Israel on alert after West Bank protest casualties as death toll nears 800

Israeli security forces have been put on heightened alert after two Palestinians were killed during a massive protest in the West Bank. The victims were among an estimated 10,000 people who clashed violently with soldiers and border police at a checkpoint in Qalandiya, between Jerusalem and Ramallah. The protest came hours after 1 5 people were killed and more than 200 injured when a UN-run school in the city of Beit Hanoun, Gaza, was hit by an Israeli artillery shell.

They are rolling burning tyres and throwing Molotov cocktails and fireworks at soldiers and border police.

Israeli army spokesperson, speaking to AFP

Israel said today it had deployed thousands of security forces were deployed in and around Jerusalem to “deal with any disturbances”. The move came as Palestinians said Israeli aircraft struck 30 homes in Gaza early this morning, killing a senior militant. Israel’s security cabinet is meeting later to decide whether to expand its operation or consider a US-drafted proposal for a ceasefire in Gaza.

Middle East Gaza