Palestinians call general strike against Israeli bombing of Gaza

Palestinians from across Palestine and Israel took part in a general strike on Tuesday to protest Israeli airstrikes on Gaza.

The "dignity strike" was called after more than a week bombing on Gaza, plus other Israeli violations against the Palestinian people such as the ongoing efforts to expel residents from Sheikh Jarrah.

The walkout has affected all sectors, from public transport to banks, according to Arabi21, from Ramallah in the West Bank, to occupied Jerusalem, and even Israel itself.

The Arabic-language outlet said schools and universities cancelled lessons on Tuesday as teachers and students observed the protest.

Al Jazeera said both Fatah and Hamas have backed the strike.

A statement released on Monday by Fatah said "the Palestinian people are fighting a fateful battle that requires unprecedented unity among all internal factions, so we can unite against the enemy".

Arabi21 added that Ramallah saw thousands turn out to a protest that started at the Al-Manara roundabout and continued toward the Beit El checkpoint.

مسيرة في #رام_الله باتجاه حاجز #بيت_ايل

فيديو للزميلة @iYaraAmleh #فلسطين #غزة #الخليل #القدس pic.twitter.com/GgtrIPABne

— Reema Abuhamdieh (@ReemaAH_RT) May 18, 2021

According to The New Arab's Arabic-language sister service, Al-Araby Al-Jadeed, protesters were injured by Israeli forces, after live and rubber bullets were used.

The Palestinian health ministry said the Palestine Medical Complex has received nine people who were injured by live bullets. One is being treated for a serious injury to the neck.

Meanwhile, Israeli authorities attacked demonstrators marching in Qalqilya, using skunk water and sound and gas bombs against protesters, according to the Palestinian Wall and Settlement Resistance Authority director for the northern West Bank.

Violence also broke out in occupied Jerusalem, where Israeli state violence was turned on Palestinians at the Damascus Gate, half an hour prior to the start of a nearby protest.

Al-Araby Al-Jadeed said beatings and pepper spray were used by Israeli police.

Arab48 reported that Nazareth, a Palestinian city located within Israel's 1948 borders, has seen business halt in shops and essential services.

In the Mary's Well locale, where it is believed the Virgin Mary learned she would give birth to Jesus, there is a tent for people to talk and to engage in "patriotic events and activities".

The New Arab's affiliate added that the Negev has seen around 150 young Palestinians arrested.

So far, based on Palestinian health ministry reports, 213 people in Gaza have been killed after eight days of Israeli bombardment, including 61 children.

Israel has seen two children dead and a total of 12 fatalities, according to Al Jazeera.