Itamar Ben-Gvir, the ultranationalist national security minister, toured the Jerusalem holy site just days after taking office, drawing a furious reaction from US and Mideast powers.

Israeli PM Netanyahu postpones UAE trip amid security minister's Aqsa visit

Itamar Ben-Gvir, the ultranationalist national security minister, toured the Jerusalem holy site just days after taking office, drawing a furious reaction from Palestinian leaders.

Israeli minister visits Jerusalem holy site

Israel&nbsp;has&nbsp;detained three alleged members of the Lions' Den militant group in the occupied West Bank, the army said. The brother of a key Palestinian militant was also held.&nbsp;The arrest of Muhammad al-Nabulsi and two others in Nablus comes a day after five Palestinians were killed during an Israeli military operation in the city.

"Muhammad Al-Nabulsi was suspected of possessing weapons, manufacturing explosive devices and involvement in the 'Lions' Den' terrorist group," the army said in a statement.

The Lion's Den, called "Areen al-Ossoud" in Arabic, comprises young Palestinian fighters, some of whom are affiliated with groups such as Fatah, Hamas and Islamic Jihad. The group had claimed responsibility for a deadly attack on an Israeli soldier two weeks ago in the occupied West Bank.&nbsp;

The late leader of the group, Ibrahim al-Nabulsi, nicknamed The Lion of Nablus, was shot dead by Israeli forces in August. He has attained the position of a folk hero among Palestinians on social media.

Meanwhile, thousands of mourners poured onto the streets for mass funerals of the Palestinians killed earlier. The Palestinian health ministry said five people were killed in Nablus in the northern West Bank.&nbsp;

Another Palestinian was killed by Israeli fire in Ramallah which houses the Palestinian Authority's headquarters in the central West Bank.

The Israeli army confirmed the large-scale night operation in Nablus in a joint statement with police and intelligence agencies. It said that it had raided a "hideout apartment... that was used as a headquarters and explosives manufacturing site". &nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-raid-in-west-bank-leaves-4-palestinians-dead-palestinian-ministry-528110">Israeli raid in West Bank leaves 4 Palestinians dead: Palestinian ministry</a>

Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid said that Wadi al-Houh, the supposed head of the Lions' Den, was among those killed in Nablus.&nbsp;

"The forces detonated the explosive manufacturing site," added the army statement.&nbsp;

"During the activity, multiple armed suspects were hit."

Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas's spokesman Nabil Abu Rudeinah said in a statement that he is establishing "urgent contacts in order to stop this aggression against our people".

Meanwhile, in Washington, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the US had "real concern" over the West Bank violence.

"We're urging everyone to take the necessary steps to try to de-escalate that violence and to avoid actions or statements that may incite it," he said during a visit by Israeli President Isaac Herzog.

Violence in the north of the West Bank, the Palestinian territory occupied since 1967 by Israel, has surged in recent weeks.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

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Israel has detained three alleged members of the Lions' Den militant group in the occupied West Bank, the army said. The brother of a key Palestinian militant was also held.

Israel has detained three alleged members of the Lions' Den militant group in the occupied West Bank, the army said. The brother of a key Palestinian militant was also held. The arrest of Muhammad al-Nabulsi and two others in Nablus comes a day after five Palestinians were killed during an Israeli military operation in the city. "Muhammad Al-Nabulsi was suspected of possessing weapons, manufacturing explosive devices and involvement in the 'Lions' Den' terrorist group," the army said in a statement. The Lion's Den, called "Areen al-Ossoud" in Arabic, comprises young Palestinian fighters, some of whom are affiliated with groups such as Fatah, Hamas and Islamic Jihad. The group had claimed responsibility for a deadly attack on an Israeli soldier two weeks ago in the occupied West Bank. The late leader of the group, Ibrahim al-Nabulsi, nicknamed The Lion of Nablus, was shot dead by Israeli forces in August. He has attained the position of a folk hero among Palestinians on social media. Meanwhile, thousands of mourners poured onto the streets for mass funerals of the Palestinians killed earlier. The Palestinian health ministry said five people were killed in Nablus in the northern West Bank. Another Palestinian was killed by Israeli fire in Ramallah which houses the Palestinian Authority's headquarters in the central West Bank. The Israeli army confirmed the large-scale night operation in Nablus in a joint statement with police and intelligence agencies. It said that it had raided a "hideout apartment... that was used as a headquarters and explosives manufacturing site". Also Read | Israeli raid in West Bank leaves 4 Palestinians dead: Palestinian ministry Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid said that Wadi al-Houh, the supposed head of the Lions' Den, was among those killed in Nablus. "The forces detonated the explosive manufacturing site," added the army statement. "During the activity, multiple armed suspects were hit." Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas's spokesman Nabil Abu Rudeinah said in a statement that he is establishing "urgent contacts in order to stop this aggression against our people". Meanwhile, in Washington, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the US had "real concern" over the West Bank violence. "We're urging everyone to take the necessary steps to try to de-escalate that violence and to avoid actions or statements that may incite it," he said during a visit by Israeli President Isaac Herzog. Violence in the north of the West Bank, the Palestinian territory occupied since 1967 by Israel, has surged in recent weeks. (With inputs from agencies)

Three alleged Palestinian militants held as thousands gather for the funeral of six killed in Israeli raids

Raids by Israeli forces in the occupied West Bank left four Palestinians dead and nearly 20 others injured early Tuesday, the Palestinian Health Ministry said. In an initial statement, it said that three had died, updating the figure later.

"There are three dead and 19 wounded, three of them seriously, by Israeli fire in Nablus," the ministry said in a brief statement.

Another Palestinian was killed by Israeli fire in Ramallah which houses the Palestinian Authority's headquarters in the central West Bank.

The Israeli army confirmed the large-scale night operation in Nablus in a joint statement with police and intelligence agencies. It said that it had raided a "hideout apartment... that was used as a headquarters and explosives manufacturing site". &nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/malfunctioning-rockets-fired-by-palestine-fell-into-residentials-areas-killing-more-than-a-dozen-504999">Malfunctioning rockets fired by Palestine fell into residential areas, killing more than a dozen</a>

"The site was used by the main operatives of the 'Lion's Den' terrorist group," the statement said, referring to a new group of young Palestinian fighters who have carried out anti-Israeli operations in Nablus in recent weeks.

"During the activity, multiple armed suspects were hit and Palestinian reports indicate that were multiple injuries."

Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas's&nbsp;spokesman Nabil Abu Rudeinah said in a statement that he is establishing "urgent contacts in order to stop this aggression against our people".

The Palestinian Islamic Jihad also said in a statement its "fighters were involved in violent clashes" with Israeli forces in Nablus and threatened Israel with reprisals "against these crimes" there.

The Lion's Den, called "Areen al-Ossoud" in Arabic, comprises young Palestinian fighters, some of whom are affiliated with groups such as Fatah, Hamas and Islamic Jihad. The group had claimed responsibility for a deadly attack on an Israeli soldier two weeks ago in the occupied West Bank.&nbsp;

The late leader of the group, Ibrahim al-Nabulsi, nicknamed The Lion of Nablus, was shot dead by Israeli forces in August. He has attained the position of a folk hero among Palestinians on social media.

Following Nabulsi's death, the Israeli army tightened its grip on the city, setting up controls to identify people leaving and constantly scanning the skies above with observation drones.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

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Raids by Israeli forces in the occupied West Bank left four Palestinians dead and nearly 20 others injured early Tuesday, the Palestinian Health Ministry said. In an initial statement, it said that three had died, updating the figure later.

Raids by Israeli forces in the occupied West Bank left four Palestinians dead and nearly 20 others injured early Tuesday, the Palestinian Health Ministry said. In an initial statement, it said that three had died, updating the figure later. "There are three dead and 19 wounded, three of them seriously, by Israeli fire in Nablus," the ministry said in a brief statement. Another Palestinian was killed by Israeli fire in Ramallah which houses the Palestinian Authority's headquarters in the central West Bank. The Israeli army confirmed the large-scale night operation in Nablus in a joint statement with police and intelligence agencies. It said that it had raided a "hideout apartment... that was used as a headquarters and explosives manufacturing site". Also Read | Malfunctioning rockets fired by Palestine fell into residential areas, killing more than a dozen "The site was used by the main operatives of the 'Lion's Den' terrorist group," the statement said, referring to a new group of young Palestinian fighters who have carried out anti-Israeli operations in Nablus in recent weeks. "During the activity, multiple armed suspects were hit and Palestinian reports indicate that were multiple injuries." Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas's spokesman Nabil Abu Rudeinah said in a statement that he is establishing "urgent contacts in order to stop this aggression against our people". The Palestinian Islamic Jihad also said in a statement its "fighters were involved in violent clashes" with Israeli forces in Nablus and threatened Israel with reprisals "against these crimes" there. The Lion's Den, called "Areen al-Ossoud" in Arabic, comprises young Palestinian fighters, some of whom are affiliated with groups such as Fatah, Hamas and Islamic Jihad. The group had claimed responsibility for a deadly attack on an Israeli soldier two weeks ago in the occupied West Bank. The late leader of the group, Ibrahim al-Nabulsi, nicknamed The Lion of Nablus, was shot dead by Israeli forces in August. He has attained the position of a folk hero among Palestinians on social media. Following Nabulsi's death, the Israeli army tightened its grip on the city, setting up controls to identify people leaving and constantly scanning the skies above with observation drones. (With inputs from agencies)

Israeli raid in West Bank leaves 4 Palestinians dead: Palestinian ministry

Multiple incidents in and around the occupied West Banks resulted in fatalities on Saturday. An Israeli female soldier was fatally shot at Shuafat checkpoint at the entrance to a Palestinian refugee camp on Jerusalem's outskirts near the West Bank. In a separate incident, Israeli forces killed two Palestinian teens in the West Bank city of Jenin.

As per Israeli police, a shooter opened fire at Israeli forces, while the female soldier was killed, another person a bodyguard was severely injured. Forces are now hunting for the assailants.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Palestinian shot dead by Israeli army in West Bank

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Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid described the shooting as a "severe" attack and the force said it had deployed a helicopter and special forces as part of the manhunt for the shooter.

AFP reports quoting Israeli emergency medical services Magen David Adom (MADA) that a third person whose nationality is yet to be specified was also hit by shrapnel.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-palestinian-teens-shot-dead-in-another-israeli-west-bank-operation-523652">Two Palestinian teens shot dead in another Israeli West Bank operation</a>

In the other incident, Israeli military while on an operation to arrest an Islamic Jihad militant group gunman fired at Palestinians who allegedly shot at and threw explosives at them, reports&nbsp;Reuters. As per the Palestinian health ministry, this clash resulted in the death of two teens aged 16 and 18, while 11 other people were injured.

As Israel prepares for elections on November 1, the most recent of the near-daily incursions into Jenin, a militant bastion, has highlighted the tumultuous security situation in the West Bank.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/30-palestinian-prisoners-held-by-israel-go-on-open-ended-hunger-strike-519818">30 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel go on open-ended hunger strike</a>

Tor Wennesland, the UN envoy for the Middle East, expressed alarm over the violence and urged restraint.

Around 80 Palestinians, including militants and civilians, have been slain in the West Bank's recent spike in violence.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Multiple incidents in and around the occupied West Banks resulted in fatalities on Saturday. An Israeli female soldier was fatally shot at Shuafat checkpoint at the entrance to a Palestinian refugee camp on Jerusalem's outskirts near the West Bank.

Multiple incidents in and around the occupied West Banks resulted in fatalities on Saturday. An Israeli female soldier was fatally shot at Shuafat checkpoint at the entrance to a Palestinian refugee camp on Jerusalem's outskirts near the West Bank. In a separate incident, Israeli forces killed two Palestinian teens in the West Bank city of Jenin. As per Israeli police, a shooter opened fire at Israeli forces, while the female soldier was killed, another person a bodyguard was severely injured. Forces are now hunting for the assailants. Watch | Palestinian shot dead by Israeli army in West Bank Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid described the shooting as a "severe" attack and the force said it had deployed a helicopter and special forces as part of the manhunt for the shooter. AFP reports quoting Israeli emergency medical services Magen David Adom (MADA) that a third person whose nationality is yet to be specified was also hit by shrapnel. Also read | Two Palestinian teens shot dead in another Israeli West Bank operation In the other incident, Israeli military while on an operation to arrest an Islamic Jihad militant group gunman fired at Palestinians who allegedly shot at and threw explosives at them, reports Reuters. As per the Palestinian health ministry, this clash resulted in the death of two teens aged 16 and 18, while 11 other people were injured. As Israel prepares for elections on November 1, the most recent of the near-daily incursions into Jenin, a militant bastion, has highlighted the tumultuous security situation in the West Bank. Also read | 30 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel go on open-ended hunger strike Tor Wennesland, the UN envoy for the Middle East, expressed alarm over the violence and urged restraint. Around 80 Palestinians, including militants and civilians, have been slain in the West Bank's recent spike in violence. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Israeli female soldier dead, 2 injured in Jerusalem shooting, forces launch manhunt for assailant

Israel has come out with a new rule that asks foreigners to inform the Israeli defence ministry if they fall in love with a Palestinian in the occupied West Bank.

The new rules, which are due to come in to force from&nbsp;Monday, say that once they marry, they will have to leave the region after 27 months for a cooling-off period of one-and-a-half years, BBC reported.

It also asks foreigners to inform the Israeli authorities within 30 days of starting a relationship with a Palestinian ID holder.

The regulations, which are being seen as an attempt to tighten rules on foreigners living in or looking to visit the West Bank, have been slammed by Palestinians and Israeli NGOs, who have accused the Israeli government of "taking restrictions to a new level".

Apart from that, new restrictions have been imposed on Palestinian universities, limiting a quota for 150 student visas and 100 foreign lecturers, while there are no such limits in the Israeli ones.

"This is about demographic engineering of Palestinian society and isolating Palestinian society from the outside world," Jessica Montell, executive director of the Israeli non-governmental organisation HaMoked, which has petitioned the Israeli High Court against the regulations, told BBC.

"They make it much more difficult for people to come and work in Palestinian institutions, volunteer, invest, teach and study," she added.

These new rules are part of the 97-page order brought by the Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories (Cogat), which is part of the Israel defence ministry.

Cogat is responsible for the administration of the Palestinian territory.

The order is titled ‘Procedure for entry and residence of foreigners in the Judea and Samaria area’— the biblical name Israel uses for the West Bank.

The order was first published in February, but its introduction has been delayed.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Israel has come out with a new rule that asks foreigners to inform the Israeli defence ministry if they fall in love with a Palestinian in the occupied West Bank.

Israel has come out with a new rule that asks foreigners to inform the Israeli defence ministry if they fall in love with a Palestinian in the occupied West Bank. The new rules, which are due to come in to force from Monday, say that once they marry, they will have to leave the region after 27 months for a cooling-off period of one-and-a-half years, BBC reported. It also asks foreigners to inform the Israeli authorities within 30 days of starting a relationship with a Palestinian ID holder. The regulations, which are being seen as an attempt to tighten rules on foreigners living in or looking to visit the West Bank, have been slammed by Palestinians and Israeli NGOs, who have accused the Israeli government of "taking restrictions to a new level". Apart from that, new restrictions have been imposed on Palestinian universities, limiting a quota for 150 student visas and 100 foreign lecturers, while there are no such limits in the Israeli ones. "This is about demographic engineering of Palestinian society and isolating Palestinian society from the outside world," Jessica Montell, executive director of the Israeli non-governmental organisation HaMoked, which has petitioned the Israeli High Court against the regulations, told BBC. "They make it much more difficult for people to come and work in Palestinian institutions, volunteer, invest, teach and study," she added. These new rules are part of the 97-page order brought by the Coordination of Government Activities in the Territories (Cogat), which is part of the Israel defence ministry. Cogat is responsible for the administration of the Palestinian territory. The order is titled ‘Procedure for entry and residence of foreigners in the Judea and Samaria area’— the biblical name Israel uses for the West Bank. The order was first published in February, but its introduction has been delayed. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Israel’s controversial new rule asks West Bank visitors to declare love interest

US President Joe Biden landed in the Gulf region on Wednesday to kick start his first trip there since taking office.

The president’s first is Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where Biden is expected to meet Mohammed bin Salman on Friday. The meeting is significant considering that the relations between US and Saudi nosedived following the revelations that dissident journalist and US resident Jamal Khashoggi was killed at the best of the prince in 2018.

Sticking points between US and Saudi

Biden's trip to Saudi Arabia is being perceived as part of efforts to stabilise oil markets which have been rattled by the war in Ukraine, by re-engaging with a country that has been a key strategic ally of the United States for decades and a major supplier of oil.

The treatment of journalists will also be a focal point when Biden visits Saudi Arabia. US intelligence believes that the kingdom's crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman, likely approved the killing of Jamal Khashoggi.

Dozens of activists, writers, moderate clerics and economists remain imprisoned for their criticism of Mohammed bin Salman.

Apart from that, oil and energy discussions will likely rule the roost as prices skyrocket due to the Ukraine-Russia conflict.

Energy analysts say drivers shouldn't get their hopes up. If the public is looking for lower gasoline prices after this trip, I think they're bound to be disappointed, said Samantha Gross, director of the energy security and climate initiative at the Brookings Institution.

Israel-Palestine conflict

Biden will then visit Israeli in a bid to broaden the cooperation against Iran.

Israel's caretaker Prime Minister Yair Lapid, who took office less than two weeks ago, has said talks "will focus first and foremost on the issue of Iran."

Israel expanded its regional reach with US backing in 2020, when it formalised ties with the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Morocco -- breakthroughs that came after its peace accord with Jordan, in 1994, and Egypt in 1979.

Biden is expected to visit one of Israel's missile defence installations as he tries to reassure Israelis that the US is committed to the country's protection.

India angle

Even though Biden’s focus will be to strategically realign US interests in West Asia, he will be convening a virtual summit with the leaders of Israel, India and the United Arab Emirates under a new moniker the I2U2.

It might seem like an unlikely collection of countries, but there are hopes for productive collaboration.

Navdeep Suri, a former Indian ambassador to the UAE, told AP news agency that the initiative is intended to bring together Israeli technology, UAE capital and Indian skills.

"We are seeing a churn in the region and for India, it is better to be on the table rather than off the table, he added.

Ned Price, a spokesman for the US State Department, said there's a lot of opportunity for deepening relationships.

(With inputs from agencies)

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&nbsp;

US President Joe Biden landed in the Gulf region on Wednesday to kick start his first trip there since taking office. The president’s first is Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where Biden is expected to meet Mohammed bin Salman on Friday.

US President Joe Biden landed in the Gulf region on Wednesday to kick start his first trip there since taking office. The president’s first is Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, where Biden is expected to meet Mohammed bin Salman on Friday. The meeting is significant considering that the relations between US and Saudi nosedived following the revelations that dissident journalist and US resident Jamal Khashoggi was killed at the best of the prince in 2018. Sticking points between US and Saudi Biden's trip to Saudi Arabia is being perceived as part of efforts to stabilise oil markets which have been rattled by the war in Ukraine, by re-engaging with a country that has been a key strategic ally of the United States for decades and a major supplier of oil. The treatment of journalists will also be a focal point when Biden visits Saudi Arabia. US intelligence believes that the kingdom's crown prince, Mohammed bin Salman, likely approved the killing of Jamal Khashoggi. Dozens of activists, writers, moderate clerics and economists remain imprisoned for their criticism of Mohammed bin Salman. Apart from that, oil and energy discussions will likely rule the roost as prices skyrocket due to the Ukraine-Russia conflict. Energy analysts say drivers shouldn't get their hopes up. If the public is looking for lower gasoline prices after this trip, I think they're bound to be disappointed, said Samantha Gross, director of the energy security and climate initiative at the Brookings Institution. Israel-Palestine conflict Biden will then visit Israeli in a bid to broaden the cooperation against Iran. Israel's caretaker Prime Minister Yair Lapid, who took office less than two weeks ago, has said talks "will focus first and foremost on the issue of Iran." Israel expanded its regional reach with US backing in 2020, when it formalised ties with the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Morocco -- breakthroughs that came after its peace accord with Jordan, in 1994, and Egypt in 1979. Biden is expected to visit one of Israel's missile defence installations as he tries to reassure Israelis that the US is committed to the country's protection. India angle Even though Biden’s focus will be to strategically realign US interests in West Asia, he will be convening a virtual summit with the leaders of Israel, India and the United Arab Emirates under a new moniker the I2U2. It might seem like an unlikely collection of countries, but there are hopes for productive collaboration. Navdeep Suri, a former Indian ambassador to the UAE, told AP news agency that the initiative is intended to bring together Israeli technology, UAE capital and Indian skills. "We are seeing a churn in the region and for India, it is better to be on the table rather than off the table, he added. Ned Price, a spokesman for the US State Department, said there's a lot of opportunity for deepening relationships. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Joe Biden lands in West Asia as US looks for strategic realignment

Three Israeli military commanders have been disciplined after an investigation into the death of a 78-year-old Palestinian-American man who was detained, gagged and handcuffed by Israeli soldiers in a night raid on his village last month.

An autopsy showed that the man, Omar Abdelmajed Assad, died from a stress-induced heart attack brought on by injuries sustained while he was detained for about an hour on Jan. 12 by dozens of Israeli soldiers.

The commander of the Netzah Yehuda, the Jewish ultra-Orthodox battalion which conducted the raid on the village, will be reprimanded and the platoon and company commanders will both be removed from their positions. They will not serve in commanding roles for two years, according to the military.

“The incident showed a clear lapse of moral judgment,” the Israeli military’s chief of general staff said in a statement released late Monday that summed up the conclusions of an investigation by the military’s central command. “The investigation concluded that the incident was a grave and unfortunate event, resulting from a moral failure and poor decision-making on the part of the soldiers.”

The statement, in which Assad’s full name was rendered incorrectly, said the Israeli military deeply regretted his death, but stopped short of apologizing for it.

Assad’s family and human rights groups said the punishments were too light and fit a pattern of impunity for Israelis who kill Palestinians.

“It’s not enough,” said Mohanad Assad, Assad’s 39-year-old cousin. “They need to be tried in international courts.”

The Israeli human rights organization, B’Tselem, has long dismissed Israeli military investigations into the killings of Palestinians as whitewashing.

But the Israeli military has called those allegations “ridiculous” and said it has proved repeatedly that its investigations are independent and professional.

One example of an investigation that critics say reflects a pattern of impunity was linked to the 2014 war between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas in Gaza, when an airstrike killed four boys playing on a beach, prompting international condemnation. An Israeli military investigation resulted in no criminal charges or disciplinary actions against those involved in airstrikes during that war, including the two that killed the boys.

Assad was driving home around 3 a.m. after a night playing cards and drinking coffee at a relative’s house when he was detained near his home in the village of Jiljilya in the occupied West Bank. Immediately after soldiers left the scene, he was found face down and unresponsive with a blindfold still on, according to witnesses and his doctor, who said he died while in Israeli custody.

Initially, the Israeli military said Assad had been alive when he was released.

The soldiers did not identify signs of distress or see anything of concern regarding Assad’s health before they left, according to the investigation, saying they believed he was sleeping. But the investigation found that the “soldiers failed in their obligations by leaving Assad lying on the floor without the required treatment and without reporting the incident back to their commanders.”

His death brought renewed scrutiny on Israel from its closest ally, the United States, which called for a thorough investigation. Assad was a U.S. citizen with children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren living in the United States. His family and several members of Congress have demanded that the United States conduct its own independent investigation.

In addition to the central command’s investigation, a separate criminal investigation by the Israeli military police is still ongoing.

Assad’s autopsy was conducted by the coroner for the Palestinian Authority, which is also conducting its own investigation into Mr. Assad’s death. The authority administers parts of the West Bank but even in Palestinian villages like Jiljilya, Israeli forces regularly carry out raids and operations aimed at thwarting attacks.

Assad’s life and death mirrored the daily perils faced by Palestinians living under Israeli occupation in the West Bank, including the fear of being detained in nighttime raids or arrested at home.

According to the investigation, soldiers were in Jiljilya that morning to thwart terrorist activities and seize weapons and as part of that operation, they stopped Assad’s vehicle. Assad refused to cooperate with their security check.

In response, he was detained with his hands bound and his mouth gagged for a short time, according to the investigation.

Dr. Islam Abu Zaher, who attempted to resuscitate Assad after the Israeli soldiers hurriedly left the village, said his face was blue and had been cut off from oxygen for 15 to 20 minutes.

The central command investigation found that soldiers did not use violence against Assad “apart from when Assad was apprehended after refusing to cooperate.”

These findings contradict a preliminary conclusion from the Palestinian investigation, which determined that he had been “severely beaten” and “subjected to harsh treatment and violence.”

The autopsy found that Assad had bruises on his head as a result of traumatic brain injuries, without concluding what may have caused those injuries. There was also internal bleeding in his eyelids from being blindfolded tightly as well as other bruises on his arms and red welts on his wrists from zip ties.

Another man who was detained by the same soldiers said that as soon as they left, he went to Assad and found him unresponsive. Abu Zaher was immediately called and tried to revive him with CPR and a defibrillator.

Assad had open-heart surgery and several stents implanted about four years ago, according to Abu Zaher. He was also being treated for obstructive pulmonary disease in recent months.

Three Israeli military commanders have been disciplined after an investigation into the death of a 78-year-old Palestinian-American man who was detained, gagged and handcuffed by Israeli soldiers in a night raid on his village last month.

Three Israeli military commanders have been disciplined after an investigation into the death of a 78-year-old Palestinian-American man who was detained, gagged and handcuffed by Israeli soldiers in a night raid on his village last month. An autopsy showed that the man, Omar Abdelmajed Assad, died from a stress-induced heart attack brought on by injuries sustained while he was detained for about an hour on Jan. 12 by dozens of Israeli soldiers. The commander of the Netzah Yehuda, the Jewish ultra-Orthodox battalion which conducted the raid on the village, will be reprimanded and the platoon and company commanders will both be removed from their positions. They will not serve in commanding roles for two years, according to the military. “The incident showed a clear lapse of moral judgment,” the Israeli military’s chief of general staff said in a statement released late Monday that summed up the conclusions of an investigation by the military’s central command. “The investigation concluded that the incident was a grave and unfortunate event, resulting from a moral failure and poor decision-making on the part of the soldiers.” The statement, in which Assad’s full name was rendered incorrectly, said the Israeli military deeply regretted his death, but stopped short of apologizing for it. Assad’s family and human rights groups said the punishments were too light and fit a pattern of impunity for Israelis who kill Palestinians. “It’s not enough,” said Mohanad Assad, Assad’s 39-year-old cousin. “They need to be tried in international courts.” The Israeli human rights organization, B’Tselem, has long dismissed Israeli military investigations into the killings of Palestinians as whitewashing. But the Israeli military has called those allegations “ridiculous” and said it has proved repeatedly that its investigations are independent and professional. One example of an investigation that critics say reflects a pattern of impunity was linked to the 2014 war between Israel and the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas in Gaza, when an airstrike killed four boys playing on a beach, prompting international condemnation. An Israeli military investigation resulted in no criminal charges or disciplinary actions against those involved in airstrikes during that war, including the two that killed the boys. Assad was driving home around 3 a.m. after a night playing cards and drinking coffee at a relative’s house when he was detained near his home in the village of Jiljilya in the occupied West Bank. Immediately after soldiers left the scene, he was found face down and unresponsive with a blindfold still on, according to witnesses and his doctor, who said he died while in Israeli custody. Initially, the Israeli military said Assad had been alive when he was released. The soldiers did not identify signs of distress or see anything of concern regarding Assad’s health before they left, according to the investigation, saying they believed he was sleeping. But the investigation found that the “soldiers failed in their obligations by leaving Assad lying on the floor without the required treatment and without reporting the incident back to their commanders.” His death brought renewed scrutiny on Israel from its closest ally, the United States, which called for a thorough investigation. Assad was a U.S. citizen with children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren living in the United States. His family and several members of Congress have demanded that the United States conduct its own independent investigation. In addition to the central command’s investigation, a separate criminal investigation by the Israeli military police is still ongoing. Assad’s autopsy was conducted by the coroner for the Palestinian Authority, which is also conducting its own investigation into Mr. Assad’s death. The authority administers parts of the West Bank but even in Palestinian villages like Jiljilya, Israeli forces regularly carry out raids and operations aimed at thwarting attacks. Assad’s life and death mirrored the daily perils faced by Palestinians living under Israeli occupation in the West Bank, including the fear of being detained in nighttime raids or arrested at home. According to the investigation, soldiers were in Jiljilya that morning to thwart terrorist activities and seize weapons and as part of that operation, they stopped Assad’s vehicle. Assad refused to cooperate with their security check. In response, he was detained with his hands bound and his mouth gagged for a short time, according to the investigation. Dr. Islam Abu Zaher, who attempted to resuscitate Assad after the Israeli soldiers hurriedly left the village, said his face was blue and had been cut off from oxygen for 15 to 20 minutes. The central command investigation found that soldiers did not use violence against Assad “apart from when Assad was apprehended after refusing to cooperate.” These findings contradict a preliminary conclusion from the Palestinian investigation, which determined that he had been “severely beaten” and “subjected to harsh treatment and violence.” The autopsy found that Assad had bruises on his head as a result of traumatic brain injuries, without concluding what may have caused those injuries. There was also internal bleeding in his eyelids from being blindfolded tightly as well as other bruises on his arms and red welts on his wrists from zip ties. Another man who was detained by the same soldiers said that as soon as they left, he went to Assad and found him unresponsive. Abu Zaher was immediately called and tried to revive him with CPR and a defibrillator. Assad had open-heart surgery and several stents implanted about four years ago, according to Abu Zaher. He was also being treated for obstructive pulmonary disease in recent months.

Israeli commanders disciplined in death of Palestinian-American man

Israel on Sunday announced plans to build more residences for Jewish settlers in the occupied West Bank, drawing immediate condemnation from Palestinians, peace activists and neighbouring Jordan.

The announcement from the housing and construction ministry in right-wing Prime Minister Naftali Bennett's government said tenders had been published for 1,355 homes in the West Bank, which has been occupied by Israel since the 1967 Six-Day War.

Those new homes add to the more than 2,000 residences which defence sources have said in August would be authorised for West Bank settlers.

Final approval is expected from the defence ministry this week for those homes.

Palestinian prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh, speaking at a weekly cabinet meeting, called on world nations, and especially the United States, to "confront" Israel over the "aggression" that settlement construction poses for the Palestinian people.

The Palestinian Authority will be keenly watching for a response from US President Joe Biden's administration, which has said it opposes unilateral Israeli settlement construction as an obstacle to the two-state solution to the conflict.

About 475,000 Israeli Jews live in settlements in the West Bank, which are considered illegal under international law, on land Palestinians claim as part of their future state.

'Wake up'

Jordan, a key Israeli security partner with whom Bennett has sought to improve ties since taking office in June, condemned the announcement as "a violation of international law."

Jordanian foreign ministry spokesman Haitham Abu Al-Ful blasted settlement construction and general "confiscation" of Palestinian land as "illegitimate."

Anti-occupation group Peace Now said Sunday's announcement proved that Bennett's ideologically diverse coalition, which ousted ex-premier Benjamin Netanyahu's pro-settlement government in June, was not "a government of change."

"This government clearly continues Netanyahu's policy of de facto annexation," Peace Now said, calling on Bennett's left-wing governing partners, the Labor and Meretz parties, to "wake up and demand the wild building in settlements cease immediately."

Bennett, the former head of a settler lobby group, opposes Palestinian statehood.

He has ruled out formal peace talks with the Palestinian Authority during his tenure, saying he prefers to focus on economic improvements.

The tenders come after Israel last week gave approval for 4,000 Palestinians to register as residents of the West Bank, the first such move in the Israeli-occupied territory in 12 years.

The new Jewish homes are to be built in seven settlements, according to the statement from the Housing and Construction Ministry.

Israeli settlement expansion in the West Bank and annexed east Jerusalem has continued under every Israeli government since 1967.

However, construction accelerated in the last few years under Netanyahu, with a significant boom during former president Donald Trump's US administration, accused of egregious pro-Israel bias by Palestinians.&nbsp;

Israel on Sunday announced plans to build more residences for Jewish settlers in the occupied West Bank, drawing immediate condemnation from Palestinians, peace activists and neighbouring Jordan.

Israel on Sunday announced plans to build more residences for Jewish settlers in the occupied West Bank, drawing immediate condemnation from Palestinians, peace activists and neighbouring Jordan. The announcement from the housing and construction ministry in right-wing Prime Minister Naftali Bennett's government said tenders had been published for 1,355 homes in the West Bank, which has been occupied by Israel since the 1967 Six-Day War. Those new homes add to the more than 2,000 residences which defence sources have said in August would be authorised for West Bank settlers. Final approval is expected from the defence ministry this week for those homes. Palestinian prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh, speaking at a weekly cabinet meeting, called on world nations, and especially the United States, to "confront" Israel over the "aggression" that settlement construction poses for the Palestinian people. The Palestinian Authority will be keenly watching for a response from US President Joe Biden's administration, which has said it opposes unilateral Israeli settlement construction as an obstacle to the two-state solution to the conflict. About 475,000 Israeli Jews live in settlements in the West Bank, which are considered illegal under international law, on land Palestinians claim as part of their future state. 'Wake up' Jordan, a key Israeli security partner with whom Bennett has sought to improve ties since taking office in June, condemned the announcement as "a violation of international law." Jordanian foreign ministry spokesman Haitham Abu Al-Ful blasted settlement construction and general "confiscation" of Palestinian land as "illegitimate." Anti-occupation group Peace Now said Sunday's announcement proved that Bennett's ideologically diverse coalition, which ousted ex-premier Benjamin Netanyahu's pro-settlement government in June, was not "a government of change." "This government clearly continues Netanyahu's policy of de facto annexation," Peace Now said, calling on Bennett's left-wing governing partners, the Labor and Meretz parties, to "wake up and demand the wild building in settlements cease immediately." Bennett, the former head of a settler lobby group, opposes Palestinian statehood. He has ruled out formal peace talks with the Palestinian Authority during his tenure, saying he prefers to focus on economic improvements. The tenders come after Israel last week gave approval for 4,000 Palestinians to register as residents of the West Bank, the first such move in the Israeli-occupied territory in 12 years. The new Jewish homes are to be built in seven settlements, according to the statement from the Housing and Construction Ministry. Israeli settlement expansion in the West Bank and annexed east Jerusalem has continued under every Israeli government since 1967. However, construction accelerated in the last few years under Netanyahu, with a significant boom during former president Donald Trump's US administration, accused of egregious pro-Israel bias by Palestinians.

Israel to build over new 1,300 W.Bank settler homes

Expressing concern over the recent escalation at the Gaza strip,&nbsp;India's foreign secretary Harsh Shringla on Monday called on all the parties to exercise restraint and maintain ceasefire along the region.

Addressing the United Nations Security Council's (UNSC) monthly meeting on the Middle East Peace Process, he said, "We call on all parties to the conflict to respect the ceasefire and refrain from acts that could exacerbate tensions and worsen the security situation&nbsp;and recognise the efforts made by the UN and regional countries to prevent the renewed hostilities from escalating into another military conflict."

In May this year, a full-blown crisis erupted&nbsp;between Israel and Palestine, which lasted for 11 days. The situation escalated following violence in Jerusalem and the possible eviction of Palestinians from Sheikh Jarrah and Silwan neighbourhoods. Over 250 Palestinians died in Gaza and 10 Israelis died in the rocket firing.

On the current situation in the Palestinian territories, Shringla called for "regular and predictable transfer of aid and other essential items to Gaza to ease the humanitarian situation"&nbsp;and "facilitate early reconstruction, as well as for appropriate use of such aid".&nbsp;

He pointed out that it is "important that the international community support&nbsp;the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip through the Palestinian Authority."&nbsp;

He also took note of the "incremental relaxation of restrictions on the entry of commodities into the Gaza Strip"&nbsp;and urged&nbsp;the parties to work together and ensure timely access to such relief for the Palestinians.

Recently, Israel, Qatar and the United Nations had reached an agreement to transfer cash payments to the "needy Palestinian families" in the Gaza Strip. Under the proposed agreement, around 1,00,000 families would get a monthly cash assistance of $100.

During the address, India asked both parties to "refrain from unilateral measures that undermine the viability of the two-state solution".&nbsp;

In his speech, Shringla noted that the decision by Israel to increase the number of work permits issued to Palestinians will help strengthen both the Palestinian and Israeli economies.

“Further, the recognition of COVID-vaccination certificates issued by the Palestinian Authority and the facilitation of passage of patients from the Gaza Strip to the West Bank are also positive signals,” he said.

During the address, the foreign secretary also reiterated calls for "resumption of direct peace negotiations" and a "long-standing and firm commitment to the establishment of a sovereign, independent, and viable State of Palestine, within secure, recognized, and mutually agreed borders, living side by side with Israel in peace and security".

Foreign secretary Harsh Shringla chaired the meeting as the president of the council. India is the president of the UNSC for the month of August and&nbsp;as the president, it decides the issues that need&nbsp;to be taken up by the council. He will be the president of the top UN body in December 2022.

Expressing concern over the recent escalation at the Gaza strip, India's foreign secretary Harsh Shringla on Monday called on all the parties to exercise restraint and maintain ceasefire along the region.

Expressing concern over the recent escalation at the Gaza strip, India's foreign secretary Harsh Shringla on Monday called on all the parties to exercise restraint and maintain ceasefire along the region. Addressing the United Nations Security Council's (UNSC) monthly meeting on the Middle East Peace Process, he said, "We call on all parties to the conflict to respect the ceasefire and refrain from acts that could exacerbate tensions and worsen the security situation and recognise the efforts made by the UN and regional countries to prevent the renewed hostilities from escalating into another military conflict." In May this year, a full-blown crisis erupted between Israel and Palestine, which lasted for 11 days. The situation escalated following violence in Jerusalem and the possible eviction of Palestinians from Sheikh Jarrah and Silwan neighbourhoods. Over 250 Palestinians died in Gaza and 10 Israelis died in the rocket firing. On the current situation in the Palestinian territories, Shringla called for "regular and predictable transfer of aid and other essential items to Gaza to ease the humanitarian situation" and "facilitate early reconstruction, as well as for appropriate use of such aid". He pointed out that it is "important that the international community support the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip through the Palestinian Authority." He also took note of the "incremental relaxation of restrictions on the entry of commodities into the Gaza Strip" and urged the parties to work together and ensure timely access to such relief for the Palestinians. Recently, Israel, Qatar and the United Nations had reached an agreement to transfer cash payments to the "needy Palestinian families" in the Gaza Strip. Under the proposed agreement, around 1,00,000 families would get a monthly cash assistance of $100. During the address, India asked both parties to "refrain from unilateral measures that undermine the viability of the two-state solution". In his speech, Shringla noted that the decision by Israel to increase the number of work permits issued to Palestinians will help strengthen both the Palestinian and Israeli economies. “Further, the recognition of COVID-vaccination certificates issued by the Palestinian Authority and the facilitation of passage of patients from the Gaza Strip to the West Bank are also positive signals,” he said. During the address, the foreign secretary also reiterated calls for "resumption of direct peace negotiations" and a "long-standing and firm commitment to the establishment of a sovereign, independent, and viable State of Palestine, within secure, recognized, and mutually agreed borders, living side by side with Israel in peace and security". Foreign secretary Harsh Shringla chaired the meeting as the president of the council. India is the president of the UNSC for the month of August and as the president, it decides the issues that need to be taken up by the council. He will be the president of the top UN body in December 2022.

At UNSC, India's foreign secretary calls on Israel and Palestine to exercise restraint

Former prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu last spoke with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas in 2017.

Israel-Palestine: Israel's coalition govt behind the new outreach

Israel's health ministry on Saturday insisted that Covid-19 vaccine doses the Palestinians rejected as about to expire were "completely valid".

On Friday, Palestinian authority called off a deal according to which Israel would provide it 1 million vaccine jabs in exchange for doses from Pfizer that Palestinians are scheduled to receive later this year

PA spokesman Ibrahim Melhem said an initial delivery of some 90,000 Pfizer doses failed to conform "to the specifications contained in the agreement, and accordingly prime minister Mohammad Shtayyeh instructed the minister of health to cancel the agreement".

"The government refuses to receive vaccines that are about to expire," Melhem said, in a statement carried by the official WAFA news agency.

Israeli health ministry said that the vaccines were "completely valid" although the prime minister's office acknowledged Friday that they were "about to expire", without specifying the use-by date

"The Palestinian health ministry received Pfizer vaccines that were valid, with expiration dates that were known, agreed on and that matched the agreement between the two sides," the ministry said.&nbsp;

Israel has launched a sweeping vaccination campaign after obtaining millions of doses of the Pfizer vaccine. 
More than 55 percent of Israel's population -- some 5.1 million people -- have received both doses of the vaccine.

Far fewer Palestinians -- just over 270,000 people -- have received their two doses in the West Bank and Gaza, according to the Palestinian health ministry.

(With inputs from agencies)

Israel's health ministry on Saturday insisted that Covid-19 vaccine doses the Palestinians rejected as about to expire were "completely valid". On Friday, Palestinian authority called off a deal according to which Israel would provide it 1 million vaccine jabs in exchange for doses from Pfizer that Palestinians are scheduled to receive later this year PA spokesman Ibrahim Melhem said an initial delivery of some 90,000 Pfizer doses failed to conform "to the specifications contained in the agreement, and accordingly prime minister Mohammad Shtayyeh instructed the minister of health to cancel the agreement".

Israel's health ministry on Saturday insisted that Covid-19 vaccine doses the Palestinians rejected as about to expire were "completely valid". On Friday, Palestinian authority called off a deal according to which Israel would provide it 1 million vaccine jabs in exchange for doses from Pfizer that Palestinians are scheduled to receive later this year PA spokesman Ibrahim Melhem said an initial delivery of some 90,000 Pfizer doses failed to conform "to the specifications contained in the agreement, and accordingly prime minister Mohammad Shtayyeh instructed the minister of health to cancel the agreement". "The government refuses to receive vaccines that are about to expire," Melhem said, in a statement carried by the official WAFA news agency. Israeli health ministry said that the vaccines were "completely valid" although the prime minister's office acknowledged Friday that they were "about to expire", without specifying the use-by date "The Palestinian health ministry received Pfizer vaccines that were valid, with expiration dates that were known, agreed on and that matched the agreement between the two sides," the ministry said. Israel has launched a sweeping vaccination campaign after obtaining millions of doses of the Pfizer vaccine. More than 55 percent of Israel's population -- some 5.1 million people -- have received both doses of the vaccine. Far fewer Palestinians -- just over 270,000 people -- have received their two doses in the West Bank and Gaza, according to the Palestinian health ministry. (With inputs from agencies)

Vaccine doses Palestinians rejected were 'completely valid': Israel

In May 2021, during holy month of Ramzan, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict flared up again and resulted in huge loss of life, property, infrastructure in Gaza and Israel. Authorities in Gaza estimate that worth tens of millions of dollars worth of damage occurred. The United Nations estimates that more than 72,000 Palestinians were displaced by the fighting. Hamas and Israel agreed on a ceasefire on May 21.

Most of the analysts throughout the world have examined this episode in terms of condemning both Hamas and Israel. The latter in particular, was criticised for what was perceived as disproportionate military action. This disproportionate action by the Israeli state is not new. What is important here is to underline and understand the political message by the Israeli state which it intends to convey through disproportionate action. In the present context it may have been linked to the domestic politics of Israel wherein such retribution against Palestinians was intended to increase the longevity of the political life of the Netanyahu government.

However, far more important factor behind this military adventurism was Israel testing the strength of Abraham Accords signed with UAE and Bahrain.

It also intended to check its growing relationship with Saudi Arabia. Israeli government has initiated informal discussions with Saudi Arabia which are aimed at normalisation of the political relationship between the two countries.

It may be recalled here that earlier, the infamous Sabra and Shatila massacre, Lebanese massacre (1982) tested the peace and friendship treaty between Israel and Egypt (1979)

This time it appeared that the state of Israel became internationally isolated and drew flak from most world leaders and it appeared that there was genuine global sympathy for suffering Palestinians.

This explains why United Nations Human Rights Commission has decided to establish a permanent committee, Commission of Inquiry to investigate the allegation of human rights abuses and war crimes in Israel, Gaza and the West Bank.

However, larger question is still about whether there ever be a 'two-state solution' in the region leading to creation of viable state of Palestine and whether the cycle of violence will end.

It is strange and highly disappointing that global policymakers are looking at the Palestinian issue only from the humanitarian perspective, offering economic and other kinds of support as confirmed by visit of EU envoy Sven Kuhn von Burgsdorff, on 1st June, 2021 &nbsp;to Gaza City for the first time since the ceasefire agreement with Israel. While visiting Gaza, he made a commitment for the reconstruction of parts of Gaza and said, “The reconstruction of Gaza needs several steps, including a unified Palestinian government and the lifting of the 15-year-old Israeli blockade.”

Earlier US President Joe Biden, the liberal icon of the world, made a similar commitment towards rehabilitation and reconstruction of devastated Gaza. He said that he would work through the UN and other international stakeholders “to provide rapid humanitarian assistance and to marshal international support for the people in Gaza and in the Gaza reconstruction efforts"

Such measures are welcome and badly needed but the question remains whether they are sufficient to create permanent peace among Palestine and Israel because while these helping hands are important, they have only reconfirmed the 2nd November, 1917 Balfour Declaration.

It may be recalled here that the Balfour Declaration has made a commitment for the creation of homeland for Jewish people in Palestine while maintaining the social and religious rights of Palestinians.

Since then the Palestinian problem has been projected as a humanitarian crisis which has also been incorporated in the UN Resolution of 242 and 338. Such an approach of international community has traditionally benefitted the Israeli state as it does not uphold the political rights of Palestinians to have their own nation and state.

The time has come for world leaders to provide a political solution by supporting the idea of two nation-states. It is true that Israel is too strong as a state and capable of defending itself, while Arab world is too weak at the moment and Palestinians are increasingly reduced to a defenceless community.

Therefore, neither Palestinians nor the Arab world is in a position to bargain with Israel, thus it is important for India, the emerging global power to become the beacon of hope and courage and trailblaze this noble cause along with other international bodies like United Nations which can help in the creation of Palestinian state.

As humanity is entering a new phase of globalization in the 21st century it is important that this only BLACK DOT from the earth should be removed.

This requires that the major nations of the world Like USA, Russia, Germany, China, Japan, European Union should rise above their narrow national interest and support this just cause for the purpose of ensuring peace, stability in the region and ensuring a good and healthy life for the future generations.

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

In May 2021, during holy month of Ramzan, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict flared up again and resulted in huge loss of life, property, infrastructure in Gaza and Israel.

In May 2021, during holy month of Ramzan, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict flared up again and resulted in huge loss of life, property, infrastructure in Gaza and Israel. Authorities in Gaza estimate that worth tens of millions of dollars worth of damage occurred. The United Nations estimates that more than 72,000 Palestinians were displaced by the fighting. Hamas and Israel agreed on a ceasefire on May 21. Most of the analysts throughout the world have examined this episode in terms of condemning both Hamas and Israel. The latter in particular, was criticised for what was perceived as disproportionate military action. This disproportionate action by the Israeli state is not new. What is important here is to underline and understand the political message by the Israeli state which it intends to convey through disproportionate action. In the present context it may have been linked to the domestic politics of Israel wherein such retribution against Palestinians was intended to increase the longevity of the political life of the Netanyahu government. However, far more important factor behind this military adventurism was Israel testing the strength of Abraham Accords signed with UAE and Bahrain. It also intended to check its growing relationship with Saudi Arabia. Israeli government has initiated informal discussions with Saudi Arabia which are aimed at normalisation of the political relationship between the two countries. It may be recalled here that earlier, the infamous Sabra and Shatila massacre, Lebanese massacre (1982) tested the peace and friendship treaty between Israel and Egypt (1979) This time it appeared that the state of Israel became internationally isolated and drew flak from most world leaders and it appeared that there was genuine global sympathy for suffering Palestinians. This explains why United Nations Human Rights Commission has decided to establish a permanent committee, Commission of Inquiry to investigate the allegation of human rights abuses and war crimes in Israel, Gaza and the West Bank. However, larger question is still about whether there ever be a 'two-state solution' in the region leading to creation of viable state of Palestine and whether the cycle of violence will end. It is strange and highly disappointing that global policymakers are looking at the Palestinian issue only from the humanitarian perspective, offering economic and other kinds of support as confirmed by visit of EU envoy Sven Kuhn von Burgsdorff, on 1st June, 2021 to Gaza City for the first time since the ceasefire agreement with Israel. While visiting Gaza, he made a commitment for the reconstruction of parts of Gaza and said, “The reconstruction of Gaza needs several steps, including a unified Palestinian government and the lifting of the 15-year-old Israeli blockade.” Earlier US President Joe Biden, the liberal icon of the world, made a similar commitment towards rehabilitation and reconstruction of devastated Gaza. He said that he would work through the UN and other international stakeholders “to provide rapid humanitarian assistance and to marshal international support for the people in Gaza and in the Gaza reconstruction efforts" Such measures are welcome and badly needed but the question remains whether they are sufficient to create permanent peace among Palestine and Israel because while these helping hands are important, they have only reconfirmed the 2nd November, 1917 Balfour Declaration. It may be recalled here that the Balfour Declaration has made a commitment for the creation of homeland for Jewish people in Palestine while maintaining the social and religious rights of Palestinians. Since then the Palestinian problem has been projected as a humanitarian crisis which has also been incorporated in the UN Resolution of 242 and 338. Such an approach of international community has traditionally benefitted the Israeli state as it does not uphold the political rights of Palestinians to have their own nation and state. The time has come for world leaders to provide a political solution by supporting the idea of two nation-states. It is true that Israel is too strong as a state and capable of defending itself, while Arab world is too weak at the moment and Palestinians are increasingly reduced to a defenceless community. Therefore, neither Palestinians nor the Arab world is in a position to bargain with Israel, thus it is important for India, the emerging global power to become the beacon of hope and courage and trailblaze this noble cause along with other international bodies like United Nations which can help in the creation of Palestinian state. As humanity is entering a new phase of globalization in the 21st century it is important that this only BLACK DOT from the earth should be removed. This requires that the major nations of the world Like USA, Russia, Germany, China, Japan, European Union should rise above their narrow national interest and support this just cause for the purpose of ensuring peace, stability in the region and ensuring a good and healthy life for the future generations. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Opinion: For just cause of Palestine

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken reaffirmed his support to 'two-state solution' to resolve the Israel-Palestine issue that has been one of the major flashpoints in West Asia. His comment came just days ahead of his visit to the region. Two-state solution refers to the establishment of separate states for Israelis and Arabs in Palestine.

"If there isn't positive change, and particularly if we can't find a way to help Palestinians live with more -- with more dignity and with more hope, this cycle is likely to repeat itself, and that is in no one's interest," Blinken said on ABC News' "This Week."

“Ultimately I think that that hope, that security, that dignity will be found in a Palestinian state,” said Blinken in the course of the interview.Blinken's statement represents a marked shift in USA's stance as compared to that when Donald Trump was the president. Trump administration had cut aid to the Palestinian Authority and issued a Middle East peace plan with strong Israeli backing but no support from Palestinians.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-official-demands-access-to-education-jobs-for-gaza-children-386941">UN official demands access to education, jobs for Gaza children</a>

However, the two-state solution is a long-time US goal.

The top US diplomat emphasized the need to provide humanitarian aid to Palestinians while beginning a major effort at reconstruction.

The State Department announced Thursday that Blinken will travel to the Middle East "in the coming days", with plans to meet with Israeli, Palestinian and regional counterparts.

Israel and Hamas have agreed upon a ceasefire just days ago. The ceasefire ended 11 days of mutual bombardment that took lives on both sides.

'Something more positive'

Saying the ceasefire would help mark a pivot from violence to "something more positive," he added, "That has to start now with dealing with the grave humanitarian situation in Gaza.

"Then reconstruction, rebuilding what's been lost, and critically, engaging both sides in trying to start to make real improvements" in people's lives.

He was asked on ABC how the Biden administration could ensure that aid would go to ordinary Palestinians and not help the Hamas militants who launched thousands of rockets at Israel.

"We've worked in the past and we continue to work with trusted, independent parties that can help do the reconstruction and the development, not some quasi- government authority," he said.&nbsp;

"The real challenge here is to help the Palestinians and particularly to help the Palestinian Authority deliver better results for their people, and of course, Israel has a profound role to play in that too."&nbsp;

Israel's response to the Hamas rocket barrages has drawn sharp criticism from some liberal members of the US Congress who have questioned American arms sales to the Jewish state.&nbsp;

Asked about that, Blinken replied, "The president has been clear we're committed to giving Israel the means to defend itself... At the same time, any arms sale will be done in full consultation in Congress."

(With inputs from agencies)

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken reaffirmed his support to 'two-state solution' to resolve the Israel-Palestine issue that has been one of the major flashpoints in West Asia.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken reaffirmed his support to 'two-state solution' to resolve the Israel-Palestine issue that has been one of the major flashpoints in West Asia. His comment came just days ahead of his visit to the region. Two-state solution refers to the establishment of separate states for Israelis and Arabs in Palestine. "If there isn't positive change, and particularly if we can't find a way to help Palestinians live with more -- with more dignity and with more hope, this cycle is likely to repeat itself, and that is in no one's interest," Blinken said on ABC News' "This Week." “Ultimately I think that that hope, that security, that dignity will be found in a Palestinian state,” said Blinken in the course of the interview.Blinken's statement represents a marked shift in USA's stance as compared to that when Donald Trump was the president. Trump administration had cut aid to the Palestinian Authority and issued a Middle East peace plan with strong Israeli backing but no support from Palestinians. Also Read | UN official demands access to education, jobs for Gaza children However, the two-state solution is a long-time US goal. The top US diplomat emphasized the need to provide humanitarian aid to Palestinians while beginning a major effort at reconstruction. The State Department announced Thursday that Blinken will travel to the Middle East "in the coming days", with plans to meet with Israeli, Palestinian and regional counterparts. Israel and Hamas have agreed upon a ceasefire just days ago. The ceasefire ended 11 days of mutual bombardment that took lives on both sides. 'Something more positive' Saying the ceasefire would help mark a pivot from violence to "something more positive," he added, "That has to start now with dealing with the grave humanitarian situation in Gaza. "Then reconstruction, rebuilding what's been lost, and critically, engaging both sides in trying to start to make real improvements" in people's lives. He was asked on ABC how the Biden administration could ensure that aid would go to ordinary Palestinians and not help the Hamas militants who launched thousands of rockets at Israel. "We've worked in the past and we continue to work with trusted, independent parties that can help do the reconstruction and the development, not some quasi- government authority," he said. "The real challenge here is to help the Palestinians and particularly to help the Palestinian Authority deliver better results for their people, and of course, Israel has a profound role to play in that too." Israel's response to the Hamas rocket barrages has drawn sharp criticism from some liberal members of the US Congress who have questioned American arms sales to the Jewish state. Asked about that, Blinken replied, "The president has been clear we're committed to giving Israel the means to defend itself... At the same time, any arms sale will be done in full consultation in Congress." (With inputs from agencies)

Antony Blinken reaffirms support for 'two-state solution' ahead of West Asia visit

The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas after 11 days of deadly hostilities is a welcome step for the innocent people suffering casualties in the crossfire, provided all sides observe this ceasefire judiciously. The Israel- Palestine struggle is one of the oldest struggles in the world with Israeli occupation of West Bank and Gaza Strip 53 years back, interspersed with wars and conflicts at varying scale intermittently, with no signs of a permanent peaceful solution so far.

This truce after the latest round of fighting, like previous wars, has ended inconclusively, with Israel claiming heavy damage to Hamas, but unable to stop their rockets (killing 12 Israelis and over 200 injured). Hamas also claims victory, despite heavy casualties (230 Palestinians killed, over 1900 injured), facing challenges of rebuilding Gaza, poor confidence with troubled population (58000 Palestinians fled their homes) already suffering poverty due to coronavirus pandemic. &nbsp;

Gaza is controlled by Hamas (post-Israeli disengagement in 2005), which also operates militant wing and West Bank with 167 enclaves of Palestinians are governed by Fatah (claiming to represent erstwhile Palestinians Liberation Organisation) amidst 230 Israeli settlements governed by Israel.

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/opinion-israel-palestine-where-is-the-conflict-heading-385830">Israel-Palestine: Where is the conflict heading?</a>

Both factions (Hamas and Fatah) have different ideologies and differences, but form a Palestinian Unity Government under President Mahmoud Abbas since 2014, negotiating peace through Quartet (US, Russia, EU and UN). The competing claims to Jerusalem, which is crucial to Christians, Jews and Palestinians is the heart of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and have repeatedly triggered incidences of violence in the past, like the present one.&nbsp;

Trigger for Current Crisis &nbsp; &nbsp;

The renewed violence started on 6 May, when Palestinian protests began over an anticipated decision of the Supreme Court of Israel (Yet to be announced), on the eviction of six Palestinian families from Sheikh Jarrah, a neighborhood of occupied East Jerusalem, resulting increasing skirmishes between Israelis and Palestinians in the Old City of Jerusalem.

On May 8, Palestinian Muslims streamed to the Haram al-Sharif for Ramadan prayers, in large numbers to mark the revelation of the Qur’an to the Prophet Muhammad, considered not only the most sacred night of Ramazan, but of the whole Islamic calendar. Simultaneously, some Israeli Jews were gathering ahead of Jerusalem Day (May 10) marking Jewish control over the Old City of Jerusalem secured during the 1967 war.&nbsp;

The focal point of those celebrations is the Western Wall of the Temple Mount (the holiest site in Judaism), the same elevated platform that Muslims call the Haram al-Sharif.

Israeli police stormed the compound of the al-Aqsa Mosque, the third-holiest site in Islam and the confrontations occurred resulting more than 300 people injured, mostly Palestinians. Closure of Damascus gate was another irritant. This resulted a barrage of rockets fired by Hamas on Israel, responded by repeated air attacks by Israel on Gaza, along with other arsenal, causing heavy destruction and casualties, which continued for last 11 days. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Internal Dynamics &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;

This confrontation has happened at a time when there is political crises in Israel and the Palestinian Authority (PA). Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel recently failed to put together a ruling coalition even after the fourth round of elections in just two years; hence lacks a popular mandate.&nbsp;

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, whose term expired 12 years ago also lacks popular mandate. He recently cancelled legislative elections, after his party was trailing badly in the polls.

With leaders on both sides lacking legitimacy any peace talks regarding such complex situation may have little chances of success, with a risk of reckless action by either. Moreover, the Arab population in Israel was also on streets and incidences of lynching may have potential to ignite if pending Supreme Court decision is one-sided. The Hezbollah also came out in support of Hamas further adding complexity to the problem. The truce therefore is quite fragile.&nbsp;

International Reaction &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

During UNSC resolutions USA found itself isolated in backing Israel. It was therefore in tight spot to broker peace amidst growing pressure against Israel seen to be using excessive force.

It also needs to be noted that after erstwhile US President Trump recognised Jerusalem as capital of Israel, he shifted US embassy there and offered an unviable peace solution, which was rejected by PA, but &nbsp;Prime Minister Netanyahu seems to have assumed that entire Jerusalem belongs to Israel and others need to slowly vacate it.

This is disastrous because from historic and religious point of view Jerusalem is non-negotiable to &nbsp;Christians, Jews and Palestinians, who coexist there since ages. &nbsp;

International community although recognises Israel’s right to defend itself, but not at the cost of pulverising civil areas of Gaza, causing heavy civil casualties, even if it accuses Hamas of basing itself amidst population (a tactic adopted by most terrorist groups in the world).&nbsp;

As per UN, the truce seemed to be brokered by Egypt and Qatar (normally accused of supporting Shia-based Hamas, along with Iran). What is grossly different this time was over-reaction by Erdogan, trying to pose himself as new leader of Islamic world and Pakistan with loud voices against Israel.

This confrontation happened when Israel was improving relations with some countries of Arab world, which may suffer a temporary setback due to their objection to Israeli actions on the Haram al-Sharif. Most Arab states otherwise are hostile to Hamas, and differentiate well between the Palestinian people and the Hamas fighters.&nbsp;

Future Peace Prospects

Fed up of insecurities, In 2007, according to a number of polls, the majority of Israelis and Palestinians, prefer the two-state solution over any other solution, as a means of resolving the conflict, which was initiated in Oslo Accords in 1993-95. With complexities of entanglement of 167 Palestinian enclaves embedded in 203 Israeli settlements and related governance issues, it's not really practical that it may be possible for Israel to agree to vacate West Bank.

I don’t visualise any Israeli leadership ever agreeing to such a proposal. Same is the case with Jerusalem. Any attempt to push out any one religious community from its religious site is bound to have serious backlash. Peaceful coexistence may not be preferred option but seems to be the only practical option.&nbsp;

There is also a possibility of outside peace spoilers like Erdogan igniting religious disharmony, which must be curbed by both the parties and Quartet.

There have been some voices from Palestinians expecting Indian mediation as India has good relations with Israel as well as Palestine, but the issue is so complex and sensitive that current Indian policy of maintaining independent relations with both with no interference in internal affairs of either, may be the best policy for India.

Considering all the factors, the current truce is a welcome step, but its longevity is questionable in light of political uncertainties both sides and mistrust between communities.

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas after 11 days of deadly hostilities is a welcome step for the innocent people suffering casualties in the crossfire, provided all sides observe this ceasefire judiciously.

The ceasefire between Israel and Hamas after 11 days of deadly hostilities is a welcome step for the innocent people suffering casualties in the crossfire, provided all sides observe this ceasefire judiciously. The Israel- Palestine struggle is one of the oldest struggles in the world with Israeli occupation of West Bank and Gaza Strip 53 years back, interspersed with wars and conflicts at varying scale intermittently, with no signs of a permanent peaceful solution so far. This truce after the latest round of fighting, like previous wars, has ended inconclusively, with Israel claiming heavy damage to Hamas, but unable to stop their rockets (killing 12 Israelis and over 200 injured). Hamas also claims victory, despite heavy casualties (230 Palestinians killed, over 1900 injured), facing challenges of rebuilding Gaza, poor confidence with troubled population (58000 Palestinians fled their homes) already suffering poverty due to coronavirus pandemic. Gaza is controlled by Hamas (post-Israeli disengagement in 2005), which also operates militant wing and West Bank with 167 enclaves of Palestinians are governed by Fatah (claiming to represent erstwhile Palestinians Liberation Organisation) amidst 230 Israeli settlements governed by Israel. Also Read: Israel-Palestine: Where is the conflict heading? Both factions (Hamas and Fatah) have different ideologies and differences, but form a Palestinian Unity Government under President Mahmoud Abbas since 2014, negotiating peace through Quartet (US, Russia, EU and UN). The competing claims to Jerusalem, which is crucial to Christians, Jews and Palestinians is the heart of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and have repeatedly triggered incidences of violence in the past, like the present one. Trigger for Current Crisis The renewed violence started on 6 May, when Palestinian protests began over an anticipated decision of the Supreme Court of Israel (Yet to be announced), on the eviction of six Palestinian families from Sheikh Jarrah, a neighborhood of occupied East Jerusalem, resulting increasing skirmishes between Israelis and Palestinians in the Old City of Jerusalem. On May 8, Palestinian Muslims streamed to the Haram al-Sharif for Ramadan prayers, in large numbers to mark the revelation of the Qur’an to the Prophet Muhammad, considered not only the most sacred night of Ramazan, but of the whole Islamic calendar. Simultaneously, some Israeli Jews were gathering ahead of Jerusalem Day (May 10) marking Jewish control over the Old City of Jerusalem secured during the 1967 war. The focal point of those celebrations is the Western Wall of the Temple Mount (the holiest site in Judaism), the same elevated platform that Muslims call the Haram al-Sharif. Israeli police stormed the compound of the al-Aqsa Mosque, the third-holiest site in Islam and the confrontations occurred resulting more than 300 people injured, mostly Palestinians. Closure of Damascus gate was another irritant. This resulted a barrage of rockets fired by Hamas on Israel, responded by repeated air attacks by Israel on Gaza, along with other arsenal, causing heavy destruction and casualties, which continued for last 11 days. Internal Dynamics This confrontation has happened at a time when there is political crises in Israel and the Palestinian Authority (PA). Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel recently failed to put together a ruling coalition even after the fourth round of elections in just two years; hence lacks a popular mandate. Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, whose term expired 12 years ago also lacks popular mandate. He recently cancelled legislative elections, after his party was trailing badly in the polls. With leaders on both sides lacking legitimacy any peace talks regarding such complex situation may have little chances of success, with a risk of reckless action by either. Moreover, the Arab population in Israel was also on streets and incidences of lynching may have potential to ignite if pending Supreme Court decision is one-sided. The Hezbollah also came out in support of Hamas further adding complexity to the problem. The truce therefore is quite fragile. International Reaction During UNSC resolutions USA found itself isolated in backing Israel. It was therefore in tight spot to broker peace amidst growing pressure against Israel seen to be using excessive force. It also needs to be noted that after erstwhile US President Trump recognised Jerusalem as capital of Israel, he shifted US embassy there and offered an unviable peace solution, which was rejected by PA, but Prime Minister Netanyahu seems to have assumed that entire Jerusalem belongs to Israel and others need to slowly vacate it. This is disastrous because from historic and religious point of view Jerusalem is non-negotiable to Christians, Jews and Palestinians, who coexist there since ages. International community although recognises Israel’s right to defend itself, but not at the cost of pulverising civil areas of Gaza, causing heavy civil casualties, even if it accuses Hamas of basing itself amidst population (a tactic adopted by most terrorist groups in the world). As per UN, the truce seemed to be brokered by Egypt and Qatar (normally accused of supporting Shia-based Hamas, along with Iran). What is grossly different this time was over-reaction by Erdogan, trying to pose himself as new leader of Islamic world and Pakistan with loud voices against Israel. This confrontation happened when Israel was improving relations with some countries of Arab world, which may suffer a temporary setback due to their objection to Israeli actions on the Haram al-Sharif. Most Arab states otherwise are hostile to Hamas, and differentiate well between the Palestinian people and the Hamas fighters. Future Peace Prospects Fed up of insecurities, In 2007, according to a number of polls, the majority of Israelis and Palestinians, prefer the two-state solution over any other solution, as a means of resolving the conflict, which was initiated in Oslo Accords in 1993-95. With complexities of entanglement of 167 Palestinian enclaves embedded in 203 Israeli settlements and related governance issues, it's not really practical that it may be possible for Israel to agree to vacate West Bank. I don’t visualise any Israeli leadership ever agreeing to such a proposal. Same is the case with Jerusalem. Any attempt to push out any one religious community from its religious site is bound to have serious backlash. Peaceful coexistence may not be preferred option but seems to be the only practical option. There is also a possibility of outside peace spoilers like Erdogan igniting religious disharmony, which must be curbed by both the parties and Quartet. There have been some voices from Palestinians expecting Indian mediation as India has good relations with Israel as well as Palestine, but the issue is so complex and sensitive that current Indian policy of maintaining independent relations with both with no interference in internal affairs of either, may be the best policy for India. Considering all the factors, the current truce is a welcome step, but its longevity is questionable in light of political uncertainties both sides and mistrust between communities. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Opinion: How different is Israel-Hamas ceasefire this time?

Hungary Foreign Minister &nbsp;Peter Szijjarto slammed what he called the European Union's 'one-sided' statement on Israel. His comments camem even as his European counterparts called for a ceasefire between Israel and Palestinians

"I have a general problem with these European statements on Israel... These are usually very much one-sided, and these statements do not help, especially not under current circumstances, when the tension is so high," Szijjarto told AFP in an interview.

On Tuesday, EU foreign police chief Josep Borrell appealed for implementation of a ceasefire.

"The priority is the immediate cessation of all violence and the implementation of a ceasefire," Borrell said after a video conference of EU foreign ministers, adding the statement was backed by all the bloc's member states except Hungary.&nbsp;

Szijjarto himself did not attend the meeting. Hungary has recently used its veto power to block EU statements on China.

In the interview with AFP, Szijjarto insisted that blocking decisions "is a right of every country in the European Union".

"EU diplomacy should not consist only of judgements, negative statements and sanctions," he said.

"So I think less judgement, less lecturing, less criticism, less interference and more pragmatic cooperation could give back a lot of strength to the European Union."

Israel's intense bombing campaign has killed 213 Palestinians, including 61 children, and wounded more than 1,400 people in Gaza in more than a week of fighting against Islamist group Hamas, according to the health ministry in Gaza.

The death toll on the Israeli side rose to 12 on Tuesday when a volley of rockets Hamas fired at the southern Eshkol region killed two Thai nationals working in a factory and wounded several others.

(With inputs from agencies)

Hungary Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto slammed what he called the European Union's 'one-sided' statement on Israel. His comments camem even as his European counterparts called for a ceasefire between Israel and Palestinians "I have a general problem with these European statements on Israel.

Hungary Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto slammed what he called the European Union's 'one-sided' statement on Israel. His comments camem even as his European counterparts called for a ceasefire between Israel and Palestinians "I have a general problem with these European statements on Israel... These are usually very much one-sided, and these statements do not help, especially not under current circumstances, when the tension is so high," Szijjarto told AFP in an interview. On Tuesday, EU foreign police chief Josep Borrell appealed for implementation of a ceasefire. "The priority is the immediate cessation of all violence and the implementation of a ceasefire," Borrell said after a video conference of EU foreign ministers, adding the statement was backed by all the bloc's member states except Hungary. Szijjarto himself did not attend the meeting. Hungary has recently used its veto power to block EU statements on China. In the interview with AFP, Szijjarto insisted that blocking decisions "is a right of every country in the European Union". "EU diplomacy should not consist only of judgements, negative statements and sanctions," he said. "So I think less judgement, less lecturing, less criticism, less interference and more pragmatic cooperation could give back a lot of strength to the European Union." Israel's intense bombing campaign has killed 213 Palestinians, including 61 children, and wounded more than 1,400 people in Gaza in more than a week of fighting against Islamist group Hamas, according to the health ministry in Gaza. The death toll on the Israeli side rose to 12 on Tuesday when a volley of rockets Hamas fired at the southern Eshkol region killed two Thai nationals working in a factory and wounded several others. (With inputs from agencies)

Hungary foreign minister slams EU for 'one-sided' statements on Israel

The violence between Israel and Hamas has intensified in the past eight days and is showing no signs of abating despite regular diplomatic efforts to bring about a ceasefire.&nbsp;

According to Israeli media, Hamas has fired over 3,350 rockets from Gaza — 200 on Monday alone — and that Israeli strikes have killed at least 130 militants.&nbsp; 
 
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/under-pressure-biden-works-for-ceasefire-in-israel-gaza-violence-385746">Under pressure, Biden works for ceasefire in Israel-Gaza violence&nbsp;</a>

The death toll in Gaza has crossed 200 — including 61 children and 36 women — while 12 people have died in Israel — including two children and including two Thai nationals working in a factory.

Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan has said the Israel-Gaza conflict is pushing the whole region "in the wrong direction,".

"This all pushes us absolutely in the wrong direction. It means that we are making a path toward a sustainable peace more difficult," bin Farhan told AFP, as the international community steps up its diplomatic efforts to push for de-escalation. 
 
Gravitas: Hamas and the politics of Palestine

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The conflict is "empowering the extremists," he added.

"It empowers the most intolerant voices in our region and makes (finding) a path to real peace harder," he added, speaking on the sideline of summits in France on Sudan and Africa.

"We have to all work together to encourage all the parties to engage (seriously), he said. "First of all, to de-escalate, to stop the violence and then to engage in serious peace talks toward a final settlement."

That final settlement "must include a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital," Saudi Arabia's top diplomat stressed. 
 
In pictures:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pictures-indonesia-backs-gaza-as-israel-pounds-back-385787">Indonesia backs Gaza as Israel pounds back</a>

Israel's near-relentless bombing campaign has killed 217 Palestinians, including 63 children, and wounded more than 1,400 people in just over a week in the Hamas-run enclave, according to Gaza's health ministry.

The death toll on the Israeli side rose to 12 when a volley of rockets Hamas fired at the southern Eshkol region killed two Thai nationals working in a factory and wounded several others, police said.

"Our key priority is to reinitiate peace talks between Palestinians and Israelis," bin Farhan said.

"This is the only path to a sustainable peace."

Saudi Arabia has no official relations with Israel.

(With inputs from agencies)

The violence between Israel and Hamas has intensified in the past eight days and is showing no signs of abating despite regular diplomatic efforts to bring about a ceasefire.

The violence between Israel and Hamas has intensified in the past eight days and is showing no signs of abating despite regular diplomatic efforts to bring about a ceasefire. According to Israeli media, Hamas has fired over 3,350 rockets from Gaza — 200 on Monday alone — and that Israeli strikes have killed at least 130 militants. Also read: Under pressure, Biden works for ceasefire in Israel-Gaza violence The death toll in Gaza has crossed 200 — including 61 children and 36 women — while 12 people have died in Israel — including two children and including two Thai nationals working in a factory. Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan has said the Israel-Gaza conflict is pushing the whole region "in the wrong direction,". "This all pushes us absolutely in the wrong direction. It means that we are making a path toward a sustainable peace more difficult," bin Farhan told AFP, as the international community steps up its diplomatic efforts to push for de-escalation. Gravitas: Hamas and the politics of Palestine The conflict is "empowering the extremists," he added. "It empowers the most intolerant voices in our region and makes (finding) a path to real peace harder," he added, speaking on the sideline of summits in France on Sudan and Africa. "We have to all work together to encourage all the parties to engage (seriously), he said. "First of all, to de-escalate, to stop the violence and then to engage in serious peace talks toward a final settlement." That final settlement "must include a Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital," Saudi Arabia's top diplomat stressed. In pictures: Indonesia backs Gaza as Israel pounds back Israel's near-relentless bombing campaign has killed 217 Palestinians, including 63 children, and wounded more than 1,400 people in just over a week in the Hamas-run enclave, according to Gaza's health ministry. The death toll on the Israeli side rose to 12 when a volley of rockets Hamas fired at the southern Eshkol region killed two Thai nationals working in a factory and wounded several others, police said. "Our key priority is to reinitiate peace talks between Palestinians and Israelis," bin Farhan said. "This is the only path to a sustainable peace." Saudi Arabia has no official relations with Israel. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel-Hamas conflict pushing region in 'wrong direction': Saudi Arabia calls for end to violence

Videos of rockets raining on Israel often have blaring sound of sirens in the background. These sirens are part of Israel's air raid siren system. Alarms go off every time a rocket from Gaza is fired towards Israel.&nbsp;

These alarms are placed across the country. Some go off automatically, some are manually controlled. Every time an Israeli hears a siren, he or she is expected to follow certain protocols. This includes rushing to safe rooms and bomb shelters.

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&nbsp;

Israel is bombarding the Gaza strip. And Hamas is raining rockets into Israel.&nbsp;

Israel's air sirens are unusual, but not unique. Most towns worldover had similar air raid sirens. During World War II, these alarms warned of approaching enemy bombers.&nbsp;

In fact, it was the British who introduced the alarm system in this region. It was then called Palestine and was under British rule. Post-1948, the alarm system was expanded by the newborn state of Israel. The alarms were upgraded as recently as 2019.

Israelis call these sirens 'Azaka'. It means alarm.

When an Israeli hears a siren, he or she has a minute to rush to a 'Mamad' or safe room. The siren stops blaring after the incoming rocket is intercepted. But residents are expected to stay in safe rooms for another couple of minutes. This is to avoid being hit by falling shrapnel. After the window period lapses, they can get back to what they were doing.

What if an alarm goes off when an Israeli citizen is outdoors? He or she must run to a nearby building. If that's not an option then the person has to lie down on the ground and cover their heads with hands.

If the siren goes off when a person is driving, Israelis are expected to pull over, leave the car, and rush to a shelter.

When a train pilot hears a siren, the train slows down to 30 miles per hour. And passengers are expected to bend their head and cover it with their hands.

Today, Israel uses a multi-touchpoint siren system. The warning is simultaneously broadcast over TV, the radio, and apps. Mobile applications provide real-time alerts, and information about the nature and location of the siren.

Our correspondent in Israel&nbsp;ran us through one such app while taking refuge in a safe room following a siren.&nbsp;

 
Today, safe rooms are mandatory in every building in Israel. But in Gaza, there is no such rule. There is nowhere people can run. There are also no air raid sirens, or safe houses.

Gaza is tiny with just 365 square kilometres of area. It has population of 2 million people. This strip is one of the world's most densely populated. And every time a bomb drops on Gaza, it risks every soul living there. 
&nbsp;

Videos of rockets raining on Israel often have blaring sound of sirens in the background. These sirens are part of Israel's air raid siren system. Alarms go off every time a rocket from Gaza is fired towards Israel.

Videos of rockets raining on Israel often have blaring sound of sirens in the background. These sirens are part of Israel's air raid siren system. Alarms go off every time a rocket from Gaza is fired towards Israel. These alarms are placed across the country. Some go off automatically, some are manually controlled. Every time an Israeli hears a siren, he or she is expected to follow certain protocols. This includes rushing to safe rooms and bomb shelters. × Israel is bombarding the Gaza strip. And Hamas is raining rockets into Israel. Israel's air sirens are unusual, but not unique. Most towns worldover had similar air raid sirens. During World War II, these alarms warned of approaching enemy bombers. In fact, it was the British who introduced the alarm system in this region. It was then called Palestine and was under British rule. Post-1948, the alarm system was expanded by the newborn state of Israel. The alarms were upgraded as recently as 2019. Israelis call these sirens 'Azaka'. It means alarm. When an Israeli hears a siren, he or she has a minute to rush to a 'Mamad' or safe room. The siren stops blaring after the incoming rocket is intercepted. But residents are expected to stay in safe rooms for another couple of minutes. This is to avoid being hit by falling shrapnel. After the window period lapses, they can get back to what they were doing. What if an alarm goes off when an Israeli citizen is outdoors? He or she must run to a nearby building. If that's not an option then the person has to lie down on the ground and cover their heads with hands. If the siren goes off when a person is driving, Israelis are expected to pull over, leave the car, and rush to a shelter. When a train pilot hears a siren, the train slows down to 30 miles per hour. And passengers are expected to bend their head and cover it with their hands. Today, Israel uses a multi-touchpoint siren system. The warning is simultaneously broadcast over TV, the radio, and apps. Mobile applications provide real-time alerts, and information about the nature and location of the siren. Our correspondent in Israel ran us through one such app while taking refuge in a safe room following a siren. Today, safe rooms are mandatory in every building in Israel. But in Gaza, there is no such rule. There is nowhere people can run. There are also no air raid sirens, or safe houses. Gaza is tiny with just 365 square kilometres of area. It has population of 2 million people. This strip is one of the world's most densely populated. And every time a bomb drops on Gaza, it risks every soul living there.

This is how Israel protects its citizens from rocket attacks

The UN General Assembly will hold an in-person debate on the Israeli-Palestinian clashes at 1400 GMT on Thursday, assembly spokesman Brenden Varma said.

US blocks third draft UN statement on Israel-Gaza violence

Russia President Vladmir Putin on Tuesday (May 18) called for an end to Israel-Gaza violence. He mentioned that there were large amounts of civilian victims.

Israel bombarded Gaza with air strikes and Palestinian militants resumed cross-border rocket fire on Tuesday after a brief overnight lull during which the U.N. sent a small fuel convoy into the enclave, where it says 52,000 people are now displaced.

Israel has given no indication of de-escalation as the country's leaders said they would press on, for now with an offensive in order to destroy capabilities of Hamas and Islamic Jihad. United Nations and other world powers for an end to the violence.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russia President Vladmir Putin on Tuesday (May 18) called for an end to Israel-Gaza violence. He mentioned that there were large amounts of civilian victims. Israel bombarded Gaza with air strikes and Palestinian militants resumed cross-border rocket fire on Tuesday after a brief overnight lull during which the U.

Russia President Vladmir Putin on Tuesday (May 18) called for an end to Israel-Gaza violence. He mentioned that there were large amounts of civilian victims. Israel bombarded Gaza with air strikes and Palestinian militants resumed cross-border rocket fire on Tuesday after a brief overnight lull during which the U.N. sent a small fuel convoy into the enclave, where it says 52,000 people are now displaced. Israel has given no indication of de-escalation as the country's leaders said they would press on, for now with an offensive in order to destroy capabilities of Hamas and Islamic Jihad. United Nations and other world powers for an end to the violence. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel-Palestine conflict: Putin calls for an end to violence

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Monday the US had requested "details" and a "justification" from Israel for an air strike on a Gaza building housing international media outlets.

US asks Israel for 'justification' for strike on media building

The 15-member U.N. Security Council met publicly for the first time on Sunday over the flare-up in the conflict between Israel and the Palestinians.

UNGA to meet over Israel-Palestine violence on May 20

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken discussed the violence in Israel, the West Bank and Gaza in phone calls with the Qatari, Egyptian and Saudi foreign ministers, the State Department said on Sunday.

Blinken discusses Gaza in calls with Qatari, Egyptian, Saudi foreign ministers

The United States told United Nations Security Council (UNSC) that it had made clear to Israel and the Palestinians that it was prepared to offer support "should the parties seek a ceasefire".

"The United States has been working tirelessly through diplomatic channels to try to bring an end to this conflict," U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Linda Thomas-Greenfield told the 15-member council. "Because we believe Israelis and Palestinians equally have a right to live in safety and security."&nbsp;

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday told UNSC that Israel's campaign in Hamas-run Gaza was continuing at "full force"

USA - a strong ally of Israel - has been isolated at the United Nations over its objection to a public statement by the Security Council on the worst violence between Israel and the Palestinians in years because it worries it could harm behind-the-scenes diplomacy.

"We call upon the U.S. to shoulder its responsibilities, take a just position, and together with most of the international community support the Security Council in easing the situation," said Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who chaired Sunday's meeting because China is president for May.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the United Nations is "actively engaging all sides toward an immediate ceasefire" and called on them "to allow mediation efforts to intensify and succeed."

'Take&nbsp;action&nbsp;NOW'

The truce efforts by Egypt, Qatar and the United Nations have so far offered no sign of progress. The United States sent an envoy to the region and President Joe Biden spoke with Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Saturday.

"In all these engagements with Israeli officials, the Palestinian Authority, and all regional partners, the United States has made clear that we are prepared to lend our support and good offices should the parties seek a ceasefire," Thomas-Greenfield said.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry told the Security Council that "concessions must be made as a price to be paid for peace so as to spare people from paying the heavy price of war."

The death toll in Gaza jumped to 188 overnight, including 55 children, amid an intensive Israeli air and artillery barrage since the fighting erupted last Monday. Ten people have been killed in Israel, including two children, in thousands of rocket attacks by Hamas and other militant groups.

"Each time Israel hears a foreign leader speak of its right to defend itself it is further emboldened to continue murdering entire families in their sleep," Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al-Malki told the Security Council.

(With inputs from agecies)

The United States told United Nations Security Council (UNSC) that it had made clear to Israel and the Palestinians that it was prepared to offer support "should the parties seek a ceasefire".

The United States told United Nations Security Council (UNSC) that it had made clear to Israel and the Palestinians that it was prepared to offer support "should the parties seek a ceasefire". "The United States has been working tirelessly through diplomatic channels to try to bring an end to this conflict," U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Linda Thomas-Greenfield told the 15-member council. "Because we believe Israelis and Palestinians equally have a right to live in safety and security." Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday told UNSC that Israel's campaign in Hamas-run Gaza was continuing at "full force" USA - a strong ally of Israel - has been isolated at the United Nations over its objection to a public statement by the Security Council on the worst violence between Israel and the Palestinians in years because it worries it could harm behind-the-scenes diplomacy. "We call upon the U.S. to shoulder its responsibilities, take a just position, and together with most of the international community support the Security Council in easing the situation," said Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who chaired Sunday's meeting because China is president for May. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the United Nations is "actively engaging all sides toward an immediate ceasefire" and called on them "to allow mediation efforts to intensify and succeed." 'Take action NOW' The truce efforts by Egypt, Qatar and the United Nations have so far offered no sign of progress. The United States sent an envoy to the region and President Joe Biden spoke with Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Saturday. "In all these engagements with Israeli officials, the Palestinian Authority, and all regional partners, the United States has made clear that we are prepared to lend our support and good offices should the parties seek a ceasefire," Thomas-Greenfield said. Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry told the Security Council that "concessions must be made as a price to be paid for peace so as to spare people from paying the heavy price of war." The death toll in Gaza jumped to 188 overnight, including 55 children, amid an intensive Israeli air and artillery barrage since the fighting erupted last Monday. Ten people have been killed in Israel, including two children, in thousands of rocket attacks by Hamas and other militant groups. "Each time Israel hears a foreign leader speak of its right to defend itself it is further emboldened to continue murdering entire families in their sleep," Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al-Malki told the Security Council. (With inputs from agecies)

Ready to help to Israel-Palestine if ceasefire sought, says US

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