The United States is urging Israel to move towards surgical operations against Hamas as opposed to its current broad ground campaign. The shift in the strategy was suggested by the White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan.

Jake Sullivan urges Israel to shift to a more targeted action

Ripples of the Gaza war are being felt miles away in the Red Sea. Yemen’s Houthi rebels have vowed to attack all ships bound for Israel. They call it their response to Israeli atrocities in Gaza. It has the west alarmed. What can the Houthis do - are they a serious threat? Ghadi Francis explains.

Yemen Houthis attack ships in the Red Sea

Hospital, refugee camp, school - nowhere is safe in Gaza. Civilian order is up for a toss. There is no food, no clean water, no medicines. The Gaza strip’s reality worsens every single day this war stretches. The un has said that half of the Gazan population - that is around a million people face the risk of starvation. Ghadi Francis brings you the tale of Gaza.

Israel-Hamas war: 19,000 Gazans killed since October 7th attack

Israel is losing allies… the Jewish leaders are not seeing eye to eye with their American mentors. Europe has for weeks condemned civilian killings in Gaza. But the Israeli Defence Minister has vowed to continue - with or without support. Ghadi Francis details how Israel’s civilian killings in Gaza might leave it isolated on the world stage.

Israel-Hamas war: Is Israel losing global support?

What the future holds for Gaza. It is a big uncertain territory. Israel has rejected the option of p-a ruling the strip, while Arab nations say there will be no rebuilding plans until a two-state solution-based peace plan is kick-started. Ghadi Francis gets more on this big question - what is next for Gaza?

Israel-Hamas war: Who will take responsibility for Gaza?

Israel-Hamas war: US pushes for surgical operations in Gaza

United States Vice President Kamala Harris has reportedly become the cause of tensions in the White House.&nbsp;As per reports, President Joe Biden's second-in-command has been urging him and other colleagues to show more sensitivity to the plight of Palestinian civilians, as the death toll in Gaza continues to mount.&nbsp;

<h2>A push for sympathy</h2>

As per a Politico report, Harris has been telling her colleagues that she wants the White House to publicly be sensitive and show more concern about the humanitarian damage in Gaza.

The publication reports that in internal conversations about the Israel-Hamas war, Harris has expressed her belief that the US should be "tougher" on Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/israel-hamas-conflict-takes-toll-on-neighbouring-economies-un-study-warns-of-10-bn-impact-669871">Israel-Hamas conflict takes toll on neighbouring economies, UN study warns of $10 bn impact</a>

She has called for being "more forceful at seeking a long-term peace and two-state solution," said one person.

Harris has reportedly also argued that the US should start making "day after" plans for when the war ends, leaving behind wreckage.

The source of this information, as cited by Politico, is "three people familiar with Harris' comments".

<h2>Differences between Biden and Harris?</h2>

There are longstanding differences in perspective between Harris and Biden, reports Politico. However, Kirsten Allen, Kamala Harris'&nbsp;press secretary, clarified that "there is no daylight between the president and the vice president, nor has there been".

Allen said that the two are aligned and "have been clear: Israel has a right and responsibility to defend itself; humanitarian aid must be allowed to flow into Gaza; innocent civilians must be protected; and the United States remains committed to a two-state solution."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-wants-israel-hamas-war-to-end-as-soon-as-possible-says-white-house-669806">United States wants Israel-Hamas war to end 'as soon as possible', says White House</a>

She also cautioned the media "about citing anonymous sources in the ‘orbit’ about sensitive national security conversations between the president and vice president that take place in the Oval Office."

Since the beginning of this war on Oct 7, the US has repeatedly made mention of its support for Israel's right to defend itself, and spoken up about a rise in antisemitism. However, as per a Washington Post report from last month, in October, Harris had urged Biden to condemn Islamophobia along with antisemitism.&nbsp;

Since then, the US has grown increasingly willing to criticise Israel's "indiscriminate bombing" of Gaza, with Biden even calling on the Netanyahu government to "change" its methods.

(With inputs from agencies)

United States Vice President Kamala Harris has reportedly become the cause of tensions in the White House. As per reports, President Joe Biden's second-in-command has been urging him and other colleagues to show more sensitivity to the plight of Palestinian civilians, as the death toll in Gaza continues to mount.

United States Vice President Kamala Harris has reportedly become the cause of tensions in the White House. As per reports, President Joe Biden's second-in-command has been urging him and other colleagues to show more sensitivity to the plight of Palestinian civilians, as the death toll in Gaza continues to mount. A push for sympathy As per a Politico report, Harris has been telling her colleagues that she wants the White House to publicly be sensitive and show more concern about the humanitarian damage in Gaza. The publication reports that in internal conversations about the Israel-Hamas war, Harris has expressed her belief that the US should be "tougher" on Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu. Also read | Israel-Hamas conflict takes toll on neighbouring economies, UN study warns of $10 bn impact She has called for being "more forceful at seeking a long-term peace and two-state solution," said one person. Harris has reportedly also argued that the US should start making "day after" plans for when the war ends, leaving behind wreckage. The source of this information, as cited by Politico, is "three people familiar with Harris' comments". Differences between Biden and Harris? There are longstanding differences in perspective between Harris and Biden, reports Politico. However, Kirsten Allen, Kamala Harris' press secretary, clarified that "there is no daylight between the president and the vice president, nor has there been". Allen said that the two are aligned and "have been clear: Israel has a right and responsibility to defend itself; humanitarian aid must be allowed to flow into Gaza; innocent civilians must be protected; and the United States remains committed to a two-state solution." Also read | United States wants Israel-Hamas war to end 'as soon as possible', says White House She also cautioned the media "about citing anonymous sources in the ‘orbit’ about sensitive national security conversations between the president and vice president that take place in the Oval Office." Since the beginning of this war on Oct 7, the US has repeatedly made mention of its support for Israel's right to defend itself, and spoken up about a rise in antisemitism. However, as per a Washington Post report from last month, in October, Harris had urged Biden to condemn Islamophobia along with antisemitism. Since then, the US has grown increasingly willing to criticise Israel's "indiscriminate bombing" of Gaza, with Biden even calling on the Netanyahu government to "change" its methods. (With inputs from agencies)

US VP Harris urges President Biden to be 'tougher' on Netanyahu, sparks tensions: Report

The United Nations demanded an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the Gaza Strip as US President Joe Biden warned Israel it was losing international support because of its "indiscriminate" bombing of civilians in its war against Hamas militants.

Israel-Hamas war: Biden warns Israeli government of losing support amid war with Hamas

Isareli forces' operation in Gaza is helping Hamas to gain popularity. Support for Hamas is growing in Gaza and West Bank. Palestinians are showing support for Hamas group.

Israel-Hamas war: Israel's operation in Gaza helping Hamas gain popularity

Even as the civilian casualties in Gaza continue to rise, Israeli citizens say that the army should not back off from its unrelenting offensive to crush the militant group Hamas.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on Wednesday, echoed the sentiments and announced that the country will continue to fight.

This is despite the international calls for a ceasefire and the fading global sympathy for Israel.

<h2>'Now is not the time to back down'</h2>

Polls conducted in recent weeks show overwhelming support for the war. Talking to Reuters on Wednesday, four Israeli citizens said that regardless of fading global sympathy for Israel — aptly reflected in Tuesday's UN resolution — now was not the time to back down.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nothing-will-stop-us-until-victory-in-gaza-says-israeli-prime-minister-benjamin-netanyahu-669443">'Nothing will stop us' until victory in Gaza, says Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu</a>

"If we don't take this fight to the end, then tomorrow morning we'll have battles in the north and in the east and the south and maybe Iran. Therefore, we have no choice," said Ben Zion Levinger, a retired IT worker.

<h2>Hamas annihilation is the goal</h2>

The public's sentiment is an echo of what the Israeli officials feel.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, while talking to soldiers, said that the country will continue fighting "until the end".

"We're continuing until the end, until victory, until Hamas is annihilated," he told soldiers in Gaza over radio.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-starts-flooding-seawater-in-gaza-tunnels-to-dismantle-hamas-network-report-669279">Israel starts flooding seawater in Gaza tunnels to dismantle Hamas network: Report</a>

"I say this in the face of great pain but also in the face of international pressures. Nothing will stop us."

In an interview, Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee chair, Yuli Edelstein, said that although the cost was "terrible", the nation's military operation's goal was the total destruction of Hamas Infrastructure in Gaza.&nbsp;

<h2>Israelis and war: What the polls show</h2>

Even as international pressure for a ceasefire builds, more than three-quarters of Israelis said that the nation's offensive should continue — without adjustments that could potentially reduce Palestinian civilian casualties.

These are the results of a survey conducted in November by the Israel Democracy Institute, after a week-long pause in hostilities.&nbsp;

Many people felt that deaths were an acceptable price to pay for future security.

"There is a sense of first revenge, mainly on the right, and on the left and the centre they see it as I would say secondary to the achievements of the war … it is being perceived as collateral damage," reports Reuters.

As per a poll conducted by Tel Aviv University late in October, only 10 per cent of the respondents thought that the army was using too much firepower. Others said Israel was doing what it could to avoid killing non-combatants.

"It's awful. It's awful that there are so many civilian casualties," said Jerusalem resident Adam Saville, adding,&nbsp;"But this is war, and that's what happens in war."

Even as the civilian casualties in Gaza continue to rise, Israeli citizens say that the army should not back off from its unrelenting offensive to crush the militant group Hamas.

Even as the civilian casualties in Gaza continue to rise, Israeli citizens say that the army should not back off from its unrelenting offensive to crush the militant group Hamas. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on Wednesday, echoed the sentiments and announced that the country will continue to fight. This is despite the international calls for a ceasefire and the fading global sympathy for Israel. 'Now is not the time to back down' Polls conducted in recent weeks show overwhelming support for the war. Talking to Reuters on Wednesday, four Israeli citizens said that regardless of fading global sympathy for Israel — aptly reflected in Tuesday's UN resolution — now was not the time to back down. Also read | 'Nothing will stop us' until victory in Gaza, says Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu "If we don't take this fight to the end, then tomorrow morning we'll have battles in the north and in the east and the south and maybe Iran. Therefore, we have no choice," said Ben Zion Levinger, a retired IT worker. Hamas annihilation is the goal The public's sentiment is an echo of what the Israeli officials feel. On Wednesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, while talking to soldiers, said that the country will continue fighting "until the end". "We're continuing until the end, until victory, until Hamas is annihilated," he told soldiers in Gaza over radio. Also read | Israel starts flooding seawater in Gaza tunnels to dismantle Hamas network: Report "I say this in the face of great pain but also in the face of international pressures. Nothing will stop us." In an interview, Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee chair, Yuli Edelstein, said that although the cost was "terrible", the nation's military operation's goal was the total destruction of Hamas Infrastructure in Gaza. Israelis and war: What the polls show Even as international pressure for a ceasefire builds, more than three-quarters of Israelis said that the nation's offensive should continue — without adjustments that could potentially reduce Palestinian civilian casualties. These are the results of a survey conducted in November by the Israel Democracy Institute, after a week-long pause in hostilities. Many people felt that deaths were an acceptable price to pay for future security. "There is a sense of first revenge, mainly on the right, and on the left and the centre they see it as I would say secondary to the achievements of the war … it is being perceived as collateral damage," reports Reuters. As per a poll conducted by Tel Aviv University late in October, only 10 per cent of the respondents thought that the army was using too much firepower. Others said Israel was doing what it could to avoid killing non-combatants. "It's awful. It's awful that there are so many civilian casualties," said Jerusalem resident Adam Saville, adding, "But this is war, and that's what happens in war."

'Awful...but that's what happens in war': Israelis want Hamas crushed despite Gaza casualties

Israel is losing global support, says US. The sale of assault rifle to Israel has been delayed by US. President Biden warns about diminishing support for Israel globally.

Israel-Hamas war: US and Israel disagree over future of Gaza

There is no relief in sight for Gazans amid Israel's continued onslaught - the increased death tolls, forced displacements, lack of food and fuel, and other basic necessities. Now, heavy rains have added to their miseries.

Israel-Hamas war: Displaced Gaza residents sheltering in tents face heavy rainfall | WION

Acc. to health ministry in Gaza an estimated 18,787 Palestinians have been killed. Israeli President Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to press ahead withg Israeli offensive until what he described is the end and is rejecting all international pressure for ceasefire.

Israel-Hamas war: Wartime Palestinian poll shows surge in support for Hamas

US delays sale of assault rifles to Israel over settler violence

Israel on Wednesday (Dec 13) declared that it would continue its war against Hamas in Gaza "with or without international support".

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also reiterated that "nothing could stop" his country from continuing the war until it achieves victory against the Palestinian militant group.

"We will continue until the end. There is no question at all. I say this in light of great pain, but also in light of international pressure. Nothing will stop us. We are going until the end, until victory, nothing less than that," Netanyahu said in a video statement released by his office.

While talking to the soldiers over the radio, Netanyahu said, "I want you to pass this along to the last of the soldiers - we're continuing until the end, until victory, until Hamas is annihilated, let there be no doubt about this. This is important, it is a message I want to convey to each and every soldier over there."

Israel announced its worst combat casualties in more than a month on Wednesday after an ambush in the ruins of Gaza City and fronted growing diplomatic seclusion as civilian deaths ascended and a humanitarian catastrophe deepened.

Tel Aviv said that 10 of its soldiers lost their lives in the intense fighting in the past 24 hours, including a full colonel commanding a forward base and a lieutenant colonel commanding a regiment.

Hamas said the incident showed that Israeli forces could never subdue Gaza: "The longer you stay there, the greater the bill of your deaths and losses will be, and you will emerge from it carrying the tail of disappointment and loss, God willing."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-starts-flooding-seawater-in-gaza-tunnels-to-dismantle-hamas-network-report-669279">Israel starts flooding seawater in Gaza tunnels to dismantle Hamas network: Report</a>

The intense fighting between the two warring sides continued a day after the United Nations demanded an immediate humanitarian ceasefire.&nbsp;

Israel also came under mounting pressure from its key backer United States when President Joe Biden said Tel Aviv's "indiscriminate" bombing of civilians was costing it international support.

<h2>Biden meets families of US hostages</h2>

Meanwhile, Biden on Wednesday met the families of the people held hostage by Hamas in Gaza.

According to the officials, the gathering took place in the White House where Secretary of State Antony Blinken was also present.

Approximately eight US hostages are being held in Gaza, according to the Biden administration.

As per the Israeli officials, after the swap that happened during the truce between both sides, nearly 135 hostages are still held captive in Gaza.

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. 
&nbsp;

Israel on Wednesday (Dec 13) declared that it would continue its war against Hamas in Gaza "with or without international support". Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also reiterated that "nothing could stop" his country from continuing the war until it achieves victory against the Palestinian militant group.

Israel on Wednesday (Dec 13) declared that it would continue its war against Hamas in Gaza "with or without international support". Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also reiterated that "nothing could stop" his country from continuing the war until it achieves victory against the Palestinian militant group. "We will continue until the end. There is no question at all. I say this in light of great pain, but also in light of international pressure. Nothing will stop us. We are going until the end, until victory, nothing less than that," Netanyahu said in a video statement released by his office. While talking to the soldiers over the radio, Netanyahu said, "I want you to pass this along to the last of the soldiers - we're continuing until the end, until victory, until Hamas is annihilated, let there be no doubt about this. This is important, it is a message I want to convey to each and every soldier over there." Israel announced its worst combat casualties in more than a month on Wednesday after an ambush in the ruins of Gaza City and fronted growing diplomatic seclusion as civilian deaths ascended and a humanitarian catastrophe deepened. Tel Aviv said that 10 of its soldiers lost their lives in the intense fighting in the past 24 hours, including a full colonel commanding a forward base and a lieutenant colonel commanding a regiment. Hamas said the incident showed that Israeli forces could never subdue Gaza: "The longer you stay there, the greater the bill of your deaths and losses will be, and you will emerge from it carrying the tail of disappointment and loss, God willing." Also read: Israel starts flooding seawater in Gaza tunnels to dismantle Hamas network: Report The intense fighting between the two warring sides continued a day after the United Nations demanded an immediate humanitarian ceasefire. Israel also came under mounting pressure from its key backer United States when President Joe Biden said Tel Aviv's "indiscriminate" bombing of civilians was costing it international support. Biden meets families of US hostages Meanwhile, Biden on Wednesday met the families of the people held hostage by Hamas in Gaza. According to the officials, the gathering took place in the White House where Secretary of State Antony Blinken was also present. Approximately eight US hostages are being held in Gaza, according to the Biden administration. As per the Israeli officials, after the swap that happened during the truce between both sides, nearly 135 hostages are still held captive in Gaza. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

'Nothing will stop us' until victory is achieved in Gaza, says Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

Yemen's Houthi rebels have carried out another attack in the Red Sea. A commercial tanker shipped from India narrowly escaped two missiles launched by the group on Wednesday and this comes just a day after they attacked a Norwegian oil tanker a day before as well.

Israel-Hamas war: Houthis attack oil tanker from India in Red Sea, was headed from Mangalore

Days after the Israeli defence minister hinted that Israel could open a second war front in Lebanon, IDF escalates its strikes on the Lebanese border. Will Israel open a second front with Lebanon?

Israel's Foreign Minister said war in Gaza would continue 'with or without' International support

After weeks of massive pounding of the Gaza Strip, Israel's staunchest ally, the United States, has raised concern about the future of the war. United States NSA Jake Sullivan is headed to Tel Aviv for talks on the timeline of war. To know more watch this interview with Dr Adam Day, Head in Geneva office, UN Centre for Policy Research.

Pressure mounts on Israel over deaths in Gaza, Jake Sullivan to discuss timeline of war

After weeks of massive pounding of the Gaza Strip, Israel's staunchest ally, the United States, has raised concern on the future of the war. United States NSA Jake Sullivan is headed to Tel Aviv for talks on the timeline of war.

US expresses concerns over Gaza casualties, Jake Sullivan to discuss timeline of war

US: White House advisor Jake Sullivan to visit Israel amid tensions over Gaza | World News | WION

Reports say Mossad chief David Barnea offered to travel to Qatar in a bid to restart negotiations to free more Israeli hostages held in Gaza, but Israel's war cabinet rejects the offer.

Israel: Mossad Chief offered to visit Qatar for negotiations, denied

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all the latest news and top headlines from all across the globe: Israel announced its worst combat losses in more than a month on Wednesday after an ambush in the ruins of Gaza. It faced growing diplomatic isolation as civilian deaths mounted and a humanitarian catastrophe worsened in the Palestinian territory.

Israel-Hamas war: Israel suffers heavy losses in Hamas ambush

Israeli leaders are reiterating that the war in Gaza will continue until Hamas is defeated. Israel's foreign minister stressed that the offensive would go on with or without international support. However Hamas Chief has now said that the the group is ready to discuss with Israel any arrangement or initiative that could lead to a ceasefire in Gaza.

Israel-Hamas war: 'Ready to discuss Gaza ceasefire with Israel', says Hamas' chief

Israel-Hamas war: Hamas Chief says ready to discuss Gaza ceasefire with Israel

Israel's Foreign Minister: War in Gaza would continue 'with or without international support'

Harvard University's president Claudine Gay, who had courted controversy over the testimony she gave about antisemitism on campus, received unanimous backing from several hundred faculty members of the educational institution and will remain in her position, the institution's governing body released a statement saying on Tuesday (Dec 12).

“As members of the Harvard Corporation, we today reaffirm our support for President Gay’s continued leadership of Harvard University,” the Harvard Corporation, one of the university's two governing boards, said.

“Our extensive deliberations affirm our confidence that President Gay is the right leader to help our community heal and to address the very serious societal issues we are facing,” it added.

The Harvard Corporation announced the decision on Tuesday after the board's meeting concluded.

“In this tumultuous and difficult time, we unanimously stand in support of President Gay,” the Corporation added.

However, the body denounced the initial response by the university over the unprecedented attacks launched by the Palestinian militant group Hamas against Israel on Oct 7 which, as per Tel Aviv, has by far claimed the lives of 1,200 people and witnessed around 240 people taken hostage.

A petition was also signed by at least 570 professors and was given on Sunday evening to the 13-member Harvard Corporation, which has the power to make the final decision on President Gay's firing. More professors suggested that they also wanted to sign, according to a co-author of the petition.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nikki-haleys-prez-campaign-may-get-support-from-new-hampshir-governor-sununu-669004">Nikki Haley's prez campaign may get support from New Hampshire Governor Sununu</a>

"What they're arguing is that to remove her would essentially be bending to political pressure," said Megan Zahneis, Senior Reporter at the Chronicle of Higher Education.

<h2>President Gay under fire</h2>

Harvard University's president courted controversy for the testimony she delivered about antisemitism on campus.

Since the war between Israel and Hamas broke out in the West Bank, there has been a significant rise in the number of hate attacks and violent rhetoric targeting Jews and Muslims.

Such attacks have also been reported in the universities.

"So many people have suffered tremendous damage and pain because of Hamas's brutal terrorist attack, and the University's initial statement should have been an immediate, direct, and unequivocal condemnation," the corporation said.&nbsp;

"Calls for genocide are despicable and contrary to fundamental human values.&nbsp;

"President Gay has apologised for how she handled her congressional testimony."

(With inputs from agencies)

Harvard University's president Claudine Gay, who had courted controversy over the testimony she gave about antisemitism on campus, received unanimous backing from several hundred faculty members of the educational institution and will remain in her position, the institution's governing body released a statement saying on Tuesday (Dec 12).

Harvard University's president Claudine Gay, who had courted controversy over the testimony she gave about antisemitism on campus, received unanimous backing from several hundred faculty members of the educational institution and will remain in her position, the institution's governing body released a statement saying on Tuesday (Dec 12). “As members of the Harvard Corporation, we today reaffirm our support for President Gay’s continued leadership of Harvard University,” the Harvard Corporation, one of the university's two governing boards, said. “Our extensive deliberations affirm our confidence that President Gay is the right leader to help our community heal and to address the very serious societal issues we are facing,” it added. The Harvard Corporation announced the decision on Tuesday after the board's meeting concluded. “In this tumultuous and difficult time, we unanimously stand in support of President Gay,” the Corporation added. However, the body denounced the initial response by the university over the unprecedented attacks launched by the Palestinian militant group Hamas against Israel on Oct 7 which, as per Tel Aviv, has by far claimed the lives of 1,200 people and witnessed around 240 people taken hostage. A petition was also signed by at least 570 professors and was given on Sunday evening to the 13-member Harvard Corporation, which has the power to make the final decision on President Gay's firing. More professors suggested that they also wanted to sign, according to a co-author of the petition. Also read: Nikki Haley's prez campaign may get support from New Hampshire Governor Sununu "What they're arguing is that to remove her would essentially be bending to political pressure," said Megan Zahneis, Senior Reporter at the Chronicle of Higher Education. President Gay under fire Harvard University's president courted controversy for the testimony she delivered about antisemitism on campus. Since the war between Israel and Hamas broke out in the West Bank, there has been a significant rise in the number of hate attacks and violent rhetoric targeting Jews and Muslims. Such attacks have also been reported in the universities. "So many people have suffered tremendous damage and pain because of Hamas's brutal terrorist attack, and the University's initial statement should have been an immediate, direct, and unequivocal condemnation," the corporation said. "Calls for genocide are despicable and contrary to fundamental human values. "President Gay has apologised for how she handled her congressional testimony." (With inputs from agencies)

Harvard's president receives university board's backing amid antisemitism row

The number of journalists killed in the line of duty fell this year, despite reporter deaths in Gaza in the past two months, media advocacy group Reporters Without Borders (RSF) said Thursday (Dec 14).

The number of journalists killed in the line of duty fell this year, despite reporter deaths in Gaza in the past two months, media advocacy group Reporters Without Borders (RSF) said Thursday (Dec 14). In the first 11 months of 2023, 45 journalists were killed carrying out their work, down from 61 last year, according to the annual report by RSF. It was the smallest number since 33 died in 2002, largely due to a major drop in Latin America. While some 63 journalists have been killed in the Middle East since the October 7 start of fighting between Israel and Islamist group Hamas, only 17 of those deaths fell under RSF's definition. "It takes nothing away from the tragedy in Gaza but we are observing a regular decline, and are very far from the 140 journalists killed in 2012 and again in 2013" because of the wars in Syria and Iraq, RSF secretary-general Christophe Deloire told AFP. The decline is due to efforts by inter-governmental organisations and NGOs to combat impunity, as well as due to greater "prudence" by reporters themselves, he said. Of the 17 journalists RSF counted as killed carrying out their profession in the Middle East since October 7, 13 were killed by Israeli fire in Gaza, three died in Lebanon and one was killed in Israel by Hamas. Watch | Israel-Palestine war: 45 Palestinian, 4 Israeli journalists killed since war began × RSF in November said it filed a complaint at the International Criminal Court for "war crimes" for these deaths. AFP last week said its investigation showed that Israeli tank fire was responsible for killing Reuters cameraman Issam Abdallah on October 13 and wounding six others, including AFP photographer Christina Assi. A spokesperson for the Israeli army said the journalists were in an "active combat zone" in southern Lebanon, an answer that Deloire called "not satisfactory." The war in Ukraine cost the lives of two reporters in 2023, including AFP reporter Arman Soldin, "the only reporter to have lost their life outside their own country", RSF said. A total of 11 reporters have been killed since the start of the conflict in February 2022. Fall in Latin America There was a sharp drop in Latin America where six reporters were killed, down from 26 in 2022. In Mexico alone, the number fell to four from 11 the previous year. RSF warned that Mexico remains dangerous for journalists, citing continued kidnappings and attacks. Of the 84 journalists counted as missing worldwide, about a third are Mexican. Also read | Two journalists, Hamas terrorist killed in Israeli strikes on Lebanon The number of jailed reporters declined to 521 from 569 in 2022, with Belarus joining China and Myanmar as "one of the three biggest prisons in the world". Turkey and Iran also repeatedly jail journalists, the report said. A total of 54 journalists are being held hostage, compared to 65 in 2022.

Despite Israel-Hamas war, number of journalists killed on job declines in 2023: Report

Amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war that has intensified after the expiry of the second truce deal, Palestinians in the Gaza Strip are under constant state of&nbsp;dread. Their problems have been compounded by the winter rains that have swept across the Strip, washing away the tents and flooding the areas, including refugee camps.&nbsp;

The Palestinians are describing the conditions as "living hell", according to a Guardian report. The worsening humanitarian situation has led nearly 85 per cent of Gaza's population to abandon their homes and live on aid from international organisations.&nbsp;

“Rainwater seeped in. We couldn’t sleep. We tried to find nylon covers but couldn’t find any so we resorted to stones and sand” to keep the rain out," a Palestinian who had camped in grounds of al-Aqsa Martyrs hospital in central Gaza told AFP.&nbsp;

While some families have proper tents, others are relying on tarpaulins and other plastic materials to forge a living space that protects them from the rain.&nbsp;

Videos on social media showed people walking through flooded streets as everything remained closed. One clip going viral showed a man carrying his family member wrapped in a white shroud, suggesting they may have been killed in the Israeli airstrikes.&nbsp;

(WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of the media)

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A Palestinian man holds the body of Palestinian girl who was killed by an Israeli airstrike in Jabalia despite the heavy rain. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gazagenocide%E2%80%8C?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gazagenocide‌</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gaza?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gaza</a> <a href="https://t.co/L4xrAJbAQ5">pic.twitter.com/L4xrAJbAQ5</a>
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<h2>Food troubles</h2>

Apart from finding it difficult to have a space to call it home, the Palestinians are also struggling for food. A report published by the&nbsp;World Food Programme (WFP) last week revealed that&nbsp;91 per cent of households in Gaza reported going to bed hungry while 63 per cent reported enduring entire days without food.&nbsp;

The&nbsp;<a href="https://docs.wfp.org/api/documents/WFP-0000154766/download/?_ga=2.132884044.396164872.1702292083-252791030.1702292083">report&nbsp;</a>stated that "42 per cent of the households in the Northern governorates&nbsp;(Gaza and North Gaza) and 35 per cent of households in the Southern governorates (Deir Al Balah, Khan Younis and Rafah) reported knowing of people who were compelled to consume wild or raw food to cope with hunger".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-hamas-war-displaced-gaza-residents-sheltering-in-tents-face-heavy-rainfall-wion-669518">Watch |&nbsp;Israel-Hamas war: Displaced Gaza residents sheltering in tents face heavy rainfall</a>

The food scarcity situation is significantly worse in the north than in the south, according to the report. The aid is concentrated in the south of the strip where it is received through the border with Egypt at the Rafah crossing.

According to the Hamas-run Palestinian health ministry, more than 18,000 people have been killed since Israel launched its retaliatory operations following the militant group’s attack on October 7 in southern Israel.

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

&nbsp;(With inputs from agencies)

Amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war that has intensified after the expiry of the second truce deal, Palestinians in the Gaza Strip are under constant state of dread.

Amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war that has intensified after the expiry of the second truce deal, Palestinians in the Gaza Strip are under constant state of dread. Their problems have been compounded by the winter rains that have swept across the Strip, washing away the tents and flooding the areas, including refugee camps. The Palestinians are describing the conditions as "living hell", according to a Guardian report. The worsening humanitarian situation has led nearly 85 per cent of Gaza's population to abandon their homes and live on aid from international organisations. “Rainwater seeped in. We couldn’t sleep. We tried to find nylon covers but couldn’t find any so we resorted to stones and sand” to keep the rain out," a Palestinian who had camped in grounds of al-Aqsa Martyrs hospital in central Gaza told AFP. While some families have proper tents, others are relying on tarpaulins and other plastic materials to forge a living space that protects them from the rain. Videos on social media showed people walking through flooded streets as everything remained closed. One clip going viral showed a man carrying his family member wrapped in a white shroud, suggesting they may have been killed in the Israeli airstrikes. (WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of the media) A Palestinian man holds the body of Palestinian girl who was killed by an Israeli airstrike in Jabalia despite the heavy rain. #Gazagenocide‌ #Gaza pic.twitter.com/L4xrAJbAQ5 — Wafa News Agency - English (@WAFANewsEnglish) December 13, 2023 × Food troubles Apart from finding it difficult to have a space to call it home, the Palestinians are also struggling for food. A report published by the World Food Programme (WFP) last week revealed that 91 per cent of households in Gaza reported going to bed hungry while 63 per cent reported enduring entire days without food. The report stated that "42 per cent of the households in the Northern governorates (Gaza and North Gaza) and 35 per cent of households in the Southern governorates (Deir Al Balah, Khan Younis and Rafah) reported knowing of people who were compelled to consume wild or raw food to cope with hunger". Watch | Israel-Hamas war: Displaced Gaza residents sheltering in tents face heavy rainfall The food scarcity situation is significantly worse in the north than in the south, according to the report. The aid is concentrated in the south of the strip where it is received through the border with Egypt at the Rafah crossing. According to the Hamas-run Palestinian health ministry, more than 18,000 people have been killed since Israel launched its retaliatory operations following the militant group’s attack on October 7 in southern Israel. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

After food shortage, Palestinians in Gaza hit by heavy winter rains

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The Hamas-run&nbsp;health ministry on Tuesday (Dec 12) released a statement saying that the Israeli troops were raiding a hospital in the north of the Palestinian territory.

"Israeli occupation forces are storming Kamal Adwan hospital after besieging and bombing it for days," ministry spokesman Ashraf al-Qudra said in a statement.

Al-Qudra said that the armed forces were assembling men in the hospital courtyard, including medical staff.

"We fear their arrest and the arrest of the medical teams or their killing," the health ministry spokesman added, calling for international intervention.

The United Nations humanitarian agency OCHA alleged that at least two mothers had lost their lives when the maternity department of Kamal Adwan Hospital was reportedly hit on Monday.&nbsp;

"The hospital remains surrounded by Israeli troops and tanks, and fighting with armed groups has been reported in its vicinity for three consecutive days," OCHA said.

It said the hospital was "currently accommodating 65 patients, including 12 children in the intensive care unit and six newborns in incubators".&nbsp;

"About 3,000 internally displaced persons remain trapped in the facility and are awaiting evacuation with extreme shortages of water, food and power reported," it added.

Israeli military has previously raided other medical facilities in Gaza including Al-Shifa, the territory's largest hospital.

As per the United Nations, at present there is only one hospital in northern Gaza which can admit the patients.&nbsp;

Israeli tanks and warplanes on Tuesday (Dec 12) hit war-torn southern Gaza while the United Nations expressed concerns over aid supplies drastically running short for affected Palestinians due to the intense fighting between the two warring sides, which is now in its third month.

The residents in Khan Younis, the southern city of Gaza which was stormed by the Israeli army last week, said that now the tank shelling was targeted on the city centre.

One of the residents, as per news agency Reuters reports, said that the tanks on Tuesday were operating in the street where the house of Yahya Al-Sinwar, Hamas' leader in Gaza, is located.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zelensky-arrives-in-capitol-to-secure-another-round-of-funding-from-biden-668988">Zelensky arrives in Capitol to secure another round of funding from Biden</a>

Israel's counter-offensive on Gaza against Palestinian militant group Hamas has till now claimed the lives of at least 18,205 Palestinians and injured nearly 50,000 since Oct 7, according to the Gaza-run health ministry. &nbsp;

<h2>Biden says Netanyahu's government does not want two-state solution</h2>

United States President Joe Biden on Tuesday said that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government was against a two-state solution with the Palestinians and called on the Israeli PM to change his government.

"Bibi's got a tough decision to make," Biden said, referring to Netanyahu and his hardline right-wing government.&nbsp;

"This is the most conservative government in Israel's history," he said, adding that the Israeli government "doesn't want a two-state solution."

He further said that Israel had started to lose support from around the globe and that Netanyahu "has to strengthen and change" the Israeli government to find a long-term solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

On Tuesday, Netanyahu, after a conversation with Biden said that there was "disagreement" between the allies over "the day after Hamas", i.e. the vision for a post-war Gaza.

The Israeli premier said he hoped "we will reach agreement here" but he vowed not to "repeat the mistake of Oslo," referring to the 1993 peace accords signed in the United States.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

The Hamas-run health ministry on Tuesday (Dec 12) released a statement saying that the Israeli troops were raiding a hospital in the north of the Palestinian territory.

The Hamas-run health ministry on Tuesday (Dec 12) released a statement saying that the Israeli troops were raiding a hospital in the north of the Palestinian territory. "Israeli occupation forces are storming Kamal Adwan hospital after besieging and bombing it for days," ministry spokesman Ashraf al-Qudra said in a statement. Al-Qudra said that the armed forces were assembling men in the hospital courtyard, including medical staff. "We fear their arrest and the arrest of the medical teams or their killing," the health ministry spokesman added, calling for international intervention. The United Nations humanitarian agency OCHA alleged that at least two mothers had lost their lives when the maternity department of Kamal Adwan Hospital was reportedly hit on Monday. "The hospital remains surrounded by Israeli troops and tanks, and fighting with armed groups has been reported in its vicinity for three consecutive days," OCHA said. It said the hospital was "currently accommodating 65 patients, including 12 children in the intensive care unit and six newborns in incubators". "About 3,000 internally displaced persons remain trapped in the facility and are awaiting evacuation with extreme shortages of water, food and power reported," it added. Israeli military has previously raided other medical facilities in Gaza including Al-Shifa, the territory's largest hospital. As per the United Nations, at present there is only one hospital in northern Gaza which can admit the patients. Israeli tanks and warplanes on Tuesday (Dec 12) hit war-torn southern Gaza while the United Nations expressed concerns over aid supplies drastically running short for affected Palestinians due to the intense fighting between the two warring sides, which is now in its third month. The residents in Khan Younis, the southern city of Gaza which was stormed by the Israeli army last week, said that now the tank shelling was targeted on the city centre. One of the residents, as per news agency Reuters reports, said that the tanks on Tuesday were operating in the street where the house of Yahya Al-Sinwar, Hamas' leader in Gaza, is located. Also read: Zelensky arrives in Capitol to secure another round of funding from Biden Israel's counter-offensive on Gaza against Palestinian militant group Hamas has till now claimed the lives of at least 18,205 Palestinians and injured nearly 50,000 since Oct 7, according to the Gaza-run health ministry. Biden says Netanyahu's government does not want two-state solution United States President Joe Biden on Tuesday said that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government was against a two-state solution with the Palestinians and called on the Israeli PM to change his government. "Bibi's got a tough decision to make," Biden said, referring to Netanyahu and his hardline right-wing government. "This is the most conservative government in Israel's history," he said, adding that the Israeli government "doesn't want a two-state solution." He further said that Israel had started to lose support from around the globe and that Netanyahu "has to strengthen and change" the Israeli government to find a long-term solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. On Tuesday, Netanyahu, after a conversation with Biden said that there was "disagreement" between the allies over "the day after Hamas", i.e. the vision for a post-war Gaza. The Israeli premier said he hoped "we will reach agreement here" but he vowed not to "repeat the mistake of Oslo," referring to the 1993 peace accords signed in the United States. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Israel intensifies assault as troops raid hospital in north Gaza, says Hamas-run health ministry

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