The Israeli army said it launched artillery towards Lebanon on Monday in response to rocket fire from the neighbouring country that failed to hit the Jewish state.

"Six failed launch attempts were identified from Lebanon that did not cross into Israeli territory," the army said in a statement. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/need-details-justification-from-israel-for-strikes-on-media-outlets-in-gaza-us-385646">Also read | Need details, justification from Israel for strikes on media outlets in Gaza: US</a> 
 
"Artillery forces fired toward the sources of the launches."

A Lebanese military source told AFP three rockets had been fired from Southern Lebanon towards Israel.

"Three Grad-type rockets were fired from the Shebaa Farms area," not far from the Israeli border, the Lebanese military source said.

"The situation in the area is now calm," tweeted the UN peacekeeping mission in southern Lebanon, which is in contact with both countries, several hours after the rocket fire.

It is the second time rockets have been launched from Lebanese territory towards Israel since hostilities flared between the Jewish state and armed Palestinian groups in the Gaza Strip last week.

Last Thursday, three rockets were fired from southern Lebanon near the Palestinian refugee camp of Rashidiyeh toward Israel, a Lebanese military source said. Israel's army said those rockets had landed in the sea.

A source close to Israel's arch-enemy Hezbollah said the Lebanese Shiite group had no link to the incident.

Protests have also been held against Israel's air campaign on Gaza, with a Lebanese demonstrator killed by Israeli fire last week during a rally in the border area.

That came after a number of young demonstrators had tried to cross into the northern Israeli border town of Metula, according to Lebanese state media.

The Israeli army said Monday that in recent days it had "spotted a number of Lebanese suspects approaching the security fence" and damaging it.

"The IDF views any attempt to breach Israel's sovereignty with great severity, and will continue to operate in both overt and covert ways in the area," it said in a statement.

Over 200 people have been killed in the exchange of fire between Israel and armed groups in the Gaza Strip, a Palestinian enclave controlled by Islamists Hamas.

Israel launched airstrikes last Monday in response to rocket fire from Hamas towards Jerusalem.

That was in response to bloody Israeli police action at the flashpoint Al-Aqsa mosque compound in Jerusalem, as well as a crackdown on protests against the planned Israeli expulsion of Palestinians from their homes in the Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood in annexed east Jerusalem.

The Israeli army said it launched artillery towards Lebanon on Monday in response to rocket fire from the neighbouring country that failed to hit the Jewish state.

The Israeli army said it launched artillery towards Lebanon on Monday in response to rocket fire from the neighbouring country that failed to hit the Jewish state. "Six failed launch attempts were identified from Lebanon that did not cross into Israeli territory," the army said in a statement. Also read | Need details, justification from Israel for strikes on media outlets in Gaza: US "Artillery forces fired toward the sources of the launches." A Lebanese military source told AFP three rockets had been fired from Southern Lebanon towards Israel. "Three Grad-type rockets were fired from the Shebaa Farms area," not far from the Israeli border, the Lebanese military source said. "The situation in the area is now calm," tweeted the UN peacekeeping mission in southern Lebanon, which is in contact with both countries, several hours after the rocket fire. It is the second time rockets have been launched from Lebanese territory towards Israel since hostilities flared between the Jewish state and armed Palestinian groups in the Gaza Strip last week. Last Thursday, three rockets were fired from southern Lebanon near the Palestinian refugee camp of Rashidiyeh toward Israel, a Lebanese military source said. Israel's army said those rockets had landed in the sea. A source close to Israel's arch-enemy Hezbollah said the Lebanese Shiite group had no link to the incident. Protests have also been held against Israel's air campaign on Gaza, with a Lebanese demonstrator killed by Israeli fire last week during a rally in the border area. That came after a number of young demonstrators had tried to cross into the northern Israeli border town of Metula, according to Lebanese state media. The Israeli army said Monday that in recent days it had "spotted a number of Lebanese suspects approaching the security fence" and damaging it. "The IDF views any attempt to breach Israel's sovereignty with great severity, and will continue to operate in both overt and covert ways in the area," it said in a statement. Over 200 people have been killed in the exchange of fire between Israel and armed groups in the Gaza Strip, a Palestinian enclave controlled by Islamists Hamas. Israel launched airstrikes last Monday in response to rocket fire from Hamas towards Jerusalem. That was in response to bloody Israeli police action at the flashpoint Al-Aqsa mosque compound in Jerusalem, as well as a crackdown on protests against the planned Israeli expulsion of Palestinians from their homes in the Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood in annexed east Jerusalem.

Israeli army says fires artillery at Lebanon after rocket fire

They smuggle the parts or make their own, aided with know-how from Iran. They repurpose plumbing pipes scavenged from abandoned Israeli settlements and components culled from dud Israeli bombs. They assemble the rockets underground or in dense neighbourhoods that the Israelis are reluctant to strike.

Despite Israel’s vaunted surveillance capability and overwhelming military firepower next door, Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip have managed to amass a large arsenal of rockets with an enhanced range in the 16 years since Israel vacated the coastal enclave it had occupied after the 1967 war.

Hamas, the militant group that has run Gaza since 2007 and does not recognize Israel’s right to exist, has parlayed the arsenal into an increasingly lethal threat, as seen in the most recent upsurge of hostilities with the Israeli military. By Thursday, Israeli officials said, the militants had fired about 1,800 rockets.

The arsenal pales in comparison to the vast destructive powers of Israel’s air force. But to Israelis, the rockets are the tools of what their country and many others including the United States regard as a terrorist organization, embedded among the nearly 2 million Palestinian inhabitants of Gaza.

To many Palestinians, the rockets symbolize their rightful resistance to Israeli dominance and occupation.

How many rockets have been amassed by Hamas and its allies?

Israeli intelligence has estimated that Hamas, Islamic Jihad and other Palestinian militant groups have about 30,000 rockets and mortar projectiles stashed in Gaza. The rockets are of widely varying ranges and lack guidance systems, but the militants have been able to improve their accuracy.

What is new about the latest volleys launched from Gaza?

The number of rockets fired each day in the most recent spate of hostilities is unprecedented. And while the majority of the rockets appear to be aimed at population centres across southern and central Israel, longer-range rockets were launched at Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. This is a sign, experts say, that Hamas has not only managed to replenish its arsenal but has improved its capabilities.

Some Israeli commanders have expressed surprise at both the intensity and range of the Gaza rockets.

An analysis by Michael Armstrong, an associate professor of operations research at Brock University in Canada, found a significant increase in the rate of fire. Using numbers from the Israel Defense Forces, Armstrong, who studies these weapons, cited 470 rockets fired from Gaza during the first 24 hours of the most recent escalation compared to a peak of 192 rockets per day in 2014 and 312 in 2012.

Hamas, he says, also launched more long-range attacks with 130 rockets fired at Tel Aviv late Tuesday, representing close to 17% of all fired until that point. In 2014, that rate was at 8% and in 2012 at less than 1%.

“We still don’t know if Hamas has more long-range rockets, or if they are choosing to use their best stuff first,” Armstrong said.

Why can’t Israel’s military destroy all the rockets in flight?

Israel has successfully thwarted many of the rockets fired with its Iron Dome antimissile defence system, destroying them before they land. But an increasing number of rockets have slammed into Israeli territory, some with deadly effect. Experts say the militants now know that the intensity of the barrages — and the multiple directions from which they launch — have exposed vulnerabilities in the Israeli defence.

“It seems they’re looking to overload or saturate Israel’s interceptive system, which can only handle a certain number of attacks at once,” Armstrong said.

What are the ranges of these rockets?

A sizable portion of the arsenal is believed to be short-range rockets, known as Qassams, named after the Hamas military wing, which has a range of roughly 10 kilometres (6.2 miles) and is more easily and cheaply produced than longer-range weapons. They have unpredictable trajectories and some land inside Gaza.

The arsenal’s medium-range rockets, based on Iranian and Russian design, can reach targets up to 25 miles, making Israeli targets as far as the Tel Aviv suburbs vulnerable. Versions of these weapons are believed to be produced inside Gaza.

The longest-range rockets can travel much farther and can hit Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Ben-Gurion Airport. They include the M-75, a locally made rocket with technology supplied by Iran, and the J-80, a locally made rocket named after a famous Hamas military commander, Ahmed al-Jabari, killed by an Israeli airstrike in 2012. The numbers refer to their estimated ranges in kilometres.

On Thursday, Hamas claimed in a statement that it has a missile with a range of 250 kilometres (about 155 miles) that can hit anywhere in Israel.

How have Gaza militants preserved or even grown their arsenal?

In the past, medium- and longer-range rockets were typically smuggled through tunnels along Gaza’s southern border with Egypt, and in some cases smuggled in parts, then assembled in Gaza. But in recent years, with Egypt making a more concerted effort to block and destroy the tunnels, smuggling whole rockets has become far more problematic. So Hamas and its affiliates in Gaza have developed their production skills.

Michael Herzog, an Israel-based international fellow at The Washington Institute for Near East Policy and a retired brigadier general in the Israel Defense Forces, said Israeli military and intelligence officials are now far more concerned about the abilities of the militants to produce rockets they once had to import.

“The focus of IDF targeting now is on the production facilities so that when this round of fighting ends, there will not only be fewer rockets but also fewer production capabilities for making them,” Herzog said.

Who has helped Hamas and its allies achieve this capability?

The Gaza militants have openly attributed their success to help supplied by Iran, which Israel regards as its most potent foreign adversary. Iranian officials, too, are not shy about their relationship with Hamas.

Speaking to a large gathering in May 2019, the leader of Hamas in Gaza, Yahya Sinwar, could not have been more explicit in acknowledging Iran’s critical role in assisting Hamas.

“If it wasn’t for Iran’s support,” he said, “we would not have had these capabilities.”

Along with providing smuggled weapons and equipment, Iran has been focused on training to help Hamas upgrade local production, extend the range of rockets and improve their accuracy, according to both Palestinian and Israeli officials and experts.

“It is a huge improvement going from firing one or two rockets at a time to launching 130 rockets in five minutes,” said Rami Abu Zubaydah, a Gaza-based military expert, referring to the frequency of fire seen in the past few days.

“Most weapons are now manufactured in Gaza, using technical expertise from Iran,” he said.

How else have Gaza’s rocket makers skirted the blockade?

While still having to rely on smuggling parts and raw materials, Hamas leaders say the group has engineered creative workarounds to overcome tighter border controls and surveillance.

A 50-minute documentary broadcast by the Qatari-owned television channel Al-Jazeera in September showed rare scenes of Hamas militants recovering dozens of Israeli missiles that had not detonated in previous strikes on Gaza.

They brought the remnants into what looked like a hidden manufacturing facility, carefully extracted the explosives packed inside and recycled some of the parts. The same documentary also showed militants digging up old water pipes from where Israeli settlements used to sit and repurposing the empty cylinders in the production of new rockets.

Referring to the repurposed plumbing pipes, while speaking in another gathering in 2019, Sinwar said, “There is enough there to manufacture rockets for the coming 10 years.”

They smuggle the parts or make their own, aided with know-how from Iran. They repurpose plumbing pipes scavenged from abandoned Israeli settlements and components culled from dud Israeli bombs.

They smuggle the parts or make their own, aided with know-how from Iran. They repurpose plumbing pipes scavenged from abandoned Israeli settlements and components culled from dud Israeli bombs. They assemble the rockets underground or in dense neighbourhoods that the Israelis are reluctant to strike. Despite Israel’s vaunted surveillance capability and overwhelming military firepower next door, Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip have managed to amass a large arsenal of rockets with an enhanced range in the 16 years since Israel vacated the coastal enclave it had occupied after the 1967 war. Hamas, the militant group that has run Gaza since 2007 and does not recognize Israel’s right to exist, has parlayed the arsenal into an increasingly lethal threat, as seen in the most recent upsurge of hostilities with the Israeli military. By Thursday, Israeli officials said, the militants had fired about 1,800 rockets. The arsenal pales in comparison to the vast destructive powers of Israel’s air force. But to Israelis, the rockets are the tools of what their country and many others including the United States regard as a terrorist organization, embedded among the nearly 2 million Palestinian inhabitants of Gaza. To many Palestinians, the rockets symbolize their rightful resistance to Israeli dominance and occupation. How many rockets have been amassed by Hamas and its allies? Israeli intelligence has estimated that Hamas, Islamic Jihad and other Palestinian militant groups have about 30,000 rockets and mortar projectiles stashed in Gaza. The rockets are of widely varying ranges and lack guidance systems, but the militants have been able to improve their accuracy. What is new about the latest volleys launched from Gaza? The number of rockets fired each day in the most recent spate of hostilities is unprecedented. And while the majority of the rockets appear to be aimed at population centres across southern and central Israel, longer-range rockets were launched at Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. This is a sign, experts say, that Hamas has not only managed to replenish its arsenal but has improved its capabilities. Some Israeli commanders have expressed surprise at both the intensity and range of the Gaza rockets. An analysis by Michael Armstrong, an associate professor of operations research at Brock University in Canada, found a significant increase in the rate of fire. Using numbers from the Israel Defense Forces, Armstrong, who studies these weapons, cited 470 rockets fired from Gaza during the first 24 hours of the most recent escalation compared to a peak of 192 rockets per day in 2014 and 312 in 2012. Hamas, he says, also launched more long-range attacks with 130 rockets fired at Tel Aviv late Tuesday, representing close to 17% of all fired until that point. In 2014, that rate was at 8% and in 2012 at less than 1%. “We still don’t know if Hamas has more long-range rockets, or if they are choosing to use their best stuff first,” Armstrong said. Why can’t Israel’s military destroy all the rockets in flight? Israel has successfully thwarted many of the rockets fired with its Iron Dome antimissile defence system, destroying them before they land. But an increasing number of rockets have slammed into Israeli territory, some with deadly effect. Experts say the militants now know that the intensity of the barrages — and the multiple directions from which they launch — have exposed vulnerabilities in the Israeli defence. “It seems they’re looking to overload or saturate Israel’s interceptive system, which can only handle a certain number of attacks at once,” Armstrong said. What are the ranges of these rockets? A sizable portion of the arsenal is believed to be short-range rockets, known as Qassams, named after the Hamas military wing, which has a range of roughly 10 kilometres (6.2 miles) and is more easily and cheaply produced than longer-range weapons. They have unpredictable trajectories and some land inside Gaza. The arsenal’s medium-range rockets, based on Iranian and Russian design, can reach targets up to 25 miles, making Israeli targets as far as the Tel Aviv suburbs vulnerable. Versions of these weapons are believed to be produced inside Gaza. The longest-range rockets can travel much farther and can hit Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Ben-Gurion Airport. They include the M-75, a locally made rocket with technology supplied by Iran, and the J-80, a locally made rocket named after a famous Hamas military commander, Ahmed al-Jabari, killed by an Israeli airstrike in 2012. The numbers refer to their estimated ranges in kilometres. On Thursday, Hamas claimed in a statement that it has a missile with a range of 250 kilometres (about 155 miles) that can hit anywhere in Israel. How have Gaza militants preserved or even grown their arsenal? In the past, medium- and longer-range rockets were typically smuggled through tunnels along Gaza’s southern border with Egypt, and in some cases smuggled in parts, then assembled in Gaza. But in recent years, with Egypt making a more concerted effort to block and destroy the tunnels, smuggling whole rockets has become far more problematic. So Hamas and its affiliates in Gaza have developed their production skills. Michael Herzog, an Israel-based international fellow at The Washington Institute for Near East Policy and a retired brigadier general in the Israel Defense Forces, said Israeli military and intelligence officials are now far more concerned about the abilities of the militants to produce rockets they once had to import. “The focus of IDF targeting now is on the production facilities so that when this round of fighting ends, there will not only be fewer rockets but also fewer production capabilities for making them,” Herzog said. Who has helped Hamas and its allies achieve this capability? The Gaza militants have openly attributed their success to help supplied by Iran, which Israel regards as its most potent foreign adversary. Iranian officials, too, are not shy about their relationship with Hamas. Speaking to a large gathering in May 2019, the leader of Hamas in Gaza, Yahya Sinwar, could not have been more explicit in acknowledging Iran’s critical role in assisting Hamas. “If it wasn’t for Iran’s support,” he said, “we would not have had these capabilities.” Along with providing smuggled weapons and equipment, Iran has been focused on training to help Hamas upgrade local production, extend the range of rockets and improve their accuracy, according to both Palestinian and Israeli officials and experts. “It is a huge improvement going from firing one or two rockets at a time to launching 130 rockets in five minutes,” said Rami Abu Zubaydah, a Gaza-based military expert, referring to the frequency of fire seen in the past few days. “Most weapons are now manufactured in Gaza, using technical expertise from Iran,” he said. How else have Gaza’s rocket makers skirted the blockade? While still having to rely on smuggling parts and raw materials, Hamas leaders say the group has engineered creative workarounds to overcome tighter border controls and surveillance. A 50-minute documentary broadcast by the Qatari-owned television channel Al-Jazeera in September showed rare scenes of Hamas militants recovering dozens of Israeli missiles that had not detonated in previous strikes on Gaza. They brought the remnants into what looked like a hidden manufacturing facility, carefully extracted the explosives packed inside and recycled some of the parts. The same documentary also showed militants digging up old water pipes from where Israeli settlements used to sit and repurposing the empty cylinders in the production of new rockets. Referring to the repurposed plumbing pipes, while speaking in another gathering in 2019, Sinwar said, “There is enough there to manufacture rockets for the coming 10 years.”

Gaza’s rockets: A replenished arsenal that vexes Israel

Israel PM Netanyahu on Thursday said his government is massing troops along the Gaza frontier ahead of a possible ground invasion of the Hamas-ruled territory, as the two bitter enemies plunged closer to all-out war.&nbsp;

"Citizens of Israel, we are dealing with a campaign on two fronts. The first front – Gaza. I said that we would extract a very heavy price from Hamas and the other terrorist organizations. We are doing so and we will continue to do so with great force. The last word has not been saying and this operation will continue as long as necessary to restore the quiet and security to the State of Israel," said Netanyahu.

"The second front – Israel's cities. I repeat what I said earlier today: We give 100% backing to the police, to the soldiers of the Border Police and to other security forces to restore law and order to Israel's cities. We will not tolerate anarchy," he added.

"We back the police in using all means with full powers, including in conjunction with the IDF and the ISA. We have given powers for an emergency here. These measures are important, legitimate and necessary to heartlessness in the State of Israel."

"I again call on the citizens of Israel not to take the law into their own hands; whoever does so will be punished severely. I would like to participate in the sorrow of the families that have lost their dear ones – the families of five-year-old Ido Avigal and soldier Omer Tabib and five other families of five citizens who unfortunately lost their lives. We will act with full force against enemies from outside and law-breakers from inside to rest too the State of Israel."

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) has launched a major bombardment of the Gaza Strip from air, sea and land as Netanyahu vowed to extract a ‘heavy price’ from Hamas.

According to a report by The Times of Israel, over 1,050 rockets and mortar shells have been fired from the Gaza Strip toward Israel since the outbreak of fighting on Monday evening, with 200 failing to clear the border and landing inside the enclave.

IDF Spokesperson Hidai Zilberman says the Iron Dome air defence system had an interception rate between 85 and 90 per cent of rockets heading toward populated areas.

(With inputs from agencies)

Israel PM Netanyahu on Thursday said his government is massing troops along the Gaza frontier ahead of a possible ground invasion of the Hamas-ruled territory, as the two bitter enemies plunged closer to all-out war.

Israel PM Netanyahu on Thursday said his government is massing troops along the Gaza frontier ahead of a possible ground invasion of the Hamas-ruled territory, as the two bitter enemies plunged closer to all-out war. "Citizens of Israel, we are dealing with a campaign on two fronts. The first front – Gaza. I said that we would extract a very heavy price from Hamas and the other terrorist organizations. We are doing so and we will continue to do so with great force. The last word has not been saying and this operation will continue as long as necessary to restore the quiet and security to the State of Israel," said Netanyahu. "The second front – Israel's cities. I repeat what I said earlier today: We give 100% backing to the police, to the soldiers of the Border Police and to other security forces to restore law and order to Israel's cities. We will not tolerate anarchy," he added. "We back the police in using all means with full powers, including in conjunction with the IDF and the ISA. We have given powers for an emergency here. These measures are important, legitimate and necessary to heartlessness in the State of Israel." "I again call on the citizens of Israel not to take the law into their own hands; whoever does so will be punished severely. I would like to participate in the sorrow of the families that have lost their dear ones – the families of five-year-old Ido Avigal and soldier Omer Tabib and five other families of five citizens who unfortunately lost their lives. We will act with full force against enemies from outside and law-breakers from inside to rest too the State of Israel." The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) has launched a major bombardment of the Gaza Strip from air, sea and land as Netanyahu vowed to extract a ‘heavy price’ from Hamas. According to a report by The Times of Israel, over 1,050 rockets and mortar shells have been fired from the Gaza Strip toward Israel since the outbreak of fighting on Monday evening, with 200 failing to clear the border and landing inside the enclave. IDF Spokesperson Hidai Zilberman says the Iron Dome air defence system had an interception rate between 85 and 90 per cent of rockets heading toward populated areas. (With inputs from agencies)

Will use more 'heavy force' against Hamas in Gaza: Israel PM Netanyahu

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

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

The world's fastest per capita vaccination programme in Israel&nbsp;moved on to administering booster shots on Sunday.&nbsp;

Israel intends to inoculate its most vulnerable citizens by February, after which it plans to open up the economy. Israel has been administering Pfizer coronavirus shots on citizens aged above 60 since December 19. Now, these people are set to receive their final follow-up doses.

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"It changes everything,"Guy Choshen, a director of the coronavirus ward at Ichilov Hospital in Tel Aviv, who got his second injection told Reuters. "I'm really happy that I'm over that (and) looking forward for all this epidemic to be finished", Choshen added. 
 
According to the country's health ministry, over 19.5 per cent of the Israeli population have received vaccinations. This includes over 72 per cent of Israelis aged over 60.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/2-million-planned-to-be-vaccinated-in-israel-by-end-of-january-354217" hreflang="en">2 million planned to be vaccinated in Israel by end of January</a> 
 
Even now, the elderly who haven't received their first shots will be prioritised. But otherwise, vaccines are now being reserved for booster shots.

Israel has the world's fastest vaccination rate, as per data from the Our World in Data website, run by research organisation Oxford Martin School.

Trailing close is the United Arab Emirates, which has inoculated 10 per cent of its population. Bahrain and the United States follow suit with 5 per cent and 2 per cent respectively.

Earlier, Prime Minister Netanyahu had claimed that the country intends to vaccinate a quarter of its population within a month.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/how-israel-became-a-world-leader-in-vaccinating-against-covid-19-353951" hreflang="en">How Israel became a world leader in vaccinating against COVID-19</a>

"I spoke over the weekend with the heads of the companies that are providing us with the vaccines and I told them that our goal by next weekend is to reach 150,000 vaccines a day," Netanyahu claimed in a video.

"This means that within 30 days of reaching this pace we will have administered 4.5 million vaccinations," he added. "Since everyone needs two injections, after one month we will have vaccinated 2.25 million Israeli citizens”, Netanyahu added.

On December 19, Netanyahu became the first Israeli to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Starting Monday, the government began its nationwide inoculation programme.

The world's fastest per capita vaccination programme in Israel moved on to administering booster shots on Sunday. Israel intends to inoculate its most vulnerable citizens by February, after which it plans to open up the economy.

The world's fastest per capita vaccination programme in Israel moved on to administering booster shots on Sunday. Israel intends to inoculate its most vulnerable citizens by February, after which it plans to open up the economy. Israel has been administering Pfizer coronavirus shots on citizens aged above 60 since December 19. Now, these people are set to receive their final follow-up doses. "It changes everything,"Guy Choshen, a director of the coronavirus ward at Ichilov Hospital in Tel Aviv, who got his second injection told Reuters. "I'm really happy that I'm over that (and) looking forward for all this epidemic to be finished", Choshen added. According to the country's health ministry, over 19.5 per cent of the Israeli population have received vaccinations. This includes over 72 per cent of Israelis aged over 60. Also read: 2 million planned to be vaccinated in Israel by end of January Even now, the elderly who haven't received their first shots will be prioritised. But otherwise, vaccines are now being reserved for booster shots. Israel has the world's fastest vaccination rate, as per data from the Our World in Data website, run by research organisation Oxford Martin School. Trailing close is the United Arab Emirates, which has inoculated 10 per cent of its population. Bahrain and the United States follow suit with 5 per cent and 2 per cent respectively. Earlier, Prime Minister Netanyahu had claimed that the country intends to vaccinate a quarter of its population within a month. Also read: How Israel became a world leader in vaccinating against COVID-19 "I spoke over the weekend with the heads of the companies that are providing us with the vaccines and I told them that our goal by next weekend is to reach 150,000 vaccines a day," Netanyahu claimed in a video. "This means that within 30 days of reaching this pace we will have administered 4.5 million vaccinations," he added. "Since everyone needs two injections, after one month we will have vaccinated 2.25 million Israeli citizens”, Netanyahu added. On December 19, Netanyahu became the first Israeli to get the COVID-19 vaccine. Starting Monday, the government began its nationwide inoculation programme.

As part of world's fastest vaccination programme, Israel begins rolling out coronavirus booster shots

Israeli intelligence agency Mossad has brought China's&nbsp;coronavirus vaccine for 'study', local media reported.

Israel&nbsp;will begin human trials for a potential COVID-19 vaccine developed by a research institute overseen by the Defence Ministry on November&nbsp;1 after receiving regulatory approval.

The goal of the procurement is said to be a study of the Chinese compound and further exploring vaccination options.&nbsp;

A senior health ministry official said ''There are several diplomatic efforts going on behind the scenes. We are trying everything we can to ensure Israeli citizens have access to a vaccine as soon as possible.''

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-to-roll-out-its-vaccine-starting-november-but-can-we-trust-it-327765">China to roll out its vaccine starting November, but can we trust it?</a>

The&nbsp;Israel&nbsp;Institute for Biological Research (IIBR) began animal trials for its "BriLife" vaccine in March. The Health Ministry and an oversight committee have now given the green light to take it to the next stage.

Eighty volunteers aged between 18 and 55 will be monitored for three weeks to see if virus antibodies develop, the ministry said in a statement. A second phase, expected to begin in December, will involve 960 people over the age of 18.

Should those succeed, a third, large-scale phase with 30,000 volunteers is scheduled for April/May. If successful, the vaccine may then be approved for mass use.

The vaccine, the ministry said, has already tested well on a number of animal models and the IIBR has produced more than 25,000 doses for the first and second phases of the clinical trials.

"Our final goal is 15 million rations for the residents of the State of&nbsp;Israel&nbsp;and for our close neighbours," said IIBR Director Shmuel Shapira.

There are no internationally approved vaccines yet, but several are in advanced trials, including from Pfizer Inc, Johnson &amp; Johnson, AstraZeneca Plc and Moderna.

Israel, with a population of 9 million, has begun easing a second nationwide coronavirus lockdown after a steady decline in the rate of daily infections. The country saw 692 new cases on Saturday - down from a peak of more than 9,000 several weeks ago. It has reported 2,372 deaths from the pandemic.

Israeli intelligence agency Mossad has brought China's coronavirus vaccine for 'study', local media reported. Israel will begin human trials for a potential COVID-19 vaccine developed by a research institute overseen by the Defence Ministry on November 1 after receiving regulatory approval.

Israeli intelligence agency Mossad has brought China's coronavirus vaccine for 'study', local media reported. Israel will begin human trials for a potential COVID-19 vaccine developed by a research institute overseen by the Defence Ministry on November 1 after receiving regulatory approval. The goal of the procurement is said to be a study of the Chinese compound and further exploring vaccination options. A senior health ministry official said ''There are several diplomatic efforts going on behind the scenes. We are trying everything we can to ensure Israeli citizens have access to a vaccine as soon as possible.'' Also read: China to roll out its vaccine starting November, but can we trust it? The Israel Institute for Biological Research (IIBR) began animal trials for its "BriLife" vaccine in March. The Health Ministry and an oversight committee have now given the green light to take it to the next stage. Eighty volunteers aged between 18 and 55 will be monitored for three weeks to see if virus antibodies develop, the ministry said in a statement. A second phase, expected to begin in December, will involve 960 people over the age of 18. Should those succeed, a third, large-scale phase with 30,000 volunteers is scheduled for April/May. If successful, the vaccine may then be approved for mass use. The vaccine, the ministry said, has already tested well on a number of animal models and the IIBR has produced more than 25,000 doses for the first and second phases of the clinical trials. "Our final goal is 15 million rations for the residents of the State of Israel and for our close neighbours," said IIBR Director Shmuel Shapira. There are no internationally approved vaccines yet, but several are in advanced trials, including from Pfizer Inc, Johnson & Johnson, AstraZeneca Plc and Moderna. Israel, with a population of 9 million, has begun easing a second nationwide coronavirus lockdown after a steady decline in the rate of daily infections. The country saw 692 new cases on Saturday - down from a peak of more than 9,000 several weeks ago. It has reported 2,372 deaths from the pandemic.

Israeli intelligence agency Mossad acquires China's coronavirus vaccine for 'study'

The race for a COVID-19 vaccine is heating up, and countries are spending every resource available to secure enough doses for their people.

Foreign ministries across the globe are in talks with vaccine-producers, and health ministries are attempting to approve them for use. But Israel has gone a different way. Israel is reportedly using spies to test and secure vaccines. The country's famed Mossad is reportedly buying Chinese vaccines, and testing them for safety. Espionage often turned the tide in major conflicts. Now, it is being used as a powerful tool during the pandemic.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/israeli-intelligence-agency-mossad-acquires-chinas-coronavirus-vaccine-for-study-338189" hreflang="en">Israeli intelligence agency Mossad acquires China's coronavirus vaccine for 'study'</a>

Israel's Mossad is a pioneer in the business, whose agents have pulled off some daring missions over the years. And now, it's getting involved in Israel's response to the pandemic, rather the hunt for a vaccine. Mossad reportedly brought China's vaccine candidate to Israel in the last couple of weeks. The goal is to study it, test it for safety, and efficiency. 
 
Why has Israel involved Mossad instead of the relevant ministries?

One reason could be the ongoing US-China conflict. Israel is a staunch ally of the United States. It would be bad optics for Israel to test out Chinese vaccines in public, considering the United States is making its own. Mossad is perfectly capable of secretly securing the vaccine from China, and also has the technology to test it out.

This is not the first time Mossad has been deployed during the pandemic. From February to May, Mossad's chief led Israel's efforts to acquire masks, ventilators and PPE kits. It has been speculated that Israel imported medical goods from Arab West-Asian nations, some of whom had not recognised Israel at that point, and had no trade relations with it.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/spying-is-getting-harder-israels-mossad-chief-joseph-yossi-cohen-172835" hreflang="en">Spying is getting harder: Israel's Mossad chief</a>

Mossad was roped in for secret imports. Reports say that the agency bought around 4 million test kits. Prime Minister Netanyahu has been all praise for Mossad, publicly said that the agency's expertise could be needed again.

Mossad's involvement in pandemic control has been controversial. After all, spy agencies have no jurisdiction inside the country. Rights groups have opposed using intelligence agencies to contact-trace.&nbsp;

Whenever there is a global race, espionage is never far away. Earlier this year, the US accused Chinese hackers of trying to steal data from vaccine-maker Moderna. They were reportedly backed by the Chinese intelligence agencies. Two Chinese nationals were indicted, and the FBI was called in to investigate.

Russia has also been accused of trying to steal vaccine research. The UK, Canada and the United States jointly accused a hacking group - Cozy Bear beleived to be associated with Russian intelligence. Vaccine producers are seeking help from spy agencies in their own countries to stay alert to threats.

The race for a COVID-19 vaccine is heating up, and countries are spending every resource available to secure enough doses for their people. Foreign ministries across the globe are in talks with vaccine-producers, and health ministries are attempting to approve them for use.

The race for a COVID-19 vaccine is heating up, and countries are spending every resource available to secure enough doses for their people. Foreign ministries across the globe are in talks with vaccine-producers, and health ministries are attempting to approve them for use. But Israel has gone a different way. Israel is reportedly using spies to test and secure vaccines. The country's famed Mossad is reportedly buying Chinese vaccines, and testing them for safety. Espionage often turned the tide in major conflicts. Now, it is being used as a powerful tool during the pandemic. Also read: Israeli intelligence agency Mossad acquires China's coronavirus vaccine for 'study' Israel's Mossad is a pioneer in the business, whose agents have pulled off some daring missions over the years. And now, it's getting involved in Israel's response to the pandemic, rather the hunt for a vaccine. Mossad reportedly brought China's vaccine candidate to Israel in the last couple of weeks. The goal is to study it, test it for safety, and efficiency. Why has Israel involved Mossad instead of the relevant ministries? One reason could be the ongoing US-China conflict. Israel is a staunch ally of the United States. It would be bad optics for Israel to test out Chinese vaccines in public, considering the United States is making its own. Mossad is perfectly capable of secretly securing the vaccine from China, and also has the technology to test it out. This is not the first time Mossad has been deployed during the pandemic. From February to May, Mossad's chief led Israel's efforts to acquire masks, ventilators and PPE kits. It has been speculated that Israel imported medical goods from Arab West-Asian nations, some of whom had not recognised Israel at that point, and had no trade relations with it. Also read: Spying is getting harder: Israel's Mossad chief Mossad was roped in for secret imports. Reports say that the agency bought around 4 million test kits. Prime Minister Netanyahu has been all praise for Mossad, publicly said that the agency's expertise could be needed again. Mossad's involvement in pandemic control has been controversial. After all, spy agencies have no jurisdiction inside the country. Rights groups have opposed using intelligence agencies to contact-trace. Whenever there is a global race, espionage is never far away. Earlier this year, the US accused Chinese hackers of trying to steal data from vaccine-maker Moderna. They were reportedly backed by the Chinese intelligence agencies. Two Chinese nationals were indicted, and the FBI was called in to investigate. Russia has also been accused of trying to steal vaccine research. The UK, Canada and the United States jointly accused a hacking group - Cozy Bear beleived to be associated with Russian intelligence. Vaccine producers are seeking help from spy agencies in their own countries to stay alert to threats.

Israel deploys its famed Mossad to procure and test COVID-19 vaccines

Israel&nbsp;and the United States are&nbsp;nearing a&nbsp;deal&nbsp;whereby&nbsp;Israel&nbsp;would commit not to use Chinese technology for its next generation&nbsp;5G&nbsp;mobile telecoms&nbsp;networks, a&nbsp;US&nbsp;official&nbsp;said.

The&nbsp;official&nbsp;told Reuters on Friday that a memorandum of understanding would likely be signed "within weeks" and confirmed quotes in an earlier Jerusalem Post report.

The newspaper quoted an unnamed&nbsp;US&nbsp;official&nbsp;as saying that the United States was "optimistic that&nbsp;Israel&nbsp;will ... choose to only allow trusted vendors in its&nbsp;5G&nbsp;networks".

Washington has been alarmed by Beijing's dominance in the&nbsp;5G&nbsp;infrastructure market and has pressed its allies to&nbsp;exclude&nbsp;kit made by Huawei Technologies&nbsp;from&nbsp;their&nbsp;networks.

This is partly being done through the&nbsp;US&nbsp;State Department's Clean Network initiative, which says it seeks to eliminate the "long-term threat to data privacy, security, and human rights posed to the free world&nbsp;from&nbsp;authoritarian malign actors, such as the Chinese Communist Party (CCP)".

Last month, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson ordered Huawei equipment to be purged completely&nbsp;from&nbsp;Britain's&nbsp;5G&nbsp;network by the end of 2027, risking the ire of&nbsp;China&nbsp;by signalling that the world's biggest telecoms equipment maker is not welcome in the West.

Israel, Australia, Canada, Japan, Taiwan and European nations are among Washington's partners in The Clean Network initiative, according to the State Department's website.

Israel's communications ministry on Thursday concluded a tender to award frequencies to operate&nbsp;5G&nbsp;networks&nbsp;in the country, with licences awarded to several domestic mobile phone operators.

Israel and the United States are nearing a deal whereby Israel would commit not to use Chinese technology for its next generation 5G mobile telecoms networks, a US official said.

Israel and the United States are nearing a deal whereby Israel would commit not to use Chinese technology for its next generation 5G mobile telecoms networks, a US official said. The official told Reuters on Friday that a memorandum of understanding would likely be signed "within weeks" and confirmed quotes in an earlier Jerusalem Post report. The newspaper quoted an unnamed US official as saying that the United States was "optimistic that Israel will ... choose to only allow trusted vendors in its 5G networks". Washington has been alarmed by Beijing's dominance in the 5G infrastructure market and has pressed its allies to exclude kit made by Huawei Technologies from their networks. This is partly being done through the US State Department's Clean Network initiative, which says it seeks to eliminate the "long-term threat to data privacy, security, and human rights posed to the free world from authoritarian malign actors, such as the Chinese Communist Party (CCP)". Last month, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson ordered Huawei equipment to be purged completely from Britain's 5G network by the end of 2027, risking the ire of China by signalling that the world's biggest telecoms equipment maker is not welcome in the West. Israel, Australia, Canada, Japan, Taiwan and European nations are among Washington's partners in The Clean Network initiative, according to the State Department's website. Israel's communications ministry on Thursday concluded a tender to award frequencies to operate 5G networks in the country, with licences awarded to several domestic mobile phone operators.

Israel, US near deal to exclude China from Israeli 5G networks

<section>
Israel's offer of humanitarian aid to Lebanon after the massive Beirut blast is unlikely to be taken up.

Israel on Friday offered aid and support to Lebanon following Tuesday's&nbsp;devastating port explosion in Beirut, a quick turn of sentiment after a recent exchange of attacks with Lebanese militants along a tense border in recent days.

The two neighbours are still technically at war, have no diplomatic ties and mutual suspicion, even animosity, defines their relations.

Also see:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/satellite-images-capture-beirut-before-vs-after-devastating-blast-318562">Satellite images capture Beirut before vs after devastating blast</a>

As Beirut reeled Tuesday after the monster blast at the port ripped across the city, many eyes were on Israel.

The military initially offered a traditional "no comment" to queries about the possible source of the explosion, until later a government source added: "Israel has nothing to do with this incident". Hours later the government offered humanitarian aid to Lebanon.

"Israel has turned to Lebanon through international security and political contacts to offer humanitarian and medical aid to the Lebanese government," a statement said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-rare-show-of-support-israeli-square-bathed-in-lebanese-colors-over-beirut-blast-318473">In rare show of support, Israeli square bathed in Lebanese colors over Beirut blast</a>

As Beirut hospitals became overwhelmed by the influx of thousands of injured, Lebanon's government did not comment.

Aid has been streaming in from elsewhere, including from former power France and Iran, an ally of Lebanon's powerful Hezbollah movement and key Israeli rival.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanons-hezbollah-leader-denies-storing-arms-at-beirut-blast-site-318967" hreflang="en">Lebanon's Hezbollah leader denies storing arms at Beirut blast site</a>

Israel and Hezbollah last fought a 33-day war in the summer of 2006 that devastated parts of the Lebanese capital and killed hundreds.

Government and diplomatic sources in Jerusalem say Israel has tried unsuccessfully since Tuesday to send medical equipment to Lebanon via the United Nations, which monitors a buffer zone between the two countries.

Israel even sought to dispatch medical personnel to Cyprus, where Beirut victims could be treated, according to the sources.

"It is a very human gesture," Amos Yadlin, former head of Israeli military intelligence, told reporters. "It is a gesture that can bring the two nations together."

Yadlin blamed Hezbollah's backers in Tehran for the continuing air of hostility between Israel and Lebanon, insisting there was "no real dispute" between the neighbours.

"The only reason that there is no peace between Israel and Lebanon is the fact that Iran took over this small country through its proxy Hezbollah and they are inventing excuses to keep the conflict going," he claimed.

In Beirut, many have bitter memories of Israel's invasion of Lebanon in 1982, its occupation of the country's south until 2000 and the 2006 war that killed 1,200 people, most of them civilians.

The fate of hundreds of thousands of Palestinian refugees stuck in Lebanon for decades after fleeing or being driven out of their homes in waves following Israel's creation in 1948 is another thorny issue.

Longstanding demands for their return has remained a sticking point.

Traumatised by the blast that devastated their capital killing more than 150 people, injuring at least 5,000 and leaving some 300,000 homeless, the Lebanese paid little attention to Israel's offer, other than to ridicule it.&nbsp;
</section>

Israel's offer of humanitarian aid to Lebanon after the massive Beirut blast is unlikely to be taken up. Israel on Friday offered aid and support to Lebanon following Tuesday's devastating port explosion in Beirut, a quick turn of sentiment after a recent exchange of attacks with Lebanese militants along a tense border in recent days.

Israel's offer of humanitarian aid to Lebanon after the massive Beirut blast is unlikely to be taken up. Israel on Friday offered aid and support to Lebanon following Tuesday's devastating port explosion in Beirut, a quick turn of sentiment after a recent exchange of attacks with Lebanese militants along a tense border in recent days. The two neighbours are still technically at war, have no diplomatic ties and mutual suspicion, even animosity, defines their relations. Also see: Satellite images capture Beirut before vs after devastating blast As Beirut reeled Tuesday after the monster blast at the port ripped across the city, many eyes were on Israel. The military initially offered a traditional "no comment" to queries about the possible source of the explosion, until later a government source added: "Israel has nothing to do with this incident". Hours later the government offered humanitarian aid to Lebanon. "Israel has turned to Lebanon through international security and political contacts to offer humanitarian and medical aid to the Lebanese government," a statement said. Also read: In rare show of support, Israeli square bathed in Lebanese colors over Beirut blast As Beirut hospitals became overwhelmed by the influx of thousands of injured, Lebanon's government did not comment. Aid has been streaming in from elsewhere, including from former power France and Iran, an ally of Lebanon's powerful Hezbollah movement and key Israeli rival. Also read: Lebanon's Hezbollah leader denies storing arms at Beirut blast site Israel and Hezbollah last fought a 33-day war in the summer of 2006 that devastated parts of the Lebanese capital and killed hundreds. Government and diplomatic sources in Jerusalem say Israel has tried unsuccessfully since Tuesday to send medical equipment to Lebanon via the United Nations, which monitors a buffer zone between the two countries. Israel even sought to dispatch medical personnel to Cyprus, where Beirut victims could be treated, according to the sources. "It is a very human gesture," Amos Yadlin, former head of Israeli military intelligence, told reporters. "It is a gesture that can bring the two nations together." Yadlin blamed Hezbollah's backers in Tehran for the continuing air of hostility between Israel and Lebanon, insisting there was "no real dispute" between the neighbours. "The only reason that there is no peace between Israel and Lebanon is the fact that Iran took over this small country through its proxy Hezbollah and they are inventing excuses to keep the conflict going," he claimed. In Beirut, many have bitter memories of Israel's invasion of Lebanon in 1982, its occupation of the country's south until 2000 and the 2006 war that killed 1,200 people, most of them civilians. The fate of hundreds of thousands of Palestinian refugees stuck in Lebanon for decades after fleeing or being driven out of their homes in waves following Israel's creation in 1948 is another thorny issue. Longstanding demands for their return has remained a sticking point. Traumatised by the blast that devastated their capital killing more than 150 people, injuring at least 5,000 and leaving some 300,000 homeless, the Lebanese paid little attention to Israel's offer, other than to ridicule it.

Rival Israel's aid offer to Lebanon in wake of explosion, unlikely to find a taker

Israeli aircraft attacked targets in Syria on Monday, the military said, describing the strikes as retaliation for an attempted bombing of the border fence by an enemy squad.

In Damascus, the state-run news agency Sana said Israeli helicopters rocketed Syrian army positions near Quneitra in the south but caused only material damage. It also said air defences had gone into action near the Syrian capital.

Tensions have risen along&nbsp;Israel's northern front since a fighter with the Iranian-backed Lebanese movement Hezbollah was killed in an apparent&nbsp;Israeli air strike in Syria two weeks ago.

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Monday's strikes hit Syrian observation posts, intelligence collection systems, anti-aircraft batteries and command-and-control bases, an&nbsp;Israeli military statement said.

Syrian state media said&nbsp;Israeli helicopters fired at Syrian checkpoints in al-Qunaitra, on the Golan Heights, causing material losses. There was no immediate word of any casualties.

The&nbsp;Israeli military said it was responding to an attempt by a group of four people to plant explosives on a patrolled fence along the Golan armistice line between&nbsp;Israel&nbsp;and Syria.

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In that incident, reported by&nbsp;Israel&nbsp;early on Monday, the military fired on the squad. Surveillance video showed the group engulfed in an explosion. An&nbsp;Israeli military spokesman referred to them as "former terrorists," suggesting they had been killed.

The military spokesman, Lieutenant-Colonel Jonathan Conricus, said it was too soon to say if the squad belonged to any organization, but that&nbsp;Israel&nbsp;held "the Syrian regime accountable".

There was no comment from Syria on the fence incident.

The overnight encounter occurred at the same spot where until two years ago,&nbsp;Israel&nbsp;had operated a field hospital to treat Syrians who had been wounded in the Syrian civil war, Conricus told reporters.

Israel&nbsp;had noticed "irregular activity" in that area for about a week and had a commando team waiting there in ambush, Conricus said.

Last month, Israeli army helicopters struck military targets in southern Syria in retaliation for earlier "munitions" fire towards Israel.

Israel did not directly blame Syrian forces for the munitions fire, but said it held the Damascus government responsible.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Israeli aircraft attacked targets in Syria on Monday, the military said, describing the strikes as retaliation for an attempted bombing of the border fence by an enemy squad.

Israeli aircraft attacked targets in Syria on Monday, the military said, describing the strikes as retaliation for an attempted bombing of the border fence by an enemy squad. In Damascus, the state-run news agency Sana said Israeli helicopters rocketed Syrian army positions near Quneitra in the south but caused only material damage. It also said air defences had gone into action near the Syrian capital. Tensions have risen along Israel's northern front since a fighter with the Iranian-backed Lebanese movement Hezbollah was killed in an apparent Israeli air strike in Syria two weeks ago. Monday's strikes hit Syrian observation posts, intelligence collection systems, anti-aircraft batteries and command-and-control bases, an Israeli military statement said. Syrian state media said Israeli helicopters fired at Syrian checkpoints in al-Qunaitra, on the Golan Heights, causing material losses. There was no immediate word of any casualties. The Israeli military said it was responding to an attempt by a group of four people to plant explosives on a patrolled fence along the Golan armistice line between Israel and Syria. In that incident, reported by Israel early on Monday, the military fired on the squad. Surveillance video showed the group engulfed in an explosion. An Israeli military spokesman referred to them as "former terrorists," suggesting they had been killed. The military spokesman, Lieutenant-Colonel Jonathan Conricus, said it was too soon to say if the squad belonged to any organization, but that Israel held "the Syrian regime accountable". There was no comment from Syria on the fence incident. The overnight encounter occurred at the same spot where until two years ago, Israel had operated a field hospital to treat Syrians who had been wounded in the Syrian civil war, Conricus told reporters. Israel had noticed "irregular activity" in that area for about a week and had a commando team waiting there in ambush, Conricus said. Last month, Israeli army helicopters struck military targets in southern Syria in retaliation for earlier "munitions" fire towards Israel. Israel did not directly blame Syrian forces for the munitions fire, but said it held the Damascus government responsible.

Israel launches air strikes on Syria after thwarted border attack

Israel: Protests soar over government's inadequate coronavirus response and corruption

Israel's government said on Friday it was imposing weekend restrictions to limit the spiraling spread of coronavirus in the hope of avoiding a general lockdown further along the line.

People would be allowed to leave their homes this weekend but malls, shops, pools, zoos, and museums would be shut from Friday afternoon until Sunday morning, a joint statement by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office and the health ministry said.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-reports-its-highest-daily-coronavirus-infections-312327">Israel reports its highest daily coronavirus infections</a>

These measures will take effect immediately and apply every weekend until further notice, the statement said.

Friday evening is the start of the Jewish sabbath, when many restaurants close, while Sunday is the start of the Israeli working week.

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On all days, gatherings will be limited to 10 people indoors and 20 outdoors and restaurants would be allowed to serve take-out only, the government said.

A further decision on whether to keep summer schools and nurseries open would be made by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Benny Gantz.

Israel won praise for its initial response to the COVID-19 outbreak, but the government has come under criticism amid a resurgence in cases after lockdown measures were lifted.

The country reopened schools and many businesses in May, lifting restrictions that had flattened an infection curve after a partial lockdown imposed in March.

But with the infection rate rising sharply in the past few weeks, many public health experts said the government had moved too fast while neglecting to take the necessary epidemiological steps to control the pandemic once the economy reopened.

The country of some nine million people had recorded 46,059 confirmed cases by Thursday night, including 384 dead.

Israel's government said on Friday it was imposing weekend restrictions to limit the spiraling spread of coronavirus in the hope of avoiding a general lockdown further along the line.

Israel's government said on Friday it was imposing weekend restrictions to limit the spiraling spread of coronavirus in the hope of avoiding a general lockdown further along the line. People would be allowed to leave their homes this weekend but malls, shops, pools, zoos, and museums would be shut from Friday afternoon until Sunday morning, a joint statement by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office and the health ministry said. Also read: Israel reports its highest daily coronavirus infections These measures will take effect immediately and apply every weekend until further notice, the statement said. Friday evening is the start of the Jewish sabbath, when many restaurants close, while Sunday is the start of the Israeli working week. On all days, gatherings will be limited to 10 people indoors and 20 outdoors and restaurants would be allowed to serve take-out only, the government said. A further decision on whether to keep summer schools and nurseries open would be made by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Benny Gantz. Israel won praise for its initial response to the COVID-19 outbreak, but the government has come under criticism amid a resurgence in cases after lockdown measures were lifted. The country reopened schools and many businesses in May, lifting restrictions that had flattened an infection curve after a partial lockdown imposed in March. But with the infection rate rising sharply in the past few weeks, many public health experts said the government had moved too fast while neglecting to take the necessary epidemiological steps to control the pandemic once the economy reopened. The country of some nine million people had recorded 46,059 confirmed cases by Thursday night, including 384 dead.

Israel imposes new weekend restrictions to combat surge in COVID-19 cases

Israeli police officers&nbsp;shot a Palestinian in Jerusalem's Old City on Saturday, as per the local media.

The Palestinian was suspected of carrying a weapon, but was later found to have been unarmed, according to local media reports. However, the police has not confirmed if the suspect was unarmed. He was declared dead immediately after.

"Police units on patrol there spotted a suspect with a suspicious object that looked like a pistol. They called upon him to stop and began to chase after him on foot, during the chase officers also opened fire at the suspect," police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said.

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The local media also speculated that the suspect might have been mentally challenged. The police has not confirmed this speculation.

Tension has risen in recent weeks with Israel saying it hopes to move ahead with a plan to extend sovereignty to Jewish settlements and the Jordan Valley in the occupied West Bank - a de-facto annexation of land the Palestinians seek for a state.

This Friday, too,&nbsp;the Israeli military reported that&nbsp;its troops in the West Bank shot&nbsp;a Palestinian attacker who had tried to run them over with a car. The attacker was declared dead.

(With inputs from Reuters)

Israeli police officers shot a Palestinian in Jerusalem's Old City on Saturday, as per the local media. The Palestinian was suspected of carrying a weapon, but was later found to have been unarmed, according to local media reports.

Israeli police officers shot a Palestinian in Jerusalem's Old City on Saturday, as per the local media. The Palestinian was suspected of carrying a weapon, but was later found to have been unarmed, according to local media reports. However, the police has not confirmed if the suspect was unarmed. He was declared dead immediately after. "Police units on patrol there spotted a suspect with a suspicious object that looked like a pistol. They called upon him to stop and began to chase after him on foot, during the chase officers also opened fire at the suspect," police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said. Also read: Defiant Netanyahu goes on trial in Israel charged with corruption The local media also speculated that the suspect might have been mentally challenged. The police has not confirmed this speculation. Tension has risen in recent weeks with Israel saying it hopes to move ahead with a plan to extend sovereignty to Jewish settlements and the Jordan Valley in the occupied West Bank - a de-facto annexation of land the Palestinians seek for a state. This Friday, too, the Israeli military reported that its troops in the West Bank shot a Palestinian attacker who had tried to run them over with a car. The attacker was declared dead. (With inputs from Reuters)

Palestinian shot dead in Jerusalem by Israeli police

Israel is one of the first countries in the world to order the reopening of schools after an extended period of lockdown, but many districts refused to reopen in the absence of clear health guidelines from the Ministry of Education

School reopen in Israel for first time since march 12

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