Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused the International Criminal Court of anti-semitism on Sunday over its chief prosecutor's plan to pursue a war crimes probe in the Palestinian Territories.

The right-wing leader - Benjamin Netanyahu -&nbsp;is fighting for his political life in a March <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-heads-to-new-election-third-in-twelve-months-as-stalemate-continues-267768">election</a>, made the allegation against the international Criminal Court, with Judaism's holy Western Wall as a backdrop during a candle-lighting ceremony marking the start of the eight-day Hanukkah holiday.

"New edicts are being cast against the Jewish people - anti-semitic edicts by the International Criminal Court telling us that we, the Jews standing here next to this wall ... in this city, in this country, have no right to live here and that by doing so, we are committing a war crime," he said.

"Pure anti-semitism," Netanyahu said, raising an argument likely to strike a chord with many Israelis who believe that criticism, especially in Europe, of Israeli policies towards the Palestinians has its roots in anti-Jewish sentiment.

The Hague-based International Criminal Court's chief prosecutor, Fatou Bensouda, said on Friday she would launch a full investigation into alleged war crimes in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip as soon as the court's jurisdiction had been established.

Israel captured those areas in the 1967 Middle East war and withdrew troops and settlers from the Gaza Strip in 2005.

Bensouda's announcement opens the possibility of charges being filed against Israelis or Palestinians. Israeli media, however, largely portrayed it as a bid to subject Israeli leaders and military officers to arrest and trial if they travel overseas.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/benjamin-netanyahu-will-resign-from-other-ministries-but-will-remain-pm-lawyers-267872">Netanyahu</a>'s accusations appeared to be centred on a scenario in which Israeli settlement activities in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, where the Western Wall stands within the walled Old City, could be viewed by the court as war crimes.

ICC prosecutors have said a preliminary investigation on the West Bank focused on "reported settlement-related activities engaged in by Israeli authorities".

The Palestinians and many countries consider the settlements to be illegal. Israel disputes this, citing security needs and biblical and historical connections to the land.

The Palestinians have welcomed Bensouda's decision.

Netanyahu said on Friday the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/icc-to-probe-alleged-war-crimes-in-palestinian-territories-269444">ICC</a> had no jurisdiction to investigate events in the Palestinian Territories, arguing it could only examine petitions submitted by a sovereign state.

The ICC has the authority to hear cases of war crimes, genocide and crimes against humanity committed on the territory of the 123 countries that have signed up to it.

Israel has not joined the court but the Palestinian Authority, which exercises limited self-rule in the occupied West Bank, has done so. The Gaza Strip is run by the PA's rival, the Islamist Hamas group.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused the International Criminal Court of anti-semitism on Sunday over its chief prosecutor's plan to pursue a war crimes probe in the Palestinian Territories.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused the International Criminal Court of anti-semitism on Sunday over its chief prosecutor's plan to pursue a war crimes probe in the Palestinian Territories. The right-wing leader - Benjamin Netanyahu - is fighting for his political life in a March election, made the allegation against the international Criminal Court, with Judaism's holy Western Wall as a backdrop during a candle-lighting ceremony marking the start of the eight-day Hanukkah holiday. "New edicts are being cast against the Jewish people - anti-semitic edicts by the International Criminal Court telling us that we, the Jews standing here next to this wall ... in this city, in this country, have no right to live here and that by doing so, we are committing a war crime," he said. "Pure anti-semitism," Netanyahu said, raising an argument likely to strike a chord with many Israelis who believe that criticism, especially in Europe, of Israeli policies towards the Palestinians has its roots in anti-Jewish sentiment. The Hague-based International Criminal Court's chief prosecutor, Fatou Bensouda, said on Friday she would launch a full investigation into alleged war crimes in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip as soon as the court's jurisdiction had been established. Israel captured those areas in the 1967 Middle East war and withdrew troops and settlers from the Gaza Strip in 2005. Bensouda's announcement opens the possibility of charges being filed against Israelis or Palestinians. Israeli media, however, largely portrayed it as a bid to subject Israeli leaders and military officers to arrest and trial if they travel overseas. Netanyahu's accusations appeared to be centred on a scenario in which Israeli settlement activities in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, where the Western Wall stands within the walled Old City, could be viewed by the court as war crimes. ICC prosecutors have said a preliminary investigation on the West Bank focused on "reported settlement-related activities engaged in by Israeli authorities". The Palestinians and many countries consider the settlements to be illegal. Israel disputes this, citing security needs and biblical and historical connections to the land. The Palestinians have welcomed Bensouda's decision. Netanyahu said on Friday the ICC had no jurisdiction to investigate events in the Palestinian Territories, arguing it could only examine petitions submitted by a sovereign state. The ICC has the authority to hear cases of war crimes, genocide and crimes against humanity committed on the territory of the 123 countries that have signed up to it. Israel has not joined the court but the Palestinian Authority, which exercises limited self-rule in the occupied West Bank, has done so. The Gaza Strip is run by the PA's rival, the Islamist Hamas group.

Netanyahu accuses international court of anti-semitism in war crimes probe

Four cruise missiles were believed to have been launched across the coast through Lebanese airspace towards Syria, a source in the regional alliance supporting Syrian President Bashar <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/syrias-assad-says-he-does-not-want-turkey-as-an-enemy-259172">al-Assad</a> told Reuters.

Later the army said it had brought down one of the missiles in an area near the capital. It gave no further details and there was no immediate comment from Israel.

Israel has launched hundreds of missiles towards Syria in recent years, targeting Iranian-backed militias operating in the country as well as supplies sent by pro-Iranian Lebanese <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanese-army-clashes-with-supporters-of-hezbollah-amal-in-beirut-268624">Hezbollah</a> to support Assad's forces.

Iran and Hezbollah are fighting on the side of President Bashar al-Assad in the Syrian war, and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-carried-out-strikes-on-irans-quds-force-syrian-targets-israel-army-263308">Israel</a> says they are trying to turn Syria into a new front against Israelis.

Israel has vowed it will continue its strikes against Iranian targets trying to establish a permanent military presence there and against advanced weapons shipments to Hezbollah.

Four cruise missiles were believed to have been launched across the coast through Lebanese airspace towards Syria, a source in the regional alliance supporting Syrian President Bashar al-Assad told Reuters.

Four cruise missiles were believed to have been launched across the coast through Lebanese airspace towards Syria, a source in the regional alliance supporting Syrian President Bashar al-Assad told Reuters. Later the army said it had brought down one of the missiles in an area near the capital. It gave no further details and there was no immediate comment from Israel. Israel has launched hundreds of missiles towards Syria in recent years, targeting Iranian-backed militias operating in the country as well as supplies sent by pro-Iranian Lebanese Hezbollah to support Assad's forces. Iran and Hezbollah are fighting on the side of President Bashar al-Assad in the Syrian war, and Israel says they are trying to turn Syria into a new front against Israelis. Israel has vowed it will continue its strikes against Iranian targets trying to establish a permanent military presence there and against advanced weapons shipments to Hezbollah.

Syrian air defense intercepts missiles from Israel: Report

A war&nbsp;monitor&nbsp;said Monday that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/syrian-air-defense-intercepts-missiles-from-israel-report-269618">air raids in&nbsp;Syria</a>&nbsp;the previous night, blamed&nbsp;on&nbsp;Israel,&nbsp;killed&nbsp;at least three foreign pro-regime&nbsp;fighters south of the war-torn country's capital.&nbsp;

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said Sunday night's attack hit Syrian&nbsp;regime&nbsp;and Iranian positions south of Damascus.

It said three non-Syrian loyalist fighters were&nbsp;killed&nbsp;by a rocket blast between the suburb of Aqraba and the nearby Sayyida Zeinab neighbourhood, home to a shrine revered by Shiite Muslims.

It did not specify their nationality but said they were likely Iranian.&nbsp;

Syrian state news agency SANA reported the attack just before midnight&nbsp;on&nbsp;Sunday.

It said Syrian air defences fired&nbsp;on&nbsp;"hostile missiles" coming from "the Occupied Territories", referring to Israel.&nbsp;

It said one missile came down in Aqraba, southeast of Damascus.

Israel has not publicly claimed responsibility for the raids.

Watch:&nbsp;80,000 Syrian migrants marching to Turkey, says Recep Erdogan

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/80000-syrian-migrants-marching-to-turkey-says-recep-erdogan-269633/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

An&nbsp;Israeli&nbsp;army spokeswoman contacted by AFP said Israel does not comment&nbsp;on&nbsp;reports in foreign media.

Since the beginning of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/syria-regime-widens-control-over-idlib-fuelling-exodus-monitor-269591">Syrian conflict</a> in 2011, Israel has conducted hundreds of strikes in&nbsp;Syria&nbsp;against Iranian targets and pro-Tehran militias allied with the&nbsp;regime&nbsp;of President Bashar al-Assad.

An&nbsp;Israeli&nbsp;strike&nbsp;on&nbsp;November 20&nbsp;killed&nbsp;21 pro-regime&nbsp;fighters including 16 foreigners, along with two civilians, according to the Observatory.

In July, six Iranians and three pro-regime&nbsp;Syrian fighters were&nbsp;killed&nbsp;in reported&nbsp;Israeli&nbsp;missile strikes in the southern provinces of Daraa and Quneitra, according to the Observatory.

A month later, the&nbsp;Israeli&nbsp;army carried out a&nbsp;strike&nbsp;in Aqraba, killing two Hezbollah and one Iranian fighter.&nbsp;

The war in&nbsp;Syria&nbsp;has&nbsp;killed&nbsp;more than 370,000 people and displaced millions since it began with anti-government demonstrations brutally crushed by security forces.

A war monitor said Monday that air raids in Syria the previous night, blamed on Israel, killed at least three foreign pro-regime fighters south of the war-torn country's capital.

A war monitor said Monday that air raids in Syria the previous night, blamed on Israel, killed at least three foreign pro-regime fighters south of the war-torn country's capital. The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said Sunday night's attack hit Syrian regime and Iranian positions south of Damascus. It said three non-Syrian loyalist fighters were killed by a rocket blast between the suburb of Aqraba and the nearby Sayyida Zeinab neighbourhood, home to a shrine revered by Shiite Muslims. It did not specify their nationality but said they were likely Iranian. Syrian state news agency SANA reported the attack just before midnight on Sunday. It said Syrian air defences fired on "hostile missiles" coming from "the Occupied Territories", referring to Israel. It said one missile came down in Aqraba, southeast of Damascus. Israel has not publicly claimed responsibility for the raids. Watch: 80,000 Syrian migrants marching to Turkey, says Recep Erdogan An Israeli army spokeswoman contacted by AFP said Israel does not comment on reports in foreign media. Since the beginning of the Syrian conflict in 2011, Israel has conducted hundreds of strikes in Syria against Iranian targets and pro-Tehran militias allied with the regime of President Bashar al-Assad. An Israeli strike on November 20 killed 21 pro-regime fighters including 16 foreigners, along with two civilians, according to the Observatory. In July, six Iranians and three pro-regime Syrian fighters were killed in reported Israeli missile strikes in the southern provinces of Daraa and Quneitra, according to the Observatory. A month later, the Israeli army carried out a strike in Aqraba, killing two Hezbollah and one Iranian fighter. The war in Syria has killed more than 370,000 people and displaced millions since it began with anti-government demonstrations brutally crushed by security forces.

Israeli strike on Syria killed 3 regime loyalists: Sources

Israeli jets <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-strikes-in-gaza-after-rocket-attack-266911">decimated</a> Hamas positions in Southern Gaza strip, for a second time in less than 24-hours following the firing of a projectile from Gaza Strip towards Southern Israel on Thursday evening.

"A short while ago, IDF aircraft attacked underground infrastructure and a naval target belonging to the Hamas terror group in the southern Gaza Strip, as well as a military installation belonging to the terror group in the north of the Strip," The Times of Israel quoted the military as saying in a statement.

It also cited news outlets in Gaza as reporting that the strikes targeted Hamas posts throughout the enclave, from the area around Rafah in the south to near Beit Lahia in the north.

The Jerusalem Post in its report said the rocket fire on Thursday came hours after Israeli jets struck a Hamas <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-strikes-military-targets-in-overnight-gaza-in-response-to-rocket-fire-army-264788">weapons production</a> facility in the coastal enclave following a rocket fired towards the college town of Sderot around 2:30 AM.

The IDF in its statement stressed that "terror group Hamas is responsible for what occurs in the Gaza Strip and what emanates from it, and that it will bear the consequences of actions against Israeli citizens."&nbsp;

Israeli jets decimated Hamas positions in Southern Gaza strip, for a second time in less than 24-hours following the firing of a projectile from Gaza Strip towards Southern Israel on Thursday evening.

Israeli jets decimated Hamas positions in Southern Gaza strip, for a second time in less than 24-hours following the firing of a projectile from Gaza Strip towards Southern Israel on Thursday evening. "A short while ago, IDF aircraft attacked underground infrastructure and a naval target belonging to the Hamas terror group in the southern Gaza Strip, as well as a military installation belonging to the terror group in the north of the Strip," The Times of Israel quoted the military as saying in a statement. It also cited news outlets in Gaza as reporting that the strikes targeted Hamas posts throughout the enclave, from the area around Rafah in the south to near Beit Lahia in the north. The Jerusalem Post in its report said the rocket fire on Thursday came hours after Israeli jets struck a Hamas weapons production facility in the coastal enclave following a rocket fired towards the college town of Sderot around 2:30 AM. The IDF in its statement stressed that "terror group Hamas is responsible for what occurs in the Gaza Strip and what emanates from it, and that it will bear the consequences of actions against Israeli citizens."

Israeli jets strike Hamas positions in Southern Gaza strip

Israel headed on Wednesday towards the ballot boxes for a record third time in 12 months.

As expected, there was no last-minute miracle as President of Israel Reuven Rivlin's deadline for government formation expired overnight.

Interestingly, even before the deadline lapsed, the Israeli parliament passed a preliminary vote to dissolve itself.

The fresh elections will now be held on March 2 in 2020.

Prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu took to twitter blaming the blue and white party for leading the country to a third election.

He has vowed to win big, this time around.But in reality, Netanyahu faces an uphill battle.

So what does this hat-trick of polls mean for Israel.For Netanyahu, it means more time in office.

He will be looking to reinforce his position by going ahead with his plan to annex the west bank.

As long as he is the prime minister, Netanyahu has immunity from prosecution.

For the general public, this means yet another trip to the polling stations.

Public anger has been growing against the political class for not being able to find common ground.

But recent opinion polls indicate that much of that anger is directed at Netanyahu than his opponent Benny Gantz.

Gantz's blue and white is likely to win more seats than Netanyahu's likud party according to the poll.But he is still likely to fall short of the majority mark.

Israel headed on Wednesday towards the ballot boxes for a record third time in 12 months. As expected, there was no last-minute miracle as President of Israel Reuven Rivlin's deadline for government formation expired overnight.

Israel headed on Wednesday towards the ballot boxes for a record third time in 12 months. As expected, there was no last-minute miracle as President of Israel Reuven Rivlin's deadline for government formation expired overnight. Interestingly, even before the deadline lapsed, the Israeli parliament passed a preliminary vote to dissolve itself. The fresh elections will now be held on March 2 in 2020. Prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu took to twitter blaming the blue and white party for leading the country to a third election. He has vowed to win big, this time around.But in reality, Netanyahu faces an uphill battle. So what does this hat-trick of polls mean for Israel.For Netanyahu, it means more time in office. He will be looking to reinforce his position by going ahead with his plan to annex the west bank. As long as he is the prime minister, Netanyahu has immunity from prosecution. For the general public, this means yet another trip to the polling stations. Public anger has been growing against the political class for not being able to find common ground. But recent opinion polls indicate that much of that anger is directed at Netanyahu than his opponent Benny Gantz. Gantz's blue and white is likely to win more seats than Netanyahu's likud party according to the poll.But he is still likely to fall short of the majority mark.

Israel heads to new election: Third in twelve months as stalemate continues

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/israels-drone-industry-becomes-global-force-265068#israel-drone-industrys-secret-weapon-265044">Israel</a> on Thursday demolished the West Bank homes of four Palestinians accused of a deadly attack, sparking clashes with stone-throwing protesters, the army and an AFP journalist said.

The houses in the village of Beit Kahil near Hebron in the occupied West Bank were home to men who were "part of the squad that carried out the stabbing attack" which killed an off-duty soldier in August, the army said.

Clashes broke out during the demolitions, the army said, with Palestinians hurling "rocks and burnt tyres at troops".

"In response, troops used riot dispersal means."

Residents stared at piles of concrete after bulldozers reduced one house to rubble, an AFP photographer said.

After the demolitions one <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-faces-palestinian-international-criticism-of-israel-settlement-move-263219">Palestinian</a> died in a car accident at a junction near Hebron.

Palestinian official news agency Wafa said his car was hit by an Israeli military bulldozer, but the army said he drove into the stationary vehicle.

"A Palestinian vehicle deviated off the road and hit the (Israeli military) vehicle, which had stopped on the side of the road," an army spokeswoman told AFP, without confirming the death.

Wafa named the dead man as Mohammed al-Nawajaa, saying his son was also injured in the incident.

In August, off-duty soldier Israeli Dvir Sorek was ambushed and killed, and his body was dumped near a settlement in the West Bank.

He had been studying at a Jewish seminary in the settlement.

Israel routinely demolishes the homes of those accused of carrying out attacks.

It argues that such measures act as a deterrent, but critics say it amounts to collective punishment.

Israel on Thursday demolished the West Bank homes of four Palestinians accused of a deadly attack, sparking clashes with stone-throwing protesters, the army and an AFP journalist said.

Israel on Thursday demolished the West Bank homes of four Palestinians accused of a deadly attack, sparking clashes with stone-throwing protesters, the army and an AFP journalist said. The houses in the village of Beit Kahil near Hebron in the occupied West Bank were home to men who were "part of the squad that carried out the stabbing attack" which killed an off-duty soldier in August, the army said. Clashes broke out during the demolitions, the army said, with Palestinians hurling "rocks and burnt tyres at troops". "In response, troops used riot dispersal means." Residents stared at piles of concrete after bulldozers reduced one house to rubble, an AFP photographer said. After the demolitions one Palestinian died in a car accident at a junction near Hebron. Palestinian official news agency Wafa said his car was hit by an Israeli military bulldozer, but the army said he drove into the stationary vehicle. "A Palestinian vehicle deviated off the road and hit the (Israeli military) vehicle, which had stopped on the side of the road," an army spokeswoman told AFP, without confirming the death. Wafa named the dead man as Mohammed al-Nawajaa, saying his son was also injured in the incident. In August, off-duty soldier Israeli Dvir Sorek was ambushed and killed, and his body was dumped near a settlement in the West Bank. He had been studying at a Jewish seminary in the settlement. Israel routinely demolishes the homes of those accused of carrying out attacks. It argues that such measures act as a deterrent, but critics say it amounts to collective punishment.

Israel demolishes homes of alleged Palestinian killers: Army

Israel's drone industry becomes global force

Israel expelled the country director of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-threatens-united-states-with-countermeasures-over-hong-kong-human-rights-and-democracy-act-263353">Human Rights</a> Watch on Monday after a lengthy court battle, sparking criticism that it was seeking to crush dissent.

It accused American citizen Omar Shakir, the New York-based <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/egypt-seeks-to-parry-rights-criticism-after-mass-arrests-261743">rights</a> group's director for Israel and the Palestinian territories, of supporting a boycott of the Jewish state, claims he denies.

The 35-year-old arrived at Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv on Monday afternoon, where he was greeted by around 20 supporters.

"Today culminates a two-and-a-half-year effort to deport me over my human rights advocacy, an effort to muzzle Human Rights Watch," Shakir said at the airport.

"One day you will welcome me here, I hope, when it is a better day -– a day in which all people, Israeli and Palestinian, have their human rights respected."

He flew out on Monday evening.

Authorities said Shakir's expulsion was the first from inside Israel under its 2017 law allowing the deportation of foreigners who support a boycott.

The European Union, United Nations and others had called on Israel to reverse course, with the UN warning of a "shrinking space for human rights defenders to operate" in Israel and the Palestinian territories.

But the United States, Israel's closest ally, said only that it supported freedom of expression worldwide.

HRW said Shakir would continue in his position despite being expelled, working from neighbouring Jordan.

It said Israel was the first functioning democracy to expel one of its staff.

'Right to decide'

Israel refused to extend Shakir's work permit in May 2018 after parliament passed a law mandating the expulsion of foreign supporters of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement.

BDS activists call for a wide-ranging embargo of Israel over its treatment of the Palestinians.

Israel sees the movement as a strategic threat and accuses it of anti-Semitism.

Activists strongly deny this charge, comparing the embargo to the economic isolation that helped bring down apartheid in South Africa.

The Ministry of Strategic Affairs, which pushed to expel Shakir, said Monday that Israel, "like any sane country, has the right to decide who is given the freedom to enter and work within its borders".

It labelled him "an active BDS propagator who zealously promotes boycotts".

Senior Palestinian official Hanan Ashrawi called the deportation an Israeli attempt to "conceal its war crimes".

"It is an alarming wake-up call to all those who seek peace and justice for both sides that Israel will resort to extreme measures to hide the truth," she said in a statement.

The case against Shakir was initially based on statements he had made supporting a boycott before joining HRW.

But the government also highlighted work he did with the rights groups, including criticising Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank.

Shakir, who started in the HRW Israel post in 2017, appealed the deportation but Israel's supreme court backed the government earlier this month.

'US support'

More than 600,000 Israelis live in settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories, communities considered illegal under international law.

Israel disputes this, and the United States last week broke with decades of international consensus and announced it no longer considered the settlements illegal.

HRW's executive director Ken Roth said that US President Donald Trump's support for Israel's fellow right-wing government had emboldened it to crackdown on human rights groups.

"It is hard to imagine Omar's deportation going ahead if the US government hadn't given a kind of implicit green light," he told AFP. 
The American embassy said only that it had raised Shakir's case with Israel and that it supports "freedom of expression".

"At the same time, our strong opposition to boycotts and sanctions of the State of Israel is well known," it said.

The right-wing Jerusalem-based group NGO Monitor meanwhile charged that HRW focuses unfairly on Israel.

"It's the singling out we disagree with," said Gerald Steinberg, head of the organisation.

But Steinberg also admitted that Israel's move had created negative publicity that helps its critics.

"This is playing into their hands," he said.

Israel expelled the country director of Human Rights Watch on Monday after a lengthy court battle, sparking criticism that it was seeking to crush dissent. It accused American citizen Omar Shakir, the New York-based rights group's director for Israel and the Palestinian territories, of supporting a boycott of the Jewish state, claims he denies.

Israel expelled the country director of Human Rights Watch on Monday after a lengthy court battle, sparking criticism that it was seeking to crush dissent. It accused American citizen Omar Shakir, the New York-based rights group's director for Israel and the Palestinian territories, of supporting a boycott of the Jewish state, claims he denies. The 35-year-old arrived at Ben Gurion Airport near Tel Aviv on Monday afternoon, where he was greeted by around 20 supporters. "Today culminates a two-and-a-half-year effort to deport me over my human rights advocacy, an effort to muzzle Human Rights Watch," Shakir said at the airport. "One day you will welcome me here, I hope, when it is a better day -– a day in which all people, Israeli and Palestinian, have their human rights respected." He flew out on Monday evening. Authorities said Shakir's expulsion was the first from inside Israel under its 2017 law allowing the deportation of foreigners who support a boycott. The European Union, United Nations and others had called on Israel to reverse course, with the UN warning of a "shrinking space for human rights defenders to operate" in Israel and the Palestinian territories. But the United States, Israel's closest ally, said only that it supported freedom of expression worldwide. HRW said Shakir would continue in his position despite being expelled, working from neighbouring Jordan. It said Israel was the first functioning democracy to expel one of its staff. 'Right to decide' Israel refused to extend Shakir's work permit in May 2018 after parliament passed a law mandating the expulsion of foreign supporters of the Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions (BDS) movement. BDS activists call for a wide-ranging embargo of Israel over its treatment of the Palestinians. Israel sees the movement as a strategic threat and accuses it of anti-Semitism. Activists strongly deny this charge, comparing the embargo to the economic isolation that helped bring down apartheid in South Africa. The Ministry of Strategic Affairs, which pushed to expel Shakir, said Monday that Israel, "like any sane country, has the right to decide who is given the freedom to enter and work within its borders". It labelled him "an active BDS propagator who zealously promotes boycotts". Senior Palestinian official Hanan Ashrawi called the deportation an Israeli attempt to "conceal its war crimes". "It is an alarming wake-up call to all those who seek peace and justice for both sides that Israel will resort to extreme measures to hide the truth," she said in a statement. The case against Shakir was initially based on statements he had made supporting a boycott before joining HRW. But the government also highlighted work he did with the rights groups, including criticising Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank. Shakir, who started in the HRW Israel post in 2017, appealed the deportation but Israel's supreme court backed the government earlier this month. 'US support' More than 600,000 Israelis live in settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories, communities considered illegal under international law. Israel disputes this, and the United States last week broke with decades of international consensus and announced it no longer considered the settlements illegal. HRW's executive director Ken Roth said that US President Donald Trump's support for Israel's fellow right-wing government had emboldened it to crackdown on human rights groups. "It is hard to imagine Omar's deportation going ahead if the US government hadn't given a kind of implicit green light," he told AFP. The American embassy said only that it had raised Shakir's case with Israel and that it supports "freedom of expression". "At the same time, our strong opposition to boycotts and sanctions of the State of Israel is well known," it said. The right-wing Jerusalem-based group NGO Monitor meanwhile charged that HRW focuses unfairly on Israel. "It's the singling out we disagree with," said Gerald Steinberg, head of the organisation. But Steinberg also admitted that Israel's move had created negative publicity that helps its critics. "This is playing into their hands," he said.

Israel draws flak for expelling Human Rights Watch country director Omar Shakir

Faced by a political deadlock and indictment on corruption charges, Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seems to be running out of options.

Netanyahu who has refused to step down has agreed to elections for the leadership of his Likud party.&nbsp;

Israeli media reported the Likud primary would be held in six weeks. A party spokesman was not reachable to confirm the timeline.

Netanyahu is the current chair of his party.

Pressure has been mounting on Israel's longest-serving PM after he was indicted on a series of charges including bribery.

While Netanyahu has vowed to fight against the charges, some in his party feel that he has been denting the image of Likud.

Netanyahu's position in the party will likely be challenged.&nbsp;

Israel's Supreme Court dismissed a petition by a watchdog group to force Netanyahu to step aside.

But a more pressing issue is the government formation or else Israel will head to its third general election in less than a year.

Netanyahu's rival Benny Gantz has proposed the formation of a unity govt in which Gantz will serve as the Prime Minister for 2 years &amp; Netanyahu will become the Prime Minister for the remaining 2 years of the government. This of course, if Netanyahu is not forced to take a leave of absence.

Gantz's offer will end in 17 days after which a third election is inevitable. However, Netanyahu has so far shown little interest in the former army chief's offer.

Faced by a political deadlock and indictment on corruption charges, Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seems to be running out of options. Netanyahu who has refused to step down has agreed to elections for the leadership of his Likud party.

Faced by a political deadlock and indictment on corruption charges, Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seems to be running out of options. Netanyahu who has refused to step down has agreed to elections for the leadership of his Likud party. Israeli media reported the Likud primary would be held in six weeks. A party spokesman was not reachable to confirm the timeline. Netanyahu is the current chair of his party. Pressure has been mounting on Israel's longest-serving PM after he was indicted on a series of charges including bribery. While Netanyahu has vowed to fight against the charges, some in his party feel that he has been denting the image of Likud. Netanyahu's position in the party will likely be challenged. Israel's Supreme Court dismissed a petition by a watchdog group to force Netanyahu to step aside. But a more pressing issue is the government formation or else Israel will head to its third general election in less than a year. Netanyahu's rival Benny Gantz has proposed the formation of a unity govt in which Gantz will serve as the Prime Minister for 2 years & Netanyahu will become the Prime Minister for the remaining 2 years of the government. This of course, if Netanyahu is not forced to take a leave of absence. Gantz's offer will end in 17 days after which a third election is inevitable. However, Netanyahu has so far shown little interest in the former army chief's offer.

Political deadlock in Israel: Benjamin Netanyahu running out of options

A watchdog group asked Israel's top court on Sunday to order <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israels-netanyahu-faces-calls-to-quit-but-is-defiant-in-crisis-263975">Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu</a> to step aside after his indictment on corruption charges, adding to pressure he is facing from within his ruling party.

Netanyahu, a four-term conservative leader, has denied the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israels-netanyahu-defies-coup-against-him-amid-corruption-charges-263770">charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust</a> and said he will stay in office and defend himself.

His indictment on Thursday came amid unprecedented political disarray in Israel, after elections in April and September in which neither Netanyahu nor his main challenger, centrist Benny Gantz, secured a governing majority in parliament.

In its petition to the Supreme Court, the Movement for Quality Government in Israel said the first-ever criminal charges against a sitting Israeli prime minister constituted "the crossing of a red line and a grave blow to public trust in ruling institutions".

The court should force Netanyahu to resign or temporarily recuse himself from prime ministerial duties, the movement said. It was not immediately clear when the court might rule on the petition.

Gantz's mandate to form a government - after an unsuccessful attempt by Netanyahu to do so - expired on Wednesday. The next day, Israel's president declared a three-week period in which lawmakers can nominate one of their own to try to put together a ruling coalition.

Should that fail, a new election - Israel's third in a year - will be triggered.

Netanyahu's hope of securing that parliamentary nomination was challenged by Gideon Saar, a rival within his Likud party.

Saar said on Saturday Netanyahu would not able to win a third election and called on Likud to hold a leadership ballot.

"There is only one way in which we can save the country, extricate it from the crisis and ensure the Likud's continued rule - and that is if we go to snap primaries today, within these 21 days," Saar told Israel's Channel 12 television. Saar has previously said he would consider running for the top Likud slot.

While voicing appreciation for Netanyahu's record-long term and noting he was innocent until proven otherwise, Saar criticised the premier's attempts to cast his criminal prosecution as a "coup attempt" involving police, prosecutors and the media.

"Not only is it wrong to say that, it's also irresponsible to say that. It’s completely out of touch," Saar said.

The Likud party spokesman dismissed the challenge.

"It is sad to see that while Prime Minister Netanyahu keeps Israel safe on all fronts and works to preserve Likud rule, Gideon Saar, as is his wont, is displaying zero loyalty and maximum subversion," the spokesman said.

Opening the weekly cabinet meeting on Sunday, Netanyahu made no mention of the political crisis or his legal woes, speaking about Israeli security issues.

A watchdog group asked Israel's top court on Sunday to order Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to step aside after his indictment on corruption charges, adding to pressure he is facing from within his ruling party.

A watchdog group asked Israel's top court on Sunday to order Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to step aside after his indictment on corruption charges, adding to pressure he is facing from within his ruling party. Netanyahu, a four-term conservative leader, has denied the charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust and said he will stay in office and defend himself. His indictment on Thursday came amid unprecedented political disarray in Israel, after elections in April and September in which neither Netanyahu nor his main challenger, centrist Benny Gantz, secured a governing majority in parliament. In its petition to the Supreme Court, the Movement for Quality Government in Israel said the first-ever criminal charges against a sitting Israeli prime minister constituted "the crossing of a red line and a grave blow to public trust in ruling institutions". The court should force Netanyahu to resign or temporarily recuse himself from prime ministerial duties, the movement said. It was not immediately clear when the court might rule on the petition. Gantz's mandate to form a government - after an unsuccessful attempt by Netanyahu to do so - expired on Wednesday. The next day, Israel's president declared a three-week period in which lawmakers can nominate one of their own to try to put together a ruling coalition. Should that fail, a new election - Israel's third in a year - will be triggered. Netanyahu's hope of securing that parliamentary nomination was challenged by Gideon Saar, a rival within his Likud party. Saar said on Saturday Netanyahu would not able to win a third election and called on Likud to hold a leadership ballot. "There is only one way in which we can save the country, extricate it from the crisis and ensure the Likud's continued rule - and that is if we go to snap primaries today, within these 21 days," Saar told Israel's Channel 12 television. Saar has previously said he would consider running for the top Likud slot. While voicing appreciation for Netanyahu's record-long term and noting he was innocent until proven otherwise, Saar criticised the premier's attempts to cast his criminal prosecution as a "coup attempt" involving police, prosecutors and the media. "Not only is it wrong to say that, it's also irresponsible to say that. It’s completely out of touch," Saar said. The Likud party spokesman dismissed the challenge. "It is sad to see that while Prime Minister Netanyahu keeps Israel safe on all fronts and works to preserve Likud rule, Gideon Saar, as is his wont, is displaying zero loyalty and maximum subversion," the spokesman said. Opening the weekly cabinet meeting on Sunday, Netanyahu made no mention of the political crisis or his legal woes, speaking about Israeli security issues.

Israel's Netanyahu faces court, party challenges after indictment

Scotland will face Israel in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/wales-qualifies-for-euro-2020-belgium-netherlands-germany-secure-victories-in-final-qualifying-clash-263291">Euro 2020 playoff</a> semi-finals at Hampden Park, while Ireland visit Slovakia following a draw on Friday at UEFA headquarters in Switzerland.

Steve Clarke's Scotland were assured a home match because they topped their group in the inaugural Nations League last year, and victory at Hampden Park on March 26 will see them visit either Norway or Serbia in the Path C playoff final.

"We have to make sure everyone is available come March and do what we can to get the country (qualified)," Clarke told Sky Sports.

"We are one of the host nations and we don't want to be a host nation watching on from the sidelines.

"I never get too carried away about who we're going to get. We will be familiar with Israel because we played them in the Nations League group stage, and hopefully we can get a positive outcome."

Scotland, who are aiming to reach their first major finals in 22 years, will join <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/harry-kane-treble-as-england-demolish-montenegro-to-book-euro-2020-spot-262238">England in Group D</a> if they qualify for the finals next year.

Ireland, who already knew their opponents ahead of Friday's draw, could visit the winner of the match between Bosnia and Northern Ireland in the Path B final.

Iceland, who reached the Euro 2016 quarter-finals, will host Romania in the Path A semi-final. The winner will need to beat Bulgaria or <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/croatia-thump-hungary-to-stay-on-course-slovakia-hold-wales-255125">Hungary</a> to secure progress to the main draw.

The four playoff winners will then join the 20 teams who have already qualified for the Euro 2020 finals to be held from June 12 to July 12.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/euro-2020-qualifiers-with-20-out-of-24-berths-filled-england-france-italy-top-their-groups-263461">In pictures:&nbsp;Euro 2020 Qualifiers: List of 20 contenders for Europe's top prize</a>

For the first time, the Euro finals will be staged in 12 cities in 12 countries across Europe rather than the traditional system of one or two host nations.

The main draw for the competition will be held in Bucharest on November&nbsp;30, with each host nation to play in the group assigned to their stadium.

Denmark and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/hazard-brothers-shine-as-belgium-thrash-russia-in-euro-qualifiers-262650">Russia</a>, who are both host nations, have qualified for the finals and are paired in Group B.

Following a draw, it was decided that Denmark will play all their group stage matches in Copenhagen, including their meeting with Russia.

Russia will play the other two matches in St Petersburg.

Scotland will face Israel in the Euro 2020 playoff semi-finals at Hampden Park, while Ireland visit Slovakia following a draw on Friday at UEFA headquarters in Switzerland.

Scotland will face Israel in the Euro 2020 playoff semi-finals at Hampden Park, while Ireland visit Slovakia following a draw on Friday at UEFA headquarters in Switzerland. Steve Clarke's Scotland were assured a home match because they topped their group in the inaugural Nations League last year, and victory at Hampden Park on March 26 will see them visit either Norway or Serbia in the Path C playoff final. "We have to make sure everyone is available come March and do what we can to get the country (qualified)," Clarke told Sky Sports. "We are one of the host nations and we don't want to be a host nation watching on from the sidelines. "I never get too carried away about who we're going to get. We will be familiar with Israel because we played them in the Nations League group stage, and hopefully we can get a positive outcome." Scotland, who are aiming to reach their first major finals in 22 years, will join England in Group D if they qualify for the finals next year. Ireland, who already knew their opponents ahead of Friday's draw, could visit the winner of the match between Bosnia and Northern Ireland in the Path B final. Iceland, who reached the Euro 2016 quarter-finals, will host Romania in the Path A semi-final. The winner will need to beat Bulgaria or Hungary to secure progress to the main draw. The four playoff winners will then join the 20 teams who have already qualified for the Euro 2020 finals to be held from June 12 to July 12. In pictures: Euro 2020 Qualifiers: List of 20 contenders for Europe's top prize For the first time, the Euro finals will be staged in 12 cities in 12 countries across Europe rather than the traditional system of one or two host nations. The main draw for the competition will be held in Bucharest on November 30, with each host nation to play in the group assigned to their stadium. Denmark and Russia, who are both host nations, have qualified for the finals and are paired in Group B. Following a draw, it was decided that Denmark will play all their group stage matches in Copenhagen, including their meeting with Russia. Russia will play the other two matches in St Petersburg.

Scotland v Israel, Slovakia v Ireland in Euro 2020 playoff semis

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/benjamin-netanyahu-faces-graft-indictment-ruling-at-1730-gmt-ministry-263731">indicted by the country's justice ministry</a> for bribery, corruption, fraud and breach of trust on Thursday.&nbsp;

Netanyahu faced a three-year-long probe in three cases. The judgement delivers a tight blow to Netanyahu just before possible polls.&nbsp;

Netanyahu now faces a trial in court and in case he gets convicted he will be barred from contesting polls and could also face a 10-year-long jail term.&nbsp;

Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit announced the decision, the first of its kind against a serving Israeli prime minister, in a statement and said the charges included bribery, breach of trust and fraud.

Police recommended in February that Mandelblit file criminal charges against the right-wing prime minister in the long-running investigations dubbed Cases 1000, 2000 and 4000.

Netanyahu has denied any wrongdoing in the three corruption cases, saying he is a victim of a political witch-hunt.

He is suspected of wrongfully accepting $264,000 worth of gifts, which prosecutors said included cigars and champagne, from tycoons and of dispensing favours in alleged bids for improved coverage by an Israeli newspaper and a website, news agency Reuters reported.&nbsp;

He could face up to 10 years in prison if convicted of bribery and a maximum 3-year term for fraud and breach of trust.

An indictment against Netanyahu, Israel's longest-serving leader, would raise more uncertainty over <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-president-asks-parliament-to-find-new-pm-and-avoid-elections-263705">who will ultimately lead a country</a> mired in political chaos after two inconclusive elections this year.

(With inputs from Reuters)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was indicted by the country's justice ministry for bribery, corruption, fraud and breach of trust on Thursday. Netanyahu faced a three-year-long probe in three cases.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was indicted by the country's justice ministry for bribery, corruption, fraud and breach of trust on Thursday. Netanyahu faced a three-year-long probe in three cases. The judgement delivers a tight blow to Netanyahu just before possible polls. Netanyahu now faces a trial in court and in case he gets convicted he will be barred from contesting polls and could also face a 10-year-long jail term. Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit announced the decision, the first of its kind against a serving Israeli prime minister, in a statement and said the charges included bribery, breach of trust and fraud. Police recommended in February that Mandelblit file criminal charges against the right-wing prime minister in the long-running investigations dubbed Cases 1000, 2000 and 4000. Netanyahu has denied any wrongdoing in the three corruption cases, saying he is a victim of a political witch-hunt. He is suspected of wrongfully accepting $264,000 worth of gifts, which prosecutors said included cigars and champagne, from tycoons and of dispensing favours in alleged bids for improved coverage by an Israeli newspaper and a website, news agency Reuters reported. He could face up to 10 years in prison if convicted of bribery and a maximum 3-year term for fraud and breach of trust. An indictment against Netanyahu, Israel's longest-serving leader, would raise more uncertainty over who will ultimately lead a country mired in political chaos after two inconclusive elections this year. (With inputs from Reuters)

Israel's justice ministry indicts PM Benjamin Netanyahu for fraud, breach of trust and corruption

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-carried-out-strikes-on-irans-quds-force-syrian-targets-israel-army-263308">Israeli army </a>carried out a "wide-scale" attack against Iranian forces and Syrian army targets in Syria Wednesday, killing at least 11 fighters, the Israeli army and a monitoring group said.&nbsp;

In a rare confirmation of their operations in Syria, the Israeli army said they carried out dozens on strikes against the Iranian elite Quds Force and the Syrian military, in response to four rockets fired at Israel a day before.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-military-confirms-attack-on-syria-after-4-rocket-fired-by-syria-263330/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

At least eleven "fighters" were killed in the strikes, said Britain-based monitoring group the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR).

Seven were foreigners, its head Rami Abdel Rahman said, though he could not confirm whether they were all Iranian. Four civilians were also wounded, he added.

Iran has fought alongside Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's forces in the country's eight-year civil war, heightening Israeli concern over the presence of its arch foe along its border.

"Whoever hurts us, we will hurt him," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement.

"This is what we did overnight vis-a-vis military targets of the Iranian Quds Force and Syrian military targets in Syria after a barrage of rockets was launched at Israel."

The Israeli army said they had targeted around a dozen military sites, including warehouses and military command centres.

"It was very intense," spokesman Jonathan Conricus told AFP said.

The most important target, he said, was a control facility at the main international airport in Damascus.

"It is the main building that serves the (Iranian) Revolutionary Guards... for coordinating the logistic facilities of transport of military hardware from Iran to Syria and from Syria onwards," he said.

'Heavy attack'&nbsp;

Israel has carried out frequent air and missile strikes against Iranian targets inside Syria since the country descended into civil war in 2011 but rarely comments on them.

On Tuesday four rockets were fired at Israel from Syria, with the army blaming an "Iranian force".

Israel's Iron Dome missile defence system intercepted the rockets.

Conricus said it was the sixth time Iranian forces had attacked Israel directly in recent years, most recently in August.

The Israeli attack Wednesday began in the early hours, with a series of large explosions rocking Damascus, an AFP correspondent in the city said.

Syria's state media SANA said Syrian anti-aircraft defences responded to a "heavy attack" by Israeli warplanes over the capital.

The Israeli army confirmed missiles were fired towards its jets but denied any were hit.

In response to the fire, it said, "a number of Syrian aerial defence batteries were destroyed".

"We hold the Syrian regime responsible for the actions that take place in Syrian territory and warn them against allowing further attacks against Israel," the army said.

SANA added that the strikes were carried out from "Lebanese and Palestinian territories". Israel sometimes launches its attacks on Syria from planes flying over neighbouring Lebanon.

Syria's civil war has been complicated by the involvement of multiple foreign powers, with Russian, Iranian and US forces on the ground backing various parties.

Flare-up&nbsp;

The SOHR monitoring group said Tuesday's rockets were fired from positions around the Syrian capital held by groups loyal to the Damascus government.

The flare-up follows a major escalation in and around Gaza last week when Israel killed a top commander of Palestinian militant group Islamic Jihad, which is allied with Damascus.

The killing was accompanied by a second strike, unconfirmed by Israel, on an Islamic Jihad leader in Damascus that killed his son and another person.

The hundreds of strikes carried out by Israel in Syria have mostly been against Iranian targets or positions of Iran's Lebanese ally, Shiite militant group Hezbollah.

Both are sworn enemies of the Jewish state and have backed the Syrian president's forces with advisers and fighters.

The war in Syria has killed more than 370,000 people and displaced millions.

The Israeli army carried out a "wide-scale" attack against Iranian forces and Syrian army targets in Syria Wednesday, killing at least 11 fighters, the Israeli army and a monitoring group said.

The Israeli army carried out a "wide-scale" attack against Iranian forces and Syrian army targets in Syria Wednesday, killing at least 11 fighters, the Israeli army and a monitoring group said. In a rare confirmation of their operations in Syria, the Israeli army said they carried out dozens on strikes against the Iranian elite Quds Force and the Syrian military, in response to four rockets fired at Israel a day before. At least eleven "fighters" were killed in the strikes, said Britain-based monitoring group the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR). Seven were foreigners, its head Rami Abdel Rahman said, though he could not confirm whether they were all Iranian. Four civilians were also wounded, he added. Iran has fought alongside Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's forces in the country's eight-year civil war, heightening Israeli concern over the presence of its arch foe along its border. "Whoever hurts us, we will hurt him," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement. "This is what we did overnight vis-a-vis military targets of the Iranian Quds Force and Syrian military targets in Syria after a barrage of rockets was launched at Israel." The Israeli army said they had targeted around a dozen military sites, including warehouses and military command centres. "It was very intense," spokesman Jonathan Conricus told AFP said. The most important target, he said, was a control facility at the main international airport in Damascus. "It is the main building that serves the (Iranian) Revolutionary Guards... for coordinating the logistic facilities of transport of military hardware from Iran to Syria and from Syria onwards," he said. 'Heavy attack' Israel has carried out frequent air and missile strikes against Iranian targets inside Syria since the country descended into civil war in 2011 but rarely comments on them. On Tuesday four rockets were fired at Israel from Syria, with the army blaming an "Iranian force". Israel's Iron Dome missile defence system intercepted the rockets. Conricus said it was the sixth time Iranian forces had attacked Israel directly in recent years, most recently in August. The Israeli attack Wednesday began in the early hours, with a series of large explosions rocking Damascus, an AFP correspondent in the city said. Syria's state media SANA said Syrian anti-aircraft defences responded to a "heavy attack" by Israeli warplanes over the capital. The Israeli army confirmed missiles were fired towards its jets but denied any were hit. In response to the fire, it said, "a number of Syrian aerial defence batteries were destroyed". "We hold the Syrian regime responsible for the actions that take place in Syrian territory and warn them against allowing further attacks against Israel," the army said. SANA added that the strikes were carried out from "Lebanese and Palestinian territories". Israel sometimes launches its attacks on Syria from planes flying over neighbouring Lebanon. Syria's civil war has been complicated by the involvement of multiple foreign powers, with Russian, Iranian and US forces on the ground backing various parties. Flare-up The SOHR monitoring group said Tuesday's rockets were fired from positions around the Syrian capital held by groups loyal to the Damascus government. The flare-up follows a major escalation in and around Gaza last week when Israel killed a top commander of Palestinian militant group Islamic Jihad, which is allied with Damascus. The killing was accompanied by a second strike, unconfirmed by Israel, on an Islamic Jihad leader in Damascus that killed his son and another person. The hundreds of strikes carried out by Israel in Syria have mostly been against Iranian targets or positions of Iran's Lebanese ally, Shiite militant group Hezbollah. Both are sworn enemies of the Jewish state and have backed the Syrian president's forces with advisers and fighters. The war in Syria has killed more than 370,000 people and displaced millions.

Israeli strikes in Syria kill 11 fighters: Monitor

Argentina's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/messi-goal-gives-argentina-1-0-win-over-brazil-262481">Lionel Messi</a> scored an added-time penalty to salvage a 2-2 draw with Uruguay as they twice came from behind in an entertaining friendly match in Israel on Monday.

Argentina, now unbeaten in six games since a disappointing Copa America, had the better of the early play but fell behind in the 34th minute when Edinson Cavani stabbed home from close range after a nice build-up by Luis Suarez and Lucas Torreira.

The crowd in Tel Aviv cheered Messi throughout and it was the forward who helped Argentina draw level in the 63rd.

Messi’s free kick from the left was nodded home by Sergio Aguero to put a more realistic sheen on the scoreline for the Argentines, who had been the more positive side throughout.

However, Suarez gave Uruguay the lead again in the 69th when he scored with a powerful 20-metre free kick that flew past goalkeeper Esteban Andrada into the top corner.

But the last word went to Messi who, three days after he missed from 12 yards against Brazil, made no mistake by coolly side-footing home from the spot to secure a deserved draw.

The fixture was the last international for both teams before they begin their 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign in March.

Argentina's Lionel Messi scored an added-time penalty to salvage a 2-2 draw with Uruguay as they twice came from behind in an entertaining friendly match in Israel on Monday.

Argentina's Lionel Messi scored an added-time penalty to salvage a 2-2 draw with Uruguay as they twice came from behind in an entertaining friendly match in Israel on Monday. Argentina, now unbeaten in six games since a disappointing Copa America, had the better of the early play but fell behind in the 34th minute when Edinson Cavani stabbed home from close range after a nice build-up by Luis Suarez and Lucas Torreira. The crowd in Tel Aviv cheered Messi throughout and it was the forward who helped Argentina draw level in the 63rd. Messi’s free kick from the left was nodded home by Sergio Aguero to put a more realistic sheen on the scoreline for the Argentines, who had been the more positive side throughout. However, Suarez gave Uruguay the lead again in the 69th when he scored with a powerful 20-metre free kick that flew past goalkeeper Esteban Andrada into the top corner. But the last word went to Messi who, three days after he missed from 12 yards against Brazil, made no mistake by coolly side-footing home from the spot to secure a deserved draw. The fixture was the last international for both teams before they begin their 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign in March.

Messi's late penalty gives Argentina 2-2 draw with Uruguay

How Islamic Jihad tried to blunt Israel’s Iron Dome with ‘indigenous’ Buraq 120 rockets

Palestinian militant group Islamic Jihad said an Egyptian-mediated <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/islamic-jihad-offers-egypt-mediated-ceasefire-terms-to-israel-as-death-toll-mounts-261923">truce with Israel</a> was in force in the Gaza Strip as of 0330 GMT on Thursday, and a Reuters witness confirmed that fighting had subsided.

An Islamic Jihad official told Reuters that Israel had agreed to the faction's demand that it cease targeted killings of militants and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/deadly-israel-gaza-escalation-rages-for-second-day-261866">shooting of Gaza border </a>protesters. There was no immediate confirmation of this from Israeli officials.

The worst surge in fighting around the Palestinian enclave was sparked on Tuesday when Israel killed Islamic Jihad's top Gaza field commander in an air strike, accusing him of masterminding a spree of recent attacks and planning more soon.

As Islamic Jihad fighters responded with hundreds of rocket launches that reached as far as Tel Aviv and paralysed parts of Israel, it pressed the aerial barrage on the Gaza Strip.

In his first public comments on the fighting, Islamic Jihad leader Zeyad al-Nakhala said a truce could be agreed immediately if Israel accepted the Iranian-backed faction's terms.

These included Israel ending targeted killings of militants, its sometimes lethal response to weekly Gaza protests and steps to ease its blockade on the coastal Palestinian enclave, al-Nakhala, who is based in Beirut, told Al-Mayadeen TV.

Israel signalled openness only to a quid-pro-quo restraint.

"Quiet will be answered with quiet," Israel's Army Radio quoted an unnamed Israeli government official as saying. "Islamic Jihad wants a ceasefire, and it is thus trying to create a false impression of achievements."

Hamas, in turn, has voiced solidarity with Islamic Jihad but has not claimed responsibility for any of the rocket launches. 
&nbsp;

Palestinian militant group Islamic Jihad said an Egyptian-mediated truce with Israel was in force in the Gaza Strip as of 0330 GMT on Thursday, and a Reuters witness confirmed that fighting had subsided.

Palestinian militant group Islamic Jihad said an Egyptian-mediated truce with Israel was in force in the Gaza Strip as of 0330 GMT on Thursday, and a Reuters witness confirmed that fighting had subsided. An Islamic Jihad official told Reuters that Israel had agreed to the faction's demand that it cease targeted killings of militants and shooting of Gaza border protesters. There was no immediate confirmation of this from Israeli officials. The worst surge in fighting around the Palestinian enclave was sparked on Tuesday when Israel killed Islamic Jihad's top Gaza field commander in an air strike, accusing him of masterminding a spree of recent attacks and planning more soon. As Islamic Jihad fighters responded with hundreds of rocket launches that reached as far as Tel Aviv and paralysed parts of Israel, it pressed the aerial barrage on the Gaza Strip. In his first public comments on the fighting, Islamic Jihad leader Zeyad al-Nakhala said a truce could be agreed immediately if Israel accepted the Iranian-backed faction's terms. These included Israel ending targeted killings of militants, its sometimes lethal response to weekly Gaza protests and steps to ease its blockade on the coastal Palestinian enclave, al-Nakhala, who is based in Beirut, told Al-Mayadeen TV. Israel signalled openness only to a quid-pro-quo restraint. "Quiet will be answered with quiet," Israel's Army Radio quoted an unnamed Israeli government official as saying. "Islamic Jihad wants a ceasefire, and it is thus trying to create a false impression of achievements." Hamas, in turn, has voiced solidarity with Islamic Jihad but has not claimed responsibility for any of the rocket launches.

Egypt-mediated truce with Israel in force in Gaza: Islamic Jihad

Palestinian militant group <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/deadly-israel-gaza-escalation-rages-for-second-day-261866">Islamic Jihad offered</a> terms on Wednesday for an Egyptian-mediated ceasefire with Israel, saying if these were not met it was prepared to keep up cross-border rocket attacks&nbsp;indefinitely despite a mounting Gaza death toll.

The worst surge in fighting around the Palestinian enclave was sparked on Tuesday when Israel killed Islamic Jihad's top Gaza field commander in an airstrike, accusing him of masterminding a spree of recent attacks and planning more soon.

As Islamic Jihad fighters responded with hundreds of rocket launches that reached as<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-strikes-gaza-two-more-palestinians-killed-death-toll-rises-to-18-261808"> far as Tel Aviv and paralysed</a> parts of Israel, it pressed the aerial barrage on the Gaza Strip.

Medics say 26 Palestinians, including at least 14 gunmen and six civilians, have been killed. Dozens have been injured on both sides.

In his first public comments on the fighting, Islamic Jihad leader Zeyad al-Nakhala said a truce could be agreed immediately if Israel accepted the Iranian-backed faction's terms.

These included Israel ending targeted killings of militants, its sometimes lethal response to weekly Gaza protests and steps to ease its blockade on the coastal Palestinian enclave, al-Nakhala, who is based in Beirut, told Al-Mayadeen TV.

Al-Nakhala said he expected to hear Israel's response via Cairo within hours. Should a truce not be agreed, he said, "the (Islamic Jihad armed wing) Jerusalem Brigades is able to manage the battle, and for a long time".

Israel signalled openness only to a quid-pro-quo restraint.

"Quiet will be answered with quiet," Israel's Army Radio quoted an unnamed Israeli government official as saying. "Islamic Jihad wants a ceasefire, and it is thus trying to create a false impression of achievements."

Israel had previously said it sought no escalation in Gaza. Unlike with past rounds of fighting, when Israel held Gaza's dominant Hamas faction responsible for any cross-border attacks, this time Hamas has been spared Israeli retaliation.

Hamas, in turn, has voiced solidarity with Islamic Jihad but has not claimed responsibility for any of the rocket launches.

Palestinian militant group Islamic Jihad offered terms on Wednesday for an Egyptian-mediated ceasefire with Israel, saying if these were not met it was prepared to keep up cross-border rocket attacks indefinitely despite a mounting Gaza death toll.

Palestinian militant group Islamic Jihad offered terms on Wednesday for an Egyptian-mediated ceasefire with Israel, saying if these were not met it was prepared to keep up cross-border rocket attacks indefinitely despite a mounting Gaza death toll. The worst surge in fighting around the Palestinian enclave was sparked on Tuesday when Israel killed Islamic Jihad's top Gaza field commander in an airstrike, accusing him of masterminding a spree of recent attacks and planning more soon. As Islamic Jihad fighters responded with hundreds of rocket launches that reached as far as Tel Aviv and paralysed parts of Israel, it pressed the aerial barrage on the Gaza Strip. Medics say 26 Palestinians, including at least 14 gunmen and six civilians, have been killed. Dozens have been injured on both sides. In his first public comments on the fighting, Islamic Jihad leader Zeyad al-Nakhala said a truce could be agreed immediately if Israel accepted the Iranian-backed faction's terms. These included Israel ending targeted killings of militants, its sometimes lethal response to weekly Gaza protests and steps to ease its blockade on the coastal Palestinian enclave, al-Nakhala, who is based in Beirut, told Al-Mayadeen TV. Al-Nakhala said he expected to hear Israel's response via Cairo within hours. Should a truce not be agreed, he said, "the (Islamic Jihad armed wing) Jerusalem Brigades is able to manage the battle, and for a long time". Israel signalled openness only to a quid-pro-quo restraint. "Quiet will be answered with quiet," Israel's Army Radio quoted an unnamed Israeli government official as saying. "Islamic Jihad wants a ceasefire, and it is thus trying to create a false impression of achievements." Israel had previously said it sought no escalation in Gaza. Unlike with past rounds of fighting, when Israel held Gaza's dominant Hamas faction responsible for any cross-border attacks, this time Hamas has been spared Israeli retaliation. Hamas, in turn, has voiced solidarity with Islamic Jihad but has not claimed responsibility for any of the rocket launches.

Islamic Jihad offers Egypt-mediated ceasefire terms to Israel as death toll mounts

Palestinian militant group Islamic Jihad and Israel halted hostilities across the Gaza Strip border on Thursday following <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/egypt-mediated-truce-with-israel-in-force-in-gaza-islamic-jihad-261943">Egyptian- and U.N.-mediated efforts </a>to end the worst surge in fighting in months.

Islamic Jihad said a truce went into effect at 0330 GMT, about 48 hours after Israel triggered the exchange of fire by killing the Iranian-backed faction's top Gaza commander in an airstrike, deeming him an imminent threat.

Gaza medical officials put the total death toll at 34 Palestinians, almost half of them civilians and including eight children and three women.

On the other side of the Gaza border, hundreds of rocket launches by militants paralysed much of southern Israel, injuring dozens of people.

Hamas, Gaza's dominant faction, appeared to have stayed out of this round of fighting. That may have helped stem escalation.

An Egyptian official contacted by Reuters confirmed a truce had been reached. The Israeli military eased emergency regulations imposed on areas within range of Gaza rockets.

Islamic Jihad said Israel had accepted its demand to stop both the targeted killing of militants and sometimes lethal army gunfire at weekly Palestinian protests on the Gaza border.

"The ceasefire began under Egyptian sponsorship after the Occupation (Israel) submitted to the conditions set by Islamic Jihad on behalf of Palestinian resistance factions," Islamic Jihad spokesman Musab Al-Braim said.

But Israel said it would observe a more limited quid-pro-quo. "Quiet will be answered with quiet," Foreign Minister Israel Katz told Israel's Army Radio.

Missile strike

In the deadliest incident of the two-day hostilities, eight members of a Gaza family were killed by an Israeli missile strike shortly before the truce took hold, said medical officials and residents.

They said all were civilians. But Israeli military spokesman Major Avichay Adraee said the head of the family, Rasmi Abu Malhous, who was among the dead, was the commander of Islamic Jihad rocket crews in the central Gaza Strip.

Neighbours left their homes to help rescue workers pull out the bodies of the family, some of which were completely buried in sandy earth. Civilians tried to test the pulse of one body before pulling it out.

Israel's allegation about Rasmi Abu Malhous could not be immediately be confirmed by Reuters. Islamic Jihad did not claim him as a member.

Neither the two days of hostilities nor the sudden cessation shifted the dynamics of the underlying core conflict.

While Hamas has been open to long-term ceasefires, like Islamic Jihad it refuses to accept permanent coexistence with Israel.

Gazans are seeking to end years of an Israeli-led blockade. Refugees from the 1948 war of Israel's founding and their descendents make up most of the two million Palestinians in Gaza and are seeking the right to return to their former lands.

Israel rejects this as demographic suicide and sees no means of making peace as long as Hamas and Islamic Jihad are armed.

Katz said there would be no change to Israeli military policy in Gaza, contradicting the assertion of Islamic Jihad.

Targeted killings "will not cease", he said, and "the open-fire policy for which the Israel Defence Forces is responsible (at the Gaza border) will not change".

Gaza was mostly quiet at daybreak, with the exception of a lone rocket launch witnessed by a Reuters correspondent and the sounding of sirens in some outlying Israeli towns.

Markets in Gaza reopened as life returned to normal, though people expressed mixed feelings about the truce.

"We responded and made clear our blood was not shed in vain. Also, a truce is good because we don't want our people to suffer more under the blockade," said one resident, Mohammad Al-Smairi.

UN mediator Nickolay Mladenov said the Gaza situation remained fragile, tweeting: "All must show maximum restraint and do their part to prevent bloodshed. The Middle East does not need more wars."

Palestinian militant group Islamic Jihad and Israel halted hostilities across the Gaza Strip border on Thursday following Egyptian- and U.N.-mediated efforts to end the worst surge in fighting in months.

Palestinian militant group Islamic Jihad and Israel halted hostilities across the Gaza Strip border on Thursday following Egyptian- and U.N.-mediated efforts to end the worst surge in fighting in months. Islamic Jihad said a truce went into effect at 0330 GMT, about 48 hours after Israel triggered the exchange of fire by killing the Iranian-backed faction's top Gaza commander in an airstrike, deeming him an imminent threat. Gaza medical officials put the total death toll at 34 Palestinians, almost half of them civilians and including eight children and three women. On the other side of the Gaza border, hundreds of rocket launches by militants paralysed much of southern Israel, injuring dozens of people. Hamas, Gaza's dominant faction, appeared to have stayed out of this round of fighting. That may have helped stem escalation. An Egyptian official contacted by Reuters confirmed a truce had been reached. The Israeli military eased emergency regulations imposed on areas within range of Gaza rockets. Islamic Jihad said Israel had accepted its demand to stop both the targeted killing of militants and sometimes lethal army gunfire at weekly Palestinian protests on the Gaza border. "The ceasefire began under Egyptian sponsorship after the Occupation (Israel) submitted to the conditions set by Islamic Jihad on behalf of Palestinian resistance factions," Islamic Jihad spokesman Musab Al-Braim said. But Israel said it would observe a more limited quid-pro-quo. "Quiet will be answered with quiet," Foreign Minister Israel Katz told Israel's Army Radio. Missile strike In the deadliest incident of the two-day hostilities, eight members of a Gaza family were killed by an Israeli missile strike shortly before the truce took hold, said medical officials and residents. They said all were civilians. But Israeli military spokesman Major Avichay Adraee said the head of the family, Rasmi Abu Malhous, who was among the dead, was the commander of Islamic Jihad rocket crews in the central Gaza Strip. Neighbours left their homes to help rescue workers pull out the bodies of the family, some of which were completely buried in sandy earth. Civilians tried to test the pulse of one body before pulling it out. Israel's allegation about Rasmi Abu Malhous could not be immediately be confirmed by Reuters. Islamic Jihad did not claim him as a member. Neither the two days of hostilities nor the sudden cessation shifted the dynamics of the underlying core conflict. While Hamas has been open to long-term ceasefires, like Islamic Jihad it refuses to accept permanent coexistence with Israel. Gazans are seeking to end years of an Israeli-led blockade. Refugees from the 1948 war of Israel's founding and their descendents make up most of the two million Palestinians in Gaza and are seeking the right to return to their former lands. Israel rejects this as demographic suicide and sees no means of making peace as long as Hamas and Islamic Jihad are armed. Katz said there would be no change to Israeli military policy in Gaza, contradicting the assertion of Islamic Jihad. Targeted killings "will not cease", he said, and "the open-fire policy for which the Israel Defence Forces is responsible (at the Gaza border) will not change". Gaza was mostly quiet at daybreak, with the exception of a lone rocket launch witnessed by a Reuters correspondent and the sounding of sirens in some outlying Israeli towns. Markets in Gaza reopened as life returned to normal, though people expressed mixed feelings about the truce. "We responded and made clear our blood was not shed in vain. Also, a truce is good because we don't want our people to suffer more under the blockade," said one resident, Mohammad Al-Smairi. UN mediator Nickolay Mladenov said the Gaza situation remained fragile, tweeting: "All must show maximum restraint and do their part to prevent bloodshed. The Middle East does not need more wars."

Islamic Jihad, Israel halt hostilities in Gaza, 34 Palestinians dead

How Israel's Iron Dome missile defence system blunts rockets from Gaza

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said fighting with Palestinian Islamic Jihad militants that erupted after Israel<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-kills-islamic-jihads-top-commander-in-missile-attack-261537"> killed their top field commander</a> in the Gaza Strip on Tuesday could prove protracted.

"Israel is not interested in escalation, but we will do everything required to protect ourselves," Netanyahu told reporters at military headquarters. "This could take time. What is needed is stamina and cool-headedness."

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said fighting with Palestinian Islamic Jihad militants that erupted after Israel killed their top field commander in the Gaza Strip on Tuesday could prove protracted.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said fighting with Palestinian Islamic Jihad militants that erupted after Israel killed their top field commander in the Gaza Strip on Tuesday could prove protracted. "Israel is not interested in escalation, but we will do everything required to protect ourselves," Netanyahu told reporters at military headquarters. "This could take time. What is needed is stamina and cool-headedness."

Netanyahu says Israel-Gaza fighting 'could take time'

A Palestinian man was shot and killed on Monday during clashes with Israeli forces in the south of the occupied West Bank, the Palestinian health ministry and medics said.

Palestinian medical sources identified the man as 22-year old Omar al-Badawi, who was hit in the chest with live fire before being taken to Ahali hospital in the nearby city of Hebron, where he was pronounced dead.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../name-board-of-whatsapp-snoopgate-firm-nso- goes-missing-office-shifted-to-undisclosed-location-259800">Israeli army</a> did not immediately comment on the incident at Al Arroub refugee camp.

The clashes came as Palestinians in the West Bank marked the 15th anniversary&nbsp;of the death of former president Yasser Arafat.

Medics also reported Israeli use of live fire in clashes at Fawwar, south of Hebron.

Hamas, the Islamist leaders of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../palestinian-killed-2-wounded-in-israel-gaza- counter-strikes-259419">Gaza Strip</a>, prohibited a Fatah event to mark the death of Arafat in the coastal Palestinian enclave.

Hamas and Fatah, which Arafat led, have been deeply divided since 2007 near civil war in the Gaza Strip .

A Palestinian man was shot and killed on Monday during clashes with Israeli forces in the south of the occupied West Bank, the Palestinian health ministry and medics said.

A Palestinian man was shot and killed on Monday during clashes with Israeli forces in the south of the occupied West Bank, the Palestinian health ministry and medics said. Palestinian medical sources identified the man as 22-year old Omar al-Badawi, who was hit in the chest with live fire before being taken to Ahali hospital in the nearby city of Hebron, where he was pronounced dead. The Israeli army did not immediately comment on the incident at Al Arroub refugee camp. The clashes came as Palestinians in the West Bank marked the 15th anniversary of the death of former president Yasser Arafat. Medics also reported Israeli use of live fire in clashes at Fawwar, south of Hebron. Hamas, the Islamist leaders of the Gaza Strip, prohibited a Fatah event to mark the death of Arafat in the coastal Palestinian enclave. Hamas and Fatah, which Arafat led, have been deeply divided since 2007 near civil war in the Gaza Strip .

Palestinian man shot dead in West Bank clashes: Health Ministry

A brief look at Israel's thriving hacking industry

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi has demanded the central government to summon Israel's ambassador over the alleged role of Israeli spyware Pegasus for 'snooping'&nbsp;on Indian citizens through WhatsApp.

"We have learned that there is a company from Israel that can get access to your WhatsApp account. They can listen to the conversations you have in your homes. The government should summon Israel's ambassador and ask him about it, instead of questioning WhatsApp," Owaisi said at an event on Saturday.

The central government has already clarified its stand on the matter.

Union information technology minister Ravi Shankar Prasad had said that the government is concerned at the breach of privacy of citizens of India on WhatsApp and has sought a detailed explanation from the messaging platform.

Meanwhile, speaking further at the event, Owaisi also slammed the Centre over issues of unemployment and poverty in the country while outlining the problems of TSRTC drivers in Telangana.

"The state of poverty and employment is such that drivers who went to their homes on Dussehra drove TSRTC buses when they were offered Rs 200 more," he said. "There is an economic slowdown in the country. People are worried and our Prime Minister is in Thailand," he added. Owaisi also spoke on the proposed signing of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) free trade agreement, submitting that it would have serious effects on the milk industry. The AIMIM leader said: "They (the government) are going to sign RCEP agreement. I want to warn milk traders to be prepared that if Prime Minister signs RCEP the milk powder will come in imports at less than half price."

Earlier on Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said that India remains committed to a comprehensive and balanced outcome of RCEP negotiations and seeks balance across goods, services and investments and also within each pillar.&nbsp;

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi has demanded the central government to summon Israel's ambassador over the alleged role of Israeli spyware Pegasus for 'snooping' on Indian citizens through WhatsApp.

AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi has demanded the central government to summon Israel's ambassador over the alleged role of Israeli spyware Pegasus for 'snooping' on Indian citizens through WhatsApp. "We have learned that there is a company from Israel that can get access to your WhatsApp account. They can listen to the conversations you have in your homes. The government should summon Israel's ambassador and ask him about it, instead of questioning WhatsApp," Owaisi said at an event on Saturday. The central government has already clarified its stand on the matter. Union information technology minister Ravi Shankar Prasad had said that the government is concerned at the breach of privacy of citizens of India on WhatsApp and has sought a detailed explanation from the messaging platform. Meanwhile, speaking further at the event, Owaisi also slammed the Centre over issues of unemployment and poverty in the country while outlining the problems of TSRTC drivers in Telangana. "The state of poverty and employment is such that drivers who went to their homes on Dussehra drove TSRTC buses when they were offered Rs 200 more," he said. "There is an economic slowdown in the country. People are worried and our Prime Minister is in Thailand," he added. Owaisi also spoke on the proposed signing of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) free trade agreement, submitting that it would have serious effects on the milk industry. The AIMIM leader said: "They (the government) are going to sign RCEP agreement. I want to warn milk traders to be prepared that if Prime Minister signs RCEP the milk powder will come in imports at less than half price." Earlier on Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said that India remains committed to a comprehensive and balanced outcome of RCEP negotiations and seeks balance across goods, services and investments and also within each pillar.

Owaisi attacks Centre over WhatsApp snooping allegations

Palestinian militants fired a barrage of rockets at Israel and the Israeli military responded with a wave of pre-dawn airstrikes in Gaza killing one man on Saturday, Palestinian and Israeli officials said.

The Israeli army said it targeted sites belonging to Hamas, the Islamist militant group which rules Gaza, after Palestinians fired 10 rockets into Israel late on Friday.

Eight of them were intercepted by missile defence systems. One projectile hit a house in a town near the border, causing damage but no casualties, police said.

In southern Gaza, medical officials and locals said a small cabin was hit, killing a 27-year-old civilian and wounding two others.

None of the armed groups in Gaza claimed responsibility for firing the rockets. The Israeli military said Hamas was ultimately responsible for the attack.

Israel and Hamas have fought three wars over the past decade and cross-border tensions are high and such flare-ups are not rare.

Israel pulled its troops and settlers from the narrow coastal strip in 2005 but keeps the enclave under a blockade, citing security concerns. About 2 million Palestinians live in Gaza.

Palestinian militants fired a barrage of rockets at Israel and the Israeli military responded with a wave of pre-dawn airstrikes in Gaza killing one man on Saturday, Palestinian and Israeli officials said.

Palestinian militants fired a barrage of rockets at Israel and the Israeli military responded with a wave of pre-dawn airstrikes in Gaza killing one man on Saturday, Palestinian and Israeli officials said. The Israeli army said it targeted sites belonging to Hamas, the Islamist militant group which rules Gaza, after Palestinians fired 10 rockets into Israel late on Friday. Eight of them were intercepted by missile defence systems. One projectile hit a house in a town near the border, causing damage but no casualties, police said. In southern Gaza, medical officials and locals said a small cabin was hit, killing a 27-year-old civilian and wounding two others. None of the armed groups in Gaza claimed responsibility for firing the rockets. The Israeli military said Hamas was ultimately responsible for the attack. Israel and Hamas have fought three wars over the past decade and cross-border tensions are high and such flare-ups are not rare. Israel pulled its troops and settlers from the narrow coastal strip in 2005 but keeps the enclave under a blockade, citing security concerns. About 2 million Palestinians live in Gaza.

Palestinian killed, two wounded in Israel-Gaza counter strikes

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