Palestinian killed
Israeli forces have shot dead another Palestinian man, amid mounting tensions across the occupied territories. The victim has been identified as 20-year-old Ayed Azzam Saleem. He was fatally shot in Azzun town in the north of the occupied West Bank. The Palestinian health ministry said the young man was hit in the chest and belly. According to eyewitnesses, Israeli soldiers directly fired at young Palestinians who were demonstrating at the entrance of the town. So far this year, Israeli forces have killed around 100 Palestinians, mostly in the occupied West Bank.
Israel protests
Demonstrators have rallied for the 14th consecutive week in Tel Aviv to protest against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s judicial overhaul. The protesters held signs and chanted slogans against the far-right Israeli cabinet. They also blocked roads and highways to protect what they called the unity of the people. The protesters urged Netanyahu to scrap the legislation despite his decision to delay the process. Similar protests were held in a number of other cities across the occupied territories. The Demonstrations erupted in January after the cabinet announced its reforms to limit the Supreme Court’s powers. Critics argue that the changes will lead to corruption and bring about diplomatic isolation.
Yemen ceasefire talks
Diplomatic efforts to end the war in Yemen have gained momentum in recent weeks. An Omani delegation has arrived in Sana’a to discuss a permanent ceasefire deal with Yemen’s Ansarullah movement. A Saudi delegation is also slated to arrive in the Yemeni capital. The discussions are focused on a full reopening of Yemen's ports and airports, payment of wages for public servants, and a political transition. Reports indicate that if talks succeed, an agreement can be announced before Islamic holiday of Eid al-Fitr later this month. In a sign that peace talks are progressing, a Saudi-led military coalition lifted eight-year-old restrictions on imports headed for Yemen's southern ports. Saudi Arabia also freed 13 detainees ahead of a wider prisoner swap. Riyadh and its allies launched a devastating war and blockade on the impoverished country back in 2015 to restore a friendly regime there.