France President Emmanuel Macron, his Egyptian counterpart Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Jordan's King Abdullah II on Tuesday, held talks to seek ceasefire in Israel-Palestine conflict.

Sisi is currently in Paris for summits on Africa. King Abdullah joined by video conference, the Elysee Palace said.&nbsp;

French presidency said that trilateral summit meeting aimed "above all to work for a rapid ceasefire and prevent the conflict from extending"

Statement from Sisi's office added after the meeting that the talks sought "to develop a common approach of the three countries to put an end to the violence" and contain "the dangerous escalation" in the Palestinian territories.

Egypt, which borders Gaza and is one of the few Arab countries with a long history of diplomatic relations with Israel, is seeking to fulfil its traditional role of mediator in the current conflict.

According to spokesman Bassam Radi, Sisi emphasised that "Egypt will continue its efforts to stop the escalation on both sides, through its contacts with all the international parties as well as with the Israeli and Palestinian sides".

Macron had on Monday underlined the importance of Egyptian mediation after talks in Paris with Sisi, a key ally and defence client of France despite activists' concerns over Cairo's rights record.

He said that the trilateral talks would be aimed at "how to make a concrete proposal along these lines".

According to the Jordanian Royal Court, Abdullah affirmed in the video call "the need to protect the Palestinians, stop all illegal Israeli attacks and actions in Jerusalem, and end the aggression on Gaza".

He also stressed that "the repeated Israeli violations and provocations that led to the escalation and exacerbated the situation must end".

(With inputs from agencies)

France President Emmanuel Macron, his Egyptian counterpart Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Jordan's King Abdullah II on Tuesday, held talks to seek ceasefire in Israel-Palestine conflict.

France President Emmanuel Macron, his Egyptian counterpart Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Jordan's King Abdullah II on Tuesday, held talks to seek ceasefire in Israel-Palestine conflict. Sisi is currently in Paris for summits on Africa. King Abdullah joined by video conference, the Elysee Palace said. French presidency said that trilateral summit meeting aimed "above all to work for a rapid ceasefire and prevent the conflict from extending" Statement from Sisi's office added after the meeting that the talks sought "to develop a common approach of the three countries to put an end to the violence" and contain "the dangerous escalation" in the Palestinian territories. Egypt, which borders Gaza and is one of the few Arab countries with a long history of diplomatic relations with Israel, is seeking to fulfil its traditional role of mediator in the current conflict. According to spokesman Bassam Radi, Sisi emphasised that "Egypt will continue its efforts to stop the escalation on both sides, through its contacts with all the international parties as well as with the Israeli and Palestinian sides". Macron had on Monday underlined the importance of Egyptian mediation after talks in Paris with Sisi, a key ally and defence client of France despite activists' concerns over Cairo's rights record. He said that the trilateral talks would be aimed at "how to make a concrete proposal along these lines". According to the Jordanian Royal Court, Abdullah affirmed in the video call "the need to protect the Palestinians, stop all illegal Israeli attacks and actions in Jerusalem, and end the aggression on Gaza". He also stressed that "the repeated Israeli violations and provocations that led to the escalation and exacerbated the situation must end". (With inputs from agencies)

Israel-Palestine conflict: France, Jordan, Egypt hold talks, seek ceasefire

Russia President Vladmir Putin on Tuesday (May 18) called for an end to Israel-Gaza violence. He mentioned that there were large amounts of civilian victims.

Israel bombarded Gaza with air strikes and Palestinian militants resumed cross-border rocket fire on Tuesday after a brief overnight lull during which the U.N. sent a small fuel convoy into the enclave, where it says 52,000 people are now displaced.

Israel has given no indication of de-escalation as the country's leaders said they would press on, for now with an offensive in order to destroy capabilities of Hamas and Islamic Jihad. United Nations and other world powers for an end to the violence.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russia President Vladmir Putin on Tuesday (May 18) called for an end to Israel-Gaza violence. He mentioned that there were large amounts of civilian victims. Israel bombarded Gaza with air strikes and Palestinian militants resumed cross-border rocket fire on Tuesday after a brief overnight lull during which the U.

Russia President Vladmir Putin on Tuesday (May 18) called for an end to Israel-Gaza violence. He mentioned that there were large amounts of civilian victims. Israel bombarded Gaza with air strikes and Palestinian militants resumed cross-border rocket fire on Tuesday after a brief overnight lull during which the U.N. sent a small fuel convoy into the enclave, where it says 52,000 people are now displaced. Israel has given no indication of de-escalation as the country's leaders said they would press on, for now with an offensive in order to destroy capabilities of Hamas and Islamic Jihad. United Nations and other world powers for an end to the violence. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel-Palestine conflict: Putin calls for an end to violence

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

In pictures: Indonesia backs Gaza as Israel pounds back

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

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

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

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

Kangana Ranaut has been garnering a lot of praise for her upcoming film 'Panga'. The trailer shows Kangana as a simple housewife who plans on a comeback in the Kabaddi arena years after retirement. While Kangana features prominently in the trailer along with Jassie Gill, the other actress of the film Richa Chadha's look has so far been kept under wraps.&nbsp; 
 
On Thursday, the makers unveiled the look of Chadha's character in the film. Chadha too plays a Kabaddi player and her character Meenu plays Kangana Ranaut’s on-screen friend.&nbsp; 
 
Her character is that of a woman who’s empowered and chosen a life for herself where she has made her career in sports.&nbsp;&nbsp;The actress had to train extensively for the role and even had to sport a shorter hairdo in the film.&nbsp; 
 
Here, have a look.&nbsp; 
<img alt="Richa Chadha in 'Panga'" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="93e9a33b-3ff1-428b-af29-348f4d449844" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202020-01-16T210107.782.jpg" /> 
 
'Panga' has been directed by Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari and is set to release in theatres on January 24.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Kangana Ranaut has been garnering a lot of praise for her upcoming film 'Panga'. The trailer shows Kangana as a simple housewife who plans on a comeback in the Kabaddi arena years after retirement.

Kangana Ranaut has been garnering a lot of praise for her upcoming film 'Panga'. The trailer shows Kangana as a simple housewife who plans on a comeback in the Kabaddi arena years after retirement. While Kangana features prominently in the trailer along with Jassie Gill, the other actress of the film Richa Chadha's look has so far been kept under wraps. On Thursday, the makers unveiled the look of Chadha's character in the film. Chadha too plays a Kabaddi player and her character Meenu plays Kangana Ranaut’s on-screen friend. Her character is that of a woman who’s empowered and chosen a life for herself where she has made her career in sports. The actress had to train extensively for the role and even had to sport a shorter hairdo in the film. Here, have a look. 'Panga' has been directed by Ashwiny Iyer Tiwari and is set to release in theatres on January 24.

Diplomacy underway to halt Israel's military campaign, says Jordan's king

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Saudis to host meeting of Muslim nations' foreign ministers

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

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

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

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

Saudi Arabia on Sunday condemned "flagrant violations" of Palestinian rights by Israel and called for global action to end the recent spike of violence. Other Gulf states that recently established ties with Israel said a ceasefire was needed in order to maintain regional stability.

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, addressing a meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) as hostilities between Israel and militants in Gaza entered a seventh day, condemned what he called the violation of the sanctity of Islamic holy sites.

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The foreign minister also denounced "forcible eviction of Palestinians from East Jerusalem. He urged international community to end this "dangerous escalation" and revive peace negotiations based on a two-state solution.

Pre-dawn Israeli strikes in the centre of Gaza City on Sunday brought the death toll in Gaza to 181, including 52 children, health officials said. Israel has reported 10 dead, including two children.

Islamist militant group Hamas began its rocket assault on Monday after weeks of tensions over a court case to evict several Palestinian families in East Jerusalem, and in retaliation for Israeli police clashes with Palestinians near the city's Al-Aqsa Mosque, Islam's third holiest site, during the holy month of Ramadan.

Israel has retaliated with air and artillery strikes into Gaza.

The fighting comes at a sensitive time for Arab states like the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain which last year broke a longstanding taboo in the region by establishing formal ties with Israel, with tacit approval from Gulf power Saudi Arabia.

Emirati and Bahraini ministers at the virtual gathering of the 57-member OIC called for a ceasefire and stressed the importance of preserving the identity of Jerusalem, which contains sites sacred to Judaism, Islam and Christianity.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hasty-us-withdrawal-a-blow-to-afghan-peace-process-says-china-385452">Nearly 3,000 rockets fired from Gaza towards Israel, army claims</a>

"De-escalation and the highest degree of restraint are important to avoid dragging the region to new levels of instability," said UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation Reem al-Hashimy.

Israel sees all of Jerusalem as its eternal and indivisible capital, while the Palestinians want the eastern section as a capital of a future state. Israel’s annexation of East Jerusalem is unrecognised internationally.

Turkish foreign ministry sources said Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu told the OIC that Israel should be held accountable for war crimes and that the International Criminal Court could play a role. He also called for an international protection mechanism for Palestinian civilians, they said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Saudi Arabia on Sunday condemned "flagrant violations" of Palestinian rights by Israel and called for global action to end the recent spike of violence. Other Gulf states that recently established ties with Israel said a ceasefire was needed in order to maintain regional stability.

Saudi Arabia on Sunday condemned "flagrant violations" of Palestinian rights by Israel and called for global action to end the recent spike of violence. Other Gulf states that recently established ties with Israel said a ceasefire was needed in order to maintain regional stability. Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, addressing a meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) as hostilities between Israel and militants in Gaza entered a seventh day, condemned what he called the violation of the sanctity of Islamic holy sites. × The foreign minister also denounced "forcible eviction of Palestinians from East Jerusalem. He urged international community to end this "dangerous escalation" and revive peace negotiations based on a two-state solution. Pre-dawn Israeli strikes in the centre of Gaza City on Sunday brought the death toll in Gaza to 181, including 52 children, health officials said. Israel has reported 10 dead, including two children. Islamist militant group Hamas began its rocket assault on Monday after weeks of tensions over a court case to evict several Palestinian families in East Jerusalem, and in retaliation for Israeli police clashes with Palestinians near the city's Al-Aqsa Mosque, Islam's third holiest site, during the holy month of Ramadan. Israel has retaliated with air and artillery strikes into Gaza. The fighting comes at a sensitive time for Arab states like the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain which last year broke a longstanding taboo in the region by establishing formal ties with Israel, with tacit approval from Gulf power Saudi Arabia. Emirati and Bahraini ministers at the virtual gathering of the 57-member OIC called for a ceasefire and stressed the importance of preserving the identity of Jerusalem, which contains sites sacred to Judaism, Islam and Christianity. Also Read | Nearly 3,000 rockets fired from Gaza towards Israel, army claims "De-escalation and the highest degree of restraint are important to avoid dragging the region to new levels of instability," said UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation Reem al-Hashimy. Israel sees all of Jerusalem as its eternal and indivisible capital, while the Palestinians want the eastern section as a capital of a future state. Israel’s annexation of East Jerusalem is unrecognised internationally. Turkish foreign ministry sources said Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu told the OIC that Israel should be held accountable for war crimes and that the International Criminal Court could play a role. He also called for an international protection mechanism for Palestinian civilians, they said. (With inputs from agencies)

Saudi Arabia decries Israel's 'flagrant violations' of Palestinian rights

Palestinian&nbsp;foreign minister Riyad al-Maliki on Sunday criticised countries that moved to&nbsp;normalise&nbsp;relations with&nbsp;Israel&nbsp;last year, as violence escalates between the Palestinians and the Jewish state.

"Normalisation and running towards this colonial Israeli system without achieving peace and ending the Israeli occupation of Arab and&nbsp;Palestinian&nbsp;lands represents support for the apartheid regime and participation in its crimes," Maliki told an emergency meeting of foreign ministers of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/media-demands-israel-to-explain-destruction-of-news-offices-385315">Media demands Israel to explain destruction of news offices</a>&nbsp;

"This colonial occupation must be confronted, dismantled, ended, and banned. The recently accelerated normalisation will not have an impact on the sentiments of the Arab world or change their assessment."

The deadly flare-up of violence between&nbsp;Israel&nbsp;and the Palestinians has embarrassed states which moved to&nbsp;normalise&nbsp;relations with the Jewish state, Sudan, Morocco, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain.

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The OIC's emergency meeting was hosted by Saudi Arabia, which has not formally normalised&nbsp;ties&nbsp;with&nbsp;Israel&nbsp;but is known to maintain clandestine relations.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nearly-3000-rockets-fired-from-gaza-towards-israel-army-claims-385423">Nearly 3,000 rockets fired from Gaza towards Israel, army claims</a>

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan called on the international community to take "urgent action" to halt the Israeli military operation and to revive peace talks aimed at securing a two-state solution.

"Preserving Jerusalem is the responsibility of all of us," he said.

The recent bloodshed, just as Muslims were celebrating the end of the holy month of Ramadan, has put&nbsp;Israel's new Arab partners on the back foot, prompting them to turn to critical rhetoric less than a year after they signed normalisation agreements.

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<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">&nbsp;</div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">The so-called Abraham Accords swept away decades of consensus and were condemned as "treason" by&nbsp;Palestinian&nbsp;leaders who feared they undercut their demands for a homeland.</div>

They were struck at the urging of then US President Donald Trump, who hailed the "dawn of a new Middle East" as his son-in-law and adviser Jared Kushner dismissed the Israeli-Palestinian&nbsp;conflict as a mere "real estate dispute".

Reem&nbsp;Al Hashimy, the United Arab Emirates' minister of state for&nbsp;international&nbsp;cooperation, spoke at the meeting but did not address the criticism, only calling for a halt to the violence and not specifically blaming&nbsp;Israel&nbsp;for the troubles.

Palestinian foreign minister Riyad al-Maliki on Sunday criticised countries that moved to normalise relations with Israel last year, as violence escalates between the Palestinians and the Jewish state.

Palestinian foreign minister Riyad al-Maliki on Sunday criticised countries that moved to normalise relations with Israel last year, as violence escalates between the Palestinians and the Jewish state. "Normalisation and running towards this colonial Israeli system without achieving peace and ending the Israeli occupation of Arab and Palestinian lands represents support for the apartheid regime and participation in its crimes," Maliki told an emergency meeting of foreign ministers of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. Also read | Media demands Israel to explain destruction of news offices "This colonial occupation must be confronted, dismantled, ended, and banned. The recently accelerated normalisation will not have an impact on the sentiments of the Arab world or change their assessment." The deadly flare-up of violence between Israel and the Palestinians has embarrassed states which moved to normalise relations with the Jewish state, Sudan, Morocco, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain. The OIC's emergency meeting was hosted by Saudi Arabia, which has not formally normalised ties with Israel but is known to maintain clandestine relations. Also read | Nearly 3,000 rockets fired from Gaza towards Israel, army claims Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan called on the international community to take "urgent action" to halt the Israeli military operation and to revive peace talks aimed at securing a two-state solution. "Preserving Jerusalem is the responsibility of all of us," he said. The recent bloodshed, just as Muslims were celebrating the end of the holy month of Ramadan, has put Israel's new Arab partners on the back foot, prompting them to turn to critical rhetoric less than a year after they signed normalisation agreements. The so-called Abraham Accords swept away decades of consensus and were condemned as "treason" by Palestinian leaders who feared they undercut their demands for a homeland. They were struck at the urging of then US President Donald Trump, who hailed the "dawn of a new Middle East" as his son-in-law and adviser Jared Kushner dismissed the Israeli-Palestinian conflict as a mere "real estate dispute". Reem Al Hashimy, the United Arab Emirates' minister of state for international cooperation, spoke at the meeting but did not address the criticism, only calling for a halt to the violence and not specifically blaming Israel for the troubles.

Palestinian FM criticises moves to 'normalise' Israel ties

Nearly 3,000 rockets have been fired from Gaza towards Israel on Sunday as the two countries entered the seventh day of continued violent protests.

The Israel army reported that the rockets were fired from Hamas-controlled Gaza on Sunday and termed it as an ‘intense attack'.

"Hamas has been carrying out a very intense attack in terms of rate of fire," General Ori Gordin told local reporters.

The army has also claimed that Israel is facing the highest ever rate of rocket attacks. Gaza authorities have also reported a record daily death toll of 33, caused due to the Israeli airstrikes, officials claimed.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-palestine-conflict-stretches-into-seventh-day-385378">Watch |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-palestine-conflict-stretches-into-seventh-day-385378/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Gaza’s rebuttal has come after Israel’s airstrikes on Sunday killed 17 people, taking the death toll in Palestine to 174 people, of which 47 are children.

Meanwhile, Iran's&nbsp;Revolutionary Guards Quds Force commander has also lent its support to the Palestinian community and has termed the strikes by Israel as "crimes".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-strikes-on-gaza-kill-17-people-on-sunday-taking-death-toll-to-174-385372" hreflang="en">Israeli strikes on Gaza kill 17 people on Sunday, taking death toll to 174</a>

The commander made a phone call to the Islamist factions' officials and assured Tehran’s support for all the Palestinians facing the attacks by Israel.

Brigadier General Ismail Qaani talked to the head of Hamas' political bureau,&nbsp;Ismail Haniyeh, and the secretary-general of the Islamic Jihad group, Ziyad al-Nakhalah.

He assured the leaders that Iran "stands alongside the nation of Palestine" and "praised the development of Palestinian resistance and its capabilities in defending the people of Palestine".

Qaani also said his force supports “the Palestinians' right to confront the aggression and crimes of the Zionist enemy”.

Nearly 3,000 rockets have been fired from Gaza towards Israel on Sunday as the two countries entered the seventh day of continued violent protests. The Israel army reported that the rockets were fired from Hamas-controlled Gaza on Sunday and termed it as an ‘intense attack'.

Nearly 3,000 rockets have been fired from Gaza towards Israel on Sunday as the two countries entered the seventh day of continued violent protests. The Israel army reported that the rockets were fired from Hamas-controlled Gaza on Sunday and termed it as an ‘intense attack'. "Hamas has been carrying out a very intense attack in terms of rate of fire," General Ori Gordin told local reporters. The army has also claimed that Israel is facing the highest ever rate of rocket attacks. Gaza authorities have also reported a record daily death toll of 33, caused due to the Israeli airstrikes, officials claimed. Watch | Gaza’s rebuttal has come after Israel’s airstrikes on Sunday killed 17 people, taking the death toll in Palestine to 174 people, of which 47 are children. Meanwhile, Iran's Revolutionary Guards Quds Force commander has also lent its support to the Palestinian community and has termed the strikes by Israel as "crimes". Also read | Israeli strikes on Gaza kill 17 people on Sunday, taking death toll to 174 The commander made a phone call to the Islamist factions' officials and assured Tehran’s support for all the Palestinians facing the attacks by Israel. Brigadier General Ismail Qaani talked to the head of Hamas' political bureau, Ismail Haniyeh, and the secretary-general of the Islamic Jihad group, Ziyad al-Nakhalah. He assured the leaders that Iran "stands alongside the nation of Palestine" and "praised the development of Palestinian resistance and its capabilities in defending the people of Palestine". Qaani also said his force supports “the Palestinians' right to confront the aggression and crimes of the Zionist enemy”.

Nearly 3,000 rockets fired from Gaza towards Israel, army claims

Leicester won their first-ever FA Cup in the club's 137-year history after beating Chelsea in the finals at the Wembley Stadium on Saturday. After lifting the cup Leicester players Hamza Choudhury and Wesley Fofana showed support for the Palestinians.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/leicester-beat-chelsea-to-claim-first-fa-cup-385368" hreflang="en">Leicester beat Chelsea to claim first FA Cup</a>

The duo was seen holding the Palestinian flag. English midfielder Choudhury had the flag draped over his shoulders as he collected his winner's medal after beating Tuchel's Chelsea.

Both the players showed their solidarity amid the latest conflict between Palestine and Israel, which has seen violence over the past few weeks.

Many major European cities witnessed thousands of people marching in support of Palestine on Saturday.&nbsp;

Arsenal midfielder Mohammed Elneny took to social media to voice his support for Palestine but he faced a lot of flak from Jewish fans.

The Egyptian posted on his Twitter account: "My heart and my soul and my support for you Palestine."

Arsenal confirmed to Sky Sports that they have spoken with Elneny after concerns about the post were raised from one of the club's sponsors, coffee maker Lavazza.

"As with any employees of Arsenal, our players are entitled to express their views on their own platforms," the club told Sky Sports News.

"That said we have spoken to Mo about this so he understands the wider implications of his post.

"As a club we are committed to confronting and eliminating all forms of discrimination and continue to champion the need for equality and diversity across all areas of life."

(Inputs from AFP)

Leicester won their first-ever FA Cup in the club's 137-year history after beating Chelsea in the finals at the Wembley Stadium on Saturday. After lifting the cup Leicester players Hamza Choudhury and Wesley Fofana showed support for the Palestinians.

Leicester won their first-ever FA Cup in the club's 137-year history after beating Chelsea in the finals at the Wembley Stadium on Saturday. After lifting the cup Leicester players Hamza Choudhury and Wesley Fofana showed support for the Palestinians. ALSO READ: Leicester beat Chelsea to claim first FA Cup The duo was seen holding the Palestinian flag. English midfielder Choudhury had the flag draped over his shoulders as he collected his winner's medal after beating Tuchel's Chelsea. Both the players showed their solidarity amid the latest conflict between Palestine and Israel, which has seen violence over the past few weeks. Many major European cities witnessed thousands of people marching in support of Palestine on Saturday. Arsenal midfielder Mohammed Elneny took to social media to voice his support for Palestine but he faced a lot of flak from Jewish fans. The Egyptian posted on his Twitter account: "My heart and my soul and my support for you Palestine." Arsenal confirmed to Sky Sports that they have spoken with Elneny after concerns about the post were raised from one of the club's sponsors, coffee maker Lavazza. "As with any employees of Arsenal, our players are entitled to express their views on their own platforms," the club told Sky Sports News. "That said we have spoken to Mo about this so he understands the wider implications of his post. "As a club we are committed to confronting and eliminating all forms of discrimination and continue to champion the need for equality and diversity across all areas of life." (Inputs from AFP)

Leicester City players express support for Palestine after FA Cup win

The US asked Israel to ensure safety of journalists on Saturday just hours after an Israeli airstrike in Gaza flattened a building that housed offices of Al-Jazeera and The Associated Press.

The United States told Israel "that ensuring the safety and security of journalists and independent media is a paramount responsibility," White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said.

The AP and Al Jazeera strongly condemned the attack.

The death toll from latest Israel-Palestine conflict is rising but diplomatic efforts have so far failed to calm the tensions.

Palestinians say at least 139 people, including 39 children, have been killed in Gaza since the conflict erupted on Monday.

Israel has reported 10 dead, including two children.

Before the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-airstrikes-in-gaza-destroy-highrise-housing-al-jazeera-associated-press-offices-385245">airstrike on mediahouses</a>, Israel gave advance warning of so it could be evacuated and said later the building contained military assets of Hamas, the Islamist group that runs Gaza.

In Tel Aviv, residents fled for cover amid wailing sirens as Hamas militants fired barrages of rockets. One hit a residential block in the Ramat Gan suburb, killing a 50-year old man, medics said.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-airstrikes-in-gaza-destroy-highrise-housing-al-jazeera-associated-press-offices-385245">Israeli airstrikes in Gaza destroy highrise housing Al-Jazeera, Associated Press offices</a>

The group said the salvos responded to overnight strikes on Gaza`s Beach refugee camp, where a woman and four of her children were killed when her house was hit. Five others died, medics said. Israel said it targeted an apartment used by Hamas.

Hamas began its assault on Monday after tensions over a court case to evict several Palestinian families in East Jerusalem and in retaliation for Israeli police clashes with Palestinians near the city`s al-Aqsa Mosque, Islam`s third holiest site.

(With inputs from agencies)

The US asked Israel to ensure safety of journalists on Saturday just hours after an Israeli airstrike in Gaza flattened a building that housed offices of Al-Jazeera and The Associated Press.

The US asked Israel to ensure safety of journalists on Saturday just hours after an Israeli airstrike in Gaza flattened a building that housed offices of Al-Jazeera and The Associated Press. The United States told Israel "that ensuring the safety and security of journalists and independent media is a paramount responsibility," White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said. The AP and Al Jazeera strongly condemned the attack. The death toll from latest Israel-Palestine conflict is rising but diplomatic efforts have so far failed to calm the tensions. Palestinians say at least 139 people, including 39 children, have been killed in Gaza since the conflict erupted on Monday. Israel has reported 10 dead, including two children. Before the airstrike on mediahouses, Israel gave advance warning of so it could be evacuated and said later the building contained military assets of Hamas, the Islamist group that runs Gaza. In Tel Aviv, residents fled for cover amid wailing sirens as Hamas militants fired barrages of rockets. One hit a residential block in the Ramat Gan suburb, killing a 50-year old man, medics said. Also Read | Israeli airstrikes in Gaza destroy highrise housing Al-Jazeera, Associated Press offices The group said the salvos responded to overnight strikes on Gaza`s Beach refugee camp, where a woman and four of her children were killed when her house was hit. Five others died, medics said. Israel said it targeted an apartment used by Hamas. Hamas began its assault on Monday after tensions over a court case to evict several Palestinian families in East Jerusalem and in retaliation for Israeli police clashes with Palestinians near the city`s al-Aqsa Mosque, Islam`s third holiest site. (With inputs from agencies)

US tells Israel to protect media after Gaza tower hit

Paris&nbsp;police&nbsp;used tear gas and water cannon Saturday to disperse a&nbsp;pro-Palestinian&nbsp;rally held despite a ban by authorities, who feared a flare-up of anti-Semitic violence during the worst fighting between Israel and Hamas in years.

Several hundreds of people converged on the heavily immigrant Barbes neighbourhood in the north of the capital, amid a massive security presence involving some 4,200 officers, officials said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/french-court-bans-pro-palestine-demo-organisers-defiant-385185">French court bans pro-Palestine demo, organisers defiant&nbsp;</a>

Police&nbsp;blocked off wide boulevards as well as narrow streets where some of the&nbsp;protesters&nbsp;were forced to retreat, while knots of residents and passers-by watched or recorded the scene with their phones.

Some threw stones or tried to set up roadblocks with construction barriers, but for the most part, police&nbsp;pursued groups across the district while preventing any march toward the Place de la Bastille as planned.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-conflict-fallout-germany-will-not-tolerate-anti-semitic-protests-says-merkels-spokesman-384985/amp">Gaza conflict fallout: Germany will not tolerate 'anti-Semitic' protests, says Merkel's spokesman</a>

"You want to prohibit me from showing solidarity with my people, even as my village is being bombed?" Mohammed, 23 and wearing a "Free Palestine" t-shirt, told AFP.

As a cold rainstorm settled over the city toward evening, many&nbsp;protesters&nbsp;left, leaving a large group of mostly young men facing off against ranks of officers who held their ground on a stretch of boulevard.

A handful of garbage bins were set on fire and rocks and other projectiles were hurled toward&nbsp;police, but no arrests were reported.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-rises-as-violence-rocks-gaza-israel-and-west-bank-385182">Death toll rises as violence rocks Gaza, Israel and West Bank</a>

Ban 'unacceptable'

The march was banned Thursday over concerns of a repeat of fierce clashes that erupted at a similar&nbsp;Paris&nbsp;march during the last war in 2014 when&nbsp;protesters&nbsp;took aim at synagogues and other Israeli and Jewish targets.

"We all remember that extremely troubling protest where terrible phrases like 'death to Jews' were yelled," Mayor Anne Hidalgo told AFP on Friday, welcoming a "wise" decision to ban the march.

But Walid Atallah, president of the Association of Palestinians in Ile-de-France, the region encompassing&nbsp;Paris, accused the government of inflaming&nbsp;tensions&nbsp;with the ban.

Repeat of&nbsp;unrest?&nbsp;

"If there were genuine risks of public disorder, of serious problems, they would have prohibited it right away," he told a press conference ahead of the march.

"They banned it at the last minute, it's unacceptable," he said. Similar protests in Germany and Denmark this week have degenerated into clashes leading to several arrests.

The protest had originally been called to mark the Nakba, as Palestinians call the "catastrophe" of Israel's creation in 1948, which turned hundreds of thousands into refugees.

But a&nbsp;Paris&nbsp;court upheld the ban Friday, saying the "international and domestic context" justified fears of unrest "that could be as serious or even worse than in 2014."

Interior Minister Gerard Darmanin also called for similar bans in other cities if necessary, and officials prohibited marches in Nice, where around 150 people gathered nonetheless, and in some&nbsp;Paris&nbsp;suburbs.&nbsp;

"We don't want scenes of violence, we don't want to import a conflict onto French soil, we don't want eruptions of hate on our streets," government spokesman Gabriel Attal said Saturday in Marseille.

But no incidents were reported as thousands of people gathered for protests and marches in several other cities including Montpellier, Toulouse and Bordeaux. Many accuse France of being too favourable toward Israel in the latest conflict, which has seen a barrage of rocket fire from Gaza that has been met with Israeli artillery and airstrikes.

The ban has caused a split among French politicians, with President Emmanuel Macron's centre-right party and the right-wing opposition supporting the move, but leftists calling it an unacceptable attack on freedom of expression.

Macron's office said he spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday, offering his "condolences for the victims of the rocket fire claimed by Hamas and other terrorist groups."

The statement said Macron urged a return to peace and "his concern about the civilian population in Gaza."

France has the largest Muslim population in Europe, with an estimated five to six million people.

It also has the largest Jewish population after Israel and the United States.

Paris police used tear gas and water cannon Saturday to disperse a pro-Palestinian rally held despite a ban by authorities, who feared a flare-up of anti-Semitic violence during the worst fighting between Israel and Hamas in years.

Paris police used tear gas and water cannon Saturday to disperse a pro-Palestinian rally held despite a ban by authorities, who feared a flare-up of anti-Semitic violence during the worst fighting between Israel and Hamas in years. Several hundreds of people converged on the heavily immigrant Barbes neighbourhood in the north of the capital, amid a massive security presence involving some 4,200 officers, officials said. Also read | French court bans pro-Palestine demo, organisers defiant Police blocked off wide boulevards as well as narrow streets where some of the protesters were forced to retreat, while knots of residents and passers-by watched or recorded the scene with their phones. Some threw stones or tried to set up roadblocks with construction barriers, but for the most part, police pursued groups across the district while preventing any march toward the Place de la Bastille as planned. Also read | Gaza conflict fallout: Germany will not tolerate 'anti-Semitic' protests, says Merkel's spokesman "You want to prohibit me from showing solidarity with my people, even as my village is being bombed?" Mohammed, 23 and wearing a "Free Palestine" t-shirt, told AFP. As a cold rainstorm settled over the city toward evening, many protesters left, leaving a large group of mostly young men facing off against ranks of officers who held their ground on a stretch of boulevard. A handful of garbage bins were set on fire and rocks and other projectiles were hurled toward police, but no arrests were reported. Also read | Death toll rises as violence rocks Gaza, Israel and West Bank Ban 'unacceptable' The march was banned Thursday over concerns of a repeat of fierce clashes that erupted at a similar Paris march during the last war in 2014 when protesters took aim at synagogues and other Israeli and Jewish targets. "We all remember that extremely troubling protest where terrible phrases like 'death to Jews' were yelled," Mayor Anne Hidalgo told AFP on Friday, welcoming a "wise" decision to ban the march. But Walid Atallah, president of the Association of Palestinians in Ile-de-France, the region encompassing Paris, accused the government of inflaming tensions with the ban. Repeat of unrest? "If there were genuine risks of public disorder, of serious problems, they would have prohibited it right away," he told a press conference ahead of the march. "They banned it at the last minute, it's unacceptable," he said. Similar protests in Germany and Denmark this week have degenerated into clashes leading to several arrests. The protest had originally been called to mark the Nakba, as Palestinians call the "catastrophe" of Israel's creation in 1948, which turned hundreds of thousands into refugees. But a Paris court upheld the ban Friday, saying the "international and domestic context" justified fears of unrest "that could be as serious or even worse than in 2014." Interior Minister Gerard Darmanin also called for similar bans in other cities if necessary, and officials prohibited marches in Nice, where around 150 people gathered nonetheless, and in some Paris suburbs. "We don't want scenes of violence, we don't want to import a conflict onto French soil, we don't want eruptions of hate on our streets," government spokesman Gabriel Attal said Saturday in Marseille. But no incidents were reported as thousands of people gathered for protests and marches in several other cities including Montpellier, Toulouse and Bordeaux. Many accuse France of being too favourable toward Israel in the latest conflict, which has seen a barrage of rocket fire from Gaza that has been met with Israeli artillery and airstrikes. The ban has caused a split among French politicians, with President Emmanuel Macron's centre-right party and the right-wing opposition supporting the move, but leftists calling it an unacceptable attack on freedom of expression. Macron's office said he spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday, offering his "condolences for the victims of the rocket fire claimed by Hamas and other terrorist groups." The statement said Macron urged a return to peace and "his concern about the civilian population in Gaza." France has the largest Muslim population in Europe, with an estimated five to six million people. It also has the largest Jewish population after Israel and the United States.

Tensions in Paris as pro-Palestinian protesters defy police

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif cancelled his meeting with his Austrian counterpart as a sign of displeasure over Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz flying Israeli flag in Vienna. Zarif was due to meet Austria's foreign minister Alexander Schallenberg but he called off the meeting, said a spokeswoman for Schallenberg

"We regret this and take note of it, but for us it is as clear as day that when Hamas fires more than 2,000 rockets at civilian targets in Israel then we will not remain silent," the spokeswoman said.

Hamas is the Islamist group that runs Gaza. Israel has pummelled Gaza with airstrikes and Palestinian militants have launched rocket barrages at Israel in the worst escalation of violence in years.

The dispute between Iran and Austria has come during talks to revive 2015 Iran nuclear deal. Former US President Donald Trump had unilaterally taken US out of the deal struck between Iran and world powers.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-rises-as-violence-rocks-gaza-israel-and-west-bank-385182">Death toll rises as violence rocks Gaza, Israel and West Bank&nbsp;</a>

Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz, who is firmly pro-Israel, had called flying the Israeli flag over the federal chancellery on Friday a mark of solidarity amid the violent clashes. But Abbas Araqchi, who heads the Iranian delegation at the Vienna talks, criticised the move.

"Vienna is the seat of (nuclear watchdog) IAEA &amp; UN, and (Austria) so far been a great host for negotiations," Araqchi wrote on Twitter. "Shocking &amp; painful to see flag of the occupying regime, that brutally killed tens of innocent civilians, inc many children in just few days, over govt offices in Vienna. We stand with Palestine."

(With inputs from agencies)

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif cancelled his meeting with his Austrian counterpart as a sign of displeasure over Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz flying Israeli flag in Vienna.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif cancelled his meeting with his Austrian counterpart as a sign of displeasure over Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz flying Israeli flag in Vienna. Zarif was due to meet Austria's foreign minister Alexander Schallenberg but he called off the meeting, said a spokeswoman for Schallenberg "We regret this and take note of it, but for us it is as clear as day that when Hamas fires more than 2,000 rockets at civilian targets in Israel then we will not remain silent," the spokeswoman said. Hamas is the Islamist group that runs Gaza. Israel has pummelled Gaza with airstrikes and Palestinian militants have launched rocket barrages at Israel in the worst escalation of violence in years. The dispute between Iran and Austria has come during talks to revive 2015 Iran nuclear deal. Former US President Donald Trump had unilaterally taken US out of the deal struck between Iran and world powers. Also Read | Death toll rises as violence rocks Gaza, Israel and West Bank Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz, who is firmly pro-Israel, had called flying the Israeli flag over the federal chancellery on Friday a mark of solidarity amid the violent clashes. But Abbas Araqchi, who heads the Iranian delegation at the Vienna talks, criticised the move. "Vienna is the seat of (nuclear watchdog) IAEA & UN, and (Austria) so far been a great host for negotiations," Araqchi wrote on Twitter. "Shocking & painful to see flag of the occupying regime, that brutally killed tens of innocent civilians, inc many children in just few days, over govt offices in Vienna. We stand with Palestine." (With inputs from agencies)

Iran foreign minister cancels meet with Austrian counterpart over Israel flag

Showing its solidarity with Gaza, Egypt opened its Rafah border to send 10 ambulances to bring the critically injured Palestinians to the Egyptian hospitals for immediate treatment.

The country "exceptionally opened the Rafah crossing to allow 10 Egyptian ambulances into the Gaza Strip to transport wounded Palestinians... to be treated in Egypt," a medical officer reported.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-rises-as-violence-rocks-gaza-israel-and-west-bank-385182">Death toll rises as violence rocks Gaza, Israel and West Bank&nbsp;</a>

This specific border is usually closed during public holidays, including the recent Eid al-Fitr. This year, however, the Egyptian authorities decided to suspend the Eid holidays were suspended for a group of medical professionals who were asked to report to the hospitals to help "those coming from the Gaza Strip".

As per the data reported by Gaza medical officials, the Israeli strikes have taken nearly 139 people, of which 39 were kids, and more than 950 people were injured critically during the violent clash.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-palestinian-conflict-us-diplomat-in-israel-to-initiate-negotiations-385190">Watch |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-palestinian-conflict-us-diplomat-in-israel-to-initiate-negotiations-385190/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Meanwhile, the grand imam of Egypt's famous Al-Azhar mosque, Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb, has launched a social media campaign to support the Palestinians in this war between the two communities.

"Stop the killing," the imam said. "Enough with silence and double standards if we are really working towards peace."

On Saturday morning, the Palestinian religious affairs ministry has claimed the Israeli planes have destroyed a mosque.

Showing its solidarity with Gaza, Egypt opened its Rafah border to send 10 ambulances to bring the critically injured Palestinians to the Egyptian hospitals for immediate treatment.

Showing its solidarity with Gaza, Egypt opened its Rafah border to send 10 ambulances to bring the critically injured Palestinians to the Egyptian hospitals for immediate treatment. The country "exceptionally opened the Rafah crossing to allow 10 Egyptian ambulances into the Gaza Strip to transport wounded Palestinians... to be treated in Egypt," a medical officer reported. Also read | Death toll rises as violence rocks Gaza, Israel and West Bank This specific border is usually closed during public holidays, including the recent Eid al-Fitr. This year, however, the Egyptian authorities decided to suspend the Eid holidays were suspended for a group of medical professionals who were asked to report to the hospitals to help "those coming from the Gaza Strip". As per the data reported by Gaza medical officials, the Israeli strikes have taken nearly 139 people, of which 39 were kids, and more than 950 people were injured critically during the violent clash. Watch | Meanwhile, the grand imam of Egypt's famous Al-Azhar mosque, Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb, has launched a social media campaign to support the Palestinians in this war between the two communities. "Stop the killing," the imam said. "Enough with silence and double standards if we are really working towards peace." On Saturday morning, the Palestinian religious affairs ministry has claimed the Israeli planes have destroyed a mosque.

Egypt sends ambulance to Gaza for critically injured Palestinians

Jammu and Kashmir Police said on Saturday that it will take action against those who disturb peace in the valley by posting sensitive social media posts about Palestine. They said that action will be taken against social media users who try ' ‘to leverage the unfortunate situation in Palestine to disturb public peace and order in the Kashmir valley.’

“We are a professional force and are sensitive to public anguish. But J&amp;K police has a legal responsibility to ensure law and order as well. It, however, wouldn’t allow cynical encashment of the public anger to trigger violence, lawlessness and disorder on Kashmir streets," said Vijay Kumar, Inspector General of Kashmir

The police say people have the right to express their opinions but they cannot hold any protests during the Covid pandemic. IG Kashmir Vijay Kumar stressed that engineering and inciting violence on streets is unlawful.

All irresponsible social media comments that result in actual violence and breaking of the law including Covid protocol will attract legal action.

Police have urged people to cooperate and desist from inciting tension in the valley.

Jammu and Kashmir Police said on Saturday that it will take action against those who disturb peace in the valley by posting sensitive social media posts about Palestine.

Jammu and Kashmir Police said on Saturday that it will take action against those who disturb peace in the valley by posting sensitive social media posts about Palestine. They said that action will be taken against social media users who try ' ‘to leverage the unfortunate situation in Palestine to disturb public peace and order in the Kashmir valley.’ “We are a professional force and are sensitive to public anguish. But J&K police has a legal responsibility to ensure law and order as well. It, however, wouldn’t allow cynical encashment of the public anger to trigger violence, lawlessness and disorder on Kashmir streets," said Vijay Kumar, Inspector General of Kashmir The police say people have the right to express their opinions but they cannot hold any protests during the Covid pandemic. IG Kashmir Vijay Kumar stressed that engineering and inciting violence on streets is unlawful. All irresponsible social media comments that result in actual violence and breaking of the law including Covid protocol will attract legal action. Police have urged people to cooperate and desist from inciting tension in the valley.

Jammu and Kashmir Police to take action against sensitive social media content on Palestine

Israeli planes renewed air strikes in Gaza early on Saturday and Hamas militants responded by firing rockets into Israel as their battle entered a fifth night and US and Arab diplomats sought an end to the violence.&nbsp;

Palestinian medics said at least 12 people were killed overnight in air strikes throughout Gaza. Health officials said a woman and her three children were among the dead after their house was hit in a refugee camp.&nbsp;

The Israeli military said it carried out strikes on a Hamas military intelligence facility and a number of rocket launching sites in northern Gaza.&nbsp;

The Palestinian religious affairs ministry said Israeli planes destroyed a mosque. A military spokesman said the army was checking the report.&nbsp;

Across the border, sirens sounded throughout much of southern Israel, sending residents running for shelter. In the cities of Beersheba and Ashdod buildings were struck by rockets. There were no immediate reports of injuries.&nbsp;

With no sign of an end to the fighting, casualties spread further afield, with Palestinians reporting on Friday 11 killed in the occupied West Bank amid clashes between protesters and Israeli security forces.&nbsp;

At least 132 people have been killed in Gaza since Monday, including 32 children and 21 women, and 950 others wounded, Palestinian medical officials said.&nbsp;

Among the eight dead in Israel were a soldier patrolling the Gaza border and six civilians, including two children, Israeli authorities said.&nbsp;

Ahead of a session of the UN Security Council on Sunday to discuss the situation, Biden administration envoy Hady Amr, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Israel and Palestinian Affairs, flew in on Friday.&nbsp;

The US Embassy in Israel said the aim was "to reinforce the need to work toward a sustainable calm."&nbsp;

Israel launched day-long attacks on Friday to destroy what it said were several kilometres of tunnels, launch sites and weapons manufacturing warehouses used by the militants in an effort to halt the rocket attacks.&nbsp;

Across central and southern Israel, from small towns bordering Gaza to metropolitan Tel Aviv and southern Beersheba, people have adjusted to sirens wailing, radio and TV broadcast interruptions and the beeps of cellphones bearing red alerts that send them rushing for cover.&nbsp;

Cross-border hostilities between Israel and Palestinian militants in Gaza have been accompanied by violence in mixed communities of Jews and Arabs in Israel. Synagogues have been attacked and street fights have broken out, prompting Israel's president to warn of civil war. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Israeli planes renewed air strikes in Gaza early on Saturday and Hamas militants responded by firing rockets into Israel as their battle entered a fifth night and US and Arab diplomats sought an end to the violence.

Israeli planes renewed air strikes in Gaza early on Saturday and Hamas militants responded by firing rockets into Israel as their battle entered a fifth night and US and Arab diplomats sought an end to the violence. Palestinian medics said at least 12 people were killed overnight in air strikes throughout Gaza. Health officials said a woman and her three children were among the dead after their house was hit in a refugee camp. The Israeli military said it carried out strikes on a Hamas military intelligence facility and a number of rocket launching sites in northern Gaza. The Palestinian religious affairs ministry said Israeli planes destroyed a mosque. A military spokesman said the army was checking the report. Across the border, sirens sounded throughout much of southern Israel, sending residents running for shelter. In the cities of Beersheba and Ashdod buildings were struck by rockets. There were no immediate reports of injuries. With no sign of an end to the fighting, casualties spread further afield, with Palestinians reporting on Friday 11 killed in the occupied West Bank amid clashes between protesters and Israeli security forces. At least 132 people have been killed in Gaza since Monday, including 32 children and 21 women, and 950 others wounded, Palestinian medical officials said. Among the eight dead in Israel were a soldier patrolling the Gaza border and six civilians, including two children, Israeli authorities said. Ahead of a session of the UN Security Council on Sunday to discuss the situation, Biden administration envoy Hady Amr, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Israel and Palestinian Affairs, flew in on Friday. The US Embassy in Israel said the aim was "to reinforce the need to work toward a sustainable calm." Israel launched day-long attacks on Friday to destroy what it said were several kilometres of tunnels, launch sites and weapons manufacturing warehouses used by the militants in an effort to halt the rocket attacks. Across central and southern Israel, from small towns bordering Gaza to metropolitan Tel Aviv and southern Beersheba, people have adjusted to sirens wailing, radio and TV broadcast interruptions and the beeps of cellphones bearing red alerts that send them rushing for cover. Cross-border hostilities between Israel and Palestinian militants in Gaza have been accompanied by violence in mixed communities of Jews and Arabs in Israel. Synagogues have been attacked and street fights have broken out, prompting Israel's president to warn of civil war. (With inputs from agencies)

Death toll rises as violence rocks Gaza, Israel and West Bank 

In light of escalation of violence between Israel and Palestine, chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) on Wednesday voiced concern about possible war crimes.

"I note with great concern the escalation of violence in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, as well as in and around Gaza, and the possible commission of crimes under the Rome Statute," which founded the ICC, Fatou Bensouda said on Twitter.

Israeli army and Palestinian militants have been exchanging deadly fire since last week's violence around Al Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem that is regarded as a holy place by Jews as well as Muslims

ICC Chief Prosecutor Bensouda announced on March 3 that she had opened a full investigation into the situation in the Israeli-occupied territories, infuriating Israel, which not a member of The Hague-based court, unlike the Palestinian Authority.

That probe will mainly focus on the 2014 Gaza War but also look at the deaths of Palestinian demonstrators from 2018 onwards.

After a five-year preliminary probe, she had said there was "reasonable basis" to believe crimes were committed by both sides -- by the Israeli Defense Forces and Israeli authorities, and by Hamas and Palestinian armed groups.

Bensouda said Wednesday that the ICC investigations "will cover all sides and all the facts and evidence relevant to an assessment of whether there is individual criminal responsibility under the Statute."

"My Office will continue to monitor developments on the ground and will factor any matter that falls within its jurisdiction."

(With inputs from agencies)

In light of escalation of violence between Israel and Palestine, chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) on Wednesday voiced concern about possible war crimes.

In light of escalation of violence between Israel and Palestine, chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) on Wednesday voiced concern about possible war crimes. "I note with great concern the escalation of violence in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, as well as in and around Gaza, and the possible commission of crimes under the Rome Statute," which founded the ICC, Fatou Bensouda said on Twitter. Israeli army and Palestinian militants have been exchanging deadly fire since last week's violence around Al Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem that is regarded as a holy place by Jews as well as Muslims ICC Chief Prosecutor Bensouda announced on March 3 that she had opened a full investigation into the situation in the Israeli-occupied territories, infuriating Israel, which not a member of The Hague-based court, unlike the Palestinian Authority. That probe will mainly focus on the 2014 Gaza War but also look at the deaths of Palestinian demonstrators from 2018 onwards. After a five-year preliminary probe, she had said there was "reasonable basis" to believe crimes were committed by both sides -- by the Israeli Defense Forces and Israeli authorities, and by Hamas and Palestinian armed groups. Bensouda said Wednesday that the ICC investigations "will cover all sides and all the facts and evidence relevant to an assessment of whether there is individual criminal responsibility under the Statute." "My Office will continue to monitor developments on the ground and will factor any matter that falls within its jurisdiction." (With inputs from agencies)

Israel-Palestine violence: International Criminal Court warns against war crimes

May 14 in history: Administration of first smallpox vaccination, Israel becomes an independent state and more

Russia President Vladimir Putin as well as United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday called on Israel and Palestine to end the conflict.

"In light of the escalation of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, it was stated that the primary task is to stop violent actions on both sides and ensure the safety of the civilian population," the Kremlin said in a statement after their video call.

The situation between Israel and Palestine is worst in last 7 years with violence erupting at number of places.

Violence at al-Aqsa mosque over the weekend has triggered unrest. Al Aqsa mosque is held to be a Holy place by Jews as well as Muslims.

Israel Defence Minister Benny Gantz on Thursday ordered a "massive reinforcement" in order to contain internal unrest rocking mixed Jewish and Arab communities within the country.

In Gaza, 83 people were reportedly killed since Monday. This includes 17 children. The heavy bombardment has rocked Gaza and has brought entire tower blocks crumbling down.

The Israeli military said it had struck Gaza targets more than 600 times, while Hamas had fired over 1,600 rockets towards Israel.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russia President Vladimir Putin as well as United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday called on Israel and Palestine to end the conflict.

Russia President Vladimir Putin as well as United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday called on Israel and Palestine to end the conflict. "In light of the escalation of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, it was stated that the primary task is to stop violent actions on both sides and ensure the safety of the civilian population," the Kremlin said in a statement after their video call. The situation between Israel and Palestine is worst in last 7 years with violence erupting at number of places. Violence at al-Aqsa mosque over the weekend has triggered unrest. Al Aqsa mosque is held to be a Holy place by Jews as well as Muslims. Israel Defence Minister Benny Gantz on Thursday ordered a "massive reinforcement" in order to contain internal unrest rocking mixed Jewish and Arab communities within the country. In Gaza, 83 people were reportedly killed since Monday. This includes 17 children. The heavy bombardment has rocked Gaza and has brought entire tower blocks crumbling down. The Israeli military said it had struck Gaza targets more than 600 times, while Hamas had fired over 1,600 rockets towards Israel. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel-Palestine: UN chief Antonio Guterres, Vladimir Putin appeal for calm

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