A military court on Sunday handed three Israeli soldiers prison sentences for committing acts of violence against <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/car-rams-into-israeli-troops-palestinian-attackers-killed-military-201080">detained Palestinians</a>, the army said.

"The military court sentenced three combat soldiers who were convicted as part of a plea bargain for aggravated abuse as a result of violence against Palestinian detainees," the Israeli army said in a statement.

The soldiers confessed to assaulting and injuring two Palestinian detainees shortly after an attack in which two soldiers were killed by Palestinian gunfire at a bus stop in the occupied West Bank on December 13.

In Sunday's ruling, the Israeli military court sentenced the three to at least six and a half months imprisonment and demoted them to the rank of private, the army said.

Israel on Thursday razed the home of a Palestinian accused of shooting dead the soldiers at the bus stop and aiding another attack that caused a baby's death.

The attacks in December raised fears of an outbreak of violence in the territories occupied by Israel for more than 50 years.

Around 400,000 Israelis live in settlements that dot the West Bank and range in size from tiny hamlets to large towns, in addition to 200,000 living in settlements in occupied East Jerusalem.

A military court on Sunday handed three Israeli soldiers prison sentences for committing acts of violence against detained Palestinians, the army said. "The military court sentenced three combat soldiers who were convicted as part of a plea bargain for aggravated abuse as a result of violence against Palestinian detainees," the Israeli army said in a statement.

A military court on Sunday handed three Israeli soldiers prison sentences for committing acts of violence against detained Palestinians, the army said. "The military court sentenced three combat soldiers who were convicted as part of a plea bargain for aggravated abuse as a result of violence against Palestinian detainees," the Israeli army said in a statement. The soldiers confessed to assaulting and injuring two Palestinian detainees shortly after an attack in which two soldiers were killed by Palestinian gunfire at a bus stop in the occupied West Bank on December 13. In Sunday's ruling, the Israeli military court sentenced the three to at least six and a half months imprisonment and demoted them to the rank of private, the army said. Israel on Thursday razed the home of a Palestinian accused of shooting dead the soldiers at the bus stop and aiding another attack that caused a baby's death. The attacks in December raised fears of an outbreak of violence in the territories occupied by Israel for more than 50 years. Around 400,000 Israelis live in settlements that dot the West Bank and range in size from tiny hamlets to large towns, in addition to 200,000 living in settlements in occupied East Jerusalem.

Israel court sentences three soldiers for assault on Palestinians

How a Palestinian wedding hall has preserved its cinematic treasures

Three Palestinians deliberately drove a car into Israeli troops in the occupied West Bank on Monday and two of the attackers were shot dead after critically injuring an officer, the Israeli military said.

The Palestinian Foreign Ministry said the two men were shot in cold blood in "a brutal execution".

Describing the incident as a car-ramming, the military said a third Palestinian in the vehicle was wounded after the troops opened fire.

Palestinians, many of them individuals without known associations with militant groups, carried out a wave of car-rammings in the West Bank in late 2015 and 2016, but the frequency of such incidents has since decreased.

Israel captured the West Bank in the 1967 Middle East war. Palestinians seek to establish a state there and in the Hamas-run Gaza Strip, with East Jerusalem as its capital. Israeli-Palestinian peace talks collapsed in 2014.

In Monday's incident, the military said the soldiers were targeted after they had stopped their own vehicle on the roadside at night about 10 km (six miles) northwest of the Palestinian city of Ramallah, the military said. Israeli media reported their car had broken down.

Soldiers fired at the Palestinian car after the ramming, killing two of its occupants, a military spokeswoman said.

In addition to the Israeli officer who was seriously hurt, a soldier was slightly injured, the military said.

Later, the military said in a separate statement that just prior to the attack, Palestinians in the car had thrown firebombs at an Israeli checkpoint and that additional Molotov cocktail had been found in the vehicle.

Three Palestinians deliberately drove a car into Israeli troops in the occupied West Bank on Monday and two of the attackers were shot dead after critically injuring an officer, the Israeli military said.

Three Palestinians deliberately drove a car into Israeli troops in the occupied West Bank on Monday and two of the attackers were shot dead after critically injuring an officer, the Israeli military said. The Palestinian Foreign Ministry said the two men were shot in cold blood in "a brutal execution". Describing the incident as a car-ramming, the military said a third Palestinian in the vehicle was wounded after the troops opened fire. Palestinians, many of them individuals without known associations with militant groups, carried out a wave of car-rammings in the West Bank in late 2015 and 2016, but the frequency of such incidents has since decreased. Israel captured the West Bank in the 1967 Middle East war. Palestinians seek to establish a state there and in the Hamas-run Gaza Strip, with East Jerusalem as its capital. Israeli-Palestinian peace talks collapsed in 2014. In Monday's incident, the military said the soldiers were targeted after they had stopped their own vehicle on the roadside at night about 10 km (six miles) northwest of the Palestinian city of Ramallah, the military said. Israeli media reported their car had broken down. Soldiers fired at the Palestinian car after the ramming, killing two of its occupants, a military spokeswoman said. In addition to the Israeli officer who was seriously hurt, a soldier was slightly injured, the military said. Later, the military said in a separate statement that just prior to the attack, Palestinians in the car had thrown firebombs at an Israeli checkpoint and that additional Molotov cocktail had been found in the vehicle.

Car rams into Israeli troops, Palestinian attackers killed: Military

The United States has denied accusations it is pressuring banks to stop dealing with the Palestinian government, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/us-stops-funds-to-uns-palestine-agency-162925">whose relations with Washington have been plummeting</a>.

Several Palestinian officials have accused the US of trying to force banks not to deal with transactions linked to the Palestinian Authority, which has limited self-rule in the occupied West Bank.

"The United States has not requested that foreign donors restrict assistance to the Palestinians, nor has it requested that financial institutions cease transfers to Palestinian Authority (PA) bank accounts," a US official told AFP late Monday.&nbsp;

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"We are aware of media reports suggesting this has occurred. Those reports are incorrect."

On Sunday, senior Palestinian official Hussein al-Sheikh charged that Washington was launching a "financial siege" on the PA.

"Major international financial institutions and parties have begun to accede to an American request to impose a tight financial siege on the Palestinian Authority," he told AFP.

"Washington has asked for financial aid given to the authority to be stopped, and it has also issued a circular to banks not to receive transfers for the authority’s accounts."

Palestinian foreign minister Riyad al-Maliki has said on local radio that the US was using "all means to press Arab countries to stop financial support for our people".

Relations between the US and the Palestinians have broken down since President Donald Trump recognised Jerusalem as Israel's capital in late 2017.

The Palestinians consider the eastern part of the city their capital and have boycotted the Trump administration since.&nbsp;

In response, the US has cut more than $500 million in annual aid to the Palestinians, mostly to the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees.

The cuts have worsened longterm financial shortfalls for the PA, which is heavily reliant on international aid.

The United States has denied accusations it is pressuring banks to stop dealing with the Palestinian government, whose relations with Washington have been plummeting.

The United States has denied accusations it is pressuring banks to stop dealing with the Palestinian government, whose relations with Washington have been plummeting. Several Palestinian officials have accused the US of trying to force banks not to deal with transactions linked to the Palestinian Authority, which has limited self-rule in the occupied West Bank. "The United States has not requested that foreign donors restrict assistance to the Palestinians, nor has it requested that financial institutions cease transfers to Palestinian Authority (PA) bank accounts," a US official told AFP late Monday. Palestinian foreign minister Riyad al-Maliki has said on local radio that the US was using 'all means to press Arab countries to stop financial support for our people' × "We are aware of media reports suggesting this has occurred. Those reports are incorrect." On Sunday, senior Palestinian official Hussein al-Sheikh charged that Washington was launching a "financial siege" on the PA. "Major international financial institutions and parties have begun to accede to an American request to impose a tight financial siege on the Palestinian Authority," he told AFP. "Washington has asked for financial aid given to the authority to be stopped, and it has also issued a circular to banks not to receive transfers for the authority’s accounts." Palestinian foreign minister Riyad al-Maliki has said on local radio that the US was using "all means to press Arab countries to stop financial support for our people". Relations between the US and the Palestinians have broken down since President Donald Trump recognised Jerusalem as Israel's capital in late 2017. The Palestinians consider the eastern part of the city their capital and have boycotted the Trump administration since. In response, the US has cut more than $500 million in annual aid to the Palestinians, mostly to the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees. The cuts have worsened longterm financial shortfalls for the PA, which is heavily reliant on international aid.

US says it did not tell banks to stop working with Palestinians

Turkey has "strongly" condemned Israel's decision not to renew the mandate of an international monitoring group in the occupied West Bank city of Hebron.

"We strongly condemn Israel's unilateral termination of the mandate of the 'Temporary International Presence in Hebron' (TIPH) ... and expect this political decision to be reversed," the Turkish foreign ministry said in a statement late on Friday.

The Temporary International Presence in Hebron (TIPH) was established after a massacre of Palestinians in 1994.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday he would not extend its mandate, accusing it of bias.&nbsp;

Ankara, however, dismissed the Israeli claim.&nbsp;

"We decisively reject the allegation that the TIPH has been working against Israel, which is presented by Israel as a justification for its decision."

In a series of Twitter posts on Saturday, Omer Celik, spokesman for the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), slammed the Israeli move as a "new step to cover up illegalities" and said it must be condemned.&nbsp;

"This Israeli step shows new aggressions are in the planning," he said, urging the world "to be more careful" about the situation in Hebron.

Turkey has observers in the Norway-led team tasked with promoting security for Palestinians in Hebron, which is holy to both Muslims and Jews and has been a flashpoint in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Palestinian and European officials have also expressed concern and regret over the Israeli decision.&nbsp;

Turkey has "strongly" condemned Israel's decision not to renew the mandate of an international monitoring group in the occupied West Bank city of Hebron. "We strongly condemn Israel's unilateral termination of the mandate of the 'Temporary International Presence in Hebron' (TIPH) .

Turkey has "strongly" condemned Israel's decision not to renew the mandate of an international monitoring group in the occupied West Bank city of Hebron. "We strongly condemn Israel's unilateral termination of the mandate of the 'Temporary International Presence in Hebron' (TIPH) ... and expect this political decision to be reversed," the Turkish foreign ministry said in a statement late on Friday. The Temporary International Presence in Hebron (TIPH) was established after a massacre of Palestinians in 1994. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Monday he would not extend its mandate, accusing it of bias. Ankara, however, dismissed the Israeli claim. "We decisively reject the allegation that the TIPH has been working against Israel, which is presented by Israel as a justification for its decision." In a series of Twitter posts on Saturday, Omer Celik, spokesman for the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP), slammed the Israeli move as a "new step to cover up illegalities" and said it must be condemned. "This Israeli step shows new aggressions are in the planning," he said, urging the world "to be more careful" about the situation in Hebron. Turkey has observers in the Norway-led team tasked with promoting security for Palestinians in Hebron, which is holy to both Muslims and Jews and has been a flashpoint in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Palestinian and European officials have also expressed concern and regret over the Israeli decision.

Turkey denounces Israel's decision over Hebron monitoring

Two Palestinians were shot dead by Israeli troops during clashes in the Gaza Strip and the Israeli-occupied West Bank on Friday (January 25).

Israeli forces shot and killed a Palestinian man during weekly protests on Friday along with its border with Gaza, local health officials said.

An Israeli military spokeswoman said that about 10,000 Palestinians had amassed along the Gaza border and that some of them hurled grenades and stones toward the soldiers across the way.

"IDF (Israel Defence Forces) fighters responded by using riot dispersal means and in accordance with the rules of engagement," the spokeswoman said.

Palestinians launched weekly border protests nine months ago demanding the right of return to land from which their ancestors fled or were forced to flee during Israel's founding in 1948 and an end to a grinding Israeli blockade of the territory, home for two million people.

Another Palestinian was killed on Friday by Israeli soldiers in a separate incident in the West Bank, the Palestinian Health Ministry said.

The Israeli military said its troops had opened fire at three Palestinian suspects who were throwing stones at Israeli vehicles driving along a West Bank highway and that after receiving medical treatment, one of the suspects died.

Two Palestinians were shot dead by Israeli troops during clashes in the Gaza Strip and the Israeli-occupied West Bank on Friday (January 25). Israeli forces shot and killed a Palestinian man during weekly protests on Friday along with its border with Gaza, local health officials said.

Two Palestinians were shot dead by Israeli troops during clashes in the Gaza Strip and the Israeli-occupied West Bank on Friday (January 25). Israeli forces shot and killed a Palestinian man during weekly protests on Friday along with its border with Gaza, local health officials said. An Israeli military spokeswoman said that about 10,000 Palestinians had amassed along the Gaza border and that some of them hurled grenades and stones toward the soldiers across the way. "IDF (Israel Defence Forces) fighters responded by using riot dispersal means and in accordance with the rules of engagement," the spokeswoman said. Palestinians launched weekly border protests nine months ago demanding the right of return to land from which their ancestors fled or were forced to flee during Israel's founding in 1948 and an end to a grinding Israeli blockade of the territory, home for two million people. Another Palestinian was killed on Friday by Israeli soldiers in a separate incident in the West Bank, the Palestinian Health Ministry said. The Israeli military said its troops had opened fire at three Palestinian suspects who were throwing stones at Israeli vehicles driving along a West Bank highway and that after receiving medical treatment, one of the suspects died.

Two Palestinians killed in clashes with Israeli troops in Gaza, West Bank

Israeli authorities have advanced plans for nearly 2,200 settlement homes in the occupied West Bank, the Peace Now NGO said Wednesday, the first such approvals since snap polls were called earlier this week.

A defence ministry committee with responsibility for such projects on Tuesday and Wednesday approved the plans, which are in various stages of the approval process, the settlement watchdog said in a statement.

It said 1,159 housing units were given final approvals before building permits can be issued, while 1,032 were at an earlier stage.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing government agreed Monday to dissolve parliament and call for early elections on April 9.

Settlements play an important role in Israeli right-wing politics, and Netanyahu met with settler leaders earlier Wednesday in Jerusalem.

"We'll see an attempt by the left-wing to overthrow our rule with the help of the media and others," he said, speaking of the elections.

"They can't succeed, because if they do -- that will pose a clear danger to the settlement movement."

Israeli settlements are considered illegal under international law and major roadblocks to peace, as they are built on land Palestinians see as part of their future state.

More than 400,000 Israelis live in West Bank settlements, which range in size from tiny hamlets to large towns. A further 200,000 live in settlements in occupied east Jerusalem.

A defence ministry committee with responsibility for such projects on Tuesday and Wednesday approved the plans, which are in various stages of the approval process, the settlement watchdog said in a statement.

Israeli authorities have advanced plans for nearly 2,200 settlement homes in the occupied West Bank, the Peace Now NGO said Wednesday, the first such approvals since snap polls were called earlier this week. A defence ministry committee with responsibility for such projects on Tuesday and Wednesday approved the plans, which are in various stages of the approval process, the settlement watchdog said in a statement. It said 1,159 housing units were given final approvals before building permits can be issued, while 1,032 were at an earlier stage. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing government agreed Monday to dissolve parliament and call for early elections on April 9. Settlements play an important role in Israeli right-wing politics, and Netanyahu met with settler leaders earlier Wednesday in Jerusalem. "We'll see an attempt by the left-wing to overthrow our rule with the help of the media and others," he said, speaking of the elections. "They can't succeed, because if they do -- that will pose a clear danger to the settlement movement." Israeli settlements are considered illegal under international law and major roadblocks to peace, as they are built on land Palestinians see as part of their future state. More than 400,000 Israelis live in West Bank settlements, which range in size from tiny hamlets to large towns. A further 200,000 live in settlements in occupied east Jerusalem.

Israel advances plans for nearly 2,200 settler homes: NGO

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday he had issued a warning to Hamas after recent deadly attacks in the occupied West Bank, including two shootings claimed by the Islamist movement.

Netanyahu referred to a controversial Gaza ceasefire in November that ended the worst escalation between Israel and Hamas since a 2014 war.

"I conveyed a clear message to Hamas -- we won't accept a situation of a truce in Gaza and terror in Judea and Samaria," Netanyahu told a cabinet meeting, using the biblical name for the West Bank, as is Israel's official policy.

"We will exact a high price over them," he said of the attacks.

Hamas runs the Gaza Strip but also has a presence in the West Bank.

Netanyahu's comments came after two soldiers were shot dead at a central West Bank bus station near a settlement on Thursday.

On the same day, a baby prematurely delivered after his mother was shot and wounded in a separate attack nearby on December 9 also died.

Hamas claimed responsibility for the December 9 shooting and another in the West Bank on October 7 that killed two Israelis.

The two Palestinians behind those attacks were shot dead by Israeli forces during arrest raids last week, Israeli officials said.

Israel's security forces say they have also arrested at least 37 Hamas operatives in connection with recent violence.

The attacks came after a deal to restore relative calm to the Gaza Strip that included Israel enabling Qatar to bring fuel and tens of millions of dollars to the besieged territory for salaries.

Hardline Israeli politicians opposed the Gaza agreement and have also criticised Netanyahu over the recent West Bank violence.

On Sunday, hundreds of settlers protested outside Netanyahu's office in Jerusalem to call on the government to increase security measures as well as settlement construction.

Those moves would make Palestinian militants understand that "there's no point to terror and hope in it," said Hananel Dorani, chairman of settler group the Yesha council.

Participating in the protest were a number of ministers, including Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked of the far-right Jewish Home.

A ministerial committee headed by Shaked later gave initial approval to a bill that would help legalise settlement homes built on state land without government approval.

"The terrorists will know that we're here to stay," she said following the vote. "We won't be deterred by attacks."

On Thursday, Shaked said that Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit had also approved of a way to help legalise some 2,000 West Bank homes considered illegal by Israel as they are located on privately owned Palestinian land.

Right-wing Israelis often call for increased settlement construction and approvals following Palestinian attacks.

All Israeli settlements are viewed as illegal under international law, but Israel differentiates between those it has approved and those it has not.

Israel occupied the West Bank in the 1967 Six-Day War.&nbsp;

Settlements there are seen as major stumbling blocks to a peace deal since they are built on land the Palestinians want for their future state.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday he had issued a warning to Hamas after recent deadly attacks in the occupied West Bank, including two shootings claimed by the Islamist movement.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday he had issued a warning to Hamas after recent deadly attacks in the occupied West Bank, including two shootings claimed by the Islamist movement. Netanyahu referred to a controversial Gaza ceasefire in November that ended the worst escalation between Israel and Hamas since a 2014 war. "I conveyed a clear message to Hamas -- we won't accept a situation of a truce in Gaza and terror in Judea and Samaria," Netanyahu told a cabinet meeting, using the biblical name for the West Bank, as is Israel's official policy. "We will exact a high price over them," he said of the attacks. Hamas runs the Gaza Strip but also has a presence in the West Bank. Netanyahu's comments came after two soldiers were shot dead at a central West Bank bus station near a settlement on Thursday. On the same day, a baby prematurely delivered after his mother was shot and wounded in a separate attack nearby on December 9 also died. Hamas claimed responsibility for the December 9 shooting and another in the West Bank on October 7 that killed two Israelis. The two Palestinians behind those attacks were shot dead by Israeli forces during arrest raids last week, Israeli officials said. Israel's security forces say they have also arrested at least 37 Hamas operatives in connection with recent violence. The attacks came after a deal to restore relative calm to the Gaza Strip that included Israel enabling Qatar to bring fuel and tens of millions of dollars to the besieged territory for salaries. Hardline Israeli politicians opposed the Gaza agreement and have also criticised Netanyahu over the recent West Bank violence. On Sunday, hundreds of settlers protested outside Netanyahu's office in Jerusalem to call on the government to increase security measures as well as settlement construction. Those moves would make Palestinian militants understand that "there's no point to terror and hope in it," said Hananel Dorani, chairman of settler group the Yesha council. Participating in the protest were a number of ministers, including Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked of the far-right Jewish Home. A ministerial committee headed by Shaked later gave initial approval to a bill that would help legalise settlement homes built on state land without government approval. "The terrorists will know that we're here to stay," she said following the vote. "We won't be deterred by attacks." On Thursday, Shaked said that Attorney General Avichai Mandelblit had also approved of a way to help legalise some 2,000 West Bank homes considered illegal by Israel as they are located on privately owned Palestinian land. Right-wing Israelis often call for increased settlement construction and approvals following Palestinian attacks. All Israeli settlements are viewed as illegal under international law, but Israel differentiates between those it has approved and those it has not. Israel occupied the West Bank in the 1967 Six-Day War. Settlements there are seen as major stumbling blocks to a peace deal since they are built on land the Palestinians want for their future state.

Netanyahu warns Hamas after deadly West Bank attacks

Israelis rally in protest of violence in West Bank

Israel is to authorise thousands of the settler homes built illegally in the occupied West Bank, some of them decades ago, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday.

The move is likely to please pro-settler members of Netanyahu's right-wing coalition while angering Palestinians, who want the West Bank as part of a future state.

"Arranging the rights for the homes allows thousands of residents to be provided with infrastructure of public buildings, educational and religious buildings," Netanyahu's office said in a statement.

It did not give a specific number of homes but Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked tweeted that more than 2,000 homes would be getting permits.

Some 500,000 Israelis live in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, areas that are also home to more than 2.6 million Palestinians.

Settlements are one of the most heated issues in efforts to restart Israeli-Palestinian peace talks, frozen since 2014.

In August, an Israeli court broke new ground, and infuriated Palestinians, by giving legal recognition to the Jewish outpost of Mitzpe Kramim, built without government authorisation on privately owned Palestinian land in the West Bank.

Palestinians want the West Bank for a future state, along with East Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip.

Most countries consider all settlements that Israel has built in territory it captured in the 1967 Middle East war to be illegal. Israel disputes this and says their future should be determined in peace talks with the Palestinians.

Netanyahu also said he would try to advance plans for 82 new housing units in the Jewish settlement of Ofra and two West Bank industrial zones.

Netanyahu last month faced a challenge from the far-right after his defence minister resigned and lashed out at the government’s acceptance of a ceasefire with the Palestinian militant group Hamas amid a surge in Gaza violence. Other far-right ministers had threatened to quit, but later backed down.

Israel is to authorise thousands of the settler homes built illegally in the occupied West Bank, some of them decades ago, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday.

Israel is to authorise thousands of the settler homes built illegally in the occupied West Bank, some of them decades ago, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday. The move is likely to please pro-settler members of Netanyahu's right-wing coalition while angering Palestinians, who want the West Bank as part of a future state. "Arranging the rights for the homes allows thousands of residents to be provided with infrastructure of public buildings, educational and religious buildings," Netanyahu's office said in a statement. It did not give a specific number of homes but Justice Minister Ayelet Shaked tweeted that more than 2,000 homes would be getting permits. Some 500,000 Israelis live in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, areas that are also home to more than 2.6 million Palestinians. Settlements are one of the most heated issues in efforts to restart Israeli-Palestinian peace talks, frozen since 2014. In August, an Israeli court broke new ground, and infuriated Palestinians, by giving legal recognition to the Jewish outpost of Mitzpe Kramim, built without government authorisation on privately owned Palestinian land in the West Bank. Palestinians want the West Bank for a future state, along with East Jerusalem and the Gaza Strip. Most countries consider all settlements that Israel has built in territory it captured in the 1967 Middle East war to be illegal. Israel disputes this and says their future should be determined in peace talks with the Palestinians. Netanyahu also said he would try to advance plans for 82 new housing units in the Jewish settlement of Ofra and two West Bank industrial zones. Netanyahu last month faced a challenge from the far-right after his defence minister resigned and lashed out at the government’s acceptance of a ceasefire with the Palestinian militant group Hamas amid a surge in Gaza violence. Other far-right ministers had threatened to quit, but later backed down.

Israel to approve thousands of unauthorised West Bank settler homes

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/how-calm-in-gaza-stirs-storm-in-israel-177641">A Palestinian shot dead two Israelis and wounded at least two others</a> at a bus stop in the occupied West Bank on Thursday, the army said.

"A Palestinian opened fire at a bus stop killing 2 Israelis, severely injuring 1 and injuring others at Asaf Junction, north of Jerusalem," the Israeli military said on its Twitter account.

An army spokesperson was unable to confirm reports that the assailant targeted Israeli soldiers.

The attack occurred near the Israeli settlement of Ofra, on the main road that crosses the West Bank from north to south.

It came only hours after Israeli forces killed two Palestinians in the West Bank after attacks that claimed the lives of three Israelis, including a baby.

One of them was Salah Barghouti, a 29-year-old accused of shooting at Israelis on Sunday at a bus stop also near the Ofra settlement.

That attack wounded seven people including a woman who was seven months pregnant.

Doctors tried to save the baby boy with an emergency cesarean but he died on Wednesday and was buried in Jerusalem.

His mother remains in hospital in a serious condition.

The other Palestinian killed by Israeli forces overnight had been suspected of shooting dead two Israelis two months ago.

Ashraf Naalwa, 23, was killed when forces tried to arrest him near Nablus in the West Bank, the Israeli Shin Bet security service said. 
&nbsp;

A Palestinian shot dead two Israelis and wounded at least two others at a bus stop in the occupied West Bank on Thursday, the army said. "A Palestinian opened fire at a bus stop killing 2 Israelis, severely injuring 1 and injuring others at Asaf Junction, north of Jerusalem," the Israeli military said on its Twitter account.

A Palestinian shot dead two Israelis and wounded at least two others at a bus stop in the occupied West Bank on Thursday, the army said. "A Palestinian opened fire at a bus stop killing 2 Israelis, severely injuring 1 and injuring others at Asaf Junction, north of Jerusalem," the Israeli military said on its Twitter account. An army spokesperson was unable to confirm reports that the assailant targeted Israeli soldiers. The attack occurred near the Israeli settlement of Ofra, on the main road that crosses the West Bank from north to south. It came only hours after Israeli forces killed two Palestinians in the West Bank after attacks that claimed the lives of three Israelis, including a baby. One of them was Salah Barghouti, a 29-year-old accused of shooting at Israelis on Sunday at a bus stop also near the Ofra settlement. That attack wounded seven people including a woman who was seven months pregnant. Doctors tried to save the baby boy with an emergency cesarean but he died on Wednesday and was buried in Jerusalem. His mother remains in hospital in a serious condition. The other Palestinian killed by Israeli forces overnight had been suspected of shooting dead two Israelis two months ago. Ashraf Naalwa, 23, was killed when forces tried to arrest him near Nablus in the West Bank, the Israeli Shin Bet security service said.

Palestinian shoots dead two Israelis in West Bank: Army

A Palestinian gunman shot dead two Israelis and wounded a third on Sunday in an industrial park next to a Jewish settlement in the occupied West Bank, the Israeli military said.

The assailant, the military said, had worked in a factory where the shooting took place.

Israel's national ambulance service said a man and two women were shot in the attack in the Barkan industrial area, where nearly 5,000 Palestinians are employed in Israeli-owned businesses.

A military spokesman, in a conference call with foreign journalists several hours after the incident, said the man and one of the women had died of their wounds.

The other woman shot in the incident was taken to hospital, where doctors said her injuries were not life-threatening.

"This was a serious terrorist attack," the military said in a statement. It identified the gunman as a 23-year-old Palestinian from a West Bank village and said he was still at large.

Surveillance camera footage broadcast on Israeli television showed a man armed with a rifle fleeing downstairs and running away from the factory.

Barkan industrial park is next to the settlement of Barkan and was established in the early 1980s.

Most countries consider settlements that Israel has built on land occupied in the 1967 Middle East war as illegal. Israel disputes this.

A Palestinian gunman shot dead two Israelis and wounded a third on Sunday in an industrial park next to a Jewish settlement in the occupied West Bank, the Israeli military said.

A Palestinian gunman shot dead two Israelis and wounded a third on Sunday in an industrial park next to a Jewish settlement in the occupied West Bank, the Israeli military said. The assailant, the military said, had worked in a factory where the shooting took place. Israel's national ambulance service said a man and two women were shot in the attack in the Barkan industrial area, where nearly 5,000 Palestinians are employed in Israeli-owned businesses. A military spokesman, in a conference call with foreign journalists several hours after the incident, said the man and one of the women had died of their wounds. The other woman shot in the incident was taken to hospital, where doctors said her injuries were not life-threatening. "This was a serious terrorist attack," the military said in a statement. It identified the gunman as a 23-year-old Palestinian from a West Bank village and said he was still at large. Surveillance camera footage broadcast on Israeli television showed a man armed with a rifle fleeing downstairs and running away from the factory. Barkan industrial park is next to the settlement of Barkan and was established in the early 1980s. Most countries consider settlements that Israel has built on land occupied in the 1967 Middle East war as illegal. Israel disputes this.

Palestinian gunman kills two cvilians in West Bank: Israeli military

A Palestinian man who tried today to hit Israeli soldiers with his car in the southern occupied West Bank city Hebron was shot dead, the army said.

"A terrorist attempted to run over IDF troops located at the site with his vehicle. In response, the troops fired towards the terrorist, killing him. No IDF troops were injured," an army statement said.

A military spokesman told AFP the alleged attacker was a Palestinian.

Yesterday a 21-year-old Palestinian woman was shot dead by Israeli soldiers near the Gaza border fence, where clashes were taking place.

Razan al-Najjar was a volunteer with the Gaza health ministry, wearing the white uniform of a medic when she was shot in the chest.

According to the health ministry in Gaza, another 40 Palestinians were wounded by Israeli gun fire in Friday's clashes.

The Israeli army said on Saturday that cases such as Najjar's, "in which civilians are allegedly killed by IDF fire, are thoroughly examined by the relevant levels of command and are checked by the General Staff Fact Finding Assessment Mechanism".&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

'A terrorist attempted to run over IDF troops located at the site with his vehicle. In response, the troops fired towards the terrorist, killing him. No IDF troops were injured,' an Israeli Army statement said

A Palestinian man who tried today to hit Israeli soldiers with his car in the southern occupied West Bank city Hebron was shot dead, the army said. "A terrorist attempted to run over IDF troops located at the site with his vehicle. In response, the troops fired towards the terrorist, killing him. No IDF troops were injured," an army statement said. A military spokesman told AFP the alleged attacker was a Palestinian. Yesterday a 21-year-old Palestinian woman was shot dead by Israeli soldiers near the Gaza border fence, where clashes were taking place. Razan al-Najjar was a volunteer with the Gaza health ministry, wearing the white uniform of a medic when she was shot in the chest. According to the health ministry in Gaza, another 40 Palestinians were wounded by Israeli gun fire in Friday's clashes. The Israeli army said on Saturday that cases such as Najjar's, "in which civilians are allegedly killed by IDF fire, are thoroughly examined by the relevant levels of command and are checked by the General Staff Fact Finding Assessment Mechanism".

Palestinian tries to hit Israeli soldiers with car, shot dead: Army

Israel has been in talks with the US over annexing settlements in the occupied West Bank, a spokesman noted on Monday.&nbsp;

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been discussing legislation with the United States on the same, the spokesman added.

&quot;Regarding the issue of applying sovereignty, I can tell you that I have for some time been speaking with the Americans about it,&quot; Netanyahu told lawmakers according to comments relayed by a spokesman.

Netanyahu said he wanted to coordinate any such move with the United States because of the country&#39;s strategic importance to Israel.

The comments come as Netanyahu is under pressure from right-wing politicians to move ahead with legislation that would apply Israeli sovereignty to settlements in the West Bank.

Netanyahu blocked it from being advanced on Sunday, with officials citing the need to focus on security issues following a confrontation that led to Israeli air strikes in Syria at the weekend.

Netanyahu stressed recently that Israel must retain security control in the Palestinian territories under any peace arrangement.

&quot;Whether or not it&#39;s defined as a state when we have the military control is another matter, but I&#39;d rather not discuss labels, but substance,&quot; he said when meeting German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel on January 31.

Trump&#39;s ambassador to Israel, David Friedman, has in the past been a supporter of Israeli settlements in the West Bank.

The move is likely to hit the prospects for a two-state solution to the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

(With inputs from AFP)&nbsp;

The move is likely to hit the prospects for a two-state solution to the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict

Israel has been in talks with the US over annexing settlements in the occupied West Bank, a spokesman noted on Monday. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been discussing legislation with the United States on the same, the spokesman added. "Regarding the issue of applying sovereignty, I can tell you that I have for some time been speaking with the Americans about it," Netanyahu told lawmakers according to comments relayed by a spokesman. Netanyahu said he wanted to coordinate any such move with the United States because of the country's strategic importance to Israel. The comments come as Netanyahu is under pressure from right-wing politicians to move ahead with legislation that would apply Israeli sovereignty to settlements in the West Bank. Netanyahu blocked it from being advanced on Sunday, with officials citing the need to focus on security issues following a confrontation that led to Israeli air strikes in Syria at the weekend. Netanyahu stressed recently that Israel must retain security control in the Palestinian territories under any peace arrangement. "Whether or not it's defined as a state when we have the military control is another matter, but I'd rather not discuss labels, but substance," he said when meeting German Foreign Minister Sigmar Gabriel on January 31. Trump's ambassador to Israel, David Friedman, has in the past been a supporter of Israeli settlements in the West Bank. The move is likely to hit the prospects for a two-state solution to the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict. (With inputs from AFP)

Netanyahu says discussing annexing West Bank settlements with US

Two Palestinians were killed as youths clashed with Israeli soldiers on the Gaza border on Friday in a new protest against US recognition of Jerusalem as Israel&#39;s capital, the health ministry said.

The third Friday since US President Donald Trump&#39;s controversial announcement on Jerusalem was again billed by Gaza&#39;s Islamist rulers Hamas as a &quot;day of rage&quot;.

Hundreds of Palestinian protesters at various points along the Gaza border threw stones at Israeli forces, who responded with smoke grenades and live and rubber bullets, AFP correspondents said.

The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza said Zakaria al-Kafarneh, 24, died after being shot in the chest in clashes near Jabalia, in northern Gaza.

A second man, 29-year-old Mohammed Mohaisen, died later in clashes east of Gaza City, it said.

Six other Gazans were shot and wounded by soldiers using live ammunition, and one was in a critical condition, the ministry said.

One man dressed as Santa Claus holding a Palestinian flag was shot in the leg east of Khan Yunis in southern Gaza, eyewitnesses said.

In the occupied West Bank, clashes broke out in Ramallah, Hebron and other major cities, with smaller protests across the territory, including near the Jewish settlement of Beit El.

Osama Najar, spokesman for the health ministry in the West Bank, said they had seen protests in more locations than on previous Fridays.

The Palestinian Red Crescent said it had dealt with dozens of injuries during the West Bank clashes, including at least seven hit by live ammunition.

The clashes broke out after the weekly Muslim prayers, with minor scuffles in Jerusalem.

The army said in a statement that around 1,700 &quot;rioters are hurling firebombs and rocks and rolling burning tyres... In order to disperse the riot, troops are responding with riot dispersal means&quot;.

In Gaza, around 2,000 Palestinians were taking part in protests, the army said, with soldiers firing &quot;live rounds selectively towards main instigators&quot;.

The army&#39;s estimates were down from 2,500 and 3,500 in the West Bank and Gaza respectively the previous Friday.

There have been near daily protests across the Palestinian territories since Trump&#39;s controversial December 6 announcement that he would recognise Jerusalem as Israel&#39;s capital and move the US embassy there from Tel Aviv.

Ten Palestinians have died, eight in clashes and two in an Israeli air strike on Gaza.

Fridays, traditionally a day of protest for Palestinians, have seen the most violence.

 
&nbsp;

Two Palestinians were killed as youths clashed with Israeli soldiers on the Gaza border on Friday in a new protest against US recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital, the health ministry said

Two Palestinians were killed as youths clashed with Israeli soldiers on the Gaza border on Friday in a new protest against US recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital, the health ministry said. The third Friday since US President Donald Trump's controversial announcement on Jerusalem was again billed by Gaza's Islamist rulers Hamas as a "day of rage". Hundreds of Palestinian protesters at various points along the Gaza border threw stones at Israeli forces, who responded with smoke grenades and live and rubber bullets, AFP correspondents said. The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza said Zakaria al-Kafarneh, 24, died after being shot in the chest in clashes near Jabalia, in northern Gaza. A second man, 29-year-old Mohammed Mohaisen, died later in clashes east of Gaza City, it said. Six other Gazans were shot and wounded by soldiers using live ammunition, and one was in a critical condition, the ministry said. One man dressed as Santa Claus holding a Palestinian flag was shot in the leg east of Khan Yunis in southern Gaza, eyewitnesses said. In the occupied West Bank, clashes broke out in Ramallah, Hebron and other major cities, with smaller protests across the territory, including near the Jewish settlement of Beit El. Osama Najar, spokesman for the health ministry in the West Bank, said they had seen protests in more locations than on previous Fridays. The Palestinian Red Crescent said it had dealt with dozens of injuries during the West Bank clashes, including at least seven hit by live ammunition. The clashes broke out after the weekly Muslim prayers, with minor scuffles in Jerusalem. The army said in a statement that around 1,700 "rioters are hurling firebombs and rocks and rolling burning tyres... In order to disperse the riot, troops are responding with riot dispersal means". In Gaza, around 2,000 Palestinians were taking part in protests, the army said, with soldiers firing "live rounds selectively towards main instigators". The army's estimates were down from 2,500 and 3,500 in the West Bank and Gaza respectively the previous Friday. There have been near daily protests across the Palestinian territories since Trump's controversial December 6 announcement that he would recognise Jerusalem as Israel's capital and move the US embassy there from Tel Aviv. Ten Palestinians have died, eight in clashes and two in an Israeli air strike on Gaza. Fridays, traditionally a day of protest for Palestinians, have seen the most violence.

Gazans killed by Israeli fire in border clash

A second Palestinian protestor was killed <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-embassy-wont-be-moving-to-jerusalem-in-next-two-years-tillerson-26270">in clashes with Israeli troops as violent </a>riots erupted in West Bank after US President Donald Trump&nbsp;announced yesterday to move the US embassy to Jerusalem.

Palestinians observed Friday<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/in-four-years-in-jerusalem-26154"> as the &quot;day of rage&quot; as an </a>unidentified man was killed in clashes in northern Gaza.

&nbsp;The Israeli army said hundreds of Palestinians were rolling burning tyres and throwing rocks at soldiers across the border, Reuters said.

More than 80 Palestinians were wounded in the occupied West Bank and Gaza by Israeli live fire and rubber bullets, according to the Palestinian Red Crescent ambulance service.

As Friday prayers ended at the Al Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem, worshippers made their way toward the walled Old City gates, chanting &quot;Jerusalem is ours, Jerusalem is our capital,&quot; and &quot;We don&#39;t need empty words, we need stones and Kalashnikovs&quot;.&nbsp;

In Hebron, Bethlehem and Nablus, dozens of Palestinians threw stones at Israeli soldiers who fired back with tear gas.

Thousands of more demonstrators took to the streets across the Arab world against President Trump&#39;s decision to recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel.

Large demonstrations also took place in Jordan, Tunisia, Cairo, Somalia, Yemen, Malaysia and Indonesia.

Meanwhile, US secretary of state Rex Tillerson said: &quot;With respect to the rest of Jerusalem, the president ... did not indicate any final status for Jerusalem. He was very clear that the final status, including the borders, would be left to the two parties to negotiate and decide.&quot; 
&nbsp;

The Israeli army said hundreds of Palestinians were rolling burning tyres and throwing rocks at soldiers across the border

A second Palestinian protestor was killed in clashes with Israeli troops as violent riots erupted in West Bank after US President Donald Trump announced yesterday to move the US embassy to Jerusalem. Palestinians observed Friday as the "day of rage" as an unidentified man was killed in clashes in northern Gaza. The Israeli army said hundreds of Palestinians were rolling burning tyres and throwing rocks at soldiers across the border, Reuters said. More than 80 Palestinians were wounded in the occupied West Bank and Gaza by Israeli live fire and rubber bullets, according to the Palestinian Red Crescent ambulance service. As Friday prayers ended at the Al Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem, worshippers made their way toward the walled Old City gates, chanting "Jerusalem is ours, Jerusalem is our capital," and "We don't need empty words, we need stones and Kalashnikovs". In Hebron, Bethlehem and Nablus, dozens of Palestinians threw stones at Israeli soldiers who fired back with tear gas. Thousands of more demonstrators took to the streets across the Arab world against President Trump's decision to recognise Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. Large demonstrations also took place in Jordan, Tunisia, Cairo, Somalia, Yemen, Malaysia and Indonesia. Meanwhile, US secretary of state Rex Tillerson said: "With respect to the rest of Jerusalem, the president ... did not indicate any final status for Jerusalem. He was very clear that the final status, including the borders, would be left to the two parties to negotiate and decide."

Watch: Another protestor killed as Palestinians clash with Israeli troops in West Bank

US secretary of state Rex Tillerson said today the &quot;relocation&quot; of the US embassy to Jerusalem would probably not take place for at least two years.

President Trump&#39;s declaration recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel created a firestorm in West Asia with several countries including Turkey, Iran and Saudia Arabia condemning the move.

Clashes erupted between Israeli troops and Palestinians in West Bank on Thursday, just hours after President Trump&#39;s announcement of moving the US embassy to Jerusalem. &nbsp;&nbsp;

On Friday, after talks with French foreign minister &nbsp;Jean-Yves Le Drian, Tillerson said: &quot;This is not something that is going to happen this year or probably not next year but the president does want us to move in a very concrete, very steadfast way.&quot;

Several Egyptians protested in Cairo against President Trump&#39;s decision to move the US embassy to Jerusalem. There were protests outside the US embassy in Jordan as the Arab world erupted against the Trump administration&#39;s move.

Hundreds of Palestinians continued to protest in a &quot;day of rage&quot; on Friday in the occupied West Bank, Gaza and in East Jerusalem against US President Donald Trump&#39;s recognition of the ancient city as Israel&#39;s capital.

President Trump's declaration recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel created a firestorm in West Asia with several countries including Turkey, Iran and Saudia Arabia condemning the move.

US secretary of state Rex Tillerson said today the "relocation" of the US embassy to Jerusalem would probably not take place for at least two years. President Trump's declaration recognizing Jerusalem as the capital of Israel created a firestorm in West Asia with several countries including Turkey, Iran and Saudia Arabia condemning the move. Clashes erupted between Israeli troops and Palestinians in West Bank on Thursday, just hours after President Trump's announcement of moving the US embassy to Jerusalem. On Friday, after talks with French foreign minister Jean-Yves Le Drian, Tillerson said: "This is not something that is going to happen this year or probably not next year but the president does want us to move in a very concrete, very steadfast way." Several Egyptians protested in Cairo against President Trump's decision to move the US embassy to Jerusalem. There were protests outside the US embassy in Jordan as the Arab world erupted against the Trump administration's move. Hundreds of Palestinians continued to protest in a "day of rage" on Friday in the occupied West Bank, Gaza and in East Jerusalem against US President Donald Trump's recognition of the ancient city as Israel's capital.

US embassy won't be moving to Jerusalem in next two years: Tillerson

Israel has released thousands of previously classified official documents charting political decisions during the 1967 Six-Day War when it occupied the West Bank and east Jerusalem.

Made public by the Israel State Archives ahead of the 50th anniversary of the June 5-10 conflict, the 150,000 pages contain minutes of the wartime security cabinet and transcripts of other ministerial meetings, a government statement said.

At the end of the fighting with Egypt, Jordan and Syria the Jewish state was left in control of the West Bank, the Gaza Strip, east Jerusalem, part of the Syrian Golan Heights and the Egyptian Sinai Peninsula.

The Golan and east Jerusalem were subsequently annexed but the moves were never recognised by the international community.&nbsp;Fifty years later the West Bank remains occupied and the Gaza Strip is under a tight Israeli blockade.

The publication gives access to unpublished information on the war, long the object of research and historical writing.

&quot;For the first time in 50 years it will be possible to closely follow the dynamic within the government regarding the Six-Day War,&quot; chief archivist Yaakov Lazovik said in the statement.

&quot;What were the ministers&#39; initial positions regarding the future of the territories?&quot;

On June 15, 1967, five days after the end of the war, ministers of the security cabinet discussed various options for the newly occupied territories, with then foreign minister Abba Eban describing continued Israeli rule as a potential &quot;powder keg&quot;.

&quot;We are sitting here with two populations, one of them endowed with all the civil rights and the other denied all rights,&quot; he was quoted as saying in extracts published by Israeli daily Haaretz.

&quot;The world will side with a liberation movement of that one and a half million&quot; under occupation, he said.

The possibility of expelling them was mentioned, with Levy Eshkol, the Israeli prime minister at the time, saying that &quot;if it were up to us, we would send all the Arabs to Brazil.&quot;

His justice minister, Yaakov Shimshon Shapira, objected.

&quot;They are inhabitants of this land, and today you are ruling over it. There is no reason to take Arabs who were born here out of here and transfer them to Iraq,&quot; he said.

Eshkol was unconvinced.

&quot;We didn&#39;t sneak in here. We said that the Land of Israel is ours by right,&quot; he wrote.

The documents reflect the government&#39;s thinking during the war and euphoria after the destruction of the Egyptian air force and the Israeli victories on the Jordanian and Syrian fronts.

(AFP)

The publication gives access to unpublished information on the war, long the object of research and historical writing

Israel has released thousands of previously classified official documents charting political decisions during the 1967 Six-Day War when it occupied the West Bank and east Jerusalem. Made public by the Israel State Archives ahead of the 50th anniversary of the June 5-10 conflict, the 150,000 pages contain minutes of the wartime security cabinet and transcripts of other ministerial meetings, a government statement said. At the end of the fighting with Egypt, Jordan and Syria the Jewish state was left in control of the West Bank, the Gaza Strip, east Jerusalem, part of the Syrian Golan Heights and the Egyptian Sinai Peninsula. The Golan and east Jerusalem were subsequently annexed but the moves were never recognised by the international community. Fifty years later the West Bank remains occupied and the Gaza Strip is under a tight Israeli blockade. The publication gives access to unpublished information on the war, long the object of research and historical writing. "For the first time in 50 years it will be possible to closely follow the dynamic within the government regarding the Six-Day War," chief archivist Yaakov Lazovik said in the statement. "What were the ministers' initial positions regarding the future of the territories?" On June 15, 1967, five days after the end of the war, ministers of the security cabinet discussed various options for the newly occupied territories, with then foreign minister Abba Eban describing continued Israeli rule as a potential "powder keg". "We are sitting here with two populations, one of them endowed with all the civil rights and the other denied all rights," he was quoted as saying in extracts published by Israeli daily Haaretz. "The world will side with a liberation movement of that one and a half million" under occupation, he said. The possibility of expelling them was mentioned, with Levy Eshkol, the Israeli prime minister at the time, saying that "if it were up to us, we would send all the Arabs to Brazil." His justice minister, Yaakov Shimshon Shapira, objected. "They are inhabitants of this land, and today you are ruling over it. There is no reason to take Arabs who were born here out of here and transfer them to Iraq," he said. Eshkol was unconvinced. "We didn't sneak in here. We said that the Land of Israel is ours by right," he wrote. The documents reflect the government's thinking during the war and euphoria after the destruction of the Egyptian air force and the Israeli victories on the Jordanian and Syrian fronts. (AFP)

Ahead of 50th anniversary, Israel declassifies six-day war archives

The Israeli military said a car driven by a Palestinian deliberately rammed two Israeli soldiers, killing one and injuring the other, in the occupied West Bank on Thursday.

The death brings to 39 the number of Israelis killed in a wave of Palestinian street attacks that began in October 2015, while at least 242 Palestinians have been killed in Israel and the Palestinian Territories over the past 18 months.

The driver was detained after the incident near the Jewish settlement of Ofra, the army said in a statement. Witnesses told Israeli media that as he approached a bus stop, he accelerated and directed the vehicle at two soldiers waiting there.

Israeli government development of settlements in the West Bank has been a focus of friction with Palestinians and contributed to the breakdown of peace talks. Israel disputes the view that the settlements are illegal, and argues it has biblical and historical ties to the land.

Israel says at least 162 of the Palestinians killed had launched stabbing, shooting or ramming attacks. Others died during clashes and protests.

Israel has accused the Palestinian leadership of inciting the violence. The Palestinian Authority, which exercises limited self-rule in the occupied West Bank, denies incitement and charges that in many cases, Israel has used excessive force in thwarting attackers armed with rudimentary weapons.

Photos from the scene of Thursday&#39;s incident showed the driver, bound, blindfolded and guarded by a soldier, seated next to his damaged car, in the undergrowth behind the bus stop. The vehicle had Palestinian licence plates.

Five days ago, Israeli paramilitary police officers shot dead a Palestinian after he stabbed three Israelis in Jerusalem&#39;s Old City.

(Reuters)

Witnesses told Israeli media that as the driver approached a bus stop, he accelerated and directed the vehicle at two soldiers waiting there

The Israeli military said a car driven by a Palestinian deliberately rammed two Israeli soldiers, killing one and injuring the other, in the occupied West Bank on Thursday. The death brings to 39 the number of Israelis killed in a wave of Palestinian street attacks that began in October 2015, while at least 242 Palestinians have been killed in Israel and the Palestinian Territories over the past 18 months. The driver was detained after the incident near the Jewish settlement of Ofra, the army said in a statement. Witnesses told Israeli media that as he approached a bus stop, he accelerated and directed the vehicle at two soldiers waiting there. Israeli government development of settlements in the West Bank has been a focus of friction with Palestinians and contributed to the breakdown of peace talks. Israel disputes the view that the settlements are illegal, and argues it has biblical and historical ties to the land. Israel says at least 162 of the Palestinians killed had launched stabbing, shooting or ramming attacks. Others died during clashes and protests. Israel has accused the Palestinian leadership of inciting the violence. The Palestinian Authority, which exercises limited self-rule in the occupied West Bank, denies incitement and charges that in many cases, Israel has used excessive force in thwarting attackers armed with rudimentary weapons. Photos from the scene of Thursday's incident showed the driver, bound, blindfolded and guarded by a soldier, seated next to his damaged car, in the undergrowth behind the bus stop. The vehicle had Palestinian licence plates. Five days ago, Israeli paramilitary police officers shot dead a Palestinian after he stabbed three Israelis in Jerusalem's Old City. (Reuters)

Israeli soldier killed in Palestinian car ramming in West Bank: Army

The Palestinians reacted angrily on Friday after the Israeli cabinet approved the building of the first officially sanctioned new settlement in the occupied West Bank in more than 20 years.&nbsp;

The security cabinet gave its unanimous backing to the new settlement late on Thursday as what is widely seen as the most right-wing government in Israeli history presses ahead with settlement expansion in defiance of international criticism.&nbsp;

Senior Palestinian official Hanan Ashrawi said the move showed &quot;blatant disregard for Palestinian human rights&quot;.&nbsp;

&quot;Israel is more committed to appeasing its illegal settler population than to abiding by the requirements for stability and a just peace,&quot; she said.&nbsp;

The new settlement will be constructed near the former wildcat Jewish outpost known as Amona, which was razed in February in accordance with an Israeli High Court order.&nbsp;

It will be the first entirely new settlement that an Israeli government has approved in more than 20 years.

In recent years, construction had focused instead on expanding existing settlements.

The international community regards all Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories as illegal and the biggest obstacle to Middle East peace, and the former US administration of Barack Obama had put up serious opposition to their expansion.

But right-wing Israeli leaders have been emboldened by the far less critical stance of US President Donal Trump.

The anti-settlement NGO Peace Now said the announcement of the new settlement showed that the government was leading Israelis and Palestinians towards &quot;apartheid&quot;.&nbsp;

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been in discussions with the Trump administration on how to move ahead with further settlement construction.&nbsp;

Trump has pledged unstinting support for Israel but has also urged Netanyahu to &quot;hold back on settlements for a little bit&quot; while his administration looks for ways to restart Israeli-Palestinian talks.&nbsp;

Netanyahu had previously pledged to build a new settlement for the Amona residents evicted in February.

&quot;I promised to create a new community and we are going to respect that commitment and create it today,&quot; he said ahead of Thursday`s security cabinet meeting.

(AFP)

Senior Palestinian official Hanan Ashrawi said the move showed 'blatant disregard for Palestinian human rights'

The Palestinians reacted angrily on Friday after the Israeli cabinet approved the building of the first officially sanctioned new settlement in the occupied West Bank in more than 20 years. The security cabinet gave its unanimous backing to the new settlement late on Thursday as what is widely seen as the most right-wing government in Israeli history presses ahead with settlement expansion in defiance of international criticism. Senior Palestinian official Hanan Ashrawi said the move showed "blatant disregard for Palestinian human rights". "Israel is more committed to appeasing its illegal settler population than to abiding by the requirements for stability and a just peace," she said. The new settlement will be constructed near the former wildcat Jewish outpost known as Amona, which was razed in February in accordance with an Israeli High Court order. It will be the first entirely new settlement that an Israeli government has approved in more than 20 years. In recent years, construction had focused instead on expanding existing settlements. The international community regards all Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories as illegal and the biggest obstacle to Middle East peace, and the former US administration of Barack Obama had put up serious opposition to their expansion. But right-wing Israeli leaders have been emboldened by the far less critical stance of US President Donal Trump. The anti-settlement NGO Peace Now said the announcement of the new settlement showed that the government was leading Israelis and Palestinians towards "apartheid". Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been in discussions with the Trump administration on how to move ahead with further settlement construction. Trump has pledged unstinting support for Israel but has also urged Netanyahu to "hold back on settlements for a little bit" while his administration looks for ways to restart Israeli-Palestinian talks. Netanyahu had previously pledged to build a new settlement for the Amona residents evicted in February. "I promised to create a new community and we are going to respect that commitment and create it today," he said ahead of Thursday`s security cabinet meeting. (AFP)

Palestinians angry at Israel's new settlement plan in occupied West Bank

Israel&#39;s parliament has finalised a controversial law that will legalise Jewish houses built on West Bank, a tract of land belonging to Palestine, a move that endangers possibility of peace in the area.

The bill, if approved by the supreme court, will legalise more than 3,800 homes that are already built there.

Far-right Jewish Home&#39;s&nbsp;Bezalel Smotrich, who was frontlining the need for the legislation of Jewish outposts on Palestinian land, thanked the United States and the Donald Trump administration for putting their weight behind their cause.

Unlike previous US governments, the current administration had said new settlements would not hinder the peace process in the region.

Emboldened by Trump&#39;s victory last year, Israel has announced more than 6,000 new homes in the West Bank and east Jerusalem, a development that has raised the hackles among the Palestinians.

On Monday, the new law was passed by 60 members of parliament to 52 against.

But there are detractors of the new legislation, with the opposition leader and Labour chief&nbsp;Isaac Herzog dubbing it as a &quot;despicable law&quot; and against &quot;Israel&#39;s interests&quot;.

The UN also weighed in on the subject, fearing that the new law would scythe any prospetcs of settling the decades-long conflagration&nbsp;in the region.

However, the bill could still be struck down by the country&#39;s top court. Israel&#39;s defence minister&nbsp;Avigdor Lieberman said the chance of it being scrapped by the country&#39;s supreme court was &quot;100 percent.&quot;

Its defenders argue the bill will allow settlers to live without fear of being driven from their homes -- many of which they have lived in for years.

Last week, the few hundred residents of the Amona outpost in the West Bank were evicted after the Supreme Court ruled their homes were built on private Palestinian land.

The lengthy Amona saga -- including the evictions broadcast live on Israeli television -- directly inspired the bill.

Demolitions and removal of the buildings there began on Monday.

The new law will allow Israel to legally seize Palestinian private land on which Israelis built without knowing it was private property or because the state allowed them to do so.

Palestinian owners will be compensated financially or with other land.

Palestinian reaction

The Palestine Liberation Organisation slammed the new legislation, saying: &quot;The Israeli government&rsquo;s will to destroy any chances for a political solution.&quot;

The PLO further said in a statement, stressing that the &quot;Israeli&nbsp;settlement&nbsp;enterprise negates peace and the possibility of the two-state solution.&quot;

(WION with inputs from AFP)

The controversial law has split the country, with some calling it a victory while detractors dubbing it as 'despicable'

Israel's parliament has finalised a controversial law that will legalise Jewish houses built on West Bank, a tract of land belonging to Palestine, a move that endangers possibility of peace in the area. The bill, if approved by the supreme court, will legalise more than 3,800 homes that are already built there. Far-right Jewish Home's Bezalel Smotrich, who was frontlining the need for the legislation of Jewish outposts on Palestinian land, thanked the United States and the Donald Trump administration for putting their weight behind their cause. Unlike previous US governments, the current administration had said new settlements would not hinder the peace process in the region. Emboldened by Trump's victory last year, Israel has announced more than 6,000 new homes in the West Bank and east Jerusalem, a development that has raised the hackles among the Palestinians. On Monday, the new law was passed by 60 members of parliament to 52 against. But there are detractors of the new legislation, with the opposition leader and Labour chief Isaac Herzog dubbing it as a "despicable law" and against "Israel's interests". The UN also weighed in on the subject, fearing that the new law would scythe any prospetcs of settling the decades-long conflagration in the region. However, the bill could still be struck down by the country's top court. Israel's defence minister Avigdor Lieberman said the chance of it being scrapped by the country's supreme court was "100 percent." Its defenders argue the bill will allow settlers to live without fear of being driven from their homes -- many of which they have lived in for years. Last week, the few hundred residents of the Amona outpost in the West Bank were evicted after the Supreme Court ruled their homes were built on private Palestinian land. The lengthy Amona saga -- including the evictions broadcast live on Israeli television -- directly inspired the bill. Demolitions and removal of the buildings there began on Monday. The new law will allow Israel to legally seize Palestinian private land on which Israelis built without knowing it was private property or because the state allowed them to do so. Palestinian owners will be compensated financially or with other land. Palestinian reaction The Palestine Liberation Organisation slammed the new legislation, saying: "The Israeli government’s will to destroy any chances for a political solution." The PLO further said in a statement, stressing that the "Israeli settlement enterprise negates peace and the possibility of the two-state solution." (WION with inputs from AFP)

Israel approves settler outposts on Palestinian land

Israel announced plans on Tuesday for 2,500 more settlement homes in the occupied West Bank, the second such declaration since US&nbsp;President Donald Trump took office signalling he would be less critical of such projects than his predecessor.

A statement from the Defence Ministry, which administers lands Israel captured in a 1967 war, said the move was meant to fulfil the&nbsp;demand for new housing &quot;to maintain regular daily life&quot;.

Most of the construction, it said, would be in existing settlement blocs that Israel intends to keep under any future peace agreement with the Palestinians. However, a breakdown provided by the prime minister&#39;s office showed large portions of the planned homes would be outside existing blocs.

About 350,000 settlers live in the West Bank and a further 200,000 in East Jerusalem, which Israel seized in the 1967 Middle East war. Beyond the major blocs, most of which are close to the border with Israel, there are more than 100 settlement outposts scattered across hilltops in the West Bank.

Nabil Abu Rdainah, a spokesman for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, condemned the Israeli announcement and said it would have &quot;consequences&quot;.

&quot;The decision will hinder any attempt to restore security and stability, it will reinforce extremism and terrorism and will place obstacles in the path of any effort to start a peace process that will lead to security and peace,&quot; he said.

They want the West Bank and Gaza Strip, from which Israeli troops and settlers withdrew in 2005, for an independent state, with its capital in East Jerusalem.

Most countries consider settlements illegal and an obstacle to Israeli-Palestinian peace as they reduce and fragment the territory Palestinians need for a viable state.

Israel disagrees, citing biblical, historical and political connections to the land - which the Palestinians also assert - as well as security interests.

During the US election campaign, Trump indicated he would dispense with former President Barack Obama&#39;s opposition to settlement building, a stance that delighted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu&#39;s government.

On Sunday, two days after Trump&#39;s inauguration, Israel announced plans for hundreds of new homes in East Jerusalem, and the right-wing Netanyahu told senior ministers he was lifting restrictions on settlement construction across the board.

&quot;We can build where we want and as much as we want,&quot; an official quoted Netanyahu as telling the ministers.

Following Tuesday&#39;s announcement, the prime minister&#39;s office listed some of the West Bank areas slated for new construction, but not all were in settlement blocs.

&quot;I have agreed with the defence minister to build 2,500 new homes in Judea and Samaria (West Bank) - we are building and will continue to build,&quot; Netanyahu said in a tweet. Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman is himself a settler.

The Defence Ministry statement said 100 of the new homes would be in Beit El, a settlement which according to Israeli media has received funding from the family of Trump&#39;s son-in-law, Jared Kushner.

David Friedman, a staunch supporter of Israeli settlers who Trump has nominated to be his ambassador to Israel, has served as president of the American Friends of Beit El, a group that raises funds for the settlement.

It was not immediately clear whether Tuesday&#39;s announcement was the first in relation to the new construction. There are several stages involved in approving and building settlement homes and announcements frequently overlap or are reissued.

(Reuters)

This is the second such declaration since Trump took office signalling he would be less critical of such projects than his predecessor

Israel announced plans on Tuesday for 2,500 more settlement homes in the occupied West Bank, the second such declaration since US President Donald Trump took office signalling he would be less critical of such projects than his predecessor. A statement from the Defence Ministry, which administers lands Israel captured in a 1967 war, said the move was meant to fulfil the demand for new housing "to maintain regular daily life". Most of the construction, it said, would be in existing settlement blocs that Israel intends to keep under any future peace agreement with the Palestinians. However, a breakdown provided by the prime minister's office showed large portions of the planned homes would be outside existing blocs. About 350,000 settlers live in the West Bank and a further 200,000 in East Jerusalem, which Israel seized in the 1967 Middle East war. Beyond the major blocs, most of which are close to the border with Israel, there are more than 100 settlement outposts scattered across hilltops in the West Bank. Nabil Abu Rdainah, a spokesman for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, condemned the Israeli announcement and said it would have "consequences". "The decision will hinder any attempt to restore security and stability, it will reinforce extremism and terrorism and will place obstacles in the path of any effort to start a peace process that will lead to security and peace," he said. They want the West Bank and Gaza Strip, from which Israeli troops and settlers withdrew in 2005, for an independent state, with its capital in East Jerusalem. Most countries consider settlements illegal and an obstacle to Israeli-Palestinian peace as they reduce and fragment the territory Palestinians need for a viable state. Israel disagrees, citing biblical, historical and political connections to the land - which the Palestinians also assert - as well as security interests. During the US election campaign, Trump indicated he would dispense with former President Barack Obama's opposition to settlement building, a stance that delighted Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government. On Sunday, two days after Trump's inauguration, Israel announced plans for hundreds of new homes in East Jerusalem, and the right-wing Netanyahu told senior ministers he was lifting restrictions on settlement construction across the board. "We can build where we want and as much as we want," an official quoted Netanyahu as telling the ministers. Following Tuesday's announcement, the prime minister's office listed some of the West Bank areas slated for new construction, but not all were in settlement blocs. "I have agreed with the defence minister to build 2,500 new homes in Judea and Samaria (West Bank) - we are building and will continue to build," Netanyahu said in a tweet. Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman is himself a settler. The Defence Ministry statement said 100 of the new homes would be in Beit El, a settlement which according to Israeli media has received funding from the family of Trump's son-in-law, Jared Kushner. David Friedman, a staunch supporter of Israeli settlers who Trump has nominated to be his ambassador to Israel, has served as president of the American Friends of Beit El, a group that raises funds for the settlement. It was not immediately clear whether Tuesday's announcement was the first in relation to the new construction. There are several stages involved in approving and building settlement homes and announcements frequently overlap or are reissued. (Reuters)

Israel plans 2,500 new settlement homes in occupied West Bank

Israel&#39;s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has asked Jerusalem&#39;s city hall to delay a vote on new settlements for Israelis in East Jerusalem.&nbsp;

The decision was taken hours before US Secretary of State John Kerry is to make a speech outlining his&nbsp;plan to&nbsp;end&nbsp;the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. &nbsp;

A spokesman for Netanyahu had no immediate comment.

The pace at which Israel is building settlements in East Jerusalem has drawn sharp criticism from the international community, including US.&nbsp;

Jerusalem Planning and Housing Committee member Hanan Rubin said 492 permits for construction of homes for Israelis in the urban settlements of Ramot and Ramat Shlomo, in areas that Israel captured in a 1967 war and annexed to Jerusalem, had been up for approval.

The United Nations Security Council recently passed a resolution condemning Israel for building settlements in East Jerusalem and West Bank. The US abstained from voting on the resolution, which angered the Israeli establishment.&nbsp;

Kerry is also expected to speak on the issue of abstention in his speech at the State Department.

Israel has for decades pursued a policy of building Jewish settlements on occupied territory Palestinians seek for a state.

Most countries view the settlements as an obstacle to peace. Israel disagrees, citing a biblical, historical and political connection to the land, as well as security interests. Washington considers the settlement activity illegitimate.

Some 570,000 Israelis live in the West Bank and East Jerusalem among more than 2.6 million Palestinians.

(WION with inputs from Reuters) 
&nbsp;

The decision was taken hours before US Secretary of State John Kerry is to make a speech outlining his plan to end the long-drawn conflict

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has asked Jerusalem's city hall to delay a vote on new settlements for Israelis in East Jerusalem. The decision was taken hours before US Secretary of State John Kerry is to make a speech outlining his plan to end the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. A spokesman for Netanyahu had no immediate comment. The pace at which Israel is building settlements in East Jerusalem has drawn sharp criticism from the international community, including US. Jerusalem Planning and Housing Committee member Hanan Rubin said 492 permits for construction of homes for Israelis in the urban settlements of Ramot and Ramat Shlomo, in areas that Israel captured in a 1967 war and annexed to Jerusalem, had been up for approval. The United Nations Security Council recently passed a resolution condemning Israel for building settlements in East Jerusalem and West Bank. The US abstained from voting on the resolution, which angered the Israeli establishment. Kerry is also expected to speak on the issue of abstention in his speech at the State Department. Israel has for decades pursued a policy of building Jewish settlements on occupied territory Palestinians seek for a state. Most countries view the settlements as an obstacle to peace. Israel disagrees, citing a biblical, historical and political connection to the land, as well as security interests. Washington considers the settlement activity illegitimate. Some 570,000 Israelis live in the West Bank and East Jerusalem among more than 2.6 million Palestinians. (WION with inputs from Reuters)

Israel delays vote on new East Jerusalem settlements

Qatar said on Thursday it would give $30 million to help pay the salaries of thousands of Gaza Strip public sector workers left without a full wage package since 2013. 
 
The donation was welcomed by Hamas, the Islamist group that dominates the enclave, who said it would help ease the wage shortages that have tested already strained relations with the US-backed Palestinian Authority, based in the West Bank. 
 
There was no immediate comment from Palestinian Authority or Israel, who have long been suspicious of Qatar&#39;s regular donations to Hamas and other Islamist groups across the region. 
 
The emir of the wealthy Gulf state, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, said the payment of 113 million Riyals was meant to &quot;alleviate suffering and financial distress&quot;, according to Qatar&#39;s state news agency, QNA. 
 
Hamas fighters seized control of Gaza in 2007 from forces loyal to Western-backed President Mahmoud Abbas and his Palestinian Authority, triggering years of mutual distrust.&nbsp;A reconciliation pact signed in 2014 by the two sides raised hopes among Hamas that its 50,000 public sector employees&#39; wages would be taken care of via the Palestinian Authority (PA) payroll. 
 
But the Palestinian Authority cannot afford to pay all those extra workers, and international donors who support the PA budget, including the European Union, say they want an audit of workers and cutbacks to the bloated payroll, which costs more than $2 billion a year. 
 
The Hamas-hired public servants have grown restive and in 2014 protested over their lack of payment which is partly due to a continued blockade imposed on Gaza by both Israel and Egypt. 
 
&quot;The July payment will be made in full immediately once the Qatari financial fund is received,&quot; Hamas&#39; deputy finance minister, Youssef al-Kayyali said. 
 
Qatar, which hosts the largest US air base in the Middle East, has for years preserved influence with Islamist forces across the region it believes are the long-term future.&nbsp;The breadth and resilience of Qatar&#39;s links to Islamist groups, including Egypt&#39;s Muslim Brotherhood, which has suffered a crackdown in the aftermath of the Arab Spring, fuels suspicions in other Gulf states. 
 
(Reuters)

Neither the Palestinian Authority nor Israel commented. Both view Qatar's regular donations to Hamas, other Islamist groups with suspicion

Qatar said on Thursday it would give $30 million to help pay the salaries of thousands of Gaza Strip public sector workers left without a full wage package since 2013. The donation was welcomed by Hamas, the Islamist group that dominates the enclave, who said it would help ease the wage shortages that have tested already strained relations with the US-backed Palestinian Authority, based in the West Bank. There was no immediate comment from Palestinian Authority or Israel, who have long been suspicious of Qatar's regular donations to Hamas and other Islamist groups across the region. The emir of the wealthy Gulf state, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani, said the payment of 113 million Riyals was meant to "alleviate suffering and financial distress", according to Qatar's state news agency, QNA. Hamas fighters seized control of Gaza in 2007 from forces loyal to Western-backed President Mahmoud Abbas and his Palestinian Authority, triggering years of mutual distrust. A reconciliation pact signed in 2014 by the two sides raised hopes among Hamas that its 50,000 public sector employees' wages would be taken care of via the Palestinian Authority (PA) payroll. But the Palestinian Authority cannot afford to pay all those extra workers, and international donors who support the PA budget, including the European Union, say they want an audit of workers and cutbacks to the bloated payroll, which costs more than $2 billion a year. The Hamas-hired public servants have grown restive and in 2014 protested over their lack of payment which is partly due to a continued blockade imposed on Gaza by both Israel and Egypt. "The July payment will be made in full immediately once the Qatari financial fund is received," Hamas' deputy finance minister, Youssef al-Kayyali said. Qatar, which hosts the largest US air base in the Middle East, has for years preserved influence with Islamist forces across the region it believes are the long-term future. The breadth and resilience of Qatar's links to Islamist groups, including Egypt's Muslim Brotherhood, which has suffered a crackdown in the aftermath of the Arab Spring, fuels suspicions in other Gulf states. (Reuters)

Qatar to give $30 million to pay Gaza public sector workers

Israeli government on Sunday approved nearly $13 million in financing for the West Bank settlements of Kiryat Arba and Hebron, officials said, following a wave of Palestinian attacks in the area. 
 
The decision by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu&#39;s right-wing cabinet will see some $12.8 million allocated to &quot;strengthen&quot; the communities. 
 
&quot;Government offices, I must note, have all been recruited to assist the residents who stand heroically in the face of vicious terrorism,&quot; Netanyahu said, ahead of the approval. 
 
The money will be allocated over three years and be designated to a variety of issues, including social, education and security services, and come from the budgets of the relevant ministries. 
 
Kiryat Arba is a large settlement near Hebron, the largest Palestinian West Bank city, which is also host to several hundred Jewish settlers in a tightly guarded enclave. 
 
The Hebron area settlers have been affected by the recent wave of violence that has rocked Israel and the Palestinian territories since last October. 
 
At least 214 Palestinians, 34 Israelis, two Americans, an Eritrean and a Sudanese have been killed. 
 
The army has said that around 80 of the attacks on Israelis have been carried out by Palestinians from the Hebron area. 
 
Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank are considered illegal under international law and major stumbling blocks to peace as they are built on land Palestinians view as part of their future state. 
 
The United States, the European Union and many others in the international community have called for a halt to settlement building. 
 
Netanyahu&#39;s government is considered to be the most right-wing in Israel&#39;s history, and key members of his cabinet are strong supporters of settlement building and opponents of a Palestinian state. 
 
A similar decision, allocating $18 million to a variety of settlements, was announced last month. Two officials said Sunday&#39;s decision was about new monies. 
 
Also on Sunday, hundreds of Israeli settlers marched between the Palestinian village of Tarama and the Israeli settlement of Otniel, south of Hebron in the occupied West Bank. 
 
The marchers demanded more security for settlements following a wave of deadly attacks carried out by Palestinians in the area during the past week. 
 
(AFP)

The money will be allocated over three years and be used for issues like education and security services

Israeli government on Sunday approved nearly $13 million in financing for the West Bank settlements of Kiryat Arba and Hebron, officials said, following a wave of Palestinian attacks in the area. The decision by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's right-wing cabinet will see some $12.8 million allocated to "strengthen" the communities. "Government offices, I must note, have all been recruited to assist the residents who stand heroically in the face of vicious terrorism," Netanyahu said, ahead of the approval. The money will be allocated over three years and be designated to a variety of issues, including social, education and security services, and come from the budgets of the relevant ministries. Kiryat Arba is a large settlement near Hebron, the largest Palestinian West Bank city, which is also host to several hundred Jewish settlers in a tightly guarded enclave. The Hebron area settlers have been affected by the recent wave of violence that has rocked Israel and the Palestinian territories since last October. At least 214 Palestinians, 34 Israelis, two Americans, an Eritrean and a Sudanese have been killed. The army has said that around 80 of the attacks on Israelis have been carried out by Palestinians from the Hebron area. Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank are considered illegal under international law and major stumbling blocks to peace as they are built on land Palestinians view as part of their future state. The United States, the European Union and many others in the international community have called for a halt to settlement building. Netanyahu's government is considered to be the most right-wing in Israel's history, and key members of his cabinet are strong supporters of settlement building and opponents of a Palestinian state. A similar decision, allocating $18 million to a variety of settlements, was announced last month. Two officials said Sunday's decision was about new monies. Also on Sunday, hundreds of Israeli settlers marched between the Palestinian village of Tarama and the Israeli settlement of Otniel, south of Hebron in the occupied West Bank. The marchers demanded more security for settlements following a wave of deadly attacks carried out by Palestinians in the area during the past week. (AFP)

Israel okays millions to West Bank settlements after attacks

Israel on Sunday barred the Hebron governor from entering its territory after he visited the family of a Palestinian who killed a US-Israeli teenage girl in her sleep, officials said. 
 
On Thursday, 19-year-old Mohammed Nasser Tarayra broke into the Jewish settlement of Kiryat Arba in the West Bank on the outskirts of Hebron and killed 13-year-old Israeli-American Hallel Yaffa Ariel before being shot dead by a security guard. 
 
The murder sparked outrage and prompted Israel to lock down Hebron, a flashpoint city in the occupied Palestinian territory.&nbsp; 
 
The decision to bar mayor Kamal Humeid from Israel was taken by the coordinator of government activities in the territories (COGAT), the Israeli defence ministry unit which manages civilian affairs for Palestinians in the West Bank and liaises with Gaza. 
 
A statement said Humeid had paid a condolence visit to Tarayra`s family and was therefore &quot;barred from entering Israel&quot; and that he had been stripped of &quot;his privileges&quot;, without elaborating. 
 
Humeid said on Facebook he does not enjoy any special privileges and has &quot;no business in Israel&quot; that would lead him to enter the Jewish state. 
 
A day after Thursday&#39;s attack, 48-year-old Israeli Michael Mark was killed after his car was fired on by a suspected Palestinian gunman south of Hebron. 
 
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told the cabinet on Sunday that a series of measures had been taken &quot;including aggressive ones which had not been used in the past&quot; to respond to such attacks. 
 
&quot;This includes the lockdown of the entire Hebron district,&quot; home to 700,000 people, he said. 
 
Netanyahu said the army had also revoked the Israeli work permits of residents of Beni Naim, the home village of Palestinian assailants. 
 
Other measures, he said, include a &quot;massive&quot; bolstering of Israeli troops and an investigation into family members of Palestinian assailants &quot;and their arrest if they were involved&quot; in attacks. 
 
On Friday a relative of Tarayra, 27-year-old Sarah Tarayra, was shot dead after drawing a knife on Israeli forces in Hebron. 
 
Hebron has been one of the main focuses of a wave of deadly unrest that has rocked Israel and the Palestinian territories since October, with the army saying 80 of the attacks on Israelis were carried out by Palestinians from the Hebron area. 
 
Several hundred Jewish settlers live in a tightly guarded enclave in the heart of the city of more than 200,000 Palestinians, a persistent source of tensions. 
 
At least 214 Palestinians, 34 Israelis, two Americans, an Eritrean and a Sudanese have been killed since October. 
 
(AFP)

Kamal Humeid visited the family of the slain 19-year-old Palestinian boy who killed a US-Israeli teenage girl.

Israel on Sunday barred the Hebron governor from entering its territory after he visited the family of a Palestinian who killed a US-Israeli teenage girl in her sleep, officials said. On Thursday, 19-year-old Mohammed Nasser Tarayra broke into the Jewish settlement of Kiryat Arba in the West Bank on the outskirts of Hebron and killed 13-year-old Israeli-American Hallel Yaffa Ariel before being shot dead by a security guard. The murder sparked outrage and prompted Israel to lock down Hebron, a flashpoint city in the occupied Palestinian territory. The decision to bar mayor Kamal Humeid from Israel was taken by the coordinator of government activities in the territories (COGAT), the Israeli defence ministry unit which manages civilian affairs for Palestinians in the West Bank and liaises with Gaza. A statement said Humeid had paid a condolence visit to Tarayra`s family and was therefore "barred from entering Israel" and that he had been stripped of "his privileges", without elaborating. Humeid said on Facebook he does not enjoy any special privileges and has "no business in Israel" that would lead him to enter the Jewish state. A day after Thursday's attack, 48-year-old Israeli Michael Mark was killed after his car was fired on by a suspected Palestinian gunman south of Hebron. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told the cabinet on Sunday that a series of measures had been taken "including aggressive ones which had not been used in the past" to respond to such attacks. "This includes the lockdown of the entire Hebron district," home to 700,000 people, he said. Netanyahu said the army had also revoked the Israeli work permits of residents of Beni Naim, the home village of Palestinian assailants. Other measures, he said, include a "massive" bolstering of Israeli troops and an investigation into family members of Palestinian assailants "and their arrest if they were involved" in attacks. On Friday a relative of Tarayra, 27-year-old Sarah Tarayra, was shot dead after drawing a knife on Israeli forces in Hebron. Hebron has been one of the main focuses of a wave of deadly unrest that has rocked Israel and the Palestinian territories since October, with the army saying 80 of the attacks on Israelis were carried out by Palestinians from the Hebron area. Several hundred Jewish settlers live in a tightly guarded enclave in the heart of the city of more than 200,000 Palestinians, a persistent source of tensions. At least 214 Palestinians, 34 Israelis, two Americans, an Eritrean and a Sudanese have been killed since October. (AFP)

Israel bars Hebron mayor over condolence visit

Israel has approved hundreds of new settler homes in the occupied West Bank, an official said Monday, in a move likely to further raise tensions following a series of Palestinian attacks. 
 
The approval comes days after a key international report warned that Israel&#39;s settlement expansion and land confiscation were eroding the possibility of a two-state solution to the conflict. 
 
The report from the diplomatic Quartet, the United States, European Union, United Nations and Russia, also called on Palestinians to halt attacks and incitement to violence. 
 
Under the new approval granted by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman, planning for 560 new homes in the large Maale Adumim settlement east of Jerusalem will be allowed to move forward. 
 
The Maale Adumim mayor was informed of the decision on Sunday night, a spokesman for him told AFP. The settlement established in 1975 already includes a population of more than 37,000. 
 
Netanyahu also gave approval for the planning of 240 new homes in east Jerusalem settlement neighbourhoods, as well as for 600 units for Palestinians in the city&#39;s Beit Safafa district, media reported. 
 
The offices of Netanyahu and Lieberman refused to comment on the reports of the approvals for homes in east Jerusalem or Maale Adumim. 
 
The decision follows calls among Israelis for a harsh response to a spate of Palestinian attacks in recent days. 
 
On Thursday, 13-year-old Israeli-American Hallel Yaffa Ariel was fatally stabbed in the settlement of Kiryat Arba on the outskirts of the flashpoint West Bank city of Hebron. 
 
Her 19-year-old Palestinian assailant was then shot dead by a security guard. 
 
A day later, Sarah Tarayra, 27, was shot dead after drawing a knife on Israeli forces in Hebron. She was a relative of the Kiryat Arba attacker, and both were from Bani Naim, a village just outside Hebron. 
 
Also on Friday, 48-year-old Israeli Michael Mark was killed after his car was fired on by suspected Palestinian gunmen south of Hebron. 
 
&#39;Aggressive measures&#39; 
 
Israel on Friday announced a lockdown in Hebron as it searched for the gunmen and a reduction in monthly tax payments to the Palestinian Authority after the attacks. 
 
The amount is to be cut by the equivalent of the fiscal support paid to militants&#39; families, Netanyahu&#39;s office said. 
 
Israel transfers around $127 million in customs duties levied on goods destined for Palestinian markets that transit through Israeli ports monthly. 
 
The measures, which also included increasing Israel&#39;s military presence in the West Bank, were described by the army as &quot;the most substantial&quot; in two years. 
 
&quot;We are using various means, including aggressive measures that we have not used in the past,&quot; Netanyahu told a cabinet meeting on Sunday. 
 
&quot;This includes cordoning off the entire Hebron district -- 700,000 people,&quot; he said, referring to the city and surrounding area. 
 
Checkpoints and closures were still in place at entrances to the city on Monday. 
 
Hebron has long been a flashpoint in the conflict, with hundreds of Jewish settlers living under heavy military guard in the heart of the city among some 200,000 Palestinians. 
 
A wave of violence since October has killed at least 214 Palestinians, 34 Israelis, two Americans, an Eritrean and a Sudanese. 
 
Most of the Palestinians killed were carrying out knife, gun or car-ramming attacks, Israeli authorities say. 
 
Others were shot dead by Israeli security forces during protests and clashes or killed in Israeli air strikes in the Gaza Strip. 
 
The violence had subsided in recent weeks, but a deadly shooting at a cafe in Tel Aviv by two Palestinians on June 8 and last week&#39;s series of attacks have raised concern. 
 
During a recent visit to Israel and the Palestinian territories, UN chief Ban Ki-moon condemned Palestinian attacks as &quot;terrorism&quot; but also said Israel must act to address &quot;key underlying causes of violence.&quot; 
 
They included &quot;growing Palestinian anger, the paralysis of the peace process, the nearly a half-century of occupation,&quot; Ban said. 
 
Peace talks have been at a complete standstill since a US-led initiative collapsed in April 2014. 
 
(AFP)

The decision follows calls among Israelis for a harsh response to a spate of Palestinian attacks in recent days

Israel has approved hundreds of new settler homes in the occupied West Bank, an official said Monday, in a move likely to further raise tensions following a series of Palestinian attacks. The approval comes days after a key international report warned that Israel's settlement expansion and land confiscation were eroding the possibility of a two-state solution to the conflict. The report from the diplomatic Quartet, the United States, European Union, United Nations and Russia, also called on Palestinians to halt attacks and incitement to violence. Under the new approval granted by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman, planning for 560 new homes in the large Maale Adumim settlement east of Jerusalem will be allowed to move forward. The Maale Adumim mayor was informed of the decision on Sunday night, a spokesman for him told AFP. The settlement established in 1975 already includes a population of more than 37,000. Netanyahu also gave approval for the planning of 240 new homes in east Jerusalem settlement neighbourhoods, as well as for 600 units for Palestinians in the city's Beit Safafa district, media reported. The offices of Netanyahu and Lieberman refused to comment on the reports of the approvals for homes in east Jerusalem or Maale Adumim. The decision follows calls among Israelis for a harsh response to a spate of Palestinian attacks in recent days. On Thursday, 13-year-old Israeli-American Hallel Yaffa Ariel was fatally stabbed in the settlement of Kiryat Arba on the outskirts of the flashpoint West Bank city of Hebron. Her 19-year-old Palestinian assailant was then shot dead by a security guard. A day later, Sarah Tarayra, 27, was shot dead after drawing a knife on Israeli forces in Hebron. She was a relative of the Kiryat Arba attacker, and both were from Bani Naim, a village just outside Hebron. Also on Friday, 48-year-old Israeli Michael Mark was killed after his car was fired on by suspected Palestinian gunmen south of Hebron. 'Aggressive measures' Israel on Friday announced a lockdown in Hebron as it searched for the gunmen and a reduction in monthly tax payments to the Palestinian Authority after the attacks. The amount is to be cut by the equivalent of the fiscal support paid to militants' families, Netanyahu's office said. Israel transfers around $127 million in customs duties levied on goods destined for Palestinian markets that transit through Israeli ports monthly. The measures, which also included increasing Israel's military presence in the West Bank, were described by the army as "the most substantial" in two years. "We are using various means, including aggressive measures that we have not used in the past," Netanyahu told a cabinet meeting on Sunday. "This includes cordoning off the entire Hebron district -- 700,000 people," he said, referring to the city and surrounding area. Checkpoints and closures were still in place at entrances to the city on Monday. Hebron has long been a flashpoint in the conflict, with hundreds of Jewish settlers living under heavy military guard in the heart of the city among some 200,000 Palestinians. A wave of violence since October has killed at least 214 Palestinians, 34 Israelis, two Americans, an Eritrean and a Sudanese. Most of the Palestinians killed were carrying out knife, gun or car-ramming attacks, Israeli authorities say. Others were shot dead by Israeli security forces during protests and clashes or killed in Israeli air strikes in the Gaza Strip. The violence had subsided in recent weeks, but a deadly shooting at a cafe in Tel Aviv by two Palestinians on June 8 and last week's series of attacks have raised concern. During a recent visit to Israel and the Palestinian territories, UN chief Ban Ki-moon condemned Palestinian attacks as "terrorism" but also said Israel must act to address "key underlying causes of violence." They included "growing Palestinian anger, the paralysis of the peace process, the nearly a half-century of occupation," Ban said. Peace talks have been at a complete standstill since a US-led initiative collapsed in April 2014. (AFP)

Israel approves hundreds of new settler homes after attacks

A Palestinian attacker fatally stabbed a US-Israeli teenager in her home at a Jewish settlement in the West Bank before being shot dead by security guards on Thursday.&nbsp; 
 
The Israeli army said the young Palestinian killed the 13-year-old in her bed after breaking into her home in the Kiryat Arba settlement outside the flashpoint city of Hebron. 
 
Security personnel rushed to the house and fired on the attacker, who wounded a guard before being shot dead, it said. 
 
Girl also held US citizenship&nbsp; 
 
The girl was taken to hospital in Jerusalem in critical condition and died of her wounds.&nbsp; 
 
The State Department said later that she also held US citizenship. 
 
The attacker was identified by the Palestinian health ministry as Mohammed Nasser Tarayra, 19, from the village of Bani Naim, just outside the city, in the south of the Israeli-occupied West Bank. 
 
Hallel Yaffa Ariel&#39;s family said she was attacked in her sleep, and the military released a photograph of her blood-spattered bedroom. 
 
As mourners visited the family home, the girl&#39;s father said she had been sleeping late after a dance performance the night before and that he had been on his way to the house to wake her for work when he heard of the attack. 
 
She worked in his winery during the summer vacation which just started, he told AFP.&nbsp; 
 
&quot;At the first moment I thought everything was well, but I knew deep in my heart she was not alive,&quot; said Amichai Ariel, 59 and added, &quot;I shouted at her.&quot; 
 
Assailaint&rsquo;s home village sealed off after attack&nbsp; 
 
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held talks with Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman after the attack, and the home village of the assailant was sealed off. 
 
Israeli work permits for members of Tarayra&#39;s extended family were also to be revoked and authorities began procedures aimed at demolishing his home, a measure often taken against attackers. 
 
&quot;I expect the Palestinian leadership to clearly and unequivocally condemn this vicious murder and take immediate action to stop the incitement,&quot; Netanyahu said. 
 
&quot;The entire world needs to condemn this murder just as it condemned the terrorist attacks in Orlando (Florida) and Brussels,&quot; he added.&nbsp; 
 
The European Union (EU) also expressed its &quot;deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the victim.&quot; 
 
&quot;Hallel Yaffa Ariel was brutally murdered in her home in Kiryat Arba,&quot; it said. &quot;There can be no justification for such acts of terror.&quot; 
 
Hours later in the town of Netanya, on the Mediterranean coast north of Tel Aviv, a Palestinian from the northern West Bank stabbed a man and woman, both Israelis, before being shot dead by a passing civilian, police said. 
 
 
A flashpoint city- Hebron 
 
Hebron has been a flashpoint in a spate of deadly unrest that has rocked Israel and the Palestinian territories since last October. 
 
Hundreds of Jewish settlers live in a tightly guarded enclave in the heart of the city of more than 200,000 Palestinians, a persistent source of tensions. 
 
In New York on Thursday, the UN envoy on Middle East peace said that a report by the diplomatic Quartet, expected to be release on Friday, demands Israel take urgent steps to halt the expansion of settlements. 
 
Nickolay Mladenov told the Security Council that ongoing Israeli construction in the West Bank was one of three &quot;negative trends&quot; that must be quickly reversed to keep the hope of an Israeli-Palestinian peace deal alive. 
 
Palestinian incitement to violence and the Palestinian authority&#39;s lack of control over the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip also &quot;severely undermine hopes for peace&quot;, Mladenov said. 
 
Violence since October has killed at least 212 Palestinians, 33 Israelis, two Americans, an Eritrean and a Sudanese. 
 
Most of the Palestinians were carrying out knife, gun or car-ramming attacks, according to Israeli authorities. 
 
Others were killed in clashes with security forces or by Israeli air strikes on the Gaza Strip. 
 
Negotiations between Israel, Palestine at a standstill since 2014&nbsp; 
 
Analysts say Palestinian frustration with Israeli occupation and settlement-building in the West Bank, the complete lack of progress in peace efforts and their own fractured leadership have fed the unrest. 
 
Israel says incitement by Palestinian leaders and media is a leading cause of the violence. 
 
On a visit to Israel and the Palestinian territories this week, UN chief Ban Ki-moon condemned the recent wave of attacks as &quot;terrorism&quot;. 
 
But he urged Israel to address the &quot;key underlying causes of violence&quot; including &quot;growing Palestinian anger, the paralysis of the peace process, the nearly a half-century of occupation&quot;. 
 
Negotiations between the Israelis and Palestinians have been at a standstill since a US-led initiative collapsed in April 2014. 
 
France, however, is planning to hold an international conference before the end of the year in a bid to restart the peace process. 
 
Israel opposes the French initiative, calling instead for bilateral negotiations, while Palestinian leaders have expressed support for it. 
 
(AFP)&nbsp;

She was a settler. The boy broke into her home in the West Bank, stabbed her while she was in bed

A Palestinian attacker fatally stabbed a US-Israeli teenager in her home at a Jewish settlement in the West Bank before being shot dead by security guards on Thursday. The Israeli army said the young Palestinian killed the 13-year-old in her bed after breaking into her home in the Kiryat Arba settlement outside the flashpoint city of Hebron. Security personnel rushed to the house and fired on the attacker, who wounded a guard before being shot dead, it said. Girl also held US citizenship The girl was taken to hospital in Jerusalem in critical condition and died of her wounds. The State Department said later that she also held US citizenship. The attacker was identified by the Palestinian health ministry as Mohammed Nasser Tarayra, 19, from the village of Bani Naim, just outside the city, in the south of the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Hallel Yaffa Ariel's family said she was attacked in her sleep, and the military released a photograph of her blood-spattered bedroom. As mourners visited the family home, the girl's father said she had been sleeping late after a dance performance the night before and that he had been on his way to the house to wake her for work when he heard of the attack. She worked in his winery during the summer vacation which just started, he told AFP. "At the first moment I thought everything was well, but I knew deep in my heart she was not alive," said Amichai Ariel, 59 and added, "I shouted at her." Assailaint’s home village sealed off after attack Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held talks with Defence Minister Avigdor Lieberman after the attack, and the home village of the assailant was sealed off. Israeli work permits for members of Tarayra's extended family were also to be revoked and authorities began procedures aimed at demolishing his home, a measure often taken against attackers. "I expect the Palestinian leadership to clearly and unequivocally condemn this vicious murder and take immediate action to stop the incitement," Netanyahu said. "The entire world needs to condemn this murder just as it condemned the terrorist attacks in Orlando (Florida) and Brussels," he added. The European Union (EU) also expressed its "deepest sympathies to the family and friends of the victim." "Hallel Yaffa Ariel was brutally murdered in her home in Kiryat Arba," it said. "There can be no justification for such acts of terror." Hours later in the town of Netanya, on the Mediterranean coast north of Tel Aviv, a Palestinian from the northern West Bank stabbed a man and woman, both Israelis, before being shot dead by a passing civilian, police said. A flashpoint city- Hebron Hebron has been a flashpoint in a spate of deadly unrest that has rocked Israel and the Palestinian territories since last October. Hundreds of Jewish settlers live in a tightly guarded enclave in the heart of the city of more than 200,000 Palestinians, a persistent source of tensions. In New York on Thursday, the UN envoy on Middle East peace said that a report by the diplomatic Quartet, expected to be release on Friday, demands Israel take urgent steps to halt the expansion of settlements. Nickolay Mladenov told the Security Council that ongoing Israeli construction in the West Bank was one of three "negative trends" that must be quickly reversed to keep the hope of an Israeli-Palestinian peace deal alive. Palestinian incitement to violence and the Palestinian authority's lack of control over the Hamas-ruled Gaza Strip also "severely undermine hopes for peace", Mladenov said. Violence since October has killed at least 212 Palestinians, 33 Israelis, two Americans, an Eritrean and a Sudanese. Most of the Palestinians were carrying out knife, gun or car-ramming attacks, according to Israeli authorities. Others were killed in clashes with security forces or by Israeli air strikes on the Gaza Strip. Negotiations between Israel, Palestine at a standstill since 2014 Analysts say Palestinian frustration with Israeli occupation and settlement-building in the West Bank, the complete lack of progress in peace efforts and their own fractured leadership have fed the unrest. Israel says incitement by Palestinian leaders and media is a leading cause of the violence. On a visit to Israel and the Palestinian territories this week, UN chief Ban Ki-moon condemned the recent wave of attacks as "terrorism". But he urged Israel to address the "key underlying causes of violence" including "growing Palestinian anger, the paralysis of the peace process, the nearly a half-century of occupation". Negotiations between the Israelis and Palestinians have been at a standstill since a US-led initiative collapsed in April 2014. France, however, is planning to hold an international conference before the end of the year in a bid to restart the peace process. Israel opposes the French initiative, calling instead for bilateral negotiations, while Palestinian leaders have expressed support for it. (AFP)

19-year-old Palestinian boy kills 13-year-old US-Israeli girl

Israeli soldiers shot and killed a Palestinian woman who rammed a vehicle into a parked car near an Israeli settlement in the occupied West Bank today, injuring two people sitting inside, the army said. 
 
&quot;Forces on site responded and fired toward the attacker, resulting in her death,&quot; a military spokeswoman said. 
 
Palestinian officials had no immediate comment. 
 
Knife attacks, shooting and car ramming attacks by Palestinians have killed 32 Israelis and two visiting US citizens over the past eight months. Israeli forces have shot dead at least 198 Palestinians, 135 of whom Israel has said were assailants. Others were killed in clashes and protests. 
 
Religious and political tensions over a Jerusalem site sacred to both Muslims and Jews have fuelled the worst wave of Israeli-Palestinian violence since the 2014 Gaza war. 
 
Confrontations have been exacerbated by Palestinians&#39; frustration over Israel&#39;s 48-year occupation of land they seek for an independent state, and the expansion of settlements in those territories which were captured by Israel in the 1967 Middle East war. 
 
(Reuters)

Two people sitting inside the car were injured. The vehicle was parked near an Israeli settlement in the occupied West Bank

Israeli soldiers shot and killed a Palestinian woman who rammed a vehicle into a parked car near an Israeli settlement in the occupied West Bank today, injuring two people sitting inside, the army said. "Forces on site responded and fired toward the attacker, resulting in her death," a military spokeswoman said. Palestinian officials had no immediate comment. Knife attacks, shooting and car ramming attacks by Palestinians have killed 32 Israelis and two visiting US citizens over the past eight months. Israeli forces have shot dead at least 198 Palestinians, 135 of whom Israel has said were assailants. Others were killed in clashes and protests. Religious and political tensions over a Jerusalem site sacred to both Muslims and Jews have fuelled the worst wave of Israeli-Palestinian violence since the 2014 Gaza war. Confrontations have been exacerbated by Palestinians' frustration over Israel's 48-year occupation of land they seek for an independent state, and the expansion of settlements in those territories which were captured by Israel in the 1967 Middle East war. (Reuters)

Israeli troops kill Palestinian woman for ramming vehicle into parked car

Israeli troops shot dead a Palestinian and wounded two others between the West Bank villages of Beit Sira and Beit Ur early on Tuesday, Palestinian security officials told AFP. 
 
They named the dead man as Mahmoud Badran, 20, and said Israeli liaison officials told them soldiers opened fire on the three as they hurled rocks at traffic on a nearby Israeli highway West of Ramallah. 
 
The army said that troops shot two men, &quot;after a number of Palestinians hurled rocks and Molotov cocktails at moving vehicles near the village of Beit Sira on route 443&quot;. 
 
&quot;An initial review suggests that as the mob continued, nearby forces acted in order to protect the additional passing vehicles from immediate danger and fired towards the assailants,&quot; a military statement said. 
 
&quot;Forces confirmed hits resulting in the death of one of the attackers. At the moment I am aware of one other attacker that was wounded and treated by medical forces and later evacuated to hospital. Two additional suspects were arrested.&quot; 
 
The busy highway 443 cuts through the occupied West Bank for several miles on its way from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv. 
 
Israeli media reported that several vehicles had been damaged and two drivers lightly injured by glass from shattered windscreens as the Palestinians threw bottles and heavy stones at traffic. 
 
Since October violence in Israel and the Palestinian territories has killed at least 209 Palestinians, 32 Israelis, two Americans, an Eritrean and a Sudanese. 
 
Israeli authorities say most of the Palestinians were killed as they carried out knife, gun or car-ramming attacks. 
 
Others were killed in clashes with security forces or by Israeli air strikes in the Gaza Strip. 
 
In the northern West Bank, Israeli forces early on Tuesday demolished the home of a Palestinian who killed a US tourist and wounded several Israelis in a March stabbing rampage in Tel Aviv, an Israeli army spokeswoman told AFP. 
 
&quot;Overnight, in accordance with government directives, security forces demolished the home of Bashar Massala, in the village of Haja,&quot; she said. 
 
Palestinians named the man as Bashar Madhala. 
 
The spokeswoman said he carried out the March 8 seafront knife attacks which killed 29-year-old Texan Taylor Allen Force and wounded at least 10 Israelis as US Vice President Joe Biden arrived for a visit. 
 
New talks 
 
Peace negotiations between the Israelis and Palestinians have been at a standstill since a US-led initiative collapsed in April 2014. 
 
In a bid to revive the moribund peace process, France is seeking to convene an international peace conference later this year. 
 
A meeting of European Union foreign ministers in Luxembourg on Monday voiced support for the project, although Israel reiterated its objections. 
 
&quot;The EU is determined, alongside other regional and international partners, to contribute in a concrete and substantial manner to the development of a set of incentives for the parties to make peace, with the prospect of an international conference scheduled before the end of the year,&quot; a statement by the ministers said. 
 
Israel says that such a gathering would reduce the likelihood of direct bilateral peace talks between the parties. 
 
&quot;International conferences like the one welcomed by the European Council today drive peace further away by allowing the Palestinians to continue avoiding both direct negotiations and compromise,&quot; Israeli foreign ministry spokesman Emmanuel Nahshon said in a statement on Monday evening. 
 
&quot;This is a regrettable step backwards in the pursuit of peace to which Israel remains fully committed.&quot; 
 
Senior Palestine Liberation Organisation official Hanan Ashrawi praised the Luxembourg declaration. 
 
&quot;We welcome the EU Foreign Affairs Council&#39;s decision to endorse the French initiative to hold an international peace conference later this year,&quot; she wrote in a statement. 
 
&quot;The international community must undertake a concrete action plan with comprehensive objectives, specific terms of reference that guarantee an end to Israel&#39;s military occupation and ensure sovereignty and independence for Palestine within a specific and binding timeframe, and mechanisms for arbitration, monitoring and evaluation.&quot; 
(AFP)

Two others were injured as police opened fire on three people hurling rocks at traffic on a nearby highway

Israeli troops shot dead a Palestinian and wounded two others between the West Bank villages of Beit Sira and Beit Ur early on Tuesday, Palestinian security officials told AFP. They named the dead man as Mahmoud Badran, 20, and said Israeli liaison officials told them soldiers opened fire on the three as they hurled rocks at traffic on a nearby Israeli highway West of Ramallah. The army said that troops shot two men, "after a number of Palestinians hurled rocks and Molotov cocktails at moving vehicles near the village of Beit Sira on route 443". "An initial review suggests that as the mob continued, nearby forces acted in order to protect the additional passing vehicles from immediate danger and fired towards the assailants," a military statement said. "Forces confirmed hits resulting in the death of one of the attackers. At the moment I am aware of one other attacker that was wounded and treated by medical forces and later evacuated to hospital. Two additional suspects were arrested." The busy highway 443 cuts through the occupied West Bank for several miles on its way from Jerusalem to Tel Aviv. Israeli media reported that several vehicles had been damaged and two drivers lightly injured by glass from shattered windscreens as the Palestinians threw bottles and heavy stones at traffic. Since October violence in Israel and the Palestinian territories has killed at least 209 Palestinians, 32 Israelis, two Americans, an Eritrean and a Sudanese. Israeli authorities say most of the Palestinians were killed as they carried out knife, gun or car-ramming attacks. Others were killed in clashes with security forces or by Israeli air strikes in the Gaza Strip. In the northern West Bank, Israeli forces early on Tuesday demolished the home of a Palestinian who killed a US tourist and wounded several Israelis in a March stabbing rampage in Tel Aviv, an Israeli army spokeswoman told AFP. "Overnight, in accordance with government directives, security forces demolished the home of Bashar Massala, in the village of Haja," she said. Palestinians named the man as Bashar Madhala. The spokeswoman said he carried out the March 8 seafront knife attacks which killed 29-year-old Texan Taylor Allen Force and wounded at least 10 Israelis as US Vice President Joe Biden arrived for a visit. New talks Peace negotiations between the Israelis and Palestinians have been at a standstill since a US-led initiative collapsed in April 2014. In a bid to revive the moribund peace process, France is seeking to convene an international peace conference later this year. A meeting of European Union foreign ministers in Luxembourg on Monday voiced support for the project, although Israel reiterated its objections. "The EU is determined, alongside other regional and international partners, to contribute in a concrete and substantial manner to the development of a set of incentives for the parties to make peace, with the prospect of an international conference scheduled before the end of the year," a statement by the ministers said. Israel says that such a gathering would reduce the likelihood of direct bilateral peace talks between the parties. "International conferences like the one welcomed by the European Council today drive peace further away by allowing the Palestinians to continue avoiding both direct negotiations and compromise," Israeli foreign ministry spokesman Emmanuel Nahshon said in a statement on Monday evening. "This is a regrettable step backwards in the pursuit of peace to which Israel remains fully committed." Senior Palestine Liberation Organisation official Hanan Ashrawi praised the Luxembourg declaration. "We welcome the EU Foreign Affairs Council's decision to endorse the French initiative to hold an international peace conference later this year," she wrote in a statement. "The international community must undertake a concrete action plan with comprehensive objectives, specific terms of reference that guarantee an end to Israel's military occupation and ensure sovereignty and independence for Palestine within a specific and binding timeframe, and mechanisms for arbitration, monitoring and evaluation." (AFP)

Israeli troops kill Palestinian stone-thrower in West Bank

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