Two US military bases in eastern Syria came under drone attacks reportedly launched by Iran-backed groups.

Lebanon's Iran-aligned Al Mayadeen TV on Thursday reported (Oct 19) a drone attack on the Al-Tanf base near Syria's borders with Iraq and Jordan, and a missile attack on the Conoco base in the countryside of the northern Deir al-Zor region.

The US military is yet to confirm the reports, and the local media did not provide any further information on casualties.

The Conoco base, which houses a gas field bordering&nbsp;Iraq, was struck by three explosive-laden drones, Omar Abu Layla, a Europe-based activist who heads the Deir Ezzor 24 media outlet, said.

<h2>Iran-backed groups held responsible&nbsp;</h2>

Rami Abdurrahman of the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, an opposition war monitor, said that three drones attacked the US base of Tanf in eastern Syria near where the borders of Syria, Jordan, and Iraq meet.

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A US military base in the Al-Tanf area of ​​Homs province, Syria, was attacked by a drone by resistance factions. 
Attack on the American Al-Tanf base on the Syrian-Iraqi-Jordanian border triangle with 3 drones 
Targeting of the American base Konitzo in the northern part of Deir… <a href="https://t.co/SGRFFXECSv">pic.twitter.com/SGRFFXECSv</a>
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It said two drones were shot down before reaching their targets while the third hit the base, causing some material damage, reports AP news agency.

The Observatory further claimed that fighters stationed in Iran, in eastern Syria, and western Iraq may have been responsible for the strikes.

<h2>US and Russian troops in Syria&nbsp;</h2>

The US has around 900 troops stationed in Syria alongside an unknown number of contractors ever since the defeat of the Islamic State group in 2019, reports AP news agency.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-us-state-department-official-resigns-over-bidens-one-sided-support-648825">Israel-Hamas war: US State Department official resigns over Biden’s ‘one-sided support’</a>

The troops, who first arrived in 2015, work alongside the Syrian Democratic Forces, an umbrella group of militias dominated by Kurdish fighters.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-what-is-islamic-jihad-group-blamed-for-gaza-hospital-blast-648529">Explained | What is Islamic Jihad, the group blamed for deadly blast in Gaza hospital</a>

Russia also has maintained sizable presence in the volatile region ever since the civil war broke out in 2015, and stands firmly in support of President Bashar al-Assad.

Though officially Russia has deployed its troops to fight the ISIS, it has largely helped Assad maintain his rule, which has been repeatedly challenged by Kurdish forces.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Two US military bases in eastern Syria came under drone attacks reportedly launched by Iran-backed groups. Lebanon's Iran-aligned Al Mayadeen TV on Thursday reported (Oct 19) a drone attack on the Al-Tanf base near Syria's borders with Iraq and Jordan, and a missile attack on the Conoco base in the countryside of the northern Deir al-Zor region.

Two US military bases in eastern Syria came under drone attacks reportedly launched by Iran-backed groups. Lebanon's Iran-aligned Al Mayadeen TV on Thursday reported (Oct 19) a drone attack on the Al-Tanf base near Syria's borders with Iraq and Jordan, and a missile attack on the Conoco base in the countryside of the northern Deir al-Zor region. The US military is yet to confirm the reports, and the local media did not provide any further information on casualties. The Conoco base, which houses a gas field bordering Iraq, was struck by three explosive-laden drones, Omar Abu Layla, a Europe-based activist who heads the Deir Ezzor 24 media outlet, said. Iran-backed groups held responsible Rami Abdurrahman of the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, an opposition war monitor, said that three drones attacked the US base of Tanf in eastern Syria near where the borders of Syria, Jordan, and Iraq meet. A US military base in the Al-Tanf area of Homs province, Syria, was attacked by a drone by resistance factions. Attack on the American Al-Tanf base on the Syrian-Iraqi-Jordanian border triangle with 3 drones Targeting of the American base Konitzo in the northern part of Deir… pic.twitter.com/SGRFFXECSv — Sprinter (@Sprinter99800) October 19, 2023 × It said two drones were shot down before reaching their targets while the third hit the base, causing some material damage, reports AP news agency. The Observatory further claimed that fighters stationed in Iran, in eastern Syria, and western Iraq may have been responsible for the strikes. US and Russian troops in Syria The US has around 900 troops stationed in Syria alongside an unknown number of contractors ever since the defeat of the Islamic State group in 2019, reports AP news agency. Also read | Israel-Hamas war: US State Department official resigns over Biden’s ‘one-sided support’ The troops, who first arrived in 2015, work alongside the Syrian Democratic Forces, an umbrella group of militias dominated by Kurdish fighters. Also read | Explained | What is Islamic Jihad, the group blamed for deadly blast in Gaza hospital Russia also has maintained sizable presence in the volatile region ever since the civil war broke out in 2015, and stands firmly in support of President Bashar al-Assad. Though officially Russia has deployed its troops to fight the ISIS, it has largely helped Assad maintain his rule, which has been repeatedly challenged by Kurdish forces. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Two US military bases attacked in eastern Syria: Report

A 53-year-old Black man, who was recently released after serving 16 years in prison on a wrongful conviction, was shot dead by a police officer in Georgia, US.

The incident happened on Monday (Oct 17) around 7:30 am (local time) over a traffic stop when the victim, Leonard Allan Cure, was on his way to visit his mother.

A Georgia sheriff’s deputy pulled Cure along Interstate 95, north of the Florida line.

Police said that Cure was found speeding at more than 90 mph (145 kph), and faced arrest for reckless driving.

As per the officer’s request, Cure got out of his car and he initially "complied with the officer's commands until learning he was under arrest," the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) said in a statement.

<h2>Altercation ensued between Cure and cop&nbsp;</h2>

A preliminary probe done by the agency found that an altercation ensued during which Cure was stunned with a Taser.

Cure then retaliated by assaulting the officer, who stunned him again. The deputy then used a baton to try to subdue the 53-year-old before firing his weapon, the GBI said.

The police officer has been put under administrative leave and a probe has been initiated, Larry Bruce, the public information officer for the Camden County Sheriff's Office, said.

The probe agency would also use the video recorded by the deputy’s body camera and patrol car dash camera along with the officer’s statement, said Stacy Carson, the GBI agent leading the shooting investigation, AP news agency reported.

<h2>Case of misunderstanding?</h2>

Seth Miller, executive director of the Innocence Project of Florida who helped Cure get freedom, lamented the death, saying that the officer should have taken into account Cure’s “overarching fear that at any moment the cops are going to come” and “take them back to jail or prison”.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-says-it-highly-values-north-koreas-support-against-ukraine-as-lavrov-arrives-in-pyongyang-648536">Russia says it 'highly values' North Korea's support against Ukraine as Lavrov arrives in Pyongyang</a>

He said that many exonerated persons undergo such mental trauma.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jordan-and-egypt-refuse-to-accept-palestinian-refugees-as-israel-continues-retaliatory-strikes-648436">Jordan and Egypt refuse to accept Palestinian refugees as Israel continues retaliatory strikes</a>

“That’s the context that people need to understand when they view any situation like this: You have a perfectly wonderful person who has a wrongful incarceration in their past and how that might contribute,” Miller said. “It is a tragedy all around.”

(With inputs from agencies)

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A 53-year-old Black man, who was recently released after serving 16 years in prison on a wrongful conviction, was shot dead by a police officer in Georgia, US. The incident happened on Monday (Oct 17) around 7:30 am (local time) over a traffic stop when the victim, Leonard Allan Cure, was on his way to visit his mother.

A 53-year-old Black man, who was recently released after serving 16 years in prison on a wrongful conviction, was shot dead by a police officer in Georgia, US. The incident happened on Monday (Oct 17) around 7:30 am (local time) over a traffic stop when the victim, Leonard Allan Cure, was on his way to visit his mother. A Georgia sheriff’s deputy pulled Cure along Interstate 95, north of the Florida line. Police said that Cure was found speeding at more than 90 mph (145 kph), and faced arrest for reckless driving. As per the officer’s request, Cure got out of his car and he initially "complied with the officer's commands until learning he was under arrest," the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI) said in a statement. Altercation ensued between Cure and cop A preliminary probe done by the agency found that an altercation ensued during which Cure was stunned with a Taser. Cure then retaliated by assaulting the officer, who stunned him again. The deputy then used a baton to try to subdue the 53-year-old before firing his weapon, the GBI said. The police officer has been put under administrative leave and a probe has been initiated, Larry Bruce, the public information officer for the Camden County Sheriff's Office, said. The probe agency would also use the video recorded by the deputy’s body camera and patrol car dash camera along with the officer’s statement, said Stacy Carson, the GBI agent leading the shooting investigation, AP news agency reported. Case of misunderstanding? Seth Miller, executive director of the Innocence Project of Florida who helped Cure get freedom, lamented the death, saying that the officer should have taken into account Cure’s “overarching fear that at any moment the cops are going to come” and “take them back to jail or prison”. Also read | Russia says it 'highly values' North Korea's support against Ukraine as Lavrov arrives in Pyongyang He said that many exonerated persons undergo such mental trauma. Also read | Jordan and Egypt refuse to accept Palestinian refugees as Israel continues retaliatory strikes “That’s the context that people need to understand when they view any situation like this: You have a perfectly wonderful person who has a wrongful incarceration in their past and how that might contribute,” Miller said. “It is a tragedy all around.” (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

US Black man, freed after wrongful conviction, shot dead by cop

Israeli soldiers have reportedly found North Korea-made artillery from Hamas militants, indicating Pyongyang’s involvement in the illegal supply of weapons to militant groups as a way to fund its nuclear weapons programme.

Although the Israeli Defence Force (IDF) is yet to make an official statement, AP news agency reported that Israeli forces seized an F-7 rocket-propelled grenade—a shoulder-fired weapon that fighters typically use against armoured vehicles—from the battlefield.

The report further states the weapon was first used when Hamas militants launched an unprecedented attack on October 7.

The confirmation first came from South Korean officials on Tuesday (Oct 17) who based their assertions on a military analysis of media photos and video of the Hamas attacks.

The officials identified the terrorists using F-7 rocket-propelled grenade launchers, which they claimed is another name for North Korea’s RPG-7 launcher. &nbsp;

<h2>North Korea supplying&nbsp;weapons to fund its weapons programme&nbsp;</h2>

“Hamas is believed to be directly or indirectly linked to North Korea in various areas, such as the weapons trade, tactical guidance and training,” a senior member of the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff, who did not want to be named, told reporters at a special press briefing in Seoul, reported the Yonhap news agency.

The official further claimed that North Korean-made 122mm multiple rocket launchers and artillery shells were also found on the Israel-Gaza border.

“There is a possibility that North Korea could use Hamas' attack methods [in the event of] a surprise invasion of South Korea," he said.

Moreover, Hamas has previously released many propaganda videos and photos showing its fighters with North Korea’s Bulsae guided anti-tank missile, reports AP news agency.

<h2>North Korea denies claims&nbsp;</h2>

A militant video examined by the AP showed one fighter carrying the F-7. Weapons seized by the Israeli military and shown to journalists also included that red stripe and other design elements matching the F-7.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/satellite-images-show-gazas-al-ahli-hospital-before-and-after-rocket-strike-648618">Satellite images show Gaza's Al-Ahli hospital before and after rocket strike</a>

Pyongyang, however, last week through its state-run KCNA news agency dismissed claims that Hamas used its weapons as “a groundless and false rumour” orchestrated by the United States.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/elon-musk-may-take-x-out-of-europe-to-dodge-anti-fake-news-eu-regulation-report-648596">Elon Musk may take X out of Europe to dodge anti-fake news EU regulation: Report</a>

Not only in the Hamas-Israel war, the West also suspects that North Korea has supplied ammunition, artillery shells and rockets to Russia for its war on Ukraine.

Last week, the White House said that North Korea recently delivered more than 1,000 containers of military equipment and munitions to Russia.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Israeli soldiers have reportedly found North Korea-made artillery from Hamas militants, indicating Pyongyang’s involvement in the illegal supply of weapons to militant groups as a way to fund its nuclear weapons programme.

Israeli soldiers have reportedly found North Korea-made artillery from Hamas militants, indicating Pyongyang’s involvement in the illegal supply of weapons to militant groups as a way to fund its nuclear weapons programme. Although the Israeli Defence Force (IDF) is yet to make an official statement, AP news agency reported that Israeli forces seized an F-7 rocket-propelled grenade—a shoulder-fired weapon that fighters typically use against armoured vehicles—from the battlefield. The report further states the weapon was first used when Hamas militants launched an unprecedented attack on October 7. The confirmation first came from South Korean officials on Tuesday (Oct 17) who based their assertions on a military analysis of media photos and video of the Hamas attacks. The officials identified the terrorists using F-7 rocket-propelled grenade launchers, which they claimed is another name for North Korea’s RPG-7 launcher. North Korea supplying weapons to fund its weapons programme “Hamas is believed to be directly or indirectly linked to North Korea in various areas, such as the weapons trade, tactical guidance and training,” a senior member of the South Korean Joint Chiefs of Staff, who did not want to be named, told reporters at a special press briefing in Seoul, reported the Yonhap news agency. The official further claimed that North Korean-made 122mm multiple rocket launchers and artillery shells were also found on the Israel-Gaza border. “There is a possibility that North Korea could use Hamas' attack methods [in the event of] a surprise invasion of South Korea," he said. Moreover, Hamas has previously released many propaganda videos and photos showing its fighters with North Korea’s Bulsae guided anti-tank missile, reports AP news agency. North Korea denies claims A militant video examined by the AP showed one fighter carrying the F-7. Weapons seized by the Israeli military and shown to journalists also included that red stripe and other design elements matching the F-7. Also read | Satellite images show Gaza's Al-Ahli hospital before and after rocket strike Pyongyang, however, last week through its state-run KCNA news agency dismissed claims that Hamas used its weapons as “a groundless and false rumour” orchestrated by the United States. Also read | Elon Musk may take X out of Europe to dodge anti-fake news EU regulation: Report Not only in the Hamas-Israel war, the West also suspects that North Korea has supplied ammunition, artillery shells and rockets to Russia for its war on Ukraine. Last week, the White House said that North Korea recently delivered more than 1,000 containers of military equipment and munitions to Russia. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Hamas used North Korea-made weapons in its attack against Israel: Report

US President Biden is expected to ask Congress to approve about 100 billion dollars in emergency funds to arm Israel, Ukraine And Taiwan, besides fortifying the US-Mexico border. So,the question remains can Washington afford to fuel the war of its allies when it has just averted a financial crisis in the country....

Israel-Hamas war: Can US fund the wars of its allies?

Amid the devastating Israel-Hamas war, many Israelis still await the return of their loved ones who are held captive by Hamas. WION's correspondent Jodie Cohen talked to some of such kin of the hostages who shared their pain with her.

Israel-Hamas war: Hamas hostages' kin speaks to WION, shares agony

The Hamas terrorists have released a video that is claimed to be the first footage of an Israeli held hostage in the Gaza Strip.

Israel-Hamas war: Hamas claims to hold 200-250 hostages, releases video

Hamas said the commander of the central brigade of its military wing, Ayman Nofal "Abu Ahmed," was killed in a strike in the Gaza Strip. Nofal was a member of the group's General Military Council. Israel's Defence Minister Yoav Gallant says members of the Hamas terror group have two options in the ongoing war in the Gaza Strip: to surrender or to die.

Israel-Hamas war | Israel to Hamas: Die or surrender

Palestinian singer Dalal Abu Amneh was detained by Israeli authorities for alleged "incitement" after she posted in favor of Gaza. The singer, who has over 300,000 Instagram followers, was taken into custody on Monday night at her Nazareth home.

Israel-Hamas war: Palestinian singer Dalal Abu Amneh arrested by Israeli forces

The devastation in Israel has sent tremors in the UK as well. Official figures by UK officials reveal there could be more than 10 British citizens who are feared to be dead or missing in Israel.

Israel-Hamas war: Israel bombs key areas in Gaza; Gazans forced to drink contaminated water

Hundreds of Palestinians were killed in a massive&nbsp;explosion at Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza City. The Gaza Health Ministry pegged the numbers to at least 500, with the casualties expected to rise.

The Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza City, which is run by the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem, housed the injured and other Palestinians seeking shelter.

The ministry alleged that Israeli warplanes bombed the Ahli Baptist Hospital.

However, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) denied that it was responsible for the attack, it instead blamed a "misfired rocket" by the Palestinian Islamic Jihad group.

<h2>What is Palestinian Islamic Jihad?</h2>

The Palestinian Islamic Jihad group is regarded as the second-largest armed group in Gaza. Though quite active in the region, its operations were often overlooked due to the dominating presence of the larger Hamas organisation, which has controlled and governed Gaza since 2007.

Like Hamas, Islamic Jihad is also a US-designated terrorist group.

The group was founded in the 1980s in the Gaza Strip by Fathi Shaqaqi and Abd al-Aziz Awda, who were students in Egypt and members of the Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood, a Sunni Islamist social movement founded by Hassan al-Banna in 1928.

Sometime in the late 1970s, the two felt that the Brotherhood was not fully committed to the Palestinian cause, and hence spawned an offshoot to fight the Israeli occupation in Gaza and the West Bank.

Both were heavily inspired by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini-led Iranian revolution.

But in 1981, the group got split from the Muslim Brotherhood, and was exiled to Gaza by the Egyptian government after the assassination of President Anwar Sadat.&nbsp;

It is believed that Iran’s Islamic regime supports both groups with funding and weapons.

Their ideology centred around reviving Islamic society by taking over the Holy Land, the historic region of Palestine that includes Israel, rather than through internal reform, like the Muslim Brotherhood.

The US, which designated Islamic Jihad a terrorist organisation in 1997, says the Islamic Jihad is committed to destroying Israel with the aim of creating an Islamic state that would include the West Bank, Gaza and Israel.

<h2>Differences between Islamic Jihad and Hamas</h2>

The core difference between Hamas and Islamic Jihad is that while the former accepts the state of Israel within its pre-1967 borders, the latter rejects this.

This is despite Hamas members continuing&nbsp;to call for Israel’s destruction.

Israeli military officials and analysts say Islamic Jihad is strongly influenced by Iran, whereas Hamas has more autonomy in its decision-making on the strip, reports Wall Street Journal.

<h2>Have Islamic Jihad and Hamas worked together before?</h2>

Islamic Jihad often acts independently of Hamas and is focused primarily on military confrontations. On some occasions, Hamas has stayed on the sidelines as Islamic Jihad has clashed with Israel. In other cases, Hamas has joined the Islamic Jihad in battling the Israeli military.

“But at times it is a tense relationship, especially when Hamas has exerted pressure on Islamic Jihad to stop attacks or retaliation against Israel," the New York Times report said.

<h2>What role did Islamic Jihad play in Oct 7 attacks on Israel?</h2>

Leader of Islamic Jihad Ziyad al-Nakhalah said in a televised speech that his fighters were holding 30 captives, following the brazen attack by Hamas militants on Israel.

<h2>What are the strengths and objectives of Islamic Jihad?</h2>

The latest figures on Islamic Jihad's strength are difficult to determine, but according to 2021 estimates their numbers range from about 1,000 to several thousand gunmen, according to the CIA's World Factbook.

The group also has a significant arsenal of rockets, mortars and anti-tank missiles. Islamic Jihad does not disclose such information.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-joe-biden-appeals-for-calm-asks-israelis-not-to-get-consumed-by-rage-648488">President Biden appeals for calm, asks Israelis ‘don't get consumed by rage’</a>

Unlike Hamas, Islamic Jihad has not contested Palestinian parliamentary elections and appears to have no ambition to form a government in Gaza or the West Bank.

<h2>Attacks carried out by Islamic Jihad&nbsp;</h2>

The Islamic Jihad's usually employs suicide bombings targetting attacks on Israeli civilians and military personnel as their most potent modus operandi.&nbsp;

1987: Killing Of an Israeli military police commander in Gaza

1994: Car bomb attack killing nine and injuring 50 aboard a public bus

1995: Suicide bomb attack killing 18 soldiers and one civilian in Israel's Netanya.

1996: Suicide bomb attack at a Tel Aviv shopping mall killing 13 and injuring 75.&nbsp;

2003: Suicide bomb attack a a Haifa restaurant killing 22 and injuring 60.

<h2>What has Israel said about Islamic Jihad’s involvement in the hospital strike?</h2>

An Israeli&nbsp;army spokesperson addressed a press conference on Tuesday declaring that "an analysis of IDF operational systems indicates a barrage of rockets was fired by terrorists in Gaza, passing in close proximity to the hospital at the time it was hit. Intelligence from a few sources that we have in our hands indicates that the Islamic Jihad is responsible."

The office also told Israeli media that Israel is in possession of audio recordings in which Islamic Jihad members say out loud that they are responsible for the explosion.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Hundreds of Palestinians were killed in a massive explosion at Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza City. The Gaza Health Ministry pegged the numbers to at least 500, with the casualties expected to rise.

Hundreds of Palestinians were killed in a massive explosion at Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza City. The Gaza Health Ministry pegged the numbers to at least 500, with the casualties expected to rise. The Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza City, which is run by the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem, housed the injured and other Palestinians seeking shelter. The ministry alleged that Israeli warplanes bombed the Ahli Baptist Hospital. However, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) denied that it was responsible for the attack, it instead blamed a "misfired rocket" by the Palestinian Islamic Jihad group. What is Palestinian Islamic Jihad? The Palestinian Islamic Jihad group is regarded as the second-largest armed group in Gaza. Though quite active in the region, its operations were often overlooked due to the dominating presence of the larger Hamas organisation, which has controlled and governed Gaza since 2007. Like Hamas, Islamic Jihad is also a US-designated terrorist group. The group was founded in the 1980s in the Gaza Strip by Fathi Shaqaqi and Abd al-Aziz Awda, who were students in Egypt and members of the Egyptian Muslim Brotherhood, a Sunni Islamist social movement founded by Hassan al-Banna in 1928. Sometime in the late 1970s, the two felt that the Brotherhood was not fully committed to the Palestinian cause, and hence spawned an offshoot to fight the Israeli occupation in Gaza and the West Bank. Both were heavily inspired by Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini-led Iranian revolution. But in 1981, the group got split from the Muslim Brotherhood, and was exiled to Gaza by the Egyptian government after the assassination of President Anwar Sadat. It is believed that Iran’s Islamic regime supports both groups with funding and weapons. Their ideology centred around reviving Islamic society by taking over the Holy Land, the historic region of Palestine that includes Israel, rather than through internal reform, like the Muslim Brotherhood. The US, which designated Islamic Jihad a terrorist organisation in 1997, says the Islamic Jihad is committed to destroying Israel with the aim of creating an Islamic state that would include the West Bank, Gaza and Israel. Differences between Islamic Jihad and Hamas The core difference between Hamas and Islamic Jihad is that while the former accepts the state of Israel within its pre-1967 borders, the latter rejects this. This is despite Hamas members continuing to call for Israel’s destruction. Israeli military officials and analysts say Islamic Jihad is strongly influenced by Iran, whereas Hamas has more autonomy in its decision-making on the strip, reports Wall Street Journal. Have Islamic Jihad and Hamas worked together before? Islamic Jihad often acts independently of Hamas and is focused primarily on military confrontations. On some occasions, Hamas has stayed on the sidelines as Islamic Jihad has clashed with Israel. In other cases, Hamas has joined the Islamic Jihad in battling the Israeli military. “But at times it is a tense relationship, especially when Hamas has exerted pressure on Islamic Jihad to stop attacks or retaliation against Israel," the New York Times report said. What role did Islamic Jihad play in Oct 7 attacks on Israel? Leader of Islamic Jihad Ziyad al-Nakhalah said in a televised speech that his fighters were holding 30 captives, following the brazen attack by Hamas militants on Israel. What are the strengths and objectives of Islamic Jihad? The latest figures on Islamic Jihad's strength are difficult to determine, but according to 2021 estimates their numbers range from about 1,000 to several thousand gunmen, according to the CIA's World Factbook. The group also has a significant arsenal of rockets, mortars and anti-tank missiles. Islamic Jihad does not disclose such information. Also read | President Biden appeals for calm, asks Israelis ‘don't get consumed by rage’ Unlike Hamas, Islamic Jihad has not contested Palestinian parliamentary elections and appears to have no ambition to form a government in Gaza or the West Bank. Attacks carried out by Islamic Jihad The Islamic Jihad's usually employs suicide bombings targetting attacks on Israeli civilians and military personnel as their most potent modus operandi. 1987: Killing Of an Israeli military police commander in Gaza 1994: Car bomb attack killing nine and injuring 50 aboard a public bus 1995: Suicide bomb attack killing 18 soldiers and one civilian in Israel's Netanya. 1996: Suicide bomb attack at a Tel Aviv shopping mall killing 13 and injuring 75. 2003: Suicide bomb attack a a Haifa restaurant killing 22 and injuring 60. What has Israel said about Islamic Jihad’s involvement in the hospital strike? An Israeli army spokesperson addressed a press conference on Tuesday declaring that "an analysis of IDF operational systems indicates a barrage of rockets was fired by terrorists in Gaza, passing in close proximity to the hospital at the time it was hit. Intelligence from a few sources that we have in our hands indicates that the Islamic Jihad is responsible." The office also told Israeli media that Israel is in possession of audio recordings in which Islamic Jihad members say out loud that they are responsible for the explosion. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Explained | What is Islamic Jihad, the group blamed for deadly blast in Gaza hospital

While expressing solidarity with Israel over the recent deaths caused by Hamas militants, US President Joe Biden reminded Israelis “not to get consumed by rage” and said that&nbsp;“it's important sometimes to take a step back and remember what we all are - human beings created with dignity and purpose.”

In an address in Tel Aviv on Wednesday, following a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other members of the war cabinet, Biden appealed for calm as the death toll continued to rise in both Israel and Gaza.

<h2>Majority of Palestinians not with Hamas</h2>

"I caution this. While you feel that rage, don't be consumed by it.&nbsp;After 9/11, we were enraged in&nbsp;the United States.&nbsp;While we sought justice and got&nbsp;justice, we also made mistakes," he said.

“Wartime decisions are never clear or easy,” he said.

"There's always a cost. But it requires being deliberate.&nbsp;It requires asking very hard&nbsp; questions.&nbsp;It requires clarity about the&nbsp;objectives and an honest&nbsp;assessment about whether the&nbsp;path you're on will achieve&nbsp;those objectives," he added.

Biden also stressed that the "majority" of Palestinians are not with Hamas, and added that they are also "suffering greatly”.

"The vast majority of Palestinians are not Hamas. Hamas does not represent the&nbsp;Palestinian people," he said.

"Hamas uses innocents, innocent&nbsp;families in Gaza as human&nbsp;shields, putting their command&nbsp;centres, their weapons and the&nbsp;communications tunnels in&nbsp;residential areas.&nbsp;The Palestinian people are&nbsp;suffering greatly as well," he added.

<h2>Mourns Gaza hospital deaths </h2>

Talking about the Gaza hospital bombing that left hundreds of people dead, Biden urged Israel to open the Gaza-Egypt border to provide humanitarian assistance.

"The United States unequivocally&nbsp;stands for the protection of&nbsp;civilian life during conflict.&nbsp;And I grieve, I truly grieve for&nbsp;the families who were killed or&nbsp;wounded by this tragedy," he added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/its-a-massacre-gaza-hospital-horror-unveiled-648290">It's a massacre: Gaza hospital horror unveiled</a>

“I asked the Israeli cabinet.. to agree to the delivery of life-saving humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza based on the understanding that there will be inspections, and that the aid should go to civilians and not to Hamas," he says.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-supports-israels-report-on-gaza-hospital-strike-condemns-hamas-648337">Gaza hospital strike 'done by other team', Biden tells Israel's Netanyahu:</a>

"Israel agreed the humanitarian assistance can begin to move from Egypt to Gaza," he adds.

<h2>Announces aid for Gaza and West Bank</h2>

Biden adds he is working with partners in the region, such as Egypt, to "get trucks moving across the border as soon as possible".

He also announces US$100 million "new US funding for humanitarian assistance to both Gaza and the West Bank". 
 
Earlier, starting his address, Biden said, “I have come to Israel with a simple message: You are not alone. As long as the United States stands – and we will stand forever – you will not be alone.”

Biden had said in a post on X earlier, “I spoke with Prime Minister Netanyahu regarding the situation on the ground, security assistance and humanitarian needs, and information on unaccounted Americans. I asked tough questions as a friend of Israel. We will continue to deter any actor wanting to widen this conflict.”

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While expressing solidarity with Israel over the recent deaths caused by Hamas militants, US President Joe Biden reminded Israelis “not to get consumed by rage” and said that “it's important sometimes to take a step back and remember what we all are - human beings created with dignity and purpose.

While expressing solidarity with Israel over the recent deaths caused by Hamas militants, US President Joe Biden reminded Israelis “not to get consumed by rage” and said that “it's important sometimes to take a step back and remember what we all are - human beings created with dignity and purpose.” In an address in Tel Aviv on Wednesday, following a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other members of the war cabinet, Biden appealed for calm as the death toll continued to rise in both Israel and Gaza. Majority of Palestinians not with Hamas "I caution this. While you feel that rage, don't be consumed by it. After 9/11, we were enraged in the United States. While we sought justice and got justice, we also made mistakes," he said. “Wartime decisions are never clear or easy,” he said. "There's always a cost. But it requires being deliberate. It requires asking very hard questions. It requires clarity about the objectives and an honest assessment about whether the path you're on will achieve those objectives," he added. Biden also stressed that the "majority" of Palestinians are not with Hamas, and added that they are also "suffering greatly”. "The vast majority of Palestinians are not Hamas. Hamas does not represent the Palestinian people," he said. "Hamas uses innocents, innocent families in Gaza as human shields, putting their command centres, their weapons and the communications tunnels in residential areas. The Palestinian people are suffering greatly as well," he added. Mourns Gaza hospital deaths Talking about the Gaza hospital bombing that left hundreds of people dead, Biden urged Israel to open the Gaza-Egypt border to provide humanitarian assistance. "The United States unequivocally stands for the protection of civilian life during conflict. And I grieve, I truly grieve for the families who were killed or wounded by this tragedy," he added. Also read | It's a massacre: Gaza hospital horror unveiled “I asked the Israeli cabinet.. to agree to the delivery of life-saving humanitarian assistance to civilians in Gaza based on the understanding that there will be inspections, and that the aid should go to civilians and not to Hamas," he says. Also read | Gaza hospital strike 'done by other team', Biden tells Israel's Netanyahu: "Israel agreed the humanitarian assistance can begin to move from Egypt to Gaza," he adds. Announces aid for Gaza and West Bank Biden adds he is working with partners in the region, such as Egypt, to "get trucks moving across the border as soon as possible". He also announces US$100 million "new US funding for humanitarian assistance to both Gaza and the West Bank". Earlier, starting his address, Biden said, “I have come to Israel with a simple message: You are not alone. As long as the United States stands – and we will stand forever – you will not be alone.” Biden had said in a post on X earlier, “I spoke with Prime Minister Netanyahu regarding the situation on the ground, security assistance and humanitarian needs, and information on unaccounted Americans. I asked tough questions as a friend of Israel. We will continue to deter any actor wanting to widen this conflict.” WATCH WION LIVE HERE

US President Joe Biden appeals for calm, asks Israelis ‘not to get consumed by rage’

Joe Biden is in Tel Aviv but his efforts to bring down tensions in the escalating war between Israel and Hamas faced massive setbacks even before he departed for West Asia. Jordan called off the US president's planned Summit with Arab leaders after a deadly explosion at Gaza Hospital killed hundreds.

Israel-Hamas War: Biden says Hamas does not represent all Palestine people

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