Palestinian officials said on Tuesday that a Palestinian man was killed in gunfire in the occupied West bank. The Palestinian health ministry said that Shadi Omar Lotfi Salim (41) was shot dead near flashpoint Palestinian village of Beita

AFP quoted Beita deputy mayor Mussa Hamayel as saying that Israeli soldiers killed the man as he entered the village as he came back from work.

"He was killed in cold blood," the deputy mayor alleged, adding that there had been no protests in the area Tuesday night.

The Israeli army issued a statement saying that while on routine duty soldiers "spotted a Palestinian suspect in the area," south of Nablus.&nbsp;

"When the Palestinian began advancing rapidly towards the troop with a suspicious object identified as an iron bar in his hand, the troop operated to stop the suspect following the standard procedures, including by firing warning shots into the air," the Israeli Defence Force (IDF) said in a statement.&nbsp;

"When the suspect continued advancing, the commander of the troop fired towards the suspect. The incident will be investigated," it said

Since May, Beita has been the scene of frequent unrest.

(With inputs from agencies)

Palestinian officials said on Tuesday that a Palestinian man was killed in gunfire in the occupied West bank. The Palestinian health ministry said that Shadi Omar Lotfi Salim (41) was shot dead near flashpoint Palestinian village of Beita AFP quoted Beita deputy mayor Mussa Hamayel as saying that Israeli soldiers killed the man as he entered the village as he came back from work.

Palestinian officials said on Tuesday that a Palestinian man was killed in gunfire in the occupied West bank. The Palestinian health ministry said that Shadi Omar Lotfi Salim (41) was shot dead near flashpoint Palestinian village of Beita AFP quoted Beita deputy mayor Mussa Hamayel as saying that Israeli soldiers killed the man as he entered the village as he came back from work. "He was killed in cold blood," the deputy mayor alleged, adding that there had been no protests in the area Tuesday night. The Israeli army issued a statement saying that while on routine duty soldiers "spotted a Palestinian suspect in the area," south of Nablus. "When the Palestinian began advancing rapidly towards the troop with a suspicious object identified as an iron bar in his hand, the troop operated to stop the suspect following the standard procedures, including by firing warning shots into the air," the Israeli Defence Force (IDF) said in a statement. "When the suspect continued advancing, the commander of the troop fired towards the suspect. The incident will be investigated," it said Since May, Beita has been the scene of frequent unrest. (With inputs from agencies)

Israeli forces killed Palestinian in West Bank, say Palestinian authorities

Israel on Wednesday said that it is issuing 16,000 work permits for Palestinians from West Bank to work in its construction and hotel industries. Now, the total number of work permits for Palestinians in Israel will stand at 100,000.

"Israel intends to increase by 15,000 workers the quota of Palestinian residents of Judea and Samaria (the southern and northern West Bank) working in the field of construction," AFP quoted COGAT, the Israeli military body responsible for civil affairs in the occupied Palestinian territories as saying.

COGAT added that an additional 1,000 permits will be issued to Palestinians working in Israeli hotels. 106,000 Palestinians will now be allowed to work in Israel, with an additional 30,000 Palestinians authorised to work in Jewish settlements in the West Bank, a security official told AFP on the condition of anonymity.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/israel-calls-ben-jerrys-decision-to-stop-selling-ice-cream-in-palestine-anti-semitic-399195" hreflang="en">Israel calls Ben &amp; Jerry's decision to stop selling ice cream in Palestine 'anti-Semitic'</a>

The announcement followed discussions between Israeli Defence Minister Benny Gantz and Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas. The Israeli government is expected to approve it next week, the security source said, adding: "We want to apply it as fast as possible. It's in the interest of both sides."

Jobs in Israel offer higher wages than those in Palestinian-administered areas of the West Bank but Palestinians complain they do not get paid as much as their Israeli counterparts or enjoy similar labour protections. &nbsp;

The head of COGAT, Major General Rassan Alian, said the additional work permits "will strengthen the Israeli and Palestinian economies, and will largely contribute to the security stability in the area of Judea and Samaria".

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/israeli-forces-killed-palestinian-in-west-bank-say-palestinian-authorities-401049" hreflang="en">Israeli forces killed Palestinian in West Bank, say Palestinian authorities</a>

No Palestinian residents of the Gaza Strip are currently permitted to work in Israel, the security official said.

The COVID-19 pandemic prompted Israel to suspend the 7,000 permits previously granted to workers from the impoverished territory of some two million people which has been under Israeli blockade since 2007.

(With inputs from agencies)

Israel on Wednesday said that it is issuing 16,000 work permits for Palestinians from West Bank to work in its construction and hotel industries. Now, the total number of work permits for Palestinians in Israel will stand at 100,000.

Israel on Wednesday said that it is issuing 16,000 work permits for Palestinians from West Bank to work in its construction and hotel industries. Now, the total number of work permits for Palestinians in Israel will stand at 100,000. "Israel intends to increase by 15,000 workers the quota of Palestinian residents of Judea and Samaria (the southern and northern West Bank) working in the field of construction," AFP quoted COGAT, the Israeli military body responsible for civil affairs in the occupied Palestinian territories as saying. COGAT added that an additional 1,000 permits will be issued to Palestinians working in Israeli hotels. 106,000 Palestinians will now be allowed to work in Israel, with an additional 30,000 Palestinians authorised to work in Jewish settlements in the West Bank, a security official told AFP on the condition of anonymity. Also read: Israel calls Ben & Jerry's decision to stop selling ice cream in Palestine 'anti-Semitic' The announcement followed discussions between Israeli Defence Minister Benny Gantz and Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas. The Israeli government is expected to approve it next week, the security source said, adding: "We want to apply it as fast as possible. It's in the interest of both sides." Jobs in Israel offer higher wages than those in Palestinian-administered areas of the West Bank but Palestinians complain they do not get paid as much as their Israeli counterparts or enjoy similar labour protections. The head of COGAT, Major General Rassan Alian, said the additional work permits "will strengthen the Israeli and Palestinian economies, and will largely contribute to the security stability in the area of Judea and Samaria". Also read: Israeli forces killed Palestinian in West Bank, say Palestinian authorities No Palestinian residents of the Gaza Strip are currently permitted to work in Israel, the security official said. The COVID-19 pandemic prompted Israel to suspend the 7,000 permits previously granted to workers from the impoverished territory of some two million people which has been under Israeli blockade since 2007. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel to issue 16,000 new work permits for Palestinians

The Israeli authorities on Wednesday ordered the demolition of Palestinian homes&nbsp;in the northern Jordan Valley, located in&nbsp;the occupied West Bank.

As a result,&nbsp;63 people were displaced from the area, designated as a military firing range, according to&nbsp;Palestinian officials.

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A substantial number of those affected live in annexed east Jerusalem and therefore have Israeli residency, without necessarily being citizens of the Jewish state.&nbsp;

Palestinians and rights groups accuse Israel of trying to forcibly clear out the Bedouin,&nbsp;who have returned to the site after past demolitions,&nbsp;to make room for Jewish settlement expansion.

Muataz Bsharat, an official in the Palestinian Authority that administers limited self-rule in the West Bank, said it was the seventh time Israeli authorities had destroyed tents and other structures in the village of Khirbet Humsa.

"Now 63 Palestinians became homeless. Eleven families had their homes demolished and confiscated," he said, accusing Israel of "state-sponsored terrorism" against the residents.

COGAT, an Israeli military liaison agency with the Palestinians, said Israel acted in accordance with a Supreme Court ruling in demolishing tents that again had been illegally erected by Palestinians who "invaded the firing range" in 2012.

Israel has often cited a lack of building permits, which Palestinians and rights groups say are nearly impossible to obtain, in destroying Palestinian structures in the West Bank, an area it captured in a 1967 war.

Israel has said that the Bedouin in Khirbet Humsa, in the Jordan Valley, had rejected offers to move them out of the firing zone to an alternative location.

At the site, mechanical excavators tore into the tents and then lifted the remnants into dump trucks to be carted away as residents looked on.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Israeli authorities on Wednesday ordered the demolition of Palestinian homes in the northern Jordan Valley, located in the occupied West Bank. As a result, 63 people were displaced from the area, designated as a military firing range, according to Palestinian officials.

The Israeli authorities on Wednesday ordered the demolition of Palestinian homes in the northern Jordan Valley, located in the occupied West Bank. As a result, 63 people were displaced from the area, designated as a military firing range, according to Palestinian officials. A substantial number of those affected live in annexed east Jerusalem and therefore have Israeli residency, without necessarily being citizens of the Jewish state. Palestinians and rights groups accuse Israel of trying to forcibly clear out the Bedouin, who have returned to the site after past demolitions, to make room for Jewish settlement expansion. Muataz Bsharat, an official in the Palestinian Authority that administers limited self-rule in the West Bank, said it was the seventh time Israeli authorities had destroyed tents and other structures in the village of Khirbet Humsa. "Now 63 Palestinians became homeless. Eleven families had their homes demolished and confiscated," he said, accusing Israel of "state-sponsored terrorism" against the residents. COGAT, an Israeli military liaison agency with the Palestinians, said Israel acted in accordance with a Supreme Court ruling in demolishing tents that again had been illegally erected by Palestinians who "invaded the firing range" in 2012. Israel has often cited a lack of building permits, which Palestinians and rights groups say are nearly impossible to obtain, in destroying Palestinian structures in the West Bank, an area it captured in a 1967 war. Israel has said that the Bedouin in Khirbet Humsa, in the Jordan Valley, had rejected offers to move them out of the firing zone to an alternative location. At the site, mechanical excavators tore into the tents and then lifted the remnants into dump trucks to be carted away as residents looked on. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel orders demolition of Palestinian homes in West Bank village

Israel&nbsp;will send at least 1 million soon-to-expire COVID-19 vaccine doses to the Palestinian Authority (PA) under a deal to share shots, after being urged to do more to ensure Palestinian access to vaccinations as it inoculated its own citizens at world-leading speed.

Under the terms of the deal, first announced on Friday by the office of new&nbsp;Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, the PA agreed to give&nbsp;Israel&nbsp;a reciprocal number of Pfizer-BioNTech doses from one of its own shipments due to arrive later this year.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/opinion-for-just-cause-of-palestine-389238">Opinion: For just cause of Palestine</a>

Confirming the agreement, the PA health ministry said in a statement it was Pfizer that initially offered the exchange and that "it was approved in order to speed up the vaccination process" in the occupied West Bank and Gaza.

Rights groups have criticised&nbsp;Israel&nbsp;for not doing more to ensure Palestinian access to doses in territory it captured in a 1967 war.

Israeli officials have argued that under the Oslo peace accords, the PA health ministry is responsible for vaccinating people in Gaza and parts of the West Bank where it has limited self-rule.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/children-risk-generational-catastrophe-from-covid-19-watchdog-389109">Children risk 'generational catastrophe' from COVID-19: Watchdog</a>

Criticising the dose-sharing deal, Physicians for Human Rights&nbsp;Israel&nbsp;said on Twitter: "It is highly doubtful that the PA will be able to use all the vaccines, as they are about to expire."

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Israel's initiative of loaning the PA vaccines is too little too late. It does not fulfill Israel's obligation of vaccinating all Palestinians living under its jurisdiction. It is highly doubtful that the PA will be able to use all the vaccines, as they are about to expire.
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The deal was among initial policy moves towards the Palestinians by Bennett, who was sworn in on Sunday and replaced veteran leader Benjamin Netanyahu.

"Israel&nbsp;will transfer to the Palestinian Authority 1-1.4 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine," a joint statement from Bennett's office and the health and defence ministries said.

The Pfizer-BioNTech doses earmarked for transfer "will expire soon", the statement said, and they were "approved in light of the fact that&nbsp;Israel's vaccine stock meets its needs today". The statement did not give its exact expiration date.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nearly-200000-palestinians-need-health-aid-after-israel-gaza-conflict-says-who-389080">Nearly 200,000 Palestinians need health aid after Israel-Gaza conflict, says WHO</a>

An initial 100,000 doses were transferred on Friday,&nbsp;Israeli officials said.

A PA health ministry source said the Palestinians expect to receive a shipment of Pfizer doses in August or September. The&nbsp;Israeli statement said&nbsp;Israel&nbsp;would receive reciprocal doses from the PA in September or October.

Around 55 per cent of eligible&nbsp;Israelis are fully vaccinated - a coverage rate largely unchanged by this month's expansion of eligibility to include 12&nbsp;to 15-year-olds.

Some 30 per cent of eligible Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza, home to a combined 5.2 million people, have received at least one vaccine dose, according to Palestinian officials.

According to a poll released on Tuesday by the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research, 40 per cent of Palestinians are willing to take the vaccine once it is available, while 35 per cent say they and their families are not willing to get vaccinated.

The Palestinians have received vaccine doses from&nbsp;Israel, Russia, China, the United Arab Emirates and the global COVAX vaccine-sharing initiative.

Israel will send at least 1 million soon-to-expire COVID-19 vaccine doses to the Palestinian Authority (PA) under a deal to share shots, after being urged to do more to ensure Palestinian access to vaccinations as it inoculated its own citizens at world-leading speed.

Israel will send at least 1 million soon-to-expire COVID-19 vaccine doses to the Palestinian Authority (PA) under a deal to share shots, after being urged to do more to ensure Palestinian access to vaccinations as it inoculated its own citizens at world-leading speed. Under the terms of the deal, first announced on Friday by the office of new Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett, the PA agreed to give Israel a reciprocal number of Pfizer-BioNTech doses from one of its own shipments due to arrive later this year. Also read | Opinion: For just cause of Palestine Confirming the agreement, the PA health ministry said in a statement it was Pfizer that initially offered the exchange and that "it was approved in order to speed up the vaccination process" in the occupied West Bank and Gaza. Rights groups have criticised Israel for not doing more to ensure Palestinian access to doses in territory it captured in a 1967 war. Israeli officials have argued that under the Oslo peace accords, the PA health ministry is responsible for vaccinating people in Gaza and parts of the West Bank where it has limited self-rule. Also read | Children risk 'generational catastrophe' from COVID-19: Watchdog Criticising the dose-sharing deal, Physicians for Human Rights Israel said on Twitter: "It is highly doubtful that the PA will be able to use all the vaccines, as they are about to expire." Israel's initiative of loaning the PA vaccines is too little too late. It does not fulfill Israel's obligation of vaccinating all Palestinians living under its jurisdiction. It is highly doubtful that the PA will be able to use all the vaccines, as they are about to expire. — PHRI (@PHRIsrael) June 18, 2021 × The deal was among initial policy moves towards the Palestinians by Bennett, who was sworn in on Sunday and replaced veteran leader Benjamin Netanyahu. "Israel will transfer to the Palestinian Authority 1-1.4 million doses of the Pfizer vaccine," a joint statement from Bennett's office and the health and defence ministries said. The Pfizer-BioNTech doses earmarked for transfer "will expire soon", the statement said, and they were "approved in light of the fact that Israel's vaccine stock meets its needs today". The statement did not give its exact expiration date. Also read | Nearly 200,000 Palestinians need health aid after Israel-Gaza conflict, says WHO An initial 100,000 doses were transferred on Friday, Israeli officials said. A PA health ministry source said the Palestinians expect to receive a shipment of Pfizer doses in August or September. The Israeli statement said Israel would receive reciprocal doses from the PA in September or October. Around 55 per cent of eligible Israelis are fully vaccinated - a coverage rate largely unchanged by this month's expansion of eligibility to include 12 to 15-year-olds. Some 30 per cent of eligible Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza, home to a combined 5.2 million people, have received at least one vaccine dose, according to Palestinian officials. According to a poll released on Tuesday by the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research, 40 per cent of Palestinians are willing to take the vaccine once it is available, while 35 per cent say they and their families are not willing to get vaccinated. The Palestinians have received vaccine doses from Israel, Russia, China, the United Arab Emirates and the global COVAX vaccine-sharing initiative.

Under Covid vaccine swap, Israel to send 1 million doses to Palestinians

Israel's 36th government was sworn in at the Knesset on Sunday, following a historic vote that placed Yamina leader Naftali Bennett as prime minister and ousted Benjamin Netanyahu after 12 years as prime minister.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-naftali-bennett-israels-new-prime-minister-391258">Also read: Who is Naftali Bennett, Israel's new Prime Minister?</a>

But the new government's inevitable weakness was highlighted by the razor-thin 60-59 vote of confidence in a combination of left-wing, centrist, right-wing, and Arab parties with little in common except a desire to oust Netanyahu.

Thousands of people gathered in Tel Aviv to celebrate the outcome, which came after four inconclusive elections in two years.&nbsp; 
 
Watch:

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Members of Netanyahu's government vacated their seats at the government table in the Knesset plenum immediately after the confidence vote, with Netanyahu departing the prime minister's chair.&nbsp;

Netanyahu, 71, in typically combative style, vowed shortly before his defeat that "if it's our destiny to be in the opposition, we'll do so with our heads high until we take down this bad government and return to lead the country our way".

Beloved as "King Bibi" by his right-wing supporters and condemned as the "crime minister" by his critics, Netanyahu has long been the dominant, and increasingly divisive, figure in Israeli politics.

The new government, formed after an inconclusive March 23 election, plans largely to avoid sweeping moves on hot-button international issues such as policy toward the Palestinians and to focus on domestic reforms.

Palestinians were unmoved by the change of administration, predicting that Bennett would pursue the same right-wing agenda as Netanyahu.

(With inputs from agencies)

Israel's 36th government was sworn in at the Knesset on Sunday, following a historic vote that placed Yamina leader Naftali Bennett as prime minister and ousted Benjamin Netanyahu after 12 years as prime minister.

Israel's 36th government was sworn in at the Knesset on Sunday, following a historic vote that placed Yamina leader Naftali Bennett as prime minister and ousted Benjamin Netanyahu after 12 years as prime minister. Also read: Who is Naftali Bennett, Israel's new Prime Minister? But the new government's inevitable weakness was highlighted by the razor-thin 60-59 vote of confidence in a combination of left-wing, centrist, right-wing, and Arab parties with little in common except a desire to oust Netanyahu. Thousands of people gathered in Tel Aviv to celebrate the outcome, which came after four inconclusive elections in two years. Watch: Members of Netanyahu's government vacated their seats at the government table in the Knesset plenum immediately after the confidence vote, with Netanyahu departing the prime minister's chair. Netanyahu, 71, in typically combative style, vowed shortly before his defeat that "if it's our destiny to be in the opposition, we'll do so with our heads high until we take down this bad government and return to lead the country our way". Beloved as "King Bibi" by his right-wing supporters and condemned as the "crime minister" by his critics, Netanyahu has long been the dominant, and increasingly divisive, figure in Israeli politics. The new government, formed after an inconclusive March 23 election, plans largely to avoid sweeping moves on hot-button international issues such as policy toward the Palestinians and to focus on domestic reforms. Palestinians were unmoved by the change of administration, predicting that Bennett would pursue the same right-wing agenda as Netanyahu. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel: 'We'll be back soon', says Netanyahu; vows to stay in politics

Israel's parliament 'Knesset' has chosen Naftali Bennett as the new Prime Minister of Israel. Bennett has unseated Benjamin Netanyahu whose 12-year rule came to an end. The Knesset voted 60-59 in favour of the new government.

Naftali Bennett has a political reputation of being an ultra-nationalist. He will now head a cabinet comprising parties from left to right of the political spectrum.

Benjamin Netanyahu was Prime Minister of Israel since 2009. He has been the longest-serving leader of Israel. Netanyahu''s position was weakened by his repeated failure to register victory in Israel polls since 2019. He is embroiled in a corruption trial as well. He denies any wrongdoing.

<img alt="Naftali Bennett Benjamin Netanyahu" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="aeded235-5049-456e-9eba-f5fe31e1c014" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/2021-06-13T182003Z_1_LYNXNPEH5C0CH_RTROPTP_3_ISRAEL-POLITICS.JPG" />

The Prime Minister-designate Naftali Bennett has struck a coalition deal with centrist politician Yair Lapid (57). As per the deal, Bennett will serve as PM til 2023 and hand over the post to Lapid.

The new government, formed after an inconclusive March 23 election, plans largely to avoid sweeping moves on hot-button international issues such as policy toward the Palestinians, and to focus on domestic reforms.

Palestinians were unmoved by the change of administration, predicting that Bennett would pursue the same right-wing agenda as Netanyahu.

(With inputs from agencies)

Israel's parliament 'Knesset' has chosen Naftali Bennett as the new Prime Minister of Israel. Bennett has unseated Benjamin Netanyahu whose 12-year rule came to an end.

Israel's parliament 'Knesset' has chosen Naftali Bennett as the new Prime Minister of Israel. Bennett has unseated Benjamin Netanyahu whose 12-year rule came to an end. The Knesset voted 60-59 in favour of the new government. Naftali Bennett has a political reputation of being an ultra-nationalist. He will now head a cabinet comprising parties from left to right of the political spectrum. Benjamin Netanyahu was Prime Minister of Israel since 2009. He has been the longest-serving leader of Israel. Netanyahu''s position was weakened by his repeated failure to register victory in Israel polls since 2019. He is embroiled in a corruption trial as well. He denies any wrongdoing. The Prime Minister-designate Naftali Bennett has struck a coalition deal with centrist politician Yair Lapid (57). As per the deal, Bennett will serve as PM til 2023 and hand over the post to Lapid. The new government, formed after an inconclusive March 23 election, plans largely to avoid sweeping moves on hot-button international issues such as policy toward the Palestinians, and to focus on domestic reforms. Palestinians were unmoved by the change of administration, predicting that Bennett would pursue the same right-wing agenda as Netanyahu. (With inputs from agencies)

Netanyahu era ends in Israel, Naftali Bennett becomes new PM

The Iranian government has stated that its policy toward Israel will not change as a result of the new Government's formation yesterday night.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-well-be-back-soon-says-netanyahu-vows-to-stay-in-politics-391256">Also read | Israel: 'We'll be back soon', says Netanyahu; vows to stay in politics</a> 
 
“Iran’s enemies are gone and powerful Iran is still here. I don’t think Israel’s policies will change with the new government,” Saeed Khatibzadeh, a foreign ministry spokesman, was quoted by the ISNA news agency as saying.&nbsp; 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/benjamin-netanyahu-the-former-military-commando-who-led-israel-for-15-years-391287">Also read | Benjamin Netanyahu: The former military commando who led Israel for 15 years</a>

The statement comes a day after&nbsp;Israel's 36th government was sworn in at the Knesset on Sunday, following a historic vote that placed Yamina leader Naftali Bennett as prime minister and ousted Benjamin Netanyahu after 12 years as prime minister. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-naftali-bennett-israels-new-prime-minister-391258">Also read: Who is Naftali Bennett, Israel's new Prime Minister?</a>

But the new government's inevitable weakness was highlighted by the razor-thin 60-59 vote of confidence in a combination of left-wing, centrist, right-wing, and Arab parties with little in common except a desire to oust Netanyahu. 
 
After two decades of hostility between Iran and Israel, it's difficult to see the two countries ever having amicable relations and cooperating on a variety of levels. They were once allies and friends.

Despite not sharing a border or having any territorial disputes, Israel and Iran have been at odds since the Islamic Revolution of 1979. Before that for 30 years, the two countries have had cordial relations.

The Iranian government has stated that its policy toward Israel will not change as a result of the new Government's formation yesterday night. Also read | Israel: 'We'll be back soon', says Netanyahu; vows to stay in politics “Iran’s enemies are gone and powerful Iran is still here.

The Iranian government has stated that its policy toward Israel will not change as a result of the new Government's formation yesterday night. Also read | Israel: 'We'll be back soon', says Netanyahu; vows to stay in politics “Iran’s enemies are gone and powerful Iran is still here. I don’t think Israel’s policies will change with the new government,” Saeed Khatibzadeh, a foreign ministry spokesman, was quoted by the ISNA news agency as saying. Also read | Benjamin Netanyahu: The former military commando who led Israel for 15 years The statement comes a day after Israel's 36th government was sworn in at the Knesset on Sunday, following a historic vote that placed Yamina leader Naftali Bennett as prime minister and ousted Benjamin Netanyahu after 12 years as prime minister. Also read: Who is Naftali Bennett, Israel's new Prime Minister? But the new government's inevitable weakness was highlighted by the razor-thin 60-59 vote of confidence in a combination of left-wing, centrist, right-wing, and Arab parties with little in common except a desire to oust Netanyahu. After two decades of hostility between Iran and Israel, it's difficult to see the two countries ever having amicable relations and cooperating on a variety of levels. They were once allies and friends. Despite not sharing a border or having any territorial disputes, Israel and Iran have been at odds since the Islamic Revolution of 1979. Before that for 30 years, the two countries have had cordial relations.

Iran says Israel's policy won't change with Bennett's new government

Naftali Bennett, who was sworn in Sunday as Israel's new prime minister, embodies many of the contradictions that define the 73-year-old nation. He's a religious Jew who made millions in the mostly secular hi-tech sector; a champion of the settlement movement who lives in a Tel Aviv suburb; a former ally of Benjamin Netanyahu who has partnered with centrist and left-wing parties to end his 12-year rule.

His ultranationalist Yamina party won just seven seats in the 120-member Knesset in March elections, the fourth such vote in two years. But by refusing to commit to Netanyahu or his opponents, Bennett positioned himself as kingmaker. Even after one member of his religious-nationalist party abandoned him to protest the new coalition deal, he ended up with the crown.

AN ULTRANATIONALIST WITH A MODERATE COALITION

Bennett has long positioned himself to the right of Netanyahu. But he will be severely constrained by his unwieldy coalition, which has only a narrow majority in parliament and includes parties from the right, left, and centre.

He is opposed to Palestinian independence and strongly supports Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, which the Palestinians and much of the international community see as a major obstacle to peace.

Bennett fiercely criticised Netanyahu after the prime minister agreed to slow settlement construction under pressure from President Barack Obama, who tried and failed to revive the peace process early in his first term.

He briefly served as head of the West Bank settler's council, Yesha, before entering the Knesset in 2013. Bennett later served as cabinet minister of diaspora affairs, education, and defence in various Netanyahu-led governments.

"He's a right-wing leader, a security hard-liner, but at the same time very pragmatic," said Yohanan Plesner, head of the Israel Democracy Institute, who has known Bennett for decades and served with him in the military.

He expects Bennett to engage with other factions to find a common denominator as he seeks support and legitimacy as a national leader.

RIVALRY WITH NETANYAHU

The 49-year-old father of four shares Netanyahu's hawkish approach to the Middle East conflict, but the two have had tense relations over the years. Bennett served as Netanyahu's chief of staff for two years, but they parted ways after a mysterious falling-out that Israeli media linked to Netanyahu's wife, Sara, who wields great influence over her husband's inner circle.

Bennett campaigned as a right-wing stalwart ahead of the March elections and signed a pledge on national TV saying he would never allow Yair Lapid, a centrist and Netanyahu's main rival, to become prime minister. But when it became clear Netanyahu was unable to form a ruling coalition, that's exactly what Bennett did, agreeing to serve as prime minister for two years before handing power to Lapid, the architect of the new coalition.

Netanyahu's supporters have branded Bennett a traitor, saying he defrauded voters. Bennett has defended his decision as a pragmatic move aimed at unifying the country and avoiding the fifth round of elections.

A GENERATIONAL SHIFT

Bennett, a father of four and a modern Orthodox Jew, will be Israel's first prime minister who regularly wears a kippa, the skullcap worn by observant Jews. He lives in the upscale Tel Aviv suburb of Raanana, rather than the settlements he champions.

Bennett began life with his American-born parents in Haifa, then bounced with his family between North America and Israel, military service, law school, and the private sector. Throughout, he's curated a persona that's at once modern, religious, and nationalist.

After serving in the elite Sayeret Matkal commando unit, Bennett went to law school at Hebrew University. In 1999, he co-founded Cyota, an anti-fraud software company that was sold in 2005 to US-based RSA Security for 145 million.

Bennett has said the bitter experience of Israel's 2006 war against the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah drove him to politics. The month-long war ended inconclusively, and Israel's military and political leadership at the time was widely criticised as bungling the campaign.

Bennett represents the third generation of Israeli leaders, after the founders of the state and Netanyahu's generation, which came of age during the country's tense early years marked by repeated wars with Arab states.

He's Israel 3.0, Anshel Pfeffer, a columnist for Israel's left-leaning Haaretz newspaper, wrote in a recent profile of Bennett.

A Jewish nationalist but not really dogmatic. A bit religious, but certainly not devout. A military man who prefers the comforts of civilian urban life and a high-tech entrepreneur who isn't looking to make any more millions. A supporter of the Greater Land of Israel but not a settler. And he may well not be a lifelong politician either.

Naftali Bennett, who was sworn in Sunday as Israel's new prime minister, embodies many of the contradictions that define the 73-year-old nation. He's a religious Jew who made millions in the mostly secular hi-tech sector; a champion of the settlement movement who lives in a Tel Aviv suburb; a former ally of Benjamin Netanyahu who has partnered with centrist and left-wing parties to end his 12-year rule.

Naftali Bennett, who was sworn in Sunday as Israel's new prime minister, embodies many of the contradictions that define the 73-year-old nation. He's a religious Jew who made millions in the mostly secular hi-tech sector; a champion of the settlement movement who lives in a Tel Aviv suburb; a former ally of Benjamin Netanyahu who has partnered with centrist and left-wing parties to end his 12-year rule. His ultranationalist Yamina party won just seven seats in the 120-member Knesset in March elections, the fourth such vote in two years. But by refusing to commit to Netanyahu or his opponents, Bennett positioned himself as kingmaker. Even after one member of his religious-nationalist party abandoned him to protest the new coalition deal, he ended up with the crown. AN ULTRANATIONALIST WITH A MODERATE COALITION Bennett has long positioned himself to the right of Netanyahu. But he will be severely constrained by his unwieldy coalition, which has only a narrow majority in parliament and includes parties from the right, left, and centre. He is opposed to Palestinian independence and strongly supports Jewish settlements in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem, which the Palestinians and much of the international community see as a major obstacle to peace. Bennett fiercely criticised Netanyahu after the prime minister agreed to slow settlement construction under pressure from President Barack Obama, who tried and failed to revive the peace process early in his first term. He briefly served as head of the West Bank settler's council, Yesha, before entering the Knesset in 2013. Bennett later served as cabinet minister of diaspora affairs, education, and defence in various Netanyahu-led governments. "He's a right-wing leader, a security hard-liner, but at the same time very pragmatic," said Yohanan Plesner, head of the Israel Democracy Institute, who has known Bennett for decades and served with him in the military. He expects Bennett to engage with other factions to find a common denominator as he seeks support and legitimacy as a national leader. RIVALRY WITH NETANYAHU The 49-year-old father of four shares Netanyahu's hawkish approach to the Middle East conflict, but the two have had tense relations over the years. Bennett served as Netanyahu's chief of staff for two years, but they parted ways after a mysterious falling-out that Israeli media linked to Netanyahu's wife, Sara, who wields great influence over her husband's inner circle. Bennett campaigned as a right-wing stalwart ahead of the March elections and signed a pledge on national TV saying he would never allow Yair Lapid, a centrist and Netanyahu's main rival, to become prime minister. But when it became clear Netanyahu was unable to form a ruling coalition, that's exactly what Bennett did, agreeing to serve as prime minister for two years before handing power to Lapid, the architect of the new coalition. Netanyahu's supporters have branded Bennett a traitor, saying he defrauded voters. Bennett has defended his decision as a pragmatic move aimed at unifying the country and avoiding the fifth round of elections. A GENERATIONAL SHIFT Bennett, a father of four and a modern Orthodox Jew, will be Israel's first prime minister who regularly wears a kippa, the skullcap worn by observant Jews. He lives in the upscale Tel Aviv suburb of Raanana, rather than the settlements he champions. Bennett began life with his American-born parents in Haifa, then bounced with his family between North America and Israel, military service, law school, and the private sector. Throughout, he's curated a persona that's at once modern, religious, and nationalist. After serving in the elite Sayeret Matkal commando unit, Bennett went to law school at Hebrew University. In 1999, he co-founded Cyota, an anti-fraud software company that was sold in 2005 to US-based RSA Security for 145 million. Bennett has said the bitter experience of Israel's 2006 war against the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah drove him to politics. The month-long war ended inconclusively, and Israel's military and political leadership at the time was widely criticised as bungling the campaign. Bennett represents the third generation of Israeli leaders, after the founders of the state and Netanyahu's generation, which came of age during the country's tense early years marked by repeated wars with Arab states. He's Israel 3.0, Anshel Pfeffer, a columnist for Israel's left-leaning Haaretz newspaper, wrote in a recent profile of Bennett. A Jewish nationalist but not really dogmatic. A bit religious, but certainly not devout. A military man who prefers the comforts of civilian urban life and a high-tech entrepreneur who isn't looking to make any more millions. A supporter of the Greater Land of Israel but not a settler. And he may well not be a lifelong politician either.

Who is Naftali Bennett, Israel's new prime minister?

Palestinian medics and health ministry said on Friday that a Palestinian teenager died after Israeli army shot him during clashes in West Bank.

"Mohammad Said Hamayel, 15, died in clashes" with Israeli forces near Beita, south of Nablus, the Palestinian Red Crescent said.&nbsp;

Palestinian health ministry has said that six others were wounded due to live gunfire.

According to Palestinian news agency Wafa, violence took place during "a public protest against Israel's construction of a colonial settlement outpost near the village", to which the army responded with live fire and teargas.

The teenager's death has come just a day after three Palestinians were killed by Israeli special forces. The forces were on a mission to arrest suspected 'terrorists' in West Bank.

Violence in the West Bank increased in early May, with at least 30 Palestinians killed in clashes with Israeli forces and in alleged attacks.

That came amid a flare-up in Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem that led to 11 days of fighting between Israel and Palestinian militants in Gaza.

West Bank villages often hold Friday demonstrations against land confiscation, house demolitions and Israeli settlements deemed illegal under international law.

(With inputs from agencies)

Palestinian medics and health ministry said on Friday that a Palestinian teenager died after Israeli army shot him during clashes in West Bank. "Mohammad Said Hamayel, 15, died in clashes" with Israeli forces near Beita, south of Nablus, the Palestinian Red Crescent said.

Palestinian medics and health ministry said on Friday that a Palestinian teenager died after Israeli army shot him during clashes in West Bank. "Mohammad Said Hamayel, 15, died in clashes" with Israeli forces near Beita, south of Nablus, the Palestinian Red Crescent said. Palestinian health ministry has said that six others were wounded due to live gunfire. According to Palestinian news agency Wafa, violence took place during "a public protest against Israel's construction of a colonial settlement outpost near the village", to which the army responded with live fire and teargas. The teenager's death has come just a day after three Palestinians were killed by Israeli special forces. The forces were on a mission to arrest suspected 'terrorists' in West Bank. Violence in the West Bank increased in early May, with at least 30 Palestinians killed in clashes with Israeli forces and in alleged attacks. That came amid a flare-up in Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem that led to 11 days of fighting between Israel and Palestinian militants in Gaza. West Bank villages often hold Friday demonstrations against land confiscation, house demolitions and Israeli settlements deemed illegal under international law. (With inputs from agencies)

Palestinian teenager shot dead during clash with Israel army, say medics

The first meetings of peace negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority back in 2007 were very emotional.

Each of us — I, as Israel’s chief negotiator, and Ahmed Qurei, known as Abu Ala, the former Palestinian prime minister — tried to convince the other who has more rights to the land, the Jewish people or the Palestinians.

Unsurprisingly, we left these sessions frustrated and unconvinced. After two such meetings, we agreed that these discussions would lead us nowhere and that any peace agreement would not determine which narrative prevailed, and instead we should focus only on how to establish a peaceful future.

The argument over historical narratives hasn’t changed. It won’t. Those on both sides that insist on forcing their narrative on the other side, or turning the conflict into a religious war, cannot make the compromises needed for peace. This is true also for those from the international community supporting one side and denying the rights of the other. This is destructive and only strengthens extremists.

Peace based on the vision of two states for two peoples gives an answer to the national aspirations of both the Jewish people and the Palestinians and requires compromises by both.

The solution of a Jewish State and an Arab State has actually existed for some 75 years. It was laid out by the United Nations in 1947 as a just solution to the conflict between Jews (including my own parents) and Arabs who already lived between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea.

National conflicts cannot be resolved by wars and violence, but only by a political resolution, leadership and compromise. A religious conflict is not a conflict over rights, but a fight against the right of the other to live by their faith. For religious ideologists there is no compromise.

The past two weeks were a wake-up call. The message is not only that conflict is unsustainable, but also that the very nature of the conflict is turning into a religious one. That religious element has seeped into Israel itself and turned into violence between the Israeli citizens — Arabs and Jews — within Israeli cities.

We cannot and should not cede the floor to religious extremists.

The cease-fire in Gaza provides a window of time we must use to change the long-term reality. An essential decision is to return to the vision of two states for two people, to strengthen the pragmatic forces and weaken the extremists and end the terror.

Hamas is a radical Islamic terror organization that is fighting not to establish a Palestinian state but against the existence of Jewish “infidels” living in Israel.

In 2006 the so-called Quartet — the United States, the United Nations, the European Union and Russia — set forward parameters for Hamas that included acceptance of previous peace agreements between Israel and the Palestinians, commitment to nonviolence and recognition of Israel. Hamas refused.

These parameters were published after Israel withdrew from the Gaza Strip, uprooted the settlements and pulled out its military forces, and Hamas won the Palestinian elections. Had Hamas adopted these principles, the lives of the residents of the Gaza Strip might today look different, and Gaza could flourish. But for Hamas, “ending the conflict” is something to which it will never agree.

Without accepting these conditions, there’s no hope for peace with Hamas, therefore we cannot, and should not, give it legitimacy.

When one looks at any conflict from afar, it is only natural to identify with the weaker side. But there is no doubt, as President Biden rightfully expressed, that a country has the right to defend itself. In this case, we must defend ourselves against terror by a group that does not accept our very existence. Criticizing any government policy is legitimate (I myself was a political opponent of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu), but denying the right of a country to defend its citizens is not.

We must cooperate and support everything that strengthens pragmatism and weakens extremists. This seems so obvious as to appear basic. And yet the U.S.-Israeli policy in the past few years was completely the opposite. The Trump administration supported efforts of the Israeli government to move toward annexation of land. Had all those efforts come to pass, we would have reached the point of no return. The land would no longer be divisible, and the political future of two states would have been closed to us forever. Further, this policy weakened and delegitimized the Palestinian Authority and included cutting off financial support.

Indeed, the check on rampant expansion came from what would once have been a fantastical source: The Gulf States’ condition for normalization with Israel, through the Abraham Accords, was that Israel take annexation off the table. With President Biden’s inauguration in January, the vision of a two-state solution supported by the United States has made a comeback. The statements of President Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken send a message of hope to the pragmatic forces in the region.

The problem is that reaching two states has also never seemed farther away. That’s not for lack of effort, though all attempts to reach the finish line have always fallen short, including most recently in 2014, when the United States proposed parameters for negotiation in accordance with two states for two peoples.

This last missed opportunity and other political trends in Israel and the Palestinian Authority may lead to an understanding that it is a dream that is impossible to fulfill, and frankly if I had another idea how to end the conflict, I would have adopted it. The violence of the past two weeks with Hamas and within Israel gave all of us a taste of what one state between the river and the sea, with a violent domestic religious and national conflict, would look like. The two-state solution thus seems as important as ever.

Even if peace is not around the corner, the point of no return is closer than ever before. We must not go there. The most important thing for now is to keep the road open. We must create a joint policy among the United States, regional countries and of course, Israel and the Palestinian Authority.

After recharging our joint GPS with the two states as a destination, we need to support that goal with concrete steps, avoiding — and preventing — everything that puts obstacles on this road.

We can start by recognizing that supporting only one narrative and denying the other will lead us nowhere and will strengthen extremism on both sides. The solution must reflect both sides’ legitimate rights, aspirations and interests, with compromises that allow us both to fulfill our legitimate national aspirations and live side-by-side in peace and security.

An agreement will be possible when pragmatic leadership on both sides understand that the price of not having an agreement for their people is far higher than the price of compromise.

The first meetings of peace negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority back in 2007 were very emotional. Each of us — I, as Israel’s chief negotiator, and Ahmed Qurei, known as Abu Ala, the former Palestinian prime minister — tried to convince the other who has more rights to the land, the Jewish people or the Palestinians.

The first meetings of peace negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority back in 2007 were very emotional. Each of us — I, as Israel’s chief negotiator, and Ahmed Qurei, known as Abu Ala, the former Palestinian prime minister — tried to convince the other who has more rights to the land, the Jewish people or the Palestinians. Unsurprisingly, we left these sessions frustrated and unconvinced. After two such meetings, we agreed that these discussions would lead us nowhere and that any peace agreement would not determine which narrative prevailed, and instead we should focus only on how to establish a peaceful future. The argument over historical narratives hasn’t changed. It won’t. Those on both sides that insist on forcing their narrative on the other side, or turning the conflict into a religious war, cannot make the compromises needed for peace. This is true also for those from the international community supporting one side and denying the rights of the other. This is destructive and only strengthens extremists. Peace based on the vision of two states for two peoples gives an answer to the national aspirations of both the Jewish people and the Palestinians and requires compromises by both. The solution of a Jewish State and an Arab State has actually existed for some 75 years. It was laid out by the United Nations in 1947 as a just solution to the conflict between Jews (including my own parents) and Arabs who already lived between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea. National conflicts cannot be resolved by wars and violence, but only by a political resolution, leadership and compromise. A religious conflict is not a conflict over rights, but a fight against the right of the other to live by their faith. For religious ideologists there is no compromise. The past two weeks were a wake-up call. The message is not only that conflict is unsustainable, but also that the very nature of the conflict is turning into a religious one. That religious element has seeped into Israel itself and turned into violence between the Israeli citizens — Arabs and Jews — within Israeli cities. We cannot and should not cede the floor to religious extremists. The cease-fire in Gaza provides a window of time we must use to change the long-term reality. An essential decision is to return to the vision of two states for two people, to strengthen the pragmatic forces and weaken the extremists and end the terror. Hamas is a radical Islamic terror organization that is fighting not to establish a Palestinian state but against the existence of Jewish “infidels” living in Israel. In 2006 the so-called Quartet — the United States, the United Nations, the European Union and Russia — set forward parameters for Hamas that included acceptance of previous peace agreements between Israel and the Palestinians, commitment to nonviolence and recognition of Israel. Hamas refused. These parameters were published after Israel withdrew from the Gaza Strip, uprooted the settlements and pulled out its military forces, and Hamas won the Palestinian elections. Had Hamas adopted these principles, the lives of the residents of the Gaza Strip might today look different, and Gaza could flourish. But for Hamas, “ending the conflict” is something to which it will never agree. Without accepting these conditions, there’s no hope for peace with Hamas, therefore we cannot, and should not, give it legitimacy. When one looks at any conflict from afar, it is only natural to identify with the weaker side. But there is no doubt, as President Biden rightfully expressed, that a country has the right to defend itself. In this case, we must defend ourselves against terror by a group that does not accept our very existence. Criticizing any government policy is legitimate (I myself was a political opponent of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu), but denying the right of a country to defend its citizens is not. We must cooperate and support everything that strengthens pragmatism and weakens extremists. This seems so obvious as to appear basic. And yet the U.S.-Israeli policy in the past few years was completely the opposite. The Trump administration supported efforts of the Israeli government to move toward annexation of land. Had all those efforts come to pass, we would have reached the point of no return. The land would no longer be divisible, and the political future of two states would have been closed to us forever. Further, this policy weakened and delegitimized the Palestinian Authority and included cutting off financial support. Indeed, the check on rampant expansion came from what would once have been a fantastical source: The Gulf States’ condition for normalization with Israel, through the Abraham Accords, was that Israel take annexation off the table. With President Biden’s inauguration in January, the vision of a two-state solution supported by the United States has made a comeback. The statements of President Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken send a message of hope to the pragmatic forces in the region. The problem is that reaching two states has also never seemed farther away. That’s not for lack of effort, though all attempts to reach the finish line have always fallen short, including most recently in 2014, when the United States proposed parameters for negotiation in accordance with two states for two peoples. This last missed opportunity and other political trends in Israel and the Palestinian Authority may lead to an understanding that it is a dream that is impossible to fulfill, and frankly if I had another idea how to end the conflict, I would have adopted it. The violence of the past two weeks with Hamas and within Israel gave all of us a taste of what one state between the river and the sea, with a violent domestic religious and national conflict, would look like. The two-state solution thus seems as important as ever. Even if peace is not around the corner, the point of no return is closer than ever before. We must not go there. The most important thing for now is to keep the road open. We must create a joint policy among the United States, regional countries and of course, Israel and the Palestinian Authority. After recharging our joint GPS with the two states as a destination, we need to support that goal with concrete steps, avoiding — and preventing — everything that puts obstacles on this road. We can start by recognizing that supporting only one narrative and denying the other will lead us nowhere and will strengthen extremism on both sides. The solution must reflect both sides’ legitimate rights, aspirations and interests, with compromises that allow us both to fulfill our legitimate national aspirations and live side-by-side in peace and security. An agreement will be possible when pragmatic leadership on both sides understand that the price of not having an agreement for their people is far higher than the price of compromise.

There is a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict

A few days after Israel and Gaza agreed to a ceasefire, a UN official has called for a 'genuine political process' to make sure such a violent conflict does not take place again.

The UN official stressed the importance of re-building a peaceful environment and has urged the authorities to provide proper developmental progress to the children of the region.

"We need to have a genuine, genuine focus on human development, on proper access to education, on proper access to jobs, on proper access to livelihoods," Philippe Lazzarini, head of the UN Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA told news agency AFP. "But this needs to be accompanied by a genuine political process."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hamas-militants-march-through-gaza-city-to-celebrate-ceasefire-386912">Watch |</a>

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His statement has come as the two countries agreed to a ceasefire deal, brokered by Egypt, with assistance from the US and UN.

He has also urged the authorities to work on the root cause of the problem to make sure the future generations of Israel and Gaza do not face humanitarian crisis any further. “The layers of hardship in Gaza keep getting thicker,” Lazzarini said.

His statement has come a few days after US President Joe Biden stressed the importance of rebuilding Gaza and said, "we still need a two-state solution".

A few days after Israel and Gaza agreed to a ceasefire, a UN official has called for a 'genuine political process' to make sure such a violent conflict does not take place again.

A few days after Israel and Gaza agreed to a ceasefire, a UN official has called for a 'genuine political process' to make sure such a violent conflict does not take place again. The UN official stressed the importance of re-building a peaceful environment and has urged the authorities to provide proper developmental progress to the children of the region. "We need to have a genuine, genuine focus on human development, on proper access to education, on proper access to jobs, on proper access to livelihoods," Philippe Lazzarini, head of the UN Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA told news agency AFP. "But this needs to be accompanied by a genuine political process." Watch | His statement has come as the two countries agreed to a ceasefire deal, brokered by Egypt, with assistance from the US and UN. He has also urged the authorities to work on the root cause of the problem to make sure the future generations of Israel and Gaza do not face humanitarian crisis any further. “The layers of hardship in Gaza keep getting thicker,” Lazzarini said. His statement has come a few days after US President Joe Biden stressed the importance of rebuilding Gaza and said, "we still need a two-state solution".

UN official demands access to education, jobs for Gaza children

The US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/joe-biden">Joe Biden</a> has appreciated the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas and has called it a "genuine opportunity" for peace between the two groups.

A ceasefire was called between Israel and Hamas on Thursday, through a deal brokered by the US, UN and Egypt. The Israel PMs office confirmed that the two sides have "unanimously accepted the recommendations to accept an Egyptian initiative for an unconditional … ceasefire".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-conflict-ceasefire-between-israel-and-hamas-takes-effect-after-11-day-conflict-leaves-hundreds-dead-386387">Ceasefire between Israel and Hamas takes effect after 11-day conflict leaves hundreds dead</a>

After the ceasefire announcement, Biden said, "I believe we have a genuine opportunity to make progress and I'm committed to working toward it."

Biden had been criticised by many locals of the US and some of the members of the Democratic Party for not urging the Benjamin Netanyahu-led government to initiate a ceasefire. Although he was being accused of being 'silent' on the subject, the President has appreciated his administration’s "quiet, relentless diplomacy".

He was in regular contact with the Israeli PM and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, and has touted Egypt’s efforts and "avoiding the sort of prolonged conflict we've seen in previous years".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-israel-hamas-clashes-senior-palestinian-leader-wants-indias-support-386378">Watch |</a>

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"I extend my sincere gratitude to&nbsp;President al-Sisi and the senior Egyptian officials who have played such a critical role in this diplomacy," he said, appreciating Sisi’s efforts.

The ceasefire has come after 11 days of continuous conflict, causing deaths of hundreds of locals on both sides, including children.

"Palestinians and Israelis equally deserve to live safely and securely and enjoy equal measures of freedom, prosperity and democracy," Biden said, talking about the casualties on both sides.

The US President Joe Biden has appreciated the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas and has called it a "genuine opportunity" for peace between the two groups. A ceasefire was called between Israel and Hamas on Thursday, through a deal brokered by the US, UN and Egypt.

The US President Joe Biden has appreciated the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas and has called it a "genuine opportunity" for peace between the two groups. A ceasefire was called between Israel and Hamas on Thursday, through a deal brokered by the US, UN and Egypt. The Israel PMs office confirmed that the two sides have "unanimously accepted the recommendations to accept an Egyptian initiative for an unconditional … ceasefire". Also read | Ceasefire between Israel and Hamas takes effect after 11-day conflict leaves hundreds dead After the ceasefire announcement, Biden said, "I believe we have a genuine opportunity to make progress and I'm committed to working toward it." Biden had been criticised by many locals of the US and some of the members of the Democratic Party for not urging the Benjamin Netanyahu-led government to initiate a ceasefire. Although he was being accused of being 'silent' on the subject, the President has appreciated his administration’s "quiet, relentless diplomacy". He was in regular contact with the Israeli PM and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, and has touted Egypt’s efforts and "avoiding the sort of prolonged conflict we've seen in previous years". Watch | "I extend my sincere gratitude to President al-Sisi and the senior Egyptian officials who have played such a critical role in this diplomacy," he said, appreciating Sisi’s efforts. The ceasefire has come after 11 days of continuous conflict, causing deaths of hundreds of locals on both sides, including children. "Palestinians and Israelis equally deserve to live safely and securely and enjoy equal measures of freedom, prosperity and democracy," Biden said, talking about the casualties on both sides.

Biden sees 'genuine opportunity' for peace after Israel-Hamas ceasefire

Germany's Foreign Minister Heiko Maas expressed his support for Israel as he visited Thursday, and called for a ceasefire between the Jewish state and the Gaza Strip's Islamist rulers Hamas.

"I came here to express my solidarity... Israel has the right to defend itself against this massive and unacceptable attack," he said at joint news conference with his Israeli counterpart Gabi Ashkenazi in Tel Aviv.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-palestine-conflict-ceasefire-could-come-by-friday-predicts-hamas-official-386196" hreflang="en">Gaza conflict: Ceasefire could come by Friday, predicts Hamas official</a>

Maas visited after 10 days of fighting between Israel and Hamas.

Militants in the blockaded Gaza Strip have fired more than 4,000 rockets towards Israel, said the Israeli military, which has responded with devastating air strikes.

"Let me say it again very clearly: For us the security of Israel and the security of all Jews in Germany are non-negotiable and Israel can always rely on that," said Maas.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-protesters-supporting-israel-palestinians-clash-in-new-york-386203" hreflang="en">Watch: Protesters supporting Israel, Palestinians clash in New York</a>

The German foreign minister said he had been in "nearly constant contact" with Ashkenazi during the past week, as well as diplomats in Cairo, Doha, Amman and Washington.

"I hope that the efforts to reach a ceasefire will also be successful," he said.

Maas is scheduled to meet Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas in Ramallah. He has no plans to meet with Hamas, which the European Union considers a terrorist organisation.

Germany's Foreign Minister Heiko Maas expressed his support for Israel as he visited Thursday, and called for a ceasefire between the Jewish state and the Gaza Strip's Islamist rulers Hamas.

Germany's Foreign Minister Heiko Maas expressed his support for Israel as he visited Thursday, and called for a ceasefire between the Jewish state and the Gaza Strip's Islamist rulers Hamas. "I came here to express my solidarity... Israel has the right to defend itself against this massive and unacceptable attack," he said at joint news conference with his Israeli counterpart Gabi Ashkenazi in Tel Aviv. Also read | Gaza conflict: Ceasefire could come by Friday, predicts Hamas official Maas visited after 10 days of fighting between Israel and Hamas. Militants in the blockaded Gaza Strip have fired more than 4,000 rockets towards Israel, said the Israeli military, which has responded with devastating air strikes. "Let me say it again very clearly: For us the security of Israel and the security of all Jews in Germany are non-negotiable and Israel can always rely on that," said Maas. Also read | Watch: Protesters supporting Israel, Palestinians clash in New York The German foreign minister said he had been in "nearly constant contact" with Ashkenazi during the past week, as well as diplomats in Cairo, Doha, Amman and Washington. "I hope that the efforts to reach a ceasefire will also be successful," he said. Maas is scheduled to meet Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas in Ramallah. He has no plans to meet with Hamas, which the European Union considers a terrorist organisation.

German FM expresses 'solidarity' with Israel, calls for ceasefire

Is there any way out of the Israel-Palestine conflict? This cycle of war and murder has gone on for more than 70 years. Experts often talk about the two-state solution. India supports it. As do many others.

So what is the two-state solution? In simple words, the creation of two states. One for the Jews, called Israel. And one for the Arabs, called Palestine.

The two-state solution was first pitched in 1937. On paper, it looks simple enough. In reality, it's anything but. Historians call it the most intractable conflict in the world.

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What do the people say? This is what a Gallup poll found in 2013.&nbsp;

70 per cent Palestinians in the West Bank support the two-state theory. 48 per cent in Gaza and 52 per cent in Israel. So the people are willing to live as neighbours.

Then why is the promise of Palestine still unfulfilled? To understand this we must look at the politics of Palestine. Both&nbsp;domestic and international. Who speaks for the Palestinian community? Who is their leader? And why are Arab states suddenly wary of supporting their cause?

For Arab states, choosing between Israel and Palestine was easy. They backed Palestine. But this time it's not so simple. Israel is now a recognised partner of the Arab world. Last year, four countries normalised ties with Israel. The UAE, Sudan, Bahrain and Morocco. Others were reportedly going to follow suit.

So what do these countries do?

Make vague statements of support for Palestine. Watch the conflict closely but not engage in it. Palestine is on the backburner because the Arab world has bigger priorities now. They see Israel as a strategic partner. A market with immense potential. And an ally against Iran, Turkey and the Muslim Brotherhood.

Arab people still support Palestine. They are flooding social media with hashtags. And marching on the streets.&nbsp;The only difference is that their leaders don't share this enthusiasm anymore. Their condemnation of Israel is more out of compulsion than concern.

That's the regional politics. What about the internal politics of Palestine?

For decades it was dominated by Yasser Arafat. The Palestinian struggle was synonymous with him. Until he was alive there was unity in the movement.

But Arafat died in 2004. And with his death factionalism crept in. Today, Palestinian politics is a story of fragmented leadership. In the West Bank, the Fatah party, founded by Arafat, calls the shots.

In Gaza, it's the Hamas.

Hamas was founded in 1987 around the same time as the first Intifada or uprising. They were an offshoot of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt. Unlike the Fatah, Hamas has a military wing. And they are not shy of using it.

Canada, the EU, the US, Israel and Japan have listed them as a terror group.

What about India? New Delhi does not classify Hamas as a terror group. In 2018 they abstained from a UN vote condemning them. Both civilian and military targets are fair game for Hamas. Some of their attacks have been classified as war crimes.&nbsp;

But before their military adventurism Hamas was actually a political success. They won the 2006 Palestinian elections. They were set to dominate West Bank politics. But that's when the West stepped in, the powers of the western world. They made two key demands from Hamas.

One, a commitment to non-violence.

And two, the recognition of Israel.

Hamas refused both.

Unlike the Palestinian Liberation Organisation (PLO), Hamas doesn't recognise the state of Israel. They consider violence to be a legitimate tool of the movement. Thanks to all this, foreign aid dwindled. Palestinian leaders grew uneasy. The split between Hamas and Fatah widened.

In 2007, it reached tipping point with the battle of Gaza. The battle ended with Hamas taking over the Gaza strip. And since then they have ruled this Palestinian enclave.&nbsp;

In these 14 years, their approach hasn't changed. Hamas prefers rockets over diplomacy. So they make more headlines than the Fatah.

Most of the leaders of Hamas live in fancy hotels in Turkey, away from Gaza and the war. They have their swimming pools and country clubs, even private bodyguards. All this when people in Gaza suffer.

Forbes listed Hamas as the third richest terror group in the world. Their annual income was 700 million dollars.

So it's clear that Hamas does not speak for all Palestinians. Most of them would prefer a peaceful solution to this conflict. But Hamas is dead set on military victories. And none of it is surprising.

Every movement in history has had two factions, the moderates and the extremists. Hamas is the extremist group here.

Their only claim to legitimacy is the fact that Israel is bombing them.&nbsp;

But war cannot be the way forward. Especially against a superior power like Israel. The little gains that Palestine has made have been through diplomacy. There have been none on the battlefield. So the picture of Hamas fighters resisting Israel is a romanticised reality.

It makes for great headlines, but nothing else.

Is there any way out of the Israel-Palestine conflict? This cycle of war and murder has gone on for more than 70 years. Experts often talk about the two-state solution.

Is there any way out of the Israel-Palestine conflict? This cycle of war and murder has gone on for more than 70 years. Experts often talk about the two-state solution. India supports it. As do many others. So what is the two-state solution? In simple words, the creation of two states. One for the Jews, called Israel. And one for the Arabs, called Palestine. The two-state solution was first pitched in 1937. On paper, it looks simple enough. In reality, it's anything but. Historians call it the most intractable conflict in the world. × What do the people say? This is what a Gallup poll found in 2013. 70 per cent Palestinians in the West Bank support the two-state theory. 48 per cent in Gaza and 52 per cent in Israel. So the people are willing to live as neighbours. Then why is the promise of Palestine still unfulfilled? To understand this we must look at the politics of Palestine. Both domestic and international. Who speaks for the Palestinian community? Who is their leader? And why are Arab states suddenly wary of supporting their cause? For Arab states, choosing between Israel and Palestine was easy. They backed Palestine. But this time it's not so simple. Israel is now a recognised partner of the Arab world. Last year, four countries normalised ties with Israel. The UAE, Sudan, Bahrain and Morocco. Others were reportedly going to follow suit. So what do these countries do? Make vague statements of support for Palestine. Watch the conflict closely but not engage in it. Palestine is on the backburner because the Arab world has bigger priorities now. They see Israel as a strategic partner. A market with immense potential. And an ally against Iran, Turkey and the Muslim Brotherhood. Arab people still support Palestine. They are flooding social media with hashtags. And marching on the streets. The only difference is that their leaders don't share this enthusiasm anymore. Their condemnation of Israel is more out of compulsion than concern. That's the regional politics. What about the internal politics of Palestine? For decades it was dominated by Yasser Arafat. The Palestinian struggle was synonymous with him. Until he was alive there was unity in the movement. But Arafat died in 2004. And with his death factionalism crept in. Today, Palestinian politics is a story of fragmented leadership. In the West Bank, the Fatah party, founded by Arafat, calls the shots. In Gaza, it's the Hamas. Hamas was founded in 1987 around the same time as the first Intifada or uprising. They were an offshoot of the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt. Unlike the Fatah, Hamas has a military wing. And they are not shy of using it. Canada, the EU, the US, Israel and Japan have listed them as a terror group. What about India? New Delhi does not classify Hamas as a terror group. In 2018 they abstained from a UN vote condemning them. Both civilian and military targets are fair game for Hamas. Some of their attacks have been classified as war crimes. But before their military adventurism Hamas was actually a political success. They won the 2006 Palestinian elections. They were set to dominate West Bank politics. But that's when the West stepped in, the powers of the western world. They made two key demands from Hamas. One, a commitment to non-violence. And two, the recognition of Israel. Hamas refused both. Unlike the Palestinian Liberation Organisation (PLO), Hamas doesn't recognise the state of Israel. They consider violence to be a legitimate tool of the movement. Thanks to all this, foreign aid dwindled. Palestinian leaders grew uneasy. The split between Hamas and Fatah widened. In 2007, it reached tipping point with the battle of Gaza. The battle ended with Hamas taking over the Gaza strip. And since then they have ruled this Palestinian enclave. In these 14 years, their approach hasn't changed. Hamas prefers rockets over diplomacy. So they make more headlines than the Fatah. Most of the leaders of Hamas live in fancy hotels in Turkey, away from Gaza and the war. They have their swimming pools and country clubs, even private bodyguards. All this when people in Gaza suffer. Forbes listed Hamas as the third richest terror group in the world. Their annual income was 700 million dollars. So it's clear that Hamas does not speak for all Palestinians. Most of them would prefer a peaceful solution to this conflict. But Hamas is dead set on military victories. And none of it is surprising. Every movement in history has had two factions, the moderates and the extremists. Hamas is the extremist group here. Their only claim to legitimacy is the fact that Israel is bombing them. But war cannot be the way forward. Especially against a superior power like Israel. The little gains that Palestine has made have been through diplomacy. There have been none on the battlefield. So the picture of Hamas fighters resisting Israel is a romanticised reality. It makes for great headlines, but nothing else.

How representative is Hamas of Palestinians?

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas says Israel is carrying out ''organised state terrorism and war crimes''&nbsp;in Gaza that are punishable under international law.

In a televised address Wednesday, he said the Palestinians ''will not hesitate to pursue those who commit such crimes in front of international courts.''

Abbas is the head of the internationally backed Palestinian Authority, whose forces were driven from Gaza when the militant Hamas group seized power in 2007. The PA has limited autonomy in parts of the Israeli-occupied West Bank.

Earlier this year, the International Criminal Court launched an investigation into possible war crimes committed by Israel and Palestinian militants during the last Gaza war, in 2014. It has expressed concern about the latest round of fighting.

Abbas accused Israel of ''brutal attacks on civilians and deliberate bombardment of homes.''

Israel says it only strikes militant targets and makes every effort to avoid harming civilians, including by warning people ahead of some strikes.

Hamas and other militant groups have launched hundreds of rockets into Israel. The indiscriminate fire is widely seen as violating international law.&nbsp;

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas says Israel is carrying out ''organised state terrorism and war crimes'' in Gaza that are punishable under international law.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas says Israel is carrying out ''organised state terrorism and war crimes'' in Gaza that are punishable under international law. In a televised address Wednesday, he said the Palestinians ''will not hesitate to pursue those who commit such crimes in front of international courts.'' Abbas is the head of the internationally backed Palestinian Authority, whose forces were driven from Gaza when the militant Hamas group seized power in 2007. The PA has limited autonomy in parts of the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Earlier this year, the International Criminal Court launched an investigation into possible war crimes committed by Israel and Palestinian militants during the last Gaza war, in 2014. It has expressed concern about the latest round of fighting. Abbas accused Israel of ''brutal attacks on civilians and deliberate bombardment of homes.'' Israel says it only strikes militant targets and makes every effort to avoid harming civilians, including by warning people ahead of some strikes. Hamas and other militant groups have launched hundreds of rockets into Israel. The indiscriminate fire is widely seen as violating international law.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas accuses Israel of war crimes

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

India has expressed its "deep concern" over violence in Jerusalem at the United Nations Security Council session on the ongoing Israel-Palestine escalating situation. This is the third session of UNSC on the situation, but first open session since the previous two&nbsp;meetings were closed.

Calling for "immediate de-escalation" as the "need of the hour, so as to arrest any further slide towards the brink", India's Ambassador to United Nation T S Tirumurti said, "we urge both sides to show extreme restraint, desist from actions that exacerbate tensions" and "refrain from attempts to unilaterally change the existing status quo, including East Jerusalem and its neighbourhood".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-pm-netanyahu-defends-media-house-attack-says-building-was-legitimate-target-385466" hreflang="en">Netanyahu defends media house attack, says building was 'legitimate target'</a>

The violence started in Jerusalem at the Haram Al-Sharif, also known as Temple Mount during Ramzan, with the key reason being the possible eviction of Palestinians in the Sheikh Jarrah and Silwan neighbourhood in East Jerusalem. The area is a holy site in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The violence later spread to both West Bank and Gaza.&nbsp;

The Indian envoy Tirumurti condemned the "indiscriminate rocket firing from Gaza targeting the civilian population in Israel" that has "caused immense suffering and resulted in deaths" and paid tributes to the Indian national Soumya Santhosh who died in the rocket firing in the city of Ashkelon.&nbsp;

He said, "India has lost one of her nationals living in Israel.." and "we deeply mourn her demise along with all other civilians who have lost their lives in the current cycle of violence", reiterating "strong condemnation of all acts of violence, provocation, incitement and destruction".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-palestine-conflict-israel-palestine-clash-at-unsc-meet-385476">Watch |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-palestine-conflict-israel-palestine-clash-at-unsc-meet-385476/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Soumya Santhosh from the southern Indian state of Kerala was a caregiver living in the country for many years. She died in the Hamas rocket strike and is survived by her nine-year-old son and her husband. India's minister of state in the Ministry Of External Affairs V. Muraleedharan and Israel's Deputy Envoy Rony Yedidia Clein were present at the Delhi airport when her mortal remains reached India.

Ambassador Tirumurti listed New Delhi's "strong support to the just Palestinian cause and its unwavering commitment to the two&nbsp;state solution" and highlighted that the current situation "underscored the need for immediate resumption of dialogue between Israel and Palestinian authorities". The envoy also pointed out&nbsp;that the "absence of direct and meaningful negotiations between the parties is widening the trust deficit between the parties" and this "will increase the chances for similar escalation in future".

India at UNSC also explained how Jerusalem has a "special place in hearts of millions of Indians", with the city housing an Indian hospice — Al Zawiyya Al Hindiyya. The Hospice has been restored by the Indian government.&nbsp;According to legend, Indian Sufi saint Baba Farid had visited the site in AD 1200, meditating at the location.

India has expressed its "deep concern" over violence in Jerusalem at the United Nations Security Council session on the ongoing Israel-Palestine escalating situation.

India has expressed its "deep concern" over violence in Jerusalem at the United Nations Security Council session on the ongoing Israel-Palestine escalating situation. This is the third session of UNSC on the situation, but first open session since the previous two meetings were closed. Calling for "immediate de-escalation" as the "need of the hour, so as to arrest any further slide towards the brink", India's Ambassador to United Nation T S Tirumurti said, "we urge both sides to show extreme restraint, desist from actions that exacerbate tensions" and "refrain from attempts to unilaterally change the existing status quo, including East Jerusalem and its neighbourhood". Also read | Netanyahu defends media house attack, says building was 'legitimate target' The violence started in Jerusalem at the Haram Al-Sharif, also known as Temple Mount during Ramzan, with the key reason being the possible eviction of Palestinians in the Sheikh Jarrah and Silwan neighbourhood in East Jerusalem. The area is a holy site in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The violence later spread to both West Bank and Gaza. The Indian envoy Tirumurti condemned the "indiscriminate rocket firing from Gaza targeting the civilian population in Israel" that has "caused immense suffering and resulted in deaths" and paid tributes to the Indian national Soumya Santhosh who died in the rocket firing in the city of Ashkelon. He said, "India has lost one of her nationals living in Israel.." and "we deeply mourn her demise along with all other civilians who have lost their lives in the current cycle of violence", reiterating "strong condemnation of all acts of violence, provocation, incitement and destruction". Watch | Soumya Santhosh from the southern Indian state of Kerala was a caregiver living in the country for many years. She died in the Hamas rocket strike and is survived by her nine-year-old son and her husband. India's minister of state in the Ministry Of External Affairs V. Muraleedharan and Israel's Deputy Envoy Rony Yedidia Clein were present at the Delhi airport when her mortal remains reached India. Ambassador Tirumurti listed New Delhi's "strong support to the just Palestinian cause and its unwavering commitment to the two state solution" and highlighted that the current situation "underscored the need for immediate resumption of dialogue between Israel and Palestinian authorities". The envoy also pointed out that the "absence of direct and meaningful negotiations between the parties is widening the trust deficit between the parties" and this "will increase the chances for similar escalation in future". India at UNSC also explained how Jerusalem has a "special place in hearts of millions of Indians", with the city housing an Indian hospice — Al Zawiyya Al Hindiyya. The Hospice has been restored by the Indian government. According to legend, Indian Sufi saint Baba Farid had visited the site in AD 1200, meditating at the location.

At UNSC, India expresses concern over Jerusalem violence; mourns loss of Soumya Santhosh

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged Israel and Palestine to stop the ongoing war and warned this could lead to an "uncontainable" crisis.

"Fighting must stop. It must stop immediately," Guterres said at a Security Council session. "It has the potential to unleash an uncontainable security and humanitarian crisis and to further foster extremism, not only in the occupied Palestinian territory and Israel, but in the region as a whole."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nearly-3000-rockets-fired-from-gaza-towards-israel-army-claims-385423" hreflang="en">Nearly 3,000 rockets fired from Gaza towards Israel, army claims</a>

Calling this "senseless", he said the violence from both sides is "utterly appalling" as more than 200 people have lost their lives in the violent encounters between the Israeli forces and Hamas group.

"This senseless cycle of bloodshed, terror and destruction must stop immediately,"&nbsp;he said. "Rockets and mortars on one side and aerial and artillery bombardments on the other must stop.&nbsp;I appeal to all parties to heed this call."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-plus-the-story-of-jerusalem-385257">Watch |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-plus-the-story-of-jerusalem-385257/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

He has also voiced his concerns against the recent attack on a high-rise building in Gaza that housed offices of media companies Associated press and Al-Jazeera.

"Journalists must be allowed to work free of fear and harassment. The destruction of media offices in Gaza is extremely concerning," he said.

He also talked about the danger from the rise of extremist Jewish movements marching against the Palestinians.

"In Israel, violence by vigilante-style groups and mobs has added a further horrendous dimension to an already deteriorating crisis," Guterres said. "Leaders on all sides have a responsibility to curb inflammatory rhetoric and calm the rising tensions."

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged Israel and Palestine to stop the ongoing war and warned this could lead to an "uncontainable" crisis. "Fighting must stop.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged Israel and Palestine to stop the ongoing war and warned this could lead to an "uncontainable" crisis. "Fighting must stop. It must stop immediately," Guterres said at a Security Council session. "It has the potential to unleash an uncontainable security and humanitarian crisis and to further foster extremism, not only in the occupied Palestinian territory and Israel, but in the region as a whole." Also read | Nearly 3,000 rockets fired from Gaza towards Israel, army claims Calling this "senseless", he said the violence from both sides is "utterly appalling" as more than 200 people have lost their lives in the violent encounters between the Israeli forces and Hamas group. "This senseless cycle of bloodshed, terror and destruction must stop immediately," he said. "Rockets and mortars on one side and aerial and artillery bombardments on the other must stop. I appeal to all parties to heed this call." Watch | He has also voiced his concerns against the recent attack on a high-rise building in Gaza that housed offices of media companies Associated press and Al-Jazeera. "Journalists must be allowed to work free of fear and harassment. The destruction of media offices in Gaza is extremely concerning," he said. He also talked about the danger from the rise of extremist Jewish movements marching against the Palestinians. "In Israel, violence by vigilante-style groups and mobs has added a further horrendous dimension to an already deteriorating crisis," Guterres said. "Leaders on all sides have a responsibility to curb inflammatory rhetoric and calm the rising tensions."

UN chief condemns 'senseless' attacks of Israel-Palestine; warns 'uncontainable' crisis

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

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

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

US tells Israel to protect media after Gaza tower hit

US lawmaker Rashida Tlaib on Thursday (local time) questioned US government's "unconditional support" to Israel amid clashes with Palestine. Tlaib has been critical of Israeli policy towards the Palestinians.

"We must, with no hesitation, demand that our country recognize the unconditional support of Israel has enabled the erasure of Palestinian life and the denial of the rights of millions of refugees," Tlaib said, often tearing up as she addressed the House of Representatives.

She was joined on the floor by congresswoman from Minnesota, Ilhan Omar, who criticized her colleagues in the House for their stand on Israel.

"Instead of condemning blatant crimes against humanity and human rights abuses, many members of Congress have instead fallen back on a blanket statement defending Israel's airstrikes against civilians under the guise of self-defense."

At least 109 people have been killed in Gaza over previous four days as per Palestinian medical officials.

On Thursday alone, 52 Palestinians were killed in the enclave, the highest single-day figure since Monday (May 10).

Seven people were killed in Israel: a soldier patrolling the Gaza border, five Israeli civilians, including two children, and an Indian worker, Israeli authorities said.

(With inputs from agencies)

US lawmaker Rashida Tlaib on Thursday (local time) questioned US government's "unconditional support" to Israel amid clashes with Palestine. Tlaib has been critical of Israeli policy towards the Palestinians.

US lawmaker Rashida Tlaib on Thursday (local time) questioned US government's "unconditional support" to Israel amid clashes with Palestine. Tlaib has been critical of Israeli policy towards the Palestinians. "We must, with no hesitation, demand that our country recognize the unconditional support of Israel has enabled the erasure of Palestinian life and the denial of the rights of millions of refugees," Tlaib said, often tearing up as she addressed the House of Representatives. She was joined on the floor by congresswoman from Minnesota, Ilhan Omar, who criticized her colleagues in the House for their stand on Israel. "Instead of condemning blatant crimes against humanity and human rights abuses, many members of Congress have instead fallen back on a blanket statement defending Israel's airstrikes against civilians under the guise of self-defense." At least 109 people have been killed in Gaza over previous four days as per Palestinian medical officials. On Thursday alone, 52 Palestinians were killed in the enclave, the highest single-day figure since Monday (May 10). Seven people were killed in Israel: a soldier patrolling the Gaza border, five Israeli civilians, including two children, and an Indian worker, Israeli authorities said. (With inputs from agencies)

US Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib responds tearfully over Israel-Palestine conflict

Palestinians and Israelis: Clashes since 2015

China on Thursday expressed a "high degree of concern" over deadly clashes between Israel and Palestinians and urged the United Nations Security Council to do more to de-escalate tensions and implement a two-state solution.

The most intense hostilities in seven years have killed at least 83 people in Gaza and seven in Israel since Monday.

On Friday the Security Council is to hold another emergency meeting after Tunisia, Norway and China urged the body to reconvene despite resistance from the United States, which acts as a diplomatic shield for ally Israel.

An earlier emergency meeting held Wednesday ended without agreement on a joint statement due to opposition from the United States, diplomats said.

"China expresses a high degree of concern regarding the current situation between Palestine and Israel," said foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying, adding that China was ready to draft and circulate a statement on behalf of the body.

"However, due to the obstruction of individual countries, no agreement has been reached so far," added Hua.&nbsp;

"The Security Council should take action, reiterate its commitment to and firm support for the two-state solution."

One of five permanent members of the UN Security Council, China holds the rotating presidency this month.

Beijing is often criticised by the United States for vetoing Security Council statements including when it blocked an attempt to condemn the military coup in Myanmar.

Friday's expected meeting will be public and include participation by Israel and the Palestinians, diplomats told AFP Wednesday.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said a US envoy would travel to the Middle East in an effort to calm tensions.

China on Thursday expressed a "high degree of concern" over deadly clashes between Israel and Palestinians and urged the United Nations Security Council to do more to de-escalate tensions and implement a two-state solution.

China on Thursday expressed a "high degree of concern" over deadly clashes between Israel and Palestinians and urged the United Nations Security Council to do more to de-escalate tensions and implement a two-state solution. The most intense hostilities in seven years have killed at least 83 people in Gaza and seven in Israel since Monday. On Friday the Security Council is to hold another emergency meeting after Tunisia, Norway and China urged the body to reconvene despite resistance from the United States, which acts as a diplomatic shield for ally Israel. An earlier emergency meeting held Wednesday ended without agreement on a joint statement due to opposition from the United States, diplomats said. "China expresses a high degree of concern regarding the current situation between Palestine and Israel," said foreign ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying, adding that China was ready to draft and circulate a statement on behalf of the body. "However, due to the obstruction of individual countries, no agreement has been reached so far," added Hua. "The Security Council should take action, reiterate its commitment to and firm support for the two-state solution." One of five permanent members of the UN Security Council, China holds the rotating presidency this month. Beijing is often criticised by the United States for vetoing Security Council statements including when it blocked an attempt to condemn the military coup in Myanmar. Friday's expected meeting will be public and include participation by Israel and the Palestinians, diplomats told AFP Wednesday. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said a US envoy would travel to the Middle East in an effort to calm tensions.

China urges UN to act on Israel-Palestinian conflict

Clashes erupted in Jerusalem ahead of court case which could evict Palestinians.&nbsp;The case has been running for very long and could evict Palestinians from their homes which are claimed by settlers. The court session is set to take place on Thursday.

"Go back to Jordan," Reuters quoted settlers&nbsp;in the Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood as saying. The neighbourhood was captured by Israel in 1967 during the Middle East war.<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/icc-probes-alleged-war-crimes-in-palestine-territories-367958/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe>

Over the last week, police donning riot gear on horseback have been patrolling the neighbourhood. They have arrested several Palestinians and has been using water cannons to spray a foul-smelling liquid to ease the crowds.

The neighbourhood of Sheikh Jarrah is situated outside Jerusalem’s Old City which is near the Damascus Gate. This area is home to many Palestinian homes and apartment buildings.&nbsp; Just a few days back, the area surrounding Damascus Gate witnessed nightly clashes over access to the square.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/israel-palestine-issue-may-brew-for-long-time-says-former-white-house-middle-east-envoy-372876" hreflang="en">Israel-Palestine issue may brew for long time, says Former White House Middle East envoy</a>

According to Palestinian medics, 12 Palestinians have been injured in the clashes since Sunday. Out of these, three have required hospital treatment. The police say that Palestinian protesters hurled rocks and firebombs at authorities during the demonstrations.

The neighbourhood is largely Palestinian, but it includes a site highly revered by Jews - the tomb of an ancient high priest - Simon the Just.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/turkey-wants-to-establish-better-ties-with-israel-but-palestine-policy-is-unacceptable-erdogan-352378" hreflang="en">Turkey wants to establish better ties with Israel, but Palestine policy is 'unacceptable': Erdogan</a>

Ruling on Thursday at Israel’s Supreme Court will decide whether the ruling by the lower court to evict Palestinians will be upheld or whether these families could appeal. Many human rights campaigners believe that if the Palestinians lose the court battle, it could set a precedent for other areas nearby.

(With inputs from agencies)

Clashes erupted in Jerusalem ahead of court case which could evict Palestinians. The case has been running for very long and could evict Palestinians from their homes which are claimed by settlers.

Clashes erupted in Jerusalem ahead of court case which could evict Palestinians. The case has been running for very long and could evict Palestinians from their homes which are claimed by settlers. The court session is set to take place on Thursday. "Go back to Jordan," Reuters quoted settlers in the Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood as saying. The neighbourhood was captured by Israel in 1967 during the Middle East war. Over the last week, police donning riot gear on horseback have been patrolling the neighbourhood. They have arrested several Palestinians and has been using water cannons to spray a foul-smelling liquid to ease the crowds. The neighbourhood of Sheikh Jarrah is situated outside Jerusalem’s Old City which is near the Damascus Gate. This area is home to many Palestinian homes and apartment buildings. Just a few days back, the area surrounding Damascus Gate witnessed nightly clashes over access to the square. Also read: Israel-Palestine issue may brew for long time, says Former White House Middle East envoy According to Palestinian medics, 12 Palestinians have been injured in the clashes since Sunday. Out of these, three have required hospital treatment. The police say that Palestinian protesters hurled rocks and firebombs at authorities during the demonstrations. The neighbourhood is largely Palestinian, but it includes a site highly revered by Jews - the tomb of an ancient high priest - Simon the Just. Also read: Turkey wants to establish better ties with Israel, but Palestine policy is 'unacceptable': Erdogan Ruling on Thursday at Israel’s Supreme Court will decide whether the ruling by the lower court to evict Palestinians will be upheld or whether these families could appeal. Many human rights campaigners believe that if the Palestinians lose the court battle, it could set a precedent for other areas nearby. (With inputs from agencies)

Clashes erupt in Jerusalem ahead of key court ruling on Palestinians' eviction

The UN Committee on Palestine has lauded India's support to Palestine and said New Delhi can play a proactive role in Israel Palestine peace process.&nbsp;

The chairman of United Nations committee on the exercise of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people and Senegal's permanent envoy to UN Cheikh Niang also lauded India's increased contribution to UNRWA ( United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East) in an interview with WION's Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal. The committee is in Delhi and met the External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. Edited excerpts:

 
WION: How do see Indian support for the Palestinian cause?

Cheikh Niang: The support is consistent. India was the first non-Arab country&nbsp;to recognise the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), and in 1988, India was among the first few countries in the world to recognise the state of Palestine. Through its activity, India has contributed a lot to Palestine by giving technical assistance, scientific assistance in the field of science, technology, art, youth, health, education and culture. Even recently when UNRWA ( United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East) was in crisis, India decided to increase its participation to the agency increasing its contribution to $5 million, which is hefty.

 
WION: What more you would expect from India?

Cheikh Niang: First of all, I would like to say, we are very happy at the committee at the way India is continuing its support to Palestine. What we have also said to the Indian authorities is that India is a major player in the world. India is a major power and it is respected, political power, economic power and we think India can also play a proactive role in helping restart the process to find peace for Palestine.

 
WION: You said India can help restart the process to find peace for Palestine, how do u see Indian role in the Israel Palestine peace process?

 
Cheikh Niang: India has good relation with Palestine and Israel. This is an asset for India to play a better role. It's a platform, which many countries don't have. With this Indian participation can be more fruitful.&nbsp;

The UN Committee on Palestine has lauded India's support to Palestine and said New Delhi can play a proactive role in Israel Palestine peace process. The chairman of United Nations committee on the exercise of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people and Senegal's permanent envoy to UN Cheikh Niang also lauded India's increased contribution to UNRWA ( United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East) in an interview with WION's Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal.

The UN Committee on Palestine has lauded India's support to Palestine and said New Delhi can play a proactive role in Israel Palestine peace process. The chairman of United Nations committee on the exercise of the inalienable rights of the Palestinian people and Senegal's permanent envoy to UN Cheikh Niang also lauded India's increased contribution to UNRWA ( United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East) in an interview with WION's Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal. The committee is in Delhi and met the External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar. Edited excerpts: WION: How do see Indian support for the Palestinian cause? Cheikh Niang: The support is consistent. India was the first non-Arab country to recognise the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), and in 1988, India was among the first few countries in the world to recognise the state of Palestine. Through its activity, India has contributed a lot to Palestine by giving technical assistance, scientific assistance in the field of science, technology, art, youth, health, education and culture. Even recently when UNRWA ( United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East) was in crisis, India decided to increase its participation to the agency increasing its contribution to $5 million, which is hefty. WION: What more you would expect from India? Cheikh Niang: First of all, I would like to say, we are very happy at the committee at the way India is continuing its support to Palestine. What we have also said to the Indian authorities is that India is a major player in the world. India is a major power and it is respected, political power, economic power and we think India can also play a proactive role in helping restart the process to find peace for Palestine. WION: You said India can help restart the process to find peace for Palestine, how do u see Indian role in the Israel Palestine peace process? Cheikh Niang: India has good relation with Palestine and Israel. This is an asset for India to play a better role. It's a platform, which many countries don't have. With this Indian participation can be more fruitful.

India can play active role in Israel-Palestine peace process, says UN Committee on Palestine 

The real issue with US President Donald Trump’s Israel-Palestinian peace plan is not whether it stands a chance of resolving one of the world’s most intractable conflicts or not. More important is the fact that Israel will, in violation of international law, be empowered to unilaterally annexe occupied territory and take steps towards creating an ethnically more homogenous state by transferring a significant proportion of the Jewish state’s Israeli Palestinian population to what the plan envisions as a future Palestinian entity.

Trump, by endorsing annexation and populations transfers that violate the Fourth Geneva Convention, has put Israel at the cutting edge of an emerging new world order dominated by civilizationalist leaders.

These leaders think in terms of might is right rather than adherence to international law. They envision civilisational states that define themselves and their boundaries on the basis of a specific civilization as opposed to nation-states that are determined by internationally recognised borders, population and language and have little time for the rule of law.

In doing so Trump, like many other likeminded civilizationalist leaders is contributing to a world in which mass migration, radicalisation and increased political violence will likely pose threats on a far larger scale than they do today.

If Israel indeed moves ahead with implementation of Trump’s plan, it will likely find itself at the forefront of the civilizationalist effort to shape a new world order that pays little heed to human and minority rights anchored in international law and that rejects agreements on the status of occupied land and people that were forged in the wake of the 20th century’s devastating world wars.

Becoming a flashpoint in the struggle for the shape of a new world could prove to be&nbsp;more of a curse than a blessing for Israel.

It could turn Israel into yet another but nonetheless the prime example of what civilizationalist politics is likely to produce: A illiberal, if not authoritarian state, whose policies are at best controversial rather than, as Israel likes to see itself - the Middle East’s shining and only real democracy,

Few in the international community, including a majority of Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu’s civilizationalist counterparts, with the exception of Trump and potentially Brazil’s Jair Bolsonaro and Hungary’s Victor Orban, would recognise Israel’s unilaterally declared post-annexation borders.

Responding to Trump’s plan, conservative Gulf states praised US efforts to achieve peace and called for negotiations but were careful not to endorse Trump’s blueprint while the Arab League that groups all Arab states outright rejected the proposal.

This did not stop Lieutenant General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the head of Sudan’s post-popular revolt Sovereignty Council who has close ties to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, from meeting Netanyahu a day later in Uganda.

Nonetheless, few in the international community would endorse the deprival of citizenship of some 300,000 Palestinian Israelis and their transfer together with their lands in what is known as the Triangle in central Israel to a future Palestinian state.

Only 13 per cent of Israeli Palestinians surveyed last year by the Israel Democracy Institute defined themselves as first and foremost being Palestinian while 38 per cent said their primary identity was Arab.

Meanwhile, 65 per cent said they were “proud to be Israelis.” An even larger number, 83 per cent, said they strived to be full members of Israeli society.

"Peace is made with the enemy. We are residents of the state, and we are not the enemy. The prime minister wants to save his skin at the expense of inciting hatred against the Arab population," said Shuaa Massarweh Mansour, the mayor of Taiibeh, a town of 50,000 Israeli Palestinians that was included in the plan’s suggestion for a population transfer.

Mansour was referring to last month’s indictment of Netanyahu on charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust in three separate corruption cases.

Demonstrations on the West Bank and in the Gaza Strip in response to the Trump plan were fairly muted but that is no guarantee that implementation will not provoke wide-spread protest directed not only against Israel and the United States but also the Palestine Authority.

Those protests would likely spread to Israeli Palestinians resident within Israeli borders prior to the 1967 Middle East war in which Israel conquered the West Bank, East Jerusalem and the Golan Heights that were annexed before Trump endorsed their incorporation into Israel, and Gaza.

An Israeli crackdown on the protesters would only add to problems created by the implementation of the Trump plan.

The plan appears to be designed to pre-empt what would be a worst-case civilizationalist scenario in which continued Israeli occupation would force Israel to choose between being a democracy and a Jewish state because of demographics that would likely see Palestinians becoming a majority of the population.

The irony is that the implementation of the plan without Palestinian consent and cooperation could produce the same dilemma.

As a result, Trump’s civilizational approach towards solving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and Netanyahu’s enthusiastic embrace of the plan threatens to not only put Israel on&nbsp;the cutting edge of the struggle to shape a new world order, but also risks turning Israel into a poster child of everything that is wrong with civilisationalism.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;

The real issue with US President Donald Trump’s Israel-Palestinian peace plan is not whether it stands a chance of resolving one of the world’s most intractable conflicts or not.

The real issue with US President Donald Trump’s Israel-Palestinian peace plan is not whether it stands a chance of resolving one of the world’s most intractable conflicts or not. More important is the fact that Israel will, in violation of international law, be empowered to unilaterally annexe occupied territory and take steps towards creating an ethnically more homogenous state by transferring a significant proportion of the Jewish state’s Israeli Palestinian population to what the plan envisions as a future Palestinian entity. Trump, by endorsing annexation and populations transfers that violate the Fourth Geneva Convention, has put Israel at the cutting edge of an emerging new world order dominated by civilizationalist leaders. These leaders think in terms of might is right rather than adherence to international law. They envision civilisational states that define themselves and their boundaries on the basis of a specific civilization as opposed to nation-states that are determined by internationally recognised borders, population and language and have little time for the rule of law. In doing so Trump, like many other likeminded civilizationalist leaders is contributing to a world in which mass migration, radicalisation and increased political violence will likely pose threats on a far larger scale than they do today. If Israel indeed moves ahead with implementation of Trump’s plan, it will likely find itself at the forefront of the civilizationalist effort to shape a new world order that pays little heed to human and minority rights anchored in international law and that rejects agreements on the status of occupied land and people that were forged in the wake of the 20th century’s devastating world wars. Becoming a flashpoint in the struggle for the shape of a new world could prove to be more of a curse than a blessing for Israel. It could turn Israel into yet another but nonetheless the prime example of what civilizationalist politics is likely to produce: A illiberal, if not authoritarian state, whose policies are at best controversial rather than, as Israel likes to see itself - the Middle East’s shining and only real democracy, Few in the international community, including a majority of Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu’s civilizationalist counterparts, with the exception of Trump and potentially Brazil’s Jair Bolsonaro and Hungary’s Victor Orban, would recognise Israel’s unilaterally declared post-annexation borders. Responding to Trump’s plan, conservative Gulf states praised US efforts to achieve peace and called for negotiations but were careful not to endorse Trump’s blueprint while the Arab League that groups all Arab states outright rejected the proposal. This did not stop Lieutenant General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, the head of Sudan’s post-popular revolt Sovereignty Council who has close ties to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, from meeting Netanyahu a day later in Uganda. Nonetheless, few in the international community would endorse the deprival of citizenship of some 300,000 Palestinian Israelis and their transfer together with their lands in what is known as the Triangle in central Israel to a future Palestinian state. Only 13 per cent of Israeli Palestinians surveyed last year by the Israel Democracy Institute defined themselves as first and foremost being Palestinian while 38 per cent said their primary identity was Arab. Meanwhile, 65 per cent said they were “proud to be Israelis.” An even larger number, 83 per cent, said they strived to be full members of Israeli society. "Peace is made with the enemy. We are residents of the state, and we are not the enemy. The prime minister wants to save his skin at the expense of inciting hatred against the Arab population," said Shuaa Massarweh Mansour, the mayor of Taiibeh, a town of 50,000 Israeli Palestinians that was included in the plan’s suggestion for a population transfer. Mansour was referring to last month’s indictment of Netanyahu on charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust in three separate corruption cases. Demonstrations on the West Bank and in the Gaza Strip in response to the Trump plan were fairly muted but that is no guarantee that implementation will not provoke wide-spread protest directed not only against Israel and the United States but also the Palestine Authority. Those protests would likely spread to Israeli Palestinians resident within Israeli borders prior to the 1967 Middle East war in which Israel conquered the West Bank, East Jerusalem and the Golan Heights that were annexed before Trump endorsed their incorporation into Israel, and Gaza. An Israeli crackdown on the protesters would only add to problems created by the implementation of the Trump plan. The plan appears to be designed to pre-empt what would be a worst-case civilizationalist scenario in which continued Israeli occupation would force Israel to choose between being a democracy and a Jewish state because of demographics that would likely see Palestinians becoming a majority of the population. The irony is that the implementation of the plan without Palestinian consent and cooperation could produce the same dilemma. As a result, Trump’s civilizational approach towards solving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and Netanyahu’s enthusiastic embrace of the plan threatens to not only put Israel on the cutting edge of the struggle to shape a new world order, but also risks turning Israel into a poster child of everything that is wrong with civilisationalism. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Donald Trump's peace plan puts Israel on the cutting edge

Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas on Saturday announced a cut in all ties with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-unveils-middle-east-peace-plan-draws-flak-from-palestinians-277189">Israel and the United States</a>, including security cooperation.

Abbas said the peace plan unveiled by US President Donald Trump on Tuesday was in "violation of the (autonomy) accords" launched in Oslo in 1993 by Israel and the Palestinians.

Israel will have to "bear responsibility as an occupying power" for the Palestinian territories, he told an emergency Arab League meeting in Cairo.

Trump's plan angered Palestinians by proposing Israel retain control over Jerusalem as its "undivided capital" and giving the green light to annex Jewish settlements in the West Bank.

Under the deal, there will be a 4-year freeze on Israeli settlements which means a halt in the expansion of Israel's construction activities in the West Bank. 
&nbsp; 
The deal promises to double the area under the control of the Palestinian authorities. But a major portion of the West Bank settlements will be recognised under Israeli sovereignty. 
&nbsp; 
Trump has vowed to grant statehood to Palestine if it demilitarises and stops funding terror groups. As expected the deal does advocate the 2-state solution.

According to the President, an undivided Jerusalem will be the capital of Israel. 
&nbsp; 
In the same breath, Trump also said he would proudly open a US embassy in a Palestinian capital in eastern Jerusalem. It's still unclear as to how such an arrangement could work.

Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas on Saturday announced a cut in all ties with Israel and the United States, including security cooperation. Abbas said the peace plan unveiled by US President Donald Trump on Tuesday was in "violation of the (autonomy) accords" launched in Oslo in 1993 by Israel and the Palestinians.

Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas on Saturday announced a cut in all ties with Israel and the United States, including security cooperation. Abbas said the peace plan unveiled by US President Donald Trump on Tuesday was in "violation of the (autonomy) accords" launched in Oslo in 1993 by Israel and the Palestinians. Israel will have to "bear responsibility as an occupying power" for the Palestinian territories, he told an emergency Arab League meeting in Cairo. Trump's plan angered Palestinians by proposing Israel retain control over Jerusalem as its "undivided capital" and giving the green light to annex Jewish settlements in the West Bank. Under the deal, there will be a 4-year freeze on Israeli settlements which means a halt in the expansion of Israel's construction activities in the West Bank. The deal promises to double the area under the control of the Palestinian authorities. But a major portion of the West Bank settlements will be recognised under Israeli sovereignty. Trump has vowed to grant statehood to Palestine if it demilitarises and stops funding terror groups. As expected the deal does advocate the 2-state solution. According to the President, an undivided Jerusalem will be the capital of Israel. In the same breath, Trump also said he would proudly open a US embassy in a Palestinian capital in eastern Jerusalem. It's still unclear as to how such an arrangement could work.

We will 'cut all ties' with Israel, US: Palestinian President Abbas

President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-top-court-sides-with-trump-on-immigrant-welfare-benefits-276959">Donald Trump </a>on Tuesday will ignore accusations of pro-Israeli bias,&nbsp;led by the Palestinians themselves, and unveil what he says is a peace plan that can solve the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/news-donald-trump-to-unveil-israel-palestine-peace-plan-by-tuesday-276254">Israeli-Palestinian</a> conflict.

The long-held secret&nbsp;plan will finally be aired jointly by Trump and visiting Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/today-tonight-donald-trump-welcomes-benjamin-netanyahu-wion-news-world-news-276942">Benjamin Netanyahu</a> at the White House.

Given that it has been rejected by the Palestinians, the latest of many US proposals to address the bitter, multi-generational Middle East conflict might seem to have little future.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/palestinian-prime-minister-calls-on-world-to-boycott-donald-trumps-peace-plan-276902">Palestinian Prime Minister calls on world to boycott Donald Trump's peace plan</a>

But Trump insists he is optimistic and whatever happens, both he and Netanyahu could reap political benefits as they battle respective domestic scandals.

"It might have a chance," <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/news-donald-trump-to-unveil-israel-palestine-peace-plan-by-tuesday-276254">Trump</a> said of the plan at an initial Oval Office meeting with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-pm-netanyahu-us-vice-president-pence-denounce-iran-at-holocaust-memorial-ceremony-276200">Netanyahu</a> on Monday.

Trump, whose impeachment trial in the Senate is entering a critical phase, said his plan was getting widespread support from "many of the Arab nations" and claimed that even Palestinians would come round to the idea.

"It's very good for them, in fact it's overly good for them," Trump told reporters. "We think we will have ultimately the support of the Palestinians."

Netanyahu, praising Trump as "the greatest friend that Israel's had in the White House", described the plan as "the deal of the century".

Watch:&nbsp;Donald Trump welcomes Benjamin Netanyahu

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Netanyahu also faces corruption charges, as well as a tense election in just over a month, with his right-wing Likud currently neck-and-neck with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/what-to-expect-from-trumps-peace-plan-or-deal-of-century-276976">Benny Gantz</a>'s centrist Blue and White party.

On Monday, Trump also met separately with Gantz, but the limelight fell almost entirely on the incumbent prime minister -- as will any political dividends from a peace plan favouring Israel.

Watch:&nbsp;What to expect from Trump's peace plan or "Deal Of Century" ?

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No deal

No Palestinians have been invited to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-impeachment-poll-47-want-trump-out-of-white-house-277104">White House </a>event. They say they were never included in crafting the plan, which was overseen by Trump son-in-law Jared Kushner.

Palestinian prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh on Monday urged international powers to boycott the plan, which he said was designed "to protect Trump from impeachment and protect Netanyahu from prison.

"It is not a Middle East peace plan," <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/palestinian-prime-minister-calls-on-world-to-boycott-donald-trumps-peace-plan-276902">Shtayyeh</a> told a cabinet meeting. "This plan gives Israel sovereignty over Palestinian territory."

Details of the plan remained under wraps up to the last minute, but it has been gestating for so long that skeptics asked whether it really existed.

Aaron David Miller, a Mideast expert with the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, said Kushner's team wanted to "finally, basically demonstrate that they have a plan" and to do so ahead of the US presidential election in November.

Trump has already thrown Netanyahu a string of political presents throughout his first term.

He has broken with international diplomatic consensus to recognize the disputed city of Jerusalem as the Israeli capital. He recognized Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, seized from neighboring Syria. And he has ended opposition to Israeli settlements on occupied Palestinian land.

Ahead of Tuesday's announcement, the Israeli army said it was beefing up forces in the Jordan Valley, a swathe of the occupied West Bank expected to feature in Trump's plan.

Last Thursday, Trump described the still-unpublished peace plan as "great" and said it "really would work".

But on Sunday, Palestinian leaders warned that instead of bringing peace, the plan could trigger their withdrawal from key provisions of the decades-old Oslo Accords, which sought to map out peaceful Israeli-Palestinian relations.

"Trump's plan is the plot of the century to liquidate the Palestinian cause," the Palestinian foreign ministry said in a statement.

Rival Palestinian factions Hamas and Fatah planned to show their opposition to the new proposal by joining forces at a rare meeting on Tuesday in the West Bank city of Ramallah.

President Donald Trump on Tuesday will ignore accusations of pro-Israeli bias, led by the Palestinians themselves, and unveil what he says is a peace plan that can solve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

President Donald Trump on Tuesday will ignore accusations of pro-Israeli bias, led by the Palestinians themselves, and unveil what he says is a peace plan that can solve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The long-held secret plan will finally be aired jointly by Trump and visiting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House. Given that it has been rejected by the Palestinians, the latest of many US proposals to address the bitter, multi-generational Middle East conflict might seem to have little future. Also read: Palestinian Prime Minister calls on world to boycott Donald Trump's peace plan But Trump insists he is optimistic and whatever happens, both he and Netanyahu could reap political benefits as they battle respective domestic scandals. "It might have a chance," Trump said of the plan at an initial Oval Office meeting with Netanyahu on Monday. Trump, whose impeachment trial in the Senate is entering a critical phase, said his plan was getting widespread support from "many of the Arab nations" and claimed that even Palestinians would come round to the idea. "It's very good for them, in fact it's overly good for them," Trump told reporters. "We think we will have ultimately the support of the Palestinians." Netanyahu, praising Trump as "the greatest friend that Israel's had in the White House", described the plan as "the deal of the century". Watch: Donald Trump welcomes Benjamin Netanyahu Netanyahu also faces corruption charges, as well as a tense election in just over a month, with his right-wing Likud currently neck-and-neck with Benny Gantz's centrist Blue and White party. On Monday, Trump also met separately with Gantz, but the limelight fell almost entirely on the incumbent prime minister -- as will any political dividends from a peace plan favouring Israel. Watch: What to expect from Trump's peace plan or "Deal Of Century" ? No deal No Palestinians have been invited to the White House event. They say they were never included in crafting the plan, which was overseen by Trump son-in-law Jared Kushner. Palestinian prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh on Monday urged international powers to boycott the plan, which he said was designed "to protect Trump from impeachment and protect Netanyahu from prison. "It is not a Middle East peace plan," Shtayyeh told a cabinet meeting. "This plan gives Israel sovereignty over Palestinian territory." Details of the plan remained under wraps up to the last minute, but it has been gestating for so long that skeptics asked whether it really existed. Aaron David Miller, a Mideast expert with the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, said Kushner's team wanted to "finally, basically demonstrate that they have a plan" and to do so ahead of the US presidential election in November. Trump has already thrown Netanyahu a string of political presents throughout his first term. He has broken with international diplomatic consensus to recognize the disputed city of Jerusalem as the Israeli capital. He recognized Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, seized from neighboring Syria. And he has ended opposition to Israeli settlements on occupied Palestinian land. Ahead of Tuesday's announcement, the Israeli army said it was beefing up forces in the Jordan Valley, a swathe of the occupied West Bank expected to feature in Trump's plan. Last Thursday, Trump described the still-unpublished peace plan as "great" and said it "really would work". But on Sunday, Palestinian leaders warned that instead of bringing peace, the plan could trigger their withdrawal from key provisions of the decades-old Oslo Accords, which sought to map out peaceful Israeli-Palestinian relations. "Trump's plan is the plot of the century to liquidate the Palestinian cause," the Palestinian foreign ministry said in a statement. Rival Palestinian factions Hamas and Fatah planned to show their opposition to the new proposal by joining forces at a rare meeting on Tuesday in the West Bank city of Ramallah.

Trump to unveil Israel-Palestinian peace plan, despite critics

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Wednesday that Islamic Jihad militants in Gaza must stop rocket attacks or "absorb more and more blows" as an escalation of violence raged for a second day.

"They have one choice, to stop these attacks or absorb more and more blows. Their choice," Netanyahu said at the start of a cabinet meeting, adding that Israel was not seeking a further escalation, news agency AFP reported.

Two more Palestinians were killed on Wednesday in an I<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-in-israeli-strikes-in-gaza-climbs-to-12-261774">sraeli strike in the Gaza Strip</a>, bringing the death toll to 18.

Israel has launched airstrikes on Gaza early on Wednesday morning saying&nbsp;it is targetting rocket-launching squads and militant sites.

Israel's strikes occurred after it killed a top Palestinian militant Baha<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-kills-islamic-jihads-top-commander-in-missile-attack-261537">&nbsp;Abu Al-Atta in Gaza</a>&nbsp;belonging to Islamic Jihad early Tuesday leading to a tit-for-tat rocket attack by militants from across the border.

Netanyahu earlier&nbsp;said Al-Atta was a "ticking bomb," responsible for cross-border rocket, drone and sniper attacks. Al-Atta, 42, and his wife were killed in the pre-dawn Israeli strike.

Watch: 50 rockets fired on Israel from Gaza

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However, it appeared that Hamas, the main militant group that rules Gaza, was staying out of the fighting for now.

According to a report by Reuters, a UN Middle East envoy was on his way to Cairo to begin mediation to end the violence.

(With inputs from agencies)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Wednesday that Islamic Jihad militants in Gaza must stop rocket attacks or "absorb more and more blows" as an escalation of violence raged for a second day.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Wednesday that Islamic Jihad militants in Gaza must stop rocket attacks or "absorb more and more blows" as an escalation of violence raged for a second day. "They have one choice, to stop these attacks or absorb more and more blows. Their choice," Netanyahu said at the start of a cabinet meeting, adding that Israel was not seeking a further escalation, news agency AFP reported. Two more Palestinians were killed on Wednesday in an Israeli strike in the Gaza Strip, bringing the death toll to 18. Israel has launched airstrikes on Gaza early on Wednesday morning saying it is targetting rocket-launching squads and militant sites. Israel's strikes occurred after it killed a top Palestinian militant Baha Abu Al-Atta in Gaza belonging to Islamic Jihad early Tuesday leading to a tit-for-tat rocket attack by militants from across the border. Netanyahu earlier said Al-Atta was a "ticking bomb," responsible for cross-border rocket, drone and sniper attacks. Al-Atta, 42, and his wife were killed in the pre-dawn Israeli strike. Watch: 50 rockets fired on Israel from Gaza × However, it appeared that Hamas, the main militant group that rules Gaza, was staying out of the fighting for now. According to a report by Reuters, a UN Middle East envoy was on his way to Cairo to begin mediation to end the violence. (With inputs from agencies)

'Stop attacks or absorb more blows,' says Netanyahu as 18 Palestinians die in Israeli strike in Gaza

Gravitas: Israel-Palestine tensions spike: 50 rockets launched on Israel