From a quiet Jerusalem neighbourhood, Sheikh Jarrah has become a global flashpoint - with protests against the forced eviction of Palestinians.

West Asia Post: The story of Sheikh Jarrah

Palestinian medics and health ministry said on Friday that a Palestinian teenager died after Israeli army shot him during clashes in West Bank.

"Mohammad Said Hamayel, 15, died in clashes" with Israeli forces near Beita, south of Nablus, the Palestinian Red Crescent said.&nbsp;

Palestinian health ministry has said that six others were wounded due to live gunfire.

According to Palestinian news agency Wafa, violence took place during "a public protest against Israel's construction of a colonial settlement outpost near the village", to which the army responded with live fire and teargas.

The teenager's death has come just a day after three Palestinians were killed by Israeli special forces. The forces were on a mission to arrest suspected 'terrorists' in West Bank.

Violence in the West Bank increased in early May, with at least 30 Palestinians killed in clashes with Israeli forces and in alleged attacks.

That came amid a flare-up in Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem that led to 11 days of fighting between Israel and Palestinian militants in Gaza.

West Bank villages often hold Friday demonstrations against land confiscation, house demolitions and Israeli settlements deemed illegal under international law.

(With inputs from agencies)

Palestinian medics and health ministry said on Friday that a Palestinian teenager died after Israeli army shot him during clashes in West Bank. "Mohammad Said Hamayel, 15, died in clashes" with Israeli forces near Beita, south of Nablus, the Palestinian Red Crescent said.

Palestinian medics and health ministry said on Friday that a Palestinian teenager died after Israeli army shot him during clashes in West Bank. "Mohammad Said Hamayel, 15, died in clashes" with Israeli forces near Beita, south of Nablus, the Palestinian Red Crescent said. Palestinian health ministry has said that six others were wounded due to live gunfire. According to Palestinian news agency Wafa, violence took place during "a public protest against Israel's construction of a colonial settlement outpost near the village", to which the army responded with live fire and teargas. The teenager's death has come just a day after three Palestinians were killed by Israeli special forces. The forces were on a mission to arrest suspected 'terrorists' in West Bank. Violence in the West Bank increased in early May, with at least 30 Palestinians killed in clashes with Israeli forces and in alleged attacks. That came amid a flare-up in Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem that led to 11 days of fighting between Israel and Palestinian militants in Gaza. West Bank villages often hold Friday demonstrations against land confiscation, house demolitions and Israeli settlements deemed illegal under international law. (With inputs from agencies)

Palestinian teenager shot dead during clash with Israel army, say medics

Police later confirmed the arrest of a 23-year-old woman for allegedly participating in "public disturbances" in Sheikh Jarrah.

Israeli police detain prominent Palestinian activist

Palestinians dismissed a change in the Israeli government saying they do not have any hope in the newly formed government. Politicians and residents called it an internal issue of Israel.

Palestinians see little difference in old and new Israeli leaders, dismisses 'govt of change'

India made clear on Thursday that its abstention at United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) vote calling for probe into Gaza violence was not indicative of a new position. The comment came a day after it emerged that Palestinian foreign minister had written a strong letter to India's external affairs minister (EAM) over the issue.&nbsp;

Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi, in response to questions during weekly virtual press conference said, "I understand Palestine has written a similar letter to all countries who abstained during UNHRC vote. The position we took is not a new position and we have abstained on the previous occasions."

In the letter, Palestinian Foreign Minister Dr. Riad Malki had expressed concerns over the "position taken by India" at the human rights council's special session. In the letter seen by WION, Malki said, "The Republic of India missed an opportunity to join the international community at this turning point" both "crucial and long overdue on the path to accountability, justice and peace".

The resolution saw India among the 14 countries abstaining on the issue of the probe. Other countries that abstained included Bahamas, Brazil, Denmark, Fiji, France, Italy, Japan, Nepal, Netherlands, Poland, South Korea, Togo &amp; Ukraine. The letter by Palestine's FM to EAM was sent on the 30th of May, 3 days after India abstained from the vote at the UNHRC.&nbsp;

The resolution--"Ensuring respect for international human rights law and humanitarian law in occupied Palestinian territory including East Jerusalem and in Israel", was adopted with 24 countries voting in favor, 9 against at the 47-member strong Geneva headquartered UN Body. WION was the first new channel to break the story on Wednesday.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

India made clear on Thursday that its abstention at United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) vote calling for probe into Gaza violence was not indicative of a new position.

India made clear on Thursday that its abstention at United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) vote calling for probe into Gaza violence was not indicative of a new position. The comment came a day after it emerged that Palestinian foreign minister had written a strong letter to India's external affairs minister (EAM) over the issue. Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi, in response to questions during weekly virtual press conference said, "I understand Palestine has written a similar letter to all countries who abstained during UNHRC vote. The position we took is not a new position and we have abstained on the previous occasions." In the letter, Palestinian Foreign Minister Dr. Riad Malki had expressed concerns over the "position taken by India" at the human rights council's special session. In the letter seen by WION, Malki said, "The Republic of India missed an opportunity to join the international community at this turning point" both "crucial and long overdue on the path to accountability, justice and peace". The resolution saw India among the 14 countries abstaining on the issue of the probe. Other countries that abstained included Bahamas, Brazil, Denmark, Fiji, France, Italy, Japan, Nepal, Netherlands, Poland, South Korea, Togo & Ukraine. The letter by Palestine's FM to EAM was sent on the 30th of May, 3 days after India abstained from the vote at the UNHRC. The resolution--"Ensuring respect for international human rights law and humanitarian law in occupied Palestinian territory including East Jerusalem and in Israel", was adopted with 24 countries voting in favor, 9 against at the 47-member strong Geneva headquartered UN Body. WION was the first new channel to break the story on Wednesday.

Our position not new, says India after Palestine FM writes to EAM

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

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

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

Opinion: For just cause of Palestine

A miffed Palestine has raised its concern with India's abstention at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) resolution that called for a probe into violence in Gaza. The resolution saw India among the 14 countries abstaining on the issue of the probe.&nbsp;

The matter was raised by Palestinian foreign minister Dr&nbsp;Riad Malki with India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar in a letter.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israels-foreign-minister-visits-egypt-to-discuss-permanent-ceasefire-with-gaza-388408">Israel's foreign minister visits Egypt to discuss 'permanent ceasefire' with Gaza</a>

In this letter, seen by WION, he expressed "concern" over the "position taken by India" at the human rights council's special session.

"The Republic of India missed an opportunity to join the international community at this turning point,&nbsp;(both) crucial and long over due on the path to accountability, justice and peace," he said. "Your abstention stifles the important work of human rights council at advancing human rights for all peoples, including those of the Palestinian people."

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The resolution "ensuring respect for international human rights law and humanitarian law in occupied Palestinian territory including East Jerusalem and in Israel", was adopted with 24 countries voting in favor and nine against at the 47 members strong Geneva-headquartered UN body.

Malki highlighted that "the resolution is not an aberration to the human rights council. It is a by-product of extensive multilateral consultations. It is the consolidation of years and thorough investigations into and reporting on Israel's grave violations by states, UN experts, human rights treaty bodies and international organizations, without accountability measures".

Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/israelis-should-go-back-to-europe-us-irans-quds-force-commander-388271" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/israelis-should-go-back-to-europe-us-irans-quds-force-commander-388271&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjot9HzmPHwAhVzmeYKHWNxCPQQFjACegQIARAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3bIOrE3nkvetE4-nhNXZKX" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israelis-should-go-back-to-europe-us-irans-quds-force-commander-388271" target="_blank">Israelis should 'go back' to Europe, US: Iran's Quds Force</a>

India had welcomed the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas at UNHRC, which was announced last month after 11 days of violent clashes from both sides. The situation escalated after violence in Jerusalem and the possible eviction of Palestinians in the Sheikh Jarrah and Silwan neighborhood. During the clashes, over 200 Palestinians died in Gaza and 10&nbsp;Israelis.

The FM pointed out in the letter to EAM that the "root causes of the injustice that befell the Palestinian people, the decade long dispossession, displacement, colonization, oppression of the Palestinian people and the denial and violation of their every human rights by Israel, the occupying power, must be prioritized".

He also added that if the same is not dealt with on priority "the situation will not only remain volatile but will continue deteriorating with far-reaching and grave repercussions".

The letter by Palestine's FM to EAM was sent on the May 30 — three days after India abstained from the vote at the UNHRC. Other countries that abstained included Bahamas, Brazil, Denmark, Fiji, France, Italy, Japan, Nepal, Netherlands, Poland, South Korea, Togo and Ukraine.

A miffed Palestine has raised its concern with India's abstention at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) resolution that called for a probe into violence in Gaza.

A miffed Palestine has raised its concern with India's abstention at the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) resolution that called for a probe into violence in Gaza. The resolution saw India among the 14 countries abstaining on the issue of the probe. The matter was raised by Palestinian foreign minister Dr Riad Malki with India's External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar in a letter. Also read | Israel's foreign minister visits Egypt to discuss 'permanent ceasefire' with Gaza In this letter, seen by WION, he expressed "concern" over the "position taken by India" at the human rights council's special session. "The Republic of India missed an opportunity to join the international community at this turning point, (both) crucial and long over due on the path to accountability, justice and peace," he said. "Your abstention stifles the important work of human rights council at advancing human rights for all peoples, including those of the Palestinian people." The resolution "ensuring respect for international human rights law and humanitarian law in occupied Palestinian territory including East Jerusalem and in Israel", was adopted with 24 countries voting in favor and nine against at the 47 members strong Geneva-headquartered UN body. Malki highlighted that "the resolution is not an aberration to the human rights council. It is a by-product of extensive multilateral consultations. It is the consolidation of years and thorough investigations into and reporting on Israel's grave violations by states, UN experts, human rights treaty bodies and international organizations, without accountability measures". Also read | Israelis should 'go back' to Europe, US: Iran's Quds Force India had welcomed the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas at UNHRC, which was announced last month after 11 days of violent clashes from both sides. The situation escalated after violence in Jerusalem and the possible eviction of Palestinians in the Sheikh Jarrah and Silwan neighborhood. During the clashes, over 200 Palestinians died in Gaza and 10 Israelis. The FM pointed out in the letter to EAM that the "root causes of the injustice that befell the Palestinian people, the decade long dispossession, displacement, colonization, oppression of the Palestinian people and the denial and violation of their every human rights by Israel, the occupying power, must be prioritized". He also added that if the same is not dealt with on priority "the situation will not only remain volatile but will continue deteriorating with far-reaching and grave repercussions". The letter by Palestine's FM to EAM was sent on the May 30 — three days after India abstained from the vote at the UNHRC. Other countries that abstained included Bahamas, Brazil, Denmark, Fiji, France, Italy, Japan, Nepal, Netherlands, Poland, South Korea, Togo and Ukraine.

Palestine miffed with India's abstention at UNHRC vote; FM Riad writes to EAM

Egypt's intelligence chief Abbas Kamel met Hamas leaders in Gaza on Monday to try to bolster a ceasefire between the Palestinian militant group and Israel and to discuss reconstruction plans following the recent hostilities.

Egypt's intelligence chief Kamel holds truce talks with Hamas in Gaza

For the first time in 13 years, Israel’s foreign minister Gabi Ashkenazi is visiting Egypt to discuss ways to establish a ‘permanent ceasefire’ between Israel and Gaza.

"We will discuss establishing a permanent ceasefire with Hamas, a mechanism for providing humanitarian aid &amp; the reconstruction of Gaza with a pivotal role played by the intl. Community," Ashkenazi tweeted in English, Arabic and Hebrew.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Thank you, FM <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Sameh_Shoukry?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Sameh_Shoukry</a>, for your invitation to visit <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Egypt?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Egypt</a>, the first formal visit of an Israeli FM in 13 years. 
 
During the visit we will discuss regional issues as well as ways and means to strengthen our bilateral relations. <a href="https://t.co/j6pcv4gs9T">pic.twitter.com/j6pcv4gs9T</a>
— גבי אשכנזי - Gabi Ashkenazi (@Gabi_Ashkenazi) <a href="https://twitter.com/Gabi_Ashkenazi/status/1398921142849638403?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 30, 2021</a></blockquote>
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Ashkenazi has also assured that the Benjamin Netanyahu-led government will also discuss the terms to repatriate the Israeli prisoners held by the Hamas group in Gaza.

Also read |&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/israelis-should-go-back-to-europe-us-irans-quds-force-commander-388271" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/israelis-should-go-back-to-europe-us-irans-quds-force-commander-388271&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjot9HzmPHwAhVzmeYKHWNxCPQQFjACegQIARAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw3bIOrE3nkvetE4-nhNXZKX" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israelis-should-go-back-to-europe-us-irans-quds-force-commander-388271" target="_blank">Israelis should 'go back' to Europe, US: Iran's Quds Force</a>

While Ashkenazi visits Egypt to meet his counterpart, Egypt’s intelligence chief Abbas Kamel, along with a high-security delegation, is visiting Israel and Palestinian communities and hold discussions on similar tunes.

"President (Abdel Fattah) al-Sisi instructed the general intelligence chief to discuss with the Israeli Prime Minister (Benjamin Netanyahu) and concerned authorities the fixing of a permanent ceasefire and the latest developments on the Palestinian front," Egyptian security officials told news agency AFP.

In addition to this, Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has also promised to help re-build the destroyed areas in Gaza by donating $500 million for the cause.

The peace-building plans have come after Egypt successfully brokered a temporary ceasefire between Israel and Gaza, which killed 354 Palestinians and 12 Israelis during the weeks-long fight.

For the first time in 13 years, Israel’s foreign minister Gabi Ashkenazi is visiting Egypt to discuss ways to establish a ‘permanent ceasefire’ between Israel and Gaza.

For the first time in 13 years, Israel’s foreign minister Gabi Ashkenazi is visiting Egypt to discuss ways to establish a ‘permanent ceasefire’ between Israel and Gaza. "We will discuss establishing a permanent ceasefire with Hamas, a mechanism for providing humanitarian aid & the reconstruction of Gaza with a pivotal role played by the intl. Community," Ashkenazi tweeted in English, Arabic and Hebrew. Thank you, FM #Sameh_Shoukry, for your invitation to visit #Egypt, the first formal visit of an Israeli FM in 13 years. During the visit we will discuss regional issues as well as ways and means to strengthen our bilateral relations. pic.twitter.com/j6pcv4gs9T — גבי אשכנזי - Gabi Ashkenazi (@Gabi_Ashkenazi) May 30, 2021 × Ashkenazi has also assured that the Benjamin Netanyahu-led government will also discuss the terms to repatriate the Israeli prisoners held by the Hamas group in Gaza. Also read | Israelis should 'go back' to Europe, US: Iran's Quds Force While Ashkenazi visits Egypt to meet his counterpart, Egypt’s intelligence chief Abbas Kamel, along with a high-security delegation, is visiting Israel and Palestinian communities and hold discussions on similar tunes. "President (Abdel Fattah) al-Sisi instructed the general intelligence chief to discuss with the Israeli Prime Minister (Benjamin Netanyahu) and concerned authorities the fixing of a permanent ceasefire and the latest developments on the Palestinian front," Egyptian security officials told news agency AFP. In addition to this, Egypt’s President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has also promised to help re-build the destroyed areas in Gaza by donating $500 million for the cause. The peace-building plans have come after Egypt successfully brokered a temporary ceasefire between Israel and Gaza, which killed 354 Palestinians and 12 Israelis during the weeks-long fight.

Israel's foreign minister visits Egypt to discuss 'permanent ceasefire' with Gaza

This week on The West Asia Post, Ghadi Francis takes a look at the region's biggest conflict in years. A ceasefire is holding in Gaza after 11 days of fighting between Israel and Hamas. As U.S. President Joe Biden dispatches his top diplomat Antony Blinken to hold peace, who will help rebuild Gaza? For more such stories, keep watching the West Asia post with Ghadi Francis every Friday at 8:30 PM IST, only on WION.

The West Asia Post Episode 31: Who will help rebuild Gaza?

In the tiny coastal strip of Gaza, children live under fear. They are scared that any moment could be their last. In The West Asia Post, Ghadi Francis tells you about the mental scars that the children of Gaza bear. For more such stories, keep watching the West Asia post with Ghadi Francis every Friday at 8:30 PM IST, only on WION.

The West Asia Post: Gaza's children face brunt of conflict

Commander of Iran's Quds Force on Saturday asked Israelis to "go back" to Europe and USA and "rebuild lives" there. He also said that Palestinians were ready to take back control of occupied lands.

Brigadier General Esmail Ghaani, the commander of the Quds Force made the comments during a ceremony in Iran's capital Tehran.

Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas have established ceasefire last week but tensions are still high in the region. The ceasefire halted the 11-day fighting between the two warring parties that saw rocket attacks and airstrikes causing casualties on both sides.

Iran supports Hamas that rules the Gaza Strip. Iran does not recognise Tehran.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-fighters-display-weapons-in-gaza-after-truce-with-israel-388205">Hamas fighters display weapons in Gaza after truce with Israel&nbsp;</a>

Israeli strikes on Gaza during the 11-day conflict killed 248 Palestinians, including 66 children, and have wounded more than 1,900 people, the Gaza health ministry says.

Rockets and other fire from Gaza claimed 12 lives in Israel, including one child and an Arab-Israeli teenager, an Israeli soldier, one Indian, and two Thai nationals, medics say. Some 357 people in Israel were wounded.

There is controversy about how many of those killed in Gaza were combatants, and how many were civilians.

(With inputs from agencies)

Commander of Iran's Quds Force on Saturday asked Israelis to "go back" to Europe and USA and "rebuild lives" there. He also said that Palestinians were ready to take back control of occupied lands.

Commander of Iran's Quds Force on Saturday asked Israelis to "go back" to Europe and USA and "rebuild lives" there. He also said that Palestinians were ready to take back control of occupied lands. Brigadier General Esmail Ghaani, the commander of the Quds Force made the comments during a ceremony in Iran's capital Tehran. Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas have established ceasefire last week but tensions are still high in the region. The ceasefire halted the 11-day fighting between the two warring parties that saw rocket attacks and airstrikes causing casualties on both sides. Iran supports Hamas that rules the Gaza Strip. Iran does not recognise Tehran. Also Read | Hamas fighters display weapons in Gaza after truce with Israel Israeli strikes on Gaza during the 11-day conflict killed 248 Palestinians, including 66 children, and have wounded more than 1,900 people, the Gaza health ministry says. Rockets and other fire from Gaza claimed 12 lives in Israel, including one child and an Arab-Israeli teenager, an Israeli soldier, one Indian, and two Thai nationals, medics say. Some 357 people in Israel were wounded. There is controversy about how many of those killed in Gaza were combatants, and how many were civilians. (With inputs from agencies)

Israelis should 'go back' to Europe, US: Iran's Quds Force commander

The first meetings of peace negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority back in 2007 were very emotional.

Each of us — I, as Israel’s chief negotiator, and Ahmed Qurei, known as Abu Ala, the former Palestinian prime minister — tried to convince the other who has more rights to the land, the Jewish people or the Palestinians.

Unsurprisingly, we left these sessions frustrated and unconvinced. After two such meetings, we agreed that these discussions would lead us nowhere and that any peace agreement would not determine which narrative prevailed, and instead we should focus only on how to establish a peaceful future.

The argument over historical narratives hasn’t changed. It won’t. Those on both sides that insist on forcing their narrative on the other side, or turning the conflict into a religious war, cannot make the compromises needed for peace. This is true also for those from the international community supporting one side and denying the rights of the other. This is destructive and only strengthens extremists.

Peace based on the vision of two states for two peoples gives an answer to the national aspirations of both the Jewish people and the Palestinians and requires compromises by both.

The solution of a Jewish State and an Arab State has actually existed for some 75 years. It was laid out by the United Nations in 1947 as a just solution to the conflict between Jews (including my own parents) and Arabs who already lived between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea.

National conflicts cannot be resolved by wars and violence, but only by a political resolution, leadership and compromise. A religious conflict is not a conflict over rights, but a fight against the right of the other to live by their faith. For religious ideologists there is no compromise.

The past two weeks were a wake-up call. The message is not only that conflict is unsustainable, but also that the very nature of the conflict is turning into a religious one. That religious element has seeped into Israel itself and turned into violence between the Israeli citizens — Arabs and Jews — within Israeli cities.

We cannot and should not cede the floor to religious extremists.

The cease-fire in Gaza provides a window of time we must use to change the long-term reality. An essential decision is to return to the vision of two states for two people, to strengthen the pragmatic forces and weaken the extremists and end the terror.

Hamas is a radical Islamic terror organization that is fighting not to establish a Palestinian state but against the existence of Jewish “infidels” living in Israel.

In 2006 the so-called Quartet — the United States, the United Nations, the European Union and Russia — set forward parameters for Hamas that included acceptance of previous peace agreements between Israel and the Palestinians, commitment to nonviolence and recognition of Israel. Hamas refused.

These parameters were published after Israel withdrew from the Gaza Strip, uprooted the settlements and pulled out its military forces, and Hamas won the Palestinian elections. Had Hamas adopted these principles, the lives of the residents of the Gaza Strip might today look different, and Gaza could flourish. But for Hamas, “ending the conflict” is something to which it will never agree.

Without accepting these conditions, there’s no hope for peace with Hamas, therefore we cannot, and should not, give it legitimacy.

When one looks at any conflict from afar, it is only natural to identify with the weaker side. But there is no doubt, as President Biden rightfully expressed, that a country has the right to defend itself. In this case, we must defend ourselves against terror by a group that does not accept our very existence. Criticizing any government policy is legitimate (I myself was a political opponent of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu), but denying the right of a country to defend its citizens is not.

We must cooperate and support everything that strengthens pragmatism and weakens extremists. This seems so obvious as to appear basic. And yet the U.S.-Israeli policy in the past few years was completely the opposite. The Trump administration supported efforts of the Israeli government to move toward annexation of land. Had all those efforts come to pass, we would have reached the point of no return. The land would no longer be divisible, and the political future of two states would have been closed to us forever. Further, this policy weakened and delegitimized the Palestinian Authority and included cutting off financial support.

Indeed, the check on rampant expansion came from what would once have been a fantastical source: The Gulf States’ condition for normalization with Israel, through the Abraham Accords, was that Israel take annexation off the table. With President Biden’s inauguration in January, the vision of a two-state solution supported by the United States has made a comeback. The statements of President Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken send a message of hope to the pragmatic forces in the region.

The problem is that reaching two states has also never seemed farther away. That’s not for lack of effort, though all attempts to reach the finish line have always fallen short, including most recently in 2014, when the United States proposed parameters for negotiation in accordance with two states for two peoples.

This last missed opportunity and other political trends in Israel and the Palestinian Authority may lead to an understanding that it is a dream that is impossible to fulfill, and frankly if I had another idea how to end the conflict, I would have adopted it. The violence of the past two weeks with Hamas and within Israel gave all of us a taste of what one state between the river and the sea, with a violent domestic religious and national conflict, would look like. The two-state solution thus seems as important as ever.

Even if peace is not around the corner, the point of no return is closer than ever before. We must not go there. The most important thing for now is to keep the road open. We must create a joint policy among the United States, regional countries and of course, Israel and the Palestinian Authority.

After recharging our joint GPS with the two states as a destination, we need to support that goal with concrete steps, avoiding — and preventing — everything that puts obstacles on this road.

We can start by recognizing that supporting only one narrative and denying the other will lead us nowhere and will strengthen extremism on both sides. The solution must reflect both sides’ legitimate rights, aspirations and interests, with compromises that allow us both to fulfill our legitimate national aspirations and live side-by-side in peace and security.

An agreement will be possible when pragmatic leadership on both sides understand that the price of not having an agreement for their people is far higher than the price of compromise.

The first meetings of peace negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority back in 2007 were very emotional. Each of us — I, as Israel’s chief negotiator, and Ahmed Qurei, known as Abu Ala, the former Palestinian prime minister — tried to convince the other who has more rights to the land, the Jewish people or the Palestinians.

The first meetings of peace negotiations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority back in 2007 were very emotional. Each of us — I, as Israel’s chief negotiator, and Ahmed Qurei, known as Abu Ala, the former Palestinian prime minister — tried to convince the other who has more rights to the land, the Jewish people or the Palestinians. Unsurprisingly, we left these sessions frustrated and unconvinced. After two such meetings, we agreed that these discussions would lead us nowhere and that any peace agreement would not determine which narrative prevailed, and instead we should focus only on how to establish a peaceful future. The argument over historical narratives hasn’t changed. It won’t. Those on both sides that insist on forcing their narrative on the other side, or turning the conflict into a religious war, cannot make the compromises needed for peace. This is true also for those from the international community supporting one side and denying the rights of the other. This is destructive and only strengthens extremists. Peace based on the vision of two states for two peoples gives an answer to the national aspirations of both the Jewish people and the Palestinians and requires compromises by both. The solution of a Jewish State and an Arab State has actually existed for some 75 years. It was laid out by the United Nations in 1947 as a just solution to the conflict between Jews (including my own parents) and Arabs who already lived between the Jordan River and the Mediterranean Sea. National conflicts cannot be resolved by wars and violence, but only by a political resolution, leadership and compromise. A religious conflict is not a conflict over rights, but a fight against the right of the other to live by their faith. For religious ideologists there is no compromise. The past two weeks were a wake-up call. The message is not only that conflict is unsustainable, but also that the very nature of the conflict is turning into a religious one. That religious element has seeped into Israel itself and turned into violence between the Israeli citizens — Arabs and Jews — within Israeli cities. We cannot and should not cede the floor to religious extremists. The cease-fire in Gaza provides a window of time we must use to change the long-term reality. An essential decision is to return to the vision of two states for two people, to strengthen the pragmatic forces and weaken the extremists and end the terror. Hamas is a radical Islamic terror organization that is fighting not to establish a Palestinian state but against the existence of Jewish “infidels” living in Israel. In 2006 the so-called Quartet — the United States, the United Nations, the European Union and Russia — set forward parameters for Hamas that included acceptance of previous peace agreements between Israel and the Palestinians, commitment to nonviolence and recognition of Israel. Hamas refused. These parameters were published after Israel withdrew from the Gaza Strip, uprooted the settlements and pulled out its military forces, and Hamas won the Palestinian elections. Had Hamas adopted these principles, the lives of the residents of the Gaza Strip might today look different, and Gaza could flourish. But for Hamas, “ending the conflict” is something to which it will never agree. Without accepting these conditions, there’s no hope for peace with Hamas, therefore we cannot, and should not, give it legitimacy. When one looks at any conflict from afar, it is only natural to identify with the weaker side. But there is no doubt, as President Biden rightfully expressed, that a country has the right to defend itself. In this case, we must defend ourselves against terror by a group that does not accept our very existence. Criticizing any government policy is legitimate (I myself was a political opponent of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu), but denying the right of a country to defend its citizens is not. We must cooperate and support everything that strengthens pragmatism and weakens extremists. This seems so obvious as to appear basic. And yet the U.S.-Israeli policy in the past few years was completely the opposite. The Trump administration supported efforts of the Israeli government to move toward annexation of land. Had all those efforts come to pass, we would have reached the point of no return. The land would no longer be divisible, and the political future of two states would have been closed to us forever. Further, this policy weakened and delegitimized the Palestinian Authority and included cutting off financial support. Indeed, the check on rampant expansion came from what would once have been a fantastical source: The Gulf States’ condition for normalization with Israel, through the Abraham Accords, was that Israel take annexation off the table. With President Biden’s inauguration in January, the vision of a two-state solution supported by the United States has made a comeback. The statements of President Biden and Secretary of State Antony Blinken send a message of hope to the pragmatic forces in the region. The problem is that reaching two states has also never seemed farther away. That’s not for lack of effort, though all attempts to reach the finish line have always fallen short, including most recently in 2014, when the United States proposed parameters for negotiation in accordance with two states for two peoples. This last missed opportunity and other political trends in Israel and the Palestinian Authority may lead to an understanding that it is a dream that is impossible to fulfill, and frankly if I had another idea how to end the conflict, I would have adopted it. The violence of the past two weeks with Hamas and within Israel gave all of us a taste of what one state between the river and the sea, with a violent domestic religious and national conflict, would look like. The two-state solution thus seems as important as ever. Even if peace is not around the corner, the point of no return is closer than ever before. We must not go there. The most important thing for now is to keep the road open. We must create a joint policy among the United States, regional countries and of course, Israel and the Palestinian Authority. After recharging our joint GPS with the two states as a destination, we need to support that goal with concrete steps, avoiding — and preventing — everything that puts obstacles on this road. We can start by recognizing that supporting only one narrative and denying the other will lead us nowhere and will strengthen extremism on both sides. The solution must reflect both sides’ legitimate rights, aspirations and interests, with compromises that allow us both to fulfill our legitimate national aspirations and live side-by-side in peace and security. An agreement will be possible when pragmatic leadership on both sides understand that the price of not having an agreement for their people is far higher than the price of compromise.

There is a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict

UNHRC wants to probe Israel for war crimes. The resolution was adopted in a special session called by Pakistan. China, Russia voted in favour of the probe. Since when did these countries start championing human rights? Palki Sharma has the details.

Gravitas: UN Human Rights Council to probe Israel

A day after the UN rights chief said that Israeli forces may have committed war crimes in Gaza territory, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has criticised the decision by the UN Human Rights Council to probe abuses in the Palestinian territories and inside Israel.

Calling the decision "shameful", Netanyahu said in a statement that "this is yet another example of the UN Human Rights Council’s blatant anti-Israel obsession”.

“This travesty makes a mockery of international law and encourages terrorists worldwide,” he added. 
 
Gravitas: UN Human Rights Council to probe Israel

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On the other hand, The Palestinian Authority welcomed the resolution, saying it amounted to “international recognition of Israel’s systemic oppression and discrimination against the Palestinian people.”

“This reality of apartheid and impunity can no longer be ignored,” it added.

On Thursday, the UN Human Rights Council decided to create an open-ended international investigation into violations surrounding the latest Gaza violence, and into the "systematic" abuses in the Palestinian territories and inside Israel.

The resolution, which passed with 24 of the council's 47 members in favour, will spur an unprecedented level of scrutiny on abuses and their "root causes" in the decades-long Middle East conflict.

Earlier this month, The situation escalated after violence in Jerusalem and over the possibility of eviction of Palestinians in Sheikh Jarrah and Silwan neighbourhoods. Over 200 Palestinian died in Gaza and 10 Israelis died in the rocket firing and violence.

Egypt played an important role to establish a ceasefire and was the main channel of communication between Hamas and the West and Israel in bringing about the present situation. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A day after the UN rights chief said that Israeli forces may have committed war crimes in Gaza territory, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has criticised the decision by the UN Human Rights Council to probe abuses in the Palestinian territories and inside Israel.

A day after the UN rights chief said that Israeli forces may have committed war crimes in Gaza territory, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has criticised the decision by the UN Human Rights Council to probe abuses in the Palestinian territories and inside Israel. Calling the decision "shameful", Netanyahu said in a statement that "this is yet another example of the UN Human Rights Council’s blatant anti-Israel obsession”. “This travesty makes a mockery of international law and encourages terrorists worldwide,” he added. Gravitas: UN Human Rights Council to probe Israel On the other hand, The Palestinian Authority welcomed the resolution, saying it amounted to “international recognition of Israel’s systemic oppression and discrimination against the Palestinian people.” “This reality of apartheid and impunity can no longer be ignored,” it added. On Thursday, the UN Human Rights Council decided to create an open-ended international investigation into violations surrounding the latest Gaza violence, and into the "systematic" abuses in the Palestinian territories and inside Israel. The resolution, which passed with 24 of the council's 47 members in favour, will spur an unprecedented level of scrutiny on abuses and their "root causes" in the decades-long Middle East conflict. Earlier this month, The situation escalated after violence in Jerusalem and over the possibility of eviction of Palestinians in Sheikh Jarrah and Silwan neighbourhoods. Over 200 Palestinian died in Gaza and 10 Israelis died in the rocket firing and violence. Egypt played an important role to establish a ceasefire and was the main channel of communication between Hamas and the West and Israel in bringing about the present situation. (With inputs from agencies)

'Blatant anti-Israel obsession': Netanyahu denounces war crime probe by UN

More than a week into their fourth war, Israel and the Hamas are already facing allegations of possible war crimes in Gaza. Israel says Hamas is using Palestinian civilians as human shields, while critics say Israel is using disproportionate force.

Israel and Hamas face allegations of war crimes in Gaza

The new Bangladesh passport will no longer prevent its legitimacy in Israel in an effort to encourage visits to the West Asian country. However, Dhaka's position on the Israel-Palestine issue remains unchanged, its Foreign Ministry said on Sunday.

Bangladesh shows support to Palestine, warn citizens against travel to Israel

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken began a visit to the Middle East in Israel on Tuesday, seeking to strengthen a ceasefire with Gaza's ruling Hamas group and help accelerate humanitarian aid to the devastated Palestinian enclave.

United States attempts to solidify ceasefire between Israel and Palestine

Foreign Minister Antony Blinken said on Sunday that President Joe Biden is still committed to a two-state solution between Israelis and Palestinians. Blinken said Biden "has been very clear that he remains committed to a two-state solution."

US Secy of State to meet his Israeli and Palestinian counterpart as for 'truce efforts'

US President Joe Biden called Egypt’s President Abdelfattah al-Sisi to discuss strengthening the Gaza ceasefire, urgent humanitarian aid to the strip and international reconstruction efforts. The two leaders also discussed ways to revive the peace process between Israel and Palestine.

US President Biden discusses Gaza ceasefire with Egypt's Sisi

The Al-Aqsa Mosque is the third holiest site in Islam. But its location is also the holiest site in Judaism - known as the Temple Mount. While Al-Aqsa has been an Arab-Israeli fuse over the years, it has become a crucial flashpoint in the Israel-Palestine conflict this time.

Israel-Palestine clashes: Jews return to flashpoint site

France voiced its concern on Sunday that there was a risk of "long-lasting apartheid" in Israel if Palestinians failed to obtain their own state. French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian became first senior official in the country to use the term "apartheid" in reference to Israel.

The veteran politician made the remarks in an interview with RTL radio and Le Figaro newspaper in reference to the clashes between Jews and Arabs that erupted in several Israeli cities during the latest conflict.

"It's the first time and it clearly shows that if in the future we had a solution other than the two-state solution, we would have the ingredients of long-lasting apartheid," Le Drian said, using the word for the white supremacist oppression of blacks in South Africa from 1948 to 1991.

The latest spell of violence shattered years of peaceful co-existence within Israel. It also revealed simmering anger among Israeli Arab over the crackdown on Palestinians in Jerusalem.

Le Drian said the "risk of apartheid is high" if Israel continued to act "according to a single-state logic" but also if it maintained the status quo.

"Even the status quo produces that," he said.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/antony-blinken-reaffirms-support-for-two-state-solution-ahead-of-west-asia-visit-386943">Antony Blinken reaffirms support for 'two-state solution' ahead of West Asia visit</a>

He added that the 11-day conflict between Hamas and Israel had shown the need to revive the moribund Middle East peace process.

"We have take one step at a time," he said, expressing satisfaction that US President Joe Biden had reiterated support for creating a Palestinian state alongside Israel.

Le Drian's words came on the same day US Secretary of State Antony Blinken <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/antony-blinken-reaffirms-support-for-two-state-solution-ahead-of-west-asia-visit-386943">reaffirmed his support to 'two-state solution'</a> which refers to creation of two separate states for Israelis and Arabs.

Israel's latest offensive against Hamas killed 248 people in the Gaza Strip, including 66 children, and wounded over 1,900, the Hamas-run health ministry said.

Meanwhile, rockets fired by Palestinian armed groups into Israel killed 12 and wounded around 357 others, Israeli police said.

(With inputs from agencies)

France voiced its concern on Sunday that there was a risk of "long-lasting apartheid" in Israel if Palestinians failed to obtain their own state. French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian became first senior official in the country to use the term "apartheid" in reference to Israel.

France voiced its concern on Sunday that there was a risk of "long-lasting apartheid" in Israel if Palestinians failed to obtain their own state. French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian became first senior official in the country to use the term "apartheid" in reference to Israel. The veteran politician made the remarks in an interview with RTL radio and Le Figaro newspaper in reference to the clashes between Jews and Arabs that erupted in several Israeli cities during the latest conflict. "It's the first time and it clearly shows that if in the future we had a solution other than the two-state solution, we would have the ingredients of long-lasting apartheid," Le Drian said, using the word for the white supremacist oppression of blacks in South Africa from 1948 to 1991. The latest spell of violence shattered years of peaceful co-existence within Israel. It also revealed simmering anger among Israeli Arab over the crackdown on Palestinians in Jerusalem. Le Drian said the "risk of apartheid is high" if Israel continued to act "according to a single-state logic" but also if it maintained the status quo. "Even the status quo produces that," he said. Also Read | Antony Blinken reaffirms support for 'two-state solution' ahead of West Asia visit He added that the 11-day conflict between Hamas and Israel had shown the need to revive the moribund Middle East peace process. "We have take one step at a time," he said, expressing satisfaction that US President Joe Biden had reiterated support for creating a Palestinian state alongside Israel. Le Drian's words came on the same day US Secretary of State Antony Blinken reaffirmed his support to 'two-state solution' which refers to creation of two separate states for Israelis and Arabs. Israel's latest offensive against Hamas killed 248 people in the Gaza Strip, including 66 children, and wounded over 1,900, the Hamas-run health ministry said. Meanwhile, rockets fired by Palestinian armed groups into Israel killed 12 and wounded around 357 others, Israeli police said. (With inputs from agencies)

France warns 'risk of apartheid' in Israel

Hundreds of masked Hamas fighters brandishing assault rifles paraded in Gaza City on Saturday, in a defiant show of strength after the militants' 11-day war with Israel.

Hamas militants march through Gaza city to celebrate ceasefire

Clashes have once again broken out between Palestinians and Israeli forces at Al Aqsa in Jerusalem. Another war has begun between Israel and Gaza. This time, it is a war of narratives. WION's Palki Sharma brings you the details.

Gravitas: Clashes break out at Al Aqsa, again

Thousands of demonstrators marched through London and other British cities on Saturday (May 22) to show support for Palestine. The demonstrators protested Israeli air strikes on Gaza during the conflict that raged for 11 days.

The protesters demanded sanctions on Israel during a&nbsp;march in London. Some of them were draped in Palestinian flags and lit red and green flares. Some others carried banners that said "Free Palestine", "Stop bombing Gaza" and "Sanctions on Israel".

A ceasefire on Friday (May 21), mediated by Egypt, ended 11 days of hostilities, during which the Israeli military pounded Gaza with air strikes which it said were a response to rockets fired at Israel by Palestinian militants.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ahead-of-pro-palestinian-protests-merkel-warns-on-anti-semitism-386747">Ahead of pro-Palestinian protests, Merkel warns on anti-Semitism</a>

Gaza medical officials said 248 people were killed in the Palestinian enclave, and aid officials have expressed concern about the humanitarian situation there.

Health officials said 13 people were killed in Israel in the hostilities, during which the Israeli military said Hamas, Islamic Jihad and other militant groups fired around 4,350 rockets, many of which did not reach Israel or were intercepted.

(With inputs from agencies)

Thousands of demonstrators marched through London and other British cities on Saturday (May 22) to show support for Palestine. The demonstrators protested Israeli air strikes on Gaza during the conflict that raged for 11 days.

Thousands of demonstrators marched through London and other British cities on Saturday (May 22) to show support for Palestine. The demonstrators protested Israeli air strikes on Gaza during the conflict that raged for 11 days. The protesters demanded sanctions on Israel during a march in London. Some of them were draped in Palestinian flags and lit red and green flares. Some others carried banners that said "Free Palestine", "Stop bombing Gaza" and "Sanctions on Israel". A ceasefire on Friday (May 21), mediated by Egypt, ended 11 days of hostilities, during which the Israeli military pounded Gaza with air strikes which it said were a response to rockets fired at Israel by Palestinian militants. Also Read | Ahead of pro-Palestinian protests, Merkel warns on anti-Semitism Gaza medical officials said 248 people were killed in the Palestinian enclave, and aid officials have expressed concern about the humanitarian situation there. Health officials said 13 people were killed in Israel in the hostilities, during which the Israeli military said Hamas, Islamic Jihad and other militant groups fired around 4,350 rockets, many of which did not reach Israel or were intercepted. (With inputs from agencies)

Thousands march in Britain to show support for Palestine

Uneasy calm has taken place in Gaza after 11 days of bloodletting that left hundreds dead or wounded and upended the lives of tens of thousands of others. This after both Israel and Hamas agreed to an Egypt-brokered ceasefire.

Israel-Palestine Clashes: Focus turns to assessing damage & rebuilding Gaza

Israel and Hamas brought to an end a violent 11 days of back-and-forth aerial warfare after the two sides agreed upon a mutual ceasefire brokered by Egypt.

Israel Palestine Conflict: Hamas chief claims victory after truce

German Chancellor Angela Merkel warned against show of racist or anti-Semitic behaviour ahead of weekend pr-Palestinian rallies. German cities have seen pro-Palestinian rallies as the 11-day conflict raged on in West Asia between Israel and Palestinians.

"Those who bear hatred towards Jews in the street, those who incite racial hatred put themselves outside our Basic Law," Merkel declared in her weekly podcast.

"Such acts must be punished severely," she insisted.

German police made about 60 arrests last Saturday. Around 100 officers were hurt during the pro-Palestinian rallies in Berlin.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ceasefire-between-israel-and-gaza-holds-as-egyptian-mediators-eye-long-term-peace-386713">Ceasefire between Israel and Gaza holds as Egyptian mediators eye long-term peace</a>

Some participants at marches in towns across Germany shouted anti-Semitic slogans, which Merkel blasted as "unacceptable". Others burned Israeli flags and in one case stoned the entrance to a synagogue.

Merkel noted that Germany's constitution "guarantees the right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.&nbsp; 
But it offers no place for attacks on people of a different confession, no place for violence, racism or denigration" of others and their beliefs.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

German Chancellor Angela Merkel warned against show of racist or anti-Semitic behaviour ahead of weekend pr-Palestinian rallies. German cities have seen pro-Palestinian rallies as the 11-day conflict raged on in West Asia between Israel and Palestinians.

German Chancellor Angela Merkel warned against show of racist or anti-Semitic behaviour ahead of weekend pr-Palestinian rallies. German cities have seen pro-Palestinian rallies as the 11-day conflict raged on in West Asia between Israel and Palestinians. "Those who bear hatred towards Jews in the street, those who incite racial hatred put themselves outside our Basic Law," Merkel declared in her weekly podcast. "Such acts must be punished severely," she insisted. German police made about 60 arrests last Saturday. Around 100 officers were hurt during the pro-Palestinian rallies in Berlin. Also Read | Ceasefire between Israel and Gaza holds as Egyptian mediators eye long-term peace Some participants at marches in towns across Germany shouted anti-Semitic slogans, which Merkel blasted as "unacceptable". Others burned Israeli flags and in one case stoned the entrance to a synagogue. Merkel noted that Germany's constitution "guarantees the right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. But it offers no place for attacks on people of a different confession, no place for violence, racism or denigration" of others and their beliefs. (With inputs from agencies)

Ahead of pro-Palestinian protests, Merkel warns on anti-Semitism

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas discussed measures to ensure that the recently established ceasefire with Israel holds. This comes after Israel and Hamas agreed to an Egypt-brokered ceasefire, after 11 days of rocket attacks and airstrikes that left hundreds dead.

Blinken, Palestinian Prez Abbas discuss ceasefire measures

Are divisions within the Palestinian political leadership a roadblock to peace? Was the escalation by Hamas a political move? What kind of support do the Palestinians want from India? WION's Palki Sharma brings you an exclusive conversation with Fateh's Dr Sabri Saidan.

Gravitas | Israel-Hamas Clashes: Senior Palestinian leader wants India's support

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

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

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

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

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