Israel warns it has only just begun as it unleashes new air strikes in Gaza after overnight attacks

Benjamin Netanyahu vows to ‘step up’ attacks on Hamas after Gaza rockets kill two Israeli women following night of cross-border strikes

  • The rockets were launched from suspected Hamas strongholds in the Gaza Strip and struck the southern town of Ashkelon. The women, one in her 40s and the other in her mid-60s, were killed in separate incidents
  • Comes after Israeli bombardments overnight and today left 24 Palestinians dead – including nine children
  • Hamas have fired hundreds of rockets at Israeli cities since clashes in Jerusalem left hundreds wounded  
  • Israeli PM Netanyahu vowed to ‘step up’ the attacks against Hamas today amid growing international alarm
  • ‘Hamas will be hit in ways that it does not expect,’ Netanyahu said. ‘We have eliminated commanders, hit many important targets and we have decided to attack harder and increase the pace of attacks’ 
  • Tensions throughout Ramadan exploded into a riot on Temple Mount on Monday that left hundreds injured

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Two Israeli women have been killed by Palestinian rocket fire after bombardments left more than 20 dead in the Gaza Strip last night.

The rockets were launched from suspected Hamas strongholds in Gaza and struck the southern town of Ashkelon. The women, one aged in her 40s and the other in her mid-60s, were killed in separate incidents. 

They are the first Israeli fatalities since the cross-border fighting erupted on Monday, with Israeli airstrikes killing at least 24 Palestinians – including nine children – overnight and into Tuesday.  

Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to ‘step up’ the attacks on Hamas today despite growing alarm from the international community as images showed bloodied children fleeing from Israeli bombs.

The Prime Minister said that the Israeli Defence Forces were ‘in the midst of a campaign’ and would ‘further increase both the intensity and the rate of attacks.’

‘Hamas will be hit in ways that it does not expect,’ Netanyahu said. ‘We have eliminated commanders, hit many important targets and we have decided to attack harder and increase the pace of attacks.’  

The cross-border violence has been fuelled by Israel’s evictions of Muslim communities living in east Jerusalem which led to angry riots breaking out on Temple Mount over the weekend, with hundreds left injured on Monday as riot police shot rubber bullets and fired tear gas. 

Islamic Jihad, an ally of Hamas, announced on Tuesday that two of its commanders were killed during continued Israeli air strikes on the Gaza Strip. 

Sources within the group said the strikes in central Gaza, also ‘wounded eight people, including a woman and her two children.’

The United Nations said it was ‘deeply concerned’ over the escalation of violence in the region, warning Israel that Palestinians must be allowed the freedom to congregate and protest. 

‘We condemn all violence and all incitement to violence and ethnic division and provocations,’ spokesman Rupert Colville told reporters in Geneva today. 

Fire billows from Israeli air strikes in Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip, on Tuesday morning. At least 24 Palestinians - including nine children - were killed, most by airstrikes, health officials in Gaza reported.

Fire billows from Israeli air strikes in Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip, on Tuesday morning. At least 24 Palestinians - including nine children - were killed, most by airstrikes, health officials in Gaza reported.

Fire billows from Israeli air strikes in Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip, on Tuesday morning. At least 24 Palestinians – including nine children – were killed, most by airstrikes, health officials in Gaza reported.

Rockets are fired from Gaza City, controlled by the Palestinian Hamas movement, towards Israel on Tuesday

Rockets are fired from Gaza City, controlled by the Palestinian Hamas movement, towards Israel on Tuesday

Rockets are fired from Gaza City, controlled by the Palestinian Hamas movement, towards Israel on Tuesday

A Palestinian woman cries as civilians evacuate a building targeted by Israeli bombardment in Gaza City

A Palestinian woman cries as civilians evacuate a building targeted by Israeli bombardment in Gaza City

Palestinians flee with their children as civilians are evacuated from a building being targeted by an Israeli bombardment in Gaza

Palestinians flee with their children as civilians are evacuated from a building being targeted by an Israeli bombardment in Gaza

Palestinians flee with their children as civilians are evacuated from a building being targeted by an Israeli bombardment in Gaza

A wounded Palestinian boy is transported to hospital after an Israeli air strike in Gaza today

A wounded Palestinian boy is transported to hospital after an Israeli air strike in Gaza today

A wounded Palestinian boy is transported to hospital after an Israeli air strike in Gaza today

An Israeli sapper checks a damaged apartment building in the southern town of Ashkelon after it was hit by a Palestinian missile on Tuesday morning

An Israeli sapper checks a damaged apartment building in the southern town of Ashkelon after it was hit by a Palestinian missile on Tuesday morning

An Israeli sapper checks a damaged apartment building in the southern town of Ashkelon after it was hit by a Palestinian missile on Tuesday morning

A home in the Israeli town of Ashkelon, around 12 miles north of Gaza, which has been targeted by Hamas rockets since last night

A home in the Israeli town of Ashkelon, around 12 miles north of Gaza, which has been targeted by Hamas rockets since last night

A home in the Israeli town of Ashkelon, around 12 miles north of Gaza, which has been targeted by Hamas rockets since last night

Medics evacuate a person injured after a rocket launched from the Gaza Strip hit a house in Ashkelon on Tuesday

Medics evacuate a person injured after a rocket launched from the Gaza Strip hit a house in Ashkelon on Tuesday

Medics evacuate a person injured after a rocket launched from the Gaza Strip hit a house in Ashkelon on Tuesday

Israel's Iron Dome aerial defence system intercepts a rocket launched from the Gaza Strip in the skies above the southern city of Ashkelon

Israel's Iron Dome aerial defence system intercepts a rocket launched from the Gaza Strip in the skies above the southern city of Ashkelon

Israel’s Iron Dome aerial defence system intercepts a rocket launched from the Gaza Strip in the skies above the southern city of Ashkelon

People gather on the rubble of a factory and car garages destroyed by Israeli airstrikes, in Gaza City on Tuesday

People gather on the rubble of a factory and car garages destroyed by Israeli airstrikes, in Gaza City on Tuesday

People gather on the rubble of a factory and car garages destroyed by Israeli airstrikes, in Gaza City on Tuesday

Mourners chant Islamic slogans while they carry the body of Amira Soboh, and her 19-year-old disabled son Abdelrahman, who were killed in Israeli airstrikes at their apartment building, during their funeral at the Shati refugee camp in Gaza

Mourners chant Islamic slogans while they carry the body of Amira Soboh, and her 19-year-old disabled son Abdelrahman, who were killed in Israeli airstrikes at their apartment building, during their funeral at the Shati refugee camp in Gaza

Mourners chant Islamic slogans while they carry the body of Amira Soboh, and her 19-year-old disabled son Abdelrahman, who were killed in Israeli airstrikes at their apartment building, during their funeral at the Shati refugee camp in Gaza

Bodies of the victims of an Israeli air strike are carried through Gaza on Tuesday

Bodies of the victims of an Israeli air strike are carried through Gaza on Tuesday

Bodies of the victims of an Israeli air strike are carried through Gaza on Tuesday

Israel's Iron Dome aerial defence system intercepts a rocket launched from the Gaza Strip, controlled by the Palestinian Hamas movement, above the southern Israeli city of Ashkelon

Israel's Iron Dome aerial defence system intercepts a rocket launched from the Gaza Strip, controlled by the Palestinian Hamas movement, above the southern Israeli city of Ashkelon

Israel’s Iron Dome aerial defence system intercepts a rocket launched from the Gaza Strip, controlled by the Palestinian Hamas movement, above the southern Israeli city of Ashkelon

Israeli firefighters extinguish a car which caught on fire after a rocket was launched from the Gaza Strip, in Ashkelon, southern Israel

Israeli firefighters extinguish a car which caught on fire after a rocket was launched from the Gaza Strip, in Ashkelon, southern Israel

Israeli firefighters extinguish a car which caught on fire after a rocket was launched from the Gaza Strip, in Ashkelon, southern Israel 

Israeli civilians take cover as the missile warning sirens ring out in the southern city of Ashkelon on Tuesday amid renewed bombardments

Israeli civilians take cover as the missile warning sirens ring out in the southern city of Ashkelon on Tuesday amid renewed bombardments

Israeli civilians take cover as the missile warning sirens ring out in the southern city of Ashkelon on Tuesday amid renewed bombardments

Smoke and flames billow into the air as Israeli warplanes drop bombs on the Gaza strip on Tuesday morning. It comes after militants launched more than 200 rockets at Israel, injuring six civilians

Smoke and flames billow into the air as Israeli warplanes drop bombs on the Gaza strip on Tuesday morning. It comes after militants launched more than 200 rockets at Israel, injuring six civilians

Smoke and flames billow into the air as Israeli warplanes drop bombs on the Gaza strip on Tuesday morning. It comes after militants launched more than 200 rockets at Israel, injuring six civilians 

Rockers are fired from Gaza City towards Israel on Tuesday afternoon as airstrikes continue

Rockers are fired from Gaza City towards Israel on Tuesday afternoon as airstrikes continue

Rockers are fired from Gaza City towards Israel on Tuesday afternoon as airstrikes continue

Israel's Iron Dome anti-missile system intercepts rockets launched from the Gaza Strip

Israel's Iron Dome anti-missile system intercepts rockets launched from the Gaza Strip

Israel's Iron Dome anti-missile system intercepts rockets launched from the Gaza Strip

Israel's Iron Dome anti-missile system intercepts rockets launched from the Gaza Strip

Israel’s Iron Dome anti-missile system intercepts rockets launched from the Gaza Strip on Tuesday

Flames and smoke rise during Israeli air strikes on the southern Gaza Strip this morning

Flames and smoke rise during Israeli air strikes on the southern Gaza Strip this morning

Flames and smoke rise during Israeli air strikes on the southern Gaza Strip this morning

An explosion goes off in Gaza City as Israeli warplanes drop bombs on Hamas targets after riots broke out on Temple Mount over the weekend

An explosion goes off in Gaza City as Israeli warplanes drop bombs on Hamas targets after riots broke out on Temple Mount over the weekend

An explosion goes off in Gaza City as Israeli warplanes drop bombs on Hamas targets after riots broke out on Temple Mount over the weekend

Damage left by an Israeli air strike is seen on Tuesday in Gaza City after the two sides exchanged rockets and bombs throughout the night

Damage left by an Israeli air strike is seen on Tuesday in Gaza City after the two sides exchanged rockets and bombs throughout the night

Damage left by an Israeli air strike is seen on Tuesday in Gaza City after the two sides exchanged rockets and bombs throughout the night

Rockets fired from Gaza City are seen streaming towards Israel this morning as the two sides exchanged fire throughout the night

Rockets fired from Gaza City are seen streaming towards Israel this morning as the two sides exchanged fire throughout the night

Rockets fired from Gaza City are seen streaming towards Israel this morning as the two sides exchanged fire throughout the night

He added: ‘No force should be used against those exercising their rights peacefully.’

When use of force is necessary, it should comply fully with international human rights standards, he added.

Why are violent clashes taking place in Jerusalem?

When did the protests start?

From the beginning of Ramadan in mid-April, Palestinians clashed nightly with Israeli police, who put up barriers to stop evening gatherings at the walled Old City’s Damascus Gate after iftar, the breaking of the daytime fast.

Palestinians saw the barriers as a restriction on their freedom to assemble. Police said they were there to maintain order.

Why did the violence flare up again?

An Israeli Supreme Court hearing was due on May 10 in a long-running legal case about whether several Palestinian families would be evicted and their homes in Sheikh Jarrah, a neighbourhood near Damascus Gate that was given to Israeli settlers.

Some settlers have already moved into the street affected – living next door to the Palestinians facing possible removal.   

As the court hearing neared, Palestinians and left-wing Israelis began holding larger demonstrations, saying more evictions could cause a domino effect throughout the overwhelmingly Palestinian neighbourhood.

Sheikh Jarrah also contains a site revered by religious Jews as the tomb of an ancient high priest, Simon the Just, leading to frequent tensions between Palestinian living there and religious Jews visiting it.

International attention

The case, in which a lower court ruled that the land in question belonged to Jews in East Jerusalem before the 1948 War, has gathered domestic and international attention, amid criticism of Israeli settlements in East Jerusalem.

On Sunday U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan spoke to his Israeli counterpart to express ‘serious concerns about the potential evictions of Palestinian families from their homes in the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood,’ the White House said. read more

And United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed ‘his deep concern over the continuing violence in occupied East Jerusalem, as well as the possible evictions of Palestinian families from their homes,’ U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said on Sunday.

What next?

On Sunday the Supreme Court hearing on the evictions was postponed, pushing at least one flashpoint past the end of Ramadan and allowing more time for a resolution. A new session will be scheduled within 30 days. read more

Monday is Jerusalem Day, Israel’s annual commemoration of its capture of East Jerusalem during the 1967 war. The event usually sees a march through the walled Old City by Jewish pilgrims, including ultra-nationalists, which could be another flashpoint.

Why is Jerusalem so sensitive?

Politics, history and religion.

At the heart of Jerusalem’s Old City is the hill known to Jews across the world as Temple Mount – the holiest site in Judaism – and to Muslims internationally as The Noble Sanctuary. It was home to the Jewish temples of antiquity. Two Muslim holy places now stand there, the Dome of the Rock and Al-Aqsa Mosque, the third holiest place in Islam.

Christians also revere the city as the place where they believe that Jesus preached, died and was resurrected.

Israel sees all of Jerusalem as its eternal and indivisible capital, while the Palestinians want the eastern section as a capital of a future state. Israel’s annexation of East Jerusalem is unrecognized internationally.

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Colville said the office of UN rights chief Michelle Bachelet was particularly concerned about the impact of the violence on children.

‘Detained children should be released,’ Colville said. ‘Things need to calm down.’  

Critics say heavy-handed police measures helped stoke nightly unrest, including a decision to temporarily seal off a popular night-time gathering spot where Palestinian residents would meet after evening prayers.

Another flashpoint was the Jerusalem neighbourhood of Sheikh Jarrah where dozens of Palestinians are under treat of eviction by Jewish settlers. 

Over the weekend, confrontations erupted at the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound in east Jerusalem, which was captured and annexed by Israel in the 1967 Mideast war. 

The compound, located in Jerusalem’s Old City, is the third holiest site of Islam and the holiest site of Judaism.

For four successive days, Israel police fired tear gas, stun grenades and rubber bullets at Palestinians in the compound who hurled stones and chairs.

Hundreds of Palestinians were hurt, requiring treatment at hospitals. Two dozen officers were also injured. At times, police fired stun grenades into the carpeted mosque.

On Monday evening, Hamas began firing rockets from Gaza, setting off air raid sirens as far as Jerusalem, after giving Israel a deadline to withdraw Israeli security forces from the compound. From there on, the escalation was rapid. 

Speaking of the Israeli response to Hamas’s rocket attacks, army spokesman Conricus said on Monday evening: ‘We have started, and I repeat started, to attack military targets in Gaza.

‘We have made preparations for various scenarios, including high intensity ones… Hamas will get the message.’

Amnesty International said Israel is using ‘abusive and wanton force against largely peaceful Palestinian protesters.’

The London-based human rights group described some of the measures as ‘disproportionate and unlawful’, accusing security forces of ‘unprovoked attacks on peaceful demonstrators’. 

Amnesty said Israel has used excessive force over multiple weeks of east Jerusalem protests.

In one incident, it said Israeli forces last week broke up a peaceful circle of Palestinians chanting against an attempt by Israelis to evict them from their homes in the city’s Sheikh Jarrah district.

Forces on horseback sprinted toward the crowd, trampling a man who was trying to run away, Amnesty said.

The rights group called on the international community ‘to hold Israel accountable for its systemic violations’.

The Israeli police did not respond to specific allegations, but told AFP in an email: ‘We will not allow disturbance of order while harming the fabric of life, inciting to harm police forces and violence against police officers and civilians.’

Police commissioner Kobi Shabtai told Israeli N12 TV on Monday that in Jerusalem in recent days ‘we showed too much restraint’.

‘We are at the stage of taking off the gloves,’ he said. 

The group Save the Children, also based in London, said it was ‘horrified’ by the Israeli air strikes and demanded a stop to ‘the indiscriminate targeting and killing of civilians’.

Israeli army spokesman Conricus said Israel ‘was doing everything possible to limit collateral damage’ and he said there was no confirmation Israeli strikes had impacted Gaza civilians.

Diplomatic sources told AFP that Egypt and Qatar, who have mediated past Israeli-Hamas conflicts, were attempting to calm tensions 

In perhaps the most serious incident of clashes today, CCTV captured the moment crowds of Palestinians pelted a car driving near Jerusalem’s Old City with rocks before the Israeli driver accelerated on to the pavement – sending people flying. 

People continued to pelt the driver after the car came to a halt, suspended on a nearby wall, before a gun-waving police officer arrived. The officer helped the man from the car, before he was again attacked by a pedestrian.

A Palestinian man punches an Israeli security officer amid bitter clashes around Jerusalem's Old City on Monday

A Palestinian man punches an Israeli security officer amid bitter clashes around Jerusalem's Old City on Monday

A Palestinian man punches an Israeli security officer amid bitter clashes around Jerusalem’s Old City on Monday 

Israeli police arrest a Palestinian man at the Lions' Gate during Monday's clashes at Temple Mount in Jerusalem

Israeli police arrest a Palestinian man at the Lions' Gate during Monday's clashes at Temple Mount in Jerusalem

Israeli police arrest a Palestinian man at the Lions’ Gate during Monday’s clashes at Temple Mount in Jerusalem

Palestinian medics evacuate a wounded protester from outside the Al-Aqsa mosque compound in Jerusalem's Old City during yesterday's clashes

Palestinian medics evacuate a wounded protester from outside the Al-Aqsa mosque compound in Jerusalem's Old City during yesterday's clashes

Palestinian medics evacuate a wounded protester from outside the Al-Aqsa mosque compound in Jerusalem’s Old City during yesterday’s clashes 

Israeli police detain a protester near the compound that houses the Al-Aqsa Mosque during clashes on Monday

Israeli police detain a protester near the compound that houses the Al-Aqsa Mosque during clashes on Monday

Israeli police detain a protester near the compound that houses the Al-Aqsa Mosque during clashes on Monday

Israeli police confront a Palestinian man near the Lions' Gate entrance to Jerusalem's Old City on Monday

Israeli police confront a Palestinian man near the Lions' Gate entrance to Jerusalem's Old City on Monday

Israeli police confront a Palestinian man near the Lions’ Gate entrance to Jerusalem’s Old City on Monday

A car goes up in flames after a rocket launched by Hamas landed in the southern Israeli city of Ashkelon

A car goes up in flames after a rocket launched by Hamas landed in the southern Israeli city of Ashkelon

A car goes up in flames after a rocket launched by Hamas landed in the southern Israeli city of Ashkelon

Palestinians mourn during a funeral in Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip on Tuesday

Palestinians mourn during a funeral in Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip on Tuesday

Palestinians mourn during a funeral in Jabalia in the northern Gaza Strip on Tuesday

Palestinians evacuate following an Israeli air strike on a building in Gaza City on Tuesday

Palestinians evacuate following an Israeli air strike on a building in Gaza City on Tuesday

Palestinians evacuate following an Israeli air strike on a building in Gaza City on Tuesday

A Palestinian man carries a child away from a tower block during an Israeli bombardment in Gaza

A Palestinian man carries a child away from a tower block during an Israeli bombardment in Gaza

A Palestinian man carries a child away from a tower block during an Israeli bombardment in Gaza 

Palestinian families flee from a tower block in Gaza City as Israel carries out further bombardments on Hamas targets

Palestinian families flee from a tower block in Gaza City as Israel carries out further bombardments on Hamas targets

Palestinian families flee from a tower block in Gaza City as Israel carries out further bombardments on Hamas targets 

Palestinians mourners carry the bodies of Ameera Soboh and her son, Abed Soboh, during their funeral in the aftermath of Israel's retaliatory overnight air strike

Palestinians mourners carry the bodies of Ameera Soboh and her son, Abed Soboh, during their funeral in the aftermath of Israel's retaliatory overnight air strike

Palestinians mourners carry the bodies of Ameera Soboh and her son, Abed Soboh, during their funeral in the aftermath of Israel’s retaliatory overnight air strike

A Palestinian mother and her son walk next a destroyed Hamas interior ministry site in the aftermath of Israel's air strike in Tal Al Hawa neighbourhood of Gaza

A Palestinian mother and her son walk next a destroyed Hamas interior ministry site in the aftermath of Israel's air strike in Tal Al Hawa neighbourhood of Gaza

A Palestinian mother and her son walk next a destroyed Hamas interior ministry site in the aftermath of Israel’s air strike in Tal Al Hawa neighbourhood of Gaza

Cars go up in flames after a rocket launched from the Gaza Strip landed nearby, in Ashkelon

Cars go up in flames after a rocket launched from the Gaza Strip landed nearby, in Ashkelon

Cars go up in flames after a rocket launched from the Gaza Strip landed nearby, in Ashkelon

Mourners carry the body of Amira Soboh, and her 19-year-old disabled son Abdelrahman, who were killed in Israeli airstrikes at their apartment building, during their funeral at the Shati refugee camp, in Gaza City

Mourners carry the body of Amira Soboh, and her 19-year-old disabled son Abdelrahman, who were killed in Israeli airstrikes at their apartment building, during their funeral at the Shati refugee camp, in Gaza City

Mourners carry the body of Amira Soboh, and her 19-year-old disabled son Abdelrahman, who were killed in Israeli airstrikes at their apartment building, during their funeral at the Shati refugee camp, in Gaza City

Palestinian mourners carry the body of 11-year-old Hussain Hamad, who was killed by an explosion in the Gaza Strip on Tuesday

Palestinian mourners carry the body of 11-year-old Hussain Hamad, who was killed by an explosion in the Gaza Strip on Tuesday

Palestinian mourners carry the body of 11-year-old Hussain Hamad, who was killed by an explosion in the Gaza Strip on Tuesday

A woman stands next to the rubble of a Hamas interior ministry building in the aftermath of Israel's air strike in Tal Al Hawa neighborhood in the south of Gaza

A woman stands next to the rubble of a Hamas interior ministry building in the aftermath of Israel's air strike in Tal Al Hawa neighborhood in the south of Gaza

A woman stands next to the rubble of a Hamas interior ministry building in the aftermath of Israel’s air strike in Tal Al Hawa neighborhood in the south of Gaza

Police then cancelled a right-wing Israeli march that was due to pass through the Old City and its Muslim Quarter in an effort to calm tensions.

The fighting has drawn calls for de-escalation from the international community and sharp rebukes from across the Muslim world.

In Washington, White House press secretary Jen Psaki said the administration, including President Joe Biden himself, was monitoring the violence.

‘We have serious concerns about the situation, including violent confrontations that we’ve seen over the last few days,’ she told reporters. The U.S. Embassy in Israel said the rocket fire was ‘unacceptable.’

The Israeli military said well over 50 rockets were fired into Israel throughout the evening, most of them aimed at southern Israeli towns near the border.

Lieutenant Colonel Conricus said six rockets were aimed at Jerusalem, some 60 miles (100 kilometers) away. It was believed to be the first rocket attack on the city since a 2014 war. 

Shortly after the sirens sounded, explosions could be heard in Jerusalem. One rocket fell on the western outskirts of the city, lightly damaging a home and causing a brush fire. The Israeli army said one rocket was intercepted and the others fell in open areas. 

Israel then responded with airstrikes on Hamas targets throughout Gaza. 

Seven members of a family, including three children, were killed in a blast in the northern town of Beit Hanoun. It was not immediately clear if the blast was caused by an airstrike or errant rocket.

Israel launched deadly air strikes on Gaza Monday in response to a barrage of rockets fired by Hamas and other Palestinian militants, amid spiralling violence sparked by unrest at Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa Mosque compound. Pictured: Streaks of light are seen as Israel's Iron Dome anti-missile system intercepts rockets launched from the Gaza Strip towards the country

Israel launched deadly air strikes on Gaza Monday in response to a barrage of rockets fired by Hamas and other Palestinian militants, amid spiralling violence sparked by unrest at Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa Mosque compound. Pictured: Streaks of light are seen as Israel's Iron Dome anti-missile system intercepts rockets launched from the Gaza Strip towards the country

Israel launched deadly air strikes on Gaza Monday in response to a barrage of rockets fired by Hamas and other Palestinian militants, amid spiralling violence sparked by unrest at Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa Mosque compound. Pictured: Streaks of light are seen as Israel’s Iron Dome anti-missile system intercepts rockets launched from the Gaza Strip towards the country

At least 20 people were killed, including nine children and a senior Hamas commander, and 65 others wounded, Gaza authorities said

Israel's army said 150 rockets had been launched from Gaza, dozens of which were intercepted by the Iron Dome Aerial Defence System, with no casualties reported. Pictured: One of the rockets being fired from Gaza City towards Israel

Israel's army said 150 rockets had been launched from Gaza, dozens of which were intercepted by the Iron Dome Aerial Defence System, with no casualties reported. Pictured: One of the rockets being fired from Gaza City towards Israel

Israel’s army said 150 rockets had been launched from Gaza, dozens of which were intercepted by the Iron Dome Aerial Defence System, with no casualties reported. Pictured: One of the rockets being fired from Gaza City towards Israel 

At least three exhaust trails were seen in the skies over Gaza City as explosions were heard, though was not immediately clear whether the rockets hit anything or were shot down

At least three exhaust trails were seen in the skies over Gaza City as explosions were heard, though was not immediately clear whether the rockets hit anything or were shot down

At least three exhaust trails were seen in the skies over Gaza City as explosions were heard, though was not immediately clear whether the rockets hit anything or were shot down

Fighting today saw at least 305 Palestinians hurt, including 205 taken to hospital, five in serious condition. Some 21 police were hurt, including one seriously, the Israeli security services sai

Fighting today saw at least 305 Palestinians hurt, including 205 taken to hospital, five in serious condition. Some 21 police were hurt, including one seriously, the Israeli security services sai

Fighting today saw at least 305 Palestinians hurt, including 205 taken to hospital, five in serious condition. Some 21 police were hurt, including one seriously, the Israeli security services sai

Ashraf al-Masri, a member of the family, said there was an explosion outside the house.

‘We don’t know where it came from,’ he said. ‘We are trying to get the children for burial but the situation is difficult in Beit Hanoun and we are afraid to leave our houses.’

Abu Obeida, spokesman for Hamas’ military wing, said the attack on Jerusalem was a response to what he called Israeli ‘crimes and aggression’ in the city. ‘This is a message the enemy has to understand well,’ he said.

He threatened more attacks if Israeli forces re-enter the sacred Al-Aqsa Mosque compound or carry out planned evictions of Palestinian families from an east Jerusalem neighbourhood.

Fears of further chaos in the Old City had eased somewhat today when Israeli organisers cancelled a march to celebrate the Jewish state’s 1967 capture of east Jerusalem that was due to pass through the Old City.

But then came the Hamas warning, followed shortly after by the rockets.

‘An alarm has just been sounded in Jerusalem. Police forces have begun evacuating hundreds of people’ gathered at the Wailing Wall to safer locations, police said in a brief statement.

A fire billows from Israeli air strikes in Khan Yunis, in the southern Gaza Strip on Tuesday morning

A fire billows from Israeli air strikes in Khan Yunis, in the southern Gaza Strip on Tuesday morning

A fire billows from Israeli air strikes in Khan Yunis, in the southern Gaza Strip on Tuesday morning 

A fire rages following an Israeli air strike overnight on the southern Gaza region of Khan Yunis, controlled by the Hamas movement, early on Tuesday

A fire rages following an Israeli air strike overnight on the southern Gaza region of Khan Yunis, controlled by the Hamas movement, early on Tuesday

A fire rages following an Israeli air strike overnight on the southern Gaza region of Khan Yunis, controlled by the Hamas movement, early on Tuesday

A fire rages following an Israeli air strike overnight on the southern Gaza region of Khan Yunis, controlled by the Hamas movement, early on Tuesday

A fire rages following an Israeli air strike overnight on the southern Gaza region of Khan Yunis, controlled by the Hamas movement, early on Tuesday

Fire billows from an Israeli air strike in the Gaza Strip, controlled by the Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas

Fire billows from an Israeli air strike in the Gaza Strip, controlled by the Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas

 Fire billows from an Israeli air strike in the Gaza Strip, controlled by the Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas

Hamas, a militant group which controls the Gaza Strip, had earlier issued a 6pm ultimatum for Israel to withdraw security forces from the Al-Aqsa Mosque in east Jerusalem. The rockets were fired after the deadline lapsed. Pictured: Rockets are seen being fired from Gaza

Hamas, a militant group which controls the Gaza Strip, had earlier issued a 6pm ultimatum for Israel to withdraw security forces from the Al-Aqsa Mosque in east Jerusalem. The rockets were fired after the deadline lapsed. Pictured: Rockets are seen being fired from Gaza

Hamas, a militant group which controls the Gaza Strip, had earlier issued a 6pm ultimatum for Israel to withdraw security forces from the Al-Aqsa Mosque in east Jerusalem. The rockets were fired after the deadline lapsed. Pictured: Rockets are seen being fired from Gaza

The Israeli military said it had targeted 'two rocket launchers, two military posts', a tunnel and eight Hamas operatives in Gaza

The Israeli military said it had targeted 'two rocket launchers, two military posts', a tunnel and eight Hamas operatives in Gaza

The Israeli military said it had targeted ‘two rocket launchers, two military posts’, a tunnel and eight Hamas operatives in Gaza

An Israeli military vehicle is seen firing tear gas canisters towards Palestinians during Monday’s protests

An ISraeli police officer walks past burning debris during an anti-Israel protest by Palestinians over tension in Jerusalem, in Bethlehem in the Israeli-occupied West Bank

An ISraeli police officer walks past burning debris during an anti-Israel protest by Palestinians over tension in Jerusalem, in Bethlehem in the Israeli-occupied West Bank

An ISraeli police officer walks past burning debris during an anti-Israel protest by Palestinians over tension in Jerusalem, in Bethlehem in the Israeli-occupied West Bank

Israeli border police members take position near burning barricades during the violent protests on Monday evening

Israeli border police members take position near burning barricades during the violent protests on Monday evening

Israeli border police members take position near burning barricades during the violent protests on Monday evening

The fighting has drawn calls for de-escalation from the international community and sharp rebukes from across the Muslim world

The fighting has drawn calls for de-escalation from the international community and sharp rebukes from across the Muslim world

The fighting has drawn calls for de-escalation from the international community and sharp rebukes from across the Muslim world

This boy was pictured being treated in hospital after he was injured following an Israeli airstrike in the Gaza strip on Monday

This boy was pictured being treated in hospital after he was injured following an Israeli airstrike in the Gaza strip on Monday

This boy was pictured being treated in hospital after he was injured following an Israeli airstrike in the Gaza strip on Monday

Israeli troops are seen during clashes with Palestinian protesters in the city center of the West Bank city of Hebron on Monday

Israeli troops are seen during clashes with Palestinian protesters in the city center of the West Bank city of Hebron on Monday

Israeli troops are seen during clashes with Palestinian protesters in the city center of the West Bank city of Hebron on Monday

Rescue teams inspect the damage to Palestinian homes in the town of Beit Hanoun caused by Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza Strip. Twenty Palestinians were killed in a series of Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza Strip on Monday. They were launched after Hamas fired rockets towards Jerusalem

Rescue teams inspect the damage to Palestinian homes in the town of Beit Hanoun caused by Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza Strip. Twenty Palestinians were killed in a series of Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza Strip on Monday. They were launched after Hamas fired rockets towards Jerusalem

Rescue teams inspect the damage to Palestinian homes in the town of Beit Hanoun caused by Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza Strip. Twenty Palestinians were killed in a series of Israeli airstrikes on the Gaza Strip on Monday. They were launched after Hamas fired rockets towards Jerusalem 

Protesters chant slogans and wave flags outside the Israeli Consulate during a protest against Israel on Monday in Istanbul, Turkey

Protesters chant slogans and wave flags outside the Israeli Consulate during a protest against Israel on Monday in Istanbul, Turkey

Protesters chant slogans and wave flags outside the Israeli Consulate during a protest against Israel on Monday in Istanbul, Turkey

A Palestinian man pushes a bloody stretcher after wounded residents were treated in hospital following the Israeli airstrikes

A Palestinian man pushes a bloody stretcher after wounded residents were treated in hospital following the Israeli airstrikes

A Palestinian man pushes a bloody stretcher after wounded residents were treated in hospital following the Israeli airstrikes

Palestinian protesters clash with Israeli troops at in the city center of the West Bank city of Hebron on Monday evening

Palestinian protesters clash with Israeli troops at in the city center of the West Bank city of Hebron on Monday evening

Palestinian protesters clash with Israeli troops at in the city center of the West Bank city of Hebron on Monday evening

Israel's Lieutenant Colonel Conricus said six rockets were aimed at Jerusalem, some 60 miles (100 kilometers) away. It was believed to be the first rocket attack on the city since a 2014 war. Pictured: A Palestinian protester on Monday

Israel's Lieutenant Colonel Conricus said six rockets were aimed at Jerusalem, some 60 miles (100 kilometers) away. It was believed to be the first rocket attack on the city since a 2014 war. Pictured: A Palestinian protester on Monday

Israel’s Lieutenant Colonel Conricus said six rockets were aimed at Jerusalem, some 60 miles (100 kilometers) away. It was believed to be the first rocket attack on the city since a 2014 war. Pictured: A Palestinian protester on Monday

Israeli security forces clash with Palestinian protesters at the Hawara checkpoint, south of Nablus city, in the occupied West Bank

Israeli security forces clash with Palestinian protesters at the Hawara checkpoint, south of Nablus city, in the occupied West Bank

Israeli security forces clash with Palestinian protesters at the Hawara checkpoint, south of Nablus city, in the occupied West Bank

Hamas has fired several rockets towards Israel in recent days, some intercepted by the Iron Dome missile defence system

Hamas has fired several rockets towards Israel in recent days, some intercepted by the Iron Dome missile defence system

Hamas has fired several rockets towards Israel in recent days, some intercepted by the Iron Dome missile defence system

Demonstrators light flares during a protest against Israel near the Israeli Consulate in Istanbul, Turkey, on Monday

Demonstrators light flares during a protest against Israel near the Israeli Consulate in Istanbul, Turkey, on Monday

Demonstrators light flares during a protest against Israel near the Israeli Consulate in Istanbul, Turkey, on Monday

Palestinians burn tires after Israeli police used tear gas, rubber bullets and stun grenades to quell violent protests in the Nablus province of the West Bank

Palestinians burn tires after Israeli police used tear gas, rubber bullets and stun grenades to quell violent protests in the Nablus province of the West Bank

Palestinians burn tires after Israeli police used tear gas, rubber bullets and stun grenades to quell violent protests in the Nablus province of the West Bank

Abu Obeida, spokesman for Hamas' military wing, said the attack on Jerusalem was a response to what he called Israeli 'crimes and aggression' in the city. 'This is a message the enemy has to understand well,' he said

Abu Obeida, spokesman for Hamas' military wing, said the attack on Jerusalem was a response to what he called Israeli 'crimes and aggression' in the city. 'This is a message the enemy has to understand well,' he said

Abu Obeida, spokesman for Hamas’ military wing, said the attack on Jerusalem was a response to what he called Israeli ‘crimes and aggression’ in the city. ‘This is a message the enemy has to understand well,’ he said

Israel's Iron Dome aerial defence system intercepts rockets launched from the Gaza Strip, controlled by the Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas, above the southern Israeli city of Ashkelon, on Monday

Israel's Iron Dome aerial defence system intercepts rockets launched from the Gaza Strip, controlled by the Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas, above the southern Israeli city of Ashkelon, on Monday

Israel’s Iron Dome aerial defence system intercepts rockets launched from the Gaza Strip, controlled by the Palestinian Islamist movement Hamas, above the southern Israeli city of Ashkelon, on Monday 

A streak of light is seen as Israel's Iron Dome anti-missile system intercepts a rocket launched from the Gaza Strip towards Israel

A streak of light is seen as Israel's Iron Dome anti-missile system intercepts a rocket launched from the Gaza Strip towards Israel

A streak of light is seen as Israel’s Iron Dome anti-missile system intercepts a rocket launched from the Gaza Strip towards Israel

Israelis run for shelter in Jerusalem as bomb sirens sound after Hamas fired rockets from Gaza towards the Jewish state

Israelis run for shelter in Jerusalem as bomb sirens sound after Hamas fired rockets from Gaza towards the Jewish state

Israelis run for shelter in Jerusalem as bomb sirens sound after Hamas fired rockets from Gaza towards the Jewish state

An Israeli man carries his son towards a bomb shelter in Jerusalem after Hamas launched rockets at Israel from Gaza

An Israeli man carries his son towards a bomb shelter in Jerusalem after Hamas launched rockets at Israel from Gaza

An Israeli man carries his son towards a bomb shelter in Jerusalem after Hamas launched rockets at Israel from Gaza

Shocking CCTV has revealed the moment Palestinian protesters pelted an Israeli man's car with rocks during clashes near Jerusalem's Old City, before he drove into crowds

Shocking CCTV has revealed the moment Palestinian protesters pelted an Israeli man's car with rocks during clashes near Jerusalem's Old City, before he drove into crowds

Shocking CCTV has revealed the moment Palestinian protesters pelted an Israeli man’s car with rocks during clashes near Jerusalem’s Old City, before he drove into crowds

A gun-waving policeman eventually came to the man's aid as protesters continued throwing rocks, with hundreds of people injured in violence today

A gun-waving policeman eventually came to the man's aid as protesters continued throwing rocks, with hundreds of people injured in violence today

A gun-waving policeman eventually came to the man’s aid as protesters continued throwing rocks, with hundreds of people injured in violence today

Moments later, the man was involved in a fist-fight with police just inches away amid the worst violence that Jerusalem has seen in recent years

Moments later, the man was involved in a fist-fight with police just inches away amid the worst violence that Jerusalem has seen in recent years

Moments later, the man was involved in a fist-fight with police just inches away amid the worst violence that Jerusalem has seen in recent years

Medics evacuate a protester who was injured near the Lions' Gate entrance to Jerusalem's Old City amid fresh violence on the streets today

Medics evacuate a protester who was injured near the Lions' Gate entrance to Jerusalem's Old City amid fresh violence on the streets today

Medics evacuate a protester who was injured near the Lions’ Gate entrance to Jerusalem’s Old City amid fresh violence on the streets today

Clashes between Israeli security forces and Palestinians began during Ramadan, but dramatically escalated at the weekend with fighting around the Al-Aqsa mosque

Clashes between Israeli security forces and Palestinians began during Ramadan, but dramatically escalated at the weekend with fighting around the Al-Aqsa mosque

Clashes between Israeli security forces and Palestinians began during Ramadan, but dramatically escalated at the weekend with fighting around the Al-Aqsa mosque

Paramedics take the injured Palestinians after Israeli police moved into the Temple Mount compound - known to Muslims as Haram esh-Sharif - to clear demonstrators away

Paramedics take the injured Palestinians after Israeli police moved into the Temple Mount compound - known to Muslims as Haram esh-Sharif - to clear demonstrators away

Paramedics take the injured Palestinians after Israeli police moved into the Temple Mount compound – known to Muslims as Haram esh-Sharif – to clear demonstrators away

On Monday evening, Palestinians continued gathering outside the Al-Aqsa Compound, in East Jerusalem

On Monday evening, Palestinians continued gathering outside the Al-Aqsa Compound, in East Jerusalem

On Monday evening, Palestinians continued gathering outside the Al-Aqsa Compound, in East Jerusalem

Israeli Police officers clash with Palestinians at Damascus Gate in Jerusalem's old city during Israel's 'Jerusalem Day'

Israeli Police officers clash with Palestinians at Damascus Gate in Jerusalem's old city during Israel's 'Jerusalem Day'

Israeli Police officers clash with Palestinians at Damascus Gate in Jerusalem’s old city during Israel’s ‘Jerusalem Day’

Hamas has fired several rockets towards Israel in recent days, some intercepted by the Iron Dome missile defence system, while militants in Gaza have deployed incendiary balloons that have sparked dozens of fires in Israeli territory.

Israel’s army earlier announced widespread road closures in communities near the Gaza border, following a ‘situational assessment’, and two municipalities near Gaza, Ashkelon and Kyriat Malachi, confirmed that they had opened their bomb shelters.

Monday’s clashes mark the fourth straight day of fighting between Palestinians and Israeli security forces in Jerusalem, the most serious period of violence the city has seen since 2017. 

Tensions between the two sides had been simmering since mid-April because Israeli forces had restricted access to the Al Aqsa Mosque during the holy month of Ramadan.

But the clashes suddenly escalated on Friday with violence in and around the mosque, which drew more people on to the streets. Protesters have also been angered by a long-running court battle between Jewish settlers and Palestinian homeowners in east Jerusalem, where the Old City is located.  

A court that was due to rule on the issue today has postponed the date.    

Medical workers evacuate a wounded protester from near the Dome of the Rock, Judaism's holiest site that sits just next to the Al Aqsa Mosque which has been at the centre of clashes

Medical workers evacuate a wounded protester from near the Dome of the Rock, Judaism's holiest site that sits just next to the Al Aqsa Mosque which has been at the centre of clashes

Medical workers evacuate a wounded protester from near the Dome of the Rock, Judaism’s holiest site that sits just next to the Al Aqsa Mosque which has been at the centre of clashes

An injured man is helped to his feet by a passerby inside the Temple Mount/Haram esh-Sharif compound in Jerusalem

An injured man is helped to his feet by a passerby inside the Temple Mount/Haram esh-Sharif compound in Jerusalem

An injured man is helped to his feet by a passerby inside the Temple Mount/Haram esh-Sharif compound in Jerusalem

Israeli security forces detain a Palestinian protester amid clashes at the Damascus Gate in Jerusalem's Old City amid some of the worst clashes in the city for years

Israeli security forces detain a Palestinian protester amid clashes at the Damascus Gate in Jerusalem's Old City amid some of the worst clashes in the city for years

Israeli security forces detain a Palestinian protester amid clashes at the Damascus Gate in Jerusalem’s Old City amid some of the worst clashes in the city for years

Israeli security forces clash with Palestinian protesters at Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa mosque compound today

Israeli security forces clash with Palestinian protesters at Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa mosque compound today

Israeli security forces clash with Palestinian protesters at Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa mosque compound today

A member of Israeli police aims a weapon during clashes with Palestinians at the compound that houses Al-Aqsa Mosque

A member of Israeli police aims a weapon during clashes with Palestinians at the compound that houses Al-Aqsa Mosque

A member of Israeli police aims a weapon during clashes with Palestinians at the compound that houses Al-Aqsa Mosque

Israeli riot police are seen forming a shield wall near the Al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem's Old City amid violent clashes with Palestinian protesters that have entered their third day

Israeli riot police are seen forming a shield wall near the Al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem's Old City amid violent clashes with Palestinian protesters that have entered their third day

Israeli riot police are seen forming a shield wall near the Al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem’s Old City amid violent clashes with Palestinian protesters that have entered their third day

The leader of the far-right Religious Zionism party, Bezalel Smotrich, announced a visit Monday to the tense Sheikh Jarrah district which is at the centre of property disputes.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday defended Israel’s response to the protests and rioting.

‘We will uphold law and order – vigorously and responsibly,’ Netanyahu said while vowing to ‘guard freedom of worship for all faiths’. 

Monday’s clashes broke out after Palestinians gathered around the Al-Aqsa Mosque in anticipation of the arrival of the Jerusalem Day march, which is due to end at the nearby Dome of the Rock.

Israeli security forces said demonstrators barricaded themselves inside the mosque, and officers were sent in to clear them out. Rocks were thrown at police, who opened fire with tear gas and rubber bullets.

Witnesses said some of the tear gas grenades landed inside the mosque. The BBC also reported confrontations in the northern Israeli city of Haifa, and near the West Bank city of Ramallah. 

The scenes around Al-Aqsa Mosque mirror those which took place on Friday and have seen Israeli forces criticised for heavy-handed tactics. 

All six Arab nations that have diplomatic ties with Israel – Egypt, Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Morocco and Sudan – have condemned the Jewish state.

In Jordan, the custodian of Jerusalem’s holy Islamic and Christian sites, King Abdullah II condemned ‘Israeli violations and escalatory practices at the blessed Al-Aqsa mosque’.

Jordan and Egypt both summoned Israeli envoys on Sunday to lodge protests.

Tunisia said the UN Security Council was to hold a closed-door meeting Monday, at its request, on the violence.

The Middle East quartet of envoys from the European Union, Russia, the United States and the United Nations – and Pope Francis – have all called for calm.

‘Israeli authorities must exercise maximum restraint and respect the right to freedom of peaceful assembly,’ UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said.  

Clashes between Israeli security forces and Palestinian protesters have been centered around the Asl-Aqsa Mosque. Today, at Lions' Gate, a car was filmed driving into protesters as they pelted it with rocks. Later today, a Jerusalem Day procession is due to pass through Damascus Gate and through the Muslim quarter of the city, amid fears it will spark more clashes

Clashes between Israeli security forces and Palestinian protesters have been centered around the Asl-Aqsa Mosque. Today, at Lions' Gate, a car was filmed driving into protesters as they pelted it with rocks. Later today, a Jerusalem Day procession is due to pass through Damascus Gate and through the Muslim quarter of the city, amid fears it will spark more clashes

Clashes between Israeli security forces and Palestinian protesters have been centered around the Asl-Aqsa Mosque. Today, at Lions’ Gate, a car was filmed driving into protesters as they pelted it with rocks. Later today, a Jerusalem Day procession is due to pass through Damascus Gate and through the Muslim quarter of the city, amid fears it will spark more clashes

Israeli police detain a Palestinian man during clashes around the compound that houses Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem

Israeli police detain a Palestinian man during clashes around the compound that houses Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem

Israeli police detain a Palestinian man during clashes around the compound that houses Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem

Israeli security forces detain a Palestinian man near Jerusalem's Old City, amid clashes that are the worst to have hit the city since at least 2017

Israeli security forces detain a Palestinian man near Jerusalem's Old City, amid clashes that are the worst to have hit the city since at least 2017

Israeli security forces detain a Palestinian man near Jerusalem’s Old City, amid clashes that are the worst to have hit the city since at least 2017

Israeli police stand guard at one of the entrances to Jerusalem's Old City amid the worst clashes the city has seen since 2017

Israeli police stand guard at one of the entrances to Jerusalem's Old City amid the worst clashes the city has seen since 2017

Israeli police stand guard at one of the entrances to Jerusalem’s Old City amid the worst clashes the city has seen since 2017

Paramedics take away an injured Palestinian while Israeli security forces look on amid clashes in Jerusalem's Old City

Paramedics take away an injured Palestinian while Israeli security forces look on amid clashes in Jerusalem's Old City

Paramedics take away an injured Palestinian while Israeli security forces look on amid clashes in Jerusalem’s Old City

Palestinian medics evacuate a wounded protester from the Aqsa mosque compound in Jerusalem's Old City

Palestinian medics evacuate a wounded protester from the Aqsa mosque compound in Jerusalem's Old City

Palestinian medics evacuate a wounded protester from the Aqsa mosque compound in Jerusalem’s Old City

Palestinians clash with Israeli security forces at the Al Aqsa Mosque compound, which has seen three days of violence

Palestinians clash with Israeli security forces at the Al Aqsa Mosque compound, which has seen three days of violence

Palestinians clash with Israeli security forces at the Al Aqsa Mosque compound, which has seen three days of violence

Palestinians who had gathered near the Al Aqsa Mosque are dispersed by Israeli security forces

Palestinians who had gathered near the Al Aqsa Mosque are dispersed by Israeli security forces

Palestinians who had gathered near the Al Aqsa Mosque are dispersed by Israeli security forces

Palestinians take cover as Israeli police open fire with tear gas and rubber bullets while medics rush to help the injured

Palestinians take cover as Israeli police open fire with tear gas and rubber bullets while medics rush to help the injured

Palestinians take cover as Israeli police open fire with tear gas and rubber bullets while medics rush to help the injured

A Palestinian man rushes to get rid of a tear gas grenade amid clashes with Israeli security forces near the Dome of the Rock

A Palestinian man rushes to get rid of a tear gas grenade amid clashes with Israeli security forces near the Dome of the Rock

A Palestinian man rushes to get rid of a tear gas grenade amid clashes with Israeli security forces near the Dome of the Rock

Medics treat a wounded man during clashes with Israeli security forces at the Al Aqsa Mosque compound

Medics treat a wounded man during clashes with Israeli security forces at the Al Aqsa Mosque compound

Medics treat a wounded man during clashes with Israeli security forces at the Al Aqsa Mosque compound

The UN children’s agency UNICEF said that over two days, 29 Palestinian children had been injured in east Jerusalem, including a one-year-old.

The unrest of past weeks in east Jerusalem, which Palestinians claim as their future capital, has multiple causes.

Much of the recent violence stems from a long-running legal effort by Jewish settler groups to evict several Palestinians from their homes in Sheikh Jarrah.

A lower court ruling earlier this year backing the settlers’ decades-old claim to the plots infuriated Palestinians.

A Supreme Court hearing on a Palestinian appeal had been set for Monday, but the justice ministry said Sunday that in light of ‘all the circumstances’ it would delay the hearing.

Old City shopkeeper Mohammad said Israeli police told him he must close Monday afternoon, when Israeli Jews plan to march with Israeli flags to mark Jerusalem’s ‘reunification’.

Israel annexed east Jerusalem following the 1967 takeover, a move not recognised by most of the international community.

The unrest has spread across the Palestinian territories, including demonstrations and clashes in the occupied West Bank.

Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas has expressed ‘full support for our heroes in Al-Aqsa’.

Hamas Islamists who control the Gaza Strip have also voiced support for the Palestinian protesters and warned Israel of retribution if evictions proceed in Sheikh Jarrah.

Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh called Sunday for a united Arab and Muslim response against Israel’s ‘provocative desecration of the sanctity of Al-Aqsa Mosque’.

Four rockets were fired from Gaza towards Israel on Sunday, the army said, as well as incendiary balloons that started 39 fires on Israeli territory, according to the fire services.

The Israeli military said late Sunday that ‘tanks just struck Hamas terror targets in Gaza’, without giving further details.

Palestinians clash with Israeli security forces at the Al Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem's Old City

Palestinians clash with Israeli security forces at the Al Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem's Old City

Palestinians clash with Israeli security forces at the Al Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem’s Old City

Palestinians clash with Israeli security forces at the Al Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem's Old City

Palestinians clash with Israeli security forces at the Al Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem's Old City

Palestinians clash with Israeli security forces at the Al Aqsa Mosque compound in Jerusalem’s Old City

A member of Israeli security forces runs amid clashes with Palestinian protesters in Jerusalem's Old City

A member of Israeli security forces runs amid clashes with Palestinian protesters in Jerusalem's Old City

A member of Israeli security forces runs amid clashes with Palestinian protesters in Jerusalem’s Old City

Israeli police detain a Palestinian during clashes at the compound that houses Al-Aqsa Mosque, known to Muslims as Noble Sanctuary and to Jews as Temple Mount

Israeli police detain a Palestinian during clashes at the compound that houses Al-Aqsa Mosque, known to Muslims as Noble Sanctuary and to Jews as Temple Mount

Israeli police detain a Palestinian during clashes at the compound that houses Al-Aqsa Mosque, known to Muslims as Noble Sanctuary and to Jews as Temple Mount

Medics tend to a wounded Palestinian during clashes with Israeli police at the compound that houses Al-Aqsa Mosque

Medics tend to a wounded Palestinian during clashes with Israeli police at the compound that houses Al-Aqsa Mosque

Medics tend to a wounded Palestinian during clashes with Israeli police at the compound that houses Al-Aqsa Mosque

A Palestinian man is confronted by Israeli security forces in Jerusalem's Old City

A Palestinian man is confronted by Israeli security forces in Jerusalem's Old City

A Palestinian man is confronted by Israeli security forces in Jerusalem’s Old City

An Israeli police officer carries a shattered riot shield through the Temple Mount compound surrounded by rocks following clashes with Palestinian protesters

An Israeli police officer carries a shattered riot shield through the Temple Mount compound surrounded by rocks following clashes with Palestinian protesters

An Israeli police officer carries a shattered riot shield through the Temple Mount compound surrounded by rocks following clashes with Palestinian protesters

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