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Overnight, violence in the Gaza Strip and Israel accelerated to the brink of all-out war.
Israel deployed artillery and warplanes to attack the tunnel systems of Hamas. The Palestinian Health Ministry reports at least 126 dead.
That dramatic escalation was a response to around 2,000 rockets fired by Gaza militants into Israel, killing at least 11 Palestinians.
The international community is mobilizing to de-escalate this violence or at least the latest surge of it.
The U.S. is sending Hady Amr, the deputy assistant secretary of state for Israel and Palestinian affairs, to meet with leaders from both sides. The Biden administration is also speaking to other regional diplomats who may have some sway.
Messenger
BRUSSELS, May 15 (KUNA) The European Union is actively engaged in diplomatic efforts to contribute to defusing the ongoing violence in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory. Over the past days, EU High Representative, Josep Borrell has been continuing his outreach to support efforts to de-escalate the extremely worrying situation in the region, especially in and around Gaza, a statement from his office said Saturday afternoon. In reaching out to his interlocutors, Borrell has consistently underlined the need to immediately end the grave escalation of violence, prevent its further spillover and ensure that civilians on all sides are protected. He has also called for full respect for international humanitarian law and for full humanitarian access to be granted to those most in need in Gaza.
Tensions in Gaza have escalated further after an Israeli bombardment destroyed a high-rise building used by foreign press, followed up by the targeting of the home of one of Hamas's leaders.