<p>Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has told her Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu that attacks on UN peacekeepers in Lebanon are unacceptable, her office said on Sunday.</p>

<p>"Prime Minister Meloni reiterated the unacceptability of UNIFIL being attacked by Israeli armed forces," the Italian government said in a statement.</p>

<p>Italy is a significant contributor to the UN mission known as UNIFIL.</p>

<p>In a phone conversation with Netanyahu, Meloni also called for the "full implementation" of the UN's Security Council Resolution 1701 on Lebanon and stressed the urgent need for a de-escalation of conflict in the region, her office said.</p>

<p>''As you know, the headquarters of the UNIFIL mission and two Italian bases have been hit by gunfire shots fired by the Israeli forces, and therefore I cannot, even as Italy, not to condemn again what has happened," Meloni said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/international-anger-mounts-over-idf-firing-at-un-peacekeepers-766496" target="_blank"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;International Anger Mounts Over IDF Firing At UN Peacekeepers</strong></a></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/international-anger-mounts-over-idf-firing-at-un-peacekeepers-766496/embed" width="560"></iframe></p>

<p>"It is unacceptable, it violates what was established by resolution 1701 of the United Nations. The Italian government, as you know, has strongly protested with the Israeli authorities. On this issue, together with Emmanuel (Macron) and Pedro (Sanchez), so France and Spain, we have also decided to make a common declaration.," she added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Two UN peacekeepers were injured on Friday by an Israeli strike near their watchtower in south Lebanon, the Israeli military said, while blasts shook the peacekeepers' main base in the area for the second time in 48 hours as Israeli forces battled Hezbollah.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-vs-un-netanyahu-tells-guterres-to-withdraw-south-lebanon-peacekeepers-767053"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Israel vs UN: Netanyahu tells Guterres to withdraw peacekeepers from south Lebanon</strong></a></p>

<p>Previously,&nbsp;Italy's defence minister had slammed Israel for the shooting by calling it "intolerable".&nbsp;The minister, Guido Crosetto said he "protested" to Israel's defence minister and summoned the Israeli ambassador over the incident.</p>

<p><em>Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.</em></p>


Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has told her Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu that attacks on UN peacekeepers in Lebanon are unacceptable, her office said on Sunday.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has told her Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu that attacks on UN peacekeepers in Lebanon are unacceptable, her office said on Sunday. "Prime Minister Meloni reiterated the unacceptability of UNIFIL being attacked by Israeli armed forces," the Italian government said in a statement. Italy is a significant contributor to the UN mission known as UNIFIL. In a phone conversation with Netanyahu, Meloni also called for the "full implementation" of the UN's Security Council Resolution 1701 on Lebanon and stressed the urgent need for a de-escalation of conflict in the region, her office said. ''As you know, the headquarters of the UNIFIL mission and two Italian bases have been hit by gunfire shots fired by the Israeli forces, and therefore I cannot, even as Italy, not to condemn again what has happened," Meloni said. Watch | International Anger Mounts Over IDF Firing At UN Peacekeepers "It is unacceptable, it violates what was established by resolution 1701 of the United Nations. The Italian government, as you know, has strongly protested with the Israeli authorities. On this issue, together with Emmanuel (Macron) and Pedro (Sanchez), so France and Spain, we have also decided to make a common declaration.," she added. Two UN peacekeepers were injured on Friday by an Israeli strike near their watchtower in south Lebanon, the Israeli military said, while blasts shook the peacekeepers' main base in the area for the second time in 48 hours as Israeli forces battled Hezbollah. Also read | Israel vs UN: Netanyahu tells Guterres to withdraw peacekeepers from south Lebanon Previously, Italy's defence minister had slammed Israel for the shooting by calling it "intolerable". The minister, Guido Crosetto said he "protested" to Israel's defence minister and summoned the Israeli ambassador over the incident. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

'It is unacceptable': Italian PM Meloni tells Netanyahu after attack on UN peacekeepers

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:15,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:51,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1705}">Thousands of civilians are trapped in Gaza's Jabalia camp as Israeli forces intensify their assault, with Israel claiming the operation is aimed at stopping Hamas from regrouping. According to Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) those trying to leave are "getting shot".</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:81,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:51,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1771}">On Friday, airstrikes killed at least 20 Palestinians in Jabalia, and nearby homes were damaged, medics reported. The day's overall death toll across Gaza, as per Reuters, reached 61, with nearly half of the casualties from Jabalia, one of Gaza's largest refugee camps.</p>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:150,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1840}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:150,&quot;w&quot;:189,&quot;h&quot;:24,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1840}">MSF staff trapped</strong></h2>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:194,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1884}">Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) voiced urgent concern, describing the camp as a no-go zone where anyone attempting to leave faces being shot.&nbsp;</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:194,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1884}"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-army-warns-to-attack-ambulances-in-southern-lebanon-claims-hezbollah-misusing-them-766935">Israeli army warns to attack ambulances in southern Lebanon, claims Hezbollah misusing them</a></strong></p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:243,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1933}">On X, MSF project coordinator Sarah Vuylsteke said,&nbsp;"Nobody is allowed to get in or out; anyone who tries is getting shot."</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:275,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1965}">Five MSF staff are among those trapped.&nbsp;</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:307,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1997}">"I don't know what to do; at any moment we could die. People are starving," she quoted Haydar, an MSF driver who said he was "afraid to stay, and I am also afraid to leave".</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:356,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2046}">The Israeli military has claimed that its strikes have reportedly killed dozens of militants in the area. However, questions remain about how many of them were civilians.&nbsp;</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:406,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2096}"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:492,&quot;w&quot;:710,&quot;h&quot;:24,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2182}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-bans-pagers-walkie-talkies-on-flights-after-attacks-in-lebanon-766923">Iran bans pagers, walkie-talkies on flights after attacks in Lebanon</a></strong></p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:536,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2226}">According to the report, at least 15 of the fatalities in Jabalia were due to Israeli strikes, including on a school where displaced individuals were sheltering, reported the official Palestinian news agency Wafa citing medical sources.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:585,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2275}">Gaza's Civil Defence said that multiple people were injured by drone fire.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:617,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2307}">Previously, the military has accused Hamas of using civilian shelters as cover, a charge the group denies.&nbsp;</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:649,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:68,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2339}">Humanitarian groups have raised alarms over the growing crisis, as over 400,000 people are reportedly trapped in northern Gaza, with limited options for evacuation. United Nations officials have also expressed concern that Israel's offensive and the evacuation orders in Northern Gaza could disrupt the second phase of its crucial polio vaccination campaign.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:732,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2422}"><em bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:732,&quot;w&quot;:182,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2422}">(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Thousands of civilians are trapped in Gaza's Jabalia camp as Israeli forces intensify their assault, with Israel claiming the operation is aimed at stopping Hamas from regrouping.

Thousands of civilians are trapped in Gaza's Jabalia camp as Israeli forces intensify their assault, with Israel claiming the operation is aimed at stopping Hamas from regrouping. According to Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) those trying to leave are "getting shot". On Friday, airstrikes killed at least 20 Palestinians in Jabalia, and nearby homes were damaged, medics reported. The day's overall death toll across Gaza, as per Reuters, reached 61, with nearly half of the casualties from Jabalia, one of Gaza's largest refugee camps. MSF staff trapped Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) voiced urgent concern, describing the camp as a no-go zone where anyone attempting to leave faces being shot. Also read | Israeli army warns to attack ambulances in southern Lebanon, claims Hezbollah misusing them On X, MSF project coordinator Sarah Vuylsteke said, "Nobody is allowed to get in or out; anyone who tries is getting shot." Five MSF staff are among those trapped. "I don't know what to do; at any moment we could die. People are starving," she quoted Haydar, an MSF driver who said he was "afraid to stay, and I am also afraid to leave". The Israeli military has claimed that its strikes have reportedly killed dozens of militants in the area. However, questions remain about how many of them were civilians. Also read | Iran bans pagers, walkie-talkies on flights after attacks in Lebanon According to the report, at least 15 of the fatalities in Jabalia were due to Israeli strikes, including on a school where displaced individuals were sheltering, reported the official Palestinian news agency Wafa citing medical sources. Gaza's Civil Defence said that multiple people were injured by drone fire. Previously, the military has accused Hamas of using civilian shelters as cover, a charge the group denies. Humanitarian groups have raised alarms over the growing crisis, as over 400,000 people are reportedly trapped in northern Gaza, with limited options for evacuation. United Nations officials have also expressed concern that Israel's offensive and the evacuation orders in Northern Gaza could disrupt the second phase of its crucial polio vaccination campaign. (With inputs from agencies)

Thousands trapped in Gaza's Jabalia Camp as Israeli forces intensify assault; those trying to flee 'get shot'

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:14,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1774}">Israeli defence minister Yoav Gallant &nbsp;on Wednesday (Oct 9) warned that a retaliatory attack on Iran would be "lethal, precise and...surprising". During a speech to the country's troops, Galant vowed that Tehran will "pay a price".</p>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:67,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1827}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:67,&quot;w&quot;:204,&quot;h&quot;:24,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1827}">Iran to 'Pay a price'</strong></h2>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:111,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1871}">Addressing his troops, Galant said that Israel's "strike will be lethal, precise and above all, surprising. They won't understand what happened and how. They will see the results."</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:160,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1920}">"Whoever strikes us will be harmed and pay a price," vowed the Israeli defence minister, while describing the Oct 1 missile attack as a failure.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:209,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1969}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:209,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1969}">Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:88,&quot;y&quot;:209,&quot;w&quot;:638,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:121,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1969}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-netanyahu-hold-telephonic-conversation-for-1st-time-since-august-as-israeli-response-against-iran-looms-766053">Biden, Netanyahu speak for first time since August as Israeli response against Iran looms</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:241,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2001}">A video of his speech has been released by his office. Watch it here:</p>

<div bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:273,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:212,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2033}" class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:130,&quot;y&quot;:284,&quot;w&quot;:568,&quot;h&quot;:190,&quot;abs_x&quot;:163,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2044}" class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:135,&quot;y&quot;:284,&quot;w&quot;:558,&quot;h&quot;:190,&quot;abs_x&quot;:168,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2044}" class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:196,&quot;y&quot;:323,&quot;w&quot;:472,&quot;h&quot;:97,&quot;abs_x&quot;:229,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2083}" dir="ltr" lang="en">Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant:<br bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:547,&quot;y&quot;:323,&quot;w&quot;:0,&quot;h&quot;:14,&quot;abs_x&quot;:580,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2083}" />
<br bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:432,&quot;y&quot;:338,&quot;w&quot;:0,&quot;h&quot;:14,&quot;abs_x&quot;:465,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2098}" />
🔻The Iranian attack was deadly but inaccurate.<br bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:581,&quot;y&quot;:356,&quot;w&quot;:0,&quot;h&quot;:14,&quot;abs_x&quot;:614,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2116}" />
<br bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:432,&quot;y&quot;:372,&quot;w&quot;:0,&quot;h&quot;:14,&quot;abs_x&quot;:465,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2132}" />
🔻Our response, however, will be deadly, precise, and surprising. They won't know what happened or how it happened. <a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:502,&quot;y&quot;:405,&quot;w&quot;:158,&quot;h&quot;:14,&quot;abs_x&quot;:535,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2165}" href="https://t.co/u7oIoPq7JQ">pic.twitter.com/u7oIoPq7JQ</a></p>
— Intelligence FRONT (@intelligencefnt) <a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:512,&quot;y&quot;:434,&quot;w&quot;:93,&quot;h&quot;:14,&quot;abs_x&quot;:545,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2194}" href="https://twitter.com/intelligencefnt/status/1844065278977810594?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 9, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:800,&quot;y&quot;:274,&quot;w&quot;:20,&quot;h&quot;:20,&quot;abs_x&quot;:833,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2034}" class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:501,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2261}">Gallant also shared the info on X, reiterating his 'lethal' attack vow.</p>

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<p dir="rtl" lang="iw">יחד עם חיילי המודיעין ביחידה 9900 הצופים על המתרחש בכל רחבי המזרח התיכון באמצעות מודיעין חזותי.<br />
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בשיחתי עם החיילים הדגשתי - התקיפה שלנו באיראן תהיה קטלנית, מדויקת ומפתיעה.<br />
<br />
מי שמנסה לפגוע במדינת ישראל ישלם מחיר. <a href="https://t.co/aj8WXbStWd">pic.twitter.com/aj8WXbStWd</a></p>
— יואב גלנט - Yoav Gallant (@yoavgallant) <a href="https://twitter.com/yoavgallant/status/1844077597925441576?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 9, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>This strong statement comes as things continue to heat up between Israel and Iran. Recently, on Oct 1, Iran fired a barrage of missiles at Israel, which fended off the attack with the United States' help.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:550,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2310}">Even as Israel vows "lethal" retaliation, US President Joe Biden has said that he would not support a retaliatory strike on sites related to Iran's nuclear programme.</p>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:602,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2362}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:602,&quot;w&quot;:228,&quot;h&quot;:24,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2362}">Biden-Netanyahu call</strong></h2>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:646,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2406}">Also on Wednesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Joe Biden connected over a call — their first since August.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:695,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2455}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:695,&quot;w&quot;:743,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2455}">Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:88,&quot;y&quot;:695,&quot;w&quot;:662,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:121,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2455}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-chief-sinwar-renewed-suicide-bombings-after-replacing-assassinated-haniyeh-report-765963">Hamas chief Sinwar revives ‘suicide bombings’ after replacing assassinated Haniyeh: Report</a></strong></p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:727,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2487}">The call, as per the White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, was "direct and very productive."</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:759,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2519}"><em bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:759,&quot;w&quot;:182,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2519}">(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Israeli defence minister Yoav Gallant on Wednesday (Oct 9) warned that a retaliatory attack on Iran would be "lethal, precise and...surprising". During a speech to the country's troops, Galant vowed that Tehran will "pay a price".

Israeli defence minister Yoav Gallant on Wednesday (Oct 9) warned that a retaliatory attack on Iran would be "lethal, precise and...surprising". During a speech to the country's troops, Galant vowed that Tehran will "pay a price". Iran to 'Pay a price' Addressing his troops, Galant said that Israel's "strike will be lethal, precise and above all, surprising. They won't understand what happened and how. They will see the results." "Whoever strikes us will be harmed and pay a price," vowed the Israeli defence minister, while describing the Oct 1 missile attack as a failure. Also read | Biden, Netanyahu speak for first time since August as Israeli response against Iran looms A video of his speech has been released by his office. Watch it here: Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant: 🔻The Iranian attack was deadly but inaccurate. 🔻Our response, however, will be deadly, precise, and surprising. They won't know what happened or how it happened. pic.twitter.com/u7oIoPq7JQ — Intelligence FRONT (@intelligencefnt) October 9, 2024 × Gallant also shared the info on X, reiterating his 'lethal' attack vow. יחד עם חיילי המודיעין ביחידה 9900 הצופים על המתרחש בכל רחבי המזרח התיכון באמצעות מודיעין חזותי. בשיחתי עם החיילים הדגשתי - התקיפה שלנו באיראן תהיה קטלנית, מדויקת ומפתיעה. מי שמנסה לפגוע במדינת ישראל ישלם מחיר. pic.twitter.com/aj8WXbStWd — יואב גלנט - Yoav Gallant (@yoavgallant) October 9, 2024 × This strong statement comes as things continue to heat up between Israel and Iran. Recently, on Oct 1, Iran fired a barrage of missiles at Israel, which fended off the attack with the United States' help. Even as Israel vows "lethal" retaliation, US President Joe Biden has said that he would not support a retaliatory strike on sites related to Iran's nuclear programme. Biden-Netanyahu call Also on Wednesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Joe Biden connected over a call — their first since August. Also read | Hamas chief Sinwar revives ‘suicide bombings’ after replacing assassinated Haniyeh: Report The call, as per the White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, was "direct and very productive." (With inputs from agencies)

Israeli defence minister vows retaliatory strike against Iran will be 'lethal, precise and surprising'. Watch!

<p>Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a highly-anticipated telephonic conversation with US President Joe Biden&nbsp;on Wednesday (Oct 9) as Vice President Kamala Harris also joined the call, the premier's office announced, as per a report in <em>The Times of Israel.</em>&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is now in conversation with the President of the United States Joe Biden, at the prime minister's office in Jerusalem," Netanyahu's office said in a statement.Netanyahu was joined by&nbsp;diplomatic adviser Ophir Falk, Military Secretary Roman Gofman, Chief of Staff Tzachi Braverman, and deputy head of National Security Council Gil Reich among others.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
Netanyahu and Biden last spoke on August 21, according to a White House statement. Wednesday's phone call is important as it comes in the backdrop of Israel preparing to respond to Iran for firing nearly 200 ballistic missiles on its territory last week.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Biden has cautioned Israel against attempting to target Iran's nuclear sites, which would risk major retaliation and lead to a regional war, thereby destabilising the world.<br />
<br />
The phone call between Netanyahu, Biden and Harris ended&nbsp;after 50 minutes, the PM’s office shared later.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Netanyahu has already warned that Lebanon, which houses the Iran-backed Hezbollah militant outfit, could face a "long war like we see in Gaza". As for Iran, the Israeli PM has kept cards close to the chest, but reports indicate that&nbsp;a major reply is in the offing.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-hamas-war-benjamin-netanyahu-visits-jerusalem-memorial-765318"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Israel-Hamas War: Benjamin Netanyahu Visits Jerusalem Memorial</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>Biden calls Netanyahu a liar&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>A new book by veteran US journalist Bob Woodward revealed that not all has been courteous between the two leaders on phone calls in recent months.&nbsp;According to Woodward, Biden called Netanyahu&nbsp;a "f****ing liar' after&nbsp;Israel Defense Forces (IDF) troops launched a ground operation in Rafah despite the American president's protest.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“What’s your strategy, man?” Biden questioned Bibi during the April phone call.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-calls-netanyahu-that-son-of-a-bh-and-bad-guy-behind-closed-doors-765743"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong></a><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-calls-netanyahu-that-son-of-a-bh-and-bad-guy-behind-closed-doors-765743"><strong>Biden calls Netanyahu 'that son of a b***h' and 'bad guy' behind closed doors</strong></a></strong></p>

<p>The book added that during a private meeting with one of his associates, Biden called Netanyahu a 'bad guy' and 'that son of a b***h'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"That son of a b***h, Bibi Netanyahu, he’s a bad guy. He’s a bad fucking guy!” read the book's excerpt published by&nbsp;<em>CNN.</em></p>

<p>In another phone call, Biden scolded Netanyahu and told the Israeli PM to "stop bullshi**ing" him&nbsp;as talks surrounding the hostage deal reached an impasse</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a highly-anticipated telephonic conversation with US President Joe Biden on Wednesday (Oct 9) as Vice President Kamala Harris also joined the call, the premier's office announced, as per a report in The Times of Israel.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu held a highly-anticipated telephonic conversation with US President Joe Biden on Wednesday (Oct 9) as Vice President Kamala Harris also joined the call, the premier's office announced, as per a report in The Times of Israel. "Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is now in conversation with the President of the United States Joe Biden, at the prime minister's office in Jerusalem," Netanyahu's office said in a statement.Netanyahu was joined by diplomatic adviser Ophir Falk, Military Secretary Roman Gofman, Chief of Staff Tzachi Braverman, and deputy head of National Security Council Gil Reich among others. Netanyahu and Biden last spoke on August 21, according to a White House statement. Wednesday's phone call is important as it comes in the backdrop of Israel preparing to respond to Iran for firing nearly 200 ballistic missiles on its territory last week. Biden has cautioned Israel against attempting to target Iran's nuclear sites, which would risk major retaliation and lead to a regional war, thereby destabilising the world. The phone call between Netanyahu, Biden and Harris ended after 50 minutes, the PM’s office shared later. Meanwhile, Netanyahu has already warned that Lebanon, which houses the Iran-backed Hezbollah militant outfit, could face a "long war like we see in Gaza". As for Iran, the Israeli PM has kept cards close to the chest, but reports indicate that a major reply is in the offing. Watch | Israel-Hamas War: Benjamin Netanyahu Visits Jerusalem Memorial × Biden calls Netanyahu a liar A new book by veteran US journalist Bob Woodward revealed that not all has been courteous between the two leaders on phone calls in recent months. According to Woodward, Biden called Netanyahu a "f****ing liar' after Israel Defense Forces (IDF) troops launched a ground operation in Rafah despite the American president's protest. “What’s your strategy, man?” Biden questioned Bibi during the April phone call. Also read | Biden calls Netanyahu 'that son of a b***h' and 'bad guy' behind closed doors The book added that during a private meeting with one of his associates, Biden called Netanyahu a 'bad guy' and 'that son of a b***h'. "That son of a b***h, Bibi Netanyahu, he’s a bad guy. He’s a bad fucking guy!” read the book's excerpt published by CNN. In another phone call, Biden scolded Netanyahu and told the Israeli PM to "stop bullshi**ing" him as talks surrounding the hostage deal reached an impasse (With inputs from agencies)

Biden, Netanyahu speak for first time since August as Israeli response against Iran looms

<p>US President Joe Biden called his Israeli counterpart, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a bad guy and 'that son of a b***h' during one of the private meetings with his associates, according to an excerpt in journalist&nbsp;Bob Woodward’s upcoming book, 'War'.</p>

<p>Woodward's book offers a remarkable look behind the scenes at Biden's profanity-ridden outbursts in the White House when there is no public eye on him. According to Woodward, Biden made the remark against Netanyahu in the spring of 2024 as Israel's war in Gaza intensified.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"That son of a b***h, Bibi Netanyahu, he’s a bad guy. He’s a bad fucking guy!” read the book's excerpt published by <em>CNN.</em></p>

<p>After Israel Defense Forces (IDF) troops launched a ground operation in Rafah, Biden yelled at Bibi and called him a "f****ing liar'. During an April phone call, Biden asked Netanyahu: “What’s your strategy, man?”</p>

<p>Notably, this is not the first instance when Biden has seemingly used swear words at Netanyahu. According to reports, during a phone call between the two leaders in August, Biden told Bibi to&nbsp;"stop bullshi**ing" him.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Biden&nbsp;scolded the Israeli PM as he felt that&nbsp;Netanyahu was intentionally stalling the truce talks to benefit his position in the country's internal politics.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/stop-bullshitting-biden-scolds-netanyahu-as-hostage-deal-talks-stall-746929"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;'Stop bullshi**ing': Biden scolds Netanyahu as hostage deal talks stall</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>Biden's colourful vocabulary&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Biden using the f-word is not limited to Netanyahu. Woodward reveals that the Democrat leader often swears at Russian President Vladimir Putin.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“That fucking Putin," Biden told his advisers in the Oval Office, shortly after Russia invaded Ukraine.&nbsp;“Putin is evil. We are dealing with the epitome of evil.”</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;US Elections: President Biden's twin Gaffes fan more speculations about acuity</strong></p>

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<p>As for his predecessor Donald Trump, Biden has a vulgar nickname whenever speaking about him in private.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“That f—king a—hole” is how Biden refers to Trump, the book further reveals.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, in public,&nbsp;Biden usually refers to Trump in roundabout ways, such as “my predecessor” or “the former guy”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The book, citing a Trump aide, claims that&nbsp;there have been “maybe as many as seven” calls between Trump and Putin since Trump left the White House in 2021.</p>

<p>Woodward's new book hits the shelves on October 15 and even contains a first-hand account of Biden and his national security team tanking the withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan as well as his confrontation with Putin.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


US President Joe Biden called his Israeli counterpart, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a bad guy and 'that son of a b***h' during one of the private meetings with his associates, according to an excerpt in journalist Bob Woodward’s upcoming book, 'War'.

US President Joe Biden called his Israeli counterpart, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a bad guy and 'that son of a b***h' during one of the private meetings with his associates, according to an excerpt in journalist Bob Woodward’s upcoming book, 'War'. Woodward's book offers a remarkable look behind the scenes at Biden's profanity-ridden outbursts in the White House when there is no public eye on him. According to Woodward, Biden made the remark against Netanyahu in the spring of 2024 as Israel's war in Gaza intensified. "That son of a b***h, Bibi Netanyahu, he’s a bad guy. He’s a bad fucking guy!” read the book's excerpt published by CNN. After Israel Defense Forces (IDF) troops launched a ground operation in Rafah, Biden yelled at Bibi and called him a "f****ing liar'. During an April phone call, Biden asked Netanyahu: “What’s your strategy, man?” Notably, this is not the first instance when Biden has seemingly used swear words at Netanyahu. According to reports, during a phone call between the two leaders in August, Biden told Bibi to "stop bullshi**ing" him. Biden scolded the Israeli PM as he felt that Netanyahu was intentionally stalling the truce talks to benefit his position in the country's internal politics. Also read | 'Stop bullshi**ing': Biden scolds Netanyahu as hostage deal talks stall Biden's colourful vocabulary Biden using the f-word is not limited to Netanyahu. Woodward reveals that the Democrat leader often swears at Russian President Vladimir Putin. “That fucking Putin," Biden told his advisers in the Oval Office, shortly after Russia invaded Ukraine. “Putin is evil. We are dealing with the epitome of evil.” Watch | US Elections: President Biden's twin Gaffes fan more speculations about acuity × As for his predecessor Donald Trump, Biden has a vulgar nickname whenever speaking about him in private. “That f—king a—hole” is how Biden refers to Trump, the book further reveals. Notably, in public, Biden usually refers to Trump in roundabout ways, such as “my predecessor” or “the former guy”. The book, citing a Trump aide, claims that there have been “maybe as many as seven” calls between Trump and Putin since Trump left the White House in 2021. Woodward's new book hits the shelves on October 15 and even contains a first-hand account of Biden and his national security team tanking the withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan as well as his confrontation with Putin. (With inputs from agencies)

Biden calls Netanyahu 'that son of a b***h' and 'bad guy' behind closed doors

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:15,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:51,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1705}">Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has proposed renaming his country's ongoing conflicts against Hamas and Iran's proxies as the "War of Revival," during a special cabinet meeting marking the first anniversary of the war. The conflict which completed one year on Oct 7 has hitherto been known by its military campaign name, the "Swords of Iron".</p>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:84,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1774}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:84,&quot;w&quot;:428,&quot;h&quot;:24,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1774}">Why change the name of the Israel war?</strong></h2>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:128,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1818}">The Israeli Prime Minister, as per reports, believes the new name better reflects the nature of the conflict, which began on October 7, 2023.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:177,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1867}">"This is the war of our existence — the 'War of Revival,' said Netanyahu, according to a statement from his office.&nbsp;</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:209,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1899}">"This is what I would like to officially call the war," he added.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:209,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1899}"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-praises-oct-7-attack-on-israel-says-it-shattered-illusions-the-enemy-had-created-for-itself-watch-765043">Hamas praises Oct 7 attack on Israel, says it shattered 'illusions the enemy had created for itself'. Watch!</a></strong></p>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:245,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1935}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:245,&quot;w&quot;:224,&quot;h&quot;:24,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1935}">'Government of guilt'</strong></h2>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:289,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:51,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1979}">The suggestion was not well-received. According to the Times of Israel, cabinet ministers objected to the name. While Gideon Sa’ar and Amichai Chikli said it was too similar to the Hebrew name for the 1948 War of Independence, Opposition Leader Yair Lapid said there "will be no revival until all the abducted and displaced people return to their homes".</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:355,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2045}">"You can change as many names as you want; you will not change the fact that on your watch the most terrible disaster since the establishment of the country happened to the people of Israel," he wrote in a post on X.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:355,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2045}"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/west-asia-crisis-hezbollahs-hq-commander-suhail-hussein-killed-in-beirut-strikes-claims-idf-765436">West Asia crisis: Hezbollah’s HQ commander Suhail Hussein killed in Beirut strikes, claims IDF</a></strong></p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:404,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2094}">"This government is not the government of revival, it is the government of guilt," he added.</p>

<div bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:436,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:176,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2126}" class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:130,&quot;y&quot;:447,&quot;w&quot;:568,&quot;h&quot;:155,&quot;abs_x&quot;:163,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2137}" class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:135,&quot;y&quot;:447,&quot;w&quot;:558,&quot;h&quot;:155,&quot;abs_x&quot;:168,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2137}" class="twitter-tweet">
<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:196,&quot;y&quot;:486,&quot;w&quot;:472,&quot;h&quot;:62,&quot;abs_x&quot;:229,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2176}" dir="rtl" lang="iw">לא תהיה תקומה עד שלא כל החטופים והעקורים ישובו לביתם. אתם יכולים לשנות כמה שמות שאתם רוצים, לא תשנו את העובדה שבמשמרת שלכם קרה לעם ישראל האסון הנורא ביותר מאז קום המדינה. הממשלה הזו היא לא ממשלת התקומה, היא ממשלת האשמה. <a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:354,&quot;y&quot;:532,&quot;w&quot;:156,&quot;h&quot;:14,&quot;abs_x&quot;:387,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2222}" href="https://t.co/6jRwBIqYv0">pic.twitter.com/6jRwBIqYv0</a></p>
— יאיר לפיד - Yair Lapid (@yairlapid) <a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:496,&quot;y&quot;:561,&quot;w&quot;:93,&quot;h&quot;:14,&quot;abs_x&quot;:529,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2251}" href="https://twitter.com/yairlapid/status/1843256499432517945?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 7, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:800,&quot;y&quot;:437,&quot;w&quot;:20,&quot;h&quot;:20,&quot;abs_x&quot;:833,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2127}" class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:628,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:85,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2318}">The ongoing conflict began with a devastating attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023, which left 1,200 people dead, even as over 250 people were taken hostage. In retaliation, Israel launched a military campaign to defeat Hamas, dismantle its rule in Gaza, and prevent future threats to Israeli security. Israeli military's ongoing retaliatory campaign, as per the latest figures by Gaza's health ministry, controlled by Hamas, has led to over 41,870 Palestinian deaths, mostly civilians. The UN has confirmed the reliability of these figures.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:728,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2418}"><em bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:728,&quot;w&quot;:182,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2418}">(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has proposed renaming his country's ongoing conflicts against Hamas and Iran's proxies as the "War of Revival," during a special cabinet meeting marking the first anniversary of the war.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has proposed renaming his country's ongoing conflicts against Hamas and Iran's proxies as the "War of Revival," during a special cabinet meeting marking the first anniversary of the war. The conflict which completed one year on Oct 7 has hitherto been known by its military campaign name, the "Swords of Iron". Why change the name of the Israel war? The Israeli Prime Minister, as per reports, believes the new name better reflects the nature of the conflict, which began on October 7, 2023. "This is the war of our existence — the 'War of Revival,' said Netanyahu, according to a statement from his office. "This is what I would like to officially call the war," he added. Also read | Hamas praises Oct 7 attack on Israel, says it shattered 'illusions the enemy had created for itself'. Watch! 'Government of guilt' The suggestion was not well-received. According to the Times of Israel, cabinet ministers objected to the name. While Gideon Sa’ar and Amichai Chikli said it was too similar to the Hebrew name for the 1948 War of Independence, Opposition Leader Yair Lapid said there "will be no revival until all the abducted and displaced people return to their homes". "You can change as many names as you want; you will not change the fact that on your watch the most terrible disaster since the establishment of the country happened to the people of Israel," he wrote in a post on X. Also read | West Asia crisis: Hezbollah’s HQ commander Suhail Hussein killed in Beirut strikes, claims IDF "This government is not the government of revival, it is the government of guilt," he added. לא תהיה תקומה עד שלא כל החטופים והעקורים ישובו לביתם. אתם יכולים לשנות כמה שמות שאתם רוצים, לא תשנו את העובדה שבמשמרת שלכם קרה לעם ישראל האסון הנורא ביותר מאז קום המדינה. הממשלה הזו היא לא ממשלת התקומה, היא ממשלת האשמה. pic.twitter.com/6jRwBIqYv0 — יאיר לפיד - Yair Lapid (@yairlapid) October 7, 2024 × The ongoing conflict began with a devastating attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023, which left 1,200 people dead, even as over 250 people were taken hostage. In retaliation, Israel launched a military campaign to defeat Hamas, dismantle its rule in Gaza, and prevent future threats to Israeli security. Israeli military's ongoing retaliatory campaign, as per the latest figures by Gaza's health ministry, controlled by Hamas, has led to over 41,870 Palestinian deaths, mostly civilians. The UN has confirmed the reliability of these figures. (With inputs from agencies)

Netanyahu wants to rebrand Israel-Hamas conflict as 'War of Revival'; Lapid slams PM's 'government of guilt'

While Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces widespread unpopularity on the global stage, his domestic approval remains robust. Despite international criticism over his handling of conflicts, including the Israel-Hamas war, and contentious policies, Netanyahu continues to enjoy strong support within Israel, particularly among conservative and right-wing voters. His firm stance on national security and defense resonates with many Israelis, helping him maintain a dominant position in local politics, even as his global reputation suffers. This contrast highlights the complex dynamics of Netanyahu’s leadership, balancing domestic popularity with international challenges.

Israel-Hamas War: Benjamin Netanyahu Visits Jerusalem Memorial

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:15,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1705}">Hamas, in a video released on Sunday (Oct 6), ahead of the one-year anniversary of the attack that triggered the current war in Gaza, praised its October 7, 2023, attack on Israel.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:64,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:51,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1754}">Ahead of the first anniversary of the deadly storming of southern Israel, Khalil al-Hayya, a Qatar-based member of the Palestinian militant group Hamas, said that the operation had shattered Israel's sense of security and self-perceived superiority.&nbsp;</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:130,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1820}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:130,&quot;w&quot;:551,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1820}">Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:88,&quot;y&quot;:130,&quot;w&quot;:470,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:121,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1820}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-one-year-of-gaza-war-israel-bombed-over-40000-hamas-targets-765036">In one year of Gaza war, Israel bombed over 40,000 Hamas targets</a></strong></p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:162,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1852}">"The crossing of the glorious 7th of October shattered the illusions the enemy had created for itself, convincing the world and the region of its supposed superiority and capabilities," said Al-Hayya.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:211,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:51,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1901}">Al-Hayya, who has emerged as the group's public face since the killing of former Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in July, stated that Gaza's residents have continued their resistance against displacement despite the intense bombardment, referring to what he called "genocide" and "daily massacres."&nbsp;</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:277,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1967}">Gazans have remained "resilient to all attempts at displacement... despite the kinds of torture and terrorism you have endured, and the horrific genocide and daily massacre," he said.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:277,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1967}"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-suspends-flights-at-some-airports-anticipating-israeli-retaliatory-response-765013">Iran suspends all flights till Monday morning amid anticipation of Israeli reprisal over missile attack</a></strong></p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:326,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2016}">He also accused Israel of obstructing ceasefire efforts, reiterating that Hamas would not accept terms previously rejected in negotiations.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:375,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2065}">"What we rejected yesterday, we will not accept tomorrow, and what the occupation (Israel) failed to impose by force, it will not take at the negotiating table," he said.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:375,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2065}">Watch what he said here:</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya gives a speech on the occasion of the one year anniversary of Operation Al-Aqsa Flood.<br />
<br />
Translated by RNN <a href="https://t.co/SZjzEcCKbl">pic.twitter.com/SZjzEcCKbl</a></p>
— Moodz (@GoodMoodz08) <a href="https://twitter.com/GoodMoodz08/status/1843109910646849924?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 7, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:428,&quot;w&quot;:231,&quot;h&quot;:24,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2118}">Hamas's Oct 7 attack&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:472,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2162}">Last year, on Oct 7, the Palestinian militant group stormed southern Israel. The assault resulted in the deaths of 1,205 people, most of whom were civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli reports, including those taken hostage.&nbsp;</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:521,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2211}">Since then, the conflict has spiralled, with Gaza's health ministry, controlled by Hamas, reporting over 41,870 Palestinian deaths, mostly civilians, in the Israeli military's ongoing campaign. The UN has confirmed the reliability of these figures.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:570,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2260}">Efforts to broker peace, mediated by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, have largely failed, with the exception of a brief truce in November.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:619,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2309}"><em bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:619,&quot;w&quot;:182,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2309}">(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Hamas, in a video released on Sunday (Oct 6), ahead of the one-year anniversary of the attack that triggered the current war in Gaza, praised its October 7, 2023, attack on Israel.

Hamas, in a video released on Sunday (Oct 6), ahead of the one-year anniversary of the attack that triggered the current war in Gaza, praised its October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. Ahead of the first anniversary of the deadly storming of southern Israel, Khalil al-Hayya, a Qatar-based member of the Palestinian militant group Hamas, said that the operation had shattered Israel's sense of security and self-perceived superiority. Also read | In one year of Gaza war, Israel bombed over 40,000 Hamas targets "The crossing of the glorious 7th of October shattered the illusions the enemy had created for itself, convincing the world and the region of its supposed superiority and capabilities," said Al-Hayya. Al-Hayya, who has emerged as the group's public face since the killing of former Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in July, stated that Gaza's residents have continued their resistance against displacement despite the intense bombardment, referring to what he called "genocide" and "daily massacres." Gazans have remained "resilient to all attempts at displacement... despite the kinds of torture and terrorism you have endured, and the horrific genocide and daily massacre," he said. Also read | Iran suspends all flights till Monday morning amid anticipation of Israeli reprisal over missile attack He also accused Israel of obstructing ceasefire efforts, reiterating that Hamas would not accept terms previously rejected in negotiations. "What we rejected yesterday, we will not accept tomorrow, and what the occupation (Israel) failed to impose by force, it will not take at the negotiating table," he said. Watch what he said here: Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya gives a speech on the occasion of the one year anniversary of Operation Al-Aqsa Flood. Translated by RNN pic.twitter.com/SZjzEcCKbl — Moodz (@GoodMoodz08) October 7, 2024 × Hamas's Oct 7 attack Last year, on Oct 7, the Palestinian militant group stormed southern Israel. The assault resulted in the deaths of 1,205 people, most of whom were civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli reports, including those taken hostage. Since then, the conflict has spiralled, with Gaza's health ministry, controlled by Hamas, reporting over 41,870 Palestinian deaths, mostly civilians, in the Israeli military's ongoing campaign. The UN has confirmed the reliability of these figures. Efforts to broker peace, mediated by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, have largely failed, with the exception of a brief truce in November. (With inputs from agencies)

Hamas praises Oct 7 attack on Israel, says it shattered 'illusions the enemy had created for itself'. Watch!

<p>Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke to French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday (Oct 6) evening and told him that placing an arms embargo on Tel Aviv would only serve Iran and its proxies.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The phone call came less than 24 hours after Macron called for a halt in delivery of arms to Israel for use in Gaza, which provoked a sharp response from the Israeli PM who termed it a 'shame'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Just as Iran supports all parts of the Iranian terror axis, so are Israel's friends expected to support it, and not impose restrictions that will only strengthen the Iranian axis of evil," Netanyahu told Macron, a statement from his office read.</p>

<p>The Israeli PM justified his military's action in Lebanon stating that Hezbollah's elimination was essential for better regional stability and allow&nbsp;Israelis in the north to return to their homes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier this week, Hezbollah's backer, Iran, launched nearly 200 ballistic missiles on major Israeli cities, prompting the entire 10 million population of the country to seek refuge in bomb shelters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Consequently, on the eve of the October 7 attacks, Israel pounded southern Beirut with heavy airstrikes with a retaliatory action against Iran anticipated by many. Tehran even announced cancellation of all flights till Monday (Oct 7) morning, citing "operational limitations".&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Francophone Nations Call for 'Immediate' Ceasefire in Lebanon</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Paris will not back off</strong></h2>

<p>Meanwhile, Macron's office said the president acknowledged&nbsp;their differences in opinion but indicated that the French leader will not back off his&nbsp;opposition to arms sales to Jerusalem.</p>

<p>"On the eve of the first anniversary of the Hamas terrorist offensive against Israel, he expressed the solidarity of the French people with the Israeli people," the French presidency said.</p>

<p>"Like everyone, Israel has the right to defend itself against terrorism. Attacks against Israel and its citizens must cease, whether they are carried out by Iran or its proxies in the region.”</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-chief-yahya-sinwar-ceases-contact-with-qatari-mediators-fearing-for-his-life-report-764971"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Fearing for his life, Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar ceases contact with Qatari mediators: Report</strong></a></p>

<p>Macron added that “the time for a ceasefire had now come".&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The arms deliveries, the prolongation of the war in Gaza and its extension to Lebanon cannot produce the security expected by the Israelis and by everyone in the region,” he added.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What did Netanyahu say earlier?</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>In a&nbsp;video statement on Saturday, Netanyahu had attacked Macron and called him out for not supporting Israel.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"As Israel fights the forces of barbarism led by Iran, all civilised countries should be standing firmly by Israel’s side," Netanyahu said. "Yet President Macron and other Western leaders are now calling for arms embargoes against Israel. Shame on them."</p>

<p>Netanyahu sought to highlight the hypocrisy in the calls for a pause on arms shipments to Israel, asking whether Iran had restricted weapons to its allies.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke to French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday (Oct 6) evening and told him that placing an arms embargo on Tel Aviv would only serve Iran and its proxies.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke to French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday (Oct 6) evening and told him that placing an arms embargo on Tel Aviv would only serve Iran and its proxies. The phone call came less than 24 hours after Macron called for a halt in delivery of arms to Israel for use in Gaza, which provoked a sharp response from the Israeli PM who termed it a 'shame'. "Just as Iran supports all parts of the Iranian terror axis, so are Israel's friends expected to support it, and not impose restrictions that will only strengthen the Iranian axis of evil," Netanyahu told Macron, a statement from his office read. The Israeli PM justified his military's action in Lebanon stating that Hezbollah's elimination was essential for better regional stability and allow Israelis in the north to return to their homes. Earlier this week, Hezbollah's backer, Iran, launched nearly 200 ballistic missiles on major Israeli cities, prompting the entire 10 million population of the country to seek refuge in bomb shelters. Consequently, on the eve of the October 7 attacks, Israel pounded southern Beirut with heavy airstrikes with a retaliatory action against Iran anticipated by many. Tehran even announced cancellation of all flights till Monday (Oct 7) morning, citing "operational limitations". Watch | Francophone Nations Call for 'Immediate' Ceasefire in Lebanon × Paris will not back off Meanwhile, Macron's office said the president acknowledged their differences in opinion but indicated that the French leader will not back off his opposition to arms sales to Jerusalem. "On the eve of the first anniversary of the Hamas terrorist offensive against Israel, he expressed the solidarity of the French people with the Israeli people," the French presidency said. "Like everyone, Israel has the right to defend itself against terrorism. Attacks against Israel and its citizens must cease, whether they are carried out by Iran or its proxies in the region.” Also read | Fearing for his life, Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar ceases contact with Qatari mediators: Report Macron added that “the time for a ceasefire had now come". “The arms deliveries, the prolongation of the war in Gaza and its extension to Lebanon cannot produce the security expected by the Israelis and by everyone in the region,” he added. What did Netanyahu say earlier? In a video statement on Saturday, Netanyahu had attacked Macron and called him out for not supporting Israel. "As Israel fights the forces of barbarism led by Iran, all civilised countries should be standing firmly by Israel’s side," Netanyahu said. "Yet President Macron and other Western leaders are now calling for arms embargoes against Israel. Shame on them." Netanyahu sought to highlight the hypocrisy in the calls for a pause on arms shipments to Israel, asking whether Iran had restricted weapons to its allies. (With inputs from agencies)

Netanyahu speaks to Macron less than 24 hours after France's call for arms embargo on Israel

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:15,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1705}">As thousands marched in the United States demanding an immediate ceasefire to the war in Gaza, one protestor in Washington attempted to set himself on fire.</p>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:67,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1757}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:67,&quot;w&quot;:161,&quot;h&quot;:24,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1757}">Misinformation</strong></h2>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:111,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1801}">The man, as per reports, succeeded in setting his arm ablaze before bystanders and police rushed to his aid and doused him with water. Some protestors extinguished his flames using their traditional Palestinian scarves — keffiyehs.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:160,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1850}">While lighting himself on fire, the man identified himself as a journalist.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:192,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1882}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:192,&quot;w&quot;:637,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1882}">Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:88,&quot;y&quot;:192,&quot;w&quot;:556,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:121,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1882}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-war-israel-places-its-forces-on-alert-ahead-of-first-anniversary-of-conflict-764854">Gaza war: Israel places its forces on alert ahead of first anniversary of conflict</a></strong></p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:224,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1914}">"I'm a CBS-affiliated journalist and we neglect it. We spread the misinformation," shouted the man, in between screams of pain as the fire on his arm was put out.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:224,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1914}"><em><strong>Watch the video here:</strong></em></p>

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Man claiming to be a CBS-affiliated journalist sets himself on fire saying, “We spread the misinformation,” at the Washington DC protest against 1 year of Israeli-U.S. war on Gaza.<br />
<br />
Graphic and shocking footage from a colleague. <a href="https://t.co/uIrbMT183M">pic.twitter.com/uIrbMT183M</a></p>
— Ramin Mazaheri (@RaminMazaheri2) <a href="https://twitter.com/RaminMazaheri2/status/1842741913213964466?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 6, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>According to the police, the man had "non-life-threatening injuries".</p>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:309,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1999}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:309,&quot;w&quot;:262,&quot;h&quot;:24,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1999}">Anniversary of Gaza war</strong></h2>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:353,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2043}">This comes just ahead of the one-year anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel and the subsequent devastating war in Gaza that has already claimed over 41,825 Palestinian lives and 1,205 Israeli lives.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:402,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:51,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2092}">Across the world, people took part in marches on a worldwide day of action against the war. In Washington, over one thousand protestors demonstrated outside the White House, demanding an end to US aid to America's strategic partner, Israel.&nbsp;</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:468,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2158}">"The US government has really shown what side of history it is on," said Zaid Khatib, an organiser with the Palestinian Youth Movement, while talking to AFP.&nbsp;</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:468,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2158}"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/west-asia-crisis-israeli-strikes-some-of-them-very-violent-hit-south-beirut-says-reports-764864">West Asia crisis: Israeli strikes, some of them 'very violent', hit south Beirut, say report</a></strong></p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:517,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2207}">"The US government has performed and co-signed the most evil atrocities that we've seen of this century."</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:549,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2239}">Meanwhile, in New York, thousands marched in Times Square. Some of the protestors were seen carrying pictures of people killed in the Israeli military offensive in Gaza.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:598,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2288}">Protestors spoke against their tax money being used to aid Israel.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:630,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2320}">"As an American, we're tired of our tax money going to Israel to bomb kids in Palestine and then Lebanon," said Daniel Perez, a New York resident.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:679,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2369}">In Los Angeles, protestors waved signs against the "genocide" in Gaza.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:711,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2401}"><em bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:711,&quot;w&quot;:182,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2401}">(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


As thousands marched in the United States demanding an immediate ceasefire to the war in Gaza, one protestor in Washington attempted to set himself on fire. Misinformation The man, as per reports, succeeded in setting his arm ablaze before bystanders and police rushed to his aid and doused him with water.

As thousands marched in the United States demanding an immediate ceasefire to the war in Gaza, one protestor in Washington attempted to set himself on fire. Misinformation The man, as per reports, succeeded in setting his arm ablaze before bystanders and police rushed to his aid and doused him with water. Some protestors extinguished his flames using their traditional Palestinian scarves — keffiyehs. While lighting himself on fire, the man identified himself as a journalist. Also read | Gaza war: Israel places its forces on alert ahead of first anniversary of conflict "I'm a CBS-affiliated journalist and we neglect it. We spread the misinformation," shouted the man, in between screams of pain as the fire on his arm was put out. Watch the video here: Man claiming to be a CBS-affiliated journalist sets himself on fire saying, “We spread the misinformation,” at the Washington DC protest against 1 year of Israeli-U.S. war on Gaza. Graphic and shocking footage from a colleague. pic.twitter.com/uIrbMT183M — Ramin Mazaheri (@RaminMazaheri2) October 6, 2024 × According to the police, the man had "non-life-threatening injuries". Anniversary of Gaza war This comes just ahead of the one-year anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel and the subsequent devastating war in Gaza that has already claimed over 41,825 Palestinian lives and 1,205 Israeli lives. Across the world, people took part in marches on a worldwide day of action against the war. In Washington, over one thousand protestors demonstrated outside the White House, demanding an end to US aid to America's strategic partner, Israel. "The US government has really shown what side of history it is on," said Zaid Khatib, an organiser with the Palestinian Youth Movement, while talking to AFP. Also read | West Asia crisis: Israeli strikes, some of them 'very violent', hit south Beirut, say report "The US government has performed and co-signed the most evil atrocities that we've seen of this century." Meanwhile, in New York, thousands marched in Times Square. Some of the protestors were seen carrying pictures of people killed in the Israeli military offensive in Gaza. Protestors spoke against their tax money being used to aid Israel. "As an American, we're tired of our tax money going to Israel to bomb kids in Palestine and then Lebanon," said Daniel Perez, a New York resident. In Los Angeles, protestors waved signs against the "genocide" in Gaza. (With inputs from agencies)

Journalist sets himself on fire at ceasefire protest in Washington as Gaza war nears first anniversary

Boris Johnson, former Prime Minister of Britain, has claimed that Benjamin Netanyahu left a bugging device in his bathroom when the Israeli premier visited Britain in 2017, when BoJo was serving the foreign secretary.

Did Netanyahu install a bugging device in Boris Johnson's bathroom?

<p>Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had agreed to a ceasefire deal shortly before the former was assassinated in an airstrike, Lebanon Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib&nbsp;has claimed in an interview with <em>PBS</em>.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Habib&nbsp;said after the two leaders had reached the ceasefire decision, it was conveyed to the US and French representatives as well.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"He (Nasrallah) agreed, he agreed (to the ceasefire),"&nbsp;Habib said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The Lebanese House Speaker, Mr Nabih Berri, consulted with Hezbollah and we informed the Americans and the French about the agreement. They told us that [Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu also agreed to the statement issued by both presidents," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, the Israeli allies had called for an immediate 21-day ceasefire along the border with Lebanon a couple of days before Nasrallah's death, according to media reports. The proposed pause, however, was not accepted by Netanyahu who ordered his troops to continue fighting.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-hezbollah-war-netanyahu-no-choice-but-to-target-nasrallah-762881" target="_blank"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Israel-Hezbollah War | Netanyahu: No Choice But To Target Nasrallah</strong></a></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-hezbollah-war-netanyahu-no-choice-but-to-target-nasrallah-762881/embed" width="560"></iframe></p>

<h2><strong>Nasrallah killed</strong></h2>

<p>Last month (Sep 28),&nbsp;the Israeli military said Nasrallah was eliminated during the airstrikes which targeted the suburbs of Beirut.</p>

<p>The militant outfit also confirmed the death of its leader later in the day, which effectively meant that the entire chain of command of Hezbollah had been neutralised in the span of less than two weeks.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Nasrallah had&nbsp;led the Lebanon-based militant group for the last three decades. Under his tenure, Hezbollah became part of a cluster of Iranian-backed factions and governments known as the Axis of Resistance.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nasrallah-death-netanyahu-reveals-he-gave-the-order-to-kill-hezbollah-chief-he-would-have-quickly-762857"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Nasrallah death: Netanyahu says he personally authorised operation to kill Hezbollah chief; warns Iran, Sinwar</strong></a></p>

<p>Netanyahu revealed that he had issued the order to neutralise Nasrallah, as Hezbollah would have regenerated if he was allowed to live.</p>

<p>"He would have quickly rehabilitated Hezbollah’s capabilities. So I gave the order and Nasrallah is no longer with us," said Netanyahu.</p>

<p>However, Hezbollah retaliated with its backer, Iran, launching over 180 ballistic missiles on Israel's major cities&nbsp;as well as the Nevatim airbase in the Negev desert and the headquarters of the Mossad spy agency near Tel Aviv, earlier this week.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Additionally, the Israeli military suffered its deadline day in a year when eight soldiers lost their lives during the ground raid against Hezbollah in Lebanon on Wednesday.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><em bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:1230,&quot;w&quot;:716,&quot;h&quot;:68,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:3067}">Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Lebanon, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.</em></strong></p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had agreed to a ceasefire deal shortly before the former was assassinated in an airstrike, Lebanon Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib has claimed in an interview with PBS.

Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had agreed to a ceasefire deal shortly before the former was assassinated in an airstrike, Lebanon Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib has claimed in an interview with PBS. Habib said after the two leaders had reached the ceasefire decision, it was conveyed to the US and French representatives as well. "He (Nasrallah) agreed, he agreed (to the ceasefire)," Habib said. "The Lebanese House Speaker, Mr Nabih Berri, consulted with Hezbollah and we informed the Americans and the French about the agreement. They told us that [Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu also agreed to the statement issued by both presidents," he added. Notably, the Israeli allies had called for an immediate 21-day ceasefire along the border with Lebanon a couple of days before Nasrallah's death, according to media reports. The proposed pause, however, was not accepted by Netanyahu who ordered his troops to continue fighting. Watch | Israel-Hezbollah War | Netanyahu: No Choice But To Target Nasrallah Nasrallah killed Last month (Sep 28), the Israeli military said Nasrallah was eliminated during the airstrikes which targeted the suburbs of Beirut. The militant outfit also confirmed the death of its leader later in the day, which effectively meant that the entire chain of command of Hezbollah had been neutralised in the span of less than two weeks. Nasrallah had led the Lebanon-based militant group for the last three decades. Under his tenure, Hezbollah became part of a cluster of Iranian-backed factions and governments known as the Axis of Resistance. Also read | Nasrallah death: Netanyahu says he personally authorised operation to kill Hezbollah chief; warns Iran, Sinwar Netanyahu revealed that he had issued the order to neutralise Nasrallah, as Hezbollah would have regenerated if he was allowed to live. "He would have quickly rehabilitated Hezbollah’s capabilities. So I gave the order and Nasrallah is no longer with us," said Netanyahu. However, Hezbollah retaliated with its backer, Iran, launching over 180 ballistic missiles on Israel's major cities as well as the Nevatim airbase in the Negev desert and the headquarters of the Mossad spy agency near Tel Aviv, earlier this week. Additionally, the Israeli military suffered its deadline day in a year when eight soldiers lost their lives during the ground raid against Hezbollah in Lebanon on Wednesday. Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Lebanon, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

Nasrallah, Netanyahu agreed to ceasefire before Hezbollah chief's death? Lebanese minister's SHOCKING claim

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:15,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1852}">To understand the horrible mess in West Asia, look at it like a high school algebra student trying to solve three simultaneous equations, all equally bizarre.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:64,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1901}">Israel thinks offence is the best form of defence. Hamas thinks an impetuous attack is an exercise of Palestinian sovereignty. Hezbollah thinks Lebanon is a part of Iran.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:114,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1951}">As Iran rains missiles and Israel warns of consequences after sending its troops north of the occupied Gaza territory into southern Lebanon, the thing to look for in this madness is the method behind from both sides — or a lack of it.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:181,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2018}"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-issues-travel-advisory-regarding-iran-warns-nations-to-avoid-non-essential-travel-763815">India issues travel advisory regarding Iran; warns nationals to avoid 'non-essential' travel</a></strong></p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:231,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2068}">From all indications, three undeniable truths might give us a clue about what might happen next.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:263,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2100}">First up, Israel's retaliation after the October 7 attacks by Palestinian extremist group Hamas into its territory has been strong on both intelligence and a ruthless, relentless military offensive, giving it an undeniable strategic advantage that for all practical purposes looks like victory.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:330,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:86,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2167}">It killed on July 31 Ismail Haniyeh, the political leader of Hamas, right in Teheran, showing Tel Aviv's penetration into the most unexpected quarters. Last week, it assassinated Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah right in its command headquarters in Beirut barely a week after booby-trapping Hezbollah pagers and hundreds of radios that did not alert the Iran-backed Shia militia group the way it should have. The attack eliminated half of Hezbollah's leadership council and ate into its military command.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:432,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2269}">In contrast, the attack by Hamas on the anniversary of the Arab-Israeli Yom Kippur war of 1973 last year and this week's rain of missiles by Iran show more desperation and bluster than clinical method.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:481,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2318}">To this asymmetry of military power, we might add a diplomatic situation that has never been as unfriendly to the aspiring state of Palestine as now.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:481,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2318}"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/davids-sling-and-arrow-the-anti-missile-systems-protecting-israel-together-with-iron-dome-763737">David's Sling and Arrow, the anti-missile systems protecting Israel together with Iron Dome</a></strong></p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:531,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:121,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2368}">The United States is openly backing Israel's "right to defence" which is for all practical purposes a disproportionate act of offence turned into an opportunity for treating Hamas, Hezbollah, Palestinians and now, Lebanese citizens, as vermin that need to be just trodden upon. European nations, for all practical purposes, are busy treating an uneasy mix of domestic economic woes and immigration troubles. China has just begun reviving its sagging economy with a sharp interest rate cut and Russia&nbsp;has its arms full in Ukraine with a war of its own making. Some claps and cheers from American university students, UN General Assembly speeches critical of Israel and outraged posts on WhatsApp groups are not getting us anywhere.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:667,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2504}">If there is anything that appears to sound louder than the missiles and bombs flying between Iran and Israel across Gaza and Lebanon, it is the virtual sound of silence from the Islamic world that seems hardly aligned with Iran, Hezbollah or Hamas — while officially standing up for Palestine in elegant diplomatic postures.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:734,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:104,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2571}">Earlier this week, Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi called for an emergency meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in response to recent Israeli attacks, even before Tel Aviv's soldiers walked into Lebanon. Only a diplomatic agreement between the OIC, China, Russia and some other countries with an enough-is-enough approach can get West Asia somewhere near a ceasefire moment. However, none of these parties show any strong effort to put resources behind their apparent intent to help Palestine or other territories invaded by Israel.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:734,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:104,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2571}">&nbsp;</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:734,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:104,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2571}"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/breaking-iran-launches-barrage-of-ballistic-missiles-at-israel-after-us-warning-763691/embed" width="560"></iframe></p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:853,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:86,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2690}">The US is heading into a fiercely contested presidential election next month, and maybe, just maybe, there is a slim chance that the new administration, at least to save for Washington its supposed role as a superpower, does something to stop the madness in its Middle East by going beyond mumbled efforts to ask Tel Aviv for a ceasefire. But that seems unlikely for now since Washington has asked US forces to shoot down Iranian missiles targeting Israel. The US is now part of the war, more or less.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:955,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2792}">Iran and Hezbollah may vent their anger at Israel, but they seem to have little beyond that. Most of Teheran's missiles have been neutralised mid-air and there is no method in the retaliation apart from a tribalist and tokenist vow of revenge in a cycle of violence that goes back decades if not centuries.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:1022,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:69,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2859}">But Israel may have reached its limits in crossing into Lebanon. Officially, Israel says its main objective is to eliminate the threat of an October 7-like incursion by Hezbollah into its northern areas. You can never be sure if the reasons are reasonable or were manufactured to justify an attack in a game in which propaganda or falsification of facts are as much a part of the ammunition as firearms and bombs.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:1106,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:86,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2943}">There are those who believe that Netanyahu's far-right coalition allies are pressuring him to do something on the displacement of thousands of Israelis from the north linked to fears that they may face the kind of attacks faced by Hamas victims last October. If the Israeli leader's objective of doing something to please domestic lobbies has been achieved, we can hope for the beginning of something that looks like a ceasefire or withdrawal.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:1208,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:86,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:3045}">Only an international initiative in which Israel is encircled diplomatically can lead us to a de-escalation of violence and war. Tel Aviv might well respond, since most of its domestic and external objectives, political and military, seem to have been achieved. However, with Israel, Hezbollah, and Iran, you never know. They excel in violent urges driven by internal political pressures to show more aggression towards their adversaries, with no sense of proportion, peace, or balance.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:1310,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:3147}"><em bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:1310,&quot;w&quot;:709,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:3147}">Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.</em><br bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:215,&quot;y&quot;:1327,&quot;w&quot;:0,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:248,&quot;abs_y&quot;:3164}" />
&nbsp;</p>


To understand the horrible mess in West Asia, look at it like a high school algebra student trying to solve three simultaneous equations, all equally bizarre. Israel thinks offence is the best form of defence.

To understand the horrible mess in West Asia, look at it like a high school algebra student trying to solve three simultaneous equations, all equally bizarre. Israel thinks offence is the best form of defence. Hamas thinks an impetuous attack is an exercise of Palestinian sovereignty. Hezbollah thinks Lebanon is a part of Iran. As Iran rains missiles and Israel warns of consequences after sending its troops north of the occupied Gaza territory into southern Lebanon, the thing to look for in this madness is the method behind from both sides — or a lack of it. Also read | India issues travel advisory regarding Iran; warns nationals to avoid 'non-essential' travel From all indications, three undeniable truths might give us a clue about what might happen next. First up, Israel's retaliation after the October 7 attacks by Palestinian extremist group Hamas into its territory has been strong on both intelligence and a ruthless, relentless military offensive, giving it an undeniable strategic advantage that for all practical purposes looks like victory. It killed on July 31 Ismail Haniyeh, the political leader of Hamas, right in Teheran, showing Tel Aviv's penetration into the most unexpected quarters. Last week, it assassinated Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah right in its command headquarters in Beirut barely a week after booby-trapping Hezbollah pagers and hundreds of radios that did not alert the Iran-backed Shia militia group the way it should have. The attack eliminated half of Hezbollah's leadership council and ate into its military command. In contrast, the attack by Hamas on the anniversary of the Arab-Israeli Yom Kippur war of 1973 last year and this week's rain of missiles by Iran show more desperation and bluster than clinical method. To this asymmetry of military power, we might add a diplomatic situation that has never been as unfriendly to the aspiring state of Palestine as now. Also read | David's Sling and Arrow, the anti-missile systems protecting Israel together with Iron Dome The United States is openly backing Israel's "right to defence" which is for all practical purposes a disproportionate act of offence turned into an opportunity for treating Hamas, Hezbollah, Palestinians and now, Lebanese citizens, as vermin that need to be just trodden upon. European nations, for all practical purposes, are busy treating an uneasy mix of domestic economic woes and immigration troubles. China has just begun reviving its sagging economy with a sharp interest rate cut and Russia has its arms full in Ukraine with a war of its own making. Some claps and cheers from American university students, UN General Assembly speeches critical of Israel and outraged posts on WhatsApp groups are not getting us anywhere. If there is anything that appears to sound louder than the missiles and bombs flying between Iran and Israel across Gaza and Lebanon, it is the virtual sound of silence from the Islamic world that seems hardly aligned with Iran, Hezbollah or Hamas — while officially standing up for Palestine in elegant diplomatic postures. Earlier this week, Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi called for an emergency meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in response to recent Israeli attacks, even before Tel Aviv's soldiers walked into Lebanon. Only a diplomatic agreement between the OIC, China, Russia and some other countries with an enough-is-enough approach can get West Asia somewhere near a ceasefire moment. However, none of these parties show any strong effort to put resources behind their apparent intent to help Palestine or other territories invaded by Israel. The US is heading into a fiercely contested presidential election next month, and maybe, just maybe, there is a slim chance that the new administration, at least to save for Washington its supposed role as a superpower, does something to stop the madness in its Middle East by going beyond mumbled efforts to ask Tel Aviv for a ceasefire. But that seems unlikely for now since Washington has asked US forces to shoot down Iranian missiles targeting Israel. The US is now part of the war, more or less. Iran and Hezbollah may vent their anger at Israel, but they seem to have little beyond that. Most of Teheran's missiles have been neutralised mid-air and there is no method in the retaliation apart from a tribalist and tokenist vow of revenge in a cycle of violence that goes back decades if not centuries. But Israel may have reached its limits in crossing into Lebanon. Officially, Israel says its main objective is to eliminate the threat of an October 7-like incursion by Hezbollah into its northern areas. You can never be sure if the reasons are reasonable or were manufactured to justify an attack in a game in which propaganda or falsification of facts are as much a part of the ammunition as firearms and bombs. There are those who believe that Netanyahu's far-right coalition allies are pressuring him to do something on the displacement of thousands of Israelis from the north linked to fears that they may face the kind of attacks faced by Hamas victims last October. If the Israeli leader's objective of doing something to please domestic lobbies has been achieved, we can hope for the beginning of something that looks like a ceasefire or withdrawal. Only an international initiative in which Israel is encircled diplomatically can lead us to a de-escalation of violence and war. Tel Aviv might well respond, since most of its domestic and external objectives, political and military, seem to have been achieved. However, with Israel, Hezbollah, and Iran, you never know. They excel in violent urges driven by internal political pressures to show more aggression towards their adversaries, with no sense of proportion, peace, or balance. Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.

Only a multi-national peace initiative can arrest the spiralling West Asia crisis

<p>US President Joe Biden has said he would speak to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as the Middle East sits on the cusp of an all-out war. In other news, the White House on Sunday (Sep 29) approved&nbsp;$567 million in defence support for Taiwan. This is the latest move by Washington to boost the island's military in the face of rising tensions with China.</p>

<h2><strong>Click on headlines to read more:&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/were-working-like-hell-biden-on-avoiding-all-out-war-in-middle-east-after-israeli-strikes-763056"><strong>'We're working like hell': Biden on avoiding all-out war in Middle East after Israeli strikes</strong></a></p>

<p>After Israel took out Hezbollah's entire chain of command, including chief Hassan Nasrallah, the region has been extremely volatile, with US President Joe Biden stating his administration was 'working like hell" to avoid the worst-case scenario.</p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/06/21/439145-wion-images-2024-06-21t152858915.png?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-approves-567-million-in-defence-support-for-taiwan-as-taipei-is-on-alert-after-china-missile-firing-763059"><strong>US approves $567 million in defence support for Taiwan as Taipei is on alert after China missile firing</strong></a></p>

<p>The Joe Biden-led United States (US) administration on Sunday (Sep&nbsp;29) &nbsp;approved $567 million in defence support for Taiwan. This is the latest move by Washington to boost the island's military in the face of rising tensions with China.</p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/09/30/457504-untitled-2.png?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/leading-scientist-in-us-says-he-faced-death-threats-due-to-work-with-china-on-virus-research-report-763053"><strong>Leading scientist in US says he faced death threats due to work with China on virus research: Report</strong></a></p>

<p>A British scientist working in the United States (US) said that he faced death threats and harassment due to his work with Chinese scientists on virus research before the Covid pandemic broke out in 2020.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/09/30/457499-untitled-1.png?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/west-asia-crisis-four-killed-in-beirut-as-israel-carries-out-first-strike-on-heart-of-lebanons-capital-763028"><strong>West Asia crisis: Four killed in Beirut as Israel carries out first strike on heart of Lebanon's capital</strong></a></p>

<p>Four people were killed in an Israeli strike on a Beirut apartment block on Monday (Sep&nbsp;30) as Israel carried out the first such raid on the heart of Lebanon's capital since the outbreak of the war in Gaza last year, the news agency AFP reported citing a Lebanese source.</p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/09/30/457487-untitled.png?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-hezbollah-conflict-israel-hits-central-beirut-four-killed-763058"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Israel-Hezbollah Conflict: Israel Hits Central Beirut, Four Killed</strong></a></p>

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US President Joe Biden has said he would speak to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as the Middle East sits on the cusp of an all-out war. In other news, the White House on Sunday (Sep 29) approved $567 million in defence support for Taiwan.

US President Joe Biden has said he would speak to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as the Middle East sits on the cusp of an all-out war. In other news, the White House on Sunday (Sep 29) approved $567 million in defence support for Taiwan. This is the latest move by Washington to boost the island's military in the face of rising tensions with China. Click on headlines to read more: 'We're working like hell': Biden on avoiding all-out war in Middle East after Israeli strikes After Israel took out Hezbollah's entire chain of command, including chief Hassan Nasrallah, the region has been extremely volatile, with US President Joe Biden stating his administration was 'working like hell" to avoid the worst-case scenario. US approves $567 million in defence support for Taiwan as Taipei is on alert after China missile firing The Joe Biden-led United States (US) administration on Sunday (Sep 29) approved $567 million in defence support for Taiwan. This is the latest move by Washington to boost the island's military in the face of rising tensions with China. Leading scientist in US says he faced death threats due to work with China on virus research: Report A British scientist working in the United States (US) said that he faced death threats and harassment due to his work with Chinese scientists on virus research before the Covid pandemic broke out in 2020. West Asia crisis: Four killed in Beirut as Israel carries out first strike on heart of Lebanon's capital Four people were killed in an Israeli strike on a Beirut apartment block on Monday (Sep 30) as Israel carried out the first such raid on the heart of Lebanon's capital since the outbreak of the war in Gaza last year, the news agency AFP reported citing a Lebanese source. Watch | Israel-Hezbollah Conflict: Israel Hits Central Beirut, Four Killed ×

Morning news brief: Biden to talk to Israeli PM; US approves defence support for Taiwan, and more

<p>US President Joe Biden has said he would speak to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as the Middle East sits on the cusp of an all-out war. After Israel took out Hezbollah's entire chain of command, including chief Hassan Nasrallah, the region has been extremely volatile, with Biden stating his administration was 'working like hell" to avoid the worst-case scenario.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking to the reporters as he was boarding his Air Force One for Washington, Biden reflected on the situation and said he will inform about his talk with Netanyahu.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Yes, I will be talking to him. And I'll tell you what I say to him when I talk to him," the US president said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Biden added that an "all-out war" scenario must be avoided at all costs.</p>

<p>“It has to be.&nbsp;We really have to avoid it.&nbsp;We have already taken precautions relative to our embassies and personnel who want to leave. But, we're not there yet, but we're working like hell with the French and many others to avoid [more] war," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Even after Nasrallah's death, Israel has not eased on the strikes in Lebanon. Tens of thousands of Lebanese citizens have been forced to seek shelter in safer pastures.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Netanyahu said Israel had&nbsp;"settled the account" with a "mass murderer".</p>

<p>"We settled the score with the one responsible for the murder of countless Israelis and many citizens of other countries, including hundreds of Americans and dozens of French," said Netanyahu.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Bibi&nbsp;revealed that he had personally&nbsp;issued the directive to neutralise Nasrallah as Hezbollah would have regenerated if he was allowed to live.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-hezbollah-war-netanyahu-no-choice-but-to-target-nasrallah-762881" target="_blank"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Israel-Hezbollah War | Netanyahu: No Choice But To Target Nasrallah</strong></a></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-hezbollah-war-netanyahu-no-choice-but-to-target-nasrallah-762881/embed" width="560"></iframe></p>

<h2><strong>Nasrallah's death&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>On Saturday (Sep 28), the Israeli military said that Nasrallah was eliminated during Friday's strikes, which targeted the suburbs of Beirut.</p>

<p>"Hassan Nasrallah will no longer be able to terrorise the world," the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a post on X (formerly Twitter).&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hezbollah-leader-hassan-nasrallah-apparent-target-of-israeli-strikes-in-lebanons-beirut-who-is-he-762708" target="_blank"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Hassan Nasrallah: What you should know about the Hezbollah leader Israel says it has killed</strong></a></p>

<p>Hezbollah also confirmed the death of its leader later in the day with Iran, known for backing the militant outfit, issuing a statement and vowing to avenge the loss.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, more than 80 bombs were dropped by Israel within a few minutes to kill Nasrallah and his aides. After Nasrallah's death, reports claim that his cousin Hashem Safieddine may take the reins of the group.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


US President Joe Biden has said he would speak to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as the Middle East sits on the cusp of an all-out war. After Israel took out Hezbollah's entire chain of command, including chief Hassan Nasrallah, the region has been extremely volatile, with Biden stating his administration was 'working like hell" to avoid the worst-case scenario.

US President Joe Biden has said he would speak to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as the Middle East sits on the cusp of an all-out war. After Israel took out Hezbollah's entire chain of command, including chief Hassan Nasrallah, the region has been extremely volatile, with Biden stating his administration was 'working like hell" to avoid the worst-case scenario. Speaking to the reporters as he was boarding his Air Force One for Washington, Biden reflected on the situation and said he will inform about his talk with Netanyahu. "Yes, I will be talking to him. And I'll tell you what I say to him when I talk to him," the US president said. Biden added that an "all-out war" scenario must be avoided at all costs. “It has to be. We really have to avoid it. We have already taken precautions relative to our embassies and personnel who want to leave. But, we're not there yet, but we're working like hell with the French and many others to avoid [more] war," he added. Even after Nasrallah's death, Israel has not eased on the strikes in Lebanon. Tens of thousands of Lebanese citizens have been forced to seek shelter in safer pastures. Meanwhile, Netanyahu said Israel had "settled the account" with a "mass murderer". "We settled the score with the one responsible for the murder of countless Israelis and many citizens of other countries, including hundreds of Americans and dozens of French," said Netanyahu. Bibi revealed that he had personally issued the directive to neutralise Nasrallah as Hezbollah would have regenerated if he was allowed to live. Watch | Israel-Hezbollah War | Netanyahu: No Choice But To Target Nasrallah Nasrallah's death On Saturday (Sep 28), the Israeli military said that Nasrallah was eliminated during Friday's strikes, which targeted the suburbs of Beirut. "Hassan Nasrallah will no longer be able to terrorise the world," the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a post on X (formerly Twitter). Also read | Hassan Nasrallah: What you should know about the Hezbollah leader Israel says it has killed Hezbollah also confirmed the death of its leader later in the day with Iran, known for backing the militant outfit, issuing a statement and vowing to avenge the loss. Notably, more than 80 bombs were dropped by Israel within a few minutes to kill Nasrallah and his aides. After Nasrallah's death, reports claim that his cousin Hashem Safieddine may take the reins of the group. (With inputs from agencies)

'We're working like hell': Biden on avoiding all-out war in Middle East after Israeli strikes

<p>In his first public statement since the killing of Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel had "settled the account" with a "mass murderer".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We settled the score with the one responsible for the murder of countless Israelis and many citizens of other countries, including hundreds of Americans and dozens of French,"&nbsp;</p>

<p>Netanyahu revealed that he had personally&nbsp;issued the directive to neutralise Nasrallah as Hezbollah would have regenerated if he was allowed to live.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"He would have quickly rehabilitated Hezbollah’s capabilities.&nbsp;So I gave the order and Nasrallah is no longer with us," said Netanyahu.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the weeks leading up to the attack, Israel had increased its intensity of strikes in Lebanon where Hezbollah operated from at the behest of Iran. Reports state that the Israeli security establishment had been tracking Nasrallah for months and recommended targeting him this week or the opportunity could pass.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Nasrallah wasn’t just another terrorist. He was the terrorist. Eliminating Nasrallah was an essential condition for achieving the goals that we have set out — returning the residents of the north safely to their homes and changing the balance of power in the region for years,”&nbsp;he said.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Lebanon's government has declared three days of mourning for the death of Nasrallah, starting Monday.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="&lt;div class=&quot;videoWrapper trancodeVideo&quot;&gt;&lt;iframe src=&quot;https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-drops-85-tonnes-of-gbu-31-jdams-spice-2000-bombs-to-kill-hassan-nasrallah-762856/embed&quot; width=&quot;560&quot; height=&quot;350&quot; style=&quot;width:100%;max-width:560px;&quot; class=&quot;includeVideo&quot; frameborder=&quot;0&quot; autoplay=1 allowfullscreen&gt;&lt;/iframe&gt;&lt;/div&gt;"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Israel drops 85 tonnes of GBU-31 JDAMs &amp; Spice 2000 bombs to kill Hassan Nasrallah</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>Netanyahu warns Iran, Sinwar</strong></h2>

<p>The Israeli PM also appeared to issue a direct challenge to Tehran, which supplies&nbsp;funds, weapons to Hezbollah, and said,&nbsp;“Those who strike at us, we will strike at them. There is nowhere in Iran or the Middle East beyond the reach of the long arm of Israel, and today you know how true that is.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>Netanyahu also shot off a warning to Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar who appears to be the last big name remaining in the Gaza Strip after his predecessors were neutralised in the previous few months by Tel Aviv.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The more [Hamas leader Yahya] Sinwar sees that Hezbollah is no longer coming to save him, the greater the chances for the return of our hostages," Netanyahu said, referring to the ongoing efforts to secure the release of Israelis captured by Hamas during its October 7 attack.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-calls-hezbollah-chief-nasrallahs-death-measure-of-justice-assures-uss-support-to-israel-762849"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Biden calls Hezbollah chief Nasrallah's death 'measure of justice', reiterates US support to Israel</strong></a></p>

<p>There have been reports of Israel being close to neutralising Sinwar on multiple occasions in the last few weeks. If Tel Aviv manages to eliminate Sinwar in the upcoming days, it could perhaps be the biggest military coup pulled off in the region where both Hamas and Hezbollah were going toe-to-toe with IDF just a few weeks ago.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In his first public statement since the killing of Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel had "settled the account" with a "mass murderer".

In his first public statement since the killing of Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel had "settled the account" with a "mass murderer". "We settled the score with the one responsible for the murder of countless Israelis and many citizens of other countries, including hundreds of Americans and dozens of French," Netanyahu revealed that he had personally issued the directive to neutralise Nasrallah as Hezbollah would have regenerated if he was allowed to live. "He would have quickly rehabilitated Hezbollah’s capabilities. So I gave the order and Nasrallah is no longer with us," said Netanyahu. In the weeks leading up to the attack, Israel had increased its intensity of strikes in Lebanon where Hezbollah operated from at the behest of Iran. Reports state that the Israeli security establishment had been tracking Nasrallah for months and recommended targeting him this week or the opportunity could pass. “Nasrallah wasn’t just another terrorist. He was the terrorist. Eliminating Nasrallah was an essential condition for achieving the goals that we have set out — returning the residents of the north safely to their homes and changing the balance of power in the region for years,” he said. Meanwhile, Lebanon's government has declared three days of mourning for the death of Nasrallah, starting Monday. Watch | Israel drops 85 tonnes of GBU-31 JDAMs & Spice 2000 bombs to kill Hassan Nasrallah × Netanyahu warns Iran, Sinwar The Israeli PM also appeared to issue a direct challenge to Tehran, which supplies funds, weapons to Hezbollah, and said, “Those who strike at us, we will strike at them. There is nowhere in Iran or the Middle East beyond the reach of the long arm of Israel, and today you know how true that is.” Netanyahu also shot off a warning to Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar who appears to be the last big name remaining in the Gaza Strip after his predecessors were neutralised in the previous few months by Tel Aviv. "The more [Hamas leader Yahya] Sinwar sees that Hezbollah is no longer coming to save him, the greater the chances for the return of our hostages," Netanyahu said, referring to the ongoing efforts to secure the release of Israelis captured by Hamas during its October 7 attack. Also read | Biden calls Hezbollah chief Nasrallah's death 'measure of justice', reiterates US support to Israel There have been reports of Israel being close to neutralising Sinwar on multiple occasions in the last few weeks. If Tel Aviv manages to eliminate Sinwar in the upcoming days, it could perhaps be the biggest military coup pulled off in the region where both Hamas and Hezbollah were going toe-to-toe with IDF just a few weeks ago. (With inputs from agencies)

Nasrallah death: Netanyahu says he personally authorised operation to kill Hezbollah chief; warns Iran, Sinwar

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<p>A statement from the official X (formerly Twitter) account of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Office on Friday (September 27), said that Israel felt the need to "clarify a few points" due to widespread "misreporting around the US-led ceasefire" plan.</p>

<p>"Earlier this week, the US shared with Israel its intention to put forward, together with other international and regional partners, a ceasefire proposal in Lebanon," the statement read.</p>

<p>"Israel shares the aims of the US-led initiative of enabling people along our northern border to return safely and securely to their homes. Israel appreciates the US efforts in this regard because the US role is indispensable in advancing stability and security in the region.," the statement added.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Due to a lot of misreporting around the US-led ceasefire initiative, it is important to clarify a few points.<br />
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Earlier this week, the US shared with Israel its intention to put forward, together with other international and regional partners, a ceasefire proposal in Lebanon.</p>
— Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) <a href="https://twitter.com/IsraeliPM/status/1839503785544069439?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 27, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>The statement from Netanyahu's office also said that the two sides (Israel and the US) had met on Thursday (September 26) and discussed "how we can advance the shared goal of returning people safely to their homes."</p>

<h2><strong>US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken meets Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer in New York</strong></h2>

<p>Meanwhile, Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met with Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer in New York to discuss the ceasefire initiative.</p>

<p>"The Secretary discussed the importance of reaching an agreement on the 21-day ceasefire across the Israel-Lebanon border proposed by the United States, Australia, Canada, the European Union, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and Qatar and a diplomatic settlement that will allow civilians on both sides of the border to return to their homes," the State Department said in a press release.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/idf-eliminates-hezbollah-drone-commander-in-beirut-strike-over-700-dead-as-conflict-escalates-in-lebanon-762370">IDF kills Hezbollah drone commander; 700 dead as conflict escalates in Lebanon</a></strong></p>

<p>According to the State Department, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken told Israeli minister that any further escalation of the conflict with Lebanon would complicate the return of civilians to their homes on both sides of the border.</p>

<p>"The Secretary also discussed ongoing efforts to reach a ceasefire in Gaza that would secure the release of the hostages, alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people, and set the conditions for an end to the war, and underscored that all parties must make the difficult decisions necessary to reach an agreement," the statement added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A statement from the official X (formerly Twitter) account of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Office on Friday (September 27), said that Israel felt the need to "clarify a few points" due to widespread "misreporting around the US-led ceasefire" plan.

A statement from the official X (formerly Twitter) account of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Office on Friday (September 27), said that Israel felt the need to "clarify a few points" due to widespread "misreporting around the US-led ceasefire" plan. "Earlier this week, the US shared with Israel its intention to put forward, together with other international and regional partners, a ceasefire proposal in Lebanon," the statement read. "Israel shares the aims of the US-led initiative of enabling people along our northern border to return safely and securely to their homes. Israel appreciates the US efforts in this regard because the US role is indispensable in advancing stability and security in the region.," the statement added. Due to a lot of misreporting around the US-led ceasefire initiative, it is important to clarify a few points. Earlier this week, the US shared with Israel its intention to put forward, together with other international and regional partners, a ceasefire proposal in Lebanon. — Prime Minister of Israel (@IsraeliPM) September 27, 2024 × The statement from Netanyahu's office also said that the two sides (Israel and the US) had met on Thursday (September 26) and discussed "how we can advance the shared goal of returning people safely to their homes." US Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken meets Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer in New York Meanwhile, Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met with Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer in New York to discuss the ceasefire initiative. "The Secretary discussed the importance of reaching an agreement on the 21-day ceasefire across the Israel-Lebanon border proposed by the United States, Australia, Canada, the European Union, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the United Kingdom, and Qatar and a diplomatic settlement that will allow civilians on both sides of the border to return to their homes," the State Department said in a press release. Also read: IDF kills Hezbollah drone commander; 700 dead as conflict escalates in Lebanon According to the State Department, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken told Israeli minister that any further escalation of the conflict with Lebanon would complicate the return of civilians to their homes on both sides of the border. "The Secretary also discussed ongoing efforts to reach a ceasefire in Gaza that would secure the release of the hostages, alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people, and set the conditions for an end to the war, and underscored that all parties must make the difficult decisions necessary to reach an agreement," the statement added. (With inputs from agencies)

Netanyahu responds to 'misreporting' on US-led ceasefire plan; Blinken meets Israeli delegation in the US

<p>Many delegates started leaving the&nbsp;United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)&nbsp;as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin&nbsp;Netanyahu started addressing the world leaders&nbsp;on Friday (Sep 27). The audience started shouting 'shame shame', prompting&nbsp;the Jewish leader to start&nbsp;off&nbsp;by&nbsp;pledging to counter 'slander' at the world body.</p>

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<p dir="rtl" lang="iw">עשרות דיפלומטים יוצאים מהאולם לאות מחאה כשנתניהו מתחיל לדבר <a href="https://t.co/Jl7ahLZ0JW">pic.twitter.com/Jl7ahLZ0JW</a></p>
— Barak Ravid (@BarakRavid) <a href="https://twitter.com/BarakRavid/status/1839662296911528052?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 27, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>"After I heard the lies and slanders leveled at my country by many of the speakers at this podium, I decided to come here and set the record straight," Netanyahu said.</p>

<p>The Israeli PM also warned Iran that if it dares to strike his country, "we will strike you back." He added that there was no place in Iran that Israeli agencies couldn't reach.</p>

<p>The leader slammed Gaza's Hamas and Lebanon-based Hezbollah, saying both militant groups had fired more than 8,000 rockets at Israel since the war began on October 7.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Israeli PM&nbsp;said&nbsp;that "Hamas has got to go" and the militant group would have no role in the reconstruction of Gaza as he vowed to fight until "total victory."</p>

<p>"If Hamas stays in power, it will regroup... and attack Israel again and again and again... So Hamas has got to go," Netanyahu said to diplomats.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwi3o7fOseOIAxUl3TgGHYTiNacQxfQBKAB6BAgOEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-is-a-non-stop-nightmare-un-chief-guterres-tells-world-leaders-at-general-assembly-761675" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-is-a-non-stop-nightmare-un-chief-guterres-tells-world-leaders-at-general-assembly-761675&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi3o7fOseOIAxUl3TgGHYTiNacQxfQBKAB6BAgOEAE">'Gaza is a non-stop nightmare,' UN chief Guterres tells world leaders at General Assembly</a></strong></p>

<p>He also slammed the United Nations for&nbsp;its unfair treatment of his country, saying it had become a "contemptuous farce".</p>

<p>"I say to you, until Israel – until the Jewish state – is treated like other nations, until this anti-Semitic swamp is drained, the UN will be viewed by fair-minded people everywhere as nothing more than a contemptuous farce," he said.</p>

<p>Since Monday, Israel has shifted its focus from Gaza to its northern front with Lebanon where heavy bombing has reportedly killed 700 people and sparked an exodus of around 118,000 people.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwi3o7fOseOIAxUl3TgGHYTiNacQxfQBKAB6BAgQEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-war-half-of-hostages-held-by-hamas-since-oct-7-have-died-pm-netanyahu-tells-mps-760976" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-war-half-of-hostages-held-by-hamas-since-oct-7-have-died-pm-netanyahu-tells-mps-760976&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi3o7fOseOIAxUl3TgGHYTiNacQxfQBKAB6BAgQEAE">Gaza war: Half of hostages held by Hamas since Oct 7 have died, PM Netanyahu tells MPs</a></strong></p>

<p>Netanyahu said Israel would continue the strikes on Lebanon "until we meet our objectives."</p>

<p>The UN, on Friday, said that a "catastrophic" intensification of Israeli attacks targeting Hezbollah militants had left Lebanon facing its "deadliest period... in a generation."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong><em>Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.</em></strong></p>


Many delegates started leaving the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu started addressing the world leaders on Friday (Sep 27).

Many delegates started leaving the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu started addressing the world leaders on Friday (Sep 27). The audience started shouting 'shame shame', prompting the Jewish leader to start off by pledging to counter 'slander' at the world body. עשרות דיפלומטים יוצאים מהאולם לאות מחאה כשנתניהו מתחיל לדבר pic.twitter.com/Jl7ahLZ0JW — Barak Ravid (@BarakRavid) September 27, 2024 × "After I heard the lies and slanders leveled at my country by many of the speakers at this podium, I decided to come here and set the record straight," Netanyahu said. The Israeli PM also warned Iran that if it dares to strike his country, "we will strike you back." He added that there was no place in Iran that Israeli agencies couldn't reach. The leader slammed Gaza's Hamas and Lebanon-based Hezbollah, saying both militant groups had fired more than 8,000 rockets at Israel since the war began on October 7. The Israeli PM said that "Hamas has got to go" and the militant group would have no role in the reconstruction of Gaza as he vowed to fight until "total victory." "If Hamas stays in power, it will regroup... and attack Israel again and again and again... So Hamas has got to go," Netanyahu said to diplomats. Also read: 'Gaza is a non-stop nightmare,' UN chief Guterres tells world leaders at General Assembly He also slammed the United Nations for its unfair treatment of his country, saying it had become a "contemptuous farce". "I say to you, until Israel – until the Jewish state – is treated like other nations, until this anti-Semitic swamp is drained, the UN will be viewed by fair-minded people everywhere as nothing more than a contemptuous farce," he said. Since Monday, Israel has shifted its focus from Gaza to its northern front with Lebanon where heavy bombing has reportedly killed 700 people and sparked an exodus of around 118,000 people. Also read: Gaza war: Half of hostages held by Hamas since Oct 7 have died, PM Netanyahu tells MPs Netanyahu said Israel would continue the strikes on Lebanon "until we meet our objectives." The UN, on Friday, said that a "catastrophic" intensification of Israeli attacks targeting Hezbollah militants had left Lebanon facing its "deadliest period... in a generation." (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.

Audience shouts 'shame', delegates walk out as Israel's Netanyahu addresses UNGA

<p>Hours after the US, France, and other allies called for an immediate 21-day ceasefire, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told the country's military to keep fighting with "full force", his office said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Israeli PM also did not respond to the ceasefire call, Netanyahu's office added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>His office further called the news about the ceasefire "not true".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The news about a ceasefire - not true. This is an American-French proposal, to which the prime minister did not even respond. The news about the supposed directive to moderate the fighting in the north is also the opposite of the truth," it stated.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Israel-Hezbollah War: France, US Propose 21-Day Lebanon Ceasefire</strong></p>

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<p>According to the office's statement, Netanyahu instructed the IDF to continue the fighting with full force, and according to the plans presented to him.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Also, the fighting in Gaza will continue until all the goals of the war are achieved," it stressed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz&nbsp;said, "There will be no ceasefire in the north".</p>

<p>Israel "will continue to fight against the terrorist organisation Hezbollah with all our might until victory and the safe return of the residents of the north to their homes," Katz said in a statement on X.</p>

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<p dir="rtl" lang="iw">לא תהיה הפסקת אש בצפון. נמשיך להילחם נגד ארגון הטרור חיזבאללה בכל העוצמה עד לניצחון והשבת תושבי הצפון בביטחון לבתיהם.</p>
— ישראל כ”ץ Israel Katz (@Israel_katz) <a href="https://twitter.com/Israel_katz/status/1839229451692872019?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 26, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>US, UK and European Union calls for 'temporary ceasefire'</strong></h2>

<p>This comes after the US, UK, and EU called for a temporary ceasefire in Lebanon after the rising ongoing tensions between Israel and Hezbollah.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 12-strong bloc proposed an immediate 21-day pause in fighting "to provide space for diplomacy towards the conclusion of a diplomatic settlement" and a ceasefire in Gaza.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-tells-idf-to-tone-down-lebanon-strikes-claims-report-as-allies-demand-21-day-ceasefire-762166"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Netanyahu tells IDF to tone down Lebanon strikes, claims report as allies demand 21-day ceasefire</strong></a></p>

<p>They issued a joint statement, stressing that the hostilities were "intolerable" and presented an "unacceptable risk of a broader regional escalation".&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Israel 'spreading terror and fear'</strong></h2>

<p>Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati, speaking at the emergency meeting at UN headquarters in New York, emphasised the need for "de-escalation"&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added that Israel’s aerial bombardment, attacks on electronic devices, and threatened ground invasion have spread “terror and fear among the Lebanese citizens in full view of the world”.</p>

<p>“I hope to come back to my country armed with your explicit stance calling for the cessation of this aggression and for the respect of the sovereignty and safety of my country,” Mikati told the 15 members of the UN’s most powerful body.</p>

<p><em>Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.</em></p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;</em></p>


Hours after the US, France, and other allies called for an immediate 21-day ceasefire, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told the country's military to keep fighting with "full force", his office said.

Hours after the US, France, and other allies called for an immediate 21-day ceasefire, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told the country's military to keep fighting with "full force", his office said. The Israeli PM also did not respond to the ceasefire call, Netanyahu's office added. His office further called the news about the ceasefire "not true". "The news about a ceasefire - not true. This is an American-French proposal, to which the prime minister did not even respond. The news about the supposed directive to moderate the fighting in the north is also the opposite of the truth," it stated. Watch | Israel-Hezbollah War: France, US Propose 21-Day Lebanon Ceasefire × According to the office's statement, Netanyahu instructed the IDF to continue the fighting with full force, and according to the plans presented to him. "Also, the fighting in Gaza will continue until all the goals of the war are achieved," it stressed. Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz said, "There will be no ceasefire in the north". Israel "will continue to fight against the terrorist organisation Hezbollah with all our might until victory and the safe return of the residents of the north to their homes," Katz said in a statement on X. לא תהיה הפסקת אש בצפון. נמשיך להילחם נגד ארגון הטרור חיזבאללה בכל העוצמה עד לניצחון והשבת תושבי הצפון בביטחון לבתיהם. — ישראל כ”ץ Israel Katz (@Israel_katz) September 26, 2024 × US, UK and European Union calls for 'temporary ceasefire' This comes after the US, UK, and EU called for a temporary ceasefire in Lebanon after the rising ongoing tensions between Israel and Hezbollah. The 12-strong bloc proposed an immediate 21-day pause in fighting "to provide space for diplomacy towards the conclusion of a diplomatic settlement" and a ceasefire in Gaza. Also read: Netanyahu tells IDF to tone down Lebanon strikes, claims report as allies demand 21-day ceasefire They issued a joint statement, stressing that the hostilities were "intolerable" and presented an "unacceptable risk of a broader regional escalation". Israel 'spreading terror and fear' Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati, speaking at the emergency meeting at UN headquarters in New York, emphasised the need for "de-escalation" He added that Israel’s aerial bombardment, attacks on electronic devices, and threatened ground invasion have spread “terror and fear among the Lebanese citizens in full view of the world”. “I hope to come back to my country armed with your explicit stance calling for the cessation of this aggression and for the respect of the sovereignty and safety of my country,” Mikati told the 15 members of the UN’s most powerful body. Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel rules out US-France ceasefire plan; asks military to fight with ‘full force’

<p>Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to tone down their attacks in Lebanon in light of the US, France and other allies calling for an&nbsp;immediate 21-day ceasefire, a report in <em>The Times of Israel </em>claimed,&nbsp;citing <em>Channel 12</em>.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While Netanyahu's voter base is steadfastly against the move of relenting against Hezbollah, the Israeli PM appears to be conflicted.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Another <em>Channel 12</em> report, quoting officials at Netanyahu's office stated that there is a "greenlight for ceasefire" with the militant outfit.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-hezbollah-conflict-has-us-become-a-helpless-giant-762029"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Israel-Hezbollah Conflict: Has U.S. Become a Helpless Giant?</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>What did the allies demand?</strong></h2>

<p>US, France and other allies demanded that Israel and Hezbollah cease hostilities immediately while also urging for a truce in Gaza.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The situation between Lebanon and Israel since October 8th, 2023, is intolerable and presents an unacceptable risk of a broader regional escalation,” read the statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“This is in nobody’s interest, neither of the people of Israel nor of the people of Lebanon,” continued the statement. “It is time to conclude a diplomatic settlement that enables civilians on both sides of the border to return to their homes in safety.”</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-military-claims-it-hit-75-hezbollah-targets-in-lebanon-overnight-762162"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Israeli military claims it hit 75 Hezbollah targets in Lebanon overnight</strong></a></p>

<p>US President Joe Biden has already warned that the fighting between Israel and Hezbollah threatens to become an "all-out war" that could have serious spillover effects.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“An all-out war is possible, but I think there’s also the opportunity – we’re still in play to have a settlement that can fundamentally change the whole region,” Biden said in a TV interview.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The hostilities between the two sides have increased after Israel allegedly planted explosives in pagers used by Hezbollah fighters and detonated them remotely.&nbsp;The Lebanese health ministry said Israeli strikes killed at least 558 people on Monday (Sep 23) -- the deadliest day of violence in the country since its 1975-90 civil war.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Hezbollah on Wednesday claimed it had fired a ballistic missile targeting&nbsp;Israeli spy agency Mossad's headquarters near Tel Aviv.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It is the first time the group has claimed a ballistic missile strike since its nearly year-long battle with Israel began after Hamas carried out its October 7 attack.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;&nbsp;</em></p>


Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to tone down their attacks in Lebanon in light of the US, France and other allies calling for an immediate 21-day ceasefire, a report in The Times of Israel claimed, citing Channel 12.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) to tone down their attacks in Lebanon in light of the US, France and other allies calling for an immediate 21-day ceasefire, a report in The Times of Israel claimed, citing Channel 12. While Netanyahu's voter base is steadfastly against the move of relenting against Hezbollah, the Israeli PM appears to be conflicted. Another Channel 12 report, quoting officials at Netanyahu's office stated that there is a "greenlight for ceasefire" with the militant outfit. Watch | Israel-Hezbollah Conflict: Has U.S. Become a Helpless Giant? × What did the allies demand? US, France and other allies demanded that Israel and Hezbollah cease hostilities immediately while also urging for a truce in Gaza. “The situation between Lebanon and Israel since October 8th, 2023, is intolerable and presents an unacceptable risk of a broader regional escalation,” read the statement. “This is in nobody’s interest, neither of the people of Israel nor of the people of Lebanon,” continued the statement. “It is time to conclude a diplomatic settlement that enables civilians on both sides of the border to return to their homes in safety.” Also read | Israeli military claims it hit 75 Hezbollah targets in Lebanon overnight US President Joe Biden has already warned that the fighting between Israel and Hezbollah threatens to become an "all-out war" that could have serious spillover effects. “An all-out war is possible, but I think there’s also the opportunity – we’re still in play to have a settlement that can fundamentally change the whole region,” Biden said in a TV interview. The hostilities between the two sides have increased after Israel allegedly planted explosives in pagers used by Hezbollah fighters and detonated them remotely. The Lebanese health ministry said Israeli strikes killed at least 558 people on Monday (Sep 23) -- the deadliest day of violence in the country since its 1975-90 civil war. Meanwhile, Hezbollah on Wednesday claimed it had fired a ballistic missile targeting Israeli spy agency Mossad's headquarters near Tel Aviv. It is the first time the group has claimed a ballistic missile strike since its nearly year-long battle with Israel began after Hamas carried out its October 7 attack. (With inputs from agencies)

Netanyahu tells IDF to tone down Lebanon strikes, claims report as allies demand 21-day ceasefire

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<p>Iranian President&nbsp;Masoud&nbsp;Pezeshkian said on Monday (Sept 23) that Israel wanted to drag the Middle East into a full-blown war by provoking Iran to join the nearly-old conflict between Israel and Tehran-backed Lebanese militant group Hezbollah.</p>

<p>"We do not wish to be the cause of instability in the Middle East as its consequences would be irreversible," President Pezeshkian told the press after his arrival in New York to attend the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), the news agency Reuters reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We want to live in peace, we don't want war.&nbsp;It is Israel that seeks to create this all-out conflict," Pezeshkian added.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>'Will defend any group that defends itself'</strong></h2>

<p>On being asked by reporters whether Iran would enter the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, Pezeshkian said, "We will defend any group that is defending its rights and itself." He did not elaborate.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irans-guards-ban-communications-devices-after-pager-explosions-in-lebanon-against-hezbollah-761103">Iran's Guards ban communications devices after pager explosions in Lebanon against Hezbollah</a></strong></p>

<p>Pezeshkian's call to resolve the Middle East conflict through dialogue came after Israel unleashed an intense wave of air strikes against Hezbollah on Monday, making it the deadliest day in Lebanon in nearly a year of conflict between Israel and the Tehran-backed group.</p>

<p>Tens of thousands of people have been displaced from towns and villages on both sides of the border by near-daily exchanges of fire between Israeli forces and Hezbollah. Israel said it preferred&nbsp;a diplomatic solution that would have Hezbollah moved farther back from the border.</p>

<p>However, Hezbollah, which also says it wants to avoid all-out conflict, said&nbsp;that only an end to the war in Gaza would stop the fighting.</p>

<h2><strong>Lebanon says Israeli airstrikes kill at least 492</strong></h2>

<p>In the latest news from the Israel-Hezbollah conflict, the Israeli military said that it launched airstrikes against the Lebanese militant group on Monday, which Beirut said&nbsp;killed 492 people and sent tens of thousands fleeing for safety.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch | World DNA:&nbsp;Israel says it struck about 1,600 Hezbollah targets</strong></p>

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<p>Israel warned people in Lebanon to evacuate areas&nbsp;where it said Hezbollah was storing weapons.</p>

<p>"Israel's war is not with you, it's with Hezbollah. For too long Hezbollah has been using you as human shields," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Monday (Sept 23) that Israel wanted to drag the Middle East into a full-blown war by provoking Iran to join the nearly-old conflict between Israel and Tehran-backed Lebanese militant group Hezbollah.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Monday (Sept 23) that Israel wanted to drag the Middle East into a full-blown war by provoking Iran to join the nearly-old conflict between Israel and Tehran-backed Lebanese militant group Hezbollah. "We do not wish to be the cause of instability in the Middle East as its consequences would be irreversible," President Pezeshkian told the press after his arrival in New York to attend the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), the news agency Reuters reported. "We want to live in peace, we don't want war. It is Israel that seeks to create this all-out conflict," Pezeshkian added. 'Will defend any group that defends itself' On being asked by reporters whether Iran would enter the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, Pezeshkian said, "We will defend any group that is defending its rights and itself." He did not elaborate. Also read | Iran's Guards ban communications devices after pager explosions in Lebanon against Hezbollah Pezeshkian's call to resolve the Middle East conflict through dialogue came after Israel unleashed an intense wave of air strikes against Hezbollah on Monday, making it the deadliest day in Lebanon in nearly a year of conflict between Israel and the Tehran-backed group. Tens of thousands of people have been displaced from towns and villages on both sides of the border by near-daily exchanges of fire between Israeli forces and Hezbollah. Israel said it preferred a diplomatic solution that would have Hezbollah moved farther back from the border. However, Hezbollah, which also says it wants to avoid all-out conflict, said that only an end to the war in Gaza would stop the fighting. Lebanon says Israeli airstrikes kill at least 492 In the latest news from the Israel-Hezbollah conflict, the Israeli military said that it launched airstrikes against the Lebanese militant group on Monday, which Beirut said killed 492 people and sent tens of thousands fleeing for safety. Also watch | World DNA: Israel says it struck about 1,600 Hezbollah targets × Israel warned people in Lebanon to evacuate areas where it said Hezbollah was storing weapons. "Israel's war is not with you, it's with Hezbollah. For too long Hezbollah has been using you as human shields," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday. (With inputs from agencies)

'Israel wants to drag Middle East into full-blown war by...': Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian

<p>The&nbsp;mother of a hostage still held by Hamas in Gaza&nbsp;has contradicted Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's statement&nbsp;that some 50 hostages held by Hamas are still alive, and said that the number is actually 30-35 at most.</p>

<p>Einav Zangauker, whose son Matan is held hostage by Hamas in Gaza, said, "The prime minister is lying. We know, the families, that the number is far smaller than the number cited by the prime minister.”</p>

<p>She said that all the families receive information on the status of their loved ones, including signs of life. And, on the basis of that information, she said, "In my opinion, there are no more than 30 to 35 hostages still alive.”</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-war-half-of-hostages-held-by-hamas-since-oct-7-have-died-pm-netanyahu-tells-mps-760976"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Gaza war: Half of hostages held by Hamas since Oct 7 have died, PM Netanyahu tells MPs</strong></a></p>

<p>What’s at stake, she says, “is not redeeming hostages; it is truly saving lives.”</p>

<h2><strong>50 hostages alive in Gaza: Netanyahu</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier, Netanyahu said that about half of the roughly 100 hostages held in the Gaza Strip since last year are still alive.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Further stressing that she does not anticipate a possible deal for the next three to four months, Zangauker said, "There are no [substantive] contacts between the Israeli [negotiating] team and the mediators,” and “Hamas is not involved in any stage” of the efforts at present. “That’s the reality.”&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Israel-Hezbollah tensions: Israelis protest demanding hostage release</strong></p>

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<p>She added that the US mediators, who have been trying hard to finalise a deal, have largely “given up” on their efforts at present.</p>

<h2><strong>‘Netanyahu chose escalation’</strong></h2>

<p>She further accused Netanyahu, "who through his decisions is murdering my Matan” — of putting his political future ahead of the future of the hostages. There was a clear opportunity for a deal several months ago, she says, but “he chose escalation.”</p>

<p><em>Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.</em></p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The mother of a hostage still held by Hamas in Gaza has contradicted Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's statement that some 50 hostages held by Hamas are still alive, and said that the number is actually 30-35 at most.

The mother of a hostage still held by Hamas in Gaza has contradicted Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's statement that some 50 hostages held by Hamas are still alive, and said that the number is actually 30-35 at most. Einav Zangauker, whose son Matan is held hostage by Hamas in Gaza, said, "The prime minister is lying. We know, the families, that the number is far smaller than the number cited by the prime minister.” She said that all the families receive information on the status of their loved ones, including signs of life. And, on the basis of that information, she said, "In my opinion, there are no more than 30 to 35 hostages still alive.” Also read: Gaza war: Half of hostages held by Hamas since Oct 7 have died, PM Netanyahu tells MPs What’s at stake, she says, “is not redeeming hostages; it is truly saving lives.” 50 hostages alive in Gaza: Netanyahu Earlier, Netanyahu said that about half of the roughly 100 hostages held in the Gaza Strip since last year are still alive. Further stressing that she does not anticipate a possible deal for the next three to four months, Zangauker said, "There are no [substantive] contacts between the Israeli [negotiating] team and the mediators,” and “Hamas is not involved in any stage” of the efforts at present. “That’s the reality.” Watch | Israel-Hezbollah tensions: Israelis protest demanding hostage release × She added that the US mediators, who have been trying hard to finalise a deal, have largely “given up” on their efforts at present. ‘Netanyahu chose escalation’ She further accused Netanyahu, "who through his decisions is murdering my Matan” — of putting his political future ahead of the future of the hostages. There was a clear opportunity for a deal several months ago, she says, but “he chose escalation.” Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

Mother of hostage contradicts Netanyahu's claim of 50 hostages being alive, says its 'no more than 30 to 35'

<p>Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will delay his departure to New York by a day due to the security situation in the country's north, an official in his office told AFP on Friday.</p>

<p>"Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has delayed his visit to the US by one day in light of the security situation in the north of Israel," the official said, asking not to be named. He said that Netanyahu will now travel on September 25, instead of September 24 as previously planned.</p>

<p>During his visit to the United States, Netanyahu will address the annual UN General Assembly session. He is scheduled to return to Israel on September 28.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-pm-netanyahu-to-return-to-us-to-address-unga-meet-officials-report-755641"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Israeli PM Netanyahu to address UNGA session, meet world leaders: Report</strong></a></p>

<p>Israel is engaged in a fierce cross-border clash in the country's north with the Lebanese Hezbollah group, with the situation deteriorating in recent days.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;America snubs Netanyahu as Israeli PM expands war</strong></p>

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<p>On Friday, the Israeli military carried out a "targeted strike" in Beirut, which a source close to Hezbollah said killed one of its top military leaders.</p>

<p><em>Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.</em></p>


Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will delay his departure to New York by a day due to the security situation in the country's north, an official in his office told AFP on Friday.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will delay his departure to New York by a day due to the security situation in the country's north, an official in his office told AFP on Friday. "Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has delayed his visit to the US by one day in light of the security situation in the north of Israel," the official said, asking not to be named. He said that Netanyahu will now travel on September 25, instead of September 24 as previously planned. During his visit to the United States, Netanyahu will address the annual UN General Assembly session. He is scheduled to return to Israel on September 28. Also read: Israeli PM Netanyahu to address UNGA session, meet world leaders: Report Israel is engaged in a fierce cross-border clash in the country's north with the Lebanese Hezbollah group, with the situation deteriorating in recent days. Watch | America snubs Netanyahu as Israeli PM expands war × On Friday, the Israeli military carried out a "targeted strike" in Beirut, which a source close to Hezbollah said killed one of its top military leaders. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Israeli PM Netanyahu to delay departure for US amid security situation in north

<p>Authorities in Israel said on Thursday (Sep&nbsp;19) that the police arrested an Israeli citizen last month who was recruited by Iranian intelligence&nbsp;to plot the assassinations of top Israeli officials including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a joint statement by the police and Shin Bet, the citizen was recruited by Iranian intelligence to promote the assassinations of Israeli figures.</p>

<p>"He was smuggled twice into Iran and received payment for carrying out missions," the statement said, adding that Netanyahu, Defence Minister Yoav Gallant and other top officials were among the targets.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Who is the arrested Israeli citizen?</strong></h2>

<p>Citing a court document, a report by the news agency AFP said that the man was identified as&nbsp;Mordechai Maman of Ashkelon. The document said that Maman was born in 1952, adding&nbsp;he had been in custody since August 29.</p>

<p>The joint statement from the police and Shin Bet said he was "a businessman who lived in Turkey for an extended period" and maintained connections with Turks and Iranians who introduced him by phone to an Iranian businessman called Eddie.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanon-explosions-japanese-firm-says-devices-used-in-recent-blasts-discontinued-around-10-years-ago-759959">Lebanon explosions: Japanese firm says devices used in recent blasts discontinued around 10 years ago</a></strong></p>

<p>The man attended at least two meetings in Iran to discuss the possibility of top Israeli officials which also included head of the Shin Bet.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Another plot foiled by Shin Bet last week</strong></h2>

<p>Last week, Shin Bet uncovered what it said was a plot by the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah to assassinate a former senior defence official, who was subsequently identified as the former army chief of staff and defence minister Moshe Ya'alon.</p>

<p>The above developments come as&nbsp;hand-held radios used by the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah detonated across the country's south on Wednesday,&nbsp;after similar explosions of the militant group's pagers the day before.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch | Will Israeli PM Netanyahu fire Yoav Gallant?</strong></p>

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<p>According to Lebanon's health ministry,&nbsp;20 people were killed and more than 450 were&nbsp;injured on Wednesday, while the death toll from Tuesday's explosions rose to 12, including two children, with nearly 3,000 injured.</p>

<p>Citing sources, Reuters reported&nbsp;that&nbsp;Israel's spy agency Mossad was responsible for the explosions. However, Israeli officials have not commented on the blasts yet.</p>

<p><i>(With inputs from agencies)</i></p>


Authorities in Israel said on Thursday (Sep 19) that the police arrested an Israeli citizen last month who was recruited by Iranian intelligence to plot the assassinations of top Israeli officials including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Authorities in Israel said on Thursday (Sep 19) that the police arrested an Israeli citizen last month who was recruited by Iranian intelligence to plot the assassinations of top Israeli officials including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In a joint statement by the police and Shin Bet, the citizen was recruited by Iranian intelligence to promote the assassinations of Israeli figures. "He was smuggled twice into Iran and received payment for carrying out missions," the statement said, adding that Netanyahu, Defence Minister Yoav Gallant and other top officials were among the targets. Who is the arrested Israeli citizen? Citing a court document, a report by the news agency AFP said that the man was identified as Mordechai Maman of Ashkelon. The document said that Maman was born in 1952, adding he had been in custody since August 29. The joint statement from the police and Shin Bet said he was "a businessman who lived in Turkey for an extended period" and maintained connections with Turks and Iranians who introduced him by phone to an Iranian businessman called Eddie. Also read | Lebanon explosions: Japanese firm says devices used in recent blasts discontinued around 10 years ago The man attended at least two meetings in Iran to discuss the possibility of top Israeli officials which also included head of the Shin Bet. Another plot foiled by Shin Bet last week Last week, Shin Bet uncovered what it said was a plot by the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah to assassinate a former senior defence official, who was subsequently identified as the former army chief of staff and defence minister Moshe Ya'alon. The above developments come as hand-held radios used by the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah detonated across the country's south on Wednesday, after similar explosions of the militant group's pagers the day before. Also watch | Will Israeli PM Netanyahu fire Yoav Gallant? × According to Lebanon's health ministry, 20 people were killed and more than 450 were injured on Wednesday, while the death toll from Tuesday's explosions rose to 12, including two children, with nearly 3,000 injured. Citing sources, Reuters reported that Israel's spy agency Mossad was responsible for the explosions. However, Israeli officials have not commented on the blasts yet. (With inputs from agencies)

Israeli cops arrest citizen recruited by Iranian intelligence to plot Benjamin Netanyahu assassination

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:15,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:69,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1702}">Israel on Thursday (Sep 19) bombed specific locations in southern Lebanon in overnight attacks,&nbsp;and the Israeli&nbsp;military later said that it struck six Hezbollah "terrorist infrastructure sites" and a weapons storage facility.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The air strikes hit Hezbollah targets in Chihine, Tayibe, Blida, Meiss El Jabal, Aitaroun and Kfarkela in southern Lebanon, as well as a Hezbollah weapons storage facility in the area of Khiam, the military said.</p>

<p>Israeli media reported that a number of Israeli civilians had been wounded by anti-tank missile fire from Lebanon, but there was no official confirmation.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:15,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:69,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1702}">Earlier, Israel&nbsp;said that it thwarted an Iran-backed assassination plot targeting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other senior leaders. The bombing comes just a day after radio devices used by the Iran-backed group Hezbollah exploded, leading to Lebanon's deadliest day since cross-border fighting started nearly a year ago, in parallel with Israel's war against Hamas in Gaza.&nbsp;</p>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:103,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1790}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:103,&quot;w&quot;:317,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1790}">Israel-Hezbollah tensions rise</strong></h2>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:147,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1834}">Tensions between Israel and Hezbollah have escalated dramatically, with the conflict between the two entities edging closer to a full-scale war following the sophisticated booby-trap attacks on Hezbollah's communication networks in southern Lebanon. Such a war, as per Reuters, was last fought 18 years ago.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:214,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1901}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:214,&quot;w&quot;:715,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1901}">Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:88,&quot;y&quot;:214,&quot;w&quot;:634,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:121,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1901}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-is-israels-unit-8200-secretive-cyber-warfare-arm-linked-to-hezbollah-pager-attacks-760034">What is Israel's Unit 8200? Secretive cyber warfare arm linked to Hezbollah pager attacks</a></strong></p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:247,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1934}">On Wednesday (Sep 18), Hezbollah's pagers, used to evade surveillance, detonated in a series of explosions, killing 12 people and injuring nearly 3,000.&nbsp;</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:296,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1983}">While Israel hasn't commented directly on the attacks, reports suggest Mossad, Israel's intelligence agency, was responsible.&nbsp;</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:346,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:69,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2033}">Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon were bombarded by Israeli jets and artillery during the night. The army confirmed successful air strikes on Hezbollah targets in multiple locations in southern Lebanon, including Chihine, Tayibe, Blida, Meiss El Jabal, Aitaroun, and Kfarkela, as well as a weapons storage facility near Khiam.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:430,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2117}">Hezbollah, meanwhile, launched anti-tank missiles into Israel, most of which were intercepted. A number of civilians were wounded.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:430,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2117}"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanon-explosions-japanese-firm-says-devices-used-in-recent-blasts-discontinued-around-10-years-ago-759959">Lebanon explosions: Japanese firm says devices used in recent blasts discontinued around 10 years ago</a></strong></p>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:484,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2171}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:484,&quot;w&quot;:246,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2171}">Netanyahu murder plot</strong></h2>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:528,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2215}">This comes as on Thursday, Israeli security services announced the discovery of an Iranian-backed assassination attempt on PM Benjamin Netanyahu and the arrest of an Israeli businessman who had attended meetings in Iran.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:595,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2282}"><em bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:595,&quot;w&quot;:182,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2282}">(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Israel on Thursday (Sep 19) bombed specific locations in southern Lebanon in overnight attacks, and the Israeli military later said that it struck six Hezbollah "terrorist infrastructure sites" and a weapons storage facility.

Israel on Thursday (Sep 19) bombed specific locations in southern Lebanon in overnight attacks, and the Israeli military later said that it struck six Hezbollah "terrorist infrastructure sites" and a weapons storage facility. The air strikes hit Hezbollah targets in Chihine, Tayibe, Blida, Meiss El Jabal, Aitaroun and Kfarkela in southern Lebanon, as well as a Hezbollah weapons storage facility in the area of Khiam, the military said. Israeli media reported that a number of Israeli civilians had been wounded by anti-tank missile fire from Lebanon, but there was no official confirmation. Earlier, Israel said that it thwarted an Iran-backed assassination plot targeting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other senior leaders. The bombing comes just a day after radio devices used by the Iran-backed group Hezbollah exploded, leading to Lebanon's deadliest day since cross-border fighting started nearly a year ago, in parallel with Israel's war against Hamas in Gaza. Israel-Hezbollah tensions rise Tensions between Israel and Hezbollah have escalated dramatically, with the conflict between the two entities edging closer to a full-scale war following the sophisticated booby-trap attacks on Hezbollah's communication networks in southern Lebanon. Such a war, as per Reuters, was last fought 18 years ago. Also read | What is Israel's Unit 8200? Secretive cyber warfare arm linked to Hezbollah pager attacks On Wednesday (Sep 18), Hezbollah's pagers, used to evade surveillance, detonated in a series of explosions, killing 12 people and injuring nearly 3,000. While Israel hasn't commented directly on the attacks, reports suggest Mossad, Israel's intelligence agency, was responsible. Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon were bombarded by Israeli jets and artillery during the night. The army confirmed successful air strikes on Hezbollah targets in multiple locations in southern Lebanon, including Chihine, Tayibe, Blida, Meiss El Jabal, Aitaroun, and Kfarkela, as well as a weapons storage facility near Khiam. Hezbollah, meanwhile, launched anti-tank missiles into Israel, most of which were intercepted. A number of civilians were wounded. Also read | Lebanon explosions: Japanese firm says devices used in recent blasts discontinued around 10 years ago Netanyahu murder plot This comes as on Thursday, Israeli security services announced the discovery of an Iranian-backed assassination attempt on PM Benjamin Netanyahu and the arrest of an Israeli businessman who had attended meetings in Iran. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel strikes seven Hezbollah sites in Lebanon after Iran-backed plot to assassinate Netanyahu revealed

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:15,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1702}">Gaza health ministry has identified&nbsp;over 34,000 Palestinians that have been killed in the almost one-year-long, ongoing war between Hamas and Israel. It has published a 649-page exhaustive list of the victims.</p>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:68,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1755}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:68,&quot;w&quot;:212,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1755}">Victims of Gaza war</strong></h2>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:113,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1800}">The list released by the Gaza health ministry contains the names, ages, genders, and ID numbers of more than 80 per cent or 34,344 victims of the war.&nbsp;</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:162,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1849}">It also mentions 7,613 other people that have perished in the war, and whose bodies were received by the hospitals and morgues in the territory but whose identities are yet to be confirmed. The total death toll on the Palestinian side has crossed 41,000 as per reports.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:229,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1916}"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:229,&quot;w&quot;:689,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1916}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwanese-company-whose-pagers-exploded-in-lebanon-denies-manufacturing-them-759622">Hezbollah Pager Explosion: Taiwanese company whose pagers exploded in Lebanon denies manufacturing them</a></strong></p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:279,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1966}">Among the dead are 169 babies who were born after the Hamas militant group's Oct 7 attack, and an over one-hundred-year-old man — born in 1922 — a survivor of more than a century of war and upheaval who didn't survive this war.</p>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:350,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2037}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:350,&quot;w&quot;:545,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2037}">Gone too soon: Children killed in Israel-Hamas war</strong></h2>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:394,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2081}">The 649-page-long document lists the dead largely by age. It underlines the shockingly high toll of Israeli attacks on Palestinian children, with over a hundred pages of the list filled with victims under the age of 10.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:444,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2131}">Shockingly, the first adult name in the impossibly long list does not appear until page 215.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:444,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2131}"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israels-shin-bet-thwarts-hezbollahs-remote-bombing-plot-targeting-former-security-chief-759582">Israel’s Shin Bet thwarts Hezbollah’s remote bombing plot targeting former security chief</a></strong></p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:476,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:69,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2163}">While the list contains names of both civilians and fighters, because of their age and gender, the majority of those dead can be identified as civilians. The list of dead Palestinians includes 11,355 children, 6,297 women and 2,955 people aged 60 or older. Among the men, surely many are civilians of fighting age who died in the ongoing war.</p>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:564,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2251}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:564,&quot;w&quot;:340,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2251}">Israel refutes the high death toll</strong></h2>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:609,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2296}">Israel officials have repeatedly questioned the death toll and argue that the Hamas-controlled government and its officials are not providing reliable figures.&nbsp;</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:659,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2346}">However, according to the reports, the doctors and the civil servants in the territory have proven the credibility of their records in previous wars. During the many conflicts between 2009 and 2021, a tally by the United Nations closely matched the ones from Gaza.&nbsp;</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:726,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:69,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2413}">In May, Farhan Haq, a spokesperson for the UN secretary-general when questioned about the numbers had said,&nbsp;"Unfortunately, we have the sad experience of coordinating with the Ministry of Health on casualty figures every few years for large mass casualty incidents in Gaza; and in past times, their figures have proven to be generally accurate."</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:810,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2497}"><em bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:810,&quot;w&quot;:182,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2497}">(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Gaza health ministry has identified over 34,000 Palestinians that have been killed in the almost one-year-long, ongoing war between Hamas and Israel. It has published a 649-page exhaustive list of the victims.

Gaza health ministry has identified over 34,000 Palestinians that have been killed in the almost one-year-long, ongoing war between Hamas and Israel. It has published a 649-page exhaustive list of the victims. Victims of Gaza war The list released by the Gaza health ministry contains the names, ages, genders, and ID numbers of more than 80 per cent or 34,344 victims of the war. It also mentions 7,613 other people that have perished in the war, and whose bodies were received by the hospitals and morgues in the territory but whose identities are yet to be confirmed. The total death toll on the Palestinian side has crossed 41,000 as per reports. Also read | Hezbollah Pager Explosion: Taiwanese company whose pagers exploded in Lebanon denies manufacturing them Among the dead are 169 babies who were born after the Hamas militant group's Oct 7 attack, and an over one-hundred-year-old man — born in 1922 — a survivor of more than a century of war and upheaval who didn't survive this war. Gone too soon: Children killed in Israel-Hamas war The 649-page-long document lists the dead largely by age. It underlines the shockingly high toll of Israeli attacks on Palestinian children, with over a hundred pages of the list filled with victims under the age of 10. Shockingly, the first adult name in the impossibly long list does not appear until page 215. Also read | Israel’s Shin Bet thwarts Hezbollah’s remote bombing plot targeting former security chief While the list contains names of both civilians and fighters, because of their age and gender, the majority of those dead can be identified as civilians. The list of dead Palestinians includes 11,355 children, 6,297 women and 2,955 people aged 60 or older. Among the men, surely many are civilians of fighting age who died in the ongoing war. Israel refutes the high death toll Israel officials have repeatedly questioned the death toll and argue that the Hamas-controlled government and its officials are not providing reliable figures. However, according to the reports, the doctors and the civil servants in the territory have proven the credibility of their records in previous wars. During the many conflicts between 2009 and 2021, a tally by the United Nations closely matched the ones from Gaza. In May, Farhan Haq, a spokesperson for the UN secretary-general when questioned about the numbers had said, "Unfortunately, we have the sad experience of coordinating with the Ministry of Health on casualty figures every few years for large mass casualty incidents in Gaza; and in past times, their figures have proven to be generally accurate." (With inputs from agencies)

Israel-Hamas war: 215 of 649 pages are just children; Gaza health ministry releases names of victims

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:15,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1702}">Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Tuesday (Sep 17) a significant expansion of his country's war objectives. Israel's war goals now include the return of northern residents who fled because of clashes with Hezbollah.&nbsp;</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:82,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1769}">This comes as, nearly a year into the Gaza war, Hamas Chief Yahya Sinwar on Monday (Sep 16) said that the militant group has prepared itself to fight a "long war".</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:82,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1769}"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-pm-netanyahu-threatening-to-fire-defence-minister-gallant-once-again-reports-758940">Israeli PM Netanyahu threatening to fire Defence Minister Gallant once again: Reports</a></strong></p>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:135,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1822}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:135,&quot;w&quot;:214,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1822}">Israel's war goals</strong></h2>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:180,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1867}">In a statement, PM Netanyahu's office said that the nation's political-security cabinet has "updated the goals of the war this evening so that they include the following section: the safe return of the residents of the north to their homes."</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:247,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1934}">Previously, on Monday, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, in conversation with a visiting US envoy, stressed that "military action" was the "only way left to ensure the return of Israel's northern communities to their homes".</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:314,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:69,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2001}">Cross-border fire with Hezbollah, a key Hamas ally, has been intensifying since the conflict began on October 7. Hezbollah, backed by Iran, has been engaging in near-daily strikes with Israeli forces. Although the group has suggested it would stand down if a ceasefire in Gaza were reached, Israel insists that it cannot tolerate militants near its northern border.&nbsp;</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:398,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2085}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:398,&quot;w&quot;:656,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2085}">Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:88,&quot;y&quot;:398,&quot;w&quot;:575,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:121,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2085}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-military-probably-killed-three-hostages-in-gaza-airstrikes-confirms-probe-758870">Israeli military ‘probably’ killed three hostages in Gaza airstrikes, confirms probe</a></strong></p>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:434,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2121}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:434,&quot;w&quot;:177,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2121}">Hamas' long war</strong></h2>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:479,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2166}">Meanwhile, on the Gaza front, Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar declared that the group is prepared for a long fight, backed by Iran-backed regional allies.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:528,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2215}">In a letter to Yemeni allies - the Houthis, Sinwar, who took over as Hamas leader last month after the killing of Ismail Haniyeh, said: "We have prepared ourselves to fight a long war of attrition".&nbsp;</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:578,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2265}">Sinwar, as per AFP, also threatened that Iran-backed groups in Gaza and elsewhere in the region would "break the enemy's political will".</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:628,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2315}">"Our combined efforts with you" and with groups in Lebanon and Iraq "will break this enemy and inflict defeat on it," said the Hamas leader.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:677,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2364}"><em bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:677,&quot;w&quot;:182,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2364}">(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Tuesday (Sep 17) a significant expansion of his country's war objectives. Israel's war goals now include the return of northern residents who fled because of clashes with Hezbollah.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced on Tuesday (Sep 17) a significant expansion of his country's war objectives. Israel's war goals now include the return of northern residents who fled because of clashes with Hezbollah. This comes as, nearly a year into the Gaza war, Hamas Chief Yahya Sinwar on Monday (Sep 16) said that the militant group has prepared itself to fight a "long war". Also read | Israeli PM Netanyahu threatening to fire Defence Minister Gallant once again: Reports Israel's war goals In a statement, PM Netanyahu's office said that the nation's political-security cabinet has "updated the goals of the war this evening so that they include the following section: the safe return of the residents of the north to their homes." Previously, on Monday, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, in conversation with a visiting US envoy, stressed that "military action" was the "only way left to ensure the return of Israel's northern communities to their homes". Cross-border fire with Hezbollah, a key Hamas ally, has been intensifying since the conflict began on October 7. Hezbollah, backed by Iran, has been engaging in near-daily strikes with Israeli forces. Although the group has suggested it would stand down if a ceasefire in Gaza were reached, Israel insists that it cannot tolerate militants near its northern border. Also read | Israeli military ‘probably’ killed three hostages in Gaza airstrikes, confirms probe Hamas' long war Meanwhile, on the Gaza front, Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar declared that the group is prepared for a long fight, backed by Iran-backed regional allies. In a letter to Yemeni allies - the Houthis, Sinwar, who took over as Hamas leader last month after the killing of Ismail Haniyeh, said: "We have prepared ourselves to fight a long war of attrition". Sinwar, as per AFP, also threatened that Iran-backed groups in Gaza and elsewhere in the region would "break the enemy's political will". "Our combined efforts with you" and with groups in Lebanon and Iraq "will break this enemy and inflict defeat on it," said the Hamas leader. (With inputs from agencies)

Gaza conflict: Israel updates its 'goals of war' as Hamas chief says group prepared to fight 'long war'

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:15,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1852}">Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, as per reports, met with the head of the New Hope party Gideon Sa'ar to negotiate a possible political settlement under which both of them will jointly appoint a new Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Chief of Staff.&nbsp;</p>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:85,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1922}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:85,&quot;w&quot;:441,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1922}">Agreement between Netanyahu and Sa'ar</strong></h2>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:130,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1967}">As per the Times of Israel, if rumours prove to be true and the prime minister decides to end the tenure of current Defence Minister Yoav Gallant,&nbsp;Sa'ar, a former ally turned rival, who is currently a member of the opposition,&nbsp;is expected to be appointed as his successor.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:197,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2034}">As part of this arrangement, Haaretz and Ynet reported that IDF chief Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi may find himself replaced. However, it is still uncertain whether Halevi will be forced out or asked to leave voluntarily from his IDF chief of staff post.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:264,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2101}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:264,&quot;w&quot;:695,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2101}">Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:264,&quot;w&quot;:695,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2101}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israels-initial-report-on-american-woman-aysenur-ezgi-eygis-death-doesnt-exonerate-troops-us-says-759287">Israel's initial report on American woman Ayşenur Ezgi Eygi's death doesn't exonerate troops, says US</a></strong></p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:314,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2151}">If not the defence minister, Sa'ar may be given the role of the foreign minister while Israel Katz takes over from Gallant, reported Channel 12. It also reported that New Hope MKs Ze'ev Elkin and Sharren Haskel may be offered ministerial portfolios.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:381,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2218}">The two have reportedly also decided that Sa'ar will have the power to veto and override any legislation pertaining to the judiciary before it is approved or promoted. However, Netanyahu won't need his consent for other actions pertaining to Netanyahu's judicial overhaul, like appointing or firing people.</p>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:451,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2288}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:451,&quot;w&quot;:286,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2288}">Gallant's alleged dismissal</strong></h2>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:496,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2333}">This comes as on Monday (Sep 16) it was reported that Netanyahu was contemplating the dismissal of defence minister Yoav Gallant. As per reports, Gallant's opposition to Israel's large-scale operation in Lebanon was being used as a convenient pretext to replace him.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:496,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2333}"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-conflict-israel-updates-its-goals-of-war-as-hamas-chief-says-group-prepared-to-fight-long-war-759251">Gaza conflict: Israel updates its 'goals of war' as Hamas chief says group prepared to fight 'long war'</a></strong></p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:563,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2400}">This would not be the first time Netanyahu has tried to fire Gallant. The two leaders have been at odds over a number of government policies and, more recently, the handling of the war in Gaza and the terms of a possible hostage release and ceasefire deal with Islamist militant group Hamas.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:630,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2467}"><em bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:630,&quot;w&quot;:182,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2467}">(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, as per reports, met with the head of the New Hope party Gideon Sa'ar to negotiate a possible political settlement under which both of them will jointly appoint a new Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Chief of Staff.

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu, as per reports, met with the head of the New Hope party Gideon Sa'ar to negotiate a possible political settlement under which both of them will jointly appoint a new Israel Defense Forces (IDF) Chief of Staff. Agreement between Netanyahu and Sa'ar As per the Times of Israel, if rumours prove to be true and the prime minister decides to end the tenure of current Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, Sa'ar, a former ally turned rival, who is currently a member of the opposition, is expected to be appointed as his successor. As part of this arrangement, Haaretz and Ynet reported that IDF chief Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi may find himself replaced. However, it is still uncertain whether Halevi will be forced out or asked to leave voluntarily from his IDF chief of staff post. Also read | Israel's initial report on American woman Ayşenur Ezgi Eygi's death doesn't exonerate troops, says US If not the defence minister, Sa'ar may be given the role of the foreign minister while Israel Katz takes over from Gallant, reported Channel 12. It also reported that New Hope MKs Ze'ev Elkin and Sharren Haskel may be offered ministerial portfolios. The two have reportedly also decided that Sa'ar will have the power to veto and override any legislation pertaining to the judiciary before it is approved or promoted. However, Netanyahu won't need his consent for other actions pertaining to Netanyahu's judicial overhaul, like appointing or firing people. Gallant's alleged dismissal This comes as on Monday (Sep 16) it was reported that Netanyahu was contemplating the dismissal of defence minister Yoav Gallant. As per reports, Gallant's opposition to Israel's large-scale operation in Lebanon was being used as a convenient pretext to replace him. Also read | Gaza conflict: Israel updates its 'goals of war' as Hamas chief says group prepared to fight 'long war' This would not be the first time Netanyahu has tried to fire Gallant. The two leaders have been at odds over a number of government policies and, more recently, the handling of the war in Gaza and the terms of a possible hostage release and ceasefire deal with Islamist militant group Hamas. (With inputs from agencies)

Israeli PM Netanyahu and Gideon Sa'ar to appoint new IDF chief: Reports

<p>Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is threatening to fire Defence Minister Yoav Gallant once again as the latter opposed a military operation against Lebanon, Israeli media reports have claimed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The <em>Kan </em>public broadcaster and <em>Channel 13 </em>news stated that&nbsp;Northern Command Chief Ori Gordin was pushing for a large-scale attack, with PM Netanyahu,&nbsp;at least outwardly, backing the operation. However, Gallant and Israeli Defense Forces (IDF)&nbsp;Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi were staunchly against the move.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“If Gallant tries to thwart an operation in the north, he will be replaced,"&nbsp;an unnamed Netanyahu associate was quoted as saying.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Gallant is of the view that launching an attack against Lebanon at this time would jeopardise the efforts to reach a hostage-truce deal in Gaza.&nbsp;</p>

<p>There has been considerable friction between Netanyahu and Gallant for some time now. The two have vehemently disagreed over the terms of the hostage-truce deal with the PM in favour of&nbsp;maintaining Israeli troops in the Philadelphi Corridor (a narrow 14.5-km-long stretch of land along Gaza's southern border with Egypt)&nbsp;while Gallant wants to chalk out a deal that prioritises the safety of hostages.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-hamas-war-houthi-missile-hits-open-area-in-central-israel-758921"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Israel-Hamas War: Houthi missile hits open area in central Israel</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>Friction between Netanyahu and Gallant</strong></h2>

<p>The stance taken by Netanyahu during one of the cabinet meetings last month apparently 'horrified' Gallant who said Hamas would never agree to the proposal.</p>

<p>Gallant claimed Bibi imposed his position on the security establishment and that it was not in the best interests of the country.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I imposed? I imposed?” Netanyahu responded to the claims,&nbsp;according to the transcript of the meeting leaked in the media.</p>

<p>“Of course you did. They had their own plan. You are running the negotiations by yourself ever since the war cabinet disbanded (in June). We learn of decisions only after the fact. The negotiators sketched the maps as you wanted, but they had a different position,” added Gallant, referring to a series of maps, drawn up by the IDF to keep troops in the Philadelphi Corridor.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/internal-war-in-israeli-cabinet-pm-netanyahu-and-defence-minister-gallant-exchange-fiery-words-749690" target="_blank"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Internal war in Israeli cabinet? PM Netanyahu and Defence Minister Gallant exchange fiery words</strong></a></p>

<p>Previously, Netanyahu had accused Gallant of&nbsp;adopting "an anti-Israel narrative" that was hurting the momentum of the forces and the ongoing talks.</p>

<p>Notably, Gallant was fired by Netanyahu in March 2023 after he warned about the rifts in the national security apparatus. However, owing to public protests, Gallant was reinstated two weeks later.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is threatening to fire Defence Minister Yoav Gallant once again as the latter opposed a military operation against Lebanon, Israeli media reports have claimed.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is threatening to fire Defence Minister Yoav Gallant once again as the latter opposed a military operation against Lebanon, Israeli media reports have claimed. The Kan public broadcaster and Channel 13 news stated that Northern Command Chief Ori Gordin was pushing for a large-scale attack, with PM Netanyahu, at least outwardly, backing the operation. However, Gallant and Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi were staunchly against the move. “If Gallant tries to thwart an operation in the north, he will be replaced," an unnamed Netanyahu associate was quoted as saying. Gallant is of the view that launching an attack against Lebanon at this time would jeopardise the efforts to reach a hostage-truce deal in Gaza. There has been considerable friction between Netanyahu and Gallant for some time now. The two have vehemently disagreed over the terms of the hostage-truce deal with the PM in favour of maintaining Israeli troops in the Philadelphi Corridor (a narrow 14.5-km-long stretch of land along Gaza's southern border with Egypt) while Gallant wants to chalk out a deal that prioritises the safety of hostages. Watch | Israel-Hamas War: Houthi missile hits open area in central Israel × Friction between Netanyahu and Gallant The stance taken by Netanyahu during one of the cabinet meetings last month apparently 'horrified' Gallant who said Hamas would never agree to the proposal. Gallant claimed Bibi imposed his position on the security establishment and that it was not in the best interests of the country. “I imposed? I imposed?” Netanyahu responded to the claims, according to the transcript of the meeting leaked in the media. “Of course you did. They had their own plan. You are running the negotiations by yourself ever since the war cabinet disbanded (in June). We learn of decisions only after the fact. The negotiators sketched the maps as you wanted, but they had a different position,” added Gallant, referring to a series of maps, drawn up by the IDF to keep troops in the Philadelphi Corridor. Also read | Internal war in Israeli cabinet? PM Netanyahu and Defence Minister Gallant exchange fiery words Previously, Netanyahu had accused Gallant of adopting "an anti-Israel narrative" that was hurting the momentum of the forces and the ongoing talks. Notably, Gallant was fired by Netanyahu in March 2023 after he warned about the rifts in the national security apparatus. However, owing to public protests, Gallant was reinstated two weeks later. (With inputs from agencies)

Israeli PM Netanyahu threatening to fire Defence Minister Gallant once again: Reports

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<p>Palestinian militant group Hamas on Sunday (Sept 15) praised Yemen's Houthi&nbsp;rebels for their missile attack in central Israel earlier in the day. In a statement, Hamas said that Israel would not enjoy security unless it ended its offensive in the Gaza Strip.</p>

<p>Hamas considers the missile attack a "natural response to the Zionist entity's aggression against our Palestinian people ... We affirm that the Zionist enemy will not enjoy security unless it ceases its brutal aggression against our people in the Gaza Strip," the group said in a statement.</p>

<p>Hamas'&nbsp;remarks came hours after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a warning to the Iran-aligned Houthi rebels after they launched the missile attack.</p>

<p>"This morning, the Houthis launched a surface-to-surface missile from Yemen into our territory. They should have known by now that we charge a 'heavy price' for any attempt to harm us," Prime Minister Netanyahu said at the start of a cabinet meeting, according to a statement from his office.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>The missile strikes in central Israel</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier on Sunday, Houthi&nbsp;rebels,&nbsp;who control northern Yemen,&nbsp;struck central Israel&nbsp;with a missile for the first time and warned of more strikes to come in solidarity with the Palestinians.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-war-hamas-chief-lauds-hezbollahs-nasrallah-for-support-against-israel-since-oct-7-758499">Hamas chief lauds Hezbollah’s Nasrallah for support against Israel since Oct 7</a></strong></p>

<p>Houthi military spokesman Yahya Sarea said the group struck with a new hypersonic ballistic missile that travelled 2,040 km (1270 miles) in just 11 1/2 minutes. Israel's military said the missile fell in an open area and nobody was hurt.</p>

<p>A report by the news agency Reuters said that air raid sirens&nbsp;had sounded in Tel Aviv and across central Israel moments before the missile landed at around 6.35 am local time,&nbsp; sending residents running for shelter. Loud booms were heard, which the military said came from missile interceptors.</p>

<p>"Following the sirens that sounded a short while ago in central Israel, a surface-to-surface missile was identified crossing into central Israel from the east and fell in an open area. No injuries were reported," the Israeli military said.</p>

<h2><strong>Previous attacks on Israel</strong></h2>

<p>The Houthis have fired missiles at Israel repeatedly in what they say is solidarity with the Palestinians since the Gaza war began with a Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023.</p>

<p>Previously, Houthi missiles have not penetrated deep into Israeli air space, with the only one reported to have hit Israeli territory falling in an open area near the Red Sea port of Eilat in March.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch | World DNA: Israelis continue demand for return of hostages</strong></p>

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<p>Apart from missiles, the Houthis have also attacked Israel with drones, including one that hit Tel Aviv for the first time in July, killing a man and wounding four people. That attack prompted Israeli air strikes on Houthi military targets near the port of Hodeidah that killed six and wounded 80.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Palestinian militant group Hamas on Sunday (Sept 15) praised Yemen's Houthi rebels for their missile attack in central Israel earlier in the day. In a statement, Hamas said that Israel would not enjoy security unless it ended its offensive in the Gaza Strip.

Palestinian militant group Hamas on Sunday (Sept 15) praised Yemen's Houthi rebels for their missile attack in central Israel earlier in the day. In a statement, Hamas said that Israel would not enjoy security unless it ended its offensive in the Gaza Strip. Hamas considers the missile attack a "natural response to the Zionist entity's aggression against our Palestinian people ... We affirm that the Zionist enemy will not enjoy security unless it ceases its brutal aggression against our people in the Gaza Strip," the group said in a statement. Hamas' remarks came hours after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a warning to the Iran-aligned Houthi rebels after they launched the missile attack. "This morning, the Houthis launched a surface-to-surface missile from Yemen into our territory. They should have known by now that we charge a 'heavy price' for any attempt to harm us," Prime Minister Netanyahu said at the start of a cabinet meeting, according to a statement from his office. The missile strikes in central Israel Earlier on Sunday, Houthi rebels, who control northern Yemen, struck central Israel with a missile for the first time and warned of more strikes to come in solidarity with the Palestinians. Also read | Hamas chief lauds Hezbollah’s Nasrallah for support against Israel since Oct 7 Houthi military spokesman Yahya Sarea said the group struck with a new hypersonic ballistic missile that travelled 2,040 km (1270 miles) in just 11 1/2 minutes. Israel's military said the missile fell in an open area and nobody was hurt. A report by the news agency Reuters said that air raid sirens had sounded in Tel Aviv and across central Israel moments before the missile landed at around 6.35 am local time, sending residents running for shelter. Loud booms were heard, which the military said came from missile interceptors. "Following the sirens that sounded a short while ago in central Israel, a surface-to-surface missile was identified crossing into central Israel from the east and fell in an open area. No injuries were reported," the Israeli military said. Previous attacks on Israel The Houthis have fired missiles at Israel repeatedly in what they say is solidarity with the Palestinians since the Gaza war began with a Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023. Previously, Houthi missiles have not penetrated deep into Israeli air space, with the only one reported to have hit Israeli territory falling in an open area near the Red Sea port of Eilat in March. Also watch | World DNA: Israelis continue demand for return of hostages × Apart from missiles, the Houthis have also attacked Israel with drones, including one that hit Tel Aviv for the first time in July, killing a man and wounding four people. That attack prompted Israeli air strikes on Houthi military targets near the port of Hodeidah that killed six and wounded 80. (With inputs from agencies)

Houthis' missile attack in Israel: Hamas praises strike, Netanyahu warns Iran-aligned rebels

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:15,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1772}">The United Nations Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA on Wednesday (Sep 11) revealed that six of its staffers were killed after two Israeli airstrikes hit a school in Gaza. This incident marks the highest death toll for UN Staff since the start of the war.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:82,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1839}">"Among those killed was the manager of the UNRWA shelter and other team members providing assistance to displaced people," said the UNRWA on X.</p>

<div bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:131,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:206,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1888}" class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:116,&quot;y&quot;:142,&quot;w&quot;:505,&quot;h&quot;:184,&quot;abs_x&quot;:149,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1899}" class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:121,&quot;y&quot;:142,&quot;w&quot;:495,&quot;h&quot;:184,&quot;abs_x&quot;:154,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1899}" class="twitter-tweet">
<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:182,&quot;y&quot;:181,&quot;w&quot;:409,&quot;h&quot;:92,&quot;abs_x&quot;:215,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1938}" dir="ltr" lang="en">Just Tragic.<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:404,&quot;y&quot;:181,&quot;w&quot;:38,&quot;h&quot;:14,&quot;abs_x&quot;:437,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1938}" href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gaza?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gaza</a><br bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:442,&quot;y&quot;:181,&quot;w&quot;:0,&quot;h&quot;:14,&quot;abs_x&quot;:475,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1938}" />
Six <a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:217,&quot;y&quot;:196,&quot;w&quot;:61,&quot;h&quot;:14,&quot;abs_x&quot;:250,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1953}" href="https://twitter.com/UNRWA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UNRWA</a> colleagues killed today when two airstrikes hit a school and its surroundings in Nuseirat in the middle areas.<br bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:572,&quot;y&quot;:211,&quot;w&quot;:0,&quot;h&quot;:14,&quot;abs_x&quot;:605,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1968}" />
This is the highest death toll among our staff in a single incident.<br bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:587,&quot;y&quot;:227,&quot;w&quot;:0,&quot;h&quot;:14,&quot;abs_x&quot;:620,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1984}" />
Among those killed was the manager of the UNRWA shelter and other…</p>
— UNRWA (@UNRWA) <a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:399,&quot;y&quot;:286,&quot;w&quot;:116,&quot;h&quot;:14,&quot;abs_x&quot;:432,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2043}" href="https://twitter.com/UNRWA/status/1833967285171630128?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 11, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:710,&quot;y&quot;:132,&quot;w&quot;:20,&quot;h&quot;:20,&quot;abs_x&quot;:743,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1889}" class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:352,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2109}">UN Chief António Guterres, in a statement, has called the lack of accountability on UN staff killings in Gaza "totally unacceptable".</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:402,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2159}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:402,&quot;w&quot;:703,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2159}">Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:88,&quot;y&quot;:402,&quot;w&quot;:622,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:121,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2159}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-hamas-holds-key-talks-in-doha-with-qatar-and-egypt-over-hostage-and-prisoner-swap-757941">Gaza War: Hamas holds key hostage, prisoner swap talks in Doha with Qatar and Egypt</a></strong></p>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:438,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2195}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:438,&quot;w&quot;:187,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2195}">Strikes on school</strong></h2>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:483,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2240}">Israel in a statement said that its air force had "conducted a precise strike on terrorists who were operating inside a Hamas command-and-control centre," on the school grounds".</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:532,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2289}">However, the UNRWA in a post on X said that the school is home to thousands of displaced people.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:565,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2322}">"This school has been hit five times since the war began. It is home to around 12,000 displaced people, mainly women and children," said the UNRWA.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:614,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2371}">UN Secretary-General Guterres, in an interview with Reuters, said that the past year has been "very tough, very difficult".</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:664,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2421}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:664,&quot;w&quot;:666,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2421}">Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:88,&quot;y&quot;:664,&quot;w&quot;:585,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:121,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2421}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-airstrikes-hit-un-school-in-gaza-killing-at-least-34-people-757922">Israeli airstrikes targeting Hamas militants hit UN school, homes in Gaza; 34 killed</a></strong></p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:696,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2453}">He said that Israel's retaliation against Hamas in Gaza — which has killed over 41,000 people since Oct 7 — are "very dramatic violations of the international humanitarian law and the total absence of an effective protection of civilians."</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:763,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2520}">"What's happening in Gaza is totally unacceptable," he said, adding that nearly 300 humanitarian aid&nbsp;workers, most of them UN staff, have been killed during the conflict.&nbsp;</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:813,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2570}">He said that there should be an effective investigation and accountability for their deaths.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:845,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2602}">"We have courts, but we see that the decisions of courts are not respected, and it is this kind of limbo of accountability that is totally unacceptable and that requires also a serious a serious reflection," he stated.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:895,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2652}"><em bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:895,&quot;w&quot;:182,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2652}">(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The United Nations Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA on Wednesday (Sep 11) revealed that six of its staffers were killed after two Israeli airstrikes hit a school in Gaza.

The United Nations Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA on Wednesday (Sep 11) revealed that six of its staffers were killed after two Israeli airstrikes hit a school in Gaza. This incident marks the highest death toll for UN Staff since the start of the war. "Among those killed was the manager of the UNRWA shelter and other team members providing assistance to displaced people," said the UNRWA on X. Just Tragic.#Gaza Six @UNRWA colleagues killed today when two airstrikes hit a school and its surroundings in Nuseirat in the middle areas. This is the highest death toll among our staff in a single incident. Among those killed was the manager of the UNRWA shelter and other… — UNRWA (@UNRWA) September 11, 2024 × UN Chief António Guterres, in a statement, has called the lack of accountability on UN staff killings in Gaza "totally unacceptable". Also read | Gaza War: Hamas holds key hostage, prisoner swap talks in Doha with Qatar and Egypt Strikes on school Israel in a statement said that its air force had "conducted a precise strike on terrorists who were operating inside a Hamas command-and-control centre," on the school grounds". However, the UNRWA in a post on X said that the school is home to thousands of displaced people. "This school has been hit five times since the war began. It is home to around 12,000 displaced people, mainly women and children," said the UNRWA. UN Secretary-General Guterres, in an interview with Reuters, said that the past year has been "very tough, very difficult". Also read | Israeli airstrikes targeting Hamas militants hit UN school, homes in Gaza; 34 killed He said that Israel's retaliation against Hamas in Gaza — which has killed over 41,000 people since Oct 7 — are "very dramatic violations of the international humanitarian law and the total absence of an effective protection of civilians." "What's happening in Gaza is totally unacceptable," he said, adding that nearly 300 humanitarian aid workers, most of them UN staff, have been killed during the conflict. He said that there should be an effective investigation and accountability for their deaths. "We have courts, but we see that the decisions of courts are not respected, and it is this kind of limbo of accountability that is totally unacceptable and that requires also a serious a serious reflection," he stated. (With inputs from agencies)

'Totally unacceptable': Six UN staffers killed in Israeli strikes on Gaza school; UN chief condemns deaths