UK opposition politician and Labour party leader Keir Starmer faced a setback in the House of Commons after prominent Labour leaders resigned from his frontbench on Wednesday night (Nov 15) over his refusal to back a ceasefire in Gaza.&nbsp;

A vote calling for the ceasefire in Gaza was defeated with 293 votes against 168. But soon after the vote, eight of Starmer's frontbenchers resigned from the frontbench after supporting the vote in favour of the ceasefire.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/unsc-adopts-resolution-for-humanitarian-pauses-in-gaza-659066">UNSC adopts resolution for 'humanitarian pauses' in Gaza</a>

According to reports in the British media, the Labour MPs were ordered to abstain on the vote and were told instead to back Starmer’s position calling for longer "humanitarian pauses", a call later on Nov 15 made in a UN Security Council resolution as well — rather than a ceasefire. The vote was initiated by the Scottish National Party.&nbsp;

But all the Labour MPs did not abstain. A total of 56 Labour MPs voted for the ceasefire going against the whip issued.

<h2>Who all quit their frontbench roles?</h2>

Phillips, Afzal Khan, Yasmin Qureshi and Paula Barker quit their frontbench roles on Wednesday night after voting for the amendment and defying the whip.

Mary Foy, Angela Rayner’s parliamentary private secretary (PPS), and Dan Carden, another PPS, have also left the frontbench.

Rachel Hopkins, Sarah Owen, Naz Shah, and Andy Slaughter were sacked by the Labour leader after the vote.&nbsp;

As votes closed, Starmer said he regretted that party colleagues had not backed his position.

"Alongside leaders around the world, I have called throughout for adherence to international law, for humanitarian pauses to allow access for aid, food, water, utilities and medicine, and have expressed our concerns at the scale of civilian casualties."

He added: "Leadership is about doing the right thing. That is the least the public deserves. And the least that leadership demands."

Also watch |&nbsp;UN general assembly adopts resolution calling for 'humanitarian truce' in Gaza

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/un-general-assembly-adopts-resolution-calling-for-humanitarian-truce-in-gaza-652182/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The initial calls for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza raised in the immediate aftermath of Israel's retaliatory action after the attack by Hamas on October 7 have now been replaced by the steps to ensure "humanitarian pauses".

That is, the fighting in Gaza is now routinely stopped at unannounced schedules to ensure the passage of food, fuel and medicines to the civilian population living in the line of fire in one of the world's most densely populated regions.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Hamas conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

UK opposition politician and Labour party leader Keir Starmer faced a setback in the House of Commons after prominent Labour leaders resigned from his frontbench on Wednesday night (Nov 15) over his refusal to back a ceasefire in Gaza.

UK opposition politician and Labour party leader Keir Starmer faced a setback in the House of Commons after prominent Labour leaders resigned from his frontbench on Wednesday night (Nov 15) over his refusal to back a ceasefire in Gaza. A vote calling for the ceasefire in Gaza was defeated with 293 votes against 168. But soon after the vote, eight of Starmer's frontbenchers resigned from the frontbench after supporting the vote in favour of the ceasefire. Also read | UNSC adopts resolution for 'humanitarian pauses' in Gaza According to reports in the British media, the Labour MPs were ordered to abstain on the vote and were told instead to back Starmer’s position calling for longer "humanitarian pauses", a call later on Nov 15 made in a UN Security Council resolution as well — rather than a ceasefire. The vote was initiated by the Scottish National Party. But all the Labour MPs did not abstain. A total of 56 Labour MPs voted for the ceasefire going against the whip issued. Who all quit their frontbench roles? Phillips, Afzal Khan, Yasmin Qureshi and Paula Barker quit their frontbench roles on Wednesday night after voting for the amendment and defying the whip. Mary Foy, Angela Rayner’s parliamentary private secretary (PPS), and Dan Carden, another PPS, have also left the frontbench. Rachel Hopkins, Sarah Owen, Naz Shah, and Andy Slaughter were sacked by the Labour leader after the vote. As votes closed, Starmer said he regretted that party colleagues had not backed his position. "Alongside leaders around the world, I have called throughout for adherence to international law, for humanitarian pauses to allow access for aid, food, water, utilities and medicine, and have expressed our concerns at the scale of civilian casualties." He added: "Leadership is about doing the right thing. That is the least the public deserves. And the least that leadership demands." Also watch | UN general assembly adopts resolution calling for 'humanitarian truce' in Gaza × The initial calls for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza raised in the immediate aftermath of Israel's retaliatory action after the attack by Hamas on October 7 have now been replaced by the steps to ensure "humanitarian pauses". That is, the fighting in Gaza is now routinely stopped at unannounced schedules to ensure the passage of food, fuel and medicines to the civilian population living in the line of fire in one of the world's most densely populated regions. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Hamas conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

UK Labour Party loses big in Gaza's humanitarian pause vs ceasefire bout as MPs quit front bench

Keir Starmer, the leader of the UK's Labour Party, is facing a major rebellion over his stance on the Israel-Gaza conflict. More than 50 Labour Members of Parliament openly defied him to back calls for an immediate ceasefire in the Israeli-Hamas war, with 10 forced to leave their front bench positions

UK: Starmer faces major rebellion over Gaza stance

The situation in Gaza is deteriorating by the hour as Israeli forces continue their mission to wipe out Hamas. Intense fighting has gripped the streets of Gaza as Israeli forces marched their way into bases they say are operated by Hamas but in all of this it is the civilians who are paying the ultimate price. Watch Biden speak about it in this report.

Israel-Palestine war | US' Joe Biden: Not realistic to expect Israel to stop military actions

South Africa wants the International Criminal Court to investigate Israel for alleged war crimes on the Gaza strip. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said, Gaza is now turned into a concentration camp, where a genocide is taking place.

South Africa President Cyril Ramaphosa says, 'Israel is committing war crimes in Gaza strip'

Iran denied claims that it participated in the major attack on Israel by the Palestinian Islamist terror group Hamas, calling them absurd and now the Supreme leader Khamenei refused Hamas' request to join the war.

Israel-Palestine war: Iran's Supreme leader Khamenei refuses request from Hamas to join the war

A woman from Jammu and Kashmir who was seeking immediate evacuation from Gaza Strip amid escalating war between Israel and Hamas has reached Egypt safely with the assistance of Indian missions in the region, as per her husband. &nbsp;

Lubna Nazir Shaboo and her daughter Karima reached Egypt on Monday evening (Nov 13) after crossing the Rafah border between Egypt and Gaza. &nbsp;"They are in al-Arish (a city in Egypt). Tomorrow morning (Tuesday) they will move to Cairo," stated Lubna's husband Nedal Toman, in a text message sent to the Indian news agency PTI from Gaza.&nbsp;

The Rafah crossing, which is the only exit route from Gaza, has been opened multiple times in the last few weeks to allow the flow of humanitarian supplies in Gaza and also make it possible for some injured people and foreign nationals to cross over to the other side.

In a telephonic conversation on Sunday (Nov 12), Lubna had stated that her name appeared on the list of people who can exit Gaza and she profusely thanked the Indian missions present in Cairo, Tel Aviv, Ramallah, for making her exit possible.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-captures-gaza-parliament-other-institutions-run-by-hamas-report-658475">Israel captures Gaza parliament, other institutions run by Hamas: Report</a>

On October 10, the woman connected with the Indian news agency PTI over the phone and sought the government's help in evacuation.&nbsp;"We are facing a brutal war here and everything is being destroyed and bombarded in a matter of seconds," she had stated.&nbsp;

After unprecedented attacks were carried out by &nbsp;Hamas militants on October 7 in Israel, the nation declared war and launched a counter-offensive with the aim of driving out Hamas - which has been ruling the area since 2007 - from the Gaza Strip and freeing around 240 hostages taken by Hamas.

<h2>Woman calls situation in Gaza 'very scary'&nbsp;</h2>

"The sounds of bombardment are too scary and the whole house shakes. It is a very, very scary situation," Lubna said before she moved to Gaza's southern part where she spent many days before getting evacuated.

She had stated that their "water supply was officially cut off" in the middle of October 9 night and they were living without an electricity supply, because of which they decided to move south and seek help in evacuation.

WATCH |&nbsp;Israel-Palestine war : US in negotiation for release of hostages | WION

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-palestine-war-us-in-negotiation-for-release-of-hostages-wion-658449/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Lubna had stated that she had never witnessed anything like this and they were living with two families who had to flee after bordering areas of Gaza were bombarded.

"We are not able to go anywhere because there is no safe place for us anywhere and the Gaza Strip is too small and it is closed from every side. There are no exit points over here. I have already asked for help from the Representative office of India in Ramallah to help me get to a safer place along with my husband and my daughter," said the woman, in a video message sent to PTI.

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)&nbsp;

A woman from Jammu and Kashmir who was seeking immediate evacuation from Gaza Strip amid escalating war between Israel and Hamas has reached Egypt safely with the assistance of Indian missions in the region, as per her husband.

A woman from Jammu and Kashmir who was seeking immediate evacuation from Gaza Strip amid escalating war between Israel and Hamas has reached Egypt safely with the assistance of Indian missions in the region, as per her husband. Lubna Nazir Shaboo and her daughter Karima reached Egypt on Monday evening (Nov 13) after crossing the Rafah border between Egypt and Gaza. "They are in al-Arish (a city in Egypt). Tomorrow morning (Tuesday) they will move to Cairo," stated Lubna's husband Nedal Toman, in a text message sent to the Indian news agency PTI from Gaza. The Rafah crossing, which is the only exit route from Gaza, has been opened multiple times in the last few weeks to allow the flow of humanitarian supplies in Gaza and also make it possible for some injured people and foreign nationals to cross over to the other side. In a telephonic conversation on Sunday (Nov 12), Lubna had stated that her name appeared on the list of people who can exit Gaza and she profusely thanked the Indian missions present in Cairo, Tel Aviv, Ramallah, for making her exit possible. ALSO READ | Israel captures Gaza parliament, other institutions run by Hamas: Report On October 10, the woman connected with the Indian news agency PTI over the phone and sought the government's help in evacuation. "We are facing a brutal war here and everything is being destroyed and bombarded in a matter of seconds," she had stated. After unprecedented attacks were carried out by Hamas militants on October 7 in Israel, the nation declared war and launched a counter-offensive with the aim of driving out Hamas - which has been ruling the area since 2007 - from the Gaza Strip and freeing around 240 hostages taken by Hamas. Woman calls situation in Gaza 'very scary' "The sounds of bombardment are too scary and the whole house shakes. It is a very, very scary situation," Lubna said before she moved to Gaza's southern part where she spent many days before getting evacuated. She had stated that their "water supply was officially cut off" in the middle of October 9 night and they were living without an electricity supply, because of which they decided to move south and seek help in evacuation. WATCH | Israel-Palestine war : US in negotiation for release of hostages | WION Lubna had stated that she had never witnessed anything like this and they were living with two families who had to flee after bordering areas of Gaza were bombarded. "We are not able to go anywhere because there is no safe place for us anywhere and the Gaza Strip is too small and it is closed from every side. There are no exit points over here. I have already asked for help from the Representative office of India in Ramallah to help me get to a safer place along with my husband and my daughter," said the woman, in a video message sent to PTI. 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: Indian woman, daughter safely evacuated from Gaza through Egypt's Rafah border

As the chorus grows for a ceasefire in Gaza, Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu has hinted at a possible deal to free hostages being held by Hamas. It comes as the U.S. leads talks between Israel and Qatar, which is communicating with Hamas. In fact, on Sunday, President Joe Biden dialled Qatar’s Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani and discussed urgent ongoing efforts to secure the release of hostages.

Israel-Palestine war: IDF soldiers death toll goes up to 46

The war is raging between Israel and Hamas and attacks from both sides are intensifying. It's now many days since Israel declared war on Hamas after an unprecedented ground air and sea assault by the militants over the weekend. The death toll continues to mount on both sides.

Israel-Palestine war: Israel storms Al-Shifa, US says hospitals & patients must be protected

India is celebrating Children's Day, which marks former prime minister Jawaharlal Nehru's birth anniversary. As we celebrate this day, is it time to think about the kind of world we are offering to our children?

Gravitas: Children's Day: Is it a happy one?

The situation in Gaza is deteriorating by the hour as Israeli forces continue their mission to wipe out Hamas. Intense fighting has gripped the streets of Gaza as Israeli forces marched their way into bases they say are operated by Hamas but in all of this it is the civilians who are paying the ultimate price. Here's a report.

Israel-Palestine war: Israeli troops deliver aid at Al-Shifa hospital in Gaza

The war between Israel and Hamas is escalating earlier Israeli forces raided the Al-Shifa hospital in the Gaza City. As a dire humanitarian crisis falls in Gaza International organizations are calling for much-needed Aid. However, this war has highlighted another fight between Israel and Hamas- the information war. Take a look.

Israel-Palestine war: Who is winning the global information war?

Israeli forces have conducted raids on Gaza's largest hospital the Al-Shifa. Israeli Defense Forces say that Hamas militants are operating from a command centre inside the hospital premises. Several people including the staff and the patients were injured in that raid video released by doctors inside Al-Shifa shows the damage caused by the Israeli raid.

Israel-Hamas war: Israeli forces stormed Gaza's largest hospital

Israeli forces have conducted raids on Gaza's largest hospital the Al-Shifa. Israeli Defense Forces say that Hamas militants are operating from a command centre inside the hospital premises. Several people including the staff and the patients were injured in that raid video released by doctors inside Al-Shifa shows the damage caused by the Israeli raid. To know more watch this interview with Mohammed Najib.

Israel-Hamas war: Israel not sure when will operation at Al-Shifa end

Israel-Palestine war: Israel conducts raids on Al-Shifa hospital

The enormous civilian deaths and widespread destruction of&nbsp;Gaza in Israel’s war to wipe out Hamas, “once and for all”,&nbsp; has raised a question without clear answers: Once the guns fall silent, what next?&nbsp;

Of a variety of attempts to peer into the future of a strip of land where entire neighbourhoods have been turned to rubble and more than a million people have been displaced, one answer stands out for me, concise and devoid of diplomatic circumlocutions.&nbsp;

“The whole region is sinking into a sea of hatred that will define generations to come,” said Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi. He stood next to a tired-looking US&nbsp;Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, who was visiting Amman as part of a tour of Arab capitals that crisscrossed the Middle East and also took him to Turkey and India.&nbsp;

The tour was prompted by international outrage over Israel’s response to the October 7 murder of more than 1,200 civilians by militants from Hamas who broke through the supposedly impenetrable wall that separates Israel and Gaza for a series of massacres of savage brutality. The victims included 260 young Israelis who attended a music festival.&nbsp;

Hamas abducted more than 200 survivors of the slaughter and took them to Gaza as hostages.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s initial response was a bombardment of Gaza so fierce that the Secretary General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, and human rights organizations termed the campaign “collective punishment” of a whole population for the crimes of a minority of extremists.&nbsp;

By November 14, five weeks after the Hamas attacks, the Gaza Health Ministry reported that more than 11,000 people had been killed, including 4,630 children and 3,130 women.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Twenty-five of Gaza’s 35 hospitals were out of service, the result of a total siege of Gaza – a ban on fuel, food, electricity and water – Israel imposed at the beginning of its bombing campaign. It was followed up by a ground offensive on October 28.&nbsp;

Netanyahu has ruled out a ceasefire until Hamas releases all its hostages, arguing that a break in the fighting would allow Hamas to regroup and redeploy its fighters. This position has the backing of US&nbsp;President Joe Biden, who paid a seven-hour visit to Israel at the height of the bombing campaign and assured Israel of unconditional American backing.&nbsp;

He touched on the “what next?" question with an idea that has rarely looked as much as wishful thinking as it does now. “We must keep pursuing a path so that Israel and the Palestinian people can both live safely, in security, in dignity and in peace.&nbsp;

“For me, that means a two-state solution.”&nbsp;

That means an Israeli state and a Palestinian state living side by side, the Israelis within the borders that made up their land before they occupied Gaza, the West Bank, the Golan Heights and East Jerusalem in the 1967 war against Egypt, Syria and Jordan.&nbsp;&nbsp;

A United Nations Security Council resolution, 242, stipulated, “the withdrawal of Israeli armed forces occupied in the recent conflict.”&nbsp;

Israel withdrew from Gaza in 2005. But 56 years after resolution 242, it still occupies most of the West Bank though several enclaves are administered by the Palestinian Authority.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Israel, which has been receiving $3.8 billion in arms and aid every year for decades, has consistently ignored US&nbsp;policy on the matter of occupied territories – that there should be no Jewish settlements that would stand in the way of establishing a contiguous Palestinian state.&nbsp;

Biden witnessed Israeli disregard for US&nbsp;policy preferences when he visited Jerusalem in March 2010, when he was Barack Obama’s vice president.&nbsp;

The day after his arrival, the Israeli Interior Ministry announced 1,600 new housing units for Jews in East Jerusalem. The media called it a snub but it seemed more like a kick in the groin.&nbsp;

The purpose of Biden’s visit had been to restart on-and-off talks on the two-state concept.&nbsp;

One idea floated by experts since the war with Hamas started was to allow the Palestine Authority to run the government in Gaza. Netanyahu has dismissed that possibility and said Israel would “continue to control security there for an indefinite period” though it would not govern or administer basic services.&nbsp;

He did not explain how that would work. But his remarks, at a press conference, left no doubt that Israel and the United States do not have a shared strategy. Washington has said it thought an Israeli re-occupation of Gaza once the war is over would be a bad idea.&nbsp;&nbsp;

What is the difference between “control security…for an indefinite period” and re-occupation? A question yet to be answered.&nbsp;&nbsp;

So is another: Can you solve one of the world’s most difficult political problems with military means?&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Here is one answer, from Seth Moulton, a Democratic lawmaker and Iraq veteran:&nbsp;“Israel is not going to win the war against Hamas by military means alone.” Even less by military means like bombs that kill too many innocent civilians.&nbsp;&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

The enormous civilian deaths and widespread destruction of Gaza in Israel’s war to wipe out Hamas, “once and for all”, has raised a question without clear answers: Once the guns fall silent, what next?

The enormous civilian deaths and widespread destruction of Gaza in Israel’s war to wipe out Hamas, “once and for all”, has raised a question without clear answers: Once the guns fall silent, what next? Of a variety of attempts to peer into the future of a strip of land where entire neighbourhoods have been turned to rubble and more than a million people have been displaced, one answer stands out for me, concise and devoid of diplomatic circumlocutions. “The whole region is sinking into a sea of hatred that will define generations to come,” said Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi. He stood next to a tired-looking US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, who was visiting Amman as part of a tour of Arab capitals that crisscrossed the Middle East and also took him to Turkey and India. The tour was prompted by international outrage over Israel’s response to the October 7 murder of more than 1,200 civilians by militants from Hamas who broke through the supposedly impenetrable wall that separates Israel and Gaza for a series of massacres of savage brutality. The victims included 260 young Israelis who attended a music festival. Hamas abducted more than 200 survivors of the slaughter and took them to Gaza as hostages. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s initial response was a bombardment of Gaza so fierce that the Secretary General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, and human rights organizations termed the campaign “collective punishment” of a whole population for the crimes of a minority of extremists. By November 14, five weeks after the Hamas attacks, the Gaza Health Ministry reported that more than 11,000 people had been killed, including 4,630 children and 3,130 women. Twenty-five of Gaza’s 35 hospitals were out of service, the result of a total siege of Gaza – a ban on fuel, food, electricity and water – Israel imposed at the beginning of its bombing campaign. It was followed up by a ground offensive on October 28. Netanyahu has ruled out a ceasefire until Hamas releases all its hostages, arguing that a break in the fighting would allow Hamas to regroup and redeploy its fighters. This position has the backing of US President Joe Biden, who paid a seven-hour visit to Israel at the height of the bombing campaign and assured Israel of unconditional American backing. He touched on the “what next?" question with an idea that has rarely looked as much as wishful thinking as it does now. “We must keep pursuing a path so that Israel and the Palestinian people can both live safely, in security, in dignity and in peace. “For me, that means a two-state solution.” That means an Israeli state and a Palestinian state living side by side, the Israelis within the borders that made up their land before they occupied Gaza, the West Bank, the Golan Heights and East Jerusalem in the 1967 war against Egypt, Syria and Jordan. A United Nations Security Council resolution, 242, stipulated, “the withdrawal of Israeli armed forces occupied in the recent conflict.” Israel withdrew from Gaza in 2005. But 56 years after resolution 242, it still occupies most of the West Bank though several enclaves are administered by the Palestinian Authority. Israel, which has been receiving $3.8 billion in arms and aid every year for decades, has consistently ignored US policy on the matter of occupied territories – that there should be no Jewish settlements that would stand in the way of establishing a contiguous Palestinian state. Biden witnessed Israeli disregard for US policy preferences when he visited Jerusalem in March 2010, when he was Barack Obama’s vice president. The day after his arrival, the Israeli Interior Ministry announced 1,600 new housing units for Jews in East Jerusalem. The media called it a snub but it seemed more like a kick in the groin. The purpose of Biden’s visit had been to restart on-and-off talks on the two-state concept. One idea floated by experts since the war with Hamas started was to allow the Palestine Authority to run the government in Gaza. Netanyahu has dismissed that possibility and said Israel would “continue to control security there for an indefinite period” though it would not govern or administer basic services. He did not explain how that would work. But his remarks, at a press conference, left no doubt that Israel and the United States do not have a shared strategy. Washington has said it thought an Israeli re-occupation of Gaza once the war is over would be a bad idea. What is the difference between “control security…for an indefinite period” and re-occupation? A question yet to be answered. So is another: Can you solve one of the world’s most difficult political problems with military means? Here is one answer, from Seth Moulton, a Democratic lawmaker and Iraq veteran: “Israel is not going to win the war against Hamas by military means alone.” Even less by military means like bombs that kill too many innocent civilians. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Hamas-Israel war: What’s next? Sinking into a sea of hatred?

Israeli forces raid Gaza’s biggest hospital, Al-Shifa, calling it a "precise and targeted operation.....as the outcry grows for the 2300 civilians stuck inside

Israel-Hamas war: Hamas command centre in Gaza’s Al-Shifa hospital?

More than 500 U.S. officials sent a letter Tuesday to President Joe Biden criticizing his policy in the Israel-Hamas war.

US President Joe Biden faces dissent over Israel-Hamas war

The latest developments in the Israel-Hamas war and Israel are insisting it must protect citizens after the worst attack in the country's history. Gaza officials say over 11,000 people are confirmed dead from Israeli strikes around 40% of those being children and countless others have been trapped under the rubble.

Israel-Palestine war: Israel says carrying out 'operation' in Gaza's main hospital

The Israeli Army is conducting daily ground operations in Gaza. They claim that troops are targeting various Hamas locations in the strip as they continue to look for hostages in the tunnels. Our Correspondent Jodi Cohen visited an idea base in Ze'elim near the Gaza border where she talked about IDF's operations with personnel on the ground.

Israel-Palestine war: WION visits and IDF base in Ze'elim near the Gaza border

Israel request release of 100 women & kids in potential hostage swap | World News | WION

Israel-Palestine war: Gaza hospital Director says 179 buried in 'mass graves' in compound

Israeli army released the latest footage of ground operations in the Gaza Strip. Israeli forces stormed Gaza's largest hospital. Acc. to the Israeli army, the hospital was Hamas' command centre housed among thousands of ailing civilians.

Israel-Palestine war: WION takes you inside an IDF base near Gaza | WION Ground Report

Al-Shifa Hospital, targeted by Israel on Wednesday (Nov 15),&nbsp;stands as the largest medical facility in the Gaza Strip. Both Israel and the United States allege that Hamas militants exploit Gaza's hospitals, including Al-Shifa, to hide&nbsp;command posts and hostages using a network of underground tunnels.

Controlling the coastal enclave since 2007, Hamas has reportedly constructed an extensive tunnel city beneath Gaza, spanning hundreds of kilometres&nbsp;and reaching depths of up to 80 metres&nbsp;in some areas.

Despite these claims, Hamas, health authorities, and Al-Shifa directors deny the stashing of military infrastructure within or beneath the hospital complex. They express a willingness to undergo international inspection to verify these assertions.

<h2>Where is the hospital&nbsp;located?</h2>

Situated a few hundred metres&nbsp;from Gaza City's small fishing port, Al-Shifa is a sprawling complex bordered by the Beach refugee camp and the Rimal neighbourhood.

The name "Shifa" is derived from the Arabic word for "healing," a common term for hospitals in the Middle East.

As of Tuesday (Nov 14), the hospital was caring for 36 babies, with medical staff noting a lack of a clear mechanism for their relocation despite Israeli efforts to provide incubators for evacuation.

Three premature babies have already succumbed to the challenges arising from the hospital's fuel shortage, which occurred over the weekend and affected the generators powering their incubators.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-says-troops-have-entered-al-shifa-hospital-for-precise-operation-658616">Also read |&nbsp;Israel says troops have entered Al-Shifa hospital for 'precise' operation</a>

<h2>Historical background</h2>

Constructed in 1946 during British rule, two years before Britain withdrew from Palestine, Al-Shifa survived the Egyptian invasion in 1948 and subsequent decades of Egyptian military rule.

Following Israel's capture and occupation of the Gaza Strip in 1967, Shifa remained a focal point for Palestinians during clashes with Israeli troops.

Throughout its history, Shifa witnessed incidents, including a reported gun battle in 1971 between a Palestinian militant and an Israeli army patrol within the hospital premises.

In 1987, during the First Intifada against Israeli occupation, confrontations occurred outside Shifa between Palestinians and Israeli soldiers.

During the 1980s, the hospital complex underwent a redesign by Israeli architects, reportedly with American support. Claims by Zvi Elhyani, founder of the Israel Architecture Archive, suggest that an underground area created during the revamping was later appropriated by Hamas. However, evidence supporting this assertion is not provided.

In 1994, control of Shifa shifted from the Fatah-dominated Palestinian Authority to Hamas following the latter's surprise election victory in 2006 and subsequent military takeover of Gaza in 2007.

During the power struggle between Fatah and Hamas leading up to the takeover, fighters from both sides received treatment at Shifa under a truce agreement that neither side would harm the other's wounded.

<h2>Previous allegations and verification challenges</h2>

Israel had previously claimed that Hamas used underground areas in Shifa to hide during the 2008-2009 war, where over 1,400 Palestinians and 13 Israelis lost their lives. However, verifying such claims has proven challenging.

The recent events surrounding Shifa Hospital show&nbsp;the complexities and longstanding historical context surrounding this vital medical facility in the Gaza Strip.

<h2>White House says Hamas using Al-Shifa for military operations</h2>

The White House announced on Tuesday (Nov 14) that it has&nbsp;intelligence indicating that Hamas is using&nbsp;&nbsp;Al-Shifa for military operations, potentially storing weapons, and characterised these actions as war crimes.

National security spokesperson John Kirby stated that the information confirms Hamas is using the hospital for command and control purposes, emphasising that such actions violate international law.

According to Kirby, the United States obtained this information through various intelligence methods. He said that the Biden administration downgraded the classification level of some data on Tuesday to share its conclusions with reporters.

Kirby specified that Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad were allegedly using several hospitals in Gaza, including Al-Shifa, to hide&nbsp;or support their military operations and to hold hostages. He noted that these groups were prepared to respond to Israeli military operations against these facilities.

Kirby stressed that while Hamas' actions complicate Israel's efforts to root out the group, it does not diminish Israel's responsibility to protect civilians. He made it clear that the US&nbsp;government does not endorse airstrikes on hospitals and stressed the need to avoid endangering innocent and vulnerable people seeking medical care.

Also watch |&nbsp;&nbsp;Hostages held in Gaza hospitals?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-palestine-war-hostages-held-in-gaza-hospitals-658513/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

In the latest, Israeli forces have surrounded Al-Shifa hospital, claiming it serves as an underground headquarters for Hamas militants.

In response, Hamas, the ruling group in Gaza, denies the presence of fighters in the hospital, alleging that hundreds of patients and thousands of civilians are trapped on the premises, facing sniper fire and drone attacks.

The situation at Al-Shifa, particularly the reported siege, has raised international concern, including from the United States, Israel's closest ally. Israel denies the hospital is under siege, asserting that exit routes are provided for those inside. However, conflicting accounts make it challenging to independently verify the situation.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

Al-Shifa Hospital, targeted by Israel on Wednesday (Nov 15), stands as the largest medical facility in the Gaza Strip. Both Israel and the United States allege that Hamas militants exploit Gaza's hospitals, including Al-Shifa, to hide command posts and hostages using a network of underground tunnels.

Al-Shifa Hospital, targeted by Israel on Wednesday (Nov 15), stands as the largest medical facility in the Gaza Strip. Both Israel and the United States allege that Hamas militants exploit Gaza's hospitals, including Al-Shifa, to hide command posts and hostages using a network of underground tunnels. Controlling the coastal enclave since 2007, Hamas has reportedly constructed an extensive tunnel city beneath Gaza, spanning hundreds of kilometres and reaching depths of up to 80 metres in some areas. Despite these claims, Hamas, health authorities, and Al-Shifa directors deny the stashing of military infrastructure within or beneath the hospital complex. They express a willingness to undergo international inspection to verify these assertions. Where is the hospital located? Situated a few hundred metres from Gaza City's small fishing port, Al-Shifa is a sprawling complex bordered by the Beach refugee camp and the Rimal neighbourhood. The name "Shifa" is derived from the Arabic word for "healing," a common term for hospitals in the Middle East. As of Tuesday (Nov 14), the hospital was caring for 36 babies, with medical staff noting a lack of a clear mechanism for their relocation despite Israeli efforts to provide incubators for evacuation. Three premature babies have already succumbed to the challenges arising from the hospital's fuel shortage, which occurred over the weekend and affected the generators powering their incubators. Also read | Israel says troops have entered Al-Shifa hospital for 'precise' operation Historical background Constructed in 1946 during British rule, two years before Britain withdrew from Palestine, Al-Shifa survived the Egyptian invasion in 1948 and subsequent decades of Egyptian military rule. Following Israel's capture and occupation of the Gaza Strip in 1967, Shifa remained a focal point for Palestinians during clashes with Israeli troops. Throughout its history, Shifa witnessed incidents, including a reported gun battle in 1971 between a Palestinian militant and an Israeli army patrol within the hospital premises. In 1987, during the First Intifada against Israeli occupation, confrontations occurred outside Shifa between Palestinians and Israeli soldiers. During the 1980s, the hospital complex underwent a redesign by Israeli architects, reportedly with American support. Claims by Zvi Elhyani, founder of the Israel Architecture Archive, suggest that an underground area created during the revamping was later appropriated by Hamas. However, evidence supporting this assertion is not provided. In 1994, control of Shifa shifted from the Fatah-dominated Palestinian Authority to Hamas following the latter's surprise election victory in 2006 and subsequent military takeover of Gaza in 2007. During the power struggle between Fatah and Hamas leading up to the takeover, fighters from both sides received treatment at Shifa under a truce agreement that neither side would harm the other's wounded. Previous allegations and verification challenges Israel had previously claimed that Hamas used underground areas in Shifa to hide during the 2008-2009 war, where over 1,400 Palestinians and 13 Israelis lost their lives. However, verifying such claims has proven challenging. The recent events surrounding Shifa Hospital show the complexities and longstanding historical context surrounding this vital medical facility in the Gaza Strip. White House says Hamas using Al-Shifa for military operations The White House announced on Tuesday (Nov 14) that it has intelligence indicating that Hamas is using Al-Shifa for military operations, potentially storing weapons, and characterised these actions as war crimes. National security spokesperson John Kirby stated that the information confirms Hamas is using the hospital for command and control purposes, emphasising that such actions violate international law. According to Kirby, the United States obtained this information through various intelligence methods. He said that the Biden administration downgraded the classification level of some data on Tuesday to share its conclusions with reporters. Kirby specified that Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad were allegedly using several hospitals in Gaza, including Al-Shifa, to hide or support their military operations and to hold hostages. He noted that these groups were prepared to respond to Israeli military operations against these facilities. Kirby stressed that while Hamas' actions complicate Israel's efforts to root out the group, it does not diminish Israel's responsibility to protect civilians. He made it clear that the US government does not endorse airstrikes on hospitals and stressed the need to avoid endangering innocent and vulnerable people seeking medical care. Also watch | Hostages held in Gaza hospitals? In the latest, Israeli forces have surrounded Al-Shifa hospital, claiming it serves as an underground headquarters for Hamas militants. In response, Hamas, the ruling group in Gaza, denies the presence of fighters in the hospital, alleging that hundreds of patients and thousands of civilians are trapped on the premises, facing sniper fire and drone attacks. The situation at Al-Shifa, particularly the reported siege, has raised international concern, including from the United States, Israel's closest ally. Israel denies the hospital is under siege, asserting that exit routes are provided for those inside. However, conflicting accounts make it challenging to independently verify the situation. (With inputs from agencies)

Explained | How Gaza's Al-Shifa hospital got enmeshed in the Israel-Hamas war

Is Hamas using hospitals as hideouts? The IDF has surrounded Gaza's Al-Shifa hospital claiming that Hamas operatives are hiding inside it. Palestinians are accusing IDF of committing war crimes. Who's speaking the truth? Molly Gambhir reports.

Israel-Palestine war | Gaza Hospital Tragedy: Is Hamas using hospitals as hideouts?

Israel-Hamas war: Two biggest hospitals Al-Shifa & Al-Quds cease operations

Israel-Palestine war: Two biggest hospitals cease operations - Al-Shifa & Al-Quds | World DNA

The Israeli army on Tuesday (Nov 14) claimed that they have captured the parliament along with other government institutions which were run by Hamas in Gaza City as its forces escalated their offensive inside the Palestinian territory.

Military units "took over the Hamas parliament, the government building, the Hamas police headquarters and an engineering faculty that served as an institute for the production and development of weapons," said the army, in a statement.

The Israel Defense Forces had announced that several Hamas governmental buildings which were located in the Gaza City neighborhoods of Sheikh Ijlin and Rimal were captured by the 7th Armoured Brigade and Golani Infantry Brigade, the Times Of Israel reported.&nbsp;

It stated that troops also captured the governor’s house in Gaza, which houses the offices of Hamas' police and military wing offices of Hamas’s intelligence division, and other sites which were used for preparing for the October 7 attack.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-woman-safely-evacuates-from-gaza-through-egypts-rafah-border-658488">Indian woman safely evacuates from Gaza through Egypt's Rafah border</a>

The IDF stated that they also took over the engineering faculty building of the Gazan university which “served as an institute for the production and development of weapons,” and another Hamas compound which had a training base, interrogation rooms, detention cells and command centre.

The images shared on social media platforms showed Golani soldiers inside the Gaza parliament building and military police headquarters in Gaza.

<h2>Israel police to investigate 'several cases' of sexual violence on Oct 7</h2>

Israeli police on Tuesday (Nov 14) stated that they will be investigating "several cases" of sexual violence allegedly committed by Hamas militants against women during the October 7 attacks, and added that they have "multiple witnesses" to incidents of rape.

WATCH |&nbsp;Israel-Palestine war : US in negotiation for release of hostages | WION

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-palestine-war-us-in-negotiation-for-release-of-hostages-wion-658449/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"We have multiple witnesses for several cases," stated David Katz, head of the Lahav 443 criminal investigation unit, as he showed the footage of testimony from a survivor, who was present in the rave party and saw how a woman was gang-raped and shot by the militants.

"We have no living victims who said 'we have been raped'. We have several statements from people from ZAKA who saw the bodies of women without pants or underwear," he said.

"We took more than 1,000 statements and some of the victims cannot speak due to being in psychological and medical treatment," he added.&nbsp;

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)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Israeli army on Tuesday (Nov 14) claimed that they have captured the parliament along with other government institutions which were run by Hamas in Gaza City as its forces escalated their offensive inside the Palestinian territory.

The Israeli army on Tuesday (Nov 14) claimed that they have captured the parliament along with other government institutions which were run by Hamas in Gaza City as its forces escalated their offensive inside the Palestinian territory. Military units "took over the Hamas parliament, the government building, the Hamas police headquarters and an engineering faculty that served as an institute for the production and development of weapons," said the army, in a statement. The Israel Defense Forces had announced that several Hamas governmental buildings which were located in the Gaza City neighborhoods of Sheikh Ijlin and Rimal were captured by the 7th Armoured Brigade and Golani Infantry Brigade, the Times Of Israel reported. It stated that troops also captured the governor’s house in Gaza, which houses the offices of Hamas' police and military wing offices of Hamas’s intelligence division, and other sites which were used for preparing for the October 7 attack. ALSO READ | Indian woman safely evacuates from Gaza through Egypt's Rafah border The IDF stated that they also took over the engineering faculty building of the Gazan university which “served as an institute for the production and development of weapons,” and another Hamas compound which had a training base, interrogation rooms, detention cells and command centre. The images shared on social media platforms showed Golani soldiers inside the Gaza parliament building and military police headquarters in Gaza. Israel police to investigate 'several cases' of sexual violence on Oct 7 Israeli police on Tuesday (Nov 14) stated that they will be investigating "several cases" of sexual violence allegedly committed by Hamas militants against women during the October 7 attacks, and added that they have "multiple witnesses" to incidents of rape. WATCH | Israel-Palestine war : US in negotiation for release of hostages | WION "We have multiple witnesses for several cases," stated David Katz, head of the Lahav 443 criminal investigation unit, as he showed the footage of testimony from a survivor, who was present in the rave party and saw how a woman was gang-raped and shot by the militants. "We have no living victims who said 'we have been raped'. We have several statements from people from ZAKA who saw the bodies of women without pants or underwear," he said. "We took more than 1,000 statements and some of the victims cannot speak due to being in psychological and medical treatment," he added. 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 captures Gaza parliament, other institutions run by Hamas: Report

Israel-Palestine war:7 babies among 179 buried at Al-Shifa hospital

Israel-Palestine war: Hamas has lost control of Gaza, says Israeli defence minister

Pro-Palestinian protesters took to the streets in London this weekend demanding a ceasefire in Gaza. Watch the video to know more.

Israel-Hamas war: Protesters stage demonstrations across the world in support of Gaza

Israel-Palestine war: Al-Shidfa hospital nearly a cemetery: WHO

gaza

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