Israeli military strikes across the Gaza Strip killed at least 29 Palestinians on Friday, medics said, and sirens blared in southern Israel in response to renewed rocket fire from militants in the Palestinian enclave.

The new rocket salvoes indicated that Hamas-led militant factions in Gaza are still able to fire projectiles into Israel despite a year-long Israeli aerial and ground offensive that has turned wide areas of the enclave into wasteland.

On Friday, the Israeli military said sirens sounded in southern Israel for the first time in around two months.

"Almost a year after October&nbsp;7, Hamas is still threatening our civilians with their terrorism and we will continue operating against them," it added, referring to the anniversary of Hamas' cross-border attack that touched off the Gaza war.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-how-october-7-2023-became-israels-deadliest-day-764378">Also read:&nbsp;Israel-Hamas war: How October 7, 2023 became Israel's deadliest day</a>

In Gaza City in north Gaza, Palestinian health officials said one Israeli aerial strike on a house killed at least seven people. Four people including two women and a baby were killed in the bombing of a home in the southern city of Khan Younis.

The rest were killed in airstrikes on several areas across the densely populated coastal enclave. Residents said Israeli forces operating in Gaza City's Zeitoun suburb and Rafah, near the southern border with Egypt, blew up clusters of homes.

Israel's military says Hamas combatants use crowded, built-up residential neighbourhoods as cover. Hamas denies this.

Israel media, reporting on the rocket fire, said one rocket was intercepted by air defence and another crashed in an open area. There were no reports of casualties or notable damage.

Watch |&nbsp;West Asia Conflict: Longer Tarde Routes And Higher Shipping Costs For India?

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Palestinians in Gaza will mark the first anniversary of the war next week with little hope of an end to the fighting in the foreseeable future, even as Israel pursues a new ground incursion into Lebanon against Hamas' major Iranian-backed ally Hezbollah.

Hezbollah began firing rockets into northern Israel almost a year ago in support of Hamas after the Palestinian Islamist movement staged the deadliest assault in Israel's history on October&nbsp;7, 2023.

The attack, in which Israel says 1,200 people were killed and over 250 taken hostage, ignited the war that has devastated Gaza, displacing most of its 2.3 million population and killing over 41,800 people, according to Gaza health authorities.

International diplomacy led by the United States has so far failed to clinch a ceasefire deal in Gaza. Hamas wants an agreement that ends the war while Israel says fighting can only end when Hamas is eradicated.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.

Israeli military strikes across the Gaza Strip killed at least 29 Palestinians on Friday, medics said, and sirens blared in southern Israel in response to renewed rocket fire from militants in the Palestinian enclave.

Israeli military strikes across the Gaza Strip killed at least 29 Palestinians on Friday, medics said, and sirens blared in southern Israel in response to renewed rocket fire from militants in the Palestinian enclave. The new rocket salvoes indicated that Hamas-led militant factions in Gaza are still able to fire projectiles into Israel despite a year-long Israeli aerial and ground offensive that has turned wide areas of the enclave into wasteland. On Friday, the Israeli military said sirens sounded in southern Israel for the first time in around two months. "Almost a year after October 7, Hamas is still threatening our civilians with their terrorism and we will continue operating against them," it added, referring to the anniversary of Hamas' cross-border attack that touched off the Gaza war. Also read: Israel-Hamas war: How October 7, 2023 became Israel's deadliest day In Gaza City in north Gaza, Palestinian health officials said one Israeli aerial strike on a house killed at least seven people. Four people including two women and a baby were killed in the bombing of a home in the southern city of Khan Younis. The rest were killed in airstrikes on several areas across the densely populated coastal enclave. Residents said Israeli forces operating in Gaza City's Zeitoun suburb and Rafah, near the southern border with Egypt, blew up clusters of homes. Israel's military says Hamas combatants use crowded, built-up residential neighbourhoods as cover. Hamas denies this. Israel media, reporting on the rocket fire, said one rocket was intercepted by air defence and another crashed in an open area. There were no reports of casualties or notable damage. Watch | West Asia Conflict: Longer Tarde Routes And Higher Shipping Costs For India? × Palestinians in Gaza will mark the first anniversary of the war next week with little hope of an end to the fighting in the foreseeable future, even as Israel pursues a new ground incursion into Lebanon against Hamas' major Iranian-backed ally Hezbollah. Hezbollah began firing rockets into northern Israel almost a year ago in support of Hamas after the Palestinian Islamist movement staged the deadliest assault in Israel's history on October 7, 2023. The attack, in which Israel says 1,200 people were killed and over 250 taken hostage, ignited the war that has devastated Gaza, displacing most of its 2.3 million population and killing over 41,800 people, according to Gaza health authorities. International diplomacy led by the United States has so far failed to clinch a ceasefire deal in Gaza. Hamas wants an agreement that ends the war while Israel says fighting can only end when Hamas is eradicated. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Israeli strikes kill 29 people in Gaza, militants renew rocket fire in southern Israel

A rocket engine exploded during the launch test conducted by a German company Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA) at the UK’s new spaceport in Shetland.&nbsp;

The company conducted the test hoping to launch the UK’s first vertical rocket into orbit. The incident occurred on Monday at a scheduled nine-engine test at SaxaVord Spaceport on the island of Unst. The test was a part of the trials to be conducted before the launch.&nbsp;

RFA informed that the launch pad had been saved and secured. The situation is under control with no injuries. It further said that the Spaceport and authorities are working to find the cause of the failure.&nbsp;

Large flames and plumes of smoke shot horizontally from the bottom of the rocket before the entire structure got engulfed by fire.&nbsp;

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The incident occurred three months after the first successful rocket test at the site. RFA fired engines for eight seconds before shutting them down. The SaxaVord Spaceport received approval from the Civil Aviation Authority in December 2023 for orbital launches. They are allowed to perform 30 launches a year. It expects to become the first fully-licensed spaceport of Western Europe permitted to launch vertically into orbit.&nbsp;

SaxaVord Spaceford said that the site was evaluated before the launch, keeping all safety protocols in mind. The spokesman of SaxaVord Spaceport said, "This was a test, and test campaigns are designed to identify issues before the next stage.”

Also Read|<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/democrats-say-hi-to-harris-bye-to-biden-at-democratic-national-convention-751502">Democrats say hi to Harris, bye to Biden at Democratic National Convention</a>|

SaxaVord Spaceport was co-founded by Frank and Debbie Strang and is a former RAF radar station. The co-founders purchased the site 15 years ago, considering it to make it into an ecotourism attraction.&nbsp;

The UK space industry is worth &nbsp;£17.5bn, supporting 48,800 jobs at 2,200 firms. Cornwall Spaceport is the UK’s first officially licensed spaceport. However, the spaceport launches rockets horizontally carried by an aircraft. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

A rocket engine exploded during the launch test conducted by a German company Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA) at the UK’s new spaceport in Shetland. The company conducted the test hoping to launch the UK’s first vertical rocket into orbit.

A rocket engine exploded during the launch test conducted by a German company Rocket Factory Augsburg (RFA) at the UK’s new spaceport in Shetland. The company conducted the test hoping to launch the UK’s first vertical rocket into orbit. The incident occurred on Monday at a scheduled nine-engine test at SaxaVord Spaceport on the island of Unst. The test was a part of the trials to be conducted before the launch. RFA informed that the launch pad had been saved and secured. The situation is under control with no injuries. It further said that the Spaceport and authorities are working to find the cause of the failure. Large flames and plumes of smoke shot horizontally from the bottom of the rocket before the entire structure got engulfed by fire. Also Read|Democrats say hi to Harris, bye to Biden at Democratic National Convention| The incident occurred three months after the first successful rocket test at the site. RFA fired engines for eight seconds before shutting them down. The SaxaVord Spaceport received approval from the Civil Aviation Authority in December 2023 for orbital launches. They are allowed to perform 30 launches a year. It expects to become the first fully-licensed spaceport of Western Europe permitted to launch vertically into orbit. SaxaVord Spaceford said that the site was evaluated before the launch, keeping all safety protocols in mind. The spokesman of SaxaVord Spaceport said, "This was a test, and test campaigns are designed to identify issues before the next stage.” Also Read|Democrats say hi to Harris, bye to Biden at Democratic National Convention| SaxaVord Spaceport was co-founded by Frank and Debbie Strang and is a former RAF radar station. The co-founders purchased the site 15 years ago, considering it to make it into an ecotourism attraction. The UK space industry is worth £17.5bn, supporting 48,800 jobs at 2,200 firms. Cornwall Spaceport is the UK’s first officially licensed spaceport. However, the spaceport launches rockets horizontally carried by an aircraft. (With inputs from agencies)

Rocket engine explodes during testing at UK’s SaxaVord Spaceport

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.&nbsp;

Rockets fired by Russian forces have completely destroyed an airport in Dnipro on Sunday, said Ukrainian officials. &nbsp;

The invading forces had fired several rockets in Ukraine's Luhansk and Dnipro regions, leaving casualties, a Reuters report said. &nbsp;

Russia's Defence Ministry said, "Overnight high-precision missiles destroyed the base and headquarters of the nationalist Dnepr battalion in Zvonetsky, which also recently received reinforcements from foreign mercenaries." &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-prime-minister-boris-johnson-meets-ukrainian-president-volodymyr-zelensky-in-kyiv-469759" hreflang="en">UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson meets Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv</a>

Valentyn Reznichenko, governor, central Dnipropetrovsk region, said an infrastructure facility was hit in Zvonetsky town and emergency workers were combing through it. Reznichenko added details of the casualties would be shared later. &nbsp;

On Telegram, Reznichenko said that an attack was carried out on the airport in Dnipro city. &nbsp;

"The airport itself was destroyed, as well as nearby infrastructure. And the rockets fly and fly," he added. &nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine conflict: Russia releases video of airstrikes, Ukrainian combat vehicles targeted

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Serhiy Gaidai, governor, Luhansk, wrote on Telegram that a school and a high-rise apartment building were hit in Sievierodonetsk city. "Fortunately, no casualties," Gaidai said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Russia and Ukraine also carried out a prisoner exchange on Saturday, confirmed Russian Human Rights Commissioner Tatiana Moskalkova on Sunday. &nbsp;

Four employees of state atomic energy corporation, Rosatom, soldiers and some civilians were returned to Russia, Moskalkova said. &nbsp;

In an online post, "Early this morning, they landed on Russian soil," Moskalkova said. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately report this developing news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. Rockets fired by Russian forces have completely destroyed an airport in Dnipro on Sunday, said Ukrainian officials. The invading forces had fired several rockets in Ukraine's Luhansk and Dnipro regions, leaving casualties, a Reuters report said. Russia's Defence Ministry said, "Overnight high-precision missiles destroyed the base and headquarters of the nationalist Dnepr battalion in Zvonetsky, which also recently received reinforcements from foreign mercenaries." Also Read: UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson meets Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky in Kyiv Valentyn Reznichenko, governor, central Dnipropetrovsk region, said an infrastructure facility was hit in Zvonetsky town and emergency workers were combing through it. Reznichenko added details of the casualties would be shared later. On Telegram, Reznichenko said that an attack was carried out on the airport in Dnipro city. "The airport itself was destroyed, as well as nearby infrastructure. And the rockets fly and fly," he added. Watch: Russia-Ukraine conflict: Russia releases video of airstrikes, Ukrainian combat vehicles targeted × Serhiy Gaidai, governor, Luhansk, wrote on Telegram that a school and a high-rise apartment building were hit in Sievierodonetsk city. "Fortunately, no casualties," Gaidai said. Russia and Ukraine also carried out a prisoner exchange on Saturday, confirmed Russian Human Rights Commissioner Tatiana Moskalkova on Sunday. Four employees of state atomic energy corporation, Rosatom, soldiers and some civilians were returned to Russia, Moskalkova said. In an online post, "Early this morning, they landed on Russian soil," Moskalkova said. (With inputs from agencies)

Russian rocket fire completely destroys airport in Dnipro, claim Ukrainian officials

At least three rockets were fired near the presidential palace, minutes before Afghan President Ashraf Ghani was to deliver a speech marking the Muslim festival of Eid-Adha.&nbsp;

The rockets hit just as President Ghani was about to deliver an address on the Eid holiday.

Multiple loud explosions were heard within the property, according to regional news outlets, disrupting an outside prayer gathering.

As the prayers proceeded, rocket bursts could be heard in the background. Ghani was present at the site.&nbsp;

No one was hurt, and the rockets landed beyond the strongly protected palace grounds, according to Mirwais Stanikzai, the interior minister's spokesman.

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Video by national TV shows the moment rockets landed near the Presidential Palace during Eid prayers this morning. <a href="https://t.co/WmEniyfLfM">pic.twitter.com/WmEniyfLfM</a>
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No one claimed responsibility for the rocket attack, which appeared to be more meant to agitate than to cause damage.&nbsp;

The barrage comes as the United States and NATO finish their troop withdrawal from Afghanistan, leaving Afghans fearful that their war-torn country would descend further into disorder and violence.

In a speech earlier this month, President Joe Biden stated that the withdrawal is more than 95 per cent complete and that the last US soldier will leave by August 31.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

At least three rockets were fired near the presidential palace, minutes before Afghan President Ashraf Ghani was to deliver a speech marking the Muslim festival of Eid-Adha.

At least three rockets were fired near the presidential palace, minutes before Afghan President Ashraf Ghani was to deliver a speech marking the Muslim festival of Eid-Adha. The rockets hit just as President Ghani was about to deliver an address on the Eid holiday. Multiple loud explosions were heard within the property, according to regional news outlets, disrupting an outside prayer gathering. As the prayers proceeded, rocket bursts could be heard in the background. Ghani was present at the site. No one was hurt, and the rockets landed beyond the strongly protected palace grounds, according to Mirwais Stanikzai, the interior minister's spokesman. Video by national TV shows the moment rockets landed near the Presidential Palace during Eid prayers this morning. pic.twitter.com/WmEniyfLfM — TOLOnews (@TOLOnews) July 20, 2021 × No one claimed responsibility for the rocket attack, which appeared to be more meant to agitate than to cause damage. The barrage comes as the United States and NATO finish their troop withdrawal from Afghanistan, leaving Afghans fearful that their war-torn country would descend further into disorder and violence. In a speech earlier this month, President Joe Biden stated that the withdrawal is more than 95 per cent complete and that the last US soldier will leave by August 31. (With inputs from agencies)

WATCH: Three rockets land near Afghanistan presidential palace ahead of Eid-al-Adha

Rocket fire hit the Libyan capital's sole functioning airport Sunday, violating a temporary truce between the unity government and forces loyal to strongman Khalifa Haftar, airport authorities said.

"Mitiga airport has been targeted by fire this morning, the first day of Eid al-Adha", the airport's management said in a statement on Facebook, referring to the three-day Muslim holiday that began on Sunday.

Air traffic was suspended "until further notice", the statement added, alongside photos showing columns of smoke rising from the runway and parked planes. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Haftar launched an offensive to take Libya's capital in early April, but encountered stiff resistance, resulting in months of stalemate in southern Tripoli's outskirts.&nbsp;

His self-styled Libyan National Army (LNA) and the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord had on Saturday agreed to a UN-sponsored humanitarian truce for Eid Al-Adha, although the GNA had listed conditions, including a cessation of troop movements.&nbsp;

Late Sunday a joint statement from the United Arab Emirates, the United States, France, Italy and the UK welcomed the UN truce for the Muslim holiday and said they were "ready to assist the UN mission in monitoring the observance of the truce and address any attempt to break it."

But the GNA blamed Haftar's forces for the attack against the airport, and for a separate alleged attack in the Soug al-Jomaa district of Tripoli.

"Haftar's militias have violated the truce twice," GNA spokesman Mustafa al-Mejii told AFP.

"The first time targeted a home in Soug al-Jomaa, wounding three civilians, and the second hit Mitiga airport," he added.

Located east of Tripoli, Mitiga is a former military airbase that has been used by civilian traffic since Tripoli's international airport suffered severe damage during fighting in 2014.

Mitiga is in a zone under the control of forces loyal to the UN-recognised GNA and has often been targeted.

"We have noted the coordinates of the rocket fire from zones controlled by Haftar's militias south of the capital" and passed them on to the UN mission in Libya (UNSMIL), Mejii said.

Libyan TV channels also reported exchanges of fire around the road to the closed international airport on Sunday.

The truce had come after UN envoy Ghassan Salame had already called several times for humanitarian ceasefires, without success.

The joint statement from the five countries urged the parties to use the truce to "pave the way for a sustainable ceasefire and a return to a constructive, inclusive dialogue" towards a "lasting political solution."

Over the past four months, 1,093 people have been killed in the fighting and 5,752 wounded, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), while more than 120,000 people have been displaced.

Libya has been mired in chaos since a NATO-backed uprising that toppled and killed dictator Moamer Kadhafi in 2011.

Rocket fire hit the Libyan capital's sole functioning airport Sunday, violating a temporary truce between the unity government and forces loyal to strongman Khalifa Haftar, airport authorities said.

Rocket fire hit the Libyan capital's sole functioning airport Sunday, violating a temporary truce between the unity government and forces loyal to strongman Khalifa Haftar, airport authorities said. "Mitiga airport has been targeted by fire this morning, the first day of Eid al-Adha", the airport's management said in a statement on Facebook, referring to the three-day Muslim holiday that began on Sunday. Air traffic was suspended "until further notice", the statement added, alongside photos showing columns of smoke rising from the runway and parked planes. Haftar launched an offensive to take Libya's capital in early April, but encountered stiff resistance, resulting in months of stalemate in southern Tripoli's outskirts. His self-styled Libyan National Army (LNA) and the Tripoli-based Government of National Accord had on Saturday agreed to a UN-sponsored humanitarian truce for Eid Al-Adha, although the GNA had listed conditions, including a cessation of troop movements. Late Sunday a joint statement from the United Arab Emirates, the United States, France, Italy and the UK welcomed the UN truce for the Muslim holiday and said they were "ready to assist the UN mission in monitoring the observance of the truce and address any attempt to break it." But the GNA blamed Haftar's forces for the attack against the airport, and for a separate alleged attack in the Soug al-Jomaa district of Tripoli. "Haftar's militias have violated the truce twice," GNA spokesman Mustafa al-Mejii told AFP. "The first time targeted a home in Soug al-Jomaa, wounding three civilians, and the second hit Mitiga airport," he added. Located east of Tripoli, Mitiga is a former military airbase that has been used by civilian traffic since Tripoli's international airport suffered severe damage during fighting in 2014. Mitiga is in a zone under the control of forces loyal to the UN-recognised GNA and has often been targeted. "We have noted the coordinates of the rocket fire from zones controlled by Haftar's militias south of the capital" and passed them on to the UN mission in Libya (UNSMIL), Mejii said. Libyan TV channels also reported exchanges of fire around the road to the closed international airport on Sunday. The truce had come after UN envoy Ghassan Salame had already called several times for humanitarian ceasefires, without success. The joint statement from the five countries urged the parties to use the truce to "pave the way for a sustainable ceasefire and a return to a constructive, inclusive dialogue" towards a "lasting political solution." Over the past four months, 1,093 people have been killed in the fighting and 5,752 wounded, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO), while more than 120,000 people have been displaced. Libya has been mired in chaos since a NATO-backed uprising that toppled and killed dictator Moamer Kadhafi in 2011.

Rocket fire hits Libya airport, breaking Eid truce

Israel announced Saturday it was closing its goods and people crossings with the Gaza Strip as well as the zone it allows for fishermen off the enclave in response to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/50-rockets-fired-at-israel-from-gaza-strip-215863">Palestinian rocket fire</a>.

The crossings and fishing zone were being closed until further notice after a violent flare-up that saw Gaza militants fire dozens of rockets at Israel, which responded with strikes.

The Israeli defence ministry unit that oversees the crossings announced the closure.

Palestinian militants in Gaza fired a barrage of dozens of rockets at Israel on Saturday and Israel responded with strikes as a fragile ceasefire between the two sides again faltered.

Israel said around 50 rockets were fired from the Palestinian enclave and its air defence systems intercepted dozens of them.

The army said it had targeted two rocket launchers in Gaza with an airstrike in response.&nbsp;

A Gazan security source said later that a series of Israeli strikes hit at least three separate areas of the Gaza Strip and that three "resistance fighters" were wounded.

&nbsp;

Israel announced Saturday it was closing its goods and people crossings with the Gaza Strip as well as the zone it allows for fishermen off the enclave in response to Palestinian rocket fire.

Israel announced Saturday it was closing its goods and people crossings with the Gaza Strip as well as the zone it allows for fishermen off the enclave in response to Palestinian rocket fire. The crossings and fishing zone were being closed until further notice after a violent flare-up that saw Gaza militants fire dozens of rockets at Israel, which responded with strikes. The Israeli defence ministry unit that oversees the crossings announced the closure. Palestinian militants in Gaza fired a barrage of dozens of rockets at Israel on Saturday and Israel responded with strikes as a fragile ceasefire between the two sides again faltered. Israel said around 50 rockets were fired from the Palestinian enclave and its air defence systems intercepted dozens of them. The army said it had targeted two rocket launchers in Gaza with an airstrike in response. A Gazan security source said later that a series of Israeli strikes hit at least three separate areas of the Gaza Strip and that three "resistance fighters" were wounded.

Israel says closing Gaza crossings in response to rocket fire

Heavy clashes broke out in the southern districts of the Libyan capital Tripoli on Saturday, with shelling audible in the city centre, residents said, as the death toll from two weeks of fighting between the country's rival governments rose to 220.

The spike in violence happened after the White House said on Friday that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tripoli-residents-denounce-trumps-call-to-libyan-commander-haftar-211945">President Donald Trump spoke by phone earlier in the week with Libyan commander Khalifa Haftar</a>, who started an offensive against Tripoli on April 3.

The disclosure of the call and a US&nbsp;statement that it "recognized Field Marshal Haftar's significant role in fighting terrorism and securing Libya's oil resources" has boosted the commander's supporters and enraged his opponents.

Western powers and the Gulf have been divided over a push by Haftar's forces to seize Tripoli, undermining calls by the United Nations for a ceasefire.

Despite the offensive, Haftar's Libya National Army (LNA) force has not been able to breach the southern defences of forces allied to the internationally recognized administration based in the city.

On Saturday, shelling was louder and more frequent on Saturday than in previous days and audible even in central districts more than 10 km (6 miles) away from the frontline, residents said.

Both sides claimed progress in southern Tripoli, but no more details were immediately available.

A Reuters TV cameraman visiting the southern Khalat Furgan suburb heard heavy shelling but saw no apparent major change in the frontline.

On Friday, two children were killed in shelling in southern Tripoli, residents said. The fighting has killed 220 people an wounded 1,066, the World Health Organization (WHO) said.

It was unclear why the White House waited several days to announce Monday's phone call.

On Friday, Acting US&nbsp;Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan said, "a military solution is not what Libya needs." He said he supported Haftar’s "role in counter-terrorism" and that Washington needed Haftar’s "support in building democratic stability there in the region."

On Thursday, both the United States and Russia said they could not support a UN&nbsp;Security Council resolution calling for a ceasefire in Libya at this time.

Russia objects to the British-drafted resolution blaming Haftar for the latest flare-up in violence when his LNA advanced to the outskirts of Tripoli earlier this month, diplomats said.

The United States did not give a reason for its decision not to support the draft resolution, which would also call on countries with influence over the warring parties to ensure compliance and for unconditional humanitarian aid access in Libya.

The country has been gripped by anarchy since Muammar Gaddafi was toppled in 2011.

While the Tripoli battle continued, municipal elections took place in seven towns, mainly in the south, the election commission said.

The vote is part of elections for local councils across Libya. Security differs from region to region as the country is controlled by rival governments, tribesmen and armed groups.

In western Libya polls in several communities had been postponed a week ago due to the fighting.

Heavy clashes broke out in the southern districts of the Libyan capital Tripoli on Saturday, with shelling audible in the city centre, residents said, as the death toll from two weeks of fighting between the country's rival governments rose to 220.

Heavy clashes broke out in the southern districts of the Libyan capital Tripoli on Saturday, with shelling audible in the city centre, residents said, as the death toll from two weeks of fighting between the country's rival governments rose to 220. The spike in violence happened after the White House said on Friday that President Donald Trump spoke by phone earlier in the week with Libyan commander Khalifa Haftar, who started an offensive against Tripoli on April 3. The disclosure of the call and a US statement that it "recognized Field Marshal Haftar's significant role in fighting terrorism and securing Libya's oil resources" has boosted the commander's supporters and enraged his opponents. Western powers and the Gulf have been divided over a push by Haftar's forces to seize Tripoli, undermining calls by the United Nations for a ceasefire. Despite the offensive, Haftar's Libya National Army (LNA) force has not been able to breach the southern defences of forces allied to the internationally recognized administration based in the city. On Saturday, shelling was louder and more frequent on Saturday than in previous days and audible even in central districts more than 10 km (6 miles) away from the frontline, residents said. Both sides claimed progress in southern Tripoli, but no more details were immediately available. A Reuters TV cameraman visiting the southern Khalat Furgan suburb heard heavy shelling but saw no apparent major change in the frontline. On Friday, two children were killed in shelling in southern Tripoli, residents said. The fighting has killed 220 people an wounded 1,066, the World Health Organization (WHO) said. It was unclear why the White House waited several days to announce Monday's phone call. On Friday, Acting US Defense Secretary Patrick Shanahan said, "a military solution is not what Libya needs." He said he supported Haftar’s "role in counter-terrorism" and that Washington needed Haftar’s "support in building democratic stability there in the region." On Thursday, both the United States and Russia said they could not support a UN Security Council resolution calling for a ceasefire in Libya at this time. Russia objects to the British-drafted resolution blaming Haftar for the latest flare-up in violence when his LNA advanced to the outskirts of Tripoli earlier this month, diplomats said. The United States did not give a reason for its decision not to support the draft resolution, which would also call on countries with influence over the warring parties to ensure compliance and for unconditional humanitarian aid access in Libya. The country has been gripped by anarchy since Muammar Gaddafi was toppled in 2011. While the Tripoli battle continued, municipal elections took place in seven towns, mainly in the south, the election commission said. The vote is part of elections for local councils across Libya. Security differs from region to region as the country is controlled by rival governments, tribesmen and armed groups. In western Libya polls in several communities had been postponed a week ago due to the fighting.

Heavy clashes erupt in southern suburbs of Libyan capital, locals report heavy shelling

Israeli air strikes hit four sites in the Gaza Strip on Saturday, causing damage but no injuries, officials said, after Palestinian militants fired a rocket that struck a building in southern Israel. 
 
The four sites included a workshop, two locations for Hamas&#39;s armed wing and a military training site for militant group Islamic Jihad, the security officials said on condition of anonymity. 
 
Two of the sites were in Gaza City while the other two were in Beit Lahia, in the north of the enclave, run by Islamist movement Hamas. All of the sites have been previously targeted by Israel, the official said. 
 
Israel&#39;s military said in a statement it had &quot;targeted four locations that were components of Hamas&#39;s operational infrastructure in the northern and central Gaza Strip&quot; in response to the rocket. 
 
A rocket launched from the strip hit a building in the southern Israeli city of Sderot late on Friday, damaging it but causing no injuries, the military said. 
 
Israeli media said the rocket had hit a kindergarten, but the military had not provided further details. 
 
Medics said they treated two people for shock. 
 
No group in Gaza claimed responsibility for firing the rocket, which came hours after Israel announced a lockdown on the city of Hebron in the occupied West Bank and cuts in monthly tax payments to the Palestinian Authority in response to attacks. 
 
In one of several attacks in recent days, a 19-year-old Palestinian fatally stabbed a 13-year-old US-Israeli national in her home at the Jewish settlement of Kiryat Arba on the outskirts of Hebron. 
 
Friday&#39;s rocket is the 13th projectile fired from the Gaza Strip to have hit Israel since the start of 2016. 
 
Smaller, more radical Islamist groups have often been blamed, with Hamas forces either unwilling or unable to prevent the rocket fire. 
 
Israel holds Hamas responsible for all rocket attacks from Gaza. 
 
Palestinian militants in Gaza and Israel have fought three wars since 2008. 
 
On Friday, the Middle East diplomatic quartet said that the &quot;lack of control of Gaza by the Palestinian Authority, and the dire humanitarian situation&quot; were feeding &quot;instability and ultimately impede efforts to achieve a negotiated solution&quot;. 
 
&quot;Preventing the use of territory for attacks against Israel is a key committment that is essential to long-term peace and security,&quot; said the group, which incudes the United States, European Union, Russia and the United Nations. 
 
The report also said Israeli settlement building and confiscation of land in the West Bank were among factors &quot;steadily eroding the viability of the two-state solution.&quot; 
 
(AFP)

Israeli media said the rocket had hit a kindergarten but that the military had not provided any further details

Israeli air strikes hit four sites in the Gaza Strip on Saturday, causing damage but no injuries, officials said, after Palestinian militants fired a rocket that struck a building in southern Israel. The four sites included a workshop, two locations for Hamas's armed wing and a military training site for militant group Islamic Jihad, the security officials said on condition of anonymity. Two of the sites were in Gaza City while the other two were in Beit Lahia, in the north of the enclave, run by Islamist movement Hamas. All of the sites have been previously targeted by Israel, the official said. Israel's military said in a statement it had "targeted four locations that were components of Hamas's operational infrastructure in the northern and central Gaza Strip" in response to the rocket. A rocket launched from the strip hit a building in the southern Israeli city of Sderot late on Friday, damaging it but causing no injuries, the military said. Israeli media said the rocket had hit a kindergarten, but the military had not provided further details. Medics said they treated two people for shock. No group in Gaza claimed responsibility for firing the rocket, which came hours after Israel announced a lockdown on the city of Hebron in the occupied West Bank and cuts in monthly tax payments to the Palestinian Authority in response to attacks. In one of several attacks in recent days, a 19-year-old Palestinian fatally stabbed a 13-year-old US-Israeli national in her home at the Jewish settlement of Kiryat Arba on the outskirts of Hebron. Friday's rocket is the 13th projectile fired from the Gaza Strip to have hit Israel since the start of 2016. Smaller, more radical Islamist groups have often been blamed, with Hamas forces either unwilling or unable to prevent the rocket fire. Israel holds Hamas responsible for all rocket attacks from Gaza. Palestinian militants in Gaza and Israel have fought three wars since 2008. On Friday, the Middle East diplomatic quartet said that the "lack of control of Gaza by the Palestinian Authority, and the dire humanitarian situation" were feeding "instability and ultimately impede efforts to achieve a negotiated solution". "Preventing the use of territory for attacks against Israel is a key committment that is essential to long-term peace and security," said the group, which incudes the United States, European Union, Russia and the United Nations. The report also said Israeli settlement building and confiscation of land in the West Bank were among factors "steadily eroding the viability of the two-state solution." (AFP)

Israel air bombs Gaza Strip after being hit by rocket

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