More attacks on Gaza by Israeli fighter jets

GAZA: MONDAY, MAY 17, 2021 – Israeli warplanes pounded several parts of Gaza City on Monday morning. The airstrikes came as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu signaled more military action targeting Hamas rebels in Gaza.

The bomber struck shortly after noon in front of a police recruiting center at Gaza City. The latest attacks are more widespread than the previous day. The previous day, 42 Palestinians had been killed in air strikes.

The Israeli military says airstrikes have targeted the homes of nine Hamas commanders in Gaza. It was not immediately clear if anyone was injured in the latest attack on Monday morning.

In a televised address on Sunday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel was continuing its offensive against Hamas militants at full capacity and that it would take some time. He said the Hamas rebel group had to pay a heavy price.

Hamas rebels have also kept up pressure on Israel. Hamas fighters from the Gaza Strip are launching daily missile attacks on Israel.

Earlier, in 2014, there was a fierce war between Hamas and Israel. But this time the devastation was more devastating than in 2014, said Samir Al Khatib, an emergency services officer in Gaza who has seen both wars.

Hamas had earlier launched a missile attack on Jerusalem on Monday, prompting Israel to launch a major offensive against Gaza.

Hundreds of airstrikes in Gaza have so far killed at least 188 Palestinians, including 55 children and 33 women. One thousand 230 people have been injured in the attack. More than 3,000 missiles fired from Gaza into Israel have killed eight people so far.

Hamas and the Islamic Jihad rebel group have admitted killing 20 fighters on their side, but the Israeli military says a larger number have been killed.

UN diplomat Tor Wennesland has informed the UN Security Council that about 34,000 Palestinians have fled their homes to avoid the latest attack.

The United States has blocked efforts by China, Norway and Tunisia to issue a statement from the UN Security Council aimed at putting pressure on Israel. But the United States has expressed concern about the Israeli attack and called for caution, but also said Israel has the right to its sovereignty and self-defense.

Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki has called on the Security Council to take immediate action to stop the Israeli attack. But Israeli Ambassador to the United Nations Gerald Erdogan has called on the United Nations to put pressure on Hamas to stop its attacks on Israel. -AP