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Islamic Jihad commander killed in Israeli air strike in Gaza

More than two hundred Palestinians, including 61 children, have been killed so far

gaza_carfinal.jpg An Israeli firefighter extinguishes a car which caught on fire after a rocket was launched from the Gaza Strip, on May 11 | Reuters

Israeli forces, in an airstrike, killed  Hussam Abu Harbeed, Islamic Jihad's northern division commander, late on Monday.

Israeli military in a statement said, Harbeen, who had been a commander with Islamic Jihad for 15 years, "was behind several anti-tank missile terror attacks against Israeli civilians."  Harbeed was killed near his home in Beit Lahiya in the northern Gaza Strip. The airstrike to kill Harbeed was carried out based on an intelligence report by Shin Bet, an Israeli security agency.  Harbeed's killing is likely to draw a fierce response from the militant group. 

More than two hundred Palestinians, including 61 children, have been killed as conflict between Israeli forces and Palestine enters week two. Despite mounting pressure from global powers to stop conflict in the territory, Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu has said that bombardment would rage on.  

Sunday saw the highest number of Palestinians-- 40-- losing their lives since the conflict began.  

The Israeli military unleashed a wave of heavy airstrikes on the Gaza Strip early on Monday, saying it destroyed 15 kilometres (nine miles) of militant tunnels and the homes of nine Hamas commanders.

Gaza fighters, on Monday night, fired about 60 rockets towards Israeli cities, the Israeli military said-- a drop from 120 and 200 the two previous nights

Tensions began in east Jerusalem earlier this month, following Palestinian protests against Israel's forced evictions of residents in the East Jerusalem neighbourhood of Sheikh Jarrah. The conflict intensified after Israeli police stormed the holy Al-Aqsa Mosque, a frequent flashpoint located on a mount in the Old City that is revered by Muslims and Jews alike. 

US President Joe Biden, after a call with Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu, issued a statement expressing support for a ceasefire in the region.  Israeli media have reported that the military wanted to continue bombardment for a day or two before withdrawing. 

Early on Monday, Israeli military warplanes launched more heavy airstrikes on Gaza City and struck 110 targets.  

Egypt President Abdel Fatah al-Sisi told Al Jazeera, a ceasefire could be within reach. "Hope still exists that a collective action could end the conflict," he said.

The conflict is resulting in hostilities between Arabs and Jews-- riots have been breaking out and property is being damaged.  

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