Israel continued on Friday to bombard the Gaza Strip with air raids and artillery shells as it stepped up the deployment of troops and tanks near the besieged Palestinian enclave.
At least 119 Palestinians, including 31 children, have been killed and more than 830 wounded since hostilities flared up on Monday. Hundreds of Palestinian families have taken shelter in UN-run schools in northern Gaza to escape Israeli artillery fire.
Despite international calls for an immediate halt of all hostilities, including from United Nations chief Antonio Guterres, Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged the offensive will continue “as needed to restore calm in the state of Israel”.
Hamas fired another barrage of rockets towards Israel, hitting the city of Ashkelon in the early hours on Friday.
At least six Israelis and one Indian national have also been killed. The Israeli army said hundreds of rockets have been fired from Gaza towards various locations in Israel and they have added reinforcements near the enclave’s eastern lands.
Meanwhile, violence is brewing between Israeli settlers and Palestinian citizens in the West Bank as well as in Israel. In another potential escalation, at least three rockets were fired from southern Lebanon towards Israel.
Here are the latest updates:
‘Palestinians aren’t going anywhere’
United States Representative Rashida Tlaib struggles to hold back tears in Congress as she questioned the US government’s “unconditional support” for Israel. Other Democrats gave their “unwavering” backing to Israel.
“Palestinians aren’t going anywhere.”
Representative @RashidaTlaib struggled to hold back tears in Congress as she questioned the US government’s “unconditional support” for Israel.
Other Democrats gave their “unwavering” backing to Israel. pic.twitter.com/dwjRi4HFzN
— Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) May 14, 2021
PODCAST: The Take – In Sheikh Jarrah, Palestinians confront a city’s future
What started out as protests against forced expulsions in a Palestinian neighbourhood has turned into an Israeli crackdown that has engulfed much of occupied East Jerusalem, including holy sites like Al-Aqsa Mosque.
But Sheikh Jarrah is just one neighbourhood, and displacements are unfolding across the occupied territories.
As the reverberations in Sheikh Jarrah spread beyond, how will it affect the future of Palestinians in Jerusalem?
Listen to Al Jazeera’s podcast The Take, with our host, Malika Bilal.
Hamas leader calls for demonstrations
Ismail Haniya has urged Palestinians across the occupied territories and in Israel to go out and demonstrate on Friday, the second day of Eid al-Fitr.
The Hamas chief called for the marches in protest of the latest Israeli police crackdown of Muslim worshippers at Al-Aqsa Mosque compound as well as the continuing bombardment of Gaza.
More Israeli shelling reported in Gaza towns
Local media are reporting more Israeli shelling and aerial bombardments in Gaza.
In the last few minutes, “violent” artillery shelling hit east of Deir al-Balah governorate just south of Gaza City.
Artillery fired also reportedly hit the homes of civilians east of Maghazi, also in Deir al-Balah area.
Israeli settlers attack Palestinian homes in West Bank
A video posted on social media by New Press publication showed several alleged Israeli settlers attacking Palestinian homes in the city of Hebron in the occupied West Bank early on Friday.
مستوطنون يهاجمون منازل الفلسطنيين الان في الخليل pic.twitter.com/cOY444jGLH
— Newpress | نيو برس (@NewpressPs) May 14, 2021
Translation: Settlers are now attacking Palestinian homes in Hebron
Israeli attack hits northern Gaza
Israeli air raids hit Zeitoun district early on Friday, with videos posted online showing dark smoke rising into the sky.
There was no immediate information on casualties.
📹 استهداف جديد في حي الزيتون بمدينة غزة#غزة_تحت_القصف pic.twitter.com/FCYzXaeMXx
— وكالة صفا (@SafaPs) May 14, 2021
