Shops, schools and government offices shut across the occupied West Bank and annexed east Jerusalem as Palestinians staged a general strike protesting against Israel’s relentless onslaught in the Gaza Strip, AFP reports.

Many Palestinians took part and rallies were planned in the West Bank, according to Essam Abu Baker who coordinates Palestinian factions in Ramallah.He described the protest as part of a global effort to put pressure on Israel to stop its bombardment, reporting strikes also taking place in parts of Jordan and Lebanon.

“The strike today is not only in solidarity with Gaza, but also against the USA which used its veto in the Security Council against a truce,” he said, referring to the US rejection of a ceasefire resolution on Friday.