Palestinians go on strike as Israel-Hamas fighting rages

Palestinians across Israel and the occupied territories went on strike in a rare collective protest on Tuesday as the Israel-Hamas fighting gained more traction.

Palestinians across Israel and the occupied territories went on strike in a rare collective protest Tuesday as Israeli missiles toppled a building in Gaza and militants in the Hamas-ruled territory fired dozens of rockets that killed two people. The demonstrations and ongoing violence came as moves towards a cease-fire appeared to be gaining more traction. US officials said the Biden administration was privately encouraging Israel to wind down its bombardment of Gaza. Egyptian negotiators also were working to halt the fighting, and while they have not made progress with Israel, they were optimistic international pressure would force it to the table, according to an Egyptian diplomat who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was discussing diplomatic efforts.