Malala expresses solidarity with Palestinians

In a statement posted on her Twitter page on Wednesday (May 12), Yousafzai said: "After decades of oppression against Palestinians, we cannot deny the asymmetry of power and the brutality of Israeli air strikes on women and children in Gaza to stun grenades targeting worshippers in Al-Aqsa."

"I especially call on for children's safety. A Palestinian child should be sitting in a classroom, not in rubble. World leaders must act immediately."

Israeli troops massed at Gaza's border on Thursday (May 13) and Palestinian militants pounded Israel with rockets in intense hostilities that have caused international concern and touched off clashes between Jews and Arabs in Israel.

Days of violence worsened overnight, with synagogues attacked and fighting breaking out on the streets of some communities.