Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday defended Israel's attack on Gaza tower housing Al-Jazeera and The Associated Press offices. He called the attack "perfectly legitimate attack'. His comments are sure to attract criticism for Israel which is already facing global heat.

"An intelligence office for the Palestinian terrorist organization (was) housed in that building that plots and organizes the terror attacks against Israeli civilians," Netanyahu told CBS News.

"So it is a perfectly legitimate target. I can tell you that we took every precaution to make sure that there were no civilian injuries, in fact, no deaths."

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On Saturday (May 15), an Israeli air attack flattened the building in Gaza that housed the media offices.

The attack sent alarm bells ringing across world that is already voicing concern about the escalating Israel-Palestine violence. The attack on media houses elicited a response even from the US, a strong ally of Israel. The US on Saturday asked Israel to protect the journalists.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nearly-3000-rockets-fired-from-gaza-towards-israel-army-claims-385423">Nearly 3,000 rockets fired from Gaza towards Israel, army claims</a>

On Sunday, several strong statements came from the Israeli camp. Israel army chief said that Hamas had 'misjudged' Israel's strength.

"Hamas misjudged the strength of our response," said Aviv Kochavi, the army's chief of general staff, saying Gaza had since been enduring an aerial bombardment of unprecedented "intensity".

'Premeditated violence', says Israel at UN

Israel alleged that violence by&nbsp;Hamas was 'premeditated'.&nbsp;

"It was completely premeditated by Hamas in order to gain political power," said Israel's ambassador to the world body, Gilad Erdan. He was speaking during a session called by United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on the crisis.

Hamas said its rocket fire into Israel was in response to Israeli forces' entry into the Al-Aqsa mosque compound in Jerusalem, amid high tensions over moves to evict Palestinian families in the city.

"Do you really believe that this property dispute is what caused Hamas to launch these large-scale attacks on the people of Israel?" Erdan said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday defended Israel's attack on Gaza tower housing Al-Jazeera and The Associated Press offices. He called the attack "perfectly legitimate attack'.

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday defended Israel's attack on Gaza tower housing Al-Jazeera and The Associated Press offices. He called the attack "perfectly legitimate attack'. His comments are sure to attract criticism for Israel which is already facing global heat. "An intelligence office for the Palestinian terrorist organization (was) housed in that building that plots and organizes the terror attacks against Israeli civilians," Netanyahu told CBS News. "So it is a perfectly legitimate target. I can tell you that we took every precaution to make sure that there were no civilian injuries, in fact, no deaths." × On Saturday (May 15), an Israeli air attack flattened the building in Gaza that housed the media offices. The attack sent alarm bells ringing across world that is already voicing concern about the escalating Israel-Palestine violence. The attack on media houses elicited a response even from the US, a strong ally of Israel. The US on Saturday asked Israel to protect the journalists. Also Read | Nearly 3,000 rockets fired from Gaza towards Israel, army claims On Sunday, several strong statements came from the Israeli camp. Israel army chief said that Hamas had 'misjudged' Israel's strength. "Hamas misjudged the strength of our response," said Aviv Kochavi, the army's chief of general staff, saying Gaza had since been enduring an aerial bombardment of unprecedented "intensity". 'Premeditated violence', says Israel at UN Israel alleged that violence by Hamas was 'premeditated'. "It was completely premeditated by Hamas in order to gain political power," said Israel's ambassador to the world body, Gilad Erdan. He was speaking during a session called by United Nations Security Council (UNSC) on the crisis. Hamas said its rocket fire into Israel was in response to Israeli forces' entry into the Al-Aqsa mosque compound in Jerusalem, amid high tensions over moves to evict Palestinian families in the city. "Do you really believe that this property dispute is what caused Hamas to launch these large-scale attacks on the people of Israel?" Erdan said. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel PM Netanyahu defends media house attack, says building was 'legitimate target'

In light of escalation of violence between Israel and Palestine, chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) on Wednesday voiced concern about possible war crimes.

"I note with great concern the escalation of violence in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, as well as in and around Gaza, and the possible commission of crimes under the Rome Statute," which founded the ICC, Fatou Bensouda said on Twitter.

Israeli army and Palestinian militants have been exchanging deadly fire since last week's violence around Al Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem that is regarded as a holy place by Jews as well as Muslims

ICC Chief Prosecutor Bensouda announced on March 3 that she had opened a full investigation into the situation in the Israeli-occupied territories, infuriating Israel, which not a member of The Hague-based court, unlike the Palestinian Authority.

That probe will mainly focus on the 2014 Gaza War but also look at the deaths of Palestinian demonstrators from 2018 onwards.

After a five-year preliminary probe, she had said there was "reasonable basis" to believe crimes were committed by both sides -- by the Israeli Defense Forces and Israeli authorities, and by Hamas and Palestinian armed groups.

Bensouda said Wednesday that the ICC investigations "will cover all sides and all the facts and evidence relevant to an assessment of whether there is individual criminal responsibility under the Statute."

"My Office will continue to monitor developments on the ground and will factor any matter that falls within its jurisdiction."

(With inputs from agencies)

In light of escalation of violence between Israel and Palestine, chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) on Wednesday voiced concern about possible war crimes.

In light of escalation of violence between Israel and Palestine, chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) on Wednesday voiced concern about possible war crimes. "I note with great concern the escalation of violence in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, as well as in and around Gaza, and the possible commission of crimes under the Rome Statute," which founded the ICC, Fatou Bensouda said on Twitter. Israeli army and Palestinian militants have been exchanging deadly fire since last week's violence around Al Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem that is regarded as a holy place by Jews as well as Muslims ICC Chief Prosecutor Bensouda announced on March 3 that she had opened a full investigation into the situation in the Israeli-occupied territories, infuriating Israel, which not a member of The Hague-based court, unlike the Palestinian Authority. That probe will mainly focus on the 2014 Gaza War but also look at the deaths of Palestinian demonstrators from 2018 onwards. After a five-year preliminary probe, she had said there was "reasonable basis" to believe crimes were committed by both sides -- by the Israeli Defense Forces and Israeli authorities, and by Hamas and Palestinian armed groups. Bensouda said Wednesday that the ICC investigations "will cover all sides and all the facts and evidence relevant to an assessment of whether there is individual criminal responsibility under the Statute." "My Office will continue to monitor developments on the ground and will factor any matter that falls within its jurisdiction." (With inputs from agencies)

Israel-Palestine violence: International Criminal Court warns against war crimes

Russia President Vladimir Putin as well as United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday called on Israel and Palestine to end the conflict.

"In light of the escalation of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, it was stated that the primary task is to stop violent actions on both sides and ensure the safety of the civilian population," the Kremlin said in a statement after their video call.

The situation between Israel and Palestine is worst in last 7 years with violence erupting at number of places.

Violence at al-Aqsa mosque over the weekend has triggered unrest. Al Aqsa mosque is held to be a Holy place by Jews as well as Muslims.

Israel Defence Minister Benny Gantz on Thursday ordered a "massive reinforcement" in order to contain internal unrest rocking mixed Jewish and Arab communities within the country.

In Gaza, 83 people were reportedly killed since Monday. This includes 17 children. The heavy bombardment has rocked Gaza and has brought entire tower blocks crumbling down.

The Israeli military said it had struck Gaza targets more than 600 times, while Hamas had fired over 1,600 rockets towards Israel.

(With inputs from agencies)

Russia President Vladimir Putin as well as United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday called on Israel and Palestine to end the conflict.

Russia President Vladimir Putin as well as United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Thursday called on Israel and Palestine to end the conflict. "In light of the escalation of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, it was stated that the primary task is to stop violent actions on both sides and ensure the safety of the civilian population," the Kremlin said in a statement after their video call. The situation between Israel and Palestine is worst in last 7 years with violence erupting at number of places. Violence at al-Aqsa mosque over the weekend has triggered unrest. Al Aqsa mosque is held to be a Holy place by Jews as well as Muslims. Israel Defence Minister Benny Gantz on Thursday ordered a "massive reinforcement" in order to contain internal unrest rocking mixed Jewish and Arab communities within the country. In Gaza, 83 people were reportedly killed since Monday. This includes 17 children. The heavy bombardment has rocked Gaza and has brought entire tower blocks crumbling down. The Israeli military said it had struck Gaza targets more than 600 times, while Hamas had fired over 1,600 rockets towards Israel. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel-Palestine: UN chief Antonio Guterres, Vladimir Putin appeal for calm

It is hard for any Middle East peace accord to have an effect on ground until grievances of people in Palestine were addressed, former Deputy Foreign Minister of Yemen Mustapha Noman said on Wednesday at &nbsp;WION's Global Summit 2021 in Dubai.

"Unless the grievances of the people in Palestine are solved justly, I think any agreement that will happen in future will also not be reflected on the ground," he said.

Noman was speaking at a session titled Peace Deals &amp; the Shifting Sands of West Asia, specifically answering a question on the Abraham Accords on normalisation of ties between Israel and key Arab states.

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The Abraham Accords of 2020 resulted in normalisation of ties of Israel with Bahrain as well as UAE.

Bahrain and UAE became the key Arab states to establish ties with Israel after decades of enmity. &nbsp;The Abraham Accords were brokered by the US during last few months of Donald Trump's presidency.&nbsp;They were largely considered to be a thaw in frosty relations between Israel and Arab countries.

However, Mustapha Noman said that he was "not very optimistic".

"The issue will always be there unless we tackle the matter unless we really work hard towards a two-state solution," he said.

It is hard for any Middle East peace accord to have an effect on ground until grievances of people in Palestine were addressed, former Deputy Foreign Minister of Yemen Mustapha Noman said on Wednesday at WION's Global Summit 2021 in Dubai.

It is hard for any Middle East peace accord to have an effect on ground until grievances of people in Palestine were addressed, former Deputy Foreign Minister of Yemen Mustapha Noman said on Wednesday at WION's Global Summit 2021 in Dubai. "Unless the grievances of the people in Palestine are solved justly, I think any agreement that will happen in future will also not be reflected on the ground," he said. Noman was speaking at a session titled Peace Deals & the Shifting Sands of West Asia, specifically answering a question on the Abraham Accords on normalisation of ties between Israel and key Arab states. × The Abraham Accords of 2020 resulted in normalisation of ties of Israel with Bahrain as well as UAE. Bahrain and UAE became the key Arab states to establish ties with Israel after decades of enmity. The Abraham Accords were brokered by the US during last few months of Donald Trump's presidency. They were largely considered to be a thaw in frosty relations between Israel and Arab countries. However, Mustapha Noman said that he was "not very optimistic". "The issue will always be there unless we tackle the matter unless we really work hard towards a two-state solution," he said.

Addressing Palestinian grievances necessary: Former Yemen minister tells WION Global Summit

In power politics, enemies of today can be friends of tomorrow. More so&nbsp;on the shifting sands of West Asia, where marriages of convenience rule.

Here, historic shifts rarely take place without Israel’s involvement. So while its pledges to not go ahead with the annexation of one-third of the West Bank and the Jordan Valley was seen as cold comfort for the Palestinians, Ramallah was left weakened by the Gulf's growing support to peace efforts with Israel.

So where does it leave Palestine? Palestinian reaction, initially, had been to decry the UAE’s normalisation of ties with Israel. The Palestinian ambassador to the UAE was even recalled.

Fleur Hassan-Nahoum, deputy mayor of Jerusalem and a major policy maker of Israel, says this does not stand to halt the peace process in West Asia.

"Israel has, on more than one occasion, offered a solution and peace deal, and it has been the Palestinian rejectionism that has got us to the point," she said on Wednesday at the WION Global Summit in Dubai.

"We are not going to allow Palestinian rejectionism affect the process of peace in West Asia. People are going to gain most from tourism in Jerusalem," she told the session titled&nbsp;Peace Deals and the Shifting Sands of West Asia.

"It’s a gain-gain for all the populations in the region. What is the point in rejectionism while the entire Middle East is supporting the Abraham Accords? That's the bottom-line, peace is always good. The accords now have its own momentum," she said.

Ibrahim Shukralla, an Emirati news editor, said he hoped Israel would not resume the annexation plan as it would affect the peace plans.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-wion-global-summit-leaders-look-forward-to-joe-bidens-peace-initiatives-in-west-asia-372783">Also read |&nbsp;At WION Global Summit, leaders look forward to Joe Biden's peace initiatives in West Asia</a>

Mustapha Noman, former deputy foreign minister of Yemen, on his part, said, "I have been calling for recognition of Israelis and Arabs from 2000. This does not mean that recognition is the end of the story. It should be the start of the story. It is mainly between the Israelis and Palestinians since day one. The Arabs later became sentimental about their brothers. The normalisation of the four countries with Israel should be a boost for normalisation. I agree that the Palestinian leadership is not positive and that they are consuming it for their own personal interest. The new generation might have a different view and perspective. I agree with that. Israel is more powerful in that region and they have more responsibility. This is where Israel can take really strong steps."

But Jason D Greenblatt, an aide of former US president Donald Trump,&nbsp;&nbsp;who brokered the Israel-UAE deal, wants other issues to be looked at too.

"Yes, the Palestinian issue must be resolved. But that is a separate issue. We want to fix Yemen, Palestine and Syria. We should not club the issues together. The UAE offered help&nbsp;at the start of the pandemic for Palestinians, but they rejected it. We have to demand responsibility from Palestinian&nbsp;leadership as well. The issues of Palestine, Yemen and Syria shouldn't be mixed. They must be though fixed and resolved," he said.

"We did prove that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and Israeli-Arab conflict, though intricately tied together, can indeed be separately solved - and that's essential for this region."

Noman added that the people of Palestine wanted peace. "We have to recognise that unless the grievances of the people of Palestine are solved justly, any agreement that happens in future will not be reflected on the ground."

The Palestinians currently remain subject to Israeli military occupation in the Gaza Strip, despite a little progress made towards a two-state solution with the 1993–95 Oslo Accords.

In power politics, enemies of today can be friends of tomorrow. More so on the shifting sands of West Asia, where marriages of convenience rule. Here, historic shifts rarely take place without Israel’s involvement.

In power politics, enemies of today can be friends of tomorrow. More so on the shifting sands of West Asia, where marriages of convenience rule. Here, historic shifts rarely take place without Israel’s involvement. So while its pledges to not go ahead with the annexation of one-third of the West Bank and the Jordan Valley was seen as cold comfort for the Palestinians, Ramallah was left weakened by the Gulf's growing support to peace efforts with Israel. So where does it leave Palestine? Palestinian reaction, initially, had been to decry the UAE’s normalisation of ties with Israel. The Palestinian ambassador to the UAE was even recalled. Fleur Hassan-Nahoum, deputy mayor of Jerusalem and a major policy maker of Israel, says this does not stand to halt the peace process in West Asia. "Israel has, on more than one occasion, offered a solution and peace deal, and it has been the Palestinian rejectionism that has got us to the point," she said on Wednesday at the WION Global Summit in Dubai. "We are not going to allow Palestinian rejectionism affect the process of peace in West Asia. People are going to gain most from tourism in Jerusalem," she told the session titled Peace Deals and the Shifting Sands of West Asia. "It’s a gain-gain for all the populations in the region. What is the point in rejectionism while the entire Middle East is supporting the Abraham Accords? That's the bottom-line, peace is always good. The accords now have its own momentum," she said. Ibrahim Shukralla, an Emirati news editor, said he hoped Israel would not resume the annexation plan as it would affect the peace plans. Also read | At WION Global Summit, leaders look forward to Joe Biden's peace initiatives in West Asia Mustapha Noman, former deputy foreign minister of Yemen, on his part, said, "I have been calling for recognition of Israelis and Arabs from 2000. This does not mean that recognition is the end of the story. It should be the start of the story. It is mainly between the Israelis and Palestinians since day one. The Arabs later became sentimental about their brothers. The normalisation of the four countries with Israel should be a boost for normalisation. I agree that the Palestinian leadership is not positive and that they are consuming it for their own personal interest. The new generation might have a different view and perspective. I agree with that. Israel is more powerful in that region and they have more responsibility. This is where Israel can take really strong steps." But Jason D Greenblatt, an aide of former US president Donald Trump, who brokered the Israel-UAE deal, wants other issues to be looked at too. "Yes, the Palestinian issue must be resolved. But that is a separate issue. We want to fix Yemen, Palestine and Syria. We should not club the issues together. The UAE offered help at the start of the pandemic for Palestinians, but they rejected it. We have to demand responsibility from Palestinian leadership as well. The issues of Palestine, Yemen and Syria shouldn't be mixed. They must be though fixed and resolved," he said. "We did prove that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and Israeli-Arab conflict, though intricately tied together, can indeed be separately solved - and that's essential for this region." Noman added that the people of Palestine wanted peace. "We have to recognise that unless the grievances of the people of Palestine are solved justly, any agreement that happens in future will not be reflected on the ground." The Palestinians currently remain subject to Israeli military occupation in the Gaza Strip, despite a little progress made towards a two-state solution with the 1993–95 Oslo Accords.

At WION Global Summit, leaders discuss how Israel-Palestine conflict will affect West Asia peace

Vaccines are emerging as the new power tool in West Asia. As Israel inoculates more than half of its population, Palestine's vaccine plan is struggling with a funding gap. On the West Asia Post, Ghadi Francis looks at how vaccines are the new currency of choice in West Asia. For more such stories, keep watching the West Asia post with Ghadi Francis every Friday at 8:30 PM IST, only on WION.

The West Asia Post | Vaccines: New currency of choice in West Asia?

After a rocket attack from Palestinian enclave towards Israel on Tuesday night, Israeli tanks battered Hamas positions in Gaza.

"Late in the evening a rocket was launched from the Gaza Strip into Israeli territory," Israeli Army said. It was quoted by AFP.

"In response Israeli tanks struck Hamas positions" in the south of the Gaza strip, it said. &nbsp;

An earlier statement from Israeli military indicated that the rockets had fallen on open ground. There was no immediate report of casualties.

Early Monday, militants in the Gaza Strip fired two rockets towards the Israeli coastal city of Ashdod with Israeli military sources indicating they had dropped into the Mediterranean Sea.

Israel responded a few hours later with fighter planes striking Hamas facilities in southern Gaza.

Palestinians in Gaza and the Israeli-occupied West Bank are heading for legislative and presidential elections in May and July, the first in 15 years.

The polls are part of a warming of ties between Hamas and Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas's West Bank-based Fatah party.

The dates were announced on Friday in a presidential decree by Abbas.

In late December, Hamas and Islamic Jihad staged joint military exercises in the coastal territory, during which they fired rockets out to sea, in the first exercise of its kind.

The Palestinian forces also simulated various combat scenarios with Israeli troops, an AFP reporter said.

The events marked the anniversary of the first Hamas war with Israel in 2008, a year after the Islamists took power in Gaza. Since then they have fought two more wars, in 2012 and 2014.

(With AFP inputs)

After a rocket attack from Palestinian enclave towards Israel on Tuesday night, Israeli tanks battered Hamas positions in Gaza. "Late in the evening a rocket was launched from the Gaza Strip into Israeli territory," Israeli Army said.

After a rocket attack from Palestinian enclave towards Israel on Tuesday night, Israeli tanks battered Hamas positions in Gaza. "Late in the evening a rocket was launched from the Gaza Strip into Israeli territory," Israeli Army said. It was quoted by AFP. "In response Israeli tanks struck Hamas positions" in the south of the Gaza strip, it said. An earlier statement from Israeli military indicated that the rockets had fallen on open ground. There was no immediate report of casualties. Early Monday, militants in the Gaza Strip fired two rockets towards the Israeli coastal city of Ashdod with Israeli military sources indicating they had dropped into the Mediterranean Sea. Israel responded a few hours later with fighter planes striking Hamas facilities in southern Gaza. Palestinians in Gaza and the Israeli-occupied West Bank are heading for legislative and presidential elections in May and July, the first in 15 years. The polls are part of a warming of ties between Hamas and Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas's West Bank-based Fatah party. The dates were announced on Friday in a presidential decree by Abbas. In late December, Hamas and Islamic Jihad staged joint military exercises in the coastal territory, during which they fired rockets out to sea, in the first exercise of its kind. The Palestinian forces also simulated various combat scenarios with Israeli troops, an AFP reporter said. The events marked the anniversary of the first Hamas war with Israel in 2008, a year after the Islamists took power in Gaza. Since then they have fought two more wars, in 2012 and 2014. (With AFP inputs)

Israeli tanks strike Hamas after rocket attack: Military

Hundreds of mourners mourned the death of 15-year-old Palestinian boy at his funeral in West Bank on Saturday (December 5). The boy, Ali Abu Alia, was shot by an Israeli soldier on Friday.

Ali Abu Alia had been at a protest against Israeli settlements at al-Mughayyir village near Ramallah, where stones were thrown at Israeli soldiers.

The boy was hit by a bullet in his abdomen. He was taken to hospital in Ramallah, where he died.

Israeli military has denied using live ammunition. It said only rubber bullets were used.

The United Nations' Middle East envoy, Nickolay Mladenov, said he was appalled by the killing. "Israel must swiftly and independently investigate this shocking and unacceptable incident," he tweeted.

(With Reuters inputs)

Hundreds of mourners mourned the death of 15-year-old Palestinian boy at his funeral in West Bank on Saturday (December 5). The boy, Ali Abu Alia, was shot by an Israeli soldier on Friday.

Hundreds of mourners mourned the death of 15-year-old Palestinian boy at his funeral in West Bank on Saturday (December 5). The boy, Ali Abu Alia, was shot by an Israeli soldier on Friday. Ali Abu Alia had been at a protest against Israeli settlements at al-Mughayyir village near Ramallah, where stones were thrown at Israeli soldiers. The boy was hit by a bullet in his abdomen. He was taken to hospital in Ramallah, where he died. Israeli military has denied using live ammunition. It said only rubber bullets were used. The United Nations' Middle East envoy, Nickolay Mladenov, said he was appalled by the killing. "Israel must swiftly and independently investigate this shocking and unacceptable incident," he tweeted. (With Reuters inputs)

Hundreds gather for funeral of Palestinian teenager shot dead by Israeli soldier

A Palestinian teenager was killed on Friday in clashes with the Israeli army on the sidelines of a protest in the occupied West Bank, the Palestinian health ministry said.

Ali Ayman Nasr Abu Aliya, 13, "succumbed to his wounds after he was shot with live rounds in the stomach" during clashes north of Ramallah, the ministry said in a statement.

The youth was hit during a demonstration in the village of Mughayir and was transported in critical condition to a hospital in Ramallah, where he died, it said.

UN Middle East envoy Nickolay Mladenov said in a tweet he was "appalled by the killing."

"Israel must swiftly and independently investigate this shocking and unacceptable incident," he added.

The Palestinian foreign ministry said it would prosecute Israel at the International Criminal Court over the shooting "to ultimately hold Israeli war criminals to account", the official Palestinian news agency WAFA reported.

The Palestinian Authority condemned "the cold-blooded murder" describing it in a statement as "the latest episode in Israel's crimes against the Palestinian people".

Mughayir mayor Amin Abu Aliya, quoted by WAFA, said the Israeli army had "violently dispersed" the protest against the establishment of an Israeli settlement in the area.

Four other people were wounded by Israeli army fire, WAFA reported.

The army denied live rounds were used, but said it was "aware of reports regarding a number of injured rioters and a Palestinian casualty".

An army spokesperson told AFP dozens of protesters had thrown rocks at security forces.

"Rioters attempted to roll boulders and burning tyres from ridges above the Allon road, endangering the lives of civilians on the route," she said.

"Security forces prevented the rioters from blocking the road and responded with riot dispersal means."

The Palestinian village of Mughayir is located near several Israeli settlements and has been the site of clashes between Palestinians and Israeli settlers in the past.

It is also near the Ras al-Teen area, where Israel has threatened to demolish a school, a move condemned in early November by the European Union, which co-funded its construction.

Israel has occupied the West Bank since 1967.

More than 450,000 Israelis live in settlements in the territory, home to more than 2.8 million Palestinians.

A Palestinian teenager was killed on Friday in clashes with the Israeli army on the sidelines of a protest in the occupied West Bank, the Palestinian health ministry said.

A Palestinian teenager was killed on Friday in clashes with the Israeli army on the sidelines of a protest in the occupied West Bank, the Palestinian health ministry said. Ali Ayman Nasr Abu Aliya, 13, "succumbed to his wounds after he was shot with live rounds in the stomach" during clashes north of Ramallah, the ministry said in a statement. The youth was hit during a demonstration in the village of Mughayir and was transported in critical condition to a hospital in Ramallah, where he died, it said. UN Middle East envoy Nickolay Mladenov said in a tweet he was "appalled by the killing." "Israel must swiftly and independently investigate this shocking and unacceptable incident," he added. The Palestinian foreign ministry said it would prosecute Israel at the International Criminal Court over the shooting "to ultimately hold Israeli war criminals to account", the official Palestinian news agency WAFA reported. The Palestinian Authority condemned "the cold-blooded murder" describing it in a statement as "the latest episode in Israel's crimes against the Palestinian people". Mughayir mayor Amin Abu Aliya, quoted by WAFA, said the Israeli army had "violently dispersed" the protest against the establishment of an Israeli settlement in the area. Four other people were wounded by Israeli army fire, WAFA reported. The army denied live rounds were used, but said it was "aware of reports regarding a number of injured rioters and a Palestinian casualty". An army spokesperson told AFP dozens of protesters had thrown rocks at security forces. "Rioters attempted to roll boulders and burning tyres from ridges above the Allon road, endangering the lives of civilians on the route," she said. "Security forces prevented the rioters from blocking the road and responded with riot dispersal means." The Palestinian village of Mughayir is located near several Israeli settlements and has been the site of clashes between Palestinians and Israeli settlers in the past. It is also near the Ras al-Teen area, where Israel has threatened to demolish a school, a move condemned in early November by the European Union, which co-funded its construction. Israel has occupied the West Bank since 1967. More than 450,000 Israelis live in settlements in the territory, home to more than 2.8 million Palestinians.

Teen killed in clashes with Israeli army, Palestine says

Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi on Thursday held a rare meeting with Israel foreign minister to press for restarting Israel-Palestine negotiations. The meeting came on the heels of Palestinian Authority leader Mahmud Abbas' visit to Jordan as part of and Arab tour to shore up support for Palestine.

Jordanian foreign minister, during the meeting at the King Hussein (Allenby) Bridge crossing between Jordan and the Israeli-occupied West Bank said the creation of an independent Palestinian state was key to ending the conflict with Israel.

"There is no alternative to a two-state solution" between Israel and the Palestinians, he told Israeli Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi, quoted by the official Petra news agency.

"It is necessary to return to the negotiating table according to international law in order to find a real solution to achieve a just peace," Safadi said.

On Friday, Israeli Defence Minister Benny Gantz called on the Palestinians to return to the negotiating table, in a video statement addressing the "Palestinian people and their leadership".

"The Middle East is changing. It is in your interest to come return to negotiate," Gantz said in the statement that was posted online with Arabic subtitles.

"Don't stay behind," he said, promising to "promote big projects" in the Israeli-blockaded Gaza Strip. 
Thursday's meeting was the first with Jordan officially reported between Safadi and Ashkenazi since the latter, a former army chief of staff, become foreign minister in May.

Jordan and Israel have been bound by a peace treaty since 1994, but relations between the two neighbours are often tense.

Eyes on Biden

Safadi said resuming Israeli- Palestinian talks was timely, "particularly in light of the Palestinian Authority's decision to resume security cooperation with Israel".

The Palestinians announced last month they were restoring coordination that they had stopped in May over Israeli plans to annex parts of the West Bank.

Israel put on hold its annexation plans, in return for an agreement to normalise ties with the United Arab Emirates announced in August.

Abbas held talks in Jordan last week with King Abdullah II ahead of visits to Egypt, where he met separately with President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Arab League chief Ahmed Aboul Gheit.

During the tour, Arab leaders stepped up international efforts for a solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict based on a two-state solution.

Talks between Israel and the Palestinians have been frozen since 2014, and a US peace plan announced in January has been welcomed by Israel but rejected outright by the Palestinians as biased.

The plan was among moves pushed by President Donald Trump -- including recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's "undivided capital"-- that have angered the Palestinians.

The Palestinians, who want to set up an independent state with east Jerusalem as its capital, broke ties with the Trump administration, and are now hoping to build ties with Biden's incoming team.

(With AFP inputs)

Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi on Thursday held a rare meeting with Israel foreign minister to press for restarting Israel-Palestine negotiations. The meeting came on the heels of Palestinian Authority leader Mahmud Abbas' visit to Jordan as part of and Arab tour to shore up support for Palestine.

Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi on Thursday held a rare meeting with Israel foreign minister to press for restarting Israel-Palestine negotiations. The meeting came on the heels of Palestinian Authority leader Mahmud Abbas' visit to Jordan as part of and Arab tour to shore up support for Palestine. Jordanian foreign minister, during the meeting at the King Hussein (Allenby) Bridge crossing between Jordan and the Israeli-occupied West Bank said the creation of an independent Palestinian state was key to ending the conflict with Israel. "There is no alternative to a two-state solution" between Israel and the Palestinians, he told Israeli Foreign Minister Gabi Ashkenazi, quoted by the official Petra news agency. "It is necessary to return to the negotiating table according to international law in order to find a real solution to achieve a just peace," Safadi said. On Friday, Israeli Defence Minister Benny Gantz called on the Palestinians to return to the negotiating table, in a video statement addressing the "Palestinian people and their leadership". "The Middle East is changing. It is in your interest to come return to negotiate," Gantz said in the statement that was posted online with Arabic subtitles. "Don't stay behind," he said, promising to "promote big projects" in the Israeli-blockaded Gaza Strip. Thursday's meeting was the first with Jordan officially reported between Safadi and Ashkenazi since the latter, a former army chief of staff, become foreign minister in May. Jordan and Israel have been bound by a peace treaty since 1994, but relations between the two neighbours are often tense. Eyes on Biden Safadi said resuming Israeli- Palestinian talks was timely, "particularly in light of the Palestinian Authority's decision to resume security cooperation with Israel". The Palestinians announced last month they were restoring coordination that they had stopped in May over Israeli plans to annex parts of the West Bank. Israel put on hold its annexation plans, in return for an agreement to normalise ties with the United Arab Emirates announced in August. Abbas held talks in Jordan last week with King Abdullah II ahead of visits to Egypt, where he met separately with President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Arab League chief Ahmed Aboul Gheit. During the tour, Arab leaders stepped up international efforts for a solution to the Palestinian-Israeli conflict based on a two-state solution. Talks between Israel and the Palestinians have been frozen since 2014, and a US peace plan announced in January has been welcomed by Israel but rejected outright by the Palestinians as biased. The plan was among moves pushed by President Donald Trump -- including recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's "undivided capital"-- that have angered the Palestinians. The Palestinians, who want to set up an independent state with east Jerusalem as its capital, broke ties with the Trump administration, and are now hoping to build ties with Biden's incoming team. (With AFP inputs)

Jordan, Israel go in huddle on Palestine issue

The EU on Thursday called on Israel to cease demolishing Palestinian homes in the occupied West Bank and lift a threat to demolish Palestinian schools, calling them "an impediment towards the two-state solution".

The statement, issued by the spokesman for EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, came two days after Israeli bulldozers razed a Bedouin village near Tubas in the Jordan Valley, leaving its nearly 80 inhabitants homeless.

Israel's army stated the homes were "built illegally" in an area used for military training.&nbsp;

The EU statement said that half the Palestinians made homeless in the demolition were children.

"This large-scale demolition confirms once again the regrettable trend of confiscations and demolitions since the beginning of the year," it said.

It added that Israel has also threatened to raze 52 Palestinian schools, including one in Ras Al-Teen in the West Bank that was co-funded by the EU and EU member states.

"The EU calls for the protection of children, including ensuring their right to education in a safe and secure school environment," the statement said, noting that education is a basic human right.

"The EU reiterates its call on Israel to halt all such demolitions, including of EU-funded structures, in particular in light of the humanitarian impact of the current coronavirus pandemic," it said.

The EU on Thursday called on Israel to cease demolishing Palestinian homes in the occupied West Bank and lift a threat to demolish Palestinian schools, calling them "an impediment towards the two-state solution".

The EU on Thursday called on Israel to cease demolishing Palestinian homes in the occupied West Bank and lift a threat to demolish Palestinian schools, calling them "an impediment towards the two-state solution". The statement, issued by the spokesman for EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell, came two days after Israeli bulldozers razed a Bedouin village near Tubas in the Jordan Valley, leaving its nearly 80 inhabitants homeless. Israel's army stated the homes were "built illegally" in an area used for military training. The EU statement said that half the Palestinians made homeless in the demolition were children. "This large-scale demolition confirms once again the regrettable trend of confiscations and demolitions since the beginning of the year," it said. It added that Israel has also threatened to raze 52 Palestinian schools, including one in Ras Al-Teen in the West Bank that was co-funded by the EU and EU member states. "The EU calls for the protection of children, including ensuring their right to education in a safe and secure school environment," the statement said, noting that education is a basic human right. "The EU reiterates its call on Israel to halt all such demolitions, including of EU-funded structures, in particular in light of the humanitarian impact of the current coronavirus pandemic," it said.

EU calls for halt to Israeli demolition of Palestinian buildings

Encouraging the United States' efforts to establish peace in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia’s King Salman has told US President Donald Trump that they wanted a fair and permanent solution to the Palestinian issue based on kingdom's Arab Peace Initiative, proposed in 2002, according to the state news agency.&nbsp;

In a telephonic conservation with Trump, Salman appreciated US peace initiatives, in a reference to Washington-brokered accord achieved last month, according to which the United Arab Emirates (UAE) became the third country to normalise relations with Israel.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/peace-must-be-achieved-with-palestinians-then-all-things-possible-saudi-arabia-on-israel-321749">Peace must be achieved with Palestinians, then all things possible: Saudi Arabia on Israel</a>

Salman said Saudi seeks a fair and permanent solution for Palestine which is based on the based on the kingdom's peace initiatives proposed in 2002.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/qatar-emir-tells-kushner-two-state-solution-needed-to-end-palestine-israel-conflict-324831">Qatar Emir tells Kushner two-state solution needed to end Palestine-Israel conflict</a>

As per the 2002 proposal, Arab nations would normalise ties with Israel, if the Jewish nation withdraws from the territorial gains made in the 1967 war.&nbsp;

Despite not recognising Israel, Saudi Arabia this month said the kingdom would allow the use of its airspace to run flights between UAE and Israel.&nbsp;

Post the peace accord between UAE and Israel, no Arab state has hinted of a similar deal with the Jewish state.

Last month, Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, who is seen as a major negotiator of the decades-old Arab crisis, met Saudi's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, where they discussed the need to resume negotiations between Israel and Palestine.&nbsp;

(With Reuters inputs)

Encouraging the United States' efforts to establish peace in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia’s King Salman has told US President Donald Trump that they wanted a fair and permanent solution to the Palestinian issue based on kingdom's Arab Peace Initiative, proposed in 2002, according to the state news agency.

Encouraging the United States' efforts to establish peace in the Middle East, Saudi Arabia’s King Salman has told US President Donald Trump that they wanted a fair and permanent solution to the Palestinian issue based on kingdom's Arab Peace Initiative, proposed in 2002, according to the state news agency. In a telephonic conservation with Trump, Salman appreciated US peace initiatives, in a reference to Washington-brokered accord achieved last month, according to which the United Arab Emirates (UAE) became the third country to normalise relations with Israel. Also read | Peace must be achieved with Palestinians, then all things possible: Saudi Arabia on Israel Salman said Saudi seeks a fair and permanent solution for Palestine which is based on the based on the kingdom's peace initiatives proposed in 2002. Also read | Qatar Emir tells Kushner two-state solution needed to end Palestine-Israel conflict As per the 2002 proposal, Arab nations would normalise ties with Israel, if the Jewish nation withdraws from the territorial gains made in the 1967 war. Despite not recognising Israel, Saudi Arabia this month said the kingdom would allow the use of its airspace to run flights between UAE and Israel. Post the peace accord between UAE and Israel, no Arab state has hinted of a similar deal with the Jewish state. Last month, Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner, who is seen as a major negotiator of the decades-old Arab crisis, met Saudi's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, where they discussed the need to resume negotiations between Israel and Palestine. (With Reuters inputs)

Want permanent, fair solution to Palestinian issue: Saudi King to Trump

UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab planned to press Israel and the Palestinians to renew negotiations.

UK Foreign Secretary arrives to push for Israeli-Palestinian talks

Israel on Tuesday closed one of its main border crossings with the Gaza Strip after Palestinians launched incendiary balloons that set fire to areas on the Israeli frontier.

Israel closes Gaza crossing after Palestinians launch incendiary balloons

Months of calmness was broken in Israel as&nbsp;Palestinian militants fired two rockets in the Gaza Strip, as claimed by Israeli military on Friday.

In response, Israeli aircraft attacked two military facilities for Hamas, the Islamic group ruling Gaza.

The attack from the Palestinian side came a day after&nbsp;Hamas warned of violence over Israeli plans to annex parts of the occupied West Bank.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-prime-minister-netanyahu-announces-cooperation-with-uae-to-combat-coronavirus-308634">Also read:&nbsp;Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu announces 'cooperation' with UAE to combat coronavirus</a>

Although the Israeli military has declared the attack was from Hamas, no Palestinian militant group has yet claimed responsibility for the rocket attacks.

The Hamas group had earlier this week warned of violent retaliation if Israel continued to proceed ahead with the much-controversial&nbsp;annexation plans. The group believes such a move amounts to "a declaration of war".

The Israeli military has now said that the rocket attacks "will impede" Hamas' future abilities.

Before this attack, the&nbsp;Gaza-Israel frontier&nbsp;has remained calmed for this year, which the experts believe might have been due to the threat of the novel coronavirus.

(With inputs from PTI)

Months of calmness was broken in Israel as Palestinian militants fired two rockets in the Gaza Strip, as claimed by Israeli military on Friday. In response, Israeli aircraft attacked two military facilities for Hamas, the Islamic group ruling Gaza.

Months of calmness was broken in Israel as Palestinian militants fired two rockets in the Gaza Strip, as claimed by Israeli military on Friday. In response, Israeli aircraft attacked two military facilities for Hamas, the Islamic group ruling Gaza. The attack from the Palestinian side came a day after Hamas warned of violence over Israeli plans to annex parts of the occupied West Bank. Also read: Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu announces 'cooperation' with UAE to combat coronavirus Although the Israeli military has declared the attack was from Hamas, no Palestinian militant group has yet claimed responsibility for the rocket attacks. The Hamas group had earlier this week warned of violent retaliation if Israel continued to proceed ahead with the much-controversial annexation plans. The group believes such a move amounts to "a declaration of war". The Israeli military has now said that the rocket attacks "will impede" Hamas' future abilities. Before this attack, the Gaza-Israel frontier has remained calmed for this year, which the experts believe might have been due to the threat of the novel coronavirus. (With inputs from PTI)

Southern Israel hit by two rockets from Gaza: Israel military

Soaring temperatures sent Israelis to beaches across the country on Sunday (May 17) with many violating the coronavirus restrictions. Some areas in the country and Israeli-occupied West Bank exceeded 40 degrees Celsius in the country's first seasonal heatwave.

People flock to beaches as Israel, West Bank bake in heatwave

The International Criminal Court (ICC) chief prosecutor said on Friday that there is a "reasonable basis to proceed with an investigation" on the alleged war crimes committed in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/palestine-president-mahmoud-abbas-points-finger-at-netanyahu-trump-administration-at-unga-252447">Palestine</a>, in a statement which got sharp reactions from the United States and Israel.&nbsp;

The Palestinians welcomed the step and described it as "long overdue" after a nearly five-year preliminary probe by the prosecutor into the situation since the 2014 war in Gaza.

"I am satisfied that there is a reasonable basis to proceed with an investigation into the situation in Palestine," ICC prosecutor Fatou Bensouda said in a statement.

"In brief, I am satisfied that war crimes have been or are being committed in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip."

She also asked ICC to rule on the territory over which it has jurisdiction because of the "unique and highly contested legal and factual issues attaching to this situation" before launching a full probe.&nbsp;

I don't require any authorisation from judges to open a probe as there had been a referral from the Palestinians, she further added.

After the prosecutor's statements, the US &nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that they oppose this move and any action that seeks to target Israel "unfairly".&nbsp;

Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu slammed that statements and called it a "dark day for truth and justice".&nbsp;

"The ICC prosecutor's decision has turned the International Criminal Court into a political tool to delegitimise the State of Israel," Netanyahu said.

Palestine, on the other hand,&nbsp;praised the step and in a statement said: "a long overdue step to move the process forward towards an investigation, after nearly five long and difficult years of preliminary examination". &nbsp;

The International Criminal Court (ICC) chief prosecutor said on Friday that there is a "reasonable basis to proceed with an investigation" on the alleged war crimes committed in Palestine, in a statement which got sharp reactions from the United States and Israel.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) chief prosecutor said on Friday that there is a "reasonable basis to proceed with an investigation" on the alleged war crimes committed in Palestine, in a statement which got sharp reactions from the United States and Israel. The Palestinians welcomed the step and described it as "long overdue" after a nearly five-year preliminary probe by the prosecutor into the situation since the 2014 war in Gaza. "I am satisfied that there is a reasonable basis to proceed with an investigation into the situation in Palestine," ICC prosecutor Fatou Bensouda said in a statement. "In brief, I am satisfied that war crimes have been or are being committed in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip." She also asked ICC to rule on the territory over which it has jurisdiction because of the "unique and highly contested legal and factual issues attaching to this situation" before launching a full probe. I don't require any authorisation from judges to open a probe as there had been a referral from the Palestinians, she further added. After the prosecutor's statements, the US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that they oppose this move and any action that seeks to target Israel "unfairly". Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu slammed that statements and called it a "dark day for truth and justice". "The ICC prosecutor's decision has turned the International Criminal Court into a political tool to delegitimise the State of Israel," Netanyahu said. Palestine, on the other hand, praised the step and in a statement said: "a long overdue step to move the process forward towards an investigation, after nearly five long and difficult years of preliminary examination".

International Criminal Court to probe alleged war crimes in Palestinian territories

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Wednesday to prohibit federal funding for colleges and universities that allow <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/american-jews-confront-rising-tide-of-anti-semitism-174320">anti-Semitism</a>, but the move drew some criticism for potentially limiting free speech.

The order would extend protections against discrimination under the 1964 Civil Rights Act to people subjected to anti-Semitism on college campuses.

"This is our message to universities: If you want to accept the tremendous amount of federal dollars that you get every year, you must reject anti-Semitism. It's very simple," Trump said during a Hanukkah reception at the White House.

Title 6 of the Civil Rights Act prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, colour, and national origin in programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance.

"This action makes clear that Title 6 of the Civil Rights Act, which prohibits the federal funding of universities and other institutions that engage in discrimination, applies to institutions that traffic in anti-Semitic hate," Trump said.

J Street, a liberal Jewish-American lobbying group, criticized the order.

"This executive order, like the stalled congressional legislation it is based on, appears designed less to combat anti-Semitism than to have a chilling effect on free speech and to crack down on campus critics of Israel," it said in a statement.

The Anti-Defamation League, which tracks acts of racism, welcomed the order.

"In a climate of rising anti-Semitism, this executive order provides valuable guidance on anti-Semitism, giving law enforcement and campus officials an important additional tool to help identify and fight this pernicious hate," Chief Executive Jonathan Greenblatt said.

"It also reaffirms protection of Jews under Title VI without infringing on First Amendment rights," he said in a statement.

The pro-Palestinian Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement over Israel’s policies towards Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip has gained support among some university students in recent years.

The movement, however, has received a bipartisan rebuke in the US&nbsp;Congress and many states have passed anti-BDS measures.Amid criticism, Trump signs order targeting anti-Semitism at universities

Some critics argue that participating in boycotts is protected by Americans' constitutional right to free speech and that legitimate criticism of Israeli policies could be stifled under the name of combating anti-Semitism.

US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Wednesday to prohibit federal funding for colleges and universities that allow anti-Semitism, but the move drew some criticism for potentially limiting free speech.

US President Donald Trump signed an executive order on Wednesday to prohibit federal funding for colleges and universities that allow anti-Semitism, but the move drew some criticism for potentially limiting free speech. The order would extend protections against discrimination under the 1964 Civil Rights Act to people subjected to anti-Semitism on college campuses. "This is our message to universities: If you want to accept the tremendous amount of federal dollars that you get every year, you must reject anti-Semitism. It's very simple," Trump said during a Hanukkah reception at the White House. Title 6 of the Civil Rights Act prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, colour, and national origin in programs and activities receiving federal financial assistance. "This action makes clear that Title 6 of the Civil Rights Act, which prohibits the federal funding of universities and other institutions that engage in discrimination, applies to institutions that traffic in anti-Semitic hate," Trump said. J Street, a liberal Jewish-American lobbying group, criticized the order. "This executive order, like the stalled congressional legislation it is based on, appears designed less to combat anti-Semitism than to have a chilling effect on free speech and to crack down on campus critics of Israel," it said in a statement. The Anti-Defamation League, which tracks acts of racism, welcomed the order. "In a climate of rising anti-Semitism, this executive order provides valuable guidance on anti-Semitism, giving law enforcement and campus officials an important additional tool to help identify and fight this pernicious hate," Chief Executive Jonathan Greenblatt said. "It also reaffirms protection of Jews under Title VI without infringing on First Amendment rights," he said in a statement. The pro-Palestinian Boycott, Divestment, and Sanctions (BDS) movement over Israel’s policies towards Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip has gained support among some university students in recent years. The movement, however, has received a bipartisan rebuke in the US Congress and many states have passed anti-BDS measures.Amid criticism, Trump signs order targeting anti-Semitism at universities Some critics argue that participating in boycotts is protected by Americans' constitutional right to free speech and that legitimate criticism of Israeli policies could be stifled under the name of combating anti-Semitism.

Amid criticism, Trump signs order targeting anti-Semitism at universities

More than 200 demonstrators broke into the courtyard of Bahrain's Embassy in Baghdad and took down the kingdom's flag on Thursday night to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kushners-economic-plan-for-mideast-peace-faces-broad-arab-rejection-229659">protest</a> a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-bahrain-united-states-to-launch-economic-part-of-mideast-peace-plan-amid-skepticism-230273">US-led meeting </a>in Bahrain on Israeli-Palestinian peace.

Police used live rounds to disperse the crowd, police sources told Reuters, with no injuries reported.

"We used our vehicle loudspeakers to encourage protesters to leave the compound," a police officer stationed near the embassy said. "After they refused, police had to fire into the air."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trumps-economy-first-approach-to-mideast-peace-built-on-big-money-projects-229587">Kushner unveils economic portion of Middle East peace plan</a>

One protester, who identified himself as a member of the Islamic Resistance Groups, a term usually used by Iranian-backed Shiite militias, said they wanted to send a strong statement.&nbsp;

"We took down the Bahraini flag to send a clear message to all those who participated in the Bahrain conference, that we strongly reject normalising relations with the Zionist occupiers and will never abandon our support of Palestinians," said the protester, who identified himself as Abu Murtadha al-Moussawi. "We are ready to fight for this."

Bahrain recalled its ambassador to Iraq for consultations on Thursday after the protests.&nbsp;

"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain condemns the attack on the Embassy of the Kingdom of Bahrain to the Republic of Iraq by the demonstrators (which) led to sabotage in the embassy building," a statement on the ministry`s website said.

The kingdom also summoned the charge d’affaires of the Embassy of Iraq in Manama on Friday to protest the "sabotage" of the embassy`s building in Baghdad, a second statement from the Bahraini foreign ministry said.&nbsp;

"The foreign ministry welcomes the two statements from the Iraqi government... and insists on the importance of holding the perpetrators accountable," the statement added.

Iraq condemned the protesters, and expressed "its deep regret" over the security breach at the embassy.

"The government of Iraq affirms its absolute rejection of any acts which threaten diplomatic missions, their safety and the security of their personnel," said in a statement.

The two-day conference in Manama was aimed at rallying support for a $50 billion investment plan in the Palestinian Territories as the first part of a broader White House political plan to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The plan has met broad disdain from Palestinians and others in the Arab world although regional US&nbsp;allies such as Saudi Arabia discreetly support it. Neither the Israeli nor Palestinian governments attended the meeting.

More than 200 demonstrators broke into the courtyard of Bahrain's Embassy in Baghdad and took down the kingdom's flag on Thursday night to protest a US-led meeting in Bahrain on Israeli-Palestinian peace.

More than 200 demonstrators broke into the courtyard of Bahrain's Embassy in Baghdad and took down the kingdom's flag on Thursday night to protest a US-led meeting in Bahrain on Israeli-Palestinian peace. Police used live rounds to disperse the crowd, police sources told Reuters, with no injuries reported. "We used our vehicle loudspeakers to encourage protesters to leave the compound," a police officer stationed near the embassy said. "After they refused, police had to fire into the air." Also read: Kushner unveils economic portion of Middle East peace plan One protester, who identified himself as a member of the Islamic Resistance Groups, a term usually used by Iranian-backed Shiite militias, said they wanted to send a strong statement. "We took down the Bahraini flag to send a clear message to all those who participated in the Bahrain conference, that we strongly reject normalising relations with the Zionist occupiers and will never abandon our support of Palestinians," said the protester, who identified himself as Abu Murtadha al-Moussawi. "We are ready to fight for this." Bahrain recalled its ambassador to Iraq for consultations on Thursday after the protests. "The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Bahrain condemns the attack on the Embassy of the Kingdom of Bahrain to the Republic of Iraq by the demonstrators (which) led to sabotage in the embassy building," a statement on the ministry`s website said. The kingdom also summoned the charge d’affaires of the Embassy of Iraq in Manama on Friday to protest the "sabotage" of the embassy`s building in Baghdad, a second statement from the Bahraini foreign ministry said. "The foreign ministry welcomes the two statements from the Iraqi government... and insists on the importance of holding the perpetrators accountable," the statement added. Iraq condemned the protesters, and expressed "its deep regret" over the security breach at the embassy. "The government of Iraq affirms its absolute rejection of any acts which threaten diplomatic missions, their safety and the security of their personnel," said in a statement. The two-day conference in Manama was aimed at rallying support for a $50 billion investment plan in the Palestinian Territories as the first part of a broader White House political plan to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The plan has met broad disdain from Palestinians and others in the Arab world although regional US allies such as Saudi Arabia discreetly support it. Neither the Israeli nor Palestinian governments attended the meeting.

Baghdad protesters take down Bahrain flag over Trump peace conference

By Dov Waxman

After a decade in office, Benjamin Netanyahu’s long tenure as Israel’s prime minister may soon be ending.

Whether his Likud Party loses power following Israel’s election on April 9, or he’s forced to resign the premiership after being indicted on multiple corruption charges, Netanyahu’s downfall appears imminent.

Without the hawkish Netanyahu – who opposes full Palestinian statehood – at Israel’s helm, what are the chances for peace between Israelis and Palestinians?

Not good. Even an Israel-friendly peace plan, like the one expected to be proposed by the Trump administration, has little chance of success in a post-Netanyahu world.

No domestic pressure for peace talks

If the popular political newcomer Benny Gantz, who heads the recently formed “Blue and White” centrist alliance along with Yair Lapid, becomes Israel’s next prime minister, he is unlikely to prioritize peace talks with the Palestinians.

Although the official platform of the Blue and White alliance expresses a willingness to enter negotiations with the Palestinians, Gantz will be in no hurry because there’s no public pressure for peace talks.

Most Israelis, like most Palestinians, have concluded that they have no partner for peacemaking and they’ve given up on the peace process.

Israelis are more concerned with their economy and their security. Though they would like to resolve their long-running conflict with the Palestinians, or at least “separate” themselves from Palestinians and stop ruling over them in the West Bank, most Israelis see no safe or easy way to do so. However unsatisfactory it is, the status quo is bearable for them.

Major concessions unlikely

Even if peace talks do eventually get underway, an Israeli government led by the Blue and White alliance would be only slightly more amenable to compromise than Netanyahu’s governments have been.

Blue and White’s platform rejects many of the concessions that Israel would probably have to make to reach a peace agreement with the Palestinians. In my forthcoming book, “The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict: What Everyone Needs to Know,” I explain what concessions each side would have to make on highly controversial issues like the future of Jerusalem and the right of return for Palestinian refugees.

The party’s platform rules out any division of Jerusalem as part of a peace agreement. And it calls for Israel to keep all the large Jewish settlement blocs in the West Bank as well as for Israel to retain control over the Jordan Valley. The Palestinians have previously rejected Israel’s demand for an indefinite military presence in the Jordan Valley, deep inside the West Bank.

The platform also explicitly rejects a unilateral withdrawal – like Israel’s 2005 so-called “disengagement” from Gaza – from anywhere in the West Bank.

And, although it promises to “deepen the process of separation from the Palestinians,” it makes no mention of Palestinian statehood or a two-state solution. This is hardly a recipe for peace.

Hawks, not doves

It may be tempting to believe that this is all just electioneering and that in its effort to appeal to right-wing voters, the Blue and White alliance is disguising its dovish intentions.

Indeed, this is what Netanyahu has been repeatedly telling Israelis, claiming that Blue and White is really run by “leftists.” In current Israeli political discourse, that is about the worst offense imaginable – “leftist” has basically become a byword for traitor.

The candidates on Blue and White’s slate, however, are far from peaceniks.

Former military generals dominate the list, including Netanyahu’s onetime defense minister Moshe Ya’alon, who is number three on the party list. Ya’alon is even more right-wing than Netanyahu, who was at least willing to consider the eventual possibility of a Palestinian state – albeit only a “state-minus” as he put it.

Like Ya'alon, Gantz was also once the chief of staff of the Israel Defense Forces. He has been reticent, if not enigmatic, in expressing his views on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

But whatever his personal opinions might be, for the sake of his leadership and the survival of his political alliance, Gantz will have to be attentive, if not responsive, to the views of the alliance’s right-wing members and voters.

Coalition politics

Because of Israel’s proportional representation electoral system, no party ever wins a majority of seats in Israel’s parliament, the Knesset. So, the Blue and White alliance will have to depend on other parties in order to form and maintain a governing coalition. That means getting the support of more than half of the 120 Knesset members.

The alliance might be able to rely upon the parliamentary support of Arab parties – as Yitzhak Rabin’s Labor Party did in the early 1990s when it began the Oslo peace process. But it is more likely to avoid doing so, as every other Israeli government in history has done.

That’s because relying upon Arab parties risks delegitimizing the government in the eyes of Israeli Jews, many of whom perceive the Arab parties as radical and disloyal, a “fifth column” in Israel’s conflict with the Palestinians.

Instead of assembling a centre-left parliamentary bloc that includes Arab parties, I believe the Blue and White alliance is more likely to form a “national unity” government with Zionist parties to its left and right. This coalition may well include the right-wing Likud Party, especially if Netanyahu no longer leads it.

Typically, such national unity governments, containing a range of views from the left and right, are politically paralyzed when it comes to pursuing peace with the Palestinians.

A more centrist Israeli government than the current one, which is dominated by right-wing parties, would surely take a more moderate approach to the Palestinian issue. Israel’s relations with the Palestinian Authority would probably improve, the growth of Jewish settlements in the heart of the West Bank might slow, and Israel could further ease its blockade of the Gaza Strip.

All of this would reduce the risk of Israeli-Palestinian violence. But, sadly, peace will remain a distant prospect.

(Dov Waxman is Professor of Political Science, International Affairs and Israel Studies, Northeastern University)

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/even-if-netanyahu-goes-the-israeli-palestinian-conflict-will-continue-113447">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

By Dov Waxman After a decade in office, Benjamin Netanyahu’s long tenure as Israel’s prime minister may soon be ending. Whether his Likud Party loses power following Israel’s election on April 9, or he’s forced to resign the premiership after being indicted on multiple corruption charges, Netanyahu’s downfall appears imminent.

By Dov Waxman After a decade in office, Benjamin Netanyahu’s long tenure as Israel’s prime minister may soon be ending. Whether his Likud Party loses power following Israel’s election on April 9, or he’s forced to resign the premiership after being indicted on multiple corruption charges, Netanyahu’s downfall appears imminent. Without the hawkish Netanyahu – who opposes full Palestinian statehood – at Israel’s helm, what are the chances for peace between Israelis and Palestinians? Not good. Even an Israel-friendly peace plan, like the one expected to be proposed by the Trump administration, has little chance of success in a post-Netanyahu world. No domestic pressure for peace talks If the popular political newcomer Benny Gantz, who heads the recently formed “Blue and White” centrist alliance along with Yair Lapid, becomes Israel’s next prime minister, he is unlikely to prioritize peace talks with the Palestinians. Although the official platform of the Blue and White alliance expresses a willingness to enter negotiations with the Palestinians, Gantz will be in no hurry because there’s no public pressure for peace talks. Most Israelis, like most Palestinians, have concluded that they have no partner for peacemaking and they’ve given up on the peace process. Israelis are more concerned with their economy and their security. Though they would like to resolve their long-running conflict with the Palestinians, or at least “separate” themselves from Palestinians and stop ruling over them in the West Bank, most Israelis see no safe or easy way to do so. However unsatisfactory it is, the status quo is bearable for them. Major concessions unlikely Even if peace talks do eventually get underway, an Israeli government led by the Blue and White alliance would be only slightly more amenable to compromise than Netanyahu’s governments have been. Blue and White’s platform rejects many of the concessions that Israel would probably have to make to reach a peace agreement with the Palestinians. In my forthcoming book, “The Israeli-Palestinian Conflict: What Everyone Needs to Know,” I explain what concessions each side would have to make on highly controversial issues like the future of Jerusalem and the right of return for Palestinian refugees. The party’s platform rules out any division of Jerusalem as part of a peace agreement. And it calls for Israel to keep all the large Jewish settlement blocs in the West Bank as well as for Israel to retain control over the Jordan Valley. The Palestinians have previously rejected Israel’s demand for an indefinite military presence in the Jordan Valley, deep inside the West Bank. The platform also explicitly rejects a unilateral withdrawal – like Israel’s 2005 so-called “disengagement” from Gaza – from anywhere in the West Bank. And, although it promises to “deepen the process of separation from the Palestinians,” it makes no mention of Palestinian statehood or a two-state solution. This is hardly a recipe for peace. Hawks, not doves It may be tempting to believe that this is all just electioneering and that in its effort to appeal to right-wing voters, the Blue and White alliance is disguising its dovish intentions. Indeed, this is what Netanyahu has been repeatedly telling Israelis, claiming that Blue and White is really run by “leftists.” In current Israeli political discourse, that is about the worst offense imaginable – “leftist” has basically become a byword for traitor. The candidates on Blue and White’s slate, however, are far from peaceniks. Former military generals dominate the list, including Netanyahu’s onetime defense minister Moshe Ya’alon, who is number three on the party list. Ya’alon is even more right-wing than Netanyahu, who was at least willing to consider the eventual possibility of a Palestinian state – albeit only a “state-minus” as he put it. Like Ya'alon, Gantz was also once the chief of staff of the Israel Defense Forces. He has been reticent, if not enigmatic, in expressing his views on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. But whatever his personal opinions might be, for the sake of his leadership and the survival of his political alliance, Gantz will have to be attentive, if not responsive, to the views of the alliance’s right-wing members and voters. Coalition politics Because of Israel’s proportional representation electoral system, no party ever wins a majority of seats in Israel’s parliament, the Knesset. So, the Blue and White alliance will have to depend on other parties in order to form and maintain a governing coalition. That means getting the support of more than half of the 120 Knesset members. The alliance might be able to rely upon the parliamentary support of Arab parties – as Yitzhak Rabin’s Labor Party did in the early 1990s when it began the Oslo peace process. But it is more likely to avoid doing so, as every other Israeli government in history has done. That’s because relying upon Arab parties risks delegitimizing the government in the eyes of Israeli Jews, many of whom perceive the Arab parties as radical and disloyal, a “fifth column” in Israel’s conflict with the Palestinians. Instead of assembling a centre-left parliamentary bloc that includes Arab parties, I believe the Blue and White alliance is more likely to form a “national unity” government with Zionist parties to its left and right. This coalition may well include the right-wing Likud Party, especially if Netanyahu no longer leads it. Typically, such national unity governments, containing a range of views from the left and right, are politically paralyzed when it comes to pursuing peace with the Palestinians. A more centrist Israeli government than the current one, which is dominated by right-wing parties, would surely take a more moderate approach to the Palestinian issue. Israel’s relations with the Palestinian Authority would probably improve, the growth of Jewish settlements in the heart of the West Bank might slow, and Israel could further ease its blockade of the Gaza Strip. All of this would reduce the risk of Israeli-Palestinian violence. But, sadly, peace will remain a distant prospect. (Dov Waxman is Professor of Political Science, International Affairs and Israel Studies, Northeastern University) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Even if Netanyahu goes, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict will continue

A senior member of Gaza's Hamas rulers has said that all but a dozen of the 62 Palestinians killed by Israeli fire during Gaza border protests this week were members of the Islamist group.

The remarks made on Wednesday were seized upon by Israel in an attempt to fend off harsh global criticism over the deaths and prove they were orchestrated and led by the Islamist movement Hamas.

Israeli forces killed 60 Palestinians on Monday when tens of thousands of Palestinians had gathered near the border, while smaller numbers approached the fence and sought to break through.

For more than six weeks, marchers have been demanding the right to return to their homes seized by Israel in the 1948 war surrounding the creation of the Jewish state.

Two more Palestinians were killed on Tuesday as Palestinians marked the Nakba, or "catastrophe", commemorating the more than 700,000 Palestinians who fled or were expelled in the war.

The bloodshed continued to draw world attention as violence abated late Wednesday, on the eve of the holy Muslim fasting month of Ramadan.

Sporadic cross-border fire was a reminder of the situation's unresolved volatility, however.

Pope Francis said he was "very worried" by escalating violence in the Middle East, with Arab foreign ministers set to hold an "extraordinary" meeting Thursday to discuss the situation.

And Hamas strongman Yahya Sinwar warned the movement could return to armed resistance.

Meanwhile Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan lashed out at the international "silence" over the Gaza killings.

"If the silence on Israel's tyranny continues, the world will rapidly be dragged into a chaos where banditry prevails," he said.

Since border protests and clashes began on March 30, 116 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire across the Gaza Strip.

One Israeli soldier has been reported wounded in that time.

Monday's protests coincided with the transfer of the US embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, which has deeply angered the Palestinians who see the Israeli-annexed eastern sector of the city as the capital of their future state.

'Establish the facts'

Hamas said it supported the mass mobilisation of protesters, insisting however it was a peaceful civilian initiative.

The Israeli army accuses Hamas of using the cover of the demonstrations to approach and damage the border fence, including laying explosive devices and attacking soldiers, and insists its actions are necessary to defend the border and prevent mass infiltrations.

There have been numerous calls for an independent investigation into the deaths, with Britain, Germany and Switzerland among those supporting such action.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also called for an independent probe Wednesday, saying "it is imperative we establish the facts of what is happening in Gaza".

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said Egypt was in communication with both sides "so that this bloodshed would stop".

A senior member of Hamas said most of the Palestinians killed by Israeli fire during border protests and clashes this week were members of the Islamist group.

"Fifty of the martyrs were Hamas and 12 from the people. How can Hamas reap the fruits if it pays such an expensive price?" said Salah Bardawil.

He did not give further details about whether they were members of the group's armed or political wing, or what they were doing at the time they were killed.

The comments were welcomed by Israeli military spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Conricus, who said Bardawil had "set the record straight".

"Take his word for it. This was no peaceful protest," he tweeted.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov however rejected the Israeli spokesman's "blasphemous statement" implying the Gaza deaths were of militants.

"I cannot agree with the fact that dozens of peaceful civilians, including children and infants, who were killed in these incidents were terrorists," he said.

Speaking to Al-Jazeera on Wednesday, Hamas's Gaza head Yahya Sinwar warned his movement could return to armed resistance.

"We have sent clear messages to the enemy via many international and regional leaders that if the blockade continues we will not hesitate to use military resistance," he said.

'Wrong side of history'

Guatemala on Wednesday inaugurated its Israel embassy in Jerusalem, the first country to follow in the footsteps of the United States' controversial move.

Speaking at a reception with Guatemalan President Jimmy Morales, Netanyahu said Israel had recorded "similar numbers" to those mentioned by Bardawil.

"Israel will continue to defend itself in all necessary means and not let those who call to destroy us breach our borders and threaten our communities," he said.

The US and Guatemalan embassy moves break with decades of international consensus.

Senior Palestinian official Saeb Erekat lashed out at Guatemala, saying its government had "chosen to stand on the wrong side of history".

Jerusalem's status is perhaps the thorniest issue in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the US embassy relocation infuriated the Palestinians.

Israel occupied the West Bank and east Jerusalem in 1967 and later annexed east Jerusalem in a move never recognised by the international community.

Israel considers the entire city its capital, while the Palestinians see east Jerusalem as the capital of their future state. 
&nbsp

A senior member of Gaza's Hamas rulers has said that all but a dozen of the 62 Palestinians killed by Israeli fire during Gaza border protests this week were members of the Islamist group

A senior member of Gaza's Hamas rulers has said that all but a dozen of the 62 Palestinians killed by Israeli fire during Gaza border protests this week were members of the Islamist group. The remarks made on Wednesday were seized upon by Israel in an attempt to fend off harsh global criticism over the deaths and prove they were orchestrated and led by the Islamist movement Hamas. Israeli forces killed 60 Palestinians on Monday when tens of thousands of Palestinians had gathered near the border, while smaller numbers approached the fence and sought to break through. For more than six weeks, marchers have been demanding the right to return to their homes seized by Israel in the 1948 war surrounding the creation of the Jewish state. Two more Palestinians were killed on Tuesday as Palestinians marked the Nakba, or "catastrophe", commemorating the more than 700,000 Palestinians who fled or were expelled in the war. The bloodshed continued to draw world attention as violence abated late Wednesday, on the eve of the holy Muslim fasting month of Ramadan. Sporadic cross-border fire was a reminder of the situation's unresolved volatility, however. Pope Francis said he was "very worried" by escalating violence in the Middle East, with Arab foreign ministers set to hold an "extraordinary" meeting Thursday to discuss the situation. And Hamas strongman Yahya Sinwar warned the movement could return to armed resistance. Meanwhile Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan lashed out at the international "silence" over the Gaza killings. "If the silence on Israel's tyranny continues, the world will rapidly be dragged into a chaos where banditry prevails," he said. Since border protests and clashes began on March 30, 116 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire across the Gaza Strip. One Israeli soldier has been reported wounded in that time. Monday's protests coincided with the transfer of the US embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, which has deeply angered the Palestinians who see the Israeli-annexed eastern sector of the city as the capital of their future state. 'Establish the facts' Hamas said it supported the mass mobilisation of protesters, insisting however it was a peaceful civilian initiative. The Israeli army accuses Hamas of using the cover of the demonstrations to approach and damage the border fence, including laying explosive devices and attacking soldiers, and insists its actions are necessary to defend the border and prevent mass infiltrations. There have been numerous calls for an independent investigation into the deaths, with Britain, Germany and Switzerland among those supporting such action. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also called for an independent probe Wednesday, saying "it is imperative we establish the facts of what is happening in Gaza". Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said Egypt was in communication with both sides "so that this bloodshed would stop". A senior member of Hamas said most of the Palestinians killed by Israeli fire during border protests and clashes this week were members of the Islamist group. "Fifty of the martyrs were Hamas and 12 from the people. How can Hamas reap the fruits if it pays such an expensive price?" said Salah Bardawil. He did not give further details about whether they were members of the group's armed or political wing, or what they were doing at the time they were killed. The comments were welcomed by Israeli military spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Conricus, who said Bardawil had "set the record straight". "Take his word for it. This was no peaceful protest," he tweeted. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov however rejected the Israeli spokesman's "blasphemous statement" implying the Gaza deaths were of militants. "I cannot agree with the fact that dozens of peaceful civilians, including children and infants, who were killed in these incidents were terrorists," he said. Speaking to Al-Jazeera on Wednesday, Hamas's Gaza head Yahya Sinwar warned his movement could return to armed resistance. "We have sent clear messages to the enemy via many international and regional leaders that if the blockade continues we will not hesitate to use military resistance," he said. 'Wrong side of history' Guatemala on Wednesday inaugurated its Israel embassy in Jerusalem, the first country to follow in the footsteps of the United States' controversial move. Speaking at a reception with Guatemalan President Jimmy Morales, Netanyahu said Israel had recorded "similar numbers" to those mentioned by Bardawil. "Israel will continue to defend itself in all necessary means and not let those who call to destroy us breach our borders and threaten our communities," he said. The US and Guatemalan embassy moves break with decades of international consensus. Senior Palestinian official Saeb Erekat lashed out at Guatemala, saying its government had "chosen to stand on the wrong side of history". Jerusalem's status is perhaps the thorniest issue in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the US embassy relocation infuriated the Palestinians. Israel occupied the West Bank and east Jerusalem in 1967 and later annexed east Jerusalem in a move never recognised by the international community. Israel considers the entire city its capital, while the Palestinians see east Jerusalem as the capital of their future state.

Hamas official says 50 members killed this week on Gaza border

Israeli soldiers shot dead a Palestinian man on the Gaza border on Friday, the 53rd Palestinian to be killed during a seventh week of protests on the Gaza border.

At least 170 protesters were wounded, with seven people critically injured, Palestinian medical workers said. A 16-year-old was shot in the face.

Protests began on March 30 calling for Palestinians to be able to return to the homes they fled in 1948, which are now inside Israel.

Organisers of the protest, called the "Great March of Return," said they expected tens of thousands of Gazans at tented border encampments in the coming days.

The protests peak on Fridays and are building to a climax on May 15, the day Palestinians call the "Nakba" or "Catastrophe", marking the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians in the conflict surrounding the creation of Israel in 1948.

 
(With inputs from agencies)

He is the 53rd Palestinian to be killed during a seventh week of protests on the Gaza border

Israeli soldiers shot dead a Palestinian man on the Gaza border on Friday, the 53rd Palestinian to be killed during a seventh week of protests on the Gaza border. At least 170 protesters were wounded, with seven people critically injured, Palestinian medical workers said. A 16-year-old was shot in the face. Protests began on March 30 calling for Palestinians to be able to return to the homes they fled in 1948, which are now inside Israel. Organisers of the protest, called the "Great March of Return," said they expected tens of thousands of Gazans at tented border encampments in the coming days. The protests peak on Fridays and are building to a climax on May 15, the day Palestinians call the "Nakba" or "Catastrophe", marking the displacement of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians in the conflict surrounding the creation of Israel in 1948. (With inputs from agencies)

Israeli forces shoot dead Palestinian on Gaza border

Six Hamas gunmen were killed in an explosion in Gaza on Saturday, the militant group said, blaming the incident on Israel which declined comment.

In a statement, the Palestinian Islamist group's armed wing called the incident a "deplorable Zionist crime" perpetrated against its fighters.

"During a complicated security and intelligence operation conducted by Qassam Brigades to investigate a serious and a grave security incident conducted by the Zionist enemy against Palestinian resistance, a deplorable crime took place against our Mujahideen in the area of Zawayda in central Gaza Strip," the Hamas said.

A pillar of smoke rising above the village of Zawayda near the Gaza coast was captured by Reuters television.

The explosion occurred far from the border with Israel where tensions have escalated in recent weeks.

The exact circumstances of the blast were unclear and Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip, provided no further details.

Although a more junior official had earlier denied the army was involved, an Israeli military spokesman declined to comment on the incident.

Israel and the West designate Hamas as a terrorist organisation.

Israel withdrew its troops and settlers from Gaza in 2005. But, citing security concerns, Israel maintains a naval blockade of the coastal territory, keeping tight restrictions on the movement of Palestinians and goods across the frontier.

Forty-three Palestinians have been shot and killed by Israeli forces since March 30, when Gazans began weekly protests dubbed "The Great March of Return" along the border with Israel.

Facing international censure over its use of live fire in the protests, Israel says it is protecting its border and takes such action only when protesters, some hurling fire-bombs and trying to plant explosives, come too close.

Israel says Hamas is using the protests as cover to try to carry out attacks. Hamas denies the accusation. 
 
(With inputs from Reuters)

The militant group blamed the incident on Israel which declined comment.

Six Hamas gunmen were killed in an explosion in Gaza on Saturday, the militant group said, blaming the incident on Israel which declined comment. In a statement, the Palestinian Islamist group's armed wing called the incident a "deplorable Zionist crime" perpetrated against its fighters. "During a complicated security and intelligence operation conducted by Qassam Brigades to investigate a serious and a grave security incident conducted by the Zionist enemy against Palestinian resistance, a deplorable crime took place against our Mujahideen in the area of Zawayda in central Gaza Strip," the Hamas said. A pillar of smoke rising above the village of Zawayda near the Gaza coast was captured by Reuters television. The explosion occurred far from the border with Israel where tensions have escalated in recent weeks. The exact circumstances of the blast were unclear and Hamas, which controls the Gaza Strip, provided no further details. Although a more junior official had earlier denied the army was involved, an Israeli military spokesman declined to comment on the incident. Israel and the West designate Hamas as a terrorist organisation. Israel withdrew its troops and settlers from Gaza in 2005. But, citing security concerns, Israel maintains a naval blockade of the coastal territory, keeping tight restrictions on the movement of Palestinians and goods across the frontier. Forty-three Palestinians have been shot and killed by Israeli forces since March 30, when Gazans began weekly protests dubbed "The Great March of Return" along the border with Israel. Facing international censure over its use of live fire in the protests, Israel says it is protecting its border and takes such action only when protesters, some hurling fire-bombs and trying to plant explosives, come too close. Israel says Hamas is using the protests as cover to try to carry out attacks. Hamas denies the accusation. (With inputs from Reuters)

6 Hamas gunmen killed in Gaza blast

A Palestinian was killed in clashes with Israeli forces in central Gaza on Friday, the health ministry in the strip said, bringing the day's death toll to five

One of the men was shot dead on the border east of central Gaza's al-Bureij.

The dead also included a 16-year-old, the ministry said, adding that he was killed east of Gaza City.&nbsp;

Around 408 people had been taken to hospitals and medical centres for treatment, the ministry added.

The clashes come a week after a mass demonstration led to violence and the bloodiest day since a 2014 war.

Palestinians burned mounds of tyres and threw stones at Israeli soldiers over the border fence, who in turn responded with tear gas and live fire.

The tyre fires were meant to be a smokescreen from Israeli snipers, and thick black smoke covered the border area in some places.

Israeli forces took up positions on the other side of the border and set up large fans in a bid to push away the smoke.

They also used water cannon to try to douse flames.

Israel said there were also attempts to break through the barrier.

Thousands of protesters gathered in locations near the border east of Khan Yunis, in the south of the blockaded Palestinian enclave, and east of Gaza City, among other spots.

The number of protesters was, however, lower than last week, when a demonstration by tens of thousands led to clashes in which Israeli forces killed 19 Palestinians.

Hamas's leader in Gaza, Yahya Sinwar, hailed the protests and condemned Israel's blockade of the Gaza Strip.

"They said Gaza would give up its principles, its project of liberation and (dream) of return if they starve it, but Gaza is coming out today," he said to protesters east of Khan Yunis.

Israel's military said around 20,000 Palestinians were "rioting" and "attempts were made to infiltrate into Israel under the cover of a smoke screen." It added that explosive devices and firebombs were thrown and said that soldiers opened fire "in accordance with the rules of engagement."

Israel has faced mounting criticism over its use of live fire, and UN chief Antonio Guterres called for restraint ahead of Friday's protest.&nbsp;

Guterres and the European Union have called for an independent investigation, which Israel has rejected outright.

"I particularly urge Israel to exercise extreme caution with the use of force in order to avoid casualties," he said.

Human Rights Watch has called the actions by the Israeli soldiers "calculated" and illegal.

Palestinians say protesters were shot while posing no threat to soldiers, and unverified videos that have spread online have fuelled their accusations.

The videos include one appearing to show a man with a tyre shot while running away from the fence.

Israel says more than half of the dead from the previous Friday were members of militant groups, including the armed wing of Hamas.

Hamas's armed wing has claimed only five of them, saying they were participating "in popular events side-by-side with their people".

Militant group Islamic Jihad has claimed at least one of the dead as a member, but it said he was not carrying a weapon when he was shot.

The protests, designed to last six weeks, are in support of refugees.

More than 700,000 Palestinians fled or were expelled from their lands during the war surrounding Israel's creation in 1948.

Israelis say allowing the so-called "right of return" would mean their country would cease to exist.

Protests will run until the expected opening of the new US embassy in Jerusalem in mid-May.

The US move has led to deep anger among Palestinians, who see the annexed eastern sector of Jerusalem as the capital of their future state.

The White House on Thursday refrained from criticism of Israel and called on protesters to remain peaceful.

(With inputs from AFP) 
&nbsp;

Palestinians burned mounds of tyres and threw stones at Israeli soldiers over the border fence, who in turn responded with tear gas and live fire

A Palestinian was killed in clashes with Israeli forces in central Gaza on Friday, the health ministry in the strip said, bringing the day's death toll to five One of the men was shot dead on the border east of central Gaza's al-Bureij. The dead also included a 16-year-old, the ministry said, adding that he was killed east of Gaza City. Around 408 people had been taken to hospitals and medical centres for treatment, the ministry added. The clashes come a week after a mass demonstration led to violence and the bloodiest day since a 2014 war. Palestinians burned mounds of tyres and threw stones at Israeli soldiers over the border fence, who in turn responded with tear gas and live fire. The tyre fires were meant to be a smokescreen from Israeli snipers, and thick black smoke covered the border area in some places. Israeli forces took up positions on the other side of the border and set up large fans in a bid to push away the smoke. They also used water cannon to try to douse flames. Israel said there were also attempts to break through the barrier. Thousands of protesters gathered in locations near the border east of Khan Yunis, in the south of the blockaded Palestinian enclave, and east of Gaza City, among other spots. The number of protesters was, however, lower than last week, when a demonstration by tens of thousands led to clashes in which Israeli forces killed 19 Palestinians. Hamas's leader in Gaza, Yahya Sinwar, hailed the protests and condemned Israel's blockade of the Gaza Strip. "They said Gaza would give up its principles, its project of liberation and (dream) of return if they starve it, but Gaza is coming out today," he said to protesters east of Khan Yunis. Israel's military said around 20,000 Palestinians were "rioting" and "attempts were made to infiltrate into Israel under the cover of a smoke screen." It added that explosive devices and firebombs were thrown and said that soldiers opened fire "in accordance with the rules of engagement." Israel has faced mounting criticism over its use of live fire, and UN chief Antonio Guterres called for restraint ahead of Friday's protest. Guterres and the European Union have called for an independent investigation, which Israel has rejected outright. "I particularly urge Israel to exercise extreme caution with the use of force in order to avoid casualties," he said. Human Rights Watch has called the actions by the Israeli soldiers "calculated" and illegal. Palestinians say protesters were shot while posing no threat to soldiers, and unverified videos that have spread online have fuelled their accusations. The videos include one appearing to show a man with a tyre shot while running away from the fence. Israel says more than half of the dead from the previous Friday were members of militant groups, including the armed wing of Hamas. Hamas's armed wing has claimed only five of them, saying they were participating "in popular events side-by-side with their people". Militant group Islamic Jihad has claimed at least one of the dead as a member, but it said he was not carrying a weapon when he was shot. The protests, designed to last six weeks, are in support of refugees. More than 700,000 Palestinians fled or were expelled from their lands during the war surrounding Israel's creation in 1948. Israelis say allowing the so-called "right of return" would mean their country would cease to exist. Protests will run until the expected opening of the new US embassy in Jerusalem in mid-May. The US move has led to deep anger among Palestinians, who see the annexed eastern sector of Jerusalem as the capital of their future state. The White House on Thursday refrained from criticism of Israel and called on protesters to remain peaceful. (With inputs from AFP)

5 Palestinians killed by Israeli troops in fresh clashes along Gaza border

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