Palestinians celebrate near Al-Aqsa after Israel backs down

A clip circulating online that social media users claim is of Palestinian actors creating a “fake killing” at the hands of Israeli forces, is actually from a short film by a Palestinian director called “Empty Place,” based on real events.

A clip that social media users claim is of Palestinian actors creating a "fake killing" at the hands of Israeli forces is circulating online. But the images are actually from a short film by a Palestinian director called "Empty Place”, based on real events.We tell you more in this edition of Truth or Fake with Vedika Bahl.

One would assume that archaeology, the study of the human past through material remains, is a relatively neutral field. But in the context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, archaeological excavations have been used to dispossess disenfranchised communities. The Israeli NGO Emek Shaveh monitors and documents how numerous archaeological sites have been used to infringe on Palestinian property and cultural heritage rights. Its Executive Director Alon Arad joined us for Perspective.

US President Biden said efforts to secure a two-state solution must continue despite appearing far off. Palestinian President Abbas said there was a narrowing window to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

Relatives of the late journalist Shireen Abu Akleh pressed US Secretary of State Antony Blinken for accountability. The US-Palestinian reporter was killed as she covered an Israeli raid in the occupied West Bank.

The fragile cease-fire between Israel and Palestinian Islamic Jihad appears to be holding. The cease-fire follows three days of fighting between Israel and Palestinian militants that left dozens dead, hundreds injured.

The small militant faction has often been overshadowed by Hamas, but Israeli officials describe it as one of the most dangerous Palestinian armed groups.

The UN General Assembly has backed a Palestinian request to have the ICJ probe the occupation of the West Bank. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government said Israel would "respond as necessary."

FRANCE 24 spoke to the Prime Minister of the Palestinian Authority (PA) Mohammad Shtayyeh in Brussels where he unreservedly criticised the new Israeli government, claiming its goal is "annexation", and adding that "the whole settlement programme was designed to destroy the two-state solution".

In East Jerusalem, locals are still coming to terms with the trauma of the attack that left seven people dead as they gathered to pray at a synagogue on January 27. That attack was followed by a second incident the following day, which injured two Israelis.

From withholding nearly $40 million in tax revenue from the Palestinian Authority, to pledges to expand West Bank settlements and the Israeli security minister's controversial visit to the Al-Aqsa mosque compound, the first months of Israel's most far-right government in history presage a bleak outlook for peaceful relations between Israelis and Palestinians.

Delegates from Israel and the Palestinian Authority have pledged to counter a surge in violence and de-escalate tensions. At a rare meeting, representatives said they would work for a "just and lasting peace."