May 20, 2021 08:17
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday rebuffed U.S. President Joe Biden s call for a significant de-escalation in Israel s bombardment of Hamas militants in the Gaza Strip leading to a cease-fire in the 10 days of hostilities.
Instead, Netanyahu said in a statement he is determined to continue this operation until its aim is met. Netanyahu said he greatly appreciates the support of the American president, but that Israel will push ahead to return the calm and security to you, citizens of Israel.
By late Wednesday, the death toll stood at 227 in Gaza, including 64 children, according to local health officials there, and 12 in Israel, according to its authorities.
UN To Convene Urgent Session On Israeli-Palestinian Fighting An Israeli artillery unit fires shells towards targets in Ga za Strip, at the Israeli - Gaza border, May 19 2021. 1 hour ago 3 min read
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The U.N. General Assembly will convene an urgent session Thursday requested by the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and the group of Arab countries at the United Nations to deliberate on the fighting between Israel and Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip.
About a dozen foreign ministers are flying in for the meeting – the first time such a high- level in-person meeting has been held at U.N. headquarters in New York since the start of the coronavirus pandemic more than 14 months ago. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, who has called for an immediate halt to the hostili
British aid projects supporting Palestinian security forces appear to be as much about helping to stop threats to Israel, the occupying power, as they are about enhancing Palestinian state-building.
Any ceasefire is unlikely to address the fundamental issues in the conflict
Reuters
May 20, 2021
Palestine protestors throw stones during an anti-Israel protest over cross-border violence between Palestinians in Gaza and the Israeli military, near Hawara checkpoint near Nablus in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, May 18, 2021. PHOTO: REUTERS
GAZA:
Diplomatic moves towards a ceasefire in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict gathered pace on Thursday after U.S. President Joe Biden called for a de-escalation, but Israel kept up its bombardment of Gaza and Hamas rocket fire resumed after a pause.
A senior official in the Hamas militant group predicted a ceasefire within days. An Israeli minister said Israel would halt its offensive only when it had achieved its goals.
UPDATE 1-Israel and Hamas begin truce, and Gazans celebrate msn.com - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from msn.com Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.