Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas told the United Nations Thursday he would terminate all signed agreements with Israel if it moved forward with plans announced by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to annex a key part of the West Bank.

Netanyahu, who is trying to form a new government following a deadlocked election, pledged before the vote to impose Israeli sovereignty over the Jordan Valley and the northern Dead Sea which account for one-third of the West Bank.

The promise was widely condemned, including by UN chief Antonio Guterres who warned it would violate international law.

"Our response, if any Israeli government is to proceed with this plan, is that all signed agreements with the government of the occupation and any obligations therein will be terminated," said Abbas.

"And it is our right to defend our rights by all possible means, regardless of consequences, while remaining committed to international law and combating terrorism," he warned.

Abbas made a similar vow in July, but did not follow through.

In the early 1990s, Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization, then headed by Yasser Arafat, signed a number of peace agreements under US sponsorship.

The agreements were supposed to be for a transitional five-year period, but a longer-term deal proved elusive and a second bloody Palestinian intifada, or uprising, broke out in 2000.

Abbas, 84, also renewed a pledge to hold fresh parliamentary elections, which last took place in 2006.

Those elections, which were surprisingly won by Islamist movement Hamas, eventually led to a dramatic split, with Hamas seizing control of Gaza in 2007.

"Upon my return to the homeland, I will call for regular local elections in the West Bank, in the Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem, and anyone who opposes these elections will be held accountable before God and the international community," said Abbas, likely referencing Hamas.

Abbas has made similar promises before, most recently in December 2018 Abbas when he said he would hold parliamentary elections within six months.

Israel's foreign minister Israel Katz later told the assembly his country "wants peace with all its neighbors."

He added: "We call on the Palestinian Authority to stop incitement. To stop encouraging and financing terrorism. And to recognize the right of the Jewish People to its own state."

Katz also called on the Palestinians to come back to direct negotiations "without any pre-conditions."

Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas told the United Nations Thursday he would terminate all signed agreements with Israel if it moved forward with plans announced by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to annex a key part of the West Bank.

Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas told the United Nations Thursday he would terminate all signed agreements with Israel if it moved forward with plans announced by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to annex a key part of the West Bank. Netanyahu, who is trying to form a new government following a deadlocked election, pledged before the vote to impose Israeli sovereignty over the Jordan Valley and the northern Dead Sea which account for one-third of the West Bank. The promise was widely condemned, including by UN chief Antonio Guterres who warned it would violate international law. "Our response, if any Israeli government is to proceed with this plan, is that all signed agreements with the government of the occupation and any obligations therein will be terminated," said Abbas. "And it is our right to defend our rights by all possible means, regardless of consequences, while remaining committed to international law and combating terrorism," he warned. Abbas made a similar vow in July, but did not follow through. In the early 1990s, Israel and the Palestine Liberation Organization, then headed by Yasser Arafat, signed a number of peace agreements under US sponsorship. The agreements were supposed to be for a transitional five-year period, but a longer-term deal proved elusive and a second bloody Palestinian intifada, or uprising, broke out in 2000. Abbas, 84, also renewed a pledge to hold fresh parliamentary elections, which last took place in 2006. Those elections, which were surprisingly won by Islamist movement Hamas, eventually led to a dramatic split, with Hamas seizing control of Gaza in 2007. "Upon my return to the homeland, I will call for regular local elections in the West Bank, in the Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem, and anyone who opposes these elections will be held accountable before God and the international community," said Abbas, likely referencing Hamas. Abbas has made similar promises before, most recently in December 2018 Abbas when he said he would hold parliamentary elections within six months. Israel's foreign minister Israel Katz later told the assembly his country "wants peace with all its neighbors." He added: "We call on the Palestinian Authority to stop incitement. To stop encouraging and financing terrorism. And to recognize the right of the Jewish People to its own state." Katz also called on the Palestinians to come back to direct negotiations "without any pre-conditions."

All agreements off if Israel annexes territory: Palestine President Mahmud Abbas warns at United Nations

A controversial former security official and Abu Dhabi-based political operator, Mohammed Dahlan, has lurked for several years in the shadows of Palestinian politics. Now, he could emerge as a monkey wrench in an attempt to pave the way for US President Donald J Trump’s much-maligned ‘deal of the century’ to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

President Mahmoud Abbas, the head of the Palestine Authority, and Hamas, the Islamist group that controls the Gaza Strip, have condemned the proposed, yet to be published deal and boycotted a conference in Bahrain in June organised by Jared Kushner, Trump’s negotiator and son-in-law, that focussed on economic aspects of the proposal.

The Palestinian boycott followed Abbas’ earlier rejection of the United States as a mediator in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict after the Trump administration recognised Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, cut off funding and closed down the Palestinian representation in Washington. Trump has since recognised the occupied Syrian Golan Heights as part of Israel.

Kushner unveiled at the conference, attended by government officials and businessmen from the Gulf, the United States, Europe and Asia, a $50 billion investment plan, $28 billion of which would be earmarked for the creation of Palestinian jobs and reduction of poverty.

The Trump administration has said it would release political details of the peace plan only after the September 17 Israeli election so that it does not become an issue in what appears to be a tight electoral race between prime minister Benyamin Netanyahu's right-wing Likud and former military chief Benny Gantz’s Blue and White.

Saudi and United Arab Emirates crown princes, Mohammed bin Salman and Mohammed bin Zayed, have quietly sought to support the US peace effort that in Kushner’s words will deviate from the 2002 Arab peace plan by not calling for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Dahlan, who is believed to be close to the UAE’s Prince Mohammed as well as former Israeli defence minister Avigdor Lieberman, has played an important role in that effort, particularly with regard to UAE efforts to clip Hamas’ wings.

Dahlan went into exile in the UAE in 2007 after Hamas defeated his US-backed efforts to thwart the group’s control in Gaza. US President George W Bush described Dahlan at the time as “our boy.”

Dahlan has since been indicted by Abbas’ Palestine Authority on corruption charges.

In his latest move, Dahlan is reported to be considering the establishment of a long muted political party, a move that would enjoy UAE and Egyptian support but could divide his following in Gaza.

Some of Dahlan’s supporters in the Democratic Reform Current that remains part of Abbas’ Al Fatah movement, argued in the past that a party would further fragment the Palestinian political landscape.

The revived talk of a party appears to be fuelled by Israel’s facilitation of hundreds of millions of US dollars in Qatari support for Gaza’s health and education services as well as reconstruction.

Qatar, with its close ties to various Islamist movements, has long supported Hamas, while Prince Mohammed’s visceral opposition to any expression of political Islam has pitted the UAE against the movement.

The two states’ diametrically opposed views of political Islam lie at the core of the rift in the Gulf with the UAE alongside Saudi Arabia leading a more than two-year-old diplomatic and economic boycott of Qatar.

The revived talk follows a failed 2017 effort to negotiate Dahlan’s return to Gaza in talks between Hamas, representatives of Egyptian intelligence, and the Palestinian politician.

The deal would have involved Hamas sharing power with Dahlan in exchange for a loosening of the Israeli-Egyptian economic stranglehold on the impoverished Gaza Strip at a time that Abbas was refusing to pay salaries of Gazan civil servants and Israel was reducing electricity supplies in a bid to force Hamas’ hand.

The talk of Dahlan making a political move comes against the backdrop of a broader, sustained UAE-Saudi effort to facilitate the US peace plan, despite the two states’ official insistence that East Jerusalem should be the capital of an independent Palestinian state, and counter manoeuvring in Palestine by Qatar and its, ally Turkey.&nbsp;

Saudi Arabia and the UAE sought to weaken Turkish efforts to exploit opposition to Trump’s recognition of Jerusalem to bolster its claim to leadership of the Muslim world and weaken Jordan’s role as the custodian of the Haram esh-Sharif in the city that is home to the Al Aqsa mosque, Islam’s third most holy site.

Speaking earlier this year to an Arab media outlet believed to be close to Qatar, Kamal Khatib, an Israeli Palestinian Islamist leader, asserted that Dahlan, working through local businessmen, had unsuccessfully tried to acquire real estate adjacent to the holy site, known to Jews as the Temple Mount where Judaism’s two ancient temples once stood.

With approximately half of its population of Palestinian descent, Jordan has walked a tight rope balancing its reluctance to endorse the Trump administration’s approach to Israeli-Palestinian peace-making with its complex ties to the UAE and Saudi Arabia.

Unlike Jordan, the UAE and Saudi Arabia are not shackled by Palestinian demographics but need to tread carefully in supporting an initiative that is widely believed to be designed to deprive Palestinians of independent statehood because of domestic public sentiment and fears that it would backfire and strengthen Hamas.

A formal re-entry into Palestinian politics by Dahlan could help resolve the UAE and Saudi dilemma that is accentuated by concern that too much pressure on Abbas to reverse his rejection of US mediation could boost Hamas with its ties to the Muslim Brotherhood.

Said one Gulf official: “We are trying to strike a delicate balance. The key in doing so is to strengthen moderates, not extremists,” The official’s codeword for Hamas and other Islamists. 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) 
&nbsp;

A controversial former security official and Abu Dhabi-based political operator, Mohammed Dahlan, has lurked for several years in the shadows of Palestinian politics.

A controversial former security official and Abu Dhabi-based political operator, Mohammed Dahlan, has lurked for several years in the shadows of Palestinian politics. Now, he could emerge as a monkey wrench in an attempt to pave the way for US President Donald J Trump’s much-maligned ‘deal of the century’ to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. President Mahmoud Abbas, the head of the Palestine Authority, and Hamas, the Islamist group that controls the Gaza Strip, have condemned the proposed, yet to be published deal and boycotted a conference in Bahrain in June organised by Jared Kushner, Trump’s negotiator and son-in-law, that focussed on economic aspects of the proposal. The Palestinian boycott followed Abbas’ earlier rejection of the United States as a mediator in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict after the Trump administration recognised Jerusalem as Israel’s capital, cut off funding and closed down the Palestinian representation in Washington. Trump has since recognised the occupied Syrian Golan Heights as part of Israel. Kushner unveiled at the conference, attended by government officials and businessmen from the Gulf, the United States, Europe and Asia, a $50 billion investment plan, $28 billion of which would be earmarked for the creation of Palestinian jobs and reduction of poverty. The Trump administration has said it would release political details of the peace plan only after the September 17 Israeli election so that it does not become an issue in what appears to be a tight electoral race between prime minister Benyamin Netanyahu's right-wing Likud and former military chief Benny Gantz’s Blue and White. Saudi and United Arab Emirates crown princes, Mohammed bin Salman and Mohammed bin Zayed, have quietly sought to support the US peace effort that in Kushner’s words will deviate from the 2002 Arab peace plan by not calling for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Dahlan, who is believed to be close to the UAE’s Prince Mohammed as well as former Israeli defence minister Avigdor Lieberman, has played an important role in that effort, particularly with regard to UAE efforts to clip Hamas’ wings. Dahlan went into exile in the UAE in 2007 after Hamas defeated his US-backed efforts to thwart the group’s control in Gaza. US President George W Bush described Dahlan at the time as “our boy.” Dahlan has since been indicted by Abbas’ Palestine Authority on corruption charges. In his latest move, Dahlan is reported to be considering the establishment of a long muted political party, a move that would enjoy UAE and Egyptian support but could divide his following in Gaza. Some of Dahlan’s supporters in the Democratic Reform Current that remains part of Abbas’ Al Fatah movement, argued in the past that a party would further fragment the Palestinian political landscape. The revived talk of a party appears to be fuelled by Israel’s facilitation of hundreds of millions of US dollars in Qatari support for Gaza’s health and education services as well as reconstruction. Qatar, with its close ties to various Islamist movements, has long supported Hamas, while Prince Mohammed’s visceral opposition to any expression of political Islam has pitted the UAE against the movement. The two states’ diametrically opposed views of political Islam lie at the core of the rift in the Gulf with the UAE alongside Saudi Arabia leading a more than two-year-old diplomatic and economic boycott of Qatar. The revived talk follows a failed 2017 effort to negotiate Dahlan’s return to Gaza in talks between Hamas, representatives of Egyptian intelligence, and the Palestinian politician. The deal would have involved Hamas sharing power with Dahlan in exchange for a loosening of the Israeli-Egyptian economic stranglehold on the impoverished Gaza Strip at a time that Abbas was refusing to pay salaries of Gazan civil servants and Israel was reducing electricity supplies in a bid to force Hamas’ hand. The talk of Dahlan making a political move comes against the backdrop of a broader, sustained UAE-Saudi effort to facilitate the US peace plan, despite the two states’ official insistence that East Jerusalem should be the capital of an independent Palestinian state, and counter manoeuvring in Palestine by Qatar and its, ally Turkey. Saudi Arabia and the UAE sought to weaken Turkish efforts to exploit opposition to Trump’s recognition of Jerusalem to bolster its claim to leadership of the Muslim world and weaken Jordan’s role as the custodian of the Haram esh-Sharif in the city that is home to the Al Aqsa mosque, Islam’s third most holy site. Speaking earlier this year to an Arab media outlet believed to be close to Qatar, Kamal Khatib, an Israeli Palestinian Islamist leader, asserted that Dahlan, working through local businessmen, had unsuccessfully tried to acquire real estate adjacent to the holy site, known to Jews as the Temple Mount where Judaism’s two ancient temples once stood. With approximately half of its population of Palestinian descent, Jordan has walked a tight rope balancing its reluctance to endorse the Trump administration’s approach to Israeli-Palestinian peace-making with its complex ties to the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Unlike Jordan, the UAE and Saudi Arabia are not shackled by Palestinian demographics but need to tread carefully in supporting an initiative that is widely believed to be designed to deprive Palestinians of independent statehood because of domestic public sentiment and fears that it would backfire and strengthen Hamas. A formal re-entry into Palestinian politics by Dahlan could help resolve the UAE and Saudi dilemma that is accentuated by concern that too much pressure on Abbas to reverse his rejection of US mediation could boost Hamas with its ties to the Muslim Brotherhood. Said one Gulf official: “We are trying to strike a delicate balance. The key in doing so is to strengthen moderates, not extremists,” The official’s codeword for Hamas and other Islamists. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

UAE backs Donld Trump's 'Deal of the century' to resolve Israeli-Palestinian conflict

Israel began demolishing a number of Palestinian homes it considers illegal south of Jerusalem early Monday, an AFP journalist said, in a move which has drawn international concern.

Dozens of Israeli police and military sealed off at least four buildings in the Sur Baher area close to the Israeli security barrier cutting off the occupied West Bank early Monday, the journalist said.

An earthmover later started demolishing a partially-built two-storey building.

Reporters were prevented from reaching the area while residents and activists were dragged out of the homes.

One man yelled "I want to die here", after being forced out.

The buildings are close to Israel's separation barrier which cuts off the occupied West Bank and the Jewish state says they were built too close to the wall.

Palestinians accuse Israel of using security as a pretext to force them out of the area as part of long-term efforts to expand settlements and roads linking them.

They also point out that most of the buildings are located in areas meant to be under Palestinian Authority civilian control under the agreements between the Palestinian and Israeli governments.

Ismail Abadiyeh, who lives in one of the buildings under threat with his family, said they would be left homeless. &nbsp;

"We will be on the street," he told AFP.

The Israeli army and police did not immediately comment.

On June 18, residents received a 30-day notice from Israeli authorities informing them of their intent to demolish the homes, many of which are still under construction.

According to the UN humanitarian affairs agency OCHA, the ruling affects 10 buildings already built or under construction, including around 70 apartments.

The demolitions would see 17 people displaced and another 350 affected, according to the United Nations.

European Union diplomats recently toured the area and the United Nations has called on Israel to abandon the demolition plan.

Residents fear another 100 buildings in the area in a similar situation could be at risk in the near future.

It is extremely difficult for Palestinians to receive construction permits from Israeli authorities in areas under their control, and Palestinians and rights activists say a housing shortage has resulted.

Israel occupied the West Bank and East Jerusalem in the 1967 Six-Day War. It later annexed east Jerusalem in a move never recognised by the international community.

Israel began construction of the barrier during the bloody second Palestinian intifada, or uprising, in the early 2000s and says it is necessary to protect against attacks.

Palestinians see it as an "apartheid wall".

Israel began demolishing a number of Palestinian homes it considers illegal south of Jerusalem early Monday, an AFP journalist said, in a move which has drawn international concern.

Israel began demolishing a number of Palestinian homes it considers illegal south of Jerusalem early Monday, an AFP journalist said, in a move which has drawn international concern. Dozens of Israeli police and military sealed off at least four buildings in the Sur Baher area close to the Israeli security barrier cutting off the occupied West Bank early Monday, the journalist said. An earthmover later started demolishing a partially-built two-storey building. Reporters were prevented from reaching the area while residents and activists were dragged out of the homes. One man yelled "I want to die here", after being forced out. The buildings are close to Israel's separation barrier which cuts off the occupied West Bank and the Jewish state says they were built too close to the wall. Palestinians accuse Israel of using security as a pretext to force them out of the area as part of long-term efforts to expand settlements and roads linking them. They also point out that most of the buildings are located in areas meant to be under Palestinian Authority civilian control under the agreements between the Palestinian and Israeli governments. Ismail Abadiyeh, who lives in one of the buildings under threat with his family, said they would be left homeless. "We will be on the street," he told AFP. The Israeli army and police did not immediately comment. On June 18, residents received a 30-day notice from Israeli authorities informing them of their intent to demolish the homes, many of which are still under construction. According to the UN humanitarian affairs agency OCHA, the ruling affects 10 buildings already built or under construction, including around 70 apartments. The demolitions would see 17 people displaced and another 350 affected, according to the United Nations. European Union diplomats recently toured the area and the United Nations has called on Israel to abandon the demolition plan. Residents fear another 100 buildings in the area in a similar situation could be at risk in the near future. It is extremely difficult for Palestinians to receive construction permits from Israeli authorities in areas under their control, and Palestinians and rights activists say a housing shortage has resulted. Israel occupied the West Bank and East Jerusalem in the 1967 Six-Day War. It later annexed east Jerusalem in a move never recognised by the international community. Israel began construction of the barrier during the bloody second Palestinian intifada, or uprising, in the early 2000s and says it is necessary to protect against attacks. Palestinians see it as an "apartheid wall".

Israel demolishes Palestinian homes in Jerusalem area: Report

Israel blocked fuel deliveries to the Gaza Strip Tuesday, citing new incendiary balloons from the Palestinian enclave.

The move follows "the release of arson balloons from the Gaza Strip toward the State of Israel" which caused fires across the border, the Israeli defence ministry department responsible for Palestinian civil affairs said.

Fuel transfers were halted at the Karem Shalom goods crossing on Tuesday morning and would remain blocked "until further notice," COGAT said in a statement.

Balloons with attached incendiary devices are flown over the Gaza border by Palestinian demonstrators seeking to start fires in nearby Israeli farmland.

During regular demonstrations last year the balloons started hundreds of fires, though they have been curbed in recent months.

Fuel deliveries, which are coordinated with the United Nations and paid for by Gulf state Qatar, were agreed in late 2018 as part of a truce agreement between Israel and the strip's Islamist rulers Hamas.&nbsp;

They have improved electricity supply in the strip, where residents currently receive around 12 hours of power a day, according to the UN.&nbsp;

Before the deal, the daily power supply was regularly as low as six hours.

Israel has maintained a crippling blockade of Gaza for more than a decade.

It says it is necessary to isolate Hamas, with which the Jewish state has fought three wars, but critics label it collective punishment of Gaza's two million residents.

Israel blocked fuel deliveries to the Gaza Strip Tuesday, citing new incendiary balloons from the Palestinian enclave. The move follows "the release of arson balloons from the Gaza Strip toward the State of Israel" which caused fires across the border, the Israeli defence ministry department responsible for Palestinian civil affairs said.

Israel blocked fuel deliveries to the Gaza Strip Tuesday, citing new incendiary balloons from the Palestinian enclave. The move follows "the release of arson balloons from the Gaza Strip toward the State of Israel" which caused fires across the border, the Israeli defence ministry department responsible for Palestinian civil affairs said. Fuel transfers were halted at the Karem Shalom goods crossing on Tuesday morning and would remain blocked "until further notice," COGAT said in a statement. Balloons with attached incendiary devices are flown over the Gaza border by Palestinian demonstrators seeking to start fires in nearby Israeli farmland. During regular demonstrations last year the balloons started hundreds of fires, though they have been curbed in recent months. Fuel deliveries, which are coordinated with the United Nations and paid for by Gulf state Qatar, were agreed in late 2018 as part of a truce agreement between Israel and the strip's Islamist rulers Hamas. They have improved electricity supply in the strip, where residents currently receive around 12 hours of power a day, according to the UN. Before the deal, the daily power supply was regularly as low as six hours. Israel has maintained a crippling blockade of Gaza for more than a decade. It says it is necessary to isolate Hamas, with which the Jewish state has fought three wars, but critics label it collective punishment of Gaza's two million residents.

Israel blocks Gaza fuel supply over fire balloons

Thousands of Israelis protested on Saturday against legislative steps that could grant Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu immunity from prosecution and limit the power of the country's Supreme Court.

The demonstration in Tel Aviv was attended by nearly all opposition parties, a rare show of unity for Israel's splintered political system. Police did not say how many people attended. A Reuters photographer estimated about 20,000 were present, while organizers put the figure at 80,000.

In office for the past decade, Netanyahu won a fifth term in April despite an announcement by Israel's attorney general in February that he intended to charge him with fraud and bribery. The prime minister is a suspect in three graft cases.

Netanyahu has denied wrongdoing, calling the allegations a political witch-hunt. The right-wing leader has said that with a renewed public mandate to govern he has no plans to resign, even if charged.

Although the prime minister is under no legal obligation to step down if charged, Netanyahu loyalists in his Likud party have pledged to seek parliamentary immunity from prosecution for him while he is in office.

Expecting legal challenges, they also have been advocating legislation that would annul any Supreme Court ruling rescinding immunity.

Since the election, Netanyahu has not said whether he would seek immunity.

On May 13, Netanyahu said on Twitter that his policy had always been to preserve a strong and independent Supreme Court, but that changes were needed in order to restore the balance between Israel's executive, legislative and judiciary branches.

The opposition has described any attempt to shield Netanyahu or put limitations on Israel's highest court as threats to Israeli democracy.

Yair Lapid, one of the leaders of the main opposition party, the centrist Blue and White, said on Saturday at the demonstration that Netanyahu was trying to crush the Supreme Court in order to keep out of prison. "He's destroying the country," Lapid said. "We won't let him."

Netanyahu is trying to form a new coalition with right-wing, ultranationalist and religious parties that would give him control of 65 of the 120 seats in parliament, which has already been sworn in.

Most of the parties expected to join his coalition have expressed support for granting immunity to Netanyahu and limiting the powers of the Supreme Court, branded by some rightists as too liberal and interventionist.

However, Netanyahu has only until Wednesday to produce a government and he has not yet secured a deal with any party. Negotiations came to an impasse this week when the factions failed to agree on a new conscription law for Israel's military.

According to Israeli law, if Netanyahu fails to form a government by May 29 the president can ask another member of the Knesset legislature to try.

No political party has ever won an outright majority in Israel's Knesset, making coalition governments the norm. Coalition talks have often been protracted with deals signed at the very last minute.

Netanyahu is due to attend a pre-trial hearing over the graft charges with the attorney general, set for October.

Thousands of Israelis protested on Saturday against legislative steps that could grant Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu immunity from prosecution and limit the power of the country's Supreme Court.

Thousands of Israelis protested on Saturday against legislative steps that could grant Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu immunity from prosecution and limit the power of the country's Supreme Court. The demonstration in Tel Aviv was attended by nearly all opposition parties, a rare show of unity for Israel's splintered political system. Police did not say how many people attended. A Reuters photographer estimated about 20,000 were present, while organizers put the figure at 80,000. In office for the past decade, Netanyahu won a fifth term in April despite an announcement by Israel's attorney general in February that he intended to charge him with fraud and bribery. The prime minister is a suspect in three graft cases. Netanyahu has denied wrongdoing, calling the allegations a political witch-hunt. The right-wing leader has said that with a renewed public mandate to govern he has no plans to resign, even if charged. Although the prime minister is under no legal obligation to step down if charged, Netanyahu loyalists in his Likud party have pledged to seek parliamentary immunity from prosecution for him while he is in office. Expecting legal challenges, they also have been advocating legislation that would annul any Supreme Court ruling rescinding immunity. Since the election, Netanyahu has not said whether he would seek immunity. On May 13, Netanyahu said on Twitter that his policy had always been to preserve a strong and independent Supreme Court, but that changes were needed in order to restore the balance between Israel's executive, legislative and judiciary branches. The opposition has described any attempt to shield Netanyahu or put limitations on Israel's highest court as threats to Israeli democracy. Yair Lapid, one of the leaders of the main opposition party, the centrist Blue and White, said on Saturday at the demonstration that Netanyahu was trying to crush the Supreme Court in order to keep out of prison. "He's destroying the country," Lapid said. "We won't let him." Netanyahu is trying to form a new coalition with right-wing, ultranationalist and religious parties that would give him control of 65 of the 120 seats in parliament, which has already been sworn in. Most of the parties expected to join his coalition have expressed support for granting immunity to Netanyahu and limiting the powers of the Supreme Court, branded by some rightists as too liberal and interventionist. However, Netanyahu has only until Wednesday to produce a government and he has not yet secured a deal with any party. Negotiations came to an impasse this week when the factions failed to agree on a new conscription law for Israel's military. According to Israeli law, if Netanyahu fails to form a government by May 29 the president can ask another member of the Knesset legislature to try. No political party has ever won an outright majority in Israel's Knesset, making coalition governments the norm. Coalition talks have often been protracted with deals signed at the very last minute. Netanyahu is due to attend a pre-trial hearing over the graft charges with the attorney general, set for October.

Israelis protest moves to grant Netanyahu immunity, limit Supreme Court

An Israeli man was killed overnight after a rocket from the Gaza Strip struck the city of Ashkelon, officials said Sunday.

Police said the man died from critical wounds suffered in the rocket strike after being taken to hospital.&nbsp;

A spokeswoman for the Barzilai hospital in Ashkelon identified the man as Moshe Agadi, a 58-year-old father of four from the city, who was outside his home when a rocket hit.

He was the first Israeli killed in the flare-up of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/four-palestinians-killed-as-rocket-barrages-from-gaza-draw-israeli-strikes-216001">violence that began</a> Saturday.

More than 250 rockets have been fired at Israel from the Gaza Strip since Saturday, Israel's military says, and Israel has responded with air and tank strikes.

The latest flare-up came with Hamas, the Islamist movement that rules the blockaded Gaza Strip, seeking further concessions from Israel under the ceasefire.

Israel and Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip have fought three wars since 2008 and fears remain of a fourth.

An Israeli man was killed overnight after a rocket from the Gaza Strip struck the city of Ashkelon, officials said Sunday. Police said the man died from critical wounds suffered in the rocket strike after being taken to hospital.

An Israeli man was killed overnight after a rocket from the Gaza Strip struck the city of Ashkelon, officials said Sunday. Police said the man died from critical wounds suffered in the rocket strike after being taken to hospital. A spokeswoman for the Barzilai hospital in Ashkelon identified the man as Moshe Agadi, a 58-year-old father of four from the city, who was outside his home when a rocket hit. He was the first Israeli killed in the flare-up of violence that began Saturday. More than 250 rockets have been fired at Israel from the Gaza Strip since Saturday, Israel's military says, and Israel has responded with air and tank strikes. The latest flare-up came with Hamas, the Islamist movement that rules the blockaded Gaza Strip, seeking further concessions from Israel under the ceasefire. Israel and Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip have fought three wars since 2008 and fears remain of a fourth.

Israeli man killed in rocket strike from Gaza: Police

A Hamas official denied Israel's accusation that it was behind Monday's rocket strike north of Tel Aviv which wounded seven Israelis and led Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to vow a strong response.

"No one from the resistance movements, including Hamas, has an interest in firing rockets from the Gaza Strip towards the enemy," the official told AFP on condition of anonymity, evoking the possibility that it may have been caused by "bad weather".

He added that the same message had been delivered to Egypt, which has acted as a mediator between Israel and Hamas.

Israel's army said the rocket was fired by Hamas, the Islamist movement that runs the Gaza Strip, from the Rafah area in the south of the enclave.

It hit a house located in the community of Mishmeret, around 20 kilometres (12 miles) north of Tel Aviv, police said.

The rocket would have had to travel some 120 kilometres (75 miles) from Rafah to hit the house.

Rocket fire from Gaza at that distance is rare.

Netanyahu said he was cutting short a trip to Washington due to the incident while Israel's army sent reinforcements to the Gaza area.

A Hamas official denied Israel's accusation that it was behind Monday's rocket strike north of Tel Aviv which wounded seven Israelis and led Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to vow a strong response.

A Hamas official denied Israel's accusation that it was behind Monday's rocket strike north of Tel Aviv which wounded seven Israelis and led Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to vow a strong response. "No one from the resistance movements, including Hamas, has an interest in firing rockets from the Gaza Strip towards the enemy," the official told AFP on condition of anonymity, evoking the possibility that it may have been caused by "bad weather". He added that the same message had been delivered to Egypt, which has acted as a mediator between Israel and Hamas. Israel's army said the rocket was fired by Hamas, the Islamist movement that runs the Gaza Strip, from the Rafah area in the south of the enclave. It hit a house located in the community of Mishmeret, around 20 kilometres (12 miles) north of Tel Aviv, police said. The rocket would have had to travel some 120 kilometres (75 miles) from Rafah to hit the house. Rocket fire from Gaza at that distance is rare. Netanyahu said he was cutting short a trip to Washington due to the incident while Israel's army sent reinforcements to the Gaza area.

Hamas denies firing rocket that hit house near Tel Aviv: Official

A rocket from Gaza hit a house in a rare strike north of Tel Aviv on Monday, wounding seven Israelis and leading Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israels-netanyahu-vows-to-retaliate-with-force-after-rocket-attack-205460">Benjamin Netanyahu to cut short a Washington trip</a> while vowing a forceful response.

The rocket from the Palestinian enclave and expected Israeli response comes at a highly sensitive time just ahead of Israel's April 9 elections.

Israel's army said the rocket was fired by Hamas, the Islamist movement that runs the Gaza Strip, from the Rafah area in the south of the enclave.

It announced it was sending two additional brigades to reinforce the Gaza area and said it was carrying out a limited call up of reservists.

Netanyahu, currently in Washington, said he would return home after meeting US President Donald Trump later Monday, cancelling an address to pro-Israel lobby AIPAC's annual conference on Tuesday.

Israel also closed its people and goods crossings with the blockaded Gaza Strip and reduced the zone in the Mediterranean it allows for Palestinian fishermen off the enclave, a statement said.

The house hit was located in the community of Mishmeret, around 20 kilometres (12 miles) north of Tel Aviv, police said.

The rocket would have had to travel some 120 kilometres (75 miles) from Rafah to hit the house in the community of Mishmeret.

Rocket fire from Gaza at that distance is rare.

The hospital treating the wounded said seven Israelis were injured lightly by burns and shrapnel, including three children.&nbsp;

One of the wounded was a six-month-old child and six of them were members of the same family.

The house was destroyed in the wake of the rocket and subsequent fire, with burnt wood, a children's toy and other debris piled at the site.

Islamic Jihad warning

Police spokesman Ami Ben David said air raid sirens wailed at around 5:15 am and the home's residents made their way to a safe room, possibly saving their lives.

The rocket crashed through the roof and then exploded when it hit the floor, he said.&nbsp;

Netanyahu said "there has been a criminal attack on the state of Israel and we will respond with force."

"I will meet President Trump in a few hours and just after that I will return to Israel to lead closely the operations," he said in a video released by his office.

There was no immediate response from Hamas but its ally in Gaza, Islamic Jihad, said "we warn the Zionist enemy from committing an aggression against the Gaza Strip".

"Their leaders should be aware that we will respond with force against their aggression," it said, without commenting on who may have been responsible for the rocket.

The rocket comes after mounting tensions in recent weeks.

Netanyahu is believed by many analysts to want to avoid another war in the Gaza Strip -- the fourth since 2008 -- with unpredictable results ahead of the elections.

But he faces a tough challenge from a centrist political alliance led by former military chief Benny Gantz and he was already coming under heavy political pressure to react firmly.

Gantz asked on Twitter, in a reference to corruption allegations against Netanyahu, whether the prime minister would "finally focus on the security of the citizens of Israel instead of dealing only with his legal concerns."

One-year anniversary

Monday's incident comes after two rockets were fired from Gaza towards Tel Aviv -- also rare -- on March 14.

No damage or injuries were caused, but Israel responded to that and further rocket fire by hitting what it said were around 100 Hamas targets across the Gaza Strip.

Four Palestinians were reported wounded in those strikes.

Both Hamas and Islamic Jihad denied they were behind the March 14 rocket fire towards Tel Aviv, raising the possibility they were launched by fringe groups.

Israel's military said they were launched by Hamas, but later there were Israeli media reports that the army's preliminary assessment was that they had been fired by mistake during maintenance work.

The reports were a sign that Israel was seeking to calm tensions. The military refused to comment on the reports at the time.

Monday's rocket comes just days ahead of the first anniversary on March 30 of Palestinian protests and clashes along the Gaza Strip's border with Israel.

An informal truce between Hamas and Israel had led to relative calm along the border, but recent weeks have seen another uptick in violence.

Netanyahu's visit to the United States was expected to include Trump's formal recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, which it seized from Syria in the 1967 Six-Day War.

Breaking with longstanding international consensus, Trump said last week that the United States should recognise Israeli sovereignty there.

A rocket from Gaza hit a house in a rare strike north of Tel Aviv on Monday, wounding seven Israelis and leading Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to cut short a Washington trip while vowing a forceful response.

A rocket from Gaza hit a house in a rare strike north of Tel Aviv on Monday, wounding seven Israelis and leading Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to cut short a Washington trip while vowing a forceful response. The rocket from the Palestinian enclave and expected Israeli response comes at a highly sensitive time just ahead of Israel's April 9 elections. Israel's army said the rocket was fired by Hamas, the Islamist movement that runs the Gaza Strip, from the Rafah area in the south of the enclave. It announced it was sending two additional brigades to reinforce the Gaza area and said it was carrying out a limited call up of reservists. Netanyahu, currently in Washington, said he would return home after meeting US President Donald Trump later Monday, cancelling an address to pro-Israel lobby AIPAC's annual conference on Tuesday. Israel also closed its people and goods crossings with the blockaded Gaza Strip and reduced the zone in the Mediterranean it allows for Palestinian fishermen off the enclave, a statement said. The house hit was located in the community of Mishmeret, around 20 kilometres (12 miles) north of Tel Aviv, police said. The rocket would have had to travel some 120 kilometres (75 miles) from Rafah to hit the house in the community of Mishmeret. Rocket fire from Gaza at that distance is rare. The hospital treating the wounded said seven Israelis were injured lightly by burns and shrapnel, including three children. One of the wounded was a six-month-old child and six of them were members of the same family. The house was destroyed in the wake of the rocket and subsequent fire, with burnt wood, a children's toy and other debris piled at the site. Islamic Jihad warning Police spokesman Ami Ben David said air raid sirens wailed at around 5:15 am and the home's residents made their way to a safe room, possibly saving their lives. The rocket crashed through the roof and then exploded when it hit the floor, he said. Netanyahu said "there has been a criminal attack on the state of Israel and we will respond with force." "I will meet President Trump in a few hours and just after that I will return to Israel to lead closely the operations," he said in a video released by his office. There was no immediate response from Hamas but its ally in Gaza, Islamic Jihad, said "we warn the Zionist enemy from committing an aggression against the Gaza Strip". "Their leaders should be aware that we will respond with force against their aggression," it said, without commenting on who may have been responsible for the rocket. The rocket comes after mounting tensions in recent weeks. Netanyahu is believed by many analysts to want to avoid another war in the Gaza Strip -- the fourth since 2008 -- with unpredictable results ahead of the elections. But he faces a tough challenge from a centrist political alliance led by former military chief Benny Gantz and he was already coming under heavy political pressure to react firmly. Gantz asked on Twitter, in a reference to corruption allegations against Netanyahu, whether the prime minister would "finally focus on the security of the citizens of Israel instead of dealing only with his legal concerns." One-year anniversary Monday's incident comes after two rockets were fired from Gaza towards Tel Aviv -- also rare -- on March 14. No damage or injuries were caused, but Israel responded to that and further rocket fire by hitting what it said were around 100 Hamas targets across the Gaza Strip. Four Palestinians were reported wounded in those strikes. Both Hamas and Islamic Jihad denied they were behind the March 14 rocket fire towards Tel Aviv, raising the possibility they were launched by fringe groups. Israel's military said they were launched by Hamas, but later there were Israeli media reports that the army's preliminary assessment was that they had been fired by mistake during maintenance work. The reports were a sign that Israel was seeking to calm tensions. The military refused to comment on the reports at the time. Monday's rocket comes just days ahead of the first anniversary on March 30 of Palestinian protests and clashes along the Gaza Strip's border with Israel. An informal truce between Hamas and Israel had led to relative calm along the border, but recent weeks have seen another uptick in violence. Netanyahu's visit to the United States was expected to include Trump's formal recognition of Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, which it seized from Syria in the 1967 Six-Day War. Breaking with longstanding international consensus, Trump said last week that the United States should recognise Israeli sovereignty there.

Rare rocket strike near Tel Aviv wounds Israelis, Netanyahu to return

The Palestinian Authority (PA) will no longer accept tax revenues collected on its behalf by Israel following its decision to trim the sum over the PA's financial support of militants' families, Palestinian President<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/israel-to-withhold-138-mln-from-palestinians-over-prisoner-payments-197969"> Mahmoud Abbas</a> said.

The cash-strapped Palestinian Authority, an interim self-government body set up following the 1993 Oslo peace accords, has suffered a series of financial blows in the past year.

Under interim peace deals, Israel collects taxes in the Israeli-occupied West Bank and in the Gaza Strip and makes monthly payments to the PA, which says it receives around $222 million each month.

The Israeli Finance Ministry said on Wednesday it collects about 700 million shekels ($193 million) in Palestinian taxes and transfers around 600 million shekels of that to the Palestinian Authority after deducting payments for electricity, water, sewage and medical treatment services.

On Sunday Israel said it would freeze about 5 per cent of that against stipends the Palestinian Authority pays to families of Palestinians killed or jailed by Israel.&nbsp;

In remarks made late on Tuesday and broadcast on Palestinian radio on Wednesday, Abbas said the PA would continue to pay out these stipends rather than accept a partial transfer of the tax revenues from Israel.

"We reject the tax, we don't want it," Abbas told visiting U.S. congressmen. "Frankly, if we are left with only 20 or 30 million shekels, which is the sum paid to families of martyrs, then we will pay them to the families of martyrs," he said.

Israel and the United States say the stipend policy fans Palestinian violence while the Palestinians see the slain and jailed Palestinians as heroes of a national struggle.

The United States last year passed legislation to sharply reduce aid to the Palestinian Authority unless it stopped the pay-outs. The measure, known as the Taylor Force Act, was named after a 29-year-old American military veteran fatally stabbed by a Palestinian while visiting Israel in 2016.

Last month the Palestinians declined some $60 million in US annual funding for their security forces, worried about exposure to lawsuits under new U.S. anti-terror laws.

Washington has further slashed hundreds of millions of dollars to humanitarian organisations and UN agencies which aid the Palestinians as it seeks to pressure Abbas to enter peace negotiations with Israel. Peace talks have been frozen since 2014.

The Palestinians suspended ties with Washington after President Donald Trump recognised Jerusalem as Israel's capital in 2017 and opened the new US Embassy in the city in May.

Israel has at times withheld the tax money over other matters.

The Palestinian Authority (PA) will no longer accept tax revenues collected on its behalf by Israel following its decision to trim the sum over the PA's financial support of militants' families, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said.

The Palestinian Authority (PA) will no longer accept tax revenues collected on its behalf by Israel following its decision to trim the sum over the PA's financial support of militants' families, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas said. The cash-strapped Palestinian Authority, an interim self-government body set up following the 1993 Oslo peace accords, has suffered a series of financial blows in the past year. Under interim peace deals, Israel collects taxes in the Israeli-occupied West Bank and in the Gaza Strip and makes monthly payments to the PA, which says it receives around $222 million each month. The Israeli Finance Ministry said on Wednesday it collects about 700 million shekels ($193 million) in Palestinian taxes and transfers around 600 million shekels of that to the Palestinian Authority after deducting payments for electricity, water, sewage and medical treatment services. On Sunday Israel said it would freeze about 5 per cent of that against stipends the Palestinian Authority pays to families of Palestinians killed or jailed by Israel. In remarks made late on Tuesday and broadcast on Palestinian radio on Wednesday, Abbas said the PA would continue to pay out these stipends rather than accept a partial transfer of the tax revenues from Israel. "We reject the tax, we don't want it," Abbas told visiting U.S. congressmen. "Frankly, if we are left with only 20 or 30 million shekels, which is the sum paid to families of martyrs, then we will pay them to the families of martyrs," he said. Israel and the United States say the stipend policy fans Palestinian violence while the Palestinians see the slain and jailed Palestinians as heroes of a national struggle. The United States last year passed legislation to sharply reduce aid to the Palestinian Authority unless it stopped the pay-outs. The measure, known as the Taylor Force Act, was named after a 29-year-old American military veteran fatally stabbed by a Palestinian while visiting Israel in 2016. Last month the Palestinians declined some $60 million in US annual funding for their security forces, worried about exposure to lawsuits under new U.S. anti-terror laws. Washington has further slashed hundreds of millions of dollars to humanitarian organisations and UN agencies which aid the Palestinians as it seeks to pressure Abbas to enter peace negotiations with Israel. Peace talks have been frozen since 2014. The Palestinians suspended ties with Washington after President Donald Trump recognised Jerusalem as Israel's capital in 2017 and opened the new US Embassy in the city in May. Israel has at times withheld the tax money over other matters.

Palestinian president rejects tax money from Israel

Palestinian activists gathered early in the morning in the West Bank city of Hebron to accompany and keep safe dozens of children after Israel expelled observers of the Temporary International Presence in Hebron, a civilian monitor group, EFE reported Wednesday.

Dressed in blue vests and self-identified as human rights defenders, the group of locals acted in place of the TIPH, leaving early from the Tel Rumeida neighbourhood in the centre of Hebron, to escort Palestinian children to school.

"The main purpose of not renewing the TIPH mission is to isolate the Palestinians and to make us weaker," local activist, Issa Amro, 38, told EFE.

The Palestinian activist explained that he and fellow Palestinians had mobilized following Israel's refusal on January 28 to continue the TIPH's 22-year-long mandate in the city.

The TIPH was deployed in Hebron to protect Palestinians from Israeli settler aggression.

Amro said the absence of the TIPH in recent weeks had allowed Israeli settlers to harass local Palestinians while the Israeli police did nothing.

"If we are weaker, they can transfer us from our homes here, and they can bring settlers instead of us. It means that we do not have any official observers who write reports about the human rights violations here," Amro said.

Hebron is the only city in the occupied West Bank with Jewish settlements at its centre.

Israel's military fully controls parts of the city, where Palestinians often find their movement restricted.

In its 22 years of work, the TIPH reported 40,000 human rights violations allegedly committed by the Israeli army and the settlers, Amro said.

The Palestinian activist lamented that his observer groups lacked the official United Nations' recognition enjoyed by the TIPH, which he said limited his powers.

On February 6, the UN Security Council – with the exception of the United States – repudiated Israel's decision to end the TIPH's mandate.

"We are concerned that the Israeli government's decision undermines one of the few established mechanisms for conflict resolution between Israelis and Palestinians and may, therefore, have a negative impact on the situation," the UN said.

The TIPH was organized between the Palestine National Authority and Israel after Israeli-American settler Baruch Goldstein in 1994 opened fire at the Hebron-based Ibrahimi Mosque at the Cave of the Patriarchs compound, killing 29 Palestinians.

Palestinian activists gathered early in the morning in the West Bank city of Hebron to accompany and keep safe dozens of children after Israel expelled observers of the Temporary International Presence in Hebron, a civilian monitor group, EFE reported Wednesday.

Palestinian activists gathered early in the morning in the West Bank city of Hebron to accompany and keep safe dozens of children after Israel expelled observers of the Temporary International Presence in Hebron, a civilian monitor group, EFE reported Wednesday. Dressed in blue vests and self-identified as human rights defenders, the group of locals acted in place of the TIPH, leaving early from the Tel Rumeida neighbourhood in the centre of Hebron, to escort Palestinian children to school. "The main purpose of not renewing the TIPH mission is to isolate the Palestinians and to make us weaker," local activist, Issa Amro, 38, told EFE. The Palestinian activist explained that he and fellow Palestinians had mobilized following Israel's refusal on January 28 to continue the TIPH's 22-year-long mandate in the city. The TIPH was deployed in Hebron to protect Palestinians from Israeli settler aggression. Amro said the absence of the TIPH in recent weeks had allowed Israeli settlers to harass local Palestinians while the Israeli police did nothing. "If we are weaker, they can transfer us from our homes here, and they can bring settlers instead of us. It means that we do not have any official observers who write reports about the human rights violations here," Amro said. Hebron is the only city in the occupied West Bank with Jewish settlements at its centre. Israel's military fully controls parts of the city, where Palestinians often find their movement restricted. In its 22 years of work, the TIPH reported 40,000 human rights violations allegedly committed by the Israeli army and the settlers, Amro said. The Palestinian activist lamented that his observer groups lacked the official United Nations' recognition enjoyed by the TIPH, which he said limited his powers. On February 6, the UN Security Council – with the exception of the United States – repudiated Israel's decision to end the TIPH's mandate. "We are concerned that the Israeli government's decision undermines one of the few established mechanisms for conflict resolution between Israelis and Palestinians and may, therefore, have a negative impact on the situation," the UN said. The TIPH was organized between the Palestine National Authority and Israel after Israeli-American settler Baruch Goldstein in 1994 opened fire at the Hebron-based Ibrahimi Mosque at the Cave of the Patriarchs compound, killing 29 Palestinians.

Palestinian school children escorted in Hebron after monitor group expelled

Fourteen Palestinians were wounded by Israeli fire in new clashes along the Gaza border Friday, said the health ministry in the Hamas-run enclave, rocked by ongoing weekly protests.

The ministry said the 14 were shot, including two medics, but did not report that any were in life-threatening condition.

Thousands of demonstrators gathered in multiple locations along the border, though clashes were less intense than in previous weeks, AFP correspondents said.

An Israeli army spokeswoman said approximately 14,000 Palestinians took part in "riots" along the border, with protesters "burning tyres and hurling rocks at (Israeli) soldiers".

Troops responded "in accordance with standard operating procedures", she said.

Palestinians have held often violent demonstrations along the Israel-Gaza border since March 2018.

At least 243 Palestinians have since been killed by Israeli fire, the majority during protests and clashes. Others have died in airstrikes or shelling.

Two Israeli soldiers have been killed over the same period, one by a Palestinian sniper and another during a botched special forces operation inside Gaza.

Fourteen Palestinians were wounded by Israeli fire in new clashes along the Gaza border Friday, said the health ministry in the Hamas-run enclave, rocked by ongoing weekly protests.

Fourteen Palestinians were wounded by Israeli fire in new clashes along the Gaza border Friday, said the health ministry in the Hamas-run enclave, rocked by ongoing weekly protests. The ministry said the 14 were shot, including two medics, but did not report that any were in life-threatening condition. Thousands of demonstrators gathered in multiple locations along the border, though clashes were less intense than in previous weeks, AFP correspondents said. An Israeli army spokeswoman said approximately 14,000 Palestinians took part in "riots" along the border, with protesters "burning tyres and hurling rocks at (Israeli) soldiers". Troops responded "in accordance with standard operating procedures", she said. Palestinians have held often violent demonstrations along the Israel-Gaza border since March 2018. At least 243 Palestinians have since been killed by Israeli fire, the majority during protests and clashes. Others have died in airstrikes or shelling. Two Israeli soldiers have been killed over the same period, one by a Palestinian sniper and another during a botched special forces operation inside Gaza.

Israeli fire wounds 14 on Gaza border: Hamas ministry

A US resolution championed by Ambassador Nikki Haley to condemn the Palestinian Hamas movement at the United Nations for firing rockets at Israel failed to win enough votes for adoption on Thursday.

The proposed measure won 87 votes in the General Assembly, falling short of the required two-thirds majority. Fifty-eight countries opposed the measure and 32 abstained.

Haley, who steps down from her post at the end of the year, has repeatedly accused the United Nations of having an anti-Israel bias and has defended Israel in its latest confrontation with Hamas, the Islamist militant group that has ruled the Gaza Strip since 2007.

It was the first proposed resolution condemning Hamas to be presented to the 193-nation assembly, which has been meeting since 1946.

Speaking ahead of the vote, Haley said the measure "would right a historic wrong" and "put the General Assembly on the side of truth and balance in the effort to achieve peace in the Middle East."

"The question before us now is whether the UN thinks terrorism is acceptable if, and only if, it is directed against Israel," she told the assembly.

Hamas praised the outcome of the vote, describing it as a "slap" to President Donald Trump's administration which has taken a firm pro-Israeli stance in addressing the Middle East peace process.

"The failure of the American venture at the United Nations represents a slap to the US administration and confirmation of the legitimacy of the resistance," Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zahri wrote on Twitter, using a phrase commonly used to refer to armed groups that oppose Israel.

Israeli Ambassador Danny Danon lamented after the vote that a decision to condemn Hamas had been "hijacked" by procedural votes and hailed the "broad support from the world" for condemning Hamas.

Kuwait had asked the assembly, on behalf of Arab countries, to require a two-thirds majority, which was narrowly endorsed by a vote of 75 in favor, including EU countries, 72 against and 26 abstentions.&nbsp;

The United States had won crucial backing from the European Union, with all 28 countries supporting the US measure that would have condemned Hamas for firing rockets into Israel and demanded an end to the violence.

The European Union, like the United States, considers Hamas a terror group.&nbsp;

The assembly also adopted by a wide margin of 156 to six with 12 abstentions a Palestinian-drafted measure, presented by Ireland, calling "for the achievement, without delay, of a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East" based on UN resolutions.

The United States, Israel, Australia, Liberia, Marshall Islands and Nauru voted against that measure.

US takes vote seriously

The vote at the assembly took place as Haley prepares to step away from public life even as polls show she remains one of the most popular members of Trump's cabinet. &nbsp;

Haley rattled the United Nations when she arrived in January 2017 vowing that the United States will be "taking names" of countries that oppose Trump's foreign policy.

Ahead of the vote, the US ambassador sent a letter to all UN missions to make clear that "the United States takes the outcome of this vote very seriously."

"She would like to go out with something," said a Security Council diplomat of the US-drafted resolution.

Resolutions adopted by the General Assembly are non-binding, but they carry political weight and are seen as a barometer of world opinion.

The US defeat at the General Assembly came as the Trump administration prepares to unveil long-awaited peace proposals, possibly in the first months of next year.

The Palestinians have severed ties with the Trump administration since the decision a year ago to move the US embassy to Jerusalem and declare the city Israel's capital. The Palestinians see East Jerusalem as the capital of their future state. International consensus has been that Jerusalem's status must be negotiated between the two sides.

A US resolution championed by Ambassador Nikki Haley to condemn the Palestinian Hamas movement at the United Nations for firing rockets at Israel failed to win enough votes for adoption on Thursday.

A US resolution championed by Ambassador Nikki Haley to condemn the Palestinian Hamas movement at the United Nations for firing rockets at Israel failed to win enough votes for adoption on Thursday. The proposed measure won 87 votes in the General Assembly, falling short of the required two-thirds majority. Fifty-eight countries opposed the measure and 32 abstained. Haley, who steps down from her post at the end of the year, has repeatedly accused the United Nations of having an anti-Israel bias and has defended Israel in its latest confrontation with Hamas, the Islamist militant group that has ruled the Gaza Strip since 2007. It was the first proposed resolution condemning Hamas to be presented to the 193-nation assembly, which has been meeting since 1946. Speaking ahead of the vote, Haley said the measure "would right a historic wrong" and "put the General Assembly on the side of truth and balance in the effort to achieve peace in the Middle East." "The question before us now is whether the UN thinks terrorism is acceptable if, and only if, it is directed against Israel," she told the assembly. Hamas praised the outcome of the vote, describing it as a "slap" to President Donald Trump's administration which has taken a firm pro-Israeli stance in addressing the Middle East peace process. "The failure of the American venture at the United Nations represents a slap to the US administration and confirmation of the legitimacy of the resistance," Hamas spokesman Sami Abu Zahri wrote on Twitter, using a phrase commonly used to refer to armed groups that oppose Israel. Israeli Ambassador Danny Danon lamented after the vote that a decision to condemn Hamas had been "hijacked" by procedural votes and hailed the "broad support from the world" for condemning Hamas. Kuwait had asked the assembly, on behalf of Arab countries, to require a two-thirds majority, which was narrowly endorsed by a vote of 75 in favor, including EU countries, 72 against and 26 abstentions. The United States had won crucial backing from the European Union, with all 28 countries supporting the US measure that would have condemned Hamas for firing rockets into Israel and demanded an end to the violence. The European Union, like the United States, considers Hamas a terror group. The assembly also adopted by a wide margin of 156 to six with 12 abstentions a Palestinian-drafted measure, presented by Ireland, calling "for the achievement, without delay, of a comprehensive, just and lasting peace in the Middle East" based on UN resolutions. The United States, Israel, Australia, Liberia, Marshall Islands and Nauru voted against that measure. US takes vote seriously The vote at the assembly took place as Haley prepares to step away from public life even as polls show she remains one of the most popular members of Trump's cabinet. Haley rattled the United Nations when she arrived in January 2017 vowing that the United States will be "taking names" of countries that oppose Trump's foreign policy. Ahead of the vote, the US ambassador sent a letter to all UN missions to make clear that "the United States takes the outcome of this vote very seriously." "She would like to go out with something," said a Security Council diplomat of the US-drafted resolution. Resolutions adopted by the General Assembly are non-binding, but they carry political weight and are seen as a barometer of world opinion. The US defeat at the General Assembly came as the Trump administration prepares to unveil long-awaited peace proposals, possibly in the first months of next year. The Palestinians have severed ties with the Trump administration since the decision a year ago to move the US embassy to Jerusalem and declare the city Israel's capital. The Palestinians see East Jerusalem as the capital of their future state. International consensus has been that Jerusalem's status must be negotiated between the two sides.

US fails in UN bid to condemn Palestinian Hamas movement

An exchange of fire erupted during an Israeli military operation in the Gaza Strip on Sunday, killing six Palestinians and an Israeli soldier, officials said, while potentially dashing hopes that a recent agreement would restore calm.

As tensions rose following the clash, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said he would cut short his trip to Paris, where he had been attending World War I commemorations, and return home.

Fawzi Barhoum, a spokesman for Hamas, the Islamist movement that runs the blockaded Gaza Strip, denounced a "cowardly Israeli attack".

After the clash erupted, sirens were reported in southern Israel indicating possible rocket fire from the Gaza Strip.

Ten launches from Gaza toward Israel were identified and two were intercepted by Israeli missile defences, the army said. It was not immediately clear where the others had landed.

Details were still emerging of the incident that Palestinian officials said occurred east of Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip.

Gaza's health ministry said six Palestinians were killed.

The dead included a local commander for Hamas's armed wing, the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, the brigades said in a statement.

Israel's army confirmed one soldier was killed and another was injured.

"During an (Israeli) special forces operational activity in the Gaza Strip, an exchange of fire evolved," the army said in a statement.

"At this incident, an IDF officer was killed and an additional officer was moderately injured," it added, referring to the Israel Defence Forces.

It added that the operation was now over.

Hamas's armed wing alleged in a statement that an Israeli special forces team infiltrated near Khan Yunis in a civilian car.

Israel's military had not confirmed those details nor described what type of operation it carried out.

A ground operation inside the Gaza Strip would be rare and likely significantly boost tensions.

Israeli Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman held security consultations at military headquarters, his office said.

'Protection money'

The clash comes after months of deadly unrest along the Gaza-Israel border had appeared to be calming.

Recent weeks have seen Israeli decisions to allow Qatar to provide the Gaza Strip with millions of dollars in aid for salaries as well as fuel to help ease an electricity crisis.

Netanyahu had earlier defended his decision to allow Qatar to transfer the cash to Gaza despite criticism from within his own government over the move, saying he wanted to avoid a war if it wasn't necessary.

"I'm doing what I can, in coordination with the security establishment, to return quiet to the southern communities, but also to prevent a humanitarian crisis," Netanyahu said late Saturday, referring to Israeli towns near the Gaza border and deteriorating conditions in the enclave.

Naftali Bennett, Netanyahu's education minister and right-wing rival, compared the cash flow to "protection money" paid to criminals.

Lieberman said he had opposed "transferring the money to Hamas".

Israel and Palestinian militants in Gaza have fought three wars since 2008, and recent months of unrest have raised fears of a fourth.

Deadly clashes have accompanied major protests along the Gaza-Israel border that began on March 30.

At least 227 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire, the majority shot during protests and clashes, since the demonstrations began, while others died in tank fire or air strikes.

Two Israeli soldiers have been killed in that time.

On Friday, Palestinian civil servants began receiving payments after months of sporadic salary disbursements in cash-strapped Gaza, with $15 million delivered into the enclave through Israel in suitcases by Qatar.

A total of $90 million is to be distributed in six monthly instalments, Gaza authorities said, primarily to cover salaries of officials working for Hamas.

Qatar has also said it would hand out $100 to each of 50,000 poor families, as well as larger sums to Palestinians wounded in clashes along the Gaza-Israel border.

The Gulf emirate has also started buying additional fuel for Gaza's sole power station, allowing outages to be reduced to their lowest level in years.

An exchange of fire erupted during an Israeli military operation in the Gaza Strip on Sunday, killing six Palestinians and an Israeli soldier, officials said, while potentially dashing hopes that a recent agreement would restore calm.

An exchange of fire erupted during an Israeli military operation in the Gaza Strip on Sunday, killing six Palestinians and an Israeli soldier, officials said, while potentially dashing hopes that a recent agreement would restore calm. As tensions rose following the clash, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said he would cut short his trip to Paris, where he had been attending World War I commemorations, and return home. Fawzi Barhoum, a spokesman for Hamas, the Islamist movement that runs the blockaded Gaza Strip, denounced a "cowardly Israeli attack". After the clash erupted, sirens were reported in southern Israel indicating possible rocket fire from the Gaza Strip. Ten launches from Gaza toward Israel were identified and two were intercepted by Israeli missile defences, the army said. It was not immediately clear where the others had landed. Details were still emerging of the incident that Palestinian officials said occurred east of Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip. Gaza's health ministry said six Palestinians were killed. The dead included a local commander for Hamas's armed wing, the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, the brigades said in a statement. Israel's army confirmed one soldier was killed and another was injured. "During an (Israeli) special forces operational activity in the Gaza Strip, an exchange of fire evolved," the army said in a statement. "At this incident, an IDF officer was killed and an additional officer was moderately injured," it added, referring to the Israel Defence Forces. It added that the operation was now over. Hamas's armed wing alleged in a statement that an Israeli special forces team infiltrated near Khan Yunis in a civilian car. Israel's military had not confirmed those details nor described what type of operation it carried out. A ground operation inside the Gaza Strip would be rare and likely significantly boost tensions. Israeli Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman held security consultations at military headquarters, his office said. 'Protection money' The clash comes after months of deadly unrest along the Gaza-Israel border had appeared to be calming. Recent weeks have seen Israeli decisions to allow Qatar to provide the Gaza Strip with millions of dollars in aid for salaries as well as fuel to help ease an electricity crisis. Netanyahu had earlier defended his decision to allow Qatar to transfer the cash to Gaza despite criticism from within his own government over the move, saying he wanted to avoid a war if it wasn't necessary. "I'm doing what I can, in coordination with the security establishment, to return quiet to the southern communities, but also to prevent a humanitarian crisis," Netanyahu said late Saturday, referring to Israeli towns near the Gaza border and deteriorating conditions in the enclave. Naftali Bennett, Netanyahu's education minister and right-wing rival, compared the cash flow to "protection money" paid to criminals. Lieberman said he had opposed "transferring the money to Hamas". Israel and Palestinian militants in Gaza have fought three wars since 2008, and recent months of unrest have raised fears of a fourth. Deadly clashes have accompanied major protests along the Gaza-Israel border that began on March 30. At least 227 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire, the majority shot during protests and clashes, since the demonstrations began, while others died in tank fire or air strikes. Two Israeli soldiers have been killed in that time. On Friday, Palestinian civil servants began receiving payments after months of sporadic salary disbursements in cash-strapped Gaza, with $15 million delivered into the enclave through Israel in suitcases by Qatar. A total of $90 million is to be distributed in six monthly instalments, Gaza authorities said, primarily to cover salaries of officials working for Hamas. Qatar has also said it would hand out $100 to each of 50,000 poor families, as well as larger sums to Palestinians wounded in clashes along the Gaza-Israel border. The Gulf emirate has also started buying additional fuel for Gaza's sole power station, allowing outages to be reduced to their lowest level in years.

Clashes erupt during Gaza operation; 1 Israeli soldier and 6 Palestinians killed

Five Palestinians died during fresh clashes on the Gaza border Friday, the health ministry in the Hamas-run enclave said.

The men, aged between 22 and 27, died in separate incidents along the border fence, the ministry said.

Three were shot dead east of Khan Yunis in southern Gaza, while one was killed east of Jabalia in northern Gaza, the ministry said.

A fifth man died east of Bureij in central Gaza when a hand grenade he was holding exploded accidentally, eyewitnesses said.

The Israeli army did not comment on the deaths but said approximately 10,000 "demonstrators and rioters" were gathered along the border, with some setting tyres alight and hurling grenades.&nbsp;

Troops were responding with "riot dispersal means," the spokesman added.

Palestinians have gathered for protests along the Gaza border at least weekly since late March.

At least 213 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire in Gaza since the protests began on March 30, according to figures collated by AFP.

The majority have died during protests, though smaller numbers have been killed by airstrikes and tank fire.

One Israeli soldier was shot dead by a Palestinian sniper along the border in the same period.

Palestinian protesters are calling to be allowed to return to lands their families fled or were expelled from in a 1948 war surrounding the creation of Israel and which are now inside the Jewish state.

They are also opposing Israel's crippling blockade of Gaza.

Israel accuses Gaza's Islamist rulers Hamas of orchestrating the often violent demonstrations.

Five Palestinians died during fresh clashes on the Gaza border Friday, the health ministry in the Hamas-run enclave said. The men, aged between 22 and 27, died in separate incidents along the border fence, the ministry said.

Five Palestinians died during fresh clashes on the Gaza border Friday, the health ministry in the Hamas-run enclave said. The men, aged between 22 and 27, died in separate incidents along the border fence, the ministry said. Three were shot dead east of Khan Yunis in southern Gaza, while one was killed east of Jabalia in northern Gaza, the ministry said. A fifth man died east of Bureij in central Gaza when a hand grenade he was holding exploded accidentally, eyewitnesses said. The Israeli army did not comment on the deaths but said approximately 10,000 "demonstrators and rioters" were gathered along the border, with some setting tyres alight and hurling grenades. Troops were responding with "riot dispersal means," the spokesman added. Palestinians have gathered for protests along the Gaza border at least weekly since late March. At least 213 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire in Gaza since the protests began on March 30, according to figures collated by AFP. The majority have died during protests, though smaller numbers have been killed by airstrikes and tank fire. One Israeli soldier was shot dead by a Palestinian sniper along the border in the same period. Palestinian protesters are calling to be allowed to return to lands their families fled or were expelled from in a 1948 war surrounding the creation of Israel and which are now inside the Jewish state. They are also opposing Israel's crippling blockade of Gaza. Israel accuses Gaza's Islamist rulers Hamas of orchestrating the often violent demonstrations.

Five Palestinians killed in Israel border clashes: Gaza ministry

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accused the Jewish state's president and a former minister of conspiring to have him toppled, triggering charges of "paranoia" ahead of elections.

"I know that a former Likud minister has been holding discussions with the coalition and concocted a subversive plot, with me winning a large victory at the next elections and him making sure I am not prime minister," he told a gathering of his right-wing Likud party on Wednesday night celebrating his 69th birthday.

Under the scheme, President Reuven Rivlin would use his prerogative as head of state to name an alternative Likud candidate to head a post-election government.

Although Netanyahu did not explicitly name him, Gideon Saar, a former minister and leading rival within Likud, on Thursday publicly denied any such manoeuvre, while Rivlin mocked it as "paranoia" on the premier's part.

Israel's next legislative elections are scheduled for November 2019 but early polls could be held in case of a crisis within Netanyahu's ruling Likud-led coalition.

"If Netanyahu decided against moving up the elections it's not because President Rivlin or former Likud minister Saar is out to get him, but rather to avoid coinciding with an indictment that might lose him the elections," Haaretz newspaper commented.

Netanyahu, who maintains his innocence in several corruption cases, is not obliged to step down as prime minister even if he is formally charged.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accused the Jewish state's president and a former minister of conspiring to have him toppled, triggering charges of "paranoia" ahead of elections.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has accused the Jewish state's president and a former minister of conspiring to have him toppled, triggering charges of "paranoia" ahead of elections. "I know that a former Likud minister has been holding discussions with the coalition and concocted a subversive plot, with me winning a large victory at the next elections and him making sure I am not prime minister," he told a gathering of his right-wing Likud party on Wednesday night celebrating his 69th birthday. Under the scheme, President Reuven Rivlin would use his prerogative as head of state to name an alternative Likud candidate to head a post-election government. Although Netanyahu did not explicitly name him, Gideon Saar, a former minister and leading rival within Likud, on Thursday publicly denied any such manoeuvre, while Rivlin mocked it as "paranoia" on the premier's part. Israel's next legislative elections are scheduled for November 2019 but early polls could be held in case of a crisis within Netanyahu's ruling Likud-led coalition. "If Netanyahu decided against moving up the elections it's not because President Rivlin or former Likud minister Saar is out to get him, but rather to avoid coinciding with an indictment that might lose him the elections," Haaretz newspaper commented. Netanyahu, who maintains his innocence in several corruption cases, is not obliged to step down as prime minister even if he is formally charged.

Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu warns of plot to topple him

An Israeli air strike on the Gaza Strip destroyed a Hamas tunnel giving frogmen unseen access to the sea from their base, the Israeli army said Sunday.

Army spokesman Jonathan Conricus told reporters that the tunnel, the first of its kind discovered by Israeli intelligence, was hit on June 3 in the north of the strip as Israeli aircraft pounded over a dozen militant targets in Gaza.

He said it was probable there were more like it not yet located by Israel.

"We continue to monitor using all our operational, technical and intelligence capabilities that we have at our disposal," he added.

Last week's strikes were launched in retaliation for rockets fired at Israel by Palestinians in Gaza.

Conricus said that the tunnel ran from a military facility of Gaza's Islamist rulers Hamas into the Mediterranean sea, "a few dozen metres away" at a depth underwater of two to three metres.

"It could have facilitated hostile activity against the state of Israel," he said, adding that the tunnel's underwater exit was about three kilometres (two miles) from Israel's border.

He said that the tunnel had been used in Hamas training and was "operational".

Clashes with troops on Gaza's land border have seen least 129 Palestinians killed since protests broke out along the Gaza border on March 30.

There have been no Israeli fatalities.

Protests peaked on May 14 when at least 61 Palestinians were killed in demonstrations to coincide with the controversial opening of the US embassy in Jerusalem.

Army spokesman Jonathan Conricus told reporters that the tunnel, the first of its kind discovered by Israeli intelligence, was hit on June 3 in the north of the strip

An Israeli air strike on the Gaza Strip destroyed a Hamas tunnel giving frogmen unseen access to the sea from their base, the Israeli army said Sunday. Army spokesman Jonathan Conricus told reporters that the tunnel, the first of its kind discovered by Israeli intelligence, was hit on June 3 in the north of the strip as Israeli aircraft pounded over a dozen militant targets in Gaza. He said it was probable there were more like it not yet located by Israel. "We continue to monitor using all our operational, technical and intelligence capabilities that we have at our disposal," he added. Last week's strikes were launched in retaliation for rockets fired at Israel by Palestinians in Gaza. Conricus said that the tunnel ran from a military facility of Gaza's Islamist rulers Hamas into the Mediterranean sea, "a few dozen metres away" at a depth underwater of two to three metres. "It could have facilitated hostile activity against the state of Israel," he said, adding that the tunnel's underwater exit was about three kilometres (two miles) from Israel's border. He said that the tunnel had been used in Hamas training and was "operational". Clashes with troops on Gaza's land border have seen least 129 Palestinians killed since protests broke out along the Gaza border on March 30. There have been no Israeli fatalities. Protests peaked on May 14 when at least 61 Palestinians were killed in demonstrations to coincide with the controversial opening of the US embassy in Jerusalem.

Israel says it destroyed Hamas undersea tunnel

The United States vetoed Friday an Arab-backed UN draft resolution calling for measures to protect the Palestinians but failed to win any backing for its own text condemning Hamas for the violence in Gaza.

The two failed votes at the Security Council came a few hours after a young Palestinian woman was shot dead by Israeli soldiers near the Gaza border fence.

At least 123 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire since the protests began at the end of March. No Israelis have been killed.&nbsp

US Ambassador Nikki Haley declared that "it is now completely clear that the UN is hopelessly biased against Israel," saying council members were "willing to blame Israel, but unwilling to blame Hamas."

Ten countries, including China, France and Russia voted in favor of the draft put forward by Kuwait on behalf of Arab countries. Four countries -- Britain, Ethiopia, the Netherlands and Poland -- abstained.

Kuwait's Ambassador Mansour al-Otaibi said the US veto "will increase the sense of despair among the Palestinians," fuel further violence and "feed the sentiments of hatred and extremism."

The Kuwait-drafted text had called for "measures to guarantee the safety and protection" of Palestinian civilians in Gaza and the occupied West Bank, and requested a UN report on proposals for an "international protection mechanism."

Haley told the council the measure was "wildly inaccurate in its characterization of recent events in Gaza" by condemning Israel for the violence and failing to mention Hamas, which rules Gaza.

"The terrorist group Hamas bears primary responsibility for the awful living conditions in Gaza," she told the council ahead of the vote.

No support for US draft

During a second vote, the United States failed to win support for its own rival measure calling on Palestinian militants to halt their protests in Gaza and condemning Hamas.

Eleven countries abstained, while Russia and two others opposed it.

A draft resolution requires nine votes to be adopted in the 15-member council and no veto from the five permanent members -- Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States.

The outcome deepened the deadlock at the top UN body over how to respond to the flareup of violence in Gaza that a UN envoy has warned is close to the brink of war.

"This session was another missed opportunity for this council," French Ambassador Francois Delattre said, deploring an "increasingly deafening silence" from the United Nations on the Israeli-Palestinian crisis.

A barrage of rocket and mortars into Israel from Gaza on Tuesday was followed by Israeli strikes on 65 militant sites in the Gaza Strip in the worst flareup since the 2014 war.

Israel has fought three wars in Gaza against Hamas, which the United States considers a terrorist organization.

After the failed votes, Arab diplomats said they were considering turning to the UN General Assembly to win adoption for the US-vetoed resolution.

It was the second time that Haley has resorted to US veto power to block a UN measure on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.&nbsp

In December, Haley vetoed a draft resolution that rejected President Donald Trump's decision to move the US embassy to Jerusalem after all 14 other council members supported it.

The United States vetoed Friday an Arab-backed UN draft resolution calling for measures to protect the Palestinians but failed to win any backing for its own text condemning Hamas for the violence in Gaza

The United States vetoed Friday an Arab-backed UN draft resolution calling for measures to protect the Palestinians but failed to win any backing for its own text condemning Hamas for the violence in Gaza. The two failed votes at the Security Council came a few hours after a young Palestinian woman was shot dead by Israeli soldiers near the Gaza border fence. At least 123 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire since the protests began at the end of March. No Israelis have been killed. US Ambassador Nikki Haley declared that "it is now completely clear that the UN is hopelessly biased against Israel," saying council members were "willing to blame Israel, but unwilling to blame Hamas." Ten countries, including China, France and Russia voted in favor of the draft put forward by Kuwait on behalf of Arab countries. Four countries -- Britain, Ethiopia, the Netherlands and Poland -- abstained. Kuwait's Ambassador Mansour al-Otaibi said the US veto "will increase the sense of despair among the Palestinians," fuel further violence and "feed the sentiments of hatred and extremism." The Kuwait-drafted text had called for "measures to guarantee the safety and protection" of Palestinian civilians in Gaza and the occupied West Bank, and requested a UN report on proposals for an "international protection mechanism." Haley told the council the measure was "wildly inaccurate in its characterization of recent events in Gaza" by condemning Israel for the violence and failing to mention Hamas, which rules Gaza. "The terrorist group Hamas bears primary responsibility for the awful living conditions in Gaza," she told the council ahead of the vote. No support for US draft During a second vote, the United States failed to win support for its own rival measure calling on Palestinian militants to halt their protests in Gaza and condemning Hamas. Eleven countries abstained, while Russia and two others opposed it. A draft resolution requires nine votes to be adopted in the 15-member council and no veto from the five permanent members -- Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States. The outcome deepened the deadlock at the top UN body over how to respond to the flareup of violence in Gaza that a UN envoy has warned is close to the brink of war. "This session was another missed opportunity for this council," French Ambassador Francois Delattre said, deploring an "increasingly deafening silence" from the United Nations on the Israeli-Palestinian crisis. A barrage of rocket and mortars into Israel from Gaza on Tuesday was followed by Israeli strikes on 65 militant sites in the Gaza Strip in the worst flareup since the 2014 war. Israel has fought three wars in Gaza against Hamas, which the United States considers a terrorist organization. After the failed votes, Arab diplomats said they were considering turning to the UN General Assembly to win adoption for the US-vetoed resolution. It was the second time that Haley has resorted to US veto power to block a UN measure on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In December, Haley vetoed a draft resolution that rejected President Donald Trump's decision to move the US embassy to Jerusalem after all 14 other council members supported it.

US vetoes UN resolution on protecting Palestinians

Israel said Wednesday it had struck 25 more Hamas "military targets" in air raids in the Gaza Strip overnight in response to rocket and mortar fire, part of the worst military flare-up since a 2014 war.

Targets included drone sheds, a rocket-making workshop and "military compounds," a military statement said.

Israel had said Tuesday it hit more than 35 militant targets in the Palestinian enclave after a barrage of rocket and mortar fire from Hamas, the Islamist group that runs the Gaza Strip, and Islamic Jihad.

It said late Tuesday about 70 rockets and mortars had been fired at Israel throughout the day. A number of them were intercepted by air defence systems.

Three Israeli soldiers were wounded. There were no immediate reports of casualties in Gaza.

Sirens and explosions continued into the night after Tuesday's eruption.

Late Tuesday, a spokesman for Islamic Jihad said a ceasefire agreement had been reached to restore calm, though the Israeli army declined to comment.

In a rare joint statement, Hamas and Islamic Jihad declared shared responsibility for the rocket and mortar fire, saying it was in retaliation for Israeli attacks targeting their positions.

The exchange of fire comes after weeks of deadly protests and clashes along the Gaza-Israel border. Three members of Islamic Jihad were killed in an Israeli strike on Sunday.

Targets included drone sheds, a rocket-making workshop and 'military compounds,' a military statement said

Israel said Wednesday it had struck 25 more Hamas "military targets" in air raids in the Gaza Strip overnight in response to rocket and mortar fire, part of the worst military flare-up since a 2014 war. Targets included drone sheds, a rocket-making workshop and "military compounds," a military statement said. Israel had said Tuesday it hit more than 35 militant targets in the Palestinian enclave after a barrage of rocket and mortar fire from Hamas, the Islamist group that runs the Gaza Strip, and Islamic Jihad. It said late Tuesday about 70 rockets and mortars had been fired at Israel throughout the day. A number of them were intercepted by air defence systems. Three Israeli soldiers were wounded. There were no immediate reports of casualties in Gaza. Sirens and explosions continued into the night after Tuesday's eruption. Late Tuesday, a spokesman for Islamic Jihad said a ceasefire agreement had been reached to restore calm, though the Israeli army declined to comment. In a rare joint statement, Hamas and Islamic Jihad declared shared responsibility for the rocket and mortar fire, saying it was in retaliation for Israeli attacks targeting their positions. The exchange of fire comes after weeks of deadly protests and clashes along the Gaza-Israel border. Three members of Islamic Jihad were killed in an Israeli strike on Sunday.

Israel says struck 25 more Hamas targets after rocket, mortar fire

Eight children under the age of 16 were among the people died in Gaza border clash Palestinian envoy told United Nations on Monday.

Violent clashes erupted on Monday as the US officially opened its embassy in Jerusalem even tens of thousands of Palestinians demonstrated throughout the Gaza strip marking the bloodiest day in years since 2014 Gaza war.

According to a report by news agency AFP, 52 people have been killed in the clashes by Israeli forces. More than 2,400 were also reported to be wounded, the health ministry said.

Though the protests ended on the evening of the day, however, fresh protests are expected on Tuesday.

The Monday's Gaza violence received&nbsp;criticism from international media while world leaders&nbsp;urged to maintain peace.

British Prime Minister, Thersa May's spokesperson said,&nbsp;"We are concerned by the reports of violence and loss of life in Gaza. We urge calm and restraint to avoid actions destructive to peace efforts," the spokesman said, adding that the embassy move was "unhelpful in terms of prospects for peace in the region," AFP reported as saying.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian also called all parties to "act responsibly to prevent a new flare-up" in an official statement.

The statement reads, "France calls again for Israeli authorities to act with caution and restraint in the use of force, which must be strictly proportional, adding, It stresses the duty to protect civilians, in particular minors, and Palestinians' right to protest peacefully."

Amid leaders around the world came forward and condemned the killings at Gaza, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo also offered assurances of Washington's commitment to maintaining Middle East peace, however, he did not mention&nbsp;anything regarding the deadly violence.

"We remain committed to advancing a lasting and comprehensive peace between Israel and the Palestinians," he said.

The protests at Gaza border began on March 30 as Palestinians marched towards Gaza border for what they called "The Great March of Return". These protests are continuing for the sixth week now.

Gathered in thousands of number, demonstrators are demanding access to their families' lost homes or lands which are now in Israel. Two-thirds of the two million Palestinians in Gaza are war refugees or their descendants.

Palestinians have accused Israeli forces of using tear gas and guns as they targeted protestors. However, Israel says its troops have used live ammunition to prevent a border fence from being damaged or breached.

The death toll has gained attention from worldwide media. Israeli forces were also criticised for using live ammunition at protestors. However, &nbsp;Israeli authorities accused Gaza's ruling Hamas movement of instigating violence.

52 people have been killed in the clashes by Israeli forces. More than 2,400 were also reported to be wounded, the health ministry said

Eight children under the age of 16 were among the people died in Gaza border clash Palestinian envoy told United Nations on Monday. Violent clashes erupted on Monday as the US officially opened its embassy in Jerusalem even tens of thousands of Palestinians demonstrated throughout the Gaza strip marking the bloodiest day in years since 2014 Gaza war. According to a report by news agency AFP, 52 people have been killed in the clashes by Israeli forces. More than 2,400 were also reported to be wounded, the health ministry said. Though the protests ended on the evening of the day, however, fresh protests are expected on Tuesday. The Monday's Gaza violence received criticism from international media while world leaders urged to maintain peace. British Prime Minister, Thersa May's spokesperson said, "We are concerned by the reports of violence and loss of life in Gaza. We urge calm and restraint to avoid actions destructive to peace efforts," the spokesman said, adding that the embassy move was "unhelpful in terms of prospects for peace in the region," AFP reported as saying. French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian also called all parties to "act responsibly to prevent a new flare-up" in an official statement. The statement reads, "France calls again for Israeli authorities to act with caution and restraint in the use of force, which must be strictly proportional, adding, It stresses the duty to protect civilians, in particular minors, and Palestinians' right to protest peacefully." Amid leaders around the world came forward and condemned the killings at Gaza, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo also offered assurances of Washington's commitment to maintaining Middle East peace, however, he did not mention anything regarding the deadly violence. "We remain committed to advancing a lasting and comprehensive peace between Israel and the Palestinians," he said. The protests at Gaza border began on March 30 as Palestinians marched towards Gaza border for what they called "The Great March of Return". These protests are continuing for the sixth week now. Gathered in thousands of number, demonstrators are demanding access to their families' lost homes or lands which are now in Israel. Two-thirds of the two million Palestinians in Gaza are war refugees or their descendants. Palestinians have accused Israeli forces of using tear gas and guns as they targeted protestors. However, Israel says its troops have used live ammunition to prevent a border fence from being damaged or breached. The death toll has gained attention from worldwide media. Israeli forces were also criticised for using live ammunition at protestors. However, Israeli authorities accused Gaza's ruling Hamas movement of instigating violence.

Gaza unrest: Eight children among the dead in clashes; France, Britain urges to maintain peace

By:&nbsp;Mark Zeitoun and Ghassan Abu Sitta*

Gaza has often been invaded for its water. Every army leaving or entering the Sinai desert, whether Babylonians, Alexander the Great, the Ottomans, or the British, has sought relief there. But today the water of Gaza highlights a toxic situation that is spiralling out of control.

A combination of repeated Israeli attacks and the sealing of its borders by Israel and Egypt have left the territory unable to process its water or waste. Every drop of water swallowed in Gaza like every toilet flushed or antibiotic imbibed, returns to the environment in a degraded state.

When a hospital toilet is flushed, for instance, it seeps untreated through the sand into the aquifer. There it joins water laced with pesticides from farms, heavy metals from industry, and salt from the ocean.

It is then pumped back up by municipal or private wells, joined with a small fraction of freshwater purchased from Israel, and cycled back into people’s taps. This results in widespread contamination and undrinkable drinking water, about 90 per cent of which exceeds the World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines for salinity and chloride.

Incredibly, conditions are getting worse, thanks to the emergence of “superbugs”. These multi-drug resistant organisms have developed thanks to an over-prescription of antibiotics by doctors desperate to treat the victims of the seemingly endless assaults.

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<h5>Less regular access to clean water means infections will spread faster, bugs will be stronger, more antibiotics will be prescribed – and the victims will be ever-more weakened</h5>
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The more injury there is, the more chance there is of re-injury. Less regular access to clean water means infections will spread faster, bugs will be stronger, more antibiotics will be prescribed – and the victims will be ever-more weakened.

The result is what has been termed a toxic ecology or "biosphere of war", of which the noxious water cycle is just one part. A biosphere refers to the interaction of all living things with the natural resources that sustain them.

The point is that sanctions, blockades and a permanent state of war affect everything that humans might require in order to thrive, as water becomes contaminated, air is polluted, soil loses its fertility and livestock succumb to diseases. People in Gaza who may have evaded bombs or sniper fire have no escape from the biosphere.

War surgeons, health anthropologists and water engineers – including ourselves – have observed this situation developing wherever protracted armed conflict or economic sanctions grind on, as with water systems in Basrah and health systems throughout Iraq or Syria. It’s now well past time to clean it up.

There is water – for some

It's not as if there is no fresh water nearby to alleviate the situation in Gaza. Just a few hundred metres from the border are Israeli farms that use freshwater pumped from Lake Tiberias (the Sea of Galilee) to grow herbs destined for European supermarkets.

As the lake is around 200km to the north and lies 200 metres below sea level, a massive amount of energy is used to pump all that water. The lake water is also fiercely contested by Lebanon, Jordan, Syria and Palestinians in the West Bank, each of which is seeking their legal entitlement to the Jordan River basin.

Meanwhile, Israel desalinates so much seawater these days that its municipalities are turning it down. Excess desalinated water is being used to irrigate crops, and the country’s water authority is even planning to use it to refill Tiberias itself – a bizarre and irrational cycle, considering the lake water continues to be pumped the other direction into the desert.

There is now so much manufactured water that some Israeli engineers can declare that "today, no one in Israel experiences water scarcity".

But the same cannot be said for Palestinians, especially not those in Gaza. People there have resorted to various ingenious filters, boilers, or under-the-sink or neighbourhood-level desalination units to treat their water. But these sources are unregulated, often full of germs, and just another reason children are prescribed antibiotics – thus continuing the pattern of injury and re-injury.

Doctors, nurses, and water maintenance crews meanwhile try to do the impossible with the minimal medical equipment at their disposal.

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Right now raw sewage is flowing into the Mediterranean Sea amid the Gaza Strip's electricity crisis. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/unrwalive?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#unrwalive</a> <a href="https://t.co/8ZT0Kv3OIG">pic.twitter.com/8ZT0Kv3OIG</a>
— UNRWA USA (@unrwausa) <a href="https://twitter.com/unrwausa/status/892024273182707716?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 31, 2017</a></blockquote>
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The implications for all those who invest in Gaza’s repeatedly destroyed water and health projects are clear. Providing more ambulances or water tankers – the "truck and chuck" strategy – might work when conflicts are at their most acute, but they are never more than a band-aid.

Yes, things will get better in the short term, but soon enough Gaza will be onto the next generation of antibiotics and dealing with Teflon-coated superbugs.

Donors must instead design programmes suited to the all-pervasive and incessant biosphere of war. This means training many more doctors and nurses, providing more medicines, and infrastructure support for health and water services.

More importantly, donors should build-in political “cover” to protect their investments (if not the local children), perhaps by calling for those who destroy the infrastructure to foot the bill for repairs.

And there is an even bigger message for the rest of us. Our research shows that war is more than simply armies and geopolitics – it extends across entire ecosystems.

If the dehumanising ideology behind the conflict was confronted, and if the excess water was diverted to people rather than to lakes, then the easily avoidable repeated injuries suffered by people in Gaza would become a thing of the past. Palestinians would soon find their biosphere a whole lot healthier.

*Mark Zeitoun is Professor of Water Security at the University of East Anglia, and former humanitarian-aid engineer throughout Africa and the Middle East and Ghassan Abu Sitta is a founder of the Conflict Medicine Program at the American University of Beirut, and has been a war surgeon throughout Europe and the Middle East.

(This article was originally published on <a href="http://theconversation.com">The Conversation</a>. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/gaza-now-has-a-toxic-biosphere-of-war-that-no-one-can-escape-95397">original article</a>.)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL

The water of Gaza highlights a toxic situation that is spiralling out of control.

By: Mark Zeitoun and Ghassan Abu Sitta* Gaza has often been invaded for its water. Every army leaving or entering the Sinai desert, whether Babylonians, Alexander the Great, the Ottomans, or the British, has sought relief there. But today the water of Gaza highlights a toxic situation that is spiralling out of control. A combination of repeated Israeli attacks and the sealing of its borders by Israel and Egypt have left the territory unable to process its water or waste. Every drop of water swallowed in Gaza like every toilet flushed or antibiotic imbibed, returns to the environment in a degraded state. When a hospital toilet is flushed, for instance, it seeps untreated through the sand into the aquifer. There it joins water laced with pesticides from farms, heavy metals from industry, and salt from the ocean. It is then pumped back up by municipal or private wells, joined with a small fraction of freshwater purchased from Israel, and cycled back into people’s taps. This results in widespread contamination and undrinkable drinking water, about 90 per cent of which exceeds the World Health Organisation (WHO) guidelines for salinity and chloride. Incredibly, conditions are getting worse, thanks to the emergence of “superbugs”. These multi-drug resistant organisms have developed thanks to an over-prescription of antibiotics by doctors desperate to treat the victims of the seemingly endless assaults. Less regular access to clean water means infections will spread faster, bugs will be stronger, more antibiotics will be prescribed – and the victims will be ever-more weakened × The more injury there is, the more chance there is of re-injury. Less regular access to clean water means infections will spread faster, bugs will be stronger, more antibiotics will be prescribed – and the victims will be ever-more weakened. The result is what has been termed a toxic ecology or "biosphere of war", of which the noxious water cycle is just one part. A biosphere refers to the interaction of all living things with the natural resources that sustain them. The point is that sanctions, blockades and a permanent state of war affect everything that humans might require in order to thrive, as water becomes contaminated, air is polluted, soil loses its fertility and livestock succumb to diseases. People in Gaza who may have evaded bombs or sniper fire have no escape from the biosphere. War surgeons, health anthropologists and water engineers – including ourselves – have observed this situation developing wherever protracted armed conflict or economic sanctions grind on, as with water systems in Basrah and health systems throughout Iraq or Syria. It’s now well past time to clean it up. There is water – for some It's not as if there is no fresh water nearby to alleviate the situation in Gaza. Just a few hundred metres from the border are Israeli farms that use freshwater pumped from Lake Tiberias (the Sea of Galilee) to grow herbs destined for European supermarkets. As the lake is around 200km to the north and lies 200 metres below sea level, a massive amount of energy is used to pump all that water. The lake water is also fiercely contested by Lebanon, Jordan, Syria and Palestinians in the West Bank, each of which is seeking their legal entitlement to the Jordan River basin. Meanwhile, Israel desalinates so much seawater these days that its municipalities are turning it down. Excess desalinated water is being used to irrigate crops, and the country’s water authority is even planning to use it to refill Tiberias itself – a bizarre and irrational cycle, considering the lake water continues to be pumped the other direction into the desert. There is now so much manufactured water that some Israeli engineers can declare that "today, no one in Israel experiences water scarcity". But the same cannot be said for Palestinians, especially not those in Gaza. People there have resorted to various ingenious filters, boilers, or under-the-sink or neighbourhood-level desalination units to treat their water. But these sources are unregulated, often full of germs, and just another reason children are prescribed antibiotics – thus continuing the pattern of injury and re-injury. Doctors, nurses, and water maintenance crews meanwhile try to do the impossible with the minimal medical equipment at their disposal. Things will get better in the short term, but soon enough Gaza will be onto the next generation of antibiotics and dealing with Teflon-coated superbugs × Right now raw sewage is flowing into the Mediterranean Sea amid the Gaza Strip's electricity crisis. #unrwalive pic.twitter.com/8ZT0Kv3OIG — UNRWA USA (@unrwausa) July 31, 2017 × The implications for all those who invest in Gaza’s repeatedly destroyed water and health projects are clear. Providing more ambulances or water tankers – the "truck and chuck" strategy – might work when conflicts are at their most acute, but they are never more than a band-aid. Yes, things will get better in the short term, but soon enough Gaza will be onto the next generation of antibiotics and dealing with Teflon-coated superbugs. Donors must instead design programmes suited to the all-pervasive and incessant biosphere of war. This means training many more doctors and nurses, providing more medicines, and infrastructure support for health and water services. More importantly, donors should build-in political “cover” to protect their investments (if not the local children), perhaps by calling for those who destroy the infrastructure to foot the bill for repairs. And there is an even bigger message for the rest of us. Our research shows that war is more than simply armies and geopolitics – it extends across entire ecosystems. If the dehumanising ideology behind the conflict was confronted, and if the excess water was diverted to people rather than to lakes, then the easily avoidable repeated injuries suffered by people in Gaza would become a thing of the past. Palestinians would soon find their biosphere a whole lot healthier. *Mark Zeitoun is Professor of Water Security at the University of East Anglia, and former humanitarian-aid engineer throughout Africa and the Middle East and Ghassan Abu Sitta is a founder of the Conflict Medicine Program at the American University of Beirut, and has been a war surgeon throughout Europe and the Middle East. (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL

Opinion: Gaza now has a toxic 'biosphere of war' that no one can escape

Israeli fighter jets targeted a Hamas "military target" in northern Gaza Monday in response to Palestinians infiltrating the border and laying bombs the previous day, the army said.

There were no immediate reports of damage or casualties from Gaza.

The Israeli strike came a day after suspects crossed the northern Gaza border fence, leaving "explosive devices" that were found by the army.

The border fence between the Palestinian enclave and Israel has become the backdrop of mass Gaza demonstrations that lead to deadly clashes.

Israel has faced mounting questions over its use of live fire after 10 days of protests and clashes along the Gaza Strip border in which its forces have killed 30 Palestinians, according to Gaza's health ministry.

Israel says it opens fire when necessary to stop damage to the border fence, infiltrations and attempted attacks.

It alleges Hamas, the Islamist movement that runs the Gaza Strip and with whom it has fought three wars since 2008, is seeking to use the protests as cover to carry out violence.

"The IDF (Israeli Defence Forces) views with great severity the Hamas terror organisation endeavours to turn the security fence parameter into a combat zone while attempting to damage security and defence infrastructure," the army said in its Monday statement.

Rights groups have harshly criticised Israeli soldiers' actions, and Palestinians say protesters are being shot while posing no threat to troops.

On Sunday, the International Criminal Court's chief prosecutor Fatou Bensouda said she was opening a preliminary probe to determine whether there was enough evidence to launch a full-blown investigation into any alleged crimes committed by Israel or Hamas.

There were no immediate reports of damage or casualties from Gaza

Israeli fighter jets targeted a Hamas "military target" in northern Gaza Monday in response to Palestinians infiltrating the border and laying bombs the previous day, the army said. There were no immediate reports of damage or casualties from Gaza. The Israeli strike came a day after suspects crossed the northern Gaza border fence, leaving "explosive devices" that were found by the army. The border fence between the Palestinian enclave and Israel has become the backdrop of mass Gaza demonstrations that lead to deadly clashes. Israel has faced mounting questions over its use of live fire after 10 days of protests and clashes along the Gaza Strip border in which its forces have killed 30 Palestinians, according to Gaza's health ministry. Israel says it opens fire when necessary to stop damage to the border fence, infiltrations and attempted attacks. It alleges Hamas, the Islamist movement that runs the Gaza Strip and with whom it has fought three wars since 2008, is seeking to use the protests as cover to carry out violence. "The IDF (Israeli Defence Forces) views with great severity the Hamas terror organisation endeavours to turn the security fence parameter into a combat zone while attempting to damage security and defence infrastructure," the army said in its Monday statement. Rights groups have harshly criticised Israeli soldiers' actions, and Palestinians say protesters are being shot while posing no threat to troops. On Sunday, the International Criminal Court's chief prosecutor Fatou Bensouda said she was opening a preliminary probe to determine whether there was enough evidence to launch a full-blown investigation into any alleged crimes committed by Israel or Hamas.

Israeli jets target Gaza position after 'infiltration attempt'

Israel army to investigate the killing of a Palestinian journalist Yasser Murtaja who was shot on Saturday during Gaza border clashes.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/palestinian-journalist-shot-by-israeli-troops-dies-from-wounds-report-128877">Yasser Murtaja, a photojournalist was shot by Israeli forces </a>in the abdomen who later succumbed to his injuries in the hospital. He was covering clashes between Palestinians and Israeli forces for Gaza-based Ain media agency. 
&nbsp; 
The journalist's death was among the nine casualties in total on Friday.

Fresh clashes erupted along the Gaza border on Friday.

The Friday clashes came a week after the mass demonstration led to the violence and the bloodiest day since the 2014 war.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/5-palestinians-killed-by-israeli-troops-in-fresh-clashes-along-gaza-border-128802">5 Palestinians killed by Israeli troops in fresh clashes along Gaza border</a>

According to reports, 408 Palestinians had been wounded by Israeli gunfire.

The news agency AFP reported on Friday that at least six journalists have been shot and wounded.

The European Union also issues a statement addressing the killings said that the killings raised serious questions about the use of force. It added reports by Israel of stones and fire-bombs being thrown along with attempts to cross the fence into Israel "must also be clarified."

Palestinians also threw stones at Israeli soldiers to which the Israeli forces responded with tear gas and live fire.

Tyers were also set on fire as an attempt to create a smokescreen to block the view of Israeli snipers.

Thousands of protesters -- Israel estimated 20,000 -- gathered in locations near the border east of Khan Yunis, in the south of the blockaded Palestinian enclave, and east of Gaza City, among other spots.

The number of protesters, however, was lower than last week, when a demonstration by tens of thousands led to clashes in which Israeli forces killed 19 Palestinians on March 30.

Yasser Murtaja, a photojournalist was shot by Israeli forces in the abdomen who later succumbed to his injuries in the hospital

Israel army to investigate the killing of a Palestinian journalist Yasser Murtaja who was shot on Saturday during Gaza border clashes. Yasser Murtaja, a photojournalist was shot by Israeli forces in the abdomen who later succumbed to his injuries in the hospital. He was covering clashes between Palestinians and Israeli forces for Gaza-based Ain media agency. The journalist's death was among the nine casualties in total on Friday. Fresh clashes erupted along the Gaza border on Friday. The Friday clashes came a week after the mass demonstration led to the violence and the bloodiest day since the 2014 war. Also read: 5 Palestinians killed by Israeli troops in fresh clashes along Gaza border According to reports, 408 Palestinians had been wounded by Israeli gunfire. The news agency AFP reported on Friday that at least six journalists have been shot and wounded. The European Union also issues a statement addressing the killings said that the killings raised serious questions about the use of force. It added reports by Israel of stones and fire-bombs being thrown along with attempts to cross the fence into Israel "must also be clarified." Palestinians also threw stones at Israeli soldiers to which the Israeli forces responded with tear gas and live fire. Tyers were also set on fire as an attempt to create a smokescreen to block the view of Israeli snipers. Thousands of protesters -- Israel estimated 20,000 -- gathered in locations near the border east of Khan Yunis, in the south of the blockaded Palestinian enclave, and east of Gaza City, among other spots. The number of protesters, however, was lower than last week, when a demonstration by tens of thousands led to clashes in which Israeli forces killed 19 Palestinians on March 30.

Israel to investigate killing of Palestinian journalist

A Palestinian journalist, who was&nbsp;shot&nbsp;by Israeli forces on Saturday during the Gaza border clash between Palestinians and Israeli forces, succumbed to his&nbsp;injuries.

Journalist -- Yasser Murtaja -- was a photojournalist who used to work with Gaza-based Ain media agency.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/5-palestinians-killed-by-israeli-troops-in-fresh-clashes-along-gaza-border-128802">5 Palestinians killed by Israeli troops in fresh clashes along Gaza border</a>

Another Palestinian man was also killed in the clashes today bringing the death toll to total nine.

Fresh clashes erupted along the Gaza border on Friday.

The Friday clashes came a week after the mass demonstration led to the violence and the bloodiest day since the 2014 war.

According to reports 408 Palestinians had been taken to the hospital for the treatment.

The news agency AFP reported on Friday that at least six journalists have been shot and wounded.

Palestinians also threw stones at Israeli soldiers to which the Israeli forces responded with tear gas and live fire.

Thousands of protesters -- Israel estimated 20,000 -- gathered in locations near the border east of Khan Yunis, in the south of the blockaded Palestinian enclave, and east of Gaza City, among other spots.

The number of protesters, however, was lower than last week, when a demonstration by tens of thousands led to clashes in which Israeli forces killed 19 Palestinians on March 30.

(With inputs from AFP)

Journalist -- Yasser Murtaja -- was a photojournalist who used to work with Gaza-based Ain media agency

A Palestinian journalist, who was shot by Israeli forces on Saturday during the Gaza border clash between Palestinians and Israeli forces, succumbed to his injuries. Journalist -- Yasser Murtaja -- was a photojournalist who used to work with Gaza-based Ain media agency. Also read: 5 Palestinians killed by Israeli troops in fresh clashes along Gaza border Another Palestinian man was also killed in the clashes today bringing the death toll to total nine. Fresh clashes erupted along the Gaza border on Friday. The Friday clashes came a week after the mass demonstration led to the violence and the bloodiest day since the 2014 war. According to reports 408 Palestinians had been taken to the hospital for the treatment. The news agency AFP reported on Friday that at least six journalists have been shot and wounded. Palestinians also threw stones at Israeli soldiers to which the Israeli forces responded with tear gas and live fire. Thousands of protesters -- Israel estimated 20,000 -- gathered in locations near the border east of Khan Yunis, in the south of the blockaded Palestinian enclave, and east of Gaza City, among other spots. The number of protesters, however, was lower than last week, when a demonstration by tens of thousands led to clashes in which Israeli forces killed 19 Palestinians on March 30. (With inputs from AFP)

Palestinian journalist shot by Israeli troops dies from wounds: Report

Israeli fire killed a Palestinian at the Gaza border on Thursday and another died of wounds suffered several days ago, health officials said, bringing to 19 the number of Palestinian dead from a week of frontier protests.

The Israeli military said one of its aircraft targeted an armed militant near the security fence along the Gaza Strip.

Tens of thousands of Palestinians are holding a six-week-long protest in tent encampments along the fenced border of the Israeli-blockaded Gaza Strip, an enclave of 2 million ruled by the Islamist Hamas group.

The demonstrators are pressing for a right of return for refugees and their descendants to what is now Israel.

The latest deaths are likely to add to international concerns over the violence, which human rights groups have said involved live fire against demonstrators posing no immediate threat to life.

UN&nbspSecretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for an independent investigation into the deaths on the first day of the protest last Friday, and B'Tselem, an Israeli rights group, urged Israeli soldiers to "refuse to open fire on unarmed demonstrators.” Orders to do so were “manifestly illegal,” it said.

The United States, however, directed its criticism at the protest leaders. "We condemn leaders and protesters who call for violence or who send protesters - including children - to the fence, knowing that they may be injured or killed," President Donald Trump's Middle East peace envoy, Jason Greenblatt, said in a statement on Thursday.

Sixteen Palestinians died after being shot by Israeli troops on the first day of the demonstrations, Palestinian medical officials said, and another was killed on Tuesday.

A 33-year-old man, hit by Israeli fire a few days ago near one of the tent cities, died on Thursday, the officials said.

Israel says it is doing what is necessary to defend its border. The military said that its troops had used live fire only against people trying to sabotage the border fence or rolling burning tyres and throwing rocks.

On Thursday, Brigadier-General Ronen Manelis, Israel's chief military spokesman, cautioned that Israel might attack deeper inside Gaza if the demonstrations did not stop.

"We have information that tomorrow, under a smoke screen and civilian cover, Hamas intends to carry out terrorist attacks against our civilians and troops, and cross the fence," he said.

"We have no interest in harming women and children who are protesting. They are not our enemies. We have one intention, not to allow terrorist attacks against our civilians and troops on the other side of the fence."

Lethal force

Many of the demonstrators who turned out for the first wave of protests along the border returned to their homes and jobs over the week. But organisers expect large crowds again on Friday, the Muslim sabbath.

Protesters on Thursday were bringing more tents and thousands of tyres to burn, in what has become known as “The Friday of Tyres." They say they intend to use mirrors and laser pointers to distract Israeli sharpshooters.

“Friday is going to be a special day, they will see that we are not afraid,” said one Palestinian youth as he delivered tyres to the area. But Ahmed Ali, a 55-year-old teacher, said that while he wanted his family to see the tent camp, he would not come back on Friday.

“I taught my children one day we will be returning to Jaffa, our home, but I can’t allow them to throw stones because the Israelis won’t hesitate to kill them,” he said.

Hamas said on Thursday it would pay $3,000 to the family of anyone killed in the protests, $500 for critical injuries and $200 for more minor injuries. Israeli leaders say that such payments serve to instigate violence.

Visiting the frontier this week, Israeli Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman warned protesters that "every person who comes close to the fence is endangering their lives."

The protest action is set to wind up on May 15, when Palestinians mark the "Naqba", or "Catastrophe", when hundreds of thousands fled or were driven out of their homes during violence that culminated in war in May 1948 between the newly created state of Israel and its Arab neighbours.

Israel has long ruled out any right of return, fearing it would lose its Jewish majority.

Israeli fire killed a Palestinian at the Gaza border on Thursday and another died of wounds suffered several days ago, health officials said, bringing to 19 the number of Palestinian dead from a week of frontier protests

Israeli fire killed a Palestinian at the Gaza border on Thursday and another died of wounds suffered several days ago, health officials said, bringing to 19 the number of Palestinian dead from a week of frontier protests. The Israeli military said one of its aircraft targeted an armed militant near the security fence along the Gaza Strip. Tens of thousands of Palestinians are holding a six-week-long protest in tent encampments along the fenced border of the Israeli-blockaded Gaza Strip, an enclave of 2 million ruled by the Islamist Hamas group. The demonstrators are pressing for a right of return for refugees and their descendants to what is now Israel. The latest deaths are likely to add to international concerns over the violence, which human rights groups have said involved live fire against demonstrators posing no immediate threat to life. UN&nbspSecretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for an independent investigation into the deaths on the first day of the protest last Friday, and B'Tselem, an Israeli rights group, urged Israeli soldiers to "refuse to open fire on unarmed demonstrators.” Orders to do so were “manifestly illegal,” it said. The United States, however, directed its criticism at the protest leaders. "We condemn leaders and protesters who call for violence or who send protesters - including children - to the fence, knowing that they may be injured or killed," President Donald Trump's Middle East peace envoy, Jason Greenblatt, said in a statement on Thursday. Sixteen Palestinians died after being shot by Israeli troops on the first day of the demonstrations, Palestinian medical officials said, and another was killed on Tuesday. A 33-year-old man, hit by Israeli fire a few days ago near one of the tent cities, died on Thursday, the officials said. Israel says it is doing what is necessary to defend its border. The military said that its troops had used live fire only against people trying to sabotage the border fence or rolling burning tyres and throwing rocks. On Thursday, Brigadier-General Ronen Manelis, Israel's chief military spokesman, cautioned that Israel might attack deeper inside Gaza if the demonstrations did not stop. "We have information that tomorrow, under a smoke screen and civilian cover, Hamas intends to carry out terrorist attacks against our civilians and troops, and cross the fence," he said. "We have no interest in harming women and children who are protesting. They are not our enemies. We have one intention, not to allow terrorist attacks against our civilians and troops on the other side of the fence." Lethal force Many of the demonstrators who turned out for the first wave of protests along the border returned to their homes and jobs over the week. But organisers expect large crowds again on Friday, the Muslim sabbath. Protesters on Thursday were bringing more tents and thousands of tyres to burn, in what has become known as “The Friday of Tyres." They say they intend to use mirrors and laser pointers to distract Israeli sharpshooters. “Friday is going to be a special day, they will see that we are not afraid,” said one Palestinian youth as he delivered tyres to the area. But Ahmed Ali, a 55-year-old teacher, said that while he wanted his family to see the tent camp, he would not come back on Friday. “I taught my children one day we will be returning to Jaffa, our home, but I can’t allow them to throw stones because the Israelis won’t hesitate to kill them,” he said. Hamas said on Thursday it would pay $3,000 to the family of anyone killed in the protests, $500 for critical injuries and $200 for more minor injuries. Israeli leaders say that such payments serve to instigate violence. Visiting the frontier this week, Israeli Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman warned protesters that "every person who comes close to the fence is endangering their lives." The protest action is set to wind up on May 15, when Palestinians mark the "Naqba", or "Catastrophe", when hundreds of thousands fled or were driven out of their homes during violence that culminated in war in May 1948 between the newly created state of Israel and its Arab neighbours. Israel has long ruled out any right of return, fearing it would lose its Jewish majority.

Israeli fire kills Palestinian at Gaza border, with more protests ahead

Tension remained high in the area a day after deadly violence broke out in one of the biggest Palestinian demonstrations there in years.

An Israeli military spokesman said he was checking the details of Saturday's unrest.

On Friday at least 15 Palestinians were killed by Israeli security forces confronting protesters, some of whom the military said had opened fire, rolled burning tyres and hurled rocks and fire bombs toward troops across the border.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas declared Saturday a national day of mourning and a general strike was called across the occupied West Bank. Thousands in Gaza marched through the streets at funerals for those killed.

Tens of thousands of Palestinians had gathered on Friday along the fenced 65-km (40-mile) frontier, where tents were erected for a planned six-week protest pressing for a right of return for refugees and their descendents to what is now Israel. The Israeli military estimate was 30,000.

Families brought their children to the encampments just a few hundred metres (yards) from the Israeli security barrier with the Islamist Hamas-run enclave. But hundreds of Palestinian youths ignored calls from the organisers and the Israeli military to stay away from the frontier and violence broke out.

Palestinians marking ''catastrophe''

The protest, organised by Hamas and other Palestinian factions, is scheduled to culminate on May 15, the day Palestinians commemorate what they call the "Nakba" or "Catastrophe" when hundreds of thousands fled or were driven out of their homes in 1948, when the state of Israel was created.

Israel has long ruled out any right of return, fearing an influx of Arabs that would wipe out its Jewish majority. It argues that refugees should resettle in a future state the Palestinians seek in the Israeli-occupied West Bank and Gaza. Peace talks to that end have been frozen since 2014.

Israel withdrew its troops and settlers from Gaza in 2005 but still maintains tight control of its land and sea borders.

Egypt also keeps its border with Gaza largely closed.

Abbas's spokesman, Nabil Abu Rdainah, said: "The message of the Palestinian people is clear. The Palestinian land will always belong to its legitimate owners and the occupation will be removed."

Israeli military spokesman Brigadier-General Ronen Manelis said Hamas was using the protests as a guise to launch attacks against Israel and ignite the area. He said violence would likely continue along the border until May 15.

"We won't let this turn into a ping-pong zone where they perpetrate a terrorist act and we respond with pinpoint action. If this continues we will not have no choice but to respond inside the Gaza Strip," Manelis told reporters in a phone briefing.

The Gaza Health Ministry had said on Friday 16 people were killed but revised the death toll to 15 on Saturday.

Israeli troops fired warning shots towards Palestinian youths gathered at the Gaza-Israel border on Saturday, wounding 13 people, health officials said

Tension remained high in the area a day after deadly violence broke out in one of the biggest Palestinian demonstrations there in years. An Israeli military spokesman said he was checking the details of Saturday's unrest. On Friday at least 15 Palestinians were killed by Israeli security forces confronting protesters, some of whom the military said had opened fire, rolled burning tyres and hurled rocks and fire bombs toward troops across the border. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas declared Saturday a national day of mourning and a general strike was called across the occupied West Bank. Thousands in Gaza marched through the streets at funerals for those killed. Tens of thousands of Palestinians had gathered on Friday along the fenced 65-km (40-mile) frontier, where tents were erected for a planned six-week protest pressing for a right of return for refugees and their descendents to what is now Israel. The Israeli military estimate was 30,000. Families brought their children to the encampments just a few hundred metres (yards) from the Israeli security barrier with the Islamist Hamas-run enclave. But hundreds of Palestinian youths ignored calls from the organisers and the Israeli military to stay away from the frontier and violence broke out. Palestinians marking ''catastrophe'' The protest, organised by Hamas and other Palestinian factions, is scheduled to culminate on May 15, the day Palestinians commemorate what they call the "Nakba" or "Catastrophe" when hundreds of thousands fled or were driven out of their homes in 1948, when the state of Israel was created. Israel has long ruled out any right of return, fearing an influx of Arabs that would wipe out its Jewish majority. It argues that refugees should resettle in a future state the Palestinians seek in the Israeli-occupied West Bank and Gaza. Peace talks to that end have been frozen since 2014. Israel withdrew its troops and settlers from Gaza in 2005 but still maintains tight control of its land and sea borders. Egypt also keeps its border with Gaza largely closed. Abbas's spokesman, Nabil Abu Rdainah, said: "The message of the Palestinian people is clear. The Palestinian land will always belong to its legitimate owners and the occupation will be removed." Israeli military spokesman Brigadier-General Ronen Manelis said Hamas was using the protests as a guise to launch attacks against Israel and ignite the area. He said violence would likely continue along the border until May 15. "We won't let this turn into a ping-pong zone where they perpetrate a terrorist act and we respond with pinpoint action. If this continues we will not have no choice but to respond inside the Gaza Strip," Manelis told reporters in a phone briefing. The Gaza Health Ministry had said on Friday 16 people were killed but revised the death toll to 15 on Saturday.

Israeli troops wound 13 on Gaza border, day after deadly protest

Palestinians prepared for further protests near the Gaza border Saturday, a day after a major demonstration led to clashes that saw Israeli forces kill 16 people in the bloodiest day since a 2014 war.

Protesters began returning to a tent city erected near the border with Israel to resume the demonstration planned to last six weeks in the blockaded enclave.

Thousands were attending funerals for those killed, with mourners holding Palestinian flags and some chanting "revenge."

A general strike was being held in both the Gaza Strip and the occupied West Bank.

Israel defended its soldiers'&nbspactions on Friday when troops opened fire on Palestinians who strayed from the main tent city protest -- attended by tens of thousands -- and approached the heavily fortified fence cutting off the Gaza Strip.

The Israeli military says it opened fire only when necessary against those throwing stones and firebombs or rolling tyres at soldiers.

It also said there were attempts to damage the fence and infiltrate Israel, while alleging there was an attempted shooting attack against soldiers along the border that caused no casualties.

But Palestinians accused Israel of using disproportionate force, while human rights groups questioned Israel`s use of live fire.

UN chief Antonio Guterres called for an "independent and transparent investigation."

In addition to the 16 killed, more than 1,400 were wounded, 758 of them by live fire, with the remainder hurt by rubber bullets and tear gas inhalation, according to the Gazan health ministry.

No casualties were reported among Israelis.Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas declared Saturday a day of national mourning and in a speech said he held Israel fully responsible for the deaths.

"The large number of martyrs and people wounded in peaceful popular demonstrations shows that the international community must intervene to provide protection to our Palestinian people," he said.

An Israeli military spokesman said Friday`s events were "not a protest demonstration" but "organised terrorist activity."

He accused Hamas, the Islamist movement that runs the Gaza Strip and which has fought three wars with Israel since 2008, of being behind it and threatened wider military action if it continued.

"If it continues, we shall have no choice but to respond inside the Gaza Strip against terrorist targets which we understand to be behind these events," Brigadier General Ronen Manelis told journalists.

The six-week protest is in support of Palestinian refugees and the timetable holds significance for a range of reasons that have added to tensions.

It began on Land Day, when Palestinians commemorate the killing of six unarmed Arab protesters in Israel in 1976, and as Jewish Israelis readied to observe the Passover holiday, which started at sundown on Friday.

Protests will continue until the United States opens its new Jerusalem embassy around May 14, a move that has provoked deep anger among the Palestinians, who see the city`s annexed eastern sector as the capital of their future state.

May 14 will also mark 70 years since the creation of Israel, while Palestinians will commemorate what they call the Nakba, or "catastrophe," the following day.

Nakba commemorates the more than 700,000 Palestinians who either fled or were expelled from their homes in the war surrounding Israel`s creation in 1948.US President Donald Trump has harshly criticised the

Palestinians in the past, but the State Department said only that it was "deeply saddened" by the loss of life and urged steps to lower tensions. 
Human Rights Watch criticised Israel`s actions.

"Israeli allegations of violence by some protesters do not change the fact that using lethal force is banned by international law except to meet an imminent threat to life," the New York-based group said, calling the number of killed and wounded "shocking."

Israel`s arch-foe Iran, longstanding supporters of Hamas, condemned the "shameful" killing of protesters and mocked the fact that it happened as Israeli Jews prepared to mark Passover.&nbsp

"On the eve of Passover (of all days), which commemorates God liberating Prophet Moses and his people from tyranny, Zionist tyrants murder peaceful Palestinian protesters -- whose land they have stolen -- as they march to escape their cruel and inhuman apartheid bondage," Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif tweeted.

Israel had deployed troop reinforcements along the border, including more than 100 special forces snipers, saying it would prevent attempts to break through the fence.

Protests along the border are common, often culminating in young Palestinian men throwing stones at Israeli soldiers who respond with tear gas along with rubber and live bullets.

But the "March of Return" protest that began on Friday is larger scale and is intended to involve families with women and children camping in tent cities near the border for weeks.

Palestinians prepared for further protests near the Gaza border Saturday, a day after a major demonstration led to clashes that saw Israeli forces kill 16 people in the bloodiest day since a 2014 war

Palestinians prepared for further protests near the Gaza border Saturday, a day after a major demonstration led to clashes that saw Israeli forces kill 16 people in the bloodiest day since a 2014 war. Protesters began returning to a tent city erected near the border with Israel to resume the demonstration planned to last six weeks in the blockaded enclave. Thousands were attending funerals for those killed, with mourners holding Palestinian flags and some chanting "revenge." A general strike was being held in both the Gaza Strip and the occupied West Bank. Israel defended its soldiers'&nbspactions on Friday when troops opened fire on Palestinians who strayed from the main tent city protest -- attended by tens of thousands -- and approached the heavily fortified fence cutting off the Gaza Strip. The Israeli military says it opened fire only when necessary against those throwing stones and firebombs or rolling tyres at soldiers. It also said there were attempts to damage the fence and infiltrate Israel, while alleging there was an attempted shooting attack against soldiers along the border that caused no casualties. But Palestinians accused Israel of using disproportionate force, while human rights groups questioned Israel`s use of live fire. UN chief Antonio Guterres called for an "independent and transparent investigation." In addition to the 16 killed, more than 1,400 were wounded, 758 of them by live fire, with the remainder hurt by rubber bullets and tear gas inhalation, according to the Gazan health ministry. No casualties were reported among Israelis.Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas declared Saturday a day of national mourning and in a speech said he held Israel fully responsible for the deaths. "The large number of martyrs and people wounded in peaceful popular demonstrations shows that the international community must intervene to provide protection to our Palestinian people," he said. An Israeli military spokesman said Friday`s events were "not a protest demonstration" but "organised terrorist activity." He accused Hamas, the Islamist movement that runs the Gaza Strip and which has fought three wars with Israel since 2008, of being behind it and threatened wider military action if it continued. "If it continues, we shall have no choice but to respond inside the Gaza Strip against terrorist targets which we understand to be behind these events," Brigadier General Ronen Manelis told journalists. The six-week protest is in support of Palestinian refugees and the timetable holds significance for a range of reasons that have added to tensions. It began on Land Day, when Palestinians commemorate the killing of six unarmed Arab protesters in Israel in 1976, and as Jewish Israelis readied to observe the Passover holiday, which started at sundown on Friday. Protests will continue until the United States opens its new Jerusalem embassy around May 14, a move that has provoked deep anger among the Palestinians, who see the city`s annexed eastern sector as the capital of their future state. May 14 will also mark 70 years since the creation of Israel, while Palestinians will commemorate what they call the Nakba, or "catastrophe," the following day. Nakba commemorates the more than 700,000 Palestinians who either fled or were expelled from their homes in the war surrounding Israel`s creation in 1948.US President Donald Trump has harshly criticised the Palestinians in the past, but the State Department said only that it was "deeply saddened" by the loss of life and urged steps to lower tensions. Human Rights Watch criticised Israel`s actions. "Israeli allegations of violence by some protesters do not change the fact that using lethal force is banned by international law except to meet an imminent threat to life," the New York-based group said, calling the number of killed and wounded "shocking." Israel`s arch-foe Iran, longstanding supporters of Hamas, condemned the "shameful" killing of protesters and mocked the fact that it happened as Israeli Jews prepared to mark Passover. "On the eve of Passover (of all days), which commemorates God liberating Prophet Moses and his people from tyranny, Zionist tyrants murder peaceful Palestinian protesters -- whose land they have stolen -- as they march to escape their cruel and inhuman apartheid bondage," Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif tweeted. Israel had deployed troop reinforcements along the border, including more than 100 special forces snipers, saying it would prevent attempts to break through the fence. Protests along the border are common, often culminating in young Palestinian men throwing stones at Israeli soldiers who respond with tear gas along with rubber and live bullets. But the "March of Return" protest that began on Friday is larger scale and is intended to involve families with women and children camping in tent cities near the border for weeks.

Gazans ready for new protests after bloodiest day in years

At least 12 Palestinians in Gaza were killed by Israeli forces Friday, the health ministry in the strip said, as clashes erupted on one of the conflict's bloodiest days in recent years.

Israeli forces fired live ammunition after the army said Gazans near the border fence threw stones and firebombs at soldiers while rolling burning tyres.

The Gazan health ministry reported 11 dead in the violence, after a 12th Palestinian was killed by Israeli tank fire early Friday morning.

Israeli border police also dropped tear gas from a drone onto Palestinian protesters a police spokesman told AFP, acknowledging operational deployment of new technology.

An AFP correspondent saw a drone release around 10 gas canisters as protesters on the border with Israel cursed the small craft.

A number of people were injured by the containers, which fell from a height of between 10 and 20 metres (30-60 feet), the correspondent said.

Use of unmanned aerial vehicles to launch gas is a recent innovation, police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said.

"It was used a few weeks ago around the Gaza Strip area and it is also being used today, in order to prevent protesters getting to the Gaza crossing or Gaza border," he said.

"It's a mini-drone which has the capability of flying over certain zones and certain areas and then letting go of tear gas in areas that we want to prevent protesters from reaching."&nbsp;

Video of the tactic in use was shown in a report earlier this month by the Lebanese Al-Mayadeen TV channel.

Tens of thousands of Gazans took to the streets Friday in mass protests calling for Palestinians to be allowed to return to land that their ancestors fled from in the 1948 war but that is now part of Israel.

The Israeli military said that they threw rocks and petrol bombs at the border fence and troops on the other side.

The army has pledged to stop, by force if necessary, any attempt by protesters to cross into Israel.

Israeli forces regularly use tear gas to disperse Palestinian protesters, whether thrown by soldiers or fired from specially equipped vehicles.

A number of people were injured by the containers, which fell from a height of between 10 and 20 metres (30-60 feet)

At least 12 Palestinians in Gaza were killed by Israeli forces Friday, the health ministry in the strip said, as clashes erupted on one of the conflict's bloodiest days in recent years. Israeli forces fired live ammunition after the army said Gazans near the border fence threw stones and firebombs at soldiers while rolling burning tyres. The Gazan health ministry reported 11 dead in the violence, after a 12th Palestinian was killed by Israeli tank fire early Friday morning. Israeli border police also dropped tear gas from a drone onto Palestinian protesters a police spokesman told AFP, acknowledging operational deployment of new technology. An AFP correspondent saw a drone release around 10 gas canisters as protesters on the border with Israel cursed the small craft. A number of people were injured by the containers, which fell from a height of between 10 and 20 metres (30-60 feet), the correspondent said. Use of unmanned aerial vehicles to launch gas is a recent innovation, police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld said. "It was used a few weeks ago around the Gaza Strip area and it is also being used today, in order to prevent protesters getting to the Gaza crossing or Gaza border," he said. "It's a mini-drone which has the capability of flying over certain zones and certain areas and then letting go of tear gas in areas that we want to prevent protesters from reaching." Video of the tactic in use was shown in a report earlier this month by the Lebanese Al-Mayadeen TV channel. Tens of thousands of Gazans took to the streets Friday in mass protests calling for Palestinians to be allowed to return to land that their ancestors fled from in the 1948 war but that is now part of Israel. The Israeli military said that they threw rocks and petrol bombs at the border fence and troops on the other side. The army has pledged to stop, by force if necessary, any attempt by protesters to cross into Israel. Israeli forces regularly use tear gas to disperse Palestinian protesters, whether thrown by soldiers or fired from specially equipped vehicles.

Gaza unrest: At least 12 protestors killed, Israeli drone drops tear gas

Thousands of Palestinians marched near the Gaza-Israel border on Friday in a major protest leading to clashes with Israeli forces, in which more than 50 Gazans were wounded.

At least 10,000 Gazans gathered in different spots along the border&nbspwith smaller numbers entering within a few hundred metres (yards) of the heavily fortified fence.

Israeli tanks and snipers were positioned on the other side of the border, using tear gas and live fire to force back the protesters.

More than 50 people were wounded by live fire, the Palestinian Red Crescent said.

Israel's military said in a statement that "thousands of Palestinians are rioting in six locations throughout the Gaza Strip, rolling burning tyres and hurling stones at the security fence and at (Israeli) troops, who are responding with riot dispersal means and firing towards main instigators."

Earlier Friday, before the main protests began, a Palestinian farmer was killed by Israeli tank fire near the border.&nbsp

The Israeli military said the tank fire came after "two suspects approached the security fence ... and began operating suspiciously."

The march kicks off up to six weeks of protests dubbed "The Great March of Return," in the run-up to the inauguration of the new US embassy in Jerusalem around May 14.

Among those taking part on Friday was Ismail Haniya, the leader of the Islamist movement Hamas that controls Gaza.

"There is no alternative to Palestine and no solution except to return," he said in a statement, referring to Palestinian refugees seeking to go back to land they fled or were expelled from in 1948 that is now inside Israel.

Israel has accused Hamas of seeking to stir up protests to encourage violence.

At least 10,000 Gazans gathered in different spots along the border with smaller numbers entering within a few hundreds metres (yards) of the heavily fortified fence

Thousands of Palestinians marched near the Gaza-Israel border on Friday in a major protest leading to clashes with Israeli forces, in which more than 50 Gazans were wounded. At least 10,000 Gazans gathered in different spots along the border&nbspwith smaller numbers entering within a few hundred metres (yards) of the heavily fortified fence. Israeli tanks and snipers were positioned on the other side of the border, using tear gas and live fire to force back the protesters. More than 50 people were wounded by live fire, the Palestinian Red Crescent said. Israel's military said in a statement that "thousands of Palestinians are rioting in six locations throughout the Gaza Strip, rolling burning tyres and hurling stones at the security fence and at (Israeli) troops, who are responding with riot dispersal means and firing towards main instigators." Earlier Friday, before the main protests began, a Palestinian farmer was killed by Israeli tank fire near the border. The Israeli military said the tank fire came after "two suspects approached the security fence ... and began operating suspiciously." The march kicks off up to six weeks of protests dubbed "The Great March of Return," in the run-up to the inauguration of the new US embassy in Jerusalem around May 14. Among those taking part on Friday was Ismail Haniya, the leader of the Islamist movement Hamas that controls Gaza. "There is no alternative to Palestine and no solution except to return," he said in a statement, referring to Palestinian refugees seeking to go back to land they fled or were expelled from in 1948 that is now inside Israel. Israel has accused Hamas of seeking to stir up protests to encourage violence.

Clashes as thousands of Gazans march near Israel border

Israeli tanks hit two Hamas positions in the Gaza Strip on Wednesday after activists set fire to the base of the security fence on the volatile frontier, the army said.

The army said the two suspected arsonists had not crossed the fence and infiltrated Israel but it retaliated with tank fire against two Hamas observation posts.

"The (army) views with great severity any attempt to damage the security fence, as well as security infrastructure," it said.

The incident comes a day after Israeli soldiers detained three Palestinians who had slipped across the border from Gaza in possession of knives and grenades.

The army said the trio were apprehended near an army base some 20 kilometres (12 miles) inside Israel, while police distributed pictures of hand grenades, knives and wire cutters found on them.

There had already been an uptick in incidents along the border as Palestinian anger runs high over US President Donald Trump's decision in December to recognise Jerusalem as Israel's capital.

On Saturday, a number of Palestinians breached the frontier and tried to torch heavy equipment.

In response, Israeli jets attacked positions of Hamas, the Islamist group that controls Gaza.

A day later gunfire from Gaza set off Israel's Iron Dome air defence system and in response a tank fired at a Hamas position.

The incidents come as Israel braces for the annual Palestinian Land Day protests, commemorating the killing of six unarmed Arab demonstrators in Israel in 1976, set to begin in Gaza on Friday.

Gazans are being called to march towards the border fence en masse.

Israeli tanks hit two Hamas positions in the Gaza Strip on Wednesday after activists set fire to the base of the security fence on the volatile frontier, the army said

Israeli tanks hit two Hamas positions in the Gaza Strip on Wednesday after activists set fire to the base of the security fence on the volatile frontier, the army said. The army said the two suspected arsonists had not crossed the fence and infiltrated Israel but it retaliated with tank fire against two Hamas observation posts. "The (army) views with great severity any attempt to damage the security fence, as well as security infrastructure," it said. The incident comes a day after Israeli soldiers detained three Palestinians who had slipped across the border from Gaza in possession of knives and grenades. The army said the trio were apprehended near an army base some 20 kilometres (12 miles) inside Israel, while police distributed pictures of hand grenades, knives and wire cutters found on them. There had already been an uptick in incidents along the border as Palestinian anger runs high over US President Donald Trump's decision in December to recognise Jerusalem as Israel's capital. On Saturday, a number of Palestinians breached the frontier and tried to torch heavy equipment. In response, Israeli jets attacked positions of Hamas, the Islamist group that controls Gaza. A day later gunfire from Gaza set off Israel's Iron Dome air defence system and in response a tank fired at a Hamas position. The incidents come as Israel braces for the annual Palestinian Land Day protests, commemorating the killing of six unarmed Arab demonstrators in Israel in 1976, set to begin in Gaza on Friday. Gazans are being called to march towards the border fence en masse.

Israel strikes Hamas positions in Gaza: Army

If the two-state solution on Israel and Palestine is no longer attainable in the coming years, the discussion will move to &quot;one-state solution&quot; in future with more focus on democratic rights, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Anwar Gargash said today.

He was delivering a lecture on &#39;Strategic Relations between India and UAE and the Crisis in the Middle East&#39; organised by the Observer Research Foundation here.

&quot;The next 3-4 years...If the two-state solution will no longer be attainable, (then) the discussion will be about the one-state solution and about democratic rights.

&quot;I know that discussion is currently taking place but that is marginalised. If we wait for few more years, that (discussion) will be in the centre stage,&quot; he said.

Gargash said the Israeli occupation also gave an opportunity for Iran and Turkey to &quot;whip up emotions&quot;.

He also expressed apprehension on the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) i.E. The nuclear deal between Iran on one side and China, the US, the UK, France, Germany and the European Union, on the other hand.

The UAE minister said Iran&#39;s ballistic missile programme was a &quot;major concern&quot; in West Asia, adding that Tehran was trying to become a hegemon in the region.

He also hit out at Qatar, accusing the Gulf nation of being a source of radical Islam.

Last year, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries-- Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the UAE --cut off diplomatic ties with Qatar for allegedly supporting terrorism.

He also hit out at Qatar, accusing the Gulf nation of being a source of radical Islam.

If the two-state solution on Israel and Palestine is no longer attainable in the coming years, the discussion will move to "one-state solution" in future with more focus on democratic rights, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Anwar Gargash said today. He was delivering a lecture on 'Strategic Relations between India and UAE and the Crisis in the Middle East' organised by the Observer Research Foundation here. "The next 3-4 years...If the two-state solution will no longer be attainable, (then) the discussion will be about the one-state solution and about democratic rights. "I know that discussion is currently taking place but that is marginalised. If we wait for few more years, that (discussion) will be in the centre stage," he said. Gargash said the Israeli occupation also gave an opportunity for Iran and Turkey to "whip up emotions". He also expressed apprehension on the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) i.E. The nuclear deal between Iran on one side and China, the US, the UK, France, Germany and the European Union, on the other hand. The UAE minister said Iran's ballistic missile programme was a "major concern" in West Asia, adding that Tehran was trying to become a hegemon in the region. He also hit out at Qatar, accusing the Gulf nation of being a source of radical Islam. Last year, the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries-- Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the UAE --cut off diplomatic ties with Qatar for allegedly supporting terrorism.

Discussion on Israel-Palestine will be about 'one-state solution' in future: UAE minister

Britain cited &quot;reservations&quot; over Sunday&#39;s Middle East peace conference and refused to sign a joint statement that called for a negotiated two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

A Foreign Office spokesman said the British had &quot;particular reservations&quot; about the meeting in Paris taking place without Israeli or Palestinian representatives, &quot;just days before the transition to a new American president&quot;.

Britain had therefore attended the talks as an observer only, the spokesman said.

The British refusal to send a high-level delegation to Paris was widely viewed as a sign of London&#39;s determination to stay close to Donald Trump&#39;s incoming administration.

Most major EU countries sent their foreign minister to the conference, but Britain&#39;s Boris Johnson did not attend.

The Foreign Office spokesman said Britain &quot;will... look forward to working with the parties, the new US administration and other countries represented in this conference to make progress in 2017 and beyond.&quot;

French foreign minister Jean-Marc Ayrault warned Sunday that if Trump carried out his campaign pledge to move the US embassy in Israel to the contested city of Jerusalem, it would have &quot;extremely serious consequences&quot;.

The Palestinians have warned that such a move could seriously threaten their chances of obtaining an independent state.

(AFP)

Britain had attended the talks as an observer only

Britain cited "reservations" over Sunday's Middle East peace conference and refused to sign a joint statement that called for a negotiated two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. A Foreign Office spokesman said the British had "particular reservations" about the meeting in Paris taking place without Israeli or Palestinian representatives, "just days before the transition to a new American president". Britain had therefore attended the talks as an observer only, the spokesman said. The British refusal to send a high-level delegation to Paris was widely viewed as a sign of London's determination to stay close to Donald Trump's incoming administration. Most major EU countries sent their foreign minister to the conference, but Britain's Boris Johnson did not attend. The Foreign Office spokesman said Britain "will... look forward to working with the parties, the new US administration and other countries represented in this conference to make progress in 2017 and beyond." French foreign minister Jean-Marc Ayrault warned Sunday that if Trump carried out his campaign pledge to move the US embassy in Israel to the contested city of Jerusalem, it would have "extremely serious consequences". The Palestinians have warned that such a move could seriously threaten their chances of obtaining an independent state. (AFP)

UK voices 'reservations' over Paris summit, refuses to sign statement