Watch the top headlines of the hour: - Blinken in Saudi - Russia makes gains in East of Ukraine - Biden, Netanyahu review hostage -release talks - Blinken in Saudi to discuss Gaza issue - FIR over 'doctored' Amit Shah video

Hamas has 'no major issue' with truce proposal | Tornadoes rip through Oklahoma

Watch the top headlines of the hour: - Blinken to visit Israel, Jordan - Russia makes gains in East of Ukraine - Biden, Netanyahu review hostage -release talks - Blinken in Saudi to discuss Gaza issue - FIR over 'doctored' Amit Shah video

Amit Shah fake video row | Blinken in Saudi to discuss Gaza issue

Delhi police has registered an FIR in a complaint over a doctored video of Home Minister Amit Shah. The new video allegedly changes Amit Shah's statement indicating

FIR over Amit Shah's doctored video Russia makes gain in East Ukraine | Blinken to visit Israel

Watch the top headlines of the hour: - Blinken to visit Israel, Jordan - Russia makes gains in East of Ukraine - Biden, Netanyahu review hostage -release talks - Hamas: No major issues with truce proposal - FIR over 'doctored' Amit Shah video

Blinken to visit Israel, Jordan | Russia makes gains in East of Ukraine

Watch the top headlines of the hour: - Blinken in Saudi for talks on Gaza - Israel-Lebanon border heats up - Xi on Europe tour from May 5-10 - At least 43 killed in Kenya Dam Burst

Blinken in Saudi for talks on Gaza | Israel-Lebanon border heats up

US Export controls on advanced computing chips are not meant to hold back china's economy or technological development. That's what secretary of state antonym Blinken has said during a recent interview with a radio channel. The statement assumes significance as it comes amid the heated tech rivalry between the two largest economies.

Blinken: Export controls not meant to hobble China's economy

Watch the top headlines of the hour: - US: Freight train fire hits key highway - $6 bn new US military package for Ukraine - US: University panel slams crackdowns - China interfering in US polls: Blinken - Ready for debate with Trump: Biden

US: Freight train fire hits key highway | China interfering in US polls: Blinken

The top diplomats of the US and China held tough talks in Beijing as the rival superpowers sought to clarify their growing differences on an array of bilateral and global issues. Watch in for more details!

Antony Blinken in China: Chinese FM urges US not to suppress China's development

Watch the top headlines of the hour: - China interfering in US polls: Blinken - Ready for debate with Trump: Biden - Studying Israel's truce plan: Hamas - 6.1 magnitude quake off Taiwan coast

China interfering in US polls: Blinken | Ready for debate with Trump: Biden

The Israeli military has massed dozens of tanks and armoured vehicles along its border with the southern Gaza strip in what appears to be a preparation for an invasion of the border city of Rafah. The tanks and armoured vehicles are stationed near Israel's Kerem Shalom crossing next to Rafah. American Diplomat Anthony Blinken is planning to travel to Israel on Tuesday after returning from his trip to China. Reports suggest that Blinken will travel to Israel to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other senior officials. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hamas war: Blinken plans to visit Israel | Will US stop Israel's Rafah offensive?

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi in Beijing for talks on a range of issues including strains over China's support to Russia's war in Ukraine.

Blinken in China: US Secy of State Blinken meets Chinese counterpart Wang Yi

Blinken China visit: US Secy of State Blinken meets Chinese counterpart Wang Yi

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's welcome in China was a bit unusual. Notably, the top Diplomat did not receive a red carpet welcome and there were only a few officers to greet him. On his second day of the visit, he met with China's top official in Shanghai on Thursday as Beijing and Washington are trying to iron out wrinkles in their ties.

Blinken's high-wire act: Navigating US-China tensions

Antony Blinken holds meeting with the Communist Party Secretary Chen Jining

No carpet welcome for Blinken in China, holds meeting with top Shanghai official

Antony Blinken holds meeting with top Shanghai official

The top American Diplomat Antony Blinken has departed for China. With US-China ties at a critical point over numerous Global disputes, Blinken will be visiting China for 3 days. He will hold talks with senior Chinese officials in Shanghai and Beijing.

Top US diplomat Antony Blinken on a 3-day China visit

Top US diplomat Antony Blinken to visit China

In a show of strength, Beijing has showcased its nuclear second strike capability or the ability to hit back after an enemy launches an initial nuclear attack. Interestingly this comes just two days before the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's Beijing and Shanghai visit.

China's JL-2 missile: Nuclear second-strike capability

Top American diplomat Anthony Blinken has departed for China for three days the visit comes at a time when Washington-Beijing ties at a critical point over numerous global disputes.

Blinken heads to china amid wave of issues

The US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, will visit China from April 24th to 26th. According to the US State Department, he will hold talks on bilateral and global issues with Chinese officials. Watch in for more details!

US: Antony Blinken to visit China to prevent conflict and manage rivalry

United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Friday (Apr 19) said that America was "not involved in any offensive operation" and declined to comment on reports of Israel&nbsp;launching a retaliatory offensive against Iran.

"I'm not going to speak to these reported events... All I can say is for our part and for all the members of the G7 our focus is on de-escalation,"&nbsp;Blinken told a press conference on the Italian island of Capri.

"What we're focused on, what the G7 is focused on, and again, it's reflected in our statement, and in our conversation, is our work to de-escalate tensions, to de-escalate from any potential conflicts," he said.

The top United States diplomat reiterated the same response on being asked about the situation several times during the press briefing.

"The US has not been involved in any offensive operation," he said.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-vetoes-palestinian-request-for-full-statehood-at-united-nations-712748">US vetoes Palestinian request for full statehood at United Nations</a>

<h2>'Washington was informed of strikes in advance,' says G7 host Antonio Tajani</h2>

Earlier, at a separate news briefing, G7 host and Italy's Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said that the United States was notified about the Israeli strikes way in advance. However, he did not share much details.

"The United States were informed at the last moment," he said, adding that "it was just information" passed on -- without saying who by.&nbsp;

The Group of Seven ministers, in its final statement, said, "In light of reports of strikes on April 19th, we urge all parties to work to prevent further escalation. The G7 will continue to work to this end."

<h2>Iran ‘not planning’ retaliation against Israel&nbsp;</h2>

Iran is not planning any retaliation against Israel after Friday's (Apr 19) attacks, a top Iranian official was quoted by Reuters as saying.

“The foreign source of the incident has not been confirmed. We have not received any external attack, and the discussion leans more towards infiltration than attack,” the official said.

Earlier in the day, an explosion was reportedly heard near the Iranian city of Isfahan, the cause of which is not yet known. However, airspace over several Iranian cities was closed shortly after the explosion.

Iran subsequently said that it shot down several drones and that there had been "no missile attack for now".

Several drones "have been successfully shot down by the country's air defence, there are no reports of a missile attack for now", Iran's space agency spokesman Hossein Dalirian said on X.

"Flights over Isfahan, Shiraz and Tehran cities have been suspended," state media reported.&nbsp;

The province of Isfahan is home to a large air base, a major missile production complex and reportedly several nuclear sites.

(With inputs from agencies)

United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Friday (Apr 19) said that America was "not involved in any offensive operation" and declined to comment on reports of Israel launching a retaliatory offensive against Iran.

United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Friday (Apr 19) said that America was "not involved in any offensive operation" and declined to comment on reports of Israel launching a retaliatory offensive against Iran. "I'm not going to speak to these reported events... All I can say is for our part and for all the members of the G7 our focus is on de-escalation," Blinken told a press conference on the Italian island of Capri. "What we're focused on, what the G7 is focused on, and again, it's reflected in our statement, and in our conversation, is our work to de-escalate tensions, to de-escalate from any potential conflicts," he said. The top United States diplomat reiterated the same response on being asked about the situation several times during the press briefing. "The US has not been involved in any offensive operation," he said. Also read: US vetoes Palestinian request for full statehood at United Nations 'Washington was informed of strikes in advance,' says G7 host Antonio Tajani Earlier, at a separate news briefing, G7 host and Italy's Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said that the United States was notified about the Israeli strikes way in advance. However, he did not share much details. "The United States were informed at the last moment," he said, adding that "it was just information" passed on -- without saying who by. The Group of Seven ministers, in its final statement, said, "In light of reports of strikes on April 19th, we urge all parties to work to prevent further escalation. The G7 will continue to work to this end." Iran ‘not planning’ retaliation against Israel Iran is not planning any retaliation against Israel after Friday's (Apr 19) attacks, a top Iranian official was quoted by Reuters as saying. “The foreign source of the incident has not been confirmed. We have not received any external attack, and the discussion leans more towards infiltration than attack,” the official said. Earlier in the day, an explosion was reportedly heard near the Iranian city of Isfahan, the cause of which is not yet known. However, airspace over several Iranian cities was closed shortly after the explosion. Iran subsequently said that it shot down several drones and that there had been "no missile attack for now". Several drones "have been successfully shot down by the country's air defence, there are no reports of a missile attack for now", Iran's space agency spokesman Hossein Dalirian said on X. "Flights over Isfahan, Shiraz and Tehran cities have been suspended," state media reported. The province of Isfahan is home to a large air base, a major missile production complex and reportedly several nuclear sites. (With inputs from agencies)

US says ‘not involved in any offensive operation’ after Israel carries out retaliatory attacks against Iran

In an upcoming China visit, US Secrectary of State, Antony Blinken is expected to raise concerns that Beijing is helping Russia build up its defence industrial base to fight the war in Ukraine.

Details of Blinken's trip not announced

Watch in top headlines of the hour: - Solar Eclipse: Millions watch stunning spectacle - Gaza truce talks still deadlocked - Japan's PM Kishida arrives in US - UK's Cameron to meet Blinken - Sexting Sting: Conservative MP resigns - Delhi HC verdict on Kejriwal plea

UK's Cameron to meet Blinken | Japan's PM Kishida arrives in US

The South Korean military officials stated that North Korea fired a suspected intermediate range ballistic missile in the early hours of Tuesday. Watch in for more details!

North Korea launches intermediate-range missile, Japan PM Kishida condemns launch

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Friday (Mar 22) that Israel, if required, will enter into the southern Gaza city of Rafah even without the backing of the United States.

During a meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Tel Aviv earlier, Netanyahu conveyed Israel's stance, stating that the only way to crack down on Hamas was by confronting the militant group&nbsp;within Rafah, a city bordering Egypt. Rafah is an important gateway for the movement of aid in and out of the Gaza Strip and the offensive might play an added hindrance to the situation there.&nbsp;

Netanyahu said, "I told him that I hope we will do it with the support of the US, but if we have to - we will do it alone," reported Reuters.

Blinken's visit to Israel comes amid ongoing efforts to broker a ceasefire in Gaza, with discussions also focusing on humanitarian concerns and the release of hostages. Following the meeting with Netanyahu, Blinken also met with the Israeli war cabinet for extensive discussions lasting approximately two and a half hours, as per reports.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-and-russia-veto-us-proposed-un-gaza-ceasefire-resolution-703180">China and Russia veto US-proposed UN Gaza 'ceasefire' resolution</a>

Before he arrived in Israel, Blinken engaged in talks in Egypt aimed at securing a cease-fire.&nbsp;

During a news conference in Egypt, Blinken stated,&nbsp;"There’s a clear consensus around a number of shared priorities."

The negotiations have encountered a hurdle, with Hamas insisting on the release of hostages as part of a comprehensive deal to end the conflict, while Israel maintains its position for a temporary pause.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/over-70-rohingya-refugees-dead-or-missing-in-boat-capsises-703128">Over 70 Rohingya refugees dead or missing after boat capsised off Indonesia coast</a>

The situation remains dire for over a million Palestinians seeking refuge in Rafah amid escalating hostilities.

Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7 claimed&nbsp;the lives of at least 1,200 people, according to Israeli authorities. There is also a substantial toll of nearly 32,000 casualties in Israel's subsequent counteroffensive in Gaza, according to figures from the Hamas-run Health Ministry.

<section>
Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-hamas-war-blinken-meets-with-netanyahu-in-tel-aviv-pushes-for-more-aid-for-gaza-703185">Israel-Hamas war: Blinken meets with Netanyahu in Tel Aviv, pushes for more aid for Gaza</a>

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Efforts to pass a UN resolution calling for a ceasefire too faced a setback when China and Russia used their veto power to block a US-supported resolution at the UN Security Council. Moscow rebuked the perceived lack of pressure on Israel and deemed the resolution process a "hypocritical spectacle."
</section>

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Friday (Mar 22) that Israel, if required, will enter into the southern Gaza city of Rafah even without the backing of the United States.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Friday (Mar 22) that Israel, if required, will enter into the southern Gaza city of Rafah even without the backing of the United States. During a meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken in Tel Aviv earlier, Netanyahu conveyed Israel's stance, stating that the only way to crack down on Hamas was by confronting the militant group within Rafah, a city bordering Egypt. Rafah is an important gateway for the movement of aid in and out of the Gaza Strip and the offensive might play an added hindrance to the situation there. Netanyahu said, "I told him that I hope we will do it with the support of the US, but if we have to - we will do it alone," reported Reuters. Blinken's visit to Israel comes amid ongoing efforts to broker a ceasefire in Gaza, with discussions also focusing on humanitarian concerns and the release of hostages. Following the meeting with Netanyahu, Blinken also met with the Israeli war cabinet for extensive discussions lasting approximately two and a half hours, as per reports. Also Read | China and Russia veto US-proposed UN Gaza 'ceasefire' resolution Before he arrived in Israel, Blinken engaged in talks in Egypt aimed at securing a cease-fire. During a news conference in Egypt, Blinken stated, "There’s a clear consensus around a number of shared priorities." The negotiations have encountered a hurdle, with Hamas insisting on the release of hostages as part of a comprehensive deal to end the conflict, while Israel maintains its position for a temporary pause. Also Read | Over 70 Rohingya refugees dead or missing after boat capsised off Indonesia coast The situation remains dire for over a million Palestinians seeking refuge in Rafah amid escalating hostilities. Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7 claimed the lives of at least 1,200 people, according to Israeli authorities. There is also a substantial toll of nearly 32,000 casualties in Israel's subsequent counteroffensive in Gaza, according to figures from the Hamas-run Health Ministry. Watch | Israel-Hamas war: Blinken meets with Netanyahu in Tel Aviv, pushes for more aid for Gaza × Efforts to pass a UN resolution calling for a ceasefire too faced a setback when China and Russia used their veto power to block a US-supported resolution at the UN Security Council. Moscow rebuked the perceived lack of pressure on Israel and deemed the resolution process a "hypocritical spectacle." (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

'Will do it alone': Netanyahu tells Blinken on Rafah offensive

On Wednesday the US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken began his sixth West Asia tour since the onset of the Gaza War by holding talks in Saudi Arabia. On the agenda are meetings with Arab foreign ministers and a top Palestinian officials in Egypt...Watch in for more details!

West Asia: Antony Blinken meets Saudi crown-prince in Jeddah

West Asia Crisis: Antony Blinken heads to Middle East for 6th time since onset of Gaza war

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Tuesday (Mar 19) reiterated America’s ‘ironclad’ commitment&nbsp;to defend key ally the Philippines against a potential attack in the South China Sea. Blinken’s remarks come amidst increasing hostility between Chinese and Filipino forces in the disputed waters in the region. Blinken is visiting the US treaty ally, where he met his counterpart Enrique Manalo and was poised to meet Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and other top officials in Manila.

Blinken’s visit to Manila comes ahead of a planned summit in the White House where top leaders of the Philippines and Japan are slated to gather. Japanese PM Fumio Kishida, US President Joe Biden and Marcos will gather to discuss China’s aggression in the South China Sea and North Korea’s increasingly belligerent nuclear programme.

<h2>Increasing tensions between Beijing and Manila</h2>

The USA’s commitment to Manila’s security holds extreme importance if viewed through the prism of increasing hostility between China and the Philippines.

Two weeks ago, the Chinese coast guard stopped Philippine boats near a disputed area called Second Thomas Shoal.

They blasted Filipino vessels with water cannons, causing slight injuries to a Filipino admiral and four sailors. During the confrontation, there were two small crashes between Chinese and Philippine boats. The Philippines protested these actions and called them unacceptable. They summoned China's deputy ambassador to express their protest. The United States warned that it would protect the Philippines if they were attacked in the South China Sea.

The Chinese coast guard, on the other hand, said they took action against Philippine ships that entered waters near ‘Ren'ai Reef’ (Second Thomas Shoal) illegally.

Also read:<a data-ved="2ahUKEwio-vjv_f-EAxXwbWwGHRsPAC4QxfQBKAB6BAgNEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-china-may-engage-in-armed-conflict-amid-strained-ties-us-intelligence-assessment-notes-699477" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-china-may-engage-in-armed-conflict-amid-strained-ties-us-intelligence-assessment-notes-699477&amp;ved=2ahUKEwio-vjv_f-EAxXwbWwGHRsPAC4QxfQBKAB6BAgNEAE">India, China may engage in `armed conflict` amid strained ties, claims US intelligence assessment</a>

This area is guarded by a small Philippine navy group but surrounded by Chinese ships. Last year, there were tense clashes between Chinese and Philippine coast guard ships here. However, the recent confrontation was considered more serious because Filipino navy personnel were injured, and their boat was damaged.

<h2>China’s disputes in the region</h2>

Apart from China and the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Brunei also assert their claims in the resource-rich and busy South China Sea, which is a crucial global trade route.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwio-vjv_f-EAxXwbWwGHRsPAC4QxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/evergrandes-scandal-chinas-property-giant-accused-of-78-bn-fraud-701699" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/evergrandes-scandal-chinas-property-giant-accused-of-78-bn-fraud-701699&amp;ved=2ahUKEwio-vjv_f-EAxXwbWwGHRsPAC4QxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE">Evergrande’s Scandal: China`s property giant accused of $78 bn fraud</a>

China asserts nearly the entire South China Sea as its territory. Over the past decade, China has transformed barren reefs into seven islands, which now function as military bases with missile defences. Among these, three have runways, enhancing China's ability to reinforce its territorial claims and conduct patrols.

In response, the United States has been strengthening its military alliances and security partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region. This includes collaborations with the Philippines, Vietnam, and other nations that are in dispute with China over the South China Sea.

(With inputs from agencies)

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Tuesday (Mar 19) reiterated America’s ‘ironclad’ commitment to defend key ally the Philippines against a potential attack in the South China Sea.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Tuesday (Mar 19) reiterated America’s ‘ironclad’ commitment to defend key ally the Philippines against a potential attack in the South China Sea. Blinken’s remarks come amidst increasing hostility between Chinese and Filipino forces in the disputed waters in the region. Blinken is visiting the US treaty ally, where he met his counterpart Enrique Manalo and was poised to meet Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and other top officials in Manila. Blinken’s visit to Manila comes ahead of a planned summit in the White House where top leaders of the Philippines and Japan are slated to gather. Japanese PM Fumio Kishida, US President Joe Biden and Marcos will gather to discuss China’s aggression in the South China Sea and North Korea’s increasingly belligerent nuclear programme. Increasing tensions between Beijing and Manila The USA’s commitment to Manila’s security holds extreme importance if viewed through the prism of increasing hostility between China and the Philippines. Two weeks ago, the Chinese coast guard stopped Philippine boats near a disputed area called Second Thomas Shoal. They blasted Filipino vessels with water cannons, causing slight injuries to a Filipino admiral and four sailors. During the confrontation, there were two small crashes between Chinese and Philippine boats. The Philippines protested these actions and called them unacceptable. They summoned China's deputy ambassador to express their protest. The United States warned that it would protect the Philippines if they were attacked in the South China Sea. The Chinese coast guard, on the other hand, said they took action against Philippine ships that entered waters near ‘Ren'ai Reef’ (Second Thomas Shoal) illegally. Also read:India, China may engage in `armed conflict` amid strained ties, claims US intelligence assessment This area is guarded by a small Philippine navy group but surrounded by Chinese ships. Last year, there were tense clashes between Chinese and Philippine coast guard ships here. However, the recent confrontation was considered more serious because Filipino navy personnel were injured, and their boat was damaged. China’s disputes in the region Apart from China and the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Taiwan, and Brunei also assert their claims in the resource-rich and busy South China Sea, which is a crucial global trade route. Also read: Evergrande’s Scandal: China`s property giant accused of $78 bn fraud China asserts nearly the entire South China Sea as its territory. Over the past decade, China has transformed barren reefs into seven islands, which now function as military bases with missile defences. Among these, three have runways, enhancing China's ability to reinforce its territorial claims and conduct patrols. In response, the United States has been strengthening its military alliances and security partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region. This includes collaborations with the Philippines, Vietnam, and other nations that are in dispute with China over the South China Sea. (With inputs from agencies)

Blinken reiterates USA’s ‘ironclad’ commitment to defend Philippines against attack by China

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is currently in South Korea the first stop of his South Asia tour and Washington stop Diplomat will also visit Philippines and this as the US moves to reinforce ties with these two Regional allies. Watch to know more!

Antony Blinken attends democracy summit in South Korea

North Korea has fired a ballistic missile into the sea after a break of two months and this comes at a time when US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken is visiting South Korea. Watch to know more!

North Korea launches  ballistic missiles as Blinken visits Seoul

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