Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday (Aug 5) said the Israeli military must "complete" the defeat of Hamas to ensure the release of all hostages and prevent future threats from Gaza, hinting at a possible expansion of the war days ahead of a key cabinet meeting. His remarks come amid growing outrage in Israel over harrowing videos of emaciated captives and warnings from UN officials of an unfolding famine in Gaza. "It is necessary to complete the defeat of the enemy in Gaza, to free all our hostages and to ensure that Gaza will no longer pose a threat to Israel," Netanyahu said during a visit to an army training base.<h2>New war plans or a negotiating tactic?</h2>According to the Israeli PM's office, he held a three-hour security discussion with army chief Lt Gen Eyal Zamir. However, the PMO did not give any details of new war plans. It stated that a meeting of the security cabinet would take place later this week to approve updated instructions.Israeli media reports suggest Netanyahu was considering a full military reoccupation of Gaza or an expanded ground push into areas where hostages may be held. Public broadcaster Kan said the prime minister had “decided to extend the fight to areas where hostages might be held,” while Channel 12 suggested that the move might be a negotiation tactic.Meanwhile, Palestinian officials warned that any such escalation would derail ceasefire talks. Hamas said its position would not change and again demanded a full Israeli withdrawal. "The ball is in the hands of... (Israel) and the Americans," said senior Hamas official Hossam Badran, adding that the group wants to "end the war and the famine."&nbsp;UN Assistant Secretary-General Miroslav Jenca also warned the Security Council that further expansion "would risk catastrophic consequences for millions of Palestinians and could further endanger the lives of the remaining hostages".

 "It is necessary to complete the defeat of the enemy in Gaza, to free all our hostages and to ensure that Gaza will no longer pose a threat to Israel," Netanyahu said during a visit to an army training base.

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday (Aug 5) said the Israeli military must "complete" the defeat of Hamas to ensure the release of all hostages and prevent future threats from Gaza, hinting at a possible expansion of the war days ahead of a key cabinet meeting. His remarks come amid growing outrage in Israel over harrowing videos of emaciated captives and warnings from UN officials of an unfolding famine in Gaza. "It is necessary to complete the defeat of the enemy in Gaza, to free all our hostages and to ensure that Gaza will no longer pose a threat to Israel," Netanyahu said during a visit to an army training base. New war plans or a negotiating tactic? According to the Israeli PM's office, he held a three-hour security discussion with army chief Lt Gen Eyal Zamir. However, the PMO did not give any details of new war plans. It stated that a meeting of the security cabinet would take place later this week to approve updated instructions. Israeli media reports suggest Netanyahu was considering a full military reoccupation of Gaza or an expanded ground push into areas where hostages may be held. Public broadcaster Kan said the prime minister had “decided to extend the fight to areas where hostages might be held,” while Channel 12 suggested that the move might be a negotiation tactic. Meanwhile, Palestinian officials warned that any such escalation would derail ceasefire talks. Hamas said its position would not change and again demanded a full Israeli withdrawal. "The ball is in the hands of... (Israel) and the Americans," said senior Hamas official Hossam Badran, adding that the group wants to "end the war and the famine." UN Assistant Secretary-General Miroslav Jenca also warned the Security Council that further expansion "would risk catastrophic consequences for millions of Palestinians and could further endanger the lives of the remaining hostages".

&nbsp;"It is necessary to complete the defeat of the enemy in Gaza, to free all our hostages and to ensure that Gaza will no longer pose a threat to Israel," Netanyahu said during a visit to an army training base.

Netanyahu signals Gaza war could expand says 'necessary to complete the defeat' of Hamas in Gaza

Hundreds of retired Israeli security officials, including former heads of intelligence agencies, have urged US President Donald Trump to pressure their own government to end the war in Gaza. “It is our professional judgement that Hamas no longer poses a strategic threat to Israel,” the former officials wrote in an open letter shared with the media on Monday. “At first this war was a just war, a defensive war, but when we achieved all military objectives, this war ceased to be a just war,” said Ami Ayalon, former director of the Shin Bet security service.&nbsp;The war, nearing its 23rd month, “is leading the State of Israel to lose its security and identity,” Ayalon warned in a video released to accompany the letter.&nbsp;Signed by 550 people, including former chiefs of Shin Bet and the Mossad spy agency, the letter called on Trump to “steer” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu towards a ceasefire.&nbsp;Israel launched its military operation in the Gaza Strip in response to the deadly October 7, 2023 attack by Palestinian militant group Hamas.&nbsp;In recent weeks, Israel has come under increasing international pressure to agree to a ceasefire that could get Israeli hostages released from Gaza and UN agencies to distribute humanitarian aid.&nbsp;But some in Israel, including ministers in Netanyahu’s coalition government, are instead pushing for Israeli forces to push on and for Gaza to be occupied in whole or in part.&nbsp;The letter was signed by three former Mossad heads: Tamir Pardo, Efraim Halevy, and Danny Yatom.&nbsp;Other signatories include five former heads of Shin Bet, including Ayalon as well as Nadav Argaman, Yoram Cohen, Yaakov Peri and Carmi Gilon, and three former military chiefs of staff, including former prime minister Ehud Barak, former defence minister Moshe Yaalon and Dan Halutz.&nbsp;The letter argued that the Israeli military “has long accomplished the two objectives that could be achieved by force: dismantling Hamas’s military formations and governance.”&nbsp;“The third, and most important, can only be achieved through a deal: bringing all the hostages home,” it added.&nbsp;“Chasing remaining senior Hamas operatives can be done later,” the letter said.&nbsp;In the letter, the former officials tell Trump that he has credibility with the majority of Israelis and can put pressure on Netanyahu to end the war and return the hostages.&nbsp;After a ceasefire, the signatories argue, Trump could force a regional coalition to support a reformed Palestinian Authority to take charge of Gaza as an alternative to Hamas rule.&nbsp;

In the open letter signed by 550 people, including former chiefs of Shin Bet and the Mossad spy agency, and shared with media on Monday, the retired officials called on Trump to “steer” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu towards a ceasefire.

Hundreds of retired Israeli security officials, including former heads of intelligence agencies, have urged US President Donald Trump to pressure their own government to end the war in Gaza. “It is our professional judgement that Hamas no longer poses a strategic threat to Israel,” the former officials wrote in an open letter shared with the media on Monday. “At first this war was a just war, a defensive war, but when we achieved all military objectives, this war ceased to be a just war,” said Ami Ayalon, former director of the Shin Bet security service. The war, nearing its 23rd month, “is leading the State of Israel to lose its security and identity,” Ayalon warned in a video released to accompany the letter. Signed by 550 people, including former chiefs of Shin Bet and the Mossad spy agency, the letter called on Trump to “steer” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu towards a ceasefire. Israel launched its military operation in the Gaza Strip in response to the deadly October 7, 2023 attack by Palestinian militant group Hamas. In recent weeks, Israel has come under increasing international pressure to agree to a ceasefire that could get Israeli hostages released from Gaza and UN agencies to distribute humanitarian aid. But some in Israel, including ministers in Netanyahu’s coalition government, are instead pushing for Israeli forces to push on and for Gaza to be occupied in whole or in part. The letter was signed by three former Mossad heads: Tamir Pardo, Efraim Halevy, and Danny Yatom. Other signatories include five former heads of Shin Bet, including Ayalon as well as Nadav Argaman, Yoram Cohen, Yaakov Peri and Carmi Gilon, and three former military chiefs of staff, including former prime minister Ehud Barak, former defence minister Moshe Yaalon and Dan Halutz. The letter argued that the Israeli military “has long accomplished the two objectives that could be achieved by force: dismantling Hamas’s military formations and governance.” “The third, and most important, can only be achieved through a deal: bringing all the hostages home,” it added. “Chasing remaining senior Hamas operatives can be done later,” the letter said. In the letter, the former officials tell Trump that he has credibility with the majority of Israelis and can put pressure on Netanyahu to end the war and return the hostages. After a ceasefire, the signatories argue, Trump could force a regional coalition to support a reformed Palestinian Authority to take charge of Gaza as an alternative to Hamas rule.

In the open letter signed by 550 people, including former chiefs of Shin Bet and the Mossad spy agency, and shared with media on Monday, the retired officials called on Trump to “steer” Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu towards a ceasefire.

Hundreds of Israel’s former officials urge Trump to help end Gaza war

Nearly 9 out of 10 Israeli military probes into alleged war crimes or misconduct by its troops in Gaza since the war began have either been closed without fault or left unresolved, a new report claims. UK-based group Action on Armed Violence (AOAV) has reached this conclusion after tracking 52 publicly reported investigations between October 2023 and June 2025. These incidents collectively involved the deaths of over 1,300 Palestinians and injuries to nearly 1,900 more. But according to AOAV, only six cases so far have resulted in any disciplinary action—and just one led to a soldier serving a few months behind bars.<h2>Israel's unpunished war crimes</h2>These war crimes, as reported by the Guardian, include incidents where Palestinians queueing for food were gunned down and an instance where a soldier attacked bound and blindfolded prisoners with fists and a baton. Among the still-unresolved cases are some of the most shocking civilian death tolls in the conflict: – The February 2024 flour queue airstrike in Gaza City that killed at least 112 – The May firebombing of a tent camp in Rafah that killed 45 – The June 1 shooting of 31 civilians trying to collect food at a Rafah distribution point. Even as witnesses said Israeli forces opened fire on unarmed civilians, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) initially dismissed the reports as "false," before later claiming that the incident was still "under review."<h2>Israel's pattern of impunity</h2>AOAV's researchers, Iain Overton and Lucas Tsantzouris, suggest that the data suggests that Israel was seeking to create a "pattern of impunity" by delaying, burying, or clearing allegations of wrongdoing even in cases involving "the most severe or public accusations of wrongdoing by their forces".The IDF, however, insists it was meeting both Israeli and international legal standards. It claims it "conducts examination and investigation processes regarding exceptional incidents that occurred during operational activity, in which there is a suspicion of a violation of the law". It said it uses a dual system — a military police division under the advocate general for criminal enquiries and a fact-finding assessment (FFA) team that gathers preliminary information.But critics, including the Israeli rights group Yesh Din, argue the process is opaque, slow, and rarely leads to meaningful accountability. Of 664 FFA investigations opened after previous Gaza operations, only one led to a prosecution, said the group.In its most recent update, in August 2024, the IDF said it had launched 74 criminal probes since the war began, including 52 related to detainee deaths or mistreatment. Only a handful involve suspected war crimes during combat. Most others involve theft, property damage, or alleged abuse.The one case that led to jail time involved a reservist who beat blindfolded prisoners at the Sde Teiman detention facility. He was sentenced to seven months. Another rare example of disciplinary action came after seven World Central Kitchen aid workers were killed in an April airstrike. A colonel and a major were dismissed, and three officers were reprimanded. The IDF called it a "grave mistake" caused by a misidentification, but the charity later dismissed the probe as lacking credibility.

Out of incidents collectively involved the deaths of over 1,300 Palestinians and injuries to nearly 1,900 more, only six cases so far have resulted in any disciplinary action—and just one led to a soldier serving a few months behind bars, reports AOAV.

Nearly 9 out of 10 Israeli military probes into alleged war crimes or misconduct by its troops in Gaza since the war began have either been closed without fault or left unresolved, a new report claims. UK-based group Action on Armed Violence (AOAV) has reached this conclusion after tracking 52 publicly reported investigations between October 2023 and June 2025. These incidents collectively involved the deaths of over 1,300 Palestinians and injuries to nearly 1,900 more. But according to AOAV, only six cases so far have resulted in any disciplinary action—and just one led to a soldier serving a few months behind bars. Israel's unpunished war crimes These war crimes, as reported by the Guardian, include incidents where Palestinians queueing for food were gunned down and an instance where a soldier attacked bound and blindfolded prisoners with fists and a baton. Among the still-unresolved cases are some of the most shocking civilian death tolls in the conflict: – The February 2024 flour queue airstrike in Gaza City that killed at least 112 – The May firebombing of a tent camp in Rafah that killed 45 – The June 1 shooting of 31 civilians trying to collect food at a Rafah distribution point. Even as witnesses said Israeli forces opened fire on unarmed civilians, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) initially dismissed the reports as "false," before later claiming that the incident was still "under review." Israel's pattern of impunity AOAV's researchers, Iain Overton and Lucas Tsantzouris, suggest that the data suggests that Israel was seeking to create a "pattern of impunity" by delaying, burying, or clearing allegations of wrongdoing even in cases involving "the most severe or public accusations of wrongdoing by their forces". The IDF, however, insists it was meeting both Israeli and international legal standards. It claims it "conducts examination and investigation processes regarding exceptional incidents that occurred during operational activity, in which there is a suspicion of a violation of the law". It said it uses a dual system — a military police division under the advocate general for criminal enquiries and a fact-finding assessment (FFA) team that gathers preliminary information. But critics, including the Israeli rights group Yesh Din, argue the process is opaque, slow, and rarely leads to meaningful accountability. Of 664 FFA investigations opened after previous Gaza operations, only one led to a prosecution, said the group. In its most recent update, in August 2024, the IDF said it had launched 74 criminal probes since the war began, including 52 related to detainee deaths or mistreatment. Only a handful involve suspected war crimes during combat. Most others involve theft, property damage, or alleged abuse. The one case that led to jail time involved a reservist who beat blindfolded prisoners at the Sde Teiman detention facility. He was sentenced to seven months. Another rare example of disciplinary action came after seven World Central Kitchen aid workers were killed in an April airstrike. A colonel and a major were dismissed, and three officers were reprimanded. The IDF called it a "grave mistake" caused by a misidentification, but the charity later dismissed the probe as lacking credibility.

Out of incidents collectively involved the deaths of over 1,300 Palestinians and injuries to nearly 1,900 more, only six cases so far have resulted in any disciplinary action—and just one led to a soldier serving a few months behind bars, reports AOAV.

Impunity in Gaza? 9 in 10 Israeli probes into soldiers killing civilians end without punishment, reports monitoring group

United Nations chief Antonio Guterres urged the international community on Monday to reject hunger as a weapon of war.UN agencies have been warning of life-threatening hunger in Gaza as aid supplies dried up, and international pressure has been building for a ceasefire to allow a massive relief operation.Israel's government, under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, furiously denies that it is using hunger as a weapon of war, and instead accuses the aid agencies of failing to pick up and distribute aid delivered to Gaza's border crossing points."Climate change is disrupting harvests, supply chains, and humanitarian aid. Conflict continues to spread hunger from Gaza to Sudan and beyond," Guterres told a UN conference in Ethiopia by video."Hunger fuels instability and undermines peace. We must never accept hunger as a weapon of war," the UN chief added.In the Gaza Strip, the war-shattered Palestinian territory is gripped by dire humanitarian conditions created by 21 months of war and made worse by Israel's total blockade of aid from March to May.Since the easing of the blockade, the levels of aid reaching Gaza have been far below what aid groups say is needed.On Sunday, as Israel began a "tactical pause" in the fighting to allow the UN and aid agencies to tackle a deepening hunger crisis, the World Health Organization warned that malnutrition was reaching "alarming levels."Sudan is "the largest humanitarian catastrophe facing our world and also the least remembered", Othman Belbeisi, the regional director of UN's IOM migration agency, told reporters last week.Since April 2023, Sudan has been torn apart by a power struggle between army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, commander of the rival paramilitary Rapid Support Forces.The fighting has killed tens of thousands and displaced more than seven million people.Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.&nbsp;

"Hunger fuels instability and undermines peace. We must never accept hunger as a weapon of war," the UN chief added said.

United Nations chief Antonio Guterres urged the international community on Monday to reject hunger as a weapon of war. UN agencies have been warning of life-threatening hunger in Gaza as aid supplies dried up, and international pressure has been building for a ceasefire to allow a massive relief operation. Israel's government, under Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, furiously denies that it is using hunger as a weapon of war, and instead accuses the aid agencies of failing to pick up and distribute aid delivered to Gaza's border crossing points. "Climate change is disrupting harvests, supply chains, and humanitarian aid. Conflict continues to spread hunger from Gaza to Sudan and beyond," Guterres told a UN conference in Ethiopia by video. "Hunger fuels instability and undermines peace. We must never accept hunger as a weapon of war," the UN chief added. In the Gaza Strip, the war-shattered Palestinian territory is gripped by dire humanitarian conditions created by 21 months of war and made worse by Israel's total blockade of aid from March to May. Since the easing of the blockade, the levels of aid reaching Gaza have been far below what aid groups say is needed. On Sunday, as Israel began a "tactical pause" in the fighting to allow the UN and aid agencies to tackle a deepening hunger crisis, the World Health Organization warned that malnutrition was reaching "alarming levels." Sudan is "the largest humanitarian catastrophe facing our world and also the least remembered", Othman Belbeisi, the regional director of UN's IOM migration agency, told reporters last week. Since April 2023, Sudan has been torn apart by a power struggle between army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and Mohamed Hamdan Daglo, commander of the rival paramilitary Rapid Support Forces. The fighting has killed tens of thousands and displaced more than seven million people. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

"Hunger fuels instability and undermines peace. We must never accept hunger as a weapon of war," the UN chief said.

Hunger must never be 'weapon of war': UN chief Antonio Guterres

After announcing a daily temporary pause in the war in Gaza to allow limited humanitarian aid, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said there were "no more excuses" for the United Nations (UN), which had said earlier that Israel was not allowing aid into the strip.&nbsp;“To complete this goal, of eliminating Hamas and also the release of our hostages, we are advancing in the fighting and conducting negotiations. Whichever path we choose, on any path, we will have to continue to allow the entry of minimal humanitarian supplies. We have done this until now. But the UN is making excuses and lies about the State of Israel," Netanyahu said in a video message on the social media platform X.&nbsp;"It says: 'We are not allowed to enter with humanitarian supplies.' We are allowing them. There are secure roads. There have been all along, but today it is official. There will be no more excuses," he added.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">עדכון ממני אליכם &gt;&gt; <a href="https://t.co/HGp1W5ifF4">pic.twitter.com/HGp1W5ifF4</a>&mdash; Benjamin Netanyahu - בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) <a href="https://twitter.com/netanyahu/status/1949470064572555441?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 27, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>Jordan, UAE air drop aid into Gaza</h2>Jordan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) began air-dropping aid into the Gaza Strip as Israel announced it would halt military operations for 10 hours a day in parts of the region and allow in air corridors. This was after visuals of starving Gazans alarmed the whole world. The Benjamin Netanyahu-led government has been facing constant backlash on the international level for the "man-made" famine in Gaza.&nbsp;As per the BBC, dozens of empty trucks were seen heading in convoys toward three different locations: Zikim crossing in northern Gaza, Kissufim crossing in central Gaza, and the Kerem Shalom crossing in the far south-east of the Strip.&nbsp;However, the air drops of aid might not be the solution to the issue, as the cargo planes used to drop the aid are not capable enough to carry enough amount of humanitarian aid needed in the strip. As per the official figures released by US Central Command, each C-130 cargo plane carried about 12,500 “meals” per trip. So in order to send meals for each of Gaza’s approximately two million population, around 160 flights would be needed in a single day.&nbsp;&nbsp;

After announcing a temporary pause in the war in Gaza, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu said the UN has no more excuses now, which had earlier claimed that Israel was not allowing humanitarian aid into the strip. 

After announcing a daily temporary pause in the war in Gaza to allow limited humanitarian aid, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said there were "no more excuses" for the United Nations (UN), which had said earlier that Israel was not allowing aid into the strip. “To complete this goal, of eliminating Hamas and also the release of our hostages, we are advancing in the fighting and conducting negotiations. Whichever path we choose, on any path, we will have to continue to allow the entry of minimal humanitarian supplies. We have done this until now. But the UN is making excuses and lies about the State of Israel," Netanyahu said in a video message on the social media platform X. "It says: 'We are not allowed to enter with humanitarian supplies.' We are allowing them. There are secure roads. There have been all along, but today it is official. There will be no more excuses," he added.

After announcing a temporary pause in the war in Gaza, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu said the UN has no more excuses now, which had earlier claimed that Israel was not allowing humanitarian aid into the strip.&nbsp;

'No more excuses': Here's what Netanyahu says after allowing 'minimal' aid to Gaza

United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer continues to resist calls to recognise a Palestinian state even as he confirmed his government's plan to airdrop aid into Gaza and evacuate children who need medical access to help relieve what Downing Street has labelled an appalling situation. Reports suggest that amid mass starvation in Gaza, the UK PM is facing pressure from inside his cabinet and MPs to recognise a Palestinian state - around 221 MPs one third of the House of Commons on Saturday (Jul 26) have signed a letter urging him to that end.<h2>A Palestinian statehood</h2>As Gaza sinks deeper into a humanitarian nightmare, more than 221 British MPs, including members of the prime minister's own front bench, have signed a letter urging him to make a formal announcement recognising Palestinian statehood at a UN conference next week. The coordinated push, led by Labour MP Sarah Champion, calls on the UK government to finally act on its long-standing commitment to a two-state solution."We are expectant that the outcome of the conference will be the UK Government outlining when and how it will act on its long-standing commitment on a two-state solution; as well as how it will work with international partners to make this a reality," said the ministers. As per Mirror, Champion acknowledged that "recognition alone will not end the suffering in Gaza" but said that it would be an important step towards a two-state solution and eventually the end of the war."Recognition would send a powerful symbolic message that we support the rights of the Palestinian people, that they are not alone and they need to maintain hope that there is a route that leads to lasting peace and security for both the Israeli and the Palestinian people," she said.<h2>UK's efforts to relieve the humanitarian crisis in Gaza</h2>In an op-ed published Friday night, Starmer acknowledged the horror unfolding in Gaza. "It is a humanitarian catastrophe. And it must end now," he wrote, pledging to "pull every lever we have to get food and lifesaving support to the Palestinian people immediately."However, on the question of recognising Palestine as an independent state, Starmer said that moment must come as part of a pathway to a lasting peace in the region. "It must be part of a wider plan which ultimately results in a two-state solution and lasting security for Palestinians and Israelis," he wrote. Starmer said that this was the "way to ensure that recognition is a tool of maximum impact to improve the lives of those who are suffering – which must always be our ultimate goal."

UK PM Keir Starmer is facing pressure to recognise a Palestinian state at the UN conference next week. Even as he confirmed the UK's plans to drop aid into starving Gaza, the British leader said THIS about recognising Palestinian statehood.

United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer continues to resist calls to recognise a Palestinian state even as he confirmed his government's plan to airdrop aid into Gaza and evacuate children who need medical access to help relieve what Downing Street has labelled an appalling situation. Reports suggest that amid mass starvation in Gaza, the UK PM is facing pressure from inside his cabinet and MPs to recognise a Palestinian state - around 221 MPs one third of the House of Commons on Saturday (Jul 26) have signed a letter urging him to that end. A Palestinian statehood As Gaza sinks deeper into a humanitarian nightmare, more than 221 British MPs, including members of the prime minister's own front bench, have signed a letter urging him to make a formal announcement recognising Palestinian statehood at a UN conference next week. The coordinated push, led by Labour MP Sarah Champion, calls on the UK government to finally act on its long-standing commitment to a two-state solution. "We are expectant that the outcome of the conference will be the UK Government outlining when and how it will act on its long-standing commitment on a two-state solution; as well as how it will work with international partners to make this a reality," said the ministers. As per Mirror, Champion acknowledged that "recognition alone will not end the suffering in Gaza" but said that it would be an important step towards a two-state solution and eventually the end of the war. "Recognition would send a powerful symbolic message that we support the rights of the Palestinian people, that they are not alone and they need to maintain hope that there is a route that leads to lasting peace and security for both the Israeli and the Palestinian people," she said. UK's efforts to relieve the humanitarian crisis in Gaza In an op-ed published Friday night, Starmer acknowledged the horror unfolding in Gaza. "It is a humanitarian catastrophe. And it must end now," he wrote, pledging to "pull every lever we have to get food and lifesaving support to the Palestinian people immediately." However, on the question of recognising Palestine as an independent state, Starmer said that moment must come as part of a pathway to a lasting peace in the region. "It must be part of a wider plan which ultimately results in a two-state solution and lasting security for Palestinians and Israelis," he wrote. Starmer said that this was the "way to ensure that recognition is a tool of maximum impact to improve the lives of those who are suffering – which must always be our ultimate goal."

UK PM Keir Starmer is facing pressure to recognise a Palestinian state at the UN conference next week. Even as he confirmed the UK's plans to drop aid into starving Gaza, the British leader said THIS about recognising Palestinian statehood.

UK MPs build pressure on PM Starmer over recognising Palestine as British govt extends help to starving Gaza

A severe and fast-worsening hunger crisis is sweeping Gaza, where rates of malnutrition among children under five have tripled in just two weeks, revealed Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF). The medical charity in a statement on Friday (Jul 25) warned that a quarter of all young children and pregnant or breastfeeding women it screened last week were malnourished. At its Gaza City clinic alone, MSF said the number of patients seeking treatment for malnutrition has quadrupled since May.The organisation directly blamed Israel for what it described as a “deliberate policy of starvation” for the hunger crisis. In a statement, the group said that “Israeli authorities’ deliberate use of starvation as a weapon in Gaza has reached unprecedented levels, with patients and healthcare workers themselves now fighting to survive.”<h2>People dying of hunger</h2>At least 122 people have died of hunger in Gaza, with nine deaths reported in the past 24 hours alone, according to local health officials. However, many believe the true death toll is higher — and growing. The World Food Programme on Friday, echoed the alarm, saying nearly one in three people in Gaza are now going without food for days at a time. The hunger crisis had reached "new and astonishing levels of desperation" it said, adding, "Nearly one person in three is not eating for days. Malnutrition is surging, with 90,000 women and children in urgent need of treatment".Talking to AFP, Naji al-Qurashali, an obstetrician-gynaecologist in Gaza, said that the reported statistics underestimate the harrowing reality. He estimated that at least 50 per cent of the hundreds of pregnant women he saw every day were suffering from malnutrition."The malnutrition situation is unimaginable. Throughout my entire medical career, I never expected, not even in my wildest dreams, that things would reach this level," he said. According to the Gaza doctor the number of miscarriages has increased as starving women struggled to find food to feed themselves.

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has directly blamed Israel for what it described as a “deliberate policy of starvation” for the hunger crisis.

A severe and fast-worsening hunger crisis is sweeping Gaza, where rates of malnutrition among children under five have tripled in just two weeks, revealed Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF). The medical charity in a statement on Friday (Jul 25) warned that a quarter of all young children and pregnant or breastfeeding women it screened last week were malnourished. At its Gaza City clinic alone, MSF said the number of patients seeking treatment for malnutrition has quadrupled since May. The organisation directly blamed Israel for what it described as a “deliberate policy of starvation” for the hunger crisis. In a statement, the group said that “Israeli authorities’ deliberate use of starvation as a weapon in Gaza has reached unprecedented levels, with patients and healthcare workers themselves now fighting to survive.” People dying of hunger At least 122 people have died of hunger in Gaza, with nine deaths reported in the past 24 hours alone, according to local health officials. However, many believe the true death toll is higher — and growing. The World Food Programme on Friday, echoed the alarm, saying nearly one in three people in Gaza are now going without food for days at a time. The hunger crisis had reached "new and astonishing levels of desperation" it said, adding, "Nearly one person in three is not eating for days. Malnutrition is surging, with 90,000 women and children in urgent need of treatment". Talking to AFP, Naji al-Qurashali, an obstetrician-gynaecologist in Gaza, said that the reported statistics underestimate the harrowing reality. He estimated that at least 50 per cent of the hundreds of pregnant women he saw every day were suffering from malnutrition. "The malnutrition situation is unimaginable. Throughout my entire medical career, I never expected, not even in my wildest dreams, that things would reach this level," he said. According to the Gaza doctor the number of miscarriages has increased as starving women struggled to find food to feed themselves.

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has directly blamed Israel for what it described as a “deliberate policy of starvation” for the hunger crisis.

'Unimaginable' hunger crisis grips Gaza: In just two weeks, malnutrition tripled among children under 5 years

The head of Gaza's largest hospital on Tuesday said 21 children have died due to malnutrition and starvation in the Palestinian territory in the past three days, while Israel pressed a devastating assault.Gaza's population of more than two million people is facing severe shortages of food and other essentials, with residents frequently killed as they try to collect humanitarian aid at a handful of distribution points."Twenty-one children have died due to malnutrition and starvation in various areas across the Gaza Strip," Mohammed Abu Salmiya, the director of Al-Shifa Medical Complex in Gaza, told reporters.Abu Salmiya said new cases of malnutrition and starvation were arriving at Gaza's remaining functioning hospitals "every moment", warning there could be "alarming numbers" of deaths due to starvation.UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called Gaza a "horror show" in a speech on Tuesday, with "a level of death and destruction without parallel in recent times".After talks to extend a six-week ceasefire broke down, Israel imposed a full blockade on Gaza on March 2 this year, allowing nothing in until trucks were again permitted to enter at a trickle in late May.However, stocks accumulated during the ceasefire have gradually depleted, leaving the territory's inhabitants experiencing the worst shortages since the start of the war in October 2023.Chaotic scenes have become frequent at aid distribution areas since the US- and Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation effectively sidelined a vast UN aid delivery network in Gaza.The UN on Tuesday said Israeli forces had killed over 1,000 Palestinians trying to get food aid since the GHF began its operations in late May, with most near the foundation's sites.Israeli military spokesman Nadav Shoshani posted a video online on Tuesday evening, showing what he said was "950 trucks worth of aid currently waiting in Gaza for international organisations to pick up and distribute"."This is after Israel facilitated the aid entry into Gaza," he wrote on X.The US State Department said later that President Donald Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff was heading to the Middle East for talks aimed at finalising a "corridor" for aid to Gaza, without giving further details.<h2>Latest attacks</h2>Earlier Tuesday, Gaza's civil defence agency said Israeli strikes had killed 15 people, after the World Health Organization said Israel attacked its facilities amid its expanding ground operations.Agency spokesman Mahmud Bassal told AFP that Israeli strikes on the Al-Shati camp west of Gaza City had killed at least 13 people and wounded more than 50.Most of Gaza's population has been displaced at least once during the conflict and the Al-Shati camp -- on the Mediterranean coast -- hosts thousands of people displaced from the north in tents and makeshift shelters.Raed Bakr, 30, lives with his three children and said he heard "a massive explosion" at about 1:40 am on Tuesday (2240 GMT Monday), which blew their tent away."I felt like I was in a nightmare. Fire, dust, smoke and body parts flying through the air, dirt everywhere. The children were screaming," Bakr, whose wife was killed last year, told AFP.Reports of the latest death toll came as the Roman Catholic church's most senior cleric in the Holy Land, Latin Patriarch Pierbattista Pizzaballa, said the humanitarian situation in Gaza was "morally unacceptable".Pizzaballa spent three days in Gaza after an Israeli strike on the territory's only Catholic church last Thursday which killed three people.<h2>New ground operations&nbsp;</h2>WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus accused Israeli troops of entering its staff residence, and forcing women and children to evacuate, as they handcuffed, stripped and interrogated male staff at gunpoint.Israeli forces meanwhile expanded ground operations in Deir el-Balah following intense shelling of the area in central Gaza on Monday.The civil defence agency's Bassal said two people were killed in Deir el-Balah.The Israeli military said later its troops "identified shots being fired toward them in the Deir al-Balah area, and responded toward the area from which the shooting originated".The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) estimated that between 50,000 and 80,000 people were living in the area, which until now had been considered relatively safe.Some 30,000 were living in displacement sites.OCHA said nearly 88 percent of the entire Gaza Strip was now either under evacuation orders or within Israeli militarised zones, forcing the population of 2.4 million into an ever-shrinking space.Despite what Guterres described as "devastation... upon devastation", Israeli far-right leaders met in Jerusalem to discuss plans for redeveloping Gaza as a tourist-friendly "riviera", with a permanent Jewish presence.Israel's military campaign in Gaza has killed 59,106 Palestinians, mostly civilians, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory.Hamas's 2023 attack, which sparked the war, resulted in the deaths of 1,219 people, most of them civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official figures.Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

"Twenty-one children have died due to malnutrition and starvation in various areas across the Gaza Strip," Mohammed Abu Salmiya, the director of Al-Shifa Medical Complex in Gaza, told reporters.

The head of Gaza's largest hospital on Tuesday said 21 children have died due to malnutrition and starvation in the Palestinian territory in the past three days, while Israel pressed a devastating assault. Gaza's population of more than two million people is facing severe shortages of food and other essentials, with residents frequently killed as they try to collect humanitarian aid at a handful of distribution points. "Twenty-one children have died due to malnutrition and starvation in various areas across the Gaza Strip," Mohammed Abu Salmiya, the director of Al-Shifa Medical Complex in Gaza, told reporters. Abu Salmiya said new cases of malnutrition and starvation were arriving at Gaza's remaining functioning hospitals "every moment", warning there could be "alarming numbers" of deaths due to starvation. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called Gaza a "horror show" in a speech on Tuesday, with "a level of death and destruction without parallel in recent times". After talks to extend a six-week ceasefire broke down, Israel imposed a full blockade on Gaza on March 2 this year, allowing nothing in until trucks were again permitted to enter at a trickle in late May. However, stocks accumulated during the ceasefire have gradually depleted, leaving the territory's inhabitants experiencing the worst shortages since the start of the war in October 2023. Chaotic scenes have become frequent at aid distribution areas since the US- and Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation effectively sidelined a vast UN aid delivery network in Gaza. The UN on Tuesday said Israeli forces had killed over 1,000 Palestinians trying to get food aid since the GHF began its operations in late May, with most near the foundation's sites. Israeli military spokesman Nadav Shoshani posted a video online on Tuesday evening, showing what he said was "950 trucks worth of aid currently waiting in Gaza for international organisations to pick up and distribute". "This is after Israel facilitated the aid entry into Gaza," he wrote on X. The US State Department said later that President Donald Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff was heading to the Middle East for talks aimed at finalising a "corridor" for aid to Gaza, without giving further details. Latest attacks Earlier Tuesday, Gaza's civil defence agency said Israeli strikes had killed 15 people, after the World Health Organization said Israel attacked its facilities amid its expanding ground operations. Agency spokesman Mahmud Bassal told AFP that Israeli strikes on the Al-Shati camp west of Gaza City had killed at least 13 people and wounded more than 50. Most of Gaza's population has been displaced at least once during the conflict and the Al-Shati camp -- on the Mediterranean coast -- hosts thousands of people displaced from the north in tents and makeshift shelters. Raed Bakr, 30, lives with his three children and said he heard "a massive explosion" at about 1:40 am on Tuesday (2240 GMT Monday), which blew their tent away. "I felt like I was in a nightmare. Fire, dust, smoke and body parts flying through the air, dirt everywhere. The children were screaming," Bakr, whose wife was killed last year, told AFP. Reports of the latest death toll came as the Roman Catholic church's most senior cleric in the Holy Land, Latin Patriarch Pierbattista Pizzaballa, said the humanitarian situation in Gaza was "morally unacceptable". Pizzaballa spent three days in Gaza after an Israeli strike on the territory's only Catholic church last Thursday which killed three people. New ground operations WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus accused Israeli troops of entering its staff residence, and forcing women and children to evacuate, as they handcuffed, stripped and interrogated male staff at gunpoint. Israeli forces meanwhile expanded ground operations in Deir el-Balah following intense shelling of the area in central Gaza on Monday. The civil defence agency's Bassal said two people were killed in Deir el-Balah. The Israeli military said later its troops "identified shots being fired toward them in the Deir al-Balah area, and responded toward the area from which the shooting originated". The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) estimated that between 50,000 and 80,000 people were living in the area, which until now had been considered relatively safe. Some 30,000 were living in displacement sites. OCHA said nearly 88 percent of the entire Gaza Strip was now either under evacuation orders or within Israeli militarised zones, forcing the population of 2.4 million into an ever-shrinking space. Despite what Guterres described as "devastation... upon devastation", Israeli far-right leaders met in Jerusalem to discuss plans for redeveloping Gaza as a tourist-friendly "riviera", with a permanent Jewish presence. Israel's military campaign in Gaza has killed 59,106 Palestinians, mostly civilians, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory. Hamas's 2023 attack, which sparked the war, resulted in the deaths of 1,219 people, most of them civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official figures. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

"Twenty-one children have died due to malnutrition and starvation in various areas across the Gaza Strip," Mohammed Abu Salmiya, the director of Al-Shifa Medical Complex in Gaza, told reporters.

'Horror show': Gaza hospital says 21 children die of starvation in 3 days as Israeli assault continues

Facebook parent company Meta is hosting ads on its platforms, including Instagram and Threads, to fund Israeli military gear, which in many cases, was responsible for the killings of unarmed civilians in Gaza, according to new research. The ads, critics say, also seem to directly violate the platform's own rules on political and weapons-related content. These paid ads, first flagged to Meta by global consumer watchdog Ekō, have reportedly raised millions of dollars to arm the Israeli military.<h2>What do the ads say?</h2>One such ad, which as per The Guardian, remained live as of July 17, read: "We are the sniper team of Unit Shaked, stationed in Gaza, and we urgently need shooting tripods to complete our mission in Jabalia". It was first posted on June 11.Ekō has identified at least 117 such ads since March of this year, all seeking donations for gear for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). The IDF itself is not running these campaigns, but according to Ekō, the military has received equipment through donations raised online. What's more, this isn't the first time the group flagged these campaigns. In December 2024, Ekō alerted Meta to 98 similar ads—prompting the tech giant to remove many. But the same publishers, it says, returned soon after with nearly identical fundraising appeals."This shows that Meta will literally take money from anybody," said Maen Hammad, a campaigner with Ekō. "So little of the checks and balances the platform ought to be doing actually takes place and if it does, they’ll do it after the fact".<h2>Ads removed, but for the wrong reasons</h2>Meta confirmed that it had removed the ads for violating its policies—but only after Ekō and The Guardian reached out for comment, and that too not for raising money for weapons but something else. A Meta spokesperson said all political or social issue-based ads must include disclaimers that identify who paid for them. None of these ads did.Ekō estimates that the ads, most of which were shown in the UK and EU, racked up at least 76,000 impressions. It was unable to determine the reach of the ads in the United States.<h2>What was the raised money used for?</h2>A deeper investigation by Israeli publication +972 Magazine revealed that many of the drones being crowdfunded—commercial quadcopters sold on Amazon—are being retrofitted by Israeli soldiers to drop grenades in combat. Several soldiers told the outlet that such drones were delivered via online donation drives and private Facebook groups."Most of our drones are broken and falling apart—and we don’t have any replacements," read one ad. "Donate now — every second counts, every drone saves lives."One publisher flagged by Ekō, Vaad Hatzedaka, a non profit, has even linked its ads to a donation page listing the exact models of drones and tactical gear it was fundraising for, including two drones made by Chinese firm Autel. According to the group's donation tracker, it has raised over $250,000 of its $300,000 goal.Another campaigner, Israeli musician Mayer Malik, has used Meta ads to promote a donation page that offers sponsorships for tactical items like thermal drones. He has reportedly raised over $2.2 million for Israeli units through these efforts.<h2>Are such ads allowed? What do Meta rules say?</h2>Meta's policies broadly prohibit the buying, selling, gifting, or fundraising for "firearms, firearm parts, ammunition, explosives, or lethal enhancements," though they allow some exceptions. But the company said the recent ads were removed primarily for lacking political disclaimers—not for fundraising for military gear.According to Ekō, these campaigns may also violate the EU's Digital Services Act (DSA), which obligates platforms to remove any content that violates national or EU law. In both France and the UK, strict regulations limit how charities can fundraise for foreign militaries. In January 2025, the UK’s Charity Commission issued a formal warning to a London-based charity after it raised funds for an Israeli soldier, saying the effort was "not lawful or acceptable."

"This shows that Meta will literally take money from anybody," said Maen Hammad, a campaigner with Ekō. "So little of the checks and balances the platform ought to be doing actually takes place and if it does, they’ll do it after the fact".

Facebook parent company Meta is hosting ads on its platforms, including Instagram and Threads, to fund Israeli military gear, which in many cases, was responsible for the killings of unarmed civilians in Gaza, according to new research. The ads, critics say, also seem to directly violate the platform's own rules on political and weapons-related content. These paid ads, first flagged to Meta by global consumer watchdog Ekō, have reportedly raised millions of dollars to arm the Israeli military. What do the ads say? One such ad, which as per The Guardian, remained live as of July 17, read: "We are the sniper team of Unit Shaked, stationed in Gaza, and we urgently need shooting tripods to complete our mission in Jabalia". It was first posted on June 11. Ekō has identified at least 117 such ads since March of this year, all seeking donations for gear for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). The IDF itself is not running these campaigns, but according to Ekō, the military has received equipment through donations raised online. What's more, this isn't the first time the group flagged these campaigns. In December 2024, Ekō alerted Meta to 98 similar ads—prompting the tech giant to remove many. But the same publishers, it says, returned soon after with nearly identical fundraising appeals. "This shows that Meta will literally take money from anybody," said Maen Hammad, a campaigner with Ekō. "So little of the checks and balances the platform ought to be doing actually takes place and if it does, they’ll do it after the fact". Ads removed, but for the wrong reasons Meta confirmed that it had removed the ads for violating its policies—but only after Ekō and The Guardian reached out for comment, and that too not for raising money for weapons but something else. A Meta spokesperson said all political or social issue-based ads must include disclaimers that identify who paid for them. None of these ads did. Ekō estimates that the ads, most of which were shown in the UK and EU, racked up at least 76,000 impressions. It was unable to determine the reach of the ads in the United States. What was the raised money used for? A deeper investigation by Israeli publication +972 Magazine revealed that many of the drones being crowdfunded—commercial quadcopters sold on Amazon—are being retrofitted by Israeli soldiers to drop grenades in combat. Several soldiers told the outlet that such drones were delivered via online donation drives and private Facebook groups. "Most of our drones are broken and falling apart—and we don’t have any replacements," read one ad. "Donate now — every second counts, every drone saves lives." One publisher flagged by Ekō, Vaad Hatzedaka, a non profit, has even linked its ads to a donation page listing the exact models of drones and tactical gear it was fundraising for, including two drones made by Chinese firm Autel. According to the group's donation tracker, it has raised over $250,000 of its $300,000 goal. Another campaigner, Israeli musician Mayer Malik, has used Meta ads to promote a donation page that offers sponsorships for tactical items like thermal drones. He has reportedly raised over $2.2 million for Israeli units through these efforts. Are such ads allowed? What do Meta rules say? Meta's policies broadly prohibit the buying, selling, gifting, or fundraising for "firearms, firearm parts, ammunition, explosives, or lethal enhancements," though they allow some exceptions. But the company said the recent ads were removed primarily for lacking political disclaimers—not for fundraising for military gear. According to Ekō, these campaigns may also violate the EU's Digital Services Act (DSA), which obligates platforms to remove any content that violates national or EU law. In both France and the UK, strict regulations limit how charities can fundraise for foreign militaries. In January 2025, the UK’s Charity Commission issued a formal warning to a London-based charity after it raised funds for an Israeli soldier, saying the effort was "not lawful or acceptable."

"This shows that Meta will literally take money from anybody," said Maen Hammad, a campaigner with Ekō. "So little of the checks and balances the platform ought to be doing actually takes place and if it does, they’ll do it after the fact".

'Meta will literally take money from anybody': Facebook, Instagram ran ads funding Israeli military strikes in Gaza, watchdog finds

US President Donald Trump said on Friday (July 18) that 10 Israeli hostages will be released "very shortly" from Gaza. The statement came amid the push for the 60-day ceasefire between Israel and Hamas amid the ongoing war. “We got most of the hostages back. We’re going to have another 10 coming very shortly, and we hope to have that finished quickly,” the American president said during a dinner with Republican senators. He also praised his Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, as “fantastic”.&nbsp;&nbsp;The new ceasefire proposal pushes for the release of the 10 hostages and the remains of 18 others in exchange for an unspecified number of Palestinians held in Israeli jails. Meanwhile, earlier on the same day, it was reported that the director of the Mossad visited the US this week in the hope that Trump would support Israel's offer to ask other countries to take in the hundreds of thousands of Palestinians still living in Gaza. The chief, David Barnea, told Witkoff that Israel has discussed relocating Palestinians to Ethiopia, Indonesia and Libya.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israeli-settlers-accused-of-killing-117-sheep-in-west-bank-attack-1752899347586/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/israeli-settlers-accused-of-killing-117-sheep-in-west-bank-attack-1752899347586/embed</a>&nbsp;Earlier on July 1, the US president had posted on his social media platform Truth Social that Israel has agreed to the “necessary conditions” to finalise a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza. Last week, the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the White House and presented Trump with a copy of a letter he had sent to the Nobel committee nominating the president for a Nobel Peace Prize.&nbsp;

The new ceasefire proposal pushes for the release of the 10 hostages and the remains of 18 others in exchange for an unspecified number of Palestinians held in Israeli jails. 

US President Donald Trump said on Friday (July 18) that 10 Israeli hostages will be released "very shortly" from Gaza. The statement came amid the push for the 60-day ceasefire between Israel and Hamas amid the ongoing war. “We got most of the hostages back. We’re going to have another 10 coming very shortly, and we hope to have that finished quickly,” the American president said during a dinner with Republican senators. He also praised his Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, as “fantastic”. The new ceasefire proposal pushes for the release of the 10 hostages and the remains of 18 others in exchange for an unspecified number of Palestinians held in Israeli jails. Meanwhile, earlier on the same day, it was reported that the director of the Mossad visited the US this week in the hope that Trump would support Israel's offer to ask other countries to take in the hundreds of thousands of Palestinians still living in Gaza. The chief, David Barnea, told Witkoff that Israel has discussed relocating Palestinians to Ethiopia, Indonesia and Libya. https://www.wionews.com/videos/israeli-settlers-accused-of-killing-117-sheep-in-west-bank-attack-1752899347586/embed Earlier on July 1, the US president had posted on his social media platform Truth Social that Israel has agreed to the “necessary conditions” to finalise a 60-day ceasefire in Gaza. Last week, the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited the White House and presented Trump with a copy of a letter he had sent to the Nobel committee nominating the president for a Nobel Peace Prize.

The new ceasefire proposal pushes for the release of the 10 hostages and the remains of 18 others in exchange for an unspecified number of Palestinians held in Israeli jails.&nbsp;

Trump says 10 more Israeli hostages to be free 'very shortly', hopes to 'finish' war in Gaza 'quickly'

US President Donald Trump on Sunday (Jul 13) said that negotiations over a Gaza ceasefire were ongoing and expressed hope for progress "over the next week". His statement comes even as Israeli airstrikes the same day killed more than 40 Palestinians, including children in Gaza, and as Qatari-mediated talks remained deadlocked. "Gaza – we are talking, and hopefully we're going to get that straightened out over the next week," Trump told reporters, echoing optimism he had previously voiced on July 4. But on the ground, there seem to be little to no signs of a breakthrough.<h2>Israeli strikes kill children collecting water</h2>As per Gaza's civil defence agency, 43 Palestinians were killed on Sunday alone, including 11 people at a market in Gaza City and eight children at a water distribution point in the Nuseirat refugee camp. Israel, meanwhile, said it was targeting an Islamic Jihad member but admitted that due to a technical error, "the munition fell dozens of metres from the target". The nation also said that "The incident is under review" and reports of casualties were being examined.<h2>Israel says '150 terror targets' struck as truce talks falter</h2>AFP reports that Israel, in a statement, said that its military jets "struck more than 150 terror targets". It also released drone footage showing airstrikes and rising plumes of smoke. Israel's intensifying campaign comes amid growing scrutiny of civilian casualties and escalating humanitarian concerns. Gaza's death toll now exceeds 58,026, most of them civilians, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. The UN has called the figures reliable.Watch | Trump tries to calm uproar over Epstein probe<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-tries-to-calm-uproar-over-epstein-probe-1752480889991/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-tries-to-calm-uproar-over-epstein-probe-1752480889991/embed</a>Meanwhile, efforts to negotiate a 60-day ceasefire and hostage deal in Doha hit an impasse over the weekend, with both Israel and Hamas blaming each other for the deadlock. As per AFP, a senior Israeli official accused Hamas of "intransigence", saying, “Hamas remains intransigent, clinging to positions that prevent the mediators from advancing an agreement.” Meanwhile, citing a Palestinian source, AFP reported that Israel was seeking to maintain a military presence in over 40 per cent of Gaza and force Palestinians into the south "in preparation for forcibly displacing them to Egypt or other countries".

"Gaza – we are talking, and hopefully we're going to get that straightened out over the next week," Trump told reporters, echoing optimism he had previously voiced on July 4. But on the ground, there seem to be little to no signs of a breakthrough.

US President Donald Trump on Sunday (Jul 13) said that negotiations over a Gaza ceasefire were ongoing and expressed hope for progress "over the next week". His statement comes even as Israeli airstrikes the same day killed more than 40 Palestinians, including children in Gaza, and as Qatari-mediated talks remained deadlocked. "Gaza – we are talking, and hopefully we're going to get that straightened out over the next week," Trump told reporters, echoing optimism he had previously voiced on July 4. But on the ground, there seem to be little to no signs of a breakthrough. Israeli strikes kill children collecting water As per Gaza's civil defence agency, 43 Palestinians were killed on Sunday alone, including 11 people at a market in Gaza City and eight children at a water distribution point in the Nuseirat refugee camp. Israel, meanwhile, said it was targeting an Islamic Jihad member but admitted that due to a technical error, "the munition fell dozens of metres from the target". The nation also said that "The incident is under review" and reports of casualties were being examined. Israel says '150 terror targets' struck as truce talks falter AFP reports that Israel, in a statement, said that its military jets "struck more than 150 terror targets". It also released drone footage showing airstrikes and rising plumes of smoke. Israel's intensifying campaign comes amid growing scrutiny of civilian casualties and escalating humanitarian concerns. Gaza's death toll now exceeds 58,026, most of them civilians, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. The UN has called the figures reliable. Watch | Trump tries to calm uproar over Epstein probe https://www.wionews.com/videos/trump-tries-to-calm-uproar-over-epstein-probe-1752480889991/embed Meanwhile, efforts to negotiate a 60-day ceasefire and hostage deal in Doha hit an impasse over the weekend, with both Israel and Hamas blaming each other for the deadlock. As per AFP, a senior Israeli official accused Hamas of "intransigence", saying, “Hamas remains intransigent, clinging to positions that prevent the mediators from advancing an agreement.” Meanwhile, citing a Palestinian source, AFP reported that Israel was seeking to maintain a military presence in over 40 per cent of Gaza and force Palestinians into the south "in preparation for forcibly displacing them to Egypt or other countries".

"Gaza – we are talking, and hopefully we're going to get that straightened out over the next week," Trump told reporters, echoing optimism he had previously voiced on July 4. But on the ground, there seem to be little to no signs of a breakthrough.

Trump says he'll get Gaza 'STRAIGHTENED OUT' in a week, even as Israeli strikes kill 8 children collecting water

At least ten Palestinians were killed Friday (Jul 11) while waiting for food rations near Rafah in southern Gaza, according to Gaza's civil defence agency. This, as per the UN, brings the total number of aid-related deaths to nearly 800 in just six weeks. The incident comes amid ongoing ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas in Qatar, as the war in Gaza enters its 22nd month. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday (Jul 10) expressed cautious optimism about a possible 60-day truce deal, saying he hoped it could be finalised in a few days. He said that once that is done, he would be ready to negotiate a more permanent end to the hostilities.<h2>Aid distribution turns deadly</h2>The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) said Friday that 798 Palestinians had been killed while attempting to access humanitarian aid between late May and July 7. Of those, 615 were killed "in the vicinity of the GHF [Gaza Humanitarian Foundation] sites," the UN said, referring to the controversial new US- and Israeli-backed aid group that has effectively replaced the UN's aid delivery role in Gaza."Where people are lining up for essential supplies such as food and medicine, and where... they have a choice between being shot or being fed, this is unacceptable," said UN rights office spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani in Geneva. The UN, as per AFP, refuses to cooperate with GHF over concerns that the organisation as designed to cater to Israeli military objectives.<h2>What did Israel say about the alarming figures?</h2>Israel's military said it was investigating the latest incident and had previously issued new instructions to troops after reports of civilian deaths near aid distribution points. It added that it works to minimise "possible friction" between aid seekers and soldiers and that it conducted "thorough examinations" of incidents in which "harm to civilians who arrived at distribution facilities was reported".The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, however, dismissed the UN report as "false and misleading", claiming that "most deadly attacks on aid sites have been linked to UN convoys".

The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) said Friday that 798 Palestinians had been killed while attempting to access humanitarian aid between late May and July 7.

At least ten Palestinians were killed Friday (Jul 11) while waiting for food rations near Rafah in southern Gaza, according to Gaza's civil defence agency. This, as per the UN, brings the total number of aid-related deaths to nearly 800 in just six weeks. The incident comes amid ongoing ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas in Qatar, as the war in Gaza enters its 22nd month. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday (Jul 10) expressed cautious optimism about a possible 60-day truce deal, saying he hoped it could be finalised in a few days. He said that once that is done, he would be ready to negotiate a more permanent end to the hostilities. Aid distribution turns deadly The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) said Friday that 798 Palestinians had been killed while attempting to access humanitarian aid between late May and July 7. Of those, 615 were killed "in the vicinity of the GHF [Gaza Humanitarian Foundation] sites," the UN said, referring to the controversial new US- and Israeli-backed aid group that has effectively replaced the UN's aid delivery role in Gaza. "Where people are lining up for essential supplies such as food and medicine, and where... they have a choice between being shot or being fed, this is unacceptable," said UN rights office spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani in Geneva. The UN, as per AFP, refuses to cooperate with GHF over concerns that the organisation as designed to cater to Israeli military objectives. What did Israel say about the alarming figures? Israel's military said it was investigating the latest incident and had previously issued new instructions to troops after reports of civilian deaths near aid distribution points. It added that it works to minimise "possible friction" between aid seekers and soldiers and that it conducted "thorough examinations" of incidents in which "harm to civilians who arrived at distribution facilities was reported". The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, however, dismissed the UN report as "false and misleading", claiming that "most deadly attacks on aid sites have been linked to UN convoys".

The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) said Friday that 798 Palestinians had been killed while attempting to access humanitarian aid between late May and July 7.

Aid line or death line? In just 6 weeks, 800 killed while collecting aid in Gaza, reveals UN's shocking report

US President Donald Trump said Tuesday (Jul 1) that Israel has agreed to the terms of a proposed 60-day ceasefire in Gaza and urged Hamas to accept what he called the "final" deal on the table. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said his representatives held a "long and productive meeting" with Israeli officials earlier in the day, paving the way for a temporary halt to the fighting that has ravaged the Palestinian territory for nearly nine months. He urged the militant group Hamas to also accept the "final proposal" while issuing an ominous warning "IT WILL ONLY GET WORSE".<h2>What did Trump say exactly?</h2>On Truth Social, Trump, in his usual style, wrote, "My Representatives had a long and productive meeting with the Israelis today on Gaza. Israel has agreed to the necessary conditions to finalise the 60 Day CEASEFIRE, during which time we will work with all parties to end the War."He then told Hamas that "The Qataris and Egyptians, who have worked very hard to help bring Peace, will deliver this final proposal." He added that he hopes “for the good of the Middle East, that Hamas takes this Deal, because it will not get better — IT WILL ONLY GET WORSE.”

Neither the Israeli government nor Hamas immediately responded to the announcement, and there was no official confirmation from the Israeli Embassy in Washington.<h2>Trump to be ‘Very firm’ with Netanyahu&nbsp;</h2>This comes just ahead of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to Washington. He is expected to visit the White House next Monday. Earlier on Tuesday, speaking to reporters earlier in the day, Trump said he planned to be "very firm" with Netanyahu during their upcoming meeting on July 7. Trump, who has previously claimed credit for brokering high-profile international agreements, seems to be pursuing a Gaza ceasefire as a potential diplomatic win. Previously, he has taken credit for brokering a ceasefire between Israel and Iran after a 12-day war broke out last month. That conflict, which included a US-led bombing campaign targeting Iranian nuclear facilities, ended in a fragile truce on June 24.

In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said his representatives held a "long and productive meeting" with Israeli officials earlier in the day, paving the way for a temporary halt to the fighting that has ravaged the Palestinian territory for nearly nine months.

US President Donald Trump said Tuesday (Jul 1) that Israel has agreed to the terms of a proposed 60-day ceasefire in Gaza and urged Hamas to accept what he called the "final" deal on the table. In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said his representatives held a "long and productive meeting" with Israeli officials earlier in the day, paving the way for a temporary halt to the fighting that has ravaged the Palestinian territory for nearly nine months. He urged the militant group Hamas to also accept the "final proposal" while issuing an ominous warning "IT WILL ONLY GET WORSE". What did Trump say exactly? On Truth Social, Trump, in his usual style, wrote, "My Representatives had a long and productive meeting with the Israelis today on Gaza. Israel has agreed to the necessary conditions to finalise the 60 Day CEASEFIRE, during which time we will work with all parties to end the War." He then told Hamas that "The Qataris and Egyptians, who have worked very hard to help bring Peace, will deliver this final proposal." He added that he hopes “for the good of the Middle East, that Hamas takes this Deal, because it will not get better — IT WILL ONLY GET WORSE.”

In a post on his Truth Social platform, Trump said his representatives held a "long and productive meeting" with Israeli officials earlier in the day, paving the way for a temporary halt to the fighting that has ravaged the Palestinian territory for nearly nine months.

Trump says Israel has agreed to 60-day Gaza ceasefire, urges Hamas to accept final deal, warns 'IT WILL ONLY GET WORSE'

US President Donald Trump voiced optimism Friday about a new ceasefire in Gaza, as criticism grew over mounting civilian deaths at Israeli-backed food distribution centers in the territory.Asked by reporters how close a ceasefire was between Israel and Hamas, Trump said: "We think within the next week, we're going to get a ceasefire."The United States brokered a ceasefire in the devastating conflict in the waning days of former president Joe Biden's administration, with support from Trump's incoming team.Israel broke the ceasefire in March, launching new devastating attacks on Hamas, which attacked Israel on October 7, 2023.Israel also stopped all food and other supplies from entering Gaza for more than two months, drawing warnings of famine.Israel has since allowed a resumption of food through the controversial US- and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which involves US security contractors with Israeli troops at the periphery.United Nations officials on Friday said the GHF system was leading to mass killings of people seeking aid, drawing accusations from Israel that the UN was "aligning itself with Hamas."Eyewitnesses and local officials have reported repeated killings of Palestinians at distribution centers over recent weeks in the war-stricken territory, where Israeli forces are battling Hamas militants.The Israeli military has denied targeting people and GHF has denied any deadly incidents were linked to its sites.But following weeks of reports, UN officials and other aid providers on Friday denounced what they said was a wave of killings of hungry people seeking aid."The new aid distribution system has become a killing field," with people "shot at while trying to access food for themselves and their families," said Philippe Lazzarini, head of the UN agency for Palestinian affairs (UNWRA)."This abomination must end through a return to humanitarian deliveries from the UN including @UNRWA," he wrote on X.The health ministry in the Hamas-controlled territory says that since late May, more than 500 people have been killed near aid centers while seeking scarce supplies.The country's civil defense agency has also repeatedly reported people being killed while seeking aid."People are being killed simply trying to feed themselves and their families," said UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres."The search for food must never be a death sentence."Medical charity Doctors Without Borders (MSF) branded the GHF relief effort "slaughter masquerading as humanitarian aid."<h2>Israel denies targeting civilians</h2>That drew an angry response from Israel, which said GHF had provided 46 million meals in Gaza."The UN is doing everything it can to oppose this effort. In doing so, the UN is aligning itself with Hamas, which is also trying to sabotage the GHF's humanitarian operations," the foreign ministry said.Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected a report in left-leaning daily Haaretz that military commanders had ordered troops to shoot at crowds near aid distribution sites to disperse them even when they posed no threat.Haaretz said the military advocate general, the army's top legal authority, had instructed the military to investigate "suspected war crimes" at aid sites.The Israeli military declined to comment to AFP on the claim.Netanyahu said in a joint statement with Defense Minister Israel Katz that their country "absolutely rejects the contemptible blood libels" and "malicious falsehoods" in the Haaretz article.<h2>Civil defense says 80 killed</h2>Gaza's civil defense agency told AFP 80 Palestinians had been killed on Friday by Israeli strikes or fire across the Palestinian territory, including 10 who were waiting for aid.The Israeli military told AFP it was looking into the incidents, and denied its troops fired in one of the locations in central Gaza where rescuers said one aid seeker was killed.Civil defense spokesman Mahmud Bassal told AFP six people were killed in southern Gaza near one of the distribution sites operated by GHF, and one more in a separate incident in the center of the territory, where the army denied shooting "at all."Another three people were killed by a strike while waiting for aid southwest of Gaza City, Bassal said.Elsewhere, eight people were killed "after an Israeli air strike hit Osama Bin Zaid School, which was housing displaced persons" in northern Gaza.<h2>Militants attack Israeli forces</h2>Meanwhile, Hamas's armed wing, the Ezzedine Al-Qassam Brigades, said they shelled an Israeli vehicle east of Khan Yunis in southern Gaza on Friday.The Al-Quds Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas-ally Palestinian Islamic Jihad, said they attacked Israeli soldiers in at least two other locations near Khan Yunis in coordination with the Al-Qassam Brigades.Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack on Israel that sparked the Gaza war resulted in the deaths of 1,219 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official figures.Israel's retaliatory military campaign has killed at least 56,331 people, also mostly civilians, according to Gaza's health ministry. The United Nations considers its figures reliable.Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Asked by reporters how close a ceasefire was between Israel and Hamas, Trump said: "We think within the next week, we're going to get a ceasefire."

US President Donald Trump voiced optimism Friday about a new ceasefire in Gaza, as criticism grew over mounting civilian deaths at Israeli-backed food distribution centers in the territory. Asked by reporters how close a ceasefire was between Israel and Hamas, Trump said: "We think within the next week, we're going to get a ceasefire." The United States brokered a ceasefire in the devastating conflict in the waning days of former president Joe Biden's administration, with support from Trump's incoming team. Israel broke the ceasefire in March, launching new devastating attacks on Hamas, which attacked Israel on October 7, 2023. Israel also stopped all food and other supplies from entering Gaza for more than two months, drawing warnings of famine. Israel has since allowed a resumption of food through the controversial US- and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation, which involves US security contractors with Israeli troops at the periphery. United Nations officials on Friday said the GHF system was leading to mass killings of people seeking aid, drawing accusations from Israel that the UN was "aligning itself with Hamas." Eyewitnesses and local officials have reported repeated killings of Palestinians at distribution centers over recent weeks in the war-stricken territory, where Israeli forces are battling Hamas militants. The Israeli military has denied targeting people and GHF has denied any deadly incidents were linked to its sites. But following weeks of reports, UN officials and other aid providers on Friday denounced what they said was a wave of killings of hungry people seeking aid. "The new aid distribution system has become a killing field," with people "shot at while trying to access food for themselves and their families," said Philippe Lazzarini, head of the UN agency for Palestinian affairs (UNWRA). "This abomination must end through a return to humanitarian deliveries from the UN including @UNRWA," he wrote on X. The health ministry in the Hamas-controlled territory says that since late May, more than 500 people have been killed near aid centers while seeking scarce supplies. The country's civil defense agency has also repeatedly reported people being killed while seeking aid. "People are being killed simply trying to feed themselves and their families," said UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres. "The search for food must never be a death sentence." Medical charity Doctors Without Borders (MSF) branded the GHF relief effort "slaughter masquerading as humanitarian aid." Israel denies targeting civilians That drew an angry response from Israel, which said GHF had provided 46 million meals in Gaza. "The UN is doing everything it can to oppose this effort. In doing so, the UN is aligning itself with Hamas, which is also trying to sabotage the GHF's humanitarian operations," the foreign ministry said. Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected a report in left-leaning daily Haaretz that military commanders had ordered troops to shoot at crowds near aid distribution sites to disperse them even when they posed no threat. Haaretz said the military advocate general, the army's top legal authority, had instructed the military to investigate "suspected war crimes" at aid sites. The Israeli military declined to comment to AFP on the claim. Netanyahu said in a joint statement with Defense Minister Israel Katz that their country "absolutely rejects the contemptible blood libels" and "malicious falsehoods" in the Haaretz article. Civil defense says 80 killed Gaza's civil defense agency told AFP 80 Palestinians had been killed on Friday by Israeli strikes or fire across the Palestinian territory, including 10 who were waiting for aid. The Israeli military told AFP it was looking into the incidents, and denied its troops fired in one of the locations in central Gaza where rescuers said one aid seeker was killed. Civil defense spokesman Mahmud Bassal told AFP six people were killed in southern Gaza near one of the distribution sites operated by GHF, and one more in a separate incident in the center of the territory, where the army denied shooting "at all." Another three people were killed by a strike while waiting for aid southwest of Gaza City, Bassal said. Elsewhere, eight people were killed "after an Israeli air strike hit Osama Bin Zaid School, which was housing displaced persons" in northern Gaza. Militants attack Israeli forces Meanwhile, Hamas's armed wing, the Ezzedine Al-Qassam Brigades, said they shelled an Israeli vehicle east of Khan Yunis in southern Gaza on Friday. The Al-Quds Brigades, the armed wing of Hamas-ally Palestinian Islamic Jihad, said they attacked Israeli soldiers in at least two other locations near Khan Yunis in coordination with the Al-Qassam Brigades. Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack on Israel that sparked the Gaza war resulted in the deaths of 1,219 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official figures. Israel's retaliatory military campaign has killed at least 56,331 people, also mostly civilians, according to Gaza's health ministry. The United Nations considers its figures reliable. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Asked by reporters how close a ceasefire was between Israel and Hamas, Trump said: "We think within the next week, we're going to get a ceasefire."

Trump hails Gaza progress, says ceasefire possibly 'next week' even as UN says Israel’s aid centres becoming ‘killing fields’

Benjamin Netanyahu, an elite soldier-turned prime minister of Israel, has been described as a war monger, maverick politician known for brinkmanship, or a strong leader of the Jewish nation, depending on where you look. But one thing is clear: Netanyahu is possibly among the most consequential leaders of Israel. As the Israel-Iran war rages on, here is a look at the life, military career and political controversies of Bibi, the man of the moment.&nbsp;<h2>Benjamin Netanyahu: Early life details</h2> Benjamin Netanyahu was born on 21 October 1949 in Tel Aviv, Israel. He spent parts of his youth in the US, where his father taught at a college. In 1956-1958 and from 1963 to 1967, his family lived in Cheltenham Township of Pennsylvania. Netanyahu studied at the Cheltenham High School and Cornell University. The nation’s longest-serving prime minister, Netanyahu served in 1996–1999, 2009–2021, and since 2022 in the top post.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2> Netanyahu's military career: Elite soldier on risky missions</h2>Netanyahu’s military service began in 1967 when he returned from the US at the age of 18. He joined the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) that year, and served in the elite Sayeret Matkal special forces unit.&nbsp;&nbsp;He was part of several risky operations of Israeli forces, such as the 1972 rescue of a hijacked Sabena plane. He was injured in the shoulder during that operation. Netanyahu fought in the 1973 Yom Kippur War, and was promoted to captain.&nbsp;He was also part of several IDF missions across Lebanon and Jordan in 1968.&nbsp; He lost his brother Yonatan, who led the 1976 Entebbe counterterrorism raid, a life event that shaped his hardline stance against terrorism. He later went on to found the Jonathan Institute to combat global terrorism.&nbsp; His military experience led to the ‘Mr Security’ image of Netanyahu, which gave him political legitimacy. &nbsp;<h2>Netanyahu's political career: Right-wing leader known for brinkmanship &nbsp;</h2>Netanyahu joined the right-wing Likud party and rose through the ranks, often through sheer brinkmanship. He negotiated crises at home and abroad, including court cases alleging corruption, the hearings of which continued even as he was in and out of power. Through deft handling of coalitions, Netanyahu focused on staying in power despite not having a clear majority in recent elections, by aligning with far-right parties and leaders. He shrugged off massive protests seeking his arrest in corruption cases. &nbsp;<h2>Iran and Palestinians: Arch rivals of Netanyahu &nbsp;</h2>Having been a frontline soldier, Netanyahu was openly opposed to the Oslo Accords of the 1990s, which established a framework for the two-state solution that aimed to eventually create a Palestinian state alongside Israel.&nbsp;Instead of a solution, Netanyahu was interested in ‘managing’ the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and is often accused of supporting one Palestinian group against the other and stalling the peace process in spite of several direct talks with the other side's leaders. Netanyahu is one of the most vocal leaders against Iran, which he accused of supporting anti-Israel militant groups like Hezbollah, Hamas and Houthis. At every opportunity on the international stage, Netanyahu criticised the Iranian nuclear programme, arguing that Tehran aimed to develop nuclear weapons, which Israel saw as an existential threat. Netanyahu was unreserved in his criticism of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal. In a speech to the US Congress the same year, he railed against it, which strained his ties with the then-US administration of Barack Obama, who had led the US in the deal. This was an example of Netanyahu's risk-taking behaviour: he was ready to openly challenge even an ally like the US, in order to achieve Israel's strategic goals. &nbsp;<h2>Netanyahu, a polarising figure in domestic politics &nbsp;</h2>For more than five years now, Netanyahu has faced continuing protests against his rule. He and his wife Sara have faced corruption charges since 2019. But he used the war situation emerging after the 2023 October 7 terror attack by Hamas on Israel to his political advantage: first by creating a war cabinet that included opposition figures and far-right leaders, &nbsp;second by pushing for reforming the judiciary, and third by expanding the war in the larger region. &nbsp;This was seen as his willingness to polarise the nation politically to stay in power. Now that the Israel-Iran war is raging, it has only further cemented his position at the helm.<h2> Netanyahu, from soldier to wartime prime minister</h2>Besides taking part in military missions himself, Netanyahu also led the nation in several conflicts, mainly involving the Palestinians, Iran and its proxies. The Gaza War of 2014 was a brief conflict under his leadership in which Israel targeted Hamas in the Palestinian enclave, allegedly leading to thousands of civilian deaths. After the Hamas-led attack on Israel in 2023, in which 1,200 mostly civilian Israelis were killed, Netanyahu ordered a full-scale invasion of Gaza, triggering the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. More than 44,000 Palestinian deaths have been reported, mostly civilians.&nbsp; Amid the continuing political challenges to his leadership, Netanyahu in 2024 ordered an invasion of Lebanon to counter Hezbollah, expanding regional tensions.&nbsp; Under his orders, the leaders of Hamas and Hezbollah were killed in Gaza as well as in Lebanon and Iran. Netanyahu is a man on a mission. He has continuously rejected calls for a ceasefire with Hamas, drawing global condemnation, and defied even the arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court for alleged war crimes in Gaza.<h2> A contentious legacy shaped by controversy &nbsp;</h2>Netanyahu is keen on political survival and is known for his resiliency.&nbsp;The polarising leader's military background, political manoeuvring, and wartime decision-making appear to put his own security and survival upfront, despite the lack of diplomatic consensus or domestic unity.&nbsp; His ability to do the strategic tight rope walk is informed by his military experience and personal involvement in Israel’s conflicts in the region.&nbsp;&nbsp;Whether you like him or not, his legacy would be that of a leader who reshaped the global perspective on Israel as a regional power.

Whether you like him or not, his legacy would be that of a leader who reshaped the global perspective on Israel as a regional power.

Benjamin Netanyahu, an elite soldier-turned prime minister of Israel, has been described as a war monger, maverick politician known for brinkmanship, or a strong leader of the Jewish nation, depending on where you look. But one thing is clear: Netanyahu is possibly among the most consequential leaders of Israel. As the Israel-Iran war rages on, here is a look at the life, military career and political controversies of Bibi, the man of the moment. Benjamin Netanyahu: Early life details Benjamin Netanyahu was born on 21 October 1949 in Tel Aviv, Israel. He spent parts of his youth in the US, where his father taught at a college. In 1956-1958 and from 1963 to 1967, his family lived in Cheltenham Township of Pennsylvania. Netanyahu studied at the Cheltenham High School and Cornell University. The nation’s longest-serving prime minister, Netanyahu served in 1996–1999, 2009–2021, and since 2022 in the top post. Netanyahu's military career: Elite soldier on risky missions Netanyahu’s military service began in 1967 when he returned from the US at the age of 18. He joined the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) that year, and served in the elite Sayeret Matkal special forces unit. He was part of several risky operations of Israeli forces, such as the 1972 rescue of a hijacked Sabena plane. He was injured in the shoulder during that operation. Netanyahu fought in the 1973 Yom Kippur War, and was promoted to captain. He was also part of several IDF missions across Lebanon and Jordan in 1968. He lost his brother Yonatan, who led the 1976 Entebbe counterterrorism raid, a life event that shaped his hardline stance against terrorism. He later went on to found the Jonathan Institute to combat global terrorism. His military experience led to the ‘Mr Security’ image of Netanyahu, which gave him political legitimacy. Netanyahu's political career: Right-wing leader known for brinkmanship Netanyahu joined the right-wing Likud party and rose through the ranks, often through sheer brinkmanship. He negotiated crises at home and abroad, including court cases alleging corruption, the hearings of which continued even as he was in and out of power. Through deft handling of coalitions, Netanyahu focused on staying in power despite not having a clear majority in recent elections, by aligning with far-right parties and leaders. He shrugged off massive protests seeking his arrest in corruption cases. Iran and Palestinians: Arch rivals of Netanyahu Having been a frontline soldier, Netanyahu was openly opposed to the Oslo Accords of the 1990s, which established a framework for the two-state solution that aimed to eventually create a Palestinian state alongside Israel. Instead of a solution, Netanyahu was interested in ‘managing’ the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and is often accused of supporting one Palestinian group against the other and stalling the peace process in spite of several direct talks with the other side's leaders. Netanyahu is one of the most vocal leaders against Iran, which he accused of supporting anti-Israel militant groups like Hezbollah, Hamas and Houthis. At every opportunity on the international stage, Netanyahu criticised the Iranian nuclear programme, arguing that Tehran aimed to develop nuclear weapons, which Israel saw as an existential threat. Netanyahu was unreserved in his criticism of the 2015 Iran nuclear deal. In a speech to the US Congress the same year, he railed against it, which strained his ties with the then-US administration of Barack Obama, who had led the US in the deal. This was an example of Netanyahu's risk-taking behaviour: he was ready to openly challenge even an ally like the US, in order to achieve Israel's strategic goals. Netanyahu, a polarising figure in domestic politics For more than five years now, Netanyahu has faced continuing protests against his rule. He and his wife Sara have faced corruption charges since 2019. But he used the war situation emerging after the 2023 October 7 terror attack by Hamas on Israel to his political advantage: first by creating a war cabinet that included opposition figures and far-right leaders, second by pushing for reforming the judiciary, and third by expanding the war in the larger region. This was seen as his willingness to polarise the nation politically to stay in power. Now that the Israel-Iran war is raging, it has only further cemented his position at the helm. Netanyahu, from soldier to wartime prime minister Besides taking part in military missions himself, Netanyahu also led the nation in several conflicts, mainly involving the Palestinians, Iran and its proxies. The Gaza War of 2014 was a brief conflict under his leadership in which Israel targeted Hamas in the Palestinian enclave, allegedly leading to thousands of civilian deaths. After the Hamas-led attack on Israel in 2023, in which 1,200 mostly civilian Israelis were killed, Netanyahu ordered a full-scale invasion of Gaza, triggering the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. More than 44,000 Palestinian deaths have been reported, mostly civilians. Amid the continuing political challenges to his leadership, Netanyahu in 2024 ordered an invasion of Lebanon to counter Hezbollah, expanding regional tensions. Under his orders, the leaders of Hamas and Hezbollah were killed in Gaza as well as in Lebanon and Iran. Netanyahu is a man on a mission. He has continuously rejected calls for a ceasefire with Hamas, drawing global condemnation, and defied even the arrest warrants issued by the International Criminal Court for alleged war crimes in Gaza. A contentious legacy shaped by controversy Netanyahu is keen on political survival and is known for his resiliency. The polarising leader's military background, political manoeuvring, and wartime decision-making appear to put his own security and survival upfront, despite the lack of diplomatic consensus or domestic unity. His ability to do the strategic tight rope walk is informed by his military experience and personal involvement in Israel’s conflicts in the region. Whether you like him or not, his legacy would be that of a leader who reshaped the global perspective on Israel as a regional power.

One thing is clear: Netanyahu is possibly among the most consequential leaders of Israel.

Iran-Israel War: Benjamin Netanyahu's wartime leadership is shaped by his military career, survival instinct | A profile

Britain on Tuesday sanctioned two far-right Israeli ministers, Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, over the comments they made on Gaza. Ben-Gvir and Smotrich will be banned from entering the UK and will have any assets in the country frozen as part of the measures announced by the foreign secretary, David Lammy, on Tuesday.&nbsp;Lammy said National Security Minister Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Smotrich had “incited extremist violence and serious abuses of Palestinian human rights”.&nbsp;Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu relies on Ben-Gvir and Smotrich to maintain his fragile coalition government.&nbsp;Israel responded to the announcement by saying, “It is outrageous that elected representatives and members of the government are subjected to these kinds of measures.”&nbsp;Ben-Gvir, a West Bank settler, and Smotrich have been criticised for their stance on the war in Gaza.&nbsp;After announcing the sanctions, Lammy said, “These actions are not acceptable. This is why we have taken action now – to hold those responsible to account.” &nbsp;“We will strive to achieve an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the immediate release of the remaining hostages by Hamas, which can have no future role in the governance of Gaza, a surge in aid, and a path to a two-state solution,” he added.&nbsp;<h2>Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar calls the move ‘outrageous’&nbsp;</h2>&nbsp;Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said the move was “outrageous” and the government would hold a special meeting early next week to decide how to respond to the “unacceptable decision”.Smotrich, speaking at the inauguration of a new settlement in the Hebron Hills, spoke of “contempt” for Britain’s move.&nbsp;The British Foreign Office said that “alongside partners Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and Norway, the UK is clear that the rising violence and intimidation by Israeli settlers against Palestinian communities in the West Bank must stop”.&nbsp;Speaking to parliament earlier, Lammy accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of “planning to drive Gazans from their homes into a corner of the Strip to the south and permit them a fraction of the aid that they need.”&nbsp;“Minister Smotrich even spoke of Israeli forces ‘cleansing’ Gaza, ‘destroying what’s left,’ of resident Palestinians ‘being relocated to third countries’,” Lammy said, adding, “We must call this what it is. It is extremism. It is dangerous. It is repellent. It is monstrous. And I condemn it in the strongest possible terms.”&nbsp;Ben-Gvir advocated for the expulsion of Palestinians from Gaza and said that the Al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem should be replaced with a synagogue.Ben-Gvir and Smotrich have clashed repeatedly with Netanyahu, both calling for the permanent conquest of Gaza and re-establishment of the Jewish settlements there which Israel abandoned in 2005, but the Israeli leader rejected their demand.&nbsp;In May, London had suspended free trade talks with Israel for pursuing “egregious policies” in the occupied West Bank and Gaza, summoned its ambassador, and announced further sanctions against West Bank settlers.&nbsp;The leaders of Britain, France, and Canada reiterated their commitment to a two-state solution for ending the conflict and threatened “concrete actions” against Israel if it continued the renewed military offensive in Gaza and maintained aid restrictions.&nbsp;In response, Netanyahu accused them of wanting to help Hamas and being "on the wrong side of history".&nbsp;Israel began its offensive in Gaza in response to the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel in October 2023 that killed 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and saw 251 people taken &nbsp;into Gaza as hostages.

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu relies on Ben-Gvir and Smotrich to maintain his fragile coalition government. Israel responded to the announcement by saying, “It is outrageous that elected representatives and members of the government are subjected to these kinds of measures.”

Britain on Tuesday sanctioned two far-right Israeli ministers, Itamar Ben-Gvir and Bezalel Smotrich, over the comments they made on Gaza. Ben-Gvir and Smotrich will be banned from entering the UK and will have any assets in the country frozen as part of the measures announced by the foreign secretary, David Lammy, on Tuesday. Lammy said National Security Minister Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Smotrich had “incited extremist violence and serious abuses of Palestinian human rights”. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu relies on Ben-Gvir and Smotrich to maintain his fragile coalition government. Israel responded to the announcement by saying, “It is outrageous that elected representatives and members of the government are subjected to these kinds of measures.” Ben-Gvir, a West Bank settler, and Smotrich have been criticised for their stance on the war in Gaza. After announcing the sanctions, Lammy said, “These actions are not acceptable. This is why we have taken action now – to hold those responsible to account.” “We will strive to achieve an immediate ceasefire in Gaza, the immediate release of the remaining hostages by Hamas, which can have no future role in the governance of Gaza, a surge in aid, and a path to a two-state solution,” he added. Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar calls the move ‘outrageous’ Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said the move was “outrageous” and the government would hold a special meeting early next week to decide how to respond to the “unacceptable decision”. Smotrich, speaking at the inauguration of a new settlement in the Hebron Hills, spoke of “contempt” for Britain’s move. The British Foreign Office said that “alongside partners Australia, Canada, New Zealand, and Norway, the UK is clear that the rising violence and intimidation by Israeli settlers against Palestinian communities in the West Bank must stop”. Speaking to parliament earlier, Lammy accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of “planning to drive Gazans from their homes into a corner of the Strip to the south and permit them a fraction of the aid that they need.” “Minister Smotrich even spoke of Israeli forces ‘cleansing’ Gaza, ‘destroying what’s left,’ of resident Palestinians ‘being relocated to third countries’,” Lammy said, adding, “We must call this what it is. It is extremism. It is dangerous. It is repellent. It is monstrous. And I condemn it in the strongest possible terms.” Ben-Gvir advocated for the expulsion of Palestinians from Gaza and said that the Al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem should be replaced with a synagogue. Ben-Gvir and Smotrich have clashed repeatedly with Netanyahu, both calling for the permanent conquest of Gaza and re-establishment of the Jewish settlements there which Israel abandoned in 2005, but the Israeli leader rejected their demand. In May, London had suspended free trade talks with Israel for pursuing “egregious policies” in the occupied West Bank and Gaza, summoned its ambassador, and announced further sanctions against West Bank settlers. The leaders of Britain, France, and Canada reiterated their commitment to a two-state solution for ending the conflict and threatened “concrete actions” against Israel if it continued the renewed military offensive in Gaza and maintained aid restrictions. In response, Netanyahu accused them of wanting to help Hamas and being "on the wrong side of history". Israel began its offensive in Gaza in response to the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel in October 2023 that killed 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and saw 251 people taken into Gaza as hostages.

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu relies on Ben-Gvir and Smotrich to maintain his fragile coalition government. Israel responded to the announcement by saying, “It is outrageous that elected representatives and members of the government are subjected to these kinds of measures.”

UK sanctions Ben-Gvir and Smotrich over their Gaza comments. Who are they?

Israel Defense Forces on Saturday (May 31) confirmed to have eliminated Hamas chief Mohammed Sinwar in an airstrike earlier in the month after assassinating his elder brother Yahya Sinwar in October 24.&nbsp;The IDF has succeeded in eliminating successive heads of Hamas, inflicting a severe blow to the military command of the extremist group since assassinating Ismail Haniyeh in July 2024.&nbsp;After the extermination of the Sinwar brothers, the man now emerging as the de facto military leader of Hamas in Gaza is Izz al-Din al-Haddad, who has an extensive background in military and intelligence operations.&nbsp;Known by several aliases like “Abu Suhaib” and “the Ghost of the al-Qassam Brigades”, al-Haddad has succeeded in evading Israel’s most intensive manhunts and is now believed to hold authority over hostages, military operations, and key decisions on ceasefire negotiations.&nbsp;<h2>Who is Izz al-Din al-Haddad?</h2>&nbsp;Al-Haddad has risen in the Hamas ranks over a long time after having started as a company-level commander in the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades.He was then assigned charge of a battalion and, over time, commanded a total of six battalions and a special forces unit.After the killing of Bassem Issa in 2021, al-Haddad was appointed commander of the Gaza Brigade, one of the most critical posts within the armed wing. In June 2024, he was reportedly designated as the overall commander for northern Gaza.After the death of Yahya Sinwar, al-Haddad assumed responsibility for two major regional commands and 14 battalions and was sharing command of the Gaza Strip with Mohammed Sinwar.&nbsp;<h2>Izz al-Din al-Haddad’s role in Oct 7 attacks</h2>&nbsp;The night before the attack, al-Haddad reportedly convened a secret meeting with senior commanders where he distributed a document that outlined the mission’s core objectives: the mass abduction of Israeli soldiers to be transported into Gaza, real-time documentation of the assault and the capture of border-adjacent Israeli communities, says a Ynet News report.In an interview to Al Jazeera, Al-Haddad defended Hamas’s actions on October 7 by claiming to have discovered Israeli military plans for a major Gaza operation.&nbsp;<h2>How has al-Haddad survived Israeli attacks?</h2>&nbsp;Al-Haddad has been a target of the Israeli military for a long time, but has survived at least six assassination attempts, with attacks dating back to 2008. Israeli airstrikes targeted his residence in 2008, 2012, 2021 and 2023.Three more targeted operations have been attempted to eliminate him since the war began, but each time he managed to flee and evade death.Intelligence sources say al-Haddad is very guarded about his whereabouts and movements, frequently shifts locations and maintains tight security protocols, relying only on a select few in his inner circle.The extreme caution has helped him survive, even as Israel has placed a $750,000 bounty on information leading to his capture or death.&nbsp;His eldest son, Suhaib, and grandson were killed in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City on January 17, 2025. In April 2025, his second son was also killed in an Israeli operation.&nbsp;Reports say that the Sinwar brothers trusted al-Haddad following their years of collaboration in intelligence operations and armed strategy. The closeness he enjoyed with the Sinwar brothers positioned him as a natural successor once the IDF started eliminating senior Hamas figures.

Known by several aliases like “Abu Suhaib” and “the Ghost of the al-Qassam Brigades”, al-Haddad has succeeded in evading Israel’s most intensive manhunts and is now believed to hold authority over hostages, military operations, and key decisions on ceasefire negotiations.

Israel Defense Forces on Saturday (May 31) confirmed to have eliminated Hamas chief Mohammed Sinwar in an airstrike earlier in the month after assassinating his elder brother Yahya Sinwar in October 24. The IDF has succeeded in eliminating successive heads of Hamas, inflicting a severe blow to the military command of the extremist group since assassinating Ismail Haniyeh in July 2024. After the extermination of the Sinwar brothers, the man now emerging as the de facto military leader of Hamas in Gaza is Izz al-Din al-Haddad, who has an extensive background in military and intelligence operations. Known by several aliases like “Abu Suhaib” and “the Ghost of the al-Qassam Brigades”, al-Haddad has succeeded in evading Israel’s most intensive manhunts and is now believed to hold authority over hostages, military operations, and key decisions on ceasefire negotiations. Who is Izz al-Din al-Haddad? Al-Haddad has risen in the Hamas ranks over a long time after having started as a company-level commander in the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades. He was then assigned charge of a battalion and, over time, commanded a total of six battalions and a special forces unit. After the killing of Bassem Issa in 2021, al-Haddad was appointed commander of the Gaza Brigade, one of the most critical posts within the armed wing. In June 2024, he was reportedly designated as the overall commander for northern Gaza. After the death of Yahya Sinwar, al-Haddad assumed responsibility for two major regional commands and 14 battalions and was sharing command of the Gaza Strip with Mohammed Sinwar. Izz al-Din al-Haddad’s role in Oct 7 attacks The night before the attack, al-Haddad reportedly convened a secret meeting with senior commanders where he distributed a document that outlined the mission’s core objectives: the mass abduction of Israeli soldiers to be transported into Gaza, real-time documentation of the assault and the capture of border-adjacent Israeli communities, says a Ynet News report. In an interview to Al Jazeera, Al-Haddad defended Hamas’s actions on October 7 by claiming to have discovered Israeli military plans for a major Gaza operation. How has al-Haddad survived Israeli attacks? Al-Haddad has been a target of the Israeli military for a long time, but has survived at least six assassination attempts, with attacks dating back to 2008. Israeli airstrikes targeted his residence in 2008, 2012, 2021 and 2023. Three more targeted operations have been attempted to eliminate him since the war began, but each time he managed to flee and evade death. Intelligence sources say al-Haddad is very guarded about his whereabouts and movements, frequently shifts locations and maintains tight security protocols, relying only on a select few in his inner circle. The extreme caution has helped him survive, even as Israel has placed a $750,000 bounty on information leading to his capture or death. His eldest son, Suhaib, and grandson were killed in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza City on January 17, 2025. In April 2025, his second son was also killed in an Israeli operation. Reports say that the Sinwar brothers trusted al-Haddad following their years of collaboration in intelligence operations and armed strategy. The closeness he enjoyed with the Sinwar brothers positioned him as a natural successor once the IDF started eliminating senior Hamas figures.

Known by several aliases like “Abu Suhaib” and “the Ghost of the al-Qassam Brigades”, al-Haddad has succeeded in evading Israel’s most intensive manhunts and is now believed to hold authority over hostages, military operations, and key decisions on ceasefire negotiations.

Sinwars wiped out, Izz al-Din al-Haddad now new military chief of Hamas? Who is he?

Israel has strongly denied claims that its forces were behind a deadly incident at a US-backed aid centre in Rafah, Gaza, where 31 people reportedly died on Sunday.In a post shared on social media, the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) rejected what it described as “false and fabricated reports” that alleged Israeli troops had opened fire on civilians gathering for humanitarian aid.“False reports have been spread in recent hours, including serious allegations against the IDF regarding fire toward Gazan residents in the area of the humanitarian aid distribution site in Gaza,” read the statement.“Findings from an initial inquiry indicate that the IDF did not fire at civilians while they were near or within the humanitarian aid distribution site and that reports to this effect are false,” it added.<h2>US-backed group also denies any incident or injuries</h2>The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which is based in the United States and runs the aid centre in Rafah, also pushed back against the reports.“It is false and fabricated. All aid was distributed today without incident,” the group said in a statement accessed by the BBC.GHF also accused Hamas of spreading misinformation. “We have heard that these fake reports have been actively fomented by Hamas. They are untrue and fabricated,” the foundation said.This follows earlier comments made by the GHF to the Associated Press, where it had acknowledged that Israeli forces “fired warning shots” near the centre.<h2>31 deaths reported by Gaza health ministry</h2>Despite the denials, the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza said that at least 31 people were killed in the attack near the aid centre.Israel has insisted it had no role in the casualties, instead suggesting that gunmen had opened fire on civilians at the site. The full details surrounding the incident remain unclear.<h2>UN condemns growing danger at aid distribution points</h2>The United Nations expressed alarm over rising violence near humanitarian zones and shelters across Gaza.Calling the enclave the “hungriest place on earth,” the UN criticised the newly created aid distribution networks, run in part by the US and Israel, describing them as “death traps” for innocent civilians.<h3>Hamas says it is open to new round of ceasefire talks</h3>Meanwhile, Hamas has announced that it is prepared to begin a new round of indirect negotiations with Israel to resolve key issues surrounding a ceasefire and hostage release.The group said the aim was to reach a deal that “ensures relief for our people and an end to the humanitarian catastrophe, ultimately leading to a permanent ceasefire and the complete withdrawal of the occupation forces.”However, Hamas did not clarify whether it was withdrawing a recent ceasefire proposal that US envoy Steve Witkoff had described as “totally unacceptable” and accused of setting back progress.

“False reports have been spread in recent hours, including serious allegations against the IDF regarding fire toward Gazan residents in the area of the humanitarian aid distribution site in Gaza,” read the statement.

Israel has strongly denied claims that its forces were behind a deadly incident at a US-backed aid centre in Rafah, Gaza, where 31 people reportedly died on Sunday. In a post shared on social media, the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) rejected what it described as “false and fabricated reports” that alleged Israeli troops had opened fire on civilians gathering for humanitarian aid. “False reports have been spread in recent hours, including serious allegations against the IDF regarding fire toward Gazan residents in the area of the humanitarian aid distribution site in Gaza,” read the statement. “Findings from an initial inquiry indicate that the IDF did not fire at civilians while they were near or within the humanitarian aid distribution site and that reports to this effect are false,” it added. US-backed group also denies any incident or injuries The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), which is based in the United States and runs the aid centre in Rafah, also pushed back against the reports. “It is false and fabricated. All aid was distributed today without incident,” the group said in a statement accessed by the BBC. GHF also accused Hamas of spreading misinformation. “We have heard that these fake reports have been actively fomented by Hamas. They are untrue and fabricated,” the foundation said. This follows earlier comments made by the GHF to the Associated Press, where it had acknowledged that Israeli forces “fired warning shots” near the centre. 31 deaths reported by Gaza health ministry Despite the denials, the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza said that at least 31 people were killed in the attack near the aid centre. Israel has insisted it had no role in the casualties, instead suggesting that gunmen had opened fire on civilians at the site. The full details surrounding the incident remain unclear. UN condemns growing danger at aid distribution points The United Nations expressed alarm over rising violence near humanitarian zones and shelters across Gaza. Calling the enclave the “hungriest place on earth,” the UN criticised the newly created aid distribution networks, run in part by the US and Israel, describing them as “death traps” for innocent civilians. Hamas says it is open to new round of ceasefire talks Meanwhile, Hamas has announced that it is prepared to begin a new round of indirect negotiations with Israel to resolve key issues surrounding a ceasefire and hostage release. The group said the aim was to reach a deal that “ensures relief for our people and an end to the humanitarian catastrophe, ultimately leading to a permanent ceasefire and the complete withdrawal of the occupation forces.” However, Hamas did not clarify whether it was withdrawing a recent ceasefire proposal that US envoy Steve Witkoff had described as “totally unacceptable” and accused of setting back progress.

“False reports have been spread in recent hours, including serious allegations against the IDF regarding fire toward Gazan residents in the area of the humanitarian aid distribution site in Gaza,” read the statement.

'False and fabricated reports': Israel denies deadly Rafah aid centre strike that killed 31; Hamas open for fresh ceasefire talks

The foreign ministers of five Arab countries who had planned to visit the occupied West Bank this weekend on Saturday condemned Israel's decision to block their plans. The ministers condemned "Israel's decision to ban the delegation's visit to Ramallah (on Sunday) to meet with the president of the State of Palestine, Mahmud Abbas", the Jordanian foreign ministry said.&nbsp;&nbsp;Ministers from Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates had been expected to take part alongside Turkey and the secretary-general of the Arab League.&nbsp;&nbsp;Israel had announced late Friday that it would not cooperate, effectively blocking the visit as it controls the territory's borders and airspace. Abbas "intended to host in Ramallah a provocative meeting of foreign ministers from Arab countries to discuss the promotion of the establishment of a Palestinian state," said a statement attributed to an unidentified official. "Such a state would undoubtedly become a terrorist state in the heart of the Land of Israel. Israel will not cooperate with such moves aimed at harming it and its security."&nbsp;&nbsp;Had the visit gone ahead, the delegation's head Prince Faisal bin Farhan would have become the first Saudi foreign minister to visit the West Bank. Israel this week announced the creation of 22 new Jewish settlements in the West Bank, regarded by the United Nations as illegal under international law and one of the main obstacles to a lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians.

The foreign ministers of five Arab countries who had planned to visit the occupied West Bank this weekend on Saturday condemned Israel's decision to block their plans

The foreign ministers of five Arab countries who had planned to visit the occupied West Bank this weekend on Saturday condemned Israel's decision to block their plans. The ministers condemned "Israel's decision to ban the delegation's visit to Ramallah (on Sunday) to meet with the president of the State of Palestine, Mahmud Abbas", the Jordanian foreign ministry said. Ministers from Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates had been expected to take part alongside Turkey and the secretary-general of the Arab League. Israel had announced late Friday that it would not cooperate, effectively blocking the visit as it controls the territory's borders and airspace. Abbas "intended to host in Ramallah a provocative meeting of foreign ministers from Arab countries to discuss the promotion of the establishment of a Palestinian state," said a statement attributed to an unidentified official. "Such a state would undoubtedly become a terrorist state in the heart of the Land of Israel. Israel will not cooperate with such moves aimed at harming it and its security." Had the visit gone ahead, the delegation's head Prince Faisal bin Farhan would have become the first Saudi foreign minister to visit the West Bank. Israel this week announced the creation of 22 new Jewish settlements in the West Bank, regarded by the United Nations as illegal under international law and one of the main obstacles to a lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians.

The foreign ministers of five Arab countries who had planned to visit the occupied West Bank this weekend on Saturday condemned Israel's decision to block their plans

'Will not cooperate': Israel blocks Arab ministers planned visit to West Bank; Arab countries condemn ban

The independent board of Ben &amp; Jerry's said the conflict in Gaza is a genocide, escalating a bitter feud between the ice cream maker and its longtime London-based corporate parent Unilever.&nbsp;&nbsp;"Ben &amp; Jerry's believes in human rights and advocates for peace, and we join with those around the world who denounce the genocide in Gaza," the board said in a statement viewed by Reuters. “We stand with all who raise their voices against genocide in Gaza - from petition-signers to street marchers to those risking arrest.”&nbsp;This comes after Ben &amp; Jerry Founder Ben Cohen was arrested from the US Senate for saying, 'they're killing poor kids in Gaza by buying bombs, and they're paying for it by kicking poor kids off Medicaid in the US'.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">I told Congress they&#39;re killing poor kids in Gaza by buying bombs, and they&#39;re paying for it by kicking poor kids off Medicaid in the US. This was the authorities&#39; response. <a href="https://t.co/uOf7xrzzWM">pic.twitter.com/uOf7xrzzWM</a>&mdash; Ben Cohen (@YoBenCohen) <a href="https://twitter.com/YoBenCohen/status/1922760476439515310?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 14, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Unilever and Ben &amp; Jerry's have been at odds since at least 2021 when the Chubby Hubby ice cream maker said it would stop selling in the Israel-occupied West Bank. Ben &amp; Jerry's&nbsp;sued its owner last year over its alleged attempts to silence it on Gaza and criticize US President Donald Trump. Its statement on Gaza is unusual for a major US brand.A Unilever spokesperson said that the comments reflect the views of the independent social mission board of Ben &amp; Jerry's, and they do not speak for anyone other than themselves.&nbsp;"We call for peace in the region and for relief for all those whose lives have been impacted," the spokesperson said.&nbsp;Unilever asked a US judge to dismiss Ben &amp; Jerry's lawsuit. The company is also in the process of separating out its ice cream business, including Vermont-based Ben &amp; Jerry's, to an independent company this summer.&nbsp;Ben &amp; Jerry's has said its year 2000 merger agreement with Unilever gave its independent board "primary responsibility" to pursue the company's social mission. The crux of the dispute between Ben &amp; Jerry’s and Unilever is how much leeway the board actually has.

The independent board of Ben & Jerry's said the conflict in Gaza is a genocide, escalating a bitter feud between the ice cream maker and its longtime London-based corporate parent Unilever. 

The independent board of Ben & Jerry's said the conflict in Gaza is a genocide, escalating a bitter feud between the ice cream maker and its longtime London-based corporate parent Unilever. "Ben & Jerry's believes in human rights and advocates for peace, and we join with those around the world who denounce the genocide in Gaza," the board said in a statement viewed by Reuters. “We stand with all who raise their voices against genocide in Gaza - from petition-signers to street marchers to those risking arrest.” This comes after Ben & Jerry Founder Ben Cohen was arrested from the US Senate for saying, 'they're killing poor kids in Gaza by buying bombs, and they're paying for it by kicking poor kids off Medicaid in the US'.

The independent board of Ben &amp; Jerry's said the conflict in Gaza is a genocide, escalating a bitter feud between the ice cream maker and its longtime London-based corporate parent Unilever.&nbsp;

Ben & Jerry founder's Gaza remark gets him arrested from US Senate, now company backs his claims calling it 'genocide'

The head of a US-backed aid group for Gaza announced his resignation, saying it was impossible to do his job in line with principles of neutrality and independence, as the organization vowed to start delivering assistance on Monday.&nbsp;The Gaza Humanitarian foundation (GHF), based in Geneva since February, has promised to distribute some 300 million meals in its first 90 days of operation.&nbsp;But the United Nations and international aid agencies have said they will not cooperate with the group, amid accusations it is working with Israel while lacking any Palestinian involvement.&nbsp;In a statement by the GHF, executive director Jake Wood said he felt compelled to leave after determining the organization could not fulfil its mission in a way that adhered to humanitarian principles.&nbsp;Israel has faced global condemnation over the conditions in Gaza, where it has been at war since Hamas's unprecedented October 7, 2023 attack.&nbsp;A more than two-month total blockade on Gaza has only begun to ease in recent days, as agencies warned of growing starvation risks.&nbsp;"Two months ago, I was approached about leading GHF's efforts because of my experience in humanitarian operations," Wood said.&nbsp;"Like many others around the world, I was horrified and heartbroken at the hunger crisis in Gaza and, as a humanitarian leader, I was compelled to do whatever I could to help alleviate the suffering."&nbsp;But, he said, it had become "clear that it is not possible to implement this plan while also strictly adhering to the humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence, which I will not abandon."&nbsp;The GHF said it was disappointed to learn of Wood's resignation, but added that it would not be deterred.&nbsp;"Our trucks are loaded and ready to go. Beginning Monday, May 26, GHF will begin direct aid delivery in Gaza, reaching over one million Palestinians by the end of the week. We plan to scale rapidly to serve the full population in the weeks ahead," it said in a statement.&nbsp;There was no immediate confirmation that GHF would be able to launch its aid effort Monday, however, or of how the aid would be distributed in a territory battered by war.&nbsp;The health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza said Sunday that at least 3,785 people had been killed in the territory since a ceasefire collapsed on March 18, taking the war's overall toll to 53,939.&nbsp;Hamas's October 2023 attack on Israel that triggered the war resulted in the deaths of 1,218 people on the Israeli side, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official figures.&nbsp;Militants also took 251 hostages, 57 of whom remain in Gaza including 34 the Israeli military says are dead.&nbsp;Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

The Gaza Humanitarian foundation (GHF), based in Geneva since February, has promised to distribute some 300 million meals in its first 90 days of operation.

The head of a US-backed aid group for Gaza announced his resignation, saying it was impossible to do his job in line with principles of neutrality and independence, as the organization vowed to start delivering assistance on Monday. The Gaza Humanitarian foundation (GHF), based in Geneva since February, has promised to distribute some 300 million meals in its first 90 days of operation. But the United Nations and international aid agencies have said they will not cooperate with the group, amid accusations it is working with Israel while lacking any Palestinian involvement. In a statement by the GHF, executive director Jake Wood said he felt compelled to leave after determining the organization could not fulfil its mission in a way that adhered to humanitarian principles. Israel has faced global condemnation over the conditions in Gaza, where it has been at war since Hamas's unprecedented October 7, 2023 attack. A more than two-month total blockade on Gaza has only begun to ease in recent days, as agencies warned of growing starvation risks. "Two months ago, I was approached about leading GHF's efforts because of my experience in humanitarian operations," Wood said. "Like many others around the world, I was horrified and heartbroken at the hunger crisis in Gaza and, as a humanitarian leader, I was compelled to do whatever I could to help alleviate the suffering." But, he said, it had become "clear that it is not possible to implement this plan while also strictly adhering to the humanitarian principles of humanity, neutrality, impartiality, and independence, which I will not abandon." The GHF said it was disappointed to learn of Wood's resignation, but added that it would not be deterred. "Our trucks are loaded and ready to go. Beginning Monday, May 26, GHF will begin direct aid delivery in Gaza, reaching over one million Palestinians by the end of the week. We plan to scale rapidly to serve the full population in the weeks ahead," it said in a statement. There was no immediate confirmation that GHF would be able to launch its aid effort Monday, however, or of how the aid would be distributed in a territory battered by war. The health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza said Sunday that at least 3,785 people had been killed in the territory since a ceasefire collapsed on March 18, taking the war's overall toll to 53,939. Hamas's October 2023 attack on Israel that triggered the war resulted in the deaths of 1,218 people on the Israeli side, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official figures. Militants also took 251 hostages, 57 of whom remain in Gaza including 34 the Israeli military says are dead. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

The Gaza Humanitarian foundation (GHF), based in Geneva since February, has promised to distribute some 300 million meals in its first 90 days of operation.

Head of US-backed Gaza aid group resigns, cites lack of independence

In a scathing <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d5yFJ1CjZYE&amp;t=245s">interview with the BBC</a>, a pediatrician, Dr Tanya Haj-Hassan, criticised the BBC's coverage of the Gaza conflict and retracing the narrative of the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF). While emphasising the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Dr Tanya called the supposed explanation given by the IDF for repeatedly targeting hospitals in Gaza as "preposterous".&nbsp;She seemed visibly distressed while speaking to the host, “Every 35 of 36 hospitals have been targeted in Gaza. The hospital I was working in, the same hospital Dr Alaa was working in, was hit by a drone while I was working there, killing two patients and injuring others."She was emphasising the dire humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza, specifically the suffering of civilians and children. She criticised the reporting of the BBC for echoing the IDF's narrative, lacking critical analysis and for adequate representation of the Palestinian perspective."You don't ask the perpetrator of Genocide", said Dr Hasan, who has recently returned from Gaza, working with Médecins Sans Frontières/ Doctors Without Borders. She narrated how her colleague, Dr Alaa al-Najjar, went to work and her family was bombed at home in Khan Younis area, killing 9 out of her 10 children. Only one of her children and her husband, who was also a Doctor, survived sustaining critical injury.&nbsp;Dr. Najjar described the health care system as in collapse, “She called me left me in tears, saying that the ICU is full…she says the terror is all night, and all day, continuous fear…. we miss our loved ones we do not even know how to grieve… because we do not have time to grieve. The pediatric ICU unit is full, it breaks your heart, all these small children, what is their crime?….orphaned children, maimed children, children who were the sole survivor of their family… "She continued agitatedly that every single credible humanitarian and human rights organisation, Amnesty International, Doctors Without Borders, Human Rights Watch, International Court of Justice have all been saying that these bombings are consistent with genocide. How can the BBC give airtime to these "preposterous" justifications by an Israeli spokesperson after the consistent bombing of 19 months?&nbsp;BBC has recently delayed the airing of a documentary, “Gaza: Medics Under Fire”, a documentary completed, cleared for Broadcast in February 2025. It was shelved following the allegation that another documentary, ‘Gaza: How to Survive a Warzone’, was being narrated by the son of a Hamas official. Doctors, whistleblowers who have participated in the documentary have threatened to withdraw their consent.&nbsp;&nbsp;

In a powerful BBC interview, Dr Tanya Haj-Hassan criticises the broadcaster for mirroring Israeli narratives and failing to represent the Palestinian perspective amid the Gaza crisis. She recounts harrowing scenes from Gaza’s hospitals and condemns the delayed airing of a crucial documentary.

In a scathing interview with the BBC, a pediatrician, Dr Tanya Haj-Hassan, criticised the BBC's coverage of the Gaza conflict and retracing the narrative of the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF). While emphasising the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Dr Tanya called the supposed explanation given by the IDF for repeatedly targeting hospitals in Gaza as "preposterous". She seemed visibly distressed while speaking to the host, “Every 35 of 36 hospitals have been targeted in Gaza. The hospital I was working in, the same hospital Dr Alaa was working in, was hit by a drone while I was working there, killing two patients and injuring others." She was emphasising the dire humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza, specifically the suffering of civilians and children. She criticised the reporting of the BBC for echoing the IDF's narrative, lacking critical analysis and for adequate representation of the Palestinian perspective. "You don't ask the perpetrator of Genocide", said Dr Hasan, who has recently returned from Gaza, working with Médecins Sans Frontières/ Doctors Without Borders. She narrated how her colleague, Dr Alaa al-Najjar, went to work and her family was bombed at home in Khan Younis area, killing 9 out of her 10 children. Only one of her children and her husband, who was also a Doctor, survived sustaining critical injury. Dr. Najjar described the health care system as in collapse, “She called me left me in tears, saying that the ICU is full…she says the terror is all night, and all day, continuous fear…. we miss our loved ones we do not even know how to grieve… because we do not have time to grieve. The pediatric ICU unit is full, it breaks your heart, all these small children, what is their crime?….orphaned children, maimed children, children who were the sole survivor of their family… " She continued agitatedly that every single credible humanitarian and human rights organisation, Amnesty International, Doctors Without Borders, Human Rights Watch, International Court of Justice have all been saying that these bombings are consistent with genocide. How can the BBC give airtime to these "preposterous" justifications by an Israeli spokesperson after the consistent bombing of 19 months? BBC has recently delayed the airing of a documentary, “Gaza: Medics Under Fire”, a documentary completed, cleared for Broadcast in February 2025. It was shelved following the allegation that another documentary, ‘Gaza: How to Survive a Warzone’, was being narrated by the son of a Hamas official. Doctors, whistleblowers who have participated in the documentary have threatened to withdraw their consent.

In a powerful BBC interview, Dr Tanya Haj-Hassan criticises the BBC for mirroring Israeli narratives and failing to represent the Palestinian perspective amid the Gaza crisis. She recounts harrowing scenes from Gaza’s hospitals and condemns the delayed airing of a crucial documentary.

Doctor calls out BBC for giving air time to 'preposterous' Israeli justification after 19 months of persistence bombing

Israel has ramped up its military offensive in Gaza in recent days. In one such attack near Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip on Friday, a doctor lost nine of her 10 children while she was on duty at a hospital.&nbsp;Dr. Alaa al-Najjar's husband, who is also a doctor was wounded and is now in hospital intensive care with severe injuries. The pediatrician's only surviving child too got injured in the strike that hit her home, according to Dr. Munir al-Bursh, director-general of the Hamas-run Gaza Ministry of Health.&nbsp;In a statement on Friday night, al-Bursh said "This is the reality our medical staff in Gaza endure. Words fall short in describing the pain."&nbsp;The dead children ranged in age from 7 months to 12 years old.&nbsp;The bodies of eight children and several injured were recovered from the al-Najjar house near a petrol station in Khan Younis, according to Mahmoud Basal, spokesman for Gaza's Hamas-run Civil Defence agency, reported BBC.&nbsp;Israel says civilians were evacuated&nbsp;Meanwhile, Israel’s military in a statement said it's air raids hit suspects operating from a structure next to its forces, and called the area of Khan Younis as a “dangerous war zone.”The IDF also said it had evacuated civilians from the area before carrying out the strike.&nbsp;"The Khan Younis area is a dangerous war zone. Before beginning operations there, the IDF evacuated civilians from this area for their own safety," the Israeli military said.&nbsp;Earlier on Saturday, the Israeli military said it struck over 100 targets throughout Gaza over the past day.&nbsp;According to the Hamas-run health ministry, at least 74 people had been killed by the Israeli strikes over the 24 hour-period leading up to about midday on Saturday.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The pediatricians only surviving child too got injured in the strike that hit Dr. Alaa al-Najjars home.

Israel has ramped up its military offensive in Gaza in recent days. In one such attack near Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip on Friday, a doctor lost nine of her 10 children while she was on duty at a hospital. Dr. Alaa al-Najjar's husband, who is also a doctor was wounded and is now in hospital intensive care with severe injuries. The pediatrician's only surviving child too got injured in the strike that hit her home, according to Dr. Munir al-Bursh, director-general of the Hamas-run Gaza Ministry of Health. In a statement on Friday night, al-Bursh said "This is the reality our medical staff in Gaza endure. Words fall short in describing the pain." The dead children ranged in age from 7 months to 12 years old. The bodies of eight children and several injured were recovered from the al-Najjar house near a petrol station in Khan Younis, according to Mahmoud Basal, spokesman for Gaza's Hamas-run Civil Defence agency, reported BBC. Israel says civilians were evacuated Meanwhile, Israel’s military in a statement said it's air raids hit suspects operating from a structure next to its forces, and called the area of Khan Younis as a “dangerous war zone.” The IDF also said it had evacuated civilians from the area before carrying out the strike. "The Khan Younis area is a dangerous war zone. Before beginning operations there, the IDF evacuated civilians from this area for their own safety," the Israeli military said. Earlier on Saturday, the Israeli military said it struck over 100 targets throughout Gaza over the past day. According to the Hamas-run health ministry, at least 74 people had been killed by the Israeli strikes over the 24 hour-period leading up to about midday on Saturday.

The pediatrician's only surviving child too got injured in the strike that hit Dr. Alaa al-Najjar's home.

Gaza pediatrician loses 9 of 10 children as Israeli air strike destroys her home

A group of 25 diplomats visiting Jenin in the occupied West Bank on Wednesday (May 21) was threated with warning shots by the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF). According to reports, the diplomatic delegation strayed from a pre-approved route during their visit due to which the IDF resorted to the firing.&nbsp;In the video that has now emerged on social media, the diplomats can be seen rushing back to their cars in panic abandoning their media address.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">The Israel Defense Forces apologized for firing shots at a visiting multinational diplomatic delegation in Jenin, West Bank. According to the Palestinian MFA, the delegation, which included diplomats from China, Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, the EU, and Portugal, came under heavy fire… <a href="https://t.co/PcY53kqJDG">pic.twitter.com/PcY53kqJDG</a>&mdash; 鳳凰資訊 PhoenixTV News (@PhoenixTV_News) <a href="https://twitter.com/PhoenixTV_News/status/1925460945041858863?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 22, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of the video&nbsp;According to BBC, bullets were fired into the air "to distance them" and for abandoning an authorised path.&nbsp;The IDF in a statement said the diplomats had "deviated from the approved route" and that it "regrets the inconvenience caused" by the incident.&nbsp;The incident has led to condemnation of the Israeli military from countries like Spain, Egypt, France, Turkey, Ireland and Italy. Diplomats and ambassadors from 31 nations were part of the delegation. These countries have now called for an investigation and explanation for the act.&nbsp;The IDF has, however, initiated an investigation into the incident and said that it would speak to representatives of the nations involved and update them on the development.&nbsp;The &nbsp;Palestinian Authority (PA) had organised the visit to help evaluate the humanitarian situation in the area.&nbsp;Two Israeli embassy staffers gunned down&nbsp;Meanwhile, in a separate incident two Israeli embassy staffers were gunned down late on Wednesday (May 21) outside a Jewish museum in Washington allegedly by a Chicago man identified as Elias Rodriguez. Remembering the two Israeli embassy staffers, Yechiel Leiter, Israel's ambassador to the US, said that they were a "beautiful couple." The Israeli ambassador was reportedly not at the museum event at the time of the shooting. Leiter revealed that the man purchased a ring earlier this week to propose his girlfriend. "The young man purchased a ring this week with the intention of proposing to his girlfriend next week in Jerusalem," Leiter said. &nbsp;

In the video that has now emerged on social media, the diplomats can be seen rushing back to their cars in panic abandoning their media address.

A group of 25 diplomats visiting Jenin in the occupied West Bank on Wednesday (May 21) was threated with warning shots by the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF). According to reports, the diplomatic delegation strayed from a pre-approved route during their visit due to which the IDF resorted to the firing. In the video that has now emerged on social media, the diplomats can be seen rushing back to their cars in panic abandoning their media address.

In the video that has now emerged on social media, the diplomats can be seen rushing back to their cars in panic abandoning their media briefing.

Israel fires warning shots at diplomats in West Bank, video shows them running for cover. Watch

US President Donald Trump warned Israel that if it continues its military campaign in Gaza, it could lead to a loss of US support. This comes amid Israel has intensified its military offensive in Gaza.&nbsp;Trump's representatives have informed Israel that the US will "abandon" the country if it does not end the war, the Washington Post reported citied an anonymous source.&nbsp;"Trump's people are letting Israel know, 'We will abandon you if you do not end this war,'" the source said. "Politically, as in the past, Netanyahu has a way to do that, with a huge majority in the Knesset and in Israel, but he does not have the political will."&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-allows-food-into-starving-gaza-after-2-months-but-only-basic-amount-1747622074816">Also read: Israel allows food into starving Gaza after 2 months — but only 'basic amount'</a>&nbsp;Meanwhile, White House Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt also said that "The president wants the war in Gaza to end". Her remark came after the release of Israeli-American soldier Edan Alexander, which was secured through direct US-Hamas negotiations without Israel's involvement.&nbsp;Last week, Trump during his visit to Gulf nations, addressed that a lot of people are starving in Gaza.&nbsp;"People are starving. Terrible things are happening there," Trump added during a call with Netanyahu in April.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-calls-up-tens-of-thousands-of-reservists-for-next-phase-of-war-in-gaza-hamas-hostage-deal-israel-israel-hostages-9030785">Also read: Israel calls up tens of thousands of reservists for next phase of war against Hamas in Gaza</a>&nbsp;He also asked him to allow more food and medicine into the enclave. "Gaza came up, and I said we need to be good to Gaza. People there are suffering."Some denies the report&nbsp;US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee responded to the report, calling it "nonsense"."Their reporting is nonsense. They need to listen to what the president says – not what some uninformed ‘source’ pretends to know," he told Ynet news.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-for-the-first-time-accepts-reasonable-suspicion-over-idfs-use-of-palestinians-as-human-shields-in-gaza-israeli-soldiers-gaza-war-israel-hamas-war-8848669">Also read: Israel, for the first time, 'accepts' use of Palestinians as human shields in Gaza, probe on: Report</a>&nbsp;Another senior US official told The Times of Israel that there are differences between the Trump administration and Israel, but added, "the idea that we would abandon Israel is preposterous."&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-announces-launch-of-operation-gideon-s-chariots-in-gaza-ground-forces-on-the-move-1747637489732">WATCH | Israel announces launch of operation Gideon's Chariots in Gaza, ground forces on the move</a> &nbsp;

Last week, Trump during his visit to Gulf nations, addressed that a lot of people are starving in Gaza. 

US President Donald Trump warned Israel that if it continues its military campaign in Gaza, it could lead to a loss of US support. This comes amid Israel has intensified its military offensive in Gaza. Trump's representatives have informed Israel that the US will "abandon" the country if it does not end the war, the Washington Post reported citied an anonymous source. "Trump's people are letting Israel know, 'We will abandon you if you do not end this war,'" the source said. "Politically, as in the past, Netanyahu has a way to do that, with a huge majority in the Knesset and in Israel, but he does not have the political will." Also read: Israel allows food into starving Gaza after 2 months — but only 'basic amount' Meanwhile, White House Press Secretary Caroline Leavitt also said that "The president wants the war in Gaza to end". Her remark came after the release of Israeli-American soldier Edan Alexander, which was secured through direct US-Hamas negotiations without Israel's involvement. Last week, Trump during his visit to Gulf nations, addressed that a lot of people are starving in Gaza. "People are starving. Terrible things are happening there," Trump added during a call with Netanyahu in April. Also read: Israel calls up tens of thousands of reservists for next phase of war against Hamas in Gaza He also asked him to allow more food and medicine into the enclave. "Gaza came up, and I said we need to be good to Gaza. People there are suffering." Some denies the report US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee responded to the report, calling it "nonsense". "Their reporting is nonsense. They need to listen to what the president says – not what some uninformed ‘source’ pretends to know," he told Ynet news. Also read: Israel, for the first time, 'accepts' use of Palestinians as human shields in Gaza, probe on: Report Another senior US official told The Times of Israel that there are differences between the Trump administration and Israel, but added, "the idea that we would abandon Israel is preposterous." WATCH | Israel announces launch of operation Gideon's Chariots in Gaza, ground forces on the move

Last week, Trump during his visit to Gulf nations, addressed that a lot of people are starving in Gaza.&nbsp;

Did US warn to 'abandon' Israel if it escalates war in Gaza? Here's what we know

The leaders of Britain, France, and Canada on Monday condemned Israel’s “egregious actions” in Gaza, opposed its expanded offensive and aid blockage, and slammed Israeli ministers for threatening the mass displacement of civilians.“We will not stand by while the government of Benjamin Netanyahu pursues those actions,” British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said in a joint statement.&nbsp;The leaders warned that their countries would take action if Israel does not stop a renewed military offensive in Gaza and lift aid restrictions. &nbsp;“The Israeli Government’s denial of essential humanitarian assistance to the civilian population is unacceptable and risks breaching International Humanitarian Law,” said a joint statement released by the British government. “We oppose any attempt to expand settlements in the West Bank ... We will not hesitate to take further action, including targeted sanctions.”&nbsp;The leaders said that the level of human suffering in Gaza is intolerable. “Yesterday’s announcement that Israel will allow a basic quantity of food into Gaza is wholly inadequate. We call on the Israeli Government to stop its military operations in Gaza and immediately allow humanitarian aid to enter Gaza. We call on Hamas to immediately release the remaining hostages they have so cruelly held since 7 October 2023,” they said.&nbsp;The three leaders also criticised the threat of relocating civilians and said permanent forced displacement is a breach of international humanitarian law.“Israel suffered a heinous attack on October 7. We have always supported Israel’s right to defend Israelis against terrorism. But this escalation is wholly disproportionate,” they added.We will not stand by while the Netanyahu government pursues these egregious actions, the statement added.They pushed for a ceasefire, release of all remaining hostages, and a long-term political solution for achieving a pathway to a two-state solution and long-term stability in the region.&nbsp;First aid trucks enter Gaza, confirms UN&nbsp;Meanwhile, the first aid trucks entered Gaza after an almost three-month-long blockade of the territory by Israel, the United Nations has confirmed. &nbsp;Five trucks carrying humanitarian aid, including baby food, entered the territory of over two million Palestinians via the Kerem Shalom crossing on Monday, according to the Israeli defence body in charge of coordinating aid to Gaza, Cogat.&nbsp;The UN called the delivery a “welcome development” but said much more aid is needed to address the humanitarian crisis in the Strip.Israel has stepped up its offensive in Gaza in what it says is a bid to pressure Hamas to release the remaining hostages abducted in the 7 October 2023 attack that ignited the war.

The leaders warned that their countries would take action if Israel does not stop a renewed military offensive in Gaza and lift aid restrictions. They added that the level of human suffering in Gaza is intolerable.

The leaders of Britain, France, and Canada on Monday condemned Israel’s “egregious actions” in Gaza, opposed its expanded offensive and aid blockage, and slammed Israeli ministers for threatening the mass displacement of civilians. “We will not stand by while the government of Benjamin Netanyahu pursues those actions,” British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, French President Emmanuel Macron, and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said in a joint statement. The leaders warned that their countries would take action if Israel does not stop a renewed military offensive in Gaza and lift aid restrictions. “The Israeli Government’s denial of essential humanitarian assistance to the civilian population is unacceptable and risks breaching International Humanitarian Law,” said a joint statement released by the British government. “We oppose any attempt to expand settlements in the West Bank ... We will not hesitate to take further action, including targeted sanctions.” The leaders said that the level of human suffering in Gaza is intolerable. “Yesterday’s announcement that Israel will allow a basic quantity of food into Gaza is wholly inadequate. We call on the Israeli Government to stop its military operations in Gaza and immediately allow humanitarian aid to enter Gaza. We call on Hamas to immediately release the remaining hostages they have so cruelly held since 7 October 2023,” they said. The three leaders also criticised the threat of relocating civilians and said permanent forced displacement is a breach of international humanitarian law. “Israel suffered a heinous attack on October 7. We have always supported Israel’s right to defend Israelis against terrorism. But this escalation is wholly disproportionate,” they added. We will not stand by while the Netanyahu government pursues these egregious actions, the statement added. They pushed for a ceasefire, release of all remaining hostages, and a long-term political solution for achieving a pathway to a two-state solution and long-term stability in the region. First aid trucks enter Gaza, confirms UN Meanwhile, the first aid trucks entered Gaza after an almost three-month-long blockade of the territory by Israel, the United Nations has confirmed. Five trucks carrying humanitarian aid, including baby food, entered the territory of over two million Palestinians via the Kerem Shalom crossing on Monday, according to the Israeli defence body in charge of coordinating aid to Gaza, Cogat. The UN called the delivery a “welcome development” but said much more aid is needed to address the humanitarian crisis in the Strip. Israel has stepped up its offensive in Gaza in what it says is a bid to pressure Hamas to release the remaining hostages abducted in the 7 October 2023 attack that ignited the war.

The leaders warned that their countries would take action if Israel does not stop a renewed military offensive in Gaza and lift aid restrictions. They added that the level of human suffering in Gaza is intolerable.

Britain, Canada, France condemn Israel’s ‘egregious’ actions in Gaza; aid trucks roll in

Hamas, in a significant development in the ongoing Gaza conflict, has announced that it would release a US-Israeli hostage, as it revealed that it was engaged in direct talks with the United States in ceasefire negotiations.
"Israeli soldier Edan Alexander, a dual US national, will be released as part of efforts towards a ceasefire," said Hamas in its statement, as reported by AFP.
Gaza militants still hold 58 people hostage, including 34 believed to be dead.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/progress-made-hamas-officials-hold-direct-gaza-talks-with-us-report-9058609">'Progress made': Hamas officials hold direct Gaza talks with US - Report</a>
<h2>Who is Edan Alexander?</h2>
As per the Palestinian militant group, the hostage, Edan Alexander, was an Israeli soldier and a dual US national.
The group described the release as part of efforts to reach a ceasefire and reopen humanitarian aid crossings into the war-ravaged territory.
21-year-old Israeli soldier Edan Alexander's family confirmed they had been notified that he might be released "in the coming days."
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-releases-video-of-two-israeli-hostages-alive-in-gaza-9057543">Hamas releases video of two Israeli hostages alive in Gaza</a>
US President Donald Trump, on Truth Social, hailed the development as "monumental news", calling it a "good faith gesture" and an encouraging sign that negotiations may soon bear fruit.
"Hopefully, this is the first of those final steps necessary to end this brutal conflict," he added.
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In a joint statement, Egypt and Qatar &mdash; key mediators in the long-running negotiations &mdash; also welcomed the move as "a gesture of goodwill and an encouraging step toward a return to the negotiating table".
Speaking to AFP, a Hamas official confirmed that there was "progress made ... notably on the entry of aid to the Gaza Strip" during discussions with US representatives.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-makes-good-on-threat-as-israel-strikes-yemens-sanaa-airport-after-houthi-strike-on-tel-aviv-9041218">'There will be bangs': Netanyahu makes good on threat as Israel strikes Yemen's Sanaa airport after Houthi strike on Tel Aviv</a>
<h2>Israeli airstrikes continue in Gaza</h2>
Despite the optimism, Israeli airstrikes continued across Gaza, reports AFP. The enclave's civil defence agency reported at least 12 deaths on Sunday, including four children, in ongoing bombardments of Khan Yunis and Gaza City.
Israel has once again vowed to keep fighting. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office reaffirmed that any future "negotiations will take place under fire, with a commitment to achieving all the objectives of the war".
Watch | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-hamas-war-hamas-to-free-edan-alexander-last-us-hostage-amid-truce-talks-9058893">Israel-Hamas War: Hamas to free Edan Alexander, last US hostage amid truce talks</a>
<iframe width="600" height="auto" style="width: 100%; aspect-ratio: 4/3;" allowfullscreen="allowfullscreen" class="external-video publive-iframes-block" src="https://cdn.thepublive.com/wion/static/kaltura_player/wion_video_player_iframe.html?thumbnail=wion/media/post_attachments/screenshot/1205_TRUMP_730AM/00000002.jpg&amp;videourl=https://vodakm.zeenews.com/vod/WION/1205_TRUMP_730AM.mp4/index.m3u8&amp;duration=222&amp;tags=israel, hamas, hezbollah, egypt, qatar" title="Israel-Hamas War: Hamas to free Edan Alexander, last US hostage amid truce talks " id="PL_iframe_block-makhodlk-h7iqosw5-gwyb890n"></iframe>

World news | Hamas announces release of US-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander amid ongoing ceasefire talks with the US, marking a significant development in Gaza conflict.

Hamas, in a significant development in the ongoing Gaza conflict, has announced that it would release a US-Israeli hostage, as it revealed that it was engaged in direct talks with the United States in ceasefire negotiations. "Israeli soldier Edan Alexander, a dual US national, will be released as part of efforts towards a ceasefire," said Hamas in its statement, as reported by AFP. Gaza militants still hold 58 people hostage, including 34 believed to be dead. Also read | 'Progress made': Hamas officials hold direct Gaza talks with US - Report Who is Edan Alexander? As per the Palestinian militant group, the hostage, Edan Alexander, was an Israeli soldier and a dual US national. The group described the release as part of efforts to reach a ceasefire and reopen humanitarian aid crossings into the war-ravaged territory. 21-year-old Israeli soldier Edan Alexander's family confirmed they had been notified that he might be released "in the coming days." Also read | Hamas releases video of two Israeli hostages alive in Gaza US President Donald Trump, on Truth Social, hailed the development as "monumental news", calling it a "good faith gesture" and an encouraging sign that negotiations may soon bear fruit. "Hopefully, this is the first of those final steps necessary to end this brutal conflict," he added. In a joint statement, Egypt and Qatar — key mediators in the long-running negotiations — also welcomed the move as "a gesture of goodwill and an encouraging step toward a return to the negotiating table". Speaking to AFP, a Hamas official confirmed that there was "progress made ... notably on the entry of aid to the Gaza Strip" during discussions with US representatives. Also read | 'There will be bangs': Netanyahu makes good on threat as Israel strikes Yemen's Sanaa airport after Houthi strike on Tel Aviv Israeli airstrikes continue in Gaza Despite the optimism, Israeli airstrikes continued across Gaza, reports AFP. The enclave's civil defence agency reported at least 12 deaths on Sunday, including four children, in ongoing bombardments of Khan Yunis and Gaza City. Israel has once again vowed to keep fighting. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office reaffirmed that any future "negotiations will take place under fire, with a commitment to achieving all the objectives of the war". Watch | Israel-Hamas War: Hamas to free Edan Alexander, last US hostage amid truce talks

Gaza war: Hamas to release US-Israeli hostage Edan Alexander amid ceasefire talks with Washington

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has begun issuing call-up orders for tens of thousands of reservists as it prepares to significantly expand its military operations against Hamas in the Gaza Strip.
On Saturday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said that the tens of thousands, many of whom have already been mobilised multiple times during the war, are expected to begin reporting for duty this week.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israels-wildfire-under-control-after-over-30-hours-but-risk-of-reignition-remains-in-pics-9029536">Israel's wildfire 'under control' after over 30 hours but risk of reignition remains | In Pics</a>
<h2>How many soldiers is Israel rallying?</h2>
While the IDF did not confirm specific numbers, as per an AFP report, relatives of journalists from the news agency were among those receiving orders.
These reinforcements, as per a Times of Israel report, will primarily replace active-duty soldiers stationed in Lebanon, Syria and the occupied West Bank, freeing them up for redeployment to Gaza. The IDF said the mobilisation was being carried out because of "practical and operational interests" and is part of a planned staged offensive to escalate pressure on Hamas.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/trump-eyes-massive-military-parade-in-washington-to-mark-armys-250th-anniversary-and-his-birthday-9028817">Trump planning massive military parade to mark army&rsquo;s 250th anniversary &mdash; and his birthday. Deets inside</a>
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was briefed on the strategy during a Friday security consultation. His security cabinet is expected to convene Sunday to approve the new phase of operations.
The planned offensive will expand the IDF's presence into new areas of the Strip. Currently, three Israeli divisions are operating in Gaza. The IDF insists its goal is to pressure Hamas into a hostage deal &mdash; not outright destroy the group.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/trumps-ally-who-once-likened-him-to-jesus-slams-him-on-x-is-us-presidents-leadership-in-trouble-rift-republican-party-marjorie-taylor-greene-9029212">Trump's ally who once likened him to Jesus, slams him on X; Is US president's leadership in trouble?</a>
<h2>Israel-Hamas war in Gaza: Death toll</h2>
Since October 7, when Hamas launched a surprise assault that killed about 1,200 people and led to the abduction of 251 hostages, the IDF has reported killing around 21,600 Hamas fighters, including 1,600 militants inside Israel. The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza claims over 52,400 Palestinians have been killed, though these figures are unverified and do not distinguish between civilians and combatants.
As of now, 59 hostages remain in Gaza, including the body of a soldier killed in the 2014 war.
&nbsp;

World | Israel Defense Forces calls up tens of thousands of reservists to expand military operations in Gaza, focusing on pressuring Hamas for a hostage deal.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has begun issuing call-up orders for tens of thousands of reservists as it prepares to significantly expand its military operations against Hamas in the Gaza Strip. On Saturday, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said that the tens of thousands, many of whom have already been mobilised multiple times during the war, are expected to begin reporting for duty this week. Also read | Israel's wildfire 'under control' after over 30 hours but risk of reignition remains | In Pics How many soldiers is Israel rallying? While the IDF did not confirm specific numbers, as per an AFP report, relatives of journalists from the news agency were among those receiving orders. These reinforcements, as per a Times of Israel report, will primarily replace active-duty soldiers stationed in Lebanon, Syria and the occupied West Bank, freeing them up for redeployment to Gaza. The IDF said the mobilisation was being carried out because of "practical and operational interests" and is part of a planned staged offensive to escalate pressure on Hamas. Also read | Trump planning massive military parade to mark army’s 250th anniversary — and his birthday. Deets inside Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was briefed on the strategy during a Friday security consultation. His security cabinet is expected to convene Sunday to approve the new phase of operations. The planned offensive will expand the IDF's presence into new areas of the Strip. Currently, three Israeli divisions are operating in Gaza. The IDF insists its goal is to pressure Hamas into a hostage deal — not outright destroy the group. Also read | Trump's ally who once likened him to Jesus, slams him on X; Is US president's leadership in trouble? Israel-Hamas war in Gaza: Death toll Since October 7, when Hamas launched a surprise assault that killed about 1,200 people and led to the abduction of 251 hostages, the IDF has reported killing around 21,600 Hamas fighters, including 1,600 militants inside Israel. The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza claims over 52,400 Palestinians have been killed, though these figures are unverified and do not distinguish between civilians and combatants. As of now, 59 hostages remain in Gaza, including the body of a soldier killed in the 2014 war.

Israel calls up tens of thousands of reservists for next phase of war against Hamas in Gaza

Hamas on Monday (April 07) accused US President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/donald-trump" rel="dofollow">Donald </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/donald-trump" rel="dofollow">Trump's</a> administration of being complicit with Israel in what it claims is a cover-up of the killing of humanitarian workers in Gaza.
The group stated on Monday in response to comments by US National Security Council spokesperson Brian Hughes, who appeared to defend Israel&rsquo;s actions and placed blame on Hamas for the deaths of Red Crescent workers.
Hamas strongly rejected Hughes's comments, calling them "nothing but lies, lacking any evidence." In a statement posted on Telegram, the group condemned the White House&rsquo;s stance.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-troops-razed-all-structures-on-land-near-gaza-border-to-create-kill-zone-report-8936493" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">What is Israeli &lsquo;kill zone&rsquo; where IDF troops razed all structures for &lsquo;clear line of sight&rsquo;</a>
&ldquo;The statements made by Brian Hughes, the spokesperson for the US National Security Council, expressing President Trump's and his administration's understanding of the crime of executing the Red Crescent and Civil Defense crews in Rafah, represent a horrific example of unethical solidarity with the Nazis of our time, in their brutal war against innocent civilians and humanitarian organizations.&rdquo;
&ldquo;Hughes' accusations against Hamas for using ambulances are nothing but lies, lacking any evidence. The US&nbsp;administration, along with the war criminal Netanyahu's government, is spreading these falsehoods to justify their horrific and documented crime against paramedics and rescue workers,&rdquo; the statement added.
Brian Hughes had earlier said that Hamas was responsible for the situation by allegedly using ambulances and civilians as shields.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-kills-hamas-commander-in-lebanon-strike-expands-ground-offensive-in-gaza-8925247" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Israel kills Hamas 'commander' in Lebanon strike, expands ground offensive in Gaza</a>
&ldquo;Hamas uses ambulances and more broadly human shields for terrorism. President Trump understands the impossible situation this tactic creates for Israel and holds Hamas entirely responsible,&rdquo; Hughes said, according to Reuters.
<h2>What happened?</h2>
At least 15 paramedics and emergency responders were killed in March during Israel&rsquo;s military operations in Rafah. Their bodies were later discovered in a shallow grave by officials from the United Nations and the Palestinian Red Crescent Society (PRCS).
Israel initially said the victims were suspected Hamas operatives. However, video footage reportedly retrieved from the phone of one of the victims has cast doubt on that claim. The Israeli military has since said it is investigating the incident.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mexico-does-not-rule-out-reciprocal-tariffs-on-us-goods-says-president-claudia-sheinbaum-8936556" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Mexico &lsquo;does not rule out&rsquo; reciprocal tariffs on US goods, says President Claudia Sheinbaum</a>
The incident has drawn international concern as scrutiny intensifies over the conduct of the Israeli military in Gaza.
(With inputs from agencies)

World: Hamas strongly rejected US comments, calling them "nothing but lies, lacking any evidence." In a statement posted on Telegram, the group condemned the White House’s stance.

Hamas on Monday (April 07) accused US President Donald Trump's administration of being complicit with Israel in what it claims is a cover-up of the killing of humanitarian workers in Gaza. The group stated on Monday in response to comments by US National Security Council spokesperson Brian Hughes, who appeared to defend Israel’s actions and placed blame on Hamas for the deaths of Red Crescent workers. Hamas strongly rejected Hughes's comments, calling them "nothing but lies, lacking any evidence." In a statement posted on Telegram, the group condemned the White House’s stance. Also read: What is Israeli ‘kill zone’ where IDF troops razed all structures for ‘clear line of sight’ “The statements made by Brian Hughes, the spokesperson for the US National Security Council, expressing President Trump's and his administration's understanding of the crime of executing the Red Crescent and Civil Defense crews in Rafah, represent a horrific example of unethical solidarity with the Nazis of our time, in their brutal war against innocent civilians and humanitarian organizations.” “Hughes' accusations against Hamas for using ambulances are nothing but lies, lacking any evidence. The US administration, along with the war criminal Netanyahu's government, is spreading these falsehoods to justify their horrific and documented crime against paramedics and rescue workers,” the statement added. Brian Hughes had earlier said that Hamas was responsible for the situation by allegedly using ambulances and civilians as shields. Also read: Israel kills Hamas 'commander' in Lebanon strike, expands ground offensive in Gaza “Hamas uses ambulances and more broadly human shields for terrorism. President Trump understands the impossible situation this tactic creates for Israel and holds Hamas entirely responsible,” Hughes said, according to Reuters. What happened? At least 15 paramedics and emergency responders were killed in March during Israel’s military operations in Rafah. Their bodies were later discovered in a shallow grave by officials from the United Nations and the Palestinian Red Crescent Society (PRCS). Israel initially said the victims were suspected Hamas operatives. However, video footage reportedly retrieved from the phone of one of the victims has cast doubt on that claim. The Israeli military has since said it is investigating the incident. Also read: Mexico ‘does not rule out’ reciprocal tariffs on US goods, says President Claudia Sheinbaum The incident has drawn international concern as scrutiny intensifies over the conduct of the Israeli military in Gaza. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Unethical solidarity’: Hamas slams Trump for backing 'Nazis' after White House defends Israel over Gaza paramedic killings

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has arrived in Hungary on Thursday (Apr 3) in defiance of the International Criminal Court (ICC)'s arrest warrant against him over alleged war crimes in Gaza. His arrival was announced by the Hungarian defence minister on Facebook.
"Welcome to Budapest, Benjamin Netanyahu!" wrote Kristof Szalay-Bobrovniczky as Netanyahu began a visit at the invitation of Prime Minister Viktor Orban.
<blockquote cite="https://graph.facebook.com/100082133457632/posts/641250981956011/" class="fb-xfbml-parse-ignore publive-iframes-block publive-Facebook-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m90ptfwd-kso5acm1-wswil14w">
&Uuml;dv&ouml;z&ouml;lj&uuml;k Budapesten Izrael minisztereln&ouml;k&eacute;t, Benj&aacute;m&iacute;n Netanj&aacute;h&uacute;t!🇭🇺🇮🇱
Posted by <a href="https://www.facebook.com/szalay.bobrovniczky.kristof">Szalay-Bobrovniczky Krist&oacute;f</a> on&nbsp;<a href="https://graph.facebook.com/100082133457632/posts/641250981956011/">Wednesday, April 2, 2025</a></blockquote>
<h2>ICC arrest warrant against Netanyahu</h2>
The Hague based international tribunal issued an arrest warrant against Netanyahu on 21 November 2024. A warrant was also issued against former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-pm-benjamin-netanyahu-drops-security-chief-nominee-under-fire-from-trump-ally-8912995">Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu drops security chief nominee under fire from Trump ally</a>
As per the ICC website, the Israeli PM is "allegedly responsible for the war crimes of starvation as a method of warfare and of intentionally directing an attack against the civilian population; and the crimes against humanity of murder, persecution, and other inhumane acts from at least 8 October 2023 until at least 20 May 2024."
<h2>Will Netanyahu be arrested in Hungary?</h2>
As a founding ICC member, theoretically, Hungary is bound to arrest and extradite anyone subject to an ICC warrant. However, Prime Minister Viktor Orban explicitly made it clear that he would not comply with the court's ruling.
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While the itinerary of Netanyahu's trip is not known, reports suggest he will visit the holocaust memorial and also hold a meeting with his Hungarian counterpart Orban.&nbsp;
This is Netanyahu's second trip abroad since the ICC issued its arrest warrant. Previously, in February, he travelled to the US &mdash; not an ICC member &mdash; to meet close ally President Donald Trump.
<h2>ICC slams Hungary for defying warrant</h2>
&nbsp;The Associated Press reports that the ICC on Wednesday (Apr 2) criticised Hungary for its decision to defy Netanyahu's arrest warrant. Fadi El Abdallah, the Hague-based court&rsquo;s spokesperson, said that it was not for parties to the ICC "to unilaterally determine the soundness of the Court&rsquo;s legal decisions".
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In an email to the news agency, El Abdallah said that member states have an obligation to enforce the court's decisions and that if they disagree with any rulings, they may consult with the ICC.
"Any dispute concerning the judicial functions of the Court shall be settled by the decision of the Court," El Abdallah said.
(With inputs from agencies)

World | Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu defies an ICC arrest warrant by traveling to Hungary. Hungarian PM Viktor Orban welcomes him despite being a member of Hague court.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has arrived in Hungary on Thursday (Apr 3) in defiance of the International Criminal Court (ICC)'s arrest warrant against him over alleged war crimes in Gaza. His arrival was announced by the Hungarian defence minister on Facebook. "Welcome to Budapest, Benjamin Netanyahu!" wrote Kristof Szalay-Bobrovniczky as Netanyahu began a visit at the invitation of Prime Minister Viktor Orban. Üdvözöljük Budapesten Izrael miniszterelnökét, Benjámín Netanjáhút!🇭🇺🇮🇱 Posted by Szalay-Bobrovniczky Kristóf on Wednesday, April 2, 2025 ICC arrest warrant against Netanyahu The Hague based international tribunal issued an arrest warrant against Netanyahu on 21 November 2024. A warrant was also issued against former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant. Also read | Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu drops security chief nominee under fire from Trump ally As per the ICC website, the Israeli PM is "allegedly responsible for the war crimes of starvation as a method of warfare and of intentionally directing an attack against the civilian population; and the crimes against humanity of murder, persecution, and other inhumane acts from at least 8 October 2023 until at least 20 May 2024." Will Netanyahu be arrested in Hungary? As a founding ICC member, theoretically, Hungary is bound to arrest and extradite anyone subject to an ICC warrant. However, Prime Minister Viktor Orban explicitly made it clear that he would not comply with the court's ruling. Also read | What is Qatargate? Netanyahu questioned, two top aides arrested as probe deepens While the itinerary of Netanyahu's trip is not known, reports suggest he will visit the holocaust memorial and also hold a meeting with his Hungarian counterpart Orban. This is Netanyahu's second trip abroad since the ICC issued its arrest warrant. Previously, in February, he travelled to the US — not an ICC member — to meet close ally President Donald Trump. ICC slams Hungary for defying warrant The Associated Press reports that the ICC on Wednesday (Apr 2) criticised Hungary for its decision to defy Netanyahu's arrest warrant. Fadi El Abdallah, the Hague-based court’s spokesperson, said that it was not for parties to the ICC "to unilaterally determine the soundness of the Court’s legal decisions". Also read | Financial markets tumble after Trump tariff announcement In an email to the news agency, El Abdallah said that member states have an obligation to enforce the court's decisions and that if they disagree with any rulings, they may consult with the ICC. "Any dispute concerning the judicial functions of the Court shall be settled by the decision of the Court," El Abdallah said. (With inputs from agencies)

Israeli PM Netanyahu travels to Hungary in open defiance of ICC arrest warrant

As hundreds of Palestinians protested against Hamas and called for an end to the war for the second day in a row, Benjamin Netanyahu reiterated Israeli threats to take control of Gaza territory if Hamas does not free the remaining Israeli captives.

Israeli PM Netanyahu threatens to seize territory in Gaza if hostages not released

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