Israel has instructed local authorities in the Israeli-held Golan Heights to "unlock and ready (bomb) shelters" after identifying what the military described on Tuesday as "irregular activity of Iranian forces in Syria".

The announcement came minutes before U.S. President Donald Trump declared he was withdrawing from the 2015 international nuclear deal with Iran, a move that has stirred concern about a possible regional flare-up.

Israeli media said the order to prepare bomb shelters was unprecedented during Syria`s seven-year-old civil war, in which Israel is formally neutral, though it has carried out cross-border strikes at suspected deployments by Iranian forces supporting

Damascus and arms transfers to Hezbollah guerrillas.

Iran has blamed Israel for an April 9 strike that killed seven of its personnel at a Syrian airbase and has vowed revenge.&nbsp

In its statement, Israel`s military further said that its defence systems had been deployed "and IDF (Israel Defence Force) troops are on high alert for an attack".

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a televised address after Trump`s announcement, lauding the U.S. president`s hard tack on Iran and alluding to the tensions over Syria.

"For months now, Iran has been transferring lethal weaponry to its forces in Syria, with the purpose of striking at Israel," Netanyahu said. "We will respond mightily to any attack on our territory."

US president's move has stirred concern about a possible regional flare-up.

Israel has instructed local authorities in the Israeli-held Golan Heights to "unlock and ready (bomb) shelters" after identifying what the military described on Tuesday as "irregular activity of Iranian forces in Syria". The announcement came minutes before U.S. President Donald Trump declared he was withdrawing from the 2015 international nuclear deal with Iran, a move that has stirred concern about a possible regional flare-up. Israeli media said the order to prepare bomb shelters was unprecedented during Syria`s seven-year-old civil war, in which Israel is formally neutral, though it has carried out cross-border strikes at suspected deployments by Iranian forces supporting Damascus and arms transfers to Hezbollah guerrillas. Iran has blamed Israel for an April 9 strike that killed seven of its personnel at a Syrian airbase and has vowed revenge. In its statement, Israel`s military further said that its defence systems had been deployed "and IDF (Israel Defence Force) troops are on high alert for an attack". Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made a televised address after Trump`s announcement, lauding the U.S. president`s hard tack on Iran and alluding to the tensions over Syria. "For months now, Iran has been transferring lethal weaponry to its forces in Syria, with the purpose of striking at Israel," Netanyahu said. "We will respond mightily to any attack on our territory."

Israel goes on high alert over Syria as Trump quits Iran deal

According to a statement released by the White House, US President Donald Trump will not be travelling to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-embassy-roadsigns-begin-appearing-in-jerusalem-135145">Jerusalem</a> for the inauguration of the new United States Embassy on May 14.

Trump's daughter and senior advisor Ivanka Trump will be visiting the holy city along with her husband Jared Kushner.

Trump and Kushner will be accompanied by the US delegation headed by Deputy Secretary of State John Sullivan and US Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin.&nbsp;

In December last year, Trump had recognised Jerusalem as the capital of Isreal and had decided to move the US embassy to the holy city. The move had created an upheaval in the Middle East with Turkey, Iran and Saudia Arabia condemning Trump's decision.

Israeli PM Netanyahu had told a US channel that he would "love" to have the US president attend the inauguration. The embassy is set to provisionally open on May 14th while a new site will be built elsewhere.

In December last year, Trump had recognised Jerusalem as the capital of Isreal

According to a statement released by the White House, US President Donald Trump will not be travelling to Jerusalem for the inauguration of the new United States Embassy on May 14. Trump's daughter and senior advisor Ivanka Trump will be visiting the holy city along with her husband Jared Kushner. Trump and Kushner will be accompanied by the US delegation headed by Deputy Secretary of State John Sullivan and US Treasury Secretary Steve Mnuchin. In December last year, Trump had recognised Jerusalem as the capital of Isreal and had decided to move the US embassy to the holy city. The move had created an upheaval in the Middle East with Turkey, Iran and Saudia Arabia condemning Trump's decision. Israeli PM Netanyahu had told a US channel that he would "love" to have the US president attend the inauguration. The embassy is set to provisionally open on May 14th while a new site will be built elsewhere.

No Trump in US embassy inauguration in Jerusalem, Ivanka to attend

After Guatemala decided to open its<a href="Watch: US embassy road signs begin appearing in Jerusalem"> embassy in Jerusalem, Paraguay </a>said it would also open its embassy in the holy city just days ahead of the opening of the US embassy in the region.

President Trump in December had recognised Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and had decided to move the US embassy to the area which is disputed by the Israeli's and Palestinians.

In March Guatemala's president, Jimmy Morales had said his country would be moving its embassy to Jerusalem on May 16th, two days after the US opens its embassy.

"Paraguay President Horacio Cartes plans to come to Israel by the end of the month to open an embassy in Jerusalem," Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman Emmanuel Nahshon said.

A Paraguay government spokesman said President Cartes was scheduling a trip to Israel to move the embassy on May 21 or May 22.

Meanwhile, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas expressed concern over other nations opening embassies in Jerusalem, saying he hoped other nations in the American continent will not open their embassies in Jerusalem.

Earlier, 128 countries in the United Nations had voted against recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Isreal, despite this Israeli PM Netanyahu had said several countries were "seriously discussing" on opening their embassy in the holy city.

<iframe allow="autoplay encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fMzCp28AFIs" width="560"></iframe>

A Paraguay government spokesman said President Cartes was scheduling a trip to Israel to move the embassy on May 21 or May 22.

After Guatemala decided to open its embassy in Jerusalem, Paraguay said it would also open its embassy in the holy city just days ahead of the opening of the US embassy in the region. President Trump in December had recognised Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and had decided to move the US embassy to the area which is disputed by the Israeli's and Palestinians. In March Guatemala's president, Jimmy Morales had said his country would be moving its embassy to Jerusalem on May 16th, two days after the US opens its embassy. "Paraguay President Horacio Cartes plans to come to Israel by the end of the month to open an embassy in Jerusalem," Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman Emmanuel Nahshon said. A Paraguay government spokesman said President Cartes was scheduling a trip to Israel to move the embassy on May 21 or May 22. Meanwhile, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas expressed concern over other nations opening embassies in Jerusalem, saying he hoped other nations in the American continent will not open their embassies in Jerusalem. Earlier, 128 countries in the United Nations had voted against recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Isreal, despite this Israeli PM Netanyahu had said several countries were "seriously discussing" on opening their embassy in the holy city.

After US & Guatemala, Paraguay to open embassy in Jerusalem

A major diplomatic incident seems to have broken out over the dessert served by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe.&nbsp;

Abe was visiting Israel last week.&nbsp;

News reports said things were going well and after a day of high-level meetings on May 2, Abe was served a meal at Benjamin and Sara Netanyahu's home.&nbsp;

The meal, described as "top notch", was cooked up by celebrity Israeli chef Segev Moshe.&nbsp;

Things continued to go well until the dessert was brought out — chocolates in shoes.&nbsp;

<img alt="pudding shoe.jpg" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="430" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/pudding%20shoe.jpg" width="770" />

Japanese culture abhors shoes.&nbsp;

Like in many homes in India, the Japanese do not wear shoes inside the home.&nbsp;

But the Japanese take it a step further, and reportedly do not wear shoes inside the office too.&nbsp;

The news reports added that the Japanese think of nothing as "lower" than a shoe. &nbsp;

As expected, a furore followed with both Japanese officials and Israeli diplomats who've served in Japan saying the move was not funny.&nbsp;

Moshe later issued a clarification saying the shoe holding the chocolates was not a "real shoe"&nbsp;but a sculpture (made of cast metal)&nbsp;by the artist Tom Dixon.&nbsp;

The officials and diplomats&nbsp;however replied to that saying that before you serve a prime minister a meal, you should do at least a little reading up on them.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The meal, described as "top notch", was cooked up by celebrity Israeli chef Segev Moshe

A major diplomatic incident seems to have broken out over the dessert served by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to his Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe. Abe was visiting Israel last week. News reports said things were going well and after a day of high-level meetings on May 2, Abe was served a meal at Benjamin and Sara Netanyahu's home. The meal, described as "top notch", was cooked up by celebrity Israeli chef Segev Moshe. Things continued to go well until the dessert was brought out — chocolates in shoes. Japanese culture abhors shoes. Like in many homes in India, the Japanese do not wear shoes inside the home. But the Japanese take it a step further, and reportedly do not wear shoes inside the office too. The news reports added that the Japanese think of nothing as "lower" than a shoe. As expected, a furore followed with both Japanese officials and Israeli diplomats who've served in Japan saying the move was not funny. Moshe later issued a clarification saying the shoe holding the chocolates was not a "real shoe" but a sculpture (made of cast metal) by the artist Tom Dixon. The officials and diplomats however replied to that saying that before you serve a prime minister a meal, you should do at least a little reading up on them.

Netanyahu serves Japan's Shinzo Abe dessert — in a shoe, furore follows

Paraguay will move its embassy in Israel to Jerusalem by the end of May, a Paraguay government spokesman and the Israeli foreign ministry said on Monday, following the United States and Guatemala.

"Paraguay President Horacio Cartes plans to come to Israel by the end of the month to open an embassy in Jerusalem," Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman Emmanuel Nahshon said in a statement.

A Paraguay government spokesman said Cartes was scheduling a trip to Israel to move the embassy on May 21 or May 22.

The announcement comes one week before the United States embassy opens in Jerusalem on May 14 in accordance with President Donald Trump's Dec. 6 recognition of the city as Israel's capital.

The U.S. move has delighted Israel and infuriated Palestinians.

Israel captured East Jerusalem from Jordanian control in the 1967 Middle East war and annexed it in a move not recognised internationally. The last round of peace talks on a Palestinian state in the West Bank and Gaza Strip collapsed in 2014.

Israel says Jerusalem is its eternal and indivisible capital, while the Palestinians want the eastern part of the city as the capital of their own future independent state.

In March Guatemala's president, Jimmy Morales, said that his country would move its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem on May 16, two days after the U.S. move.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in April that "at least half a dozen" countries were now "seriously discussing" following the U.S. lead, but he did not identify them.

In December, 128 countries voted in a non-binding U.N. General Assembly resolution calling on the United States to drop its recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. Nine voted against, 35 abstained and 21 did not cast a vote.

Paraguay's embassy is currently located near Tel Aviv.

A Paraguay government spokesman said President Horacio Cartes was scheduling a trip to Israel to move the embassy on May 21 or May 22

Paraguay will move its embassy in Israel to Jerusalem by the end of May, a Paraguay government spokesman and the Israeli foreign ministry said on Monday, following the United States and Guatemala. "Paraguay President Horacio Cartes plans to come to Israel by the end of the month to open an embassy in Jerusalem," Israeli Foreign Ministry spokesman Emmanuel Nahshon said in a statement. A Paraguay government spokesman said Cartes was scheduling a trip to Israel to move the embassy on May 21 or May 22. The announcement comes one week before the United States embassy opens in Jerusalem on May 14 in accordance with President Donald Trump's Dec. 6 recognition of the city as Israel's capital. The U.S. move has delighted Israel and infuriated Palestinians. Israel captured East Jerusalem from Jordanian control in the 1967 Middle East war and annexed it in a move not recognised internationally. The last round of peace talks on a Palestinian state in the West Bank and Gaza Strip collapsed in 2014. Israel says Jerusalem is its eternal and indivisible capital, while the Palestinians want the eastern part of the city as the capital of their own future independent state. In March Guatemala's president, Jimmy Morales, said that his country would move its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem on May 16, two days after the U.S. move. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in April that "at least half a dozen" countries were now "seriously discussing" following the U.S. lead, but he did not identify them. In December, 128 countries voted in a non-binding U.N. General Assembly resolution calling on the United States to drop its recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital. Nine voted against, 35 abstained and 21 did not cast a vote. Paraguay's embassy is currently located near Tel Aviv.

Paraguay to move its embassy in Israel to Jerusalem

Israel could respond to any Iranian attack on it from Syria by toppling Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's government, an Israeli security cabinet minister said on Monday, hinting that Assad himself may be targeted for assassination.

Israel and Iran have traded blows over Syria since February, stirring concern that major escalation could be looming ahead of next week's review decision by U.S. President Donald Trump on the 2015 international nuclear deal with Tehran.

On April 9, an air strike killed seven Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps members at the Syrian base. Tehran blamed Israel and vowed unspecified retaliation, drawing Israeli counter-threats to broaden attacks on Iranian military assets in Syria.

Sharpening these warnings, Energy Minister Yuval Steinitz said on Monday that Assad may find himself in Israel's sights.

"If Assad allows Iran to turn Syria into a military vanguard against us, to attack us from Syrian territory, he should know that would be the end of him, the end of his regime," Steinitz told the Ynet news site.

Asked if that meant Israel might assassinate Assad, Steinitz said: "His blood would be forfeit." He also appeared to suggest that his remarks did not reflect Israeli government policy, saying: "I'm not talking about any concrete proposal."

There was no immediate response from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office or from Israel's Defence Ministry.

A Ynet text story had quoted Steinitz as saying explicitly that Israel would kill Assad, but this was not borne out by a video clip of the interview.

Iran, Lebanon’s Hezbollah militia and Russia have been reinforcing Damascus against a 7-year-old Syrian rebellion. The Israelis worry that Iran’s garrison will remain, linking with Hezbollah to form a broad Syrian-Lebanese front against them.

On Sunday, Israeli media carried what they described as an alert by Israel's intelligence services that Iran was planning a missile salvo against Israeli military bases from within Syria.

Some analysts interpreted the publication as a warning to Iran that its plans were known, lest it try to carry out the missile strike without explicitly claiming responsibility.

On Wednesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meets Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow to discuss Syria, where Moscow wants to see Assad's rule restored.

"Whoever is interested in Assad's survival should do the honour of telling Assad to prevent attacks on Israel," Steinitz said, alluding to Putin.

Israeli Energy Minister Yuval Steinitz hinted that Assad himself may be targeted for assassination

Israel could respond to any Iranian attack on it from Syria by toppling Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's government, an Israeli security cabinet minister said on Monday, hinting that Assad himself may be targeted for assassination. Israel and Iran have traded blows over Syria since February, stirring concern that major escalation could be looming ahead of next week's review decision by U.S. President Donald Trump on the 2015 international nuclear deal with Tehran. On April 9, an air strike killed seven Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps members at the Syrian base. Tehran blamed Israel and vowed unspecified retaliation, drawing Israeli counter-threats to broaden attacks on Iranian military assets in Syria. Sharpening these warnings, Energy Minister Yuval Steinitz said on Monday that Assad may find himself in Israel's sights. "If Assad allows Iran to turn Syria into a military vanguard against us, to attack us from Syrian territory, he should know that would be the end of him, the end of his regime," Steinitz told the Ynet news site. Asked if that meant Israel might assassinate Assad, Steinitz said: "His blood would be forfeit." He also appeared to suggest that his remarks did not reflect Israeli government policy, saying: "I'm not talking about any concrete proposal." There was no immediate response from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office or from Israel's Defence Ministry. A Ynet text story had quoted Steinitz as saying explicitly that Israel would kill Assad, but this was not borne out by a video clip of the interview. Iran, Lebanon’s Hezbollah militia and Russia have been reinforcing Damascus against a 7-year-old Syrian rebellion. The Israelis worry that Iran’s garrison will remain, linking with Hezbollah to form a broad Syrian-Lebanese front against them. On Sunday, Israeli media carried what they described as an alert by Israel's intelligence services that Iran was planning a missile salvo against Israeli military bases from within Syria. Some analysts interpreted the publication as a warning to Iran that its plans were known, lest it try to carry out the missile strike without explicitly claiming responsibility. On Wednesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meets Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow to discuss Syria, where Moscow wants to see Assad's rule restored. "Whoever is interested in Assad's survival should do the honour of telling Assad to prevent attacks on Israel," Steinitz said, alluding to Putin.

Israeli response to Iran attack from Syria could be toppling Assad: Minister

US embassy road signs have started showing up in Jerusalem, in at least three places, newswire Reuters reported.

President Trump had recognised Jerusalem as the capital of Israel in December last year and had decided to move the embassy to the holy city.

The US embassy will provisionally open on May 14th while a new site is being built at&nbsp;a&nbsp;new facility.&nbsp;Several reports citing sources in the White House have said the US president may inaugurate the embassy, although it hasn't been confirmed yet.

Israeli PM Netanyahu had told a US channel that he would "love" to have the US president attend.

However, several countries in the United Nations haven't backed the move, even then, Isreal PM Netanyahu has said more countries would be opening embassies in Jerusalem.

Guatemala has already opened its embassy in Jerusalem.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Guatemala has already opened its embassy in Jerusalem.

US embassy road signs have started showing up in Jerusalem, in at least three places, newswire Reuters reported. President Trump had recognised Jerusalem as the capital of Israel in December last year and had decided to move the embassy to the holy city. The US embassy will provisionally open on May 14th while a new site is being built at a new facility. Several reports citing sources in the White House have said the US president may inaugurate the embassy, although it hasn't been confirmed yet. Israeli PM Netanyahu had told a US channel that he would "love" to have the US president attend. However, several countries in the United Nations haven't backed the move, even then, Isreal PM Netanyahu has said more countries would be opening embassies in Jerusalem. Guatemala has already opened its embassy in Jerusalem.

Watch: US embassy road signs begin appearing in Jerusalem

Benjamin Netanyahu will meet Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday in Moscow to discuss regional issues, the Israeli prime minister said in a statement on Saturday.

Israel has been lobbying world powers to "fix or nix" a 2015 nuclear deal with Iran as a May 12 deadline set by President Donald Trump approaches.

Israel is also concerned that Iran is establishing a military presence in Syria, and it has attacked Iranian targets there.

Since intervening in the Syrian civil war on behalf of President Bashar al-Assad in 2015, Russia has generally turned a blind eye to Israeli attacks on suspected arms transfers and deployments by his Iranian and Hezbollah allies.

But when Moscow condemned an April 9 strike that killed seven Iranian personnel, and blamed Israel, it set off speculation in Israel that Russian patience might be wearing thin.

On Thursday, Israel’s defence minister reminded Russia of his government’s decision not to join Western sanctions against it, and asked that Moscow reciprocate with a more pro-Israel approach to Syria and Iran.

Netanyahu and Putin spoke by phone on Monday after the Israeli prime minister presented what he said were Iran's secret nuclear files which document it having worked toward developing atomic weapons in the past.

US&nbspand Israeli officials said the information showed Iran had lied about its past work to develop nuclear arms but intelligence experts said there was no smoking gun showing that Tehran had violated the nuclear deal under which it curbed its atomic programme in return for relief from economic sanctions.

Trump has given Britain, France and Germany a May 12 deadline to fix what he views as the deal’s flaws - its failure to address Iran’s ballistic missile programme, the terms by which inspectors visit suspect Iranian sites, and “sunset” clauses under which some of its terms expire - or he will reimpose US&nbspsanctions.

Moscow has repeatedly said it wants the Iran nuclear deal left intact. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Friday Russia would deem any changes to the deal to be unacceptable.

Israel has been lobbying world powers to "fix or nix" a 2015 nuclear deal with Iran as a May 12 deadline set by President Donald Trump approaches

Benjamin Netanyahu will meet Russian President Vladimir Putin on Wednesday in Moscow to discuss regional issues, the Israeli prime minister said in a statement on Saturday. Israel has been lobbying world powers to "fix or nix" a 2015 nuclear deal with Iran as a May 12 deadline set by President Donald Trump approaches. Israel is also concerned that Iran is establishing a military presence in Syria, and it has attacked Iranian targets there. Since intervening in the Syrian civil war on behalf of President Bashar al-Assad in 2015, Russia has generally turned a blind eye to Israeli attacks on suspected arms transfers and deployments by his Iranian and Hezbollah allies. But when Moscow condemned an April 9 strike that killed seven Iranian personnel, and blamed Israel, it set off speculation in Israel that Russian patience might be wearing thin. On Thursday, Israel’s defence minister reminded Russia of his government’s decision not to join Western sanctions against it, and asked that Moscow reciprocate with a more pro-Israel approach to Syria and Iran. Netanyahu and Putin spoke by phone on Monday after the Israeli prime minister presented what he said were Iran's secret nuclear files which document it having worked toward developing atomic weapons in the past. US&nbspand Israeli officials said the information showed Iran had lied about its past work to develop nuclear arms but intelligence experts said there was no smoking gun showing that Tehran had violated the nuclear deal under which it curbed its atomic programme in return for relief from economic sanctions. Trump has given Britain, France and Germany a May 12 deadline to fix what he views as the deal’s flaws - its failure to address Iran’s ballistic missile programme, the terms by which inspectors visit suspect Iranian sites, and “sunset” clauses under which some of its terms expire - or he will reimpose US&nbspsanctions. Moscow has repeatedly said it wants the Iran nuclear deal left intact. Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova said on Friday Russia would deem any changes to the deal to be unacceptable.

Israeli PM Netanyahu to meet Russia's Putin on Wednesday: Statement

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/trump-team-demands-china-slash-us-trade-surplus-cut-tariffs-134712">Trump team demands China slash US trade surplus, cut tariffs</a>

The Trump administration has drawn a hard line in trade talks with China, demanding a $200 billion cut in the Chinese trade surplus with the United States, sharply lower tariffs and advanced technology subsidies, people familiar with the talks said on Friday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-encounter-between-terrorists-security-forces-in-srinagar-134719">J&K: Encounter between terrorists, security forces in Srinagar</a>

An encounter between terrorists and the armed forces is currently underway in Srinagar. The encounter is taking place in the Chattabal area of the Jammu and Kashmir capital where one-two terrorists are holed up inside a house.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/south-koreas-moon-to-meet-trump-at-white-house-on-may-22-134704">South Korea's Moon to meet Trump at White House on May 22</a>

South Korean President Moon Jae-in will meet his American counterpart President Donald Trump at the White House on May 22. Both the leaders are likely to discuss the upcoming summit between Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, the White House stated on Friday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/us-man-accused-of-murdering-indian-techie-srinivas-gets-life-term--134717">US man accused of murdering Indian techie Srinivas gets life term</a>

A US man accused of killing India engineer Srinivas Kuchibhotla last year has been sentenced to life in prison. US Navy veteran Adam Purinton pleaded guilty in March of killing Srinivas in a racially motivated hate crime at a bar in Kansas city last year.&nbsp

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/israel-pulls-out-of-race-for-un-security-council-134723">Israel pulls out of </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/israel-pulls-out-of-race-for-un-security-council-134723">race</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/israel-pulls-out-of-race-for-un-security-council-134723"> for UN Security Council</a>

Israel has withdrawn from a race for a seat on the UN Security Council as a non-permanent member. According to a press statement by the Israeli mission to the United Nations, the State of Israel decided to postpone its candidacy for a seat on the UNSC after consulting its "partners and good friends".

Trump team demands China slash US trade surplus, cut tariffs The Trump administration has drawn a hard line in trade talks with China, demanding a $200 billion cut in the Chinese trade surplus with the United States, sharply lower tariffs and advanced technology subsidies, people familiar with the talks said on Friday. J&K: Encounter between terrorists, security forces in Srinagar An encounter between terrorists and the armed forces is currently underway in Srinagar. The encounter is taking place in the Chattabal area of the Jammu and Kashmir capital where one-two terrorists are holed up inside a house. South Korea's Moon to meet Trump at White House on May 22 South Korean President Moon Jae-in will meet his American counterpart President Donald Trump at the White House on May 22. Both the leaders are likely to discuss the upcoming summit between Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, the White House stated on Friday. US man accused of murdering Indian techie Srinivas gets life term A US man accused of killing India engineer Srinivas Kuchibhotla last year has been sentenced to life in prison. US Navy veteran Adam Purinton pleaded guilty in March of killing Srinivas in a racially motivated hate crime at a bar in Kansas city last year. Israel pulls out of race for UN Security Council Israel has withdrawn from a race for a seat on the UN Security Council as a non-permanent member. According to a press statement by the Israeli mission to the United Nations, the State of Israel decided to postpone its candidacy for a seat on the UNSC after consulting its "partners and good friends".

News brief: Big stories of the day

Israeli troops fired live rounds and tear gas at Palestinians who thronged the Gaza-Israel frontier and rampaged at a border terminal on Friday as part of a long-running protest, injuring about 1,100 people.

Medics said around 82 people were shot and wounded with live fire, another 800 treated for gas inhalation and the rest for other injuries along the Gaza side of the 25-mile (40-km) border fence, where Palestinians set up tent encampments on March 30 for what they call "The Great March of Return".

Youths rolled burning tyres to within 300 metres (yards) of the fence, trying to use the smoke as cover for throwing stones across it while eluding Israeli snipers. Army gunfire has killed at least 43 Palestinians on the frontier over the last month.

Protesters said they used slingshots to down two small Israeli observation drones. The army confirmed the drone losses.

Hundreds of Palestinians entered Kerem Shalom, an industrial crossing point on the border. One of them said over social media that they had "torched rooms used by the Occupation (Israel)."

The Israeli army issued footage showing fires at Kerem Shalom, but said the damage was limited to the Palestinian side.

"The rioters are damaging the pipes that carry fuel and gas from Israel into the Gaza Strip," the army said in a statement.

Facing international censure over its use of live fire in the protests, the Israeli army says it is protecting its border and takes such action only when protesters, some hurling firebombs and trying to plant explosives, approach too closely.

On Friday, troops faced "10,000 Palestinians participating in riots in six locations along the Gaza Strip border," it said.

As Israel celebrates its 70th birthday, Palestinians mourn what they call the "Nakba" (Catastrophe) of their people's mass dispossession during the conflict that broke out in 1948.

"Give us a state"

Two-thirds of the two million Palestinians in Gaza are war refugees or their descendants. The protests have seen thousands gather - in greater numbers on Fridays - to demand access to their families' lost homes or lands, now in Israel.

Israel rules that out, concerned it would lose its Jewish majority. Alternatives, such as accommodating refugees and their descendants in a future Palestinian state, have been discussed in peace talks that date back to 1993 but which are now stalled.

"If it wasn't for the occupation we would have lived as free as people like in other countries," Ahmed, 24, said at a protest site east of Gaza City. "If they don't allow us back, at least they should give us a state."

Israel says the protests have been organised by Hamas - an Islamist group that controls Gaza and is sworn to Israel's destruction - to provide cover for attacks, and that most of the dead were militants. Palestinians deny those allegations.

Israel, which withdrew settlers and soldiers from Gaza in 2005 after a 38-year occupation, has expanded its settlements in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem.

An added focus this year is President Donald Trump's decision to begin moving the US&nbsp;Embassy to Jerusalem on May 14, the 70th anniversary of Israel's founding.

Trump's moves angered Palestinian leaders, who have refused to talk to his administration, accusing it of pro-Israel bias. Israel's government celebrated the U.S. decision, saying it recognised the "reality" that Jerusalem was the historic capital of the Jewish people.

Visiting the Middle East earlier this week, US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo lent his support to Israel's handling of the border protests. "We do believe the Israelis have a right to defend themselves," he said.

Medics said around 82 people were shot and wounded with live fire, another 800 treated for gas inhalation and the rest for other injuries along the Gaza side of the 25-mile (40-km) border fence

Israeli troops fired live rounds and tear gas at Palestinians who thronged the Gaza-Israel frontier and rampaged at a border terminal on Friday as part of a long-running protest, injuring about 1,100 people. Medics said around 82 people were shot and wounded with live fire, another 800 treated for gas inhalation and the rest for other injuries along the Gaza side of the 25-mile (40-km) border fence, where Palestinians set up tent encampments on March 30 for what they call "The Great March of Return". Youths rolled burning tyres to within 300 metres (yards) of the fence, trying to use the smoke as cover for throwing stones across it while eluding Israeli snipers. Army gunfire has killed at least 43 Palestinians on the frontier over the last month. Protesters said they used slingshots to down two small Israeli observation drones. The army confirmed the drone losses. Hundreds of Palestinians entered Kerem Shalom, an industrial crossing point on the border. One of them said over social media that they had "torched rooms used by the Occupation (Israel)." The Israeli army issued footage showing fires at Kerem Shalom, but said the damage was limited to the Palestinian side. "The rioters are damaging the pipes that carry fuel and gas from Israel into the Gaza Strip," the army said in a statement. Facing international censure over its use of live fire in the protests, the Israeli army says it is protecting its border and takes such action only when protesters, some hurling firebombs and trying to plant explosives, approach too closely. On Friday, troops faced "10,000 Palestinians participating in riots in six locations along the Gaza Strip border," it said. As Israel celebrates its 70th birthday, Palestinians mourn what they call the "Nakba" (Catastrophe) of their people's mass dispossession during the conflict that broke out in 1948. "Give us a state" Two-thirds of the two million Palestinians in Gaza are war refugees or their descendants. The protests have seen thousands gather - in greater numbers on Fridays - to demand access to their families' lost homes or lands, now in Israel. Israel rules that out, concerned it would lose its Jewish majority. Alternatives, such as accommodating refugees and their descendants in a future Palestinian state, have been discussed in peace talks that date back to 1993 but which are now stalled. "If it wasn't for the occupation we would have lived as free as people like in other countries," Ahmed, 24, said at a protest site east of Gaza City. "If they don't allow us back, at least they should give us a state." Israel says the protests have been organised by Hamas - an Islamist group that controls Gaza and is sworn to Israel's destruction - to provide cover for attacks, and that most of the dead were militants. Palestinians deny those allegations. Israel, which withdrew settlers and soldiers from Gaza in 2005 after a 38-year occupation, has expanded its settlements in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem. An added focus this year is President Donald Trump's decision to begin moving the US Embassy to Jerusalem on May 14, the 70th anniversary of Israel's founding. Trump's moves angered Palestinian leaders, who have refused to talk to his administration, accusing it of pro-Israel bias. Israel's government celebrated the U.S. decision, saying it recognised the "reality" that Jerusalem was the historic capital of the Jewish people. Visiting the Middle East earlier this week, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo lent his support to Israel's handling of the border protests. "We do believe the Israelis have a right to defend themselves," he said.

Israeli troops fire shots, tear gas at Gaza protesters, 1,100 Palestinians hurt

Israel has withdrawn from a race for a seat on the UN Security Council as a non-permanent member. According to a press statement by the Israeli mission to the United Nations, the State of Israel decided to postpone its candidacy for a seat on the UNSC after consulting its "partners and good friends".

"It was decided that we will continue to act with our allies to allow for Israel to realize its right for full participation and inclusion in decision-making processes at the UN," a Xinhua report quoted the statement.

The move will enable Belgium and Germany secure spots on the Security Council's elected seats reserved for Western Europe and other regions. Both the countries will still need to secure at least two-thirds of votes at the General Assembly elections next month.

If elected, Belgium and Germany will replace Netherlands and Sweden as UNSC non-permanent members.&nbsp;

United Nations' Security Council has 15 members in total -- five permanent and 10 non-permanent. The non-permanent members are elected by the General Assembly for two-year terms, five non-permanent members nations are replaced every year.

China, France, Russia, the UK, the United States are the permanent member nations on the UNSC. Bolivia, Côte d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Netherlands, Peru, Poland, Sweden are the non-permanent members of the Council at present.&nbsp;

The move will enable Belgium and Germany secure spots on the Security Council's elected seats reserved for Western Europe and other regions

Israel has withdrawn from a race for a seat on the UN Security Council as a non-permanent member. According to a press statement by the Israeli mission to the United Nations, the State of Israel decided to postpone its candidacy for a seat on the UNSC after consulting its "partners and good friends". "It was decided that we will continue to act with our allies to allow for Israel to realize its right for full participation and inclusion in decision-making processes at the UN," a Xinhua report quoted the statement. The move will enable Belgium and Germany secure spots on the Security Council's elected seats reserved for Western Europe and other regions. Both the countries will still need to secure at least two-thirds of votes at the General Assembly elections next month. If elected, Belgium and Germany will replace Netherlands and Sweden as UNSC non-permanent members. United Nations' Security Council has 15 members in total -- five permanent and 10 non-permanent. The non-permanent members are elected by the General Assembly for two-year terms, five non-permanent members nations are replaced every year. China, France, Russia, the UK, the United States are the permanent member nations on the UNSC. Bolivia, Côte d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, Ethiopia, Kazakhstan, Kuwait, Netherlands, Peru, Poland, Sweden are the non-permanent members of the Council at present.

Israel pulls out of race for UN Security Council

In a move which is likely to upset several countries in <a 560="" href="<iframe width=">West Asia, President Donald Trump </a>said he may travel to Jerusalem to open the US embassy in Jerusalem.

In December last year, Trump had recognised Jerusalem as the capital of Isreal and had decided to move the US embassy to the holy city. The move had created an upheaval in the Middle East with Turkey, Iran and Saudia Arabia condemning the move.

Israeli PM Netanyahu had told a US channel that he would "love" to have the US president attend. The embassy is set to provisionally open on May 14th while a new site will be built elsewhere.

Meanwhile, America's ally in Asia, PM Shinzo Abe currently on a visit to Isreal met Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and informed him that Japan has no intention of moving its embassy to Jerusalem, Isreali media report said.

Abe visited a Japan-backed Agro-industrial park in West Bank's Jericho after which he met Isreali PM, Benjamin Netanyahu. The industrial zone is called Corridor for Peace and Prosperity Initiative meant to promote economic cooperation between Israelis, Palestinians and Jordan.

Palestinian official news agency Wafa said that PM Abe had told &nbsp;Abbas that Japan "will not move its embassy to Jerusalem."&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Guatemala?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Guatemala</a>'s flag flies high in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Jerusalem?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Jerusalem</a>, near the site of the new Guatemalan Embassy, which is being opened in its new location in Israel's capital. 
 
Bienvenidos a Jerusalén!???? <a href="https://t.co/ltH6ruYWRx">pic.twitter.com/ltH6ruYWRx</a>
— Israel Foreign Min. (@IsraelMFA) <a href="https://twitter.com/IsraelMFA/status/991402720467804166?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
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On Monday, Guatemala moved its embassy to Jerusalem at the Malkha Technology Park. The official ceremony is likely to take place&nbsp;on May 16th, media reports said. Israeli PM Netanyahu lauded the move welcoming Guatemalan officials to Jerusalem.

"I was moved to see the flag of Guatemala waving in Jerusalem in advance of the opening of the Guatemalan embassy later this month. Dear friends, welcome back to our eternal capital," Netanyahu said.

Israeli PM Netanyahu had told a US channel that he would "love" to have the US president attend.

In a move which is likely to upset several countries in West Asia, President Donald Trump said he may travel to Jerusalem to open the US embassy in Jerusalem. In December last year, Trump had recognised Jerusalem as the capital of Isreal and had decided to move the US embassy to the holy city. The move had created an upheaval in the Middle East with Turkey, Iran and Saudia Arabia condemning the move. Israeli PM Netanyahu had told a US channel that he would "love" to have the US president attend. The embassy is set to provisionally open on May 14th while a new site will be built elsewhere. Meanwhile, America's ally in Asia, PM Shinzo Abe currently on a visit to Isreal met Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas and informed him that Japan has no intention of moving its embassy to Jerusalem, Isreali media report said. Abe visited a Japan-backed Agro-industrial park in West Bank's Jericho after which he met Isreali PM, Benjamin Netanyahu. The industrial zone is called Corridor for Peace and Prosperity Initiative meant to promote economic cooperation between Israelis, Palestinians and Jordan. Palestinian official news agency Wafa said that PM Abe had told Abbas that Japan "will not move its embassy to Jerusalem." #Guatemala's flag flies high in #Jerusalem, near the site of the new Guatemalan Embassy, which is being opened in its new location in Israel's capital. Bienvenidos a Jerusalén!???? pic.twitter.com/ltH6ruYWRx — Israel Foreign Min. (@IsraelMFA) May 1, 2018 × On Monday, Guatemala moved its embassy to Jerusalem at the Malkha Technology Park. The official ceremony is likely to take place on May 16th, media reports said. Israeli PM Netanyahu lauded the move welcoming Guatemalan officials to Jerusalem. "I was moved to see the flag of Guatemala waving in Jerusalem in advance of the opening of the Guatemalan embassy later this month. Dear friends, welcome back to our eternal capital," Netanyahu said.

Trump may open US embassy in Jerusalem; Guatemala first country to move to holy city

Iran on Tuesday called Israel Prime Minister an "infamous liar" after his comments over Iran having secret nuclear weapons program that could increase pressure on the United States to pull out of the 2015 nuclear deal.&nbsp;

Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Tuesday that Benjamin Netanyahu's speech was a "repetition" of past accusations, which the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has already disproven.

Reports say that Netanyahu's comments were made in a bid to influence Trump's upcoming decision about the nuclear deal, but Tehran is ready for any scenario by Trump.&nbsp;

Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson, Bahram Ghasemi, also criticises Netanyahu's "propaganda", adding that he did not have anything to offer except lies.&nbsp;

Meanwhile,&nbsp;Netanyahu informed US&nbsp;President Donald Trump about evidence of a past secret Iranian nuclear arms programme in March, a senior Israeli official said, a move apparently aimed at killing an international deal with Tehran that both leaders oppose.

Trump agreed Israel would publish the information before May 12, the date by which he is due to decide whether the United States should quit the nuclear deal with Iran, an arch foe of both countries, the Israeli official said.

Netanyahu, on Monday, said that he has evidence that the Iran officials have been lying about the secret nuclear weapons program and that they have an "automative archive" at an unknown compound.&nbsp;

Intelligence experts and diplomats said Netanyahu's presentation, in a prime-time television presentation, did not seem to have a "smoking gun" showing a violation by Iran but it could strengthen the hand of advisers to US President Donald Trump who want to scrap the nuclear agreement.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the information showed that Iran's leaders lied to their people about a nuclear weapons program known as "Project Amad". But Pompeo declined to say whether the documents provided evidence of a violation of the nuclear deal.

Most of the purported evidence Netanyahu presented dated to the period before the 2015 accord was signed, although he said Iran had also kept important files on nuclear technology since then, and continued adding to its "nuclear weapons knowledge".

Pompeo said that while the existence of the Amad nuclear project was known for some time, the new material discovered by the Israelis will help better understand the scope and scale of the program.

He added that the documents make "very clear that at the very least the Iranians have continued to lie to their own people." Asked whether the information indicated a violation of the Iran nuclear agreement, Pompeo responded: "I'll leave that to lawyers. The president will ultimately have to make a determination about that too."

&nbsp;

Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Tuesday that Benjamin Netanyahu's speech was a 'repetition' of past accusations, which the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has already disproven

Iran on Tuesday called Israel Prime Minister an "infamous liar" after his comments over Iran having secret nuclear weapons program that could increase pressure on the United States to pull out of the 2015 nuclear deal. Deputy Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said on Tuesday that Benjamin Netanyahu's speech was a "repetition" of past accusations, which the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has already disproven. Reports say that Netanyahu's comments were made in a bid to influence Trump's upcoming decision about the nuclear deal, but Tehran is ready for any scenario by Trump. Iran's foreign ministry spokesperson, Bahram Ghasemi, also criticises Netanyahu's "propaganda", adding that he did not have anything to offer except lies. Meanwhile, Netanyahu informed US President Donald Trump about evidence of a past secret Iranian nuclear arms programme in March, a senior Israeli official said, a move apparently aimed at killing an international deal with Tehran that both leaders oppose. Trump agreed Israel would publish the information before May 12, the date by which he is due to decide whether the United States should quit the nuclear deal with Iran, an arch foe of both countries, the Israeli official said. Netanyahu, on Monday, said that he has evidence that the Iran officials have been lying about the secret nuclear weapons program and that they have an "automative archive" at an unknown compound. Intelligence experts and diplomats said Netanyahu's presentation, in a prime-time television presentation, did not seem to have a "smoking gun" showing a violation by Iran but it could strengthen the hand of advisers to US President Donald Trump who want to scrap the nuclear agreement. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said the information showed that Iran's leaders lied to their people about a nuclear weapons program known as "Project Amad". But Pompeo declined to say whether the documents provided evidence of a violation of the nuclear deal. Most of the purported evidence Netanyahu presented dated to the period before the 2015 accord was signed, although he said Iran had also kept important files on nuclear technology since then, and continued adding to its "nuclear weapons knowledge". Pompeo said that while the existence of the Amad nuclear project was known for some time, the new material discovered by the Israelis will help better understand the scope and scale of the program. He added that the documents make "very clear that at the very least the Iranians have continued to lie to their own people." Asked whether the information indicated a violation of the Iran nuclear agreement, Pompeo responded: "I'll leave that to lawyers. The president will ultimately have to make a determination about that too."

Iran: Netanyahu an 'infamous liar,' comments aimed at influencing Trump

A planned live test of Israel's Arrow-3 ballistic missile interceptor in the United States has been postponed to improve the system's readiness, the Israeli Defence Ministry said on Tuesday.

Jointly manufactured by Boeing Co, Arrow-3 is billed as capable of destroying missiles in space, an altitude that would destroy any non-conventional warheads safely. Israel regards it as a bulwark against Iran and Lebanon's Hezbollah.

No new date was given for the live test. The system passed its first full interception test over the Mediterranean sea in 2015 and was deployed in Israel in 2017.

Israel had planned another test in the summer of 2018 in Alaska, whose expenses would have allowed larger interception distances.

The Defence Ministry statement said the postponement had been agreed upon with the Pentagon, which is Israel's partner in the Arrow system development, "with the goal of reaching maximum readiness for a test on the American range".

The operational capacity of Arrow-3, and earlier generation Arrow-2 units also deployed in Israel was unaffected, it said.

Israel has had difficulties with its Arrow-3 tests.

Its first full trial, scheduled in 2014, was aborted due to what designers said was a faulty flight by the target missile. Follow-up Israeli tests last December and January were also called off at short notice due to technical problems.

Arrow serves as the top tier of an integrated Israeli shield built up to withstand various potential missile or rocket salvoes. The bottom tier is the already deployed short-range Iron Dome interceptor, while a system called David’s Sling, due to be fielded next year, will shoot down mid-range missiles.

Jointly manufactured by Boeing Co, Arrow-3 is billed as capable of destroying missiles in space, an altitude that would destroy any non-conventional warheads safely

A planned live test of Israel's Arrow-3 ballistic missile interceptor in the United States has been postponed to improve the system's readiness, the Israeli Defence Ministry said on Tuesday. Jointly manufactured by Boeing Co, Arrow-3 is billed as capable of destroying missiles in space, an altitude that would destroy any non-conventional warheads safely. Israel regards it as a bulwark against Iran and Lebanon's Hezbollah. No new date was given for the live test. The system passed its first full interception test over the Mediterranean sea in 2015 and was deployed in Israel in 2017. Israel had planned another test in the summer of 2018 in Alaska, whose expenses would have allowed larger interception distances. The Defence Ministry statement said the postponement had been agreed upon with the Pentagon, which is Israel's partner in the Arrow system development, "with the goal of reaching maximum readiness for a test on the American range". The operational capacity of Arrow-3, and earlier generation Arrow-2 units also deployed in Israel was unaffected, it said. Israel has had difficulties with its Arrow-3 tests. Its first full trial, scheduled in 2014, was aborted due to what designers said was a faulty flight by the target missile. Follow-up Israeli tests last December and January were also called off at short notice due to technical problems. Arrow serves as the top tier of an integrated Israeli shield built up to withstand various potential missile or rocket salvoes. The bottom tier is the already deployed short-range Iron Dome interceptor, while a system called David’s Sling, due to be fielded next year, will shoot down mid-range missiles.

Israel postpones US-based test of Arrow-3 missile interceptor

US&nbspSecretary of State Mike Pompeo suggested on Monday he was open to a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian dispute, saying a "two-party solution" was likely in his first extensive comments on peace efforts since taking the job last week.

"With respect to the two-state solution, the parties will ultimately make the decision. We are certainly open to a two-party solution as a likely outcome," he said at a news conference in Jordan after a visit to Israel.

"The Israelis and Palestinians need to have political engagement. We urge the Palestinians to return to that political dialogue," he added.

US&nbspPresident Donald Trump has said he would support a two-state solution, if the two sides agree, although he has stopped sort of re-asserting a U.S. commitment to eventual Palestinian statehood, a longtime bedrock of US&nbsppolicy. The White House is preparing a new Israeli-Palestinian peace plan.

Some 70 years after the creation of Israel, prospects for a Palestinian state appear dim. Israeli-Palestinian peace talks were based on the 1993 Oslo accords that envisaged a two-state solution.

Those talks have been stalled for years and Israel has built more settlements in the occupied territories, which it seized during the 1967 Arab-Israeli war.

Israel has refused any right of return for Palestinians who were expelled or fled and became refugees after the country declared independence in 1948, fearing it would lose its Jewish majority.

Israeli forces have killed dozens of Palestinians in recent weeks who were protesting in the Gaza Strip near the border with Israel to demand the return of refugees and their descendents. Israel says it is protecting its borders.

Palestinians have rejected U.S. peace-making efforts since Trump decided to recognise Jerusalem as Israel's capital and move its embassy to the city, wanted by Palestinians as capital of their own state.

VIOLENCE

Amman was Pompeo's last stop before he returns to Washington DC, where he has not yet entered the State Department. Moments after being sworn in as Secretary of State on Thursday, Pompeo immediately left for a meeting in Brussels, followed by a visit to allies in the Middle East.

"(The Mideast peace) is an incredible priority for the United States to provide whatever assistance we can to allow the two parties to come to a resolution on this incredibly long standing and important conflict," Pompeo said, standing alongside Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi.

Pompeo also made his first comments on the violence along the Israel-Gaza Strip border, where Israeli forces have killed 42 Palestinians since protests began on March 30 and injured some 2,000 by gunfire. No serious casualties have been reported on the Israeli side.

"We do believe the Israelis have a right to defend themselves," he said.

The Palestinians say Israel has used excessive force, and its use of live fire has drawn international criticism.

Israel says it is protecting its borders and takes such action only when protesters, some hurling stones and rolling burning tires, or trying to lay explosives, come too close to the border fence.

Turning to Syria, he said the United States was "in perfect accord" with Jordan on Syria, including the preservation of a "de-escalation zone" in the south.

Pompeo said: "We believe there are many countries, including the United States, who will play an important political role in achieving the de-escalation and ultimate political resolution in Syria".

'With respect to the two-state solution, the parties will ultimately make the decision. We are certainly open to a two-party solution as a likely outcome,' Pompeo said

US&nbspSecretary of State Mike Pompeo suggested on Monday he was open to a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian dispute, saying a "two-party solution" was likely in his first extensive comments on peace efforts since taking the job last week. "With respect to the two-state solution, the parties will ultimately make the decision. We are certainly open to a two-party solution as a likely outcome," he said at a news conference in Jordan after a visit to Israel. "The Israelis and Palestinians need to have political engagement. We urge the Palestinians to return to that political dialogue," he added. US&nbspPresident Donald Trump has said he would support a two-state solution, if the two sides agree, although he has stopped sort of re-asserting a U.S. commitment to eventual Palestinian statehood, a longtime bedrock of US&nbsppolicy. The White House is preparing a new Israeli-Palestinian peace plan. Some 70 years after the creation of Israel, prospects for a Palestinian state appear dim. Israeli-Palestinian peace talks were based on the 1993 Oslo accords that envisaged a two-state solution. Those talks have been stalled for years and Israel has built more settlements in the occupied territories, which it seized during the 1967 Arab-Israeli war. Israel has refused any right of return for Palestinians who were expelled or fled and became refugees after the country declared independence in 1948, fearing it would lose its Jewish majority. Israeli forces have killed dozens of Palestinians in recent weeks who were protesting in the Gaza Strip near the border with Israel to demand the return of refugees and their descendents. Israel says it is protecting its borders. Palestinians have rejected U.S. peace-making efforts since Trump decided to recognise Jerusalem as Israel's capital and move its embassy to the city, wanted by Palestinians as capital of their own state. VIOLENCE Amman was Pompeo's last stop before he returns to Washington DC, where he has not yet entered the State Department. Moments after being sworn in as Secretary of State on Thursday, Pompeo immediately left for a meeting in Brussels, followed by a visit to allies in the Middle East. "(The Mideast peace) is an incredible priority for the United States to provide whatever assistance we can to allow the two parties to come to a resolution on this incredibly long standing and important conflict," Pompeo said, standing alongside Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi. Pompeo also made his first comments on the violence along the Israel-Gaza Strip border, where Israeli forces have killed 42 Palestinians since protests began on March 30 and injured some 2,000 by gunfire. No serious casualties have been reported on the Israeli side. "We do believe the Israelis have a right to defend themselves," he said. The Palestinians say Israel has used excessive force, and its use of live fire has drawn international criticism. Israel says it is protecting its borders and takes such action only when protesters, some hurling stones and rolling burning tires, or trying to lay explosives, come too close to the border fence. Turning to Syria, he said the United States was "in perfect accord" with Jordan on Syria, including the preservation of a "de-escalation zone" in the south. Pompeo said: "We believe there are many countries, including the United States, who will play an important political role in achieving the de-escalation and ultimate political resolution in Syria".

Pompeo says US open to 'two-party solution' for Israeli-Palestinian conflict

Israeli troops shot and killed three Palestinians along the border with the Gaza Strip in two separate incidents on Sunday, the Israeli military said.

The shootings follow a month of violence along the Israel-Gaza border, where Palestinians have been holding protests every Friday pressing for the right of return for refugees and their descendants to what is now Israel.

In the first incident on Sunday, two men "attempted to infiltrate" into Israel from the southern Gaza Strip, the military said in a statement. Soldiers shot and killed one of the men, and the other was wounded and held for questioning.

In the second incident, the army said, two militants who managed to cross the fence "hurled explosive devices" at Israeli soldiers, who shot them dead. There was no claim of responsibility from any militant group in Gaza.

Israel has refused any right of return for Palestinians who were expelled or fled and became refugees after the country declared independence in 1948, fearing that it would lose its Jewish majority.

Israeli forces have killed 42 Palestinians since protests began on March 30 and some 2,000 have been wounded by gunfire. No serious casualties have been reported on the Israeli side.

The Palestinians say Israel has used excessive force, and its use of live fire has drawn international criticism.

Israel says it is protecting its borders and takes such action only when protesters, some hurling stones and rolling burning tires, or trying to lay explosives, come too close to the border fence.

The Gaza Health Ministry said that three Palestinians were killed on Friday and 200 were wounded by Israeli gunfire, while a fourth died of his wounds on Saturday.

The Israeli military describes the protests as "riots," and says that some protesters have tried to breach the frontier, and to damage the border fence by setting it on fire.

The shootings follow a month of violence along the Israel-Gaza border, where Palestinians have been holding protests every Friday pressing for the right of return for refugees and their descendants to what is now Israel

Israeli troops shot and killed three Palestinians along the border with the Gaza Strip in two separate incidents on Sunday, the Israeli military said. The shootings follow a month of violence along the Israel-Gaza border, where Palestinians have been holding protests every Friday pressing for the right of return for refugees and their descendants to what is now Israel. In the first incident on Sunday, two men "attempted to infiltrate" into Israel from the southern Gaza Strip, the military said in a statement. Soldiers shot and killed one of the men, and the other was wounded and held for questioning. In the second incident, the army said, two militants who managed to cross the fence "hurled explosive devices" at Israeli soldiers, who shot them dead. There was no claim of responsibility from any militant group in Gaza. Israel has refused any right of return for Palestinians who were expelled or fled and became refugees after the country declared independence in 1948, fearing that it would lose its Jewish majority. Israeli forces have killed 42 Palestinians since protests began on March 30 and some 2,000 have been wounded by gunfire. No serious casualties have been reported on the Israeli side. The Palestinians say Israel has used excessive force, and its use of live fire has drawn international criticism. Israel says it is protecting its borders and takes such action only when protesters, some hurling stones and rolling burning tires, or trying to lay explosives, come too close to the border fence. The Gaza Health Ministry said that three Palestinians were killed on Friday and 200 were wounded by Israeli gunfire, while a fourth died of his wounds on Saturday. The Israeli military describes the protests as "riots," and says that some protesters have tried to breach the frontier, and to damage the border fence by setting it on fire.

Israeli military kills three Palestinians along Gaza Strip border

The Syrian army unleashed a massive bombardment against one rebel enclave on Monday and prepared for the withdrawal of insurgents from another as President Bashar al-Assad pushes to crush the rebels' last besieged strongholds.

However, missile strikes against several government military bases on Sunday - not claimed by any party despite speculation in Israel that its military was responsible - underscored the risks of a wider escalation in the seven-year conflict.

More than 140 Syrian army air strikes hit the town of Rastan and surrounding villages in the rebel enclave between the cities of Hama and Homs early on Monday alongside sustained shelling, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor said.

Last week a Syrian government minister said the enclave would be the army's next target after retaking all rebel areas around the capital, a goal it looks closer to achieving with Monday's expected insurgent withdrawal from south Damascus.

Despite Assad's ever-stronger position against rebels since Russia's entry into the war in 2015 brought a string of battlefield victories, the involvement of numerous regional and global powers threatens to inflame the war further.

Nobody has claimed responsibility for the missile attacks that struck several bases near Hama and Aleppo overnight, causing large explosions, and the Syrian army has blamed only "aggression" by its enemies.

However, Israel has previously carried out strikes in Syria to stop Assad's ally Iran getting stronger there or transferring weapons to the Lebanese group Hezbollah, and there is widespread speculation in Israel that it was behind the attack.

Israel's Intelligence Minister Israel Katz would not comment on the strikes, but added that Israel "has made it unequivocally clear at all levels that it will not allow an Iranian front in Syria to be established".

A spokesman for Israel's military said it would not comment on foreign reports. But Amos Yadlin, a former head of Israeli military intelligence, said Israel was likely behind the strikes.

"Israel has to decide: 'are we confronting Iran in Syria before they have the full advanced weapons capabilities' ... or do we wait ... let them build a huge military capability in Syria and meet them in a future war and pay a very high price?"

Diplomats have warned of a possible major escalation between Israel and Iran in Syria as Assad and his allies take more territory from rebels.

The United States, Jordan and Assad's main ally Russia have declared a ceasefire zone in southwest Syria, near the border with Israel, and on Monday Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Washington's strategy there "remains unchanged".

The Observatory said at least 26 people - mostly Iranians and members of an Iran-backed Iraqi militia - were killed in Sunday's strikes, and that dozens more people were missing.

Speaking in Israel on Sunday, Pompeo said the United States was "deeply concerned about Iran's dangerous escalation of threats towards Israel and the region" and said it was critical for the two allies to work together to stop it.

Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency said no Iranian base had been hit or Iranians killed. Alaeddin Boroujerdi, a senior Iranian member of parliament met Assad on Monday and said Iran would keep its military advisers in Syria until the war ended.

Tehran and its allies blamed Israel for an April 9 air strike on the Tiyas air base in Syria, in which several Iranian military personnel were killed, and Iran has warned it would not go "without response".

ASSAULT

The Syrian army's assault on the pocket between Homs and Hama - the most populous remaining besieged area in Syria - included air strikes and artillery, said the Britain-based Observatory.

Reinforcements arrived in government-held areas before the bombardment, which targeted Rastan, the biggest town in the pocket, and several nearby villages, the Observatory said.

Syrian rebels hold large swathes of both northwest and southwest Syria. An alliance of Kurdish and Arab militias backed by the United States holds large parts of northern and eastern Syria after an offensive against Islamic State last year.

The pocket in southern Damascus is split between areas held by Islamic State and rebel groups. It has been the focus of a massive bombardment and intense fighting since the Syrian army recaptured eastern Ghouta earlier this month.

Late on Sunday, state media reported that one of the rebel groups there, the jihadist Tahrir al-Sham alliance, which includes Syria's former al-Qaeda affiliate, had agreed to withdraw to opposition-held Idlib province in northern Syria.

Footage on state television on Monday showed what it said was preparations for that withdrawal, along with the departure of buses in northern Syria to evacuate civilians from two government-held villages besieged by insurgents.

The surrender deal for Tahrir al-Sham in south Damascus was part of a deal to allow about 5,000 people to leave the two government-held Shi'ite villages, al-Foua and Kefraya, it said.

However, SANA state news agency reported continued intensive bombardment of al-Hajar al-Aswad, another area in the south Damascus pocket where Islamic State fighters are based.

No one has as yet claimed responsibility for the strikes

The Syrian army unleashed a massive bombardment against one rebel enclave on Monday and prepared for the withdrawal of insurgents from another as President Bashar al-Assad pushes to crush the rebels' last besieged strongholds. However, missile strikes against several government military bases on Sunday - not claimed by any party despite speculation in Israel that its military was responsible - underscored the risks of a wider escalation in the seven-year conflict. More than 140 Syrian army air strikes hit the town of Rastan and surrounding villages in the rebel enclave between the cities of Hama and Homs early on Monday alongside sustained shelling, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor said. Last week a Syrian government minister said the enclave would be the army's next target after retaking all rebel areas around the capital, a goal it looks closer to achieving with Monday's expected insurgent withdrawal from south Damascus. Despite Assad's ever-stronger position against rebels since Russia's entry into the war in 2015 brought a string of battlefield victories, the involvement of numerous regional and global powers threatens to inflame the war further. Nobody has claimed responsibility for the missile attacks that struck several bases near Hama and Aleppo overnight, causing large explosions, and the Syrian army has blamed only "aggression" by its enemies. However, Israel has previously carried out strikes in Syria to stop Assad's ally Iran getting stronger there or transferring weapons to the Lebanese group Hezbollah, and there is widespread speculation in Israel that it was behind the attack. Israel's Intelligence Minister Israel Katz would not comment on the strikes, but added that Israel "has made it unequivocally clear at all levels that it will not allow an Iranian front in Syria to be established". A spokesman for Israel's military said it would not comment on foreign reports. But Amos Yadlin, a former head of Israeli military intelligence, said Israel was likely behind the strikes. "Israel has to decide: 'are we confronting Iran in Syria before they have the full advanced weapons capabilities' ... or do we wait ... let them build a huge military capability in Syria and meet them in a future war and pay a very high price?" Diplomats have warned of a possible major escalation between Israel and Iran in Syria as Assad and his allies take more territory from rebels. The United States, Jordan and Assad's main ally Russia have declared a ceasefire zone in southwest Syria, near the border with Israel, and on Monday Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Washington's strategy there "remains unchanged". The Observatory said at least 26 people - mostly Iranians and members of an Iran-backed Iraqi militia - were killed in Sunday's strikes, and that dozens more people were missing. Speaking in Israel on Sunday, Pompeo said the United States was "deeply concerned about Iran's dangerous escalation of threats towards Israel and the region" and said it was critical for the two allies to work together to stop it. Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency said no Iranian base had been hit or Iranians killed. Alaeddin Boroujerdi, a senior Iranian member of parliament met Assad on Monday and said Iran would keep its military advisers in Syria until the war ended. Tehran and its allies blamed Israel for an April 9 air strike on the Tiyas air base in Syria, in which several Iranian military personnel were killed, and Iran has warned it would not go "without response". ASSAULT The Syrian army's assault on the pocket between Homs and Hama - the most populous remaining besieged area in Syria - included air strikes and artillery, said the Britain-based Observatory. Reinforcements arrived in government-held areas before the bombardment, which targeted Rastan, the biggest town in the pocket, and several nearby villages, the Observatory said. Syrian rebels hold large swathes of both northwest and southwest Syria. An alliance of Kurdish and Arab militias backed by the United States holds large parts of northern and eastern Syria after an offensive against Islamic State last year. The pocket in southern Damascus is split between areas held by Islamic State and rebel groups. It has been the focus of a massive bombardment and intense fighting since the Syrian army recaptured eastern Ghouta earlier this month. Late on Sunday, state media reported that one of the rebel groups there, the jihadist Tahrir al-Sham alliance, which includes Syria's former al-Qaeda affiliate, had agreed to withdraw to opposition-held Idlib province in northern Syria. Footage on state television on Monday showed what it said was preparations for that withdrawal, along with the departure of buses in northern Syria to evacuate civilians from two government-held villages besieged by insurgents. The surrender deal for Tahrir al-Sham in south Damascus was part of a deal to allow about 5,000 people to leave the two government-held Shi'ite villages, al-Foua and Kefraya, it said. However, SANA state news agency reported continued intensive bombardment of al-Hajar al-Aswad, another area in the south Damascus pocket where Islamic State fighters are based.

Missiles strike Syrian Army sites, speculation is that Israel might be responsible

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will make a televised announcement Monday evening (1700 GMT) in what his office said would be a "significant development" regarding the nuclear agreement with Iran.

The announcement will be made from Israel's military headquarters in Tel Aviv, according to a brief statement from Netanyahu's office.

"Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will make a statement on a significant development regarding the nuclear agreement with Iran," the statement said, offering no further details.

Netanyahu met on Sunday with new US&nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and the two had spoken about Iran.

Speaking alongside the Israeli leader, Pompeo said in Tel Aviv: “We remain deeply concerned about Iran’s dangerous escalation of threats towards Israel and the region.”

Netanyahu had said: “I think the greatest threat to the world and to our two countries, and to all countries, is the marriage of militant Islam with nuclear weapons, and specifically the attempt of Iran to acquire nuclear weapons."

US&nbsp;President Donald&nbsp;Trump&nbsp;has threatened to withdraw from the 2015 agreement reached between Iran and global powers, which granted Tehran relief from economic sanctions in return for curbs to its nuclear programme.

Israel has long opposed the agreement. Washington's major European allies have urged theTrump&nbsp;administration not to abandon it and argue that Iran is abiding by its terms.

The announcement will be made from Israel's military headquarters in Tel Aviv, according to a brief statement from Netanyahu's office

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will make a televised announcement Monday evening (1700 GMT) in what his office said would be a "significant development" regarding the nuclear agreement with Iran. The announcement will be made from Israel's military headquarters in Tel Aviv, according to a brief statement from Netanyahu's office. "Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will make a statement on a significant development regarding the nuclear agreement with Iran," the statement said, offering no further details. Netanyahu met on Sunday with new US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and the two had spoken about Iran. Speaking alongside the Israeli leader, Pompeo said in Tel Aviv: “We remain deeply concerned about Iran’s dangerous escalation of threats towards Israel and the region.” Netanyahu had said: “I think the greatest threat to the world and to our two countries, and to all countries, is the marriage of militant Islam with nuclear weapons, and specifically the attempt of Iran to acquire nuclear weapons." US President Donald Trump has threatened to withdraw from the 2015 agreement reached between Iran and global powers, which granted Tehran relief from economic sanctions in return for curbs to its nuclear programme. Israel has long opposed the agreement. Washington's major European allies have urged theTrump administration not to abandon it and argue that Iran is abiding by its terms.

Israel's Netanyahu to make 'significant' announcement on Iran nuclear agreement

Friday's historic pledge by the leaders of the two Koreas to work to denuclearize the Korean peninsula should give US&nbsp;President Donald Trump a stronger hand to renegotiate the treaty curtailing Iran's nuclear program, Israel's intelligence minister said.

Yisrael Katz, who runs both the Intelligence and Transportation ministries, spoke in a Reuters interview after North Korea's Kim Jong Un and South Korean President Moon Jae-in agreed to work for a "complete denuclearization" of the peninsula at a summit meeting in Seoul.

Such a development, should it come to fruition, could have a larger impact of minimizing the threat of a nuclear arms race in the Middle East, Katz said.

The 2015 Iran Nuclear agreement, which Israel's government vehemently opposed, is in danger of unravelling should US&nbsp;President Donald Trump decide by May 12 to restore US economic sanctions against Iran.

Trump has called the accord the worst deal ever negotiated and threatened to reimpose the US penalties unless Britain, France and Germany can fix its "flaws." The deal lifted economic sanctions on Iran in return for curbing its nuclear programme.

"He (Trump) will have more power against Iran now and maybe to convince the European Union not to be the weak link in the coalition," Katz said.

"I think it will be very good if the North Koreans will finish and go out of the nuclear business and capabilities. It will also be good to our region, because there is a connection," he said.

Katz said the connection between Iran and North Korea pertains to missile technology.

"Yes, I think there is cooperation as it belongs to developing the ballistic missiles. And we have the evidence," he said.&nbsp;

"We have a lot of evidence," Katz added, shrugging his shoulders without elaborating.

Russia, China, Germany, Britain and France, which all struck the accord with Iran and the United States, see the deal as the best way to stop Iran from developing a nuclear bomb.

During his state visit earlier this week with Trump in Washington, French President Emmanuel Macron called for the US&nbsp;not to abandon the deal and said a new package of terms was being prepared with Britain and Germany.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel held a one-day working visit with Trump on Friday, where she was careful to praise Trump's progress on North Korea.

"I think that now we have to be very tough with Iran," said Katz, who wants to succeed Netanyahu as Israel's next prime minister.&nbsp;

Regional conflicts

While Iran's nuclear capabilities are curtailed for the time being, Katz reiterated that Israel would remain vigilant in seeking to curb Tehran's increased activities in Syria.

On April 9, an air strike killed seven Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps members at a Syrian base. Tehran blamed Israel and vowed unspecified retaliation, drawing Israeli counter-threats to broaden attacks on Iranian military assets in Syria.

The Israelis have said their strikes aim to prevent Iran’s garrison in Syria from entrenching itself deeper in support of President Bashar al-Assad and linking with Hezbollah in Lebanon to form a broad front against them.

"Iranians don't have to be in Syria. It is not to say we are going to attack every Iranian soldier in Syria, but bases, military bases, and munitions bases, and sophisticated missiles and other things like that? Yes," he said.

Russia, a key ally of Assad, has said it would provide advanced weapons to Syria. Israel is concerned that might include the S-300 surface-to-air missile system, which military analysts say would improve Russia's ability to control air space in Syria.

"They are talking about to supply advanced missiles, but they didn't say the words S-300," Katz said.

"Personally, it is hard for me to believe that Putin will give them the S-300," he said. "Because this is his main card that he is holding now in the discussions with Israel ... If he will give them the S-300, about what can he talk about with us afterward?"

The 2015 Iran Nuclear agreement, which Israel's government vehemently opposed, is in danger of unravelling should Trump decide by May 12 to restore US economic sanctions against Iran

Friday's historic pledge by the leaders of the two Koreas to work to denuclearize the Korean peninsula should give US President Donald Trump a stronger hand to renegotiate the treaty curtailing Iran's nuclear program, Israel's intelligence minister said. Yisrael Katz, who runs both the Intelligence and Transportation ministries, spoke in a Reuters interview after North Korea's Kim Jong Un and South Korean President Moon Jae-in agreed to work for a "complete denuclearization" of the peninsula at a summit meeting in Seoul. Such a development, should it come to fruition, could have a larger impact of minimizing the threat of a nuclear arms race in the Middle East, Katz said. The 2015 Iran Nuclear agreement, which Israel's government vehemently opposed, is in danger of unravelling should US President Donald Trump decide by May 12 to restore US economic sanctions against Iran. Trump has called the accord the worst deal ever negotiated and threatened to reimpose the US penalties unless Britain, France and Germany can fix its "flaws." The deal lifted economic sanctions on Iran in return for curbing its nuclear programme. "He (Trump) will have more power against Iran now and maybe to convince the European Union not to be the weak link in the coalition," Katz said. "I think it will be very good if the North Koreans will finish and go out of the nuclear business and capabilities. It will also be good to our region, because there is a connection," he said. Katz said the connection between Iran and North Korea pertains to missile technology. "Yes, I think there is cooperation as it belongs to developing the ballistic missiles. And we have the evidence," he said. "We have a lot of evidence," Katz added, shrugging his shoulders without elaborating. Russia, China, Germany, Britain and France, which all struck the accord with Iran and the United States, see the deal as the best way to stop Iran from developing a nuclear bomb. During his state visit earlier this week with Trump in Washington, French President Emmanuel Macron called for the US not to abandon the deal and said a new package of terms was being prepared with Britain and Germany. German Chancellor Angela Merkel held a one-day working visit with Trump on Friday, where she was careful to praise Trump's progress on North Korea. "I think that now we have to be very tough with Iran," said Katz, who wants to succeed Netanyahu as Israel's next prime minister. Regional conflicts While Iran's nuclear capabilities are curtailed for the time being, Katz reiterated that Israel would remain vigilant in seeking to curb Tehran's increased activities in Syria. On April 9, an air strike killed seven Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps members at a Syrian base. Tehran blamed Israel and vowed unspecified retaliation, drawing Israeli counter-threats to broaden attacks on Iranian military assets in Syria. The Israelis have said their strikes aim to prevent Iran’s garrison in Syria from entrenching itself deeper in support of President Bashar al-Assad and linking with Hezbollah in Lebanon to form a broad front against them. "Iranians don't have to be in Syria. It is not to say we are going to attack every Iranian soldier in Syria, but bases, military bases, and munitions bases, and sophisticated missiles and other things like that? Yes," he said. Russia, a key ally of Assad, has said it would provide advanced weapons to Syria. Israel is concerned that might include the S-300 surface-to-air missile system, which military analysts say would improve Russia's ability to control air space in Syria. "They are talking about to supply advanced missiles, but they didn't say the words S-300," Katz said. "Personally, it is hard for me to believe that Putin will give them the S-300," he said. "Because this is his main card that he is holding now in the discussions with Israel ... If he will give them the S-300, about what can he talk about with us afterward?"

Israel says 'denuclearized' Korean peninsula helpful versus Iran

Israeli troops shot dead three protesters along the Gaza border on Friday, Gaza medics said, hours after the United Nations human rights chief criticised Israel for using "excessive force" against demonstrators.

Israeli troops have killed 41 Palestinians and wounded more than 5,000 others since Gaza residents began staging protests along the border fence on March 30 to demand the right of return for Palestinian refugees.

The troops were holed up behind fortifications on their side of the 40km (25-mile) border fence and fired live ammunition and tear gas at protesters at five locations on the Gazan side.

Gaza medical officials said two protesters who were struck by bullets were in critical condition in hospital and 600 others were wounded.

The Israeli military said 12,000-14,000 Gazans were participating in what it described as "riots," and that some had tried to breach the border into Israel. It said troops "had operated in accordance with the rules of engagement" to stop people crossing the border.

The Gaza health ministry said 200 were wounded by gun-fire, including a Palestinian journalist who was hit in the foot by a bullet.

Dozens more, including four medics, were treated for gas inhalation, as Israeli forces showered the area with tear gas canisters from behind their fortifications in Israel.

Protesters hurled stones and rolled burning tyres toward the fence, and some attached cans of burning petrol to kites and flew them into Israeli territory.

Others cleared away barbed wire coils which Israeli troops had placed in Gazan territory overnight in a bid to create a buffer zone between protesters and the fence.

After dark, the Israeli military said in a statement that its fighter jets had struck six targets belonging to Hamas' naval force "in response to the terror activity and mass attempt to infiltrate into Israeli territory earlier today."

Hamas said two boats moored off the Gaza shore were hit, causing damage, but that no casualties were reported.

The protests come at a time of growing frustration for Palestinians as prospects for an independent Palestinian state look poor. Peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians have been stalled for several years and Israeli settlements in the occupied territories have expanded.

In a statement, UN&nbspHigh Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad al-Hussein called the loss of life deplorable and said a "staggering number" of injuries had been caused by live ammunition.

Israel's foreign ministry had no immediate comment but the government has consistently said it is protecting its borders and that its troops are following rules of engagement.

Israel's UN&nbspenvoy, Danny Danon, told the Security Council on Thursday that Hamas in Gaza was responsible for Palestinian casualties and that it was using innocent Palestinian women and children as human shields.

"The terrorists are hiding while allowing, even hoping, for their people to die. This is evil in its purest form," he said.

Hamas denies the Israeli accusations. "Danon's comments are an attempt to escape responsibility and to cover up for the execution of unarmed children and people by occupation soldiers," said Hamas official Mushir Al-Masri.

Named the 'Great March of Return', the protest action revives a longstanding demand for the right of return of Palestinian refugees to towns and villages which their families fled from, or were driven out of, when the state of Israel was created in 1948. Israel refuses any right of return, fearing that the country would lose its Jewish majority.

More than 2 million Palestinians are packed into the narrow coastal enclave. Israel withdrew its troops and settlers from Gaza in 2005 but maintains tight control of its land and sea borders. Egypt also restricts movement in and out of Gaza on its border.

Israeli troops have killed 41 Palestinians and wounded more than 5,000 others since Gaza residents began staging protests along the border fence on March 30

Israeli troops shot dead three protesters along the Gaza border on Friday, Gaza medics said, hours after the United Nations human rights chief criticised Israel for using "excessive force" against demonstrators. Israeli troops have killed 41 Palestinians and wounded more than 5,000 others since Gaza residents began staging protests along the border fence on March 30 to demand the right of return for Palestinian refugees. The troops were holed up behind fortifications on their side of the 40km (25-mile) border fence and fired live ammunition and tear gas at protesters at five locations on the Gazan side. Gaza medical officials said two protesters who were struck by bullets were in critical condition in hospital and 600 others were wounded. The Israeli military said 12,000-14,000 Gazans were participating in what it described as "riots," and that some had tried to breach the border into Israel. It said troops "had operated in accordance with the rules of engagement" to stop people crossing the border. The Gaza health ministry said 200 were wounded by gun-fire, including a Palestinian journalist who was hit in the foot by a bullet. Dozens more, including four medics, were treated for gas inhalation, as Israeli forces showered the area with tear gas canisters from behind their fortifications in Israel. Protesters hurled stones and rolled burning tyres toward the fence, and some attached cans of burning petrol to kites and flew them into Israeli territory. Others cleared away barbed wire coils which Israeli troops had placed in Gazan territory overnight in a bid to create a buffer zone between protesters and the fence. After dark, the Israeli military said in a statement that its fighter jets had struck six targets belonging to Hamas' naval force "in response to the terror activity and mass attempt to infiltrate into Israeli territory earlier today." Hamas said two boats moored off the Gaza shore were hit, causing damage, but that no casualties were reported. The protests come at a time of growing frustration for Palestinians as prospects for an independent Palestinian state look poor. Peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians have been stalled for several years and Israeli settlements in the occupied territories have expanded. In a statement, UN&nbspHigh Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad al-Hussein called the loss of life deplorable and said a "staggering number" of injuries had been caused by live ammunition. Israel's foreign ministry had no immediate comment but the government has consistently said it is protecting its borders and that its troops are following rules of engagement. Israel's UN&nbspenvoy, Danny Danon, told the Security Council on Thursday that Hamas in Gaza was responsible for Palestinian casualties and that it was using innocent Palestinian women and children as human shields. "The terrorists are hiding while allowing, even hoping, for their people to die. This is evil in its purest form," he said. Hamas denies the Israeli accusations. "Danon's comments are an attempt to escape responsibility and to cover up for the execution of unarmed children and people by occupation soldiers," said Hamas official Mushir Al-Masri. Named the 'Great March of Return', the protest action revives a longstanding demand for the right of return of Palestinian refugees to towns and villages which their families fled from, or were driven out of, when the state of Israel was created in 1948. Israel refuses any right of return, fearing that the country would lose its Jewish majority. More than 2 million Palestinians are packed into the narrow coastal enclave. Israel withdrew its troops and settlers from Gaza in 2005 but maintains tight control of its land and sea borders. Egypt also restricts movement in and out of Gaza on its border.

Israeli forces kill 3 Gaza border protesters, wound 600: Medics

Romania's president called on the prime minister to resign on Friday (April 27) after she endorsed a secret deal to move the country's embassy in Israel to Jerusalem, overstepping her powers on foreign policy.

The head of state cannot dismiss the premier but President Klaus Iohannis' call could trigger a no-confidence vote, something Prime Minister Viorica Dancila should easily survive given her party's robust majority in parliament.

Any decision on embassy relocation rests with the president, who said he was not consulted about that or the state visit Dancila paid to Israel this week along with the leader of her Social Democrat party, Liviu Dragnea.

Dancila has said the memorandum she approved was confidential and could not be made public yet.

Iohannis - who has the final say in foreign policy matters - said moving the embassy to Jerusalem, which is not widely recognised as Israel's capital due to competing sovereignty claims by the Palestinians, has said the move could break international law.

Dancila has yet to comment on his call for her to resign.

Romania would be the first EU country and one of very few countries in the world to relocate its embassy following U.S. President Donald Trump's recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital in December.

The Romanian foreign ministry had said the memorandum was only the start of a wide consultation process and that it sought to identify the best way for Romania to position itself.

It added Romania's position regarding the Israeli-Palestinian situation "has traditionally been a balanced one, including ... bilaterally recognising the Palestinian state."

Last week, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that "at least half a dozen" countries were considering moving their embassies to Jerusalem. The U.S. Embassy is due to relocate on May 14.

The head of state cannot dismiss the premier but President Klaus Iohannis' call could trigger a no-confidence vote, something Prime Minister Viorica Dancila should easily survive given her party's robust majority in parliament

Romania's president called on the prime minister to resign on Friday (April 27) after she endorsed a secret deal to move the country's embassy in Israel to Jerusalem, overstepping her powers on foreign policy. The head of state cannot dismiss the premier but President Klaus Iohannis' call could trigger a no-confidence vote, something Prime Minister Viorica Dancila should easily survive given her party's robust majority in parliament. Any decision on embassy relocation rests with the president, who said he was not consulted about that or the state visit Dancila paid to Israel this week along with the leader of her Social Democrat party, Liviu Dragnea. Dancila has said the memorandum she approved was confidential and could not be made public yet. Iohannis - who has the final say in foreign policy matters - said moving the embassy to Jerusalem, which is not widely recognised as Israel's capital due to competing sovereignty claims by the Palestinians, has said the move could break international law. Dancila has yet to comment on his call for her to resign. Romania would be the first EU country and one of very few countries in the world to relocate its embassy following U.S. President Donald Trump's recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital in December. The Romanian foreign ministry had said the memorandum was only the start of a wide consultation process and that it sought to identify the best way for Romania to position itself. It added Romania's position regarding the Israeli-Palestinian situation "has traditionally been a balanced one, including ... bilaterally recognising the Palestinian state." Last week, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that "at least half a dozen" countries were considering moving their embassies to Jerusalem. The U.S. Embassy is due to relocate on May 14.

Romania's president calls on PM to quit over Israel embassy move

Israeli soldiers fired bullets and tear gas at thousands of Palestinian protesters at the Gaza-Israel border on Friday, wounding nearly 200 people, hours after the United Nations human rights chief criticised Israel for using "excessive force".

Israeli troops have killed 38 Palestinians and wounded more than 5,000 others since Gaza residents began staging protests along the border fence on March 30 to demand the right of return for Palestinian refugees.

On Friday, Israeli ground troops, holed up behind fortifications on their side of the 40km (25-mile) border fence, fired live ammunition and tear gas at protesters at five locations on the Gazan side.&nbsp;

The Gaza health ministry said 60 were wounded by gun fire, including a Palestinian journalist who was hit with a bullet in his foot.

Dozens more, including four medics, were treated for gas inhalation, as Israeli forces showered the area with tear gas canisters from behind their fortifications.&nbsp;

Protesters hurled stones and rolled burning tyres toward the fence, and some attached cans of burning petrol to kites and flew them into Israeli territory.

Others cleared away barbed wire coils which Israeli troops had placed in Gazan territory overnight in a bid to create a buffer zone between protesters and the fence.

The protests come at a time of growing frustration for Palestinians as prospects for an independent Palestinian state look poor. Peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians have been stalled for several years and Israeli settlements in the occupied territories have expanded.&nbsp;

In a statement released earlier on Friday, UN&nbsp;High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad al-Hussein called the loss of life was "deplorable" and that a "staggering number of injuries" had been caused by live ammunition.

Israel`s foreign ministry had no immediate comment but the government has consistently said that it is protecting its borders and that its troops are following rules of engagement.

Named the 'Great March of Return', the protest action revives a longstanding demand for the right of return of Palestinian refugees to towns and villages which their families fled from, or were driven out of, when the state of Israel was created in 1948.

More than 2 million Palestinians are packed into the narrow coastal enclave. Israel withdrew its troops and settlers from Gaza in 2005 but maintains tight control of its land and sea borders. Egypt also restricts movement in and out of Gaza on its border.

Israeli troops have killed 38 Palestinians and wounded more than 5,000 others since Gaza residents began staging protests along the border fence on March 30 to demand the right of return for Palestinian refugees

Israeli soldiers fired bullets and tear gas at thousands of Palestinian protesters at the Gaza-Israel border on Friday, wounding nearly 200 people, hours after the United Nations human rights chief criticised Israel for using "excessive force". Israeli troops have killed 38 Palestinians and wounded more than 5,000 others since Gaza residents began staging protests along the border fence on March 30 to demand the right of return for Palestinian refugees. On Friday, Israeli ground troops, holed up behind fortifications on their side of the 40km (25-mile) border fence, fired live ammunition and tear gas at protesters at five locations on the Gazan side. The Gaza health ministry said 60 were wounded by gun fire, including a Palestinian journalist who was hit with a bullet in his foot. Dozens more, including four medics, were treated for gas inhalation, as Israeli forces showered the area with tear gas canisters from behind their fortifications. Protesters hurled stones and rolled burning tyres toward the fence, and some attached cans of burning petrol to kites and flew them into Israeli territory. Others cleared away barbed wire coils which Israeli troops had placed in Gazan territory overnight in a bid to create a buffer zone between protesters and the fence. The protests come at a time of growing frustration for Palestinians as prospects for an independent Palestinian state look poor. Peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians have been stalled for several years and Israeli settlements in the occupied territories have expanded. In a statement released earlier on Friday, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra’ad al-Hussein called the loss of life was "deplorable" and that a "staggering number of injuries" had been caused by live ammunition. Israel`s foreign ministry had no immediate comment but the government has consistently said that it is protecting its borders and that its troops are following rules of engagement. Named the 'Great March of Return', the protest action revives a longstanding demand for the right of return of Palestinian refugees to towns and villages which their families fled from, or were driven out of, when the state of Israel was created in 1948. More than 2 million Palestinians are packed into the narrow coastal enclave. Israel withdrew its troops and settlers from Gaza in 2005 but maintains tight control of its land and sea borders. Egypt also restricts movement in and out of Gaza on its border.

Gaza protest continues; Israeli forces fire bullets, tear gas at border protesters, 200 wounded

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

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

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

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

Iran and Israel traded blame on Sunday for an unprecedented, weeks-long surge in hostilities between their forces over Syria but played down prospects of a spillover into war.

A showdown between the arch-foes has loomed since Feb. 10, when Israel said an armed Iranian drone launched from a Syrian base penetrated its territory. Israel downed the drone and, during a reprisal raid, lost an F-16 jet to Syrian ground fire.

On April 9, an air strike killed seven Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps members at the Syrian base. Tehran blamed Israel and vowed unspecified retaliation, drawing Israeli counter-threats to broaden attacks on Iranian military assets in Syria.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said in a U.S. television interview that further Israeli sorties in Syria would have "consequences". But he deemed major escalation as unlikely.

"I do not believe that we are headed towards regional war but I do believe that unfortunately, Israel has continued its violations with international law, hoping to be able to do it with impunity because of the U.S. support and trying to find smokescreens to hide behind," Zarif told CBS News.

"The easiest answer would be to stop - to stop these acts of aggression, to stop these incursions."

Iran, Lebanon's Hezbollah militia and Russia have been reinforcing Damascus against a 7-year-old Syrian rebellion. The Israelis worry that Iran's garrison will remain, linking with Hezbollah to form a broad Syrian-Lebanese front against them.

Israeli Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman reiterated his government's policy of preventing Iranian entrenchment in Syria.

"No matter the price, we will not allow a noose to form around us," he told Israel Radio in an interview.

DETERRENCE

But asked if that meant war was imminent, he said: "I hope not. I think that our primary role is prevent war, and that requires concrete, real deterrence as well as readiness to act."

Israel Katz, the Israeli intelligence minister, suggested world powers might intervene to curb Iranian activity in Syria.

Israel is "not interested" in escalation, Katz told the Ynet news site. But Israeli power-projection, he said, "can challenge the Iranians, can clarify to the Russians, who seek stability, that it is worth it for them to apply their influence, and the same goes for the United States, for France and all the others".

The Syria face-off comes as the Trump administration mulls reimposing U.S. economic sanctions against Tehran by May 12, a move that could deal a blow to an international 2015 deal under which the Iranians capped their nuclear projects.

Zarif said Iran might respond to any unravelling of the deal by "resuming at a much greater speed our nuclear activities".

Israel has savaged the deal and encouraged a U.S. review, but Katz appeared to acknowledge the outcome could be costly.

"The United States is changing policy. Israel is determined to prevent this (Iranian nuclear) red-line, a crossing of this red-line," he said. "These are testing times for us. I hope that we won't pay prices."

Also read:<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hints-it-could-hit-irans-air-force-in-syria-132058"> Israel hints it could hit Iran's 'air force' in Syria</a>

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said however deemed major escalation as unlikely

Iran and Israel traded blame on Sunday for an unprecedented, weeks-long surge in hostilities between their forces over Syria but played down prospects of a spillover into war. A showdown between the arch-foes has loomed since Feb. 10, when Israel said an armed Iranian drone launched from a Syrian base penetrated its territory. Israel downed the drone and, during a reprisal raid, lost an F-16 jet to Syrian ground fire. On April 9, an air strike killed seven Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps members at the Syrian base. Tehran blamed Israel and vowed unspecified retaliation, drawing Israeli counter-threats to broaden attacks on Iranian military assets in Syria. Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif said in a U.S. television interview that further Israeli sorties in Syria would have "consequences". But he deemed major escalation as unlikely. "I do not believe that we are headed towards regional war but I do believe that unfortunately, Israel has continued its violations with international law, hoping to be able to do it with impunity because of the U.S. support and trying to find smokescreens to hide behind," Zarif told CBS News. "The easiest answer would be to stop - to stop these acts of aggression, to stop these incursions." Iran, Lebanon's Hezbollah militia and Russia have been reinforcing Damascus against a 7-year-old Syrian rebellion. The Israelis worry that Iran's garrison will remain, linking with Hezbollah to form a broad Syrian-Lebanese front against them. Israeli Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman reiterated his government's policy of preventing Iranian entrenchment in Syria. "No matter the price, we will not allow a noose to form around us," he told Israel Radio in an interview. DETERRENCE But asked if that meant war was imminent, he said: "I hope not. I think that our primary role is prevent war, and that requires concrete, real deterrence as well as readiness to act." Israel Katz, the Israeli intelligence minister, suggested world powers might intervene to curb Iranian activity in Syria. Israel is "not interested" in escalation, Katz told the Ynet news site. But Israeli power-projection, he said, "can challenge the Iranians, can clarify to the Russians, who seek stability, that it is worth it for them to apply their influence, and the same goes for the United States, for France and all the others". The Syria face-off comes as the Trump administration mulls reimposing U.S. economic sanctions against Tehran by May 12, a move that could deal a blow to an international 2015 deal under which the Iranians capped their nuclear projects. Zarif said Iran might respond to any unravelling of the deal by "resuming at a much greater speed our nuclear activities". Israel has savaged the deal and encouraged a U.S. review, but Katz appeared to acknowledge the outcome could be costly. "The United States is changing policy. Israel is determined to prevent this (Iranian nuclear) red-line, a crossing of this red-line," he said. "These are testing times for us. I hope that we won't pay prices." Also read: Israel hints it could hit Iran's 'air force' in Syria

Further Israeli sorties in Syria will have consequences: Iran

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/further-israeli-sorties-in-syria-will-have-consequences-iran-132171">Further Israeli sorties in Syria will have consequences: Iran</a>

Iran and Israel traded blame on Sunday for an unprecedented, weeks-long surge in hostilities between their forces over Syria but played down prospects of a spillover into war.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/why-death-penalty-only-for-rape-of-girls-under-12-what-about-14-15--16-year-olds-kamal-haasan-132170">Why death penalty only for </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/why-death-penalty-only-for-rape-of-girls-under-12-what-about-14-15--16-year-olds-kamal-haasan-132170">rape</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/why-death-penalty-only-for-rape-of-girls-under-12-what-about-14-15--16-year-olds-kamal-haasan-132170"> of girls under 12... what about 14, 15 & 16-year-olds? Kamal Haasan</a>

Actor politician Kamal Haasan Sunday wondered why the ordinance promulgated by the President provided for death penalty for rape of girls under 12 years alone and not for those aged between 14 and 16 and said families should bring up boys to act responsibly.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/yuvraj-singh-to-retire-after-2019-world-cup-132182">Yuvraj Singh to retire after 2019 World Cup?&nbsp;</a>

Flamboyant Indian batsman Yuvraj Singh, who played his last One Day International (ODI) for the country in June 2017, has said that he will take a call on his career after the 2019 World Cup in England and Wales.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/liverpools-salah-named-pfa-player-of-the-year-132168">Liverpool's Mohamed Salah wins PFA Player of the Year award</a>

Liverpool's Mohamed Salah won the PFA Player of the Year award as Manchester City's Leroy Sane picked up the young player's award, the PFA announced early on Monday

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-patron-snatches-rifle-after-naked-gunman-kills-4-at-restaurant-132177">US: Patron snatches rifle after naked gunman kills 4 at </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-patron-snatches-rifle-after-naked-gunman-kills-4-at-restaurant-132177">restaurant</a>

A nearly nude gunman killed at least four people at a Waffle House restaurant near Nashville, Tennessee early on Sunday and then fled after a patron saved lives by wrestling the assault-style rifle from his hands.

Read the five big stories of the day here

Further Israeli sorties in Syria will have consequences: Iran Iran and Israel traded blame on Sunday for an unprecedented, weeks-long surge in hostilities between their forces over Syria but played down prospects of a spillover into war. Why death penalty only for rape of girls under 12... what about 14, 15 & 16-year-olds? Kamal Haasan Actor politician Kamal Haasan Sunday wondered why the ordinance promulgated by the President provided for death penalty for rape of girls under 12 years alone and not for those aged between 14 and 16 and said families should bring up boys to act responsibly. Yuvraj Singh to retire after 2019 World Cup? Flamboyant Indian batsman Yuvraj Singh, who played his last One Day International (ODI) for the country in June 2017, has said that he will take a call on his career after the 2019 World Cup in England and Wales. Liverpool's Mohamed Salah wins PFA Player of the Year award Liverpool's Mohamed Salah won the PFA Player of the Year award as Manchester City's Leroy Sane picked up the young player's award, the PFA announced early on Monday US: Patron snatches rifle after naked gunman kills 4 at restaurant A nearly nude gunman killed at least four people at a Waffle House restaurant near Nashville, Tennessee early on Sunday and then fled after a patron saved lives by wrestling the assault-style rifle from his hands.

*By:&nbspChristine Steinmetz

Smart cities, digital cities, virtual cities, connected cities. Are these just trendy buzzwords? Perhaps. But these types of cities are supported by the infrastructure that is more than bricks and mortar.

These cities are smart (thoughtful, people-centric), digital (driven by data acquisition, measured, analysed and sometimes exchanged) and virtual (experiential). And, as a result, they are connected, creating more potential interactions between people and their place.

Tel Aviv is one of these cities. Undoubtedly the 2009 book Start-Up Nation: The Story of Israel’s Economic Miracle contributed to its reputation as a “non-stop city” with innovation clusters teeming with companies at the cutting edge of technology.

However, Tel Aviv’s standing is not only built on commercial success — it has an internationally recognised local government. Winning first place in the 2014 World Smart City Awards not only boosted its profile on the international stage but Tel Avivians, well, they actually have positive things to say about their local government.

A city that decided to change

This was not always the case. Municipal leaders had to do something to change how the community perceived them.

In 2011, the municipality organised focus groups with residents, heard their complaints and listened to what they said they needed. The municipality realised it needed to change the way it engaged with citizens. A cultural shift was needed, an internal one, to deliver an intelligent and active municipality.

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The municipality’s chief knowledge officer, Zohar Sharon, explains why and how Tel Aviv transformed itself as a smart city.

Tel Aviv, like Detroit, is an urban laboratory a test-bed for city projects that combine public and private efforts, startups and university centres. As Israel’s leading business centre, its main priorities are supporting high-tech companies and startups. Located in a geopolitically contentious region, challenges faced by Tel Aviv residents over the years have also driven a new wave of urban administration — emphasising transparency, trust and local government led by residents.

A key smart city initiative is the DigiTel Residents Club. DigiTel cardholders have access to a personalised web and mobile platform that provides residents with individually tailored, location-specific services delivered via email, text messages and personal resident accounts.

It’s the brainchild of Zohar Sharon, chief knowledge officer of Tel Aviv Municipality. In a recent interview, he told me: "As a result of what we learned from the focus groups and unique knowledge-management processes in the municipality, we now have over 200 municipality staff from different departments, called knowledge champions, who feed data into the DigiTel platform."

Daily updates inform residents about road closures in their area, registering for school, local events, development or heritage conservation proposals requiring feedback, community greening initiatives, recycling, and invitations to public surveys. The card also gives residents access to discounted rentals of beach equipment, theatre and movie tickets, car-share rentals, and a variety of other services.

DigiTel isn’t just one-way communication. Users tell the municipality what is happening in their area. They can feedback information about, for example, broken city signage or playground fixtures needing attention.

The municipality sees the community members as having “wisdom”: they are the most informed about what is happening in their local area.

Since starting as a pilot in 2013 the DigiTel Residents Club has spread citywide. It has almost 200,000 registered users (who must be aged 13 or older) – over 60% of the eligible population.

Sharon says: "We must understand that when we are talking about ‘smart cities’ we must think first about the city’s residents and how we can use smart tools to improve their quality of life. The local municipality must adopt a citizen-centric approach and deliver by push-tailored information and services to citizens, implementing a holistic approach, breaking silos and thinking about citizens’ actual needs. Today, because of our practice, we can see a tremendous change in the participation of residents in various community activities, greater involvement in city life and greater satisfaction from Tel Aviv municipal services."

The platform has expanded to include Digi-Dog for dog owners and Digi-Tuf (tuf meaning young children in Hebrew) for parents of children up to the age of three.

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Tel Aviv has launched Digi-Dog for pet owners.

In India, Thane – one of the cities included in the Smart City Mission announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2015 – has launched DigiThane, with help from Sharon.

What can other cities learn from this?

To be a smart city is to know your people, know what they want, and know what they need. And you know what they need because they told you.

Many councils throughout Australia are under pressure to have a smart city strategy. Perhaps the way to become smart is to start small. This may not require reinventing the wheel, but really just sitting down and listening to what people need and figuring out how to deliver in the most economical and sustainable way.

As Sharon says: "We didn’t create the technology — it was already being used by the commercial sector — we just adapted the technology to make it work for the public sector."

*Christine Steinmetz is a senior lecturer in the Bachelor of Planning Program teaching1st, 4th and final year students.

(This article was originally published on <a href="https://theconversation.com/global">The Conversation</a>. Read the original <a href="https://theconversation.com/how-does-a-city-get-to-be-smart-this-is-how-tel-aviv-did-it-94898">article</a>.)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

To be a smart city is to know your people, know what they want, and know what they need. And you know what they need because they told you

*By:&nbspChristine Steinmetz Smart cities, digital cities, virtual cities, connected cities. Are these just trendy buzzwords? Perhaps. But these types of cities are supported by the infrastructure that is more than bricks and mortar. These cities are smart (thoughtful, people-centric), digital (driven by data acquisition, measured, analysed and sometimes exchanged) and virtual (experiential). And, as a result, they are connected, creating more potential interactions between people and their place. Tel Aviv is one of these cities. Undoubtedly the 2009 book Start-Up Nation: The Story of Israel’s Economic Miracle contributed to its reputation as a “non-stop city” with innovation clusters teeming with companies at the cutting edge of technology. However, Tel Aviv’s standing is not only built on commercial success — it has an internationally recognised local government. Winning first place in the 2014 World Smart City Awards not only boosted its profile on the international stage but Tel Avivians, well, they actually have positive things to say about their local government. A city that decided to change This was not always the case. Municipal leaders had to do something to change how the community perceived them. In 2011, the municipality organised focus groups with residents, heard their complaints and listened to what they said they needed. The municipality realised it needed to change the way it engaged with citizens. A cultural shift was needed, an internal one, to deliver an intelligent and active municipality. × The municipality’s chief knowledge officer, Zohar Sharon, explains why and how Tel Aviv transformed itself as a smart city. Tel Aviv, like Detroit, is an urban laboratory a test-bed for city projects that combine public and private efforts, startups and university centres. As Israel’s leading business centre, its main priorities are supporting high-tech companies and startups. Located in a geopolitically contentious region, challenges faced by Tel Aviv residents over the years have also driven a new wave of urban administration — emphasising transparency, trust and local government led by residents. A key smart city initiative is the DigiTel Residents Club. DigiTel cardholders have access to a personalised web and mobile platform that provides residents with individually tailored, location-specific services delivered via email, text messages and personal resident accounts. It’s the brainchild of Zohar Sharon, chief knowledge officer of Tel Aviv Municipality. In a recent interview, he told me: "As a result of what we learned from the focus groups and unique knowledge-management processes in the municipality, we now have over 200 municipality staff from different departments, called knowledge champions, who feed data into the DigiTel platform." Daily updates inform residents about road closures in their area, registering for school, local events, development or heritage conservation proposals requiring feedback, community greening initiatives, recycling, and invitations to public surveys. The card also gives residents access to discounted rentals of beach equipment, theatre and movie tickets, car-share rentals, and a variety of other services. DigiTel isn’t just one-way communication. Users tell the municipality what is happening in their area. They can feedback information about, for example, broken city signage or playground fixtures needing attention. The municipality sees the community members as having “wisdom”: they are the most informed about what is happening in their local area. Since starting as a pilot in 2013 the DigiTel Residents Club has spread citywide. It has almost 200,000 registered users (who must be aged 13 or older) – over 60% of the eligible population. Sharon says: "We must understand that when we are talking about ‘smart cities’ we must think first about the city’s residents and how we can use smart tools to improve their quality of life. The local municipality must adopt a citizen-centric approach and deliver by push-tailored information and services to citizens, implementing a holistic approach, breaking silos and thinking about citizens’ actual needs. Today, because of our practice, we can see a tremendous change in the participation of residents in various community activities, greater involvement in city life and greater satisfaction from Tel Aviv municipal services." The platform has expanded to include Digi-Dog for dog owners and Digi-Tuf (tuf meaning young children in Hebrew) for parents of children up to the age of three. × Tel Aviv has launched Digi-Dog for pet owners. In India, Thane – one of the cities included in the Smart City Mission announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in 2015 – has launched DigiThane, with help from Sharon. What can other cities learn from this? To be a smart city is to know your people, know what they want, and know what they need. And you know what they need because they told you. Many councils throughout Australia are under pressure to have a smart city strategy. Perhaps the way to become smart is to start small. This may not require reinventing the wheel, but really just sitting down and listening to what people need and figuring out how to deliver in the most economical and sustainable way. As Sharon says: "We didn’t create the technology — it was already being used by the commercial sector — we just adapted the technology to make it work for the public sector." *Christine Steinmetz is a senior lecturer in the Bachelor of Planning Program teaching1st, 4th and final year students. (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article.) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: How does a city get to be 'smart'? This is how Tel Aviv did it

<a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/india-news/modi-xi-to-chart-a-new-course-for-india-china-ties-at-wuhan-summit--132075">Modi-Xi to chart a new course for India-China ties at Wuhan summit</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping will hold a summit in China's Wuhan city from April 27 to 28 for a "heart-to-heart" chat to explore a new paradigm for India-China ties and find ways to address the contentious issues like the border dispute.

<a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-election-2018-many-killed-in-a-blast-at-voter-registration-centre-in-kabul-131999">Kabul suicide blast: Death toll reaches 48</a>

The death toll from Sunday's blast in the Afghan capital Kabul rose to 48, with 112 others wounded, a public health officer said. The attack follows several weeks of relative calm in Kabul.&nbsp;

<a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/india-news/congress-may-move-court-if-impeachment-notice-rejected-132066">Congress may move court if impeachment notice rejected</a>

As the Congress awaits the decision of Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu on an impeachment notice moved by it and other parties against Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra, it is considering moving the Supreme Court if the petition is rejected, party leaders said.

<a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/world/israel-hints-it-could-hit-irans-air-force-in-syria-132058">Israel hints it could hit Iran's 'air force' in Syria</a>

Israel released details on Tuesday about what it described as an Iranian "air force" deployed in neighbouring Syria, including civilian planes suspected of transferring arms, a signal that these could be attacked should tensions with Tehran escalate.

<a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/india-news/i-am-also-ignored-amit-shah-doesnt-allow-any-of-my-programme-to-happen-subramanian-swamy-on-yashwant-sinha-132030">Subramanian Swamy accuses Amit Shah of ignoring him, but won't quit BJP</a>

Subramanian Swamy on Sunday claimed that he has often been ignored by party chief Amit Shah who, he said, has often did not allow his programmes to take place.

.

Modi-Xi to chart a new course for India-China ties at Wuhan summit Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping will hold a summit in China's Wuhan city from April 27 to 28 for a "heart-to-heart" chat to explore a new paradigm for India-China ties and find ways to address the contentious issues like the border dispute. Kabul suicide blast: Death toll reaches 48 The death toll from Sunday's blast in the Afghan capital Kabul rose to 48, with 112 others wounded, a public health officer said. The attack follows several weeks of relative calm in Kabul. Congress may move court if impeachment notice rejected As the Congress awaits the decision of Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu on an impeachment notice moved by it and other parties against Chief Justice of India Dipak Misra, it is considering moving the Supreme Court if the petition is rejected, party leaders said. Israel hints it could hit Iran's 'air force' in Syria Israel released details on Tuesday about what it described as an Iranian "air force" deployed in neighbouring Syria, including civilian planes suspected of transferring arms, a signal that these could be attacked should tensions with Tehran escalate. Subramanian Swamy accuses Amit Shah of ignoring him, but won't quit BJP Subramanian Swamy on Sunday claimed that he has often been ignored by party chief Amit Shah who, he said, has often did not allow his programmes to take place. .

Israel released details on Tuesday about what it described as an Iranian "air force" deployed in neighbouring Syria, including civilian planes suspected of transferring arms, a signal that these could be attacked should tensions with Tehran escalate.

Iran, along with Damascus and its big-power backer Russia, blamed Israel for an April 9 air strike on a Syrian air base, T-4, that killed seven Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) members. Iranian officials have promised unspecified reprisals.

Israeli media ran satellite images and a map of five Syrian air bases allegedly used to field Iranian drones or cargo aircraft, as well as the names of three senior IRGC officers suspected of commanding related projects, such as missile units.

The information came from the Israeli military, according to a wide range of television and radio stations and news websites. Israel's military spokesman declined to comment.

However, an Israeli security official seemed to acknowledge the leak was sanctioned, telling Reuters that it provided details about "the IRGC air force (which) the Israeli defence establishment sees as the entity that will try to attack Israel, based on Iranian threats to respond to the strike on T-4."

The official, who requested anonymity, would not elaborate.

Israel’s Army Radio reported that, given tensions with Iran over Syria, the Israeli air force cancelled plans to send F-15 fighter jets to take part in the U.S.-hosted exercise Red Flag, which begins on April 30.

'Exposed'

Roni Daniel, military editor for The Israeli News Company, said the disclosure was a signal to Iran that its deployments in Syria "are totally exposed to us, and if you take action against us to avenge (the T-4 strike) these targets will be very severely harmed".

According to Daniel, Israel was bracing for a possible Iranian missile salvo or armed drone assault from Syria.

There was no immediate response from the IRGC or Syria.

The Iranian death toll in T-4 was unusually high. "It was the first time we attacked live Iranian targets - both facilities and people," the New York Times on Sunday quoted an Israeli military source as saying.

Iran, Israel's arch-foe, has cast its military personnel in Syria as reinforcements helping President Bashar al-Assad battle a seven-year-old insurgency. The Iranians have also described their cargo flights to Syria as carrying humanitarian aid only.

An Israeli-Iranian showdown over Syria has loomed since Feb. 10, when Israel said an armed drone launched from T-4 penetrated its air space. Israel blew up the drone and carried out a raid on Syrian air defences in which one of its F-16 jets was downed.

"Israel is headed for escalation," Yaacov Amidror, former national security adviser to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, told Tel Aviv radio station 103 FM. "There could be a very big belligerent incident with Iran and Hezbollah."

While not claiming responsibility for the T-4 strike, Israel has restated a policy of preventing Iran setting up a Syrian garrison. Scores of previous such raids went unanswered but Israel worries that changing conditions may now embolden Iran.

Russia, which long turned a blind eye to Israeli actions in Syria while serving as a brake on retaliation by Iran or its Lebanese Hezbollah guerrilla allies, is now at loggerheads with Western powers over accusations, denied by Syria's government, that it has used chemical weaponry in fighting.

Israeli media ran satellite images and a map of five Syrian air bases allegedly used to field Iranian drones or cargo aircraft

Israel released details on Tuesday about what it described as an Iranian "air force" deployed in neighbouring Syria, including civilian planes suspected of transferring arms, a signal that these could be attacked should tensions with Tehran escalate. Iran, along with Damascus and its big-power backer Russia, blamed Israel for an April 9 air strike on a Syrian air base, T-4, that killed seven Iranian Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) members. Iranian officials have promised unspecified reprisals. Israeli media ran satellite images and a map of five Syrian air bases allegedly used to field Iranian drones or cargo aircraft, as well as the names of three senior IRGC officers suspected of commanding related projects, such as missile units. The information came from the Israeli military, according to a wide range of television and radio stations and news websites. Israel's military spokesman declined to comment. However, an Israeli security official seemed to acknowledge the leak was sanctioned, telling Reuters that it provided details about "the IRGC air force (which) the Israeli defence establishment sees as the entity that will try to attack Israel, based on Iranian threats to respond to the strike on T-4." The official, who requested anonymity, would not elaborate. Israel’s Army Radio reported that, given tensions with Iran over Syria, the Israeli air force cancelled plans to send F-15 fighter jets to take part in the U.S.-hosted exercise Red Flag, which begins on April 30. 'Exposed' Roni Daniel, military editor for The Israeli News Company, said the disclosure was a signal to Iran that its deployments in Syria "are totally exposed to us, and if you take action against us to avenge (the T-4 strike) these targets will be very severely harmed". According to Daniel, Israel was bracing for a possible Iranian missile salvo or armed drone assault from Syria. There was no immediate response from the IRGC or Syria. The Iranian death toll in T-4 was unusually high. "It was the first time we attacked live Iranian targets - both facilities and people," the New York Times on Sunday quoted an Israeli military source as saying. Iran, Israel's arch-foe, has cast its military personnel in Syria as reinforcements helping President Bashar al-Assad battle a seven-year-old insurgency. The Iranians have also described their cargo flights to Syria as carrying humanitarian aid only. An Israeli-Iranian showdown over Syria has loomed since Feb. 10, when Israel said an armed drone launched from T-4 penetrated its air space. Israel blew up the drone and carried out a raid on Syrian air defences in which one of its F-16 jets was downed. "Israel is headed for escalation," Yaacov Amidror, former national security adviser to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, told Tel Aviv radio station 103 FM. "There could be a very big belligerent incident with Iran and Hezbollah." While not claiming responsibility for the T-4 strike, Israel has restated a policy of preventing Iran setting up a Syrian garrison. Scores of previous such raids went unanswered but Israel worries that changing conditions may now embolden Iran. Russia, which long turned a blind eye to Israeli actions in Syria while serving as a brake on retaliation by Iran or its Lebanese Hezbollah guerrilla allies, is now at loggerheads with Western powers over accusations, denied by Syria's government, that it has used chemical weaponry in fighting.

Israel hints it could hit Iran's 'air force' in Syria

Israel's defence minister said on Sunday a Palestinian scientist shot dead in Malaysia was a rocket expert and "no saint", but dismissed suggestions by Hamas that Israel's Mossad spy agency assassinated him.

Two men on a motorcycle fired 10 shots at Fadi al-Batsh, an engineering lecturer, in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday, killing him on the spot, the city's police chief, Mazlan Lazim said.

Hamas, an Islamist militant group that rules the Gaza Strip, said one of its members had been assassinated in Malaysia. Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh said Mossad had been behind past attempts to kill Palestinian scientists, and the attack on Batsh "follows this sequence."

Israeli Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman said it was likely that Batsh was killed as part of an internal Palestinian dispute.

"We heard about it in the news. The terrorist organisations blame every assassination on Israel - we're used to that," Lieberman told Israel Radio.

"The man was no saint and he didn't deal with improving infrastructure in Gaza - he was involved in improving rockets' accuracy ... We constantly see a settling of accounts between various factions in the terrorist organisations and I suppose that is what happened in this case."

Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said on Saturday the suspects in the killing, who fled the scene, were believed to be Europeans with links to a foreign intelligence agency, state news agency Bernama reported.

He added that Batsh was active in pro-Palestinian non-governmental organisations, describing him as an expert in electrical engineering and rocket-building.

He could have been seen as "a liability for a country that is an enemy of Palestine," Zahid was quoted as saying by Bernama.

Malaysian police chief Mohamad Fuzi Bin Harun said on Sunday that no arrests had been made.

Batsh was a lecturer at Universiti Kuala Lumpur, specialising in power engineering, according to the university.

Batsh's uncle Jamal al-Batsh, speaking to Reuters in the Gaza Strip, said he believed Mossad was behind the killing because "Israel knows Palestine will be liberated by scientists".

Hamas, which advocates Israel's destruction, fired thousands of rockets at Israel, most of them intercepted by an anti-missile system, during a 2014 Gaza war that included devastating Israeli attacks in the enclave of two million Palestinians.

In recent weeks, tensions have been running high at the

Gaza-Israel border as Palestinians have ramped up protests

demanding the right to return to homes that are now in Israel.

Israel's use of live fire, killing at least 35 Palestinians, has drawn international criticism. Israel says it is protecting its borders and takes such action when protesters come too close to the border fence.

 
&nbsp &nbsp

&nbsp

Israel's defence minister said on Sunday a Palestinian scientist shot dead in Malaysia was a rocket expert and 'no saint', but dismissed suggestions by Hamas that Israel's Mossad spy agency assassinated him

Israel's defence minister said on Sunday a Palestinian scientist shot dead in Malaysia was a rocket expert and "no saint", but dismissed suggestions by Hamas that Israel's Mossad spy agency assassinated him. Two men on a motorcycle fired 10 shots at Fadi al-Batsh, an engineering lecturer, in Kuala Lumpur on Saturday, killing him on the spot, the city's police chief, Mazlan Lazim said. Hamas, an Islamist militant group that rules the Gaza Strip, said one of its members had been assassinated in Malaysia. Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh said Mossad had been behind past attempts to kill Palestinian scientists, and the attack on Batsh "follows this sequence." Israeli Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman said it was likely that Batsh was killed as part of an internal Palestinian dispute. "We heard about it in the news. The terrorist organisations blame every assassination on Israel - we're used to that," Lieberman told Israel Radio. "The man was no saint and he didn't deal with improving infrastructure in Gaza - he was involved in improving rockets' accuracy ... We constantly see a settling of accounts between various factions in the terrorist organisations and I suppose that is what happened in this case." Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said on Saturday the suspects in the killing, who fled the scene, were believed to be Europeans with links to a foreign intelligence agency, state news agency Bernama reported. He added that Batsh was active in pro-Palestinian non-governmental organisations, describing him as an expert in electrical engineering and rocket-building. He could have been seen as "a liability for a country that is an enemy of Palestine," Zahid was quoted as saying by Bernama. Malaysian police chief Mohamad Fuzi Bin Harun said on Sunday that no arrests had been made. Batsh was a lecturer at Universiti Kuala Lumpur, specialising in power engineering, according to the university. Batsh's uncle Jamal al-Batsh, speaking to Reuters in the Gaza Strip, said he believed Mossad was behind the killing because "Israel knows Palestine will be liberated by scientists". Hamas, which advocates Israel's destruction, fired thousands of rockets at Israel, most of them intercepted by an anti-missile system, during a 2014 Gaza war that included devastating Israeli attacks in the enclave of two million Palestinians. In recent weeks, tensions have been running high at the Gaza-Israel border as Palestinians have ramped up protests demanding the right to return to homes that are now in Israel. Israel's use of live fire, killing at least 35 Palestinians, has drawn international criticism. Israel says it is protecting its borders and takes such action when protesters come too close to the border fence.

Israel dismisses suggestions it killed Palestinian in Malaysia

Israeli troops shot dead four Palestinians on the Gaza-Israel border on Friday, bringing to 35 the death toll among Palestinians protesters demanding the right to return to their former homeland.

Gazans used catapults and sling-shots to launch stones at Israeli forces, and some Palestinians brought wire-cutters to cut through the border fence, ignoring leaflets dropped by the Israeli military warning residents not to approach the frontier.

The deaths included a 15-year-old boy shot dead in northern Gaza, Palestinian health officials said. At least 100 people were wounded by Israeli gunfire, the officials said.

The planned six-week protest campaign reached its half-way point on Friday, which saw smaller crowds than in recent weeks. As the numbers peaked during the afternoon Israeli soldiers called out warnings in Arabic over loudspeakers to anyone who approached the border fence.

Black plumes of smoke from piles of burning tyres billowed over the area, and stretcher-bearers rushed to carry the wounded to first aid posts.

The protest began on March 30, and has seen tent encampments spring up near the Israeli-imposed restricted zone along the 40km (25-mile) border fence. The protesters have revived demands for Palestinian refugees to regain their ancestral homes in what is now Israel.&nbsp;

The protests are scheduled to culminate on May 15, when, according to Hamas leader Ismail Haniya, the Gaza scenes would be replicated elsewhere on Israel's frontiers.

"I say to our people everywhere, be prepared for a human deluge on all of the borders of Palestine, inside the occupied land and outside the occupied land," he said on a visit to one of the border camps. "I say to the (Israeli occupiers) your time is gone."

Israel's use of live fire has drawn international criticism but the Israeli government says it is protecting its borders and takes such action when protesters come too close to the border fence.

The Israeli military said that around 3,000 Palestinians were involved in the latest protest, and that its troops responded "with riot dispersal means and are firing in accordance with the rules of engagement."

Israel accuses Hamas, the Islamist militant group which rules Gaza, of staging riots and trying to carry out attacks. Hamas denies this. Although organisers say the main protest is intended to be peaceful, some protesters have advanced toward the border from the encampments to hurl stones and burning tyres near the fence.

On Friday they fitted kites with cans of flammable liquid, which they flew across the border to start fires in Israel.

"We aim to distract the soldiers from shooting and wounding or killing our people," said Mohammad Abu Mustafa, 17, who lost his right leg a few months ago after being shot by an Israeli soldier. Israel's Foreign Ministry tweeted a photograph of one kite daubed with a swastika flying through the sky trailing flames.

Packed in

More than 2 million Palestinians are packed into the narrow coastal enclave. Israel withdrew its troops and settlers from Gaza in 2005 but maintains tight control of its land and sea borders. Egypt also restricts movement in and out of Gaza on its border.

The protest campaign, dubbed The Great March of Return, is leading up to May 15, when Palestinians mark Nakba Day, or the Day of Catastrophe, commemorating their displacement around the time of Israel`s founding in 1948.

It takes place at a time of growing frustration over the prospects for an independent Palestinian state. Peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians have been stalled for several years and Israeli settlements in the occupied territories have expanded.&nbsp;

US&nbsp;President Donald Trump's decision last year to recognise disputed Jerusalem as Israel's capital further fueled Palestinian anger.&nbsp;

In an apparent sign of concern over the bloodshed on the border, the Israeli-American Hollywood actress Natalie Portman announced she was pulling out of a ceremony in Israel to accept a million-dollar prize because of "distressing" events in the country.

In a statement, the Genesis Prize Foundation quoted a representative for Portman as saying: "Recent events in Israel have been extremely distressing to her and she does not feel comfortable participating in any public events in Israel."

It gave no further details of her reasons. But the foundation said it "admires her humanity, and respects her right to publicly disagree with the policies of the government of Israel".

Israel's culture minister, Miri Regev, suggested the actress was supporting the boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) movement, which aims to isolate Israel economically over its treatment of Palestinians. Israel sees the BDS movement as an attempt to delegitimise it.

The Genesis Prize is awarded to individuals for excellence in their professional fields and "who inspire others through their dedication to the Jewish community and Jewish values"

Despite the warnings, two Palestinians were killed and 12 wounded by Israeli gunfire

Israeli troops shot dead four Palestinians on the Gaza-Israel border on Friday, bringing to 35 the death toll among Palestinians protesters demanding the right to return to their former homeland. Gazans used catapults and sling-shots to launch stones at Israeli forces, and some Palestinians brought wire-cutters to cut through the border fence, ignoring leaflets dropped by the Israeli military warning residents not to approach the frontier. The deaths included a 15-year-old boy shot dead in northern Gaza, Palestinian health officials said. At least 100 people were wounded by Israeli gunfire, the officials said. The planned six-week protest campaign reached its half-way point on Friday, which saw smaller crowds than in recent weeks. As the numbers peaked during the afternoon Israeli soldiers called out warnings in Arabic over loudspeakers to anyone who approached the border fence. Black plumes of smoke from piles of burning tyres billowed over the area, and stretcher-bearers rushed to carry the wounded to first aid posts. The protest began on March 30, and has seen tent encampments spring up near the Israeli-imposed restricted zone along the 40km (25-mile) border fence. The protesters have revived demands for Palestinian refugees to regain their ancestral homes in what is now Israel. The protests are scheduled to culminate on May 15, when, according to Hamas leader Ismail Haniya, the Gaza scenes would be replicated elsewhere on Israel's frontiers. "I say to our people everywhere, be prepared for a human deluge on all of the borders of Palestine, inside the occupied land and outside the occupied land," he said on a visit to one of the border camps. "I say to the (Israeli occupiers) your time is gone." Israel's use of live fire has drawn international criticism but the Israeli government says it is protecting its borders and takes such action when protesters come too close to the border fence. The Israeli military said that around 3,000 Palestinians were involved in the latest protest, and that its troops responded "with riot dispersal means and are firing in accordance with the rules of engagement." Israel accuses Hamas, the Islamist militant group which rules Gaza, of staging riots and trying to carry out attacks. Hamas denies this. Although organisers say the main protest is intended to be peaceful, some protesters have advanced toward the border from the encampments to hurl stones and burning tyres near the fence. On Friday they fitted kites with cans of flammable liquid, which they flew across the border to start fires in Israel. "We aim to distract the soldiers from shooting and wounding or killing our people," said Mohammad Abu Mustafa, 17, who lost his right leg a few months ago after being shot by an Israeli soldier. Israel's Foreign Ministry tweeted a photograph of one kite daubed with a swastika flying through the sky trailing flames. Packed in More than 2 million Palestinians are packed into the narrow coastal enclave. Israel withdrew its troops and settlers from Gaza in 2005 but maintains tight control of its land and sea borders. Egypt also restricts movement in and out of Gaza on its border. The protest campaign, dubbed The Great March of Return, is leading up to May 15, when Palestinians mark Nakba Day, or the Day of Catastrophe, commemorating their displacement around the time of Israel`s founding in 1948. It takes place at a time of growing frustration over the prospects for an independent Palestinian state. Peace talks between Israel and the Palestinians have been stalled for several years and Israeli settlements in the occupied territories have expanded. US President Donald Trump's decision last year to recognise disputed Jerusalem as Israel's capital further fueled Palestinian anger. In an apparent sign of concern over the bloodshed on the border, the Israeli-American Hollywood actress Natalie Portman announced she was pulling out of a ceremony in Israel to accept a million-dollar prize because of "distressing" events in the country. In a statement, the Genesis Prize Foundation quoted a representative for Portman as saying: "Recent events in Israel have been extremely distressing to her and she does not feel comfortable participating in any public events in Israel." It gave no further details of her reasons. But the foundation said it "admires her humanity, and respects her right to publicly disagree with the policies of the government of Israel". Israel's culture minister, Miri Regev, suggested the actress was supporting the boycott, divestment and sanctions (BDS) movement, which aims to isolate Israel economically over its treatment of Palestinians. Israel sees the BDS movement as an attempt to delegitimise it. The Genesis Prize is awarded to individuals for excellence in their professional fields and "who inspire others through their dedication to the Jewish community and Jewish values"

Israeli troops kill four more Palestinians in border protest

Hollywood actress Natalie Portman has refused to attend a ceremony in Israel to accept a million-dollar prize because of "recent events" in the country, the organisers said, announcing the prizegiving had been cancelled.

Israel has drawn international criticism in recent weeks for lethal tactics used during clashes with Palestinians along the border with Gaza. Thirty-one Palestinians have been killed and hundreds more wounded. Israel says it is doing what it must to defend its border.

In a statement on its website, the foundation that awards the Genesis Prize quoted a representative for Portman as saying: "Recent events in Israel have been extremely distressing to her and she does not feel comfortable participating in any public events in Israel."

It gave no further details of her reasons. An email to Portman's publicist in Los Angeles seeking further information was not immediately answered.

The foundation said it "admires her humanity, and respects her right to publicly disagree with the policies of the government of Israel".

"However, we are very saddened that she has decided not to attend the Genesis Prize Ceremony in Jerusalem for political reasons. We fear that Ms. Portman's decision will cause our philanthropic initiative to be politicised."

The Genesis Prize has been awarded since 2014 to individuals for excellence in their professional fields and "who inspire others through their dedication to the Jewish community and Jewish values".

Previous winners have included former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, sculptor Anish Kapoor, violinist Itzhak Perlman and Hollywood actor Michael Douglas, all of whom donated their prize money to charitable causes.

Portman was born in Jerusalem and moved to the United States at age three.

Natalie Portman has refused to attend a ceremony in Israel to accept a million-dollar prize because of "recent events" in the country

Hollywood actress Natalie Portman has refused to attend a ceremony in Israel to accept a million-dollar prize because of "recent events" in the country, the organisers said, announcing the prizegiving had been cancelled. Israel has drawn international criticism in recent weeks for lethal tactics used during clashes with Palestinians along the border with Gaza. Thirty-one Palestinians have been killed and hundreds more wounded. Israel says it is doing what it must to defend its border. In a statement on its website, the foundation that awards the Genesis Prize quoted a representative for Portman as saying: "Recent events in Israel have been extremely distressing to her and she does not feel comfortable participating in any public events in Israel." It gave no further details of her reasons. An email to Portman's publicist in Los Angeles seeking further information was not immediately answered. The foundation said it "admires her humanity, and respects her right to publicly disagree with the policies of the government of Israel". "However, we are very saddened that she has decided not to attend the Genesis Prize Ceremony in Jerusalem for political reasons. We fear that Ms. Portman's decision will cause our philanthropic initiative to be politicised." The Genesis Prize has been awarded since 2014 to individuals for excellence in their professional fields and "who inspire others through their dedication to the Jewish community and Jewish values". Previous winners have included former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg, sculptor Anish Kapoor, violinist Itzhak Perlman and Hollywood actor Michael Douglas, all of whom donated their prize money to charitable causes. Portman was born in Jerusalem and moved to the United States at age three.

Watch: Natalie Portman withdraws attendance from Israeli award ceremony

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