Ellen DeGeneres announced the end of her long running TV show. The show is scheduled to end in 2022. Meanwhile&nbsp;Gal Gadot was called 'propaganda tool for Israel' for her tweet on Israel and Palestine clashes. Here are the top five headlines that made a buzz in the Hollywood corridors today.

Ellen DeGeneres to end TV show after 19 years, says she needs 'break from talking' 
It is going to be the end of an era. Popular chat show host Ellen DeGeneres is ending her daytime show in 2022. DeGeneres says that after hosting one of America's most popular chat shows for 19 years it was time to do something different.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/ellen-degeneres-to-end-tv-show-after-19-years-says-she-needs-break-from-talking-384649"> Read more</a> 
 
Gal Gadot called 'propaganda tool for Israel' as she tweets for unity amid ongoing conflict with Palestine 
Hollywood star Gal Gadot's call for unity in her latest tweet amid rising tension between Israel and Palestine has not gone down well with many on Twitter.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-gal-gadot-called-propaganda-tool-for-israel-as-she-tweets-for-unity-amid-ongoing-conflict-with-palestine-384761">Read more</a> 
 
Demi Lovato will investigate UFOs in upcoming docuseries 
American singer-actor Demi Lovato is set to star in a four-part limited unscripted series on Peacock, where she will investigate UFO reports.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/demi-lovato-will-investigate-ufos-in-upcoming-docuseries-384725">&nbsp;Read more</a> 
 
Tina Turner, Jay-Z, Go-Go's selected for Rock &amp; Roll Hall of Fame. 
Singer Tina Turner, rapper Jay-Z and 1980s female pop group The Go-Go`s were among the newest performers selected for induction into the Rock &amp; Roll Hall of Fame, the organization announced on Wednesday.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/lifestyle/news-tina-turner-jay-z-go-gos-selected-for-rock--roll-hall-of-fame-384682">Read more</a> 
 
Janelle Monae joins the star cast of 'Knives Out' sequel 
Much like the first part, the casting of 'Knives Out 2' is turning out to be a star-studded one. American singer-actor Janelle Monae is the latest star to have joined the cast of the film which is being helmed by Rian Johnson.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-janelle-monae-joins-the-star-cast-of-knives-out-sequel-384656">Read more</a>

Ellen DeGeneres announced the end of her long running TV show. The show is scheduled to end in 2022. Meanwhile Gal Gadot was called 'propaganda tool for Israel' for her tweet on Israel and Palestine clashes.

Ellen DeGeneres announced the end of her long running TV show. The show is scheduled to end in 2022. Meanwhile Gal Gadot was called 'propaganda tool for Israel' for her tweet on Israel and Palestine clashes. Here are the top five headlines that made a buzz in the Hollywood corridors today. Ellen DeGeneres to end TV show after 19 years, says she needs 'break from talking' It is going to be the end of an era. Popular chat show host Ellen DeGeneres is ending her daytime show in 2022. DeGeneres says that after hosting one of America's most popular chat shows for 19 years it was time to do something different. Read more Gal Gadot called 'propaganda tool for Israel' as she tweets for unity amid ongoing conflict with Palestine Hollywood star Gal Gadot's call for unity in her latest tweet amid rising tension between Israel and Palestine has not gone down well with many on Twitter. Read more Demi Lovato will investigate UFOs in upcoming docuseries American singer-actor Demi Lovato is set to star in a four-part limited unscripted series on Peacock, where she will investigate UFO reports. Read more Tina Turner, Jay-Z, Go-Go's selected for Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Singer Tina Turner, rapper Jay-Z and 1980s female pop group The Go-Go`s were among the newest performers selected for induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, the organization announced on Wednesday. Read more Janelle Monae joins the star cast of 'Knives Out' sequel Much like the first part, the casting of 'Knives Out 2' is turning out to be a star-studded one. American singer-actor Janelle Monae is the latest star to have joined the cast of the film which is being helmed by Rian Johnson. Read more

Top 5 Hollywood news today: Ellen DeGeneres show to end,  Gal Gadot slammed on Twitter

The Israeli military and Hamas militants in Gaza continue to exchange rocket fire and airstrikes. The death toll continues to climb as violence spreads to the streets of mixed Arab-Jewish cities in Israel.

World leaders have called for an end to violence. Some have emphasized Israel's right to defend itself, while others warn of full-scale war if the two sides fail to de-escalate.

Hamas Gaza City commander, Bassem Issa, has been killed in one of the Israeli airstrikes along with our senior members, the Hamas group confirmed. 
 
The death toll in Gaza rose to 65 Palestinians, including 16 children and five women, according to Gaza`s Health Ministry. At least 365 people have been wounded, including 86 children and 39 women.&nbsp; 
 
Gravitas: Violence escalates between Israel, Gaza

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In a statement issued late on Wednesday, Blinken also “expressed his condolences for the lives lost” as a result of the Israeli bombardment of the Palestinian territory of Gaza, while also condemning the deadly rocket attacks into Israel.

“The Secretary also expressed his belief that Palestinians and Israelis deserve equal measures of freedom, dignity, security and prosperity,” said Ned Price, the state department spokesman.

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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke by telephone with <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@POTUS</a> Joe Biden. The Prime Minister thanked President Biden for the American backing of Israel's right to self-defense.
— PM of Israel (@IsraeliPM) <a href="https://twitter.com/IsraeliPM/status/1392608255671771143?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, a five-year-old boy was killed and at least 20 Israelis were hurt as Gaza launched a fresh spade of rocket attacks that set off warning sirens in the Tel Aviv metropolitan area and cities in the south on Wednesday night, reported The Times of Israel. In a rare incident, rocket shrapnel punctured the shelter`s window, critically injuring the minor and also wounding his mother.&nbsp;

He was pronounced dead several hours later, reported local mediaWith the boy`s death, the number of fatalities has reached seven, including five Israeli civilians, an Indian national and an IDF soldier killed by anti-tank missile fire on the Gaza border. According to the Israeli army, 180 rockets were fired at Israel since 6 a.m. on Wednesday, of which 40 fell in Gaza.

In response to the rocket fire, the IDF launched strikes on upwards of 500 targets in the Gaza Strip, aimed at Hamas personnel, weaponry and infrastructure throughout the enclave Israeli police have said that 374 people have been arrested so far tonight in rioting throughout the country, with 36 cops hurt during events, reported The Times of Israel.

The ongoing violence between Israel and Palestine marks a dramatic escalation of tensions linked to the potential eviction of Palestinian families from East Jerusalem by Israeli settlers and access to one of the most sacred sites in the city, which is a key hub for Islam, Judaism and Christianity.

A senior Hamas official on Wednesday said the terror organisation is ready to end the current intensive fighting with Israel, the Times of Israel reported citing the Russian foreign ministry`s statement. Deputy Chairman of the Hamas political bureau conditioned it on Israel halting strikes and on the international community pressuring the Jewish state to end "military actions" at the Al-Aqsa Mosque on the Temple Mount.

Tensions between Israel and Palestine are rapidly rising with the ramping up of rocket attacks and the United Nations has warned that the conflict is moving towards a `full-scale war`.United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East, Tor Wennesland, called on both sides to de-escalate tensions the day before.

"Stop the fire immediately. We are escalating towards full-scale war. Leaders on all sides have to take responsibility for de-escalation. The cost of war in Gaza is devastating and is being paid for by ordinary people. The UN is working with all sides to restore calm. Stop the violence now," he tweeted.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Israeli military and Hamas militants in Gaza continue to exchange rocket fire and airstrikes. The death toll continues to climb as violence spreads to the streets of mixed Arab-Jewish cities in Israel.

The Israeli military and Hamas militants in Gaza continue to exchange rocket fire and airstrikes. The death toll continues to climb as violence spreads to the streets of mixed Arab-Jewish cities in Israel. World leaders have called for an end to violence. Some have emphasized Israel's right to defend itself, while others warn of full-scale war if the two sides fail to de-escalate. Hamas Gaza City commander, Bassem Issa, has been killed in one of the Israeli airstrikes along with our senior members, the Hamas group confirmed. The death toll in Gaza rose to 65 Palestinians, including 16 children and five women, according to Gaza`s Health Ministry. At least 365 people have been wounded, including 86 children and 39 women. Gravitas: Violence escalates between Israel, Gaza In a statement issued late on Wednesday, Blinken also “expressed his condolences for the lives lost” as a result of the Israeli bombardment of the Palestinian territory of Gaza, while also condemning the deadly rocket attacks into Israel. “The Secretary also expressed his belief that Palestinians and Israelis deserve equal measures of freedom, dignity, security and prosperity,” said Ned Price, the state department spokesman. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke by telephone with @POTUS Joe Biden. The Prime Minister thanked President Biden for the American backing of Israel's right to self-defense. — PM of Israel (@IsraeliPM) May 12, 2021 × Meanwhile, a five-year-old boy was killed and at least 20 Israelis were hurt as Gaza launched a fresh spade of rocket attacks that set off warning sirens in the Tel Aviv metropolitan area and cities in the south on Wednesday night, reported The Times of Israel. In a rare incident, rocket shrapnel punctured the shelter`s window, critically injuring the minor and also wounding his mother. He was pronounced dead several hours later, reported local mediaWith the boy`s death, the number of fatalities has reached seven, including five Israeli civilians, an Indian national and an IDF soldier killed by anti-tank missile fire on the Gaza border. According to the Israeli army, 180 rockets were fired at Israel since 6 a.m. on Wednesday, of which 40 fell in Gaza. In response to the rocket fire, the IDF launched strikes on upwards of 500 targets in the Gaza Strip, aimed at Hamas personnel, weaponry and infrastructure throughout the enclave Israeli police have said that 374 people have been arrested so far tonight in rioting throughout the country, with 36 cops hurt during events, reported The Times of Israel. The ongoing violence between Israel and Palestine marks a dramatic escalation of tensions linked to the potential eviction of Palestinian families from East Jerusalem by Israeli settlers and access to one of the most sacred sites in the city, which is a key hub for Islam, Judaism and Christianity. A senior Hamas official on Wednesday said the terror organisation is ready to end the current intensive fighting with Israel, the Times of Israel reported citing the Russian foreign ministry`s statement. Deputy Chairman of the Hamas political bureau conditioned it on Israel halting strikes and on the international community pressuring the Jewish state to end "military actions" at the Al-Aqsa Mosque on the Temple Mount. Tensions between Israel and Palestine are rapidly rising with the ramping up of rocket attacks and the United Nations has warned that the conflict is moving towards a `full-scale war`.United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East, Tor Wennesland, called on both sides to de-escalate tensions the day before. "Stop the fire immediately. We are escalating towards full-scale war. Leaders on all sides have to take responsibility for de-escalation. The cost of war in Gaza is devastating and is being paid for by ordinary people. The UN is working with all sides to restore calm. Stop the violence now," he tweeted. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel-Hamas violence: At least 65 killed in Gaza, 7 in Israel as clashes intensify

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. 
&nbsp; 
"We are in an emergency situation due to the national violence and it is now necessary to have a massive reinforcement of forces on the ground, and they are to be sent immediately to enforce law and order," he said.&nbsp;

He specified the forces would be reservists from Israel's border police.

Israel is scrambling to contain unrest on two fronts. There is violence on its own street days after exchange of deadly fire with Islamist militants.

Hundreds of rockets tore through the skies over the Gaza Strip overnight

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Israel's air force launched multiple strikes with fighter jets, targeting what it described as locations linked to Hamas, the Islamist group that controls Gaza.&nbsp;

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.&nbsp;

Violence at al-Aqsa mosque over weekend has triggered spell of violence unmatched in last seven years. Al Aqsa mosque,&nbsp;considered a holy place by both Jews and Muslims,&nbsp;is in Jerusalem.

The unrest has been driven by anger over the looming evictions of Palestinian families from the Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood of east Jerusalem.

'Preventing pogroms'

Coinciding with the aerial bombardments is surging violence between Arabs and Jews inside Israel.

Police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld told AFP that violence was at a nadir not seen for decades and that police were "literally preventing pogroms from taking place".&nbsp;

Hundreds were protesting in the Arab town of Kafr Kassem in central Israel, burning tires and torching police vehicles, he said.&nbsp;

He added that nearly 1,000 border police were called in to quell the violence, and that more than 400 people had been arrested.&nbsp;

On Wednesday night, Israeli far-right groups took to the streets across the country, clashing with security forces and Arab Israelis.&nbsp;

Stalled diplomacy

The UN Security Council has held two closed-door videoconferences since Monday, with close Israeli ally Washington opposing adoption of a joint declaration, arguing it would not "help de-escalate" the situation.

Netanyahu spoke later Wednesday with Biden, who said that "Israel has a right to defend itself".

(With inputs from agencies)

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.

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. "We are in an emergency situation due to the national violence and it is now necessary to have a massive reinforcement of forces on the ground, and they are to be sent immediately to enforce law and order," he said. He specified the forces would be reservists from Israel's border police. Israel is scrambling to contain unrest on two fronts. There is violence on its own street days after exchange of deadly fire with Islamist militants. Hundreds of rockets tore through the skies over the Gaza Strip overnight × Israel's air force launched multiple strikes with fighter jets, targeting what it described as locations linked to Hamas, the Islamist group that controls Gaza. 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. Violence at al-Aqsa mosque over weekend has triggered spell of violence unmatched in last seven years. Al Aqsa mosque, considered a holy place by both Jews and Muslims, is in Jerusalem. The unrest has been driven by anger over the looming evictions of Palestinian families from the Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood of east Jerusalem. 'Preventing pogroms' Coinciding with the aerial bombardments is surging violence between Arabs and Jews inside Israel. Police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld told AFP that violence was at a nadir not seen for decades and that police were "literally preventing pogroms from taking place". Hundreds were protesting in the Arab town of Kafr Kassem in central Israel, burning tires and torching police vehicles, he said. He added that nearly 1,000 border police were called in to quell the violence, and that more than 400 people had been arrested. On Wednesday night, Israeli far-right groups took to the streets across the country, clashing with security forces and Arab Israelis. Stalled diplomacy The UN Security Council has held two closed-door videoconferences since Monday, with close Israeli ally Washington opposing adoption of a joint declaration, arguing it would not "help de-escalate" the situation. Netanyahu spoke later Wednesday with Biden, who said that "Israel has a right to defend itself". (With inputs from agencies)

Israel orders 'massive reinforcement' of forces to quell unrest in cities after Gaza violence

Hollywood star and Israeli actor- film producer Gal Gadot has expressed concern over the ongoing clashes between in Israel and Palestinians which has left many dead and hundreds injured.&nbsp; 
 
The 'Wonder Woman' star took to social media to express her concern and stated she was heartbroken at the clashes that that have rocked the region.&nbsp; 
 
"My heart breaks. My country is at war. I worry for my family, my friends. I worry for my people. This is a vicious cycle that has been going on for far too long," wrote Gadot."Israel deserves to live as a free and safe nation, Our neighbours deserve the same. I pray for the victims and their families, I pray for this unimaginable hostility to end, I pray for our leaders to find the solution so we could live side by side in peace. I pray for better days," added the Oscar-nominated actor.Along with the tweet, the `Criminal` actor added a breaking heart emoticon.

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💔 <a href="https://t.co/cLgDdn70No">pic.twitter.com/cLgDdn70No</a>
— Gal Gadot (@GalGadot) <a href="https://twitter.com/GalGadot/status/1392496742822776839?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-violence-at-least-65-killed-in-gaza-7-in-israel-as-clashes-intensify-384645" hreflang="en">Israel-Hamas violence: 65 killed in Gaza, 7 in Israel as clashes intensify</a> 
 
The ongoing violence between Israel and Palestine marks a dramatic escalation of tensions linked to the potential eviction of Palestinian families from East Jerusalem by Israeli settlers and access to one of the most sacred sites in the city, which is a key hub for Islam, Judaism and Christianity. 
 
The confrontation intensified in recent days as Ramzan brought large crowds to al-Aqsa and clashes broke out between Palestinians and Israeli police. More than 300 Palestinians were injured on Monday. Health authorities in Gaza said at least 36 Palestinians - including 10 children - were killed in Israeli airstrikes on the Strip since late on Monday after Hamas launched rockets from the coastal territory towards Israel.&nbsp; 
 
At least 250 others were injured. At least five people in Israel have also been killed.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-gal-gadot-called-propaganda-tool-for-israel-as-she-tweets-for-unity-amid-ongoing-conflict-with-palestine-384761" hreflang="en">Gal Gadot called 'propaganda tool for Israel' as she tweets for unity amid ongoing conflict with Palestine</a>

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/pakistani-actress-veena-malik-quotes-adolf-hitler-on-twitter-amid-israel-palestine-tensions-deletes-tweet-later-384701">Pakistani actress Veena Malik quotes Adolf Hitler on Twitter amid Israel-Palestine tensions</a>

Hollywood star and Israeli actor- film producer Gal Gadot has expressed concern over the ongoing clashes between in Israel and Palestinians which has left many dead and hundreds injured.

Hollywood star and Israeli actor- film producer Gal Gadot has expressed concern over the ongoing clashes between in Israel and Palestinians which has left many dead and hundreds injured. The 'Wonder Woman' star took to social media to express her concern and stated she was heartbroken at the clashes that that have rocked the region. "My heart breaks. My country is at war. I worry for my family, my friends. I worry for my people. This is a vicious cycle that has been going on for far too long," wrote Gadot."Israel deserves to live as a free and safe nation, Our neighbours deserve the same. I pray for the victims and their families, I pray for this unimaginable hostility to end, I pray for our leaders to find the solution so we could live side by side in peace. I pray for better days," added the Oscar-nominated actor.Along with the tweet, the `Criminal` actor added a breaking heart emoticon. 💔 pic.twitter.com/cLgDdn70No — Gal Gadot (@GalGadot) May 12, 2021 × Israel-Hamas violence: 65 killed in Gaza, 7 in Israel as clashes intensify The ongoing violence between Israel and Palestine marks a dramatic escalation of tensions linked to the potential eviction of Palestinian families from East Jerusalem by Israeli settlers and access to one of the most sacred sites in the city, which is a key hub for Islam, Judaism and Christianity. The confrontation intensified in recent days as Ramzan brought large crowds to al-Aqsa and clashes broke out between Palestinians and Israeli police. More than 300 Palestinians were injured on Monday. Health authorities in Gaza said at least 36 Palestinians - including 10 children - were killed in Israeli airstrikes on the Strip since late on Monday after Hamas launched rockets from the coastal territory towards Israel. At least 250 others were injured. At least five people in Israel have also been killed. Also read: Gal Gadot called 'propaganda tool for Israel' as she tweets for unity amid ongoing conflict with Palestine Pakistani actress Veena Malik quotes Adolf Hitler on Twitter amid Israel-Palestine tensions

Gal Gadot expresses concern over Israel-Palestine conflict: My country is at war, worry for my family and friends

Pakistani actress Veena Malik may have ruffled a few feathers with her latest tweets. Amid the ongoing clash between Israeli security forces and the Palestinian group Hamas, Malik quoted Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler in a quote that was seemingly anti-Semitic.&nbsp; 
 
"'I would have killed all the Jews of the world… but I kept some to show the world why I killed them,'" Malik wrote and attributed the made-up quote to 'Adolf Hitler.' She later deleted the tweet. Malik has over 1.2 million followers on Twitter.&nbsp; 
 
Malik also wrote in a separate tweet that the Iron Dome- Israel's missile defense system-"is doomed."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-gal-gadot-expresses-concern-over-israel-palestine-conflict-my-country-is-at-war-worry-for-my-family-and-friends-384679">Gal Gadot concerned over Israel-Palestine conflict: My country is at war</a>

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Muslim actress from Pakistan with 1.2 million followers quotes Adolph Hitler as unrest breaks out between Israel &amp; Palestinian militants. <a href="https://t.co/3RBeolUeip">https://t.co/3RBeolUeip</a> <a href="https://t.co/rXBm5PXCcy">pic.twitter.com/rXBm5PXCcy</a>
— Andy Ngô (@MrAndyNgo) <a href="https://twitter.com/MrAndyNgo/status/1392272690484973571?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The former actress also published a tweet with the hashtag 'Free Palestine'.

Her account has since then been withheld by Twitter.&nbsp; 
 
The tweets come as tensions in Israel continue to build due to the clashes between Israelis and&nbsp;Palestinians.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-violence-at-least-65-killed-in-gaza-7-in-israel-as-clashes-intensify-384645" hreflang="en">Israel-Hamas violence: 65 killed in Gaza, 7 in Israel as clashes intensify</a> 
 
The death toll in Gaza rose to 65 Palestinians, including 16 children and five women, according to Gaza`s Health Ministry. At least 365 people have been wounded, including 86 children and 39 women.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-gal-gadot-called-propaganda-tool-for-israel-as-she-tweets-for-unity-amid-ongoing-conflict-with-palestine-384761" hreflang="en">Gal Gadot called 'propaganda tool for Israel' as she tweets for unity amid ongoing conflict with Palestine</a>

Pakistani actress Veena Malik may have ruffled a few feathers with her latest tweets. Amid the ongoing clash between Israeli security forces and the Palestinian group Hamas, Malik quoted Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler in a quote that was seemingly anti-Semitic.

Pakistani actress Veena Malik may have ruffled a few feathers with her latest tweets. Amid the ongoing clash between Israeli security forces and the Palestinian group Hamas, Malik quoted Nazi dictator Adolf Hitler in a quote that was seemingly anti-Semitic. "'I would have killed all the Jews of the world… but I kept some to show the world why I killed them,'" Malik wrote and attributed the made-up quote to 'Adolf Hitler.' She later deleted the tweet. Malik has over 1.2 million followers on Twitter. Malik also wrote in a separate tweet that the Iron Dome- Israel's missile defense system-"is doomed." Gal Gadot concerned over Israel-Palestine conflict: My country is at war Muslim actress from Pakistan with 1.2 million followers quotes Adolph Hitler as unrest breaks out between Israel & Palestinian militants. https://t.co/3RBeolUeip pic.twitter.com/rXBm5PXCcy — Andy Ngô (@MrAndyNgo) May 12, 2021 × The former actress also published a tweet with the hashtag 'Free Palestine'. Her account has since then been withheld by Twitter. The tweets come as tensions in Israel continue to build due to the clashes between Israelis and Palestinians. Israel-Hamas violence: 65 killed in Gaza, 7 in Israel as clashes intensify The death toll in Gaza rose to 65 Palestinians, including 16 children and five women, according to Gaza`s Health Ministry. At least 365 people have been wounded, including 86 children and 39 women. Also read: Gal Gadot called 'propaganda tool for Israel' as she tweets for unity amid ongoing conflict with Palestine

Pakistani actress Veena Malik quotes Adolf Hitler on Twitter amid Israel-Palestine tensions, deletes tweet later

The health ministry controlled by Hamas in Gaza territory has said that 83 people have died since the violence outbreak, 17 of them children, and 487 have been wounded.

The Israeli military said it had struck Gaza more than 600 times since Monday evening while Hamas has fired more than 1,600 rockets towards Israel.&nbsp;

"Dozens of those killed were terrorists and that additionally, some Palestinian fatalities were caused by misfired rockets from Gaza that failed to reach Israel and fell short in the Strip," The Times of Israel reported quoting Israel Defense Forces.

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The Israeli-Palestine conflict 
 
"The situation on the ground is simply tragic, you have two and a half million Palestinians in Gaza who are under siege, who have no shelter to seek safety in": <a href="https://twitter.com/nour_odeh?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@nour_odeh</a>, senior journalist and Palestinian Legislative Council candidate<a href="https://twitter.com/SaroyaHem?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SaroyaHem</a> <a href="https://t.co/V7RBv9xv1k">pic.twitter.com/V7RBv9xv1k</a>
— WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1392769913534570500?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 13, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The ongoing violence between Israel and Palestine marks a dramatic escalation of tensions linked to the potential eviction of Palestinian families from East Jerusalem by Israeli settlers and access to one of the most sacred sites in the city, which is a key hub for Islam, Judaism and Christianity. 
 
Gravitas: Violence escalates between Israel, Gaza

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Tensions between Israel and Palestine are rapidly rising with the ramping up of rocket attacks and the United Nations has warned that the conflict is moving towards a `full-scale war`.

United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East, Tor Wennesland, called on both sides to de-escalate tensions the day before.

"Stop the fire immediately. We are escalating towards full-scale war. Leaders on all sides have to take responsibility for de-escalation. The cost of war in Gaza is devastating and is being paid for by ordinary people. The UN is working with all sides to restore calm. Stop the violence now," he tweeted.

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Stop the fire immediately. We’re escalating towards a full scale war. Leaders on all sides have to take the responsibility of deescalation. The cost of war in Gaza is devastating &amp; is being paid by ordinary people. UN is working w/ all sides to restore calm. Stop the violence now
— Tor Wennesland (@TWennesland) <a href="https://twitter.com/TWennesland/status/1392218044433420291?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 11, 2021</a></blockquote>
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(With inputs from agencies)

The health ministry controlled by Hamas in Gaza territory has said that 83 people have died since the violence outbreak, 17 of them children, and 487 have been wounded.

The health ministry controlled by Hamas in Gaza territory has said that 83 people have died since the violence outbreak, 17 of them children, and 487 have been wounded. The Israeli military said it had struck Gaza more than 600 times since Monday evening while Hamas has fired more than 1,600 rockets towards Israel. "Dozens of those killed were terrorists and that additionally, some Palestinian fatalities were caused by misfired rockets from Gaza that failed to reach Israel and fell short in the Strip," The Times of Israel reported quoting Israel Defense Forces. The Israeli-Palestine conflict "The situation on the ground is simply tragic, you have two and a half million Palestinians in Gaza who are under siege, who have no shelter to seek safety in": @nour_odeh, senior journalist and Palestinian Legislative Council candidate@SaroyaHem pic.twitter.com/V7RBv9xv1k — WION (@WIONews) May 13, 2021 × The ongoing violence between Israel and Palestine marks a dramatic escalation of tensions linked to the potential eviction of Palestinian families from East Jerusalem by Israeli settlers and access to one of the most sacred sites in the city, which is a key hub for Islam, Judaism and Christianity. Gravitas: Violence escalates between Israel, Gaza Tensions between Israel and Palestine are rapidly rising with the ramping up of rocket attacks and the United Nations has warned that the conflict is moving towards a `full-scale war`. United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East, Tor Wennesland, called on both sides to de-escalate tensions the day before. "Stop the fire immediately. We are escalating towards full-scale war. Leaders on all sides have to take responsibility for de-escalation. The cost of war in Gaza is devastating and is being paid for by ordinary people. The UN is working with all sides to restore calm. Stop the violence now," he tweeted. Stop the fire immediately. We’re escalating towards a full scale war. Leaders on all sides have to take the responsibility of deescalation. The cost of war in Gaza is devastating & is being paid by ordinary people. UN is working w/ all sides to restore calm. Stop the violence now — Tor Wennesland (@TWennesland) May 11, 2021 × (With inputs from agencies)

Hamas health ministry says 83 killed in Gaza since the start of violence

In service for nearly a decade to protect Israel from rocket fire from the Gaza Strip and Lebanon, Iron Dome is credited with helping Israel to maintain military supremacy over its neighbours.&nbsp;

But Iron Dome failed to intercept the projectile late Tuesday resulting in a major pipeline belonging to an Israeli state-owned energy company was hit in a rocket attack.

In the worst flare-up of violence in seven years, Israel&nbsp;launched hundreds of airstrikes and Palestinians fired hundreds of missiles so far this week, killing more than 70 people and injuring hundreds more amid rising fears the conflict could spiral into all-out war.

What started as a week of tense clashes in Jerusalem escalated on Wednesday into an aerial conflict and violent unrest on the streets of mixed Arab-Israeli towns.

Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden spoke to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the Israel-Palestine conflict and said he hopes that the hostilities will come to a conclusion.

"My expectation and hope are that this will be closing down sooner than later. But Israel has a right to defend itself when you have thousands of rockets flying into your territory. But I had a conversation for a while with the -- with the Prime Minister of Israel. And I think that -- my hope is that we will see this coming to a conclusion sooner than later," Biden told reporters at the White House.

(With inputs from agencies)

In service for nearly a decade to protect Israel from rocket fire from the Gaza Strip and Lebanon, Iron Dome is credited with helping Israel to maintain military supremacy over its neighbours.

In service for nearly a decade to protect Israel from rocket fire from the Gaza Strip and Lebanon, Iron Dome is credited with helping Israel to maintain military supremacy over its neighbours. But Iron Dome failed to intercept the projectile late Tuesday resulting in a major pipeline belonging to an Israeli state-owned energy company was hit in a rocket attack. In the worst flare-up of violence in seven years, Israel launched hundreds of airstrikes and Palestinians fired hundreds of missiles so far this week, killing more than 70 people and injuring hundreds more amid rising fears the conflict could spiral into all-out war. What started as a week of tense clashes in Jerusalem escalated on Wednesday into an aerial conflict and violent unrest on the streets of mixed Arab-Israeli towns. Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden spoke to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the Israel-Palestine conflict and said he hopes that the hostilities will come to a conclusion. "My expectation and hope are that this will be closing down sooner than later. But Israel has a right to defend itself when you have thousands of rockets flying into your territory. But I had a conversation for a while with the -- with the Prime Minister of Israel. And I think that -- my hope is that we will see this coming to a conclusion sooner than later," Biden told reporters at the White House. (With inputs from agencies)

Gaza rocket attack: Israeli energy pipeline hit as Iron Dome fails to intercept missile

Hostilities between Israel and Hamas escalated overnight, with 35 Palestinians killed in Gaza and five in Israel in the most intensive aerial exchanges in years.&nbsp;

Israel carried out hundreds of airstrikes in Gaza into the early hours of Wednesday, as the Islamist group and other Palestinian militant groups fired multiple rocket barrages at Tel Aviv and Beersheba.&nbsp;

One multi-storey residential building in Gaza collapsed and another was heavily damaged after they were repeatedly hit by Israeli airstrikes. Israel said it attacked Hamas targets, including intelligence centres and rocket launch sites. 
 
Gravitas: Israel &amp; Hamas exchange rocket fire

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It was the heaviest offensive between Israel and Hamas since a 2014 war in Gaza and prompted international concern that the situation could spiral out of control.&nbsp;

UN Middle East peace envoy Tor Wennesland tweeted: "Stop the fire immediately. We're escalating towards full-scale war. Leaders on all sides have to take responsibility of de-escalation.&nbsp;

"The cost of war in Gaza is devastating &amp; is being paid by ordinary people. UN is working w/ all sides to restore calm. Stop the violence now," he wrote. &nbsp;

Into the early hours of Wednesday morning, Gazans reported their homes shaking and the sky lighting up with Israeli attacks, outgoing rockets and Israeli air defence missiles intercepting them.&nbsp;

Israelis ran for shelters or flattened themselves on pavements in communities more than 70 km (45 miles) up the coast and into southern Israel amid sounds of explosions as interceptor missiles streaked into the sky.&nbsp;

In the mixed Arab-Jewish town of Lod, near Tel Aviv, two people were killed after a rocket hit a vehicle in the area. Israeli media reported one was a 7-year-old girl. &nbsp;

Hamas's armed wing said it fired 210 rockets towards Beersheba and Tel Aviv in response to the bombing of the tower buildings in Gaza City.&nbsp;

For Israel, the militants' targeting of Tel Aviv, its commercial capital, posed a new challenge in the confrontation with the Islamist Hamas group, regarded as a terrorist organisation by Israel and the United States.&nbsp;

The violence followed weeks of tension in Jerusalem during the Muslim fasting month of Ramzan, with clashes between Israeli police and Palestinian protesters in and around Al-Aqsa Mosque, on the compound revered by Jews as Temple Mount and by Muslims as the Noble Sanctuary.&nbsp;

These escalated in recent days ahead of a, now postponed, court hearing in a case that could end with Palestinian families evicted from East Jerusalem homes claimed by Jewish settlers.&nbsp;

Violence has also flared in the occupied West Bank, where a 26-year-old Palestinian was killed by Israeli gunfire during stone-throwing clashes in a refugee camp near the city of Hebron.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Hostilities between Israel and Hamas escalated overnight, with 35 Palestinians killed in Gaza and five in Israel in the most intensive aerial exchanges in years.

Hostilities between Israel and Hamas escalated overnight, with 35 Palestinians killed in Gaza and five in Israel in the most intensive aerial exchanges in years. Israel carried out hundreds of airstrikes in Gaza into the early hours of Wednesday, as the Islamist group and other Palestinian militant groups fired multiple rocket barrages at Tel Aviv and Beersheba. One multi-storey residential building in Gaza collapsed and another was heavily damaged after they were repeatedly hit by Israeli airstrikes. Israel said it attacked Hamas targets, including intelligence centres and rocket launch sites. Gravitas: Israel & Hamas exchange rocket fire It was the heaviest offensive between Israel and Hamas since a 2014 war in Gaza and prompted international concern that the situation could spiral out of control. UN Middle East peace envoy Tor Wennesland tweeted: "Stop the fire immediately. We're escalating towards full-scale war. Leaders on all sides have to take responsibility of de-escalation. "The cost of war in Gaza is devastating & is being paid by ordinary people. UN is working w/ all sides to restore calm. Stop the violence now," he wrote. Into the early hours of Wednesday morning, Gazans reported their homes shaking and the sky lighting up with Israeli attacks, outgoing rockets and Israeli air defence missiles intercepting them. Israelis ran for shelters or flattened themselves on pavements in communities more than 70 km (45 miles) up the coast and into southern Israel amid sounds of explosions as interceptor missiles streaked into the sky. In the mixed Arab-Jewish town of Lod, near Tel Aviv, two people were killed after a rocket hit a vehicle in the area. Israeli media reported one was a 7-year-old girl. Hamas's armed wing said it fired 210 rockets towards Beersheba and Tel Aviv in response to the bombing of the tower buildings in Gaza City. For Israel, the militants' targeting of Tel Aviv, its commercial capital, posed a new challenge in the confrontation with the Islamist Hamas group, regarded as a terrorist organisation by Israel and the United States. The violence followed weeks of tension in Jerusalem during the Muslim fasting month of Ramzan, with clashes between Israeli police and Palestinian protesters in and around Al-Aqsa Mosque, on the compound revered by Jews as Temple Mount and by Muslims as the Noble Sanctuary. These escalated in recent days ahead of a, now postponed, court hearing in a case that could end with Palestinian families evicted from East Jerusalem homes claimed by Jewish settlers. Violence has also flared in the occupied West Bank, where a 26-year-old Palestinian was killed by Israeli gunfire during stone-throwing clashes in a refugee camp near the city of Hebron. (With inputs from agencies)

35 killed in Gaza, 5 in Israel, as violence escalates 

Jews cleared Torah scrolls from a torched synagogue on Wednesday and burnt-out cars lined nearby streets in an ethnically mixed Israeli town hit by violence denounced by the president as "unforgivable" acts by Arabs incensed at airstrikes on Gaza.

Moving to head off further violence in&nbsp;Lod, which has also seen assaults by Jews on Arab passersby, police declared a night-time curfew and deployed heavily armed reinforcements.

In several other areas populated by Israel's 21 per cent Arab minority, Palestinian flags adorned electricity poles and hundreds of residents have turned out for protests, sometimes clashing with police or Jewish residents.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/35-killed-in-gaza-5-in-israel-as-violence-escalates-384412">35 killed in Gaza, 5 in Israel, as violence escalates&nbsp;</a>

"We have lost control of the city and the streets,"&nbsp;Lod&nbsp;Mayor Yair Revivo told Channel 12 News after nightly confrontations in which an Arab townsman was shot dead, a killing in which two Jewish suspects have been arrested.

Scores of other people have been arrested in&nbsp;Lod&nbsp;and in majority-Arab towns in central and northern Israel, including Umm al-Fahm along the West Bank border and Jisr al-Zarqa on the Mediterranean coast, police said.

In&nbsp;Lod, men carried Torah scrolls through the blackened and debris-strewn yard of the torched synagogue. President Reuven Rivlin described events in terms of recalling anti-Semitism abroad.

"The sight of the pogrom in&nbsp;Lod&nbsp;and the disturbances across the country by an incited and bloodthirsty Arab mob ... is unforgivable," he said, calling the flying of the Palestinian flag by protesters "a brutal assault on shared existence".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-woman-killed-in-israel-was-struck-by-rocket-strike-during-a-video-call-with-husband-384415">Indian woman killed in Israel was struck by rocket strike during a video call with husband</a>

Israel's Arab minority - Palestinian by heritage, Israeli by citizenship - is mostly descended from the Palestinians who lived under Ottoman and then British colonial rule before staying in Israel after the country’s 1948 creation.

Most are bilingual in Arabic and Hebrew and feel a sense of kinship with Palestinians in the occupied West Bank and the Gaza Strip. They often complain of systemic discrimination, unfair access to housing, healthcare, and education services.

Tension in Arab-Jewish towns has risen as Israel conducted airstrikes in Gaza and Palestinian militants fired rockets into Israel in an escalation of violence since clashes in East Jerusalem on Monday morning.

Ibrahim, an Arab councillor with the&nbsp;Lod&nbsp;municipality, said: "What is happening now is (an) uprising that is going on (in) cities like Ramle,&nbsp;Lod, Jaffa, Acre and Haifa," calling events in Gaza and Jerusalem a "red line" for Arabs.

In the coastal city of Acre, Uri Buri, a Jewish-owned fish restaurant, was set fire to and some Arab residents said they were scared to leave home.

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In Jaffa, near Tel Aviv, Arab protesters clashed with police firing stun grenades to disperse them.

"We condemn that our people's solidarity and cohesion with our brethren in Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip is being channelled through acts of sabotage to public and private property, as is now happening at Umm al-Fahm's entrance," said Samir Mahamid, Mayor of Umm al-Fahm.

Neighbourhoods with Arab residents, including&nbsp;Lod&nbsp;and Jaffa, were among those where sirens were triggered by rocket fire. An Arab resident of&nbsp;Lod&nbsp;and his daughter were killed on Wednesday when a vehicle was hit by a rocket, Israeli authorities said.

In Haifa and Jaffa, and in the Arab city of Nazareth, protesters have chanted slogans in support of Palestinians facing eviction from an East Jerusalem neighbourhood under a long-running legal case.

Arab citizens of Israel were among the thousands of protesters who have faced off in recent days with Israeli police near Al-Aqsa mosque and elsewhere in Jerusalem's Old City.

A spokesman for the Hamas Islamist militant group in Gaza encouraged Arab citizens to "rise up" against "our enemy and yours".

Jews cleared Torah scrolls from a torched synagogue on Wednesday and burnt-out cars lined nearby streets in an ethnically mixed Israeli town hit by violence denounced by the president as "unforgivable" acts by Arabs incensed at airstrikes on Gaza.

Jews cleared Torah scrolls from a torched synagogue on Wednesday and burnt-out cars lined nearby streets in an ethnically mixed Israeli town hit by violence denounced by the president as "unforgivable" acts by Arabs incensed at airstrikes on Gaza. Moving to head off further violence in Lod, which has also seen assaults by Jews on Arab passersby, police declared a night-time curfew and deployed heavily armed reinforcements. In several other areas populated by Israel's 21 per cent Arab minority, Palestinian flags adorned electricity poles and hundreds of residents have turned out for protests, sometimes clashing with police or Jewish residents. Also read | 35 killed in Gaza, 5 in Israel, as violence escalates "We have lost control of the city and the streets," Lod Mayor Yair Revivo told Channel 12 News after nightly confrontations in which an Arab townsman was shot dead, a killing in which two Jewish suspects have been arrested. Scores of other people have been arrested in Lod and in majority-Arab towns in central and northern Israel, including Umm al-Fahm along the West Bank border and Jisr al-Zarqa on the Mediterranean coast, police said. In Lod, men carried Torah scrolls through the blackened and debris-strewn yard of the torched synagogue. President Reuven Rivlin described events in terms of recalling anti-Semitism abroad. "The sight of the pogrom in Lod and the disturbances across the country by an incited and bloodthirsty Arab mob ... is unforgivable," he said, calling the flying of the Palestinian flag by protesters "a brutal assault on shared existence". Also read | Indian woman killed in Israel was struck by rocket strike during a video call with husband Israel's Arab minority - Palestinian by heritage, Israeli by citizenship - is mostly descended from the Palestinians who lived under Ottoman and then British colonial rule before staying in Israel after the country’s 1948 creation. Most are bilingual in Arabic and Hebrew and feel a sense of kinship with Palestinians in the occupied West Bank and the Gaza Strip. They often complain of systemic discrimination, unfair access to housing, healthcare, and education services. Tension in Arab-Jewish towns has risen as Israel conducted airstrikes in Gaza and Palestinian militants fired rockets into Israel in an escalation of violence since clashes in East Jerusalem on Monday morning. Ibrahim, an Arab councillor with the Lod municipality, said: "What is happening now is (an) uprising that is going on (in) cities like Ramle, Lod, Jaffa, Acre and Haifa," calling events in Gaza and Jerusalem a "red line" for Arabs. In the coastal city of Acre, Uri Buri, a Jewish-owned fish restaurant, was set fire to and some Arab residents said they were scared to leave home. In Jaffa, near Tel Aviv, Arab protesters clashed with police firing stun grenades to disperse them. "We condemn that our people's solidarity and cohesion with our brethren in Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip is being channelled through acts of sabotage to public and private property, as is now happening at Umm al-Fahm's entrance," said Samir Mahamid, Mayor of Umm al-Fahm. Neighbourhoods with Arab residents, including Lod and Jaffa, were among those where sirens were triggered by rocket fire. An Arab resident of Lod and his daughter were killed on Wednesday when a vehicle was hit by a rocket, Israeli authorities said. In Haifa and Jaffa, and in the Arab city of Nazareth, protesters have chanted slogans in support of Palestinians facing eviction from an East Jerusalem neighbourhood under a long-running legal case. Arab citizens of Israel were among the thousands of protesters who have faced off in recent days with Israeli police near Al-Aqsa mosque and elsewhere in Jerusalem's Old City. A spokesman for the Hamas Islamist militant group in Gaza encouraged Arab citizens to "rise up" against "our enemy and yours".

Israel declares curfew in city of Lod, an Arab-Jewish town hit by violence

An Indian national who was working as a caregiver has been killed in a Hamas rocket attack at Ashkelon in Israel.

According to the family members of 31-year old Soumya Santhosh, the rocket fell on her residence in the city of Ashkelon while she was talking to her husband Santhosh, who is in the southern Indian state of Kerala, over a video call in the evening.

"My brother heard a huge sound during the video call. Suddenly the phone got disconnected. Then we immediately contacted fellow Malayalees working there. Thus we came to know about the incident," Santhosh's brother Saji said.

Soumya Santosh, who hailed from Kerala's Idukki district, worked as a caregiver attending to an elderly woman at a house in the southern Israeli coastal city of Ashkelon.

Ashkelon, which borders the Gaza Strip, has come under massive fire from the Palestinian terrorists.

Soumya was reportedly living in Israel for the past seven years. She has a nine-year-old son whom she had left with her husband in Kerala. Her 80-year-old elderly charge is said to have survived the direct hit on the house and is hospitalised in a serious condition, local media reports said.

Soumya is the daughter of former Kanjikuzhy panchayat member Satish and Savithri. Her last visit to Kerala was in 2017. The deadly rocket attack directly struck the house of the elderly woman.

Channel 12 reported that the rocket shelter was at least a minute's run away from the woman's home and the pair could not manage to reach it in time.

The home lacked a fortified room of its own.

Some media reports said that a technical glitch with an Iron Dome battery (an all-weather air defence system that intercepts and destroys short-range rockets) during the massive rocket barrage towards the Israeli coastal city prevented some rockets from being intercepted and may have been responsible for the casualties and deaths.

Ashkelon's Mayor Tomer Glam said that some 25 per cent of the residents do not have access to a protected area when rockets are fired at the city. It is impossible when normal life becomes a state of emergency within minutes, Glam told Army Radio.

There are houses from the 1960s where there is no basic protection. It is time for treasury officials and decision-makers to understand what is happening here in the city, he stressed.

Israel's ambassador to India Ron Malka on Tuesday took to Twitter to condole the Indian woman's death.

"On behalf of the state of Israel, I convey heartfelt condolences to the family of Soumya Santosh, murdered by Hamas indiscriminate terror attack on innocent lives. Our hearts are crying with her 9-years-old son that lost his mother in this cruel terrorist attack," he said. 
 
"I just spoke to the family of Ms. Soumya Santosh, the victim of the Hamas terrorist strike. I expressed my sorrow for their unfortunate loss &amp; extended my condolences on behalf of the state of Israel. The whole country is mourning her loss &amp; we are here for them."

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I just spoke to the family of Ms. Soumya Santosh, the victim of the Hamas terrorist strike. I expressed my sorrow for their unfortunate loss &amp; extended my condolences on behalf of the state of Israel. The whole country is mourning her loss &amp; we are here for them. <a href="https://t.co/btmoewYMSS">pic.twitter.com/btmoewYMSS</a>
— Ron Malka 🇮🇱 (@DrRonMalka) <a href="https://twitter.com/DrRonMalka/status/1392358596227203073?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 12, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Newly-elected MLA and Nationalist Congress Kerala leader Mani C Kappan condemned the incident.

In a Facebook post, Kappan, who is representing Pala seat in the Kerala Assembly, said thousands of Keralites working in Israel were living in fear. He also sought the intervention of the central and state governments.

(With inputs from agencies)

An Indian national who was working as a caregiver has been killed in a Hamas rocket attack at Ashkelon in Israel. According to the family members of 31-year old Soumya Santhosh, the rocket fell on her residence in the city of Ashkelon while she was talking to her husband Santhosh, who is in the southern Indian state of Kerala, over a video call in the evening.

An Indian national who was working as a caregiver has been killed in a Hamas rocket attack at Ashkelon in Israel. According to the family members of 31-year old Soumya Santhosh, the rocket fell on her residence in the city of Ashkelon while she was talking to her husband Santhosh, who is in the southern Indian state of Kerala, over a video call in the evening. "My brother heard a huge sound during the video call. Suddenly the phone got disconnected. Then we immediately contacted fellow Malayalees working there. Thus we came to know about the incident," Santhosh's brother Saji said. Soumya Santosh, who hailed from Kerala's Idukki district, worked as a caregiver attending to an elderly woman at a house in the southern Israeli coastal city of Ashkelon. Ashkelon, which borders the Gaza Strip, has come under massive fire from the Palestinian terrorists. Soumya was reportedly living in Israel for the past seven years. She has a nine-year-old son whom she had left with her husband in Kerala. Her 80-year-old elderly charge is said to have survived the direct hit on the house and is hospitalised in a serious condition, local media reports said. Soumya is the daughter of former Kanjikuzhy panchayat member Satish and Savithri. Her last visit to Kerala was in 2017. The deadly rocket attack directly struck the house of the elderly woman. Channel 12 reported that the rocket shelter was at least a minute's run away from the woman's home and the pair could not manage to reach it in time. The home lacked a fortified room of its own. Some media reports said that a technical glitch with an Iron Dome battery (an all-weather air defence system that intercepts and destroys short-range rockets) during the massive rocket barrage towards the Israeli coastal city prevented some rockets from being intercepted and may have been responsible for the casualties and deaths. Ashkelon's Mayor Tomer Glam said that some 25 per cent of the residents do not have access to a protected area when rockets are fired at the city. It is impossible when normal life becomes a state of emergency within minutes, Glam told Army Radio. There are houses from the 1960s where there is no basic protection. It is time for treasury officials and decision-makers to understand what is happening here in the city, he stressed. Israel's ambassador to India Ron Malka on Tuesday took to Twitter to condole the Indian woman's death. "On behalf of the state of Israel, I convey heartfelt condolences to the family of Soumya Santosh, murdered by Hamas indiscriminate terror attack on innocent lives. Our hearts are crying with her 9-years-old son that lost his mother in this cruel terrorist attack," he said. "I just spoke to the family of Ms. Soumya Santosh, the victim of the Hamas terrorist strike. I expressed my sorrow for their unfortunate loss & extended my condolences on behalf of the state of Israel. The whole country is mourning her loss & we are here for them." I just spoke to the family of Ms. Soumya Santosh, the victim of the Hamas terrorist strike. I expressed my sorrow for their unfortunate loss & extended my condolences on behalf of the state of Israel. The whole country is mourning her loss & we are here for them. pic.twitter.com/btmoewYMSS — Ron Malka 🇮🇱 (@DrRonMalka) May 12, 2021 × Newly-elected MLA and Nationalist Congress Kerala leader Mani C Kappan condemned the incident. In a Facebook post, Kappan, who is representing Pala seat in the Kerala Assembly, said thousands of Keralites working in Israel were living in fear. He also sought the intervention of the central and state governments. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian woman killed in Israel was struck by rocket strike during a video call with husband

US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan on Sunday expressed ‘serious concerns' to his Israeli counterpart about violent clashes in Jerusalem sparked by planned evictions of Palestinians from East Jerusalem, the White House said in a statement.&nbsp;

Sullivan in a phone call with Israeli National Security Adviser Meir Ben-Shabbat 'encouraged the Israeli government to pursue appropriate measures to ensure calm during Jerusalem Day commemorations’.&nbsp;

New confrontations broke out between Palestinians and Israeli police in parts of East Jerusalem on Sunday, including in Sheikh Jarrah and outside the walled Old City, as well as in Haifa, a mixed Arab-Jewish city in northern Israel at the height of the Muslim holy month of Ramzan.&nbsp;

The clashes have been sparked by the planned evictions of several Palestinian families from the Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood in East Jerusalem, an area captured by Israel in a 1967 war.&nbsp;

Israel's attorney-general secured a deferment on Sunday of an Israeli Supreme Court hearing on the evictions, a session that had threatened to stoke more violence in the holy city and heighten international concern.&nbsp;

"Mr Sullivan also reiterated the United States’ serious concerns about the potential evictions of Palestinian families from their homes in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood," the White House statement said.&nbsp;

Sullivan and Ben-Shabbat "agreed that the launching of rocket attacks and incendiary balloons from Gaza towards Israel is unacceptable and must be condemned," the White House added.&nbsp;

It said Sullivan also expressed the Biden administration's commitment to Israel's security and to supporting peace and stability throughout the Middle East and would remain fully engaged in the days ahead to promote calm in Jerusalem.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan on Sunday expressed ‘serious concerns' to his Israeli counterpart about violent clashes in Jerusalem sparked by planned evictions of Palestinians from East Jerusalem, the White House said in a statement.

US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan on Sunday expressed ‘serious concerns' to his Israeli counterpart about violent clashes in Jerusalem sparked by planned evictions of Palestinians from East Jerusalem, the White House said in a statement. Sullivan in a phone call with Israeli National Security Adviser Meir Ben-Shabbat 'encouraged the Israeli government to pursue appropriate measures to ensure calm during Jerusalem Day commemorations’. New confrontations broke out between Palestinians and Israeli police in parts of East Jerusalem on Sunday, including in Sheikh Jarrah and outside the walled Old City, as well as in Haifa, a mixed Arab-Jewish city in northern Israel at the height of the Muslim holy month of Ramzan. The clashes have been sparked by the planned evictions of several Palestinian families from the Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood in East Jerusalem, an area captured by Israel in a 1967 war. Israel's attorney-general secured a deferment on Sunday of an Israeli Supreme Court hearing on the evictions, a session that had threatened to stoke more violence in the holy city and heighten international concern. "Mr Sullivan also reiterated the United States’ serious concerns about the potential evictions of Palestinian families from their homes in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood," the White House statement said. Sullivan and Ben-Shabbat "agreed that the launching of rocket attacks and incendiary balloons from Gaza towards Israel is unacceptable and must be condemned," the White House added. It said Sullivan also expressed the Biden administration's commitment to Israel's security and to supporting peace and stability throughout the Middle East and would remain fully engaged in the days ahead to promote calm in Jerusalem. (With inputs from agencies)

US expresses 'serious concerns' over Jerusalem clashes, evictions

Israel "firmly rejects" pressure not to build in Jerusalem, Prime Minister Benjamin&nbsp;Netanyahu&nbsp;said on Sunday following days of unrest and spreading international condemnation of planned evictions of Palestinians from homes in the city claimed by Jewish settlers.

Tensions over Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood in East Jerusalem have stoked daily confrontations. Washington said Saturday it was "deeply concerned" and wanted "authorities to approach the residents ... with compassion and respect".

East Jerusalem is among territories that Palestinians seek for a future state. US-sponsored statehood negotiations with Israel stalled in 2014. Israel deems of all Jerusalem its capital - a status not recognised abroad.

"We firmly reject the pressure not to build in Jerusalem. To my regret, this pressure has been increasing of late,"&nbsp;Netanyahu&nbsp;said during a televised address ahead of national commemorations of the Israeli capture of East Jerusalem in a 1967 war.

"I say also to the best of our friends: Jerusalem is Israel's capital and just as every nation builds in its capital and builds up its capital, we also have the right to build in Jerusalem and to build up Jerusalem. That is what we have done and that is what we will continue to do,"&nbsp;Netanyahu&nbsp;said.

East Jerusalem tensions have spilled over into clashes between Israeli police and Palestinians around Al-Aqsa, Islam's third-holiest mosque, at the height of the Ramadan fast month.

On Saturday night, Islam's holy night of Laylat al-Qadr, Palestinian youth threw stones, lit fires and tore down police barricades in the streets leading to the walled Old City gates as officers on horseback and in riot gear used stun grenades and water cannons to repel them.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkeys-erdogan-calls-israel-terror-state-over-palestinian-clashes-at-al-aqsa-383800">Turkey's Erdogan calls Israel 'terror state' over Palestinian clashes at Al-Aqsa&nbsp;</a>

Netanyahu&nbsp;said Israel allows freedom of worship but "we will not allow any extremist element to disturb the peace in Jerusalem ... We will not allow violent unrest."

Pope Francis called for an end to violence in Jerusalem, saying he was following events there with concern and inviting parties to seek solutions in order to respect the multicultural identity of the Holy City.

"Violence breeds violence, stop clashes," the pope told pilgrims who gathered in St. Peter's Square in Rome on Sunday.

Israel "firmly rejects" pressure not to build in Jerusalem, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday following days of unrest and spreading international condemnation of planned evictions of Palestinians from homes in the city claimed by Jewish settlers.

Israel "firmly rejects" pressure not to build in Jerusalem, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday following days of unrest and spreading international condemnation of planned evictions of Palestinians from homes in the city claimed by Jewish settlers. Tensions over Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood in East Jerusalem have stoked daily confrontations. Washington said Saturday it was "deeply concerned" and wanted "authorities to approach the residents ... with compassion and respect". East Jerusalem is among territories that Palestinians seek for a future state. US-sponsored statehood negotiations with Israel stalled in 2014. Israel deems of all Jerusalem its capital - a status not recognised abroad. "We firmly reject the pressure not to build in Jerusalem. To my regret, this pressure has been increasing of late," Netanyahu said during a televised address ahead of national commemorations of the Israeli capture of East Jerusalem in a 1967 war. "I say also to the best of our friends: Jerusalem is Israel's capital and just as every nation builds in its capital and builds up its capital, we also have the right to build in Jerusalem and to build up Jerusalem. That is what we have done and that is what we will continue to do," Netanyahu said. East Jerusalem tensions have spilled over into clashes between Israeli police and Palestinians around Al-Aqsa, Islam's third-holiest mosque, at the height of the Ramadan fast month. On Saturday night, Islam's holy night of Laylat al-Qadr, Palestinian youth threw stones, lit fires and tore down police barricades in the streets leading to the walled Old City gates as officers on horseback and in riot gear used stun grenades and water cannons to repel them. Also read | Turkey's Erdogan calls Israel 'terror state' over Palestinian clashes at Al-Aqsa Netanyahu said Israel allows freedom of worship but "we will not allow any extremist element to disturb the peace in Jerusalem ... We will not allow violent unrest." Pope Francis called for an end to violence in Jerusalem, saying he was following events there with concern and inviting parties to seek solutions in order to respect the multicultural identity of the Holy City. "Violence breeds violence, stop clashes," the pope told pilgrims who gathered in St. Peter's Square in Rome on Sunday.

Netanyahu says Israel firm on Jerusalem as global concern mounts

Turkey criticised Israel and accused it of unleashing "terror" on Palestinians after Israeli police fired rubber bullets and stun grenades towards rock-hurling Palestinian youth at Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa mosque late on Friday.

The clashes at Islam's third holiest site and around East Jerusalem, which injured 205 Palestinians and 17 police officers, came amid mounting anger over the potential eviction of Palestinians from homes on land claimed by Jewish settlers.

As the clashes flared, several Turkish officials criticised Israel and called for other countries to voice condemnation, while a Foreign Ministry statement urged Israel to "immediately end its provocative and hostile stance and act with reason".

"Shame on Israel and those who keep silent in the face of disgraceful attacks," Turkish Presidential Spokesman Ibrahim Kalin said on Twitter late on Friday.

"We call on everyone to stand up against the policies of occupation and aggression of this apartheid state," he said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jerusalem-nightly-violent-encounter-injures-178-palestinians-and-6-police-officers-383586">Jerusalem: Nightly violent encounter injures 178 Palestinians and 6 police officers</a>

Turkey's communications director Fahrettin Altun told state television Israel was violating human rights and would "pay the price", as opposition parties echoed the government condemnation in a rare sign of unity.

"Attacking innocent people praying is clearly terror," Altun said. "We see that these attacks on Palestinians are against the most fundamental human rights."

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/jerusalem-clashes-palestinians-clash-with-israeli-police-at-al-aqsa-mosque-383605/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Former allies Turkey and Israel have had a bitter falling-out in recent years despite strong commercial ties, mutually expelling ambassadors in 2018.

Ankara has repeatedly condemned Israel's occupation of the West Bank and its treatment of Palestinians, calling the issue a "red line".

Last month, Turkey also condemned what it said was Israel's "systematic attempt at evicting Palestinians", referring to the long-running legal case that Israel's Supreme Court will hold a hearing over on Monday.

Turkey criticised Israel and accused it of unleashing "terror" on Palestinians after Israeli police fired rubber bullets and stun grenades towards rock-hurling Palestinian youth at Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa mosque late on Friday.

Turkey criticised Israel and accused it of unleashing "terror" on Palestinians after Israeli police fired rubber bullets and stun grenades towards rock-hurling Palestinian youth at Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa mosque late on Friday. The clashes at Islam's third holiest site and around East Jerusalem, which injured 205 Palestinians and 17 police officers, came amid mounting anger over the potential eviction of Palestinians from homes on land claimed by Jewish settlers. As the clashes flared, several Turkish officials criticised Israel and called for other countries to voice condemnation, while a Foreign Ministry statement urged Israel to "immediately end its provocative and hostile stance and act with reason". "Shame on Israel and those who keep silent in the face of disgraceful attacks," Turkish Presidential Spokesman Ibrahim Kalin said on Twitter late on Friday. "We call on everyone to stand up against the policies of occupation and aggression of this apartheid state," he said. Also read | Jerusalem: Nightly violent encounter injures 178 Palestinians and 6 police officers Turkey's communications director Fahrettin Altun told state television Israel was violating human rights and would "pay the price", as opposition parties echoed the government condemnation in a rare sign of unity. "Attacking innocent people praying is clearly terror," Altun said. "We see that these attacks on Palestinians are against the most fundamental human rights." Former allies Turkey and Israel have had a bitter falling-out in recent years despite strong commercial ties, mutually expelling ambassadors in 2018. Ankara has repeatedly condemned Israel's occupation of the West Bank and its treatment of Palestinians, calling the issue a "red line". Last month, Turkey also condemned what it said was Israel's "systematic attempt at evicting Palestinians", referring to the long-running legal case that Israel's Supreme Court will hold a hearing over on Monday.

Turkey accuses Israel of 'terror' over Palestinian clashes at Al-Aqsa

Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamanei on Friday called on Muslim nations and asked them to keep fighting against Israel. Khamanei termed Israel a "terrorist garrison" against the Palestinians.&nbsp;

"The fight against this despotic regime is the fight against oppression and the fight against terrorism. And this is a public duty to fight against this regime," Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said in a televised speech.

He was speaking on Iran's annual Quds Day that is celebrated on the last Friday of Muslim fasting month of Ramadan.

Iran is a staunch supporter of Palestinian and Islamic militant groups opposed to peace with Israel. Iran does not recognise Israel.

"Muslim nations' cooperation on Quds (Jerusalem) is a nightmare for the Zionists," Khamenei said.

Iranian officials have called for an end to Israel, including by a referendum that would exclude most of its Jews while including Palestinians in the region and abroad.

The coronavirus pandemic forced the government to cancel its annual Quds Day parade. But Iranian state media showed footage of motorcyclists and vehicles flying Palestinian and Lebanese Hezbollah flags driving through Tehran streets.

They also published pictures of people burning Israeli and American flags.

(With inputs from agencies)

Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamanei on Friday called on Muslim nations and asked them to keep fighting against Israel. Khamanei termed Israel a "terrorist garrison" against the Palestinians.

Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamanei on Friday called on Muslim nations and asked them to keep fighting against Israel. Khamanei termed Israel a "terrorist garrison" against the Palestinians. "The fight against this despotic regime is the fight against oppression and the fight against terrorism. And this is a public duty to fight against this regime," Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said in a televised speech. He was speaking on Iran's annual Quds Day that is celebrated on the last Friday of Muslim fasting month of Ramadan. Iran is a staunch supporter of Palestinian and Islamic militant groups opposed to peace with Israel. Iran does not recognise Israel. "Muslim nations' cooperation on Quds (Jerusalem) is a nightmare for the Zionists," Khamenei said. Iranian officials have called for an end to Israel, including by a referendum that would exclude most of its Jews while including Palestinians in the region and abroad. The coronavirus pandemic forced the government to cancel its annual Quds Day parade. But Iranian state media showed footage of motorcyclists and vehicles flying Palestinian and Lebanese Hezbollah flags driving through Tehran streets. They also published pictures of people burning Israeli and American flags. (With inputs from agencies)

Iran's Khamenei calls fight against Israel a public duty

Israel has temporarily barred its citizens from travelling to India and six other countries, citing high COVID-19 infection rates there.

A joint press release issued by the Prime Minister's Office and the Health Ministry on Friday said that Israelis will not be allowed to travel to Ukraine, Brazil, Ethiopia, South Africa, India, Mexico and Turkey.

This regulation will come into force on May 3 and will remain in place until May 16.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="Australia bans arrivals from India, says offenders face jail, fines ">Australia bans arrivals from India, says offenders face jail, fines&nbsp;</a>

Non-Israelis, however, will be able to travel to these countries, provided they plan to reside there permanently, the press release said.

The regulation will not be applicable to those who stay at airports in transit in one of these countries for a time period of up to 12 hours while waiting for a connecting flight.

The Israeli government also authorised its health and interior ministers to appoint representatives to head an appeal committee and the panel reviewing special cases.

Meanwhile, the Health Ministry proposed that those returning from the seven countries enter a two-week mandatory quarantine, even if they have been vaccinated or recovered from COVID-19, local media reports said.

Those who have received two negative COVID-19 test reports will be required to be in a 10-day quarantine, they said.

These additional restrictions are also expected to come into force on May 3, but are subject to the approval of the Knesset's (Israeli parliament) Arrangements Committee.

A record 3,689 daily COVID-19 fatalities pushed India's death toll to 2,15,542, while the infection count reached 1,95,57,457 with 3,92,488 more people being confirmed positive for the disease, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Sunday.

The active cases have crossed the 33-lakh mark, the data updated at 8 am showed.

Israel has reported 838,481 COVID-19 cases so far with 6,363 deaths.

Israel has temporarily barred its citizens from travelling to India and six other countries, citing high COVID-19 infection rates there. A joint press release issued by the Prime Minister's Office and the Health Ministry on Friday said that Israelis will not be allowed to travel to Ukraine, Brazil, Ethiopia, South Africa, India, Mexico and Turkey.

Israel has temporarily barred its citizens from travelling to India and six other countries, citing high COVID-19 infection rates there. A joint press release issued by the Prime Minister's Office and the Health Ministry on Friday said that Israelis will not be allowed to travel to Ukraine, Brazil, Ethiopia, South Africa, India, Mexico and Turkey. This regulation will come into force on May 3 and will remain in place until May 16. Also read: Australia bans arrivals from India, says offenders face jail, fines Non-Israelis, however, will be able to travel to these countries, provided they plan to reside there permanently, the press release said. The regulation will not be applicable to those who stay at airports in transit in one of these countries for a time period of up to 12 hours while waiting for a connecting flight. The Israeli government also authorised its health and interior ministers to appoint representatives to head an appeal committee and the panel reviewing special cases. Meanwhile, the Health Ministry proposed that those returning from the seven countries enter a two-week mandatory quarantine, even if they have been vaccinated or recovered from COVID-19, local media reports said. Those who have received two negative COVID-19 test reports will be required to be in a 10-day quarantine, they said. These additional restrictions are also expected to come into force on May 3, but are subject to the approval of the Knesset's (Israeli parliament) Arrangements Committee. A record 3,689 daily COVID-19 fatalities pushed India's death toll to 2,15,542, while the infection count reached 1,95,57,457 with 3,92,488 more people being confirmed positive for the disease, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Sunday. The active cases have crossed the 33-lakh mark, the data updated at 8 am showed. Israel has reported 838,481 COVID-19 cases so far with 6,363 deaths.

Israel bans travel to India, six other countries

Israel resumed funerals for stampede victims on Saturday. The stampede that took place on April 30 killed 45 people at a Jewish pilgrimage site. This was Israel's worst peacetime disaster.

One of the funerals was to be for Yedidya Hayut, a 13-year-old boy whose father was injured in the crush, according to local media reports.

Tens of thousands of people had thronged to Mount Meron in northern Israel and the reputed tomb of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai on Thursday to mark the Lag BaOmer holiday and commemorate the second-century Talmudic sage's death.

Most of the victims of the stampede were ultra-Orthodox Jews.

On Friday, the first funerals were held in Jerusalem and the mainly ultra-Orthodox city of Bnei Brak, where men in traditional long black coats lined the streets to mourn.

Sunday has been declared a national day of mourning.

Identifying bodies

In Tel Aviv's Habima square on Saturday evening, people lit candles at a small vigil to honour the victims.

"Once we have finished identifying and burying our dead, I will stand before the cameras and take responsibility" for the events, Public Security Minister Amir Ohana said Saturday.

"I am responsible but responsibility does not mean blame," he added.

The health ministry said late Friday that 32 bodies had been identified and 22 had been released, adding that identifying some of the bodies may require fingerprinting, DNA and dental testing.

It said the identification process would resume Saturday evening.

The pilgrimage was the largest public gathering in Israel since the Covid-19 pandemic erupted last year.

Israel has fully vaccinated more than half of its 9.3 million population against Covid-19, but restrictions remain on large public gatherings.

Officials had warned overcrowding could lead to a spike in infections, and only authorised 10,000 to attend.

(with inputs from agencies)

Israel resumed funerals for stampede victims on Saturday. The stampede that took place on April 30 killed 45 people at a Jewish pilgrimage site. This was Israel's worst peacetime disaster.

Israel resumed funerals for stampede victims on Saturday. The stampede that took place on April 30 killed 45 people at a Jewish pilgrimage site. This was Israel's worst peacetime disaster. One of the funerals was to be for Yedidya Hayut, a 13-year-old boy whose father was injured in the crush, according to local media reports. Tens of thousands of people had thronged to Mount Meron in northern Israel and the reputed tomb of Rabbi Shimon Bar Yochai on Thursday to mark the Lag BaOmer holiday and commemorate the second-century Talmudic sage's death. Most of the victims of the stampede were ultra-Orthodox Jews. On Friday, the first funerals were held in Jerusalem and the mainly ultra-Orthodox city of Bnei Brak, where men in traditional long black coats lined the streets to mourn. Sunday has been declared a national day of mourning. Identifying bodies In Tel Aviv's Habima square on Saturday evening, people lit candles at a small vigil to honour the victims. "Once we have finished identifying and burying our dead, I will stand before the cameras and take responsibility" for the events, Public Security Minister Amir Ohana said Saturday. "I am responsible but responsibility does not mean blame," he added. The health ministry said late Friday that 32 bodies had been identified and 22 had been released, adding that identifying some of the bodies may require fingerprinting, DNA and dental testing. It said the identification process would resume Saturday evening. The pilgrimage was the largest public gathering in Israel since the Covid-19 pandemic erupted last year. Israel has fully vaccinated more than half of its 9.3 million population against Covid-19, but restrictions remain on large public gatherings. Officials had warned overcrowding could lead to a spike in infections, and only authorised 10,000 to attend. (with inputs from agencies)

Israel funerals for stampede victims resume after Sabbath pause

US&nbsp;citizens&nbsp;are&nbsp;among&nbsp;the dozens&nbsp;killed&nbsp;and injured in a stampede at a religious&nbsp;festival&nbsp;in Israel, the&nbsp;US&nbsp;Embassy said on Saturday, as criticism mounted in the wake of one of the biggest civilian&nbsp;disasters in the country's history.

At least 45 people&nbsp;were&nbsp;crushed to death and more than 100 injured at the ultra-Orthodox Jewish&nbsp;festival&nbsp;on the slopes of Israel's Mount Meron, held overnight between Thursday and Friday.

The exact cause of the&nbsp;disaster&nbsp;is still not clear but witness accounts and videos posted on social media suggested that some people had fallen down stairs leading out of a narrow passageway packed by hundreds of worshippers trying to exit the site, as a surge of people came down upon&nbsp;those&nbsp;ahead of them who had fallen, being trampled and asphyxiated.

One witness described seeing a pyramid of people piling up one on top of the other. Authorities said there&nbsp;were&nbsp;children&nbsp;among&nbsp;those&nbsp;hurt.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dozens-killed-in-stampede-at-israeli-religious-bonfire-festival-381531">Israel pilgrimage stampede: At least 44 killed in biggest Covid-era gathering</a>

The Health Ministry said 32 of the dead had been identified by late Friday. The identification process paused for 24 hours&nbsp;in observance of the Jewish Sabbath, resuming on Saturday evening.

More than 20 of the people injured&nbsp;were&nbsp;still in hospital by Friday night. More than 2,000&nbsp;Israelis across the country responded to an emergency call for blood donations, according to Magen David Adom, Israel's ambulance service.

A&nbsp;US&nbsp;Embassy spokesperson said: "We can confirm that multiple&nbsp;US&nbsp;citizens&nbsp;were&nbsp;among&nbsp;the casualties".

Those&nbsp;included both dead and injured. The&nbsp;US&nbsp;Embassy was trying to verify if any more&nbsp;US&nbsp;citizens&nbsp;were&nbsp;involved and are providing all possible consular support to affected&nbsp;US&nbsp;citizens, the spokesperson said, declining to comment further.

The&nbsp;Israeli&nbsp;Foreign Ministry said on Friday that consulate officials in New York&nbsp;were&nbsp;in contact with four families of victims and the&nbsp;Israeli&nbsp;embassy in Argentina was in contact with one family.

US&nbsp;media have identified some of the dead, including a 19-year-old American citizen who was in Israel on a gap year.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Friday that two Canadians&nbsp;were&nbsp;killed&nbsp;in the&nbsp;disaster.

Safety Concerns

The Justice Ministry said investigators would look into whether there had been any police misconduct connected to the tragedy and that police had started their own investigation into the incident.

There had been a concern for years about safety risks at the annual event, held at the tomb of a 2nd-century Jewish sage in Galilee.

Anger has mounted at the government and the police for allowing the event to go ahead despite its size far exceeding the coronavirus restrictions on gatherings. An estimated 100,000 packed the&nbsp;festival.

Some critics said politicians had caved to pressures of ultra-Orthodox leaders who are presently allied with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu but have flouted the state's authority for years.

"The government wouldn't consider any restrictions for fear of its Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) partners. And as far as physical safety was concerned, this year wasn’t any different from previous ones. Warnings of a potential&nbsp;disaster&nbsp;have been heard many times before, including from members of the Haredi community, but the traditions must not be changed," wrote Anshel Pfeffer, an analyst for the left-wing Haaretz newspaper.

US citizens are among the dozens killed and injured in a stampede at a religious festival in Israel, the US Embassy said on Saturday, as criticism mounted in the wake of one of the biggest civilian disasters in the country's history.

US citizens are among the dozens killed and injured in a stampede at a religious festival in Israel, the US Embassy said on Saturday, as criticism mounted in the wake of one of the biggest civilian disasters in the country's history. At least 45 people were crushed to death and more than 100 injured at the ultra-Orthodox Jewish festival on the slopes of Israel's Mount Meron, held overnight between Thursday and Friday. The exact cause of the disaster is still not clear but witness accounts and videos posted on social media suggested that some people had fallen down stairs leading out of a narrow passageway packed by hundreds of worshippers trying to exit the site, as a surge of people came down upon those ahead of them who had fallen, being trampled and asphyxiated. One witness described seeing a pyramid of people piling up one on top of the other. Authorities said there were children among those hurt. Also read | Israel pilgrimage stampede: At least 44 killed in biggest Covid-era gathering The Health Ministry said 32 of the dead had been identified by late Friday. The identification process paused for 24 hours in observance of the Jewish Sabbath, resuming on Saturday evening. More than 20 of the people injured were still in hospital by Friday night. More than 2,000 Israelis across the country responded to an emergency call for blood donations, according to Magen David Adom, Israel's ambulance service. A US Embassy spokesperson said: "We can confirm that multiple US citizens were among the casualties". Those included both dead and injured. The US Embassy was trying to verify if any more US citizens were involved and are providing all possible consular support to affected US citizens, the spokesperson said, declining to comment further. The Israeli Foreign Ministry said on Friday that consulate officials in New York were in contact with four families of victims and the Israeli embassy in Argentina was in contact with one family. US media have identified some of the dead, including a 19-year-old American citizen who was in Israel on a gap year. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Friday that two Canadians were killed in the disaster. Safety Concerns The Justice Ministry said investigators would look into whether there had been any police misconduct connected to the tragedy and that police had started their own investigation into the incident. There had been a concern for years about safety risks at the annual event, held at the tomb of a 2nd-century Jewish sage in Galilee. Anger has mounted at the government and the police for allowing the event to go ahead despite its size far exceeding the coronavirus restrictions on gatherings. An estimated 100,000 packed the festival. Some critics said politicians had caved to pressures of ultra-Orthodox leaders who are presently allied with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu but have flouted the state's authority for years. "The government wouldn't consider any restrictions for fear of its Haredi (ultra-Orthodox) partners. And as far as physical safety was concerned, this year wasn’t any different from previous ones. Warnings of a potential disaster have been heard many times before, including from members of the Haredi community, but the traditions must not be changed," wrote Anshel Pfeffer, an analyst for the left-wing Haaretz newspaper.

US citizens were among those killed in Israeli festival disaster

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Friday postponed planned parliamentary elections amid a dispute over voting in Israeli-annexed East Jerusalem and splits in his Fatah party.

Abbas, 85, blamed Israel for uncertainty about whether it would allow the legislative election to proceed in Jerusalem as well as in the occupied West Bank and Gaza.

The decision came three months after he announced the first national elections for 15 years in what was widely seen as a response to criticism of the democratic legitimacy of Palestinian institutions, including his own presidency.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="Israel pilgrimage stampede: At least 44 killed in biggest Covid-era gathering">Israel pilgrimage stampede: At least 44 killed in biggest Covid-era gathering</a>

The outcome of an election could be gains for Hamas, the Islamist militant group that controls Gaza. Abbas`s chief domestic rival, Hamas is regarded as a terrorist group by Israel, the United States and European Union but fought a well-organised campaign to defeat a similarly divided Fatah in 2006.

The dispute over Jerusalem was the principal reason cited by Abbas in a speech early Friday following a meeting of Palestinian political factions.

"Facing this difficult situation, we decided to postpone the date of holding legislative elections until the participation of Jerusalem and its people is guaranteed," Abbas said in the speech on Palestinian TV.

The delay of the parliamentary elections set for May is likely to draw intense domestic criticism, with Abbas and his allies weakened by challengers from within his own divided Fatah party.

It was not immediately clear whether a presidential vote scheduled for July would go ahead.

The Palestinian Central Elections Commission said it was suspending the election process following Abbas`s decision. The election campaign was supposed to begin on Friday.

Protesters in Gaza and the West Bank called for the elections to proceed as scheduled - for many it would be their first election.

"As a young Palestinian citizen, I call for conducting elections, and I want my right to elect so I would see new faces, young faces, and see new political stances," said Wael Deys, from Hebron.

Hamas criticised the reversal.

"We reject this decision which violates the national consensus, and Fatah movement bears responsibility for the consequences of this position," spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri told Reuters.

Abbas had hinted at the delay for weeks by claiming that Israel had not agreed to permit East Jerusalem Palestinians to vote in the city.

A spokesman for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said earlier this week that there had been no formal Israeli announcement on whether it would allow Palestinian voting in Jerusalem - as it did during the last elections in 2006 - and Israeli officials said on Thursday that there had been no change.

But many Palestinians regard the Jerusalem issue as an excuse to avoid elections that a divided Fatah might well lose to Hamas.

Internal divisions surfaced in Abbas`s Fatah party when jailed Fatah leader Marwan Barghouti and Nasser Al-Qudwa - a nephew of the party`s late founder Yasser Arafat - announced a rival slate of candidates to run against Abbas`s official lineup.

Nevertheless, election preparations were well under way, with thousands of new voters and three dozen party lists registered.

"The delay will cause a great disappointment among Palestinians, who most of them hoped it was time to end the divisions and bring about a change," said Gaza analyst Talal Okal.

Abbas has been in power since 2005 and has ruled by decree for over a decade.

The timing of his election announcement was seen as aimed at repairing ties with US&nbsp;President Joe Biden after they plummeted under predecessor Donald Trump.

But analysts say that with the Israeli-Palestinian conflict low on Biden's priority list, Washington prefers to avoid elections that could empower Hamas and anger Israel as US&nbsp;officials press ahead on nuclear talks with Iran.

Israel has been making it clear that it prefers an election delay, fearing its coordination with Abbas`s security forces in the West Bank would be undermined by the vote, said Shibley Telhami of the Brookings Institution.

"(To) the extent that Biden was prepared to confront Israel, his top priority has been the Iran nuclear deal," Telhami said, adding that, among other factors, "this appeared to have weighed in on the Biden administration, with reduced enthusiasm for the election."

State Department Spokesman Ned Price said on Thursday: "The exercise of democratic elections is a matter for the Palestinian people and for the Palestinian leadership to determine."

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Friday postponed planned parliamentary elections amid a dispute over voting in Israeli-annexed East Jerusalem and splits in his Fatah party.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Friday postponed planned parliamentary elections amid a dispute over voting in Israeli-annexed East Jerusalem and splits in his Fatah party. Abbas, 85, blamed Israel for uncertainty about whether it would allow the legislative election to proceed in Jerusalem as well as in the occupied West Bank and Gaza. The decision came three months after he announced the first national elections for 15 years in what was widely seen as a response to criticism of the democratic legitimacy of Palestinian institutions, including his own presidency. Also read: Israel pilgrimage stampede: At least 44 killed in biggest Covid-era gathering The outcome of an election could be gains for Hamas, the Islamist militant group that controls Gaza. Abbas`s chief domestic rival, Hamas is regarded as a terrorist group by Israel, the United States and European Union but fought a well-organised campaign to defeat a similarly divided Fatah in 2006. The dispute over Jerusalem was the principal reason cited by Abbas in a speech early Friday following a meeting of Palestinian political factions. "Facing this difficult situation, we decided to postpone the date of holding legislative elections until the participation of Jerusalem and its people is guaranteed," Abbas said in the speech on Palestinian TV. The delay of the parliamentary elections set for May is likely to draw intense domestic criticism, with Abbas and his allies weakened by challengers from within his own divided Fatah party. It was not immediately clear whether a presidential vote scheduled for July would go ahead. The Palestinian Central Elections Commission said it was suspending the election process following Abbas`s decision. The election campaign was supposed to begin on Friday. Protesters in Gaza and the West Bank called for the elections to proceed as scheduled - for many it would be their first election. "As a young Palestinian citizen, I call for conducting elections, and I want my right to elect so I would see new faces, young faces, and see new political stances," said Wael Deys, from Hebron. Hamas criticised the reversal. "We reject this decision which violates the national consensus, and Fatah movement bears responsibility for the consequences of this position," spokesman Sami Abu Zuhri told Reuters. Abbas had hinted at the delay for weeks by claiming that Israel had not agreed to permit East Jerusalem Palestinians to vote in the city. A spokesman for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said earlier this week that there had been no formal Israeli announcement on whether it would allow Palestinian voting in Jerusalem - as it did during the last elections in 2006 - and Israeli officials said on Thursday that there had been no change. But many Palestinians regard the Jerusalem issue as an excuse to avoid elections that a divided Fatah might well lose to Hamas. Internal divisions surfaced in Abbas`s Fatah party when jailed Fatah leader Marwan Barghouti and Nasser Al-Qudwa - a nephew of the party`s late founder Yasser Arafat - announced a rival slate of candidates to run against Abbas`s official lineup. Nevertheless, election preparations were well under way, with thousands of new voters and three dozen party lists registered. "The delay will cause a great disappointment among Palestinians, who most of them hoped it was time to end the divisions and bring about a change," said Gaza analyst Talal Okal. Abbas has been in power since 2005 and has ruled by decree for over a decade. The timing of his election announcement was seen as aimed at repairing ties with US President Joe Biden after they plummeted under predecessor Donald Trump. But analysts say that with the Israeli-Palestinian conflict low on Biden's priority list, Washington prefers to avoid elections that could empower Hamas and anger Israel as US officials press ahead on nuclear talks with Iran. Israel has been making it clear that it prefers an election delay, fearing its coordination with Abbas`s security forces in the West Bank would be undermined by the vote, said Shibley Telhami of the Brookings Institution. "(To) the extent that Biden was prepared to confront Israel, his top priority has been the Iran nuclear deal," Telhami said, adding that, among other factors, "this appeared to have weighed in on the Biden administration, with reduced enthusiasm for the election." State Department Spokesman Ned Price said on Thursday: "The exercise of democratic elections is a matter for the Palestinian people and for the Palestinian leadership to determine."

Palestinian parliamentary elections delayed, says Abbas, blaming Israel

The United Arab Emirates on Monday warned that any moves to change the historic identity of Jerusalem threaten peace, and called on Israel to put an end to violence following the latest clashes between Israelis and Palestinians in the city. &nbsp;

The statement was a rare rebuke of Israel by the UAE, which has welcomed tens of thousands of Israeli tourists and signed a slew of deals to strengthen bilateral ties since the administration of President Donald Trump brokered a historic and surprise deal to normalise relations between the two countries some seven months ago. &nbsp;

The UAE move laid the path for Bahrain and Sudan to also formalise ties with Israel.&nbsp;

The UAE Foreign Ministry said in a statement, carried on the Emirates' state news agency, that it was concerned over acts of violence committed by right-wing extremist groups in the occupied East Jerusalem. &nbsp;

The ministry called on Israeli authorities to assume responsibility toward de-escalation and putting an end to all aggressions and practices that perpetuate tension and hostility. &nbsp;

The UAE cautioned it was necessary to preserve Jerusalem's historical identity and maintain maximum self-restraint to avoid the region slipping into new levels of instability in a way that threatens peace. &nbsp;

The immediate spark for the unrest was Israel's decision to barricade a plaza outside of Jerusalem's Old City where Palestinian residents traditionally gather in the evenings during the Muslim holy month of Ramzan. &nbsp;

The move deepened Palestinian concerns about Israel's control over east Jerusalem, which is home to sacred Jewish and Muslim sites.&nbsp;

Hundreds of young Palestinians took to the streets each evening to protest the barricades. &nbsp;

Crowds hurled stones, firebombs and other objects at police, while officers used stun grenades and water cannons to disperse them. &nbsp;

The Israeli decision appeared to have been reversed on late Sunday, when the barricades were suddenly removed. &nbsp;

The violence had escalated to cross-border fighting between Israel and Gaza's militant Hamas group. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The United Arab Emirates on Monday warned that any moves to change the historic identity of Jerusalem threaten peace, and called on Israel to put an end to violence following the latest clashes between Israelis and Palestinians in the city.

The United Arab Emirates on Monday warned that any moves to change the historic identity of Jerusalem threaten peace, and called on Israel to put an end to violence following the latest clashes between Israelis and Palestinians in the city. The statement was a rare rebuke of Israel by the UAE, which has welcomed tens of thousands of Israeli tourists and signed a slew of deals to strengthen bilateral ties since the administration of President Donald Trump brokered a historic and surprise deal to normalise relations between the two countries some seven months ago. The UAE move laid the path for Bahrain and Sudan to also formalise ties with Israel. The UAE Foreign Ministry said in a statement, carried on the Emirates' state news agency, that it was concerned over acts of violence committed by right-wing extremist groups in the occupied East Jerusalem. The ministry called on Israeli authorities to assume responsibility toward de-escalation and putting an end to all aggressions and practices that perpetuate tension and hostility. The UAE cautioned it was necessary to preserve Jerusalem's historical identity and maintain maximum self-restraint to avoid the region slipping into new levels of instability in a way that threatens peace. The immediate spark for the unrest was Israel's decision to barricade a plaza outside of Jerusalem's Old City where Palestinian residents traditionally gather in the evenings during the Muslim holy month of Ramzan. The move deepened Palestinian concerns about Israel's control over east Jerusalem, which is home to sacred Jewish and Muslim sites. Hundreds of young Palestinians took to the streets each evening to protest the barricades. Crowds hurled stones, firebombs and other objects at police, while officers used stun grenades and water cannons to disperse them. The Israeli decision appeared to have been reversed on late Sunday, when the barricades were suddenly removed. The violence had escalated to cross-border fighting between Israel and Gaza's militant Hamas group. (With inputs from agencies)

UAE urges Israel to stop Jerusalem violence in rare rebuke 

The Israeli military said Saturday it had conducted airstrikes against targets in the Gaza Strip following a rocket attack from the Palestinian enclave, in the second such exchange in as many days.

The strikes hit what the military described as "terror targets" operated by Gaza's Islamist ruling party Hamas. They included a "training facility, an anti-aircraft missile launcher post, a concrete production plant &amp; terror tunnel infrastructure".

Witnesses and security sources said the strikes hit two militant "training sites" in southern Gaza and another target in central Gaza.A Hamas spokesman said that despite the Israeli action, "Gaza still fights and doesn't break."

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/nighttime-clashes-in-east-jerusalem-flare-palestine-israel-tensions-379636">Nighttime clashes in East Jerusalem flare Palestine-Israel tensions</a>

The strikes came hours after militants in the Gaza Strip fired a rocket into southern Israel.&nbsp;An Israeli army spokesperson said the rocket hit open ground and caused no casualties or damage.

It was the second such exchange in recent days. Late Thursday, Palestinian militants fired a rocket at southern Israel, prompting the army to launch retaliatory air strikes on Gaza that caused no casualties.

Israel imposed a blockade of Gaza's sea and land borders after Hamas seized control in 2007. The two sides have since fought three wars.&nbsp;A fragile truce has endured in recent years despite occasional flareups, with Palestinians firing rockets at Israel and the Jewish state responding with airstrikes on the coastal enclave.

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The Israeli military said Saturday it had conducted airstrikes against targets in the Gaza Strip following a rocket attack from the Palestinian enclave, in the second such exchange in as many days.

The Israeli military said Saturday it had conducted airstrikes against targets in the Gaza Strip following a rocket attack from the Palestinian enclave, in the second such exchange in as many days. The strikes hit what the military described as "terror targets" operated by Gaza's Islamist ruling party Hamas. They included a "training facility, an anti-aircraft missile launcher post, a concrete production plant & terror tunnel infrastructure". Witnesses and security sources said the strikes hit two militant "training sites" in southern Gaza and another target in central Gaza.A Hamas spokesman said that despite the Israeli action, "Gaza still fights and doesn't break." Also Read | Nighttime clashes in East Jerusalem flare Palestine-Israel tensions The strikes came hours after militants in the Gaza Strip fired a rocket into southern Israel. An Israeli army spokesperson said the rocket hit open ground and caused no casualties or damage. It was the second such exchange in recent days. Late Thursday, Palestinian militants fired a rocket at southern Israel, prompting the army to launch retaliatory air strikes on Gaza that caused no casualties. Israel imposed a blockade of Gaza's sea and land borders after Hamas seized control in 2007. The two sides have since fought three wars. A fragile truce has endured in recent years despite occasional flareups, with Palestinians firing rockets at Israel and the Jewish state responding with airstrikes on the coastal enclave.

Israel strikes Gaza after rocket attack

Over 100 Palestinians were wounded as protesters clashed with Israeli security forces in east Jerusalem in overnight development. Clashes erupted on Thursday night. This is largest such incident since the start of Holy Muslim month of Ramadan/ Ramzan.

The Palestinian Red Crescent said it had treated at least 105 people, with some 20 of them hospitalised. Israeli police said 20 officers were wounded, three of whom were taken to hospital.

Violence took place near the Old City. Police had barred access to some areas where Palestinians usually gather in large numbers during Ramadan.

During Ramadan, when the faithful fast from dawn to dusk, the promenade around the walls of the Old City is a popular place for Palestinians to get together after dark.

The protests erupted after videos posted online showed Palestinians being harrassed by Jewish youths who purportedly said "Death to Arabs"&nbsp;

Similar clashes earlier this week left four Palestinians injured, according to the Red Crescent.

Separately on Thursday night, the Israeli extreme-right group Lehava organised a march in west Jerusalem attended by hundreds to protest against anti-Jewish violence, the police said.

During the march, a policeman was injured in the face by stone-throwing Palestinians who had tried to hold a counter-protest, police said in a statement.

(With inputs from agencies)

Over 100 Palestinians were wounded as protesters clashed with Israeli security forces in east Jerusalem in overnight development. Clashes erupted on Thursday night.

Over 100 Palestinians were wounded as protesters clashed with Israeli security forces in east Jerusalem in overnight development. Clashes erupted on Thursday night. This is largest such incident since the start of Holy Muslim month of Ramadan/ Ramzan. The Palestinian Red Crescent said it had treated at least 105 people, with some 20 of them hospitalised. Israeli police said 20 officers were wounded, three of whom were taken to hospital. Violence took place near the Old City. Police had barred access to some areas where Palestinians usually gather in large numbers during Ramadan. During Ramadan, when the faithful fast from dawn to dusk, the promenade around the walls of the Old City is a popular place for Palestinians to get together after dark. The protests erupted after videos posted online showed Palestinians being harrassed by Jewish youths who purportedly said "Death to Arabs" Similar clashes earlier this week left four Palestinians injured, according to the Red Crescent. Separately on Thursday night, the Israeli extreme-right group Lehava organised a march in west Jerusalem attended by hundreds to protest against anti-Jewish violence, the police said. During the march, a policeman was injured in the face by stone-throwing Palestinians who had tried to hold a counter-protest, police said in a statement. (With inputs from agencies)

Jerusalem: More than 100 injured as Palestinians clash with Israeli police

A Syrian officer was killed and three soldiers wounded Thursday in strikes launched by Israel after a missile was fired towards a secretive nuclear site in the Jewish state, a monitor said.

A Syrian officer was killed and three soldiers wounded Thursday in strikes launched by Israel after a missile was fired towards a secretive nuclear site in the Jewish state, a monitor said. Since the outbreak of Syria's civil war in 2011, Israel has routinely carried out aerial raids on the country, mostly targeting Iranian and Lebanese Hezbollah forces as well as government troops. Also Read | Encrypted chat app Signal alleges flaws in Israeli surveillance provider Cellebrite's equipment Its latest salvo was launched in the early hours of Thursday after a missile was fired from Syria towards southern Israel, where the Dimona nuclear reactor is located. Sirens sounded in Abu Qrenat, a Bedouin village not far from the nuclear site, the Israeli military said, before it responded by striking multiple defence batteries across the border. The exchange of fire comes less than two weeks after Iran accused its arch-foe Israel of "terrorism" following an explosion at the Islamic republic's Natanz nuclear facility. "A surface-to-air missile was fired from Syria to Israel's southern Negev," the Israel Defense Forces tweeted. "In response, we struck the battery from which the missile was launched and additional surface-to-air batteries in Syria." The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, a Britain-based war monitor, said the Israeli retaliatory strikes killed a Syrian officer and seriously wounded three soldiers. "An officer with the rank of a lieutenant in the regime's forces was killed in the Israeli bombardments... targeting an air defence base in the Dmeir region east of the capital," it said. Syrian state news agency SANA said the Israeli fire came from the Golan Heights and was targeted "towards positions in the vicinity of Damascus". The strikes destroyed air defence batteries, the Observatory said. The Dmeir area, roughly 40 kilometres (25 miles) northeast of the Syrian capital, is believed to be home to weapons depots belonging to militias loyal to Iran, it added. SANA reported "some material losses" but said Syrian air defence batteries intercepted most of the missiles. Israel is considered the leading military power in the Middle East and is widely believed to possess its sole nuclear arsenal. It has never disclosed its atomic arsenal, but foreign experts say the Jewish state has between 100 to 300 nuclear warheads. There were no immediate reports of any casualties or damage on the Israeli side. Nuclear Facility Israel is investigating its response to the incoming projectile. The army said an initial probe showed it did not intercept the surface-to-air missile. Israeli troops examined fragments of an exploded missile that reached the community of Ashalim, some 40 kilometres (45 miles) from Dimona. Soldiers were still searching for more pieces of the projectile in the late morning. Israel has long sought to prevent bitter foe Iran from establishing itself in war-torn Syria. Israel's Iron Dome missile defence system has thwarted hundreds of attacks from Syria and the Gaza Strip in the past decade. The Israeli army has carried out hundreds of strikes on its war-battered northern neighbour, but it has rarely publicly acknowledged them. The missile launch comes as tensions run high between Israel and Iran, which had vowed to avenge the April 11 attack of its Natanz uranium enrichment plant. Iran accused Israel of being behind the explosion that hit Natanz's electricity distribution. Israel did not claim responsibility for the incident, but unsourced media reports in the country attributed it to the Israeli security services carrying out a "cyber operation". The New York Times, quoting unnamed US and Israeli intelligence officials, said there had been "an Israeli role" in the attack. Israel strongly opposes a landmark 2015 agreement that gave Iran relief from sanctions in return for curbs on its suspect nuclear programme. US President Joe Biden's administration is trying to revive the accord, which has been in tatters since his predecessor Donald Trump withdrew from it in 2018. Israel says Iran is trying to build an atomic bomb, though the Islamic republic says its nuclear programme is for peaceful purposes.

Israel strikes Syria after attack near secretive nuclear site

Israel and Greece have signed their biggest ever defence procurement deal, which Israel said on Sunday would strengthen political and economic ties between the countries and the two countries` air forces launched a joint exercise.

The agreement includes a $1.65 billion contract for the establishment and operation of a training centre for the Hellenic Air Force by Israeli defence contractor Elbit Systems over a 22-year period, Israel`s defence ministry said.

The training centre will be modeled on Israel`s own flight academy and will be equipped with 10 M-346 training aircraft produced by Italian company Leonardo, the ministry said.

Elbit will supply kits to upgrade and operate Greece`s T-6 aircraft and also provide training, simulators and logistical support.

"I am certain that (this programme) will upgrade the capabilities and strengthen the economies of Israel and Greece and thus the partnership between our two countries will deepen on the defence, economic and political levels," said Israeli defence minister Benny Gantz.

The announcement follows a meeting in Cyprus on Friday between the UAE, Greek, Cypriot and Israeli foreign ministers, who agreed to deepen cooperation between their countries.

The Israeli and Greek air forces launched a joint exercise in Greece, the Israeli military said.

In at least one past exercise over Greece, Israeli fighter planes practiced against an S-300 posted on Crete.&nbsp; 
The Russian-made air defence system is also deployed in Syria and Iran, Israel’s foes. An Israeli military spokesman did not immediately respond to a Reuters query on whether the air force had again trained against the Greek S-300 in the latest exercise.

Israel and Greece have signed their biggest ever defence procurement deal, which Israel said on Sunday would strengthen political and economic ties between the countries and the two countries` air forces launched a joint exercise.

Israel and Greece have signed their biggest ever defence procurement deal, which Israel said on Sunday would strengthen political and economic ties between the countries and the two countries` air forces launched a joint exercise. The agreement includes a $1.65 billion contract for the establishment and operation of a training centre for the Hellenic Air Force by Israeli defence contractor Elbit Systems over a 22-year period, Israel`s defence ministry said. The training centre will be modeled on Israel`s own flight academy and will be equipped with 10 M-346 training aircraft produced by Italian company Leonardo, the ministry said. Elbit will supply kits to upgrade and operate Greece`s T-6 aircraft and also provide training, simulators and logistical support. "I am certain that (this programme) will upgrade the capabilities and strengthen the economies of Israel and Greece and thus the partnership between our two countries will deepen on the defence, economic and political levels," said Israeli defence minister Benny Gantz. The announcement follows a meeting in Cyprus on Friday between the UAE, Greek, Cypriot and Israeli foreign ministers, who agreed to deepen cooperation between their countries. The Israeli and Greek air forces launched a joint exercise in Greece, the Israeli military said. In at least one past exercise over Greece, Israeli fighter planes practiced against an S-300 posted on Crete. The Russian-made air defence system is also deployed in Syria and Iran, Israel’s foes. An Israeli military spokesman did not immediately respond to a Reuters query on whether the air force had again trained against the Greek S-300 in the latest exercise.

Israel and Greece sign record defence deal

Israel on Sunday (April 18), lifted mandate to compulsorily wear masks outdoors. Israelis stepped out on streets without masks for the first time in a year. Israel has vaccinated over half of its population in one of the world's fastest anti-COVID inoculation campaigns.

Israel's health ministry had announced on Thursday that masks would no longer be required in public outdoor spaces.

"It's very strange but it's very nice," said Eliana Gamulka, 26, after getting off a bus near the busy Jerusalem shopping boulevard of Jaffa Street and removing her face covering.

"You can't pretend that you don't know anyone any more," she smiled.

For Gamulka, a project manager, the good news came at the perfect time: just two weeks before her wedding.

It will be "very nice to celebrate with everyone, now without masks," she said. "The pictures will be great! I'm very relieved. We can start living again."&nbsp;

Rapid vaccination has led to drastic decrease in Israel's daily caseload. In January this year, the caseload was 10,000 infections per day. Now it has come to 200 cases per day.

That has allowed the re-opening of schools, bars, restaurants and other indoor gatherings -- although masks are still required in indoor public spaces.

Yet on Sunday, office worker Ester Malka said she wasn't quite ready to let down her guard.

"We're allowed, but I'm still afraid, I got used to (wearing a mask)," she said.

"I feel like it's part of my life. We'll see what happens when everyone has taken them off. If it goes well for a couple of months, then I'll remove mine."

(With inputs from agencies)

Israel on Sunday (April 18), lifted mandate to compulsorily wear masks outdoors. Israelis stepped out on streets without masks for the first time in a year. Israel has vaccinated over half of its population in one of the world's fastest anti-COVID inoculation campaigns.

Israel on Sunday (April 18), lifted mandate to compulsorily wear masks outdoors. Israelis stepped out on streets without masks for the first time in a year. Israel has vaccinated over half of its population in one of the world's fastest anti-COVID inoculation campaigns. Israel's health ministry had announced on Thursday that masks would no longer be required in public outdoor spaces. "It's very strange but it's very nice," said Eliana Gamulka, 26, after getting off a bus near the busy Jerusalem shopping boulevard of Jaffa Street and removing her face covering. "You can't pretend that you don't know anyone any more," she smiled. For Gamulka, a project manager, the good news came at the perfect time: just two weeks before her wedding. It will be "very nice to celebrate with everyone, now without masks," she said. "The pictures will be great! I'm very relieved. We can start living again." Rapid vaccination has led to drastic decrease in Israel's daily caseload. In January this year, the caseload was 10,000 infections per day. Now it has come to 200 cases per day. That has allowed the re-opening of schools, bars, restaurants and other indoor gatherings -- although masks are still required in indoor public spaces. Yet on Sunday, office worker Ester Malka said she wasn't quite ready to let down her guard. "We're allowed, but I'm still afraid, I got used to (wearing a mask)," she said. "I feel like it's part of my life. We'll see what happens when everyone has taken them off. If it goes well for a couple of months, then I'll remove mine." (With inputs from agencies)

Israel drops public mask mandate with more than half population vaccinated

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