In a video message, ISIS has called on lone wolves across U.S, Europe and Israel for a Ramadan massacre against Chrisitians and Jews. The ISIS threat seems to be growing. Active terrorist cells are being discovered in multiple parts of the world.

ISIS calls for more attack in the Israel-Hamas war, Intelligence Agencies on high alert

Thousands of Israelis gathered in Tel Aviv to demonstrate against the Israeli government's handling of the situation in the Gaza Strip and this is for the 11th week in a row. Scuffles between security officials and demonstrators erupted as crowds from two different demonstrations joined each other demanding the government to step down.

Anti-Netanyahu protests in Tel Aviv

Protesters demand PM Netanyahu's resignation

Five people were killed and dozens others&nbsp;wounded by gunfire&nbsp;during an aid delivery on Saturday (March 30) in northern Gaza, Palestinian Red Crescent said. There were also reports of stampede from the distribution site. The northern Gaza has been the epicenter of the fighting between Israel and Hamas and it's from this part of blockaded Palestinian enclave that exodus of over a million people occurred towards the territory's south during the initial weeks of war in the wake of October 7 Hamas attack against&nbsp;Israel.&nbsp;

The development occurred just before the resumption of ceasefire talks in Egypt that is expected to begin on Sunday (March 31).

<h2>What happened?</h2>

In an AFP video, one can see a convoy of trucks&nbsp;moving past burning debris near an aid distribution point in pre-dawn darkness and people screaming&nbsp;amid the echoes of gunfire. Witnesses cited by the AFP said that some of the gunfire was warning shots.

Also watch |&nbsp;Gaza's hungry civilians forced to eat wild plant with no aid relief in sight

<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/gazas-hungry-civilians-forced-to-eat-wild-plant-with-no-aid-relief-in-sight-704442/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The corresponding stampede occurred after thousands of people gathered for the arrival of about 15 trucks of flour and other food items. These items were supposed to be handed out at Gaza City's Kuwait roundabout in the north of the Palestinian enclave.

The Red Crescent said three of the five killed early Saturday had been shot.

Eyewitnesses told news agency AFP that Palestinians overseeing the aid delivery fired in the air. But Israeli troops in the area also opened fire and some moving trucks hit people trying to get the food.

The Israeli military told AFP it "has no record of the incident described."

The Palestinians in Gaza are experiencing "catastrophic" hunger with famine likely to hit the north of the Gaza in case of the absence of intervention, according to a UN-backed report published on March 19.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nearly-91-of-households-in-gaza-go-to-bed-hungry-un-report-668632">Nearly 91% of households in Gaza go to bed hungry: UN report</a>

The report estimated that 1.1 million people are facing these catastrophic conditions.

The situation is particularly dire in the north of Gaza, where the report said famine was "imminent... projected to occur anytime between mid-March and May".

(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.

Five people were killed and dozens others wounded by gunfire during an aid delivery on Saturday (March 30) in northern Gaza, Palestinian Red Crescent said. There were also reports of stampede from the distribution site.

Five people were killed and dozens others wounded by gunfire during an aid delivery on Saturday (March 30) in northern Gaza, Palestinian Red Crescent said. There were also reports of stampede from the distribution site. The northern Gaza has been the epicenter of the fighting between Israel and Hamas and it's from this part of blockaded Palestinian enclave that exodus of over a million people occurred towards the territory's south during the initial weeks of war in the wake of October 7 Hamas attack against Israel. The development occurred just before the resumption of ceasefire talks in Egypt that is expected to begin on Sunday (March 31). What happened? In an AFP video, one can see a convoy of trucks moving past burning debris near an aid distribution point in pre-dawn darkness and people screaming amid the echoes of gunfire. Witnesses cited by the AFP said that some of the gunfire was warning shots. Also watch | Gaza's hungry civilians forced to eat wild plant with no aid relief in sight × The corresponding stampede occurred after thousands of people gathered for the arrival of about 15 trucks of flour and other food items. These items were supposed to be handed out at Gaza City's Kuwait roundabout in the north of the Palestinian enclave. The Red Crescent said three of the five killed early Saturday had been shot. Eyewitnesses told news agency AFP that Palestinians overseeing the aid delivery fired in the air. But Israeli troops in the area also opened fire and some moving trucks hit people trying to get the food. The Israeli military told AFP it "has no record of the incident described." The Palestinians in Gaza are experiencing "catastrophic" hunger with famine likely to hit the north of the Gaza in case of the absence of intervention, according to a UN-backed report published on March 19. Also read | Nearly 91% of households in Gaza go to bed hungry: UN report The report estimated that 1.1 million people are facing these catastrophic conditions. The situation is particularly dire in the north of Gaza, where the report said famine was "imminent... projected to occur anytime between mid-March and May". (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.

Five killed in Gaza aid delivery chaos, several hit by moving trucks: Medics

Prominent leaders worldwide are urging a halt to the ongoing Gaza conflict as humanitarian crises escalate. Joining the chorus, Pope Francis made a fervent appeal for an immediate ceasefire and the release of all Israeli hostages,&nbsp;something which still remains to be a far off prospect. The pontiff also called for an exchange of prisoners between Russia and Ukraine while also rebuking human trafficking.

Addressing the people on Easter Sunday, Pope Francis used the occasion to condemn the escalating humanitarian crisis resulting from the Gaza conflict initiated by the Hamas militant group.

Easter Sunday is an important day in Christianity which commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The occasion provided the pontiff with a platform to express his concerns as the war in Gaza continues unabated.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-under-fire-for-posting-video-showing-image-of-joe-biden-tied-up-in-the-back-of-truck-706191">Donald Trump under fire for posting video showing image of Joe Biden tied up in the back of truck</a>

Even after recent health issues limiting his public appearances, Pope Francis presided over Mass in a crowded St. Peter's Square. In his "Urbi et Orbi" address, he reiterated his distress over the suffering in Gaza and called for urgent humanitarian access and the release of hostages.

"I appeal once again that access to humanitarian aid be ensured to Gaza, and call once more for the prompt release of the hostages seized on last October 7 and for an immediate ceasefire in the Strip," Pope Francis said during his address.

"How much suffering we see in the eyes of children, the children have forgotten to smile in those war zones. With their eyes, children ask us: Why? Why all this death? Why all this destruction? War is always an absurdity and a defeat", he added.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/voting-begins-in-turkeys-high-stakes-municipal-elections-as-erdogan-seeks-to-reclaim-control-of-istanbul-706166">Voting begins in Turkey's high-stakes municipal elections as Erdogan seeks to reclaim control of Istanbul</a>

<h2>Hostilities at limit of endurance</h2>

In addition to Gaza, Pope Francis also highlighted various global conflicts, including Russia-Ukraine war, Lebanon, Syria, Azerbaijan,&nbsp;Armenia, Myanmar, Haiti, the Sahel and Horn of Africa regions, Sudan, Mozambique, and&nbsp;Congo.&nbsp;

There were approximately 60,000 attendees in St. Peter's Square. “Let us not allow the current hostilities to continue to have grave repercussions on the civil population, by now at the limit of its endurance, and above all on the children,” he said.

The pontiff also spoke briefly on the plight and sufferings of the Rohingya, Haitians and people suffering at the hands of human trafficking.

<section>
Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/world-celebrates-easter-philippines-marks-easter-with-procession-easter-amidst-war-in-ukraine-706242">World celebrates Easter: Philippines marks Easter with procession | Easter amidst war in Ukraine</a>

<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/world-celebrates-easter-philippines-marks-easter-with-procession-easter-amidst-war-in-ukraine-706242/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

According to a statement from the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza on Sunday (Mar 31) that the death toll in the besieged enclave has reached at least 32,782 during almost six months of conflict.&nbsp;
</section>

(With inputs from agencies)

Prominent leaders worldwide are urging a halt to the ongoing Gaza conflict as humanitarian crises escalate. Joining the chorus, Pope Francis made a fervent appeal for an immediate ceasefire and the release of all Israeli hostages, something which still remains to be a far off prospect.

Prominent leaders worldwide are urging a halt to the ongoing Gaza conflict as humanitarian crises escalate. Joining the chorus, Pope Francis made a fervent appeal for an immediate ceasefire and the release of all Israeli hostages, something which still remains to be a far off prospect. The pontiff also called for an exchange of prisoners between Russia and Ukraine while also rebuking human trafficking. Addressing the people on Easter Sunday, Pope Francis used the occasion to condemn the escalating humanitarian crisis resulting from the Gaza conflict initiated by the Hamas militant group. Easter Sunday is an important day in Christianity which commemorates the resurrection of Jesus Christ. The occasion provided the pontiff with a platform to express his concerns as the war in Gaza continues unabated. Also Read | Donald Trump under fire for posting video showing image of Joe Biden tied up in the back of truck Even after recent health issues limiting his public appearances, Pope Francis presided over Mass in a crowded St. Peter's Square. In his "Urbi et Orbi" address, he reiterated his distress over the suffering in Gaza and called for urgent humanitarian access and the release of hostages. "I appeal once again that access to humanitarian aid be ensured to Gaza, and call once more for the prompt release of the hostages seized on last October 7 and for an immediate ceasefire in the Strip," Pope Francis said during his address. "How much suffering we see in the eyes of children, the children have forgotten to smile in those war zones. With their eyes, children ask us: Why? Why all this death? Why all this destruction? War is always an absurdity and a defeat", he added. Also Read | Voting begins in Turkey's high-stakes municipal elections as Erdogan seeks to reclaim control of Istanbul Hostilities at limit of endurance In addition to Gaza, Pope Francis also highlighted various global conflicts, including Russia-Ukraine war, Lebanon, Syria, Azerbaijan, Armenia, Myanmar, Haiti, the Sahel and Horn of Africa regions, Sudan, Mozambique, and Congo. There were approximately 60,000 attendees in St. Peter's Square. “Let us not allow the current hostilities to continue to have grave repercussions on the civil population, by now at the limit of its endurance, and above all on the children,” he said. The pontiff also spoke briefly on the plight and sufferings of the Rohingya, Haitians and people suffering at the hands of human trafficking. Watch | World celebrates Easter: Philippines marks Easter with procession | Easter amidst war in Ukraine × According to a statement from the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Gaza on Sunday (Mar 31) that the death toll in the besieged enclave has reached at least 32,782 during almost six months of conflict. (With inputs from agencies)

‘War is always absurdity’: Pope Francis calls for urgent Gaza ceasefire, release of hostages in Easter address

Israel war: Anti-Netanyahu protests in Tel Aviv

Life-saving aid has tragically taken the form of a new threat in Gaza. This week over a dozen people were killed trying to grab some of the floating or falling aid. Our report on how air drops are risky and why more land crossings are needed to avoid mass deaths by starvation.

Israel War: Air drops take a deadly turn in Gaza

Gaza is facing an acute food shortage. With prices skyrocketing and food supplies dwindling, residents are grappling with severe shortages and soaring costs. In the northern region, the situation has reached a critical point, threatening the lives of hundreds of thousands.

Residents in Gaza struggle amid soaring prices

This week on The West Asia Post, + Is Netanyahu alienating Israel? + The costly Houthi challenge + Ramadan amid war and economic hardships + Saudi's undiscovered cliffs

Israel war: Is Benjamin Netanyahu deliberately alienating Israel? | The West Asia Post

Tens of thousands of Pro-Palestinian protesters marched in London on Saturday (March 30) demanding an end to the war in Gaza.

Footage shows police questioning two female protesters from the crowd, one of which was carrying a placard reading, “(Rishi) Sunak + (Keir) Starmer support genocide, remember that”.

When asked by a journalist why she was being questioned by the police, the woman replied, "They (the police) can't tell me. Apparently, it's a public order offence under Section 5." Footage shows her being taken by police into a police van.

At least 32,705 Palestinians have been killed and 75,190 injured in Israel's military offensive on Gaza since Oct. 7, the Gaza health ministry said on Saturday.

A three-ship convoy left a port in Cyprus on Saturday (March 30) to deliver essential aid supplies for Palestinians in Gaza amid raging war between Israel and Hamas. The convoy left with 400 tonnes of food and other supplies amid soaring concerns about hunger and potential famine in the blockaded Palestinians enclave.&nbsp;

According to a statement by the World Central Kitchen, the ships are carrying ready-to-eat items like rice, pasta, flour, legumes, canned vegetables and proteins that were enough to prepare more than 1 million meals, Associated Press reported.&nbsp;

Tens of thousands of Pro-Palestinian protesters marched in London on Saturday (March 30) demanding an end to the war in Gaza. Footage shows police questioning two female protesters from the crowd, one of which was carrying a placard reading, “(Rishi) Sunak + (Keir) Starmer support genocide, remember that”.

Tens of thousands of Pro-Palestinian protesters marched in London on Saturday (March 30) demanding an end to the war in Gaza. Footage shows police questioning two female protesters from the crowd, one of which was carrying a placard reading, “(Rishi) Sunak + (Keir) Starmer support genocide, remember that”. When asked by a journalist why she was being questioned by the police, the woman replied, "They (the police) can't tell me. Apparently, it's a public order offence under Section 5." Footage shows her being taken by police into a police van. At least 32,705 Palestinians have been killed and 75,190 injured in Israel's military offensive on Gaza since Oct. 7, the Gaza health ministry said on Saturday. A three-ship convoy left a port in Cyprus on Saturday (March 30) to deliver essential aid supplies for Palestinians in Gaza amid raging war between Israel and Hamas. The convoy left with 400 tonnes of food and other supplies amid soaring concerns about hunger and potential famine in the blockaded Palestinians enclave. According to a statement by the World Central Kitchen, the ships are carrying ready-to-eat items like rice, pasta, flour, legumes, canned vegetables and proteins that were enough to prepare more than 1 million meals, Associated Press reported.

Thousands march in London to demand ceasefire in Gaza

A report says the US has authorized the transfer of billions of dollars worth of bombs and fighter jets to Israel. This comes even as Washington publicly expresses concerns about an anticipated Israeli military offensive in Rafah.

Reports: US approves bombs & jets to Israel worth millions

Reports says US approves bombs & jets to Israel worth millions

US: Members of Biden admin call for Israel aid cut, White House declines to comment

US: Democrats criticise Joe Biden's support to Israel

Reports: US approves more weapons for Israel

Report: $3.8 billion in US arms aid to Israel

US: Members of Biden admin calls for aid cut

Israel's Supreme Court on Thursday (Mar 28) ordered the country's government to stop funding religious schools whose students don't follow Israel's mandatory military service. This comes as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asked the top court to defer by 30 days a deadline that gave his government until March 31 to come up with a new military conscription plan.&nbsp;

The plan is intended to address mainstream anger at exemptions granted to ultra-Orthodox Jews.

The favour of the ultra-Orthodox population — approximately 13 per cent of Israel's population — is important for Netanyahu. Two ultra-Orthodox parties have been coalition partners in successive Netanyahu-led governments, and the apex court's order can pose a serious threat to the PM's governing coalition.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-senior-minister-gantz-threatens-resignation-over-haredi-military-service-bill-703949">Israel cabinet minister Gantz threatens to quit if bill exempts ultra-Orthodox Jews from military service</a>

<h2>The conscription controversy</h2>

Israeli citizens are by law required to serve in the military and most Jewish men&nbsp;serve nearly three years in the military, followed by years of reserve duty, the women serve two mandatory years. &nbsp;

However, some citizens are exempt from this mandatory service. This includes ultra-Orthodox Jews (13 per cent of Israel's population) and the Arab minority (21 per cent of Israel's population).

While, as per Reuters, military conscriptions of ultra-Orthodox Haredi Jews is a decades-old controversy, it has become especially sensitive these days.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/international-court-of-justice-orders-israel-to-address-famine-in-gaza-ensure-unhindered-supply-of-food-705345">International Court of Justice orders Israel to address famine in Gaza, ensure unhindered supply of food</a>

Due to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, the nation's armed forces, made up mostly of teenaged conscripts and older civilians mobilised for reserve duty, have been waging a nearly six-month-old war in the Gaza Strip.

Reuters reports that as per a senior Israeli official's estimates, only about five per cent of the nation's population was taking part in the Gaza war.&nbsp;

On Monday, a government-issued stay on mandatory conscription of the ultra-Orthodox will expire.

<h2>Ultra-Orthodox population reacts to Supreme Court order</h2>

Israel's ultra-Orthodox population has been demanding that their constituents be permitted to study in seminaries instead of serving in the military.&nbsp;

The two ultra-Orthodox parties — United Torah Judaism and Shas — in Netanyahu's religious-nationalist coalition, have strongly criticised the ruling, referring to it as a "mark of Cain".&nbsp;As per Reuters, they have pledged to fight for what they say is their constituents' "right" to remain in seminaries. However, as of now, they have not explicitly threatened to walk out of the government.

(With inputs from agencies)

Israel's Supreme Court on Thursday (Mar 28) ordered the country's government to stop funding religious schools whose students don't follow Israel's mandatory military service.

Israel's Supreme Court on Thursday (Mar 28) ordered the country's government to stop funding religious schools whose students don't follow Israel's mandatory military service. This comes as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu asked the top court to defer by 30 days a deadline that gave his government until March 31 to come up with a new military conscription plan. The plan is intended to address mainstream anger at exemptions granted to ultra-Orthodox Jews. The favour of the ultra-Orthodox population — approximately 13 per cent of Israel's population — is important for Netanyahu. Two ultra-Orthodox parties have been coalition partners in successive Netanyahu-led governments, and the apex court's order can pose a serious threat to the PM's governing coalition. Also read | Israel cabinet minister Gantz threatens to quit if bill exempts ultra-Orthodox Jews from military service The conscription controversy Israeli citizens are by law required to serve in the military and most Jewish men serve nearly three years in the military, followed by years of reserve duty, the women serve two mandatory years. However, some citizens are exempt from this mandatory service. This includes ultra-Orthodox Jews (13 per cent of Israel's population) and the Arab minority (21 per cent of Israel's population). While, as per Reuters, military conscriptions of ultra-Orthodox Haredi Jews is a decades-old controversy, it has become especially sensitive these days. Also read | International Court of Justice orders Israel to address famine in Gaza, ensure unhindered supply of food Due to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, the nation's armed forces, made up mostly of teenaged conscripts and older civilians mobilised for reserve duty, have been waging a nearly six-month-old war in the Gaza Strip. Reuters reports that as per a senior Israeli official's estimates, only about five per cent of the nation's population was taking part in the Gaza war. On Monday, a government-issued stay on mandatory conscription of the ultra-Orthodox will expire. Ultra-Orthodox population reacts to Supreme Court order Israel's ultra-Orthodox population has been demanding that their constituents be permitted to study in seminaries instead of serving in the military. The two ultra-Orthodox parties — United Torah Judaism and Shas — in Netanyahu's religious-nationalist coalition, have strongly criticised the ruling, referring to it as a "mark of Cain". As per Reuters, they have pledged to fight for what they say is their constituents' "right" to remain in seminaries. However, as of now, they have not explicitly threatened to walk out of the government. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel Supreme Court orders Netanyahu govt to halt funding for religious schools defying conscription

The Gaza authorities claimed on Tuesday that three Palestinians drowned while attempting to retrieve airdropped aid that had fallen into the Mediterranean, the latest incident in which an airdrop appears to have resulted in death.

Israel war: 12 drown recovering aid from sea; Gazans say, 'we have become like dog'

Big news that just come in where judges at the International Court of Justice - where a case is being heard - have unanimously ordered the state of Israel to take all immediate and necessary steps to ensure that basic food and humanitarian aid.

Big setback for Netanyahu government: Israel accused of state-led genocide in Gaza

According to a Reuters report, Israeli soldiers have been posting photos and videos of themselves playing with lingerie found in Palestinian homes. The UN Human rights office spokesperson has said the posting of such images is demeaning to Palestinian women, and all women. Molly Gambhir tells you more.

Gravitas | In online posts, Israeli soldiers play with lingerie found in Palestinian homes: Report

October 7 changed a lot for West Asia. Especially Israel and Gaza. The war in Gaza is still continuing but across the border - people living in the then-attacked kibbutz are still scared of returning home.

Israelis long to return home

Food filled trucks, the main lifeline for Gazans, are at the heart of the escalating humanitarian crisis gripping the enclave as the Global Authority on Food Security has warned that famine is imminent. Watch in for more details!

Israel War | Famine imminent in North Gaza: World Food Programme

In Lebanon, tensions with israel have dampened the ramadan spirit. There are traditional Lebanese events taking place in parts of the country. Music, dance and loads of food - but what's missing is true happiness and peace this Ramadan.

Israel war: How people are celebrating Ramadan amidst war

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claims that victory over Hamas is close. Israel meanwhile is mulling its ground incursion into the cramped rafah territory that is sheltering over a million people. We break down how Israel risks losing allies if it continues with its gaza strategy.

Israel cannot completely eliminate Hamas, says report

Israel war: Israel accused of state-led genocide in Gaza, ICJ jusges order to take effective action

The newly appointed Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa formed a new cabinet on Thursday (Mar 28), in which he will also&nbsp;serve&nbsp;as the foreign minister, and called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza amid the ongoing war between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas.&nbsp;

<h2>Palestinian Authority’s new cabinet</h2>

The PA announced the formation of the new cabinet but said that President Mahmoud Abbas will continue to remain in overall control, according to the presidential decree.&nbsp;

Abbas approved the new government presented by the PM, which is set to take office, on Sunday (Mar 31).&nbsp;

Earlier this month, the Palestinian president, who has been in power for nearly two decades, appointed his longtime adviser, Mustafa as the PM replacing Mohammed Shtayyeh who, along with his government, resigned in February.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Israel-US meeting on Rafah offensive plans

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-hamas-war-israel-us-meeting-on-rafah-offensive-plans-705243/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Mustafa said that the new government’s “top national priority” would be the end of the war in Gaza, in his statement to the Palestinian president. He added that this would include a complete Israeli withdrawal from the enclave, reported Palestinian news agency Wafa.&nbsp;

His cabinet “will work on formulating visions to reunify the institutions, including assuming responsibility for Gaza,” said the Palestinian PM. &nbsp;

Mustafa had vowed to form a technocratic government and create an independent trust fund to help rebuild Gaza. The reforms also came amid international pressure to make changes in Abbas’ administration.&nbsp;

The Palestinian president has approved Mustafa’s cabinet which includes: financial expert Omar al-Bitar as finance minister; Muhamad al Amour, former president of the Palestinian Businessmen Association, as economy minister; Ziad Hab al-Reeh, ex-chief of the PA’s internal intelligence agency, as interior minister.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-downs-more-than-25-drones-in-latest-overnight-russian-strikes-705184">Ukraine claims it downed 26 drones in latest Russian strikes</a>

At least five of the incoming 23 ministers are from Gaza, reported the Associated Press. However, it was not immediately clear if they were still in the territory.&nbsp;

The new PA government will also have a state minister for “relief affairs”. Mustafa will be replacing Riyad al-Maliki as the foreign minister, reported Wafa.

Notably, the Palestinian Authority has limited powers in parts of the Israeli-occupied West Bank. The Palestinian PM also noted the need to stop the “terrorism” by the Israeli settlers in the West Bank.&nbsp;

“In order to enable the launch of the recovery process and preparation for reconstruction, stop the aggression and settlement activities, and curb settlers' terrorism in the West Bank,” said Mustafa.&nbsp;

<h2>International calls for reform</h2>

Mustafa’s appointment as the PM had left Hamas fuming. The Palestinian militant group criticised the “unilateral” decision by Abbas saying that it was taken without consultation.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-mohammad-mustafa-the-new-prime-minister-of-palestinian-authority-700239">Who is Mohammad Mustafa, the new prime minister of Palestinian Authority?</a>

Members from Abbas’ Fatah movement and Hamas met in Russia, last month, in a bid to end long-time divisions weakening Palestinian political aspirations.&nbsp;

In response, Fatah blamed Hamas for the state in which Gaza is today because it unilaterally carried out “the Oct 7 adventure.”&nbsp;

Over the years, international efforts to reconcile Hamas and Fatah have failed. The United States called for reform in the PA to administer post-war Gaza before eventually attaining statehood.&nbsp;

However, Israel has rejected the idea saying it wants to maintain an open-ended security control over Gaza.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

The newly appointed Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa formed a new cabinet on Thursday (Mar 28), in which he will also serve as the foreign minister, and called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza amid the ongoing war between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas.

The newly appointed Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Mustafa formed a new cabinet on Thursday (Mar 28), in which he will also serve as the foreign minister, and called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza amid the ongoing war between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas. Palestinian Authority’s new cabinet The PA announced the formation of the new cabinet but said that President Mahmoud Abbas will continue to remain in overall control, according to the presidential decree. Abbas approved the new government presented by the PM, which is set to take office, on Sunday (Mar 31). Earlier this month, the Palestinian president, who has been in power for nearly two decades, appointed his longtime adviser, Mustafa as the PM replacing Mohammed Shtayyeh who, along with his government, resigned in February. WATCH | Israel-US meeting on Rafah offensive plans Mustafa said that the new government’s “top national priority” would be the end of the war in Gaza, in his statement to the Palestinian president. He added that this would include a complete Israeli withdrawal from the enclave, reported Palestinian news agency Wafa. His cabinet “will work on formulating visions to reunify the institutions, including assuming responsibility for Gaza,” said the Palestinian PM. Mustafa had vowed to form a technocratic government and create an independent trust fund to help rebuild Gaza. The reforms also came amid international pressure to make changes in Abbas’ administration. The Palestinian president has approved Mustafa’s cabinet which includes: financial expert Omar al-Bitar as finance minister; Muhamad al Amour, former president of the Palestinian Businessmen Association, as economy minister; Ziad Hab al-Reeh, ex-chief of the PA’s internal intelligence agency, as interior minister. Also Read | Ukraine claims it downed 26 drones in latest Russian strikes At least five of the incoming 23 ministers are from Gaza, reported the Associated Press. However, it was not immediately clear if they were still in the territory. The new PA government will also have a state minister for “relief affairs”. Mustafa will be replacing Riyad al-Maliki as the foreign minister, reported Wafa. Notably, the Palestinian Authority has limited powers in parts of the Israeli-occupied West Bank. The Palestinian PM also noted the need to stop the “terrorism” by the Israeli settlers in the West Bank. “In order to enable the launch of the recovery process and preparation for reconstruction, stop the aggression and settlement activities, and curb settlers' terrorism in the West Bank,” said Mustafa. International calls for reform Mustafa’s appointment as the PM had left Hamas fuming. The Palestinian militant group criticised the “unilateral” decision by Abbas saying that it was taken without consultation. Also Read | Who is Mohammad Mustafa, the new prime minister of Palestinian Authority? Members from Abbas’ Fatah movement and Hamas met in Russia, last month, in a bid to end long-time divisions weakening Palestinian political aspirations. In response, Fatah blamed Hamas for the state in which Gaza is today because it unilaterally carried out “the Oct 7 adventure.” Over the years, international efforts to reconcile Hamas and Fatah have failed. The United States called for reform in the PA to administer post-war Gaza before eventually attaining statehood. However, Israel has rejected the idea saying it wants to maintain an open-ended security control over Gaza. (With inputs from agencies)

Palestinian Authority PM announces new cabinet, calls for immediate ceasefire in Gaza

Israel has asked the White House to reschedule a high-level meeting on military plans for Gaza's southern city of Rafah that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had abruptly canceled, officials said on Wednesday, in an apparent bid to ease tensions between the two allies.

Israel-Hamas war: Israel-US meeting on Rafah offensive plans

Israel asks US to reschedule meeting on Rafah, White House says 'working with Israel to set a date'

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stands more isolated than ever. His global allies are slowly turning their back on him. One of his ministers has also resigned. Is Netanyahu losing support?

Israeli PM Netanyahu stands isolated on the global stage?

At least five people were killed and 10 were injured in the Al Shati camp in Gaza after airdropped aid packages fell on them. This is just the latest in a series of incidents involving deaths during aid deliveries in the Palestinian enclave.

Gravitas | Gaza aid crisis: 5 killed after airdropped package falls on them

gaza

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