UN MIDEAST ENVOY MEETS ISRAELI OFFICIALS OVER ESCALATION IN GAZA

Mon 26 April 2021:

UN Special Coordinator for the middle East Peace Process Tor Wennesland met on Monday with Israeli officials to discuss the recent escalation in Jerusalem and around Gaza, UN spokesman Farhan Haq said in a press briefing.

“Mr. Wennesland will continue with his work to de-escalate tensions,” Haq said. “He met with Israeli officials today, and he’s going to travel tomorrow to Jordan and Egypt for further discussion.”

Over the weekend, the situation on the Palestinian enclave’s border severely escalated as 40 rockets were launched from Gaza toward Israel’s territory. Several of these rockets were intercepted by the latter’s Iron Dome Aerial Defense System.

In response, Israel targeted the infrastructure of the Hamas movement in Gaza.

In the most recent attack occurring last night, three rockets were fired in the direction of Israel, according to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). Along with that, the IDF released a video showing the two rockets getting intercepted by the Iron Dome.

In a statement on Saturday, Wennesland condemned these acts of violence and called on all sides to show maximum restraint and avoid further escalation.

Israeli police clash with Palestinian protesters in Jerusalem

The protests spread to several cities in the West Bank and along the Israel-Gaza border. The Israeli military said it dispersed hundreds of Palestinians, some throwing rocks and burning tyres.

There have been nightly disturbances since the start of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan on April 13, amid Palestinian anger over police blocking off access to the promenade around the walls of the Old City and a ban on gatherings.

A series of videos posted online have also shown young Arabs attacking ultraorthodox Jews, and Jewish hardliners taking to the streets to bully Arabs.

A march into the heart of Arab East Jerusalem by hundreds of supporters of far-right Jewish nationalist group Lehava added fuel to the fire.

Photo: Palestinian men were brutally assaulted arrested by occupation soldiers at Damascus Gate in Jerusalem in Palestine.