In pictures: Demonstrating unity, Palestinians go on strike Middle East News

Stalls were closed in Gaza, the occupied West Bank and inland towns in Israel, as Palestinians saw a general strike against the occupation and protested that the Israeli-blocked enclave was constantly being bombed.

The strike, led by Hamas, a group led by Gaza and parties in the Fatah Palestinian Authority government, are pushing for an end to all economic activity and the closure of educational institutions.

“It is the first time in decades that Palestinians of all political divisions have taken part in this general strike,” said Nida Ibrahim of Al Jazeera, Ramallah reported.

At least 212 Palestinians, including 61 children, have been killed and 1,500 injured since Israel began its Israeli offensive in Gaza on May 10. Ten people have also been killed in Israel, including two children, in rocket attacks from Gaza.

Hamas has said it fired rockets as revenge to force Palestinians out of East Jerusalem and Israeli attacks on the Al-Aqsa Mosque.

Israeli forces have killed at least 21 Palestinians in the occupied West Bank since last week.