Israel's military launched strikes on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rare-rocket-strike-near-tel-aviv-wounds-israelis-netanyahu-to-return-205512">Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip</a> on Monday, the army and witnesses said, hours after a rocket from the Palestinian enclave hit a house and wounded seven Israelis.

Witnesses and a security source in Gaza told AFP there had been at least two strikes on a site belonging to Hamas's military wing in the west of the Gaza Strip.

Details were not yet clear on the strikes.

Israel's military said in a statement it "has begun striking Hamas terror targets throughout the Gaza Strip."

The strikes began around the same time Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met US President Donald Trump in Washington.

Netanyahu had earlier vowed a strong response to the rocket that hit a house north of Tel Aviv in a rare long-distance strike.

The house was destroyed and seven Israelis were lightly wounded from burns and shrapnel.

The flare-up comes at a highly sensitive time for Israel, which holds elections on April 9.

Israel blamed Hamas for the rocket, but a Hamas source denied the Islamist movement, which rules the Palestinian enclave, was behind it.

Netanyahu planned to cut short his Washington visit due to the security situation and return home after meeting Trump. 
 
&nbsp;

Israel's military launched strikes on Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip on Monday, the army and witnesses said, hours after a rocket from the Palestinian enclave hit a house and wounded seven Israelis.

Israel's military launched strikes on Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip on Monday, the army and witnesses said, hours after a rocket from the Palestinian enclave hit a house and wounded seven Israelis. Witnesses and a security source in Gaza told AFP there had been at least two strikes on a site belonging to Hamas's military wing in the west of the Gaza Strip. Details were not yet clear on the strikes. Israel's military said in a statement it "has begun striking Hamas terror targets throughout the Gaza Strip." The strikes began around the same time Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met US President Donald Trump in Washington. Netanyahu had earlier vowed a strong response to the rocket that hit a house north of Tel Aviv in a rare long-distance strike. The house was destroyed and seven Israelis were lightly wounded from burns and shrapnel. The flare-up comes at a highly sensitive time for Israel, which holds elections on April 9. Israel blamed Hamas for the rocket, but a Hamas source denied the Islamist movement, which rules the Palestinian enclave, was behind it. Netanyahu planned to cut short his Washington visit due to the security situation and return home after meeting Trump.

Israel launches strikes on Hamas in Gaza after rocket

Unrest at a highly sensitive Jerusalem holy site led Israeli police to shut off access to it on Tuesday after several weeks of tension at the location.

Police said they evacuated the Al-Aqsa mosque compound, known to Jews as the Temple Mount, after a Molotov cocktail damaged a police post.

Video spread online of scuffles between police and Palestinians before the site was cleared.

More than 10 people were arrested, police said, while the Palestinian Red Crescent reported two people hurt.

A police officer suffered from smoke inhalation, police said.

Police said they found a number of firecrackers and Molotov cocktails in searches of the site.

Residents said police were also restricting Palestinian access to Jerusalem's Old City, where the site is located.

Worshippers later prayed outside the locked gates of the site in protest.

Jordan, the custodian of the site, condemned its closure as "unacceptable".

Abdul Nasser Abul al-Basal, Jordanian minister of Islamic affairs, told state-run Al-Mamlaka TV that the closure was an "attack on religious freedom".

The compound is the third-holiest site in Islam and a focus of Palestinian aspirations for statehood.

It is also the location of Judaism's most sacred spot, revered as the site of the two biblical-era Jewish temples.

Jews are allowed to visit but cannot pray there and it is a frequent scene of tension.

It is located in east Jerusalem, occupied by Israel in the 1967 Six-Day War and later annexed in a move never recognised by the international community.

Recent weeks have seen scuffles over a side building at the site known as the Golden Gate.

Palestinian worshippers have been entering the site despite an Israeli order that it should stay closed.

Access to the Golden Gate was closed in 2003 during the second Palestinian intifada over alleged militant activity there, police say.

Palestinian officials argue that the organisation that prompted the ban no longer exists and there is no reason for it to remain closed.

Israel and Jordan are believed to be holding discussions to resolve the issue.

Police have filed a request with Israeli courts for an order to re-close the building, but the court has reportedly delayed any decision to allow for more negotiations.

There are concerns in Israel that tensions at the site could boil over and become a political issue ahead of April 9 Israeli elections.

Unrest at a highly sensitive Jerusalem holy site led Israeli police to shut off access to it on Tuesday after several weeks of tension at the location. Police said they evacuated the Al-Aqsa mosque compound, known to Jews as the Temple Mount, after a Molotov cocktail damaged a police post.

Unrest at a highly sensitive Jerusalem holy site led Israeli police to shut off access to it on Tuesday after several weeks of tension at the location. Police said they evacuated the Al-Aqsa mosque compound, known to Jews as the Temple Mount, after a Molotov cocktail damaged a police post. Video spread online of scuffles between police and Palestinians before the site was cleared. More than 10 people were arrested, police said, while the Palestinian Red Crescent reported two people hurt. A police officer suffered from smoke inhalation, police said. Police said they found a number of firecrackers and Molotov cocktails in searches of the site. Residents said police were also restricting Palestinian access to Jerusalem's Old City, where the site is located. Worshippers later prayed outside the locked gates of the site in protest. Jordan, the custodian of the site, condemned its closure as "unacceptable". Abdul Nasser Abul al-Basal, Jordanian minister of Islamic affairs, told state-run Al-Mamlaka TV that the closure was an "attack on religious freedom". The compound is the third-holiest site in Islam and a focus of Palestinian aspirations for statehood. It is also the location of Judaism's most sacred spot, revered as the site of the two biblical-era Jewish temples. Jews are allowed to visit but cannot pray there and it is a frequent scene of tension. It is located in east Jerusalem, occupied by Israel in the 1967 Six-Day War and later annexed in a move never recognised by the international community. Recent weeks have seen scuffles over a side building at the site known as the Golden Gate. Palestinian worshippers have been entering the site despite an Israeli order that it should stay closed. Access to the Golden Gate was closed in 2003 during the second Palestinian intifada over alleged militant activity there, police say. Palestinian officials argue that the organisation that prompted the ban no longer exists and there is no reason for it to remain closed. Israel and Jordan are believed to be holding discussions to resolve the issue. Police have filed a request with Israeli courts for an order to re-close the building, but the court has reportedly delayed any decision to allow for more negotiations. There are concerns in Israel that tensions at the site could boil over and become a political issue ahead of April 9 Israeli elections.

Israel shuts Jerusalem holy site after unrest

Israeli jets struck a Hamas military target in the Gaza Strip in retaliation for balloon-borne explosive devices late Tuesday, the army said, the fourth such strike in recent days.

A Palestinian security source confirmed the strikes, with no injuries reported.

The army said in a statement late Tuesday that "fighter jets and aircraft struck a number of terror targets in a Hamas military compound in the northern Gaza Strip."

"The strike was conducted in response to explosive balloons that were launched from the Gaza Strip into Israeli territory."

A Palestinian security source in Gaza said a number of Hamas sites, including an observation post, were hit near Gaza City, causing damage but no injuries.

Eyewitnesses also described an explosion at a Hamas site in southern Gaza, though the Israeli army statement did not mention such targets.

The Israeli strike was the fourth since Saturday, each in response to either balloons or explosive devices hurled at the border fence.

Islamists Hamas have controlled Gaza since 2007 and have fought three wars with Israel since.

The so-called incendiary balloons involve flaming devices floated across the border with the aim of starting fires in the Israeli communities and farmlands on the other side.

Clusters of balloons have been flown during regular protests and clashes along the frontier.

They largely stopped after an informal Egyptian-brokered truce agreement between Hamas and Israel in November.

Under that deal, Israel agreed to ease its crippling blockade of Gaza in exchange for calm.

Hamas has accused Israel of breaching the terms of the agreement.

An Egyptian security delegation met with Hamas leader Ismail Haniya in Gaza Tuesday.

At least 251 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire since March 2018, the majority shot during the weekly border protests and others hit by tank fire or air strikes in response to violence from Gaza.

Two Israeli soldiers have been killed over the same period.

Israeli jets struck a Hamas military target in the Gaza Strip in retaliation for balloon-borne explosive devices late Tuesday, the army said, the fourth such strike in recent days.

Israeli jets struck a Hamas military target in the Gaza Strip in retaliation for balloon-borne explosive devices late Tuesday, the army said, the fourth such strike in recent days. A Palestinian security source confirmed the strikes, with no injuries reported. The army said in a statement late Tuesday that "fighter jets and aircraft struck a number of terror targets in a Hamas military compound in the northern Gaza Strip." "The strike was conducted in response to explosive balloons that were launched from the Gaza Strip into Israeli territory." A Palestinian security source in Gaza said a number of Hamas sites, including an observation post, were hit near Gaza City, causing damage but no injuries. Eyewitnesses also described an explosion at a Hamas site in southern Gaza, though the Israeli army statement did not mention such targets. The Israeli strike was the fourth since Saturday, each in response to either balloons or explosive devices hurled at the border fence. Islamists Hamas have controlled Gaza since 2007 and have fought three wars with Israel since. The so-called incendiary balloons involve flaming devices floated across the border with the aim of starting fires in the Israeli communities and farmlands on the other side. Clusters of balloons have been flown during regular protests and clashes along the frontier. They largely stopped after an informal Egyptian-brokered truce agreement between Hamas and Israel in November. Under that deal, Israel agreed to ease its crippling blockade of Gaza in exchange for calm. Hamas has accused Israel of breaching the terms of the agreement. An Egyptian security delegation met with Hamas leader Ismail Haniya in Gaza Tuesday. At least 251 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire since March 2018, the majority shot during the weekly border protests and others hit by tank fire or air strikes in response to violence from Gaza. Two Israeli soldiers have been killed over the same period.

Israel carries out fresh Hamas strikes over incendiary balloons

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

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

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi called for a resumption of Israel-Palestinian peace talks when he met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, Sisi's office said on Thursday.

Netanyahu, writing on Twitter, said his talks with Sisi late on Wednesday focused on "regional developments". He did not elaborate.

At the meeting at his hotel in New York, Sisi "stressed the importance of resuming the negotiations between the two sides, the Palestinians and the Israelis, to reach a just and a comprehensive solution based on a two-state solution and in accordance with the international treaties," according to a presidential statement.

Egypt has also been working to broker a long-term ceasefire between Israel and the Gaza Strip's dominant Hamas Islamist movement amid frequent violence along the Israel-Gaza border, where Palestinians have been holding weekly protests.

Israeli-Palestinian peace talks have been suspended since 2014 and efforts to revive them have not been successful.

Netanyahu and Sisi convened for their previously announced talks several hours after US President Donald Trump said he wanted a two-state solution to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, in what had appeared to be the clearest expression yet of his administration's support for such an outcome.

But later on Wednesday Trump told a news conference he would be open to a one-state solution if that was the preference of the parties themselves, a position he had previously stated.

Netanyahu, a right-wing politician who rarely utters publicly the words "Palestinian state" - a concept he conditionally endorsed in 2009 but which far-right coalition partners oppose - said he was not taken by surprise by Trump's initial remarks.

In a statement, Netanyahu said he was confident a promised US peace plan would back Israel's demand to maintain security control of the West Bank, territory it occupied in a 1967 war and which Palestinians seek as part of a future state.

Palestinians are boycotting Washington's peace efforts after Trump broke with long-standing US policy by recognising Jerusalem as Israel's capital and moved the American Embassy to the contested city.

Palestinian leaders say that a state, with East Jerusalem as its capital, must be based on the pre-1967 war borders and see any future Israeli military presence as a violation of sovereignty.

Netanyahu and Sisi met in public for the first time in 2017. Israeli media reports last month said they had held a secret summit in Egypt in May to discuss a truce in neighbouring Gaza, which is under tight Israeli and Egyptian border restrictions.

Egypt was the first of a handful of Arab countries to recognise Israel under a 1979 peace treaty and the two countries maintain close co-ordination on security as well as energy ties.

On Thursday Israeli and Egyptian companies announced that they would buy into a pipeline that would enable a landmark $15 billion natural gas export deal to begin next year.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi called for a resumption of Israel-Palestinian peace talks when he met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, Sisi's office said on Thursday.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi called for a resumption of Israel-Palestinian peace talks when he met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York, Sisi's office said on Thursday. Netanyahu, writing on Twitter, said his talks with Sisi late on Wednesday focused on "regional developments". He did not elaborate. At the meeting at his hotel in New York, Sisi "stressed the importance of resuming the negotiations between the two sides, the Palestinians and the Israelis, to reach a just and a comprehensive solution based on a two-state solution and in accordance with the international treaties," according to a presidential statement. Egypt has also been working to broker a long-term ceasefire between Israel and the Gaza Strip's dominant Hamas Islamist movement amid frequent violence along the Israel-Gaza border, where Palestinians have been holding weekly protests. Israeli-Palestinian peace talks have been suspended since 2014 and efforts to revive them have not been successful. Netanyahu and Sisi convened for their previously announced talks several hours after US President Donald Trump said he wanted a two-state solution to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, in what had appeared to be the clearest expression yet of his administration's support for such an outcome. But later on Wednesday Trump told a news conference he would be open to a one-state solution if that was the preference of the parties themselves, a position he had previously stated. Netanyahu, a right-wing politician who rarely utters publicly the words "Palestinian state" - a concept he conditionally endorsed in 2009 but which far-right coalition partners oppose - said he was not taken by surprise by Trump's initial remarks. In a statement, Netanyahu said he was confident a promised US peace plan would back Israel's demand to maintain security control of the West Bank, territory it occupied in a 1967 war and which Palestinians seek as part of a future state. Palestinians are boycotting Washington's peace efforts after Trump broke with long-standing US policy by recognising Jerusalem as Israel's capital and moved the American Embassy to the contested city. Palestinian leaders say that a state, with East Jerusalem as its capital, must be based on the pre-1967 war borders and see any future Israeli military presence as a violation of sovereignty. Netanyahu and Sisi met in public for the first time in 2017. Israeli media reports last month said they had held a secret summit in Egypt in May to discuss a truce in neighbouring Gaza, which is under tight Israeli and Egyptian border restrictions. Egypt was the first of a handful of Arab countries to recognise Israel under a 1979 peace treaty and the two countries maintain close co-ordination on security as well as energy ties. On Thursday Israeli and Egyptian companies announced that they would buy into a pipeline that would enable a landmark $15 billion natural gas export deal to begin next year.

Egypt's Sisi urges peace talks restart at meeting with Israel's Netanyahu

The UN General Assembly on Wednesday adopted by a strong majority of 120 countries an Arab-backed resolution condemning Israel for Palestinian deaths in Gaza and rejected a US bid to blame Hamas for the violence.

The resolution deplores Israel's use of "excessive, disproportionate and indiscriminate force" against Palestinian civilians and calls for protection measures for Palestinians in Gaza and the occupied West Bank.

At least 129 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire during protests near the border with Gaza that began at the end of March. No Israelis have died.

Presented by Algeria and Turkey on behalf of Arab and Muslim countries, the measure won a decisive 120 votes in the 193-member assembly, with 8 votes against and 45 abstentions.&nbsp

US Ambassador Nikki Haley dismissed the resolution as "one-sided" and accused Arab countries of trying to score political points at home by seeking to condemn Israel at the United Nations.

"For some, attacking Israel is their favorite political sport. &nbspThat's why we are here today," Haley told the assembly.

An amendment presented by the United States that condemned Hamas for "inciting violence" along the border with Gaza failed to garner the two-thirds majority needed for adoption.&nbsp

Arab countries backing the measure turned to the General Assembly after the United States used its veto in the Security Council to block the resolution on June 1.

Unlike the Security Council, resolutions adopted by the assembly are non-binding and there is no veto.

UN chief to propose protection

The resolution tasks UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres with the drafting of proposals for an "international protection mechanism" for the Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank.

These could range from setting up an observer mission to a full-blown peacekeeping force, but action on any option would require backing from the Security Council, where the United States has veto power.&nbsp

"We are asking for a simple thing," Palestinian Ambassador Riyad Mansour told the assembly. "We want our civilian population to be protected."

Turkey's Ambassador Feridun Hadi Sinirlioglu defended the resolution, saying it was "about taking sides with international law" and showing the Palestinians that the world "does care about their suffering."

Taking the podium, Israeli Ambassador Danny Danon assailed the measure as an "attempt to take away our basic right to self-defense." He warned ambassadors that by supporting the resolution "you are empowering Hamas."

France was among 12 EU countries that backed the resolution, but Britain abstained along with Italy, Poland and 13 other EU member-states. Russia and China voted in favor.

Australia, the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, the Solomon Islands and Togo joined the United States and Israel in voting against the resolution.

The US amendment condemning Hamas received 62 votes in favor, with 58 against and 42 abstentions. The United States sought to challenge the ruling requiring a two-thirds majority for approval but that was defeated in a separate vote.

"We had more countries on the right side than the wrong side," Haley said in a statement,

The General Assembly last held a similarly contentious vote on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in December, when it rejected President Donald Trump's decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital and move the US embassy there.&nbsp

Haley had warned at the time that Washington was "taking names" of countries that supported the resolution. That vote was 128 to 9, with 35 abstentions.

Backed by Arab countries, the Palestinians had lobbied to win as many votes on the Gaza resolution as those cast in support of the measure condemning the US decision on Jerusalem.

Israel and Hamas have fought three wars in Gaza and the United Nations has warned that a fourth conflict could be easily ignited.&nbsp

At least 129 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire during protests near the border with Gaza that began at the end of March. No Israelis have died

The UN General Assembly on Wednesday adopted by a strong majority of 120 countries an Arab-backed resolution condemning Israel for Palestinian deaths in Gaza and rejected a US bid to blame Hamas for the violence. The resolution deplores Israel's use of "excessive, disproportionate and indiscriminate force" against Palestinian civilians and calls for protection measures for Palestinians in Gaza and the occupied West Bank. At least 129 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire during protests near the border with Gaza that began at the end of March. No Israelis have died. Presented by Algeria and Turkey on behalf of Arab and Muslim countries, the measure won a decisive 120 votes in the 193-member assembly, with 8 votes against and 45 abstentions. US Ambassador Nikki Haley dismissed the resolution as "one-sided" and accused Arab countries of trying to score political points at home by seeking to condemn Israel at the United Nations. "For some, attacking Israel is their favorite political sport. &nbspThat's why we are here today," Haley told the assembly. An amendment presented by the United States that condemned Hamas for "inciting violence" along the border with Gaza failed to garner the two-thirds majority needed for adoption. Arab countries backing the measure turned to the General Assembly after the United States used its veto in the Security Council to block the resolution on June 1. Unlike the Security Council, resolutions adopted by the assembly are non-binding and there is no veto. UN chief to propose protection The resolution tasks UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres with the drafting of proposals for an "international protection mechanism" for the Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank. These could range from setting up an observer mission to a full-blown peacekeeping force, but action on any option would require backing from the Security Council, where the United States has veto power. "We are asking for a simple thing," Palestinian Ambassador Riyad Mansour told the assembly. "We want our civilian population to be protected." Turkey's Ambassador Feridun Hadi Sinirlioglu defended the resolution, saying it was "about taking sides with international law" and showing the Palestinians that the world "does care about their suffering." Taking the podium, Israeli Ambassador Danny Danon assailed the measure as an "attempt to take away our basic right to self-defense." He warned ambassadors that by supporting the resolution "you are empowering Hamas." France was among 12 EU countries that backed the resolution, but Britain abstained along with Italy, Poland and 13 other EU member-states. Russia and China voted in favor. Australia, the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, the Solomon Islands and Togo joined the United States and Israel in voting against the resolution. The US amendment condemning Hamas received 62 votes in favor, with 58 against and 42 abstentions. The United States sought to challenge the ruling requiring a two-thirds majority for approval but that was defeated in a separate vote. "We had more countries on the right side than the wrong side," Haley said in a statement, The General Assembly last held a similarly contentious vote on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in December, when it rejected President Donald Trump's decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital and move the US embassy there. Haley had warned at the time that Washington was "taking names" of countries that supported the resolution. That vote was 128 to 9, with 35 abstentions. Backed by Arab countries, the Palestinians had lobbied to win as many votes on the Gaza resolution as those cast in support of the measure condemning the US decision on Jerusalem. Israel and Hamas have fought three wars in Gaza and the United Nations has warned that a fourth conflict could be easily ignited.

120 countries at United Nations condemn Israel over Gaza violence

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

Israeli troops on Friday killed three Palestinians as they troops opened fire on Palestinian demonstrators at the Gaza strip news agency Reuters reported.

A 15-year-old boy was also among the protestors killed today.

The health ministry had announced a fourth man had been killed but swiftly clarified his heart had been restarted.

According to media reports, the thousands of Palestinians gathered today at Israel-Gaza border and continued their protest for the tenth week.

Media reports further say that several people were also injured including a photographer of France based news agency, AFP photographer.&nbsp;

The Hamas run health ministry of Palestine reported that 131 Palestinians &nbsp;has been killed in the&nbsp;

The mass demonstration by the Palestinians at the Gaza border has led to the violence as they Palestinians marched towards the border. The march is called "The Great March of Return" called by Palestinians now living&nbsp;

The protestors are demanding that they should be allowed back to their home in Israel after they were expelled during 1948 war surrounding Israel's creation.

The protest took a violent turn as Israeli forces used arms in order to control the demonstrations.

The violence has been criticised widely by the international media.

The demonstrations and clashes peaked on May 14 when at least 61 Palestinians were killed in clashes as tens of thousands of Gazans protested the US transfer of its embassy in Israel to the disputed city of Jerusalem the same day.

Low-level demonstrations have continued since.

(With inputs from AFP)

The health ministry had announced a fourth man had been killed but swiftly clarified his heart had been restarted

Israeli troops on Friday killed three Palestinians as they troops opened fire on Palestinian demonstrators at the Gaza strip news agency Reuters reported. A 15-year-old boy was also among the protestors killed today. The health ministry had announced a fourth man had been killed but swiftly clarified his heart had been restarted. According to media reports, the thousands of Palestinians gathered today at Israel-Gaza border and continued their protest for the tenth week. Media reports further say that several people were also injured including a photographer of France based news agency, AFP photographer. The Hamas run health ministry of Palestine reported that 131 Palestinians has been killed in the The mass demonstration by the Palestinians at the Gaza border has led to the violence as they Palestinians marched towards the border. The march is called "The Great March of Return" called by Palestinians now living The protestors are demanding that they should be allowed back to their home in Israel after they were expelled during 1948 war surrounding Israel's creation. The protest took a violent turn as Israeli forces used arms in order to control the demonstrations. The violence has been criticised widely by the international media. The demonstrations and clashes peaked on May 14 when at least 61 Palestinians were killed in clashes as tens of thousands of Gazans protested the US transfer of its embassy in Israel to the disputed city of Jerusalem the same day. Low-level demonstrations have continued since. (With inputs from AFP)

Three Palestinian killed at Gaza border by Israeli troops as protest continues for tenth week

Thousands of Palestinians attended the funeral Saturday of a young female volunteer medic killed by Israeli fire in violence on the border in southern Gaza.

Razan al-Najjar, 21, a volunteer with the Gaza health ministry, was fatally shot in the chest near Khan Yunis on Friday.

Ambulances and medical crews attended the funeral, with her father holding the white blood-stained medics' jacket she wore when she was shot, as mourners called for revenge.

Gazans have since March 30 staged border protests demanding the return of Palestinians to land they fled or were expelled from during the 1948 war surrounding Israel's creation, now inside the Jewish state.

The demonstrations are accompanied by smaller clashes as youths hurl stones at Israeli soldiers and attempt to breach the border fence, at times laying explosive devices on the fence or throwing grenades.

Palestinians in the besieged coastal enclave have also been using kites carrying cans on fire to set ablaze Israeli fields, torching extensive patches of agricultural land near Gaza.

Following the funeral, several Gazans were wounded in clashes east of Khan Yunis, health ministry spokesman Ashraf al-Qudra said.

The Israeli army said "a terror cell" had infiltrated from southern Gaza. Soldiers shot at the Palestinians, who returned to the enclave.

On the Friday clashes, the army said it had included "thousands of rioters" at five locations along the border, "burning tires adjacent to the security fence and attempting to damage security infrastructure".

Shots were fired at an army vehicle and a Palestinian had crossed into Israel, planted a grenade and returned to Gaza, it said.

The army said that cases such as Najjar's "in which civilians are allegedly killed" by Israeli fire "are thoroughly examined" by an internal military committee.

The UN envoy for the Middle East, Nickolay Mladenov, said in a tweet that "Medical workers are #NotATarget!" and that "Israel needs to calibrate its use of force and Hamas need to prevent incidents at the fence."

The Palestinian Medical Relief Society said Najjar was shot "as she was attempting to provide first aid to an injured protester", with three other first responders also hit by live fire on Friday.

"Shooting at medical personnel is a war crime under the Geneva conventions," the PMRC said in a statement, demanding "an immediate international response to Israeli humanitarian law violations in Gaza".

Najjar's death brings the toll of Gazans killed by Israeli fire since the end of March to 123.

The demonstrations and clashes peaked on May 14 when at least 61 Palestinians were killed in clashes as tens of thousands of Gazans protested the US transfer of its embassy in Israel to the disputed city of Jerusalem the same day.

Low-level demonstrations have continued since.

Speaking at Najjar's funeral, Khaled al-Batsh, one of the protest organisers, called on Gazans to "continue the return marches and break the (Israeli) siege with peaceful tools".

Thousands of Palestinians attended the funeral Saturday of a young female volunteer medic killed by Israeli fire in violence on the border in southern Gaza

Thousands of Palestinians attended the funeral Saturday of a young female volunteer medic killed by Israeli fire in violence on the border in southern Gaza. Razan al-Najjar, 21, a volunteer with the Gaza health ministry, was fatally shot in the chest near Khan Yunis on Friday. Ambulances and medical crews attended the funeral, with her father holding the white blood-stained medics' jacket she wore when she was shot, as mourners called for revenge. Gazans have since March 30 staged border protests demanding the return of Palestinians to land they fled or were expelled from during the 1948 war surrounding Israel's creation, now inside the Jewish state. The demonstrations are accompanied by smaller clashes as youths hurl stones at Israeli soldiers and attempt to breach the border fence, at times laying explosive devices on the fence or throwing grenades. Palestinians in the besieged coastal enclave have also been using kites carrying cans on fire to set ablaze Israeli fields, torching extensive patches of agricultural land near Gaza. Following the funeral, several Gazans were wounded in clashes east of Khan Yunis, health ministry spokesman Ashraf al-Qudra said. The Israeli army said "a terror cell" had infiltrated from southern Gaza. Soldiers shot at the Palestinians, who returned to the enclave. On the Friday clashes, the army said it had included "thousands of rioters" at five locations along the border, "burning tires adjacent to the security fence and attempting to damage security infrastructure". Shots were fired at an army vehicle and a Palestinian had crossed into Israel, planted a grenade and returned to Gaza, it said. The army said that cases such as Najjar's "in which civilians are allegedly killed" by Israeli fire "are thoroughly examined" by an internal military committee. The UN envoy for the Middle East, Nickolay Mladenov, said in a tweet that "Medical workers are #NotATarget!" and that "Israel needs to calibrate its use of force and Hamas need to prevent incidents at the fence." The Palestinian Medical Relief Society said Najjar was shot "as she was attempting to provide first aid to an injured protester", with three other first responders also hit by live fire on Friday. "Shooting at medical personnel is a war crime under the Geneva conventions," the PMRC said in a statement, demanding "an immediate international response to Israeli humanitarian law violations in Gaza". Najjar's death brings the toll of Gazans killed by Israeli fire since the end of March to 123. The demonstrations and clashes peaked on May 14 when at least 61 Palestinians were killed in clashes as tens of thousands of Gazans protested the US transfer of its embassy in Israel to the disputed city of Jerusalem the same day. Low-level demonstrations have continued since. Speaking at Najjar's funeral, Khaled al-Batsh, one of the protest organisers, called on Gazans to "continue the return marches and break the (Israeli) siege with peaceful tools".

Thousands at funeral for Gaza volunteer killed on Israel border

Israeli aircraft pounded 10 militant targets in Gaza in response to Palestinian projectile fire, its army said Sunday, shattering a ceasefire reached just days ago after the worst flare-up since a 2014 war.

The latest escalation came hours after thousands of Palestinians attended the funeral of a young female volunteer medic killed by Israeli fire in violence on the border in southern Gaza.

Israeli "fighter jets targeted 10 terror sites in three military compounds belonging to the Hamas terror organisation in the Gaza Strip," the army said in a statement early Sunday.

"Among the targets were two Hamas munition manufacturing and storage sites and a military compound," the army said.&nbsp

The strikes were retaliation to rockets fired at Israel, as well as "various terror activities approved and orchestrated by the Hamas terror organisation over the weekend," the army said.

The army listed a series of attempted attacks at soldiers on the border fence, as well as "damaging security infrastructure and igniting fires in Israeli territory with the use of arson kites and balloons".

There were no immediate reports of casualties in Gaza.

On Saturday evening, militants in the Palestinian enclave fired two projectiles at southern Israel, where air raid sirens sent residents to bomb shelters.

The Iron Dome aerial defence system intercepted one of the projectiles, while the other was believed to have fallen short of its target and hit within Gaza, according to the army.

Early Sunday, two more projectiles were separately launched at Israel. Both were intercepted, the army said.

Mourners call for revenge 
 
No group in Gaza claimed responsibility for the projectile attacks, which came a short while after the Saturday funeral of Razan al-Najjar, 21, a volunteer with the Gaza health ministry, who was fatally shot in the chest near Khan Yunis on Friday.

Ambulances and medical crews attended the funeral, with Najjar's father holding the white blood-stained medics' jacket she wore when she was shot, as mourners called for revenge.

Gazans have since March 30 staged border protests demanding the return of Palestinians to land they fled or were expelled from during the 1948 war surrounding Israel's creation, now inside the Jewish state.

The demonstrations have been accompanied by smaller clashes as youths hurl stones at Israeli soldiers and attempt to breach the border fence, at times laying explosive devices on the fence or throwing grenades.

Palestinians in the besieged coastal enclave have also been using kites carrying cans on fire to set ablaze Israeli fields, torching extensive patches of agricultural land near Gaza.

Following the funeral, several Gazans were wounded in clashes east of Khan Yunis, health ministry spokesman Ashraf al-Qudra said.

The Israeli army said "a terror cell" had infiltrated from southern Gaza. Soldiers shot at the Palestinians, who returned to the enclave.

The weekend launches were the first since Israel struck scores of militant sites in Gaza earlier this week in retaliation for a barrage of rockets and missiles fired from the territory.&nbsp

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said after the strikes that Israel's military had delivered the "harshest blow" in years to Gaza militants.

Palestinian Islamist groups in Gaza, including the strip's rulers Hamas, said a ceasefire deal was reached after the flare-up, although there was no confirmation from Israel.

War crime

Addressing Najjar's death, the UN envoy for the Middle East, Nickolay Mladenov, said in a Saturday tweet that "Medical workers are #NotATarget!" and that "Israel needs to calibrate its use of force and Hamas need to prevent incidents at the fence."

The Palestinian Medical Relief Society said Najjar was shot "as she was attempting to provide first aid to an injured protester", with three other first responders also hit by live fire on Friday.

"Shooting at medical personnel is a war crime under the Geneva conventions," the PMRC said in a statement, demanding "an immediate international response to Israeli humanitarian law violations in Gaza".

Najjar's death brings the toll of Gazans killed by Israeli fire since the end of March to 123.

The demonstrations and violence peaked on May 14 when at least 61 Palestinians were killed in clashes as tens of thousands of Gazans protested the US transfer of its embassy in Israel to the disputed city of Jerusalem the same day.

Low-level demonstrations have continued since.

Speaking at Najjar's funeral, Khaled al-Batsh, one of the protest organisers, called on Gazans to "continue the return marches and break the (Israeli) siege with peaceful tools".

The latest escalation came hours after thousands of Palestinians attended the funeral of a young female volunteer medic killed by Israeli fire in violence on the border in southern Gaza

Israeli aircraft pounded 10 militant targets in Gaza in response to Palestinian projectile fire, its army said Sunday, shattering a ceasefire reached just days ago after the worst flare-up since a 2014 war. The latest escalation came hours after thousands of Palestinians attended the funeral of a young female volunteer medic killed by Israeli fire in violence on the border in southern Gaza. Israeli "fighter jets targeted 10 terror sites in three military compounds belonging to the Hamas terror organisation in the Gaza Strip," the army said in a statement early Sunday. "Among the targets were two Hamas munition manufacturing and storage sites and a military compound," the army said. The strikes were retaliation to rockets fired at Israel, as well as "various terror activities approved and orchestrated by the Hamas terror organisation over the weekend," the army said. The army listed a series of attempted attacks at soldiers on the border fence, as well as "damaging security infrastructure and igniting fires in Israeli territory with the use of arson kites and balloons". There were no immediate reports of casualties in Gaza. On Saturday evening, militants in the Palestinian enclave fired two projectiles at southern Israel, where air raid sirens sent residents to bomb shelters. The Iron Dome aerial defence system intercepted one of the projectiles, while the other was believed to have fallen short of its target and hit within Gaza, according to the army. Early Sunday, two more projectiles were separately launched at Israel. Both were intercepted, the army said. Mourners call for revenge No group in Gaza claimed responsibility for the projectile attacks, which came a short while after the Saturday funeral of Razan al-Najjar, 21, a volunteer with the Gaza health ministry, who was fatally shot in the chest near Khan Yunis on Friday. Ambulances and medical crews attended the funeral, with Najjar's father holding the white blood-stained medics' jacket she wore when she was shot, as mourners called for revenge. Gazans have since March 30 staged border protests demanding the return of Palestinians to land they fled or were expelled from during the 1948 war surrounding Israel's creation, now inside the Jewish state. The demonstrations have been accompanied by smaller clashes as youths hurl stones at Israeli soldiers and attempt to breach the border fence, at times laying explosive devices on the fence or throwing grenades. Palestinians in the besieged coastal enclave have also been using kites carrying cans on fire to set ablaze Israeli fields, torching extensive patches of agricultural land near Gaza. Following the funeral, several Gazans were wounded in clashes east of Khan Yunis, health ministry spokesman Ashraf al-Qudra said. The Israeli army said "a terror cell" had infiltrated from southern Gaza. Soldiers shot at the Palestinians, who returned to the enclave. The weekend launches were the first since Israel struck scores of militant sites in Gaza earlier this week in retaliation for a barrage of rockets and missiles fired from the territory. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said after the strikes that Israel's military had delivered the "harshest blow" in years to Gaza militants. Palestinian Islamist groups in Gaza, including the strip's rulers Hamas, said a ceasefire deal was reached after the flare-up, although there was no confirmation from Israel. War crime Addressing Najjar's death, the UN envoy for the Middle East, Nickolay Mladenov, said in a Saturday tweet that "Medical workers are #NotATarget!" and that "Israel needs to calibrate its use of force and Hamas need to prevent incidents at the fence." The Palestinian Medical Relief Society said Najjar was shot "as she was attempting to provide first aid to an injured protester", with three other first responders also hit by live fire on Friday. "Shooting at medical personnel is a war crime under the Geneva conventions," the PMRC said in a statement, demanding "an immediate international response to Israeli humanitarian law violations in Gaza". Najjar's death brings the toll of Gazans killed by Israeli fire since the end of March to 123. The demonstrations and violence peaked on May 14 when at least 61 Palestinians were killed in clashes as tens of thousands of Gazans protested the US transfer of its embassy in Israel to the disputed city of Jerusalem the same day. Low-level demonstrations have continued since. Speaking at Najjar's funeral, Khaled al-Batsh, one of the protest organisers, called on Gazans to "continue the return marches and break the (Israeli) siege with peaceful tools".

Israel, Gaza exchange fire after Palestinian woman killed at border

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

The UN Security Council will meet Wednesday to discuss Palestinian rocket strikes on Israel, at the request of the United States which wants the top UN body to strongly condemn the attacks.

The rocket and mortar firings from the Gaza Strip were claimed by Hamas and Islamic Jihad, prompting Israel to respond with air strikes on bases of the militant Palestinian groups.

It was the worst flareup since the 2014 war between Israel in the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip.

"Mortars fired by Palestinian militants hit civilian infrastructure, including a kindergarten," US Ambassador Nikki Haley said in a statement on Tuesday.

"The Security Council should be outraged and respond to this latest bout of violence directed at innocent Israeli civilians, and the Palestinian leadership needs to be held accountable for what they're allowing to happen in Gaza."

The United States circulated a draft statement calling on the council to condemn "in the strongest terms the indiscriminate firing of rockets by Palestinian militants in Gaza" toward Israel, according to a copy of the text seen by AFP.

The council will hear a report from UN envoy for the Middle East Nickolay Mladenov during the meeting scheduled for 3:00 pm (1900 GMT).

Israel's military has said it was not seeking an escalation but warned Hamas, with whom it has fought three wars since 2008, to rein in its fighters. Three Israeli soldiers were wounded in the exchange of fire.

Islamic Jihad announced an Egyptian-brokered ceasefire agreement with Israel.

The confrontation followed weeks of deadly demonstrations and clashes along the Gaza-Israel border.

Dozens of Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire in the unrest.

The US-drafted council statement would demand that Hamas, Islamic Jihad and other militant groups "cease all violent activity and provocative actions, including along the boundary fence, and cease putting civilians at risk through their actions."

The council has been divided over the violence in Gaza and it was unclear whether the US-proposed statement would win full backing. &nbsp

Security Council statements are adopted by consensus by all 15 members.

Separately, council diplomats are negotiating a draft resolution, put forward by Kuwait, that calls for an "international protection mission" to be deployed for the Palestinians.

Diplomats said the United States is likely to use its veto to block adoption of that measure, but Kuwait is hoping to win backing from the 14 other council members to highlight Washington's isolation on the Israeli-Palestinian issue.

The rocket and mortar firings from the Gaza Strip were claimed by Hamas and Islamic Jihad, prompting Israel to respond with air strikes on bases of the militant Palestinian groups

The UN Security Council will meet Wednesday to discuss Palestinian rocket strikes on Israel, at the request of the United States which wants the top UN body to strongly condemn the attacks. The rocket and mortar firings from the Gaza Strip were claimed by Hamas and Islamic Jihad, prompting Israel to respond with air strikes on bases of the militant Palestinian groups. It was the worst flareup since the 2014 war between Israel in the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip. "Mortars fired by Palestinian militants hit civilian infrastructure, including a kindergarten," US Ambassador Nikki Haley said in a statement on Tuesday. "The Security Council should be outraged and respond to this latest bout of violence directed at innocent Israeli civilians, and the Palestinian leadership needs to be held accountable for what they're allowing to happen in Gaza." The United States circulated a draft statement calling on the council to condemn "in the strongest terms the indiscriminate firing of rockets by Palestinian militants in Gaza" toward Israel, according to a copy of the text seen by AFP. The council will hear a report from UN envoy for the Middle East Nickolay Mladenov during the meeting scheduled for 3:00 pm (1900 GMT). Israel's military has said it was not seeking an escalation but warned Hamas, with whom it has fought three wars since 2008, to rein in its fighters. Three Israeli soldiers were wounded in the exchange of fire. Islamic Jihad announced an Egyptian-brokered ceasefire agreement with Israel. The confrontation followed weeks of deadly demonstrations and clashes along the Gaza-Israel border. Dozens of Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire in the unrest. The US-drafted council statement would demand that Hamas, Islamic Jihad and other militant groups "cease all violent activity and provocative actions, including along the boundary fence, and cease putting civilians at risk through their actions." The council has been divided over the violence in Gaza and it was unclear whether the US-proposed statement would win full backing. Security Council statements are adopted by consensus by all 15 members. Separately, council diplomats are negotiating a draft resolution, put forward by Kuwait, that calls for an "international protection mission" to be deployed for the Palestinians. Diplomats said the United States is likely to use its veto to block adoption of that measure, but Kuwait is hoping to win backing from the 14 other council members to highlight Washington's isolation on the Israeli-Palestinian issue.

UN Security Council to meet on Gaza rocket firings on Israel

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/exit-polls-predict-a-landslide-win-for-ireland-referendum-that-could-lift-strict-ban-on-abortion-139829">Exit polls predict </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/exit-polls-predict-a-landslide-win-for-ireland-referendum-that-could-lift-strict-ban-on-abortion-139829">landslide</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/exit-polls-predict-a-landslide-win-for-ireland-referendum-that-could-lift-strict-ban-on-abortion-139829"> win for Ireland referendum that could lift </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/exit-polls-predict-a-landslide-win-for-ireland-referendum-that-could-lift-strict-ban-on-abortion-139829">strict</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/exit-polls-predict-a-landslide-win-for-ireland-referendum-that-could-lift-strict-ban-on-abortion-139829"> ban on abortion</a>

The people of Ireland are set to liberalise some of the world`s most restrictive abortion laws by a landslide, two exit polls from a referendum showed on Friday, as voters demanded change in what two decades ago was one of Europe`s most socially conservative countries.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-reaches-deal-to-lift-sanctions-on-chinas-zte-139830">White House reaches </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-reaches-deal-to-lift-sanctions-on-chinas-zte-139830">deal</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-reaches-deal-to-lift-sanctions-on-chinas-zte-139830"> to lift sanctions on China's ZTE</a>

US President Donald Trump said Friday he had reached a deal to keep Chinese telecoms giant ZTE running, rolling back some penalties in exchange for security guarantees -- a move that infuriated Democrats and some in his own party.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/infiltration-bid-foiled-by-security-forces-in-tangdhar-sector-of-jk-4-terrorists-killed-139840">Infiltration bid foiled by security forces in Tangdhar sector of J&K, 4 terrorists killed&nbsp</a>

The security forces on Saturday foiled an infiltration bid by a group of terrorists from across the border and killed four terrorists in Tangdhar sector of Jammu and Kashmir.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-in-productive-talks-about-reinstating-june-north-korea-summit-trump-139831">US</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-in-productive-talks-about-reinstating-june-north-korea-summit-trump-139831"> in 'productive talks' about reinstating June North Korea summit: Trump</a>

US President Donald Trump late on Friday said the United States was having "productive talks" about reinstating a June 12 summit with North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un, just a day after he cancelled the meeting citing Pyongyang's "open hostility."

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/dozens-of-palestinians-injured-by-israeli-gunfire-tear-gas-in-gaza-border-protests-139834">Dozens of Palestinians injured by Israeli gunfire, tear gas in Gaza border protests</a>

Dozens of Palestinians demonstrating at the Gaza border were injured by Israeli gunfire and tear gas on Friday, as the latest round of protests drew several thousand participants to the frontier.

&nbsp

Exit polls predict landslide win for Ireland referendum that could lift strict ban on abortion The people of Ireland are set to liberalise some of the world`s most restrictive abortion laws by a landslide, two exit polls from a referendum showed on Friday, as voters demanded change in what two decades ago was one of Europe`s most socially conservative countries. White House reaches deal to lift sanctions on China's ZTE US President Donald Trump said Friday he had reached a deal to keep Chinese telecoms giant ZTE running, rolling back some penalties in exchange for security guarantees -- a move that infuriated Democrats and some in his own party. Infiltration bid foiled by security forces in Tangdhar sector of J&K, 4 terrorists killed The security forces on Saturday foiled an infiltration bid by a group of terrorists from across the border and killed four terrorists in Tangdhar sector of Jammu and Kashmir. US in 'productive talks' about reinstating June North Korea summit: Trump US President Donald Trump late on Friday said the United States was having "productive talks" about reinstating a June 12 summit with North Korea's leader Kim Jong Un, just a day after he cancelled the meeting citing Pyongyang's "open hostility." Dozens of Palestinians injured by Israeli gunfire, tear gas in Gaza border protests Dozens of Palestinians demonstrating at the Gaza border were injured by Israeli gunfire and tear gas on Friday, as the latest round of protests drew several thousand participants to the frontier.

News brief: 5 big stories of the day

Israel's Supreme Court on Thursday upheld the military's use of lethal force against Palestinians during protests and clashes on the Gaza border.

In the 41-page ruling published by the justice ministry Thursday night the panel of three justices unanimously rejected a petition by Israeli and Palestinian rights groups to restrain the army's use of snipers firing live ammunition.&nbsp

Chief Justice Esther Hayut accepted the government position that the Gaza protesters were not peaceful civilian demonstrators but part of the "armed conflict" between Israel and the Gaza Strip's Islamist rulers Hamas.

But she said that despite the ruling the army should continue its internal review of the events and of its procedures.

The rules of engagement came under international fire after Israeli forces shot dead at least 62 Gazans on May 14, when thousands of Palestinians protested as the US officially moved its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. &nbsp&nbsp

French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the "violence of the Israeli armed forces against the protesters".

UN and European Union demand for an independent investigation were echoed by Britain, Germany and Switzerland.

Israel has rejected the idea and the United States, its strongest backer, has blocked moves for a probe at the United Nations.

Ireland and Belgium summoned the Israeli envoys in their capitals, while South Africa recalled its ambassador to Israel.

With at least 2,400 other Palestinians wounded, it was the bloodiest day of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict since the 2014 Gaza war and the peak of a campaign of protests launched on March 30.

Israeli forces have killed 121 Palestinians in those clashes. One Israeli soldier has been reported wounded over the same period.

Five Israeli NGOs and the Gaza-based Al Mezan Centre for Human Rights had argued in the court that international law bars the use of lethal fire against unarmed demonstrators.

The army has accused Hamas, which has fought three wars with Israel since 2008, of seeking to use the protests as cover to carry out attacks.

It says that live fire is only used as a last resort after non-lethal means have failed to stop actions it considers "a real danger" to Israeli troops and civilians living near the border with Gaza.

Israel's Supreme Court on Thursday upheld the military's use of lethal force against Palestinians during protests and clashes on the Gaza border

Israel's Supreme Court on Thursday upheld the military's use of lethal force against Palestinians during protests and clashes on the Gaza border. In the 41-page ruling published by the justice ministry Thursday night the panel of three justices unanimously rejected a petition by Israeli and Palestinian rights groups to restrain the army's use of snipers firing live ammunition. Chief Justice Esther Hayut accepted the government position that the Gaza protesters were not peaceful civilian demonstrators but part of the "armed conflict" between Israel and the Gaza Strip's Islamist rulers Hamas. But she said that despite the ruling the army should continue its internal review of the events and of its procedures. The rules of engagement came under international fire after Israeli forces shot dead at least 62 Gazans on May 14, when thousands of Palestinians protested as the US officially moved its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. French President Emmanuel Macron condemned the "violence of the Israeli armed forces against the protesters". UN and European Union demand for an independent investigation were echoed by Britain, Germany and Switzerland. Israel has rejected the idea and the United States, its strongest backer, has blocked moves for a probe at the United Nations. Ireland and Belgium summoned the Israeli envoys in their capitals, while South Africa recalled its ambassador to Israel. With at least 2,400 other Palestinians wounded, it was the bloodiest day of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict since the 2014 Gaza war and the peak of a campaign of protests launched on March 30. Israeli forces have killed 121 Palestinians in those clashes. One Israeli soldier has been reported wounded over the same period. Five Israeli NGOs and the Gaza-based Al Mezan Centre for Human Rights had argued in the court that international law bars the use of lethal fire against unarmed demonstrators. The army has accused Hamas, which has fought three wars with Israel since 2008, of seeking to use the protests as cover to carry out attacks. It says that live fire is only used as a last resort after non-lethal means have failed to stop actions it considers "a real danger" to Israeli troops and civilians living near the border with Gaza.

Gaza violence: Israel's Supreme Court upholds open-fire rules on Gaza border

Palestinian foreign minister Riyad al-Maliki was to arrive in The Netherlands later Monday ahead of talks with the chief prosecutor of the world's only permanent war crimes court.

Maliki will meet with prosecutor Fatou Bensouda on Tuesday morning just over a week after 62 Palestinians were killed by Israeli fire as they protested the US decision to move its embassy from Tel Aviv to the disputed city of Jerusalem.

Maliki will update Bensouda on the situation in the Palestinian territories and also "submit a referral" on the issue of Jewish settlements during their talks at the International Criminal Court ICC), the Palestinian embassy in The Hague said in a statement.

Afterwards, Maliki will hold a press conference outside the court. He will also meet later Tuesday with Dutch counterpart Stef Blok.

Bensouda vowed last week that she was watching the unrest in Gaza closely and would "take any action warranted" to prosecute crimes.

"My staff is vigilantly following developments on the ground and recording any alleged crime that could fall within" the tribunal's jurisdiction, she warned in a statement to AFP.

"The violence must stop," she insisted, urging "all those concerned to refrain from further escalating this situation and the Israel Defence Forces to avoid excessive use of force."

The Palestinian Authority joined the ICC in January 2015 signing up to the Rome Statute which underpins the world's only permanent war crimes court.

The Palestinians asked the prosecutor to investigate alleged crimes committed in the Palestinian territories in the Gaza war the previous year, and Bensouda opened her inquiry just a few days later.

The preliminary examination which comes ahead of a full-blown investigation continues.

Palestinian foreign minister Riyad al-Maliki was to arrive in The Netherlands later Monday ahead of talks with the chief prosecutor of the world's only permanent war crimes court

Palestinian foreign minister Riyad al-Maliki was to arrive in The Netherlands later Monday ahead of talks with the chief prosecutor of the world's only permanent war crimes court. Maliki will meet with prosecutor Fatou Bensouda on Tuesday morning just over a week after 62 Palestinians were killed by Israeli fire as they protested the US decision to move its embassy from Tel Aviv to the disputed city of Jerusalem. Maliki will update Bensouda on the situation in the Palestinian territories and also "submit a referral" on the issue of Jewish settlements during their talks at the International Criminal Court ICC), the Palestinian embassy in The Hague said in a statement. Afterwards, Maliki will hold a press conference outside the court. He will also meet later Tuesday with Dutch counterpart Stef Blok. Bensouda vowed last week that she was watching the unrest in Gaza closely and would "take any action warranted" to prosecute crimes. "My staff is vigilantly following developments on the ground and recording any alleged crime that could fall within" the tribunal's jurisdiction, she warned in a statement to AFP. "The violence must stop," she insisted, urging "all those concerned to refrain from further escalating this situation and the Israel Defence Forces to avoid excessive use of force." The Palestinian Authority joined the ICC in January 2015 signing up to the Rome Statute which underpins the world's only permanent war crimes court. The Palestinians asked the prosecutor to investigate alleged crimes committed in the Palestinian territories in the Gaza war the previous year, and Bensouda opened her inquiry just a few days later. The preliminary examination which comes ahead of a full-blown investigation continues.

Gaza violence: Palestinian foreign minister to press ICC on war crimes probe

An Israeli tank fired at a Hamas position in northern Gaza on Wednesday, the army said, after militants in the Palestinian enclave shot at soldiers.

The exchange of fire east of Jabalia came after weeks of mass protests and clashes on the Gaza border, which peaked on Monday when some 60 Palestinians were killed by Israeli forces. Protests since then have dwindled.

In response to the gunfire, Israeli troops "targeted a military post belonging to the Hamas terror organisation with tank fire," the army said in a statement, noting no soldiers were wounded.

A Palestinian security source in Gaza confirmed the target was a Hamas observation point, saying the Israeli attack resulted in no injuries.

Palestinians have held demonstrations on the border since March 30 for what they call the right of return. Monday's protests were also against the move of the US embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

During the war surrounding Israel's creation in 1948, more than 700,000 Palestinians fled or were expelled from their homes.

The protests have peaked on Fridays, with the numbers of demonstrators ranging from thousands to tens of thousands.

Small groups have approached the border fence, throwing stones, burning tyres and hurling Molotov cocktails. Some have tried to break through the fence.

Israel has faced international criticism over its use of live fire, but insists its actions are necessary to defend the border and stop mass infiltrations from the Palestinian enclave, which is run by Islamist movement Hamas.

Earlier on Wednesday, Israeli Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman called Hamas leadership "a bunch of cannibals that treat their children as ammunition."

Speaking at an army base near the Gaza border, Lieberman said the goal of Hamas was "to remove the siege (over Gaza) but not to build their economy or create coexistence," he said, referring to the Israeli blockade of the strip.

He argued their aims were rather "to smuggle arms, continue building their military force and create another upgraded Hezbollah model," referring to the armed Lebanese group.

Israel and militants in Gaza have fought three wars since 2008.

The exchange of fire east of Jabalia came after weeks of mass protests and clashes on the Gaza border, which peaked on Monday when some 60 Palestinians were killed by Israeli forces

An Israeli tank fired at a Hamas position in northern Gaza on Wednesday, the army said, after militants in the Palestinian enclave shot at soldiers. The exchange of fire east of Jabalia came after weeks of mass protests and clashes on the Gaza border, which peaked on Monday when some 60 Palestinians were killed by Israeli forces. Protests since then have dwindled. In response to the gunfire, Israeli troops "targeted a military post belonging to the Hamas terror organisation with tank fire," the army said in a statement, noting no soldiers were wounded. A Palestinian security source in Gaza confirmed the target was a Hamas observation point, saying the Israeli attack resulted in no injuries. Palestinians have held demonstrations on the border since March 30 for what they call the right of return. Monday's protests were also against the move of the US embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. During the war surrounding Israel's creation in 1948, more than 700,000 Palestinians fled or were expelled from their homes. The protests have peaked on Fridays, with the numbers of demonstrators ranging from thousands to tens of thousands. Small groups have approached the border fence, throwing stones, burning tyres and hurling Molotov cocktails. Some have tried to break through the fence. Israel has faced international criticism over its use of live fire, but insists its actions are necessary to defend the border and stop mass infiltrations from the Palestinian enclave, which is run by Islamist movement Hamas. Earlier on Wednesday, Israeli Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman called Hamas leadership "a bunch of cannibals that treat their children as ammunition." Speaking at an army base near the Gaza border, Lieberman said the goal of Hamas was "to remove the siege (over Gaza) but not to build their economy or create coexistence," he said, referring to the Israeli blockade of the strip. He argued their aims were rather "to smuggle arms, continue building their military force and create another upgraded Hezbollah model," referring to the armed Lebanese group. Israel and militants in Gaza have fought three wars since 2008.

Israel targets Hamas position after Gaza gunfire

Israeli Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman said Sunday there were "no innocent people" in the Hamas-run Gaza Strip after 10 days of protests and clashes left 30 Palestinians dead.

"There are no innocent people in the Gaza Strip," Lieberman told Israel's public radio.

"Everyone's connected to Hamas, everyone gets a salary from Hamas, and all the activists trying to challenge us and breach the border are Hamas military wing activists."

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.

Violence spiked again on Friday, when clashes erupted as thousands protested along the border, and nine Palestinians, including a journalist, were killed.

On March 30, Israeli forces killed 19 Palestinians as a protest by tens of thousands led to clashes.

There have been no reported Israeli casualties.

Israel says it has only opened 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.

But rights groups have harshly criticised Israeli soldiers' actions, and Palestinians say protesters are being shot while posing no threat to troops.

The European Union and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres have called for an independent investigation, which Israel has rejected.

On Saturday, the European Union raised questions over whether Israeli troops engaged in "proportionate use of force".

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

Israeli Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman said Sunday there were "no innocent people" in the Hamas-run Gaza Strip after 10 days of protests and clashes left 30 Palestinians dead. "There are no innocent people in the Gaza Strip," Lieberman told Israel's public radio. "Everyone's connected to Hamas, everyone gets a salary from Hamas, and all the activists trying to challenge us and breach the border are Hamas military wing activists." 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. Violence spiked again on Friday, when clashes erupted as thousands protested along the border, and nine Palestinians, including a journalist, were killed. On March 30, Israeli forces killed 19 Palestinians as a protest by tens of thousands led to clashes. There have been no reported Israeli casualties. Israel says it has only opened 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. But rights groups have harshly criticised Israeli soldiers' actions, and Palestinians say protesters are being shot while posing no threat to troops. The European Union and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres have called for an independent investigation, which Israel has rejected. On Saturday, the European Union raised questions over whether Israeli troops engaged in "proportionate use of force".

Israel defence minister says 'no innocent people' in Gaza

Israeli warplanes hit Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip early on Monday after a rocket fired by Palestinians slammed into southern Israel, the army said.

It did not elaborate on the targets but Palestinian security sources said several missiles were fired at farmland east of Rafah in the south of the coastal enclave.

Israeli &quot;fighter jets targeted underground infrastructure in the southern Gaza Strip, in response to the projectile that was launched at Israel earlier,&quot; an army statement said.

No casualties were reported in either incident.

The strikes followed fierce exchanges over the weekend in which <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/israel-strikes-gaza-after-blast-wounds-four-soldiers-33212" target="_blank">Israeli ground forces killed two Palestinian teenagers</a> in the enclave in cross-border fire.

Warplanes also pounded 18 Hamas facilities in two waves of air strikes, according to the Israeli military.

Those raids were in response to an explosion Saturday in which four Israeli soldiers inspecting the border fence were injured by an apparent Palestinian booby trap.

Two of the men were severely wounded but their lives were not in danger, the army said.

The blast and the retaliatory fire marked one of the most serious escalations in the Hamas-ruled territory since the Islamist movement and Israel fought a war in 2014.

The strikes followed fierce exchanges over the weekend in which Israeli ground forces killed two Palestinian teenagers in the enclave in cross-border fire

Israeli warplanes hit Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip early on Monday after a rocket fired by Palestinians slammed into southern Israel, the army said. It did not elaborate on the targets but Palestinian security sources said several missiles were fired at farmland east of Rafah in the south of the coastal enclave. Israeli "fighter jets targeted underground infrastructure in the southern Gaza Strip, in response to the projectile that was launched at Israel earlier," an army statement said. No casualties were reported in either incident. The strikes followed fierce exchanges over the weekend in which Israeli ground forces killed two Palestinian teenagers in the enclave in cross-border fire. Warplanes also pounded 18 Hamas facilities in two waves of air strikes, according to the Israeli military. Those raids were in response to an explosion Saturday in which four Israeli soldiers inspecting the border fence were injured by an apparent Palestinian booby trap. Two of the men were severely wounded but their lives were not in danger, the army said. The blast and the retaliatory fire marked one of the most serious escalations in the Hamas-ruled territory since the Islamist movement and Israel fought a war in 2014.

Israeli warplanes hit Gaza again after new rocket attack

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/tripura-goes-to-polls-left-front-faces-stiffest-challenge-in-25-years-from-bjp-33214">Tripura goes to polls, Left Front faces </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/tripura-goes-to-polls-left-front-faces-stiffest-challenge-in-25-years-from-bjp-33214">stiffest</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/tripura-goes-to-polls-left-front-faces-stiffest-challenge-in-25-years-from-bjp-33214"> challenge in 25 years from BJP</a>

People in Tripura are all prepared to cast their votes as the northeastern hill state goes to polls today.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/shame-on-you-florida-school-shooting-survivor-tells-trump-at-anti-gun-rally-33213">&#39;Shame on you!&#39; Florida school shooting survivor tells Trump at anti-gun rally</a>

A student survivor of the Parkland school shooting called out US President Donald Trump today over his ties to the powerful National Rifle Association, in a poignant address to an anti-gun rally in Florida.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-spree-of-up-encounters-criminals-run-to-jail-for-safety-33222">After spree of UP encounters, criminals run to jail for safety</a>

Fearing getting killed in a Police encounter, wanted criminals in Uttar Pradesh state are on a surrender spree.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-hands-list-of-8000-rohingya-refugees-to-myanmar-for-repatriation-33209">Bangladesh hands over list of 8,000 Rohingyas, Myanmar says will start repatriation</a>

Bangladesh Friday handed over a list of more than 8,000 Rohingya to Myanmar as it moves to kick-start their repatriation weeks after the process was halted due to lack of preparation.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/florida-school-shooter-was-on-police-radar-in-2016-report-33221">Florida school shooter was on police radar in 2016: Report</a>

A teenager accused of shooting to death 17 people at a Florida high school was investigated by police and state officials as far back as 2016 after slashing his arm in a social media video, and saying he wanted to buy a gun, but authorities determined he was receiving sufficient support, a newspaper said on Saturday. 
&nbsp;

Tripura goes to polls, Left Front faces stiffest challenge in 25 years from BJP People in Tripura are all prepared to cast their votes as the northeastern hill state goes to polls today. 'Shame on you!' Florida school shooting survivor tells Trump at anti-gun rally A student survivor of the Parkland school shooting called out US President Donald Trump today over his ties to the powerful National Rifle Association, in a poignant address to an anti-gun rally in Florida. After spree of UP encounters, criminals run to jail for safety Fearing getting killed in a Police encounter, wanted criminals in Uttar Pradesh state are on a surrender spree. Bangladesh hands over list of 8,000 Rohingyas, Myanmar says will start repatriation Bangladesh Friday handed over a list of more than 8,000 Rohingya to Myanmar as it moves to kick-start their repatriation weeks after the process was halted due to lack of preparation. Florida school shooter was on police radar in 2016: Report A teenager accused of shooting to death 17 people at a Florida high school was investigated by police and state officials as far back as 2016 after slashing his arm in a social media video, and saying he wanted to buy a gun, but authorities determined he was receiving sufficient support, a newspaper said on Saturday.

WION Morning News Brief, February 18, 2018

Israeli jets struck the Gaza Strip on Saturday after four soldiers were wounded when an improvised explosive device blew up along the border with the Palestinian enclave.

The explosion earlier Saturday, which left two of the Israeli soldiers severely injured, was one of the most serious incidents on the border of the Hamas-ruled enclave since the Islamist movement and Israel fought a war in 2014.

In response Israel&#39;s army said &quot;fighter jets targeted six military targets in Gaza belonging to Hamas, including: a terror tunnel in the Zaytun area and military compounds near Deir el-Balah and Khan Yunis&quot;.

The army then reported a &quot;launch was identified from the Gaza Strip at Israeli territory&quot;.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at a security conference in Munich called the Gaza border incident &quot;very serious&quot; and pledged to &quot;respond appropriately&quot;.&nbsp;

A Palestinian security source said the Israeli air strikes hit three bases belonging to Hamas in the east of the blockaded Gaza enclave.

Two Palestinians were injured in the raids, Palestinian medical sources said.&nbsp;

Earlier in the day the army said &quot;two soldiers were severely wounded, one moderately and one slightly&quot; when an improvised explosive device blew up along the border fence with Gaza.

None of the soldiers&#39; lives were in danger, a spokesman clarified.

In response Israeli forces said a tank quickly opened fire at an &quot;observation post&quot; in southern Gaza, causing no injuries on the Palestinian side.

Palestinian security sources said the explosion took place east of the city of Khan Yunis.

Rogue group

Spokesman Jonathan Conricus said a &quot;rogue group&quot; had claimed responsibility for the blast, likely indicating one of the more radical Islamist groups who are present in Gaza.&nbsp;

But he insisted that &quot;from our point of view Hamas is responsible&quot; and said the explosive had been planted during a protest arranged by the group on Friday.&nbsp;

Israel holds the Islamist Palestinian movement Hamas responsible for any fire coming from the blockaded coastal enclave.

The Israeli army responds automatically to any strikes on its territory, generally targeting Hamas facilities.

Hamas&#39;s armed wing, the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, in a statement said they had fired at the Israeli jets overhead.

But Israeli army spokesman, Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Conricus, said there was no truth to the claim.

Hamas and Israel have fought three wars since 2008, and the last conflict in 2014 was waged in part over tunnels from Gaza that were used to launch attacks.

Israeli aircraft hit Hamas targets in the southern Gaza Strip repeatedly in early February, after it said Palestinians there fired a rocket into the Jewish state.

Tensions between the Palestinians and Israel have been high since US President Donald Trump recognised Jerusalem as the capital of the Jewish state in December.

Netanyahu will visit the White House next month, a senior US administration official told AFP on Friday.

The March 5 visit comes after a war of words between close allies Israel and the US over settlements, and a scandal that has seen police recommend Netanyahu be indicted for graft.

Two of the soldiers were severely injured

Israeli jets struck the Gaza Strip on Saturday after four soldiers were wounded when an improvised explosive device blew up along the border with the Palestinian enclave. The explosion earlier Saturday, which left two of the Israeli soldiers severely injured, was one of the most serious incidents on the border of the Hamas-ruled enclave since the Islamist movement and Israel fought a war in 2014. In response Israel's army said "fighter jets targeted six military targets in Gaza belonging to Hamas, including: a terror tunnel in the Zaytun area and military compounds near Deir el-Balah and Khan Yunis". The army then reported a "launch was identified from the Gaza Strip at Israeli territory". Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at a security conference in Munich called the Gaza border incident "very serious" and pledged to "respond appropriately". A Palestinian security source said the Israeli air strikes hit three bases belonging to Hamas in the east of the blockaded Gaza enclave. Two Palestinians were injured in the raids, Palestinian medical sources said. Earlier in the day the army said "two soldiers were severely wounded, one moderately and one slightly" when an improvised explosive device blew up along the border fence with Gaza. None of the soldiers' lives were in danger, a spokesman clarified. In response Israeli forces said a tank quickly opened fire at an "observation post" in southern Gaza, causing no injuries on the Palestinian side. Palestinian security sources said the explosion took place east of the city of Khan Yunis. Rogue group Spokesman Jonathan Conricus said a "rogue group" had claimed responsibility for the blast, likely indicating one of the more radical Islamist groups who are present in Gaza. But he insisted that "from our point of view Hamas is responsible" and said the explosive had been planted during a protest arranged by the group on Friday. Israel holds the Islamist Palestinian movement Hamas responsible for any fire coming from the blockaded coastal enclave. The Israeli army responds automatically to any strikes on its territory, generally targeting Hamas facilities. Hamas's armed wing, the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, in a statement said they had fired at the Israeli jets overhead. But Israeli army spokesman, Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Conricus, said there was no truth to the claim. Hamas and Israel have fought three wars since 2008, and the last conflict in 2014 was waged in part over tunnels from Gaza that were used to launch attacks. Israeli aircraft hit Hamas targets in the southern Gaza Strip repeatedly in early February, after it said Palestinians there fired a rocket into the Jewish state. Tensions between the Palestinians and Israel have been high since US President Donald Trump recognised Jerusalem as the capital of the Jewish state in December. Netanyahu will visit the White House next month, a senior US administration official told AFP on Friday. The March 5 visit comes after a war of words between close allies Israel and the US over settlements, and a scandal that has seen police recommend Netanyahu be indicted for graft.

Israeli jets hit Gaza after IED wounds four soldiers

Palestinians condemned as blackmail on Wednesday US&nbsp;President Donald Trump&#39;s threat to withhold future aid payments over what he called the Palestinians&#39; unwillingness to talk peace with Israel.

Trump drew praise from a cabinet minister in Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu&#39;s right-wing government but a warning from a former Israeli peace negotiator of the dangers in cutting off financial assistance to the Palestinians.

On Twitter on Tuesday, Trump said that Washington gives Palestinians &quot;HUNDRED OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS a year and get no appreciation or respect. They don&#39;t even want to negotiate a long overdue peace treaty with Israel ... with the Palestinians no longer willing to talk peace, why should we make any of these massive future payments to them?&quot;

Hanan Ashrawi, a member of the Palestine Liberation Organization&#39;s executive committee, said in response: &quot;We will not be blackmailed.&quot;

Palestinian anger at Trump is already high over his December 6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel&#39;s capital, a declaration that also generated outrage across the Arab world and concern among Washington&#39;s Western allies.

Commenting on Trump&#39;s tweets, Nabil Abu Rdainah, a spokesman for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, said: &quot;Jerusalem is not for sale, neither for gold nor for silver.&quot;

Abu Rdainah said the Palestinians were not opposed to returning to peace talks that collapsed in 2014, but only on the basis of establishing a state of their own along the lines that existed before Israel captured the West Bank, East Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip in the 1967 war.

&quot;If the United States is keen about peace and about its interests it must abide by that,&quot; he said.

Israel, which withdrew troops and settlers from the Gaza Strip in 2005, has called the pre-1967 war West Bank boundaries indefensible and has pledged to hold on to all of Jerusalem forever.

UNRWA funding

A report prepared for the US&nbsp;Congress in December 2016 by the US&nbsp;Congressional Research Service said annual US&nbsp;economic support to the West Bank and Gaza Strip has averaged around $400 million since fiscal 2008.

Much of the money has gone toward US&nbsp;Agency for International Development-administered project assistance and the rest toward budget support for the Palestinian Authority (PA), which administers limited self-rule in the Palestinian territories under interim peace agreements.

Israeli Culture Minister Miri Regev, a member of Netanyahu&#39;s Likud party, welcomed Trump&#39;s aid comments, saying on Army Radio: &quot;I am very satisfied ... (Trump) is saying the time has come to stop saying flattering words (to the Palestinians).&quot;

But Tzipi Livni, an Israeli opposition politician and a former peace negotiator, said &quot;a responsible and serious (Israeli) government&quot; should quietly tell Trump that it would be in Israel&#39;s interest to prevent a &quot;humanitarian crisis in Gaza&quot; and to continue to fund Palestinian security forces cooperating with Israel.

Earlier on Tuesday, Trump&#39;s UN&nbsp;ambassador disclosed plans to stop funding a United Nations agency that provides humanitarian aid to Palestinian refugees.

&quot;The president has basically said he doesn&#39;t want to give any additional funding, or stop funding, until the Palestinians agree to come back to the negotiation table,&quot; Ambassador Nikki Haley told reporters when asked about future US&nbsp;funding for the UN&nbsp;Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA)for Palestinian refugees.

In an emailed statement, UNRWA spokesman Chris Gunness said &quot;UNRWA has not been informed by the United States administration of any changes in US&nbsp;funding to the Agency&quot;.

The United States is the largest donor to the agency, with a pledge of nearly $370 million as of 2016, according to UNRWA&#39;s website.

According to UNRWA&#39;s website, there are 5.9 million UNRWA refugees and other registered persons eligible for its services, which include education and health care, in the West Bank, the Gaza Strip, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria.

Trump drew praise from a cabinet minister in Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing government but a warning from a former Israeli peace negotiator of the dangers in cutting off financial assistance to the Palestinians

Palestinians condemned as blackmail on Wednesday US President Donald Trump's threat to withhold future aid payments over what he called the Palestinians' unwillingness to talk peace with Israel. Trump drew praise from a cabinet minister in Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing government but a warning from a former Israeli peace negotiator of the dangers in cutting off financial assistance to the Palestinians. On Twitter on Tuesday, Trump said that Washington gives Palestinians "HUNDRED OF MILLIONS OF DOLLARS a year and get no appreciation or respect. They don't even want to negotiate a long overdue peace treaty with Israel ... with the Palestinians no longer willing to talk peace, why should we make any of these massive future payments to them?" Hanan Ashrawi, a member of the Palestine Liberation Organization's executive committee, said in response: "We will not be blackmailed." Palestinian anger at Trump is already high over his December 6 recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital, a declaration that also generated outrage across the Arab world and concern among Washington's Western allies. Commenting on Trump's tweets, Nabil Abu Rdainah, a spokesman for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, said: "Jerusalem is not for sale, neither for gold nor for silver." Abu Rdainah said the Palestinians were not opposed to returning to peace talks that collapsed in 2014, but only on the basis of establishing a state of their own along the lines that existed before Israel captured the West Bank, East Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip in the 1967 war. "If the United States is keen about peace and about its interests it must abide by that," he said. Israel, which withdrew troops and settlers from the Gaza Strip in 2005, has called the pre-1967 war West Bank boundaries indefensible and has pledged to hold on to all of Jerusalem forever. UNRWA funding A report prepared for the US Congress in December 2016 by the US Congressional Research Service said annual US economic support to the West Bank and Gaza Strip has averaged around $400 million since fiscal 2008. Much of the money has gone toward US Agency for International Development-administered project assistance and the rest toward budget support for the Palestinian Authority (PA), which administers limited self-rule in the Palestinian territories under interim peace agreements. Israeli Culture Minister Miri Regev, a member of Netanyahu's Likud party, welcomed Trump's aid comments, saying on Army Radio: "I am very satisfied ... (Trump) is saying the time has come to stop saying flattering words (to the Palestinians)." But Tzipi Livni, an Israeli opposition politician and a former peace negotiator, said "a responsible and serious (Israeli) government" should quietly tell Trump that it would be in Israel's interest to prevent a "humanitarian crisis in Gaza" and to continue to fund Palestinian security forces cooperating with Israel. Earlier on Tuesday, Trump's UN ambassador disclosed plans to stop funding a United Nations agency that provides humanitarian aid to Palestinian refugees. "The president has basically said he doesn't want to give any additional funding, or stop funding, until the Palestinians agree to come back to the negotiation table," Ambassador Nikki Haley told reporters when asked about future US funding for the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA)for Palestinian refugees. In an emailed statement, UNRWA spokesman Chris Gunness said "UNRWA has not been informed by the United States administration of any changes in US funding to the Agency". The United States is the largest donor to the agency, with a pledge of nearly $370 million as of 2016, according to UNRWA's website. According to UNRWA's website, there are 5.9 million UNRWA refugees and other registered persons eligible for its services, which include education and health care, in the West Bank, the Gaza Strip, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria.

Palestinians condemn Trump aid halt threat, mixed reaction in Israel

At least two Palestinians have been killed in the Gaza Strip by Israeli forces amid protests over US President Donald Trump&#39;s Jerusalem move, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health.

According to Al Jazeera, the ministry in a statement said that two Palestinians were killed and over 70 others were injured during clashes with Israeli forces in northern Gaza near the border with Israel.

The dead men have been identified as Zakaria al-Kafarneh who died after being shot in the chest in clashes near Jabalia, in northern Gaza and Mohammed Mohaisen who died later in clashes in east of Gaza City, according to the reports.

Thousands of Palestinians participated in &quot;violent riots&quot; along the Gaza border and across the West Bank &quot;hurling firebombs and rocks and rolling burning tires&quot; at Israeli forces, the Israeli military stated.

Troops responded with tear gas and deployed live fire &quot;selectively toward main instigators,&quot; it added.

Protesters chanted &quot;Trump is a coward. Trump is a fool&quot;. Among the wounded one man was dressed as Santa Claus and also was holding a Palestinian flag.

This came a day after when in a major blow to the United States, 128 countries voted in favor of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) resolution calling on Washington DC to withdraw its unilateral recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

President Trump reversed decades of US&nbsp;policy on December 6 when he recognised Jerusalem as Israel&#39;s capital.

Trump&#39;s Jerusalem move has prompted international criticism and sparked protests across the world.

Jerusalem is considered a sacred place, which is home to Jewish, Christian and Muslim holy sites.

However, it is also a disputed territory, contested by both Israel and Palestine, which sees it as a capital of its future state.

According to Al Jazeera, the ministry in a statement said that two Palestinians were killed and over 70 others were injured during clashes with Israeli forces in northern Gaza near the border with Israel

At least two Palestinians have been killed in the Gaza Strip by Israeli forces amid protests over US President Donald Trump's Jerusalem move, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health. According to Al Jazeera, the ministry in a statement said that two Palestinians were killed and over 70 others were injured during clashes with Israeli forces in northern Gaza near the border with Israel. The dead men have been identified as Zakaria al-Kafarneh who died after being shot in the chest in clashes near Jabalia, in northern Gaza and Mohammed Mohaisen who died later in clashes in east of Gaza City, according to the reports. Thousands of Palestinians participated in "violent riots" along the Gaza border and across the West Bank "hurling firebombs and rocks and rolling burning tires" at Israeli forces, the Israeli military stated. Troops responded with tear gas and deployed live fire "selectively toward main instigators," it added. Protesters chanted "Trump is a coward. Trump is a fool". Among the wounded one man was dressed as Santa Claus and also was holding a Palestinian flag. This came a day after when in a major blow to the United States, 128 countries voted in favor of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) resolution calling on Washington DC to withdraw its unilateral recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. President Trump reversed decades of US policy on December 6 when he recognised Jerusalem as Israel's capital. Trump's Jerusalem move has prompted international criticism and sparked protests across the world. Jerusalem is considered a sacred place, which is home to Jewish, Christian and Muslim holy sites. However, it is also a disputed territory, contested by both Israel and Palestine, which sees it as a capital of its future state.

2 Palestinians dead in clashes over Trump's Jerusalem move

Two Palestinians were shot dead by Israeli forces in clashes along the Gaza border Friday, as tens of thousands of people joined new protests against Washington&#39;s recognition of Jerusalem as Israel&#39;s capital.

US President Donald Trump&#39;s December 6 announcement that he would break with decades of American policy and move his embassy to Jerusalem has stirred international condemnation, as well as protests across the Palestinian territories and Arab world.

Demonstrators have burned American and Israeli flags and trampled on pictures of Trump amid concerns his announcement would lead to major bloodshed.

On Friday, two men were killed in clashes east of Gaza City, the Palestinian health ministry said.

Yasser Sokar and Ibrahim Abu Thurayeh, 32 and 29, became the fifth and sixth Palestinians to be killed in Gaza since Trump&#39;s announcement.

Four were killed in clashes, while two Hamas militants died in an Israeli air strike.

Protests and clashes broke out across the Palestinian territories for the second Friday in a row after the end of weekly Muslim prayers, often a catalyst for clashes between young Palestinians and Israeli soldiers.

In the occupied West Bank, thousands of people gathered for protests in the southern city of Hebron, as well as Nablus in the north.

Near a military checkpoint on the outskirts of Ramallah a man stabbed a border police officer before being shot, police said.

AFP photos showed the man wearing what appeared to be a suicide vest, though it was unclear if it was operational.

He was taken to hospital for treatment after being shot three times. Police said they were investigating the incident.

In Gaza, the strip&#39;s Islamist rulers Hamas had called for another &quot;day of rage&quot; against Trump&#39;s decision, with tens of thousands taking to the streets.

A few thousand people clashed with Israeli forces along different parts of the border, during which at least 82 people were injured, with five in serious condition, the health ministry in Gaza said.

The army said around 2,500 people were involved in &quot;riots&quot; across the West Bank and about 3,500 in Gaza.

At least 56 people were hospitalised across the West Bank, the Palestinian health ministry said.

In Jerusalem itself, there were minor scuffles in the Old City after Friday prayers.

Over the border in neighbouring Jordan, thousands of people also demonstrated in the latest round of protests called by the Muslim Brotherhood, burning Israeli and American flags.

Rise in support for uprising&nbsp;

The status of Jerusalem is one of the most controversial issues in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Israel seized control of the eastern part of the city in the 1967 Middle East war and sees the whole of Jerusalem as its undivided capital, while the Palestinians view the east as the capital of their future state.

For decades global powers have avoided taking an opinion, keeping their embassies in Tel Aviv instead.

Trump declared, however, that he would move the embassy and has recognised the city as Israel&#39;s capital.

Amid condemnation from much of the international community, the Palestinians have announced they will no longer view the Americans as a mediator in negotiations with the Israelis.

A poll conducted after Trump&#39;s announcement by the respected Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research found 45 percent of Palestinians supported a violent popular uprising, up from 35 percent three months previously.

Khalil Shikaki, the centre&#39;s director, said the &quot;only possible explanation&quot; for the increase was Trump&#39;s decision.

He said, however, the effectiveness of the Israeli forces and the Palestinian security forces&#39; ongoing cooperation with them had ensured the protests in the West Bank remained relatively minor.

While angered by Trump&#39;s declaration, Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas has not instructed his party Fatah or security forces to cut ties with Israel.

&quot;Hamas is too weak in the West Bank to carry out any serious attacks (and) Fatah does not want to engage in violence,&quot; Shikaki said.

&quot;This is not likely to change any time soon.&quot;

In Gaza, hermetically sealed off by Israel and Egypt, at least 12 rockets or mortar rounds have been fired from the territory since Trump&#39;s announcement, with Israel hitting at least 10 sites in reply.

But the response to Trump&#39;s move has been relatively muted despite some warnings, said Ofer Zalzberg, Israel-based analyst with the International Crisis Group think tank.

He said the lack of serious blowback to the announcement had encouraged right wingers in Israel&#39;s government to question whether &quot;maybe other things that people said were impossible are not&quot;.

Yasser Sokar and Ibrahim Abu Thurayeh, 32 and 29, became the fifth and sixth Palestinians to be killed in Gaza since Trump's announcement that Washington recognised Jerusalem as Israel's capital

Two Palestinians were shot dead by Israeli forces in clashes along the Gaza border Friday, as tens of thousands of people joined new protests against Washington's recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital. US President Donald Trump's December 6 announcement that he would break with decades of American policy and move his embassy to Jerusalem has stirred international condemnation, as well as protests across the Palestinian territories and Arab world. Demonstrators have burned American and Israeli flags and trampled on pictures of Trump amid concerns his announcement would lead to major bloodshed. On Friday, two men were killed in clashes east of Gaza City, the Palestinian health ministry said. Yasser Sokar and Ibrahim Abu Thurayeh, 32 and 29, became the fifth and sixth Palestinians to be killed in Gaza since Trump's announcement. Four were killed in clashes, while two Hamas militants died in an Israeli air strike. Protests and clashes broke out across the Palestinian territories for the second Friday in a row after the end of weekly Muslim prayers, often a catalyst for clashes between young Palestinians and Israeli soldiers. In the occupied West Bank, thousands of people gathered for protests in the southern city of Hebron, as well as Nablus in the north. Near a military checkpoint on the outskirts of Ramallah a man stabbed a border police officer before being shot, police said. AFP photos showed the man wearing what appeared to be a suicide vest, though it was unclear if it was operational. He was taken to hospital for treatment after being shot three times. Police said they were investigating the incident. In Gaza, the strip's Islamist rulers Hamas had called for another "day of rage" against Trump's decision, with tens of thousands taking to the streets. A few thousand people clashed with Israeli forces along different parts of the border, during which at least 82 people were injured, with five in serious condition, the health ministry in Gaza said. The army said around 2,500 people were involved in "riots" across the West Bank and about 3,500 in Gaza. At least 56 people were hospitalised across the West Bank, the Palestinian health ministry said. In Jerusalem itself, there were minor scuffles in the Old City after Friday prayers. Over the border in neighbouring Jordan, thousands of people also demonstrated in the latest round of protests called by the Muslim Brotherhood, burning Israeli and American flags. Rise in support for uprising The status of Jerusalem is one of the most controversial issues in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Israel seized control of the eastern part of the city in the 1967 Middle East war and sees the whole of Jerusalem as its undivided capital, while the Palestinians view the east as the capital of their future state. For decades global powers have avoided taking an opinion, keeping their embassies in Tel Aviv instead. Trump declared, however, that he would move the embassy and has recognised the city as Israel's capital. Amid condemnation from much of the international community, the Palestinians have announced they will no longer view the Americans as a mediator in negotiations with the Israelis. A poll conducted after Trump's announcement by the respected Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research found 45 percent of Palestinians supported a violent popular uprising, up from 35 percent three months previously. Khalil Shikaki, the centre's director, said the "only possible explanation" for the increase was Trump's decision. He said, however, the effectiveness of the Israeli forces and the Palestinian security forces' ongoing cooperation with them had ensured the protests in the West Bank remained relatively minor. While angered by Trump's declaration, Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas has not instructed his party Fatah or security forces to cut ties with Israel. "Hamas is too weak in the West Bank to carry out any serious attacks (and) Fatah does not want to engage in violence," Shikaki said. "This is not likely to change any time soon." In Gaza, hermetically sealed off by Israel and Egypt, at least 12 rockets or mortar rounds have been fired from the territory since Trump's announcement, with Israel hitting at least 10 sites in reply. But the response to Trump's move has been relatively muted despite some warnings, said Ofer Zalzberg, Israel-based analyst with the International Crisis Group think tank. He said the lack of serious blowback to the announcement had encouraged right wingers in Israel's government to question whether "maybe other things that people said were impossible are not".

Palestinians killed in new wave of protests over Trump Jerusalem move