<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidx9jOYCYGTnT1" /></p>

<p>A&nbsp;delegation of the Palestinian group Hamas landed in Cairo on Saturday to resume talks on a ceasefire deal in Gaza&nbsp;after months of negotiations failed to be fruitful, reported local media.</p>

<p>Egyptian state-linked Al Qahera News Television quoted a high-ranking source as saying that "there is significant progress in the negotiations" between the Palestinian militant group and Israel, and that the Egyptian mediators have "reached an agreed-upon formula on most points of contention."</p>

<p>Palestinian militant group Hamas said on late&nbsp;Friday (May 3) that its delegation would travel to Cairo on Saturday to resume Gaza ceasefire talks with Israel. In a statement, Hamas said, "We emphasise the positive spirit with which the&nbsp;Hamas&nbsp;leadership dealt with the ceasefire proposal it recently received, and we are going to Cairo in the same spirit to reach an agreement."</p>

<p>"We in&nbsp;Hamas&nbsp;and the Palestinian resistance forces are determined to achieve an agreement that fulfils our people's demands for a complete cessation of the aggression, the withdrawal of the occupation forces, the return of the displaced, relief and reconstruction, and a serious exchange deal," it added.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pro-palestine-protests-graduation-ceremonies-at-universities-may-see-walkouts-717878">Pro-Palestine protests: Graduation ceremonies at US universities may see walkouts</a></strong></p>

<p>Hamas' remarks came as foreign mediators have been waiting for a response from the group&nbsp;to halt the fighting for 40 days and exchange hostages for Palestinian prisoners.</p>

<h2><strong>'Netanyahu is still the obstructionist'</strong></h2>

<p>While Hamas has demanded&nbsp;a lasting ceasefire in the Gaza Strip,&nbsp;Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to crush its remaining fighters in Rafah. On Friday, a top Hamas official accused Netanyahu&nbsp;of trying to derail a proposed Gaza truce and hostage release deal with his threats to keep fighting the militants, the news agency AFP reported.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Future of war: Will private military contractors take over? | WION Decodes</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/future-of-war-will-private-military-contractors-take-over-715537/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>"Netanyahu was the obstructionist of all previous rounds of dialogue... and it is clear that he still is," the official added.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Rafah offensive could lead to bloodbath: WHO</strong></h2>

<p>On Friday, the World Health Organization (WHO) warned that Israel's offensive in Rafah could lead to a "bloodbath." In a post on X, WHO's Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said, "WHO is deeply concerned that a full-scale military operation in Rafah, Gaza, could lead to a&nbsp;bloodbath,&nbsp;and further weaken an already broken health system."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The WHO earlier said that&nbsp;most of Gaza's&nbsp;health facilities have been damaged or destroyed amid heavy Israeli bombardment.</p>

<p>Only 12 of Gaza's 36 hospitals and 22 of its 88 primary health facilities are "partially functional", the UN health agency added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A delegation of the Palestinian group Hamas landed in Cairo on Saturday to resume talks on a ceasefire deal in Gaza after months of negotiations failed to be fruitful, reported local media.

A delegation of the Palestinian group Hamas landed in Cairo on Saturday to resume talks on a ceasefire deal in Gaza after months of negotiations failed to be fruitful, reported local media. Egyptian state-linked Al Qahera News Television quoted a high-ranking source as saying that "there is significant progress in the negotiations" between the Palestinian militant group and Israel, and that the Egyptian mediators have "reached an agreed-upon formula on most points of contention." Palestinian militant group Hamas said on late Friday (May 3) that its delegation would travel to Cairo on Saturday to resume Gaza ceasefire talks with Israel. In a statement, Hamas said, "We emphasise the positive spirit with which the Hamas leadership dealt with the ceasefire proposal it recently received, and we are going to Cairo in the same spirit to reach an agreement." "We in Hamas and the Palestinian resistance forces are determined to achieve an agreement that fulfils our people's demands for a complete cessation of the aggression, the withdrawal of the occupation forces, the return of the displaced, relief and reconstruction, and a serious exchange deal," it added. Also read | Pro-Palestine protests: Graduation ceremonies at US universities may see walkouts Hamas' remarks came as foreign mediators have been waiting for a response from the group to halt the fighting for 40 days and exchange hostages for Palestinian prisoners. 'Netanyahu is still the obstructionist' While Hamas has demanded a lasting ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to crush its remaining fighters in Rafah. On Friday, a top Hamas official accused Netanyahu of trying to derail a proposed Gaza truce and hostage release deal with his threats to keep fighting the militants, the news agency AFP reported. Also watch | Future of war: Will private military contractors take over? | WION Decodes × "Netanyahu was the obstructionist of all previous rounds of dialogue... and it is clear that he still is," the official added. Rafah offensive could lead to bloodbath: WHO On Friday, the World Health Organization (WHO) warned that Israel's offensive in Rafah could lead to a "bloodbath." In a post on X, WHO's Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said, "WHO is deeply concerned that a full-scale military operation in Rafah, Gaza, could lead to a bloodbath, and further weaken an already broken health system." The WHO earlier said that most of Gaza's health facilities have been damaged or destroyed amid heavy Israeli bombardment. Only 12 of Gaza's 36 hospitals and 22 of its 88 primary health facilities are "partially functional", the UN health agency added. (With inputs from agencies)

Gaza war: Hamas delegation arrives in Cairo for ceasefire talks amid high hopes

<p>UNESCO&nbsp;on Thursday awarded its world press freedom prize to all Palestinian journalists covering the war in Gaza, where Israel has been battling Hamas for more than six months.</p>

<p>"In these times of darkness and hopelessness, we wish to share a strong message of solidarity and recognition to those Palestinian journalists who are covering this crisis in such dramatic circumstances," said Mauricio Weibel, chair of the international jury of media professionals.</p>

<p>"As humanity, we have a huge debt to their courage and commitment to freedom of expression," he added.</p>

<p>Audrey Azoulay, director general at the UN organisation for education, science and culture, said the prize paid "tribute to the courage of journalists facing difficult and dangerous circumstances".</p>

<p>According to the New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ),&nbsp;at least 97 members of the press have been killed since the war broke out in October, 92 of whom were Palestinians.</p>

<p>The war started with Hamas's unprecedented October 7 attack on Israel that resulted in the deaths of 1,170 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of Israeli official figures.</p>

<p>Israel estimates that 129 captives seized by militants during their attack remain in Gaza. The military says 34 of them are dead.</p>

<p>Israel's retaliatory offensive against Hamas has killed at least 34,596 people in Gaza, mostly women and children, according to the Hamas-run territory's health ministry.</p>


UNESCO on Thursday awarded its world press freedom prize to all Palestinian journalists covering the war in Gaza, where Israel has been battling Hamas for more than six months.

UNESCO on Thursday awarded its world press freedom prize to all Palestinian journalists covering the war in Gaza, where Israel has been battling Hamas for more than six months. "In these times of darkness and hopelessness, we wish to share a strong message of solidarity and recognition to those Palestinian journalists who are covering this crisis in such dramatic circumstances," said Mauricio Weibel, chair of the international jury of media professionals. "As humanity, we have a huge debt to their courage and commitment to freedom of expression," he added. Audrey Azoulay, director general at the UN organisation for education, science and culture, said the prize paid "tribute to the courage of journalists facing difficult and dangerous circumstances". According to the New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), at least 97 members of the press have been killed since the war broke out in October, 92 of whom were Palestinians. The war started with Hamas's unprecedented October 7 attack on Israel that resulted in the deaths of 1,170 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of Israeli official figures. Israel estimates that 129 captives seized by militants during their attack remain in Gaza. The military says 34 of them are dead. Israel's retaliatory offensive against Hamas has killed at least 34,596 people in Gaza, mostly women and children, according to the Hamas-run territory's health ministry.

UNESCO awards press prize to Palestinian journalists in Gaza

<p>The US House of Representatives on Wednesday (May 1) passed a bill that proposes to expand the federal definition of antisemitism.</p>

<p>The bill passed the House on Wednesday by a margin of 320 to 91 amid the ongoing anti-war protests unfolding across multiple US university campuses. The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration.</p>

<h2><strong>What does it mean?</strong></h2>

<p>If the bill were to become law, it would codify a definition of antisemitism created by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) in Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.</p>

<p>The Civil Rights Act bars discrimination based on shared ancestry, ethnic characteristics or national origin.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/police-face-criticism-for-their-slow-response-to-violence-717183">Pro-Palestine protests: Violence mars US universities, hundreds arrested as police take over campuses</a></strong>&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the reports in the US media, adding IHRA’s definition to the law would allow the Biden administration or any future US president to restrict funding and other resources to campuses perceived as tolerating antisemitism.</p>

<p><b>Also watch |&nbsp;US: Police arrest dozens of protesters across campuses, tensions escalate between police and students</b></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-police-arrest-dozens-of-protesters-across-campuses-tensions-escalate-between-police-students-717208/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>In the current circumstances, this could be used to stifle campus protests against the war in Gaza, which has reportedly claimed the lives of 34,568 Palestinians so far.</p>

<h2><strong>What is IHRA's definition of antisemitism?</strong></h2>

<p>IHRA’s working definition of antisemitism is "a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities".</p>

<p>This definition also covers the "targeting of the state of Israel, conceived as a Jewish collectivity".</p>

<p>The definition also bars any comparison between "contemporary Israeli policy" and "that of the Nazis".</p>

<p>The IHRA adopted its current definition of antisemitism in 2016, and its framing has been embraced by the US State Department under President Joe Biden and his two predecessors.</p>

<p>The vote on Wednesday (May 1) comes as anti-war protests sweep across college campuses in the US.</p>

<p>The Biden administration has pledged support for Israel amid mounting humanitarian concerns over its military campaign that began after Hamas militants stormed into southern Israel and killed about 1200 people and took over 250 hostages.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The US House of Representatives on Wednesday (May 1) passed a bill that proposes to expand the federal definition of antisemitism. The bill passed the House on Wednesday by a margin of 320 to 91 amid the ongoing anti-war protests unfolding across multiple US university campuses.

The US House of Representatives on Wednesday (May 1) passed a bill that proposes to expand the federal definition of antisemitism. The bill passed the House on Wednesday by a margin of 320 to 91 amid the ongoing anti-war protests unfolding across multiple US university campuses. The bill now goes to the Senate for consideration. What does it mean? If the bill were to become law, it would codify a definition of antisemitism created by the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) in Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. The Civil Rights Act bars discrimination based on shared ancestry, ethnic characteristics or national origin. Also read | Pro-Palestine protests: Violence mars US universities, hundreds arrested as police take over campuses According to the reports in the US media, adding IHRA’s definition to the law would allow the Biden administration or any future US president to restrict funding and other resources to campuses perceived as tolerating antisemitism. Also watch | US: Police arrest dozens of protesters across campuses, tensions escalate between police and students × In the current circumstances, this could be used to stifle campus protests against the war in Gaza, which has reportedly claimed the lives of 34,568 Palestinians so far. What is IHRA's definition of antisemitism? IHRA’s working definition of antisemitism is "a certain perception of Jews, which may be expressed as hatred toward Jews. Rhetorical and physical manifestations of antisemitism are directed toward Jewish or non-Jewish individuals and/or their property, toward Jewish community institutions and religious facilities". This definition also covers the "targeting of the state of Israel, conceived as a Jewish collectivity". The definition also bars any comparison between "contemporary Israeli policy" and "that of the Nazis". The IHRA adopted its current definition of antisemitism in 2016, and its framing has been embraced by the US State Department under President Joe Biden and his two predecessors. The vote on Wednesday (May 1) comes as anti-war protests sweep across college campuses in the US. The Biden administration has pledged support for Israel amid mounting humanitarian concerns over its military campaign that began after Hamas militants stormed into southern Israel and killed about 1200 people and took over 250 hostages. (With inputs from agencies)

Amid varsity protests, US moves forward with proposed law to expand definition of antisemitism

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidkn7JuaP38i0n" /></p>

<p>Pro-Palestine protests in US universities have intensified&nbsp;with&nbsp;violence reported on campuses and over 300 being arrested.&nbsp;In recent days, students have rallied or set up&nbsp;encampments at dozens of universities&nbsp;expressing opposition to Israel's war in Gaza and demanding institutes divest from companies that support Israel's government.</p>

<p>The US on Wednesday (May 1) accused&nbsp;Russia of having used "the chemical weapon chloropicrin against Ukrainian forces" in violation of the Chemical Weapons Convention. Russia and Ukraine have been at war since&nbsp;February 2022. A statement from the US State Department&nbsp;&nbsp;alleged that Moscow has also been using "riot control agents (tear gas) as a method of warfare in Ukraine, also in violation of the CWC."</p>

<p>In other news from around the world, Donald Trump lashed out at US President Joe Biden, slamming his incompetence and alleging that he had&nbsp;brought the planet&nbsp;"to the brink of nuclear war."</p>

<p><strong>Click on the headlines to read more:</strong></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/police-face-criticism-for-their-slow-response-to-violence-717183"><strong>Pro-Palestine protests: Violence mars US universities, hundreds arrested as police take over campuses</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/05/02/428735-untitled-design-2024-05-02t080614600.png?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>Announcements broadcasted on the University of California Los Angeles campus told demonstrators to disperse or they would be arrested.&nbsp;The protesters largely stayed in place, chanting pro-Palestinian slogans.</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-violation-of-the-cwc-us-accuses-russia-of-using-chemical-weapons-against-ukraine-717173">US accuses Russia of using chemical weapons against Ukraine, links violation to Alexei Navalny poisoning</a></strong></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/05/02/428728-new-wion-2024-05-02t052253688.jpg?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>The United States on Wednesday (May 1) accused Russia of having used "the chemical weapon chloropicrin against Ukrainian forces" in violation of the Chemical Weapons Convention.&nbsp;The statement from the US State Department further alleged that Moscow has also been using "riot control agents (tear gas) as a method of warfare in Ukraine, also in violation of the CWC."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-elections-trump-blasts-biden-says-every-single-thing-he-touches-turns-to-sh-717177"><strong>Trump blasts Biden, says 'every single thing he touches turns to sh**,' pledges world peace</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/05/02/428731-new-wion-2024-05-02t064341139.jpg?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>Donald Trump, amid his ongoing hush money trial, on Wednesday (May 1) took the opportunity to campaign in Wisconsin and Michigan, and slammed his Democratic rival President Joe Biden.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/arizona-abortion-ban-overturn-bid-crosses-another-hurdle-senate-approves-repeal-in-16-14-vote-717175"><strong>Arizona abortion ban overturn bid crosses another hurdle; Senate approves repeal in 16-14 vote</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/05/02/428730-new-wion-2024-05-02t061434535.jpg?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>The Arizona Senate on Wednesday (May 1) cleared the way for the repeal of the archaic six-week abortion ban that&nbsp;holds no exceptions for rape or incest.&nbsp;After being passed in the Arizona Senate with&nbsp;an absolute majority of&nbsp;16–14 votes, the bid to overturn the stringent abortion ban is expected to be quickly signed by Governor Katie Hobbs, a Democrat.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Will Bird Flu be the next pandemic? New variant of Avian Influenza emerges</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/will-bird-flu-be-the-next-pandemic-new-variant-of-avian-influenza-emerges-717205/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Pro-Palestine protests in US universities have intensified with violence reported on campuses and over 300 being arrested. In recent days, students have rallied or set up encampments at dozens of universities expressing opposition to Israel's war in Gaza and demanding institutes divest from companies that support Israel's government.

Pro-Palestine protests in US universities have intensified with violence reported on campuses and over 300 being arrested. In recent days, students have rallied or set up encampments at dozens of universities expressing opposition to Israel's war in Gaza and demanding institutes divest from companies that support Israel's government. The US on Wednesday (May 1) accused Russia of having used "the chemical weapon chloropicrin against Ukrainian forces" in violation of the Chemical Weapons Convention. Russia and Ukraine have been at war since February 2022. A statement from the US State Department alleged that Moscow has also been using "riot control agents (tear gas) as a method of warfare in Ukraine, also in violation of the CWC." In other news from around the world, Donald Trump lashed out at US President Joe Biden, slamming his incompetence and alleging that he had brought the planet "to the brink of nuclear war." Click on the headlines to read more: Pro-Palestine protests: Violence mars US universities, hundreds arrested as police take over campuses Announcements broadcasted on the University of California Los Angeles campus told demonstrators to disperse or they would be arrested. The protesters largely stayed in place, chanting pro-Palestinian slogans. US accuses Russia of using chemical weapons against Ukraine, links violation to Alexei Navalny poisoning The United States on Wednesday (May 1) accused Russia of having used "the chemical weapon chloropicrin against Ukrainian forces" in violation of the Chemical Weapons Convention. The statement from the US State Department further alleged that Moscow has also been using "riot control agents (tear gas) as a method of warfare in Ukraine, also in violation of the CWC." Trump blasts Biden, says 'every single thing he touches turns to sh**,' pledges world peace Donald Trump, amid his ongoing hush money trial, on Wednesday (May 1) took the opportunity to campaign in Wisconsin and Michigan, and slammed his Democratic rival President Joe Biden. Arizona abortion ban overturn bid crosses another hurdle; Senate approves repeal in 16-14 vote The Arizona Senate on Wednesday (May 1) cleared the way for the repeal of the archaic six-week abortion ban that holds no exceptions for rape or incest. After being passed in the Arizona Senate with an absolute majority of 16–14 votes, the bid to overturn the stringent abortion ban is expected to be quickly signed by Governor Katie Hobbs, a Democrat. Watch | Will Bird Flu be the next pandemic? New variant of Avian Influenza emerges ×

Morning brief: Pro-Palestine stir in US universities intensifies; Ukraine war updates; and more

<p>Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on Tuesday (Apr 30) said Israel will carry out operation in southern Gaza’s Rafah regardless of whether a ceasefire and hostage release deal is reached. Meanwhile, a report by news agency AFP citing a top Israeli official said that the government will wait until Wednesday (May 1) night for Hamas’ answer to the latest proposal.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>‘With or without a deal’: Netanyahu</strong></h2>

<p>Netanyahu, on Tuesday again vowed to launch an incursion into the southern Gaza city of Rafah where millions of displaced Palestinians are sheltering amid the ongoing war between Israel and the militant group Hamas.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Israel’s plans for Rafah have garnered international criticism and condemnation even from its allies, but the Israeli PM has reiterated the need&nbsp;to eliminate Hamas’ battalions in the southern Gaza city in order to achieve “total victory.”</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;US Secy of State Blinken 'hopeful' Hamas will accept Gaza deal</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/blinkens-west-asia-trip-us-secy-of-state-blinken-hopeful-hamas-will-accept-gaza-deal-716722/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>“The idea that we will stop the war before achieving all of its goals is out of the question,” said Netanyahu, according to a statement by his office.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added, “We will enter Rafah and we will eliminate Hamas’ battalions there – with or without a deal, to achieve the total victory.”</p>

<p>The Israeli PM made the remarks on Tuesday while addressing a small group of families of hostages called the Tikva Forum. The group is distinct from the large group representing the families of captive Israelis in Gaza and has reportedly put crushing Hamas over the freedom of their loved ones.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the group representing the majority of the families of captive Israelis have taken to the streets across the country calling on the government to work out a deal that brings the hostages home, saying it should take precedence over military action.</p>

<h2><strong>Israel to wait until Wednesday night</strong></h2>

<p>A report by AFP citing a top Israeli official said the government will wait until Wednesday night for a Hamas response to a Gaza truce proposal before it decides whether to send envoys to Cairo for ceasefire talks or not.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/stabbing-attack-in-jerusalems-old-city-injures-officer-suspect-identified-as-turkish-citizen-fatally-shot-716686">Turkish citizen fatally shot by Israeli police after allegedly stabbing officer in Jerusalem's Old City</a></strong></p>

<p>“Israel will make a decision once Hamas provides their answer,” the official told AFP on condition of anonymity, adding that “we will wait for answers until Wednesday night and then decide”.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>About the ceasefire deal</strong></h2>

<p>United States President Joe Biden called on the leaders of Qatar and Egypt on Monday (Apr 29) to “exert all efforts” and secure the release of hostages who have been held captive by Hamas in the Gaza Strip so that the ceasefire deal is achieved.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Netanyahu’s statement on Tuesday also came hours after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Israel to advance truce talks which are meant to free hostages and avert an Israeli offensive into Rafah and the potential harm to civilians there.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-egypt-qatar-agree-to-exert-all-efforts-for-hostage-release-ceasefire-deal-716469">US, Egypt, Qatar agree to 'exert all efforts' for hostage release, ceasefire deal</a></strong></p>

<p>The current deal, which is being brokered by the US, Egypt and Qatar, would see the release of dozens of hostages in exchange for a six-week halt in fighting, reported the Associated Press citing Egyptian official and Israeli media.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In line with the deal, hundreds of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel would also be released. Blinken, on Monday, urged Hamas to accept the latest proposal, calling it “extraordinarily generous” on Israel’s part.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on Tuesday (Apr 30) said Israel will carry out operation in southern Gaza’s Rafah regardless of whether a ceasefire and hostage release deal is reached.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on Tuesday (Apr 30) said Israel will carry out operation in southern Gaza’s Rafah regardless of whether a ceasefire and hostage release deal is reached. Meanwhile, a report by news agency AFP citing a top Israeli official said that the government will wait until Wednesday (May 1) night for Hamas’ answer to the latest proposal. ‘With or without a deal’: Netanyahu Netanyahu, on Tuesday again vowed to launch an incursion into the southern Gaza city of Rafah where millions of displaced Palestinians are sheltering amid the ongoing war between Israel and the militant group Hamas. Israel’s plans for Rafah have garnered international criticism and condemnation even from its allies, but the Israeli PM has reiterated the need to eliminate Hamas’ battalions in the southern Gaza city in order to achieve “total victory.” WATCH | US Secy of State Blinken 'hopeful' Hamas will accept Gaza deal “The idea that we will stop the war before achieving all of its goals is out of the question,” said Netanyahu, according to a statement by his office. He added, “We will enter Rafah and we will eliminate Hamas’ battalions there – with or without a deal, to achieve the total victory.” The Israeli PM made the remarks on Tuesday while addressing a small group of families of hostages called the Tikva Forum. The group is distinct from the large group representing the families of captive Israelis in Gaza and has reportedly put crushing Hamas over the freedom of their loved ones. Meanwhile, the group representing the majority of the families of captive Israelis have taken to the streets across the country calling on the government to work out a deal that brings the hostages home, saying it should take precedence over military action. Israel to wait until Wednesday night A report by AFP citing a top Israeli official said the government will wait until Wednesday night for a Hamas response to a Gaza truce proposal before it decides whether to send envoys to Cairo for ceasefire talks or not. Also Read | Turkish citizen fatally shot by Israeli police after allegedly stabbing officer in Jerusalem's Old City “Israel will make a decision once Hamas provides their answer,” the official told AFP on condition of anonymity, adding that “we will wait for answers until Wednesday night and then decide”. About the ceasefire deal United States President Joe Biden called on the leaders of Qatar and Egypt on Monday (Apr 29) to “exert all efforts” and secure the release of hostages who have been held captive by Hamas in the Gaza Strip so that the ceasefire deal is achieved. Netanyahu’s statement on Tuesday also came hours after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Israel to advance truce talks which are meant to free hostages and avert an Israeli offensive into Rafah and the potential harm to civilians there. Also Read | US, Egypt, Qatar agree to 'exert all efforts' for hostage release, ceasefire deal The current deal, which is being brokered by the US, Egypt and Qatar, would see the release of dozens of hostages in exchange for a six-week halt in fighting, reported the Associated Press citing Egyptian official and Israeli media. In line with the deal, hundreds of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel would also be released. Blinken, on Monday, urged Hamas to accept the latest proposal, calling it “extraordinarily generous” on Israel’s part. (With inputs from agencies)

Israeli forces will enter Rafah ‘with or without’ Gaza hostage deal, says PM Netanyahu

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidgEy8U1OSRHHP" /></p>

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidgEy8U1OSRHHP" /></p>

<p>The Israeli government is&nbsp;making efforts&nbsp;to block the International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrants against Prime Minister Benjamin&nbsp;Netanyahu,&nbsp;and other top officials, the Times of Israel reported on Sunday (Apr 28)&nbsp;citing&nbsp;sources. Israeli officials believe that the ICC has been preparing to issue these arrest warrants for officials on charges related to the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-launches-air-strikes-on-rafah-killing-at-least-13-people-hours-before-ceasefire-talks-716049">Israel launches air strikes on Rafah killing at least 13 people, hours before ceasefire talks</a></strong></p>

<p>The report said that the country's National Security Council is leading the campaign (to head off the arrest warrants), adding the foreign ministry is also involved in the efforts. One of the sources told the publication that a&nbsp;major&nbsp;focus of the ICC allegations would be that Israel deliberately starved Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>'Netanyahu under unusual stress'</strong></h2>

<p>According to Israeli journalist and analyst&nbsp;Ben Caspit, Prime Minister Netanyahu has been under unusual stress over the feared arrest warrant against him and other top officials. Writing an article in the Walla News, Caspit said that Netanyahu was leading a non-stop push over the telephone to prevent an arrest warrant, focussed&nbsp;especially&nbsp;on the Joe Biden-led US administration.</p>

<p>Last Friday, the Israeli Prime Minister said in a post on Telegram that under his leadership, Israel would never accept any attempt by the ICC to undermine its&nbsp;basic&nbsp;right to defend&nbsp;itself.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Future of war: Will private military contractors take over? | WION Decodes</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/future-of-war-will-private-military-contractors-take-over-715537/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Amid these developments, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz said that his country expects the ICC to refrain from issuing arrest warrants. "If the orders are issued, they will harm the commanders and soldiers of the IDF and give a boost to the terrorist organisation Hamas and the radical Islamic axis led by Iran against which we are fighting," Katz said in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>No end to conflict anytime soon</strong></h2>

<p>On&nbsp;October 7&nbsp;last year, Hamas militants launched an unprecedented attack on Israel, killing 1,200 people, mostly civilians. More than 200 people&nbsp;were taken&nbsp;as hostages by Hamas.</p>

<p>Israel retaliated hard in the Gaza Strip and has killed more than 34,000 Palestinians. More than 77,000 people have&nbsp;been injured&nbsp;in the war-torn region.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Israeli government is making efforts to block the International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrants against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and other top officials, the Times of Israel reported on Sunday (Apr 28) citing sources.

The Israeli government is making efforts to block the International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrants against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and other top officials, the Times of Israel reported on Sunday (Apr 28) citing sources. Israeli officials believe that the ICC has been preparing to issue these arrest warrants for officials on charges related to the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Also read | Israel launches air strikes on Rafah killing at least 13 people, hours before ceasefire talks The report said that the country's National Security Council is leading the campaign (to head off the arrest warrants), adding the foreign ministry is also involved in the efforts. One of the sources told the publication that a major focus of the ICC allegations would be that Israel deliberately starved Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. 'Netanyahu under unusual stress' According to Israeli journalist and analyst Ben Caspit, Prime Minister Netanyahu has been under unusual stress over the feared arrest warrant against him and other top officials. Writing an article in the Walla News, Caspit said that Netanyahu was leading a non-stop push over the telephone to prevent an arrest warrant, focussed especially on the Joe Biden-led US administration. Last Friday, the Israeli Prime Minister said in a post on Telegram that under his leadership, Israel would never accept any attempt by the ICC to undermine its basic right to defend itself. Also watch | Future of war: Will private military contractors take over? | WION Decodes × Amid these developments, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz said that his country expects the ICC to refrain from issuing arrest warrants. "If the orders are issued, they will harm the commanders and soldiers of the IDF and give a boost to the terrorist organisation Hamas and the radical Islamic axis led by Iran against which we are fighting," Katz said in a statement. No end to conflict anytime soon On October 7 last year, Hamas militants launched an unprecedented attack on Israel, killing 1,200 people, mostly civilians. More than 200 people were taken as hostages by Hamas. Israel retaliated hard in the Gaza Strip and has killed more than 34,000 Palestinians. More than 77,000 people have been injured in the war-torn region. (With inputs from agencies)

Gaza war: Israel making efforts to block ICC arrest warrants against Netanyahu and others, says report

Watch the top headlines of the hour: - US: University panel slams crackdowns - 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

US: University panel slams crackdowns | China interfering in US polls: Blinken

The Israel-Hamas war began over 200 days ago. At this juncture, Israel is about to launch a deadly offensive in Rafah. While Israel's military intelligence chief quit over October 7 killings, cracks within Benjamin Netanyahu’s cabinet are growing by the day. Can the end of Netanyahu's term, cut short this brutal war?

Israel-Hamas war | Gaza war horrors: 200 days & counting

<p>Hamas says&nbsp;it received Israel's official response to its latest ceasefire proposal on Saturday (Apr 27). According to a statement by the group's deputy Gaza chief, Hamas will review the response and make its own reply afterward. Meanwhile, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced a $6 billion military aid package for Ukraine on Friday (Apr 26). In other news, former US president Donald Trump’s attorneys on Friday (Apr 26) tried discrediting a former tabloid publisher over his claims that his news outlet tried to suppress facts that could have a negative effect on Trump’s presidential campaign of 2016.</p>

<p><strong>Click on the headlines to read more:</strong></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-says-it-received-israels-response-in-truce-talks-715517"><strong>Hamas says it received Israel's response in truce talks</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/04/27/427716-untitled-design-2024-04-27t064457128.png?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>Hamas announced that it received Israel's official response to its latest ceasefire proposal on Saturday (Apr 27). According to a statement by the group's deputy Gaza chief, Hamas will review the response and make its own reply afterward.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-announces-largest-to-date-6-billion-military-aid-package-for-ukraine-715525"><strong>US announces 'largest to date' $6 billion military aid package for Ukraine</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/06/05/356941-ukraine.jpeg?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced a $6 billion military aid package for Ukraine on Friday (Apr 26). Austin said that this is the largest aid package to date, which will allow the US to buy weapons for the Ukrainian military, including Patriot missiles.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-announces-largest-to-date-6-billion-military-aid-package-for-ukraine-715525"><strong>Hush money trial: Trump’s defence grills publisher Pecker over ‘discrepancies’ in testimony</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/04/14/424961-wion-images-2024-04-14t091259950.png?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>Former US president Donald Trump’s attorneys on Friday (Apr 26) tried discrediting a former tabloid publisher over his claims that his news outlet tried to suppress facts that could&nbsp;have a negative effect on&nbsp;Trump’s presidential campaign of 2016.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/yemens-houthis-claim-missile-strike-on-andromeda-star-oil-tanker-in-red-sea-715518"><strong>Yemen's Houthis claim missile strike on Andromeda star oil tanker in Red Sea</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/03/07/416721-untitled-design-2024-03-07t095707509.png?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>Yemen's Houthis said on Saturday (Apr 27) their missiles hit the Andromeda Star oil tanker in the Red Sea, as they continue attacking commercial ships in the area in a show of support for Palestinians fighting Israel in the Gaza war.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-hamas-war-israel-masses-dozens-of-tanks-near-rafah-border-715527">Israel-Hamas war: Israel masses dozens of tanks near Rafah border</a></strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-hamas-war-israel-masses-dozens-of-tanks-near-rafah-border-715527/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Hamas says it received Israel's official response to its latest ceasefire proposal on Saturday (Apr 27). According to a statement by the group's deputy Gaza chief, Hamas will review the response and make its own reply afterward.

Hamas says it received Israel's official response to its latest ceasefire proposal on Saturday (Apr 27). According to a statement by the group's deputy Gaza chief, Hamas will review the response and make its own reply afterward. Meanwhile, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced a $6 billion military aid package for Ukraine on Friday (Apr 26). In other news, former US president Donald Trump’s attorneys on Friday (Apr 26) tried discrediting a former tabloid publisher over his claims that his news outlet tried to suppress facts that could have a negative effect on Trump’s presidential campaign of 2016. Click on the headlines to read more: Hamas says it received Israel's response in truce talks Hamas announced that it received Israel's official response to its latest ceasefire proposal on Saturday (Apr 27). According to a statement by the group's deputy Gaza chief, Hamas will review the response and make its own reply afterward. US announces 'largest to date' $6 billion military aid package for Ukraine US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced a $6 billion military aid package for Ukraine on Friday (Apr 26). Austin said that this is the largest aid package to date, which will allow the US to buy weapons for the Ukrainian military, including Patriot missiles. Hush money trial: Trump’s defence grills publisher Pecker over ‘discrepancies’ in testimony Former US president Donald Trump’s attorneys on Friday (Apr 26) tried discrediting a former tabloid publisher over his claims that his news outlet tried to suppress facts that could have a negative effect on Trump’s presidential campaign of 2016. Yemen's Houthis claim missile strike on Andromeda star oil tanker in Red Sea Yemen's Houthis said on Saturday (Apr 27) their missiles hit the Andromeda Star oil tanker in the Red Sea, as they continue attacking commercial ships in the area in a show of support for Palestinians fighting Israel in the Gaza war. Watch | Israel-Hamas war: Israel masses dozens of tanks near Rafah border ×

Morning news brief: Hamas gets Israel's truce response; US announces military aid for Ukraine, and more

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidXumr7NEjXAFE" />Israel will go ahead with its offensive in the Gaza Strip's&nbsp;Rafah,&nbsp;amid&nbsp;continuous warnings that it may lead to a humanitarian catastrophe. Before the offensive, Israeli forces will evacuate Palestinian civilians from the region.&nbsp;Rafah, which is near the Egyptian border, is home to more than a million Palestinians who have travelled from the rest of Gaza amid the Israeli offensive.</p>

<p>In the United States (US),&nbsp;pro-Palestine protests continue to spread across university campuses. On Wednesday,&nbsp;House Speaker Mike Johnson&nbsp;was heckled&nbsp;by protesters during a visit to Columbia University.</p>

<p>In other news from around the world,&nbsp;Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced that he is suspending his public duties to "stop and reflect" on whether he should continue holding the position after a court&nbsp;launched a business corruption probe into his wife's private dealings.</p>

<p><strong>Click on the headlines to read more:</strong></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-to-go-ahead-with-rafah-invasion-even-as-egypt-warns-of-humanitarian-crisis-714721"><strong>Israel to go ahead with Rafah invasion even as Egypt warns of humanitarian crisis</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/04/25/427248-wion-banners-prisha-63.jpg?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>Israel is now laying plans to move into Rafah and evacuate the Palestinian civilians before the invasion, amid continuous warnings that it may lead to a humanitarian catastrophe, as confirmed by a senior Israeli defence official on Wednesday (Apr&nbsp;24).</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-campus-protests-speaker-johnson-heckled-by-protesters-amid-encampments-and-violent-clashes-714698"><strong>US campus protests: Speaker Johnson heckled by protesters amid encampments and violent clashes</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/04/25/427234-us-protests.png?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>US House Speaker Mike Johnson on Wednesday was heckled by Columbia University students as pro-Palestine protests continued to spread across various university campuses in the United States.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spains-pm-pedro-sanchez-considers-resignation-halts-public-duties-as-wife-faces-probe-714701"><strong>Spain's PM Pedro Sanchez considers resignation, halts public duties as wife faces probe</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/04/25/427236-pedro-sanchez-begona-gomez.png?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced that he is suspending his public duties to "stop and reflect" on whether he should continue holding the position after a preliminary inquiry&nbsp;involving his wife Begona Gomez was started by the court.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/arizona-2020-fake-electors-case-jury-indicts-11-republicans-for-falsely-declaring-trumps-win-714696"><strong>Arizona 2020 ‘fake electors’ case: Jury indicts 11 Republicans for falsely declaring Trump's win</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/04/25/427233-trump-5.png?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>Eleven&nbsp;Republicans,&nbsp;who had allegedly acted as fake electors in the 2020 presidential&nbsp;election,&nbsp;by submitting a document to Congress that falsely declared victory of former president Donald Trump over US President Joe Biden in Arizona&nbsp;were indicted&nbsp;by Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes&nbsp;on Wednesday.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Venice to charge tourists an entry fee to avoid overcrowding</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/venice-to-charge-tourists-an-entry-fee-to-avoid-overcrowding-714716/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><br />
&nbsp;</p>


Israel will go ahead with its offensive in the Gaza Strip's Rafah, amid continuous warnings that it may lead to a humanitarian catastrophe. Before the offensive, Israeli forces will evacuate Palestinian civilians from the region.

Israel will go ahead with its offensive in the Gaza Strip's Rafah, amid continuous warnings that it may lead to a humanitarian catastrophe. Before the offensive, Israeli forces will evacuate Palestinian civilians from the region. Rafah, which is near the Egyptian border, is home to more than a million Palestinians who have travelled from the rest of Gaza amid the Israeli offensive. In the United States (US), pro-Palestine protests continue to spread across university campuses. On Wednesday, House Speaker Mike Johnson was heckled by protesters during a visit to Columbia University. In other news from around the world, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced that he is suspending his public duties to "stop and reflect" on whether he should continue holding the position after a court launched a business corruption probe into his wife's private dealings. Click on the headlines to read more: Israel to go ahead with Rafah invasion even as Egypt warns of humanitarian crisis Israel is now laying plans to move into Rafah and evacuate the Palestinian civilians before the invasion, amid continuous warnings that it may lead to a humanitarian catastrophe, as confirmed by a senior Israeli defence official on Wednesday (Apr 24). US campus protests: Speaker Johnson heckled by protesters amid encampments and violent clashes US House Speaker Mike Johnson on Wednesday was heckled by Columbia University students as pro-Palestine protests continued to spread across various university campuses in the United States. Spain's PM Pedro Sanchez considers resignation, halts public duties as wife faces probe Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced that he is suspending his public duties to "stop and reflect" on whether he should continue holding the position after a preliminary inquiry involving his wife Begona Gomez was started by the court. Arizona 2020 ‘fake electors’ case: Jury indicts 11 Republicans for falsely declaring Trump's win Eleven Republicans, who had allegedly acted as fake electors in the 2020 presidential election, by submitting a document to Congress that falsely declared victory of former president Donald Trump over US President Joe Biden in Arizona were indicted by Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes on Wednesday. Watch | Venice to charge tourists an entry fee to avoid overcrowding ×

Morning brief: Israel to go ahead with Rafah offensive; pro-Palestine stir spreads across US colleges, & more

Watch the top headlines of the hour: - PM Modi greets Meloni on Italy's Liberation Day - Putin plans to visit China in May - Egypt warns of catastrophic consequences - IDF pounds targets in South Lebanon

PM Modi greets Meloni on Italy's Liberation Day | Putin plans to visit China in May

Israel says it is ready for a Rafah offensive which it claims is the last stronghold of the Hamas militant group. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hamas war: IDF preparing to evacuate Palestinians from Rafah

<p>Hamas officials in the Gaza Strip claimed to have discovered mass graves with dozens of bodies at two&nbsp;hospitals, further alleging that Israeli forces are responsible for it. The officials reportedly recovered more bodies in the last 24 hours from what is believed to be one of at least three mass graves found at Nasser Hospital in southern Gaza.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per reports, the Palestinian authorities reported finding scores of bodies in mass graves at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis this week and also at the Al Shifa site.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Palestinian territory's Civil Defence agency said on Monday that health workers had uncovered more than 200 bodies of people killed and buried at Nasser Hospital. The authorities reportedly recovered 35 more bodies in the past day.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/satellite-photos-show-extent-of-damage-in-iran-during-alleged-israeli-attack-714281">Satellite photos show extent of damage in Iran during alleged Israeli attack</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Mahmud Bassal, who is a spokesman for Gaza's Hamas-run Civil Defence, told the news agency AFP that "civil defence crews are still recovering bodies from inside Nasser Medical Complex, and since Saturday bodies of nearly 200 martyrs have been retrieved".&nbsp;</p>

<p>The spokesman also said that several of the recovered bodies had decomposed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On the other hand, Ismail al-Thawabta, who is the head of the Hamas government media office in Gaza, said that the figure was higher. He claimed that 283 bodies were found at the hospital. "We discovered mass graves inside Nasser Medical Complex" of people killed by "the occupation (Israeli) army," Thawabta told AFP.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em><strong>Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media.&nbsp;</strong></em></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">03 FEB 2024 - In this footage you see Palestinians digging a mass grave 50m east, at the other side of the building visible in the footage above. (VID 03)<br />
<br />
With this text:<br />
"The bodies of thirty martyrs were buried in the Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Yunis."<br />
<br />
31.3457065,…</p>
— GeoConfirmed (@GeoConfirmed) <a href="https://twitter.com/GeoConfirmed/status/1782360907579892195?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 22, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<h2><strong>Call for international probe</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>The United Nations on Tuesday (Apr 23) called for an international probe into reports of mass graves. The world body said that war crimes may have been committed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A spokesperson stated that UN rights chief Volker Turk said on Tuesday that he was "horrified" by the destruction of the Nasser and Al Shifa medical facilities.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Ravina Shamdasani, who is the spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, said: "We feel the need to raise the alarm because clearly there have been multiple bodies discovered."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The spokesperson further added that Turk said he had been horrified by the reported mass grave discoveries and the hospitals' destruction.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Some of them had their hands tied, which of course indicates serious violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law, and these need to be subjected to further investigations," the spokesperson added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The hospitals were often targeted over more than six months of war in Gaza. Notably, hospitals are protected under international law. Israel has accused the Palestinian militant group Hamas of using Gazan medical facilities as command centres and holding hostages abducted during its attack inside Israel on October 7.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><em>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.&nbsp;</em></strong></p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Hamas officials in the Gaza Strip claimed to have discovered mass graves with dozens of bodies at two hospitals, further alleging that Israeli forces are responsible for it.

Hamas officials in the Gaza Strip claimed to have discovered mass graves with dozens of bodies at two hospitals, further alleging that Israeli forces are responsible for it. The officials reportedly recovered more bodies in the last 24 hours from what is believed to be one of at least three mass graves found at Nasser Hospital in southern Gaza. As per reports, the Palestinian authorities reported finding scores of bodies in mass graves at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis this week and also at the Al Shifa site. The Palestinian territory's Civil Defence agency said on Monday that health workers had uncovered more than 200 bodies of people killed and buried at Nasser Hospital. The authorities reportedly recovered 35 more bodies in the past day. Also read: Satellite photos show extent of damage in Iran during alleged Israeli attack Mahmud Bassal, who is a spokesman for Gaza's Hamas-run Civil Defence, told the news agency AFP that "civil defence crews are still recovering bodies from inside Nasser Medical Complex, and since Saturday bodies of nearly 200 martyrs have been retrieved". The spokesman also said that several of the recovered bodies had decomposed. On the other hand, Ismail al-Thawabta, who is the head of the Hamas government media office in Gaza, said that the figure was higher. He claimed that 283 bodies were found at the hospital. "We discovered mass graves inside Nasser Medical Complex" of people killed by "the occupation (Israeli) army," Thawabta told AFP. Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media. 03 FEB 2024 - In this footage you see Palestinians digging a mass grave 50m east, at the other side of the building visible in the footage above. (VID 03) With this text: "The bodies of thirty martyrs were buried in the Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Yunis." 31.3457065,… — GeoConfirmed (@GeoConfirmed) April 22, 2024 × Call for international probe The United Nations on Tuesday (Apr 23) called for an international probe into reports of mass graves. The world body said that war crimes may have been committed. A spokesperson stated that UN rights chief Volker Turk said on Tuesday that he was "horrified" by the destruction of the Nasser and Al Shifa medical facilities. Ravina Shamdasani, who is the spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, said: "We feel the need to raise the alarm because clearly there have been multiple bodies discovered." The spokesperson further added that Turk said he had been horrified by the reported mass grave discoveries and the hospitals' destruction. "Some of them had their hands tied, which of course indicates serious violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law, and these need to be subjected to further investigations," the spokesperson added. The hospitals were often targeted over more than six months of war in Gaza. Notably, hospitals are protected under international law. Israel has accused the Palestinian militant group Hamas of using Gazan medical facilities as command centres and holding hostages abducted during its attack inside Israel on October 7. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

West Asia crisis: Bodies ‘with hands tied’ recovered from mass graves in Gaza

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuid9MiWsUOVvL0j" /></p>

<p>In solidarity with the hundreds of students who have been protesting against the Gaza war inside the campus of Columbia University in New York, multiple teaching faculty members held a mass walkout on Monday (April 22) against the&nbsp;university's&nbsp;decision to allow the police to arrest students.</p>

<p>The members of the teaching facility walked with the students, who&nbsp;were arrested&nbsp;and suspended last week, to show their support for these pro-Palestine protesters.</p>

<p>The teachers held solidarity protests as students again erected tents in the middle of campus on Monday (April 22) after they&nbsp;were torn down&nbsp;days back when police arrested more than 100 students.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/columbia-university-shifts-to-virtual-classes-following-on-campus-arrests-amid-anti-israel-protests-713938">Columbia University shifts to virtual classes following on-campus arrests amid anti-Israel protests</a></p>

<p>The university also announced on Monday (April 22) that classes will&nbsp;be held&nbsp;remotely&nbsp;as unrest continues on the New York campus.</p>

<p>A&nbsp;"Gaza Solidarity Encampment"&nbsp;was established by the demonstrators on the lawns at Columbia. Apart from Columbia University, pro-Palestinian protesters were also arrested by the police at Yale University&nbsp;on Monday (April 22).</p>

<p>More than 45 protesters, which included some students, were arrested by the police,&nbsp;as per Yale Daily News, the&nbsp;university’s&nbsp;paper.</p>

<p>The students have been on hunger strike and are demanding that the universities support a ceasefire in Gaza. The NYPD also arrested dozens of student and faculty protesters at New&nbsp;York University on Monday night (April 22).</p>

<h2><strong>Biden criticises antisemitic&nbsp;protests</strong></h2>

<p>Speaking about the pro-Palestine protests which have rocked elite university campuses, US President Joe Biden said,&nbsp;"I condemn the antisemitic protests.&nbsp;That's&nbsp;why&nbsp;I've&nbsp;set up a programme to deal with that. I also condemn those who&nbsp;don't&nbsp;understand&nbsp;what's&nbsp;going on with the Palestinians."</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;US: White House condemns antisemitism at Columbia University protests</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-white-house-condemns-antisemitism-at-columbia-university-protests-713997/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Meanwhile,&nbsp;Columbia's&nbsp;president&nbsp;Nemat&nbsp;Shafik called for a need for&nbsp;"a reset"&nbsp;in an open letter to the university community.</p>

<p>"Over the past days, there have been too many examples of intimidating and harassing behaviour on our campus,"&nbsp;Shafik&nbsp;said.</p>

<p>"Anti-Semitic language,&nbsp;like any other language that&nbsp;is used&nbsp;to hurt and frighten people, is unacceptable&nbsp;and&nbsp;appropriate action will be taken. To deescalate the rancour and give us all a chance to consider the next steps, I am announcing that all classes will be held virtually on Monday,"&nbsp;the president added.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In solidarity with the hundreds of students who have been protesting against the Gaza war inside the campus of Columbia University in New York, multiple teaching faculty members held a mass walkout on Monday (April 22) against the university's decision to allow the police to arrest students.

In solidarity with the hundreds of students who have been protesting against the Gaza war inside the campus of Columbia University in New York, multiple teaching faculty members held a mass walkout on Monday (April 22) against the university's decision to allow the police to arrest students. The members of the teaching facility walked with the students, who were arrested and suspended last week, to show their support for these pro-Palestine protesters. The teachers held solidarity protests as students again erected tents in the middle of campus on Monday (April 22) after they were torn down days back when police arrested more than 100 students. Also Read: Columbia University shifts to virtual classes following on-campus arrests amid anti-Israel protests The university also announced on Monday (April 22) that classes will be held remotely as unrest continues on the New York campus. A "Gaza Solidarity Encampment" was established by the demonstrators on the lawns at Columbia. Apart from Columbia University, pro-Palestinian protesters were also arrested by the police at Yale University on Monday (April 22). More than 45 protesters, which included some students, were arrested by the police, as per Yale Daily News, the university’s paper. The students have been on hunger strike and are demanding that the universities support a ceasefire in Gaza. The NYPD also arrested dozens of student and faculty protesters at New York University on Monday night (April 22). Biden criticises antisemitic protests Speaking about the pro-Palestine protests which have rocked elite university campuses, US President Joe Biden said, "I condemn the antisemitic protests. That's why I've set up a programme to deal with that. I also condemn those who don't understand what's going on with the Palestinians." Watch: US: White House condemns antisemitism at Columbia University protests Meanwhile, Columbia's president Nemat Shafik called for a need for "a reset" in an open letter to the university community. "Over the past days, there have been too many examples of intimidating and harassing behaviour on our campus," Shafik said. "Anti-Semitic language, like any other language that is used to hurt and frighten people, is unacceptable and appropriate action will be taken. To deescalate the rancour and give us all a chance to consider the next steps, I am announcing that all classes will be held virtually on Monday," the president added. (With inputs from agencies)

Pro-Palestine protests rock US schools, teachers stage walkout over mass arrests on campus

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidsCY0LLu1iQo6" /><meta charset="utf-8" /></p>

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidsCY0LLu1iQo6" /><meta charset="utf-8" /></p>

<p>A Jewish student at the prestigious Yale University was stabbed in the eye with a Palestinian flag during an anti-Israel protest on campus Saturday (Apr 20), American media reported on Sunday. The student, identified as Sahar Tartak, is the editor-in-chief of the Yale Free Press, a report by Fox News said. Tartak had been covering the protest along with a friend.</p>

<p>The protest at the Beinecke Plaza had drawn hundreds of students in support of Palestinians, Fox News reported. Tartak said a crowd of protesters instantly singled her and her friend out as they were identifiably Jewish.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-israeli-military-intelligence-chief-quits-over-failure-to-prevent-oct-7-attack-713805">Israel-Hamas war: Israeli military intelligence chief quits over failure to prevent Oct 7 attack</a></strong></p>

<p>"They made a human blockade in front of us and blockaded us whenever we tried to exercise our freedom of movement around the protest," she said. At some point, Tarktak and her friend were separated.</p>

<h2><strong>Hurt in left eye&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Tartak said that one of the students at the protest, whose face was covered with a keffiyeh, took a Palestinian flag that he was holding, waved it in her face, and hit her left eye. She tried to run after the protesters, but couldn't as the protesters prevented her from doing so.</p>

<p>The Jewish student also said that some people were laughing at her and none made an effort to track the assailant down. Tartak reported the incident to the police, who called an ambulance for her.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Netanyahu accuses Defence Minister Yoav Gallant of pushing 'false leaks' amid hostage crisis</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-netanyahu-accuses-defence-minister-yoav-gallant-of-pushing-false-leaks-amid-hostage-crisis-713798/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Speaking to Fox News, she also highlighted no administrators were at the protest, nor were campus police given instructions to disband it when things turned violent.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Yale University Police Department, meanwhile, told the network that it was probing a report of assault at the Beinecke Plaza.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A Jewish student at the prestigious Yale University was stabbed in the eye with a Palestinian flag during an anti-Israel protest on campus Saturday (Apr 20), American media reported on Sunday.

A Jewish student at the prestigious Yale University was stabbed in the eye with a Palestinian flag during an anti-Israel protest on campus Saturday (Apr 20), American media reported on Sunday. The student, identified as Sahar Tartak, is the editor-in-chief of the Yale Free Press, a report by Fox News said. Tartak had been covering the protest along with a friend. The protest at the Beinecke Plaza had drawn hundreds of students in support of Palestinians, Fox News reported. Tartak said a crowd of protesters instantly singled her and her friend out as they were identifiably Jewish. Also read | Israel-Hamas war: Israeli military intelligence chief quits over failure to prevent Oct 7 attack "They made a human blockade in front of us and blockaded us whenever we tried to exercise our freedom of movement around the protest," she said. At some point, Tarktak and her friend were separated. Hurt in left eye Tartak said that one of the students at the protest, whose face was covered with a keffiyeh, took a Palestinian flag that he was holding, waved it in her face, and hit her left eye. She tried to run after the protesters, but couldn't as the protesters prevented her from doing so. The Jewish student also said that some people were laughing at her and none made an effort to track the assailant down. Tartak reported the incident to the police, who called an ambulance for her. Also watch | Netanyahu accuses Defence Minister Yoav Gallant of pushing 'false leaks' amid hostage crisis × Speaking to Fox News, she also highlighted no administrators were at the protest, nor were campus police given instructions to disband it when things turned violent. The Yale University Police Department, meanwhile, told the network that it was probing a report of assault at the Beinecke Plaza. (With inputs from agencies)

Gaza war: Jewish Yale student stabbed in eye during anti-Israel protest on campus

In Gaza, a baby was born from the womb of her dead mother. The baby's parents, elder sister were killed in an Israeli airstrike. The elder sister, all of three years old, wanted to name her unborn sibling Rouh.

Gaza baby born from the womb of dead mother | Israel war

<p>At least five rockets were fired at a US-led coalition military base in Syria from northern Iraq on Sunday (Apr 21). Following the launch, Iraqi forces carried out a major search operation in northern Nineveh province.</p>

<p>The war between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip rages on with Israel carrying out overnight strikes on Rafah in which 22 people were killed, including 18 children. The strikes were carried out at a time when the United States was clearing additional military aid.</p>

<p>In other news from around the world, Australia's Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Financial Services Stephen Jones on Monday strongly criticised Elon Musk's social media platform, X, calling it a "factory for trolls and misinformation."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Click on the headlines to read more:</strong></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rockets-launched-at-us-led-coalition-base-in-syria-from-iraq-713682"><strong>Rockets launched at US-led coalition base in Syria from Iraq</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/04/22/426574-rockets-1.png?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>At least five rockets were fired at a military base of a US-led coalition in Syria from northern Iraq on Sunday, as per the Iraqi security forces.&nbsp;After the launch of the rockets, a major search operation was carried out by the Iraqi forces in northern Nineveh province in response to the attack and they discovered the vehicle which was used for the launch of the rockets, said the Iraqi forces in a statement.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-22-killed-mostly-children-in-strikes-on-southern-gaza-as-us-prepares-aid-package-713678"><strong>Israel-Hamas war: 22 killed, mostly children, in strikes on southern Gaza as US prepares aid package</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/04/22/426571-wion-banners-prisha-60.jpg?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>Israel carried out overnight strikes on the southern Gaza city of Rafah in which 22 people were killed, including 18 children, as confirmed by health officials on Sunday.&nbsp;The strikes were carried out at a time when the United States was clearing additional military aid, worth billions of dollars, for Israel.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-mp-responds-to-musks-global-censorship-remark-calls-x-a-factory-for-trolls-and-misinformation-713688"><strong>Australian MP responds to Musk's 'global censorship' remark, calls X a 'factory for trolls and misinformation'</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/04/22/426578-new-wion-2024-04-22t082732242.jpg?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>Australia's Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Financial Services Stephen Jones on Monday strongly criticised Elon Musk's social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter), labelling it a "factory for trolls and misinformation."&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irans-ebrahim-raisi-wants-to-keep-strict-hijab-protocols-despite-fierce-protests-713691"><strong>Iran's Ebrahim Raisi wants to keep strict hijab rules despite fierce protests</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/04/22/426580-untitled-design.png?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi wants to keep strict rules on women for the hijab (headscarf)&nbsp; despite fierce protests in the country. According to a report by the German news agency dpa on Sunday&nbsp;(Apr 21), President Raisi said that respecting the hijab was not only a religious but also a political and legal obligation for Iranian women.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Indian tourist numbers slump in Maldives</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/indian-tourist-numbers-slump-in-maldives-713696/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


At least five rockets were fired at a US-led coalition military base in Syria from northern Iraq on Sunday (Apr 21). Following the launch, Iraqi forces carried out a major search operation in northern Nineveh province.

At least five rockets were fired at a US-led coalition military base in Syria from northern Iraq on Sunday (Apr 21). Following the launch, Iraqi forces carried out a major search operation in northern Nineveh province. The war between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip rages on with Israel carrying out overnight strikes on Rafah in which 22 people were killed, including 18 children. The strikes were carried out at a time when the United States was clearing additional military aid. In other news from around the world, Australia's Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Financial Services Stephen Jones on Monday strongly criticised Elon Musk's social media platform, X, calling it a "factory for trolls and misinformation." Click on the headlines to read more: Rockets launched at US-led coalition base in Syria from Iraq At least five rockets were fired at a military base of a US-led coalition in Syria from northern Iraq on Sunday, as per the Iraqi security forces. After the launch of the rockets, a major search operation was carried out by the Iraqi forces in northern Nineveh province in response to the attack and they discovered the vehicle which was used for the launch of the rockets, said the Iraqi forces in a statement. Israel-Hamas war: 22 killed, mostly children, in strikes on southern Gaza as US prepares aid package Israel carried out overnight strikes on the southern Gaza city of Rafah in which 22 people were killed, including 18 children, as confirmed by health officials on Sunday. The strikes were carried out at a time when the United States was clearing additional military aid, worth billions of dollars, for Israel. Australian MP responds to Musk's 'global censorship' remark, calls X a 'factory for trolls and misinformation' Australia's Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Financial Services Stephen Jones on Monday strongly criticised Elon Musk's social media platform X (formerly known as Twitter), labelling it a "factory for trolls and misinformation." Iran's Ebrahim Raisi wants to keep strict hijab rules despite fierce protests Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi wants to keep strict rules on women for the hijab (headscarf) despite fierce protests in the country. According to a report by the German news agency dpa on Sunday (Apr 21), President Raisi said that respecting the hijab was not only a religious but also a political and legal obligation for Iranian women. Watch | Indian tourist numbers slump in Maldives ×

Morning brief: Rockets launched at US-led base in Syria from Iraq; Gaza war updates; and more

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidsCY0LLu1iQo6" /><meta charset="utf-8" /></p>

<p>Major General Aharon Haliva, the head of Israel’s military intelligence, quit on Monday (Apr 22) over the failure to prevent the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas which killed 1,200 people, mostly civilians. Israel responded with a large-scale offensive in the Gaza Strip which has reportedly killed more than 34,000 Palestinians so far.</p>

<p>Major General Haliva became the first senior Israeli figure to step down following the war. He said shortly after the attack in October last year that he shouldered the blame for not preventing the assault.</p>

<p>In a statement, the Israeli military said that the military chief of staff accepted Haliva’s request to resign and thanked him for his service. A report by the news agency Associated Press said that Haliva's resignation could set the stage for more of the country's top security brass to accept blame for not being able to prevent the attack and step down.</p>

<h2><strong>Israel indicts Hamas chief's sister</strong></h2>

<p>Haliva's resignation came a day after Israel's state attorney indicted the sister of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh on charges of incitement and showing solidarity with a terror group.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-22-killed-mostly-children-in-strikes-on-southern-gaza-as-us-prepares-aid-package-713678">Israel-Hamas war: 22 killed, mostly children, in strikes on southern Gaza as US prepares aid package</a></strong></p>

<p>Sabah al-Salem Haniyeh, 57, had allegedly praised the October 7 attack. She lives in the southern Israeli town of Tel Sheva. Police footage from April 1 showed policemen raiding Haniyeh's home and speaking to her before she was detained, the news agency Reuters reported on Sunday.</p>

<p>According to the indictment, in the days after Hamas' October 7 killing spree in southern Israel, Sabah sent messages to dozens of contacts, including her brother Ismail, praising the cross-border assault and calling for further "slaughter".</p>

<p>One of her messages mentioned in the indictment includes the line: "Oh God, count them and kill them and don't leave any of them, Oh God."</p>

<h2><strong>Death toll in Gaza Strip crosses 34,000</strong></h2>

<p>In the latest news from the conflict, the death toll in the Gaza Strip has climbed to 34,097, according to the health ministry in the war-ravaged region.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Thousands of pro-Gazans demonstrate in New York and Sanaa</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-gaza-war-thousands-of-pro-gazans-demonstrate-in-new-york-and-sanaa-713389/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The tally includes at least 48 deaths in the past 24 hours, a ministry statement said, adding that 76,980 people have been wounded since the conflict started.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Major General Aharon Haliva, the head of Israel’s military intelligence, quit on Monday (Apr 22) over the failure to prevent the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas which killed 1,200 people, mostly civilians.

Major General Aharon Haliva, the head of Israel’s military intelligence, quit on Monday (Apr 22) over the failure to prevent the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas which killed 1,200 people, mostly civilians. Israel responded with a large-scale offensive in the Gaza Strip which has reportedly killed more than 34,000 Palestinians so far. Major General Haliva became the first senior Israeli figure to step down following the war. He said shortly after the attack in October last year that he shouldered the blame for not preventing the assault. In a statement, the Israeli military said that the military chief of staff accepted Haliva’s request to resign and thanked him for his service. A report by the news agency Associated Press said that Haliva's resignation could set the stage for more of the country's top security brass to accept blame for not being able to prevent the attack and step down. Israel indicts Hamas chief's sister Haliva's resignation came a day after Israel's state attorney indicted the sister of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh on charges of incitement and showing solidarity with a terror group. Also read | Israel-Hamas war: 22 killed, mostly children, in strikes on southern Gaza as US prepares aid package Sabah al-Salem Haniyeh, 57, had allegedly praised the October 7 attack. She lives in the southern Israeli town of Tel Sheva. Police footage from April 1 showed policemen raiding Haniyeh's home and speaking to her before she was detained, the news agency Reuters reported on Sunday. According to the indictment, in the days after Hamas' October 7 killing spree in southern Israel, Sabah sent messages to dozens of contacts, including her brother Ismail, praising the cross-border assault and calling for further "slaughter". One of her messages mentioned in the indictment includes the line: "Oh God, count them and kill them and don't leave any of them, Oh God." Death toll in Gaza Strip crosses 34,000 In the latest news from the conflict, the death toll in the Gaza Strip has climbed to 34,097, according to the health ministry in the war-ravaged region. Also watch | Thousands of pro-Gazans demonstrate in New York and Sanaa × The tally includes at least 48 deaths in the past 24 hours, a ministry statement said, adding that 76,980 people have been wounded since the conflict started. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel-Hamas war: Israeli military intelligence chief quits over failure to prevent Oct 7 attack

Several Palestinian gunmen were killed during a counter-terrorism raid in the West Bank’s Nur Shams refugee camp, close to Tulkarem, the Israeli military said. The IDF said its troops and Border Police officers raided Nur Shams overnight, during which several wanted Palestinians were detained. Watch in for more details!

Gaza War: Israeli army launch raid in West Bank | At least 10 militants killed says IDF

A flash point emerges between the US and Israel amid reports of intense violence in the West Bank. The Biden administration is slated to impose sanctions against the IDF's Netzah Yehuda Battalion for alleged human rights abuses directed towards the Palestinians in the West Bank. Watch in for more details!

Israel war: US expected to sanction IDF's battalion for violations in West Bank: Report

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidrvw0FuUbbsoO" /></p>

<p>Israel war cabinet minister Benny Gantz is leading in the preference for prime minister, while&nbsp;current PM Benjamin Netanyahu has significantly&nbsp;closed the gap, i24 news reported on Friday (Apr 19) citing a survey. The survey showed that 42 per cent of respondents considered Gantz&nbsp;as&nbsp;the preferred candidate for prime minister, while 37 per cent favoured Netanyahu.</p>

<p>Twenty-one per cent of the respondents remained undecided about their choice of PM.&nbsp;When it comes to&nbsp;party representation in the&nbsp;Knesset, Gantz's National Unity party&nbsp;is projected&nbsp;to win 31 seats, followed by Netanyahu's Likud party at 21 seats, the survey also showed.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-aide-lambasts-minister-for-suggesting-israels-role-behind-iran-blasts-713199">Netanyahu aide lambasts minister for suggesting Israel's role behind Iran blasts</a></strong></p>

<p>The survey came as thousands of Israelis have protested in recent weeks&nbsp;demanding&nbsp;new elections in Israel. Several citizens have expressed anger over the Netanyahu government's handling of the war in the Gaza Strip.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Gantz calls for early&nbsp;polls</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier in April, Gantz called for elections in September this year.&nbsp;In a televised briefing on&nbsp;April 3, Gantz said,&nbsp;"In order to maintain unity and to&nbsp;overcome the challenges facing us, the public must know that soon we will once again ask for their trust.&nbsp;That we will not ignore the massacre of&nbsp;October 7&nbsp;and that which preceded it.&nbsp;Therefore, we must agree on a date for elections in September, towards a year to the war&nbsp;if&nbsp;you will."</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Massive protests across Israel against Netanyahu govt</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/massive-protests-across-israel-against-netanyahu-govt-713163/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>"I believe that the Israeli society needs to renew its contract with its leadership. And I think the only way to do it and still maintaining the national effort in fighting Hamas and terrorist groups and other security challenges is by having an agreed election date, that we have to discuss when and if.&nbsp;And I hope that my political partners and friends and maybe some rivals&nbsp;as well,&nbsp;will agree to it because I think it serves all the country and&nbsp;all&nbsp;its sectors at the same time," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Netanyahu has ruled out&nbsp;early elections in Israel, saying that to go to the polls in the middle of a war would only reward Hamas.&nbsp;</p>


Israel war cabinet minister Benny Gantz is leading in the preference for prime minister, while current PM Benjamin Netanyahu has significantly closed the gap, i24 news reported on Friday (Apr 19) citing a survey.

Israel war cabinet minister Benny Gantz is leading in the preference for prime minister, while current PM Benjamin Netanyahu has significantly closed the gap, i24 news reported on Friday (Apr 19) citing a survey. The survey showed that 42 per cent of respondents considered Gantz as the preferred candidate for prime minister, while 37 per cent favoured Netanyahu. Twenty-one per cent of the respondents remained undecided about their choice of PM. When it comes to party representation in the Knesset, Gantz's National Unity party is projected to win 31 seats, followed by Netanyahu's Likud party at 21 seats, the survey also showed. Also read | Netanyahu aide lambasts minister for suggesting Israel's role behind Iran blasts The survey came as thousands of Israelis have protested in recent weeks demanding new elections in Israel. Several citizens have expressed anger over the Netanyahu government's handling of the war in the Gaza Strip. Gantz calls for early polls Earlier in April, Gantz called for elections in September this year. In a televised briefing on April 3, Gantz said, "In order to maintain unity and to overcome the challenges facing us, the public must know that soon we will once again ask for their trust. That we will not ignore the massacre of October 7 and that which preceded it. Therefore, we must agree on a date for elections in September, towards a year to the war if you will." Also watch | Massive protests across Israel against Netanyahu govt × "I believe that the Israeli society needs to renew its contract with its leadership. And I think the only way to do it and still maintaining the national effort in fighting Hamas and terrorist groups and other security challenges is by having an agreed election date, that we have to discuss when and if. And I hope that my political partners and friends and maybe some rivals as well, will agree to it because I think it serves all the country and all its sectors at the same time," he added. Netanyahu has ruled out early elections in Israel, saying that to go to the polls in the middle of a war would only reward Hamas.

Benny Gantz leads in preference for Israeli PM, Netanyahu not far behind: Survey

Qatar’s prime minister has said Doha is reassessing its role as a mediator in negotiations between the Palestinian resistance group Hamas and the Israeli regime aimed at bringing about a ceasefire in Gaza.

Qatari PM reassessing its role as mediator in Gaza ceasefire negotiations

<p>Israel called off on Saturday school trips and other youth activities planned for the coming days, the beginning of the Passover festival, and placed the armed forces on full alert due to a possible attack by Iran.</p>

<p>Announcing the measures in a televised briefing, chief military spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said dozens of combat planes were airborne as part of the state of readiness.</p>

<p>Earlier in the day, Israel chief military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said in a statement released by the Israeli army on Saturday&nbsp;that Iran would bear consequences for any escalation in the region.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-teen-found-dead-in-the-west-bank-idf-claims-he-was-murdered-in-terror-attack-710901">Israeli teen found dead in West Bank; IDF claims he was murdered in terror attack</a></p>

<p>"Iran will bear the consequences for choosing to escalate the situation any further," Hagari said, "Israel is on high alert. We have increased our readiness to protect Israel from further Iranian aggression. We are also prepared to respond."</p>

<p>The statement was sent after the statement was made in reference to the seizure of a vessel between the United Arab Emirates and Iran.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/middle-east-crisis-list-of-countries-that-have-issued-advisory-against-travel-to-israel-palestine-lebanon-710679">Middle East crisis: List of countries that have issued advisory against travel to Israel, Palestine &amp; Iran</a></strong></p>

<p>United States President Joe Biden said on Friday (Apr 12) that he expected Iran to attack Israel "sooner, rather than later" and warned Tehran not to proceed, the news agency Reuters reported. On being asked by reporters about his message to Iran, President Biden said, "Don't," and underlined Washington's commitment to defend Israel.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We are devoted to the defence of Israel. We will support Israel. We will help defend Israel and Iran will not succeed," he added.</p>


Israel called off on Saturday school trips and other youth activities planned for the coming days, the beginning of the Passover festival, and placed the armed forces on full alert due to a possible attack by Iran.

Israel called off on Saturday school trips and other youth activities planned for the coming days, the beginning of the Passover festival, and placed the armed forces on full alert due to a possible attack by Iran. Announcing the measures in a televised briefing, chief military spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said dozens of combat planes were airborne as part of the state of readiness. Earlier in the day, Israel chief military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said in a statement released by the Israeli army on Saturday that Iran would bear consequences for any escalation in the region. Also read: Israeli teen found dead in West Bank; IDF claims he was murdered in terror attack "Iran will bear the consequences for choosing to escalate the situation any further," Hagari said, "Israel is on high alert. We have increased our readiness to protect Israel from further Iranian aggression. We are also prepared to respond." The statement was sent after the statement was made in reference to the seizure of a vessel between the United Arab Emirates and Iran. Also read | Middle East crisis: List of countries that have issued advisory against travel to Israel, Palestine & Iran United States President Joe Biden said on Friday (Apr 12) that he expected Iran to attack Israel "sooner, rather than later" and warned Tehran not to proceed, the news agency Reuters reported. On being asked by reporters about his message to Iran, President Biden said, "Don't," and underlined Washington's commitment to defend Israel. "We are devoted to the defence of Israel. We will support Israel. We will help defend Israel and Iran will not succeed," he added.

Israel calls off school trips, puts forces on full alert amid Iran threat

The fighting in Gaza is in its seventh month, it has overshadowed the increasingly tense situation further north. Israeli troops have engaged in daily exchanges of fire with Hezbollah militia fighters across the border in Lebanon. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hamas war: Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh repeats ceasefire call after sons killed

Is the war in West Asia changing gears? The fear of Gaza War escalating even further is increasing...within 24 hours of US forces shooting down 11 drones fired by the Houthi rebels over the Red Sea, the commander of the US Army Central Command is expected to visit Israel today to discuss the threat of an Iranian attack against Israel...Watch to know more.

West Asia Crisis: US army Central Command chief to meet Israel's defence minister & IDF chief

6 months into Israel's war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip time is running out for relatives of hostages yearning to see the kidnapped come home. Now Hamas has reportedly claimed it lacks the ability to locate 40 hostages needed for a ceasefire deal with Israel. Watch in for more details!

Gaza war: No end in sight & no serious hostage deal on the table

<p>The United States (US) has reacted to the sudden withdrawal of Israeli military troops from the southern Gaza Strip. On Sunday (Apr 7), White House national security spokesperson John Kirby called the surprise removal of troops a "rest and refit plan." Kirby also said that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu assured US President Joe Biden that he would make changes in Israel's military operations.</p>

<p>Russia on Sunday blamed Ukraine for launching drones on the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station and causing safety concerns. According to Russian officials, no serious damage happened to the reactor and the radiation levels remained normal.</p>

<p>In other news from around the world, a judge in Brazil has opened an inquiry into Elon Musk over charges of obstruction of justice. The inquiry as per a court document involves Musk's social media company X.</p>

<p><strong>Click on the headlines to read more:</strong></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-calls-israels-withdrawal-from-south-gaza-a-rest-and-refit-plan-says-biden-govt-frustrated-708781"><strong>US calls Israel's withdrawal from south Gaza a 'rest and refit' plan, says Biden govt ‘frustrated’</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/04/08/423561-wion-banners-prisha-43.jpg?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>The United States called the sudden withdrawal of the Israeli military's troops from the southern Gaza Strip a "rest and refit" plan and not something which indicates any new operations.&nbsp;White House national security spokesperson John Kirby, in an interview with ABC News, said, "As we understand it, and through their public announcements, it is really just about rest and refit for these troops ... and not necessarily that we can tell indicative of some coming new operation for these troops."&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-moscows-zaporizhzhia-nuclear-power-plant-comes-under-drone-strike-un-watchdog-condemns-708779"><strong>Russia-Ukraine war: Drone strikes damage Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/04/08/423560-russia-ukraine.png?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>Russia on Sunday (April 7) held Ukraine responsible for launching drones on the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station and causing safety concerns.&nbsp;Ukraine's military was held responsible for the attack by Russia's nuclear power corporation Rosatom and international energy officials for detonating a drone against the dome which covered the closed nuclear reactor.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/elon-musk-under-inquiry-after-defying-brazil-judges-unconstitutional-order-to-block-certain-x-accounts-708784"><strong>Elon Musk under inquiry after defying Brazil judge's 'unconstitutional' order to block certain X accounts</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/04/08/423562-new-wion-2024-04-08t074410650.jpg?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>A Brazilian judge on Sunday (Apr 7) opened an inquiry into Elon Musk over charges of obstruction of justice. The inquiry as per a court document involves Musk's social media company X, formerly Twitter.&nbsp;This comes after Musk challenged a decision by Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, ordering X to block certain accounts.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/probe-begins-in-another-boeing-mishap-after-engine-cover-falls-off-passenger-records-scary-moment-watch-708794"><strong>Probe begins in another Boeing mishap after engine cover falls off. Passenger records 'scary' moment: Watch</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/04/08/423571-boeing.png?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>The airline regulators in the United States have started investigating another mishap involving a Boeing jet after an engine cowling in one of its jets fell off during take-off and hit a wing flap.&nbsp;After the mishap, Southwest Airlines' Boeing 737-800 flight flew back safely to Denver International airport at around 15:15 GMT.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;India: West Bengal police lodges FIR against NIA</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/india-west-bengal-police-lodges-fir-against-nia-708803/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


The United States (US) has reacted to the sudden withdrawal of Israeli military troops from the southern Gaza Strip. On Sunday (Apr 7), White House national security spokesperson John Kirby called the surprise removal of troops a "rest and refit plan.

The United States (US) has reacted to the sudden withdrawal of Israeli military troops from the southern Gaza Strip. On Sunday (Apr 7), White House national security spokesperson John Kirby called the surprise removal of troops a "rest and refit plan." Kirby also said that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu assured US President Joe Biden that he would make changes in Israel's military operations. Russia on Sunday blamed Ukraine for launching drones on the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station and causing safety concerns. According to Russian officials, no serious damage happened to the reactor and the radiation levels remained normal. In other news from around the world, a judge in Brazil has opened an inquiry into Elon Musk over charges of obstruction of justice. The inquiry as per a court document involves Musk's social media company X. Click on the headlines to read more: US calls Israel's withdrawal from south Gaza a 'rest and refit' plan, says Biden govt ‘frustrated’ The United States called the sudden withdrawal of the Israeli military's troops from the southern Gaza Strip a "rest and refit" plan and not something which indicates any new operations. White House national security spokesperson John Kirby, in an interview with ABC News, said, "As we understand it, and through their public announcements, it is really just about rest and refit for these troops ... and not necessarily that we can tell indicative of some coming new operation for these troops." Russia-Ukraine war: Drone strikes damage Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant Russia on Sunday (April 7) held Ukraine responsible for launching drones on the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power station and causing safety concerns. Ukraine's military was held responsible for the attack by Russia's nuclear power corporation Rosatom and international energy officials for detonating a drone against the dome which covered the closed nuclear reactor. Elon Musk under inquiry after defying Brazil judge's 'unconstitutional' order to block certain X accounts A Brazilian judge on Sunday (Apr 7) opened an inquiry into Elon Musk over charges of obstruction of justice. The inquiry as per a court document involves Musk's social media company X, formerly Twitter. This comes after Musk challenged a decision by Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes, ordering X to block certain accounts. Probe begins in another Boeing mishap after engine cover falls off. Passenger records 'scary' moment: Watch The airline regulators in the United States have started investigating another mishap involving a Boeing jet after an engine cowling in one of its jets fell off during take-off and hit a wing flap. After the mishap, Southwest Airlines' Boeing 737-800 flight flew back safely to Denver International airport at around 15:15 GMT. Watch | India: West Bengal police lodges FIR against NIA ×

Morning brief: US reacts to Israel's withdrawal from south Gaza, and more

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidG8L3tNKVA9ON" /><meta charset="utf-8" /></p>

<p>As the war between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip&nbsp;completes&nbsp;six months, the World Central Kitchen (WCK) chief Jose Andres accuses&nbsp;Israel of conducting a "war against humanity itself." Speaking to ABC News, Andres said on Saturday (Apr 6) that this conflict did not seem like a war against terror.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It's been six months of targeting anything that seems moves. This doesn't seem a war against terror. This doesn't seem anymore a war about defending Israel. This really, at this point, seems is a war against humanity itself," he added.</p>

<h2>Seven WCK workers killed in Israeli strike</h2>

<p>Andres and his foundation the WCK recently made headlines after seven workers of the agency were killed in a strike on their aid convoy by the Israeli military on Monday (April 1). The strike, which Israel said was unintentional, took place in an area that was overseen by the Israeli military, according to Andres.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-between-killed-killers-and-captives-gaza-completes-a-semester-of-war-708599">Explained: Between killed, killers, and captives, Gaza completes a semester of war</a></strong></p>

<p>The seven aid workers killed included an Australian, three British citizens, and an American.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Israel dismisses two officers for WCK killings&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier this week, the Israeli military dismissed two officers and formally reprimanded senior commanders following an inquiry into the April 1 killings of the seven WCK workers. The inquiry found that the military mistakenly believed they were attacking Hamas gunmen when drones hit the three vehicles of the WCK, and that standard procedure had not been followed.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Six months into Israel-Hamas war, no end to devastation in Gaza</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/six-months-into-israel-hamas-war-no-end-to-devastation-in-gaza-708533/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>"The strike on the aid vehicles is a grave mistake stemming from a serious failure due to a mistaken identification, errors in decision-making, and an attack contrary to the Standard Operating Procedures," the military said on Friday.</p>

<p>The military's justification came as the WCK demanded an independent commission to investigate the killings, saying that Israel could not credibly investigate its own "failure."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


As the war between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip completes six months, the World Central Kitchen (WCK) chief Jose Andres accuses Israel of conducting a "war against humanity itself.

As the war between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip completes six months, the World Central Kitchen (WCK) chief Jose Andres accuses Israel of conducting a "war against humanity itself." Speaking to ABC News, Andres said on Saturday (Apr 6) that this conflict did not seem like a war against terror. "It's been six months of targeting anything that seems moves. This doesn't seem a war against terror. This doesn't seem anymore a war about defending Israel. This really, at this point, seems is a war against humanity itself," he added. Seven WCK workers killed in Israeli strike Andres and his foundation the WCK recently made headlines after seven workers of the agency were killed in a strike on their aid convoy by the Israeli military on Monday (April 1). The strike, which Israel said was unintentional, took place in an area that was overseen by the Israeli military, according to Andres. Also read | Explained: Between killed, killers, and captives, Gaza completes a semester of war The seven aid workers killed included an Australian, three British citizens, and an American. Israel dismisses two officers for WCK killings Earlier this week, the Israeli military dismissed two officers and formally reprimanded senior commanders following an inquiry into the April 1 killings of the seven WCK workers. The inquiry found that the military mistakenly believed they were attacking Hamas gunmen when drones hit the three vehicles of the WCK, and that standard procedure had not been followed. Also watch | Six months into Israel-Hamas war, no end to devastation in Gaza × "The strike on the aid vehicles is a grave mistake stemming from a serious failure due to a mistaken identification, errors in decision-making, and an attack contrary to the Standard Operating Procedures," the military said on Friday. The military's justification came as the WCK demanded an independent commission to investigate the killings, saying that Israel could not credibly investigate its own "failure." (With inputs from agencies)

Gaza war: World Central Kitchen chief says Israel conducting 'war against humanity itself'

<p><strong>Israel-Hamas war</strong>: Six months on, the world is counting the losses in West Asia that began after Hamas militants attacked southern Israel that left about 1,200 dead. The retaliatory state of war in the blockaded Palestinian enclave of Gaza has killed an estimated 33,000 Palestinians.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Hamas onslaught on October 7 included an unprecedented massacre at a music festival which concluded with the Palestinian militant group taking some 250 hostages inside Gaza.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/no-hamas-you-dont-attack-a-music-fest-palestinians-lost-perception-war-with-reign-of-terror-646464">No Hamas, you don't attack a music fest: Palestinians lost perception war with reign of terror</a></strong></p>

<p>As Israel's retaliatory state of war began with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's call to 'destroy' Hamas, hundreds of thousands of Gaza residents moved towards south of the blockaded Palestinian enclave.&nbsp;</p>

<p>WION's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/true-humanitarian-crisis-gazans-walk-30-km-south-many-sheltering-at-al-shifa-hospital-reluctant-to-move-646463">Sneha Swaminathan reached out</a> to a student in the middle of the crisis who described the desperate nature of humanitarian crisis.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The situation is now extremely dire. Many people have left their homes on foot, covering a distance of 33 kilometres. It's a painful scene with a huge number of families leaving the city, carrying their belongings, mattresses, and suitcases," he said.</p>

<h2><strong>Israel-Hamas war: What is the scale of human losses?</strong></h2>

<p>In 182 days since, about 134 Israelis and others continue to remain captives, many presumed to be imprisoned underground and some tortured and sexually abused.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Among killed are also the ones who were neither Israeli nor Palestinian but foreign nationals out there to help, such as six of the seven aid workers of World Central Kitchen who were killed in three separate strikes from an Israeli drone earlier this week.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Israel war: US on high alert for Iranian threat in West Asia</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-war-us-on-high-alert-for-iranian-threat-in-west-asia-708584/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Besides, the Palestinian death toll rising above 33,000 is&nbsp;widely described as an undercount.&nbsp;Many thousands of uncounted Palestinian dead lie under the rubble of over 85 per cent of buildings in Gaza that have been partially or completely destroyed in Israeli airstrikes.</p>

<h2><strong>Hamas losses: Has Israel 'destroyed' Palestinian militant group?</strong></h2>

<p>According to Israel, Hamas has lost an estimated 10,000 men. This accounts for&nbsp;more than a third of their fighting force, along with three battalion commanders and seven members of the ruling political bureau.</p>

<p>The group has lost or used up almost all its arsenal of rockets. But most of its key leaders remain alive.</p>

<p>Despite the retaliatory hellfire brought upon Gazans due to Hamas's attack on Israel, the approval of Palestinian group's role in the war reportedly stands at about 70 per cent, according to the veteran Palestinian pollster Khalil Shikaki.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Spotlight on lack of reform of global governance mechanisms</strong></h2>

<p>Among emerging powers in the global order, the lesson from Gaza has been that it is time for new voices to join the top table.</p>

<p>The United States vetoed pro-Palestine resolutions&nbsp;three times since the war began, showing how exactly the rules are&nbsp;bent.</p>

<p>South Africa’s foreign minister, Naledi Pandor, described Gaza as the last manifestation of the conflict against colonialism and imperialism, and went to the international court of justice to prove her point.</p>

<p>The Turkish president, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, spoke of a similar crisis. “The current international system, devoid of fundamental concepts such as solidarity, justice and trust, cannot fulfil even its minimum responsibilities,” he said.</p>

<h2><strong>Joe Biden's failed Jordan summit</strong></h2>

<p>The Israel-Hamas war also exposed the limits of Washington's diplomatic overdrive. In fact, it suffered defeat after defeat across the capitals around the world when dealing with matters related to war in Gaza.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spotlight-on-washingtons-waning-political-capital-after-gaza-hospital-blast-sinks-bidens-jordan-summit-648187">Spotlight on Washington's waning political capital after Gaza hospital blast sinks Biden's Jordan summit</a></strong></p>

<p>US President Joe Biden's wartime visit&nbsp;to West Asia early on in October was upended by a deadly strike at a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-500-killed-after-israeli-airstrikes-target-hospital-claims-gaza-health-ministry-648141">Gaza hospital that killed hundreds of Palestinians</a>, in the deadliest civilian casualty event of the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. On October 17, when&nbsp;Biden's&nbsp;Air Force One took off from Joint Base Andrews to Tel Aviv, protesters halfway across the world in the Jordanian capital of Amman attempted to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pro-palestine-protests-break-out-across-west-asia-after-gaza-hospital-strike-648170">breach security barriers</a>&nbsp;placed close to the Israeli embassy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As Biden's plane was still inside the US air space, the announcement came from Amman's foreign ministry.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Jordanian kingdom cancelled a scheduled four-war summit between Joe Biden, Jordan's King Abdullah II, Egypt's President&nbsp;Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, and the Palestinian Authority leader&nbsp;Mahmoud Abbas.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After a brief ceasefire that led to a brief halt in fighting and exchange of Israeli hostages with Palestinian prisoners, the diplomatic efforts have failed to halt Israel's retaliatory onslaught in Gaza.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-capitals-between-killed-and-killers-dohas-vital-role-for-peace-in-west-asia-660534#google_vignette">The Capitals: Between killed and killers, Doha's vital role for peace in West Asia</a></strong></p>

<p>While Cairo and Doha have been doing their part to ensure halt in fighting, Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains determined to realise his goal of destroying Hamas despite massive protests against his administration across Israel.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Iran's strategic influence amid Gaza war</strong></h2>

<p>Through its Houthi allies attacking shipping in the Red Sea, and Hezbollah targeting Israeli positions in the border areas,&nbsp;Iran has asserted itself as a crucial strategic influencer over three major economic choke points: the Suez canal at the north of the Red Sea, the Bab el-Mandeb strait at its south and the strait of Hormuz at the entrance to the Gulf.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/red-sea-ship-attacks-inside-disrupted-shipping-route-over-west-asias-gate-of-tears-673216">Red Sea ship attacks: Inside disrupted shipping route through West Asia's 'gate of tears'</a></strong></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/12/25/401386-untitled-design-2023-12-25t002340471.png?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>Six months on, the outcome of the war remains unclear. The decimation of Hamas doesn't amount to its absolute destruction, as was Israel's stated goal. But the flux in West Asia continues to remodel the rules of global engagements during conflict.&nbsp;</p>


Israel-Hamas war: Six months on, the world is counting the losses in West Asia that began after Hamas militants attacked southern Israel that left about 1,200 dead.

Israel-Hamas war: Six months on, the world is counting the losses in West Asia that began after Hamas militants attacked southern Israel that left about 1,200 dead. The retaliatory state of war in the blockaded Palestinian enclave of Gaza has killed an estimated 33,000 Palestinians. The Hamas onslaught on October 7 included an unprecedented massacre at a music festival which concluded with the Palestinian militant group taking some 250 hostages inside Gaza. Also read | No Hamas, you don't attack a music fest: Palestinians lost perception war with reign of terror As Israel's retaliatory state of war began with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's call to 'destroy' Hamas, hundreds of thousands of Gaza residents moved towards south of the blockaded Palestinian enclave. WION's Sneha Swaminathan reached out to a student in the middle of the crisis who described the desperate nature of humanitarian crisis. "The situation is now extremely dire. Many people have left their homes on foot, covering a distance of 33 kilometres. It's a painful scene with a huge number of families leaving the city, carrying their belongings, mattresses, and suitcases," he said. Israel-Hamas war: What is the scale of human losses? In 182 days since, about 134 Israelis and others continue to remain captives, many presumed to be imprisoned underground and some tortured and sexually abused. Among killed are also the ones who were neither Israeli nor Palestinian but foreign nationals out there to help, such as six of the seven aid workers of World Central Kitchen who were killed in three separate strikes from an Israeli drone earlier this week. Also watch | Israel war: US on high alert for Iranian threat in West Asia × Besides, the Palestinian death toll rising above 33,000 is widely described as an undercount. Many thousands of uncounted Palestinian dead lie under the rubble of over 85 per cent of buildings in Gaza that have been partially or completely destroyed in Israeli airstrikes. Hamas losses: Has Israel 'destroyed' Palestinian militant group? According to Israel, Hamas has lost an estimated 10,000 men. This accounts for more than a third of their fighting force, along with three battalion commanders and seven members of the ruling political bureau. The group has lost or used up almost all its arsenal of rockets. But most of its key leaders remain alive. Despite the retaliatory hellfire brought upon Gazans due to Hamas's attack on Israel, the approval of Palestinian group's role in the war reportedly stands at about 70 per cent, according to the veteran Palestinian pollster Khalil Shikaki. Spotlight on lack of reform of global governance mechanisms Among emerging powers in the global order, the lesson from Gaza has been that it is time for new voices to join the top table. The United States vetoed pro-Palestine resolutions three times since the war began, showing how exactly the rules are bent. South Africa’s foreign minister, Naledi Pandor, described Gaza as the last manifestation of the conflict against colonialism and imperialism, and went to the international court of justice to prove her point. The Turkish president, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, spoke of a similar crisis. “The current international system, devoid of fundamental concepts such as solidarity, justice and trust, cannot fulfil even its minimum responsibilities,” he said. Joe Biden's failed Jordan summit The Israel-Hamas war also exposed the limits of Washington's diplomatic overdrive. In fact, it suffered defeat after defeat across the capitals around the world when dealing with matters related to war in Gaza. Also read | Spotlight on Washington's waning political capital after Gaza hospital blast sinks Biden's Jordan summit US President Joe Biden's wartime visit to West Asia early on in October was upended by a deadly strike at a Gaza hospital that killed hundreds of Palestinians, in the deadliest civilian casualty event of the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. On October 17, when Biden's Air Force One took off from Joint Base Andrews to Tel Aviv, protesters halfway across the world in the Jordanian capital of Amman attempted to breach security barriers placed close to the Israeli embassy. As Biden's plane was still inside the US air space, the announcement came from Amman's foreign ministry. The Jordanian kingdom cancelled a scheduled four-war summit between Joe Biden, Jordan's King Abdullah II, Egypt's President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, and the Palestinian Authority leader Mahmoud Abbas. After a brief ceasefire that led to a brief halt in fighting and exchange of Israeli hostages with Palestinian prisoners, the diplomatic efforts have failed to halt Israel's retaliatory onslaught in Gaza. Also read | The Capitals: Between killed and killers, Doha's vital role for peace in West Asia While Cairo and Doha have been doing their part to ensure halt in fighting, Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains determined to realise his goal of destroying Hamas despite massive protests against his administration across Israel. Iran's strategic influence amid Gaza war Through its Houthi allies attacking shipping in the Red Sea, and Hezbollah targeting Israeli positions in the border areas, Iran has asserted itself as a crucial strategic influencer over three major economic choke points: the Suez canal at the north of the Red Sea, the Bab el-Mandeb strait at its south and the strait of Hormuz at the entrance to the Gulf. Also read | Red Sea ship attacks: Inside disrupted shipping route through West Asia's 'gate of tears' Six months on, the outcome of the war remains unclear. The decimation of Hamas doesn't amount to its absolute destruction, as was Israel's stated goal. But the flux in West Asia continues to remodel the rules of global engagements during conflict.

Explained: Between killed, killers and captives, Gaza completes a semester of war

<p>Egypt’s renowned visual artist Mohamed Abla returned a Goethe medal he won in 2022, in protest of what he described as Germany’s support for Israel in the ongoing war in Gaza.</p>

<p>“I am the Egyptian visual artist Mohamed Abla, founder of the Fayoum center for arts, and recipient of the Goethe prize, Germany’s highest honor. I decided today, officially and directly, to give up this medal and return it back to the German government,” Mohamed Abla said. “I cannot be proud that I received this medal. It no longer represents any importance to me, and for this reason I decided to return this medal back again,” he added.</p>

<p>As one of the first Arabs to receive this medal, Abla said it was a significant and honourable moment. However, he said, he felt there was a contradiction between the award and Germany's actions related to the war in Gaza.</p>

<p>“I was very happy with this medal, because I was the first Arab artist to receive it, and this was something that felt good. Also because I get to join a large list of artists around the world, over the course of 70 years, who have received this medal, it was an honorable thing and a plus (to my career),” Abla said</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<meta name="uuid" content="uuid96zfUlGi0TaG" /><meta charset="utf-8" /><a href="http://wionews.com/world/six-months-of-gaza-war-over-100000-israelis-rally-against-netanyahu-demand-hostage-deal-708523" target="_blank">Six months of Gaza war: Over 100,000 Israelis rally against Netanyahu, demand hostage dea</a></strong></p>

<p>“However, after the recent events taking place in Gaza, and the very strong support from Germany for Israel since day one, to the point that Germany is the second supporter of Israel after America for providing weapons, and are the largest amount of arms sales provided to Israel. I felt a strong contradiction, between what Germany says and what it does, there is a very strong contradiction," he added.</p>

<p>Since Hamas' October assault on Israel that killed 1,200 people, according to Israeli tallies, Germany has been one of Israel's staunchest allies alongside the United States, underlining its commitment to atonement for its perpetration of the World War Two Nazi Holocaust in which 6 million Jews died.</p>

<p>Abla founded the Fayoum Art Center in 2006 in the artisan Tunis village in Egypt's Fayoum, which houses the first caricature museum in the Middle East. According to the Goethe Institute, the medal "is the most important award of the Federal Republic of Germany’s foreign cultural policy."<br />
&nbsp;</p>


Egypt’s renowned visual artist Mohamed Abla returned a Goethe medal he won in 2022, in protest of what he described as Germany’s support for Israel in the ongoing war in Gaza.

Egypt’s renowned visual artist Mohamed Abla returned a Goethe medal he won in 2022, in protest of what he described as Germany’s support for Israel in the ongoing war in Gaza. “I am the Egyptian visual artist Mohamed Abla, founder of the Fayoum center for arts, and recipient of the Goethe prize, Germany’s highest honor. I decided today, officially and directly, to give up this medal and return it back to the German government,” Mohamed Abla said. “I cannot be proud that I received this medal. It no longer represents any importance to me, and for this reason I decided to return this medal back again,” he added. As one of the first Arabs to receive this medal, Abla said it was a significant and honourable moment. However, he said, he felt there was a contradiction between the award and Germany's actions related to the war in Gaza. “I was very happy with this medal, because I was the first Arab artist to receive it, and this was something that felt good. Also because I get to join a large list of artists around the world, over the course of 70 years, who have received this medal, it was an honorable thing and a plus (to my career),” Abla said Also read: Six months of Gaza war: Over 100,000 Israelis rally against Netanyahu, demand hostage dea “However, after the recent events taking place in Gaza, and the very strong support from Germany for Israel since day one, to the point that Germany is the second supporter of Israel after America for providing weapons, and are the largest amount of arms sales provided to Israel. I felt a strong contradiction, between what Germany says and what it does, there is a very strong contradiction," he added. Since Hamas' October assault on Israel that killed 1,200 people, according to Israeli tallies, Germany has been one of Israel's staunchest allies alongside the United States, underlining its commitment to atonement for its perpetration of the World War Two Nazi Holocaust in which 6 million Jews died. Abla founded the Fayoum Art Center in 2006 in the artisan Tunis village in Egypt's Fayoum, which houses the first caricature museum in the Middle East. According to the Goethe Institute, the medal "is the most important award of the Federal Republic of Germany’s foreign cultural policy."

'I cannot be proud,' Egyptian artist returns Goethe Medal to Germany in solidarity with Gaza

<p>Following an Israeli strike on Iran's consulate in Syria, United States is on high alert for a possible attack by Iran aimed at Israeli or American assets in the region, reported&nbsp;Reuters, citing a US official.</p>

<p>“US is certainly at a high state of vigilance,” the official said.</p>

<p>Tehran had earlier vowed retaliation following Israeli airstrikes in Damascus that killed 13 people. Among the casualties seven members were of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps and two generals leading the Corps’ Quds Force in Syria and Lebanon.</p>

<p>Iran's commander of the Revolutionary Guard&nbsp;Hossein Salami, addressing a state-organised assembly of thousands in Tehran, warned that any hostile action against the Islamic Republic would not be left without a response.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-day-after-biden-netanyahu-call-israeli-military-sacks-two-over-killing-of-aid-workers-708073">Israeli military sacks two officers over killing of aid workers, a day after Biden-Netanyahu call</a></p>

<p>"Our teams have been in regular and continuous contact since then. The United States fully supports the defence of Israel against threats from Iran," a senior Biden administration official said.</p>

<p>US President Joe Biden discussed the threat from Iran in a phone call on Thursday (April 4) with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.</p>

<p>Notably the leaders of the US and Israel&nbsp;held their first interaction since the strike on aid workers. The conversation, which comes at a time when Israel is preparing to enter Rafah and has finalised its operational plans, started at 11:45 ET (9:15 IST), as per an Israeli official, media reports said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Jose Andres, the head of World Central Kitchen, had accused Israel of deliberately targeting the charity workers, and said, "This was not just a bad luck situation where, 'Oops, we dropped a bomb in the wrong place',".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/greek-military-chief-dimitris-houpis-to-visit-india-as-defence-ties-strengthen-707811">Greek military chief Dimitris Houpis to visit India as defence ties strengthen</a></p>

<p>Biden on April 2 expressed his "outrage" over Israel's strike. He also criticised Israel for failing to adequately safeguard the civilians in the war zone.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>US abstained from UNSC resolution&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The United States on March 25 abstained from a UN Security Council Resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. This drew strong disapproval from Israel as Netanyahu cancelled an Israeli delegation's visit to Washington.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/apple-reportedly-set-to-build-home-robots-as-its-next-big-thing-707814">Apple reportedly set to build home robots as its 'next big thing'</a></p>

<p>Biden has also called Israel's plans to invade Rafah as equal to crossing a 'red line'.<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Following an Israeli strike on Iran's consulate in Syria, United States is on high alert for a possible attack by Iran aimed at Israeli or American assets in the region, reported Reuters, citing a US official.

Following an Israeli strike on Iran's consulate in Syria, United States is on high alert for a possible attack by Iran aimed at Israeli or American assets in the region, reported Reuters, citing a US official. “US is certainly at a high state of vigilance,” the official said. Tehran had earlier vowed retaliation following Israeli airstrikes in Damascus that killed 13 people. Among the casualties seven members were of Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps and two generals leading the Corps’ Quds Force in Syria and Lebanon. Iran's commander of the Revolutionary Guard Hossein Salami, addressing a state-organised assembly of thousands in Tehran, warned that any hostile action against the Islamic Republic would not be left without a response. Also read: Israeli military sacks two officers over killing of aid workers, a day after Biden-Netanyahu call "Our teams have been in regular and continuous contact since then. The United States fully supports the defence of Israel against threats from Iran," a senior Biden administration official said. US President Joe Biden discussed the threat from Iran in a phone call on Thursday (April 4) with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Notably the leaders of the US and Israel held their first interaction since the strike on aid workers. The conversation, which comes at a time when Israel is preparing to enter Rafah and has finalised its operational plans, started at 11:45 ET (9:15 IST), as per an Israeli official, media reports said. Jose Andres, the head of World Central Kitchen, had accused Israel of deliberately targeting the charity workers, and said, "This was not just a bad luck situation where, 'Oops, we dropped a bomb in the wrong place',". Also Read | Greek military chief Dimitris Houpis to visit India as defence ties strengthen Biden on April 2 expressed his "outrage" over Israel's strike. He also criticised Israel for failing to adequately safeguard the civilians in the war zone. US abstained from UNSC resolution The United States on March 25 abstained from a UN Security Council Resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. This drew strong disapproval from Israel as Netanyahu cancelled an Israeli delegation's visit to Washington. Also Read | Apple reportedly set to build home robots as its 'next big thing' Biden has also called Israel's plans to invade Rafah as equal to crossing a 'red line'. (With inputs from agencies)

US on high alert over Iran attack threat in retaliation to Israeli strike on consulate in Syria

gaza-war

Gaza War, News on Gaza War, stories on Gaza War, articles on Gaza War, Gaza War stories at Wion, Gaza War news, Gaza War latest news

gaza war