<p>As per the new videos getting circulated on social media, school-aged children are being allegedly trained by Hamas commanders to defend the Gaza Strip as the Israeli army prepares for ground operations in the region.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Children as young as 14 are being trained by terrorists for battle, with some even younger kids apparently getting training in weapons skills and military drills, claimed an Israeli emergency responder unit.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Photos and videos of the alleged training of children were shared by South First Responders (SFR) on Telegram on Sunday (Oct 15). Reportedly, the video footage was recorded on body-worn cameras that were collected from the corpses of terrorists.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-historical-conflict-between-israel-palestine-amid-unprovoked-escalation-by-hamas-644471">Revisiting Israel-Palestine historical conflict amid new escalation by Hamas</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>Military-style training camps</strong></h2>

<p>SFR stated that the footage is proof of the 'cynical indoctrination of Palestinian children' in what they called as 'military-style training camps'.</p>

<p>The unit further released footage of Hamas terrorists killing innocent victims. In the video, the gunmen can be seen going from house to house and hunting down the families.</p>

<p>The videos were captured in 'head-cam' cameras before the Kfar Aza attack and exposed how boy soldiers are being trained by Hamas commanders as the next generation of terrorists.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Israel-Hamas war: Call for peace unshaken as death toll continues to climb</strong></p>

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<p>In the footage, the fighters are seen making preparations for their mission in their homes before leaving in a convoy of motorbikes and pick-up trucks at dawn.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Israel declared war on Hamas after it launched a sudden and massive attack on Tel Aviv. Since then, Israel has been relentlessly bombing the Gaza Strip and asked more than a million people, living in its northern part, to move south before the operation. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The Hamas fighters stabbed, shot and burnt more than 1,400 people to death, most of them being civilians. The reprisal attacks by Israel in the days since have flattened neighbourhoods and led to the killing of around 2,670 people in Gaza.&nbsp; &nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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As per the new videos getting circulated on social media, school-aged children are being allegedly trained by Hamas commanders to defend the Gaza Strip as the Israeli army prepares for ground operations in the region.

As per the new videos getting circulated on social media, school-aged children are being allegedly trained by Hamas commanders to defend the Gaza Strip as the Israeli army prepares for ground operations in the region. Children as young as 14 are being trained by terrorists for battle, with some even younger kids apparently getting training in weapons skills and military drills, claimed an Israeli emergency responder unit. Photos and videos of the alleged training of children were shared by South First Responders (SFR) on Telegram on Sunday (Oct 15). Reportedly, the video footage was recorded on body-worn cameras that were collected from the corpses of terrorists. Also read: Revisiting Israel-Palestine historical conflict amid new escalation by Hamas Military-style training camps SFR stated that the footage is proof of the 'cynical indoctrination of Palestinian children' in what they called as 'military-style training camps'. The unit further released footage of Hamas terrorists killing innocent victims. In the video, the gunmen can be seen going from house to house and hunting down the families. The videos were captured in 'head-cam' cameras before the Kfar Aza attack and exposed how boy soldiers are being trained by Hamas commanders as the next generation of terrorists. WATCH | Israel-Hamas war: Call for peace unshaken as death toll continues to climb In the footage, the fighters are seen making preparations for their mission in their homes before leaving in a convoy of motorbikes and pick-up trucks at dawn. Israel declared war on Hamas after it launched a sudden and massive attack on Tel Aviv. Since then, Israel has been relentlessly bombing the Gaza Strip and asked more than a million people, living in its northern part, to move south before the operation. The Hamas fighters stabbed, shot and burnt more than 1,400 people to death, most of them being civilians. The reprisal attacks by Israel in the days since have flattened neighbourhoods and led to the killing of around 2,670 people in Gaza. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Is Hamas resorting to training kids to defend Gaza? Reports suggest so

<p>A new study confirmed that the Gulf Stream is certainly weakening. The warm water's flow through the Florida Straits has slowed by 4 per cent in the last four decades, with grave implications for the climate of the world.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The ocean current begins near Florida and a stream of warm water flows along the U.S. East Coast and Canada before it crosses the Atlantic to Europe. The heat that the stream is transporting is important for regulating sea levels and maintaining temperate conditions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, this stream has slowed down, wrote the researchers in a study which was published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters on September 25.</p>

<p>"This is the strongest, most definitive evidence we have of the weakening of this climatically-relevant ocean current," stated lead author Christopher Piecuch, a physical oceanographer at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution in Massachusetts, in a statement.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/study-reveals-latest-suvs-emit-more-climate-damaging-gases-than-older-ones-647487">Study reveals latest SUV models emit more climate damaging gases than older ones</a></p>

<p>The Gulf Stream is only a small component of the thermohaline circulation which is a global conveyor belt of ocean currents that has been moving carbon, heat, nutrients and oxygen around the globe, while also contributing to controlling hurricane activity and sea levels.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Gulf Stream maintaining&nbsp;temperatures across US East Coast</strong></h2>

<p>The Gulf Stream, which begins in the Caribbean before it flows out into the Atlantic via the Florida Straits, brings warmer southerly waters (which are saltier and denser) northward for cooling and sinking in the North Atlantic. After it drops deep inside the ocean and releases its heat into the atmosphere, the water drifts southward slowly, where it again heats up and the cycle repeats.</p>

<p>This process is important for maintaining sea levels and temperatures across the US East Coast - whose waters were kept to 5 feet (1.5 metres) lower than the water further offshore by the current's sweeping motion.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Nations voice their concerns about climate change | WION Climate Tracker</strong></p>

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<p>As the climate of the Earth warms, a huge influx of cold, fresh water from melting ice sheets spills into oceans, possibly leading to the Gulf Stream to slow or even move towards outright collapse, as per the scientists. However, it is hard to prove because of the complexity and scale of the system.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In search for definitive evidence that the stream has been slowing, the scientists looked into data which spanned 40 years and was collected from three separate sources — observations made on site, undersea cables and satellite altimetry &nbsp;— to look into the motions of the current around the Florida Straits.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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A new study confirmed that the Gulf Stream is certainly weakening. The warm water's flow through the Florida Straits has slowed by 4 per cent in the last four decades, with grave implications for the climate of the world.

A new study confirmed that the Gulf Stream is certainly weakening. The warm water's flow through the Florida Straits has slowed by 4 per cent in the last four decades, with grave implications for the climate of the world. The ocean current begins near Florida and a stream of warm water flows along the U.S. East Coast and Canada before it crosses the Atlantic to Europe. The heat that the stream is transporting is important for regulating sea levels and maintaining temperate conditions. However, this stream has slowed down, wrote the researchers in a study which was published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters on September 25. "This is the strongest, most definitive evidence we have of the weakening of this climatically-relevant ocean current," stated lead author Christopher Piecuch, a physical oceanographer at the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution in Massachusetts, in a statement. ALSO READ | Study reveals latest SUV models emit more climate damaging gases than older ones The Gulf Stream is only a small component of the thermohaline circulation which is a global conveyor belt of ocean currents that has been moving carbon, heat, nutrients and oxygen around the globe, while also contributing to controlling hurricane activity and sea levels. Gulf Stream maintaining temperatures across US East Coast The Gulf Stream, which begins in the Caribbean before it flows out into the Atlantic via the Florida Straits, brings warmer southerly waters (which are saltier and denser) northward for cooling and sinking in the North Atlantic. After it drops deep inside the ocean and releases its heat into the atmosphere, the water drifts southward slowly, where it again heats up and the cycle repeats. This process is important for maintaining sea levels and temperatures across the US East Coast - whose waters were kept to 5 feet (1.5 metres) lower than the water further offshore by the current's sweeping motion. WATCH | Nations voice their concerns about climate change | WION Climate Tracker As the climate of the Earth warms, a huge influx of cold, fresh water from melting ice sheets spills into oceans, possibly leading to the Gulf Stream to slow or even move towards outright collapse, as per the scientists. However, it is hard to prove because of the complexity and scale of the system. In search for definitive evidence that the stream has been slowing, the scientists looked into data which spanned 40 years and was collected from three separate sources — observations made on site, undersea cables and satellite altimetry — to look into the motions of the current around the Florida Straits. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Weakening of Gulf Stream 99 per cent certain, ramifications to be global: Study

<p>Reacting to the footage of the hostage shared by Hamas in the wake of the ongoing war, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said that the 21-year-old Mia Schem, who was seen in the video, was abducted by the terrorists last week and that their officials reached out to the family of Mia and are in touch with them.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Last week, Mia was abducted by Hamas. IDF officials have since informed Mia’s family and are in continuous contact with them," said a post by IDF on X.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"In the video published by Hamas, they try to portray themselves as humane. However, they are a horrific terrorist organization responsible for the murder and abduction of babies, children, men, women and the elderly (sic). At this time, we are deploying all intelligence and operational measures for the return of all hostages-including Mia," they added.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Last week, Mia was abducted by Hamas.<br />
<br />
IDF officials have since informed Mia’s family and are in continuous contact with them.<br />
<br />
In the video published by Hamas, they try to portray themselves as humane. However, they are a horrorific terrorist organization responsible for the…</p>
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) <a href="https://twitter.com/IDF/status/1714028835916652675?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 16, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-historical-conflict-between-israel-palestine-amid-unprovoked-escalation-by-hamas-644471">Revisiting Israel-Palestine historical conflict amid new escalation by Hamas</a></strong></p>

<p>The family of Mia, responding to the clip, stated that they have been happy to see her safe, as per a report published in The Times of Israel.</p>

<p>The mother of Mia was quoted by local media as saying, "Yesterday, I saw she was alive. She was shot in the shoulder. She looks like she is in pain. I can see she is stable and she needs medical care. She is saying what they want her to say. I didn't know till yesterday that she was dead or alive. I beg the world to get her and many others like her back. She had only gone to a party. This is a crime against humanity. We should all gather and bring back everybody home."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Mia is a dual Israeli-French citizen and her family had appealed to France President Emmanuel Macron along with other French families last week to help free their relatives, reported news agency Reuters.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Hamas release video of hostage&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>A video of an Israeli woman, who was taken hostage by Hamas during the October 7 attacks, was released by the terrorist outfit. The military wing of Hamas, Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, released the woman's video who identified herself as 21-year-old Mia Schem. In the video, the arm of the woman can be seen wrapped in bandages.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the video, the girl said that she is from Sderot, which is a small Israeli city close to the Gaza border. On October 7, the girl was attending the Supernova Sukkot Music Festival on Kibbutz Re'im when the gathering was attacked by Hamas terrorists. Around 260 people were killed at the music fest, and others including Mia, were taken hostage.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BREAKING?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BREAKING</a> Hamas releases what is claimed to be first footage of an Israeli hostage<br />
Hamas psychological warfare?<br />
Mia Shem, 21 years old from Shoham said: "They are taking care of me... I only ask that you get me out of here as soon as possible. Please.”<br />
<br />
Here's the full story:… <a href="https://t.co/0gN3xJu6ow">pic.twitter.com/0gN3xJu6ow</a></p>
— The Jerusalem Post (@Jerusalem_Post) <a href="https://twitter.com/Jerusalem_Post/status/1714010081300295698?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 16, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>In the video, which was just nearly a minute long, healthcare was seen dressing Mia's injury. The Israeli woman stated that she had to undergo a three-hour surgery for her injury.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Israel Defence Forces' Sergeant 'Y' on WION</strong></p>

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<p>"They're caring for me, they're treating me, they're giving me medication. Everything is okay. I'm only asking to be returned home as soon as possible, to my family, to my parents, to my siblings. Please get us out of here as soon as possible," she said, in the video.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em><strong>Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.</strong></em></p>

<p><em>With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Reacting to the footage of the hostage shared by Hamas in the wake of the ongoing war, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said that the 21-year-old Mia Schem, who was seen in the video, was abducted by the terrorists last week and that their officials reached out to the family of Mia and are in touch with them.

Reacting to the footage of the hostage shared by Hamas in the wake of the ongoing war, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said that the 21-year-old Mia Schem, who was seen in the video, was abducted by the terrorists last week and that their officials reached out to the family of Mia and are in touch with them. "Last week, Mia was abducted by Hamas. IDF officials have since informed Mia’s family and are in continuous contact with them," said a post by IDF on X. "In the video published by Hamas, they try to portray themselves as humane. However, they are a horrific terrorist organization responsible for the murder and abduction of babies, children, men, women and the elderly (sic). At this time, we are deploying all intelligence and operational measures for the return of all hostages-including Mia," they added. Last week, Mia was abducted by Hamas. IDF officials have since informed Mia’s family and are in continuous contact with them. In the video published by Hamas, they try to portray themselves as humane. However, they are a horrorific terrorist organization responsible for the… — Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) October 16, 2023 × Also read: Revisiting Israel-Palestine historical conflict amid new escalation by Hamas The family of Mia, responding to the clip, stated that they have been happy to see her safe, as per a report published in The Times of Israel. The mother of Mia was quoted by local media as saying, "Yesterday, I saw she was alive. She was shot in the shoulder. She looks like she is in pain. I can see she is stable and she needs medical care. She is saying what they want her to say. I didn't know till yesterday that she was dead or alive. I beg the world to get her and many others like her back. She had only gone to a party. This is a crime against humanity. We should all gather and bring back everybody home." Mia is a dual Israeli-French citizen and her family had appealed to France President Emmanuel Macron along with other French families last week to help free their relatives, reported news agency Reuters. Hamas release video of hostage A video of an Israeli woman, who was taken hostage by Hamas during the October 7 attacks, was released by the terrorist outfit. The military wing of Hamas, Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades, released the woman's video who identified herself as 21-year-old Mia Schem. In the video, the arm of the woman can be seen wrapped in bandages. In the video, the girl said that she is from Sderot, which is a small Israeli city close to the Gaza border. On October 7, the girl was attending the Supernova Sukkot Music Festival on Kibbutz Re'im when the gathering was attacked by Hamas terrorists. Around 260 people were killed at the music fest, and others including Mia, were taken hostage. #BREAKING Hamas releases what is claimed to be first footage of an Israeli hostage Hamas psychological warfare? Mia Shem, 21 years old from Shoham said: "They are taking care of me... I only ask that you get me out of here as soon as possible. Please.” Here's the full story:… pic.twitter.com/0gN3xJu6ow — The Jerusalem Post (@Jerusalem_Post) October 16, 2023 × In the video, which was just nearly a minute long, healthcare was seen dressing Mia's injury. The Israeli woman stated that she had to undergo a three-hour surgery for her injury. WATCH | Israel Defence Forces' Sergeant 'Y' on WION "They're caring for me, they're treating me, they're giving me medication. Everything is okay. I'm only asking to be returned home as soon as possible, to my family, to my parents, to my siblings. Please get us out of here as soon as possible," she said, in the video. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Hamas' hostage video: Girl's mom calls it crime against humanity, IDF says terrorists trying to look 'humane'

<p>A five-judge bench of India's Supreme Court, headed by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, delivered a verdict against the legalisation of same-sex marriage in the country while stating that legal status to the civil union of LGBTQIA+ couples can be conferred through enacted law.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The bench which comprised of CJI Chandrachud, Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul, S Ravindra Bhat, Hima Kohli and PS Narasimha, gave the verdict which was reserved on May 11.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>A summary of Supreme Court's nearly two-hour long verdict&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<h3><strong>On queerness not being 'an urban concept'</strong></h3>

<p>"This court cannot make law, it can only interpret it. Homosexuality or queerness is not an urban concept. Homosexuality or queerness is not an urban concept or restricted to the upper classes of society," said CJI Chandrachud.</p>

<h3><strong>On the Supreme Court enforcing laws and not making them&nbsp;</strong></h3>

<p>"Supreme Court can't make but can enforce laws. Rights in the constitution would be a dead letter if the positive obligations are not enforced on the state. In the case of personal relationships characterized by in equality the more powerful person gains primacy," CJI DY Chandrachud said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The doctrine of separation of powers means that each of the three organs of the State perform distinct functions. No branch can function any others' function. The Union of India suggested that this court would violate the doctrine of separation of powers if it determines the list. However, the doctrine of separation of powers does not bar the power of judicial review. The Constitution demands that this court protect the fundamental rights of citizens. The doctrine of separation of powers does not come in the way of this court issuing directions for the protection of fundamental rights," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<h3><strong>On Special Marriage&nbsp;Act&nbsp;</strong></h3>

<p>"If the Special Marriage Act is struck down, it will take the country to the pre-Indpendence era. If the Court takes the second approach and reads words into the SMA, it will be taking up the role of legislature. It is for the Parliament to decide whether a change in the regime of the Special Marriage Act is needed. This Court must be careful to not enter into legislative domain," the CJI said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/same-sex-marriage-verdict-in-32-judgement-indias-top-court-refuses-to-legalise-marriage-equality-647921">Same-sex marriage verdict: In 3:2 judgement, India's top court refuses to legalise marriage equality</a></p>

<h3><strong>On discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation</strong></h3>

<p>"This Court has recognised that queer persons are not discriminated against and their union cannot be discriminated against based on sexual orientation. All persons, including queer persons, have the right to judge the moral quality of their lives. The gender of a person is not the same as their sexuality," CJI Chandrachud stated.</p>

<h3><strong>On queer couples having similar rights as heterosexual couples&nbsp;</strong></h3>

<p>"Queer couples must also have access to certain rights and benefits like heterosexual couples. The state can indirectly infringe upon freedom if it does not recognise the same. There may be reasonable restrictions on the right. However, the right to intimate association needs to be unrestricted. Tangible benefits of marriage are traceable to contents of the law," the CJI said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This court has recognised that queer persons cannot be discriminated upon. Material benefits and services flowing to heterosexual couples and denied to queer couples will be a violation of their fundamental right," he added.</p>

<h3><strong>On the constitution of a committee</strong></h3>

<p>"Union Government will constitute a committee to decide the rights and entitlements of persons in queer unions. This Committee to consider to include queer couples as 'family' in ration cards, enabling queer couples to nominate for joint bank accounts, rights flowing from pension, gratuity, etc. The Committee report to be looked at Union Government level," said CJI Chandrachud.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;India: Verdict to be out on same-sex marriage as the top court is set to rule on it today</strong></p>

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<h3><strong>On child adoption</strong></h3>

<p>"The Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) Regulations permit persons to adopt individually and not as a couple. It does not exclude unmarried persons from adopting. The condition is that the couple must be in a stable relationship for two years," the CJI stated, adding that it is "wrong to assume that only heterosexual couples will be good parents."</p>

<p>"A queer person can adopt only in an individual capacity. This has the effect of reinforcing the discrimination against queer community," he further said. However, Justice Bhat expressed his disagreement with CJI on this.</p>

<h3><strong>On government protecting the queer community&nbsp;</strong></h3>

<p>The Supreme Court directed the Centre to:</p>

<ul>
	<li>Ensure no discrimination against the queer community.</li>
	<li>Ensure no discrimination in access to goods and services.&nbsp;</li>
	<li>Establish a hotline for the queer community.</li>
	<li>Sensitise people regarding rights of the queer people.</li>
	<li>Establish safe houses for queer people.</li>
	<li>Ensure no inter-sex children are forced to undergo operations.</li>
</ul>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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A five-judge bench of India's Supreme Court, headed by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, delivered a verdict against the legalisation of same-sex marriage in the country while stating that legal status to the civil union of LGBTQIA+ couples can be conferred through enacted law.

A five-judge bench of India's Supreme Court, headed by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, delivered a verdict against the legalisation of same-sex marriage in the country while stating that legal status to the civil union of LGBTQIA+ couples can be conferred through enacted law. The bench which comprised of CJI Chandrachud, Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul, S Ravindra Bhat, Hima Kohli and PS Narasimha, gave the verdict which was reserved on May 11. A summary of Supreme Court's nearly two-hour long verdict On queerness not being 'an urban concept' "This court cannot make law, it can only interpret it. Homosexuality or queerness is not an urban concept. Homosexuality or queerness is not an urban concept or restricted to the upper classes of society," said CJI Chandrachud. On the Supreme Court enforcing laws and not making them "Supreme Court can't make but can enforce laws. Rights in the constitution would be a dead letter if the positive obligations are not enforced on the state. In the case of personal relationships characterized by in equality the more powerful person gains primacy," CJI DY Chandrachud said. "The doctrine of separation of powers means that each of the three organs of the State perform distinct functions. No branch can function any others' function. The Union of India suggested that this court would violate the doctrine of separation of powers if it determines the list. However, the doctrine of separation of powers does not bar the power of judicial review. The Constitution demands that this court protect the fundamental rights of citizens. The doctrine of separation of powers does not come in the way of this court issuing directions for the protection of fundamental rights," he added. On Special Marriage Act "If the Special Marriage Act is struck down, it will take the country to the pre-Indpendence era. If the Court takes the second approach and reads words into the SMA, it will be taking up the role of legislature. It is for the Parliament to decide whether a change in the regime of the Special Marriage Act is needed. This Court must be careful to not enter into legislative domain," the CJI said. ALSO READ | Same-sex marriage verdict: In 3:2 judgement, India's top court refuses to legalise marriage equality On discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation "This Court has recognised that queer persons are not discriminated against and their union cannot be discriminated against based on sexual orientation. All persons, including queer persons, have the right to judge the moral quality of their lives. The gender of a person is not the same as their sexuality," CJI Chandrachud stated. On queer couples having similar rights as heterosexual couples "Queer couples must also have access to certain rights and benefits like heterosexual couples. The state can indirectly infringe upon freedom if it does not recognise the same. There may be reasonable restrictions on the right. However, the right to intimate association needs to be unrestricted. Tangible benefits of marriage are traceable to contents of the law," the CJI said. "This court has recognised that queer persons cannot be discriminated upon. Material benefits and services flowing to heterosexual couples and denied to queer couples will be a violation of their fundamental right," he added. On the constitution of a committee "Union Government will constitute a committee to decide the rights and entitlements of persons in queer unions. This Committee to consider to include queer couples as 'family' in ration cards, enabling queer couples to nominate for joint bank accounts, rights flowing from pension, gratuity, etc. The Committee report to be looked at Union Government level," said CJI Chandrachud. WATCH | India: Verdict to be out on same-sex marriage as the top court is set to rule on it today On child adoption "The Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA) Regulations permit persons to adopt individually and not as a couple. It does not exclude unmarried persons from adopting. The condition is that the couple must be in a stable relationship for two years," the CJI stated, adding that it is "wrong to assume that only heterosexual couples will be good parents." "A queer person can adopt only in an individual capacity. This has the effect of reinforcing the discrimination against queer community," he further said. However, Justice Bhat expressed his disagreement with CJI on this. On government protecting the queer community The Supreme Court directed the Centre to: Ensure no discrimination against the queer community. Ensure no discrimination in access to goods and services. Establish a hotline for the queer community. Sensitise people regarding rights of the queer people. Establish safe houses for queer people. Ensure no inter-sex children are forced to undergo operations. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Same-sex marriage verdict: Here's everything the Supreme Court said in its historic judgement

<p>Hamas, the militant outfit which has been engaging in a bloody war with Israel, has been barred from most of the social media platforms. However, there has been a sudden surge in its following on the popular messaging app Telegram&nbsp;since it launched the sudden and brutal October 7 terror attack on Israel.</p>

<p>One of the accounts which belongs&nbsp;to the armed wing of the Hamas movement, al-Qassam Brigades, saw its following triple, and a ten-fold increase was seen in the number of views garnered over videos and other content shared by the account. &nbsp;</p>

<p>In the United States, Hamas has been designated as a foreign terror organisation, and as per the new internet laws introduced in the European Union, social media platforms can be charged penalties for sharing terroristic content.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The accounts of Hamas have been prohibited on Meta and Google, however, Telegram - a social media company founded by a Russian entrepreneur who is now based in Dubai - took the decision to permit the group to continue the use of its service.&nbsp;</p>

<p>X, which was formerly known as Twitter, said that it has placed a ban on Hamas and has deleted “hundreds” of “Hamas-affiliated accounts.” However, last week, the European Union stated that it has started an investigation into the company regarding illegal content and disinformation being spread about the Israel-Hamas war on its platform.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-historical-conflict-between-israel-palestine-amid-unprovoked-escalation-by-hamas-644471">Revisiting Israel-Palestine historical conflict amid new escalation by Hamas</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>Proliferating audience of Hamas&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The Telegram channel for the military wing of Hamas, al-Qassam Brigades, garnered around 200,000 followers at the time of the attack. The following of the channel has since tripled, as per an analysis by the Atlantic Council’s Digital Forensic Research Lab.</p>

<p>Before the attack was launched, the channel's posts were viewed on average about 25,000 times. Now, the posts are getting viewed more than 300,000 times, which is a 10-fold increase in its viewership.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Another channel, which posts video messages from a spokesperson of Hamas, had around 166,000 followers before October 7 and now its followers have increased to more than 414,000, according to Memetica, a threat analysis company.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Israel-Hamas war: Rafah border crossing shut | What does Egypt fear?</strong></p>

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<p>Since Telegram has very lenient content moderation rules, it has become popular among far-right groups in the United States and among extremist groups internationally, stated Brian Fishman, who earlier headed a team at Meta which tackled terrorist and other dangerous organisations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The popularity of Telegram in the US started to increase after the US Capitol attack on January 6 when the platform started being used by prominent peddlers of election conspiracy theories&nbsp;after they were kicked from social media sites like Twitter (now X) and Facebook. Globally, around 800 million people have been using Telegram, said its founder.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em><strong>Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.</strong></em></p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Hamas, the militant outfit which has been engaging in a bloody war with Israel, has been barred from most of the social media platforms. However, there has been a sudden surge in its following on the popular messaging app Telegram since it launched the sudden and brutal October 7 terror attack on Israel.

Hamas, the militant outfit which has been engaging in a bloody war with Israel, has been barred from most of the social media platforms. However, there has been a sudden surge in its following on the popular messaging app Telegram since it launched the sudden and brutal October 7 terror attack on Israel. One of the accounts which belongs to the armed wing of the Hamas movement, al-Qassam Brigades, saw its following triple, and a ten-fold increase was seen in the number of views garnered over videos and other content shared by the account. In the United States, Hamas has been designated as a foreign terror organisation, and as per the new internet laws introduced in the European Union, social media platforms can be charged penalties for sharing terroristic content. The accounts of Hamas have been prohibited on Meta and Google, however, Telegram - a social media company founded by a Russian entrepreneur who is now based in Dubai - took the decision to permit the group to continue the use of its service. X, which was formerly known as Twitter, said that it has placed a ban on Hamas and has deleted “hundreds” of “Hamas-affiliated accounts.” However, last week, the European Union stated that it has started an investigation into the company regarding illegal content and disinformation being spread about the Israel-Hamas war on its platform. Also read: Revisiting Israel-Palestine historical conflict amid new escalation by Hamas Proliferating audience of Hamas The Telegram channel for the military wing of Hamas, al-Qassam Brigades, garnered around 200,000 followers at the time of the attack. The following of the channel has since tripled, as per an analysis by the Atlantic Council’s Digital Forensic Research Lab. Before the attack was launched, the channel's posts were viewed on average about 25,000 times. Now, the posts are getting viewed more than 300,000 times, which is a 10-fold increase in its viewership. Another channel, which posts video messages from a spokesperson of Hamas, had around 166,000 followers before October 7 and now its followers have increased to more than 414,000, according to Memetica, a threat analysis company. WATCH | Israel-Hamas war: Rafah border crossing shut | What does Egypt fear? Since Telegram has very lenient content moderation rules, it has become popular among far-right groups in the United States and among extremist groups internationally, stated Brian Fishman, who earlier headed a team at Meta which tackled terrorist and other dangerous organisations. The popularity of Telegram in the US started to increase after the US Capitol attack on January 6 when the platform started being used by prominent peddlers of election conspiracy theories after they were kicked from social media sites like Twitter (now X) and Facebook. Globally, around 800 million people have been using Telegram, said its founder. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

As Hamas fights Israel, militant group's social media sees unexpected surge in followers

<p>The 2024 re-election campaign of US President Joe Biden has joined Truth Social, which is a rightwing social media platform formed by Republican former president Donald Trump. The account, through the handle @BidenHQ, said that it is a “project of Biden-Harris 2024” and includes a banner image which says “the malarkey ends here”, referencing the signature colloquialism of the president.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Taking to X, the campaign wrote that it has joined Truth Social. “We just joined Truth Social, mostly because we thought it would be very funny," it&nbsp;said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It added, “Follow us there for truths and retruths or whatever they call them.”&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Campaign uses meme of Biden as “Dark Brandon" in profile image</strong></h2>

<p>The campaign, in its profile image, chose to depict Biden as “Dark Brandon”, a meme in which Biden was shown with laser eyes and&nbsp;stems from the “Let’s Go Brandon” chant rightwing circles to stand in for saltier language opposing the president. This is the latest stunt in a line of memes and quips from the digital team of the president.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-biden-to-visit-israel-on-wednesday-says-antony-blinken-647743">Israel-Hamas war: Biden to visit Israel on Wednesday, says Antony Blinken</a></p>

<p>Although the new account is aimed to be in jest, it is clear Biden's election campaign has been using it to reach conservatives. Today, the first few posts by the account shared conservatives either giving credit to Biden or criticising Trump.</p>

<p>“Well. Let’s see how this goes. Converts welcome!” wrote Biden’s campaign&nbsp;in its first post on the Truth Social platform.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The campaign of Biden, speaking to Fox News Digital, said that using Truth Social would “meet voters where they are” while further combatting misinformation regarding Biden which spreads on the platform.</p>

<p>The mainstream social media platforms have made efforts to clamp down on hateful conduct and misinformation on their sites.&nbsp;Platforms like Truth Social have been minimally moderating the posts and permitting misinformation to spread more easily.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Israel-Palestine war: Biden to visit Israel as Gaza war sparks humanitarian crisis</strong></p>

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<p>However, the social media platform is not used widely. As per estimates, Truth Social has around 2 million users and Facebook has around 3 billion, while X has about a half-billion users.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This is not the first time the campaign of Biden has tried to troll conservatives online by coopting their online spaces and messaging.</p>

<p>In July, it used a video of Republican US&nbsp;Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, who is a Trump supporter, in which it compared Biden to Presidents Franklin D. Roosevelt and Lyndon B. Johnson, to make an online ad.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The 2024 re-election campaign of US President Joe Biden has joined Truth Social, which is a rightwing social media platform formed by Republican former president Donald Trump.

The 2024 re-election campaign of US President Joe Biden has joined Truth Social, which is a rightwing social media platform formed by Republican former president Donald Trump. The account, through the handle @BidenHQ, said that it is a “project of Biden-Harris 2024” and includes a banner image which says “the malarkey ends here”, referencing the signature colloquialism of the president. Taking to X, the campaign wrote that it has joined Truth Social. “We just joined Truth Social, mostly because we thought it would be very funny," it said. It added, “Follow us there for truths and retruths or whatever they call them.” Campaign uses meme of Biden as “Dark Brandon" in profile image The campaign, in its profile image, chose to depict Biden as “Dark Brandon”, a meme in which Biden was shown with laser eyes and stems from the “Let’s Go Brandon” chant rightwing circles to stand in for saltier language opposing the president. This is the latest stunt in a line of memes and quips from the digital team of the president. ALSO READ | Israel-Hamas war: Biden to visit Israel on Wednesday, says Antony Blinken Although the new account is aimed to be in jest, it is clear Biden's election campaign has been using it to reach conservatives. Today, the first few posts by the account shared conservatives either giving credit to Biden or criticising Trump. “Well. Let’s see how this goes. Converts welcome!” wrote Biden’s campaign in its first post on the Truth Social platform. The campaign of Biden, speaking to Fox News Digital, said that using Truth Social would “meet voters where they are” while further combatting misinformation regarding Biden which spreads on the platform. The mainstream social media platforms have made efforts to clamp down on hateful conduct and misinformation on their sites. Platforms like Truth Social have been minimally moderating the posts and permitting misinformation to spread more easily. WATCH | Israel-Palestine war: Biden to visit Israel as Gaza war sparks humanitarian crisis However, the social media platform is not used widely. As per estimates, Truth Social has around 2 million users and Facebook has around 3 billion, while X has about a half-billion users. This is not the first time the campaign of Biden has tried to troll conservatives online by coopting their online spaces and messaging. In July, it used a video of Republican US Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, who is a Trump supporter, in which it compared Biden to Presidents Franklin D. Roosevelt and Lyndon B. Johnson, to make an online ad. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

President Biden's re-election campaign joins Trump’s Truth Social, posts ‘Converts welcome!’

It is an ancient symbol of wealth and needs to be placed in the south-east direction of your home.

This attracts power and keeps negative energy at bay. It is advised to be kept in the south-east direction of the house.

This helps in increasing wealth and must be ideally kept in the kitchen or the house’s south-east direction.

These animals activate the house’s wealth area and should be kept in the southeast corner of the house.

It is a sign of longevity and abundance and it brings good health for all if kept in the south-east direction of the house or the dining room.


It is a symbol of faith and loyalty and helps protect one’s career if kept in the northern corner of the house. It attracts wealth if kept in the south-east corner and improves relationships when placed in the south-west corner.

Monkey as a Feng Shui piece helps in promoting innovation, and intelligence, improves creativity and boosts career when kept in the north direction. It attracts wealth when placed in the south-east direction.

It is symbolised as a ‘wish-fulfilling jewel’ and attracts positivity when placed at the entrance.


8 Feng Shui Animals That Bring Good Luck

<p>United States President Joe Biden, in his latest comments on the Israel-Hamas war, has said that Israeli occupation of the Gaza Strip in the future will be a "big mistake",&nbsp;as he considered a trip to Israel amid the escalating war with Hamas. No decision was made about whether he will be travelling to Israel or not, as the National Security Council spokesperson said that the White House has not finalised any trip which needs to be announced.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In an interview with CBS News'&nbsp;60 Minutes,&nbsp;Biden said that he believed Israel would act in accordance with the rules of war and that innocent civilians would have access to water, food and medicine.&nbsp;He added that Israel should not occupy the territory for the long term, stating that the region must be governed by "a Palestinian authority."</p>

<p>"I think it'd be a big mistake. Look, what happened in Gaza, in my view, is Hamas and the extreme elements of Hamas don't represent all the Palestinian people," Biden said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-are-white-phosphorus-bombs-that-israel-reportedly-launched-in-gaza-it-is-legal-to-use-645106">What are white phosphorus bombs that Israel reportedly used in Gaza? Is it illegal?</a></strong></p>

<p>However, he added that carrying out an invasion and "taking out the extremists" is a "necessary requirement". When questioned if Hamas, who was described by Biden as "a bunch of cowards", should be entirely eliminated, he replied: "Yes I do."</p>

<p>"But there needs to be a Palestinian authority. There needs to be a path to a Palestinian state," he stated while reiterating the long-standing call by the United States for a two-state solution.</p>

<p>Biden was then asked by 60 Minutes journalist Scott Pelley if there are chances of US troops joining the war.</p>

<p>"I don't think that's necessary," said Biden, adding, "Israel has one of the finest fighting forces in the country. I guarantee we're gonna provide them everything they need."&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>No mention of Hamas in President&nbsp;Abbas's comments on attack</strong></h2>

<p>The official news agency of the Palestinian Authority published comments by President Mahmoud Abbas on Sunday (Oct 15) in which he criticised Hamas over its actions.&nbsp;However, later the name of the militant group was removed without providing an explanation.</p>

<p>The comments, which were published on the WAFA website, were made when Abbas held a phone call with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. The two leaders talked about the bombardment of Gaza by Israel following the deadly rampage of Hamas through Israeli cities.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;IDF and Hamas to faceoff in upcoming assault</strong></p>

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<p>The original report published on the WAFA website on Abbas' call included the line: "The president also stressed that Hamas' policies and actions do not represent the Palestinian people, and the policies, programs and decisions of the (Palestine Liberation Organization) represent the Palestinian people as their sole legitimate representative."</p>

<p>However, hours later, the phrase was changed to, "The president also stressed that the policies, programs, and decisions of the PLO represent the Palestinian people as their sole legitimate representative, and not the policies of any other organisation."</p>

<p><em><strong>Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.</strong></em></p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>You can&nbsp;<strong>now write for wionews.com</strong>&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>

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United States President Joe Biden, in his latest comments on the Israel-Hamas war, has said that Israeli occupation of the Gaza Strip in the future will be a "big mistake", as he considered a trip to Israel amid the escalating war with Hamas.

United States President Joe Biden, in his latest comments on the Israel-Hamas war, has said that Israeli occupation of the Gaza Strip in the future will be a "big mistake", as he considered a trip to Israel amid the escalating war with Hamas. No decision was made about whether he will be travelling to Israel or not, as the National Security Council spokesperson said that the White House has not finalised any trip which needs to be announced. In an interview with CBS News' 60 Minutes, Biden said that he believed Israel would act in accordance with the rules of war and that innocent civilians would have access to water, food and medicine. He added that Israel should not occupy the territory for the long term, stating that the region must be governed by "a Palestinian authority." "I think it'd be a big mistake. Look, what happened in Gaza, in my view, is Hamas and the extreme elements of Hamas don't represent all the Palestinian people," Biden said. Also read: What are white phosphorus bombs that Israel reportedly used in Gaza? Is it illegal? However, he added that carrying out an invasion and "taking out the extremists" is a "necessary requirement". When questioned if Hamas, who was described by Biden as "a bunch of cowards", should be entirely eliminated, he replied: "Yes I do." "But there needs to be a Palestinian authority. There needs to be a path to a Palestinian state," he stated while reiterating the long-standing call by the United States for a two-state solution. Biden was then asked by 60 Minutes journalist Scott Pelley if there are chances of US troops joining the war. "I don't think that's necessary," said Biden, adding, "Israel has one of the finest fighting forces in the country. I guarantee we're gonna provide them everything they need." No mention of Hamas in President Abbas's comments on attack The official news agency of the Palestinian Authority published comments by President Mahmoud Abbas on Sunday (Oct 15) in which he criticised Hamas over its actions. However, later the name of the militant group was removed without providing an explanation. The comments, which were published on the WAFA website, were made when Abbas held a phone call with Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. The two leaders talked about the bombardment of Gaza by Israel following the deadly rampage of Hamas through Israeli cities. Watch | IDF and Hamas to faceoff in upcoming assault The original report published on the WAFA website on Abbas' call included the line: "The president also stressed that Hamas' policies and actions do not represent the Palestinian people, and the policies, programs and decisions of the (Palestine Liberation Organization) represent the Palestinian people as their sole legitimate representative." However, hours later, the phrase was changed to, "The president also stressed that the policies, programs, and decisions of the PLO represent the Palestinian people as their sole legitimate representative, and not the policies of any other organisation." Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Biden calls occupation of Gaza a 'big mistake', weighs trip to Israel

<p><em><strong>Trigger warning: Some readers may find details of this report disturbing. Discretion is advised.</strong></em></p>

<p>Video footage was released by Israel Defence Forces which showed how a Hamas militant crossed the border into Israel and shot at the houses of innocent civilians before he was neutralised by the Israeli security forces.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A three-minute clip was posted by IDF on X on Sunday along with a trigger warning. It looked like the video was captured by the body-worn camera of the militant.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"RAW FOOTAGE: Hamas jihadists squad invasion and killing spree of an innocent Israeli community,” captioned the Israeli military in the video. “The filmed terrorist was neutralized by Israeli security forces," it added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the footage, the heavily armed Hamas terrorists were seen riding on motorised bikes through an opening in the border fence which separated southern Israel from Gaza. &nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">⚠️Trigger Warning ⚠️<br />
<br />
RAW FOOTAGE: Hamas jihadists squad invasion and killing spree of an innocent Israeli community.<br />
<br />
The filmed terrorist was neutralized by Israeli security forces. <a href="https://t.co/4sKuxl9uRq">pic.twitter.com/4sKuxl9uRq</a></p>
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) <a href="https://twitter.com/IDF/status/1713685914575044809?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 15, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/israel-vs-hamas-war-a-look-at-firepower-in-israeli-arsenal-645024">Israel vs Hamas war | A look at firepower in Israeli arsenal</a></strong></p>

<p>The militants fired guns as they crossed a security booth, which had a gunshot hole in one of its windows, and then rode into the neighbourhood where they fired into the homes of the civilians, as per the clip.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Video likely taken&nbsp;during attack on&nbsp;Israeli kibbutz</strong></h2>

<p>The gunman, who was filming the attack, shot at the shadowy figure which was seen moving inside a home through the screen door of the building and then shot a bullet in the tire of a parked ambulance.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The terrorists crossed a children’s playground as they reloaded and shot into the homes of the families. They broke into the home of the people where music was still playing and a tablet, phone and drinks were seen kept haphazardly on a dining table as they searched for the people.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The shared video appeared heavily edited and ended with the Hamas fighters outside as the air was filled by the sound of the gunfire. As a gunshot was fired, the terrorist filming the video yelled out in pain and fell to the ground. &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Israel-Palestine war: Hamas commanders are training teenagers for battle</strong></p>

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<p>Many more gunshots can be heard in the video as the gunman cries and reportedly says, “I bear witness that there is no God but Allah” in Arabic.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The IDF did not clarify when was the video filmed although it was taken presumably during the attack by Hamas on an Israeli kibbutz where the terrorists killed complete families on October 7.</p>

<p><em><strong>Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.</strong></em></p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Trigger warning: Some readers may find details of this report disturbing. Discretion is advised. Video footage was released by Israel Defence Forces which showed how a Hamas militant crossed the border into Israel and shot at the houses of innocent civilians before he was neutralised by the Israeli security forces.

Trigger warning: Some readers may find details of this report disturbing. Discretion is advised. Video footage was released by Israel Defence Forces which showed how a Hamas militant crossed the border into Israel and shot at the houses of innocent civilians before he was neutralised by the Israeli security forces. A three-minute clip was posted by IDF on X on Sunday along with a trigger warning. It looked like the video was captured by the body-worn camera of the militant. "RAW FOOTAGE: Hamas jihadists squad invasion and killing spree of an innocent Israeli community,” captioned the Israeli military in the video. “The filmed terrorist was neutralized by Israeli security forces," it added. In the footage, the heavily armed Hamas terrorists were seen riding on motorised bikes through an opening in the border fence which separated southern Israel from Gaza. ⚠️Trigger Warning ⚠️ RAW FOOTAGE: Hamas jihadists squad invasion and killing spree of an innocent Israeli community. The filmed terrorist was neutralized by Israeli security forces. pic.twitter.com/4sKuxl9uRq — Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) October 15, 2023 × Also read: Israel vs Hamas war | A look at firepower in Israeli arsenal The militants fired guns as they crossed a security booth, which had a gunshot hole in one of its windows, and then rode into the neighbourhood where they fired into the homes of the civilians, as per the clip. Video likely taken during attack on Israeli kibbutz The gunman, who was filming the attack, shot at the shadowy figure which was seen moving inside a home through the screen door of the building and then shot a bullet in the tire of a parked ambulance. The terrorists crossed a children’s playground as they reloaded and shot into the homes of the families. They broke into the home of the people where music was still playing and a tablet, phone and drinks were seen kept haphazardly on a dining table as they searched for the people. The shared video appeared heavily edited and ended with the Hamas fighters outside as the air was filled by the sound of the gunfire. As a gunshot was fired, the terrorist filming the video yelled out in pain and fell to the ground. WATCH | Israel-Palestine war: Hamas commanders are training teenagers for battle Many more gunshots can be heard in the video as the gunman cries and reportedly says, “I bear witness that there is no God but Allah” in Arabic. The IDF did not clarify when was the video filmed although it was taken presumably during the attack by Hamas on an Israeli kibbutz where the terrorists killed complete families on October 7. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Watch | IDF posts video of Hamas militant storming homes of Israelis

<p>Car horns in Quito blared in celebration Sunday as banana empire heir Daniel Noboa, 35, became&nbsp;Ecuador's youngest-ever president-elect, vowing to "restore peace" to a country ravaged by a bloody drug gang war.</p>

<p>After the electoral authority declared him the victor and socialist rival Luisa Gonzalez conceded defeat, Noboa vowed that "tomorrow we begin to work to rebuild a country that has been severely hit by violence, corruption and hatred."</p>

<p>Long a peaceful haven between major cocaine exporters Colombia and Peru,&nbsp;Ecuador&nbsp;has seen violence explode in recent years as enemy gangs with links to Mexican and Colombian cartels vie for control.</p>

<p>The fighting has seen at least 460 inmates massacred in prisons since February 2021 -- many beheaded or burned alive in mass riots.</p>

<p>The bloodbath has spilt into the streets, with gangs dangling headless corpses from city bridges and detonating car bombs outside police stations in a show of force.</p>

<p>In August, the violence claimed the life of anti-graft and anti-cartel presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio, mowed down in a barrage of submachine-gun fire after a campaign speech.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He had been polling in second place.</p>

<p>A state of emergency was declared after former journalist Villavicencio's assassination, and Noboa and Gonzalez both campaigned and voted, in bullet-proof vests and with heavy security details.</p>

<p>On Sunday, Noboa told supporters in his home town of Olon in the southwest his goal was "to restore peace... to bring back education to the youth" and create jobs.</p>

<h2><strong>'Destroyed' country&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Ecuadorans voted for 10 hours Sunday with no reports of violence, watched over by some 100,000 police and soldiers.</p>

<p>"May we elect the best president because (he or she) will govern a country that is destroyed... to address all these problems such as insecurity," Indigenous voter Ramiro Duchitanga told AFP in Cuenca in&nbsp;Ecuador's south.</p>

<p>"It is a critical election," added Freddy Escobar, a popular 49-year-old singer in Quito, citing crime as his main worry. "I am voting in fear, not knowing what will happen."</p>

<p>The main concerns of Ecuadorians, according to opinion polls, are crime and violence in a country where the murder rate quadrupled in the four years to 2022.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Noboa, who obtained some 52 per cent of the vote according to a near-complete count, was elected to only 16 months in office to complete the term of incumbent Guillermo Lasso, who called a snap vote to avoid possible impeachment for alleged embezzlement.</p>

<p>Under the law, Noboa can&nbsp;run again for the 2025-29 presidential term, and the one after that.</p>

<p>Both runoff candidates were relative unknowns in politics.</p>

<p>Noboa is the son of one of&nbsp;Ecuador's richest men, who himself has five failed presidential bids to his name.</p>

<p>The president-elect, whose only political experience is two years as a lawmaker, calls himself "center-left" but embraces neoliberal economic thinking.</p>

<p>He ran on the ticket of the brand-new National Democratic Action alliance, which incorporates parties from the centre and left of the political spectrum.</p>

<p>Ecuador&nbsp;has a poverty rate of 27 per cent, with a quarter of the population unemployed or holding down an informal job.</p>

<p>Opinion polls list unemployment as voters' second concern.</p>

<p>Noboa reiterated Sunday that he intends to "give progress to a country... that has all the elements to be a global example."</p>

<p>Gonzalez was the handpicked candidate of socialist ex-president Rafael Correa, who governed from 2007 to 2017 and lives in exile in Belgium to avoid serving an eight-year prison term for graft -- another major concern in the country.</p>

<p>From eight candidates, Gonzalez took the most votes in the first round in August with 34 per cent, followed by Noboa with 23 per cent.</p>

<p>On Sunday, she offered her "profound congratulations" to Noboa, "because this is democracy."</p>

<p>Addressing supporters in Quito, Gonzales also said she would not be claiming fraud.</p>

<p>With 13 lawmakers in his corner out of 137 in parliament, Noboa will not have an absolute majority backing his legislative projects, and with only 16 months in office, will face an uphill battle to push through any reforms, analysts say.</p>

<p>Voting is compulsory for 13.4 million eligible voters in the country of about 18 million, and the election authority said turnout was above 82 per cent.</p>

<p>After images on social media showed a person appearing to fill out multiple ballots in favour of Noboa, the head of the National Electoral Commission, Diana Atamaint, promised an "immediate" investigation.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Car horns in Quito blared in celebration Sunday as banana empire heir Daniel Noboa, 35, became Ecuador's youngest-ever president-elect, vowing to "restore peace" to a country ravaged by a bloody drug gang war.

Car horns in Quito blared in celebration Sunday as banana empire heir Daniel Noboa, 35, became Ecuador's youngest-ever president-elect, vowing to "restore peace" to a country ravaged by a bloody drug gang war. After the electoral authority declared him the victor and socialist rival Luisa Gonzalez conceded defeat, Noboa vowed that "tomorrow we begin to work to rebuild a country that has been severely hit by violence, corruption and hatred." Long a peaceful haven between major cocaine exporters Colombia and Peru, Ecuador has seen violence explode in recent years as enemy gangs with links to Mexican and Colombian cartels vie for control. The fighting has seen at least 460 inmates massacred in prisons since February 2021 -- many beheaded or burned alive in mass riots. The bloodbath has spilt into the streets, with gangs dangling headless corpses from city bridges and detonating car bombs outside police stations in a show of force. In August, the violence claimed the life of anti-graft and anti-cartel presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio, mowed down in a barrage of submachine-gun fire after a campaign speech. He had been polling in second place. A state of emergency was declared after former journalist Villavicencio's assassination, and Noboa and Gonzalez both campaigned and voted, in bullet-proof vests and with heavy security details. On Sunday, Noboa told supporters in his home town of Olon in the southwest his goal was "to restore peace... to bring back education to the youth" and create jobs. 'Destroyed' country Ecuadorans voted for 10 hours Sunday with no reports of violence, watched over by some 100,000 police and soldiers. "May we elect the best president because (he or she) will govern a country that is destroyed... to address all these problems such as insecurity," Indigenous voter Ramiro Duchitanga told AFP in Cuenca in Ecuador's south. "It is a critical election," added Freddy Escobar, a popular 49-year-old singer in Quito, citing crime as his main worry. "I am voting in fear, not knowing what will happen." The main concerns of Ecuadorians, according to opinion polls, are crime and violence in a country where the murder rate quadrupled in the four years to 2022. Noboa, who obtained some 52 per cent of the vote according to a near-complete count, was elected to only 16 months in office to complete the term of incumbent Guillermo Lasso, who called a snap vote to avoid possible impeachment for alleged embezzlement. Under the law, Noboa can run again for the 2025-29 presidential term, and the one after that. Both runoff candidates were relative unknowns in politics. Noboa is the son of one of Ecuador's richest men, who himself has five failed presidential bids to his name. The president-elect, whose only political experience is two years as a lawmaker, calls himself "center-left" but embraces neoliberal economic thinking. He ran on the ticket of the brand-new National Democratic Action alliance, which incorporates parties from the centre and left of the political spectrum. Ecuador has a poverty rate of 27 per cent, with a quarter of the population unemployed or holding down an informal job. Opinion polls list unemployment as voters' second concern. Noboa reiterated Sunday that he intends to "give progress to a country... that has all the elements to be a global example." Gonzalez was the handpicked candidate of socialist ex-president Rafael Correa, who governed from 2007 to 2017 and lives in exile in Belgium to avoid serving an eight-year prison term for graft -- another major concern in the country. From eight candidates, Gonzalez took the most votes in the first round in August with 34 per cent, followed by Noboa with 23 per cent. On Sunday, she offered her "profound congratulations" to Noboa, "because this is democracy." Addressing supporters in Quito, Gonzales also said she would not be claiming fraud. With 13 lawmakers in his corner out of 137 in parliament, Noboa will not have an absolute majority backing his legislative projects, and with only 16 months in office, will face an uphill battle to push through any reforms, analysts say. Voting is compulsory for 13.4 million eligible voters in the country of about 18 million, and the election authority said turnout was above 82 per cent. After images on social media showed a person appearing to fill out multiple ballots in favour of Noboa, the head of the National Electoral Commission, Diana Atamaint, promised an "immediate" investigation. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

President-elect Noboa vows to 'restore peace' to violence-plagued Ecuador

<p><em><strong>Trigger warning: Some readers may find details of this report disturbing. Discretion is advised.</strong></em></p>

<p>The prime suspect in one of the most chilling murder cases of the country - Nithari killings - Surinder Koli and co-accused Maninder Singh Pandher were acquitted by the Allahabad High Court on Monday (Oct 16). Surinder Koli was acquitted by the court in 12 cases and co-accused Maninder Singh Pandher in two cases.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Surinder Koli and Moninder Singh Pandher, who were earlier awarded death sentences on the charges of murder and rape, were acquitted by the high court on the basis of lack of evidence.&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Surinder Koli had 16 cases registered against him by the CBI on the charges of alleged murder, abduction, rape of women and the destruction of evidence. The&nbsp;employer&nbsp;of Koli, Maninder Singh Pandher, was also booked in a case of trafficking.</p>

<p>“The Allahabad High Court has acquitted Moninder Singh Pandher in the two appeals against him. There were a total of six cases against him. Koli has been acquitted in all appeals against him here,” said Pandher's lawyer Manisha Bhandari, while speaking to news agency ANI.</p>

<p><strong>Here’s a recap of the gruesome Nithari killings which shook the nation.</strong></p>

<h2><strong>2006</strong></h2>

<p>In December 2006, the killings first came to light after the discovery of human remains in a drain which was located near Pandher's house in the Nithari area of Noida. Pandher along with his domestic help, Koli faced charges of abduction and rape of women and children from the villages near Nithari. They were accused of committing acts of cannibalism, and then throwing their dead bodies in a drain in the locality.</p>

<p>On December 29, 2006, Pandher and Koli were arrested after skeletons and other things of some missing girls were discovered by the police from the drain which was located outside their house in Nithari. It was alleged that Koli had killed many girls and chopped their bodies in pieces before disposing them in the backyard outside their house. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Between 2006 and 2009, the Nithari house was visited by many CBI teams and the accused was interrogated. The police then registered 19 FIRs against Pandher and Koli in relation to the crimes committed by them against 19 different girls, and then chargesheets were filed by the CBI in 16 of them. &nbsp;The police cannot file chargesheets in three FIRs because the “offence couldn’t be ascertained”, stated sources.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/delhis-384k-money-heist-miscreants-pose-as-law-enforcement-officers-647166">India: Miscreants pose as law enforcement officers in Delhi's $384k money heist</a></p>

<h2><strong>2009</strong></h2>

<p>A special CBI court on February 13, 2009, convicted Koli and Pandher and sentenced them to death for the rape and killing of 14-year-old Rimpa Haldar, who was one of the various victims.</p>

<p>Special CBI judge Rama Jain, pronouncing the sentence, stated that the crimes committed by then 38-year-old Koli and then 55-year-old Pandher were among the rarest of rare and deserved capital punishment.</p>

<p>The counsel of the victim’s family Khalid Khan said that the verdict was a “slap on the face of the CBI” which earlier gave a clean chit to Pandher.</p>

<p>“When the first incident of abduction, rape and murder of Rimpa Haldar took place on February 8, 2005, Pandher was out of the country in Australia. The opinion formed by the CBI in all the 16 cases was based on legally admissible evidence and the result of the investigation,” said the CBI, in a press release.</p>

<h2><strong>2014</strong></h2>

<p>The mercy petitions of the duo were rejected by India's then-President Pranab Mukherjee in July 2014. However, their execution was stayed by the court in September of that year. The death sentence of Koli was commuted to life imprisonment by the Supreme Court in September 2014. The families of the victims challenged the matter.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>2015&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Surender Koli's death sentence was commuted to life imprisonment in January 2015 by the Allahabad High Court on the basis of “inordinate delay” in the decision of his mercy petition. A division bench, which comprised of Justice P K S Baghel and Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud, held that the execution of the death sentence of Koli would be “unconstitutional in view of the inordinate delay” in the decision regarding his mercy petition.</p>

<h2><strong>2017</strong></h2>

<p>In Ghaziabad, a CBI special court awarded a death sentence to Surendra Koli and Moninder Singh Pandher in connection with one of the killing cases. The sentence was pronounced by the court in the case of rape and killing of a 25-year-old help.</p>

<p>This was the ninth among the cases in which the court had convicted Koli. This was also the third case in which the court had convicted both Koli and Pandher. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The court was informed by the CBI that the victim, who was a domestic help, had been missing from October 12, 2006. The police had identified her through her clothes found among the human remains in the area behind the house of Pandher, said the agency.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;India: Bengaluru reports 12,600 cybercrime cases | Online job scam fraud in Bengaluru | WION</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>2022</strong></h2>

<p>A special CBI court in Ghaziabad awarded the death penalty to Surinder Koli. The death sentence was announced by the court in connection with killing charges against the accused. Seven years of imprisonment was awarded by the judge to Moninder Singh Pandher in the case, along with a fine of Rs 62,000 on Koli and Rs 4,000 on Pandher, said officials.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Koli was held guilty of destroying proof of crime, conspiracy, murder and rape, and Pandher faced accusations of immoral trafficking. Death sentences were handed to Koli in more than 10 cases earlier. Pandher was also sentenced to death by the court in three cases.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Trigger warning: Some readers may find details of this report disturbing. Discretion is advised. The prime suspect in one of the most chilling murder cases of the country - Nithari killings - Surinder Koli and co-accused Maninder Singh Pandher were acquitted by the Allahabad High Court on Monday (Oct 16).

Trigger warning: Some readers may find details of this report disturbing. Discretion is advised. The prime suspect in one of the most chilling murder cases of the country - Nithari killings - Surinder Koli and co-accused Maninder Singh Pandher were acquitted by the Allahabad High Court on Monday (Oct 16). Surinder Koli was acquitted by the court in 12 cases and co-accused Maninder Singh Pandher in two cases. Surinder Koli and Moninder Singh Pandher, who were earlier awarded death sentences on the charges of murder and rape, were acquitted by the high court on the basis of lack of evidence. Surinder Koli had 16 cases registered against him by the CBI on the charges of alleged murder, abduction, rape of women and the destruction of evidence. The employer of Koli, Maninder Singh Pandher, was also booked in a case of trafficking. “The Allahabad High Court has acquitted Moninder Singh Pandher in the two appeals against him. There were a total of six cases against him. Koli has been acquitted in all appeals against him here,” said Pandher's lawyer Manisha Bhandari, while speaking to news agency ANI. Here’s a recap of the gruesome Nithari killings which shook the nation. 2006 In December 2006, the killings first came to light after the discovery of human remains in a drain which was located near Pandher's house in the Nithari area of Noida. Pandher along with his domestic help, Koli faced charges of abduction and rape of women and children from the villages near Nithari. They were accused of committing acts of cannibalism, and then throwing their dead bodies in a drain in the locality. On December 29, 2006, Pandher and Koli were arrested after skeletons and other things of some missing girls were discovered by the police from the drain which was located outside their house in Nithari. It was alleged that Koli had killed many girls and chopped their bodies in pieces before disposing them in the backyard outside their house. Between 2006 and 2009, the Nithari house was visited by many CBI teams and the accused was interrogated. The police then registered 19 FIRs against Pandher and Koli in relation to the crimes committed by them against 19 different girls, and then chargesheets were filed by the CBI in 16 of them. The police cannot file chargesheets in three FIRs because the “offence couldn’t be ascertained”, stated sources. ALSO READ | India: Miscreants pose as law enforcement officers in Delhi's $384k money heist 2009 A special CBI court on February 13, 2009, convicted Koli and Pandher and sentenced them to death for the rape and killing of 14-year-old Rimpa Haldar, who was one of the various victims. Special CBI judge Rama Jain, pronouncing the sentence, stated that the crimes committed by then 38-year-old Koli and then 55-year-old Pandher were among the rarest of rare and deserved capital punishment. The counsel of the victim’s family Khalid Khan said that the verdict was a “slap on the face of the CBI” which earlier gave a clean chit to Pandher. “When the first incident of abduction, rape and murder of Rimpa Haldar took place on February 8, 2005, Pandher was out of the country in Australia. The opinion formed by the CBI in all the 16 cases was based on legally admissible evidence and the result of the investigation,” said the CBI, in a press release. 2014 The mercy petitions of the duo were rejected by India's then-President Pranab Mukherjee in July 2014. However, their execution was stayed by the court in September of that year. The death sentence of Koli was commuted to life imprisonment by the Supreme Court in September 2014. The families of the victims challenged the matter. 2015 Surender Koli's death sentence was commuted to life imprisonment in January 2015 by the Allahabad High Court on the basis of “inordinate delay” in the decision of his mercy petition. A division bench, which comprised of Justice P K S Baghel and Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud, held that the execution of the death sentence of Koli would be “unconstitutional in view of the inordinate delay” in the decision regarding his mercy petition. 2017 In Ghaziabad, a CBI special court awarded a death sentence to Surendra Koli and Moninder Singh Pandher in connection with one of the killing cases. The sentence was pronounced by the court in the case of rape and killing of a 25-year-old help. This was the ninth among the cases in which the court had convicted Koli. This was also the third case in which the court had convicted both Koli and Pandher. The court was informed by the CBI that the victim, who was a domestic help, had been missing from October 12, 2006. The police had identified her through her clothes found among the human remains in the area behind the house of Pandher, said the agency. WATCH | India: Bengaluru reports 12,600 cybercrime cases | Online job scam fraud in Bengaluru | WION 2022 A special CBI court in Ghaziabad awarded the death penalty to Surinder Koli. The death sentence was announced by the court in connection with killing charges against the accused. Seven years of imprisonment was awarded by the judge to Moninder Singh Pandher in the case, along with a fine of Rs 62,000 on Koli and Rs 4,000 on Pandher, said officials. Meanwhile, Koli was held guilty of destroying proof of crime, conspiracy, murder and rape, and Pandher faced accusations of immoral trafficking. Death sentences were handed to Koli in more than 10 cases earlier. Pandher was also sentenced to death by the court in three cases. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Nithari killings 2006: How reports of cannibalism, rapes and gory murders unfolded

<p>Israel's Ambassador to the United Nations Gilad Erdan on Sunday (Oct 15) slammed some of its officials on X, and "severed ties" with those who shook hands with an Iranian minister.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The United Nations was accused by him of "living under a rock" and having "blood on its hands". "The UN's support for and legitimisation of genocidal terrorists is a threat to civilization!," Ambassador Erdan wrote in one of his posts.</p>

<p>The ambassador was apparently miffed by a post shared by Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Co-ordinator Martin Griffiths. "The specter of death is hanging over #Gaza. With no water, no power, no food and no medicine, thousands will die. Plain and simple," Griffiths had posted.</p>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Thousands of Israelis were murdered and maimed in the Hamas Nazi’s barbaric terror attack. And tens of thousands more will be massacred in the future if this savage terror group is not obliterated.<br />
<br />
Have you been living under a rock? Your double standards truly know no bounds…… <a href="https://t.co/JQWQ34qv1I">https://t.co/JQWQ34qv1I</a></p>
— Ambassador Gilad Erdan גלעד ארדן (@giladerdan1) <a href="https://twitter.com/giladerdan1/status/1713574018354118684?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 15, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>The comment reflected the stance of the United Nations on a warning issued by Israel to the people living in North Gaza, asking them to move south ahead of an expected ground attack by the Israeli forces.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/israel-vs-hamas-war-a-look-at-firepower-in-israeli-arsenal-645024">Israel vs Hamas war | A look at firepower in Israeli arsenal</a></strong></p>

<p>"Have you been living under a rock? Your double standards truly know no bounds," wrote Ambassador Erdan, in his post.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Where was your outcry when Hamas funnelled all UN funds to dig terror tunnels and manufacture rockets targeting Israeli civilians? When Hamas diverted every resource -- water, energy, civilian infrastructure -- from the Gazan population, to their terror capabilities? Why have you never condemned this publicly?!" he stated.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/TWennesland?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Twennesland</a>, don’t forget to wash the blood of Israeli babies off your hands after that handshake.<br />
<br />
Today (!!!), senior UN official, Tor Wennesland not only met with the Iranian regime’s FM, but didn’t even bother condemning Iran for its role in the massacre of Israeli women and… <a href="https://t.co/EiFRcEZuLJ">pic.twitter.com/EiFRcEZuLJ</a></p>
— Ambassador Gilad Erdan גלעד ארדן (@giladerdan1) <a href="https://twitter.com/giladerdan1/status/1713240953354330152?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 14, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>"Your voluntary blindness to the facts played a pivotal role in the creation of the terror machine that Gaza is today. UN officials have zero credibility or legitimacy to reprimand the country at the forefront of the war on terror! While we try to rescue the hostages. Shame on you!," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>UN officials shake hands with Iran's finance minister&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The ambassador then responded to a photo of United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Tor Wennesland, who was clicked shaking hands with Iran's finance minister.</p>

<p>In a withering comment, Ambassador Erdan said that Wennesland should not "forget to wash the blood of Israeli babies off your hands after that handshake".</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Israel-Palestine War stumps Palestinian tech sector</strong></p>

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<p>"Today (!!!), senior UN official, Tor Wennesland not only met with the Iranian regime's FM, but didn't even bother condemning Iran for its role in the massacre of Israeli women and children," posted Ambassador Erdan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It's no secret that Hamas terrorists are openly praising Iran for funding, arming, and training them. At the VERY SAME TIME, Iran's leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, openly called on the Muslim world to expand the attack on Israel," he stated. The United Nations officials are yet to respond.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Israel's Ambassador to the United Nations Gilad Erdan on Sunday (Oct 15) slammed some of its officials on X, and "severed ties" with those who shook hands with an Iranian minister.

Israel's Ambassador to the United Nations Gilad Erdan on Sunday (Oct 15) slammed some of its officials on X, and "severed ties" with those who shook hands with an Iranian minister. The United Nations was accused by him of "living under a rock" and having "blood on its hands". "The UN's support for and legitimisation of genocidal terrorists is a threat to civilization!," Ambassador Erdan wrote in one of his posts. The ambassador was apparently miffed by a post shared by Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Co-ordinator Martin Griffiths. "The specter of death is hanging over #Gaza. With no water, no power, no food and no medicine, thousands will die. Plain and simple," Griffiths had posted. Thousands of Israelis were murdered and maimed in the Hamas Nazi’s barbaric terror attack. And tens of thousands more will be massacred in the future if this savage terror group is not obliterated. Have you been living under a rock? Your double standards truly know no bounds…… https://t.co/JQWQ34qv1I — Ambassador Gilad Erdan גלעד ארדן (@giladerdan1) October 15, 2023 × The comment reflected the stance of the United Nations on a warning issued by Israel to the people living in North Gaza, asking them to move south ahead of an expected ground attack by the Israeli forces. Also read: Israel vs Hamas war | A look at firepower in Israeli arsenal "Have you been living under a rock? Your double standards truly know no bounds," wrote Ambassador Erdan, in his post. "Where was your outcry when Hamas funnelled all UN funds to dig terror tunnels and manufacture rockets targeting Israeli civilians? When Hamas diverted every resource -- water, energy, civilian infrastructure -- from the Gazan population, to their terror capabilities? Why have you never condemned this publicly?!" he stated. @Twennesland, don’t forget to wash the blood of Israeli babies off your hands after that handshake. Today (!!!), senior UN official, Tor Wennesland not only met with the Iranian regime’s FM, but didn’t even bother condemning Iran for its role in the massacre of Israeli women and… pic.twitter.com/EiFRcEZuLJ — Ambassador Gilad Erdan גלעד ארדן (@giladerdan1) October 14, 2023 × "Your voluntary blindness to the facts played a pivotal role in the creation of the terror machine that Gaza is today. UN officials have zero credibility or legitimacy to reprimand the country at the forefront of the war on terror! While we try to rescue the hostages. Shame on you!," he added. UN officials shake hands with Iran's finance minister The ambassador then responded to a photo of United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Tor Wennesland, who was clicked shaking hands with Iran's finance minister. In a withering comment, Ambassador Erdan said that Wennesland should not "forget to wash the blood of Israeli babies off your hands after that handshake". WATCH | Israel-Palestine War stumps Palestinian tech sector "Today (!!!), senior UN official, Tor Wennesland not only met with the Iranian regime's FM, but didn't even bother condemning Iran for its role in the massacre of Israeli women and children," posted Ambassador Erdan. "It's no secret that Hamas terrorists are openly praising Iran for funding, arming, and training them. At the VERY SAME TIME, Iran's leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, openly called on the Muslim world to expand the attack on Israel," he stated. The United Nations officials are yet to respond. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Israel envoy accuses UN of having 'blood on its hands' over Iran minister handshake

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