Palestinians Go On Strike As Fighting Rages

GAZA CITY, Gaza Strip (AP) – Palestinians across Israel and the occupied territories went on strike in a rare collective protest of Israel’s policies. It came as Israeli missiles toppled a building in Gaza and militants in the Hamas-ruled territory fired dozens of rockets that killed two people. Moves to broker a cease-fire appeared to gain some traction. U.S. officials said the Biden administration was privately encouraging Israel to wind down the bombardment of Gaza. And Egyptian negotiators working to halt the fighting were optimistic international pressure would force Israel to the table. The general strike by Palestinians was mostly peaceful. However clashes between Israeli forces and protesters in the occupied West Bank left three Palestinians dead.