Israeli protesters torch part of UN compound as ceasefire talks fail

The United Nations aid agency for Palestinians closed its East Jerusalem headquarters after Israeli residents set fire to the compound's perimeter. 

Philippe Lazzarini, head of UNWRA, said "This is an outrageous development. Once again, the lives of UN staff were at a serious risk," emphasizing Israel's responsibility to protect UN facilities. 

The incident marked ongoing tensions between Israel and UNRWA, accused by Israeli officials of aiding Hamas.

In recent developments amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza, tensions escalated as Hamas refuses to make further concessions after initially accepting a ceasefire proposal, according to reports from Al-Aqsa TV. 

Meanwhile, Israel's envoy to the US criticized the decision to withhold arms, labeling it as sending the "wrong message." UNRWA Chief highlighted Israeli residents' actions of setting fire to its headquarters in East Jerusalem, further exacerbating the situation. 

As ceasefire talks continued in Cairo, hopes for a resolution persist, but Egyptian sources have reported no concrete agreement. The region remains on edge, with the conflict showing no signs of abating.

After days of negotiations in Cairo, efforts to secure a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel have yet to yield a deal, according to Egyptian security sources. 

Confirming its approval of the mediators' ceasefire proposal, Hamas insisted it won't make further concessions.

Israel, open to a truce, rejects demands for an end to the war. The U.S. is continuing to engage in discussions, its representatives grappling with finalizing the agreement's text.

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Israeli residents ignited fires around the UN refugee agency's headquarters in East Jerusalem, endangering staff safety. UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini closed the compound, fearing further risk. 

Meanwhile, the closure of the Rafah border with Egypt halted vital aid, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis and leading to the collapse of Gaza's medical sector, as reported by UN aid chief Martin Griffiths.

The Gaza health ministry disclosed that the closure of the Rafah crossing with Egypt obstructed vital medical evacuations, supply shipments, and fuel deliveries crucial for hospital operations. 

Shelling forced the closure of Rafah's sole kidney dialysis center, prompting Ali Abu Khurma, a surgeon at Al Aqsa hospital, to lament the collapse of the entire medical sector.

Spain, Ireland, and other EU nations intend to recognize Palestine as a state on May 21, according to EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell. 

This move follows growing calls for a ceasefire amid escalating Palestinian-Israeli conflict. 

The decision coincides with a UN General Assembly vote to support Palestine's bid for full UN membership.

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is expected to present a critical report to Congress, indicating Israel's compliance with weapons terms in Gaza. 

The report, mentioned by Axios, comes after U.S. President Joe Biden's directive to evaluate Israel's use of U.S. weapons. Its completion is pending.

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