Israelis and Palestinians are calling for a boycott of clothing chain Zara after the head of the retailer's local franchise hosted a campaign event for a prominent far-right election candidate.

Zara campaign stirs outrage, has uncanny resemblance to Gaza destruction | World News | WION

Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh has said that the United States should also be held responsible for Israeli attacks on Gaza and the loss of Palestinian lives. The Prime Minister made the statement that the 21st Doha Forum. WION's correspondent talks to Palestinian PM Shtayyeh.

Israel-Hamas war: Wion's exclusive interview with Palestinian PM Mohammad Shtayyeh

Israeli tanks battled their way to the heart of Khan Younis on Sunday in a major new push into the main city of the southern Gaza Strip, as health authorities in Hamas-run Gaza said about 18,000 Palestinians had been killed in the war.

Israel-Hamas war: Israeli troop continue their offensive in Gaza strip

Israel has yet again rebuffed international calls to end the offensive in Gaza, this multiplies global concerns over whether the United States should condition if not halt its military support for Israel. This comes as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed Washington's veto on a United Nations resolution urging a ceasefire in Gaza.

Israel-Hamas War | PM Netanyahu rejects international calls to end the Gaza war

Israel says it has struck over 200 Hamas targets as qatar- a key negotiator says neither side wanting to relent on a truce....Netanyahu warns Hamas is nearing its end.

Israel-Hamas war: 'No hostages will leave Gaza, unless...'

National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi indicated on Saturday night that once Hamas is defeated in Gaza, Israel may have to go to war against Hezbollah across the northern border in Lebanon. While on the other hand, Yemen's Houthis vow to target all Israel-bound ships in Red Sea.

Israel-Hamas war: Yemen's Houthis vow to target all Israel-bound ships in Red Sea

According to an army spokesman, dozens of terrorists in the northern Strip gave up their weapons to soldiers, complaining that "Hamas leadership is out of touch."

Israel-Hamas war: Israel's AI tool can identify 100 bombing targets daily in Gaza

National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi indicated on Saturday night that once Hamas is defeated in Gaza, Israel may have to go to war against Hezbollah across the northern border in Lebanon.

Israel NSA Tzachi Hanegbi says, 'War against Hezbollah likely after defeat of Hamas'

Christmas is cancelled in Bethlehem. Palestinians in the biblical place of Jesus Christ's birth have this year decided to forego Christmas celebrations in solidarity with the Gazan plight as the Israel-Hamas war drags on even after weeks.

<h2>Missing Christmas&nbsp;</h2>

This year, in Bethlehem there won't be any public celebrations, Christmas lights or the iconic decorated tree in Manger Square, reports The Free Press.&nbsp;

There will still be a manger scene located in the sanctuary of the Evangelical Lutheran Christmas Church in Bethlehem. However, instead of the traditional baby Jesus surrounded by adoring parents, shepherds, wise men, angels and animals, it will showcase a swaddled doll lying among the shattered ruins and debris of a destroyed building.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-amid-israel-hamas-war-the-turmoil-in-top-us-universities-over-antisemitism-668405">Explained: Amid Israel-Hamas war, the turmoil in top US universities over antisemitism</a>

"If Jesus were born today, he would be born in Gaza under the rubble," said Pastor Munther Isaac of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in the West Bank city of Bethlehem.

Munther, as per Reuters, said there would be no Christmas celebrations as long as Israel's bombardment of Gaza continues.&nbsp;

As per the report, the pastor has even replaced the traditional wooden crib with rubble in the grotto, set up a few weeks before the Christian celebration on December 25 of the birth of Christ.

"We see the picture of Jesus in every child under the rubble in Gaza, so this is a letter of solidarity with our people in Gaza and an expression of the meaning of Christmas, God is with the suffering and the oppressed," he added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-war-day-65-entire-generation-at-risk-of-radicalisation-says-qatar-pm-668313">Gaza War Day 65: Entire generation at 'risk of radicalisation', says Qatar PM</a>

<h2>In the shadow of the Gaza war</h2>

The city will hold pared-down celebrations "without the fanfare and without too many lights".&nbsp;

As per Reuters, this is the first time in the residents' memories that the Nativity Square won't have any Christmas tree.&nbsp;

“We will celebrate in sobriety, that means without the fanfare and without too many lights, in the most spiritual way and more in the families than in the square," said Father Francesco Patton, custodian of the Holy Land.

(With inputs from agencies)

Christmas is cancelled in Bethlehem. Palestinians in the biblical place of Jesus Christ's birth have this year decided to forego Christmas celebrations in solidarity with the Gazan plight as the Israel-Hamas war drags on even after weeks.

Christmas is cancelled in Bethlehem. Palestinians in the biblical place of Jesus Christ's birth have this year decided to forego Christmas celebrations in solidarity with the Gazan plight as the Israel-Hamas war drags on even after weeks. Missing Christmas This year, in Bethlehem there won't be any public celebrations, Christmas lights or the iconic decorated tree in Manger Square, reports The Free Press. There will still be a manger scene located in the sanctuary of the Evangelical Lutheran Christmas Church in Bethlehem. However, instead of the traditional baby Jesus surrounded by adoring parents, shepherds, wise men, angels and animals, it will showcase a swaddled doll lying among the shattered ruins and debris of a destroyed building. Also read | Explained: Amid Israel-Hamas war, the turmoil in top US universities over antisemitism "If Jesus were born today, he would be born in Gaza under the rubble," said Pastor Munther Isaac of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in the West Bank city of Bethlehem. Munther, as per Reuters, said there would be no Christmas celebrations as long as Israel's bombardment of Gaza continues. As per the report, the pastor has even replaced the traditional wooden crib with rubble in the grotto, set up a few weeks before the Christian celebration on December 25 of the birth of Christ. "We see the picture of Jesus in every child under the rubble in Gaza, so this is a letter of solidarity with our people in Gaza and an expression of the meaning of Christmas, God is with the suffering and the oppressed," he added. Also read | Gaza War Day 65: Entire generation at 'risk of radicalisation', says Qatar PM In the shadow of the Gaza war The city will hold pared-down celebrations "without the fanfare and without too many lights". As per Reuters, this is the first time in the residents' memories that the Nativity Square won't have any Christmas tree. “We will celebrate in sobriety, that means without the fanfare and without too many lights, in the most spiritual way and more in the families than in the square," said Father Francesco Patton, custodian of the Holy Land. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel-Hamas war: Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus Christ, cancels Christmas in solidarity with Gaza

Aid agencies issued a warning, stating that families' only chance of survival is being severely limited by the ongoing Israeli offensive, which is pushing Palestinians in Gaza to the verge of mass starvation. The grave situation surfaced one day after the United States vetoed a resolution calling for a cease-fire in the United Nations, impeding the provision of food and other necessities to the area.

Israel-Hamas war: US aid to Israel divides Democrats, says poll | World News | WION

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has once again said that he just want to eliminate Hamas will continue until all the goals are achieved. Netanyahu also ruled out slowing down the onslaught in Gaza saying it would defeat the purpose of eliminating Hamas.

Doha Forum | Qatar PM: Gaza war puts an entire generation at the risk of radicalisation

Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh has said that the United States should also be held responsible for Israeli attacks on Gaza and the loss of Palestinian lives. The Prime Minister made the statement that the 21st Doha Forum. WION's correspondent talks to Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi.

Doha Forum | Exclusive interview with Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi

Israel-Hamas War | PM Netanyahu: Thank Biden for US' firm & just stance in the UNSC

National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi indicated on Saturday night that once Hamas is defeated in Gaza, Israel may have to go to war against Hezbollah across the northern border in Lebanon. On the other hand, Yemen's Houthis vow to target all Israel-bound ships in the Red Sea. To understand this better watch this interview with War Correspondent and Analyst, Elijah J Magnier.

Iran leads the regional axis of resistance against Israel

Yemen's Houthis vow to target all Israel-bound ships in Red Sea

Israel has yet again rebuffed international calls to end the offensive in Gaza, this multiplies global concerns over whether the United States should condition if not halt its military support for Israel. This comes as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu welcomed Washington's veto on a United Nations resolution urging a ceasefire in Gaza. To know more watch this interview with Helit Barel, former Director, National Security Council, Israel.

Israel-Hamas War: People across the globe take to the streets against the US veto

The son of war cabinet minister and former Israeli military chief Gadi Eisenkot was killed fighting in the Gaza Strip on Thursday, Israel Defense Forces spokesperson Daniel Hagari said.

Israel-Hamas war: Two other soldiers injured in the incident

Israel-Hamas War: Israeli PM rebuffs international calls to end offensive in Gaza

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has once again said that it's just War to eliminate Hamas will continue until all the goals are achieved. Netanyahu also ruled out slowing down the onslaught in Gaza saying it would defeat the purpose of eliminating Hamas.

Doha Forum | Israeli PM: Pressure to end war inconsistent with support for eliminating Hamas

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has once again said that its War to eliminate Hamas will continue until all the goals are achieved. IDF says that there are signs Hamas system is falling apart as they are killing militants every day.

Israel-Hamas war | IDF: There are signs Hamas' system is falling apart

Fighting has intensified in southern Gaza. Israel's ground offensive is centred around Khan Younis as a humanitarian situation continues to worsen by the hour in the besieged strip. Calls for protecting human rights for Gazans grow but Washington's support for Israel remains undeterred.

Israel-Hamas war: US skips congressional review for sale of tank shells to Israel

Doha Forum | Exclusive interview with Palestinian PM Mohammad Shtayyeh

Israel: 'War against Hezbollah likely after defeat of Hamas'

Palestinian prime minister Mohammad Shtayyeh at has said that the United States should also be held responsible for Israeli attacks on Gaza and the loss of Palestinian lives. The Prime Minister made the statement that the 21st Doha Forum.

UN Chief gives opening remarks at Doha Forum

Doha Forum | Shtayyeh: US should also be held responsible for Israeli attack

In an exclusive interview with WION, Palestine's Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh laid emphasis on urgently bringing an end to the war between Israel and Hamas, which has now entered its ninth week.&nbsp;

The Palestine Authority never really left Gaza, Palestine's Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh told WION on the sidelines of Doha Forum in the Qatari capital on Sunday (Dec 10).

Asked about the talks of Palestine Authority taking up the administration of Gaza from Hamas, Shtayyeh said that the salary of 34,000 Palestinian civil servants in Gaza is paid for by the Palestine Authority itself. "There are important issues that need national consensus," Shtayyeh said.&nbsp;

Hamas has been the de-facto governing authority of the Gaza Strip since its takeover of the blockaded Palestinian enclave in June 2007.&nbsp;

<h2>'Stop the war': Palestinian PM</h2>

The Palestinian prime minister said that the United States must ensure an end to&nbsp;the "atrocities" committed by Israel in the ongoing war.&nbsp;

"Our focus is on today. Today means to stop the war," Shtayyeh said.&nbsp;

While laying emphasis on the resolution of Israel-Palestine conflict, Shtayyeh said: "When it comes to the day after, the US has been talking about two-state solution. What we want is not another 30 years of negotiations for the two-state solution. We want a mechanism of implementation for Israel to end&nbsp;its occupation that has occurred in Palestinian territories&nbsp;since 1967 and manifest the two-state solution on the border of 1967, where Jerusalem remains the capital of the state of Palestine."

Israeli tanks battled their way to the centre of Khan Younis on Sunday (Dec 10) in a major new push into the heart of the main city in the southern Gaza Strip.

Israel has vowed to annihilate Hamas after militants burst across the fence on Oct. 7 and went on a rampage through Israeli towns, gunning down families in their homes, killing 1,200 people and seizing 240 hostages.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-capitals-riyadhs-show-of-islamic-unity-for-palestine-amid-israel-hamas-war-657849">The Capitals: Riyadh's show of Islamic unity for Palestine amid Israel-Hamas war</a>

Since then, Gaza's health authorities say at least 17,700 people have been confirmed killed in Israeli strikes, with thousands more missing and presumed dead under rubble. The toll no longer includes figures from northern parts of the blockaded Palestinian enclave, beyond the reach of ambulances and where hospitals have ceased functioning.

Also watch |&nbsp;Israel-Hamas war: Safety of hostages vs pledge to destroy Hamas

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An Israeli siege has cut off supplies, with the United Nations warning of mass hunger and disease.

At Doha Forum, Arab foreign ministers criticised the United States for vetoing a UN Security Council resolution on Friday (Dec 8) that demanded a humanitarian ceasefire.

In an exclusive interview with WION, Palestine's Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh laid emphasis on urgently bringing an end to the war between Israel and Hamas, which has now entered its ninth week.

In an exclusive interview with WION, Palestine's Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh laid emphasis on urgently bringing an end to the war between Israel and Hamas, which has now entered its ninth week. The Palestine Authority never really left Gaza, Palestine's Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh told WION on the sidelines of Doha Forum in the Qatari capital on Sunday (Dec 10). Asked about the talks of Palestine Authority taking up the administration of Gaza from Hamas, Shtayyeh said that the salary of 34,000 Palestinian civil servants in Gaza is paid for by the Palestine Authority itself. "There are important issues that need national consensus," Shtayyeh said. Hamas has been the de-facto governing authority of the Gaza Strip since its takeover of the blockaded Palestinian enclave in June 2007. 'Stop the war': Palestinian PM The Palestinian prime minister said that the United States must ensure an end to the "atrocities" committed by Israel in the ongoing war. "Our focus is on today. Today means to stop the war," Shtayyeh said. While laying emphasis on the resolution of Israel-Palestine conflict, Shtayyeh said: "When it comes to the day after, the US has been talking about two-state solution. What we want is not another 30 years of negotiations for the two-state solution. We want a mechanism of implementation for Israel to end its occupation that has occurred in Palestinian territories since 1967 and manifest the two-state solution on the border of 1967, where Jerusalem remains the capital of the state of Palestine." Israeli tanks battled their way to the centre of Khan Younis on Sunday (Dec 10) in a major new push into the heart of the main city in the southern Gaza Strip. Israel has vowed to annihilate Hamas after militants burst across the fence on Oct. 7 and went on a rampage through Israeli towns, gunning down families in their homes, killing 1,200 people and seizing 240 hostages. Also read | The Capitals: Riyadh's show of Islamic unity for Palestine amid Israel-Hamas war Since then, Gaza's health authorities say at least 17,700 people have been confirmed killed in Israeli strikes, with thousands more missing and presumed dead under rubble. The toll no longer includes figures from northern parts of the blockaded Palestinian enclave, beyond the reach of ambulances and where hospitals have ceased functioning. Also watch | Israel-Hamas war: Safety of hostages vs pledge to destroy Hamas × An Israeli siege has cut off supplies, with the United Nations warning of mass hunger and disease. At Doha Forum, Arab foreign ministers criticised the United States for vetoing a UN Security Council resolution on Friday (Dec 8) that demanded a humanitarian ceasefire.

Exclusive: Palestine PM demands US to ensure end of Israeli 'atrocities' in Gaza

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all the latest news and top headlines from all across the globe: Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said on Saturday that the Hamas militant rule in the Gaza region is “beginning to collapse”.

The death toll in Gaza Strip touched 17,700 on Saturday (Dec 9), according to Hamas-run health ministry as Israel continued to bombard targets in the blockaded Palestinian enclave, Aid groups have said that Gaza faces an "apocalyptic" humanitarian situation and is at the brink of being overwhelmed by starvation.

Earlier, the United States vetoed a UN Security Council resolution that called for an immediate&nbsp;ceasefire on Friday. Washington cited the absence of any plan for return of Israelis held hostage in Gaza since October 7 as one of the reasons behind its opposition. But its veto was strongly condemned by the Palestinian Authority and Hamas, as well as Islamin nations and humanitarian groups.&nbsp;

Mahmoud Abbas, the president of the Palestinian Authority, said the US veto in the UNSC made it complicit in Israel’s "genocide, ethnic cleansing and war crimes" against Palestinians, Reuters reported.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-vetoes-un-security-council-resolution-demanding-immediate-humanitarian-ceasefire-in-gaza-667777">US vetoes UNSC resolution demanding immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, says it would ‘benefit’ Hamas</a>

<h2>Jaishankar dials Palestinian PM</h2>

Meanwhile, India's Minister for External Affairs (MEA) Dr S. Jaishankar spoke to the Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammed Shtayyeh on the evening of Dec 9.&nbsp;

"Spoke to Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh this evening," Jaishankar wrote on X, formerly Twitter.&nbsp;

"He expressed deep concern on the situation in both Gaza and the West Bank. Reiterated India’s long-standing position on Palestine. Agreed to remain in touch," Jaishankar added.&nbsp;

Also watch |&nbsp;Gravitas Plus: Why Houthis Target Ships in the Red Sea | What Stops U.S. From Retaliating?

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India supports a two-state&nbsp;resolution to the conflict between Israel and Palestine.

Amid Israel continuing&nbsp;to pound Gaza with air strikes, the Hamas ministry said 71 dead had arrived at Al-Aqsa hospital in Deir al-Balah alone over 24 hours, and 62 at Nasser hospital in the southern city of Khan Yunis.&nbsp;

Israel has vowed to eradicate Hamas after its unprecedented attacks on October 7, when the men owing allegiance to Hamas broke through Gaza's border with Israel to kill about 1,200 Israelis and seize hostages, of whom 138 remain captive, according to 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)

The death toll in Gaza Strip touched 17,700 on Saturday (Dec 9), according to Hamas-run health ministry as Israel continued to bombard targets in the blockaded Palestinian enclave, Aid groups have said that Gaza faces an "apocalyptic" humanitarian situation and is at the brink of being overwhelmed by starvation.

The death toll in Gaza Strip touched 17,700 on Saturday (Dec 9), according to Hamas-run health ministry as Israel continued to bombard targets in the blockaded Palestinian enclave, Aid groups have said that Gaza faces an "apocalyptic" humanitarian situation and is at the brink of being overwhelmed by starvation. Earlier, the United States vetoed a UN Security Council resolution that called for an immediate ceasefire on Friday. Washington cited the absence of any plan for return of Israelis held hostage in Gaza since October 7 as one of the reasons behind its opposition. But its veto was strongly condemned by the Palestinian Authority and Hamas, as well as Islamin nations and humanitarian groups. Mahmoud Abbas, the president of the Palestinian Authority, said the US veto in the UNSC made it complicit in Israel’s "genocide, ethnic cleansing and war crimes" against Palestinians, Reuters reported. Also read | US vetoes UNSC resolution demanding immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, says it would ‘benefit’ Hamas Jaishankar dials Palestinian PM Meanwhile, India's Minister for External Affairs (MEA) Dr S. Jaishankar spoke to the Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammed Shtayyeh on the evening of Dec 9. "Spoke to Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh this evening," Jaishankar wrote on X, formerly Twitter. "He expressed deep concern on the situation in both Gaza and the West Bank. Reiterated India’s long-standing position on Palestine. Agreed to remain in touch," Jaishankar added. Also watch | Gravitas Plus: Why Houthis Target Ships in the Red Sea | What Stops U.S. From Retaliating? × India supports a two-state resolution to the conflict between Israel and Palestine. Amid Israel continuing to pound Gaza with air strikes, the Hamas ministry said 71 dead had arrived at Al-Aqsa hospital in Deir al-Balah alone over 24 hours, and 62 at Nasser hospital in the southern city of Khan Yunis. Israel has vowed to eradicate Hamas after its unprecedented attacks on October 7, when the men owing allegiance to Hamas broke through Gaza's border with Israel to kill about 1,200 Israelis and seize hostages, of whom 138 remain captive, according to 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)

Israel-Hamas war: Gaza death toll mounts to 17,770 as heavy fighting continues, claims Hamas

The United States on Friday (Dec 8) vetoed the proposed demand by the other&nbsp;United Nations Security Council countries for an immediate ceasefire in the intense fighting between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza, in a bid to shield its longtime ally.

Thirteen other members voted in favour of the draft resolution moved by the United Arab Emirates, while the United Kingdom abstained.&nbsp;

The voting came after United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, in a rare move, formally warned the 15-member council of a global threat from the war, which has now been going on for over two months.

"What is the message we are sending Palestinians if we cannot unite behind a call to halt the relentless bombardment of Gaza?," Deputy UAE U.N. Ambassador Mohamed Abushahab asked the council. 
 
"Indeed, what is the message we are sending civilians across the world who may find themselves in similar situations?"

"The United Arab Emirates is deeply disappointed," said the representative of the UAE. "Regrettably... this council is unable to demand a humanitarian ceasefire."

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<h2>US defends veto</h2>

The United States, defending its veto, said that the resolution still held a call for an unconditional ceasefire.

"This resolution still contains a call for an unconditional ceasefire... it would leave Hamas in place able to repeat what it did on October 7," said US deputy UN representative Robert Wood.

Wood further denounced the UAE stating that the draft resolution was a rushed, imbalanced text "that was divorced from reality, that would not move the needle forward on the ground in any concrete way."

"We do not support this resolution's call for an unsustainable ceasefire that will only plant the seeds for the next war," said Wood.

UK's UN Ambassador Barbara Woodward said that her country abstained because there was no denunciation of Hamas.

"Israel needs to be able to address the threat posed by Hamas and it needs to do so in a manner that abides by international humanitarian law so that such an attack can never be carried out again," she told the council.

Israel's UN Ambassador Gilad Erdan did not address the Security Council after the vote, but in a statement said: "A ceasefire will be possible only with the return of all the hostages and the destruction of Hamas."

Washington, being the permanent member of the Security Council, can veto any resolution.

Ahead of the vote, Guterres had said that "the brutality perpetrated by Hamas can never justify the collective punishment of the Palestinian people."

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The United States on Friday (Dec 8) vetoed the proposed demand by the other United Nations Security Council countries for an immediate ceasefire in the intense fighting between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza, in a bid to shield its longtime ally.

The United States on Friday (Dec 8) vetoed the proposed demand by the other United Nations Security Council countries for an immediate ceasefire in the intense fighting between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza, in a bid to shield its longtime ally. Thirteen other members voted in favour of the draft resolution moved by the United Arab Emirates, while the United Kingdom abstained. The voting came after United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, in a rare move, formally warned the 15-member council of a global threat from the war, which has now been going on for over two months. "What is the message we are sending Palestinians if we cannot unite behind a call to halt the relentless bombardment of Gaza?," Deputy UAE U.N. Ambassador Mohamed Abushahab asked the council. "Indeed, what is the message we are sending civilians across the world who may find themselves in similar situations?" "The United Arab Emirates is deeply disappointed," said the representative of the UAE. "Regrettably... this council is unable to demand a humanitarian ceasefire." Also read: Putin will run again in Russian presidential elections next March US defends veto The United States, defending its veto, said that the resolution still held a call for an unconditional ceasefire. "This resolution still contains a call for an unconditional ceasefire... it would leave Hamas in place able to repeat what it did on October 7," said US deputy UN representative Robert Wood. Wood further denounced the UAE stating that the draft resolution was a rushed, imbalanced text "that was divorced from reality, that would not move the needle forward on the ground in any concrete way." "We do not support this resolution's call for an unsustainable ceasefire that will only plant the seeds for the next war," said Wood. UK's UN Ambassador Barbara Woodward said that her country abstained because there was no denunciation of Hamas. "Israel needs to be able to address the threat posed by Hamas and it needs to do so in a manner that abides by international humanitarian law so that such an attack can never be carried out again," she told the council. Israel's UN Ambassador Gilad Erdan did not address the Security Council after the vote, but in a statement said: "A ceasefire will be possible only with the return of all the hostages and the destruction of Hamas." Washington, being the permanent member of the Security Council, can veto any resolution. Ahead of the vote, Guterres had said that "the brutality perpetrated by Hamas can never justify the collective punishment of the Palestinian people." (With inputs from agencies)

US vetoes UNSC resolution demanding immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, says it would ‘benefit’ Hamas

Several rockets were launched at the US embassy in Baghdad's heavily secured Green Zone early on Friday (Dec 8), the mission said in its statement.

The attack on the embassy is the latest in a spate of such incidents, and comes amid intense fighting between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas.

"A multi-rocket attack was launched at US and Coalition forces in the vicinity of Union III and the Baghdad embassy complex" without causing any reported casualties or damage, a US official said.

No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack.

The United States directs an international coalition combating jihadists in Iraq and Syria for which its&nbsp;forces have been under repeated&nbsp;attacks.

As per news agency AFP, there were five attempted strikes against the United States and coalition troops on Friday (Dec 8) besides the attack on the embassy in Baghdad.&nbsp;

Rockets were fired twice at the Ain al-Asad airbase in western Iraq and three bases in Syria were targeted, according to a US military official speaking on condition of anonymity. No casualties or damages were reported from the sites the official further said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-congress-launches-antisemitism-probe-against-elite-universities-as-three-varsity-chiefs-face-backlash-667707">US Congress launches antisemitism probe against elite universities as three varsity chiefs face backlash</a>

<h2>US 'strongly condemns' rocket attacks</h2>

The United States released a statement "strongly" condemning the attacks and called on Iraq to bring the perpetrators to justice.

"The many Iran-aligned militias that operate freely in Iraq threaten the security and stability of Iraq, our personnel, and our partners in the region," spokesman Matthew Miller said in the statement.

The US embassy said "two salvoes of rockets" were launched at the mission compound in Baghdad at around 4:15 am (0115 GMT).

"Indications are the attacks were initiated by Iran-aligned militias," said a US spokesperson.

"The Iraqi government has repeatedly committed to protect diplomatic missions as well as US military personnel, who are present in the country at Iraq's invitation," Miller said.

"This is non-negotiable, as it is our right to self-defence."

Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani warned that attacks on embassies threatened the country's security and called on its&nbsp;forces to bring the ones responsible to justice.

(With inputs from agencies)

Several rockets were launched at the US embassy in Baghdad's heavily secured Green Zone early on Friday (Dec 8), the mission said in its statement. The attack on the embassy is the latest in a spate of such incidents, and comes amid intense fighting between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas.

Several rockets were launched at the US embassy in Baghdad's heavily secured Green Zone early on Friday (Dec 8), the mission said in its statement. The attack on the embassy is the latest in a spate of such incidents, and comes amid intense fighting between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas. "A multi-rocket attack was launched at US and Coalition forces in the vicinity of Union III and the Baghdad embassy complex" without causing any reported casualties or damage, a US official said. No group has yet claimed responsibility for the attack. The United States directs an international coalition combating jihadists in Iraq and Syria for which its forces have been under repeated attacks. As per news agency AFP, there were five attempted strikes against the United States and coalition troops on Friday (Dec 8) besides the attack on the embassy in Baghdad. Rockets were fired twice at the Ain al-Asad airbase in western Iraq and three bases in Syria were targeted, according to a US military official speaking on condition of anonymity. No casualties or damages were reported from the sites the official further said. Also read: US Congress launches antisemitism probe against elite universities as three varsity chiefs face backlash US 'strongly condemns' rocket attacks The United States released a statement "strongly" condemning the attacks and called on Iraq to bring the perpetrators to justice. "The many Iran-aligned militias that operate freely in Iraq threaten the security and stability of Iraq, our personnel, and our partners in the region," spokesman Matthew Miller said in the statement. The US embassy said "two salvoes of rockets" were launched at the mission compound in Baghdad at around 4:15 am (0115 GMT). "Indications are the attacks were initiated by Iran-aligned militias," said a US spokesperson. "The Iraqi government has repeatedly committed to protect diplomatic missions as well as US military personnel, who are present in the country at Iraq's invitation," Miller said. "This is non-negotiable, as it is our right to self-defence." Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani warned that attacks on embassies threatened the country's security and called on its forces to bring the ones responsible to justice. (With inputs from agencies)

US embassy in Baghdad struck with 7 mortars, Washington blames Iran-aligned militias, demands action

Images show men in their underwear with their hands bound behind their backs. Others are blindfolded. The Israeli government threatens to make more sweeping arrests in the Gaza strip to determine who is a Palestinian militant and who is not.

Humanitarian crisis worsen in Gaza, dozens of Palestinian men were stripped and detained

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