Death toll among Palestinians in Israeli aggression rises to 259

CAIRO – 20 May 2021: The death toll among the Palestinians, who were killed in the ongoing Israeli occupation aggression in Gaza, the West Bank, and Jerusalem, so far reached 259 civilians, including 69 children, announced the Palestinian Ministry of Health in its daily briefing on Thursday.

 

Since May 7, Israeli forces in the West Bank and Jerusalem have been engaged in clashes with civilians who were protesting forced displacement, particularly from Sheikh Jarrah eastern Jerusalem, and assaults on worshippers in Al Aqsa Mosque. And, since May 10, Israel has been shelling and carrying out airstrikes against Gaza Strip. 

 

In Gaza Strip, casualties recorded 230 deaths, including 65 children and 39 women, while the number of the killed people in the West Bank reached 24 deaths, including four children and a woman.

 

In response to the Israeli aggression and violations, the Palestinian movement of Hamas has launched missiles from Gaza on Tel Aviv and Ashkelon as well as a number of Palestinian settlements and Lod Airport.

 

Palestinian Al-Qassam Brigades, affiliated with Hamas, published on Thursday video footage showing a bus of Israeli soldiers at the Batar Zikim base was targeted by a guided missile.

 

Meanwhile, Egypt, the US and the UN are exerting tremendous efforts to bring an end to the escalation between the conflicting sides.

 

In a meeting with Member of the Palestine Liberation Organization Executive Committee and a member of Fatah's Central Committee Azzam al-Ahmad in Cairo on Thursday, Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry affirmed on Thursday that Egypt continues its intensive efforts and contacts to bring an end to the ongoing escalation.