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11/22/2024 02:55:01 am

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West Bank Tension Intensifies; Six Palestinians Killed

A Palestinian stone-thrower kicks a tyre set ablaze during clashes with Israeli police in the East Jerusalem neighbourhood of Wadi al-Joz during a protest against the Israeli offensive on Gaza July 25, 2014. (REUTERS)

The confrontations between Israel and Palestinians in occupied West Bank have intensified on Friday, with at least six people confirmed dead as Palestinians protested over Israel's invasion of Gaza Strip that killed over 800 people.

The protests, which started after Palestinian officials called for a "day of rage" and marched to condemn Israel's military offensive, have continued in several areas of the West Bank with unarmed Hamas supporters battling Israeli forces with stones and firebombs.

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The protests were considered biggest demonstrations in the past years.

However, Israel confronted the protesters with live-fire offensive, killing six people and injuring hundreds of Palestinians who call for an end to the 18-day Israeli-Hamas war.

The deadliest incident happened in a demonstration near the flashpoint city of Hebron, where three Palestinians were killed during clashes with Israeli forces shooting live bullets, Reuters reported.

No fatalities were recorded on Israel side.

Moreover, a person in a car believed to be a Jewish settler shot dead a man and wounded three others who were walking along a main street near the city of Nablus, where demonstrations were held, Reuters added.

According to Palestinian health officials, the protests are expected to continue until weekend as the death toll in Gaza strip soared to 864 on Friday, most of them were civilian Palestinians, while the number of injured Palestinians reached over 5,700.

Meanwhile, at least 33 Israeli soldiers and three civilians were killed in the violence.

The sudden increase of fatalities was due to the ground invasion launched by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) last wee that mobilized tens of thousands of reservists to join its military power. The invasion was supported by aerial and naval assaults.

The IDF aims to stop Hamas from launching rockets to Israel, which it said has been successful so far.

In its latest report, the IDF said its soldiers found rocket launchers next to a school in the Gaza Strip and accused Hamas of intentionally hiding its weapons cache within civilian population.

While there are reports of truce between the two sides, no formal announcement was made as of late Friday.

The United States has proposed for a week-long ceasefire in a bid to end the bloodshed, but was reportedly turned down by Israel. No further details were discussed.

There are also reports that Israel and Hamas have agreed to a 12-hour humanitarian cease-fire starting on Saturday morning, but it still remains unclear what will be the next step following the temporary halt of their offensives. 

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