikes were in "response to continual launches of incendiary balloons from Gaza into Israel throughout the day." The blazes along the Gaza frontier broke out on Friday as Israel separately traded fire over its northern border with Lebanon's Iran-backed Hezbollah, in a third day of cross-border salvoes amid wider regional tensions with Iran.

Israel strikes Hamas sites in Gaza in response to fire balloons: Military

As rockets hit <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hit-by-rockets-fired-from-lebanon-responds-with-artillery-army-402809">Israel</a>, the country's&nbsp;Air Force said it carried out airstrikes on Lebanon for the first time in seven years.

The rockets had hit northern Israel on Wednesday as Israel hit back with artillery fire and then launched air attacks.

"Fighter jets struck the launch sites and infrastructure used for terror in Lebanon from which the rockets were launched," the military said.

Watch:

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No group has so far claimed responsibility for the attack on Israel. The rockets attacks reportedly targeted Israel's northern town of Kiryat Shmona.

The strikes were reportedly carried out in the Lebanese town of Mahmudiya which is located a few km away from the Israeli border, however, there were no reports of any casualties.

Israeli Air Force claimed rockets were fired from Lebanon as "an additional target in the area from which rockets have been launched in the past was struck as well".

Israeli Air Force had conducted strikes against Lebanon in 2014. The Israeli military said it views "the state of Lebanon responsible for all actions originating in its territory, and warns against further attempts to harm Israeli civilians and Israel's sovereignty."

Meanwhile, US State Department spokesman Ned Price said: "We condemn the rocket attacks from armed groups based in Lebanon into Israel, adding,"We've made the point that Israel has the right to defend itself."

Lebanese President Michel Aoun accused Israel of escalating attacks as UN peacekeeping force UNIFIL urged both Israel and Lebanon to "act with urgency" to deescalate tensions.

The strikes come as Lebanon marked the first anniversary of the devastating explosion in Beirut port in which 214 people were killed.

(With inputs from Agencies)

As rockets hit Israel, the country's Air Force said it carried out airstrikes on Lebanon for the first time in seven years. The rockets had hit northern Israel on Wednesday as Israel hit back with artillery fire and then launched air attacks.

As rockets hit Israel, the country's Air Force said it carried out airstrikes on Lebanon for the first time in seven years. The rockets had hit northern Israel on Wednesday as Israel hit back with artillery fire and then launched air attacks. "Fighter jets struck the launch sites and infrastructure used for terror in Lebanon from which the rockets were launched," the military said. Watch: No group has so far claimed responsibility for the attack on Israel. The rockets attacks reportedly targeted Israel's northern town of Kiryat Shmona. The strikes were reportedly carried out in the Lebanese town of Mahmudiya which is located a few km away from the Israeli border, however, there were no reports of any casualties. Israeli Air Force claimed rockets were fired from Lebanon as "an additional target in the area from which rockets have been launched in the past was struck as well". Israeli Air Force had conducted strikes against Lebanon in 2014. The Israeli military said it views "the state of Lebanon responsible for all actions originating in its territory, and warns against further attempts to harm Israeli civilians and Israel's sovereignty." Meanwhile, US State Department spokesman Ned Price said: "We condemn the rocket attacks from armed groups based in Lebanon into Israel, adding,"We've made the point that Israel has the right to defend itself." Lebanese President Michel Aoun accused Israel of escalating attacks as UN peacekeeping force UNIFIL urged both Israel and Lebanon to "act with urgency" to deescalate tensions. The strikes come as Lebanon marked the first anniversary of the devastating explosion in Beirut port in which 214 people were killed. (With inputs from Agencies)

Israeli Air Force conducts airstrikes on Lebanon first time in seven years

Israel hit Gaza with airstrikes on Sunday after incendiary balloons launched from the Palestinian enclave caused fires in the Jewish state. The Israeli strikes targeted an open area in northern Gaza and a militant training site belonging to Gaza Strip’s Hamas Islamist rulers in southern Khan Yunis.

Israel hits Gaza with airstrikes after incendiary balloon fires

Israeli warplanes struck a target in the southern Gaza Strip. The airstrike came several hours after the incendiary balloons were launched into Israel by activists linked to Gaza's ruling Hamas militant group. There were no immediate reports of casualties.

Israeli warplanes strike target in southern Gaza strip

Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett said that any disturbances aimed at Israel from the Gaza Strip will be met with a harsh response. Bennett also added that his government is working on enabling humanitarian aid to reach Gaza.

Disturbance aimed at Israel will be met with harsh response, Bennett warns Hamas

Bennett also subtly criticized Netanyahu's government as he pledged to "do everything we can" to return Israeli captives and the remains of soldiers from the 2014 war.

Disturbances will be met with harsh response: Naftali Bennett

Israeli fighter jets struck a Hamas weapons manufacturing site in Gaza in response to incendiary balloons launched over the frontier into Israel by the militant group Hamas.

Israel forces hit Hamas weapons depot

The Israel-Hamas conflict is escalating again. After Israeli airstrikes, Palestinians clashed with police at the al-Aqsa mosque. As tensions escalate, "anti-Palestine" messages by a designer at Zara led to boycott calls against the fashion brand. Palki Sharma has more.

Gravitas: Palestinians clash with Israeli police at Al-Aqsa mosque

Israeli nationalists marched through east Jerusalem in a flag-waving procession as Palestinians clashed with Israeli security forces.

Earlier, Israeli groups prepared to carry out their procession&nbsp;in east Jerusalem on Tuesday and hoped to pass through Jerusalem's Old City as reports said there were clashes between Palestinians and Israeli security forces at the Damascus Gate.

Watch:

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The march which was originally planned for May 10 was postponed due to the escalation of the Israeli-Hamas conflict last month which led to the large scale destruction of Gaza by Israeli air attacks followed by rocket fire from Hamas and other militant organizations.

The "March of the Flags" is connected to the anniversary of Israel's 1967 occupation of Jerusalem's&nbsp;eastern half.&nbsp;

Authorities last week had delayed the march over security threat in the route as former prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly put off the march by a week.

<img alt="Jerusalem" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="162512d7-d40d-4f23-81dc-c48ab4230f4f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Jeru1.jpg" />

Meanwhile, Palestinians called it a "day of rage" as prime minister Mohammad Shtayyeh condemned it as a provocation saying that it may lead to "dangerous repercussions".

Palestinian PM Shtayyeh said "provocation and aggression against our people, Jerusalem and its sanctities that must end" even as UN Middle East peace envoy Tor Wennesland urged for calm with&nbsp;"UN and Egypt actively engaged in solidifying the ceasefire."

Hamas spokesman Mohammed Hamadeh had earlier warned Israeli's&nbsp;"not to engage in a military escalation on the basis of the march." The conflict between the two sides between May 10 to 21 had led to the deaths of at least 260 Palestinians.&nbsp;

<img alt="Jerusalem" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0b570f94-b315-4a81-9585-0a0427a977dd" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Jeru2.jpg" />

In Israel, at least 13 people were killed as rocket attacks from Gaza had led to the escalation of conflict before Egyptian authorities stepped in&nbsp;to ensure a ceasefire.

(With inputs from Agencies) 
&nbsp;

Israeli nationalists marched through east Jerusalem in a flag-waving procession as Palestinians clashed with Israeli security forces. Earlier, Israeli groups prepared to carry out their procession in east Jerusalem on Tuesday and hoped to pass through Jerusalem's Old City as reports said there were clashes between Palestinians and Israeli security forces at the Damascus Gate.

Israeli nationalists marched through east Jerusalem in a flag-waving procession as Palestinians clashed with Israeli security forces. Earlier, Israeli groups prepared to carry out their procession in east Jerusalem on Tuesday and hoped to pass through Jerusalem's Old City as reports said there were clashes between Palestinians and Israeli security forces at the Damascus Gate. Watch: The march which was originally planned for May 10 was postponed due to the escalation of the Israeli-Hamas conflict last month which led to the large scale destruction of Gaza by Israeli air attacks followed by rocket fire from Hamas and other militant organizations. The "March of the Flags" is connected to the anniversary of Israel's 1967 occupation of Jerusalem's eastern half. Authorities last week had delayed the march over security threat in the route as former prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly put off the march by a week. Meanwhile, Palestinians called it a "day of rage" as prime minister Mohammad Shtayyeh condemned it as a provocation saying that it may lead to "dangerous repercussions". Palestinian PM Shtayyeh said "provocation and aggression against our people, Jerusalem and its sanctities that must end" even as UN Middle East peace envoy Tor Wennesland urged for calm with "UN and Egypt actively engaged in solidifying the ceasefire." Hamas spokesman Mohammed Hamadeh had earlier warned Israeli's "not to engage in a military escalation on the basis of the march." The conflict between the two sides between May 10 to 21 had led to the deaths of at least 260 Palestinians. In Israel, at least 13 people were killed as rocket attacks from Gaza had led to the escalation of conflict before Egyptian authorities stepped in to ensure a ceasefire. (With inputs from Agencies)

Palestinians, Israeli security forces clash as east Jerusalem simmers over march

The Palestinian Health Ministry said Israeli troops shot and killed two security officers during clashes in the West Bank town of Jenin early Thursday. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/palestine-miffed-with-indias-abstention-at-unhrc-vote-fm-riad-writes-to-eam-388960">Also read | Palestine miffed with India's abstention at UNHRC vote; FM Riad writes to EAM</a> 
 
Online videos appeared to show Palestinian officers taking cover behind a vehicle as gunshots ranged in the background, with one shouting that they were exchanging fire with Israeli "undercover" forces.

The ministry said a third Palestinian was severely wounded in the shootout. There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/opinion-for-just-cause-of-palestine-389238">Also read | Opinion: For just cause of Palestine</a> 
 
A poster circulated on local media identified the two dead as members of the Palestinian Authority’s Military Intelligence force.

Israeli raids in West Bank areas controlled by the Palestinian Authority are common and they are usually meant to arrest wanted Palestinians. However, clashes with the Palestinian forces are rare as such operations are believed to be coordinated between the two sides.

The Palestinian Health Ministry said Israeli troops shot and killed two security officers during clashes in the West Bank town of Jenin early Thursday. Also read | Palestine miffed with India's abstention at UNHRC vote; FM Riad writes to EAM Online videos appeared to show Palestinian officers taking cover behind a vehicle as gunshots ranged in the background, with one shouting that they were exchanging fire with Israeli "undercover" forces.

The Palestinian Health Ministry said Israeli troops shot and killed two security officers during clashes in the West Bank town of Jenin early Thursday. Also read | Palestine miffed with India's abstention at UNHRC vote; FM Riad writes to EAM Online videos appeared to show Palestinian officers taking cover behind a vehicle as gunshots ranged in the background, with one shouting that they were exchanging fire with Israeli "undercover" forces. The ministry said a third Palestinian was severely wounded in the shootout. There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military. Also read | Opinion: For just cause of Palestine A poster circulated on local media identified the two dead as members of the Palestinian Authority’s Military Intelligence force. Israeli raids in West Bank areas controlled by the Palestinian Authority are common and they are usually meant to arrest wanted Palestinians. However, clashes with the Palestinian forces are rare as such operations are believed to be coordinated between the two sides.

Two Palestinian officers reported killed in West Bank shootout

Israel's ambassador to the United States said on Tuesday that Hamas militants tried to disrupt Israel's Iron Dome rocket defense system from a Gaza building housing The Associated Press and other news outlets, prompting the Israeli air force to destroy the high rise last month.

The AP said it has not seen evidence to support the claim. Ambassador Gilad Erdan issued his statement a day after meeting the AP's president and chief executive, Gary Pruitt, and Ian Phillips, vice president for international news, at the AP's New York headquarters.

The Israeli air force bombed the 12-story al-Jalaa tower on May 15, roughly an hour after ordering all occupants to evacuate. No one was injured, but the building was destroyed. The building was home to offices belonging to the AP, the Al Jazeera satellite channel as well as dozens of families.

The airstrike came during an 11-day war between Israel and Gaza's ruling Hamas militant group. In a statement on Twitter, Erdan said he told AP executives that the building was used by Hamas to disrupt the Iron Dome, which intercepted hundreds of incoming rockets fired by the militant group during the fighting.

Erdan said the airstrike did not intentionally target journalists. "AP is one of the most important news agencies in the world and Israel does not suspect its employees were aware a covert Hamas unit was using the building in this way," he said.

"I reaffirmed that Israel upholds the importance of press freedom and strives to ensure the safety of journalists wherever they are reporting. Israel is willing to assist AP in rebuilding its offices and operations in Gaza,"&nbsp;he added.

"The meeting with Erdan was a positive and constructive conversation," the AP said in a statement. The agency expressed its appreciation for his pledges to help rebuild an AP bureau in Gaza. The AP renewed its call to see evidence backing Israel's claim that Hamas militants were operating in the building.

"Israeli authorities maintain that the building housing our bureau was destroyed because of a Hamas presence that posed an urgent threat," the AP said. "We have yet to receive evidence to support these claims. AP continues to call for the full release of any evidence the Israelis have so that the facts are public."

The AP has repeatedly urged Israel to share any evidence supporting its claims of Hamas activity in the building. It also has urged an independent investigation into the incident.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Israel's ambassador to the United States said on Tuesday that Hamas militants tried to disrupt Israel's Iron Dome rocket defense system from a Gaza building housing The Associated Press and other news outlets, prompting the Israeli air force to destroy the high rise last month.

Israel's ambassador to the United States said on Tuesday that Hamas militants tried to disrupt Israel's Iron Dome rocket defense system from a Gaza building housing The Associated Press and other news outlets, prompting the Israeli air force to destroy the high rise last month. The AP said it has not seen evidence to support the claim. Ambassador Gilad Erdan issued his statement a day after meeting the AP's president and chief executive, Gary Pruitt, and Ian Phillips, vice president for international news, at the AP's New York headquarters. The Israeli air force bombed the 12-story al-Jalaa tower on May 15, roughly an hour after ordering all occupants to evacuate. No one was injured, but the building was destroyed. The building was home to offices belonging to the AP, the Al Jazeera satellite channel as well as dozens of families. The airstrike came during an 11-day war between Israel and Gaza's ruling Hamas militant group. In a statement on Twitter, Erdan said he told AP executives that the building was used by Hamas to disrupt the Iron Dome, which intercepted hundreds of incoming rockets fired by the militant group during the fighting. Erdan said the airstrike did not intentionally target journalists. "AP is one of the most important news agencies in the world and Israel does not suspect its employees were aware a covert Hamas unit was using the building in this way," he said. "I reaffirmed that Israel upholds the importance of press freedom and strives to ensure the safety of journalists wherever they are reporting. Israel is willing to assist AP in rebuilding its offices and operations in Gaza," he added. "The meeting with Erdan was a positive and constructive conversation," the AP said in a statement. The agency expressed its appreciation for his pledges to help rebuild an AP bureau in Gaza. The AP renewed its call to see evidence backing Israel's claim that Hamas militants were operating in the building. "Israeli authorities maintain that the building housing our bureau was destroyed because of a Hamas presence that posed an urgent threat," the AP said. "We have yet to receive evidence to support these claims. AP continues to call for the full release of any evidence the Israelis have so that the facts are public." The AP has repeatedly urged Israel to share any evidence supporting its claims of Hamas activity in the building. It also has urged an independent investigation into the incident. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel says Hamas tried to disrupt Iron Dome, AP seeks proof

Egypt's intelligence chief Abbas Kamel met Hamas leaders in Gaza on Monday to try to bolster a ceasefire between the Palestinian militant group and Israel and to discuss reconstruction plans following the recent hostilities.

Egypt's intelligence chief Kamel holds truce talks with Hamas in Gaza

The Palestinian Islamic Hamas movement has rejected linking the process of the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip with reaching a prisoner swap deal with Israel. 
 
On Monday, Egyptian security chief Abbas Kamel arrived in the Gaza Strip through Erez Crossing point on the borders with Israel to hold talks with leaders of Palestinian factions, including the Hamas, reports Xinhua news agency. 
 
Khalil al-Hayya, a senior Hamas leader, told reporters at the end of a meeting with Kamel that members of the group discussed with the Egyptian security delegation the ceasefire with Israel and the process of reconstruction in the Gaza Strip. 
 
Palestinian sources, close to Hamas, told Xinhua that Kamel discussed with the movement`s leader a possible prisoner swap deal with Israel. 
 
The sources said that Kamel, who on Sunday met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Benny Gantz, carried an Israeli message that links between reconstruction and the missing Israelis in Gaza. 
 
"In regards to the issue of a prisoner exchange with the occupation (Israel), it is an independent subject and we will never accept linking it to the issue of reconstruction in the Gaza Strip," al-Hayya said. 
 
Meanwhile, Moussa Abu Marzouk, deputy chief of Hamas abroad, said that the movement completely rejects linking the issue of reconstruction in the Gaza Strip with the issue of the release of the Israelis held in the enclave.

The Palestinian Islamic Hamas movement has rejected linking the process of the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip with reaching a prisoner swap deal with Israel. On Monday, Egyptian security chief Abbas Kamel arrived in the Gaza Strip through Erez Crossing point on the borders with Israel to hold talks with leaders of Palestinian factions, including the Hamas, reports Xinhua news agency.

The Palestinian Islamic Hamas movement has rejected linking the process of the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip with reaching a prisoner swap deal with Israel. On Monday, Egyptian security chief Abbas Kamel arrived in the Gaza Strip through Erez Crossing point on the borders with Israel to hold talks with leaders of Palestinian factions, including the Hamas, reports Xinhua news agency. Khalil al-Hayya, a senior Hamas leader, told reporters at the end of a meeting with Kamel that members of the group discussed with the Egyptian security delegation the ceasefire with Israel and the process of reconstruction in the Gaza Strip. Palestinian sources, close to Hamas, told Xinhua that Kamel discussed with the movement`s leader a possible prisoner swap deal with Israel. The sources said that Kamel, who on Sunday met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Benny Gantz, carried an Israeli message that links between reconstruction and the missing Israelis in Gaza. "In regards to the issue of a prisoner exchange with the occupation (Israel), it is an independent subject and we will never accept linking it to the issue of reconstruction in the Gaza Strip," al-Hayya said. Meanwhile, Moussa Abu Marzouk, deputy chief of Hamas abroad, said that the movement completely rejects linking the issue of reconstruction in the Gaza Strip with the issue of the release of the Israelis held in the enclave.

Hamas rejects linking Gaza reconstruction to prisoner swap

This week on The West Asia Post, Ghadi Francis takes a look at the region's biggest conflict in years. A ceasefire is holding in Gaza after 11 days of fighting between Israel and Hamas. As U.S. President Joe Biden dispatches his top diplomat Antony Blinken to hold peace, who will help rebuild Gaza? For more such stories, keep watching the West Asia post with Ghadi Francis every Friday at 8:30 PM IST, only on WION.

The West Asia Post Episode 31: Who will help rebuild Gaza?

In the tiny coastal strip of Gaza, children live under fear. They are scared that any moment could be their last. In The West Asia Post, Ghadi Francis tells you about the mental scars that the children of Gaza bear. For more such stories, keep watching the West Asia post with Ghadi Francis every Friday at 8:30 PM IST, only on WION.

The West Asia Post: Gaza's children face brunt of conflict

Thousands of Hamas fighters held a military parade Friday in Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip, a week after a ceasefire with Israel took effect in the devastated coastal enclave.&nbsp;

Holding weapons, the masked members of the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, the armed branch of Hamas, the Islamist group that runs Gaza, paraded through the southern city, AFP reporters said.&nbsp;

Riding pick-up trucks, the fighters showed off a military arsenal including rocket launchers and a drone as groups of people, including women and children, cheered them on.&nbsp;

An Egyptian-brokered ceasefire that went into force on last Friday has so far held, ending 11 days of devastating Israeli bombardment of Gaza and rocket fire into Israel from the coastal strip that started on May 10.&nbsp;

Israeli strikes on Gaza killed 248 Palestinians, including 66 children, and have wounded more than 1,900 people, the Gaza health ministry says.&nbsp;

Rockets and other fire from Gaza claimed 12 lives in Israel, including one child and an Arab-Israeli teenager, an Israeli soldier, one Indian, and two Thai nationals, medics say. Some 357 people in Israel were wounded.&nbsp;

There is controversy about how many of those killed in Gaza were combatants, and how many were civilians.&nbsp;

Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel's bombing campaign had killed 'more than 200 terrorists' in Gaza, which Hamas has controlled since 2007.&nbsp;

But both sides claimed victory after the ceasefire went into force.&nbsp;

Hamas has held several post-ceasefire rallies across the devastated Gaza Strip, including one on Thursday in Khan Yunis and also in the south of the Israeli-blockaded territory.&nbsp;

Thousands of Hamas fighters held a military parade Friday in Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip, a week after a ceasefire with Israel took effect in the devastated coastal enclave.

Thousands of Hamas fighters held a military parade Friday in Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip, a week after a ceasefire with Israel took effect in the devastated coastal enclave. Holding weapons, the masked members of the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, the armed branch of Hamas, the Islamist group that runs Gaza, paraded through the southern city, AFP reporters said. Riding pick-up trucks, the fighters showed off a military arsenal including rocket launchers and a drone as groups of people, including women and children, cheered them on. An Egyptian-brokered ceasefire that went into force on last Friday has so far held, ending 11 days of devastating Israeli bombardment of Gaza and rocket fire into Israel from the coastal strip that started on May 10. Israeli strikes on Gaza killed 248 Palestinians, including 66 children, and have wounded more than 1,900 people, the Gaza health ministry says. Rockets and other fire from Gaza claimed 12 lives in Israel, including one child and an Arab-Israeli teenager, an Israeli soldier, one Indian, and two Thai nationals, medics say. Some 357 people in Israel were wounded. There is controversy about how many of those killed in Gaza were combatants, and how many were civilians. Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel's bombing campaign had killed 'more than 200 terrorists' in Gaza, which Hamas has controlled since 2007. But both sides claimed victory after the ceasefire went into force. Hamas has held several post-ceasefire rallies across the devastated Gaza Strip, including one on Thursday in Khan Yunis and also in the south of the Israeli-blockaded territory.

Hamas fighters display weapons in Gaza after truce with Israel 

More than a week into their fourth war, Israel and the Hamas are already facing allegations of possible war crimes in Gaza. Israel says Hamas is using Palestinian civilians as human shields, while critics say Israel is using disproportionate force.

Israel and Hamas face allegations of war crimes in Gaza

India welcomed Israel-Hamas ceasefire at a special session on Palestine at&nbsp;the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC). The ceasefire was announced earlier this month after 11 days of violence from both sides.

The India statement said that (we) "welcome the diplomatic efforts of the international community and regional countries that have resulted in bringing ceasefire between Israel and armed groups in Gaza."

Significantly, India did not directly refer to Hamas in its statement but mentioned them as "armed groups".&nbsp;

Egypt played an important role to establish ceasefire and was the main channel of communication between Hamas and the West and Israel in bringing about the present situation. &nbsp;

The situation escalated after violence in Jerusalem and over possibility of eviction of Palestinians in Sheikh Jarrah and Silwan neighbourhoods. Over 200 Palestinian died in Gaza and 10 Israelis died in the rocket firing and violence.

The statement called for "all parties to show extreme restraint, desist from actions that aggravate tensions and refrain from any further attempts to unilaterally change the existing status-quo, including in East Jerusalem and its neighbourhoods."

India lost a national in Israel's Ashkelon in the firing from Gaza by Hamas. Soumya Santhosh, an Indian caregiver in Israel, died in the rocket attack and is survived by a 9-year-old son and her husband. In a warm gesture, Israeli diplomats were present at the airport when her mortal remains arrived and visited her house in Kerala to pay homage as well.

At the UNHRC statement, India expressed its "concern" over violence in Jerusalem and "indiscriminate rocket firings" from Gaza targetting the civilian population in Israel and "retaliatory air strikes into Gaza" &nbsp;that has caused "immense suffering".

New Delhi called for "dialogue" as it "remains the only viable option that can effectively address the issues confronting the region and its people", underscoring the "need for immediate resumption of dialogue between Israel and Palestine".

India had made the statement at the United Nations Security Council as well on the issue. The Israel-Palestine issue was also discussed at the top UN body, of which India is a non-permanent member for a two-year term period.

India welcomed Israel-Hamas ceasefire at a special session on Palestine at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC). The ceasefire was announced earlier this month after 11 days of violence from both sides.

India welcomed Israel-Hamas ceasefire at a special session on Palestine at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC). The ceasefire was announced earlier this month after 11 days of violence from both sides. The India statement said that (we) "welcome the diplomatic efforts of the international community and regional countries that have resulted in bringing ceasefire between Israel and armed groups in Gaza." Significantly, India did not directly refer to Hamas in its statement but mentioned them as "armed groups". Egypt played an important role to establish ceasefire and was the main channel of communication between Hamas and the West and Israel in bringing about the present situation. The situation escalated after violence in Jerusalem and over possibility of eviction of Palestinians in Sheikh Jarrah and Silwan neighbourhoods. Over 200 Palestinian died in Gaza and 10 Israelis died in the rocket firing and violence. The statement called for "all parties to show extreme restraint, desist from actions that aggravate tensions and refrain from any further attempts to unilaterally change the existing status-quo, including in East Jerusalem and its neighbourhoods." India lost a national in Israel's Ashkelon in the firing from Gaza by Hamas. Soumya Santhosh, an Indian caregiver in Israel, died in the rocket attack and is survived by a 9-year-old son and her husband. In a warm gesture, Israeli diplomats were present at the airport when her mortal remains arrived and visited her house in Kerala to pay homage as well. At the UNHRC statement, India expressed its "concern" over violence in Jerusalem and "indiscriminate rocket firings" from Gaza targetting the civilian population in Israel and "retaliatory air strikes into Gaza" that has caused "immense suffering". New Delhi called for "dialogue" as it "remains the only viable option that can effectively address the issues confronting the region and its people", underscoring the "need for immediate resumption of dialogue between Israel and Palestine". India had made the statement at the United Nations Security Council as well on the issue. The Israel-Palestine issue was also discussed at the top UN body, of which India is a non-permanent member for a two-year term period.

At UNHRC, India welcomes Israel-Hamas ceasefire

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has reached Jerusalem after 11 days of rocket-fire & killings. The visit is aimed at 'cementing' the ceasefire. Palki Sharma asks: Can America really claim credit for peace?

Gravitas: Why is Antony Blinken in Israel?

United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Tuesday said that the US would reopen the consulate in Jerusalem for Palestinians. Blinken&nbsp;also added that a two-state solution to resolve the conflict was the way forward under&nbsp;right circumstances

"Ultimately, there's a possibility of resuming the effort to achieve a two-state solution, which we continue to believe is the only way to truly assure Israel's future as a Jewish and democratic state, and of course to give the Palestinians the state they're entitled to," he said in Jerusalem.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/blinken-pledges-us-support-to-rebuilt-gaza-without-helping-hamas-387346/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In addition, Blinken vowed to provide aid to millions who have been hurt by the devastating conflict between Israel and Hamas. The consulate was closed by former US President Donald Trump in 2019 who had also limited aid to the Palestinian Authority.&nbsp;

"The United States will be moving forward with the process of reopening our consulate in Jerusalem," Blinken announced&nbsp;after meeting Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas in Ramallah.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/thousands-march-in-britain-to-show-support-for-palestine-386775" hreflang="en">Thousands march in Britain to show support for Palestine</a>

"That's an important way for our countries to engage with and provide support to the Palestinian people”, AFP quoted Blinken as saying.

Blinken is currently visiting the region as part of his wider West Asia tour. On Friday, a truce between Israel and Gaza ended 11 days of heavy fighting which included Israel bombing Gaza. Blinken reiterated US support to Israel, saying the country had the right to defend itself against rocket attacks by the Islamist terror outfit Hamas. Blinked added that Hamas mustn’t receive any benefits from the aid.

The US official&nbsp;stressed "the commitment of the United States to rebuilding the relationship with the Palestinian Authority and the Palestinian people, a relationship built on mutual respect and also a shared conviction that Palestinians and Israelis alike deserve equal measures of security, freedom opportunity and dignity".

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/entertainment/lifestyle/news-watch-12-year-old-gaza-rapper-sings-emotionally-on-palestines-plight-386539" hreflang="en">Watch: 12-year-old Gaza rapper sings emotionally on Palestine's plight</a>

United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Tuesday said that the US would reopen the consulate in Jerusalem for Palestinians. Blinken also added that a two-state solution to resolve the conflict was the way forward under right circumstances "Ultimately, there's a possibility of resuming the effort to achieve a two-state solution, which we continue to believe is the only way to truly assure Israel's future as a Jewish and democratic state, and of course to give the Palestinians the state they're entitled to," he said in Jerusalem.

United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Tuesday said that the US would reopen the consulate in Jerusalem for Palestinians. Blinken also added that a two-state solution to resolve the conflict was the way forward under right circumstances "Ultimately, there's a possibility of resuming the effort to achieve a two-state solution, which we continue to believe is the only way to truly assure Israel's future as a Jewish and democratic state, and of course to give the Palestinians the state they're entitled to," he said in Jerusalem. In addition, Blinken vowed to provide aid to millions who have been hurt by the devastating conflict between Israel and Hamas. The consulate was closed by former US President Donald Trump in 2019 who had also limited aid to the Palestinian Authority. "The United States will be moving forward with the process of reopening our consulate in Jerusalem," Blinken announced after meeting Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas in Ramallah. Also read: Thousands march in Britain to show support for Palestine "That's an important way for our countries to engage with and provide support to the Palestinian people”, AFP quoted Blinken as saying. Blinken is currently visiting the region as part of his wider West Asia tour. On Friday, a truce between Israel and Gaza ended 11 days of heavy fighting which included Israel bombing Gaza. Blinken reiterated US support to Israel, saying the country had the right to defend itself against rocket attacks by the Islamist terror outfit Hamas. Blinked added that Hamas mustn’t receive any benefits from the aid. The US official stressed "the commitment of the United States to rebuilding the relationship with the Palestinian Authority and the Palestinian people, a relationship built on mutual respect and also a shared conviction that Palestinians and Israelis alike deserve equal measures of security, freedom opportunity and dignity". Also read: Watch: 12-year-old Gaza rapper sings emotionally on Palestine's plight

US to reopen consulate in Jerusalem for Palestinians, says Antony Blinken

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Israel, four days after Gaza ceasefire was announced. Blinken and Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held talks and pledged to rebuilt Gaza together. Humanitarian aid and a long term peace deal are on their priority list.

Blinken pledges US support to rebuilt Gaza without helping Hamas

Blinken says US will tackle humanitarian crisis in Gaza without helping Hamas

Belarus said on Monday that a false bomb threat that prompted a passenger plane to be diverted to Minsk where authorities arrested a journalist on board, was written in the name of the Palestinian militant group Hamas.&nbsp;

Authorities released what they said was a text of the bomb alert as officials sought to defuse a mounting international outcry over what Western capitals have denounced as an act of 'state piracy'.&nbsp;

Hamas spokesman Fawzi Barhoum denied his group had any knowledge or connection.&nbsp;

Minsk scrambled a warplane to escort a Ryanair flight on Sunday, flagging a bomb alert that proved false once the plane had made an unscheduled landing in Belarus where authorities arrested Roman Protasevich, a journalist critical of Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko.&nbsp;

Western governments are threatening new sanctions against the former Soviet republic led by authoritarian Lukashenko over the diversion of the flight from Greece to Lithuania as it flew through Belarusian air space.&nbsp;

In Minsk, the foreign ministry's spokesman said Belarus had acted in line with international regulations and a senior transport official read out what he said was the text of the bomb threat.&nbsp;

"We, the soldiers of Hamas, demand that Israel cease fire in the Gaza Strip. We demand that the European Union withdraw its support for Israel in this war," said the head of the transport ministry's aviation department.&nbsp;

"There is a bomb on that plane. If you do not comply with our demands, the bomb will explode over Vilnius on 23 May," he said.&nbsp;

Hamas spokesman Barhoum said the group "has nothing to do with that completely."&nbsp;

The Palestinian militants and Israel are in the fourth day of a ceasefire after 11 days of hostilities, the worst outbreak in fighting between Israel and Hamas in years.&nbsp;

"We don’t resort to these methods, which could be the doing of some suspicious parties that aim to demonise Hamas and foil the state of world sympathy with our Palestinian people and their legitimate resistance," the Hamas spokesman said.&nbsp;

Igor Golub, head of the Belarusian air force, said that the Ryanair crew took the decision to divert to Minsk itself and that the fighter jet was sent to escort it only after it turned to fly towards the Belarusian capital.&nbsp;

The Belarusian foreign ministry spokesman said Minsk would guarantee full transparency in the case and would also be prepared to allow foreign experts to be involved in an investigation.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

Belarus said on Monday that a false bomb threat that prompted a passenger plane to be diverted to Minsk where authorities arrested a journalist on board, was written in the name of the Palestinian militant group Hamas.

Belarus said on Monday that a false bomb threat that prompted a passenger plane to be diverted to Minsk where authorities arrested a journalist on board, was written in the name of the Palestinian militant group Hamas. Authorities released what they said was a text of the bomb alert as officials sought to defuse a mounting international outcry over what Western capitals have denounced as an act of 'state piracy'. Hamas spokesman Fawzi Barhoum denied his group had any knowledge or connection. Minsk scrambled a warplane to escort a Ryanair flight on Sunday, flagging a bomb alert that proved false once the plane had made an unscheduled landing in Belarus where authorities arrested Roman Protasevich, a journalist critical of Belarusian leader Alexander Lukashenko. Western governments are threatening new sanctions against the former Soviet republic led by authoritarian Lukashenko over the diversion of the flight from Greece to Lithuania as it flew through Belarusian air space. In Minsk, the foreign ministry's spokesman said Belarus had acted in line with international regulations and a senior transport official read out what he said was the text of the bomb threat. "We, the soldiers of Hamas, demand that Israel cease fire in the Gaza Strip. We demand that the European Union withdraw its support for Israel in this war," said the head of the transport ministry's aviation department. "There is a bomb on that plane. If you do not comply with our demands, the bomb will explode over Vilnius on 23 May," he said. Hamas spokesman Barhoum said the group "has nothing to do with that completely." The Palestinian militants and Israel are in the fourth day of a ceasefire after 11 days of hostilities, the worst outbreak in fighting between Israel and Hamas in years. "We don’t resort to these methods, which could be the doing of some suspicious parties that aim to demonise Hamas and foil the state of world sympathy with our Palestinian people and their legitimate resistance," the Hamas spokesman said. Igor Golub, head of the Belarusian air force, said that the Ryanair crew took the decision to divert to Minsk itself and that the fighter jet was sent to escort it only after it turned to fly towards the Belarusian capital. The Belarusian foreign ministry spokesman said Minsk would guarantee full transparency in the case and would also be prepared to allow foreign experts to be involved in an investigation. (With inputs from agencies)

Belarus points to Hamas bomb threat in plane diversion; group rejects claim 

The Al-Aqsa Mosque is the third holiest site in Islam. But its location is also the holiest site in Judaism - known as the Temple Mount. While Al-Aqsa has been an Arab-Israeli fuse over the years, it has become a crucial flashpoint in the Israel-Palestine conflict this time.

Israel-Palestine clashes: Jews return to flashpoint site

Hundreds of masked Hamas fighters brandishing assault rifles paraded in Gaza City and the group's top leader made his first public appearance on Saturday, in a defiant show of strength after the militants' 11-day war with Israel.&nbsp;

Saturday marked the first full day of a cease-fire, and Egyptian mediators held talks to firm up the truce, which ended the fourth Israel-Hamas war in just over a decade.&nbsp;

In the fighting, Israel unleashed hundreds of airstrikes against militant targets in Gaza, while Hamas and other militants fired more than 4,000 rockets toward Israel. More than 250 people were killed, the vast majority of them Palestinians.&nbsp;

In Gaza City, residents began assessing damage.&nbsp;

One of Gaza City's busiest commercial areas, Omar al-Mukhtar Street, was covered in debris, smashed cars and twisted metal after a 13-floor building in its center was flattened in an Israeli airstrike. Merchandise was covered in soot and strewn inside smashed stores and on the pavement. Municipal workers swept broken glass and twisted metal from streets and sidewalks.&nbsp;

"We really didn't expect this amount of damage," said Ashour Subeih, who sells baby clothes. "We thought the strike was a bit further from us. But as you can see not an area of the shop is intact.? Having been in business for one year, Subeih estimated his losses were double what he has made so far.&nbsp;

Drone video and photos showed some city blocks reduced to rubble, in between homes and businesses left standing.&nbsp;

Both Israel and Hamas have claimed victory.&nbsp;

On Saturday, hundreds of Hamas fighters wearing military camouflage paraded past the mourning tent for Bassem Issa, a senior commander killed in the fighting. The top Hamas leader in Gaza, Yehiyeh Sinwar, paid his respects in his first public appearance since the war began.&nbsp;

Israel bombed the house of Sinwar, along with that of other senior Hamas figures, as part of its attack on what it said was the group's military infrastructure. Israel's defence minister, Benny Gantz, has said Israel delivered a punishing blow to Hamas, and that top Hamas figures remained targets.&nbsp;

Still, there was a widespread expectation that the cease-fire would stick for now, even if another round of fighting at some point seems inevitable. Underlying issues remain unresolved, including an Israeli-Egyptian border blockade, now in its 14th year, that is choking Gaza's more than 2 million residents and a refusal by the Islamic militant Hamas to disarm.&nbsp;

The fighting began on May 10, when Hamas militants in Gaza fired long-range rockets towards Jerusalem. The barrage came after days of clashes between Palestinian protesters and Israeli police at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound. Heavy-handed police tactics at the compound and the threatened eviction of dozens of Palestinian families by Jewish settlers had inflamed tensions.&nbsp;

The war has further sidelined Hamas' main political rival, the internationally backed Palestinian Authority, which oversees autonomous enclaves in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Hamas' popularity seemed to be growing as it positioned itself as a defender of Palestinian claims to Jerusalem.&nbsp;

On Friday, hours after the cease-fire took effect, thousands of Palestinians in the Al-Aqsa compound chanted against Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and his self-rule government. “Dogs of the Palestinian Authority, out, out," they shouted, and "The people want the president to leave.”&nbsp;

It was an unprecedented display of anger against Abbas. The conflict also brought to the surface deep frustration among Palestinians, whether in the occupied West Bank, Gaza or within Israel, over the status quo, with the Israeli-Palestinian peace process all but abandoned for years.&nbsp;

Despite his weakened status, Abbas will be the point of contact for any renewed US Diplomacy, since Israel and the West, including the United States, consider Hamas a terrorist organisation.&nbsp;

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is to meet with Abbas and Israeli leaders when he visits in the coming week. Abbas is expected to raise demands that any Gaza reconstruction plans go through the Palestinian Authority to avoid strengthening Hamas.&nbsp;

Abbas met on Saturday with Egyptian mediators, discussing the rebuilding of Gaza and internal Palestinian relations, according to the official Palestinian news agency Wafa.&nbsp;

An Egyptian diplomat said that two teams of mediators were in Israel and the Palestinian territories to continue talks on firming up a cease-fire deal and securing long-term calm.&nbsp;

The diplomat said discussions include implementing agreed-on measures in Gaza and Jerusalem, including ways to prevent practices that led to the latest fighting. He did not elaborate. He was apparently referring to violence at the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the planned eviction of Palestinian families from the Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood in east Jerusalem.&nbsp;

The diplomat spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss behind-the-scenes deliberations.&nbsp;

Separately, a 130-truck convoy with humanitarian aid and medical supplies reached the Gaza border from Egypt on Saturday, according to a senior Egyptian official at the border crossing. He spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to reporters.&nbsp;

Across Gaza, an assessment of the damage to the territory's already decrepit infrastructure began.&nbsp;

The ministry of public works and housing said that 769 housing and commercial units were rendered uninhabitable, at least 1,042 units in 258 buildings were destroyed and just over 14,500 units suffered minor damage.&nbsp;

The United Nations said about 800,000 people in Gaza do not have regular access to clean piped water, as nearly 50% of the water network was damaged in the fighting.&nbsp;

Israel has said it was targeting Hamas' military infrastructure, including a vast tunnel system running under roads and homes, as well as command centers, rocket launchers and the homes of commanders. The Israeli military has said it was trying to minimize harm to civilians and accused Hamas of using civilians as human shields.&nbsp;

The Gaza Health Ministry says at least 248 Palestinians were killed, including 66 children and 39 women, with 1,910 people wounded. It does not differentiate between fighters and civilians. Twelve people were killed in Israel, all but one of them civilians, including a 5-year-old boy and 16-year-old girl.&nbsp;

Israel has accused Hamas and the smaller militant group of Islamic Jihad of hiding the actual number of fighters killed in the war. Prime Minister Netanyahu said Friday that more than 200 militants were killed, including 25 senior commanders.&nbsp;

Islamic Jihad on Saturday gave a first account of deaths within its ranks, saying that 19 of its commanders and fighters were killed, including the head of the rocket unit in northern Gaza. &nbsp;

Hundreds of masked Hamas fighters brandishing assault rifles paraded in Gaza City and the group's top leader made his first public appearance on Saturday, in a defiant show of strength after the militants' 11-day war with Israel.

Hundreds of masked Hamas fighters brandishing assault rifles paraded in Gaza City and the group's top leader made his first public appearance on Saturday, in a defiant show of strength after the militants' 11-day war with Israel. Saturday marked the first full day of a cease-fire, and Egyptian mediators held talks to firm up the truce, which ended the fourth Israel-Hamas war in just over a decade. In the fighting, Israel unleashed hundreds of airstrikes against militant targets in Gaza, while Hamas and other militants fired more than 4,000 rockets toward Israel. More than 250 people were killed, the vast majority of them Palestinians. In Gaza City, residents began assessing damage. One of Gaza City's busiest commercial areas, Omar al-Mukhtar Street, was covered in debris, smashed cars and twisted metal after a 13-floor building in its center was flattened in an Israeli airstrike. Merchandise was covered in soot and strewn inside smashed stores and on the pavement. Municipal workers swept broken glass and twisted metal from streets and sidewalks. "We really didn't expect this amount of damage," said Ashour Subeih, who sells baby clothes. "We thought the strike was a bit further from us. But as you can see not an area of the shop is intact.? Having been in business for one year, Subeih estimated his losses were double what he has made so far. Drone video and photos showed some city blocks reduced to rubble, in between homes and businesses left standing. Both Israel and Hamas have claimed victory. On Saturday, hundreds of Hamas fighters wearing military camouflage paraded past the mourning tent for Bassem Issa, a senior commander killed in the fighting. The top Hamas leader in Gaza, Yehiyeh Sinwar, paid his respects in his first public appearance since the war began. Israel bombed the house of Sinwar, along with that of other senior Hamas figures, as part of its attack on what it said was the group's military infrastructure. Israel's defence minister, Benny Gantz, has said Israel delivered a punishing blow to Hamas, and that top Hamas figures remained targets. Still, there was a widespread expectation that the cease-fire would stick for now, even if another round of fighting at some point seems inevitable. Underlying issues remain unresolved, including an Israeli-Egyptian border blockade, now in its 14th year, that is choking Gaza's more than 2 million residents and a refusal by the Islamic militant Hamas to disarm. The fighting began on May 10, when Hamas militants in Gaza fired long-range rockets towards Jerusalem. The barrage came after days of clashes between Palestinian protesters and Israeli police at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound. Heavy-handed police tactics at the compound and the threatened eviction of dozens of Palestinian families by Jewish settlers had inflamed tensions. The war has further sidelined Hamas' main political rival, the internationally backed Palestinian Authority, which oversees autonomous enclaves in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Hamas' popularity seemed to be growing as it positioned itself as a defender of Palestinian claims to Jerusalem. On Friday, hours after the cease-fire took effect, thousands of Palestinians in the Al-Aqsa compound chanted against Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and his self-rule government. “Dogs of the Palestinian Authority, out, out," they shouted, and "The people want the president to leave.” It was an unprecedented display of anger against Abbas. The conflict also brought to the surface deep frustration among Palestinians, whether in the occupied West Bank, Gaza or within Israel, over the status quo, with the Israeli-Palestinian peace process all but abandoned for years. Despite his weakened status, Abbas will be the point of contact for any renewed US Diplomacy, since Israel and the West, including the United States, consider Hamas a terrorist organisation. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is to meet with Abbas and Israeli leaders when he visits in the coming week. Abbas is expected to raise demands that any Gaza reconstruction plans go through the Palestinian Authority to avoid strengthening Hamas. Abbas met on Saturday with Egyptian mediators, discussing the rebuilding of Gaza and internal Palestinian relations, according to the official Palestinian news agency Wafa. An Egyptian diplomat said that two teams of mediators were in Israel and the Palestinian territories to continue talks on firming up a cease-fire deal and securing long-term calm. The diplomat said discussions include implementing agreed-on measures in Gaza and Jerusalem, including ways to prevent practices that led to the latest fighting. He did not elaborate. He was apparently referring to violence at the Al-Aqsa Mosque and the planned eviction of Palestinian families from the Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood in east Jerusalem. The diplomat spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss behind-the-scenes deliberations. Separately, a 130-truck convoy with humanitarian aid and medical supplies reached the Gaza border from Egypt on Saturday, according to a senior Egyptian official at the border crossing. He spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak to reporters. Across Gaza, an assessment of the damage to the territory's already decrepit infrastructure began. The ministry of public works and housing said that 769 housing and commercial units were rendered uninhabitable, at least 1,042 units in 258 buildings were destroyed and just over 14,500 units suffered minor damage. The United Nations said about 800,000 people in Gaza do not have regular access to clean piped water, as nearly 50% of the water network was damaged in the fighting. Israel has said it was targeting Hamas' military infrastructure, including a vast tunnel system running under roads and homes, as well as command centers, rocket launchers and the homes of commanders. The Israeli military has said it was trying to minimize harm to civilians and accused Hamas of using civilians as human shields. The Gaza Health Ministry says at least 248 Palestinians were killed, including 66 children and 39 women, with 1,910 people wounded. It does not differentiate between fighters and civilians. Twelve people were killed in Israel, all but one of them civilians, including a 5-year-old boy and 16-year-old girl. Israel has accused Hamas and the smaller militant group of Islamic Jihad of hiding the actual number of fighters killed in the war. Prime Minister Netanyahu said Friday that more than 200 militants were killed, including 25 senior commanders. Islamic Jihad on Saturday gave a first account of deaths within its ranks, saying that 19 of its commanders and fighters were killed, including the head of the rocket unit in northern Gaza.

Hamas defiant with military parade, appearance of top leader 

France voiced its concern on Sunday that there was a risk of "long-lasting apartheid" in Israel if Palestinians failed to obtain their own state. French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian became first senior official in the country to use the term "apartheid" in reference to Israel.

The veteran politician made the remarks in an interview with RTL radio and Le Figaro newspaper in reference to the clashes between Jews and Arabs that erupted in several Israeli cities during the latest conflict.

"It's the first time and it clearly shows that if in the future we had a solution other than the two-state solution, we would have the ingredients of long-lasting apartheid," Le Drian said, using the word for the white supremacist oppression of blacks in South Africa from 1948 to 1991.

The latest spell of violence shattered years of peaceful co-existence within Israel. It also revealed simmering anger among Israeli Arab over the crackdown on Palestinians in Jerusalem.

Le Drian said the "risk of apartheid is high" if Israel continued to act "according to a single-state logic" but also if it maintained the status quo.

"Even the status quo produces that," he said.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/antony-blinken-reaffirms-support-for-two-state-solution-ahead-of-west-asia-visit-386943">Antony Blinken reaffirms support for 'two-state solution' ahead of West Asia visit</a>

He added that the 11-day conflict between Hamas and Israel had shown the need to revive the moribund Middle East peace process.

"We have take one step at a time," he said, expressing satisfaction that US President Joe Biden had reiterated support for creating a Palestinian state alongside Israel.

Le Drian's words came on the same day US Secretary of State Antony Blinken <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/antony-blinken-reaffirms-support-for-two-state-solution-ahead-of-west-asia-visit-386943">reaffirmed his support to 'two-state solution'</a> which refers to creation of two separate states for Israelis and Arabs.

Israel's latest offensive against Hamas killed 248 people in the Gaza Strip, including 66 children, and wounded over 1,900, the Hamas-run health ministry said.

Meanwhile, rockets fired by Palestinian armed groups into Israel killed 12 and wounded around 357 others, Israeli police said.

(With inputs from agencies)

France voiced its concern on Sunday that there was a risk of "long-lasting apartheid" in Israel if Palestinians failed to obtain their own state. French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian became first senior official in the country to use the term "apartheid" in reference to Israel.

France voiced its concern on Sunday that there was a risk of "long-lasting apartheid" in Israel if Palestinians failed to obtain their own state. French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian became first senior official in the country to use the term "apartheid" in reference to Israel. The veteran politician made the remarks in an interview with RTL radio and Le Figaro newspaper in reference to the clashes between Jews and Arabs that erupted in several Israeli cities during the latest conflict. "It's the first time and it clearly shows that if in the future we had a solution other than the two-state solution, we would have the ingredients of long-lasting apartheid," Le Drian said, using the word for the white supremacist oppression of blacks in South Africa from 1948 to 1991. The latest spell of violence shattered years of peaceful co-existence within Israel. It also revealed simmering anger among Israeli Arab over the crackdown on Palestinians in Jerusalem. Le Drian said the "risk of apartheid is high" if Israel continued to act "according to a single-state logic" but also if it maintained the status quo. "Even the status quo produces that," he said. Also Read | Antony Blinken reaffirms support for 'two-state solution' ahead of West Asia visit He added that the 11-day conflict between Hamas and Israel had shown the need to revive the moribund Middle East peace process. "We have take one step at a time," he said, expressing satisfaction that US President Joe Biden had reiterated support for creating a Palestinian state alongside Israel. Le Drian's words came on the same day US Secretary of State Antony Blinken reaffirmed his support to 'two-state solution' which refers to creation of two separate states for Israelis and Arabs. Israel's latest offensive against Hamas killed 248 people in the Gaza Strip, including 66 children, and wounded over 1,900, the Hamas-run health ministry said. Meanwhile, rockets fired by Palestinian armed groups into Israel killed 12 and wounded around 357 others, Israeli police said. (With inputs from agencies)

France warns 'risk of apartheid' in Israel

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