Trump's West Asia Plan was rejected by Palestinian leaders before they saw it but the architect of the plan Jared Kushner has said that the different parts of Palestine will be linked using tunnels, bridges and huge highways. Both Kushner and Trump has called this deal as the last chance to bring peace between Israel and Palestine.

Trump's West Asia Plan is the last chance to bring peace, Says Jared Kushner & Trump

WION spoke with Political consultant and expert on British politics, Jodie Cohen on Trump's West Asia Plan which indicates that Trump has outrightly handed over Jerusalem to Israel. Watch the video for more information.

Trump's West Asia Plan: Most Of West Bank Recognised As Israel

Israeli Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-pm-netanyahu-us-vice-president-pence-denounce-iran-at-holocaust-memorial-ceremony-276200">Benjamin Netanyahu</a> on Tuesday withdrew his bid for parliamentary immunity from prosecution on corruption charges, making a criminal trial against him a near certainty.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-insists-israeli-palestinian-plan-has-a-chance-276949">Israel'</a>s longest-serving prime minister said in a statement that an immunity debate in parliament would have been a "circus" and he did not want to take part in this "dirty game".

Netanyahu, who denies all wrongdoing, said: "I informed the Knesset speaker that I am withdrawing my immunity request."

The veteran right-winger, who faces a national election in March, is under no legal obligation to resign.

Netanyahu, 70, is now in Washington for meetings with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-top-court-sides-with-trump-on-immigrant-welfare-benefits-276959">US</a>&nbsp;President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/impeachment-trial-of-donald-trump-all-star-defence-team-scared-of-going-near-bolton-276987">Donald Trump</a> ahead of the release of Trump's long-delayed Israel-<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/palestinian-prime-minister-calls-on-world-to-boycott-donald-trumps-peace-plan-276902">Palestinian</a> peace plan, which the Palestinians have already rejected.

Netanyahu's main rival, centrist former general <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/benjamin-netanyahus-rival-benny-gantz-calls-off-israel-unity-government-talks-reports-253192">Benny Gantz</a>, made Netanyahu's legal troubles a centrepiece of his campaigns in two Israeli elections last year.

Gantz made a brief trip to Washington to discuss the peace plan with Trump, and had rushed back to Israel expecting to lead the parliament debate against granting Netanyahu immunity.

"Netanyahu is going to trial, we have to move on," Gantz said after Netanyahu pulled his immunity request.

"The citizens of Israel have a clear choice: a prime minister who works for them or a prime minister busy with himself. No one can manage the country and in parallel manage three serious criminal cases," Gantz said in a tweet.

Israelis attorney general Avichai Mandelblit indicted Netanyahu on corruption charges - the first of their kind against a serving Israeli prime minister - last November following a long-running investigation.

The charges included bribery, breach of trust and fraud.

Netanyahu is suspected of wrongfully accepting $264,000 worth of gifts, which prosecutors said included cigars and champagne, from tycoons and of dispensing regulatory favours in alleged bids for improved coverage by a popular news website.

Netanyahu could face up to 10 years in prison if convicted of bribery and a maximum three-year term for fraud and breach of trust.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday withdrew his bid for parliamentary immunity from prosecution on corruption charges, making a criminal trial against him a near certainty.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday withdrew his bid for parliamentary immunity from prosecution on corruption charges, making a criminal trial against him a near certainty. Israel's longest-serving prime minister said in a statement that an immunity debate in parliament would have been a "circus" and he did not want to take part in this "dirty game". Netanyahu, who denies all wrongdoing, said: "I informed the Knesset speaker that I am withdrawing my immunity request." The veteran right-winger, who faces a national election in March, is under no legal obligation to resign. Netanyahu, 70, is now in Washington for meetings with US President Donald Trump ahead of the release of Trump's long-delayed Israel-Palestinian peace plan, which the Palestinians have already rejected. Netanyahu's main rival, centrist former general Benny Gantz, made Netanyahu's legal troubles a centrepiece of his campaigns in two Israeli elections last year. Gantz made a brief trip to Washington to discuss the peace plan with Trump, and had rushed back to Israel expecting to lead the parliament debate against granting Netanyahu immunity. "Netanyahu is going to trial, we have to move on," Gantz said after Netanyahu pulled his immunity request. "The citizens of Israel have a clear choice: a prime minister who works for them or a prime minister busy with himself. No one can manage the country and in parallel manage three serious criminal cases," Gantz said in a tweet. Israelis attorney general Avichai Mandelblit indicted Netanyahu on corruption charges - the first of their kind against a serving Israeli prime minister - last November following a long-running investigation. The charges included bribery, breach of trust and fraud. Netanyahu is suspected of wrongfully accepting $264,000 worth of gifts, which prosecutors said included cigars and champagne, from tycoons and of dispensing regulatory favours in alleged bids for improved coverage by a popular news website. Netanyahu could face up to 10 years in prison if convicted of bribery and a maximum three-year term for fraud and breach of trust.

Netanyahu withdraws bid for immunity from corruption prosecution

President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-top-court-sides-with-trump-on-immigrant-welfare-benefits-276959">Donald Trump </a>on Tuesday will ignore accusations of pro-Israeli bias,&nbsp;led by the Palestinians themselves, and unveil what he says is a peace plan that can solve the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/news-donald-trump-to-unveil-israel-palestine-peace-plan-by-tuesday-276254">Israeli-Palestinian</a> conflict.

The long-held secret&nbsp;plan will finally be aired jointly by Trump and visiting Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/today-tonight-donald-trump-welcomes-benjamin-netanyahu-wion-news-world-news-276942">Benjamin Netanyahu</a> at the White House.

Given that it has been rejected by the Palestinians, the latest of many US proposals to address the bitter, multi-generational Middle East conflict might seem to have little future.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/palestinian-prime-minister-calls-on-world-to-boycott-donald-trumps-peace-plan-276902">Palestinian Prime Minister calls on world to boycott Donald Trump's peace plan</a>

But Trump insists he is optimistic and whatever happens, both he and Netanyahu could reap political benefits as they battle respective domestic scandals.

"It might have a chance," <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/news-donald-trump-to-unveil-israel-palestine-peace-plan-by-tuesday-276254">Trump</a> said of the plan at an initial Oval Office meeting with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-pm-netanyahu-us-vice-president-pence-denounce-iran-at-holocaust-memorial-ceremony-276200">Netanyahu</a> on Monday.

Trump, whose impeachment trial in the Senate is entering a critical phase, said his plan was getting widespread support from "many of the Arab nations" and claimed that even Palestinians would come round to the idea.

"It's very good for them, in fact it's overly good for them," Trump told reporters. "We think we will have ultimately the support of the Palestinians."

Netanyahu, praising Trump as "the greatest friend that Israel's had in the White House", described the plan as "the deal of the century".

Watch:&nbsp;Donald Trump welcomes Benjamin Netanyahu

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/today-tonight-donald-trump-welcomes-benjamin-netanyahu-wion-news-world-news-276942/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Netanyahu also faces corruption charges, as well as a tense election in just over a month, with his right-wing Likud currently neck-and-neck with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/what-to-expect-from-trumps-peace-plan-or-deal-of-century-276976">Benny Gantz</a>'s centrist Blue and White party.

On Monday, Trump also met separately with Gantz, but the limelight fell almost entirely on the incumbent prime minister -- as will any political dividends from a peace plan favouring Israel.

Watch:&nbsp;What to expect from Trump's peace plan or "Deal Of Century" ?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/what-to-expect-from-trumps-peace-plan-or-deal-of-century-276976/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

No deal

No Palestinians have been invited to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-impeachment-poll-47-want-trump-out-of-white-house-277104">White House </a>event. They say they were never included in crafting the plan, which was overseen by Trump son-in-law Jared Kushner.

Palestinian prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh on Monday urged international powers to boycott the plan, which he said was designed "to protect Trump from impeachment and protect Netanyahu from prison.

"It is not a Middle East peace plan," <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/palestinian-prime-minister-calls-on-world-to-boycott-donald-trumps-peace-plan-276902">Shtayyeh</a> told a cabinet meeting. "This plan gives Israel sovereignty over Palestinian territory."

Details of the plan remained under wraps up to the last minute, but it has been gestating for so long that skeptics asked whether it really existed.

Aaron David Miller, a Mideast expert with the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, said Kushner's team wanted to "finally, basically demonstrate that they have a plan" and to do so ahead of the US presidential election in November.

Trump has already thrown Netanyahu a string of political presents throughout his first term.

He has broken with international diplomatic consensus to recognize the disputed city of Jerusalem as the Israeli capital. He recognized Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, seized from neighboring Syria. And he has ended opposition to Israeli settlements on occupied Palestinian land.

Ahead of Tuesday's announcement, the Israeli army said it was beefing up forces in the Jordan Valley, a swathe of the occupied West Bank expected to feature in Trump's plan.

Last Thursday, Trump described the still-unpublished peace plan as "great" and said it "really would work".

But on Sunday, Palestinian leaders warned that instead of bringing peace, the plan could trigger their withdrawal from key provisions of the decades-old Oslo Accords, which sought to map out peaceful Israeli-Palestinian relations.

"Trump's plan is the plot of the century to liquidate the Palestinian cause," the Palestinian foreign ministry said in a statement.

Rival Palestinian factions Hamas and Fatah planned to show their opposition to the new proposal by joining forces at a rare meeting on Tuesday in the West Bank city of Ramallah.

President Donald Trump on Tuesday will ignore accusations of pro-Israeli bias, led by the Palestinians themselves, and unveil what he says is a peace plan that can solve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

President Donald Trump on Tuesday will ignore accusations of pro-Israeli bias, led by the Palestinians themselves, and unveil what he says is a peace plan that can solve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The long-held secret plan will finally be aired jointly by Trump and visiting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the White House. Given that it has been rejected by the Palestinians, the latest of many US proposals to address the bitter, multi-generational Middle East conflict might seem to have little future. Also read: Palestinian Prime Minister calls on world to boycott Donald Trump's peace plan But Trump insists he is optimistic and whatever happens, both he and Netanyahu could reap political benefits as they battle respective domestic scandals. "It might have a chance," Trump said of the plan at an initial Oval Office meeting with Netanyahu on Monday. Trump, whose impeachment trial in the Senate is entering a critical phase, said his plan was getting widespread support from "many of the Arab nations" and claimed that even Palestinians would come round to the idea. "It's very good for them, in fact it's overly good for them," Trump told reporters. "We think we will have ultimately the support of the Palestinians." Netanyahu, praising Trump as "the greatest friend that Israel's had in the White House", described the plan as "the deal of the century". Watch: Donald Trump welcomes Benjamin Netanyahu Netanyahu also faces corruption charges, as well as a tense election in just over a month, with his right-wing Likud currently neck-and-neck with Benny Gantz's centrist Blue and White party. On Monday, Trump also met separately with Gantz, but the limelight fell almost entirely on the incumbent prime minister -- as will any political dividends from a peace plan favouring Israel. Watch: What to expect from Trump's peace plan or "Deal Of Century" ? No deal No Palestinians have been invited to the White House event. They say they were never included in crafting the plan, which was overseen by Trump son-in-law Jared Kushner. Palestinian prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh on Monday urged international powers to boycott the plan, which he said was designed "to protect Trump from impeachment and protect Netanyahu from prison. "It is not a Middle East peace plan," Shtayyeh told a cabinet meeting. "This plan gives Israel sovereignty over Palestinian territory." Details of the plan remained under wraps up to the last minute, but it has been gestating for so long that skeptics asked whether it really existed. Aaron David Miller, a Mideast expert with the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, said Kushner's team wanted to "finally, basically demonstrate that they have a plan" and to do so ahead of the US presidential election in November. Trump has already thrown Netanyahu a string of political presents throughout his first term. He has broken with international diplomatic consensus to recognize the disputed city of Jerusalem as the Israeli capital. He recognized Israeli sovereignty over the Golan Heights, seized from neighboring Syria. And he has ended opposition to Israeli settlements on occupied Palestinian land. Ahead of Tuesday's announcement, the Israeli army said it was beefing up forces in the Jordan Valley, a swathe of the occupied West Bank expected to feature in Trump's plan. Last Thursday, Trump described the still-unpublished peace plan as "great" and said it "really would work". But on Sunday, Palestinian leaders warned that instead of bringing peace, the plan could trigger their withdrawal from key provisions of the decades-old Oslo Accords, which sought to map out peaceful Israeli-Palestinian relations. "Trump's plan is the plot of the century to liquidate the Palestinian cause," the Palestinian foreign ministry said in a statement. Rival Palestinian factions Hamas and Fatah planned to show their opposition to the new proposal by joining forces at a rare meeting on Tuesday in the West Bank city of Ramallah.

Trump to unveil Israel-Palestinian peace plan, despite critics

US President Donald Trump's Middle East Plan will take place around noon tomorrow and some bits of information that are trickling through some sources is that the Palestinians will be offered a roadmap to limited statehood for three years if they agree to abide by certain conditions. Watch the video for more information:

Sources: Palestinians will be offered limited statehood for 3 years

Palestinian prime minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/palestinian-ministers-sworn-in-again-after-oath-foul-up-210343">Mohammed Shtayyeh </a>on Monday urged international powers to boycott US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-will-not-lift-sanctions-to-negotiate-with-iran-donald-trump-276694">Donald Trump</a>'s "peace plan" which they see as biased towards Israel.

"This a plan to protect Trump from impeachment and protect Israeli Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-pm-netanyahu-us-vice-president-pence-denounce-iran-at-holocaust-memorial-ceremony-276200">Benjamin&nbsp;Netanyahu</a> from prison. It is not a Middle East peace plan," Shtayyeh told a cabinet meeting.

"This plan gives Israel sovereignty over Palestinian territory," he said.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/palestinians-in-financial-crisis-after-israel-us-moves-204802">Palestinians in financial crisis after Israel, US moves</a>

Trump is expected to unveil his "peace plan" for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/slippery-slope-indias-imports-from-middle-east-at-four-year-low-275412">Middle East</a> after hosting Monday in Washington Netanyahu and his political rival Benny Gantz.

It comes as Trump is facing an impeachment trial in the Senate while Netanyahu, who is facing indictment over corruption allegations, will contest an election next month which Gantz is hoping to win.

Watch: Netanyahu of Israel leaves for Washington saying 'would make history with Trump'&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/netanyahu-of-israel-leaves-for-washington-saying-would-make-history-with-trump-276703/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"We call on the international community to not be partners in this because it contravenes international law," Shtayyeh told the Palestinian cabinet.

"The rights of the Palestinian people are not for sale."

The Palestinians have not been invited to Washington, having cut all ties with the Trump administration over its pro-Israel stance.

The plan is widely expected to be the most favourable towards Israel ever proposed by the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-promises-action-on-any-north-korea-missile-test-white-house-270890">United States</a>, with alleged leaks denied by Trump&nbsp;suggesting it could declare settlements in the occupied West Bank legal.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/news-donald-trump-to-unveil-israel-palestine-peace-plan-by-tuesday-276254">Also read: Donald Trump to unveil Israel-Palestine peace plan by Tuesday</a>

The US proposal could also pull back from the creation of a Palestinian state with east Jerusalem as its capital after Trump in 2018 recognised <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mike-pence-caught-on-hot-mic-telling-israeli-pm-that-trump-is-unstoppable-276395">Jerusalem</a> as Israel's capital.

While the US and Israel are likely to be supportive of the plan, the reaction of international powers could be key.

Two European diplomats said that&nbsp;the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/eu-leaders-draft-anti-caa-5-page-resolution-call-it-fundamentally-biased-276779">European Union</a> was working on a statement reaffirming its support for the two-state solution along the traditional lines.

Shtayyeh said president Mahmud Abbas would call a meeting of the Palestinian leadership to discuss the best ways to respond to the plan.

In Gaza, on Monday a few hundred Palestinians protested against the Trump plan, which Palestinians ironically call the "Deal of the Century".

Palestinian prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh on Monday urged international powers to boycott US President Donald Trump's "peace plan" which they see as biased towards Israel.

Palestinian prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh on Monday urged international powers to boycott US President Donald Trump's "peace plan" which they see as biased towards Israel. "This a plan to protect Trump from impeachment and protect Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from prison. It is not a Middle East peace plan," Shtayyeh told a cabinet meeting. "This plan gives Israel sovereignty over Palestinian territory," he said. Also read: Palestinians in financial crisis after Israel, US moves Trump is expected to unveil his "peace plan" for the Middle East after hosting Monday in Washington Netanyahu and his political rival Benny Gantz. It comes as Trump is facing an impeachment trial in the Senate while Netanyahu, who is facing indictment over corruption allegations, will contest an election next month which Gantz is hoping to win. Watch: Netanyahu of Israel leaves for Washington saying 'would make history with Trump' "We call on the international community to not be partners in this because it contravenes international law," Shtayyeh told the Palestinian cabinet. "The rights of the Palestinian people are not for sale." The Palestinians have not been invited to Washington, having cut all ties with the Trump administration over its pro-Israel stance. The plan is widely expected to be the most favourable towards Israel ever proposed by the United States, with alleged leaks denied by Trump suggesting it could declare settlements in the occupied West Bank legal. Also read: Donald Trump to unveil Israel-Palestine peace plan by Tuesday The US proposal could also pull back from the creation of a Palestinian state with east Jerusalem as its capital after Trump in 2018 recognised Jerusalem as Israel's capital. While the US and Israel are likely to be supportive of the plan, the reaction of international powers could be key. Two European diplomats said that the European Union was working on a statement reaffirming its support for the two-state solution along the traditional lines. Shtayyeh said president Mahmud Abbas would call a meeting of the Palestinian leadership to discuss the best ways to respond to the plan. In Gaza, on Monday a few hundred Palestinians protested against the Trump plan, which Palestinians ironically call the "Deal of the Century".

Palestinian Prime Minister calls on world to boycott Donald Trump's peace plan

US President Donald Trump on Thursday said he would release Middle East peace plan ahead of a meeting in Washington next week with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

"It's a great plan. It's a plan that really would work," Trump said to reporters travelling with him to Florida on board Air Force One. Trump said that the plan would probably be unveiled before the White House meeting on Tuesday.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/opinion-us-policy-on-palestine-conflict-has-changed-over-time-159087">Opinion: US policy on Palestine conflict has changed over time</a>

The Palestinians have once again reiterated its rejection to the plans as they believe the plans intend to bury the two-state solution. They are also not invited for the White House meeting regarding the same next week.&nbsp;

Asked on any contacts made by the US to Palestinians, Trump said: "We've spoken to them briefly. But we will speak to them in a period of time."

Trump also said that after the declaration of the plans, Palestinians "maybe will react negatively at first but it's actually very positive for them".&nbsp;

US President also said that he was pleased that both Netanyahu and his main electoral rival Benny Gantz would come for the meeting ahead of the elections in Israel on March 2.&nbsp;

"This step only reaffirms our absolute rejection of what the US administration has done so far, particularly the recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital," spokesman of Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas' said in a statement.

Palestinian President broke all ties with the US after the latter recognized Jerusalem as Israel's capital in 2017, a move that went against decades of international consensus.&nbsp;

Trump earlier described his Israel-Palestine peace agreement brokered by the US as "ultimate deal".

The peace initiative was expected months ago but was postponed after the inconclusive September elections in Israel last year. &nbsp;

Israeli media claimed that the leaked outlines of the deal show that the US has accepted key Israeli demands.&nbsp;

The White House meeting coincides with an expected session in the Israeli parliament to discuss Netanyahu's potential immunity from prosecution over the corruption charges.&nbsp;

(with AFP inputs)

US President Donald Trump on Thursday said he would release Middle East peace plan ahead of a meeting in Washington next week with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

US President Donald Trump on Thursday said he would release Middle East peace plan ahead of a meeting in Washington next week with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. "It's a great plan. It's a plan that really would work," Trump said to reporters travelling with him to Florida on board Air Force One. Trump said that the plan would probably be unveiled before the White House meeting on Tuesday. Also read: Opinion: US policy on Palestine conflict has changed over time The Palestinians have once again reiterated its rejection to the plans as they believe the plans intend to bury the two-state solution. They are also not invited for the White House meeting regarding the same next week. Asked on any contacts made by the US to Palestinians, Trump said: "We've spoken to them briefly. But we will speak to them in a period of time." Trump also said that after the declaration of the plans, Palestinians "maybe will react negatively at first but it's actually very positive for them". US President also said that he was pleased that both Netanyahu and his main electoral rival Benny Gantz would come for the meeting ahead of the elections in Israel on March 2. "This step only reaffirms our absolute rejection of what the US administration has done so far, particularly the recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital," spokesman of Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas' said in a statement. Palestinian President broke all ties with the US after the latter recognized Jerusalem as Israel's capital in 2017, a move that went against decades of international consensus. Trump earlier described his Israel-Palestine peace agreement brokered by the US as "ultimate deal". The peace initiative was expected months ago but was postponed after the inconclusive September elections in Israel last year. Israeli media claimed that the leaked outlines of the deal show that the US has accepted key Israeli demands. The White House meeting coincides with an expected session in the Israeli parliament to discuss Netanyahu's potential immunity from prosecution over the corruption charges. (with AFP inputs)

Donald Trump to unveil Israel-Palestine peace plan by Tuesday

Four cruise missiles were believed to have been launched across the coast through Lebanese airspace towards Syria, a source in the regional alliance supporting Syrian President Bashar <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/syrias-assad-says-he-does-not-want-turkey-as-an-enemy-259172">al-Assad</a> told Reuters.

Later the army said it had brought down one of the missiles in an area near the capital. It gave no further details and there was no immediate comment from Israel.

Israel has launched hundreds of missiles towards Syria in recent years, targeting Iranian-backed militias operating in the country as well as supplies sent by pro-Iranian Lebanese <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanese-army-clashes-with-supporters-of-hezbollah-amal-in-beirut-268624">Hezbollah</a> to support Assad's forces.

Iran and Hezbollah are fighting on the side of President Bashar al-Assad in the Syrian war, and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-carried-out-strikes-on-irans-quds-force-syrian-targets-israel-army-263308">Israel</a> says they are trying to turn Syria into a new front against Israelis.

Israel has vowed it will continue its strikes against Iranian targets trying to establish a permanent military presence there and against advanced weapons shipments to Hezbollah.

Four cruise missiles were believed to have been launched across the coast through Lebanese airspace towards Syria, a source in the regional alliance supporting Syrian President Bashar al-Assad told Reuters.

Four cruise missiles were believed to have been launched across the coast through Lebanese airspace towards Syria, a source in the regional alliance supporting Syrian President Bashar al-Assad told Reuters. Later the army said it had brought down one of the missiles in an area near the capital. It gave no further details and there was no immediate comment from Israel. Israel has launched hundreds of missiles towards Syria in recent years, targeting Iranian-backed militias operating in the country as well as supplies sent by pro-Iranian Lebanese Hezbollah to support Assad's forces. Iran and Hezbollah are fighting on the side of President Bashar al-Assad in the Syrian war, and Israel says they are trying to turn Syria into a new front against Israelis. Israel has vowed it will continue its strikes against Iranian targets trying to establish a permanent military presence there and against advanced weapons shipments to Hezbollah.

Syrian air defense intercepts missiles from Israel: Report

The International Criminal Court (ICC) chief prosecutor said on Friday that there is a "reasonable basis to proceed with an investigation" on the alleged war crimes committed in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/palestine-president-mahmoud-abbas-points-finger-at-netanyahu-trump-administration-at-unga-252447">Palestine</a>, in a statement which got sharp reactions from the United States and Israel.&nbsp;

The Palestinians welcomed the step and described it as "long overdue" after a nearly five-year preliminary probe by the prosecutor into the situation since the 2014 war in Gaza.

"I am satisfied that there is a reasonable basis to proceed with an investigation into the situation in Palestine," ICC prosecutor Fatou Bensouda said in a statement.

"In brief, I am satisfied that war crimes have been or are being committed in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip."

She also asked ICC to rule on the territory over which it has jurisdiction because of the "unique and highly contested legal and factual issues attaching to this situation" before launching a full probe.&nbsp;

I don't require any authorisation from judges to open a probe as there had been a referral from the Palestinians, she further added.

After the prosecutor's statements, the US &nbsp;Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that they oppose this move and any action that seeks to target Israel "unfairly".&nbsp;

Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu slammed that statements and called it a "dark day for truth and justice".&nbsp;

"The ICC prosecutor's decision has turned the International Criminal Court into a political tool to delegitimise the State of Israel," Netanyahu said.

Palestine, on the other hand,&nbsp;praised the step and in a statement said: "a long overdue step to move the process forward towards an investigation, after nearly five long and difficult years of preliminary examination". &nbsp;

The International Criminal Court (ICC) chief prosecutor said on Friday that there is a "reasonable basis to proceed with an investigation" on the alleged war crimes committed in Palestine, in a statement which got sharp reactions from the United States and Israel.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) chief prosecutor said on Friday that there is a "reasonable basis to proceed with an investigation" on the alleged war crimes committed in Palestine, in a statement which got sharp reactions from the United States and Israel. The Palestinians welcomed the step and described it as "long overdue" after a nearly five-year preliminary probe by the prosecutor into the situation since the 2014 war in Gaza. "I am satisfied that there is a reasonable basis to proceed with an investigation into the situation in Palestine," ICC prosecutor Fatou Bensouda said in a statement. "In brief, I am satisfied that war crimes have been or are being committed in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip." She also asked ICC to rule on the territory over which it has jurisdiction because of the "unique and highly contested legal and factual issues attaching to this situation" before launching a full probe. I don't require any authorisation from judges to open a probe as there had been a referral from the Palestinians, she further added. After the prosecutor's statements, the US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that they oppose this move and any action that seeks to target Israel "unfairly". Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu slammed that statements and called it a "dark day for truth and justice". "The ICC prosecutor's decision has turned the International Criminal Court into a political tool to delegitimise the State of Israel," Netanyahu said. Palestine, on the other hand, praised the step and in a statement said: "a long overdue step to move the process forward towards an investigation, after nearly five long and difficult years of preliminary examination".

International Criminal Court to probe alleged war crimes in Palestinian territories

More than 160 cars were vandalised in a Palestinian neighbourhood of Jerusalem with anti-Arab slogans scrawled nearby, Israeli police said Monday, in a suspected hate crime.

The cars in the Shuafaat neighbourhood of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/palestine-liberation-organisation-welcomes-eu-court-ruling-on-labelling-israeli-settlement-goods-261607">east Jerusalem</a> had their tyres slashed, with slogans such as "Arabs=enemies", "There is no room in the country for enemies" and "When Jews are stabbed we aren't silent" scrawled in Hebrew with red paint nearby, photos published by Israeli media showed.

Police said their forces "continue to search the area for the suspects who fled the scene."

A local official told public broadcaster Kann that footage revealed the vandalism took place overnight under the cover of the rain, and that the perpetrators were religious Jews.

The incident bore the hallmark of a "price tag" attack, a euphemism for Jewish nationalist-motivated hate crimes that generally target Palestinian or Arab Israeli property in revenge for nationalistic attacks against Israelis.

"Three masked settlers sneaked into the neighbourhood early and damaged the tyres of cars on the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/palestine-president-mahmoud-abbas-points-finger-at-netanyahu-trump-administration-at-unga-252447">main street</a>," said Maysa Abu Khdair, a resident whose car was targeted and whose surveillance cameras caught the scene.

"My daughter went on foot to school in the rain," she added.

More than 160 cars were vandalised in a Palestinian neighbourhood of Jerusalem with anti-Arab slogans scrawled nearby, Israeli police said Monday, in a suspected hate crime.

More than 160 cars were vandalised in a Palestinian neighbourhood of Jerusalem with anti-Arab slogans scrawled nearby, Israeli police said Monday, in a suspected hate crime. The cars in the Shuafaat neighbourhood of east Jerusalem had their tyres slashed, with slogans such as "Arabs=enemies", "There is no room in the country for enemies" and "When Jews are stabbed we aren't silent" scrawled in Hebrew with red paint nearby, photos published by Israeli media showed. Police said their forces "continue to search the area for the suspects who fled the scene." A local official told public broadcaster Kann that footage revealed the vandalism took place overnight under the cover of the rain, and that the perpetrators were religious Jews. The incident bore the hallmark of a "price tag" attack, a euphemism for Jewish nationalist-motivated hate crimes that generally target Palestinian or Arab Israeli property in revenge for nationalistic attacks against Israelis. "Three masked settlers sneaked into the neighbourhood early and damaged the tyres of cars on the main street," said Maysa Abu Khdair, a resident whose car was targeted and whose surveillance cameras caught the scene. "My daughter went on foot to school in the rain," she added.

160 Palestinian cars vandalised in suspected hate crime: Police

WION Dispatch: New plan to double Jewish Population. Watch video to know more.

WION Dispatch: New plan to double Jewish Population

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-faces-palestinian-international-criticism-of-israel-settlement-move-263219">Israel's occupation </a>of the Palestinian territories has cost the economy of the Palestinians more than $2.5 billion a year for the past two decades, a UN report said Monday.

The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development report estimated the total fiscal loss to the Palestinian government between 2000 and 2017 at $47.7 billion.

The figure included $28 billion in accrued interest and $6.6 billion in leakage from Palestinian fiscal revenues.

It said the amount would have been enough to eliminate the Palestinian government's $17.7 billion budget deficit over the same period more than twice over.

The report argued if the $47 billion had been invested sensibly in the impoverished Palestinian economy, it would have created an extra two million jobs over the 18-year period, or 110,000 a year.

The report was presented at the Palestine Economic Policy Research Institute (MAS) in the West Bank city of Ramallah, home to the Palestinian government.

Misyef Jameel, senior researcher at MAS who worked on the report, said they only measured the direct fiscal impact.&nbsp;

The real figure for all loses was likely much higher, he said. 
&nbsp;

Israel's occupation of the Palestinian territories has cost the economy of the Palestinians more than $2.5 billion a year for the past two decades, a UN report said Monday.

Israel's occupation of the Palestinian territories has cost the economy of the Palestinians more than $2.5 billion a year for the past two decades, a UN report said Monday. The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development report estimated the total fiscal loss to the Palestinian government between 2000 and 2017 at $47.7 billion. The figure included $28 billion in accrued interest and $6.6 billion in leakage from Palestinian fiscal revenues. It said the amount would have been enough to eliminate the Palestinian government's $17.7 billion budget deficit over the same period more than twice over. The report argued if the $47 billion had been invested sensibly in the impoverished Palestinian economy, it would have created an extra two million jobs over the 18-year period, or 110,000 a year. The report was presented at the Palestine Economic Policy Research Institute (MAS) in the West Bank city of Ramallah, home to the Palestinian government. Misyef Jameel, senior researcher at MAS who worked on the report, said they only measured the direct fiscal impact. The real figure for all loses was likely much higher, he said.

Israeli occupation costs Palestinian economy $2.5 bn a year: UN

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/israels-drone-industry-becomes-global-force-265068#israel-drone-industrys-secret-weapon-265044">Israel</a> on Thursday demolished the West Bank homes of four Palestinians accused of a deadly attack, sparking clashes with stone-throwing protesters, the army and an AFP journalist said.

The houses in the village of Beit Kahil near Hebron in the occupied West Bank were home to men who were "part of the squad that carried out the stabbing attack" which killed an off-duty soldier in August, the army said.

Clashes broke out during the demolitions, the army said, with Palestinians hurling "rocks and burnt tyres at troops".

"In response, troops used riot dispersal means."

Residents stared at piles of concrete after bulldozers reduced one house to rubble, an AFP photographer said.

After the demolitions one <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-faces-palestinian-international-criticism-of-israel-settlement-move-263219">Palestinian</a> died in a car accident at a junction near Hebron.

Palestinian official news agency Wafa said his car was hit by an Israeli military bulldozer, but the army said he drove into the stationary vehicle.

"A Palestinian vehicle deviated off the road and hit the (Israeli military) vehicle, which had stopped on the side of the road," an army spokeswoman told AFP, without confirming the death.

Wafa named the dead man as Mohammed al-Nawajaa, saying his son was also injured in the incident.

In August, off-duty soldier Israeli Dvir Sorek was ambushed and killed, and his body was dumped near a settlement in the West Bank.

He had been studying at a Jewish seminary in the settlement.

Israel routinely demolishes the homes of those accused of carrying out attacks.

It argues that such measures act as a deterrent, but critics say it amounts to collective punishment.

Israel on Thursday demolished the West Bank homes of four Palestinians accused of a deadly attack, sparking clashes with stone-throwing protesters, the army and an AFP journalist said.

Israel on Thursday demolished the West Bank homes of four Palestinians accused of a deadly attack, sparking clashes with stone-throwing protesters, the army and an AFP journalist said. The houses in the village of Beit Kahil near Hebron in the occupied West Bank were home to men who were "part of the squad that carried out the stabbing attack" which killed an off-duty soldier in August, the army said. Clashes broke out during the demolitions, the army said, with Palestinians hurling "rocks and burnt tyres at troops". "In response, troops used riot dispersal means." Residents stared at piles of concrete after bulldozers reduced one house to rubble, an AFP photographer said. After the demolitions one Palestinian died in a car accident at a junction near Hebron. Palestinian official news agency Wafa said his car was hit by an Israeli military bulldozer, but the army said he drove into the stationary vehicle. "A Palestinian vehicle deviated off the road and hit the (Israeli military) vehicle, which had stopped on the side of the road," an army spokeswoman told AFP, without confirming the death. Wafa named the dead man as Mohammed al-Nawajaa, saying his son was also injured in the incident. In August, off-duty soldier Israeli Dvir Sorek was ambushed and killed, and his body was dumped near a settlement in the West Bank. He had been studying at a Jewish seminary in the settlement. Israel routinely demolishes the homes of those accused of carrying out attacks. It argues that such measures act as a deterrent, but critics say it amounts to collective punishment.

Israel demolishes homes of alleged Palestinian killers: Army

Israel's drone industry becomes global force

This segment of WION brings to you top stories of the morning from across the globe. Watch this video to get updated with the latest information.

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - November 27th, 2019

India votes against Israel at a U.N. Resolution on Palestinians' right to self-determination.

Gravitas: U.N. resolution on Palestine: India votes against Israel

The United States faced stiff international and Palestinian criticism Tuesday over its decision to no longer consider Israeli settlements illegal, while the Jewish state's premier cheered on the "historic" move.

The United Nations and European Union stressed the decision would not change the reality that the settlements were illegal, while the Arab League condemned the unilateral move announced Monday by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, however, said he was "very moved" by the announcement.

Pompeo said that after legal consultation Washington had concluded the establishment of settlements was "not, per se, inconsistent with international law", saying he trusted the Israeli courts to decide.

The decision puts the United States at odds with virtually the whole of the rest of the international community and breaks with UN Security Council resolutions declaring settlements to be illegal as they are built in the occupied Palestinian territories.

Israeli courts, however, have declared most major settlements legal.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights said the US decision did "not modify existing international law, nor its interpretation by the International Court of Justice and the UN Security Council".

The EU reiterated it still considers all settlement activity illegal.

Netanyahu visited the Gush Etzion settlement bloc in the West Bank south of Jerusalem on Tuesday.

"Here we are on a historic day with another tremendous achievement for the State of Israel," he told settler leaders, according to a statement.

"The Trump administration has corrected a historic injustice and lined up with truth and justice."

More than 600,000 Israelis live in settlements in East Jerusalem and the West Bank, alongside more than three million Palestinians.

Israel seized control of the territories, seen as pivotal parts of any future Palestinian state, in the 1967 Six-Day War.

Settlements are seen as one of the most difficult issues in the decades-long Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

'Dangerous consequences'

The announcement is the latest in a series of pro-Israeli moves by US President Donald Trump's administration, including recognising the disputed city of Jerusalem as Israel's capital.

Analysts say it will further embolden the settlement movement and may fend off potential legal moves against Israel.

The Arab League called it an "extremely adverse development".

The Palestinian Authority — which considers the US biased and has rejected the Trump administration as a mediator if peace talks are ever revived — called for an emergency meeting of the body.

The only two Arab states to have signed peace treaties with Israel — Egypt and Jordan — also sharply criticised the US policy shift, with Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi warning of "dangerous consequences".

Palestinian chief negotiator Saeb Erekat said they would take a series of measures to oppose it, including calling for a United Nations Security Council debate.

"We are going to the (UN) General Assembly and we will ask... the International Criminal Court to open an official judicial investigation," he added.

'On our knees'

The US policy shift was widely seen as an attempt to change the legal context for a series of suits and complaints against Israel.&nbsp;

The European Union's top court last week ruled that EU countries must identify products made in Israeli settlements on their labels.

The ICC is expected to take key decisions on two cases against Israel in the coming weeks, including relating to Israeli settlements.

Ofer Zalzberg, the senior Middle East analyst with the International Crisis Group think-tank, said the US was trying to weaken the legal pressure on its ally.

"The Trump administration is trying to unravel international consensus on this issue of the illegality of settlements," he said.

"It adds to a deepening politicisation of international law, making it appear to be malleable to political opinions."

Israeli settlers, who overwhelmingly form part of Netanyahu's right-wing constituency, said the US policy change paved the way for the annexation of West Bank settlements into Israel.

"The illegality of settlements has always been stated as a fact-based upon an international consensus. The breaking of that consensus is important," said Avi Bell, a senior fellow at the right-wing Kohelet Policy Forum in Israel.

Erekat said it was only the latest move by the US to try to force the Palestinians to capitulate and give up their claims to an independent state.

"They wanted us on our knees and they used every trick -- internally, externally, regionally -- to put pressure on us. We stand tall and we will stand tall."

The United States faced stiff international and Palestinian criticism Tuesday over its decision to no longer consider Israeli settlements illegal, while the Jewish state's premier cheered on the "historic" move.

The United States faced stiff international and Palestinian criticism Tuesday over its decision to no longer consider Israeli settlements illegal, while the Jewish state's premier cheered on the "historic" move. The United Nations and European Union stressed the decision would not change the reality that the settlements were illegal, while the Arab League condemned the unilateral move announced Monday by US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, however, said he was "very moved" by the announcement. Pompeo said that after legal consultation Washington had concluded the establishment of settlements was "not, per se, inconsistent with international law", saying he trusted the Israeli courts to decide. The decision puts the United States at odds with virtually the whole of the rest of the international community and breaks with UN Security Council resolutions declaring settlements to be illegal as they are built in the occupied Palestinian territories. Israeli courts, however, have declared most major settlements legal. The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights said the US decision did "not modify existing international law, nor its interpretation by the International Court of Justice and the UN Security Council". The EU reiterated it still considers all settlement activity illegal. Netanyahu visited the Gush Etzion settlement bloc in the West Bank south of Jerusalem on Tuesday. "Here we are on a historic day with another tremendous achievement for the State of Israel," he told settler leaders, according to a statement. "The Trump administration has corrected a historic injustice and lined up with truth and justice." More than 600,000 Israelis live in settlements in East Jerusalem and the West Bank, alongside more than three million Palestinians. Israel seized control of the territories, seen as pivotal parts of any future Palestinian state, in the 1967 Six-Day War. Settlements are seen as one of the most difficult issues in the decades-long Israeli-Palestinian conflict. 'Dangerous consequences' The announcement is the latest in a series of pro-Israeli moves by US President Donald Trump's administration, including recognising the disputed city of Jerusalem as Israel's capital. Analysts say it will further embolden the settlement movement and may fend off potential legal moves against Israel. The Arab League called it an "extremely adverse development". The Palestinian Authority — which considers the US biased and has rejected the Trump administration as a mediator if peace talks are ever revived — called for an emergency meeting of the body. The only two Arab states to have signed peace treaties with Israel — Egypt and Jordan — also sharply criticised the US policy shift, with Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi warning of "dangerous consequences". Palestinian chief negotiator Saeb Erekat said they would take a series of measures to oppose it, including calling for a United Nations Security Council debate. "We are going to the (UN) General Assembly and we will ask... the International Criminal Court to open an official judicial investigation," he added. 'On our knees' The US policy shift was widely seen as an attempt to change the legal context for a series of suits and complaints against Israel. The European Union's top court last week ruled that EU countries must identify products made in Israeli settlements on their labels. The ICC is expected to take key decisions on two cases against Israel in the coming weeks, including relating to Israeli settlements. Ofer Zalzberg, the senior Middle East analyst with the International Crisis Group think-tank, said the US was trying to weaken the legal pressure on its ally. "The Trump administration is trying to unravel international consensus on this issue of the illegality of settlements," he said. "It adds to a deepening politicisation of international law, making it appear to be malleable to political opinions." Israeli settlers, who overwhelmingly form part of Netanyahu's right-wing constituency, said the US policy change paved the way for the annexation of West Bank settlements into Israel. "The illegality of settlements has always been stated as a fact-based upon an international consensus. The breaking of that consensus is important," said Avi Bell, a senior fellow at the right-wing Kohelet Policy Forum in Israel. Erekat said it was only the latest move by the US to try to force the Palestinians to capitulate and give up their claims to an independent state. "They wanted us on our knees and they used every trick -- internally, externally, regionally -- to put pressure on us. We stand tall and we will stand tall."

US faces Palestinian, international criticism of Israel settlement move

Israel targeted Hamas in strikes on Gaza early Saturday after rockets were fired towards it from the Palestinian enclave, the army said, two days after a fragile ceasefire began.

Hamas, the Islamist movement that has de facto control over the Gaza Strip, has so far kept its distance from the deadly exchanges of fire that erupted this week.

A ceasefire has been in place since Thursday morning following the violent escalation between Israel and Islamic Jihad -- the territory's second most powerful Palestinian militant group.

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said it was "currently striking Hamas terror targets" in Gaza, where AFP journalists saw the Israeli strikes and reported retaliation from inside the enclave.

The army said it launched the strikes after "two rockets were fired from the Gaza Strip towards Israeli territory" and were intercepted by air defences.

Palestinian security sources said the Israeli strikes were aimed at two Hamas sites in the north of the territory.

It was the first time Hamas has been targeted since this week's escalation began early Tuesday with Israel's targeted killing of a top Islamic Jihad commander.

That strike triggered almost immediate retaliatory rocket fire from Islamic Jihad at Israel, setting off air-raid sirens and sending Israelis rushing to bomb shelters in the country's southern and central regions.

Fragile ceasefire&nbsp;

Israel's military had said around 450 rockets were fired at its territory during the fighting and air defences had intercepted dozens of them.

It then responded with its own airstrikes, saying it had targeted more Islamic Jihad militant sites and rocket- and missile-launching squads.

After two days of violence -- in which 34 Palestinians died but no Israeli fatalities -- a ceasefire was agreed.

But it has so far been precarious, with fire coming from both sides on Friday after the agreement went into effect.

The Gaza Strip is home to two million Palestinians, and Israel and Palestinian militants have fought three wars there since 2008.

Israeli analysts said earlier this week that the focus on Islamic Jihad instead of Hamas was a clear signal that the army sought to avoid a wider conflict in Gaza.

Hamas repeatedly said it would not abandon its ally, but not joining the fight helped it maintain a fragile truce with Israel that has seen tens of millions of dollars in Qatari aid flow into the impoverished Gaza Strip since last year.

On Thursday, Israeli military spokesman Jonathan Conricus told reporters that the army had "wanted to keep Hamas out of the fighting".

"Throughout the operation, we of course between distinguished Hamas and Islamic Jihad. And all of our operations were measured, proportionate and focused only on military assets belonging to Islamic jihad," he said

Israel targeted Hamas in strikes on Gaza early Saturday after rockets were fired towards it from the Palestinian enclave, the army said, two days after a fragile ceasefire began.

Israel targeted Hamas in strikes on Gaza early Saturday after rockets were fired towards it from the Palestinian enclave, the army said, two days after a fragile ceasefire began. Hamas, the Islamist movement that has de facto control over the Gaza Strip, has so far kept its distance from the deadly exchanges of fire that erupted this week. A ceasefire has been in place since Thursday morning following the violent escalation between Israel and Islamic Jihad -- the territory's second most powerful Palestinian militant group. The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said it was "currently striking Hamas terror targets" in Gaza, where AFP journalists saw the Israeli strikes and reported retaliation from inside the enclave. The army said it launched the strikes after "two rockets were fired from the Gaza Strip towards Israeli territory" and were intercepted by air defences. Palestinian security sources said the Israeli strikes were aimed at two Hamas sites in the north of the territory. It was the first time Hamas has been targeted since this week's escalation began early Tuesday with Israel's targeted killing of a top Islamic Jihad commander. That strike triggered almost immediate retaliatory rocket fire from Islamic Jihad at Israel, setting off air-raid sirens and sending Israelis rushing to bomb shelters in the country's southern and central regions. Fragile ceasefire Israel's military had said around 450 rockets were fired at its territory during the fighting and air defences had intercepted dozens of them. It then responded with its own airstrikes, saying it had targeted more Islamic Jihad militant sites and rocket- and missile-launching squads. After two days of violence -- in which 34 Palestinians died but no Israeli fatalities -- a ceasefire was agreed. But it has so far been precarious, with fire coming from both sides on Friday after the agreement went into effect. The Gaza Strip is home to two million Palestinians, and Israel and Palestinian militants have fought three wars there since 2008. Israeli analysts said earlier this week that the focus on Islamic Jihad instead of Hamas was a clear signal that the army sought to avoid a wider conflict in Gaza. Hamas repeatedly said it would not abandon its ally, but not joining the fight helped it maintain a fragile truce with Israel that has seen tens of millions of dollars in Qatari aid flow into the impoverished Gaza Strip since last year. On Thursday, Israeli military spokesman Jonathan Conricus told reporters that the army had "wanted to keep Hamas out of the fighting". "Throughout the operation, we of course between distinguished Hamas and Islamic Jihad. And all of our operations were measured, proportionate and focused only on military assets belonging to Islamic jihad," he said

Israel strikes Hamas targets in Gaza after rocket fire

How Islamic Jihad tried to blunt Israel’s Iron Dome with ‘indigenous’ Buraq 120 rockets

How Israel's Iron Dome missile defence system blunts rockets from Gaza

The secretary-general of the Palestine Liberation Organisation on Tuesday welcomed a ruling by the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/.../erdogan-defies-european-union-sanctions-threat -over-cyprus-drilling-261587">European Union</a>'s top court that Israeli settlement goods must be labelled as such.

"We welcome the decision of the European&nbsp;Court of Justice and call upon all European countries to implement what is a legal and political obligation," Saeb Erekat said in a statement.

"Our demand is not only for the correct labelling reflecting the certificate of origin&nbsp;of products coming from illegal colonial settlements but for the banning of those products from international markets."

Israel had not yet responded to the ruling but has in the past firmly opposed any such labelling.

The court said that, under EU rules on food labelling, it must be clear where products are from so that consumers can make choices based on "ethical considerations and considerations relating to the observance of international law."

The ruling comes after France's top tribunal asked for clarification of rules on labelling goods from the occupied West Bank and Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem, as well as the Golan Heights, which Israel took from Syria in 1967.

The secretary-general of the Palestine Liberation Organisation on Tuesday welcomed a ruling by the European Union's top court that Israeli settlement goods must be labelled as such.

The secretary-general of the Palestine Liberation Organisation on Tuesday welcomed a ruling by the European Union's top court that Israeli settlement goods must be labelled as such. "We welcome the decision of the European Court of Justice and call upon all European countries to implement what is a legal and political obligation," Saeb Erekat said in a statement. "Our demand is not only for the correct labelling reflecting the certificate of origin of products coming from illegal colonial settlements but for the banning of those products from international markets." Israel had not yet responded to the ruling but has in the past firmly opposed any such labelling. The court said that, under EU rules on food labelling, it must be clear where products are from so that consumers can make choices based on "ethical considerations and considerations relating to the observance of international law." The ruling comes after France's top tribunal asked for clarification of rules on labelling goods from the occupied West Bank and Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem, as well as the Golan Heights, which Israel took from Syria in 1967.

Palestine Liberation Organisation welcomes EU court ruling on labelling Israeli settlement goods

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said fighting with Palestinian Islamic Jihad militants that erupted after Israel<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-kills-islamic-jihads-top-commander-in-missile-attack-261537"> killed their top field commander</a> in the Gaza Strip on Tuesday could prove protracted.

"Israel is not interested in escalation, but we will do everything required to protect ourselves," Netanyahu told reporters at military headquarters. "This could take time. What is needed is stamina and cool-headedness."

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said fighting with Palestinian Islamic Jihad militants that erupted after Israel killed their top field commander in the Gaza Strip on Tuesday could prove protracted.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said fighting with Palestinian Islamic Jihad militants that erupted after Israel killed their top field commander in the Gaza Strip on Tuesday could prove protracted. "Israel is not interested in escalation, but we will do everything required to protect ourselves," Netanyahu told reporters at military headquarters. "This could take time. What is needed is stamina and cool-headedness."

Netanyahu says Israel-Gaza fighting 'could take time'

The&nbsp;head&nbsp;of the&nbsp;U.N. agency&nbsp;for&nbsp;Palestinian&nbsp;refugees has resigned&nbsp;amid&nbsp;an internal&nbsp;probe&nbsp;into alleged mismanagement and ethical abuses at the organization, the United Nations said Wednesday.

"A short while ago, UNRWA's Commissioner-General, Pierre Krahenbuhl, informed the secretary-general that he was resigning, effective immediately,"&nbsp;U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric told a news briefing.

The&nbsp;U.N. earlier announced Krahenbuhl had been placed on administrative leave, to be replaced on an interim basis by the&nbsp;agency's acting deputy chief Christian Saunders.

An internal&nbsp;ethics&nbsp;report has alleged mismanagement and abuses of authority at the highest levels of the&nbsp;U.N. agency, which has also faced a financial crisis after the United States suspended and later cut all its funding for it in 2018.

U.N. investigators have been probing the allegations in the confidential report, a copy of which was obtained by AFP.

The report describes "credible and corroborated" allegations of serious ethical abuses, including ones involving Krahenbuhl, a Swiss national.

The&nbsp;agency&nbsp;confirmed Wednesday that its internal&nbsp;probe&nbsp;had so far "revealed management issues which relate specifically to the commissioner general."

According to a separate statement from&nbsp;U.N. headquarters, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said preliminary findings revealed no "fraud or misappropriation of operational funds" by Krahenbuhl.

"There are, however, managerial issues that need to be addressed," it said.

According to the confidential report, the allegations include senior management engaging in "sexual misconduct, nepotism, retaliation, discrimination and other abuses of authority, for personal gain, to suppress legitimate dissent, and to otherwise achieve their personal objectives."

Krahenbuhl himself was alleged to have been romantically involved with a colleague appointed in 2015 to a newly created role of senior adviser after an "extreme fast-track" process, the report says.

That enabled her to join him on international business class flights, the report alleges.

"I have rejected these accusations since the beginning and I continue to do so," Krahenbuhl told Swiss television station RTS.

"I can tell you clearly that there is no corruption case, nor fraud, nor mismanagement of funds received from donors," he said, adding that any personal relationship with a colleague "was confirmed as being non-existent by the internal report."&nbsp;

Describing an atmosphere of "hyperpolarization," Krahenbuhl said he stepped down in order to give the organization a needed "psychological shock."

Krahenbuhl's resignation comes as the&nbsp;U.N. General Assembly is due to renew U.N. RWA's mandate for another three years, despite fierce opposition from the United States, which considers it to be inadequate.

A number of other countries have suspended their contributions pending the outcome of the internal&nbsp;probe.

Guterres' spokesman said the secretary-general reiterated his "appreciation to UNRWA for their excellent work."

"At this time, it is vital that member states and other partners remain committed to UNRWA and the services it provides," Dujarric said.

"It is also critical for the international community to support the crucial work performed by the&nbsp;agency&nbsp;in the areas of health, education, and humanitarian assistance, which is a source of stability in a volatile region."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/public-hearings-in-trump-impeachment-probe-start-next-week-us-lawmaker-260398">US President Donald Trump's</a> administration, along with Israel, accuses UNRWA of perpetuating the Israeli-Palestinian&nbsp;conflict.

The&nbsp;agency&nbsp;disputes that and says the services it provides would otherwise not be available to Palestinians.

Following Wednesday's announcement, Israel called the organization's operational model "unsustainable."

"The international community needs to find a new model that will provide humanitarian assistance to those who truly need it, and must remove from the agenda the futile idea of the return of the refugees," Foreign Minister Israel Katz said in a statement.

UNRWA was set up in the years after more than 700,000 Palestinians were expelled or fled their lands during the 1948 war surrounding the creation of Israel.

It provides schooling and medical services to millions of impoverished refugees in Jordan, Lebanon and Syria as well as the&nbsp;Palestinian&nbsp;territories, and employs around 30,000 people, mostly Palestinians.

A European diplomat speaking on condition of anonymity said he was "grateful for all (Krahenbuhl) did to stabilize the organization during a difficult time, but stepping aside now is the correct decision."

The head of the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees has resigned amid an internal probe into alleged mismanagement and ethical abuses at the organization, the United Nations said Wednesday.

The head of the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees has resigned amid an internal probe into alleged mismanagement and ethical abuses at the organization, the United Nations said Wednesday. "A short while ago, UNRWA's Commissioner-General, Pierre Krahenbuhl, informed the secretary-general that he was resigning, effective immediately," U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric told a news briefing. The U.N. earlier announced Krahenbuhl had been placed on administrative leave, to be replaced on an interim basis by the agency's acting deputy chief Christian Saunders. An internal ethics report has alleged mismanagement and abuses of authority at the highest levels of the U.N. agency, which has also faced a financial crisis after the United States suspended and later cut all its funding for it in 2018. U.N. investigators have been probing the allegations in the confidential report, a copy of which was obtained by AFP. The report describes "credible and corroborated" allegations of serious ethical abuses, including ones involving Krahenbuhl, a Swiss national. The agency confirmed Wednesday that its internal probe had so far "revealed management issues which relate specifically to the commissioner general." According to a separate statement from U.N. headquarters, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said preliminary findings revealed no "fraud or misappropriation of operational funds" by Krahenbuhl. "There are, however, managerial issues that need to be addressed," it said. According to the confidential report, the allegations include senior management engaging in "sexual misconduct, nepotism, retaliation, discrimination and other abuses of authority, for personal gain, to suppress legitimate dissent, and to otherwise achieve their personal objectives." Krahenbuhl himself was alleged to have been romantically involved with a colleague appointed in 2015 to a newly created role of senior adviser after an "extreme fast-track" process, the report says. That enabled her to join him on international business class flights, the report alleges. "I have rejected these accusations since the beginning and I continue to do so," Krahenbuhl told Swiss television station RTS. "I can tell you clearly that there is no corruption case, nor fraud, nor mismanagement of funds received from donors," he said, adding that any personal relationship with a colleague "was confirmed as being non-existent by the internal report." Describing an atmosphere of "hyperpolarization," Krahenbuhl said he stepped down in order to give the organization a needed "psychological shock." Krahenbuhl's resignation comes as the U.N. General Assembly is due to renew U.N. RWA's mandate for another three years, despite fierce opposition from the United States, which considers it to be inadequate. A number of other countries have suspended their contributions pending the outcome of the internal probe. Guterres' spokesman said the secretary-general reiterated his "appreciation to UNRWA for their excellent work." "At this time, it is vital that member states and other partners remain committed to UNRWA and the services it provides," Dujarric said. "It is also critical for the international community to support the crucial work performed by the agency in the areas of health, education, and humanitarian assistance, which is a source of stability in a volatile region." US President Donald Trump's administration, along with Israel, accuses UNRWA of perpetuating the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The agency disputes that and says the services it provides would otherwise not be available to Palestinians. Following Wednesday's announcement, Israel called the organization's operational model "unsustainable." "The international community needs to find a new model that will provide humanitarian assistance to those who truly need it, and must remove from the agenda the futile idea of the return of the refugees," Foreign Minister Israel Katz said in a statement. UNRWA was set up in the years after more than 700,000 Palestinians were expelled or fled their lands during the 1948 war surrounding the creation of Israel. It provides schooling and medical services to millions of impoverished refugees in Jordan, Lebanon and Syria as well as the Palestinian territories, and employs around 30,000 people, mostly Palestinians. A European diplomat speaking on condition of anonymity said he was "grateful for all (Krahenbuhl) did to stabilize the organization during a difficult time, but stepping aside now is the correct decision."

Head of U.N. Palestinian agency resigns amid ethics probe

Thousands of employees of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees went on strike in Jordan on Sunday, shutting schools and health centres that provide services for more than two million people.

The strike demanding pay rises are being observed by around 7,000 workers, UNRWA spokesman Sami Mshamsha said, and comes as the agency faces an unprecedented financial crisis.

It has brought to a standstill work at UNRWA schools, clinics and centres providing social welfare to refugees across Jordan, Mshamsha said.

"We deplore this strike and we are worried about the impact it will have on the services provided to the refugees," he said.

A union of UNRWA workers said the action that began Sunday morning was "open-ended" and all staff members were observing it.

Pupils and students should stay at home as UNRWA-run schools and universities would remain closed, it said.

More than two million Palestinians are registered as refugees with UNRWA in Jordan.

The agency runs 169 schools in the kingdom,&nbsp;where some 120,000 students are enrolled,&nbsp;as well as a faculty of science and educational arts, 25 primary healthcare centres and other services.

UNRWA was set up in 1949 after more than 750,000 Palestinians fled or were expelled during the war surrounding Israel's creation the previous year.

It provides vital schooling and medical services to some five million Palestinians in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the Gaza Strip and the Israeli-occupied West Bank, including annexed east Jerusalem.

In 2018, the United States suspended and later cut all funding for UNRWA, causing a financial crisis that threatened to see its schools and hospitals closed.

Those woes were compounded by the allegations of abuse by the agency's management, leading other key donors,&nbsp;the Netherlands and Switzerland,&nbsp;to snap shut their purses.

In June UNRWA commissioner-general Pierre Krahenbuhl told a news conference in Amman that the agency faced an expected $211 million shortfall in funding for 2019, calling on donors to fill the gap.

Mshamsha said the union has demanded a salary increase of 200 Jordanian dinars (around $280) but agreed to ask for half that amount following negotiations with UNRWA.

UNRWA, however, said it could only agree to a salary increase of 70 dinars per month, he said.

"Unfortunately the union rejected the offer and decided to go ahead with the strike," Mshamsha said, calling on the union to return to negotiations.

Thousands of employees of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees went on strike in Jordan on Sunday, shutting schools and health centres that provide services for more than two million people.

Thousands of employees of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees went on strike in Jordan on Sunday, shutting schools and health centres that provide services for more than two million people. The strike demanding pay rises are being observed by around 7,000 workers, UNRWA spokesman Sami Mshamsha said, and comes as the agency faces an unprecedented financial crisis. It has brought to a standstill work at UNRWA schools, clinics and centres providing social welfare to refugees across Jordan, Mshamsha said. "We deplore this strike and we are worried about the impact it will have on the services provided to the refugees," he said. A union of UNRWA workers said the action that began Sunday morning was "open-ended" and all staff members were observing it. Pupils and students should stay at home as UNRWA-run schools and universities would remain closed, it said. More than two million Palestinians are registered as refugees with UNRWA in Jordan. The agency runs 169 schools in the kingdom, where some 120,000 students are enrolled, as well as a faculty of science and educational arts, 25 primary healthcare centres and other services. UNRWA was set up in 1949 after more than 750,000 Palestinians fled or were expelled during the war surrounding Israel's creation the previous year. It provides vital schooling and medical services to some five million Palestinians in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the Gaza Strip and the Israeli-occupied West Bank, including annexed east Jerusalem. In 2018, the United States suspended and later cut all funding for UNRWA, causing a financial crisis that threatened to see its schools and hospitals closed. Those woes were compounded by the allegations of abuse by the agency's management, leading other key donors, the Netherlands and Switzerland, to snap shut their purses. In June UNRWA commissioner-general Pierre Krahenbuhl told a news conference in Amman that the agency faced an expected $211 million shortfall in funding for 2019, calling on donors to fill the gap. Mshamsha said the union has demanded a salary increase of 200 Jordanian dinars (around $280) but agreed to ask for half that amount following negotiations with UNRWA. UNRWA, however, said it could only agree to a salary increase of 70 dinars per month, he said. "Unfortunately the union rejected the offer and decided to go ahead with the strike," Mshamsha said, calling on the union to return to negotiations.

Schools, clinics shut as strike hits United Nations Palestinian agency in Jordan

Palestinian militants fired a barrage of rockets at Israel and the Israeli military responded with a wave of pre-dawn airstrikes in Gaza killing one man on Saturday, Palestinian and Israeli officials said.

The Israeli army said it targeted sites belonging to Hamas, the Islamist militant group which rules Gaza, after Palestinians fired 10 rockets into Israel late on Friday.

Eight of them were intercepted by missile defence systems. One projectile hit a house in a town near the border, causing damage but no casualties, police said.

In southern Gaza, medical officials and locals said a small cabin was hit, killing a 27-year-old civilian and wounding two others.

None of the armed groups in Gaza claimed responsibility for firing the rockets. The Israeli military said Hamas was ultimately responsible for the attack.

Israel and Hamas have fought three wars over the past decade and cross-border tensions are high and such flare-ups are not rare.

Israel pulled its troops and settlers from the narrow coastal strip in 2005 but keeps the enclave under a blockade, citing security concerns. About 2 million Palestinians live in Gaza.

Palestinian militants fired a barrage of rockets at Israel and the Israeli military responded with a wave of pre-dawn airstrikes in Gaza killing one man on Saturday, Palestinian and Israeli officials said.

Palestinian militants fired a barrage of rockets at Israel and the Israeli military responded with a wave of pre-dawn airstrikes in Gaza killing one man on Saturday, Palestinian and Israeli officials said. The Israeli army said it targeted sites belonging to Hamas, the Islamist militant group which rules Gaza, after Palestinians fired 10 rockets into Israel late on Friday. Eight of them were intercepted by missile defence systems. One projectile hit a house in a town near the border, causing damage but no casualties, police said. In southern Gaza, medical officials and locals said a small cabin was hit, killing a 27-year-old civilian and wounding two others. None of the armed groups in Gaza claimed responsibility for firing the rockets. The Israeli military said Hamas was ultimately responsible for the attack. Israel and Hamas have fought three wars over the past decade and cross-border tensions are high and such flare-ups are not rare. Israel pulled its troops and settlers from the narrow coastal strip in 2005 but keeps the enclave under a blockade, citing security concerns. About 2 million Palestinians live in Gaza.

Palestinian killed, two wounded in Israel-Gaza counter strikes

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/all-agreements-off-if-israel-annexes-territory-palestine-president-mahmud-abbas-warns-at-united-nations-252286">Israeli police have released the Palestinian governor</a> of Jerusalem and a local Fatah official after arresting them and questioning them for hours, their lawyer said on Tuesday.

Police arrested governor Adnan Ghaith and the Fatah general secretary for Jerusalem, Shadi Mutour, at their homes in Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem on Monday.

They were released late Monday after being questioned about alleged Palestinian Authority activity in Jerusalem, lawyer Mohammed Mahmud said.

PA activities in Jerusalem are barred by Israel, which occupied East&nbsp;Jerusalem in the Six-Day War of 1967 and later annexed it in a move never recognised by the international community.

It considers the entire city its capital, while the Palestinians see the eastern sector as the capital of their future state.

Mahmud alleged the arrests were to prevent the two from accompanying a Saudi football delegation to East Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa mosque compound.

Saudi staff visited the Al-Aqsa compound on Monday and prayed there ahead of the team's World Cup qualifier against Palestine on Tuesday, their first-ever game in the occupied West Bank.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-contributes-5-million-to-unrwa-for-palestine-refugees-242040">The highly sensitive site is the third-holiest in Islam</a> after Mecca and Medina, while it is the most sacred for Jews, who refer to it as the Temple Mount.

Ghaith has been taken in for police questioning several times in recent months.

Police had not commented in detail on the latest arrest.

On Monday, police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld told AFP that "two representatives were arrested by police and are being questioned," but did not give further details.

He had not responded to a request for comment on Tuesday.

Israeli police have released the Palestinian governor of Jerusalem and a local Fatah official after arresting them and questioning them for hours, their lawyer said on Tuesday.

Israeli police have released the Palestinian governor of Jerusalem and a local Fatah official after arresting them and questioning them for hours, their lawyer said on Tuesday. Police arrested governor Adnan Ghaith and the Fatah general secretary for Jerusalem, Shadi Mutour, at their homes in Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem on Monday. They were released late Monday after being questioned about alleged Palestinian Authority activity in Jerusalem, lawyer Mohammed Mahmud said. PA activities in Jerusalem are barred by Israel, which occupied East Jerusalem in the Six-Day War of 1967 and later annexed it in a move never recognised by the international community. It considers the entire city its capital, while the Palestinians see the eastern sector as the capital of their future state. Mahmud alleged the arrests were to prevent the two from accompanying a Saudi football delegation to East Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa mosque compound. Saudi staff visited the Al-Aqsa compound on Monday and prayed there ahead of the team's World Cup qualifier against Palestine on Tuesday, their first-ever game in the occupied West Bank. The highly sensitive site is the third-holiest in Islam after Mecca and Medina, while it is the most sacred for Jews, who refer to it as the Temple Mount. Ghaith has been taken in for police questioning several times in recent months. Police had not commented in detail on the latest arrest. On Monday, police spokesman Micky Rosenfeld told AFP that "two representatives were arrested by police and are being questioned," but did not give further details. He had not responded to a request for comment on Tuesday.

Israeli police release Palestinian officials

Speaking from the lectern at the United Nations General Assembly Thursday, the president of the Palestinians, Mahmoud Abbas, took the opportunity to dive right into Israel's ongoing political jockeying.

Abbas has appeared to see Israel's coalition drama as an opportunity for his government in the occupied West Bank to announce election plans. Abbas told reporters outside Norway's parliament that he would issue a decree for elections across the West Bank, Gaza Strip and East Jerusalem when he returns to the Palestinian Territories following the UN General Assembly in New York.

And he said he will not cede to an emboldened Israeli stance.

"A week before the recent Israeli elections, Israel's Prime Minister [Benjamin] Netanyahu came out to arrogantly announce that should he prevail in the elections he would annex and apply Israeli sovereignty to the Jordan Valley, Northern Dead sea and Israel's colonial settlements despite the fact that all these areas are occupied Palestinian territory," he said. "We reject entirely and completely this plan."

Despite a long rift with Gaza's Islamist rulers Hamas, Abbas said his Palestinian Authority, which exercises limited self-rule in the West Bank, would be ready to accept a Hamas victory "because Hamas is a part of our people, we cannot exclude Hamas."&nbsp;

Abbas was elected president in 2005 and Hamas won a 2006 parliamentary election, plunging Palestinian politics into a bitter power struggle from which it has not emerged.

He also came out against stances backed by the US administration of Donald Trump, saying they run the risk of hardening divisions.

In referring to the decision to move its embassy to Jerusalem, Abbas said "it has jeopardized the two-state solution."

He said stances are hardening. "Now many wonder, if the two state solution has become impossible? Can we have a one state solution? Where everyone can live equally. Some are starting to wonder."

Speaking from the lectern at the United Nations General Assembly Thursday, the president of the Palestinians, Mahmoud Abbas, took the opportunity to dive right into Israel's ongoing political jockeying.

Speaking from the lectern at the United Nations General Assembly Thursday, the president of the Palestinians, Mahmoud Abbas, took the opportunity to dive right into Israel's ongoing political jockeying. Abbas has appeared to see Israel's coalition drama as an opportunity for his government in the occupied West Bank to announce election plans. Abbas told reporters outside Norway's parliament that he would issue a decree for elections across the West Bank, Gaza Strip and East Jerusalem when he returns to the Palestinian Territories following the UN General Assembly in New York. And he said he will not cede to an emboldened Israeli stance. "A week before the recent Israeli elections, Israel's Prime Minister [Benjamin] Netanyahu came out to arrogantly announce that should he prevail in the elections he would annex and apply Israeli sovereignty to the Jordan Valley, Northern Dead sea and Israel's colonial settlements despite the fact that all these areas are occupied Palestinian territory," he said. "We reject entirely and completely this plan." Despite a long rift with Gaza's Islamist rulers Hamas, Abbas said his Palestinian Authority, which exercises limited self-rule in the West Bank, would be ready to accept a Hamas victory "because Hamas is a part of our people, we cannot exclude Hamas." Abbas was elected president in 2005 and Hamas won a 2006 parliamentary election, plunging Palestinian politics into a bitter power struggle from which it has not emerged. He also came out against stances backed by the US administration of Donald Trump, saying they run the risk of hardening divisions. In referring to the decision to move its embassy to Jerusalem, Abbas said "it has jeopardized the two-state solution." He said stances are hardening. "Now many wonder, if the two state solution has become impossible? Can we have a one state solution? Where everyone can live equally. Some are starting to wonder."

Palestine president Mahmoud Abbas points finger at Netanyahu, Trump administration at UNGA

'Only Bibi' no more: Why does Israel's Netanyahu want to power-share?

Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas said Wednesday he would be against a new Israeli government led by Benjamin Netanyahu, after elections left him tied with his main challenger and raised the prospect of negotiations to build a unity government.

"Our position: against Netanyahu," Abbas said during a visit to Oslo when questioned over his preferences for a new Israeli government. &nbsp;

Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas said Wednesday he would be against a new Israeli government led by Benjamin Netanyahu, after elections left him tied with his main challenger and raised the prospect of negotiations to build a unity government.

Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas said Wednesday he would be against a new Israeli government led by Benjamin Netanyahu, after elections left him tied with his main challenger and raised the prospect of negotiations to build a unity government. "Our position: against Netanyahu," Abbas said during a visit to Oslo when questioned over his preferences for a new Israeli government.

Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas 'against' possible new Netanyahu government

Palestinians in the Jordan Valley on Wednesday accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of trying to steal their land after the right-wing leader pledged to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-vows-to-annex-west-banks-jordan-valley-if-re-elected-248927">annex the West Bank territory </a>if successful in an election just six days away.

Netanyahu's declaration was widely seen as a bid to siphon away support from far-right rivals who have long advocated annexation of Jewish settlements in the West Bank, territory Israel captured in a 1967 war, ahead of a tightly-contested September 17 vote.

While some in Israel consider the country's control over the Jordan valley as a security necessity, Palestinians see it as theirs and want it for a future state.

In the village of Jiftlik, farmers tilled land for vegetable and seed production along a long a stretch of the fertile valley that juts up against the biblical Jordan River, surrounded by desert mountain ranges.

"We tell Netanyahu, and whoever follows him, you will not break the Palestinians' will," said Hassan Al-Abedi, a Palestinian farmer who lives in the village.

"It's our parents' and grandparents land. We will hold onto it no matter what it costs," 55-year-old Abedi said.

Netanyahu on Tuesday (September 10) announced he intended, "after the establishment of a new government, to apply Israeli sovereignty to the Jordan Valley and the northern Dead Sea," drawing condemnation from Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and leaders across the Arab world.

Around 65,000 Palestinians and 11,000 Israeli settlers live in the Jordan Valley and northern Dead Sea area, according to the Israeli human rights group B'Tselem. The main Palestinian city is Jericho, with around 28 villages and smaller Bedouin communities.

Palestinians in the Jordan Valley on Wednesday accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of trying to steal their land after the right-wing leader pledged to annex the West Bank territory if successful in an election just six days away.

Palestinians in the Jordan Valley on Wednesday accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of trying to steal their land after the right-wing leader pledged to annex the West Bank territory if successful in an election just six days away. Netanyahu's declaration was widely seen as a bid to siphon away support from far-right rivals who have long advocated annexation of Jewish settlements in the West Bank, territory Israel captured in a 1967 war, ahead of a tightly-contested September 17 vote. While some in Israel consider the country's control over the Jordan valley as a security necessity, Palestinians see it as theirs and want it for a future state. In the village of Jiftlik, farmers tilled land for vegetable and seed production along a long a stretch of the fertile valley that juts up against the biblical Jordan River, surrounded by desert mountain ranges. "We tell Netanyahu, and whoever follows him, you will not break the Palestinians' will," said Hassan Al-Abedi, a Palestinian farmer who lives in the village. "It's our parents' and grandparents land. We will hold onto it no matter what it costs," 55-year-old Abedi said. Netanyahu on Tuesday (September 10) announced he intended, "after the establishment of a new government, to apply Israeli sovereignty to the Jordan Valley and the northern Dead Sea," drawing condemnation from Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and leaders across the Arab world. Around 65,000 Palestinians and 11,000 Israeli settlers live in the Jordan Valley and northern Dead Sea area, according to the Israeli human rights group B'Tselem. The main Palestinian city is Jericho, with around 28 villages and smaller Bedouin communities.

'You will not break us, Palestinians tell Netanyahu after Jordan Valley annexation pledge

The Arab World, As Well As Russia, Have Prioritised India Over Pakistan.

#WIONEDIT: Is Pakistan The New Palestine?

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