Last Christmas was grim but this time, Bethlehem hopes this year will be better. Residents are hopeful that there will be rise in tourists numbers this season, let's take a look at the next report.

Bethlehem hopes for better Christmas, Palestinian awaits more tourists this year

In a major development, the British government has now decided to designate Palestine's Hamas as a terrorist organisation, saying it will no longer differentiate between the group's political and military wings.

British government decides to designate Palestine's Hamas as terrorist organisation

Donations to the Palestinian community has plummeted by 85% over the last 13 years, this is according to a report by the world bank. Now, Israel is set to ask the donor countries to restore payments to Ramallah at a meeting. WION's correspondent Jodie Cohen brings you all the latest developments.

Palestine faces financial crisis, donations drop by 85%

A small group of Israelis and Palestinians in Jerusalem is trying to bridge a Hebrew-Arabic language gap through learning modelled on speed dating. WION's Jodie Cohen brings you this report.

Language 'speed dating' in Jerusalem is bridging the hebrew-arabic gap

Palestine's Prime Minister Dr Mohammad Shtayyeh has sought India's support for Palestinian cause at international forums like United Nations during his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of climate summit. India is currently a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council that has seen number of discussions on Palestine and Israel situation. &nbsp;

Stressing on the "great importance" Palestine attaches to "India who has a growing weight in international politics", PM Shtayyeh said, “We are ready for all forms of cooperation with India, which serves as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the 2021-2022, and was re-elected to the Human Rights Council for the 2022-2024 term.” &nbsp;

Earlier, Palestine was miffed with India's abstention at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) resolution that called for a probe into violence in Gaza earlier this year. &nbsp;The resolution saw India among the 14 countries abstaining on the issue of the probe. The Palestinian foreign minister Dr Riad Malki had then written to India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar expressing concern over the position taken by India.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-in-kedarnath-modi-offers-prayers-unveils-adi-shankaracharya-statue-426909" hreflang="en">PM in Kedarnath: Modi offers prayers, unveils Adi Shankaracharya statue</a>

According to the information released by Palestine Prime Minister's office, during the meet, Shtayyeh briefed the Indian PM about the "latest political developments in Palestine" and "discussed possible ways to enhance and strengthen joint relations between Palestine and India." &nbsp;&nbsp;

This was the first such meet between leaders of India and Palestine since PM Modi's visit to the de jure sovereign state in 2018. During that visit, PM Modi and Palestine's president Mahmoud Abbas had a meeting. &nbsp;&nbsp;

That was the first-ever visit by Indian PM to Palestine, and came after the 2015 visit of the then Indian President Pranab Mukherjee. Mukherjee's visit was also the first-ever visit by an Indian President to Palestine. &nbsp;

PM Shtayyeh also highlighted to Indian PM that that they "look forward to a well-established and distinguished Indian role in the Middle East based on the historical perspective of India’s foreign policy, foremost of which is supporting the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent State of Palestine, with Jerusalem as its capital.” &nbsp;

India backs establishment of a "sovereign, viable and independent State of Palestine" within recognised and mutually agreed borders "living side by side with Israel" in peace and security taking into consideration the legitimate security concerns of Israel. It has been calling on the international community, especially the quartet comprising of UN, US, EU and Russia to faciliate peace talks between the Israeli government and the Palestinian Authority. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-in-a-first-new-yorks-world-trade-center-lit-up-for-diwali-426816" hreflang="en">Watch | In a first, New York's World Trade Center lit up for Diwali</a>

The Palestinian PM also lauded India's "generous financial and technical support" to the Palestinian people and pointed that the "support must be parallel and complementary with the political support of the Palestinian cause and in a manner that guarantees the implementation of international legitimacy resolutions." &nbsp;&nbsp;

India has been extending various forms of economic assistance, including construction of Jawaharlal Nehru Library at the Al Azhar University in Gaza city and the Mahatma Gandhi Library-cum-Student Activity Centre at the Palestine Technical College at Deir Al Balah in the Gaza Strip. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Two schools were built in Palestine in 2015 through aid provided by India. New Delhi also enhanced its annual contribution towards UN Relief and Works Agency in the Near East (UNRWA) from USD 1.25 Million to USD 5 Million in the back drop of financial crisis being faced by UNRWA.

Palestine's Prime Minister Dr Mohammad Shtayyeh has sought India's support for Palestinian cause at international forums like United Nations during his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of climate summit.

Palestine's Prime Minister Dr Mohammad Shtayyeh has sought India's support for Palestinian cause at international forums like United Nations during his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of climate summit. India is currently a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council that has seen number of discussions on Palestine and Israel situation. Stressing on the "great importance" Palestine attaches to "India who has a growing weight in international politics", PM Shtayyeh said, “We are ready for all forms of cooperation with India, which serves as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the 2021-2022, and was re-elected to the Human Rights Council for the 2022-2024 term.” Earlier, Palestine was miffed with India's abstention at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) resolution that called for a probe into violence in Gaza earlier this year. The resolution saw India among the 14 countries abstaining on the issue of the probe. The Palestinian foreign minister Dr Riad Malki had then written to India's external affairs minister Dr S Jaishankar expressing concern over the position taken by India. Also Read: PM in Kedarnath: Modi offers prayers, unveils Adi Shankaracharya statue According to the information released by Palestine Prime Minister's office, during the meet, Shtayyeh briefed the Indian PM about the "latest political developments in Palestine" and "discussed possible ways to enhance and strengthen joint relations between Palestine and India." This was the first such meet between leaders of India and Palestine since PM Modi's visit to the de jure sovereign state in 2018. During that visit, PM Modi and Palestine's president Mahmoud Abbas had a meeting. That was the first-ever visit by Indian PM to Palestine, and came after the 2015 visit of the then Indian President Pranab Mukherjee. Mukherjee's visit was also the first-ever visit by an Indian President to Palestine. PM Shtayyeh also highlighted to Indian PM that that they "look forward to a well-established and distinguished Indian role in the Middle East based on the historical perspective of India’s foreign policy, foremost of which is supporting the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent State of Palestine, with Jerusalem as its capital.” India backs establishment of a "sovereign, viable and independent State of Palestine" within recognised and mutually agreed borders "living side by side with Israel" in peace and security taking into consideration the legitimate security concerns of Israel. It has been calling on the international community, especially the quartet comprising of UN, US, EU and Russia to faciliate peace talks between the Israeli government and the Palestinian Authority. Also Read: Watch | In a first, New York's World Trade Center lit up for Diwali The Palestinian PM also lauded India's "generous financial and technical support" to the Palestinian people and pointed that the "support must be parallel and complementary with the political support of the Palestinian cause and in a manner that guarantees the implementation of international legitimacy resolutions." India has been extending various forms of economic assistance, including construction of Jawaharlal Nehru Library at the Al Azhar University in Gaza city and the Mahatma Gandhi Library-cum-Student Activity Centre at the Palestine Technical College at Deir Al Balah in the Gaza Strip. Two schools were built in Palestine in 2015 through aid provided by India. New Delhi also enhanced its annual contribution towards UN Relief and Works Agency in the Near East (UNRWA) from USD 1.25 Million to USD 5 Million in the back drop of financial crisis being faced by UNRWA.

Palestine's PM seeks India's support at international forums

Israel advances plans to build around 3,000 settler homes in the occupied West Bank, defying the US' strongest criticism to date of such projects.

Israel moves ahead with new West Bank settlement homes plan despite US opposition

Palestinian authority president Mahmoud Abbas's fatah faction has improved its standing against Palestinians, the rise in popularity is being attributed to Israel's apparent confidence building measures among Palestinians.

Mahmoud Abbas's Fatah faction improves standing among Palestinians

The United States has voiced 'strong' opposition toward the Israeli government’s push to expand settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories. This comes after Israel announced construction tenders for 1,355 housing units in the West Bank.

US 'strongly' opposes Israel's new West Bank settlement homes expansion plan

Joe Biden's team is voicing rare support for the Palestinian community, the US president's plan to reach out to them is facing quite a lot of obstructions.

US mission Palestine to remain shut, Republicans block team Biden's efforts

Israel is building 1,300 new homes in the occupied West Bank. It has also declared 6 Palestinian civil society groups as terrorists. Why is the Arab world silent on these Israeli moves? Have the Abraham Accords tied their hands? Palki Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: Has the Arab world abandoned Palestine?

Israel has outlawed six prominent Palestinian human rights groups by declaring them terrorist organisations. The move has cast a shadow on Prime Minister Bennett's government and the future of the Abraham accord in West Asia.

Israel outlaws six Palestinian human right groups, alleging terrorism

Israel has approved plans to build more settlements for Jewish settlers in the occupied West Bank, drawing immediate condemnation from Palestinians, peace activists and neighbouring Jordan.

Palestinians anger at Israel's new West Bank settlement homes plan

At least four Palestinian gunmen were killed in shootouts with Israeli security forces during a sweeping West Bank arrest operation cracking down on the Islamic militant group. Watch this report for more details.

Israeli Military guns down 4 Hamas terrorists in fight

For several years, there have been numerous clashes between Israelis and Palestinians. Lately, both the people have been exchanging rocket fires, missiles, etc. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Many wars have been declared and several ceasefires have been imposed. In most cases, both sides have claimed victory in the conflicts. &nbsp;

As a result, there have been loss of life and property. Even after suffering a lot in these clashes, there doesn’t seem to be an end to the hostilities in the future in any way as people of both sides may not be ready to reconcile. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Let’s explore the issue in detail. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The conflict arose long time ago when the world leaders decided to come up with a Jewish state in the region to give the community a separate state to ensure their prosperity. This land, which was to be their homeland, was inhabited by a Jewish minority and Arab majority. &nbsp;

Watch:

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The British carved out Israel from the region called as Palestine at that time as it was under their rule. For Jews, it was their ancestral home. And as Palestinian Arabs also claimed it, this did not go down well with them and gave birth to the conflict. The tension between the two sides seems to not reduce with time. &nbsp;

Several Jews fleeing Europe arrived in the region between 1920s and 1940s. After the Holocaust of World War Two, they sought a homeland. &nbsp;

The UN voted for Palestine to be split into separate Jewish and Arab states in 1947. It also made Jerusalem, an international city. Violence between Jews and Arabs has begun since then. &nbsp;

The plan was accepted by Jewish leaders but rejected by the Arab side. So, it could not be implemented. &nbsp;&nbsp;

After being unable to solve the problem, the British left in 1948. And Jewish leaders declared the creation of the state of Israel. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Many Palestinians objected and a war followed after the troops from neighbouring Arab countries invaded. &nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/iran-training-terrorists-to-carry-out-attacks-israel-defence-minister-412554" hreflang="en">Iran training terrorists to carry out attacks: Israel defence minister</a>

By the time, fighting ended in a ceasefire, Israel controlled most of the territory. Several Palestinians were forced to flee in the Al Nakba, or the "Catastrophe". &nbsp;

Jordan occupied land known as West Bank while Egypt occupied Gaza. Jerusalem was divided between Israeli forces in the West, and Jordanian forces in the East. &nbsp;

As there was no peace agreement, more wars followed. &nbsp;

In 1967, another war was fought and Israel occupied East Jerusalem and the West Bank, as well as most of the Syrian Golan Heights, Gaza and the Egyptian Sinai peninsula. It was a major win for Israel. &nbsp;

Most Palestinians live in Gaza and the West Bank, as well as in neighbouring Lebanon, Jordan and Syria. &nbsp;

Israel has not allowed them to return to their homes. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Israel still occupies the West Bank and pulled out of Gaza but the UN still regards it as an occupied territory. &nbsp;

Israel claims the whole of Jerusalem as its capital and Palestinians claim East Jerusalem as the capital of a Palestinian state, which may come up in future. &nbsp;

In a nutshell, the conflict doesn’t seem to end any time soon as there are several issues both sides don’t seem to get on the same page. &nbsp;

These include the issue of Palestinian refugees, whether Jewish settlements in the West Bank should stay or be removed, can both share Jerusalem and should a Palestinian state be created alongside Israel. &nbsp;

For more than 25 years, peace talks have been taking place on and off but so far, the conflict seems to only grow.&nbsp;

For several years, there have been numerous clashes between Israelis and Palestinians. Lately, both the people have been exchanging rocket fires, missiles, etc. Many wars have been declared and several ceasefires have been imposed.

For several years, there have been numerous clashes between Israelis and Palestinians. Lately, both the people have been exchanging rocket fires, missiles, etc. Many wars have been declared and several ceasefires have been imposed. In most cases, both sides have claimed victory in the conflicts. As a result, there have been loss of life and property. Even after suffering a lot in these clashes, there doesn’t seem to be an end to the hostilities in the future in any way as people of both sides may not be ready to reconcile. Let’s explore the issue in detail. The conflict arose long time ago when the world leaders decided to come up with a Jewish state in the region to give the community a separate state to ensure their prosperity. This land, which was to be their homeland, was inhabited by a Jewish minority and Arab majority. Watch: × The British carved out Israel from the region called as Palestine at that time as it was under their rule. For Jews, it was their ancestral home. And as Palestinian Arabs also claimed it, this did not go down well with them and gave birth to the conflict. The tension between the two sides seems to not reduce with time. Several Jews fleeing Europe arrived in the region between 1920s and 1940s. After the Holocaust of World War Two, they sought a homeland. The UN voted for Palestine to be split into separate Jewish and Arab states in 1947. It also made Jerusalem, an international city. Violence between Jews and Arabs has begun since then. The plan was accepted by Jewish leaders but rejected by the Arab side. So, it could not be implemented. After being unable to solve the problem, the British left in 1948. And Jewish leaders declared the creation of the state of Israel. Many Palestinians objected and a war followed after the troops from neighbouring Arab countries invaded. Also Read | Iran training terrorists to carry out attacks: Israel defence minister By the time, fighting ended in a ceasefire, Israel controlled most of the territory. Several Palestinians were forced to flee in the Al Nakba, or the "Catastrophe". Jordan occupied land known as West Bank while Egypt occupied Gaza. Jerusalem was divided between Israeli forces in the West, and Jordanian forces in the East. As there was no peace agreement, more wars followed. In 1967, another war was fought and Israel occupied East Jerusalem and the West Bank, as well as most of the Syrian Golan Heights, Gaza and the Egyptian Sinai peninsula. It was a major win for Israel. Most Palestinians live in Gaza and the West Bank, as well as in neighbouring Lebanon, Jordan and Syria. Israel has not allowed them to return to their homes. Israel still occupies the West Bank and pulled out of Gaza but the UN still regards it as an occupied territory. Israel claims the whole of Jerusalem as its capital and Palestinians claim East Jerusalem as the capital of a Palestinian state, which may come up in future. In a nutshell, the conflict doesn’t seem to end any time soon as there are several issues both sides don’t seem to get on the same page. These include the issue of Palestinian refugees, whether Jewish settlements in the West Bank should stay or be removed, can both share Jerusalem and should a Palestinian state be created alongside Israel. For more than 25 years, peace talks have been taking place on and off but so far, the conflict seems to only grow.

Will Israelis, Palestinians ever reconcile, bring conflict to an end  

Four Palestinian prisoners who managed to break out from Israeli prison have now appeared in court after they were recaptured.

Four Palestinian prisoners appear in court after they were recaptured

Four of six Palestinian inmates who fled the Israel prison in the past few days have been successfully captured by the authorities, Israeli police claimed.

Mahmoud Abdullah Ardah, a 45-year-old, is believed to be the mastermind of this jailbreak from Israel’s high security prison.

The Israeli police captured two detainees — Yaqoub Qadri, 48, and Mahmoud Abdullah Ardah — first. "Police in the northern zone captured two escaped prisoners a short while ago... in the city of Nazareth," they said in a statement.

Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-arrests-more-relatives-of-palestinian-jail-breakers-412094" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-arrests-more-relatives-of-palestinian-jail-breakers-412094&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjk4oSRiPbyAhUTxjgGHXYbD2IQFnoECAgQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw2BLgMLPtzKVXrpKl0qdl8N" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-arrests-more-relatives-of-palestinian-jail-breakers-412094" target="_blank">Israel&nbsp;arrests more relatives of Palestinian jail breakers</a>

A few hours later the police revealed that two more jail breakers have been caught, leaving only two on the run now. "Two more prisoners who escaped were captured a short time ago... while they were hiding in a parking lot for trucks," the police said.

"Police located (the two fugitives) and chased them in a helicopter," the police statement said after the first two jail breakers were captured.&nbsp;"They offered no resistance when they were arrested in the south of Nazareth."&nbsp;

The first two jail breakers were spotted by locals as they rummaged through dustbins in search of food.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-high-security-jail-break-israel-nabs-palestinian-escapees-family-members-411737">After high security jail break, Israel nabs Palestinian escapees’ family members</a>

Israeli police also reported firing of a rocket at the southern Israel from the Gaza strip, a little after the first two jail breakers were caught. However, the rocket was successfully intercepted by Israel’s famous ‘Iron Dome’ missile defence system.

Six ‘jihadists’ had successfully escaped the Gilboa prison by digging a tunnel, starting from under a sink in their prison cell.

Four of six Palestinian inmates who fled the Israel prison in the past few days have been successfully captured by the authorities, Israeli police claimed. Mahmoud Abdullah Ardah, a 45-year-old, is believed to be the mastermind of this jailbreak from Israel’s high security prison.

Four of six Palestinian inmates who fled the Israel prison in the past few days have been successfully captured by the authorities, Israeli police claimed. Mahmoud Abdullah Ardah, a 45-year-old, is believed to be the mastermind of this jailbreak from Israel’s high security prison. The Israeli police captured two detainees — Yaqoub Qadri, 48, and Mahmoud Abdullah Ardah — first. "Police in the northern zone captured two escaped prisoners a short while ago... in the city of Nazareth," they said in a statement. Also read | Israel arrests more relatives of Palestinian jail breakers A few hours later the police revealed that two more jail breakers have been caught, leaving only two on the run now. "Two more prisoners who escaped were captured a short time ago... while they were hiding in a parking lot for trucks," the police said. "Police located (the two fugitives) and chased them in a helicopter," the police statement said after the first two jail breakers were captured. "They offered no resistance when they were arrested in the south of Nazareth." The first two jail breakers were spotted by locals as they rummaged through dustbins in search of food. Also read | After high security jail break, Israel nabs Palestinian escapees’ family members Israeli police also reported firing of a rocket at the southern Israel from the Gaza strip, a little after the first two jail breakers were caught. However, the rocket was successfully intercepted by Israel’s famous ‘Iron Dome’ missile defence system. Six ‘jihadists’ had successfully escaped the Gilboa prison by digging a tunnel, starting from under a sink in their prison cell.

Israeli police capture four Palestinian jail breakers; two still on run

6 Palestinian prisoners escaped from a high-security Israeli jail leading to the launch of a massive manhunt by authorities. On The West Asia Post this week, Ghadi Francis decodes this Hollywood-style prison break.

The West Asia Post: A tunnel, a napping guard and a massive manhunt

The Israeli army made&nbsp;more&nbsp;arrests&nbsp;Friday of&nbsp;relatives&nbsp;of six escaped&nbsp;Palestinian&nbsp;prisoners, an advocacy body said, as troops kept up a massive manhunt in the occupied West Bank.&nbsp;

Israel&nbsp;has poured troops into the&nbsp;Palestinian&nbsp;territory since Monday's breakout by six militants from the high security Gilboa&nbsp;prison&nbsp;in northern&nbsp;Israel&nbsp;through a tunnel dug beneath a sink in a cell.

Two brothers and a sister of suspected mastermind Mahmud Ardah were arrested on Friday morning in the village of Arraba near Jenin in the northern West Bank, the&nbsp;Palestinian&nbsp;Prisoners Club said.&nbsp;

Ardah, a member of militant group Islamic Jihad, has been imprisoned for life since 1996 over his role in deadly attacks.

Other&nbsp;relatives&nbsp;of the six fugitives, all from the Jenin area, were arrested on Wednesday and are being held in detention, according to the&nbsp;Palestinian&nbsp;advocacy group.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-says-biden-jinping-hold-first-phone-call-in-seven-months-411977">Also read |&nbsp;White House says Biden, Jinping hold first phone call in seven months</a>

The Israeli army had no immediate comment on the Friday&nbsp;arrests.&nbsp;

Speaking on a visit to a checkpoint between&nbsp;Israel&nbsp;and the West Bank, Defence Minister Benny Gantz vowed: "Sooner or later, we'll lay our hands on those we seek."

Gantz stressed that&nbsp;Israel&nbsp;did not want to see its reinforced military presence in the territory lead to any escalation.

"It's six people out of the millions living here," he said. "We need to be able to deal with these six and their accomplices without disrupting the other balances here.

"I hope this day will end quietly, either way the (army) is prepared for any development," Gantz said.&nbsp;

Palestinians have been celebrating the breakout with demonstrations in both the West Bank and the Israeli-blockaded Gaza Strip, some of which have been accompanied by rioting.&nbsp;

Islamic Jihad and Hamas, the Islamist rulers of Gaza, have called for a "Day of Rage" in the West Bank on Friday.&nbsp;

An Israeli injunction is in effect against publishing details of the jailbreak investigation, even as Israeli media report on the scramble to recover from the embarrassing lapse.

On Thursday, Public Security Minister Omer Bar Lev said he and Prime Minister Naftali Bennett had agreed to form a commission of inquiry led by a retired judge.

The Israeli army made more arrests Friday of relatives of six escaped Palestinian prisoners, an advocacy body said, as troops kept up a massive manhunt in the occupied West Bank.

The Israeli army made more arrests Friday of relatives of six escaped Palestinian prisoners, an advocacy body said, as troops kept up a massive manhunt in the occupied West Bank. Israel has poured troops into the Palestinian territory since Monday's breakout by six militants from the high security Gilboa prison in northern Israel through a tunnel dug beneath a sink in a cell. Two brothers and a sister of suspected mastermind Mahmud Ardah were arrested on Friday morning in the village of Arraba near Jenin in the northern West Bank, the Palestinian Prisoners Club said. Ardah, a member of militant group Islamic Jihad, has been imprisoned for life since 1996 over his role in deadly attacks. Other relatives of the six fugitives, all from the Jenin area, were arrested on Wednesday and are being held in detention, according to the Palestinian advocacy group. Also read | White House says Biden, Jinping hold first phone call in seven months The Israeli army had no immediate comment on the Friday arrests. Speaking on a visit to a checkpoint between Israel and the West Bank, Defence Minister Benny Gantz vowed: "Sooner or later, we'll lay our hands on those we seek." Gantz stressed that Israel did not want to see its reinforced military presence in the territory lead to any escalation. "It's six people out of the millions living here," he said. "We need to be able to deal with these six and their accomplices without disrupting the other balances here. "I hope this day will end quietly, either way the (army) is prepared for any development," Gantz said. Palestinians have been celebrating the breakout with demonstrations in both the West Bank and the Israeli-blockaded Gaza Strip, some of which have been accompanied by rioting. Islamic Jihad and Hamas, the Islamist rulers of Gaza, have called for a "Day of Rage" in the West Bank on Friday. An Israeli injunction is in effect against publishing details of the jailbreak investigation, even as Israeli media report on the scramble to recover from the embarrassing lapse. On Thursday, Public Security Minister Omer Bar Lev said he and Prime Minister Naftali Bennett had agreed to form a commission of inquiry led by a retired judge.

Israel arrests more relatives of Palestinian jail breakers

Israeli forces have been searching for six Palestinian prisoners who managed to escape from a high-security facility in northern Israel.

Israeli forces search for six Palestinian prisoners

Israel carried out airstrike against Gaza on Monday night as a retaliation after incendiary balloons launched from the Palestinian enclave started fires.

Israeli army blamed Hamas for the balloons and said that it targeted locations that belonged to the militant group.

"Overnight, IDF fighter jets struck a Hamas rocket manufacturing workshop, as well as a Hamas military compound in Khan Yunis," the Israeli army said in a statement.&nbsp;

"The strikes were in response to Hamas launching incendiary balloons into Israeli territory," the statement added.&nbsp;

The army also fired artillery in north Gaza, as per witnesses. AFP quoted medical sources in the Palestinian enclave to say that no one was killed.

Earlier in the day, Israeli firefighters had said that incendiary balloons had caused three bushfires at sites close to the Gaza Strip.&nbsp;

Launching the makeshift devices is a common tactic of militants in Gaza, which Israel has blockaded for nearly 15 years.

Israel frequently responds with airstrikes.

Monday's strikes come after six Palestinians broke out of an Israeli prison earlier in the day through a tunnel, triggering a massive manhunt.

Hamas and Israel fought a devastating 11-day conflict in May, the worst between the two sides in years.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Israel carried out airstrike against Gaza on Monday night as a retaliation after incendiary balloons launched from the Palestinian enclave started fires. Israeli army blamed Hamas for the balloons and said that it targeted locations that belonged to the militant group.

Israel carried out airstrike against Gaza on Monday night as a retaliation after incendiary balloons launched from the Palestinian enclave started fires. Israeli army blamed Hamas for the balloons and said that it targeted locations that belonged to the militant group. "Overnight, IDF fighter jets struck a Hamas rocket manufacturing workshop, as well as a Hamas military compound in Khan Yunis," the Israeli army said in a statement. "The strikes were in response to Hamas launching incendiary balloons into Israeli territory," the statement added. The army also fired artillery in north Gaza, as per witnesses. AFP quoted medical sources in the Palestinian enclave to say that no one was killed. Earlier in the day, Israeli firefighters had said that incendiary balloons had caused three bushfires at sites close to the Gaza Strip. Launching the makeshift devices is a common tactic of militants in Gaza, which Israel has blockaded for nearly 15 years. Israel frequently responds with airstrikes. Monday's strikes come after six Palestinians broke out of an Israeli prison earlier in the day through a tunnel, triggering a massive manhunt. Hamas and Israel fought a devastating 11-day conflict in May, the worst between the two sides in years. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel launches airstrikes in Gaza after incendiary balloon attacks

Even as Taliban promises to be different this time, there are signs of terrorist organisations aligning themselves with the new de facto rulers of Afghanistan, with al Qaeda setting its sights on India's Kashmir in a 'congratulatory letter'.

Al&nbsp;Qaeda, &nbsp;the terror group at the heart of the 20-year US war in Afghanistan, "congratulated" the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/we-expect-us-to-reopen-embassy-in-kabul-have-trade-relations-taliban-409822">Taliban</a> for "defeating the Americans". It was the 9/11 terror attacks of 2001 orchestrated by Osama bin Laden that led to the invasion of Afghanistan by the US, and the killing of the al Qaeda chief&nbsp;in 2011 in Pakistan.

In a letter made available on social media, the group said it is the "third time that the Afghan nation within a span of less than two centuries has successfully expelled an invading force."

Significantly, it also mentioned Kashmir.

"Liberate the Levant, Somalia, Yemen, Kashmir and the rest of the Islamic lands" from the "clutches of the enemy", it exhorted the Taliban.

It asked the new de facto rulers of Afghanistan to "prepare for the next stage of struggle" as it called for the "liberation" of Palestine land from Israel, asserting that the "victory" of the Taliban in Afghanistan was a "prelude" to the liberation of Palestine.

Watch:

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"America and NATO's Afghan debacle marks the end of the dark era in Western hegemony," it said in the letter, while calling up the Afghan nation to abide by the "Sharia-based policies".

The letter addressed to the Taliban specifically mentions Taliban leader&nbsp;Hibbatullah Akhundzada while praising its late founder&nbsp;Mullah Muhammad Umar who it said&nbsp;"stood firm".

The letter also mentions former president George W Bush who "promised us defeat". Al-Qaida also mentioned Mullah Akhtar Mansour as a "defiant, uncompromising leader" while addressing Jalal ud Din Haqqani as a "mentor of Mujahideen" and "father of martyrs".

"Events proved the way of jihad is the only way that leads victory and empowerment," al Qaeda claimed in the letter.

The terror group made scathing remarks against America claiming that its global reputation was "tarnished" and it was "disgraced and humiliated".

The Taliban fighters had entered Kabul on August 15 as the US escalated its pullout effort. A suicide bomb attack had taken place amid the evacuation at Kabul airport which was claimed by ISIS-K. The attack had claimed the lives of 13 US service members including several Afghans.

The US on Monday night completed its military evacuation as the last C-17 cargo plane left Afghanistan&nbsp;at the stroke of midnight.

(With inputs from Agencies)

Even as Taliban promises to be different this time, there are signs of terrorist organisations aligning themselves with the new de facto rulers of Afghanistan, with al Qaeda setting its sights on India's Kashmir in a 'congratulatory letter'.

Even as Taliban promises to be different this time, there are signs of terrorist organisations aligning themselves with the new de facto rulers of Afghanistan, with al Qaeda setting its sights on India's Kashmir in a 'congratulatory letter'. Al Qaeda, the terror group at the heart of the 20-year US war in Afghanistan, "congratulated" the Taliban for "defeating the Americans". It was the 9/11 terror attacks of 2001 orchestrated by Osama bin Laden that led to the invasion of Afghanistan by the US, and the killing of the al Qaeda chief in 2011 in Pakistan. In a letter made available on social media, the group said it is the "third time that the Afghan nation within a span of less than two centuries has successfully expelled an invading force." Significantly, it also mentioned Kashmir. "Liberate the Levant, Somalia, Yemen, Kashmir and the rest of the Islamic lands" from the "clutches of the enemy", it exhorted the Taliban. It asked the new de facto rulers of Afghanistan to "prepare for the next stage of struggle" as it called for the "liberation" of Palestine land from Israel, asserting that the "victory" of the Taliban in Afghanistan was a "prelude" to the liberation of Palestine. Watch: "America and NATO's Afghan debacle marks the end of the dark era in Western hegemony," it said in the letter, while calling up the Afghan nation to abide by the "Sharia-based policies". The letter addressed to the Taliban specifically mentions Taliban leader Hibbatullah Akhundzada while praising its late founder Mullah Muhammad Umar who it said "stood firm". The letter also mentions former president George W Bush who "promised us defeat". Al-Qaida also mentioned Mullah Akhtar Mansour as a "defiant, uncompromising leader" while addressing Jalal ud Din Haqqani as a "mentor of Mujahideen" and "father of martyrs". "Events proved the way of jihad is the only way that leads victory and empowerment," al Qaeda claimed in the letter. The terror group made scathing remarks against America claiming that its global reputation was "tarnished" and it was "disgraced and humiliated". The Taliban fighters had entered Kabul on August 15 as the US escalated its pullout effort. A suicide bomb attack had taken place amid the evacuation at Kabul airport which was claimed by ISIS-K. The attack had claimed the lives of 13 US service members including several Afghans. The US on Monday night completed its military evacuation as the last C-17 cargo plane left Afghanistan at the stroke of midnight. (With inputs from Agencies)

Al Qaeda 'congratulates' Taliban; mentions Kashmir, Palestine in letter

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

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

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

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

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas met Israeli Defence Minister Benny Gantz in the West Bank city of Ramallah during which they discussed ‘security-policy, civilian and economic issues’.

Israeli Defence Minister Benny Gantz meets Palestinian Prez Abbas

Israeli&nbsp;Defence&nbsp;Minister&nbsp;Benny Gantz met&nbsp;Palestinian&nbsp;president&nbsp;Mahmud Abbas in the West Bank on Sunday for the first official&nbsp;Israeli-Palestinian&nbsp;talks&nbsp;since Prime&nbsp;Minister&nbsp;Naftali Bennett took office in June.

Gantz travelled to the West Bank city of Ramallah for security and economic discussions with the 85-year-old&nbsp;Palestinian&nbsp;leader, officials said on Monday.

They came hours after&nbsp;Israeli&nbsp;premier Bennett returned from Washington where he met with US&nbsp;President&nbsp;Joe Biden at the White House.

"Defence&nbsp;Minister&nbsp;Benny Gantz met with&nbsp;Palestinian&nbsp;Authority Chairman Mahmud Abbas (Sunday) evening to discuss security policy, civilian and economic issues," Israel's&nbsp;defence&nbsp;ministry said in a statement. &nbsp;

Gantz, head of a centrist party in Israel's government coalition, told Abbas "that Israel seeks to take measures that will strengthen the PA's economy. They also discussed shaping the security and economic situations in the West Bank and in Gaza," it added.&nbsp;

"They agreed to continue communicating further."

The meeting included the head of the&nbsp;Israeli&nbsp;military branch responsible for civil affairs in the&nbsp;Palestinian&nbsp;territories, Ghasan Alyan,&nbsp;senior PA official Hussein Al Sheikh and&nbsp;Palestinian&nbsp;intelligence chief Majid Faraj.&nbsp;

Al Sheikh confirmed the meeting on Twitter. Gantz's office said the&nbsp;defence&nbsp;minister&nbsp;and Abbas held "a one-on-one meeting" after the larger&nbsp;talks.&nbsp;

Relations between Israel and the PA, which is based in the&nbsp;Israeli-occupied West Bank, have deteriorated substantially in recent years.&nbsp;

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Former&nbsp;Israeli&nbsp;prime&nbsp;minister&nbsp;Benjamin Netanyahu, in power from 2009 to 2021, was derided by Palestinians.&nbsp;

He made no substantive efforts towards resolving the decades-old conflict while overseeing a steady expansion of Jewish settlements in the West Bank, communities regarded as illegal under international law.&nbsp;

Bennett is a hardline nationalist who opposes&nbsp;Palestinian&nbsp;statehood and previously led a powerful settler lobbying council.&nbsp;

His office has made clear that Israel's ideologically disparate coalition, which includes left-wingers and hawks like the premier, has no plans to initiate a new round of peace&nbsp;talks.&nbsp;

But top&nbsp;Israeli&nbsp;officials have indicated a desire to boost the PA amid concern over a fresh conflict with Hamas Islamists who control Gaza, an&nbsp;Israeli-blockaded&nbsp;Palestinian&nbsp;territory that is separate from the West Bank.&nbsp;

Eleven days of conflict between Israel and&nbsp;Palestinian&nbsp;militants in Gaza in May marked the worst hostilities in the area since 2014 and unrest has persisted despite an Egypt-brokered ceasefire.&nbsp;

Abbas's PA has also come under mounting global criticism over an alleged crackdown on key rights following the death in&nbsp;Palestinian&nbsp;custody of a prominent activist.&nbsp;

The United Nations and European Union last week expressed alarm over a spate of arrests targeting leading critics of Abbas and the PA.&nbsp;

Israeli Defence Minister Benny Gantz met Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas in the West Bank on Sunday for the first official Israeli-Palestinian talks since Prime Minister Naftali Bennett took office in June.

Israeli Defence Minister Benny Gantz met Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas in the West Bank on Sunday for the first official Israeli-Palestinian talks since Prime Minister Naftali Bennett took office in June. Gantz travelled to the West Bank city of Ramallah for security and economic discussions with the 85-year-old Palestinian leader, officials said on Monday. They came hours after Israeli premier Bennett returned from Washington where he met with US President Joe Biden at the White House. "Defence Minister Benny Gantz met with Palestinian Authority Chairman Mahmud Abbas (Sunday) evening to discuss security policy, civilian and economic issues," Israel's defence ministry said in a statement. Gantz, head of a centrist party in Israel's government coalition, told Abbas "that Israel seeks to take measures that will strengthen the PA's economy. They also discussed shaping the security and economic situations in the West Bank and in Gaza," it added. "They agreed to continue communicating further." The meeting included the head of the Israeli military branch responsible for civil affairs in the Palestinian territories, Ghasan Alyan, senior PA official Hussein Al Sheikh and Palestinian intelligence chief Majid Faraj. Al Sheikh confirmed the meeting on Twitter. Gantz's office said the defence minister and Abbas held "a one-on-one meeting" after the larger talks. Relations between Israel and the PA, which is based in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, have deteriorated substantially in recent years. Also read | Attacks on LGBTQ+ community across UK sparks fear Former Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in power from 2009 to 2021, was derided by Palestinians. He made no substantive efforts towards resolving the decades-old conflict while overseeing a steady expansion of Jewish settlements in the West Bank, communities regarded as illegal under international law. Bennett is a hardline nationalist who opposes Palestinian statehood and previously led a powerful settler lobbying council. His office has made clear that Israel's ideologically disparate coalition, which includes left-wingers and hawks like the premier, has no plans to initiate a new round of peace talks. But top Israeli officials have indicated a desire to boost the PA amid concern over a fresh conflict with Hamas Islamists who control Gaza, an Israeli-blockaded Palestinian territory that is separate from the West Bank. Eleven days of conflict between Israel and Palestinian militants in Gaza in May marked the worst hostilities in the area since 2014 and unrest has persisted despite an Egypt-brokered ceasefire. Abbas's PA has also come under mounting global criticism over an alleged crackdown on key rights following the death in Palestinian custody of a prominent activist. The United Nations and European Union last week expressed alarm over a spate of arrests targeting leading critics of Abbas and the PA.

Palestinian president, Israeli defence minister hold rare talks

Israeli aircraft struck Hamas sites in Gaza early on Sunday in response to incendiary balloons launched from the Palestinian enclave, the military said, as a recent rise in cross-border violence tests a fragile truce that ended fierce fighting in May.

Sanctioned by Hamas, the Islamist armed group that rules Gaza, Palestinian groups said on Saturday they were resuming protests at the Israel-Gaza border, aimed at pressing Israel to ease restrictions on the enclave. The Israeli military said hundreds of Palestinians gathered along the frontier during the night, hurling explosives and burning tyres.

The military said its troops responded with "riot dispersal means" and Gaza medics said at least six Palestinians were hurt, one seriously. A few hours later, Israeli pre-dawn air strikes targeted a Hamas weapons manufacturing complex and a tunnel it said was used by militants, after incendiary balloons were sent across the border.

There were no reports of casualties in the bombings.

An Egyptian-mediated truce ended the May conflict in which Gaza militants fired rockets towards Israeli cities and Israel carried out air strikes across the coastal enclave. At least 250

Palestinians and 13 people in Israel were killed in 11 days of fighting.

But violence has recently increased despite an Israeli announcement this month of a resumption of Qatari aid to Gaza, a decision that had been seen as bolstering the truce.

Palestinian groups say Israel has yet to make good on its word and over the past two weeks militants have fired a rocket and sent balloons carrying incendiary material into Israel, setting off brush fires and drawing Israeli strikes on Hamas facilities.

Citing security threats, Israel keeps Gaza under a blockade, tightly restricting movement in and out of the territory that is home to 2 million Palestinians. Egypt also maintains Gaza restrictions.

Israeli aircraft struck Hamas sites in Gaza early on Sunday in response to incendiary balloons launched from the Palestinian enclave, the military said, as a recent rise in cross-border violence tests a fragile truce that ended fierce fighting in May.

Israeli aircraft struck Hamas sites in Gaza early on Sunday in response to incendiary balloons launched from the Palestinian enclave, the military said, as a recent rise in cross-border violence tests a fragile truce that ended fierce fighting in May. Sanctioned by Hamas, the Islamist armed group that rules Gaza, Palestinian groups said on Saturday they were resuming protests at the Israel-Gaza border, aimed at pressing Israel to ease restrictions on the enclave. The Israeli military said hundreds of Palestinians gathered along the frontier during the night, hurling explosives and burning tyres. The military said its troops responded with "riot dispersal means" and Gaza medics said at least six Palestinians were hurt, one seriously. A few hours later, Israeli pre-dawn air strikes targeted a Hamas weapons manufacturing complex and a tunnel it said was used by militants, after incendiary balloons were sent across the border. There were no reports of casualties in the bombings. An Egyptian-mediated truce ended the May conflict in which Gaza militants fired rockets towards Israeli cities and Israel carried out air strikes across the coastal enclave. At least 250 Palestinians and 13 people in Israel were killed in 11 days of fighting. But violence has recently increased despite an Israeli announcement this month of a resumption of Qatari aid to Gaza, a decision that had been seen as bolstering the truce. Palestinian groups say Israel has yet to make good on its word and over the past two weeks militants have fired a rocket and sent balloons carrying incendiary material into Israel, setting off brush fires and drawing Israeli strikes on Hamas facilities. Citing security threats, Israel keeps Gaza under a blockade, tightly restricting movement in and out of the territory that is home to 2 million Palestinians. Egypt also maintains Gaza restrictions.

Israel bombs Hamas sites in Gaza over fire balloons

Egypt on Thursday partially re-opened Rafah crossing which connects it with the Gaza strip. One way traffic into the Palestinian enclave is being allowed. Israel has eased import restrictions for the territory it has blockaded since 2007.

Rafah is Gaza's only gateway to the outside world that is not controlled by Israel. It was shuttered on Monday by Egypt without giving any reason.

Egypt, a key mediator between Israel and the Hamas Islamists who control the coastal enclave, has previously used Rafah closures as a punitive measure against Hamas.&nbsp;

Late Wednesday, Hamas's interior ministry announced that Rafah would open to incoming traffic on Thursday and to two-way traffic on Sunday.&nbsp;

People had begun to cross after midday, an AFP journalist said.&nbsp;

Hamas police made efforts to contain Wednesday's unrest by preventing people from approaching the border fence. &nbsp; 
The Israeli military branch responsible for civil affairs in Palestinian territories (COGAT) said more goods would be allowed to enter Gaza from Thursday.

They would includes "equipment for international civilian projects" and new vehicles, among other measures, it said in a statement.&nbsp;

Israel also agreed to boost by 1,000 the number of merchants allowed through its Erez crossing to Gaza.&nbsp;

"The civilian measures approved by the political echelon are conditional upon the continued preservation of the region's security stability, while further expansion of these measures will be examined in accordance with a situational security assessment," COGAT added.

(With inputs from agencies)

Egypt on Thursday partially re-opened Rafah crossing which connects it with the Gaza strip. One way traffic into the Palestinian enclave is being allowed. Israel has eased import restrictions for the territory it has blockaded since 2007.

Egypt on Thursday partially re-opened Rafah crossing which connects it with the Gaza strip. One way traffic into the Palestinian enclave is being allowed. Israel has eased import restrictions for the territory it has blockaded since 2007. Rafah is Gaza's only gateway to the outside world that is not controlled by Israel. It was shuttered on Monday by Egypt without giving any reason. Egypt, a key mediator between Israel and the Hamas Islamists who control the coastal enclave, has previously used Rafah closures as a punitive measure against Hamas. Late Wednesday, Hamas's interior ministry announced that Rafah would open to incoming traffic on Thursday and to two-way traffic on Sunday. People had begun to cross after midday, an AFP journalist said. Hamas police made efforts to contain Wednesday's unrest by preventing people from approaching the border fence. The Israeli military branch responsible for civil affairs in Palestinian territories (COGAT) said more goods would be allowed to enter Gaza from Thursday. They would includes "equipment for international civilian projects" and new vehicles, among other measures, it said in a statement. Israel also agreed to boost by 1,000 the number of merchants allowed through its Erez crossing to Gaza. "The civilian measures approved by the political echelon are conditional upon the continued preservation of the region's security stability, while further expansion of these measures will be examined in accordance with a situational security assessment," COGAT added. (With inputs from agencies)

Egypt reopens Gaza crossing at Rafah

Israeli troops fired at Palestinian protesters who hurled firebombs and burned tires from behind the Gaza Strip's border fence Saturday, with the Gaza health ministry reporting 24 injuries.

"Twenty-four civilians were injured, including 10 children," the ministry said in a statement.

"Two of the injuries are critical, one of whom is a 13-year-old boy, who was hit in the head east of Gaza City."

The Israeli army told AFP "hundreds of rioters and demonstrators" had gathered along the border fence.

"Troops are prepared in the area and are using riot dispersal means, and if necessary, .22 calibre rounds," the army said.

The Hamas Islamic movement that rules Gaza had called a protest Saturday to mark the burning 52 years ago of Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa Mosque, the third-holiest site in Islam.

"Al-Aqsa Mosque is a red line, and any attack on it will be met with valiant resistance from our people," the movement said in a statement.

The protest came exactly three months since Israel and Hamas reached a truce following their deadliest fighting in years.

Over 11 days in May, Israel pounded Gaza with airstrikes in response to rockets fired from the enclave.

Hamas said it took action after Israeli security forces stormed Al-Aqsa.

Reconstruction in Gaza has stalled since a May 21 ceasefire, in part because of a crippling blockade Israel has maintained on the enclave since Hamas seized power in 2007.

On Thursday, Israel announced it would allow funds from Qatar to reach impoverished Palestinians in Gaza. Other restrictions remain.

In 2018, Gazans began a protest movement demanding an end to Israel's blockade and a right for Palestinians to return to lands they fled after the Jewish state was founded.

The Hamas-backed weekly demonstrations, often violent, sputtered as Israel killed some 350 Palestinians in Gaza over more than a year.&nbsp;

Israeli troops fired at Palestinian protesters who hurled firebombs and burned tires from behind the Gaza Strip's border fence Saturday, with the Gaza health ministry reporting 24 injuries.

Israeli troops fired at Palestinian protesters who hurled firebombs and burned tires from behind the Gaza Strip's border fence Saturday, with the Gaza health ministry reporting 24 injuries. "Twenty-four civilians were injured, including 10 children," the ministry said in a statement. "Two of the injuries are critical, one of whom is a 13-year-old boy, who was hit in the head east of Gaza City." The Israeli army told AFP "hundreds of rioters and demonstrators" had gathered along the border fence. "Troops are prepared in the area and are using riot dispersal means, and if necessary, .22 calibre rounds," the army said. The Hamas Islamic movement that rules Gaza had called a protest Saturday to mark the burning 52 years ago of Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa Mosque, the third-holiest site in Islam. "Al-Aqsa Mosque is a red line, and any attack on it will be met with valiant resistance from our people," the movement said in a statement. The protest came exactly three months since Israel and Hamas reached a truce following their deadliest fighting in years. Over 11 days in May, Israel pounded Gaza with airstrikes in response to rockets fired from the enclave. Hamas said it took action after Israeli security forces stormed Al-Aqsa. Reconstruction in Gaza has stalled since a May 21 ceasefire, in part because of a crippling blockade Israel has maintained on the enclave since Hamas seized power in 2007. On Thursday, Israel announced it would allow funds from Qatar to reach impoverished Palestinians in Gaza. Other restrictions remain. In 2018, Gazans began a protest movement demanding an end to Israel's blockade and a right for Palestinians to return to lands they fled after the Jewish state was founded. The Hamas-backed weekly demonstrations, often violent, sputtered as Israel killed some 350 Palestinians in Gaza over more than a year.

Israel fires on protesting Palestinians in Gaza, 24 wounded

The Palestinian Authority said Thursday it had taken delivery of 150,000 doses of Pfizer <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">vaccine</a>, amid an upsurge of COVID-19 cases in the occupied West Bank.

A health ministry statement from the Ramallah-based PA said that of four million doses ordered from the pharmaceutical giant, one million have been received so far.

The rest should be delivered in batches by the end of the year, it added.

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At the end of last month, health minister Mai al-Kaila had warned that the Palestinian territory was facing a fourth wave of the coronavirus, and urged people to be vaccinated because of the spread of the more contagious Delta variant.

The government also indicated that unvaccinated officials would have to take unpaid leave until they had been jabbed.

On Thursday, authorities identified 199 new coronavirus infections in the West Bank, which is home to 2.8 million Palestinians. In July, only a few dozen cases a day were recorded.

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There have been 2,503 deaths from coronavirus in the West Bank out of a recorded 200,838 cases. In the Gaza Strip, 1,111 people have died out of 117,985 recorded cases.

On Thursday the PA transferred 100,000 doses to Gaza, an enclave of two million people ruled by the Islamist group Hamas.

About half of these were the Russian Sputnik vaccine, and the other half were from Pfizer.

Of the 626,300 people so far vaccinated in the West Bank and Gaza, 427,000 have received both doses.

In Israel more than half the population, or about 5.4 million people, have received two doses.

The Palestinian Authority said Thursday it had taken delivery of 150,000 doses of Pfizer vaccine, amid an upsurge of COVID-19 cases in the occupied West Bank. A health ministry statement from the Ramallah-based PA said that of four million doses ordered from the pharmaceutical giant, one million have been received so far.

The Palestinian Authority said Thursday it had taken delivery of 150,000 doses of Pfizer vaccine, amid an upsurge of COVID-19 cases in the occupied West Bank. A health ministry statement from the Ramallah-based PA said that of four million doses ordered from the pharmaceutical giant, one million have been received so far. The rest should be delivered in batches by the end of the year, it added. Also read | In a few years, COVID-19 may become mostly a childhood illness: Study At the end of last month, health minister Mai al-Kaila had warned that the Palestinian territory was facing a fourth wave of the coronavirus, and urged people to be vaccinated because of the spread of the more contagious Delta variant. The government also indicated that unvaccinated officials would have to take unpaid leave until they had been jabbed. On Thursday, authorities identified 199 new coronavirus infections in the West Bank, which is home to 2.8 million Palestinians. In July, only a few dozen cases a day were recorded. Also read | International travel update: Canada to launch digital vaccine passports soon There have been 2,503 deaths from coronavirus in the West Bank out of a recorded 200,838 cases. In the Gaza Strip, 1,111 people have died out of 117,985 recorded cases. On Thursday the PA transferred 100,000 doses to Gaza, an enclave of two million people ruled by the Islamist group Hamas. About half of these were the Russian Sputnik vaccine, and the other half were from Pfizer. Of the 626,300 people so far vaccinated in the West Bank and Gaza, 427,000 have received both doses. In Israel more than half the population, or about 5.4 million people, have received two doses.

Palestinians get 150,000 doses of Pfizer virus vaccine

Deadly rocket and mortar fire on Israeli cities by Palestinian militant groups during a May conflict in and around Gaza constituted war crimes, Human Rights Watch said Thursday.

The New York-based rights group analysed attacks from Gaza that resulted in the deaths of 12 Israeli civilians and injuries to dozens more.

Rockets that misfired or fell short also killed or wounded "an undetermined number of Palestinians in Gaza," the group said, with at least seven Palestinian civilians killed.&nbsp;

The rockets were fired during an 11-day conflict that saw Israel pound Gaza with air strikes as militants in the blockaded enclave fired more than 4,000 rockets towards Israel.

Israeli strikes killed some 260 people in Gaza, including militants, while munitions from Gaza killed 13 people in Israel, including a soldier.

The report comes a day after the UN Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA condemned "the existence and potential use by Palestinian armed groups" of tunnels under its schools in Gaza, saying they placed pupils and staff "at risk".

The agency issued its statement following a demand by Israel's ambassador to the United Nations, Gilad Erdan, to freeze its funding after Israeli public television reported Hamas blocked UN inspectors from inspecting a tunnel near an UNRWA school.

Human Rights Watch previously accused Israel of war crimes for strikes that killed dozens of civilians despite "no evident military targets in the vicinity" during the conflict that ended with a May 21 ceasefire.&nbsp;

In Thursday's report, the rights group cited statements by Gaza's Islamist rulers Hamas and other militant groups announcing barrages of rockets at Tel Aviv and other Israeli cities&nbsp;

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After one such statement, shrapnel from a rocket killed a 63-year-old Israeli woman south of Tel Aviv. Another rocket killed a father and his teenage daughter in a village about 20 kilometres from Tel Aviv.&nbsp;

"Under international humanitarian law, or the laws of war, warring parties may only attack military objectives," Human Rights Watch said, adding, "launching such rockets to attack civilian areas is a war crime."

The group suggested the International Criminal Court, which is investigating allegations of Israeli war crimes, should include "unlawful Palestinian rocket attacks against Israel, as well as unlawful Israeli attacks in Gaza."

In April, Human Rights Watch accused Israel of committing the crime of "apartheid" by seeking to maintain Jewish "domination" over Palestinians and its own Arab population, an allegation Israel firmly rejected.

Deadly rocket and mortar fire on Israeli cities by Palestinian militant groups during a May conflict in and around Gaza constituted war crimes, Human Rights Watch said Thursday.

Deadly rocket and mortar fire on Israeli cities by Palestinian militant groups during a May conflict in and around Gaza constituted war crimes, Human Rights Watch said Thursday. The New York-based rights group analysed attacks from Gaza that resulted in the deaths of 12 Israeli civilians and injuries to dozens more. Rockets that misfired or fell short also killed or wounded "an undetermined number of Palestinians in Gaza," the group said, with at least seven Palestinian civilians killed. The rockets were fired during an 11-day conflict that saw Israel pound Gaza with air strikes as militants in the blockaded enclave fired more than 4,000 rockets towards Israel. Israeli strikes killed some 260 people in Gaza, including militants, while munitions from Gaza killed 13 people in Israel, including a soldier. The report comes a day after the UN Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA condemned "the existence and potential use by Palestinian armed groups" of tunnels under its schools in Gaza, saying they placed pupils and staff "at risk". The agency issued its statement following a demand by Israel's ambassador to the United Nations, Gilad Erdan, to freeze its funding after Israeli public television reported Hamas blocked UN inspectors from inspecting a tunnel near an UNRWA school. Human Rights Watch previously accused Israel of war crimes for strikes that killed dozens of civilians despite "no evident military targets in the vicinity" during the conflict that ended with a May 21 ceasefire. In Thursday's report, the rights group cited statements by Gaza's Islamist rulers Hamas and other militant groups announcing barrages of rockets at Tel Aviv and other Israeli cities Also read | 'Semen terrorism' angers women in South Korea After one such statement, shrapnel from a rocket killed a 63-year-old Israeli woman south of Tel Aviv. Another rocket killed a father and his teenage daughter in a village about 20 kilometres from Tel Aviv. "Under international humanitarian law, or the laws of war, warring parties may only attack military objectives," Human Rights Watch said, adding, "launching such rockets to attack civilian areas is a war crime." The group suggested the International Criminal Court, which is investigating allegations of Israeli war crimes, should include "unlawful Palestinian rocket attacks against Israel, as well as unlawful Israeli attacks in Gaza." In April, Human Rights Watch accused Israel of committing the crime of "apartheid" by seeking to maintain Jewish "domination" over Palestinians and its own Arab population, an allegation Israel firmly rejected.

Palestinian groups in Gaza committed 'war crimes': HRW

Deadly rocket and mortar fire on Israeli cities by Palestinian militant groups during a May conflict in and around Gaza constituted war crimes, Human Rights Watch said Thursday.

The New York-based rights group analysed attacks from Gaza that resulted in the deaths of 12 Israeli civilians and injuries to dozens more.

Rockets that misfired or fell short also killed or wounded "an undetermined number of Palestinians in Gaza," the group said, with at least seven Palestinian civilians killed.&nbsp;

The rockets were fired during an 11-day conflict that saw Israel pound Gaza with air strikes as militants in the blockaded enclave fired more than 4,000 rockets towards Israel.

Israeli strikes killed some 260 people in Gaza, including militants, while munitions from Gaza killed 13 people in Israel, including a soldier.

The report comes a day after the UN Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA condemned "the existence and potential use by Palestinian armed groups" of tunnels under its schools in Gaza, saying they placed pupils and staff "at risk".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/semen-terrorism-angers-women-in-south-korea-404805">Also read |&nbsp;'Semen terrorism' angers women in South Korea</a>

The agency issued its statement following a demand by Israel's ambassador to the United Nations, Gilad Erdan, to freeze its funding after Israeli public television reported Hamas blocked UN inspectors from inspecting a tunnel near an UNRWA school.

Human Rights Watch previously accused Israel of war crimes for strikes that killed dozens of civilians despite "no evident military targets in the vicinity" during the conflict that ended with a May 21 ceasefire.&nbsp;

In Thursday's report, the rights group cited statements by Gaza's Islamist rulers Hamas and other militant groups announcing barrages of rockets at Tel Aviv and other Israeli cities&nbsp;

After one such statement, shrapnel from a rocket killed a 63-year-old Israeli woman south of Tel Aviv. Another rocket killed a father and his teenage daughter in a village about 20 kilometres from Tel Aviv.&nbsp;

"Under international humanitarian law, or the laws of war, warring parties may only attack military objectives," Human Rights Watch said, adding, "launching such rockets to attack civilian areas is a war crime."

The group suggested the International Criminal Court, which is investigating allegations of Israeli war crimes, should include "unlawful Palestinian rocket attacks against Israel, as well as unlawful Israeli attacks in Gaza."

In April, Human Rights Watch accused Israel of committing the crime of "apartheid" by seeking to maintain Jewish "domination" over Palestinians and its own Arab population, an allegation Israel firmly rejected.

Deadly rocket and mortar fire on Israeli cities by Palestinian militant groups during a May conflict in and around Gaza constituted war crimes, Human Rights Watch said Thursday. The New York-based rights group analysed attacks from Gaza that resulted in the deaths of 12 Israeli civilians and injuries to dozens more. Rockets that misfired or fell short also killed or wounded "an undetermined number of Palestinians in Gaza," the group said, with at least seven Palestinian civilians killed. The rockets were fired during an 11-day conflict that saw Israel pound Gaza with air strikes as militants in the blockaded enclave fired more than 4,000 rockets towards Israel. Israeli strikes killed some 260 people in Gaza, including militants, while munitions from Gaza killed 13 people in Israel, including a soldier. The report comes a day after the UN Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA condemned "the existence and potential use by Palestinian armed groups" of tunnels under its schools in Gaza, saying they placed pupils and staff "at risk". Also read | 'Semen terrorism' angers women in South Korea The agency issued its statement following a demand by Israel's ambassador to the United Nations, Gilad Erdan, to freeze its funding after Israeli public television reported Hamas blocked UN inspectors from inspecting a tunnel near an UNRWA school. Human Rights Watch previously accused Israel of war crimes for strikes that killed dozens of civilians despite "no evident military targets in the vicinity" during the conflict that ended with a May 21 ceasefire. In Thursday's report, the rights group cited statements by Gaza's Islamist rulers Hamas and other militant groups announcing barrages of rockets at Tel Aviv and other Israeli cities After one such statement, shrapnel from a rocket killed a 63-year-old Israeli woman south of Tel Aviv. Another rocket killed a father and his teenage daughter in a village about 20 kilometres from Tel Aviv. "Under international humanitarian law, or the laws of war, warring parties may only attack military objectives," Human Rights Watch said, adding, "launching such rockets to attack civilian areas is a war crime." The group suggested the International Criminal Court, which is investigating allegations of Israeli war crimes, should include "unlawful Palestinian rocket attacks against Israel, as well as unlawful Israeli attacks in Gaza." In April, Human Rights Watch accused Israel of committing the crime of "apartheid" by seeking to maintain Jewish "domination" over Palestinians and its own Arab population, an allegation Israel firmly rejected.

A&nbsp;Palestinian&nbsp;shot by&nbsp;Israeli&nbsp;forces in the occupied&nbsp;West&nbsp;Bank&nbsp;died of his wounds on Friday, the&nbsp;Palestinian&nbsp;health&nbsp;ministry&nbsp;said.

Imad Ali Mohammad Dweikat, 38, reached hospital in the city of Nablus "in a critical state"&nbsp;after&nbsp;receiving "a live bullet to the chest" in the nearby town of Beita, it said in a statement.

Beita sees regular demonstrations against the&nbsp;Israeli&nbsp;occupation and settlement expansion, which often degenerate into&nbsp;clashes.

An AFP reporter saw hundreds of demonstrators protesting outside the town on Friday afternoon, some throwing rocks at&nbsp;Israeli&nbsp;troops.

The&nbsp;Israeli&nbsp;army told AFP a "riot" had been instigated by "700 Palestinians who burned tires and hurled rocks and Molotov cocktails at IDF troops and border police officers, who responded with riot dispersal means".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-orders-massive-reinforcement-of-forces-to-quell-unrest-in-cities-after-gaza-violence-384790">Also read |&nbsp;Israel orders 'massive reinforcement' of forces to quell unrest in cities after Gaza violence</a>

"We are aware of reports that a&nbsp;Palestinian&nbsp;was killed and a number of Palestinians were injured", it said, without adding details.

Last Friday, some 270 Palestinians were wounded in&nbsp;clashes&nbsp;with&nbsp;Israeli&nbsp;troops during protests in Beita and during the funeral of a young&nbsp;Palestinian&nbsp;killed the day before, the&nbsp;Palestinian&nbsp;Red Crescent reported.&nbsp;

On July 23, 320 Palestinians were wounded or suffered from tear gas inhalation in&nbsp;clashes&nbsp;with&nbsp;Israeli&nbsp;forces in Beita, medics said. A teenager shot by&nbsp;Israeli&nbsp;forces later died of his wounds.

Beita residents have been demonstrating since May against a the wildcat Eviatar Jewish settlement set up nearby without official permission from&nbsp;Israeli&nbsp;authorities.&nbsp;

The settlement was evacuated in early July but&nbsp;Israeli&nbsp;army troops remain stationed there while authorities deliberate on its fate.

If the settlement is approved, its founders will be allowed to take up residence there more permanently.

Beita's residents have vowed to continue their campaign until the army also leaves the outpost.

Israel occupied the&nbsp;West&nbsp;Bank&nbsp;during the 1967 Six-Day War and all Jewish settlements there are considered illegal by most of the international community.

Almost half a million people live in&nbsp;Israeli&nbsp;settlements in the&nbsp;West&nbsp;Bank, alongside 2.8 million Palestinians.

A Palestinian shot by Israeli forces in the occupied West Bank died of his wounds on Friday, the Palestinian health ministry said. Imad Ali Mohammad Dweikat, 38, reached hospital in the city of Nablus "in a critical state" after receiving "a live bullet to the chest" in the nearby town of Beita, it said in a statement.

A Palestinian shot by Israeli forces in the occupied West Bank died of his wounds on Friday, the Palestinian health ministry said. Imad Ali Mohammad Dweikat, 38, reached hospital in the city of Nablus "in a critical state" after receiving "a live bullet to the chest" in the nearby town of Beita, it said in a statement. Beita sees regular demonstrations against the Israeli occupation and settlement expansion, which often degenerate into clashes. An AFP reporter saw hundreds of demonstrators protesting outside the town on Friday afternoon, some throwing rocks at Israeli troops. The Israeli army told AFP a "riot" had been instigated by "700 Palestinians who burned tires and hurled rocks and Molotov cocktails at IDF troops and border police officers, who responded with riot dispersal means". Also read | Israel orders 'massive reinforcement' of forces to quell unrest in cities after Gaza violence "We are aware of reports that a Palestinian was killed and a number of Palestinians were injured", it said, without adding details. Last Friday, some 270 Palestinians were wounded in clashes with Israeli troops during protests in Beita and during the funeral of a young Palestinian killed the day before, the Palestinian Red Crescent reported. On July 23, 320 Palestinians were wounded or suffered from tear gas inhalation in clashes with Israeli forces in Beita, medics said. A teenager shot by Israeli forces later died of his wounds. Beita residents have been demonstrating since May against a the wildcat Eviatar Jewish settlement set up nearby without official permission from Israeli authorities. The settlement was evacuated in early July but Israeli army troops remain stationed there while authorities deliberate on its fate. If the settlement is approved, its founders will be allowed to take up residence there more permanently. Beita's residents have vowed to continue their campaign until the army also leaves the outpost. Israel occupied the West Bank during the 1967 Six-Day War and all Jewish settlements there are considered illegal by most of the international community. Almost half a million people live in Israeli settlements in the West Bank, alongside 2.8 million Palestinians.

Palestinian dies of Israeli gunfire after West Bank clashes: Ministry

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