Israel to resist foreign pressure to halt Gaza operations: NetanyahuJuly 12, 2014 - 12:51 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Israel will resist foreign pressure to halt its operations against Palestinian militants in the Gaza Strip, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, according to BBC News. He said Israel had attacked more than 1,000 targets there and was using twice the force it used during a similar operation in 2012. Palestinian officials say at least 121 people have died in the air strikes. Hamas militants have continued to fire rockets into Israel from Gaza, causing damage and injuries. Netanyahu said he had held "very good, positive" telephone consultations with U.S. President Barack Obama and German Chancellor Angela Merkel. But he added that "no international pressure will prevent us from acting with all power". The Palestinian health ministry says in addition to those killed, 750 people - mainly civilians - have been injured in Israel's Operation Protective Edge since it began earlier this week. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has estimated that 77% of the people killed in Gaza so far have been civilians. Israel says "dozens of terrorists" are among the dead. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay says there is "serious doubt" as to whether Israeli's military operation complies with international laws banning the targeting of civilians. "We have received deeply disturbing reports that many of the civilian casualties, including of children, occurred as a result of strikes on homes," Pillay said in a statement, according to the BBC. Israel has repeatedly insisted that it tries to avoid civilian casualties, but says the militants often place their military assets in residential areas. Related links: Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. Armenia, Russia discuss life extension of Metsamor nuclear plant Issues regarding the extension of life of the 2nd power unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant were discussed in Yerevan. Armenians stage more campaigns against territorial concessions to Azerbaijan Protesters blocked more roads across Armenia on Friday, April 26 in continuing attempts to scuttle territorial concessions to Azerbaijan. |