India has called for an immediate de-escalation for the situation between Israel and Palestine at the first public United Nations Security Council meeting. India also urged Israel and Palestinian authorities to immediately resume dialogue to find a lasting solution.

India at UNSC calls for immediate de-escalation of Israel-Palestine hostilities

Pro-Palestinian groups took to streets across the globe, demanding an end to the escalating violence between Israel and Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip. In Jordan, protesters gathered outside the Israeli embassy and burned Israeli flags.

Pro-Palestinian protesters march in major cities as Israel attacks Gaza

A young girl from Gaza has survived an Israeli airstrike that destroyed her home and killed her mother and all four of her siblings.

Gaza: six-year-old survives airstrike

"Very emotional" visit, that is how Israel's top diplomat in South India, Consul General Jonathan Zadka has described his visit to the house of Soumya Santhosh in Kerala. Soumya, an Indian caregiver in was killed in Israel's Ashkelon due to Hamas airstrikes from Gaza.

Imp to show "Personal Support," says Israel's CG Zadka who visited Soumya's house

Saudi Arabia has called for foreign ministers of the world's largest body of Muslim nations to hold a meeting on Sunday.

The gathering is to discuss Israeli acts of violence against Palestinians and the Israeli police's use of force against protesters at Al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="Qatar top diplomat meets Hamas' leader in Doha ">Qatar top diplomat meets Hamas' leader in Doha&nbsp;</a>

The kingdom will host the virtual summit, gathering ministers of the 57-nation Organisation of Islamic Cooperation to discuss the Israeli aggression in the Palestinian territory, particularly acts of violence in the vicinity of Al-Aqsa Mosque, the body said on Saturday.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="Israel bombs home of Hamas chief in Gaza; violence shows no signs of abating">Israel bombs home of Hamas chief in Gaza; violence shows no signs of abating</a>

The Saudi-headquartered OIC includes countries Iran, Turkey, Indonesia and a range of Muslim majority nations.

The sanctity of Al-Aqsa mosque, one of Islam's holiest sites, is a sensitive and emotive issue for Muslims around the world.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="Biden calls Netanyahu, reaffirms US support for Israel's right to defend itself against Hamas, other terror groups">Biden calls Netanyahu, reaffirms US support for Israel's right to defend itself against Hamas, other terror groups</a>

The OIC was formed 51 years ago in response to a Jewish extremist arson attack on the Al-Aqsa Mosque in east Jerusalem.

The hilltop on which the mosque stands is also sacred to Jews, who revere it as the Temple Mount because it was the site of the biblical temples.

Some Jews and evangelical Christians support building a new Jewish temple on the site, an idea that Muslims find alarming because they fear it would lead to the mosque being partitioned or demolished.&nbsp;

Saudi Arabia has called for foreign ministers of the world's largest body of Muslim nations to hold a meeting on Sunday. The gathering is to discuss Israeli acts of violence against Palestinians and the Israeli police's use of force against protesters at Al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem.

Saudi Arabia has called for foreign ministers of the world's largest body of Muslim nations to hold a meeting on Sunday. The gathering is to discuss Israeli acts of violence against Palestinians and the Israeli police's use of force against protesters at Al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem. Also read: Qatar top diplomat meets Hamas' leader in Doha The kingdom will host the virtual summit, gathering ministers of the 57-nation Organisation of Islamic Cooperation to discuss the Israeli aggression in the Palestinian territory, particularly acts of violence in the vicinity of Al-Aqsa Mosque, the body said on Saturday. Also read: Israel bombs home of Hamas chief in Gaza; violence shows no signs of abating The Saudi-headquartered OIC includes countries Iran, Turkey, Indonesia and a range of Muslim majority nations. The sanctity of Al-Aqsa mosque, one of Islam's holiest sites, is a sensitive and emotive issue for Muslims around the world. Also read: Biden calls Netanyahu, reaffirms US support for Israel's right to defend itself against Hamas, other terror groups The OIC was formed 51 years ago in response to a Jewish extremist arson attack on the Al-Aqsa Mosque in east Jerusalem. The hilltop on which the mosque stands is also sacred to Jews, who revere it as the Temple Mount because it was the site of the biblical temples. Some Jews and evangelical Christians support building a new Jewish temple on the site, an idea that Muslims find alarming because they fear it would lead to the mosque being partitioned or demolished.

Saudis to host meeting of Muslim nations' foreign ministers

The United States told United Nations Security Council (UNSC) that it had made clear to Israel and the Palestinians that it was prepared to offer support "should the parties seek a ceasefire".

"The United States has been working tirelessly through diplomatic channels to try to bring an end to this conflict," U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Linda Thomas-Greenfield told the 15-member council. "Because we believe Israelis and Palestinians equally have a right to live in safety and security."&nbsp;

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday told UNSC that Israel's campaign in Hamas-run Gaza was continuing at "full force"

USA - a strong ally of Israel - has been isolated at the United Nations over its objection to a public statement by the Security Council on the worst violence between Israel and the Palestinians in years because it worries it could harm behind-the-scenes diplomacy.

"We call upon the U.S. to shoulder its responsibilities, take a just position, and together with most of the international community support the Security Council in easing the situation," said Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who chaired Sunday's meeting because China is president for May.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the United Nations is "actively engaging all sides toward an immediate ceasefire" and called on them "to allow mediation efforts to intensify and succeed."

'Take&nbsp;action&nbsp;NOW'

The truce efforts by Egypt, Qatar and the United Nations have so far offered no sign of progress. The United States sent an envoy to the region and President Joe Biden spoke with Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Saturday.

"In all these engagements with Israeli officials, the Palestinian Authority, and all regional partners, the United States has made clear that we are prepared to lend our support and good offices should the parties seek a ceasefire," Thomas-Greenfield said.

Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry told the Security Council that "concessions must be made as a price to be paid for peace so as to spare people from paying the heavy price of war."

The death toll in Gaza jumped to 188 overnight, including 55 children, amid an intensive Israeli air and artillery barrage since the fighting erupted last Monday. Ten people have been killed in Israel, including two children, in thousands of rocket attacks by Hamas and other militant groups.

"Each time Israel hears a foreign leader speak of its right to defend itself it is further emboldened to continue murdering entire families in their sleep," Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al-Malki told the Security Council.

(With inputs from agecies)

The United States told United Nations Security Council (UNSC) that it had made clear to Israel and the Palestinians that it was prepared to offer support "should the parties seek a ceasefire".

The United States told United Nations Security Council (UNSC) that it had made clear to Israel and the Palestinians that it was prepared to offer support "should the parties seek a ceasefire". "The United States has been working tirelessly through diplomatic channels to try to bring an end to this conflict," U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Linda Thomas-Greenfield told the 15-member council. "Because we believe Israelis and Palestinians equally have a right to live in safety and security." Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday told UNSC that Israel's campaign in Hamas-run Gaza was continuing at "full force" USA - a strong ally of Israel - has been isolated at the United Nations over its objection to a public statement by the Security Council on the worst violence between Israel and the Palestinians in years because it worries it could harm behind-the-scenes diplomacy. "We call upon the U.S. to shoulder its responsibilities, take a just position, and together with most of the international community support the Security Council in easing the situation," said Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who chaired Sunday's meeting because China is president for May. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said the United Nations is "actively engaging all sides toward an immediate ceasefire" and called on them "to allow mediation efforts to intensify and succeed." 'Take action NOW' The truce efforts by Egypt, Qatar and the United Nations have so far offered no sign of progress. The United States sent an envoy to the region and President Joe Biden spoke with Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Saturday. "In all these engagements with Israeli officials, the Palestinian Authority, and all regional partners, the United States has made clear that we are prepared to lend our support and good offices should the parties seek a ceasefire," Thomas-Greenfield said. Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry told the Security Council that "concessions must be made as a price to be paid for peace so as to spare people from paying the heavy price of war." The death toll in Gaza jumped to 188 overnight, including 55 children, amid an intensive Israeli air and artillery barrage since the fighting erupted last Monday. Ten people have been killed in Israel, including two children, in thousands of rocket attacks by Hamas and other militant groups. "Each time Israel hears a foreign leader speak of its right to defend itself it is further emboldened to continue murdering entire families in their sleep," Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al-Malki told the Security Council. (With inputs from agecies)

Ready to help to Israel-Palestine if ceasefire sought, says US

India has expressed its "deep concern" over violence in Jerusalem at the United Nations Security Council session on the ongoing Israel-Palestine escalating situation. This is the third session of UNSC on the situation, but first open session since the previous two&nbsp;meetings were closed.

Calling for "immediate de-escalation" as the "need of the hour, so as to arrest any further slide towards the brink", India's Ambassador to United Nation T S Tirumurti said, "we urge both sides to show extreme restraint, desist from actions that exacerbate tensions" and "refrain from attempts to unilaterally change the existing status quo, including East Jerusalem and its neighbourhood".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-pm-netanyahu-defends-media-house-attack-says-building-was-legitimate-target-385466" hreflang="en">Netanyahu defends media house attack, says building was 'legitimate target'</a>

The violence started in Jerusalem at the Haram Al-Sharif, also known as Temple Mount during Ramzan, with the key reason being the possible eviction of Palestinians in the Sheikh Jarrah and Silwan neighbourhood in East Jerusalem. The area is a holy site in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The violence later spread to both West Bank and Gaza.&nbsp;

The Indian envoy Tirumurti condemned the "indiscriminate rocket firing from Gaza targeting the civilian population in Israel" that has "caused immense suffering and resulted in deaths" and paid tributes to the Indian national Soumya Santhosh who died in the rocket firing in the city of Ashkelon.&nbsp;

He said, "India has lost one of her nationals living in Israel.." and "we deeply mourn her demise along with all other civilians who have lost their lives in the current cycle of violence", reiterating "strong condemnation of all acts of violence, provocation, incitement and destruction".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-palestine-conflict-israel-palestine-clash-at-unsc-meet-385476">Watch |</a>

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Soumya Santhosh from the southern Indian state of Kerala was a caregiver living in the country for many years. She died in the Hamas rocket strike and is survived by her nine-year-old son and her husband. India's minister of state in the Ministry Of External Affairs V. Muraleedharan and Israel's Deputy Envoy Rony Yedidia Clein were present at the Delhi airport when her mortal remains reached India.

Ambassador Tirumurti listed New Delhi's "strong support to the just Palestinian cause and its unwavering commitment to the two&nbsp;state solution" and highlighted that the current situation "underscored the need for immediate resumption of dialogue between Israel and Palestinian authorities". The envoy also pointed out&nbsp;that the "absence of direct and meaningful negotiations between the parties is widening the trust deficit between the parties" and this "will increase the chances for similar escalation in future".

India at UNSC also explained how Jerusalem has a "special place in hearts of millions of Indians", with the city housing an Indian hospice — Al Zawiyya Al Hindiyya. The Hospice has been restored by the Indian government.&nbsp;According to legend, Indian Sufi saint Baba Farid had visited the site in AD 1200, meditating at the location.

India has expressed its "deep concern" over violence in Jerusalem at the United Nations Security Council session on the ongoing Israel-Palestine escalating situation.

India has expressed its "deep concern" over violence in Jerusalem at the United Nations Security Council session on the ongoing Israel-Palestine escalating situation. This is the third session of UNSC on the situation, but first open session since the previous two meetings were closed. Calling for "immediate de-escalation" as the "need of the hour, so as to arrest any further slide towards the brink", India's Ambassador to United Nation T S Tirumurti said, "we urge both sides to show extreme restraint, desist from actions that exacerbate tensions" and "refrain from attempts to unilaterally change the existing status quo, including East Jerusalem and its neighbourhood". Also read | Netanyahu defends media house attack, says building was 'legitimate target' The violence started in Jerusalem at the Haram Al-Sharif, also known as Temple Mount during Ramzan, with the key reason being the possible eviction of Palestinians in the Sheikh Jarrah and Silwan neighbourhood in East Jerusalem. The area is a holy site in Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. The violence later spread to both West Bank and Gaza. The Indian envoy Tirumurti condemned the "indiscriminate rocket firing from Gaza targeting the civilian population in Israel" that has "caused immense suffering and resulted in deaths" and paid tributes to the Indian national Soumya Santhosh who died in the rocket firing in the city of Ashkelon. He said, "India has lost one of her nationals living in Israel.." and "we deeply mourn her demise along with all other civilians who have lost their lives in the current cycle of violence", reiterating "strong condemnation of all acts of violence, provocation, incitement and destruction". Watch | Soumya Santhosh from the southern Indian state of Kerala was a caregiver living in the country for many years. She died in the Hamas rocket strike and is survived by her nine-year-old son and her husband. India's minister of state in the Ministry Of External Affairs V. Muraleedharan and Israel's Deputy Envoy Rony Yedidia Clein were present at the Delhi airport when her mortal remains reached India. Ambassador Tirumurti listed New Delhi's "strong support to the just Palestinian cause and its unwavering commitment to the two state solution" and highlighted that the current situation "underscored the need for immediate resumption of dialogue between Israel and Palestinian authorities". The envoy also pointed out that the "absence of direct and meaningful negotiations between the parties is widening the trust deficit between the parties" and this "will increase the chances for similar escalation in future". India at UNSC also explained how Jerusalem has a "special place in hearts of millions of Indians", with the city housing an Indian hospice — Al Zawiyya Al Hindiyya. The Hospice has been restored by the Indian government. According to legend, Indian Sufi saint Baba Farid had visited the site in AD 1200, meditating at the location.

At UNSC, India expresses concern over Jerusalem violence; mourns loss of Soumya Santhosh

UN&nbsp;Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was 'dismayed'&nbsp;by civilian casualties in&nbsp;Gaza&nbsp;and 'deeply&nbsp;disturbed'&nbsp;by&nbsp;Israel's strike&nbsp;on&nbsp;a building containing international media outlets, a spokesman said Saturday in response to reporters' questions.

The comments came as&nbsp;Israel&nbsp;pummeled the&nbsp;Gaza&nbsp;Strip with air&nbsp;strikes, killing 10 members of an extended family and demolishing the 13-floor&nbsp;Gaza&nbsp;building housing Qatar-based Al Jazeera and The Associated Press news agency, with Palestinian militants firing back barrages of rockets.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="Israel bombs home of Hamas chief in Gaza; violence shows no signs of abating">Israel bombs home of Hamas chief in Gaza; violence shows no signs of abating</a>

"The Secretary-General is&nbsp;dismayed&nbsp;by the increasing number of civilian casualties, including the death of ten members of the same family, including children, as a result of an Israeli airstrike last night in the al-Shati camp in&nbsp;Gaza, purportedly aimed at a Hamas leader," his spokesman, Stephane Dujarric, said in the written response to questions&nbsp;on&nbsp;the Israeli air&nbsp;strikes&nbsp;in&nbsp;Gaza.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="Israel orders 'massive reinforcement' of forces to quell unrest in cities after Gaza violence">Israel orders 'massive reinforcement' of forces to quell unrest in cities after Gaza violence</a>

Guterres was 'also deeply&nbsp;disturbed&nbsp;by the destruction by an Israeli airstrike today of a high-rise building in&nbsp;Gaza City&nbsp;that housed the offices of several international media organizations as well as residential apartments,'&nbsp;Dujarric continued.

'The Secretary-General reminds all sides that any indiscriminate targeting of civilian and media structures violates international law and must be avoided at all costs,'&nbsp;he said.&nbsp;

Israeli air and artillery&nbsp;strikes&nbsp;on&nbsp;Gaza&nbsp;since Monday have killed 145 people including 41 children, and wounded another 1,100, health officials say, the worst violence in the region since 2014.

Palestinian armed groups have fired at least 2,300 rockets at&nbsp;Israel, killing 10 people, including a child and a soldier, and wounding over 560 Israelis. Israeli air defenses have intercepted many rockets.

US Secretary for&nbsp;Israel-Palestinian Affairs Hady Amr was to hold talks Sunday with Israeli leaders before meeting Palestinian officials to seek a 'sustainable calm,'&nbsp;the State Department said.

The&nbsp;UN&nbsp;Security Council was to meet Sunday to discuss the violence.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was 'dismayed' by civilian casualties in Gaza and 'deeply disturbed' by Israel's strike on a building containing international media outlets, a spokesman said Saturday in response to reporters' questions.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was 'dismayed' by civilian casualties in Gaza and 'deeply disturbed' by Israel's strike on a building containing international media outlets, a spokesman said Saturday in response to reporters' questions. The comments came as Israel pummeled the Gaza Strip with air strikes, killing 10 members of an extended family and demolishing the 13-floor Gaza building housing Qatar-based Al Jazeera and The Associated Press news agency, with Palestinian militants firing back barrages of rockets. Also read: Israel bombs home of Hamas chief in Gaza; violence shows no signs of abating "The Secretary-General is dismayed by the increasing number of civilian casualties, including the death of ten members of the same family, including children, as a result of an Israeli airstrike last night in the al-Shati camp in Gaza, purportedly aimed at a Hamas leader," his spokesman, Stephane Dujarric, said in the written response to questions on the Israeli air strikes in Gaza. Also read: Israel orders 'massive reinforcement' of forces to quell unrest in cities after Gaza violence Guterres was 'also deeply disturbed by the destruction by an Israeli airstrike today of a high-rise building in Gaza City that housed the offices of several international media organizations as well as residential apartments,' Dujarric continued. 'The Secretary-General reminds all sides that any indiscriminate targeting of civilian and media structures violates international law and must be avoided at all costs,' he said. Israeli air and artillery strikes on Gaza since Monday have killed 145 people including 41 children, and wounded another 1,100, health officials say, the worst violence in the region since 2014. Palestinian armed groups have fired at least 2,300 rockets at Israel, killing 10 people, including a child and a soldier, and wounding over 560 Israelis. Israeli air defenses have intercepted many rockets. US Secretary for Israel-Palestinian Affairs Hady Amr was to hold talks Sunday with Israeli leaders before meeting Palestinian officials to seek a 'sustainable calm,' the State Department said. The UN Security Council was to meet Sunday to discuss the violence.

UN chief 'dismayed', 'disturbed' by Israel strikes on Gaza

Saudi Arabia on Sunday condemned "flagrant violations" of Palestinian rights by Israel and called for global action to end the recent spike of violence. Other Gulf states that recently established ties with Israel said a ceasefire was needed in order to maintain regional stability.

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, addressing a meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) as hostilities between Israel and militants in Gaza entered a seventh day, condemned what he called the violation of the sanctity of Islamic holy sites.

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The foreign minister also denounced "forcible eviction of Palestinians from East Jerusalem. He urged international community to end this "dangerous escalation" and revive peace negotiations based on a two-state solution.

Pre-dawn Israeli strikes in the centre of Gaza City on Sunday brought the death toll in Gaza to 181, including 52 children, health officials said. Israel has reported 10 dead, including two children.

Islamist militant group Hamas began its rocket assault on Monday after weeks of tensions over a court case to evict several Palestinian families in East Jerusalem, and in retaliation for Israeli police clashes with Palestinians near the city's Al-Aqsa Mosque, Islam's third holiest site, during the holy month of Ramadan.

Israel has retaliated with air and artillery strikes into Gaza.

The fighting comes at a sensitive time for Arab states like the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain which last year broke a longstanding taboo in the region by establishing formal ties with Israel, with tacit approval from Gulf power Saudi Arabia.

Emirati and Bahraini ministers at the virtual gathering of the 57-member OIC called for a ceasefire and stressed the importance of preserving the identity of Jerusalem, which contains sites sacred to Judaism, Islam and Christianity.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hasty-us-withdrawal-a-blow-to-afghan-peace-process-says-china-385452">Nearly 3,000 rockets fired from Gaza towards Israel, army claims</a>

"De-escalation and the highest degree of restraint are important to avoid dragging the region to new levels of instability," said UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation Reem al-Hashimy.

Israel sees all of Jerusalem as its eternal and indivisible capital, while the Palestinians want the eastern section as a capital of a future state. Israel’s annexation of East Jerusalem is unrecognised internationally.

Turkish foreign ministry sources said Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu told the OIC that Israel should be held accountable for war crimes and that the International Criminal Court could play a role. He also called for an international protection mechanism for Palestinian civilians, they said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Saudi Arabia on Sunday condemned "flagrant violations" of Palestinian rights by Israel and called for global action to end the recent spike of violence. Other Gulf states that recently established ties with Israel said a ceasefire was needed in order to maintain regional stability.

Saudi Arabia on Sunday condemned "flagrant violations" of Palestinian rights by Israel and called for global action to end the recent spike of violence. Other Gulf states that recently established ties with Israel said a ceasefire was needed in order to maintain regional stability. Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, addressing a meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) as hostilities between Israel and militants in Gaza entered a seventh day, condemned what he called the violation of the sanctity of Islamic holy sites. × The foreign minister also denounced "forcible eviction of Palestinians from East Jerusalem. He urged international community to end this "dangerous escalation" and revive peace negotiations based on a two-state solution. Pre-dawn Israeli strikes in the centre of Gaza City on Sunday brought the death toll in Gaza to 181, including 52 children, health officials said. Israel has reported 10 dead, including two children. Islamist militant group Hamas began its rocket assault on Monday after weeks of tensions over a court case to evict several Palestinian families in East Jerusalem, and in retaliation for Israeli police clashes with Palestinians near the city's Al-Aqsa Mosque, Islam's third holiest site, during the holy month of Ramadan. Israel has retaliated with air and artillery strikes into Gaza. The fighting comes at a sensitive time for Arab states like the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain which last year broke a longstanding taboo in the region by establishing formal ties with Israel, with tacit approval from Gulf power Saudi Arabia. Emirati and Bahraini ministers at the virtual gathering of the 57-member OIC called for a ceasefire and stressed the importance of preserving the identity of Jerusalem, which contains sites sacred to Judaism, Islam and Christianity. Also Read | Nearly 3,000 rockets fired from Gaza towards Israel, army claims "De-escalation and the highest degree of restraint are important to avoid dragging the region to new levels of instability," said UAE Minister of State for International Cooperation Reem al-Hashimy. Israel sees all of Jerusalem as its eternal and indivisible capital, while the Palestinians want the eastern section as a capital of a future state. Israel’s annexation of East Jerusalem is unrecognised internationally. Turkish foreign ministry sources said Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu told the OIC that Israel should be held accountable for war crimes and that the International Criminal Court could play a role. He also called for an international protection mechanism for Palestinian civilians, they said. (With inputs from agencies)

Saudi Arabia decries Israel's 'flagrant violations' of Palestinian rights

Thousands of protesters in major European cities marched in support of Palestine.

Israel-Palestine Clashes: Pro-Palestine protests across the Globe

Six days of cross-border violence show no sign of abating but caught in the crossfire are the residents of Gaza. An air raid launched by Israel has killed 10 people of a single family.

Israel-Palestine Clashes: Deadliest airstrike by Israel since clashes began

Hostilities between Israel and Gaza have stretched into the 7th day with no sign of abating. Israel bombed the home of Hamas's chief in Gaza early on Sunday.

The Israel-Palestine Flare-Up: Israel bombs Hamas Gaza Chief's home

Palestinian&nbsp;foreign minister Riyad al-Maliki on Sunday criticised countries that moved to&nbsp;normalise&nbsp;relations with&nbsp;Israel&nbsp;last year, as violence escalates between the Palestinians and the Jewish state.

"Normalisation and running towards this colonial Israeli system without achieving peace and ending the Israeli occupation of Arab and&nbsp;Palestinian&nbsp;lands represents support for the apartheid regime and participation in its crimes," Maliki told an emergency meeting of foreign ministers of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/media-demands-israel-to-explain-destruction-of-news-offices-385315">Media demands Israel to explain destruction of news offices</a>&nbsp;

"This colonial occupation must be confronted, dismantled, ended, and banned. The recently accelerated normalisation will not have an impact on the sentiments of the Arab world or change their assessment."

The deadly flare-up of violence between&nbsp;Israel&nbsp;and the Palestinians has embarrassed states which moved to&nbsp;normalise&nbsp;relations with the Jewish state, Sudan, Morocco, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain.

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The OIC's emergency meeting was hosted by Saudi Arabia, which has not formally normalised&nbsp;ties&nbsp;with&nbsp;Israel&nbsp;but is known to maintain clandestine relations.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nearly-3000-rockets-fired-from-gaza-towards-israel-army-claims-385423">Nearly 3,000 rockets fired from Gaza towards Israel, army claims</a>

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan called on the international community to take "urgent action" to halt the Israeli military operation and to revive peace talks aimed at securing a two-state solution.

"Preserving Jerusalem is the responsibility of all of us," he said.

The recent bloodshed, just as Muslims were celebrating the end of the holy month of Ramadan, has put&nbsp;Israel's new Arab partners on the back foot, prompting them to turn to critical rhetoric less than a year after they signed normalisation agreements.

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<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">&nbsp;</div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">The so-called Abraham Accords swept away decades of consensus and were condemned as "treason" by&nbsp;Palestinian&nbsp;leaders who feared they undercut their demands for a homeland.</div>

They were struck at the urging of then US President Donald Trump, who hailed the "dawn of a new Middle East" as his son-in-law and adviser Jared Kushner dismissed the Israeli-Palestinian&nbsp;conflict as a mere "real estate dispute".

Reem&nbsp;Al Hashimy, the United Arab Emirates' minister of state for&nbsp;international&nbsp;cooperation, spoke at the meeting but did not address the criticism, only calling for a halt to the violence and not specifically blaming&nbsp;Israel&nbsp;for the troubles.

Palestinian foreign minister Riyad al-Maliki on Sunday criticised countries that moved to normalise relations with Israel last year, as violence escalates between the Palestinians and the Jewish state.

Palestinian foreign minister Riyad al-Maliki on Sunday criticised countries that moved to normalise relations with Israel last year, as violence escalates between the Palestinians and the Jewish state. "Normalisation and running towards this colonial Israeli system without achieving peace and ending the Israeli occupation of Arab and Palestinian lands represents support for the apartheid regime and participation in its crimes," Maliki told an emergency meeting of foreign ministers of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. Also read | Media demands Israel to explain destruction of news offices "This colonial occupation must be confronted, dismantled, ended, and banned. The recently accelerated normalisation will not have an impact on the sentiments of the Arab world or change their assessment." The deadly flare-up of violence between Israel and the Palestinians has embarrassed states which moved to normalise relations with the Jewish state, Sudan, Morocco, the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain. The OIC's emergency meeting was hosted by Saudi Arabia, which has not formally normalised ties with Israel but is known to maintain clandestine relations. Also read | Nearly 3,000 rockets fired from Gaza towards Israel, army claims Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan called on the international community to take "urgent action" to halt the Israeli military operation and to revive peace talks aimed at securing a two-state solution. "Preserving Jerusalem is the responsibility of all of us," he said. The recent bloodshed, just as Muslims were celebrating the end of the holy month of Ramadan, has put Israel's new Arab partners on the back foot, prompting them to turn to critical rhetoric less than a year after they signed normalisation agreements. The so-called Abraham Accords swept away decades of consensus and were condemned as "treason" by Palestinian leaders who feared they undercut their demands for a homeland. They were struck at the urging of then US President Donald Trump, who hailed the "dawn of a new Middle East" as his son-in-law and adviser Jared Kushner dismissed the Israeli-Palestinian conflict as a mere "real estate dispute". Reem Al Hashimy, the United Arab Emirates' minister of state for international cooperation, spoke at the meeting but did not address the criticism, only calling for a halt to the violence and not specifically blaming Israel for the troubles.

Palestinian FM criticises moves to 'normalise' Israel ties

Support increases for Palestine as Israel-Gaza enter seventh day of conflict

Leicester won their first-ever FA Cup in the club's 137-year history after beating Chelsea in the finals at the Wembley Stadium on Saturday. After lifting the cup Leicester players Hamza Choudhury and Wesley Fofana showed support for the Palestinians.&nbsp;

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/leicester-beat-chelsea-to-claim-first-fa-cup-385368" hreflang="en">Leicester beat Chelsea to claim first FA Cup</a>

The duo was seen holding the Palestinian flag. English midfielder Choudhury had the flag draped over his shoulders as he collected his winner's medal after beating Tuchel's Chelsea.

Both the players showed their solidarity amid the latest conflict between Palestine and Israel, which has seen violence over the past few weeks.

Many major European cities witnessed thousands of people marching in support of Palestine on Saturday.&nbsp;

Arsenal midfielder Mohammed Elneny took to social media to voice his support for Palestine but he faced a lot of flak from Jewish fans.

The Egyptian posted on his Twitter account: "My heart and my soul and my support for you Palestine."

Arsenal confirmed to Sky Sports that they have spoken with Elneny after concerns about the post were raised from one of the club's sponsors, coffee maker Lavazza.

"As with any employees of Arsenal, our players are entitled to express their views on their own platforms," the club told Sky Sports News.

"That said we have spoken to Mo about this so he understands the wider implications of his post.

"As a club we are committed to confronting and eliminating all forms of discrimination and continue to champion the need for equality and diversity across all areas of life."

(Inputs from AFP)

Leicester won their first-ever FA Cup in the club's 137-year history after beating Chelsea in the finals at the Wembley Stadium on Saturday. After lifting the cup Leicester players Hamza Choudhury and Wesley Fofana showed support for the Palestinians.

Leicester won their first-ever FA Cup in the club's 137-year history after beating Chelsea in the finals at the Wembley Stadium on Saturday. After lifting the cup Leicester players Hamza Choudhury and Wesley Fofana showed support for the Palestinians. ALSO READ: Leicester beat Chelsea to claim first FA Cup The duo was seen holding the Palestinian flag. English midfielder Choudhury had the flag draped over his shoulders as he collected his winner's medal after beating Tuchel's Chelsea. Both the players showed their solidarity amid the latest conflict between Palestine and Israel, which has seen violence over the past few weeks. Many major European cities witnessed thousands of people marching in support of Palestine on Saturday. Arsenal midfielder Mohammed Elneny took to social media to voice his support for Palestine but he faced a lot of flak from Jewish fans. The Egyptian posted on his Twitter account: "My heart and my soul and my support for you Palestine." Arsenal confirmed to Sky Sports that they have spoken with Elneny after concerns about the post were raised from one of the club's sponsors, coffee maker Lavazza. "As with any employees of Arsenal, our players are entitled to express their views on their own platforms," the club told Sky Sports News. "That said we have spoken to Mo about this so he understands the wider implications of his post. "As a club we are committed to confronting and eliminating all forms of discrimination and continue to champion the need for equality and diversity across all areas of life." (Inputs from AFP)

Leicester City players express support for Palestine after FA Cup win

Israel pounded Gaza with airstrikes and Palestinian militants launched rocket salvoes at Tel Aviv and other cities with no signs of an end to this crisis and this conflict.

Israel-Palestine conflict stretches into seventh day

Israeli air strikes on Gaza killed 17 people on Sunday, further raising the death toll in Palestine to 174 people. Gaza’s health ministry on Sunday said that among the 174 people, 47 are children. Israel, on the other hand has seen 10 deaths due to rockets coming in from Gaza.

Early on Sunday, Israeli forces bombed the home of Hamas chief while Hamas fired rockets at Tel Aviv as the conflict runs into its seventh day.

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Currently, diplomats from the United States, United Nations and Egypt are attempting to restore peace but little progress has been made so far.

Both Israel and Hamas have pledged to continue firing into each others territories. Recently, Israel destroyed a 12-storey building which houses the offices of Associated Press and Al Jazeera.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/israeli-airstrikes-in-gaza-destroy-highrise-housing-al-jazeera-associated-press-offices-385245" hreflang="en">Israeli airstrikes in Gaza destroy highrise housing Al-Jazeera, Associated Press offices</a>

The Israel military insists that the al-Jala building remained a real military target with Hamas offices and that warnings were sent out to civilians to leave the building before the attack. "We have had no indication Hamas was in the building or active in the building," AP said in a statement.

Following the destruction of the building, Hamas fired rockets at Tel Aviv and other Israeli towns on Sunday. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu on Saturday said that the country was” still in the midst of this operation, it is still not over and this operation will continue as long as necessary."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/biden-calls-netanyahu-reaffirms-us-support-for-israels-right-to-defend-itself-against-hamas-other-terror-groups-385300" hreflang="en">Biden calls Netanyahu, reaffirms US support for Israel's right to defend itself against Hamas, other terror groups</a>

Many airstrikes were launched by Israel early on Sunday, including one targeting the home of Yehya Al-Sinwar who has headed the political and military wings of Hamas in Gaza since 2017. Another Israeli airstrike left a Gazan neurologist dead. His wife and daughter were also wounded in the strike.

Israeli air strikes on Gaza killed 17 people on Sunday, further raising the death toll in Palestine to 174 people. Gaza’s health ministry on Sunday said that among the 174 people, 47 are children.

Israeli air strikes on Gaza killed 17 people on Sunday, further raising the death toll in Palestine to 174 people. Gaza’s health ministry on Sunday said that among the 174 people, 47 are children. Israel, on the other hand has seen 10 deaths due to rockets coming in from Gaza. Early on Sunday, Israeli forces bombed the home of Hamas chief while Hamas fired rockets at Tel Aviv as the conflict runs into its seventh day. Currently, diplomats from the United States, United Nations and Egypt are attempting to restore peace but little progress has been made so far. Both Israel and Hamas have pledged to continue firing into each others territories. Recently, Israel destroyed a 12-storey building which houses the offices of Associated Press and Al Jazeera. Also read: Israeli airstrikes in Gaza destroy highrise housing Al-Jazeera, Associated Press offices The Israel military insists that the al-Jala building remained a real military target with Hamas offices and that warnings were sent out to civilians to leave the building before the attack. "We have had no indication Hamas was in the building or active in the building," AP said in a statement. Following the destruction of the building, Hamas fired rockets at Tel Aviv and other Israeli towns on Sunday. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu on Saturday said that the country was” still in the midst of this operation, it is still not over and this operation will continue as long as necessary." Also read: Biden calls Netanyahu, reaffirms US support for Israel's right to defend itself against Hamas, other terror groups Many airstrikes were launched by Israel early on Sunday, including one targeting the home of Yehya Al-Sinwar who has headed the political and military wings of Hamas in Gaza since 2017. Another Israeli airstrike left a Gazan neurologist dead. His wife and daughter were also wounded in the strike.

Israeli strikes on Gaza kill 17 people on Sunday, taking death toll to 174

Five days of cross-border violence shows no signs of abating but caught in this crossfire are the residents of Gaza. Air raids and shelling have damaged homes and schools as Palestinians now escape on foot to seek refuge in United Nations schools.

Israel-Palestinian Conflict: Palestinian families take shelter at UN schools

An Israeli airstrike on Saturday demolished a highrise in Gaza that housed Al-Jazeera and The Associated Press media offices. Israel "destroyed Jala Tower in the Gaza Strip, which contains the Al Jazeera and other international press offices," Al Jazeera said in a tweet, with an AP journalist saying the army had warned the tower's owner ahead of the strike.

Al Jazeera's broadcast footage as well as video tweeted by The Associated Press&nbsp;showed the building collapsing after the Israeli airstrike. A mushroom cloud of dust and debris was visible.

Jawad Mehdi, the owner of the Jala Tower, said an Israeli intelligence officer warned him he had just one hour to ensure the evacuation of the building.

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AP VIDEO: An Israeli airstrike destroyed a high-rise building in Gaza City that housed offices of The Associated Press and other media. <a href="https://t.co/P4zeHsCrAg">https://t.co/P4zeHsCrAg</a>
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In a phone call with the officer, AFP heard him beg for an extra 10 minutes to allow journalists to retrieve their equipment before leaving.

"Give us ten extra minutes," he urged, but the officer on the other end of the line refused.

Wael al-Dahdouh, Al Jazeera's bureau chief in Gaza told AFP: "It's terrible, very sad, to target the Al Jazeera and other press bureaux".

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-tells-israel-to-protect-media-after-gaza-tower-hit-385278">US tells Israel to protect media after Gaza tower hit</a>

Israel alleged its "fighter jets attacked a high-rise building which hosted military assets belonging to the military intelligence of the Hamas terror organisation".

"The building also hosted offices of civilian media outlets, which the Hamas terror group hides behind and uses as human shields," it said.

Israeli air and artillery strikes on Gaza since Monday have killed 139 people including 39 children, and wounded 1,000 more, health officials in the coastal enclave say.

Eight children killed in Israeli airstrike

In another Israeli airstrike, eight children and two women were killed when a three-storey building in Shati refugee camp collapsed, said AFP quoting medical sources. All of the deceased belonged to a single extended family

Israeli warplanes struck multiple targets in Gaza overnight, while Palestinian militants fired some 200 rockets at southern Israel, around 30 of which fell short, hitting the ground inside Gaza, the Israeli military said.

Speaking outside Shifa hospital in Gaza City, the father of four of the children, Muhammad al-Hadidi, said he wanted "the unjust world to see these crimes".

"They were safe in their homes, they did not carry weapons, they did not fire rockets," he said of his children, who were killed "wearing their clothes for Eid al-Fitr", the holiday marking the end of Ramadan.

A Hamas spokesman called the deadly airstrike "a war crime in its own right."

(With inputs from agencies)

An Israeli airstrike on Saturday demolished a highrise in Gaza that housed Al-Jazeera and The Associated Press media offices. Israel "destroyed Jala Tower in the Gaza Strip, which contains the Al Jazeera and other international press offices," Al Jazeera said in a tweet, with an AP journalist saying the army had warned the tower's owner ahead of the strike.

An Israeli airstrike on Saturday demolished a highrise in Gaza that housed Al-Jazeera and The Associated Press media offices. Israel "destroyed Jala Tower in the Gaza Strip, which contains the Al Jazeera and other international press offices," Al Jazeera said in a tweet, with an AP journalist saying the army had warned the tower's owner ahead of the strike. Al Jazeera's broadcast footage as well as video tweeted by The Associated Press showed the building collapsing after the Israeli airstrike. A mushroom cloud of dust and debris was visible. Jawad Mehdi, the owner of the Jala Tower, said an Israeli intelligence officer warned him he had just one hour to ensure the evacuation of the building. AP VIDEO: An Israeli airstrike destroyed a high-rise building in Gaza City that housed offices of The Associated Press and other media. https://t.co/P4zeHsCrAg — The Associated Press (@AP) May 15, 2021 × In a phone call with the officer, AFP heard him beg for an extra 10 minutes to allow journalists to retrieve their equipment before leaving. "Give us ten extra minutes," he urged, but the officer on the other end of the line refused. Wael al-Dahdouh, Al Jazeera's bureau chief in Gaza told AFP: "It's terrible, very sad, to target the Al Jazeera and other press bureaux". Also Read | US tells Israel to protect media after Gaza tower hit Israel alleged its "fighter jets attacked a high-rise building which hosted military assets belonging to the military intelligence of the Hamas terror organisation". "The building also hosted offices of civilian media outlets, which the Hamas terror group hides behind and uses as human shields," it said. Israeli air and artillery strikes on Gaza since Monday have killed 139 people including 39 children, and wounded 1,000 more, health officials in the coastal enclave say. Eight children killed in Israeli airstrike In another Israeli airstrike, eight children and two women were killed when a three-storey building in Shati refugee camp collapsed, said AFP quoting medical sources. All of the deceased belonged to a single extended family Israeli warplanes struck multiple targets in Gaza overnight, while Palestinian militants fired some 200 rockets at southern Israel, around 30 of which fell short, hitting the ground inside Gaza, the Israeli military said. Speaking outside Shifa hospital in Gaza City, the father of four of the children, Muhammad al-Hadidi, said he wanted "the unjust world to see these crimes". "They were safe in their homes, they did not carry weapons, they did not fire rockets," he said of his children, who were killed "wearing their clothes for Eid al-Fitr", the holiday marking the end of Ramadan. A Hamas spokesman called the deadly airstrike "a war crime in its own right." (With inputs from agencies)

Israeli airstrikes in Gaza destroy highrise housing Al-Jazeera, Associated Press offices

The US asked Israel to ensure safety of journalists on Saturday just hours after an Israeli airstrike in Gaza flattened a building that housed offices of Al-Jazeera and The Associated Press.

The United States told Israel "that ensuring the safety and security of journalists and independent media is a paramount responsibility," White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said.

The AP and Al Jazeera strongly condemned the attack.

The death toll from latest Israel-Palestine conflict is rising but diplomatic efforts have so far failed to calm the tensions.

Palestinians say at least 139 people, including 39 children, have been killed in Gaza since the conflict erupted on Monday.

Israel has reported 10 dead, including two children.

Before the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-airstrikes-in-gaza-destroy-highrise-housing-al-jazeera-associated-press-offices-385245">airstrike on mediahouses</a>, Israel gave advance warning of so it could be evacuated and said later the building contained military assets of Hamas, the Islamist group that runs Gaza.

In Tel Aviv, residents fled for cover amid wailing sirens as Hamas militants fired barrages of rockets. One hit a residential block in the Ramat Gan suburb, killing a 50-year old man, medics said.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-airstrikes-in-gaza-destroy-highrise-housing-al-jazeera-associated-press-offices-385245">Israeli airstrikes in Gaza destroy highrise housing Al-Jazeera, Associated Press offices</a>

The group said the salvos responded to overnight strikes on Gaza`s Beach refugee camp, where a woman and four of her children were killed when her house was hit. Five others died, medics said. Israel said it targeted an apartment used by Hamas.

Hamas began its assault on Monday after tensions over a court case to evict several Palestinian families in East Jerusalem and in retaliation for Israeli police clashes with Palestinians near the city`s al-Aqsa Mosque, Islam`s third holiest site.

(With inputs from agencies)

The US asked Israel to ensure safety of journalists on Saturday just hours after an Israeli airstrike in Gaza flattened a building that housed offices of Al-Jazeera and The Associated Press.

The US asked Israel to ensure safety of journalists on Saturday just hours after an Israeli airstrike in Gaza flattened a building that housed offices of Al-Jazeera and The Associated Press. The United States told Israel "that ensuring the safety and security of journalists and independent media is a paramount responsibility," White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said. The AP and Al Jazeera strongly condemned the attack. The death toll from latest Israel-Palestine conflict is rising but diplomatic efforts have so far failed to calm the tensions. Palestinians say at least 139 people, including 39 children, have been killed in Gaza since the conflict erupted on Monday. Israel has reported 10 dead, including two children. Before the airstrike on mediahouses, Israel gave advance warning of so it could be evacuated and said later the building contained military assets of Hamas, the Islamist group that runs Gaza. In Tel Aviv, residents fled for cover amid wailing sirens as Hamas militants fired barrages of rockets. One hit a residential block in the Ramat Gan suburb, killing a 50-year old man, medics said. Also Read | Israeli airstrikes in Gaza destroy highrise housing Al-Jazeera, Associated Press offices The group said the salvos responded to overnight strikes on Gaza`s Beach refugee camp, where a woman and four of her children were killed when her house was hit. Five others died, medics said. Israel said it targeted an apartment used by Hamas. Hamas began its assault on Monday after tensions over a court case to evict several Palestinian families in East Jerusalem and in retaliation for Israeli police clashes with Palestinians near the city`s al-Aqsa Mosque, Islam`s third holiest site. (With inputs from agencies)

US tells Israel to protect media after Gaza tower hit

Paris&nbsp;police&nbsp;used tear gas and water cannon Saturday to disperse a&nbsp;pro-Palestinian&nbsp;rally held despite a ban by authorities, who feared a flare-up of anti-Semitic violence during the worst fighting between Israel and Hamas in years.

Several hundreds of people converged on the heavily immigrant Barbes neighbourhood in the north of the capital, amid a massive security presence involving some 4,200 officers, officials said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/french-court-bans-pro-palestine-demo-organisers-defiant-385185">French court bans pro-Palestine demo, organisers defiant&nbsp;</a>

Police&nbsp;blocked off wide boulevards as well as narrow streets where some of the&nbsp;protesters&nbsp;were forced to retreat, while knots of residents and passers-by watched or recorded the scene with their phones.

Some threw stones or tried to set up roadblocks with construction barriers, but for the most part, police&nbsp;pursued groups across the district while preventing any march toward the Place de la Bastille as planned.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-conflict-fallout-germany-will-not-tolerate-anti-semitic-protests-says-merkels-spokesman-384985/amp">Gaza conflict fallout: Germany will not tolerate 'anti-Semitic' protests, says Merkel's spokesman</a>

"You want to prohibit me from showing solidarity with my people, even as my village is being bombed?" Mohammed, 23 and wearing a "Free Palestine" t-shirt, told AFP.

As a cold rainstorm settled over the city toward evening, many&nbsp;protesters&nbsp;left, leaving a large group of mostly young men facing off against ranks of officers who held their ground on a stretch of boulevard.

A handful of garbage bins were set on fire and rocks and other projectiles were hurled toward&nbsp;police, but no arrests were reported.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-rises-as-violence-rocks-gaza-israel-and-west-bank-385182">Death toll rises as violence rocks Gaza, Israel and West Bank</a>

Ban 'unacceptable'

The march was banned Thursday over concerns of a repeat of fierce clashes that erupted at a similar&nbsp;Paris&nbsp;march during the last war in 2014 when&nbsp;protesters&nbsp;took aim at synagogues and other Israeli and Jewish targets.

"We all remember that extremely troubling protest where terrible phrases like 'death to Jews' were yelled," Mayor Anne Hidalgo told AFP on Friday, welcoming a "wise" decision to ban the march.

But Walid Atallah, president of the Association of Palestinians in Ile-de-France, the region encompassing&nbsp;Paris, accused the government of inflaming&nbsp;tensions&nbsp;with the ban.

Repeat of&nbsp;unrest?&nbsp;

"If there were genuine risks of public disorder, of serious problems, they would have prohibited it right away," he told a press conference ahead of the march.

"They banned it at the last minute, it's unacceptable," he said. Similar protests in Germany and Denmark this week have degenerated into clashes leading to several arrests.

The protest had originally been called to mark the Nakba, as Palestinians call the "catastrophe" of Israel's creation in 1948, which turned hundreds of thousands into refugees.

But a&nbsp;Paris&nbsp;court upheld the ban Friday, saying the "international and domestic context" justified fears of unrest "that could be as serious or even worse than in 2014."

Interior Minister Gerard Darmanin also called for similar bans in other cities if necessary, and officials prohibited marches in Nice, where around 150 people gathered nonetheless, and in some&nbsp;Paris&nbsp;suburbs.&nbsp;

"We don't want scenes of violence, we don't want to import a conflict onto French soil, we don't want eruptions of hate on our streets," government spokesman Gabriel Attal said Saturday in Marseille.

But no incidents were reported as thousands of people gathered for protests and marches in several other cities including Montpellier, Toulouse and Bordeaux. Many accuse France of being too favourable toward Israel in the latest conflict, which has seen a barrage of rocket fire from Gaza that has been met with Israeli artillery and airstrikes.

The ban has caused a split among French politicians, with President Emmanuel Macron's centre-right party and the right-wing opposition supporting the move, but leftists calling it an unacceptable attack on freedom of expression.

Macron's office said he spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday, offering his "condolences for the victims of the rocket fire claimed by Hamas and other terrorist groups."

The statement said Macron urged a return to peace and "his concern about the civilian population in Gaza."

France has the largest Muslim population in Europe, with an estimated five to six million people.

It also has the largest Jewish population after Israel and the United States.

Paris police used tear gas and water cannon Saturday to disperse a pro-Palestinian rally held despite a ban by authorities, who feared a flare-up of anti-Semitic violence during the worst fighting between Israel and Hamas in years.

Paris police used tear gas and water cannon Saturday to disperse a pro-Palestinian rally held despite a ban by authorities, who feared a flare-up of anti-Semitic violence during the worst fighting between Israel and Hamas in years. Several hundreds of people converged on the heavily immigrant Barbes neighbourhood in the north of the capital, amid a massive security presence involving some 4,200 officers, officials said. Also read | French court bans pro-Palestine demo, organisers defiant Police blocked off wide boulevards as well as narrow streets where some of the protesters were forced to retreat, while knots of residents and passers-by watched or recorded the scene with their phones. Some threw stones or tried to set up roadblocks with construction barriers, but for the most part, police pursued groups across the district while preventing any march toward the Place de la Bastille as planned. Also read | Gaza conflict fallout: Germany will not tolerate 'anti-Semitic' protests, says Merkel's spokesman "You want to prohibit me from showing solidarity with my people, even as my village is being bombed?" Mohammed, 23 and wearing a "Free Palestine" t-shirt, told AFP. As a cold rainstorm settled over the city toward evening, many protesters left, leaving a large group of mostly young men facing off against ranks of officers who held their ground on a stretch of boulevard. A handful of garbage bins were set on fire and rocks and other projectiles were hurled toward police, but no arrests were reported. Also read | Death toll rises as violence rocks Gaza, Israel and West Bank Ban 'unacceptable' The march was banned Thursday over concerns of a repeat of fierce clashes that erupted at a similar Paris march during the last war in 2014 when protesters took aim at synagogues and other Israeli and Jewish targets. "We all remember that extremely troubling protest where terrible phrases like 'death to Jews' were yelled," Mayor Anne Hidalgo told AFP on Friday, welcoming a "wise" decision to ban the march. But Walid Atallah, president of the Association of Palestinians in Ile-de-France, the region encompassing Paris, accused the government of inflaming tensions with the ban. Repeat of unrest? "If there were genuine risks of public disorder, of serious problems, they would have prohibited it right away," he told a press conference ahead of the march. "They banned it at the last minute, it's unacceptable," he said. Similar protests in Germany and Denmark this week have degenerated into clashes leading to several arrests. The protest had originally been called to mark the Nakba, as Palestinians call the "catastrophe" of Israel's creation in 1948, which turned hundreds of thousands into refugees. But a Paris court upheld the ban Friday, saying the "international and domestic context" justified fears of unrest "that could be as serious or even worse than in 2014." Interior Minister Gerard Darmanin also called for similar bans in other cities if necessary, and officials prohibited marches in Nice, where around 150 people gathered nonetheless, and in some Paris suburbs. "We don't want scenes of violence, we don't want to import a conflict onto French soil, we don't want eruptions of hate on our streets," government spokesman Gabriel Attal said Saturday in Marseille. But no incidents were reported as thousands of people gathered for protests and marches in several other cities including Montpellier, Toulouse and Bordeaux. Many accuse France of being too favourable toward Israel in the latest conflict, which has seen a barrage of rocket fire from Gaza that has been met with Israeli artillery and airstrikes. The ban has caused a split among French politicians, with President Emmanuel Macron's centre-right party and the right-wing opposition supporting the move, but leftists calling it an unacceptable attack on freedom of expression. Macron's office said he spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday, offering his "condolences for the victims of the rocket fire claimed by Hamas and other terrorist groups." The statement said Macron urged a return to peace and "his concern about the civilian population in Gaza." France has the largest Muslim population in Europe, with an estimated five to six million people. It also has the largest Jewish population after Israel and the United States.

Tensions in Paris as pro-Palestinian protesters defy police

Police in Greece on Sunday fired tear gas and water cannon in order to disperse pro-Palestinian demonstrators protesting in Athens against Israeli attacks in Gaza.

Hundreds of people shouted "Freedom to Palestine" and waved Palestinian flags as they marched to the Israeli embassy. The embassy was cordoned off by police buses.

The demonstration in the Greek capital follows similar protests in cities around the world following days of intense conflict between Israel and Palestinian militants in Gaza.

(With inputs from agencies)

Police in Greece on Sunday fired tear gas and water cannon in order to disperse pro-Palestinian demonstrators protesting in Athens against Israeli attacks in Gaza.

Police in Greece on Sunday fired tear gas and water cannon in order to disperse pro-Palestinian demonstrators protesting in Athens against Israeli attacks in Gaza. Hundreds of people shouted "Freedom to Palestine" and waved Palestinian flags as they marched to the Israeli embassy. The embassy was cordoned off by police buses. The demonstration in the Greek capital follows similar protests in cities around the world following days of intense conflict between Israel and Palestinian militants in Gaza. (With inputs from agencies)

Pro-Palestine demonstrations in Athens, police fire water cannons

Israel-Palestinian Conflict: Desperate Gazans flee Israeli bombardment in cars, carts

Israel and Gaza are on the brink of war. 5 days of fighting, numerous airstrikes and 127 deaths later - Israel says it entered Gaza in an overnight operation. Netanyahu has vowed to continue the airstrikes. Palki Sharma asks- who is this conflict helping?

Gravitas: Israel vows to continue striking Hamas

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif cancelled his meeting with his Austrian counterpart as a sign of displeasure over Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz flying Israeli flag in Vienna. Zarif was due to meet Austria's foreign minister Alexander Schallenberg but he called off the meeting, said a spokeswoman for Schallenberg

"We regret this and take note of it, but for us it is as clear as day that when Hamas fires more than 2,000 rockets at civilian targets in Israel then we will not remain silent," the spokeswoman said.

Hamas is the Islamist group that runs Gaza. Israel has pummelled Gaza with airstrikes and Palestinian militants have launched rocket barrages at Israel in the worst escalation of violence in years.

The dispute between Iran and Austria has come during talks to revive 2015 Iran nuclear deal. Former US President Donald Trump had unilaterally taken US out of the deal struck between Iran and world powers.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-rises-as-violence-rocks-gaza-israel-and-west-bank-385182">Death toll rises as violence rocks Gaza, Israel and West Bank&nbsp;</a>

Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz, who is firmly pro-Israel, had called flying the Israeli flag over the federal chancellery on Friday a mark of solidarity amid the violent clashes. But Abbas Araqchi, who heads the Iranian delegation at the Vienna talks, criticised the move.

"Vienna is the seat of (nuclear watchdog) IAEA &amp; UN, and (Austria) so far been a great host for negotiations," Araqchi wrote on Twitter. "Shocking &amp; painful to see flag of the occupying regime, that brutally killed tens of innocent civilians, inc many children in just few days, over govt offices in Vienna. We stand with Palestine."

(With inputs from agencies)

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif cancelled his meeting with his Austrian counterpart as a sign of displeasure over Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz flying Israeli flag in Vienna.

Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif cancelled his meeting with his Austrian counterpart as a sign of displeasure over Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz flying Israeli flag in Vienna. Zarif was due to meet Austria's foreign minister Alexander Schallenberg but he called off the meeting, said a spokeswoman for Schallenberg "We regret this and take note of it, but for us it is as clear as day that when Hamas fires more than 2,000 rockets at civilian targets in Israel then we will not remain silent," the spokeswoman said. Hamas is the Islamist group that runs Gaza. Israel has pummelled Gaza with airstrikes and Palestinian militants have launched rocket barrages at Israel in the worst escalation of violence in years. The dispute between Iran and Austria has come during talks to revive 2015 Iran nuclear deal. Former US President Donald Trump had unilaterally taken US out of the deal struck between Iran and world powers. Also Read | Death toll rises as violence rocks Gaza, Israel and West Bank Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz, who is firmly pro-Israel, had called flying the Israeli flag over the federal chancellery on Friday a mark of solidarity amid the violent clashes. But Abbas Araqchi, who heads the Iranian delegation at the Vienna talks, criticised the move. "Vienna is the seat of (nuclear watchdog) IAEA & UN, and (Austria) so far been a great host for negotiations," Araqchi wrote on Twitter. "Shocking & painful to see flag of the occupying regime, that brutally killed tens of innocent civilians, inc many children in just few days, over govt offices in Vienna. We stand with Palestine." (With inputs from agencies)

Iran foreign minister cancels meet with Austrian counterpart over Israel flag

Showing its solidarity with Gaza, Egypt opened its Rafah border to send 10 ambulances to bring the critically injured Palestinians to the Egyptian hospitals for immediate treatment.

The country "exceptionally opened the Rafah crossing to allow 10 Egyptian ambulances into the Gaza Strip to transport wounded Palestinians... to be treated in Egypt," a medical officer reported.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-rises-as-violence-rocks-gaza-israel-and-west-bank-385182">Death toll rises as violence rocks Gaza, Israel and West Bank&nbsp;</a>

This specific border is usually closed during public holidays, including the recent Eid al-Fitr. This year, however, the Egyptian authorities decided to suspend the Eid holidays were suspended for a group of medical professionals who were asked to report to the hospitals to help "those coming from the Gaza Strip".

As per the data reported by Gaza medical officials, the Israeli strikes have taken nearly 139 people, of which 39 were kids, and more than 950 people were injured critically during the violent clash.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-palestinian-conflict-us-diplomat-in-israel-to-initiate-negotiations-385190">Watch |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-palestinian-conflict-us-diplomat-in-israel-to-initiate-negotiations-385190/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Meanwhile, the grand imam of Egypt's famous Al-Azhar mosque, Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb, has launched a social media campaign to support the Palestinians in this war between the two communities.

"Stop the killing," the imam said. "Enough with silence and double standards if we are really working towards peace."

On Saturday morning, the Palestinian religious affairs ministry has claimed the Israeli planes have destroyed a mosque.

Showing its solidarity with Gaza, Egypt opened its Rafah border to send 10 ambulances to bring the critically injured Palestinians to the Egyptian hospitals for immediate treatment.

Showing its solidarity with Gaza, Egypt opened its Rafah border to send 10 ambulances to bring the critically injured Palestinians to the Egyptian hospitals for immediate treatment. The country "exceptionally opened the Rafah crossing to allow 10 Egyptian ambulances into the Gaza Strip to transport wounded Palestinians... to be treated in Egypt," a medical officer reported. Also read | Death toll rises as violence rocks Gaza, Israel and West Bank This specific border is usually closed during public holidays, including the recent Eid al-Fitr. This year, however, the Egyptian authorities decided to suspend the Eid holidays were suspended for a group of medical professionals who were asked to report to the hospitals to help "those coming from the Gaza Strip". As per the data reported by Gaza medical officials, the Israeli strikes have taken nearly 139 people, of which 39 were kids, and more than 950 people were injured critically during the violent clash. Watch | Meanwhile, the grand imam of Egypt's famous Al-Azhar mosque, Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb, has launched a social media campaign to support the Palestinians in this war between the two communities. "Stop the killing," the imam said. "Enough with silence and double standards if we are really working towards peace." On Saturday morning, the Palestinian religious affairs ministry has claimed the Israeli planes have destroyed a mosque.

Egypt sends ambulance to Gaza for critically injured Palestinians

Jammu and Kashmir Police said on Saturday that it will take action against those who disturb peace in the valley by posting sensitive social media posts about Palestine. They said that action will be taken against social media users who try ' ‘to leverage the unfortunate situation in Palestine to disturb public peace and order in the Kashmir valley.’

“We are a professional force and are sensitive to public anguish. But J&amp;K police has a legal responsibility to ensure law and order as well. It, however, wouldn’t allow cynical encashment of the public anger to trigger violence, lawlessness and disorder on Kashmir streets," said Vijay Kumar, Inspector General of Kashmir

The police say people have the right to express their opinions but they cannot hold any protests during the Covid pandemic. IG Kashmir Vijay Kumar stressed that engineering and inciting violence on streets is unlawful.

All irresponsible social media comments that result in actual violence and breaking of the law including Covid protocol will attract legal action.

Police have urged people to cooperate and desist from inciting tension in the valley.

Jammu and Kashmir Police said on Saturday that it will take action against those who disturb peace in the valley by posting sensitive social media posts about Palestine.

Jammu and Kashmir Police said on Saturday that it will take action against those who disturb peace in the valley by posting sensitive social media posts about Palestine. They said that action will be taken against social media users who try ' ‘to leverage the unfortunate situation in Palestine to disturb public peace and order in the Kashmir valley.’ “We are a professional force and are sensitive to public anguish. But J&K police has a legal responsibility to ensure law and order as well. It, however, wouldn’t allow cynical encashment of the public anger to trigger violence, lawlessness and disorder on Kashmir streets," said Vijay Kumar, Inspector General of Kashmir The police say people have the right to express their opinions but they cannot hold any protests during the Covid pandemic. IG Kashmir Vijay Kumar stressed that engineering and inciting violence on streets is unlawful. All irresponsible social media comments that result in actual violence and breaking of the law including Covid protocol will attract legal action. Police have urged people to cooperate and desist from inciting tension in the valley.

Jammu and Kashmir Police to take action against sensitive social media content on Palestine

Israel-Palestinian Conflict: US Diplomat in Israel to initiate negotiations

According to the Israeli military spokesman Jonathan Conricus, Palestinian militants have fired more than 1,600 rockets from Gaza at Israel since the latest flare-up of fighting began earlier this week.

What is an Iron Dome? The invisible shield protecting Israel

US lawmaker Rashida Tlaib on Thursday (local time) questioned US government's "unconditional support" to Israel amid clashes with Palestine. Tlaib has been critical of Israeli policy towards the Palestinians.

"We must, with no hesitation, demand that our country recognize the unconditional support of Israel has enabled the erasure of Palestinian life and the denial of the rights of millions of refugees," Tlaib said, often tearing up as she addressed the House of Representatives.

She was joined on the floor by congresswoman from Minnesota, Ilhan Omar, who criticized her colleagues in the House for their stand on Israel.

"Instead of condemning blatant crimes against humanity and human rights abuses, many members of Congress have instead fallen back on a blanket statement defending Israel's airstrikes against civilians under the guise of self-defense."

At least 109 people have been killed in Gaza over previous four days as per Palestinian medical officials.

On Thursday alone, 52 Palestinians were killed in the enclave, the highest single-day figure since Monday (May 10).

Seven people were killed in Israel: a soldier patrolling the Gaza border, five Israeli civilians, including two children, and an Indian worker, Israeli authorities said.

(With inputs from agencies)

US lawmaker Rashida Tlaib on Thursday (local time) questioned US government's "unconditional support" to Israel amid clashes with Palestine. Tlaib has been critical of Israeli policy towards the Palestinians.

US lawmaker Rashida Tlaib on Thursday (local time) questioned US government's "unconditional support" to Israel amid clashes with Palestine. Tlaib has been critical of Israeli policy towards the Palestinians. "We must, with no hesitation, demand that our country recognize the unconditional support of Israel has enabled the erasure of Palestinian life and the denial of the rights of millions of refugees," Tlaib said, often tearing up as she addressed the House of Representatives. She was joined on the floor by congresswoman from Minnesota, Ilhan Omar, who criticized her colleagues in the House for their stand on Israel. "Instead of condemning blatant crimes against humanity and human rights abuses, many members of Congress have instead fallen back on a blanket statement defending Israel's airstrikes against civilians under the guise of self-defense." At least 109 people have been killed in Gaza over previous four days as per Palestinian medical officials. On Thursday alone, 52 Palestinians were killed in the enclave, the highest single-day figure since Monday (May 10). Seven people were killed in Israel: a soldier patrolling the Gaza border, five Israeli civilians, including two children, and an Indian worker, Israeli authorities said. (With inputs from agencies)

US Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib responds tearfully over Israel-Palestine conflict

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

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

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

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

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