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

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

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

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

Israel's army said Tuesday it has opened a military police investigation into the killing of a Palestinian medical volunteer along the Gaza border in June.

Razan al-Najjar, 21, was fatally shot on June 1 near the southern Gaza town of Khan Yunis during protests and clashes along the border.

The Palestinian Medical Relief Society said at the time she was hit "as she was attempting to provide first aid to an injured protester", adding that three other first responders were also hit by live fire on the same day.

Israel's army said in the days after her death that its troops did not deliberately shoot her, but the incident was further reviewed by the military advocate general.

"A military police investigation has been opened regarding the death of the volunteer medic Razan al-Najjar," the army said in Tuesday's statement, noting the probe was ordered following the advocate general's review.

At least 218 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire in the months of demonstrations and clashes.

One Israeli soldier has been killed along the border since the protests began on March 30.

Israel says its actions are necessary to defend the border and stop infiltrations and attacks, which it accuses Hamas, the Islamist movement that runs the Gaza Strip, of seeking to orchestrate.

Palestinians and rights groups say protesters have been shot while posing little threat.

Israel and Palestinian militants in Gaza have fought three wars since 2008.

Israel's army said Tuesday it has opened a military police investigation into the killing of a Palestinian medical volunteer along the Gaza border in June. Razan al-Najjar, 21, was fatally shot on June 1 near the southern Gaza town of Khan Yunis during protests and clashes along the border.

Israel's army said Tuesday it has opened a military police investigation into the killing of a Palestinian medical volunteer along the Gaza border in June. Razan al-Najjar, 21, was fatally shot on June 1 near the southern Gaza town of Khan Yunis during protests and clashes along the border. The Palestinian Medical Relief Society said at the time she was hit "as she was attempting to provide first aid to an injured protester", adding that three other first responders were also hit by live fire on the same day. Israel's army said in the days after her death that its troops did not deliberately shoot her, but the incident was further reviewed by the military advocate general. "A military police investigation has been opened regarding the death of the volunteer medic Razan al-Najjar," the army said in Tuesday's statement, noting the probe was ordered following the advocate general's review. At least 218 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire in the months of demonstrations and clashes. One Israeli soldier has been killed along the border since the protests began on March 30. Israel says its actions are necessary to defend the border and stop infiltrations and attacks, which it accuses Hamas, the Islamist movement that runs the Gaza Strip, of seeking to orchestrate. Palestinians and rights groups say protesters have been shot while posing little threat. Israel and Palestinian militants in Gaza have fought three wars since 2008.

Israeli army opens probe into killing of Gaza medic

Violent clashes erupted along the Gaza Strip's border ahead of the controversial opening of the US embassy in Jerusalem on Monday, leaving 52 Palestinians dead from Israeli fire and hundreds wounded in the conflict's bloodiest day in years.

The clashes took place as a White House delegation and Israeli officials gathered for the embassy inauguration ceremony in Jerusalem. It was the bloodiest day in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict since a 2014 Gaza war.

The dead included a 14-year-old, according to the Gazan health ministry, which also provided the overall death toll.

Tens of thousands had gathered near the border in protest while smaller numbers of stone-throwing Palestinians approached the fence and sought to break through, with Israeli snipers positioned on the other side.

Crowds built throughout the day in the Palestinian enclave less than 100 kilometres (60 miles) away from Jerusalem and sealed off from Israel by a blockade.

Israel's military said "over 35,000 Palestinians are currently taking part in violent riots in 12 locations along the Gaza Strip security fence."

"The rioters are hurling firebombs and explosive devices towards the security fence and (Israeli) forces, and are burning tyres, throwing rocks and launching flaming objects in order to ignite fires in Israeli territory and harm (Israeli) troops."

It said soldiers were responding with "riot dispersal means and fire."

The Palestinian Authority government based in the occupied West Bank accused Israel of committing a "terrible massacre."

The inauguration that follows US President Donald Trump's deeply controversial December 6 recognition of the disputed city as Israel's capital also comes at a time of heightened regional tensions.

In a tweet on Monday, Trump hailed the embassy opening as "a great day for Israel".

It follows Trump's announcement last week that the United States is withdrawing from the Iran nuclear deal and Israeli strikes two days later on dozens of Iranian targets in Syria.

Those strikes came after rocket fire toward Israeli forces in the occupied Golan Heights that Israel blamed on Iran.

Monday's inauguration ceremony at 4:00 pm (1300 GMT) will include around 800 guests -- though not Trump himself -- at what until now had been a US consulate building in Jerusalem.

US Deputy Secretary of State John Sullivan will lead the Washington delegation that includes Trump's daughter Ivanka and her husband Jared Kushner, both White House aides, as well as Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin.

Capital for all time

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has repeatedly called Trump's decision "historic", welcomed them at a reception on Sunday.

"Jerusalem has been the capital of the Jewish people for the past 3,000 years," he said.

"It's been the capital of our state for the past 70 years. It will remain our capital for all time."

Sullivan called the embassy "a long overdue recognition of reality."

Saeb Erekat, Palestine Liberation Organisation secretary-general, called it a "hostile act against international law".

Police and the Israeli military deployed massively.

Around 1,000 police officers were being positioned around the embassy for the inauguration.

Israel's army said it was almost doubling the number of troops surrounding Gaza and in the occupied West Bank.

It also dropped leaflets warning Gazans to stay away from the fence, including one with a photo of the Champs-Elysees boulevard in Paris and the caption: "Gaza 2025? The choice is in your hands."

Israeli Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman said in a message to Gazans "we will protect our civilians with all our means and not enable the fence to be crossed."

Israelis began celebrating on Sunday, as tens of thousands of marched in Jerusalem, some holding American flags, to mark Jerusalem Day.

The annual event is an Israeli celebration of the "reunification" of the city following the 1967 Six-Day War.

Israel occupied the West Bank and east Jerusalem in 1967 and later annexed east Jerusalem in a move never recognised by the international community.

Beyond the disputed nature of Jerusalem, the date of the embassy move is also key.

May 14 marks the 70th anniversary of the founding of Israel.

The following day, Palestinians mark the "Nakba", or catastrophe, commemorating the more than 700,000 Palestinians who fled or were expelled from their homes in the 1948 war surrounding Israel's creation.

Palestinian protests are planned on both days.

Off the table

There had already been weeks of protests and clashes along the Gaza border, with 91 Palestinians killed by Israeli fire there since March 30.

No Israelis have been wounded and the military has faced criticism over the use of live fire.

Israel says it only opens fire when necessary to stop infiltrations, attacks and damage to the border fence, while accusing Hamas, the Islamist movement that runs the blockaded Gaza Strip, of seeking to use the protests as cover to carry out violence.

Jerusalem's status is perhaps the thorniest issue in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Israel considers the entire city its capital, while the Palestinians see east Jerusalem as the capital of their future state.

In the decades since 1967, international consensus has been that the city's status must be negotiated between the two sides, but Trump broke with that to global outrage.

He has argued that it helps make peace possible by taking Jerusalem "off the table", but many have pointed out he has not announced any concessions in return from Israel.

Trump's initial decision led to a series of protests in various Middle Eastern and Muslim countries.

The clashes took place as a White House delegation and Israeli officials gathered for the embassy inauguration ceremony in Jerusalem. It was the bloodiest day in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict since a 2014 Gaza war

Violent clashes erupted along the Gaza Strip's border ahead of the controversial opening of the US embassy in Jerusalem on Monday, leaving 52 Palestinians dead from Israeli fire and hundreds wounded in the conflict's bloodiest day in years. The clashes took place as a White House delegation and Israeli officials gathered for the embassy inauguration ceremony in Jerusalem. It was the bloodiest day in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict since a 2014 Gaza war. The dead included a 14-year-old, according to the Gazan health ministry, which also provided the overall death toll. Tens of thousands had gathered near the border in protest while smaller numbers of stone-throwing Palestinians approached the fence and sought to break through, with Israeli snipers positioned on the other side. Crowds built throughout the day in the Palestinian enclave less than 100 kilometres (60 miles) away from Jerusalem and sealed off from Israel by a blockade. Israel's military said "over 35,000 Palestinians are currently taking part in violent riots in 12 locations along the Gaza Strip security fence." "The rioters are hurling firebombs and explosive devices towards the security fence and (Israeli) forces, and are burning tyres, throwing rocks and launching flaming objects in order to ignite fires in Israeli territory and harm (Israeli) troops." It said soldiers were responding with "riot dispersal means and fire." The Palestinian Authority government based in the occupied West Bank accused Israel of committing a "terrible massacre." The inauguration that follows US President Donald Trump's deeply controversial December 6 recognition of the disputed city as Israel's capital also comes at a time of heightened regional tensions. In a tweet on Monday, Trump hailed the embassy opening as "a great day for Israel". It follows Trump's announcement last week that the United States is withdrawing from the Iran nuclear deal and Israeli strikes two days later on dozens of Iranian targets in Syria. Those strikes came after rocket fire toward Israeli forces in the occupied Golan Heights that Israel blamed on Iran. Monday's inauguration ceremony at 4:00 pm (1300 GMT) will include around 800 guests -- though not Trump himself -- at what until now had been a US consulate building in Jerusalem. US Deputy Secretary of State John Sullivan will lead the Washington delegation that includes Trump's daughter Ivanka and her husband Jared Kushner, both White House aides, as well as Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin. Capital for all time Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who has repeatedly called Trump's decision "historic", welcomed them at a reception on Sunday. "Jerusalem has been the capital of the Jewish people for the past 3,000 years," he said. "It's been the capital of our state for the past 70 years. It will remain our capital for all time." Sullivan called the embassy "a long overdue recognition of reality." Saeb Erekat, Palestine Liberation Organisation secretary-general, called it a "hostile act against international law". Police and the Israeli military deployed massively. Around 1,000 police officers were being positioned around the embassy for the inauguration. Israel's army said it was almost doubling the number of troops surrounding Gaza and in the occupied West Bank. It also dropped leaflets warning Gazans to stay away from the fence, including one with a photo of the Champs-Elysees boulevard in Paris and the caption: "Gaza 2025? The choice is in your hands." Israeli Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman said in a message to Gazans "we will protect our civilians with all our means and not enable the fence to be crossed." Israelis began celebrating on Sunday, as tens of thousands of marched in Jerusalem, some holding American flags, to mark Jerusalem Day. The annual event is an Israeli celebration of the "reunification" of the city following the 1967 Six-Day War. Israel occupied the West Bank and east Jerusalem in 1967 and later annexed east Jerusalem in a move never recognised by the international community. Beyond the disputed nature of Jerusalem, the date of the embassy move is also key. May 14 marks the 70th anniversary of the founding of Israel. The following day, Palestinians mark the "Nakba", or catastrophe, commemorating the more than 700,000 Palestinians who fled or were expelled from their homes in the 1948 war surrounding Israel's creation. Palestinian protests are planned on both days. Off the table There had already been weeks of protests and clashes along the Gaza border, with 91 Palestinians killed by Israeli fire there since March 30. No Israelis have been wounded and the military has faced criticism over the use of live fire. Israel says it only opens fire when necessary to stop infiltrations, attacks and damage to the border fence, while accusing Hamas, the Islamist movement that runs the blockaded Gaza Strip, of seeking to use the protests as cover to carry out violence. Jerusalem's status is perhaps the thorniest issue in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Israel considers the entire city its capital, while the Palestinians see east Jerusalem as the capital of their future state. In the decades since 1967, international consensus has been that the city's status must be negotiated between the two sides, but Trump broke with that to global outrage. He has argued that it helps make peace possible by taking Jerusalem "off the table", but many have pointed out he has not announced any concessions in return from Israel. Trump's initial decision led to a series of protests in various Middle Eastern and Muslim countries.

Gaza unrest: 52 Palestinians dead in deadliest day in years

US President Donald Trump on Monday hailed the scheduled opening of the US embassy in Jerusalem as "a great day for Israel," even as violent clashes erupted between Palestinians and Israeli security forces on the Gaza border.

The Gaza Health Ministry said 12 Palestinians were killed by Israeli fire amid mass protests on the border against the transfer of the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

Trump made no reference to the violence in an early morning tweet, instead inviting Twitter followers to watch live coverage of the embassy opening on Fox News channels, which was to begin at 1300 GMT.

"Lead up to 9:00 AM&nbsp(eastern) event has already begun. A great day for Israel!" Trump tweeted.

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U.S. Embassy opening in Jerusalem will be covered live on <a href="https://twitter.com/FoxNews?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FoxNews</a> & <a href="https://twitter.com/FoxBusiness?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FoxBusiness</a>. Lead up to 9:00 A.M. (eastern) event has already begun. A great day for Israel!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/995980604016611329?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp

Trump made no reference to the violence in an early morning tweet, instead inviting Twitter followers to watch live coverage of the embassy opening on Fox News channels, which was to begin at 1300 GMT

US President Donald Trump on Monday hailed the scheduled opening of the US embassy in Jerusalem as "a great day for Israel," even as violent clashes erupted between Palestinians and Israeli security forces on the Gaza border. The Gaza Health Ministry said 12 Palestinians were killed by Israeli fire amid mass protests on the border against the transfer of the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Trump made no reference to the violence in an early morning tweet, instead inviting Twitter followers to watch live coverage of the embassy opening on Fox News channels, which was to begin at 1300 GMT. "Lead up to 9:00 AM (eastern) event has already begun. A great day for Israel!" Trump tweeted. U.S. Embassy opening in Jerusalem will be covered live on @FoxNews & @FoxBusiness. Lead up to 9:00 A.M. (eastern) event has already begun. A great day for Israel! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 14, 2018 ×

Trump calls Jerusalem embassy move 'a great day for Israel'

The United States has cleared a grant for the media company started by the Palestinian journalist died in Gaza border clashes last week.

News agency Reuters said quoting a US official that US Agency for International Development has approved $11,700 in a grant for funding for his production company Ain media.

The grant is for technical assistance and equipment such as computers.

Yasser Murtaja who is a cameraman succumbed to injuries after being shot by Israeli troops while he was covering the protest.

Yasser Murtaja was a co-founder of Ain Media.

State Department spokeswoman, Heather Nauert said Murtaja had been vetted under US government guidelines during a press briefing.

"We are aware of reports that a journalist operating in Gaza was killed in the clashes in Gaza. I don`t have specifics about his particular case, but we are looking into it," Nauert told a regular press briefing.

Though the US has approved the grant for him but distanced itself from commenting on his shooting.

After the shooting, the Israeli government explained itself saying that the Israeli Defence Force was not intending to target journalists.

The Israeli army has will also&nbsp;an investigation into the journalist's killing.

Yasser Murtaj's killing was among the nine casualties in a&nbsp;total of Friday.

At least six journalists reportedly have also been shot and wounded.

&nbsp;

US Agency for International Development has approved $11,700 in a grant for funding for his production company Ain media

The United States has cleared a grant for the media company started by the Palestinian journalist died in Gaza border clashes last week. News agency Reuters said quoting a US official that US Agency for International Development has approved $11,700 in a grant for funding for his production company Ain media. The grant is for technical assistance and equipment such as computers. Yasser Murtaja who is a cameraman succumbed to injuries after being shot by Israeli troops while he was covering the protest. Yasser Murtaja was a co-founder of Ain Media. State Department spokeswoman, Heather Nauert said Murtaja had been vetted under US government guidelines during a press briefing. "We are aware of reports that a journalist operating in Gaza was killed in the clashes in Gaza. I don`t have specifics about his particular case, but we are looking into it," Nauert told a regular press briefing. Though the US has approved the grant for him but distanced itself from commenting on his shooting. After the shooting, the Israeli government explained itself saying that the Israeli Defence Force was not intending to target journalists. The Israeli army has will also an investigation into the journalist's killing. Yasser Murtaj's killing was among the nine casualties in a total of Friday. At least six journalists reportedly have also been shot and wounded.

US clears grant for Palestinian journalist shot in Gaza: Report