Bulgaria is interested in joint unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) production with Israel, Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borisov said&nbsp;on Wednesday.

"I do hope that all the peace agreements are signed. But also here I would like to broach the topic of Hi-tech and the possibility of maybe partnering up and manufacturing together products in the area of defence, Hi-tech in the area of defence. Especially maybe focusing on this new state of the art, weapons or means of facilitating defence and mainly the drones," Borisov told reporters before meeting his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem.

Israel rivals the United States as a top UAV exporter and has cooperated with Russia and India on drone technologies.

UAVs accounted for 2 percent of Israel's defence sales in 2017, according to government data released last month. Total defence sales in 2017 were valued at $9.2 billion.

Israel rivals the United States as a top UAV exporter and has cooperated with Russia and India on drone technologies

Bulgaria is interested in joint unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) production with Israel, Bulgarian Prime Minister Boyko Borisov said on Wednesday. "I do hope that all the peace agreements are signed. But also here I would like to broach the topic of Hi-tech and the possibility of maybe partnering up and manufacturing together products in the area of defence, Hi-tech in the area of defence. Especially maybe focusing on this new state of the art, weapons or means of facilitating defence and mainly the drones," Borisov told reporters before meeting his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem. Israel rivals the United States as a top UAV exporter and has cooperated with Russia and India on drone technologies. UAVs accounted for 2 percent of Israel's defence sales in 2017, according to government data released last month. Total defence sales in 2017 were valued at $9.2 billion.

Bulgaria PM suggests joint drone manufacture with Israel

The UN General Assembly will hold an emergency meeting on Gaza next Wednesday at 12:30 am IST following a request by a number of Arab countries, the body's president Miroslav Lajcak announced today in a letter to the 193 member states.

The session will seek a vote on a resolution to condemn Israel, similar to one vetoed by the United States in the Security Council last week, according to diplomats.

The meeting comes as casualties continue to mount at Gaza

The UN General Assembly will hold an emergency meeting on Gaza next Wednesday at 12:30 am IST following a request by a number of Arab countries, the body's president Miroslav Lajcak announced today in a letter to the 193 member states. The session will seek a vote on a resolution to condemn Israel, similar to one vetoed by the United States in the Security Council last week, according to diplomats.

UN to hold emergency meeting on Gaza next week

The Israel Football Association said&nbsp;on Wednesday&nbsp;that it had not received an official cancellation of the upcoming Israel-Argentina friendly, noting that it intends to issue a formal complaint to FIFA. 
 
IFA president Ofer Eini said at a press conference in Tel Aviv that his association asked Argentina to clarify the rumours circulating since Tuesday night about the cancellation of the friendly in Jerusalem, scheduled for&nbsp;Saturday, but no response had yet been received. 
 
Eini reiterated that the IFA has contacted FIFA and will present a formal complaint about the matter. 
 
For his part, the head of the Argentine Football Association, Claudio Tapia, said the cancellation was motivated by threats received by the South American team. 
 
Tapia apologized to all Argentines living in Israel and all Israelis who bought tickets to watch the match. 
 
Earlier&nbsp;on Wednesday, the president of the Palestinian Football Association, Jibril Rajoub, accused Israel of trying to use superstar Lionel Messi and the Argentinian national soccer team as political tools when the friendly's venue was changed from the Israeli coastal city of Haifa to the contested and occupied city of Jerusalem. 
 
Palestinians consider East Jerusalem, which was occupied by Israel during the 1967 Six Day War and annexed in 1980, to be the capital of their future state.

Eini reiterated that the Israel Football Association (IFA) has contacted FIFA and will present a formal complaint about the matter

The Israel Football Association said on Wednesday that it had not received an official cancellation of the upcoming Israel-Argentina friendly, noting that it intends to issue a formal complaint to FIFA. IFA president Ofer Eini said at a press conference in Tel Aviv that his association asked Argentina to clarify the rumours circulating since Tuesday night about the cancellation of the friendly in Jerusalem, scheduled for Saturday, but no response had yet been received. Eini reiterated that the IFA has contacted FIFA and will present a formal complaint about the matter. For his part, the head of the Argentine Football Association, Claudio Tapia, said the cancellation was motivated by threats received by the South American team. Tapia apologized to all Argentines living in Israel and all Israelis who bought tickets to watch the match. Earlier on Wednesday, the president of the Palestinian Football Association, Jibril Rajoub, accused Israel of trying to use superstar Lionel Messi and the Argentinian national soccer team as political tools when the friendly's venue was changed from the Israeli coastal city of Haifa to the contested and occupied city of Jerusalem. Palestinians consider East Jerusalem, which was occupied by Israel during the 1967 Six Day War and annexed in 1980, to be the capital of their future state.

IFA: We've received no confirmation of Israel-Argentina friendly cancellation

<a href="http://wionews.com/world/russia-has-proposed-a-roadmap-for-resolving-korean-peninsula-issue-says-putin-142499">'Russia has proposed a 'roadmap' for resolving Korean Peninsula issue,' says Putin</a>

Russia's foreign minister Sergei Lavrov had med Kim in Pyongyang last week and extended an invite to the North Korean leader to meet Putin.

&nbsp;

<a href="http://wionews.com/world/kim-trump-summit-to-take-place-in-singapores-capella-hotel-on-sentosa-island-142478">Kim-Trump summit to take place in Singapore's Capella hotel on Sentosa Island</a>

The White House had said on Tuesday the meeting would take place at 9:00 am (0100 GMT).

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<a href="http://wionews.com/sports/jerusalem-row-israel-calls-off-argentina-world-cup-friendly-142483">Jerusalem row: Israel calls off Argentina World Cup friendly</a>

The match had created great hype with Argentina star Lionel Messi likely to play, however, it took a political turn.

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<a href="http://wionews.com/world/miss-america-to-scrape-the-swimsuit-round-from-its-pageant-142480">'Miss America' to scrap swimsuit round from its pageant</a>

The Miss America Organization had long defended the segment where women posed in skimpy swimsuits as a measure of the women`s physical fitness.

&nbsp;

<a href="http://wionews.com/sports/cricket-australia-ceo-james-sutherland-resigns-142487">Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland resigns</a>

Sutherland will continue in his position till a replacement is found, his notice period will extend to 12 months, reports said.

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Sutherland will continue in his position till a replacement is found

'Russia has proposed a 'roadmap' for resolving Korean Peninsula issue,' says Putin Russia's foreign minister Sergei Lavrov had med Kim in Pyongyang last week and extended an invite to the North Korean leader to meet Putin. Kim-Trump summit to take place in Singapore's Capella hotel on Sentosa Island The White House had said on Tuesday the meeting would take place at 9:00 am (0100 GMT). Jerusalem row: Israel calls off Argentina World Cup friendly The match had created great hype with Argentina star Lionel Messi likely to play, however, it took a political turn. 'Miss America' to scrap swimsuit round from its pageant The Miss America Organization had long defended the segment where women posed in skimpy swimsuits as a measure of the women`s physical fitness. Cricket Australia CEO James Sutherland resigns Sutherland will continue in his position till a replacement is found, his notice period will extend to 12 months, reports said.

Top-5 stories of the day

The Israel embassy said today the much-awaited Argentina-Israel World Cup friendly due to be played in a west Jerusalem stadium on Saturday has been cancelled.

The match had created great hype with Argentina star Lionel Messi likely to play, however, it took a political turn after Palestinian FA chief Jibril Rajoub wrote to Claudio Tapia, the head of the Argentinian FA, last week accusing Israel of using the match as a "political tool".

Jerusalem's Teddy Kollek Stadium was due to host Messi's all-star line-up just days ahead of the World Cup but Palestinian FA chief in an angry reaction accused the Israeli government of turning football into a "political tool".

Rajoub later went on to declare that Messi would be personally targetted and called on Palestinian football fans to "burn his picture and his shirt and to abandon him."&nbsp;

Although Argentina has played in Israel earlier but circumstances have changed considerably after the US moved its embassy to &nbsp;Jerusalem last month and recognised the holy city as the official capital of Israel leading to widespread protests in West Bank which led to several deaths as Palestinians clashed with Israeli forces.

Later, Guatemala and Honduras also opened their embassy in Jerusalem leading to further discontentment among the Palestinians.

Argentina has been drawn in World Cup Group D and will open their campaign against Iceland in Moscow on June 16. &nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Rajoub later went on to declare that Messi will be personally targetted

The Israel embassy said today the much-awaited Argentina-Israel World Cup friendly due to be played in a west Jerusalem stadium on Saturday has been cancelled. The match had created great hype with Argentina star Lionel Messi likely to play, however, it took a political turn after Palestinian FA chief Jibril Rajoub wrote to Claudio Tapia, the head of the Argentinian FA, last week accusing Israel of using the match as a "political tool". Jerusalem's Teddy Kollek Stadium was due to host Messi's all-star line-up just days ahead of the World Cup but Palestinian FA chief in an angry reaction accused the Israeli government of turning football into a "political tool". Rajoub later went on to declare that Messi would be personally targetted and called on Palestinian football fans to "burn his picture and his shirt and to abandon him." Although Argentina has played in Israel earlier but circumstances have changed considerably after the US moved its embassy to Jerusalem last month and recognised the holy city as the official capital of Israel leading to widespread protests in West Bank which led to several deaths as Palestinians clashed with Israeli forces. Later, Guatemala and Honduras also opened their embassy in Jerusalem leading to further discontentment among the Palestinians. Argentina has been drawn in World Cup Group D and will open their campaign against Iceland in Moscow on June 16.

Jerusalem row: Israel calls off Argentina World Cup friendly

The president of the Palestinian Football Association on Wednesday accused Israel of trying to use superstar Lionel Messi and the Argentinian national soccer team as political tools, following the cancellation of the Argentina-Israeli friendly. 
 
Speaking at a press conference, Jibril Rajoub accused Israel mixing sports with politics, alluding to the fact that the game was to be held in Jerusalem, the eastern half of which is considered occupied by Israel under international law. 
 
"Israel sought to use the game to send a political message that has nothing to do with sports," Rajoub was quoted as saying in the official Palestinian news agency WAFA. 
 
"It wanted to use Messi to 'sport-wash' its crimes against the Palestinian people and Palestinian sports."

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/israeli-minister-slams-argentina-team-over-football-cancellation-142582">Israeli minister slams Argentina team over football cancellation</a> 
 
Rajoub stressed that moving the match to Jerusalem, after it was originally planned to take place in the city of Haifa on the Mediterranean coast, was a violation of United Nations resolutions and international law. 
 
"We took the initiative right from day one and exerted all efforts to work according to FIFA rules in order to prevent the game from taking place in Jerusalem," he said. 
 
The change in venue was promoted by the Israeli minister of culture and sports, Miri Regev, who announced that the Argentinean team would tour the Old City of Jerusalem and that Messi would kiss the Wailing Wall, the most important place of prayer in Judaism, which is considered Israeli-occupied territory. 
 
After the press conference, Rajoub went to the Consulate of Argentina in Ramallah, where dozens of Palestinians gathered to thank the national team for their decision not to play the game in Jerusalem. 
 
Palestinians see East Jerusalem, which was occupied by Israel during the 1967 Six Day War and later annexed in 1980, as the capital of their future state.

The president of the Palestinian Football Association accused Israel of trying to use superstar Lionel Messi and the Argentinian national soccer team as political tools

The president of the Palestinian Football Association on Wednesday accused Israel of trying to use superstar Lionel Messi and the Argentinian national soccer team as political tools, following the cancellation of the Argentina-Israeli friendly. Speaking at a press conference, Jibril Rajoub accused Israel mixing sports with politics, alluding to the fact that the game was to be held in Jerusalem, the eastern half of which is considered occupied by Israel under international law. "Israel sought to use the game to send a political message that has nothing to do with sports," Rajoub was quoted as saying in the official Palestinian news agency WAFA. "It wanted to use Messi to 'sport-wash' its crimes against the Palestinian people and Palestinian sports." Israeli minister slams Argentina team over football cancellation Rajoub stressed that moving the match to Jerusalem, after it was originally planned to take place in the city of Haifa on the Mediterranean coast, was a violation of United Nations resolutions and international law. "We took the initiative right from day one and exerted all efforts to work according to FIFA rules in order to prevent the game from taking place in Jerusalem," he said. The change in venue was promoted by the Israeli minister of culture and sports, Miri Regev, who announced that the Argentinean team would tour the Old City of Jerusalem and that Messi would kiss the Wailing Wall, the most important place of prayer in Judaism, which is considered Israeli-occupied territory. After the press conference, Rajoub went to the Consulate of Argentina in Ramallah, where dozens of Palestinians gathered to thank the national team for their decision not to play the game in Jerusalem. Palestinians see East Jerusalem, which was occupied by Israel during the 1967 Six Day War and later annexed in 1980, as the capital of their future state.

Palestinian football chief accuses Israel of using Messi as political tool

<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/day-after-countrys-farmers-go-on-strike-fruit--vegetable-prices-shoot-up-141779">Day</a><a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/day-after-countrys-farmers-go-on-strike-fruit--vegetable-prices-shoot-up-141779"> after country's farmers go on strike, fruit & vegetable prices shoot up</a>

A day after farmers in the country went on&nbsp<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/farmers-begin-10-day-nationwide-strike-say-will-not-sell-produce-in-cities-141609">strike</a>, the prices of fruits and vegetables have reportedly shot up.&nbspANI reported vendors at Delhi's Okhla mandi as saying prices had risen.

<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-to-address-farmers-protest-on-june-6-in-mandsaur-mp-141801">Rahul Gandhi to address farmers' protest on June 6 in Mandsaur, MP</a>

A day after farmers across the country initiated a 10-day nationwide protest,&nbspCongress president Rahul Gandhi has decided to join the protest on June 6.

<a href="http://wionews.com/world/trump-says-summit-back-on-but-who-will-pay-for-kims-hotel-room-141802">Trump says summit back on but who will pay for Kim's hotel room?&nbsp</a>

Trump announced early Saturday morning that his summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un was back on.&nbsp He made his announcement after meeting at the White House with Kim's right-hand man Kim Yong Chol.&nbsp

<a href="http://wionews.com/world/palestinian-tries-to-hit-israeli-soldiers-with-car-shot-dead-army-141790">Palestinian tries to hit Israeli soldiers with </a><a href="http://wionews.com/world/palestinian-tries-to-hit-israeli-soldiers-with-car-shot-dead-army-141790">car</a><a href="http://wionews.com/world/palestinian-tries-to-hit-israeli-soldiers-with-car-shot-dead-army-141790">,</a><a href="http://wionews.com/world/palestinian-tries-to-hit-israeli-soldiers-with-car-shot-dead-army-141790"> shot dead: Army</a>

A Palestinian man who tried today to hit Israeli soldiers with his car in the southern occupied West Bank city Hebron was shot dead, the army said.

<a href="http://wionews.com/south-asia/un-and-myanmar-agree-outline-of-rohingya-return-deal-no-details-141556">UN and Myanmar agree outline of Rohingya return deal, no details</a>

The United Nations said&nbspon Thursday&nbspit had struck an outline deal with Myanmar aimed at eventually allowing hundreds of thousands of Rohingya Muslims sheltering in Bangladesh to return safely and by choice.

&nbsp

Day after country's farmers go on strike, fruit & vegetable prices shoot up A day after farmers in the country went on strike, the prices of fruits and vegetables have reportedly shot up.&nbspANI reported vendors at Delhi's Okhla mandi as saying prices had risen. Rahul Gandhi to address farmers' protest on June 6 in Mandsaur, MP A day after farmers across the country initiated a 10-day nationwide protest,&nbspCongress president Rahul Gandhi has decided to join the protest on June 6. Trump says summit back on but who will pay for Kim's hotel room? Trump announced early Saturday morning that his summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un was back on. He made his announcement after meeting at the White House with Kim's right-hand man Kim Yong Chol. Palestinian tries to hit Israeli soldiers with car, shot dead: Army A Palestinian man who tried today to hit Israeli soldiers with his car in the southern occupied West Bank city Hebron was shot dead, the army said. UN and Myanmar agree outline of Rohingya return deal, no details The United Nations said&nbspon Thursday&nbspit had struck an outline deal with Myanmar aimed at eventually allowing hundreds of thousands of Rohingya Muslims sheltering in Bangladesh to return safely and by choice.

News brief: Big stories of the day

The latest escalation of fighting between Israel and Palestinian Hamas has pushed Gaza to the brink of war, the UN envoy for the Middle East warned the Security Council on Wednesday.

Nickolay Mladenov delivered the stark warning as the council remained deadlocked over how to respond to the flare-up between Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip and Israel.

"This latest round of attacks is a warning to all of how close to the brink of war we are every day," said Mladenov, who spoke via video link from Jerusalem.

The council met in emergency session at the request of the United States, which had asked the top UN body to condemn rocket firings by Hamas and Islamic Jihad on Israel.

But Kuwait, a non-permanent council member that represents Arab countries, blocked the US-drafted statement, arguing that it had presented its own draft resolution that addressed the crisis.

The exchange of fire on Tuesday and into the early hours of Wednesday began with a barrage of rocket and mortars into Israel from Gaza, prompting Israel to respond with strikes on 65 militant sites in the Gaza Strip.

The violence was the most serious escalation since the 2014 war between Israel and Hamas and followed weeks of Palestinian protests in which more than 100 Palestinians have been shot and killed by Israeli forces.

Calm returned to Gaza on Wednesday but the UN envoy expressed concern that ongoing protests in June will lead to further violence.&nbsp

"No one in Gaza can afford another war," said Mladenov.

Kuwait is pushing for a vote at the council this week on its draft resolution calling for "the consideration of measures" for the protection of Palestinian civilians, according to the text obtained by AFP.

The United States, which has veto power in the council, will oppose the measure, Israeli Ambassador Danny Danon told reporters.

US Ambassador Nikki Haley said "the people of Gaza do not need protection from an external source. The people of Gaza need protection from Hamas."

With the council deadlocked, France warned that the failure to agree on a response to the Gaza crisis was damaging to the United Nations.

"This increasingly heavy silence, which is becoming deafening, is not acceptable," said French Ambassador Francois Delattre.

"It is not acceptable for the Palestinian and Israeli populations, who are affected by this conflict. It is not acceptable for the world that is watching us," he said. 
&nbsp

The latest round of attacks is a warning to all of how close to the brink of war we are every day: UN envoy for the Middle East

The latest escalation of fighting between Israel and Palestinian Hamas has pushed Gaza to the brink of war, the UN envoy for the Middle East warned the Security Council on Wednesday. Nickolay Mladenov delivered the stark warning as the council remained deadlocked over how to respond to the flare-up between Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip and Israel. "This latest round of attacks is a warning to all of how close to the brink of war we are every day," said Mladenov, who spoke via video link from Jerusalem. The council met in emergency session at the request of the United States, which had asked the top UN body to condemn rocket firings by Hamas and Islamic Jihad on Israel. But Kuwait, a non-permanent council member that represents Arab countries, blocked the US-drafted statement, arguing that it had presented its own draft resolution that addressed the crisis. The exchange of fire on Tuesday and into the early hours of Wednesday began with a barrage of rocket and mortars into Israel from Gaza, prompting Israel to respond with strikes on 65 militant sites in the Gaza Strip. The violence was the most serious escalation since the 2014 war between Israel and Hamas and followed weeks of Palestinian protests in which more than 100 Palestinians have been shot and killed by Israeli forces. Calm returned to Gaza on Wednesday but the UN envoy expressed concern that ongoing protests in June will lead to further violence. "No one in Gaza can afford another war," said Mladenov. Kuwait is pushing for a vote at the council this week on its draft resolution calling for "the consideration of measures" for the protection of Palestinian civilians, according to the text obtained by AFP. The United States, which has veto power in the council, will oppose the measure, Israeli Ambassador Danny Danon told reporters. US Ambassador Nikki Haley said "the people of Gaza do not need protection from an external source. The people of Gaza need protection from Hamas." With the council deadlocked, France warned that the failure to agree on a response to the Gaza crisis was damaging to the United Nations. "This increasingly heavy silence, which is becoming deafening, is not acceptable," said French Ambassador Francois Delattre. "It is not acceptable for the Palestinian and Israeli populations, who are affected by this conflict. It is not acceptable for the world that is watching us," he said.

UN warns Gaza on the brink of war

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

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

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

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

Palestinian militants on Tuesday launched their heaviest mortar bomb barrage against Israel since a 2014 Gaza war and Israeli aircraft struck Islamic Jihad camps in the enclave in response.

There were no immediate reports of casualties from either side after more than 25 projectiles were launched from the Gaza Strip and the planes attacked three of the Iranian-backed armed group's facilities.

The Israeli military said most of the projectiles fired from Gaza were shot down by its Iron Dome rocket interceptor but one exploded in the yard of a kindergarten, damaging its walls, about an hour before it was scheduled to open for the day.

There was no claim of responsibility from any of the armed groups in Gaza, which is controlled by the Islamist militant Hamas movement, but the attack comes after Islamic Jihad vowed to take revenge after three of its members were killed by Israeli tank shelling.

Violence has soared along the Gaza frontier in recent weeks during which 116 Palestinians were killed by Israeli fire at mass demonstrations for a right of return to ancestral lands now in Israel.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the military would launch a forceful retaliation for the mortar attack, pointing the finger at Hamas and Islamic Jihad, which praised the barrage as a response to Israeli killings of Palestinians.

The air strikes occurred shortly after he spoke at a public event. Gaza residents identified the targets as Islamic Jihad training camps. The Israeli army said it was "carrying out activities in the Gaza Strip", without elaborating.

Nickolay Mladenov, the U.N.'s special coordinator for the Middle East peace process, said he was deeply concerned by "the indiscriminate firing of rockets by Palestinian militants from Gaza towards communities in southern Israel".

Calling for restraint by all parties, he said at least one of the mortar bombs "hit in the immediate vicinity of a kindergarten and could have killed or injured children".

Amid international condemnation for its use of lethal force at the mass demonstrations, Israel said many of the dead were militants and that the army was repelling attacks on the border fence. Palestinians and their supporters say most of the protesters were unarmed civilians and Israel was using excessive force against them.

Organisers of the Palestinian border protests launched a boat from Gaza on Tuesday in a challenge to Israel's maritime blockade of the enclave.

"I want to make a future for myself, I want to live," said Ehab Abu Armana, 28, before he and 14 other protesters boarded the boat. The Israeli navy was widely expected to stop the vessel, which the organisers said would be accompanied for a short distance by several other boats.

More than two million Palestinians are packed into the narrow coastal enclave. Israel withdrew its troops and settlers from Gaza in 2005 but, citing security concerns, maintains tight control of its land and sea borders, which has reduced its economy to a state of collapse.

Egypt also restricts movement in and out of Gaza on its border.

Peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians have been stalled since 2014 and Israeli settlements in occupied territory Palestinians seek for a state have expanded.

There were no immediate reports of casualties from either side after more than 25 projectiles were launched from the Gaza Strip and the planes attacked three of the Iranian-backed armed group's facilities

Palestinian militants on Tuesday launched their heaviest mortar bomb barrage against Israel since a 2014 Gaza war and Israeli aircraft struck Islamic Jihad camps in the enclave in response. There were no immediate reports of casualties from either side after more than 25 projectiles were launched from the Gaza Strip and the planes attacked three of the Iranian-backed armed group's facilities. The Israeli military said most of the projectiles fired from Gaza were shot down by its Iron Dome rocket interceptor but one exploded in the yard of a kindergarten, damaging its walls, about an hour before it was scheduled to open for the day. There was no claim of responsibility from any of the armed groups in Gaza, which is controlled by the Islamist militant Hamas movement, but the attack comes after Islamic Jihad vowed to take revenge after three of its members were killed by Israeli tank shelling. Violence has soared along the Gaza frontier in recent weeks during which 116 Palestinians were killed by Israeli fire at mass demonstrations for a right of return to ancestral lands now in Israel. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the military would launch a forceful retaliation for the mortar attack, pointing the finger at Hamas and Islamic Jihad, which praised the barrage as a response to Israeli killings of Palestinians. The air strikes occurred shortly after he spoke at a public event. Gaza residents identified the targets as Islamic Jihad training camps. The Israeli army said it was "carrying out activities in the Gaza Strip", without elaborating. Nickolay Mladenov, the U.N.'s special coordinator for the Middle East peace process, said he was deeply concerned by "the indiscriminate firing of rockets by Palestinian militants from Gaza towards communities in southern Israel". Calling for restraint by all parties, he said at least one of the mortar bombs "hit in the immediate vicinity of a kindergarten and could have killed or injured children". Amid international condemnation for its use of lethal force at the mass demonstrations, Israel said many of the dead were militants and that the army was repelling attacks on the border fence. Palestinians and their supporters say most of the protesters were unarmed civilians and Israel was using excessive force against them. Organisers of the Palestinian border protests launched a boat from Gaza on Tuesday in a challenge to Israel's maritime blockade of the enclave. "I want to make a future for myself, I want to live," said Ehab Abu Armana, 28, before he and 14 other protesters boarded the boat. The Israeli navy was widely expected to stop the vessel, which the organisers said would be accompanied for a short distance by several other boats. More than two million Palestinians are packed into the narrow coastal enclave. Israel withdrew its troops and settlers from Gaza in 2005 but, citing security concerns, maintains tight control of its land and sea borders, which has reduced its economy to a state of collapse. Egypt also restricts movement in and out of Gaza on its border. Peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians have been stalled since 2014 and Israeli settlements in occupied territory Palestinians seek for a state have expanded.

Gaza militants launch heavy barrage into Israel, Israel responds with air strikes

Israel called on Monday for its arch-foe Iran to be denied any military presence in Syria, after Russia said Damascus' forces alone should control Syrian territory near the Israeli and Jordanian borders.

"Our position on Syria is clear," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told his parliamentary faction in broadcast remarks. "We believe that there is no place for any Iranian military presence, anywhere in Syria."

Iran and Israel engaged in indirect negotiations this weekend over fighting in southwest Syria, according to a report on Saudi-owned news site Elaph.

Iran reportedly pledged to stay out of fighting in southwest Syria between Syrian forces and rebel groups while Israel said it will not intervene in battles near the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights or the Israel-Jordan border so long as Hezbollah and Iranian-backed militias are not involved.

'Our position on Syria is clear,' Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told his parliamentary faction in broadcast remarks

Israel called on Monday for its arch-foe Iran to be denied any military presence in Syria, after Russia said Damascus' forces alone should control Syrian territory near the Israeli and Jordanian borders. "Our position on Syria is clear," Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told his parliamentary faction in broadcast remarks. "We believe that there is no place for any Iranian military presence, anywhere in Syria." Iran and Israel engaged in indirect negotiations this weekend over fighting in southwest Syria, according to a report on Saudi-owned news site Elaph. Iran reportedly pledged to stay out of fighting in southwest Syria between Syrian forces and rebel groups while Israel said it will not intervene in battles near the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights or the Israel-Jordan border so long as Hezbollah and Iranian-backed militias are not involved.

Israel: Iran should be denied any military presence in Syria

France's Prime Minister Edouard Philippe has cancelled a planned trip to Israel early next month, citing "domestic agenda" issues, his office said on Wednesday.

Philippe had been expected to visit Jerusalem on June 1 for an event promoting ties between France and Israel along with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

He was also planning a trip to Tel Aviv and the West Bank city of Ramallah.

Aides to Philippe pointed to looming strikes in France at the beginning of June and the government's packed reform agenda, as well as his decision to cancel a trip to Mali in April.

But the decision comes at a particularly tense time in the Middle East, with France among the countries condemning a spate of bloodshed along the Gaza border where Israeli forces killed scores of Palestinian protesters in recent weeks.

It also comes as French President Emmanuel Macron scrambles to keep a 2015 nuclear deal with Iran afloat after US President Donald Trump pulled out of the accord.

Netanyahu staunchly opposes the international agreement, which curbs Iran's nuclear programme in return for sanctions relief.

Further complicating a visit by Philippe to the region is the health of Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas, 83.

Abbas was admitted to hospital at the weekend with pneumonia. There is no information yet on when he might be discharged.

His health is the subject of regular speculation, with no clear successor identified.

Philippe had been expected to visit Jerusalem on June 1 for an event promoting ties between France and Israel

France's Prime Minister Edouard Philippe has cancelled a planned trip to Israel early next month, citing "domestic agenda" issues, his office said on Wednesday. Philippe had been expected to visit Jerusalem on June 1 for an event promoting ties between France and Israel along with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. He was also planning a trip to Tel Aviv and the West Bank city of Ramallah. Aides to Philippe pointed to looming strikes in France at the beginning of June and the government's packed reform agenda, as well as his decision to cancel a trip to Mali in April. But the decision comes at a particularly tense time in the Middle East, with France among the countries condemning a spate of bloodshed along the Gaza border where Israeli forces killed scores of Palestinian protesters in recent weeks. It also comes as French President Emmanuel Macron scrambles to keep a 2015 nuclear deal with Iran afloat after US President Donald Trump pulled out of the accord. Netanyahu staunchly opposes the international agreement, which curbs Iran's nuclear programme in return for sanctions relief. Further complicating a visit by Philippe to the region is the health of Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas, 83. Abbas was admitted to hospital at the weekend with pneumonia. There is no information yet on when he might be discharged. His health is the subject of regular speculation, with no clear successor identified.

French PM Philippe cancels Israel trip over 'domestic agenda'

Israeli lawmakers urged the government on Monday to reopen talks with the United States on a defence aid deal signed in 2016 in the hope that President Donald Trump might ease a requirement that American aid money be spent on US equipment.

Under the deal signed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and then US&nbspPresident Barack Obama, the United States would provide Israel with $38 billion in military assistance over 10 years, the largest such aid package in US&nbsphistory.

However, one component of the deal was to phase out a special arrangement that had allowed Israel to use 26.3 percent of the US&nbspaid on its own defence industry instead of on American-made weapons. All the aid will now have to be spent on US&nbspequipment by 2026.

Israeli lawmakers suggested that this requirement could be renegotiated now that Obama has been succeeded by Trump, who has broken with other past US&nbsppolicies by moving the US&nbspembassy to Jerusalem last week.

"The US&nbspadministration today is different than the previous one and it is possible to do something on a policy level to change the decision in some way," Opposition parliament member Mickey Levy said.

In a meeting of parliament's finance committee, the chairman of the panel, Moshe Gafni, from a party in Netanyahu's rightwing government, called on the cabinet to tell the US administration that the current agreement will cause the Israeli defence sector "unacceptable harm".

According to Defence Ministry economist Zeev Zilber, in addition to the $800 million annually that would be directly diverted from Israeli to US defence firms, the industry would lose another $1.3 billion each year from the knock-on effects of the change. That could threaten 22,000 jobs.

The Economy Ministry said the deal could impact as many as 700 small suppliers.

Eyal Ben-Reuven, another opposition lawmaker, expressed worry that Israel could lose its ability to act independently in times of emergency, such as if its Iron Dome anti-missille system is needed during wartime.

"The most disturbing thing is that the government has no solutions," he said.

The Prime Minister's Office was not immediately available for comment.

Israeli lawmakers urged the government on Monday to reopen talks with the United States on a defence aid deal signed in 2016 in the hope that President Donald Trump might ease a requirement that American aid money be spent on US equipment

Israeli lawmakers urged the government on Monday to reopen talks with the United States on a defence aid deal signed in 2016 in the hope that President Donald Trump might ease a requirement that American aid money be spent on US equipment. Under the deal signed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and then US&nbspPresident Barack Obama, the United States would provide Israel with $38 billion in military assistance over 10 years, the largest such aid package in US&nbsphistory. However, one component of the deal was to phase out a special arrangement that had allowed Israel to use 26.3 percent of the US&nbspaid on its own defence industry instead of on American-made weapons. All the aid will now have to be spent on US&nbspequipment by 2026. Israeli lawmakers suggested that this requirement could be renegotiated now that Obama has been succeeded by Trump, who has broken with other past US&nbsppolicies by moving the US&nbspembassy to Jerusalem last week. "The US&nbspadministration today is different than the previous one and it is possible to do something on a policy level to change the decision in some way," Opposition parliament member Mickey Levy said. In a meeting of parliament's finance committee, the chairman of the panel, Moshe Gafni, from a party in Netanyahu's rightwing government, called on the cabinet to tell the US administration that the current agreement will cause the Israeli defence sector "unacceptable harm". According to Defence Ministry economist Zeev Zilber, in addition to the $800 million annually that would be directly diverted from Israeli to US defence firms, the industry would lose another $1.3 billion each year from the knock-on effects of the change. That could threaten 22,000 jobs. The Economy Ministry said the deal could impact as many as 700 small suppliers. Eyal Ben-Reuven, another opposition lawmaker, expressed worry that Israel could lose its ability to act independently in times of emergency, such as if its Iron Dome anti-missille system is needed during wartime. "The most disturbing thing is that the government has no solutions," he said. The Prime Minister's Office was not immediately available for comment.

Israel lawmakers hope Trump could ease 'made-in-USA' rules for military aid

Israel has summoned the ambassadors of Spain, Slovenia and Belgium over their votes at a UN body calling for an international probe of the deadly shootings of dozens of Palestinians on the Gaza border, the foreign ministry said Monday.

The Spanish and Slovenian ambassadors were called in on Monday, while the Belgian envoy was to be summoned on Tuesday, the ministry said in a statement.

The UN Human Rights Council voted Friday to send a team of international war crimes investigators to probe the deadly shootings. The three European countries were among 29 that voted in favour.

The UN Human Rights Council voted Friday to send a team of international war crimes investigators to probe the deadly shootings.

Israel has summoned the ambassadors of Spain, Slovenia and Belgium over their votes at a UN body calling for an international probe of the deadly shootings of dozens of Palestinians on the Gaza border, the foreign ministry said Monday. The Spanish and Slovenian ambassadors were called in on Monday, while the Belgian envoy was to be summoned on Tuesday, the ministry said in a statement. The UN Human Rights Council voted Friday to send a team of international war crimes investigators to probe the deadly shootings. The three European countries were among 29 that voted in favour.

Israel summons ambassadors of Spain, Slovenia & Belgium over Gaza vote

Over 200,000 Turks poured into the streets in Istanbul on Friday for a massive rally denouncing the killings of more than 60 Palestinians by Israeli forces during demonstrations against the opening of the US embassy in Jerusalem early this week.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and some delegates to an extraordinary meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) joined the rally at Yenikapi Square, where Turkish and Palestinian flags were waved by the crowd.

Addressing the rally, Palestinian Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah urged the world and Islamic countries to protect Jerusalem, whose status is a thorny issue in the long-running conflict between the Israelis and the Palestinians.

At least 63 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip were killed and about 2,800 wounded over the past few days in confrontations between Israeli forces and Palestinian protesters against the US's embassy move to Jerusalem.

As a&nbspshow of solidarity, the crowd chanted slogans like "Palestine is not alone" and "We stand for Jerusalem," carrying banners that read, "The world is blind, the world is deaf."

Addressing the rally, Erdogan said that not only the Islamic world but the entire world has failed in the Jerusalem cause.

He blamed the UN for being just an "onlooker to Israel's all unfair, unlawful actions" and not taking a resolute stance against Washington's embassy move.

Turkey has, among others, recalled its ambassadors from Tel Aviv and Washington and called for an urgent OIC meeting in response to the inauguration of the US embassy in Jerusalem and the killings of Palestinians at the hands of Israeli forces on Monday.

During the rally in Istanbul, the crowd chanted slogans like "Palestine is not alone" and "We stand for Jerusalem," carrying banners that read, "The world is blind, the world is deaf."

At least 63 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip were killed and about 2,800 wounded over the past few days in confrontations between Israeli forces and Palestinian protesters against the US's embassy move to Jerusalem

Over 200,000 Turks poured into the streets in Istanbul on Friday for a massive rally denouncing the killings of more than 60 Palestinians by Israeli forces during demonstrations against the opening of the US embassy in Jerusalem early this week. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and some delegates to an extraordinary meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) joined the rally at Yenikapi Square, where Turkish and Palestinian flags were waved by the crowd. Addressing the rally, Palestinian Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah urged the world and Islamic countries to protect Jerusalem, whose status is a thorny issue in the long-running conflict between the Israelis and the Palestinians. At least 63 Palestinians in the Gaza Strip were killed and about 2,800 wounded over the past few days in confrontations between Israeli forces and Palestinian protesters against the US's embassy move to Jerusalem. As a&nbspshow of solidarity, the crowd chanted slogans like "Palestine is not alone" and "We stand for Jerusalem," carrying banners that read, "The world is blind, the world is deaf." Addressing the rally, Erdogan said that not only the Islamic world but the entire world has failed in the Jerusalem cause. He blamed the UN for being just an "onlooker to Israel's all unfair, unlawful actions" and not taking a resolute stance against Washington's embassy move. Turkey has, among others, recalled its ambassadors from Tel Aviv and Washington and called for an urgent OIC meeting in response to the inauguration of the US embassy in Jerusalem and the killings of Palestinians at the hands of Israeli forces on Monday. During the rally in Istanbul, the crowd chanted slogans like "Palestine is not alone" and "We stand for Jerusalem," carrying banners that read, "The world is blind, the world is deaf."

Mass rally held in Istanbul against Israeli killings of Palestinians

The leader of Gaza's ruling movement Hamas announced he would go Friday to the Israeli border to take part in fresh protests, four days after 60 Palestinians were killed in violence.

Ismail Haniya also denied a deal had been made to end seven weeks of border protests, vowing they would continue.

Speaking at a Gaza City mosque during midday prayers on the first Friday of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, Haniya said: "We will all go, and me first of you, to the Gaza border.

"The marches will not stop until the siege is lifted completely from the Gaza Strip."

He was expected to travel to the border after 1600 local time (1400 GMT), although it was not clear how large the protests would be.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi announced late Thursday at the start of Ramadan that his country's border with Gaza would be open throughout the holy month to "alleviate the suffering" of Gazans.

Local media have speculated that a deal has been struck for Egypt, which has a 1979 peace treaty with Israel, to open the border in exchange for Hamas ending the protests.

Haniya welcomed Sisi's decision but denied any such an agreement.

"There is a rumour that Hamas made a deal with Egypt to end the marches. This is baseless," he said.

Since the Gaza protests began on March 30, 116 Palestinians have been killed along the border, mostly by Israeli army gunfire.

Since the Gaza protests began on March 30, 116 Palestinians have been killed along the border, mostly by Israeli army gunfire

The leader of Gaza's ruling movement Hamas announced he would go Friday to the Israeli border to take part in fresh protests, four days after 60 Palestinians were killed in violence. Ismail Haniya also denied a deal had been made to end seven weeks of border protests, vowing they would continue. Speaking at a Gaza City mosque during midday prayers on the first Friday of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, Haniya said: "We will all go, and me first of you, to the Gaza border. "The marches will not stop until the siege is lifted completely from the Gaza Strip." He was expected to travel to the border after 1600 local time (1400 GMT), although it was not clear how large the protests would be. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi announced late Thursday at the start of Ramadan that his country's border with Gaza would be open throughout the holy month to "alleviate the suffering" of Gazans. Local media have speculated that a deal has been struck for Egypt, which has a 1979 peace treaty with Israel, to open the border in exchange for Hamas ending the protests. Haniya welcomed Sisi's decision but denied any such an agreement. "There is a rumour that Hamas made a deal with Egypt to end the marches. This is baseless," he said. Since the Gaza protests began on March 30, 116 Palestinians have been killed along the border, mostly by Israeli army gunfire.

Hamas head to lead new Gaza border protests Friday

Israel was sharply criticised at a UN&nbsphuman rights body on Friday for its killings of protesters in Gaza and treatment of the Palestinians, but Washington came to its defence.

The special session of the Human Rights Council was convened after the bloodiest day for Palestinians in years last Monday, when 60 were killed by Israeli gunfire during demonstrations that Israel said included attempts to breach its frontier fence.

"Nobody has been made safer by the horrific events of the past week," UN&nbsphuman rights chief Zeid Ra'ad al-Hussein told the Council.

He said Israeli forces had killed 106 Palestinians, including 15 children, since March 30. More than 12,000 were injured, at least 3,500 by live ammunition. Israel was an occupying power under international law, obliged to protect the people of Gaza and ensure their welfare, he said.

"But they are, in essence, caged in a toxic slum from birth to death deprived of dignity dehumanised by the Israeli authorities to such a point it appears officials do not even consider that these men and women have a right, as well as every reason, to protest."

Israel says the deaths took place in protests organised by Hamas, the militant group that controls Gaza, which intentionally provoked the violence, an accusation Hamas denies.

Israel and the United States complain that the Human Rights Council, made up of 47 states chosen by the General Assembly, has a permanent anti-Israel bias because of the disproportionate number of countries hostile to Israel with UN&nbspseats.

Israel's ambassador Aviva Raz Shechter said the Council had relapsed to its worst form of anti-Israel obsession. The call for an inquiry was "politically motivated and won’t improve the situation on the ground by even one iota," she said.

"The loss of life could have been avoided had Hamas refrained from sending terrorists to attack Israel under the cover of the riots, while exploiting its own civilian population as human shields," she said. "It is Israel, certainly not Hamas, which makes a real effort to minimize casualties among Palestinian civilians."

The United States has stood by Israel during the past week's violence, which coincided with the opening of a new US&nbspembassy in Jerusalem. US&nbspchargé d'affaires Theodore Allegra said the Council was ignoring the real culprit of the violence: Hamas.

"The one sided action proposed by the Council today only further shows that the Human Rights Council is indeed a broken body," he said.

Two million people live in Gaza, most of them stateless descendants of refugees who fled or were driven from homes in what is now Israel at its founding in 1948.

The territory has been run by Hamas since 2007, during which time Israel has fought three wars against the militant group which denies Israel's right to exist. Israel and Egypt maintain a blockade of Gaza for security reasons, which the United Nations says has plunged Gaza's economy into a collapse.

In Gaza, residents told Reuters that Israel deserved its international criticism.

"Israel must be dismantled as a state and its leaders must stand international trial for their massacres against us since 1948," said Ibrahim Abu Galeb, 65, a refugee living in southern Gaza. "Israel occupied our land, displaced our people, killed our children’s dreams to live safely and it is behind our sickness and poverty."

The special session of the Human Rights Council was convened after the bloodiest day for Palestinians in years last Monday

Israel was sharply criticised at a UN&nbsphuman rights body on Friday for its killings of protesters in Gaza and treatment of the Palestinians, but Washington came to its defence. The special session of the Human Rights Council was convened after the bloodiest day for Palestinians in years last Monday, when 60 were killed by Israeli gunfire during demonstrations that Israel said included attempts to breach its frontier fence. "Nobody has been made safer by the horrific events of the past week," UN&nbsphuman rights chief Zeid Ra'ad al-Hussein told the Council. He said Israeli forces had killed 106 Palestinians, including 15 children, since March 30. More than 12,000 were injured, at least 3,500 by live ammunition. Israel was an occupying power under international law, obliged to protect the people of Gaza and ensure their welfare, he said. "But they are, in essence, caged in a toxic slum from birth to death deprived of dignity dehumanised by the Israeli authorities to such a point it appears officials do not even consider that these men and women have a right, as well as every reason, to protest." Israel says the deaths took place in protests organised by Hamas, the militant group that controls Gaza, which intentionally provoked the violence, an accusation Hamas denies. Israel and the United States complain that the Human Rights Council, made up of 47 states chosen by the General Assembly, has a permanent anti-Israel bias because of the disproportionate number of countries hostile to Israel with UN&nbspseats. Israel's ambassador Aviva Raz Shechter said the Council had relapsed to its worst form of anti-Israel obsession. The call for an inquiry was "politically motivated and won’t improve the situation on the ground by even one iota," she said. "The loss of life could have been avoided had Hamas refrained from sending terrorists to attack Israel under the cover of the riots, while exploiting its own civilian population as human shields," she said. "It is Israel, certainly not Hamas, which makes a real effort to minimize casualties among Palestinian civilians." The United States has stood by Israel during the past week's violence, which coincided with the opening of a new US&nbspembassy in Jerusalem. US&nbspchargé d'affaires Theodore Allegra said the Council was ignoring the real culprit of the violence: Hamas. "The one sided action proposed by the Council today only further shows that the Human Rights Council is indeed a broken body," he said. Two million people live in Gaza, most of them stateless descendants of refugees who fled or were driven from homes in what is now Israel at its founding in 1948. The territory has been run by Hamas since 2007, during which time Israel has fought three wars against the militant group which denies Israel's right to exist. Israel and Egypt maintain a blockade of Gaza for security reasons, which the United Nations says has plunged Gaza's economy into a collapse. In Gaza, residents told Reuters that Israel deserved its international criticism. "Israel must be dismantled as a state and its leaders must stand international trial for their massacres against us since 1948," said Ibrahim Abu Galeb, 65, a refugee living in southern Gaza. "Israel occupied our land, displaced our people, killed our children’s dreams to live safely and it is behind our sickness and poverty."

Israel vilified at UN body for Gaza killings, but backed by US

The Palestinian Authority has recalled its envoys to Romania, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Austria after their ambassadors attended an Israeli reception marking the US embassy's move to Jerusalem, it said Wednesday.

The statement from the PA's foreign ministry said the EU nations' ambassadors had attended the reception on Sunday, a day before the US opened its Israel embassy in Jerusalem.&nbsp;

The embassy move and Washington's recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel has deeply angered Palestinians, who see the Israeli-annexed eastern sector of the city as the capital of their future state.

The ministry "sees this participation as a grave breach of international law and United Nations resolutions which confirm that Jerusalem has been occupied since 1967 and ban countries from moving their embassies there," the statement said.

"The recalls are to consult with our ambassadors to these states about their positions and their commitment to the EU's positions."

Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas on Tuesday withdrew his top envoy to Washington.

The European Union opposed the US move of its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

The embassy move was accompanied by mass protests and clashes along the Gaza border that saw Israeli forces kill some 60 Palestinians.

Israel has faced international criticism over its use of live fire against demonstrators.

It says its actions are necessary to defend the border and stop mass infiltrations from the Palestinian enclave, which is run by the Islamist movement Hamas.

Jerusalem's status is perhaps the thorniest issue in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Israel occupied the West Bank and east Jerusalem in 1967 and later annexed east Jerusalem in a move never recognised by the international community. It sees the entire city as its capital.

The embassy move and Washington's recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel has deeply angered Palestinians

The Palestinian Authority has recalled its envoys to Romania, the Czech Republic, Hungary and Austria after their ambassadors attended an Israeli reception marking the US embassy's move to Jerusalem, it said Wednesday. The statement from the PA's foreign ministry said the EU nations' ambassadors had attended the reception on Sunday, a day before the US opened its Israel embassy in Jerusalem. The embassy move and Washington's recognition of Jerusalem as the capital of Israel has deeply angered Palestinians, who see the Israeli-annexed eastern sector of the city as the capital of their future state. The ministry "sees this participation as a grave breach of international law and United Nations resolutions which confirm that Jerusalem has been occupied since 1967 and ban countries from moving their embassies there," the statement said. "The recalls are to consult with our ambassadors to these states about their positions and their commitment to the EU's positions." Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas on Tuesday withdrew his top envoy to Washington. The European Union opposed the US move of its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. The embassy move was accompanied by mass protests and clashes along the Gaza border that saw Israeli forces kill some 60 Palestinians. Israel has faced international criticism over its use of live fire against demonstrators. It says its actions are necessary to defend the border and stop mass infiltrations from the Palestinian enclave, which is run by the Islamist movement Hamas. Jerusalem's status is perhaps the thorniest issue in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Israel occupied the West Bank and east Jerusalem in 1967 and later annexed east Jerusalem in a move never recognised by the international community. It sees the entire city as its capital.

Palestinians recall envoys from 4 EU nations after US embassy move

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

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

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

Israel targets Hamas position after Gaza gunfire

Weeks of mass protests and deadly violence on the Gaza-Israel border have put the Palestinian cause back on the global agenda, but questions remain over whether the impact will last.

More than 100 Palestinians were killed in seven weeks of protests, culminating in 60 dead on Monday, mainly from Israeli sniper fire, as tens of thousands rallied against the transfer of the US embassy to Jerusalem.

The violence overshadowed the embassy move, as television networks split their screens between US President Donald Trump's daughter Ivanka speaking at the inauguration and the carnage on the Gaza border.

Israel says its actions are necessary to defend the border and stop mass infiltrations from the Palestinian enclave, which is run by the Islamist movement Hamas.

Following unconfirmed reports of indirect contacts between Hamas and Israel, Tuesday proved far calmer -- only a few thousand people gathered on the border, with only minor incidents reported.

Ramadan, the Muslim month of dawn-to-dusk fasting, was also poised to begin on Thursday, likely to keep people away from the protests.

Near the border on Tuesday evening, 26-year-old Mutassim Hajjaj showed off videos of himself seeking to breach the border fence the day before.

He said the protests had overshadowed the embassy move.

"That's a victory. It's a victory for us as the Palestinian people as it raised the issue of the right of return," he said.

Hajjaj was referring to Palestinian demands to return to land they fled or were expelled from in 1948 during the war surrounding Israel’s creation.

Israel, Hamas feel pressure

But whether the protests will have a lasting impact is up for debate.

So far, there has been limited diplomatic fallout for Israel, although the dozens of dead have led to condemnation from a range of countries worldwide.

Turkey, Ireland, Belgium and South Africa took diplomatic measures, while others called on the Jewish state to show more restraint against unarmed protesters.

But the United States vetoed a UN Security Council motion calling for an independent probe into the deaths and the President Donald Trump's administration blamed Hamas.

Mukhaimer Abu Saada, a politics professor at Gaza’s Al-Azhar University, said Hamas will be hoping for an easing of Israel's blockade of the territory and for Egypt to open its border, largely closed in recent years.

"Under increased international pressure, Israel will have to come up with a solution to the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza," Abu Saada said.

Trump's administration and other global powers have failed to come up with a unified position, said Hugh Lovatt of the European Council on Foreign Relations think-tank.

"The international community ultimately proved itself unwilling and unable to curb Israeli action," he said.

"This further emboldened Israel."

Mark Heller of the Institute for National Security Studies at the University of Tel Aviv said the Israeli government, seen as the most right-wing in the country's history, would resist outside pressure.

"The government, in spite of the voices raised for an easing of the blockade, will not do anything because it does not consider Hamas can be a partner" for peace.

'Big disappointment'

Three wars between Israel and Hamas since 2008 have devastated Gaza, while damage to Israel was relatively limited.

Hamas has started to adopt a new language, encouraging what it argues are peaceful protests.&nbsp

Israel says protesters have used firebombs and explosive devices, while Israeli soldiers were fired upon at one point on Monday.

Only one Israeli soldier has been reported wounded since the protests began on March 30.

Officially the protests were due to end on Tuesday but Hamas leaders have said they will continue in some form.

Reham Owda, a political analyst in Gaza, said Hamas would face scrutiny over its strategy of encouraging thousands to the border for the "right to return" protests.

"Maybe we will witness some easing in the blockade, but for people who lost their sons, there will be a big disappointment.”

Some analysts say Hamas is not looking for a fresh war, knowing the impact would be severe on its already suffering people.&nbsp

"But Hamas cannot afford to wave the white flag," Heller said. "We must therefore expect sooner or later that new clashes are inevitable."

Israeli drones have flown over protesters near the border dropping tear gas, largely without any armed reaction.

But on Tuesday evening as one flew over, plainclothed militants in the crowd rushed to grab their Kalashnikov rifles and fired round after round into the air, eventually bringing it down, an AFP journalist witnessed.

"Victory!" a man shouted.

More than 100 Palestinians were killed in seven weeks of protests, culminating in 60 dead on Monday

Weeks of mass protests and deadly violence on the Gaza-Israel border have put the Palestinian cause back on the global agenda, but questions remain over whether the impact will last. More than 100 Palestinians were killed in seven weeks of protests, culminating in 60 dead on Monday, mainly from Israeli sniper fire, as tens of thousands rallied against the transfer of the US embassy to Jerusalem. The violence overshadowed the embassy move, as television networks split their screens between US President Donald Trump's daughter Ivanka speaking at the inauguration and the carnage on the Gaza border. Israel says its actions are necessary to defend the border and stop mass infiltrations from the Palestinian enclave, which is run by the Islamist movement Hamas. Following unconfirmed reports of indirect contacts between Hamas and Israel, Tuesday proved far calmer -- only a few thousand people gathered on the border, with only minor incidents reported. Ramadan, the Muslim month of dawn-to-dusk fasting, was also poised to begin on Thursday, likely to keep people away from the protests. Near the border on Tuesday evening, 26-year-old Mutassim Hajjaj showed off videos of himself seeking to breach the border fence the day before. He said the protests had overshadowed the embassy move. "That's a victory. It's a victory for us as the Palestinian people as it raised the issue of the right of return," he said. Hajjaj was referring to Palestinian demands to return to land they fled or were expelled from in 1948 during the war surrounding Israel’s creation. Israel, Hamas feel pressure But whether the protests will have a lasting impact is up for debate. So far, there has been limited diplomatic fallout for Israel, although the dozens of dead have led to condemnation from a range of countries worldwide. Turkey, Ireland, Belgium and South Africa took diplomatic measures, while others called on the Jewish state to show more restraint against unarmed protesters. But the United States vetoed a UN Security Council motion calling for an independent probe into the deaths and the President Donald Trump's administration blamed Hamas. Mukhaimer Abu Saada, a politics professor at Gaza’s Al-Azhar University, said Hamas will be hoping for an easing of Israel's blockade of the territory and for Egypt to open its border, largely closed in recent years. "Under increased international pressure, Israel will have to come up with a solution to the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza," Abu Saada said. Trump's administration and other global powers have failed to come up with a unified position, said Hugh Lovatt of the European Council on Foreign Relations think-tank. "The international community ultimately proved itself unwilling and unable to curb Israeli action," he said. "This further emboldened Israel." Mark Heller of the Institute for National Security Studies at the University of Tel Aviv said the Israeli government, seen as the most right-wing in the country's history, would resist outside pressure. "The government, in spite of the voices raised for an easing of the blockade, will not do anything because it does not consider Hamas can be a partner" for peace. 'Big disappointment' Three wars between Israel and Hamas since 2008 have devastated Gaza, while damage to Israel was relatively limited. Hamas has started to adopt a new language, encouraging what it argues are peaceful protests. Israel says protesters have used firebombs and explosive devices, while Israeli soldiers were fired upon at one point on Monday. Only one Israeli soldier has been reported wounded since the protests began on March 30. Officially the protests were due to end on Tuesday but Hamas leaders have said they will continue in some form. Reham Owda, a political analyst in Gaza, said Hamas would face scrutiny over its strategy of encouraging thousands to the border for the "right to return" protests. "Maybe we will witness some easing in the blockade, but for people who lost their sons, there will be a big disappointment.” Some analysts say Hamas is not looking for a fresh war, knowing the impact would be severe on its already suffering people. "But Hamas cannot afford to wave the white flag," Heller said. "We must therefore expect sooner or later that new clashes are inevitable." Israeli drones have flown over protesters near the border dropping tear gas, largely without any armed reaction. But on Tuesday evening as one flew over, plainclothed militants in the crowd rushed to grab their Kalashnikov rifles and fired round after round into the air, eventually bringing it down, an AFP journalist witnessed. "Victory!" a man shouted.

Gaza violence: Palestinian cause back on global agenda as nearly 100 killed in seven weeks

Britain on Tuesday reacted to the ongoing clashes along the Gaza border that have left over dozens dead. The country has called for an investigation after Israeli troops clamped down on Palestinian protesters.

"There should be an investigation into this," junior foreign office minister Alistair Burt told parliament. "The United Kingdom has been clear in calling for urgently a need to establish the facts of what happened, including why such a volume of live fire was used ..."

Burt also called for infrastructure and development projects in Gaza and pressed for an easing of restrictions on movement in the region. He also urged other countries to extend international support.

(With inputs from Reuters)&nbsp

Britain also called for infrastructure and development projects in Gaza and pressed for an easing of restrictions on movement in the region

Britain on Tuesday reacted to the ongoing clashes along the Gaza border that have left over dozens dead. The country has called for an investigation after Israeli troops clamped down on Palestinian protesters. "There should be an investigation into this," junior foreign office minister Alistair Burt told parliament. "The United Kingdom has been clear in calling for urgently a need to establish the facts of what happened, including why such a volume of live fire was used ..." Burt also called for infrastructure and development projects in Gaza and pressed for an easing of restrictions on movement in the region. He also urged other countries to extend international support. (With inputs from Reuters)

Gaza violence: Britain calls for investigation

The UN&nbsphuman rights office condemned Monday's&nbsp"appalling deadly violence" by Israeli security forces in Gaza and said it was extremely worried about what might happen later on Tuesday while calling for an independent investigation.

UN&nbsphuman rights spokesman Rupert Colville told a regular UN&nbspbriefing in Geneva that Israel had a right to defend its borders according to international law, but lethal force must only be used a last resort and was not justified by Palestinians approaching the Gaza fence.

Monday's violence on the border, which took place as the United States opened its new embassy in Jerusalem, was the bloodiest for Palestinians since the 2014 Gaza conflict.

There were fears of further bloodshed on Tuesday as Palestinians planned a further protest to mark the "Nakba", or "Catastrophe".

That is the day Palestinians lament the creation of Israel in 1948, when hundreds of thousands of Palestinians fled or were driven from their homes in violence culminating in war between the newly created Jewish state and its Arab neighbours in 1948.

Monday's violence on the border, which took place as the United States opened its new embassy in Jerusalem, was the bloodiest for Palestinians since the 2014 Gaza conflict

The UN&nbsphuman rights office condemned Monday's "appalling deadly violence" by Israeli security forces in Gaza and said it was extremely worried about what might happen later on Tuesday while calling for an independent investigation. UN&nbsphuman rights spokesman Rupert Colville told a regular UN&nbspbriefing in Geneva that Israel had a right to defend its borders according to international law, but lethal force must only be used a last resort and was not justified by Palestinians approaching the Gaza fence. Monday's violence on the border, which took place as the United States opened its new embassy in Jerusalem, was the bloodiest for Palestinians since the 2014 Gaza conflict. There were fears of further bloodshed on Tuesday as Palestinians planned a further protest to mark the "Nakba", or "Catastrophe". That is the day Palestinians lament the creation of Israel in 1948, when hundreds of thousands of Palestinians fled or were driven from their homes in violence culminating in war between the newly created Jewish state and its Arab neighbours in 1948.

UN warns of more Gaza violence, condemns Israel's use of force

Israeli forces deployed forces on Tuesday (May 15) across Israel's border with the&nbspGazaStrip in preparation for another day of protests after the single deadliest day in&nbspGaza&nbspfor years.

Israeli gunfire killed more than 50 Palestinians on Monday (May 14) on the penultimate day of a six-week border protest by&nbspGazans demanding the right to return to ancestral homes that now lie on the other side of the&nbspGaza-Israel frontier fence.

Palestinians had planned for protests to reach a climax on Tuesday, the day Palestinians commemorated what they call the "Nakba" or "catastrophe" when hundreds of thousands of Palestinians were dispossessed when the state of Israel was created in 1948.

Israeli troops shot dead dozens of Palestinians taking part in protests on the&nbspGaza&nbspborderon Monday (May 14) as the United States opened its embassy to Israel in Jerusalem, a move that has fuelled Palestinian anger and drawn criticism from foreign governments as a setback to peace efforts.

Israeli gunfire killed more than 50 Palestinians on Monday (May 14) on the penultimate day of a six-week border protest by Gazans demanding the right to return to ancestral homes that now lie on the other side of the Gaza-Israel frontier fence

Israeli forces deployed forces on Tuesday (May 15) across Israel's border with the&nbspGazaStrip in preparation for another day of protests after the single deadliest day in&nbspGaza&nbspfor years. Israeli gunfire killed more than 50 Palestinians on Monday (May 14) on the penultimate day of a six-week border protest by&nbspGazans demanding the right to return to ancestral homes that now lie on the other side of the&nbspGaza-Israel frontier fence. Palestinians had planned for protests to reach a climax on Tuesday, the day Palestinians commemorated what they call the "Nakba" or "catastrophe" when hundreds of thousands of Palestinians were dispossessed when the state of Israel was created in 1948. Israeli troops shot dead dozens of Palestinians taking part in protests on the&nbspGaza&nbspborderon Monday (May 14) as the United States opened its embassy to Israel in Jerusalem, a move that has fuelled Palestinian anger and drawn criticism from foreign governments as a setback to peace efforts.

Israeli forces take up positions on Gaza border in preparation for protests

Israel launched celebrations on Sunday for the U.S. Embassy's relocation to Jerusalem, a move whose break with world consensus was underscored by the absence of most envoys to the country from a reception hosted by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Monday's slated opening of the new embassy follows from U.S. President Donald Trump's recognition in December of Jerusalem as Israel's capital, a decision he said fulfilled decades of policy pledges in Washington and formalised realities on the ground.

The Palestinians, who want their own future state with its capital in east Jerusalem, have been outraged by Trump's shift from previous administrations' preference for keeping the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv pending progress in peace efforts.

Those talks have been frozen since 2014. Other major powers worry that the U.S. move could now inflame Palestinian unrest in the occupied West Bank and on the Gaza Strip border, where Israel reinforced troops in anticipation of the embassy opening.

Most countries say the status of Jerusalem should be determined in a final peace settlement, and say moving their embassies now would prejudge any such deal.

Addressing dignitaries at the Foreign Ministry, including U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and the president's daughter and son-in-law, Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner, the Israeli prime minister urged others to follow Washington's lead.

"Move your embassies to Jerusalem because it's the right thing to do," Netanyahu said. "Move your embassies to Jerusalem because it advances peace, and that's because you can't base peace on a foundation of lies."

Netanyahu said that "under any peace agreement you could possibly imagine, Jerusalem will remain Israel's capital".

Jerusalem, which is sacred to Jews, Muslims and Christians, was decorated with roadside flowerbeds in the design of the U.S. flag and posters reading "Trump make Israel great again".

"Tragically, the U.S. administration has chosen to side with Israel's exclusivist claims over a city that has for centuries been sacred to all faiths," the general delegation of the Palestine Liberation Organisation to the United States said.

The U.S. Embassy move "gives life to a religious conflict instead of a dignified peace," it said in a statement.

Israel said all 86 countries with diplomatic missions in Israel were invited to the event, and 33 confirmed attendance. Among those present were delegates from Guatemala and Paraguay, which will open their own Jerusalem embassies later this month.

Attending the Foreign Ministry gathering were representatives from Hungary, Romania and the Czech Republic, but none from western European Union states - suggesting a rift within the bloc over Trump's Jerusalem move.

No-show nations withheld comment on Sunday.

The EU mission in Israel tweeted on Friday that the bloc would "respect the international consensus on Jerusalem ... including on the location of their diplomatic representations until the final status of Jerusalem is resolved".

Outside Jerusalem's ancient Damascus Gate, Israelis danced in another celebration on Sunday, marking the capture of the Old City from Arab forces in the 1967 Middle East War.

Hundreds of Israeli rightists entered Al Aqsa mosque compound, an icon of Palestinian nationalism and a vestige of ancient Jewish temples. Witnesses said some prostrated themselves in Jewish prayer, violating religious restrictions at the site and sparking scuffled with Muslim worshippers.

Israeli police said several people were forcibly removed and questioned.

The U.S. Treasury secretary called the embassy relocation "a sign of the enduring friendship and partnership between our two countries" and also referred to the U.S. withdrawal last week from the Iran nuclear deal, a move welcomed by Israel and some U.S. Arab allies in the Gulf but lamented by other world powers.

The Palestinians plan to demonstrate against Monday's inauguration from Arab districts abutting the Jerusalem site.

On the border with Gaza, Palestinians have also held protests as Israel prepares to mark 70 years since its creation, an event Palestinians call the Nakba, or Catastrophe, when hundreds of thousands of them were displaced from their homes.

More than 40 Palestinians have been killed in the latest violence.

The Trump administration has sought to keep the door open to Israeli-Palestinian diplomacy by saying the embassy move did not aim to prejudge Jerusalem's final borders. The U.S. consulate in the city, tasked with handling Palestinian ties, will remain.

Washington has not asked Israel to initiate peace moves in exchange for the embassy relocation, U.S. Ambassador David Friedman told reporters on Friday: "There was no give and take with Israel with regard to this decision."

Monday's slated opening of the new embassy follows from US President Donald Trump's recognition in December of Jerusalem as Israel's capital, a decision he said fulfilled decades of policy pledges in Washington and formalised realities on the ground

Israel launched celebrations on Sunday for the U.S. Embassy's relocation to Jerusalem, a move whose break with world consensus was underscored by the absence of most envoys to the country from a reception hosted by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Monday's slated opening of the new embassy follows from U.S. President Donald Trump's recognition in December of Jerusalem as Israel's capital, a decision he said fulfilled decades of policy pledges in Washington and formalised realities on the ground. The Palestinians, who want their own future state with its capital in east Jerusalem, have been outraged by Trump's shift from previous administrations' preference for keeping the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv pending progress in peace efforts. Those talks have been frozen since 2014. Other major powers worry that the U.S. move could now inflame Palestinian unrest in the occupied West Bank and on the Gaza Strip border, where Israel reinforced troops in anticipation of the embassy opening. Most countries say the status of Jerusalem should be determined in a final peace settlement, and say moving their embassies now would prejudge any such deal. Addressing dignitaries at the Foreign Ministry, including U.S. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and the president's daughter and son-in-law, Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner, the Israeli prime minister urged others to follow Washington's lead. "Move your embassies to Jerusalem because it's the right thing to do," Netanyahu said. "Move your embassies to Jerusalem because it advances peace, and that's because you can't base peace on a foundation of lies." Netanyahu said that "under any peace agreement you could possibly imagine, Jerusalem will remain Israel's capital". Jerusalem, which is sacred to Jews, Muslims and Christians, was decorated with roadside flowerbeds in the design of the U.S. flag and posters reading "Trump make Israel great again". "Tragically, the U.S. administration has chosen to side with Israel's exclusivist claims over a city that has for centuries been sacred to all faiths," the general delegation of the Palestine Liberation Organisation to the United States said. The U.S. Embassy move "gives life to a religious conflict instead of a dignified peace," it said in a statement. Israel said all 86 countries with diplomatic missions in Israel were invited to the event, and 33 confirmed attendance. Among those present were delegates from Guatemala and Paraguay, which will open their own Jerusalem embassies later this month. Attending the Foreign Ministry gathering were representatives from Hungary, Romania and the Czech Republic, but none from western European Union states - suggesting a rift within the bloc over Trump's Jerusalem move. No-show nations withheld comment on Sunday. The EU mission in Israel tweeted on Friday that the bloc would "respect the international consensus on Jerusalem ... including on the location of their diplomatic representations until the final status of Jerusalem is resolved". Outside Jerusalem's ancient Damascus Gate, Israelis danced in another celebration on Sunday, marking the capture of the Old City from Arab forces in the 1967 Middle East War. Hundreds of Israeli rightists entered Al Aqsa mosque compound, an icon of Palestinian nationalism and a vestige of ancient Jewish temples. Witnesses said some prostrated themselves in Jewish prayer, violating religious restrictions at the site and sparking scuffled with Muslim worshippers. Israeli police said several people were forcibly removed and questioned. The U.S. Treasury secretary called the embassy relocation "a sign of the enduring friendship and partnership between our two countries" and also referred to the U.S. withdrawal last week from the Iran nuclear deal, a move welcomed by Israel and some U.S. Arab allies in the Gulf but lamented by other world powers. The Palestinians plan to demonstrate against Monday's inauguration from Arab districts abutting the Jerusalem site. On the border with Gaza, Palestinians have also held protests as Israel prepares to mark 70 years since its creation, an event Palestinians call the Nakba, or Catastrophe, when hundreds of thousands of them were displaced from their homes. More than 40 Palestinians have been killed in the latest violence. The Trump administration has sought to keep the door open to Israeli-Palestinian diplomacy by saying the embassy move did not aim to prejudge Jerusalem's final borders. The U.S. consulate in the city, tasked with handling Palestinian ties, will remain. Washington has not asked Israel to initiate peace moves in exchange for the embassy relocation, U.S. Ambassador David Friedman told reporters on Friday: "There was no give and take with Israel with regard to this decision."

Most foreign envoys absent as Israel, US launch embassy festivities

US envoy to the Middle East and Trump's senior advisor on the region, Jared Kushner, in his speech at the embassy inauguration ceremony today, noted that the move shows that the entire world can trust the United States.

"Jerusalem must remain a city that brings people of all faiths together," noted Kushner.

"When President Trump makes a promise, he keeps it," Kushner said at the embassy's opening ceremony.&nbsp;

"Today also demonstrates American leadership. By moving our embassy to Jerusalem, we have shown the world once again that the United States can be trusted," he said.

"We stand with our friends and our allies, and above all else, we've shown that the United States of America will do what's right," Kushner noted.

US President Donald Trump, in a recorded message, reiterated United States' commitment to peace between Israel and the Palestinians.

"Our greatest hope is for peace," said Trump. "The United States remains fully committed to facilitating a lasting peace agreement," he noted.

"The United States will always be a great friend of Israel and a partner in the cause of freedom and peace," Trump stated.

Meanwhile, violent protests erupted along the Gaza Strip's border ahead of the opening of the US embassy in Jerusalem on Monday.

As many as 43 Palestinians have been killed so far by Israeli forces as angry protesters demonstrated at the frontier.

United States opened its embassy in Jerusalem a short while ago in a festive ceremony which was attended by Ivanka Trump, advisor to US President Trump, and her husband Jared Kushner.

(With inputs from Reuters)&nbsp;

Meanwhile, violent protests erupted along the Gaza Strip's border ahead of the opening of the US embassy in Jerusalem on Monday

US envoy to the Middle East and Trump's senior advisor on the region, Jared Kushner, in his speech at the embassy inauguration ceremony today, noted that the move shows that the entire world can trust the United States. "Jerusalem must remain a city that brings people of all faiths together," noted Kushner. "When President Trump makes a promise, he keeps it," Kushner said at the embassy's opening ceremony. "Today also demonstrates American leadership. By moving our embassy to Jerusalem, we have shown the world once again that the United States can be trusted," he said. "We stand with our friends and our allies, and above all else, we've shown that the United States of America will do what's right," Kushner noted. US President Donald Trump, in a recorded message, reiterated United States' commitment to peace between Israel and the Palestinians. "Our greatest hope is for peace," said Trump. "The United States remains fully committed to facilitating a lasting peace agreement," he noted. "The United States will always be a great friend of Israel and a partner in the cause of freedom and peace," Trump stated. Meanwhile, violent protests erupted along the Gaza Strip's border ahead of the opening of the US embassy in Jerusalem on Monday. As many as 43 Palestinians have been killed so far by Israeli forces as angry protesters demonstrated at the frontier. United States opened its embassy in Jerusalem a short while ago in a festive ceremony which was attended by Ivanka Trump, advisor to US President Trump, and her husband Jared Kushner. (With inputs from Reuters)

We've shown that US will do what's right: Jared Kushner in Jerusalem 

The United States will open <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/square-near-new-us-embassy-in-jerusalem-to-be-named-after-president-trump-135514">its embassy in Jerusalem</a> today even as Palestinians clash with Isreali forces at Gaza.

The US move comes after <a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/road-signs-of-us-embassy-put-up-in-the-streets-of-jerusalem-135262">President Trump on December 6th</a> had recognised &nbspJerusalem as the capital of Israel and had directed its embassy to be moved to the holy city from Tel Aviv.

Just hours ahead of the opening, two Palestinians were killed by Israeli forces as they opened fire on protesters.

State news agency MENA reported that the Arab League will hold a meeting to discuss the United States' "illegal" move of embassy to Jerusalem.

&nbspGazan health ministry said a youth, Anas Qudeih, 21, was shot dead east of Khan Yunis in southern Gaza as clashes erupted between Palestinians and Israeli forces.

President Trump's daughter Ivanka reached yesterday to inaugurate the US embassy on Monday evening amid high security.

Around 1,000 police officers will be positioned around the embassy for the inauguration, said spokesman Micky Rosenfeld.

The inauguration will be attended by nearly 800 guests which will be led by US Deputy Secretary of State John Sullivan.

Sullivan called the embassy "a long overdue recognition of reality."

May 14th also marks the 70th anniversary of the founding of Israel.

Around 1,000 police officers will be positioned around the embassy for the inauguration, said spokesman Micky Rosenfeld.

The United States will open its embassy in Jerusalem today even as Palestinians clash with Isreali forces at Gaza. The US move comes after President Trump on December 6th had recognised &nbspJerusalem as the capital of Israel and had directed its embassy to be moved to the holy city from Tel Aviv. Just hours ahead of the opening, two Palestinians were killed by Israeli forces as they opened fire on protesters. State news agency MENA reported that the Arab League will hold a meeting to discuss the United States' "illegal" move of embassy to Jerusalem. &nbspGazan health ministry said a youth, Anas Qudeih, 21, was shot dead east of Khan Yunis in southern Gaza as clashes erupted between Palestinians and Israeli forces. President Trump's daughter Ivanka reached yesterday to inaugurate the US embassy on Monday evening amid high security. Around 1,000 police officers will be positioned around the embassy for the inauguration, said spokesman Micky Rosenfeld. The inauguration will be attended by nearly 800 guests which will be led by US Deputy Secretary of State John Sullivan. Sullivan called the embassy "a long overdue recognition of reality." May 14th also marks the 70th anniversary of the founding of Israel.

US set to open embassy in Jerusalem amid clashes in Gaza

US President Donald Trump's senior adviser and son-in-law Jared Kushner, his wife, White House adviser Ivanka Trump and US. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, arrived in Israel along with a US&nbsppresidential delegation on Sunday to attend the official opening ceremony of the US&nbspembassy in Jerusalem.

A small interim embassy will open inside an existing American consulate building in Jerusalem on Monday, the 70th anniversary of Israel's founding. A larger site will be found later when the rest of the embassy relocates from Tel Aviv.

The embassy move was driven by President Donald Trump, and comes less than six months after his decision last year to break with decades of US&nbsppolicy and recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

Trump says his Jerusalem decisions, which break with decades of American policy, make good on US&nbsplegislation and presidential pledges dating back decades.

They were greeted with delight by Israel's government, which said it recognises the "reality" of the Jewish people's historic connection to the city.

But it infuriated Palestinians, whose president, Mahmoud Abbas, called it a "slap in the face" and said Washington could no longer be regarded as an honest broker in any peace talks with Israel.

A small interim embassy will open inside an existing American consulate building in Jerusalem on Monday

US President Donald Trump's senior adviser and son-in-law Jared Kushner, his wife, White House adviser Ivanka Trump and US. Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, arrived in Israel along with a US&nbsppresidential delegation on Sunday to attend the official opening ceremony of the US&nbspembassy in Jerusalem. A small interim embassy will open inside an existing American consulate building in Jerusalem on Monday, the 70th anniversary of Israel's founding. A larger site will be found later when the rest of the embassy relocates from Tel Aviv. The embassy move was driven by President Donald Trump, and comes less than six months after his decision last year to break with decades of US&nbsppolicy and recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. Trump says his Jerusalem decisions, which break with decades of American policy, make good on US&nbsplegislation and presidential pledges dating back decades. They were greeted with delight by Israel's government, which said it recognises the "reality" of the Jewish people's historic connection to the city. But it infuriated Palestinians, whose president, Mahmoud Abbas, called it a "slap in the face" and said Washington could no longer be regarded as an honest broker in any peace talks with Israel.

Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner arrive in Israel ahead of embassy move

On Saturday, the only goods crossing between Gaza and Israel, Kerem Shalom, was closed until further notice. A separate people crossing in northern Gaza remains open.&nbsp

According to reports, Palestinian protesters had ransacked the Palestinian side of Kerem Shalom crossing in southern Gaza on Friday. The day also saw protests along the border.

No reports of damage were made on the Israeli side of the crossing. According to an army statement, the crossing will remain closed until the damages caused by the protests get fixed.

The crossing is the only way to transport goods, fuel and food in and out of Gaza.

Palestinian protests are expected along the Israeli border on Monday against the moving of the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.&nbsp

Palestinian protests are expected along the Israeli border on Monday against the moving of the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem

On Saturday, the only goods crossing between Gaza and Israel, Kerem Shalom, was closed until further notice. A separate people crossing in northern Gaza remains open. According to reports, Palestinian protesters had ransacked the Palestinian side of Kerem Shalom crossing in southern Gaza on Friday. The day also saw protests along the border. No reports of damage were made on the Israeli side of the crossing. According to an army statement, the crossing will remain closed until the damages caused by the protests get fixed. The crossing is the only way to transport goods, fuel and food in and out of Gaza. Palestinian protests are expected along the Israeli border on Monday against the moving of the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

Only Gaza-Israel goods crossing gets closed after violent protests

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/collegium-agrees-unanimously-to-send-justice-km-josephs-name-for-elevation-to-sc-back-to-centre-136144">Collegium agrees unanimously to send Justice KM Joseph's name for elevation to SC back to Centre</a>

The Supreme Court collegium has unanimously agreed to send its nomination of Uttarakhand High Court Chief Justice KM Joseph for elevation to the Supreme Court back to the Centre.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/without-nepal-indias-history-is-incomplete-pm-modi-at-janakpur-136068">Without Nepal India's history is incomplete: PM Modi at Janakpur</a>

The Prime Minister opened his address in Nepalese dialect and went on to express happiness over visiting the Himalayan nation. He stated that he wanted to visit Janakpur for long.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/former-maharashtra-ats-chief-himanshu-roy-commits-suicide-136091">Former Maharashtra ATS chief Himanshu Roy shoots himself</a>

Former Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) Chief Himanshu Roy committed suicide in Mumbai today by shooting himself with his service revolver. Himanshu Roy allegedly shot himself at his home in Mumbai. He was rushed to the Mumbai Hospital where he was declared dead.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-announces-restrictions-on-us-diplomats-says-they-will-not-be-allowed-to-roam-freely-136125">Pakistan announces restrictions on US diplomats, says they will not be allowed to roam freely</a>

Pakistan's Foreign Office has announced that all the United States diplomats in the country would face restrictions as part of which they will not be able to roam around freely from now.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/iran-says-syria-has-every-right-to-defend-itself-against-israel-136132">Iran says Syria has every right to defend itself against Israel</a>

Iran on Friday supported Syria's right to defend itself against aggression from Israel, state TV reported, accusing others of remaining silent over the attacks on Tehran's key regional ally.

Collegium agrees unanimously to send Justice KM Joseph's name for elevation to SC back to Centre The Supreme Court collegium has unanimously agreed to send its nomination of Uttarakhand High Court Chief Justice KM Joseph for elevation to the Supreme Court back to the Centre. Without Nepal India's history is incomplete: PM Modi at Janakpur The Prime Minister opened his address in Nepalese dialect and went on to express happiness over visiting the Himalayan nation. He stated that he wanted to visit Janakpur for long. Former Maharashtra ATS chief Himanshu Roy shoots himself Former Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS) Chief Himanshu Roy committed suicide in Mumbai today by shooting himself with his service revolver. Himanshu Roy allegedly shot himself at his home in Mumbai. He was rushed to the Mumbai Hospital where he was declared dead. Pakistan announces restrictions on US diplomats, says they will not be allowed to roam freely Pakistan's Foreign Office has announced that all the United States diplomats in the country would face restrictions as part of which they will not be able to roam around freely from now. Iran says Syria has every right to defend itself against Israel Iran on Friday supported Syria's right to defend itself against aggression from Israel, state TV reported, accusing others of remaining silent over the attacks on Tehran's key regional ally.

Israel today hit "dozens" of Iranian military targets in Syria soon after Iran attacked Israeli military positions in Syria just after might nigh on Thursday, creating greater tensions.&nbsp;

"The (Israeli military) has struck dozens of Iranian military targets in Syria," Israeli military spokesman Jonathan Conricus told journalists.

Heavy explosions were heard in the Syrian capital Damascus, newswire AFP reported.

Conricus said they targeted intelligence, logistics, storage, and vehicles as well as the origin of the rockets. It was one of the largest Israeli military operations in recent years and the biggest against Iranian targets.

Syria's news agency SANA said its anti-aircraft air defence intercepted Israeli missiles and also destroyed a Syrian radar. SANA news agency said it shot down Israeli missiles "one after the other".

However, Israeli army said that it is not "looking to escalate the situation with Iran."&nbsp;

Attacks come shortly after US President Donald Trump announced his decision to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-pulls-out-of-iran-nuclear-deal-reimposes-us-sanctions-135588">withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal</a>.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/anger-dismay-support-how-the-world-sees-us-withdrawal-from-iran-nuclear-deal-135597">Anger, dismay, support: How the world sees US withdrawal from Iran nuclear deal</a>

Attacks came soon after Iran hit Israeli military positions in Syria just after might nigh on Thursday

Israel today hit "dozens" of Iranian military targets in Syria soon after Iran attacked Israeli military positions in Syria just after might nigh on Thursday, creating greater tensions. "The (Israeli military) has struck dozens of Iranian military targets in Syria," Israeli military spokesman Jonathan Conricus told journalists. Heavy explosions were heard in the Syrian capital Damascus, newswire AFP reported. Conricus said they targeted intelligence, logistics, storage, and vehicles as well as the origin of the rockets. It was one of the largest Israeli military operations in recent years and the biggest against Iranian targets. Syria's news agency SANA said its anti-aircraft air defence intercepted Israeli missiles and also destroyed a Syrian radar. SANA news agency said it shot down Israeli missiles "one after the other". However, Israeli army said that it is not "looking to escalate the situation with Iran." Attacks come shortly after US President Donald Trump announced his decision to withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal. Also read: Anger, dismay, support: How the world sees US withdrawal from Iran nuclear deal

Israel army hits dozens of Iranian military targets in Syria

Israel today launched missiles on Syria early on Thursday, the Israeli Army said.

Syria's news agency SANA said its anti-aircraft air defence intercepted Israeli missiles.

SANA news agency said it shot down Israeli missiles "one after the other".

SANA news agency said Israeli war planes were targeting Syrian territories with rockets early on Thursday.

Israeli war planes were shooting the rockets from inside the Occupied Palestinian territories and targeting the City of Baath in Quneitra province, it added.

Heavy explosions were heard in the Syrian capital Damascus,&nbsp;newswire AFP reported.

"The Syrian air defences are confronting a new wave of Israeli aggression rockets and downing them one after the other," state news agency SANA reported.

Syrian state television was broadcasting footage of its air defences firing at incoming rockets and playing patriotic songs, Reuters reported.

Israel's military spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Conricus said Israel had retaliated for an attack on its outposts in the strategic Golan Heights plateau.

Syria's news agency SANA said its anti-aircraft air defence intercepted Israeli missiles.

Israel today launched missiles on Syria early on Thursday, the Israeli Army said. Syria's news agency SANA said its anti-aircraft air defence intercepted Israeli missiles. SANA news agency said it shot down Israeli missiles "one after the other". SANA news agency said Israeli war planes were targeting Syrian territories with rockets early on Thursday. Israeli war planes were shooting the rockets from inside the Occupied Palestinian territories and targeting the City of Baath in Quneitra province, it added. Heavy explosions were heard in the Syrian capital Damascus, newswire AFP reported. "The Syrian air defences are confronting a new wave of Israeli aggression rockets and downing them one after the other," state news agency SANA reported. Syrian state television was broadcasting footage of its air defences firing at incoming rockets and playing patriotic songs, Reuters reported. Israel's military spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Jonathan Conricus said Israel had retaliated for an attack on its outposts in the strategic Golan Heights plateau.

Israel fires missiles at Syria, explosions heard in Damascus

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