Israeli warplanes continued to strike the Gaza Strip in the early hours of Wednesday, according to local media, flattening residential buildings and killing at least four Palestinians.
The latest strikes came hours after Israeli forces shot dead four other Palestinians and injured about 20 more people during protests and a historic general strike in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem.
The strike was called in solidarity with the Palestinians under the Israeli bombing of Gaza.
At least 220 Palestinians, including 63 children, have been killed in Gaza since the latest May 10 violence erupted. About 1,500 Palestinians have been injured.
Twelve people have been killed in Israel, including two children, while at least 300 Israelis have been injured.
Despite the escalation of violence, which is now in its tenth day, diplomatic efforts to ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, the ruler of Gaza, have failed to make much progress.
The United States continued to block the UN Security Council from issuing a joint statement urging an end to hostilities, telling diplomats that a public statement would not help calm tensions.
France, however, said it was working with its neighbors Israel, Egypt and Jordan on a new ceasefire resolution.
China said it was “in favor” of the French proposal.
Here are the latest updates:
Radio journalist killed in Gaza
A fourth Palestinian was killed in Israel’s continued incursions into the Gaza Strip, according to local media.
Yusef Abu Hussein was a journalist for the radio station, Al-Aqsa Voice, according to the Wafa news agency and the Shehab news agency.
Sawt Al-Aqsa radio journalist Yusef Abu Hussein died as a result of the bombing of his house this morning in Sheikh Radwan’s neighborhood #Gaza ara Gaza is being bombed # Gaza_stays #GazaUnderAttackk pic.twitter.com/rYl3kU4qtP
Shehab News Agency (@ShehabAgency) May 19, 2021
Israeli warplanes hit Gaza and three Palestinians were killed
Israel continued to bomb the Gaza Strip as dawn approached on Wednesday, according to local media reports, which hit a residential building in downtown Gaza and killed at least three Palestinians.
Three others were also injured, Wafa news agency reported.
This morning in Gaza pic.twitter.com/Xqyzvxv0FX
– TIMES OF GAZA (@Timesofgaza) May 19, 2021
Palestinian armed groups also continued to fire rockets at Israel.
An AFP photographer reported streaks of light in the sky on Tuesday afternoon as the Israeli air defense system intercepted rockets.
The head of the UN is calling for humanitarian funding for Gaza
Antonio Guterres, Secretary-General of the United Nations, called on the international community to ensure adequate funding for the world’s humanitarian operations in Gaza.
“We are seeing immense human suffering and great damage to homes and vital infrastructure in Gaza,” he said in a tweet.
We are seeing immense human suffering and great damage to homes and vital infrastructure in Gaza.
I call on the international community to ensure adequate funding for our humanitarian operations in Gaza. https://t.co/lbKUIbhulU
– António Guterres (@antonioguterres) May 18, 2021
Earlier, UN humanitarian chief Mark Lowcock called on Israel to provide “unhindered humanitarian access” to Gaza.
“Steps with Gaza must be opened and remain as such for the entry of essential and humanitarian supplies, including fuel for basic services and supplies to curb the spread of COVID-19,” he said in a statement. communiqué.
I am deeply concerned about the ongoing hostilities between the occupied Palestinian territory and Israel.
To support civilians trapped in the crisis, we need adequate funding for the response and unhindered humanitarian access.
My statement: https://t.co/FAFtCf3bt6
– Mark Lowcock (@UNReliefChief) May 18, 2021
Pro-Palestinian demonstrations in New York, Boston
Hundreds of protesters gathered across the street from the Israeli consulate in New York City, denouncing Israel’s continued bombing of Gaza.
Today, New York has presented itself in Palestine as part of a global solidarity campaign in support of the general strike by Palestinians. We will continue to fight until the Palestinians are liberated and Palestine is free. (This is only part of the march: the cops kicked us off the bridge). pic.twitter.com/yY8KVVYuDU
– Andy Ratto (@andyratto) May 18, 2021
Palestinian support rallies were also held in Boston and Los Angeles.
Boston stays with Palestine! # Boston4Palestine #PalestinaFree pic.twitter.com/OcJ4bOgEkh
– PSL Boston (@BostonPSL) May 19, 2021
UPDATE: Los Angeles # Palestine #Palestine #PalestinaFree pic.twitter.com/M4d022Mui7
– alaa 🌙 (@stanhijabi) May 18, 2021
For all the news on Tuesday, May 18, go here.