The strikes, which came shortly after Hezbollah said its air defenses shot down an Israeli drone, are likely to increase tensions along the Lebanon-Israel border as talks for a cease-fire in Gaza are underway. Watch in for more details!

Israel warplanes strike deep in Lebanese territory

Muslims around the world are observing the holy month of Ramadan. The practices include worshipping, charity from dawn to dusk fasting and nightly feasts for a month. Take a look at the festivities that are unfolding in different parts of the world.

India: Rains and snowfall expected in 11 states | Light rains & snow lash J&K's Gulmarg | WION

United Nations used a new land route on Tuesday to supply food to Northern Gaza for the first time in almost 3 weeks. Global pressure continues to grow on Israel to allow more access to the coastal Enclave amid a looming famine. Watch in for more details!

Israel War: UN aid convoy entered north Gaza via new military road

Israel war: Gazans mourn dire shortage of food & supplies ahead of Ramadan

Israeli Army raided the West Bank City of Jenin on Tuesday as violence continues to Surge across the West Bank in parallel to the Gaza War. Crowds of Palestinian worshippers were allowed to pray at Al Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem after the first day of Ramadan fasting.

Israel war | West Bank: Israel army vs resistance groups

Ramadan 2024: Gazans mourn as Israel shuts access to Al Aqsa

Israel war | UN uses new land route to enter from Israel to reach Northern Gaza

The Muslim holy month of Ramadan begins today for many countries, without the Israel-Hamas cease-fire that U.S. officials and Arab mediators have been working on for weeks. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hamas war: Ramadan begins with no ceasefire in sight

The Muslim holy month of Ramadan has begun in Gaza but a ceasefire is nowhere in sight. Hunger and starvation are plaguing festivities as aid fails to reach those in need.

Gravitas | Ramadan in war-torn Gaza: Hunger & starvation plague festivities

Gazans were hoping for a truce before Ramadan but that looks like a distant dream. As Palestinians began the fasting period with talks of a possible ceasefire hanging in the balance, our next report tells you how the war-ridden Gazans are celebrating Ramadan with nothing but death and despair.

Israel war: Palestinians in Gaza begin Ramadan

The holy month of Ramadan is here. Palestinians prepared for Ramadan in a sombre mood with heightened security measures by Israeli police.

Ramadan 2024: How are Palestinians preparing for Ramadan in the shadow of Gaza war?

UN special representative on sexual violence in Conflict informed the UN Security Council that they are reasonable grounds to believe that Conflict-related sexual violence including rape and gang rape occurred on October 7th. Watch to know more.

UNSC meets on Hamas 'sexual violence' attacks

An annual threat assessment compiling US intelligence warned that Israel will be challenged by Hamas for years to come, as the country continues its military campaign aimed at destroying the Gaza-ruling terror group in response to its devastating October 7 attack on southern Israel.

US report: Israel likely to face Hamas resistance 'for years to come'

Netanyahu coalition is in jeopardy, the latest report by the US office of National Intelligence, says Israel's coalition government is in turbulence. The Prime Minister is facing heat over his hardline policies.

Israelis demand PM Netanyahu's resignation, faces heat over his hardline policies

A ship belonging to Spanish aid group Open Arms and carrying 200 tons of food aid has made a pilot voyage to Gaza from nearby Cyprus. Watch in for more details!

Israel war: First ship carrying aid to Gaza leaves Cyprus, 'open arms' ship carrying 200 tonnes aid

UN's special representative on sexual violence in conflict informed the UN Security Council that there are 'reasonable grounds' to believe that conflict-related sexual violence, including rape and gang rape occurred on October 7.

Israel war: UN Security Council meets on findings of 'sexual violence' report

US and British warplanes carried out fresh air strikes in small towns of Yemen hitting port cities in towns killing at least 11 and injuring 14 others. The strikes follow the first civilian fatalities in vessel loss since the Houthis began attacking commercial ships back in November.

Israel war | Yemen's Houthis target U.S. ship 'Pinocchio' in Red Sea

<p>Israel on Monday (Mar 11) launched fresh airstrikes on what it said were&nbsp;Hezbollah sites near Lebanon's eastern city of Baalbek marking the second raid in the region since cross-border hostilities began after the Gaza war.</p>

<h2><strong>Fatalities</strong></h2>

<p>As per&nbsp;an agency AFP report citing security sources, the strikes had killed one person and injured others.</p>

<p>Bashir Khader, the governor of Baalbek, also confirmed the strikes and the fatality after Israel launched four strikes, reports Reuters.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-pm-netanyahu-meets-indias-national-security-advisor-ajit-doval-amid-ongoing-war-in-gaza-699142">Israeli PM Netanyahu meets India's NSA Ajit Doval; discusses humanitarian assistance amid ongoing war</a></strong><br />
&nbsp;<br />
Reportedly, one of the strikes hit the southern entrance to the city of Baalbek, at least 2 km (1.24 miles) from ancient Roman ruins, the security sources said.</p>

<p>The three other strikes hit near the city of Taraya, 20 km (12.4 miles) west of Baalbek, they added.</p>

<p>AFP, on the other hand, reported that "Israeli aircraft targeted a former Hezbollah building near Dar Al Amal hospital." The news agency's security source also said that Israel had "conducted another raid on a warehouse west of Baalbek".</p>

<p>Lebanon's state-run National News Agency (NNA) also reported Israeli airstrikes, saying they "targeted a residential building in the town of Ansar … south of Baalbek".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Fire and plumes of smoke could be seen rising from the targeted location," it added.</p>

<h2><strong>IDF on social media&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>On X, formerly Twitter, the Israel Defense Forces reported that its fighter jets struck two sites of the terrorist organisation Hezbollah in the area of Beqaa Valley in Lebanon.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The sites belong to Hezbollah’s aerial forces that planned and carried out various attacks against Israel," said IDF.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">IDF fighter jets struck 2 Hezbollah terrorist organisation sites in the area of the Beqaa Valley in Lebanon. The sites belong to Hezbollah’s aerial forces that planned and carried out various attacks against Israel.</p>
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) <a href="https://twitter.com/IDF/status/1767321345585565944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>The IDF has also released footage of the attack.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">IDF: A short while ago, IDF fighter jets struck two Hezbollah terrorist organization sites in the area of the Beqaa Valley in Lebanon. The sites belong to Hezbollah’s aerial forces that planned and carried out various attacks against the State of Israel.<br />
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The strikes were in… <a href="https://t.co/EzurS5PTpb">pic.twitter.com/EzurS5PTpb</a></p>
— Joe Truzman (@JoeTruzman) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeTruzman/status/1767316370688295405?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 11, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h5>&nbsp;</h5>

<p>Since&nbsp;October 8, the day after Hamas launched an attack on Israel that left 1,200 people dead,&nbsp;Hamas ally Hezbollah and Israel have exchanged near-daily fire. The strikes have largely remained confined to border regions, but several have hit Hezbollah positions further north in recent weeks, raising fears of a full-blown conflict.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-verifying-if-hamas-military-leader-marwan-issa-was-killed-in-gaza-699109">Israel ‘verifying’ if Hamas military leader Marwan Issa was killed in Gaza</a></strong></p>

<p>The city of Baalbek, in the Beqaa valley, is a Hezbollah bastion that borders Syria. Previously, on&nbsp;February 26, Israeli strikes targeted Baalbek, located about 100 km (62.14 miles) from the border. In what was the deepest such raid into Lebanese territory since the hostilities began, two Hezbollah members were killed.</p>

<p>Hezbollah has repeatedly said that it would stop its attacks on Israel only after a ceasefire in Gaza. However, in a recent statement, Israeli defence minister Yoav Gallant said that any truce would not change Israel's goal of pushing Hezbollah out of southern Lebanon, by force or diplomacy.</p>

<p>According to an AFP tally, since the start of the Israel-Hamas war in October, at least 316 people—mainly Hezbollah fighters—and 53 civilians have been killed in Lebanon.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)<br />
<br />
<strong>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.</strong></em></p>


Israel on Monday (Mar 11) launched fresh airstrikes on what it said were Hezbollah sites near Lebanon's eastern city of Baalbek marking the second raid in the region since cross-border hostilities began after the Gaza war.

Israel on Monday (Mar 11) launched fresh airstrikes on what it said were Hezbollah sites near Lebanon's eastern city of Baalbek marking the second raid in the region since cross-border hostilities began after the Gaza war. Fatalities As per an agency AFP report citing security sources, the strikes had killed one person and injured others. Bashir Khader, the governor of Baalbek, also confirmed the strikes and the fatality after Israel launched four strikes, reports Reuters. Also read | Israeli PM Netanyahu meets India's NSA Ajit Doval; discusses humanitarian assistance amid ongoing war Reportedly, one of the strikes hit the southern entrance to the city of Baalbek, at least 2 km (1.24 miles) from ancient Roman ruins, the security sources said. The three other strikes hit near the city of Taraya, 20 km (12.4 miles) west of Baalbek, they added. AFP, on the other hand, reported that "Israeli aircraft targeted a former Hezbollah building near Dar Al Amal hospital." The news agency's security source also said that Israel had "conducted another raid on a warehouse west of Baalbek". Lebanon's state-run National News Agency (NNA) also reported Israeli airstrikes, saying they "targeted a residential building in the town of Ansar … south of Baalbek". "Fire and plumes of smoke could be seen rising from the targeted location," it added. IDF on social media On X, formerly Twitter, the Israel Defense Forces reported that its fighter jets struck two sites of the terrorist organisation Hezbollah in the area of Beqaa Valley in Lebanon. "The sites belong to Hezbollah’s aerial forces that planned and carried out various attacks against Israel," said IDF. IDF fighter jets struck 2 Hezbollah terrorist organisation sites in the area of the Beqaa Valley in Lebanon. The sites belong to Hezbollah’s aerial forces that planned and carried out various attacks against Israel. — Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) March 11, 2024 × The IDF has also released footage of the attack. IDF: A short while ago, IDF fighter jets struck two Hezbollah terrorist organization sites in the area of the Beqaa Valley in Lebanon. The sites belong to Hezbollah’s aerial forces that planned and carried out various attacks against the State of Israel. The strikes were in… pic.twitter.com/EzurS5PTpb — Joe Truzman (@JoeTruzman) March 11, 2024 × Since October 8, the day after Hamas launched an attack on Israel that left 1,200 people dead, Hamas ally Hezbollah and Israel have exchanged near-daily fire. The strikes have largely remained confined to border regions, but several have hit Hezbollah positions further north in recent weeks, raising fears of a full-blown conflict. Also read | Israel ‘verifying’ if Hamas military leader Marwan Issa was killed in Gaza The city of Baalbek, in the Beqaa valley, is a Hezbollah bastion that borders Syria. Previously, on February 26, Israeli strikes targeted Baalbek, located about 100 km (62.14 miles) from the border. In what was the deepest such raid into Lebanese territory since the hostilities began, two Hezbollah members were killed. Hezbollah has repeatedly said that it would stop its attacks on Israel only after a ceasefire in Gaza. However, in a recent statement, Israeli defence minister Yoav Gallant said that any truce would not change Israel's goal of pushing Hezbollah out of southern Lebanon, by force or diplomacy. According to an AFP tally, since the start of the Israel-Hamas war in October, at least 316 people—mainly Hezbollah fighters—and 53 civilians have been killed in Lebanon. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos, and videos.

Israel launches airstrikes against Hezbollah targets near Lebanon's Baalbek, one killed

<p>The first day of Ramadan on Monday arrived like others for Palestinians in war-ravaged Gaza: stalked by famine and disease, shivering in tents and threatened by bombs more than five months into fighting between Israel and Hamas militants.</p>

<p>As the Muslim world welcomed the holy month and its customary daytime fast, many Gazans faced bombardment that saw residents once more search through the rubble of destroyed homes for survivors and bodies.</p>

<p>A UN report, citing the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza, said 25 people have now died from malnutrition and dehydration, most of them children.</p>

<p>"We are running out of time," Cindy McCain, head of the World Food Programme (WFP), said on Monday. "If we do not exponentially increase the size of aid going into the northern areas" of Gaza, she said, "famine is imminent."</p>

<p>The United Nations has reported particular difficulty in accessing northern Gaza for deliveries of food and other aid.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-launches-airstrikes-against-hezbollah-targets-near-lebanons-baalbek-one-killed-699147">Israel launches airstrikes against Hezbollah targets near Lebanon's Baalbek, one killed</a></strong></p>

<p>Gazans throughout the territory are feeling shortages even more during Ramadan.</p>

<p>"We don't know what we are going to eat to break the fast," Zaki Abu Mansour, 63, said inside his tent. "I have only a tomato and a cucumber... and I have no money to buy anything."</p>

<p>Any goods that are available are sold at exorbitant prices, residents say.</p>

<p>Fighting raged across Gaza, even as UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for "silencing the guns" during the Muslim holy month and said he was "appalled and outraged that conflict is continuing".</p>

<p>Guterres also appealed for the removal of "all obstacles" to aid delivery.</p>

<h2><strong>Israeli screening</strong></h2>

<p>With aid entering Gaza by truck far below pre-war levels, and Gazans increasingly desperate, foreign governments have turned to airdrops and are now trying to operate a maritime aid corridor.</p>

<p>Jose Andres said his American charity World Central Kitchen and its partner Open Arms are "ready to sail for Gaza" from Cyprus with food aid on the new maritime corridor which the European Union had hoped could open last Sunday.</p>

<p>"There have been many statements made about the maritime corridor being open, and the timeline," Andres said on social media platform X. "WCK never announced departure dates."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/houthi-rebels-target-us-ship-pinocchio-in-red-sea-as-11-killed-in-us-british-airstrikes-699164">Houthi rebels target US ship 'Pinocchio' in Red Sea as 11 killed in US-British airstrikes</a></strong></p>

<p>A senior US administration official has said the Cyprus initiative provides a platform at the port of Larnaca for "screening by Israeli officials of Gaza-bound goods".</p>

<p>Cypriot government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis said "this is an initiative, the complexity of which requires both due care and attention so that the ship can depart and the cargo can safely reach the civilian population of Gaza".</p>

<p>Israel's cumbersome screenings are a major reason current shortages are so glaring, aid workers say.</p>

<p>Israel, however, blames problems on the Palestinian side, saying the "ability of humanitarian organisations within the Gaza Strip to absorb the aid" dictates how much of it is let in.</p>

<p>Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, Israel's military spokesman, on Monday said a weekend air strike on an underground compound in central Gaza had targeted Marwan Issa, deputy head of Hamas's armed wing.</p>

<p>Results of the strike were still being examined, he said, and it was unclear if Issa was killed.</p>

<p>Hamas authorities reported at least 67 people killed since Sunday, with more than 40 air strikes across the territory.</p>

<h2><strong>Meagre decorations</strong></h2>

<p>Hamas's October 7 attack that started the war resulted in about 1,160 deaths in Israel, mostly civilians, according to an AFP count based on Israeli official figures.</p>

<p>The militants also took around 250 hostages, dozens of whom were released during a week-long truce in November. Israel believes 99 hostages still in Gaza remain alive and 31 have died.</p>

<p>Israel's retaliatory bombardment and ground offensive has killed 31,112 Palestinians, mostly women and children, according to Gaza's health ministry.</p>

<p>The United States and other countries again airdropped aid into northern Gaza on Monday, but outgoing Palestinian prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh said it could be delivered more efficiently via five land borders.</p>

<p>Humanitarian workers have made similar comments.</p>

<p>Weeks of talks involving US, Qatari and Egyptian mediators failed to bring about a truce and hostage exchange deal ahead of Ramadan.</p>

<p>Despite widespread deprivation, some Gazans found ways to celebrate Ramadan's start, fashioning meagre decorations and distributing traditional lanterns between their tents.</p>

<p>In Rafah, dozens of Gazans offered prayers on Ramadan's first day in the ruins of a mosque hit by an Israeli air strike just days ago.</p>

<p>Tens of thousands of worshippers are drawn every Ramadan to the Al-Aqsa mosque compound in Jerusalem -- Islam's third holiest site and the most sacred for Jews.</p>

<p>The site has been a flashpoint of tensions in the past and is again a focus.</p>

<h2><strong>A sea of tents</strong></h2>

<p>In Washington, President Joe Biden, facing domestic criticism in an election year for his steadfast support of Israel, said that as Muslims around the world gather to break their fast, "the suffering of the Palestinian people will be front of mind for many. It is front of mind for me."</p>

<p>The United States provides billions of dollars in military aid to Israel, and Biden's administration has given short shrift to activist calls to cut such funding.</p>

<p>Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is under pressure from desperate families of hostages still held in Gaza as well as critics of his government, a coalition including religious and ultra-nationalist parties.</p>

<p>In an interview with Politico, he reiterated his intention to send troops into Rafah to root out Hamas in Gaza's southernmost tip where around 1.5 million people -- most of Gaza's population -- have tried to find refuge.</p>

<p>"We'll go there," he said, adding that his "red line" is that "October 7 doesn't happen again".</p>

<p>Many of Rafah's displaced are sheltered in a sea of makeshift tents. They sat on the ground between the structures, under a string of decorative lights, to break their fast on the first day of Ramadan.</p>


The first day of Ramadan on Monday arrived like others for Palestinians in war-ravaged Gaza: stalked by famine and disease, shivering in tents and threatened by bombs more than five months into fighting between Israel and Hamas militants.

The first day of Ramadan on Monday arrived like others for Palestinians in war-ravaged Gaza: stalked by famine and disease, shivering in tents and threatened by bombs more than five months into fighting between Israel and Hamas militants. As the Muslim world welcomed the holy month and its customary daytime fast, many Gazans faced bombardment that saw residents once more search through the rubble of destroyed homes for survivors and bodies. A UN report, citing the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza, said 25 people have now died from malnutrition and dehydration, most of them children. "We are running out of time," Cindy McCain, head of the World Food Programme (WFP), said on Monday. "If we do not exponentially increase the size of aid going into the northern areas" of Gaza, she said, "famine is imminent." The United Nations has reported particular difficulty in accessing northern Gaza for deliveries of food and other aid. Also read | Israel launches airstrikes against Hezbollah targets near Lebanon's Baalbek, one killed Gazans throughout the territory are feeling shortages even more during Ramadan. "We don't know what we are going to eat to break the fast," Zaki Abu Mansour, 63, said inside his tent. "I have only a tomato and a cucumber... and I have no money to buy anything." Any goods that are available are sold at exorbitant prices, residents say. Fighting raged across Gaza, even as UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for "silencing the guns" during the Muslim holy month and said he was "appalled and outraged that conflict is continuing". Guterres also appealed for the removal of "all obstacles" to aid delivery. Israeli screening With aid entering Gaza by truck far below pre-war levels, and Gazans increasingly desperate, foreign governments have turned to airdrops and are now trying to operate a maritime aid corridor. Jose Andres said his American charity World Central Kitchen and its partner Open Arms are "ready to sail for Gaza" from Cyprus with food aid on the new maritime corridor which the European Union had hoped could open last Sunday. "There have been many statements made about the maritime corridor being open, and the timeline," Andres said on social media platform X. "WCK never announced departure dates." Also read | Houthi rebels target US ship 'Pinocchio' in Red Sea as 11 killed in US-British airstrikes A senior US administration official has said the Cyprus initiative provides a platform at the port of Larnaca for "screening by Israeli officials of Gaza-bound goods". Cypriot government spokesman Konstantinos Letymbiotis said "this is an initiative, the complexity of which requires both due care and attention so that the ship can depart and the cargo can safely reach the civilian population of Gaza". Israel's cumbersome screenings are a major reason current shortages are so glaring, aid workers say. Israel, however, blames problems on the Palestinian side, saying the "ability of humanitarian organisations within the Gaza Strip to absorb the aid" dictates how much of it is let in. Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, Israel's military spokesman, on Monday said a weekend air strike on an underground compound in central Gaza had targeted Marwan Issa, deputy head of Hamas's armed wing. Results of the strike were still being examined, he said, and it was unclear if Issa was killed. Hamas authorities reported at least 67 people killed since Sunday, with more than 40 air strikes across the territory. Meagre decorations Hamas's October 7 attack that started the war resulted in about 1,160 deaths in Israel, mostly civilians, according to an AFP count based on Israeli official figures. The militants also took around 250 hostages, dozens of whom were released during a week-long truce in November. Israel believes 99 hostages still in Gaza remain alive and 31 have died. Israel's retaliatory bombardment and ground offensive has killed 31,112 Palestinians, mostly women and children, according to Gaza's health ministry. The United States and other countries again airdropped aid into northern Gaza on Monday, but outgoing Palestinian prime minister Mohammed Shtayyeh said it could be delivered more efficiently via five land borders. Humanitarian workers have made similar comments. Weeks of talks involving US, Qatari and Egyptian mediators failed to bring about a truce and hostage exchange deal ahead of Ramadan. Despite widespread deprivation, some Gazans found ways to celebrate Ramadan's start, fashioning meagre decorations and distributing traditional lanterns between their tents. In Rafah, dozens of Gazans offered prayers on Ramadan's first day in the ruins of a mosque hit by an Israeli air strike just days ago. Tens of thousands of worshippers are drawn every Ramadan to the Al-Aqsa mosque compound in Jerusalem -- Islam's third holiest site and the most sacred for Jews. The site has been a flashpoint of tensions in the past and is again a focus. A sea of tents In Washington, President Joe Biden, facing domestic criticism in an election year for his steadfast support of Israel, said that as Muslims around the world gather to break their fast, "the suffering of the Palestinian people will be front of mind for many. It is front of mind for me." The United States provides billions of dollars in military aid to Israel, and Biden's administration has given short shrift to activist calls to cut such funding. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is under pressure from desperate families of hostages still held in Gaza as well as critics of his government, a coalition including religious and ultra-nationalist parties. In an interview with Politico, he reiterated his intention to send troops into Rafah to root out Hamas in Gaza's southernmost tip where around 1.5 million people -- most of Gaza's population -- have tried to find refuge. "We'll go there," he said, adding that his "red line" is that "October 7 doesn't happen again". Many of Rafah's displaced are sheltered in a sea of makeshift tents. They sat on the ground between the structures, under a string of decorative lights, to break their fast on the first day of Ramadan.

Ramadan in Gaza: UN warns of famine as residents scramble for aid

Celebrities showed up to the red carpet for the 96th Academy Awards wearing red pins in support of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas as a protest delayed stars' arrivals.

Stars wear red pins calling for Gaza ceasefire on Oscars red carpet

<p>Israel was verifying if Marwan Issa, the second-highest military leader of Hamas died in an air strike in Gaza, as the talks for a ceasefire during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan continued to stumble.&nbsp;</p>

<p>If Marwan Issa is confirmed dead, it would be the highest-ranking official from Hamas in over five-month war that has killed tens of thousands in Gaza, the blockaded Palestinian enclave.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Could Marwan Issa be dead?</strong></h2>

<p>On March 9 (Saturday), Israel bombed the Al-Nusseirat camp in central Gaza, Israeli Army Radio reported. The Israeli side reportedly had intelligence about the location of Issa, who leads the Hamas military wing called Izz el-Deen al-Qassam brigades.</p>

<p>A total of five people were killed in the bombing of Al-Nusseirat camp, Israeli Army Radio reported.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ramadan-begins-without-ceasefire-what-it-means-for-gaza-and-rest-of-region-top-points-698717">Ramadan begins without ceasefire: What it means for Gaza and rest of the region - Top points</a></strong></p>

<p>A day later, while Israel said its forces had killed militants in central Gaza, it did not mention if or not Issa was among those dead.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Issa features high on Israel's list of most-wanted leaders. He features together with the Hamas military wing head Mohammed Deif and Hamas's Gaza leader Yahya Sinwar, who are accused of masterminding the Oct 7 attack that triggered the currently ongoing conflict.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What Issa's death could mean for Israel-Hamas war?</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Issa's death would bring Israel closer to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's purported goal of 'decimating Hamas'. But it would also complicate the efforts to secure a ceasefire and a prisoner-hostage exchange. The talks for a ceasefire are ongoing through Egyptian and Qatari mediators.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/son-of-hamas-deputy-commander-marwan-issa-killed-in-israeli-airstrike-reports-674444">Son of Hamas Deputy Commander Marwan Issa killed in Israeli airstrike: Reports</a></strong></p>

<p>Hamas militants attacked southern Israel on October 7 and killed around 1200 people and took 253 hostages, according to the Israeli tallies. The consequent war has killed more than 31,000 Palestinians and injured about 73,000, according to the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Gravitas | Will Putin emerge as the winner in Gaza war?</strong></p>

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<p>The conflict has displaced most of Gaza's 2.3 million people, with many cramped into makeshift tents in southern Rafah city.</p>

<p><em><strong>Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.&nbsp;</strong></em></p>


Israel was verifying if Marwan Issa, the second-highest military leader of Hamas died in an air strike in Gaza, as the talks for a ceasefire during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan continued to stumble.

Israel was verifying if Marwan Issa, the second-highest military leader of Hamas died in an air strike in Gaza, as the talks for a ceasefire during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan continued to stumble. If Marwan Issa is confirmed dead, it would be the highest-ranking official from Hamas in over five-month war that has killed tens of thousands in Gaza, the blockaded Palestinian enclave. Could Marwan Issa be dead? On March 9 (Saturday), Israel bombed the Al-Nusseirat camp in central Gaza, Israeli Army Radio reported. The Israeli side reportedly had intelligence about the location of Issa, who leads the Hamas military wing called Izz el-Deen al-Qassam brigades. A total of five people were killed in the bombing of Al-Nusseirat camp, Israeli Army Radio reported. Also read | Ramadan begins without ceasefire: What it means for Gaza and rest of the region - Top points A day later, while Israel said its forces had killed militants in central Gaza, it did not mention if or not Issa was among those dead. Issa features high on Israel's list of most-wanted leaders. He features together with the Hamas military wing head Mohammed Deif and Hamas's Gaza leader Yahya Sinwar, who are accused of masterminding the Oct 7 attack that triggered the currently ongoing conflict. What Issa's death could mean for Israel-Hamas war? Issa's death would bring Israel closer to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's purported goal of 'decimating Hamas'. But it would also complicate the efforts to secure a ceasefire and a prisoner-hostage exchange. The talks for a ceasefire are ongoing through Egyptian and Qatari mediators. Also read | Son of Hamas Deputy Commander Marwan Issa killed in Israeli airstrike: Reports Hamas militants attacked southern Israel on October 7 and killed around 1200 people and took 253 hostages, according to the Israeli tallies. The consequent war has killed more than 31,000 Palestinians and injured about 73,000, according to the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza. Also watch | Gravitas | Will Putin emerge as the winner in Gaza war? × The conflict has displaced most of Gaza's 2.3 million people, with many cramped into makeshift tents in southern Rafah city. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Israel ‘verifying’ if Hamas military leader Marwan Issa was killed in Gaza

<p>An aid ship loaded with 200 tonnes of essential food supplies, aimed at mitigating the looming famine in the Gaza Strip, remained docked in Cyprus on Sunday night. This delay comes as the urgency to provide maritime aid builds amid stalled ceasefire talks and the onset of Ramadan.</p>

<h2><strong>When will the vessel depart?</strong></h2>

<p>According to Cyprus government spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis, the vessel's departure schedule would not be disclosed for security reasons.</p>

<p>However, reports indicate&nbsp;that "technical issues" might further postpone its departure until Monday morning.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-13000-of-31000-palestinians-killed-during-gaza-war-terrorists-claims-israeli-pm-netanyahu-698757">At least 13,000 of 31,000 Palestinians killed during Gaza war 'terrorists,' claims Israeli PM Netanyahu</a></strong></p>

<p>As per The Guardian, the World Central Kitchen (WCK), along with the Spanish charity Open Arms, had coordinated the delivery of rice, flour, lentils, beans, and canned fish and meat via an Open Arms vessel from Larnaca to Gaza. Most of this aid, as per Reuters, is funded by the UAE.</p>

<p>However, as of Sunday evening, the boat remained anchored in Cyprus. Letymbiotis said that the cargo had undergone inspection by Cypriot officials under an Israel-approved plan.</p>

<p>Although WCK spokesperson Linda Roth refrained from providing detailed logistical information due to the "evolving and fluid situation," she mentioned that Open Arms, accompanied by a barge, would set sail at the earliest opportunity.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Roth also said that the charities were prepared to dispatch an additional 500 tonnes of aid, funded by the UAE, with preparations underway for a floating jetty to receive the aid.</p>

<h2><strong>Gaza and humanitarian aid</strong></h2>

<p>As the humanitarian crisis in Gaza builds, international players, as per media reports, have been scrambling to find alternative routes to supply aid.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Palestinians in Rafah gear up for Ramadan amidst shadow of Gaza war</strong></p>

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<p>The delay in the aid ship's departure underscores the challenges of delivering assistance to Gaza via unconventional means.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The shallow waters along the Gaza Strip shoreline and the lack of functioning ports pose significant obstacles to maritime operations. It also raises uncertainties about how the new "sea highway" will impact the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza.</p>

<h2><strong>US' temporary pier</strong></h2>

<p>Officials in Washington, as per the report, have disclosed that a US military vessel carrying equipment for constructing a secondary temporary pier in Gaza was en route to the Mediterranean. However, they cautioned that it could take weeks before the facility became operational.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/egypt-in-talks-with-hamas-and-israel-to-restart-ceasefire-talks-report-698685">Egypt in talks with Hamas and Israel to restart ceasefire talks: Report</a></strong></p>

<p>Israel has faced repeated allegations of inadequate facilitation of humanitarian aid to Gaza's population of 2.3 million.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This 'open arms' mission, if successful, would effectively signal the first easing of an Israeli naval blockade imposed on Gaza in 2007 after Hamas took control of the Palestinian enclave.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


An aid ship loaded with 200 tonnes of essential food supplies, aimed at mitigating the looming famine in the Gaza Strip, remained docked in Cyprus on Sunday night.

An aid ship loaded with 200 tonnes of essential food supplies, aimed at mitigating the looming famine in the Gaza Strip, remained docked in Cyprus on Sunday night. This delay comes as the urgency to provide maritime aid builds amid stalled ceasefire talks and the onset of Ramadan. When will the vessel depart? According to Cyprus government spokesperson Konstantinos Letymbiotis, the vessel's departure schedule would not be disclosed for security reasons. However, reports indicate that "technical issues" might further postpone its departure until Monday morning. Also read | At least 13,000 of 31,000 Palestinians killed during Gaza war 'terrorists,' claims Israeli PM Netanyahu As per The Guardian, the World Central Kitchen (WCK), along with the Spanish charity Open Arms, had coordinated the delivery of rice, flour, lentils, beans, and canned fish and meat via an Open Arms vessel from Larnaca to Gaza. Most of this aid, as per Reuters, is funded by the UAE. However, as of Sunday evening, the boat remained anchored in Cyprus. Letymbiotis said that the cargo had undergone inspection by Cypriot officials under an Israel-approved plan. Although WCK spokesperson Linda Roth refrained from providing detailed logistical information due to the "evolving and fluid situation," she mentioned that Open Arms, accompanied by a barge, would set sail at the earliest opportunity. Roth also said that the charities were prepared to dispatch an additional 500 tonnes of aid, funded by the UAE, with preparations underway for a floating jetty to receive the aid. Gaza and humanitarian aid As the humanitarian crisis in Gaza builds, international players, as per media reports, have been scrambling to find alternative routes to supply aid. Also watch | Palestinians in Rafah gear up for Ramadan amidst shadow of Gaza war The delay in the aid ship's departure underscores the challenges of delivering assistance to Gaza via unconventional means. The shallow waters along the Gaza Strip shoreline and the lack of functioning ports pose significant obstacles to maritime operations. It also raises uncertainties about how the new "sea highway" will impact the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza. US' temporary pier Officials in Washington, as per the report, have disclosed that a US military vessel carrying equipment for constructing a secondary temporary pier in Gaza was en route to the Mediterranean. However, they cautioned that it could take weeks before the facility became operational. Also read | Egypt in talks with Hamas and Israel to restart ceasefire talks: Report Israel has faced repeated allegations of inadequate facilitation of humanitarian aid to Gaza's population of 2.3 million. This 'open arms' mission, if successful, would effectively signal the first easing of an Israeli naval blockade imposed on Gaza in 2007 after Hamas took control of the Palestinian enclave. (With inputs from agencies)

Ship carrying 200 tonnes of essential food supplies to Gaza stuck in Cyprus due to 'technical issues'

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A ship belonging to Spanish aid group Open Arms and carrying 200 tons of food aid was expected to make a pilot voyage to Gaza from nearby Cyprus “as soon as possible,”. Watch in for more details!

Israel War: Gaza aid ship yet to leave Cyprus

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Moon-sighting committee of the United Arab Emirates announced March 11 (Monday) as&nbsp;the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan. This means that the festive month has started without any ceasefire in Gaza, the flashpoint of one of the most devastating conflicts of the 21st century that began after Hamas militants stormed into southern Israel on October 7 last year and killed about 1,200 citizens.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The consequent state of war in Gaza has killed over 31,000 Palestinians in the blockaded enclave, with a staggering humanitarian crisis forcing assessments of an "imminent famine".&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-africa-puts-focus-on-genocide-convention-over-imminent-threat-of-famine-in-gaza-697436">South Africa puts focus on Genocide Convention over 'imminent threat' of famine in Gaza</a></strong></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Ramadan begins without ceasefire: What now?</strong></h2>

<p><strong>1. Efforts for a ceasefire are still on:&nbsp;</strong>Egypt is reportedly in talks with senior Hamas and Israeli officials&nbsp;as well as other mediators to relaunch talks for a Gaza Strip truce during Ramadan. This means that it's potentially possible that a ceasefire could be agreed upon sometime later during the holy month.&nbsp;Cairo continues to grapple with repercussions of the Israel-Hamas war and is preparing for refugee influx in case of the ground offensive on Rafah. It is reportedly building a fortified buffer zone along the border with Gaza to accommodate refugees in case of mass exodus from Gaza.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/egypt-in-talks-with-hamas-and-israel-to-restart-ceasefire-talks-report-698685">Egypt in talks with Hamas and Israel to restart ceasefire talks: Report</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>2.&nbsp;</strong>The International Crisis Group <a href="https://www.crisisgroup.org/crisiswatch#israel/palestine">noted</a> that the start of Ramadan in March could see rising tensions in the West Bank, and beyond. "In particular, should Israel impose restrictions on Muslim worshippers’ access at Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa complex, it could fuel violence by Hezbollah or Palestinian armed groups in&nbsp;Lebanon, increasing the risk of full-scale war," it said.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Gazans preparing for Ramadan under the shadow of the Israel war | Israel-Hamas War</strong></p>

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<p>3. Yemen's Houthi rebels who jumped into the conflict by attacking the Red Sea shipping route in purported solidarity with the Palestinians last November remain undeterred by the US-UK bombing campaign. The Houthis launched near-daily attacks on international shipping in adjacent waters all through February.</p>

<p>4. Mass starvation remains the gravest risk in Gaza amid the continuous state of war.&nbsp;Aid inflow fell by half in Feb and the UN reported that 90 per cent of the population was facing a high level of acute food insecurity and almost 600,000 were "one step away from famine". UN special rapporteur on the right to food asserted Israel is intentionally starving Palestinians and declared a “situation of genocide”.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


The Moon-sighting committee of the United Arab Emirates announced March 11 (Monday) as the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan. This means that the festive month has started without any ceasefire in Gaza, the flashpoint of one of the most devastating conflicts of the 21st century that began after Hamas militants stormed into southern Israel on October 7 last year and killed about 1,200 citizens.

The Moon-sighting committee of the United Arab Emirates announced March 11 (Monday) as the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan. This means that the festive month has started without any ceasefire in Gaza, the flashpoint of one of the most devastating conflicts of the 21st century that began after Hamas militants stormed into southern Israel on October 7 last year and killed about 1,200 citizens. The consequent state of war in Gaza has killed over 31,000 Palestinians in the blockaded enclave, with a staggering humanitarian crisis forcing assessments of an "imminent famine". Also read | South Africa puts focus on Genocide Convention over 'imminent threat' of famine in Gaza Ramadan begins without ceasefire: What now? 1. Efforts for a ceasefire are still on: Egypt is reportedly in talks with senior Hamas and Israeli officials as well as other mediators to relaunch talks for a Gaza Strip truce during Ramadan. This means that it's potentially possible that a ceasefire could be agreed upon sometime later during the holy month. Cairo continues to grapple with repercussions of the Israel-Hamas war and is preparing for refugee influx in case of the ground offensive on Rafah. It is reportedly building a fortified buffer zone along the border with Gaza to accommodate refugees in case of mass exodus from Gaza. Also read | Egypt in talks with Hamas and Israel to restart ceasefire talks: Report 2. The International Crisis Group noted that the start of Ramadan in March could see rising tensions in the West Bank, and beyond. "In particular, should Israel impose restrictions on Muslim worshippers’ access at Jerusalem’s Al-Aqsa complex, it could fuel violence by Hezbollah or Palestinian armed groups in Lebanon, increasing the risk of full-scale war," it said. Also watch | Gazans preparing for Ramadan under the shadow of the Israel war | Israel-Hamas War × 3. Yemen's Houthi rebels who jumped into the conflict by attacking the Red Sea shipping route in purported solidarity with the Palestinians last November remain undeterred by the US-UK bombing campaign. The Houthis launched near-daily attacks on international shipping in adjacent waters all through February. 4. Mass starvation remains the gravest risk in Gaza amid the continuous state of war. Aid inflow fell by half in Feb and the UN reported that 90 per cent of the population was facing a high level of acute food insecurity and almost 600,000 were "one step away from famine". UN special rapporteur on the right to food asserted Israel is intentionally starving Palestinians and declared a “situation of genocide”.

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