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

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.

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

The Associated Press has won a top journalism prize for taking a photograph of Hamas militants parading the body of a 22 year-old dead woman they had killed through the streets of Gaza.

The photograph has produced a backlash on social media.&nbsp;Critics say there may have been some question over whether the photograph was an appropriate one to release to the world. They also argue that&nbsp;the woman's image being used was ‘an insult to Jew’".

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/international-court-of-justice-orders-israel-to-address-famine-in-gaza-ensure-unhindered-supply-of-food-705345" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/international-court-of-justice-orders-israel-to-address-famine-in-gaza-ensure-unhindered-supply-of-food-705345&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiX096fpJmFAxW5bmwGHQOPBDEQFnoECAkQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw0YnXlg_1QqDPi9c_l8GJyJ&amp;arm=e" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/international-court-of-justice-orders-israel-to-address-famine-in-gaza-ensure-unhindered-supply-of-food-705345" target="_blank">International Court of Justice orders&nbsp;Israel&nbsp;to address famine in Gaza</a>

The photograph shows 22 year-old Shani Louk, who was abducted by Hamas on October 7,&nbsp;the day the militant group launched its first attack on Israel. In the picture the woman can be seen&nbsp;lying semi-naked in the back of a pickup truck surrounded by armed men who appear to be celebrating the killing.

<img alt="Associated Press wins award for photo of dead woman with Hamas militants." data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="710f7c43-5b9d-4053-a55c-96c501eac625" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202024-03-29T160730.094.png" />

According to media reports, Louk was at the Supernova music festival on October 7, when terrorists mowed down attendees with gunfire and grenades, killing some 360 people and abducting several of them - mostly civilians -&nbsp;amid horrific acts of brutality and sexual assault.

She was declared officially dead on October 30 after a part of her skull was discover. However, her body is still being kept in Gaza. The New York Post says that the mad ‘Team Picture Story of the Year’ run by the Donald W Reynolds Journalism Institute at Missouri School of Journalism has dubbed the contest as the world’s oldest photojournalism competition.

There has been a lot of criticism of the photograph and the journalist who took the picture.

Aviva Klompas, who was earlier the Head of Speechwriting, Israel mission to the United Nations sought punishment for the photographer for taking the photo.

"The AP photographer who accompanied jihadi barbarians on their October 7 invasion of Israel has been awarded a prestigious photography prize. He is being celebrated for taking this photo of murder-rapist-terrorists with the brutalized and contorted body of Shani Louk. Seems to me he should be going to jail, not getting a prize," she wrote on X.

Several&nbsp;social media users said they were ‘shocked’ at the picture.

<h2>Ceasefire</h2>

Meanwhile, Palestinian militant group Hamas on Monday (Mar 25) said to the mediators that it will follow the original proposal on finalising a comprehensive ceasefire, which includes the Israeli troops' withdrawal from Gaza and the displaced Palestinians' return to the war-ravaged enclave.&nbsp;

The militant group also called for "a real exchange of prisoners" as it appealed for the release of Palestinians&nbsp;from Israeli prisons in exchange for the Israeli hostages&nbsp;who have been kept in Gaza.&nbsp;

Israel has rejected several appeals from Hamas&nbsp;for a permanent ceasefire and full military withdrawal despite&nbsp;the terror group claiming many more hostages will be released after Israel commits to end the war.

The demands of Hamas have been rejected by Israel as delusional and the country has emphasised that it will destroy the military and governance capabilities of the militant group and then&nbsp;think of&nbsp;any hostage-truce deal.&nbsp;

Nearly 130 hostages are likely to have been kept in Gaza since the October 7 attack by Hamas.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The Associated Press has won a top journalism prize for taking a photograph of Hamas militants parading the body of a 22 year-old dead woman they had killed through the streets of Gaza.

The Associated Press has won a top journalism prize for taking a photograph of Hamas militants parading the body of a 22 year-old dead woman they had killed through the streets of Gaza. The photograph has produced a backlash on social media. Critics say there may have been some question over whether the photograph was an appropriate one to release to the world. They also argue that the woman's image being used was ‘an insult to Jew’". Also read: International Court of Justice orders Israel to address famine in Gaza The photograph shows 22 year-old Shani Louk, who was abducted by Hamas on October 7, the day the militant group launched its first attack on Israel. In the picture the woman can be seen lying semi-naked in the back of a pickup truck surrounded by armed men who appear to be celebrating the killing. According to media reports, Louk was at the Supernova music festival on October 7, when terrorists mowed down attendees with gunfire and grenades, killing some 360 people and abducting several of them - mostly civilians - amid horrific acts of brutality and sexual assault. She was declared officially dead on October 30 after a part of her skull was discover. However, her body is still being kept in Gaza. The New York Post says that the mad ‘Team Picture Story of the Year’ run by the Donald W Reynolds Journalism Institute at Missouri School of Journalism has dubbed the contest as the world’s oldest photojournalism competition. There has been a lot of criticism of the photograph and the journalist who took the picture. Aviva Klompas, who was earlier the Head of Speechwriting, Israel mission to the United Nations sought punishment for the photographer for taking the photo. "The AP photographer who accompanied jihadi barbarians on their October 7 invasion of Israel has been awarded a prestigious photography prize. He is being celebrated for taking this photo of murder-rapist-terrorists with the brutalized and contorted body of Shani Louk. Seems to me he should be going to jail, not getting a prize," she wrote on X. Several social media users said they were ‘shocked’ at the picture. Ceasefire Meanwhile, Palestinian militant group Hamas on Monday (Mar 25) said to the mediators that it will follow the original proposal on finalising a comprehensive ceasefire, which includes the Israeli troops' withdrawal from Gaza and the displaced Palestinians' return to the war-ravaged enclave. The militant group also called for "a real exchange of prisoners" as it appealed for the release of Palestinians from Israeli prisons in exchange for the Israeli hostages who have been kept in Gaza. Israel has rejected several appeals from Hamas for a permanent ceasefire and full military withdrawal despite the terror group claiming many more hostages will be released after Israel commits to end the war. The demands of Hamas have been rejected by Israel as delusional and the country has emphasised that it will destroy the military and governance capabilities of the militant group and then think of any hostage-truce deal. Nearly 130 hostages are likely to have been kept in Gaza since the October 7 attack by Hamas. (With inputs from agencies)

Controversy erupts as photo of Hamas militants parading woman's body wins award

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.

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. Israeli soldiers shot dead two Palestinian men in Gaza with one of them waving what appeared to be a white flag. The video of this incident obtained by Al Jazeera showed that the two men were buried in sand and rubbish by an Israeli army bulldozer. A report by Al Jazeera said that the two men were near the Nabulsi Roundabout, southwest of Gaza City. They were trying to return to their homes in the north of Gaza via the al-Rashid street. This is where they met the Israeli soldiers. The video shows one of the two Palestinian men approaching the troops, waving, before he disappears from view behind a building. Also read | International Court of Justice orders Israel to address famine in Gaza, ensure unhindered supply of food The second man, meanwhile, turned around and appeared to raise a piece of white fabric. He was seen being pursued by an armoured vehicle. The soldiers opened fire on him, and the first man was also shot dead. The army bulldozer was used to bury the bodies. The condemnation American civil rights and advocacy group Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) called for a United Nations (UN) probe into these killings. The CAIR said that Israel appeared to kill Palestinians on a whim and then treat their bodies like trash. Hamas, which has been at war with Israel since early October last year, condemned the killings and called on the International Criminal Court (ICC) to take necessary measures to hold Israel accountable. Also watch | Israel accused of state-led genocide in Gaza × A spokesperson for the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) told Al Jazeera that Israel was getting away with these crimes due to the silence of the international community. 'Video is edited' The Israeli army, meanwhile, told the network that the video was edited and did not show the context of the incident. The army said that a thorough and professional examination was needed to assess the details of the incident. (With inputs from agencies)

Israeli soldiers kill two unarmed Palestinians in Gaza. One of them was holding a white flag: Report

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 war: Netanyahu asks US to reschedule scrapped meeting on Rafah military plans

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

A day after the UN Security Council adopted a resolution calling for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza, Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh travelled to Iran, where he expressed gratitude for the support provided by Tehran. Celebrating the UNSC resolution, Haniyeh said that Israel had "failed to achieve any of its military or strategic goals" in Gaza.

Gravitas: Hamas leader Haniyeh meets Iran's President | Tehran reaffirms support

Three Hezbollah militants were killed in Israeli air strikes near two towns in northeast Lebanon on Tuesday, the group posted on Telegram, the furthest bombardment yet from the border where Hezbollah and Israel have exchanged fire.

Israel war: IDF conducts fresh strikes in Lebanon

Tragedy struck off the coast of Gaza on Tuesday, as 12&nbsp;people drowned while attempting to reach aid dropped by a plane on a beach. Palestinian health authorities reported the incident, highlighting the desperate situation faced by many amid fears of famine, which have intensified nearly six months into Israel's military campaign.

<h2>Video footage shows the desperation of Gazans</h2>

As per Reuters, video footage obtained by it bears witness to the chaotic scene as crowds rushed towards crates with parachutes floating down to Beit Lahia beach in north Gaza.&nbsp;

The footage, which because of its sensitive nature has not been added to this report, shows people standing in deep water and bodies being pulled onto the sand.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-war-19-palestinians-killed-by-idf-while-waiting-for-aid-israel-denies-703632">Gaza war: 19 Palestinians ‘killed by IDF’ while waiting for aid; Israel denies claims</a>

It also revealed that the aid was marked with Arabic writing over an American flag, indicating its origin.

<h2>'Why are they doing this to us?' asks one Gazan</h2>

As per Reuters, tragically, one man lost his life while attempting to procure food for his children. In the video, another man could be seen trying to revive him when a voice in the background says, "It's over".

"He swam to get food for his children and he was martyred," revealed a man standing on the beach.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/unsc-to-vote-on-new-gaza-ceasefire-draft-as-un-chief-indicates-growing-international-consensus-704087">UNSC passes resolution demanding ‘immediate ceasefire’ in Gaza during Ramadan; US abstains from voting</a>

"They should deliver aid through the (overland) crossings. Why are they doing this to us?" he added.

Meanwhile, in Washington, the Pentagon revealed that three of the 18 bundles of aid airdropped into Gaza on Monday experienced parachute malfunctions and fell into the water. However, they failed to confirm whether anyone was killed in the attempt to reach the aid.

The airdrop, intended to alleviate the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza, is the latest in a series of incidents involving deaths during aid delivery in the densely populated enclave. &nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Gaza's hungry civilians forced to eat wild plant with no aid relief in sight

<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>

The incident has sparked questions about the effectiveness and safety of aid delivery methods, with aid agencies calling for increased supplies to enter Gaza through land crossings.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has urged Israel to give an "ironclad commitment" for unfettered aid access to Gaza, describing the current situation as a "moral outrage".&nbsp;However, Israel maintains that it imposes no limits on humanitarian aid entering Gaza and blames inefficiencies in distribution on UN agencies.

(With inputs from agencies)

Tragedy struck off the coast of Gaza on Tuesday, as 12 people drowned while attempting to reach aid dropped by a plane on a beach. Palestinian health authorities reported the incident, highlighting the desperate situation faced by many amid fears of famine, which have intensified nearly six months into Israel's military campaign.

Tragedy struck off the coast of Gaza on Tuesday, as 12 people drowned while attempting to reach aid dropped by a plane on a beach. Palestinian health authorities reported the incident, highlighting the desperate situation faced by many amid fears of famine, which have intensified nearly six months into Israel's military campaign. Video footage shows the desperation of Gazans As per Reuters, video footage obtained by it bears witness to the chaotic scene as crowds rushed towards crates with parachutes floating down to Beit Lahia beach in north Gaza. The footage, which because of its sensitive nature has not been added to this report, shows people standing in deep water and bodies being pulled onto the sand. Also read | Gaza war: 19 Palestinians ‘killed by IDF’ while waiting for aid; Israel denies claims It also revealed that the aid was marked with Arabic writing over an American flag, indicating its origin. 'Why are they doing this to us?' asks one Gazan As per Reuters, tragically, one man lost his life while attempting to procure food for his children. In the video, another man could be seen trying to revive him when a voice in the background says, "It's over". "He swam to get food for his children and he was martyred," revealed a man standing on the beach. Also read | UNSC passes resolution demanding ‘immediate ceasefire’ in Gaza during Ramadan; US abstains from voting "They should deliver aid through the (overland) crossings. Why are they doing this to us?" he added. Meanwhile, in Washington, the Pentagon revealed that three of the 18 bundles of aid airdropped into Gaza on Monday experienced parachute malfunctions and fell into the water. However, they failed to confirm whether anyone was killed in the attempt to reach the aid. The airdrop, intended to alleviate the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza, is the latest in a series of incidents involving deaths during aid delivery in the densely populated enclave. Watch | Gaza's hungry civilians forced to eat wild plant with no aid relief in sight The incident has sparked questions about the effectiveness and safety of aid delivery methods, with aid agencies calling for increased supplies to enter Gaza through land crossings. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has urged Israel to give an "ironclad commitment" for unfettered aid access to Gaza, describing the current situation as a "moral outrage". However, Israel maintains that it imposes no limits on humanitarian aid entering Gaza and blames inefficiencies in distribution on UN agencies. (With inputs from agencies)

Gaza humanitarian crisis deepens, 12 drown trying to reach US aid airdropped onto a beach

After the October 7th attack on Israel by Hamas in which some 1,200 Israelis were killed, the Israeli military's assault on Gaza has displaced nearly its entire 2.3 million population, flattened most of the enclaves, killed close to 32,000 Gazans, most of them women & children and precipitated a starvation crisis.

A quarter of Gaza's population on the brink of famine

At least seven people were killed on Wednesday (Mar 27) after an Israeli airstrike on a paramedics centre linked to the Lebanon-based Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah, reported the Associated Press citing officials.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, one person in northern Israel was killed after the strike prompted Hezbollah to fire dozens of rockets at the Israeli town of Kiryat Shmona.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Israel war: IDF conducts fresh strikes in Lebanon

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-war-idf-conducts-fresh-strikes-in-lebanon-704686/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The Israeli strike on the Lebanese village of Hebbariye came a day after the airstrikes and rocket attacks between Israel’s military and Hezbollah along the Lebanon-Israel border.&nbsp;

The exchange of fire took place after a brief lull in fighting between Israel and the Iran-backed militant group along the border, raising concerns about further escalation along the frontier that has been active for the past five months amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war in Gaza.&nbsp;

Both Israel and Lebanon have said that they do not want an all-out war and are open to diplomatic process but the number of strikes has increased this week.&nbsp;

<h2>What we know about the strikes and rocket attacks</h2>

Israeli emergency services, on Wednesday, said that the rocket attack by Hezbollah killed a factory worker in Kiryat Shmona and another person was lightly injured.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/raw-sewage-spills-into-england-rivers-and-seas-doubles-in-2023-704845">Raw sewage spills into England rivers and seas doubles in 2023</a>

The paramedics and the Magen David Adom (MDA) said that a 25-year-old man was pulled from the wreckage of the factory. He had sustained severe wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene.&nbsp;

The rocket attack on Israel was reportedly in retaliation for the Israeli strike on Hebbariyeh, which news agencies citing sources said killed at least seven people.&nbsp;

The airstrike after midnight on Tuesday (Mar 26) hit an office of the Islamic Emergency and Relief Corps, said the Lebanese Ambulance Association.

The Lebanese paramedics association released the names of seven volunteers who were killed in the strike and called it a “flagrant violation of humanitarian work,” reported AP.&nbsp;

It was reportedly one of the deadliest single attacks since violence erupted along the border. Since the beginning of the war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah has also launched attacks against Israel.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/protecting-palestinians-a-moral-imperative-pentagon-chief-tells-israeli-counterpart-704762">Protecting Palestinians a moral imperative, Pentagon chief tells Israeli Defence Minister Gallant</a>

Hebbariye resident Ali Noureddine told the AP that those killed were pulled out from the rubble before sunrise on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Hezbollah, earlier on Wednesday, condemned the strikes and hours later retaliated by firing dozens of rockets Wednesday morning on Kiryat Shmona and a military base there.

According to the Israeli military, around 30 rockets were launched from Lebanon toward northern Israel.&nbsp;

Israeli strikes on Tuesday near two towns in northeast Lebanon killed three Hezbollah militants, said the militant group. Israel has since confirmed the strikes.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

At least seven people were killed on Wednesday (Mar 27) after an Israeli airstrike on a paramedics centre linked to the Lebanon-based Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah, reported the Associated Press citing officials.

At least seven people were killed on Wednesday (Mar 27) after an Israeli airstrike on a paramedics centre linked to the Lebanon-based Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah, reported the Associated Press citing officials. Meanwhile, one person in northern Israel was killed after the strike prompted Hezbollah to fire dozens of rockets at the Israeli town of Kiryat Shmona. WATCH | Israel war: IDF conducts fresh strikes in Lebanon The Israeli strike on the Lebanese village of Hebbariye came a day after the airstrikes and rocket attacks between Israel’s military and Hezbollah along the Lebanon-Israel border. The exchange of fire took place after a brief lull in fighting between Israel and the Iran-backed militant group along the border, raising concerns about further escalation along the frontier that has been active for the past five months amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war in Gaza. Both Israel and Lebanon have said that they do not want an all-out war and are open to diplomatic process but the number of strikes has increased this week. What we know about the strikes and rocket attacks Israeli emergency services, on Wednesday, said that the rocket attack by Hezbollah killed a factory worker in Kiryat Shmona and another person was lightly injured. Also Read | Raw sewage spills into England rivers and seas doubles in 2023 The paramedics and the Magen David Adom (MDA) said that a 25-year-old man was pulled from the wreckage of the factory. He had sustained severe wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene. The rocket attack on Israel was reportedly in retaliation for the Israeli strike on Hebbariyeh, which news agencies citing sources said killed at least seven people. The airstrike after midnight on Tuesday (Mar 26) hit an office of the Islamic Emergency and Relief Corps, said the Lebanese Ambulance Association. The Lebanese paramedics association released the names of seven volunteers who were killed in the strike and called it a “flagrant violation of humanitarian work,” reported AP. It was reportedly one of the deadliest single attacks since violence erupted along the border. Since the beginning of the war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah has also launched attacks against Israel. Also Read | Protecting Palestinians a moral imperative, Pentagon chief tells Israeli Defence Minister Gallant Hebbariye resident Ali Noureddine told the AP that those killed were pulled out from the rubble before sunrise on Wednesday. Hezbollah, earlier on Wednesday, condemned the strikes and hours later retaliated by firing dozens of rockets Wednesday morning on Kiryat Shmona and a military base there. According to the Israeli military, around 30 rockets were launched from Lebanon toward northern Israel. Israeli strikes on Tuesday near two towns in northeast Lebanon killed three Hezbollah militants, said the militant group. Israel has since confirmed the strikes. (With inputs from agencies)

At least eight killed in Israel and Hezbollah counterstrikes across Lebanon border

The Gaza authorities claimed on Tuesday that twelve 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: Twelve Palestinians drown while trying to retrieve airdrops

Israel's military spokesman says Hamas deputy military commander Marwan Issa was killed earlier this month in an Israeli attack on the Gaza Strip. Watch in for more details!

Israel War: Israel claims senior Hamas commander killed in recent attack

US&nbsp;Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin said on Tuesday it was a moral and strategic imperative to protect Palestinian civilians in the war between Israel and Hamas and that the humanitarian catastrophe in besieged Gaza was getting worse.

Austin was speaking during a meeting with Israel Defense Minister Yoav Gallant at the Pentagon as relations between US&nbsp;President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sank to a wartime low.

"In Gaza today, the number of civilian casualties is far too high and the amount of humanitarian aid is far too low," Austin said, sitting across from Gallant, a key architect of the military campaign against Hamas in response to the militants' Oct. 7 cross-border rampage that Israel says killed 1,200 people.

"Gaza is suffering a humanitarian catastrophe and the situation is getting even worse," Austin said, using some of his most forceful language so far.

The Pentagon later said Austin's discussion with Gallant was frank and direct.

The Israeli defense minister also met for a second day with US&nbsp;national security adviser Jake Sullivan, who told Gallant that Israel needs to increase the flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza, White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre said.

Gallant later held talks with CIA Director William Burns, recently returned from talks in Qatar seeking an elusive deal for Hamas' release of more than 130 hostages still held in Gaza.

Speaking to reporters, Gallant, apparently seeking to cool U.S.-Israeli tensions, said he stressed the importance of U.S. ties to his country's security and of maintaining Israel’s qualitative military edge in the region, including its air capabilities.

"We share 100% of the values and 99% of the interests with the United States," Gallant said.

Biden has come under pressure from human right groups and some fellow Democrats to condition further military aid on Netanyahu holding off on a threatened offensive in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, where more than a million Palestinians are sheltering. The U.S. president has resisted doing so.

<h2 data-testid="Heading">FEARS OF FAMINE</h2>

Israel has launched strikes and shelling in Gaza that have killed more than 32,000 Palestinians, according to the health authorities in the Hamas-run enclave.

"We need immediate increases in assistance to avert famine," Austin said.

A senior US&nbsp;defense official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said more aid was now flowing through land crossings and that about 200 trucks were crossing into Gaza daily.

Gallant's meeting with Austin took place after Netanyahu on Monday canceled a separate visit to Washington by two senior aides due to hear US&nbsp;ideas about operational alternatives in Rafah.

Netanyahu's fraught relations with Biden became even more strained over Washington's decision not to veto a UN&nbsp;Security Council resolution seeking an immediate&nbsp;ceasefire in Gaza. The United States has been working to get Netanyahu to consider other options instead of a ground invasion of Rafah, the last relatively safe haven for Palestinian civilians.

Austin said he was ready to discuss alternate approaches to targeting Hamas militants there.

The senior defense official said Austin discussed potential steps like Israel's precision targeting of Hamas fighters in the southern city on Gaza's border with Egypt.

The threat of such an offensive has increased differences between close allies the United States and Israel, and raised questions about whether the US&nbsp;might restrict military aid if Netanyahu defies Biden and presses ahead anyway.

Gallant emphasised that while he had discussed humanitarian aid, he had also made clear Israel's plan to go ahead with efforts to destroy Hamas, saying it was necessary to deter "common enemies," an apparent reference to Iran. Hamas, he said, still has five battalions operating in Rafah.

Austin said the security bond between Israel and the United States was "unshakeable". "The United States is Israel's closest friend and that won't change," he added

&nbsp;

US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin said on Tuesday it was a moral and strategic imperative to protect Palestinian civilians in the war between Israel and Hamas and that the humanitarian catastrophe in besieged Gaza was getting worse.

US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin said on Tuesday it was a moral and strategic imperative to protect Palestinian civilians in the war between Israel and Hamas and that the humanitarian catastrophe in besieged Gaza was getting worse. Austin was speaking during a meeting with Israel Defense Minister Yoav Gallant at the Pentagon as relations between US President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sank to a wartime low. "In Gaza today, the number of civilian casualties is far too high and the amount of humanitarian aid is far too low," Austin said, sitting across from Gallant, a key architect of the military campaign against Hamas in response to the militants' Oct. 7 cross-border rampage that Israel says killed 1,200 people. "Gaza is suffering a humanitarian catastrophe and the situation is getting even worse," Austin said, using some of his most forceful language so far. The Pentagon later said Austin's discussion with Gallant was frank and direct. The Israeli defense minister also met for a second day with US national security adviser Jake Sullivan, who told Gallant that Israel needs to increase the flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza, White House spokesperson Karine Jean-Pierre said. Gallant later held talks with CIA Director William Burns, recently returned from talks in Qatar seeking an elusive deal for Hamas' release of more than 130 hostages still held in Gaza. Speaking to reporters, Gallant, apparently seeking to cool U.S.-Israeli tensions, said he stressed the importance of U.S. ties to his country's security and of maintaining Israel’s qualitative military edge in the region, including its air capabilities. "We share 100% of the values and 99% of the interests with the United States," Gallant said. Biden has come under pressure from human right groups and some fellow Democrats to condition further military aid on Netanyahu holding off on a threatened offensive in the southern Gaza city of Rafah, where more than a million Palestinians are sheltering. The U.S. president has resisted doing so. FEARS OF FAMINE Israel has launched strikes and shelling in Gaza that have killed more than 32,000 Palestinians, according to the health authorities in the Hamas-run enclave. "We need immediate increases in assistance to avert famine," Austin said. A senior US defense official, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said more aid was now flowing through land crossings and that about 200 trucks were crossing into Gaza daily. Gallant's meeting with Austin took place after Netanyahu on Monday canceled a separate visit to Washington by two senior aides due to hear US ideas about operational alternatives in Rafah. Netanyahu's fraught relations with Biden became even more strained over Washington's decision not to veto a UN Security Council resolution seeking an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. The United States has been working to get Netanyahu to consider other options instead of a ground invasion of Rafah, the last relatively safe haven for Palestinian civilians. Austin said he was ready to discuss alternate approaches to targeting Hamas militants there. The senior defense official said Austin discussed potential steps like Israel's precision targeting of Hamas fighters in the southern city on Gaza's border with Egypt. The threat of such an offensive has increased differences between close allies the United States and Israel, and raised questions about whether the US might restrict military aid if Netanyahu defies Biden and presses ahead anyway. Gallant emphasised that while he had discussed humanitarian aid, he had also made clear Israel's plan to go ahead with efforts to destroy Hamas, saying it was necessary to deter "common enemies," an apparent reference to Iran. Hamas, he said, still has five battalions operating in Rafah. Austin said the security bond between Israel and the United States was "unshakeable". "The United States is Israel's closest friend and that won't change," he added

Protecting Palestinians a moral imperative, Pentagon chief tells Israeli Defence Minister Gallant

Israel's military carried out new airstrikes in Gaza and laid siege to two hospitals on Monday, despite what the United Nations chief called a growing international consensus to tell Israel a ceasefire is needed.

Israel War: Despite ceasefire calls, Israel strike Rafah in southern Gaza

The United Nations Security Council has approved a resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. Israel's longtime ally US abstained from voting. Experts say that this highlights the all-time low ties between the two, Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Watch to know more!

Israel war: Netanyahu cancels delegation visit to US after UN Gaza vote

Palestinian militant group Hamas on Monday (Mar 25) said to the mediators that it will follow the original proposal on finalising a comprehensive ceasefire, which includes the Israeli troops' withdrawal from Gaza and the displaced Palestinians' return to the war-ravaged enclave.&nbsp;

The militant group also called for "a real exchange of prisoners" as it appealed for the release of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli prisons in exchange for the Israeli hostages&nbsp;who have been kept in Gaza.&nbsp;

Israel has time and again rejected Hamas' appeal for a permanent ceasefire and full military withdrawal as the terror group has claimed that any more hostages will be released after Israel commits to end the war.

The demands of Hamas have been rejected by Israel as delusional and the country has emphasised that its military campaign to destroy the military and governance capabilities of Hamas will start after the implementation of any hostage-truce deal.&nbsp;

Nearly 130 hostages are likely to have been kept in Gaza since the October 7 attack by Hamas.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/unsc-to-vote-on-new-gaza-ceasefire-draft-as-un-chief-indicates-growing-international-consensus-704087">UNSC passes resolution demanding ‘immediate ceasefire’ in Gaza during Ramadan; US abstains from voting</a>

In a statement on Monday (Mar 25), Hamas claimed that Israel “did not respond to any of the basic demands of our people and our resistance (Hamas): a comprehensive ceasefire, withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, the return of the displaced, and a real exchange of prisoners."&nbsp;

With the statement, it appeared that Hamas rejected the proposal offered in Doha where both sides had indirect talks via Qatar, Egypt, and the United States.

The militant group claimed, “(Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu and his extremist government bear full responsibility for thwarting all negotiation efforts and obstructing reaching an agreement so far.”

<h2>Netanyahu scraps visit by top aides to US</h2>

The statement of Hamas came hours after a resolution was adopted by the United Nations Security Council demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and for the&nbsp;hostages to be&nbsp;released. The United States had abstained from voting on the resolution.&nbsp;

After the adoption of the resolution, the Israel Prime Minister’s Office, in a statement, warned that the decision of the United States to abstain has harmed the war effort against Hamas.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Israel War: UN Security Council passes Gaza ceasefire resolution

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-war-un-security-council-passes-gaza-ceasefire-resolution-704202/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The statement said that the decision was “a clear retreat from the consistent US position in the Security Council since the beginning of the war,” and one that “gives Hamas hope that international pressure will allow them to get a ceasefire without releasing our hostages.”

Meanwhile, Netanyahu abruptly cancelled his top aides' trip to Washington which was aimed at discussing plans for an offensive in Rafah.&nbsp;

Israeli Ambassador to the UN Gilad Erdan also slammed the Security Council for adopting the resolution and said, “On the one hand, the resolution says that taking civilians hostage is in violation of international law, yet on the other hand — despite the fact that you know Hamas won’t listen to your calls and release the hostages — you demand a ceasefire."&nbsp;

<h2>Israeli minister quits Netanyahu's unity government</h2>

Israeli minister, who was part of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's emergency unity government, resigned after he was not included in the highest-level war cabinet.

Gideon Saar had joined the government, along with other ministers, to help manage the war on Hamas in Gaza.

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Palestinian militant group Hamas on Monday (Mar 25) said to the mediators that it will follow the original proposal on finalising a comprehensive ceasefire, which includes the Israeli troops' withdrawal from Gaza and the displaced Palestinians' return to the war-ravaged enclave.

Palestinian militant group Hamas on Monday (Mar 25) said to the mediators that it will follow the original proposal on finalising a comprehensive ceasefire, which includes the Israeli troops' withdrawal from Gaza and the displaced Palestinians' return to the war-ravaged enclave. The militant group also called for "a real exchange of prisoners" as it appealed for the release of Palestinian prisoners from Israeli prisons in exchange for the Israeli hostages who have been kept in Gaza. Israel has time and again rejected Hamas' appeal for a permanent ceasefire and full military withdrawal as the terror group has claimed that any more hostages will be released after Israel commits to end the war. The demands of Hamas have been rejected by Israel as delusional and the country has emphasised that its military campaign to destroy the military and governance capabilities of Hamas will start after the implementation of any hostage-truce deal. Nearly 130 hostages are likely to have been kept in Gaza since the October 7 attack by Hamas. Also Read: UNSC passes resolution demanding ‘immediate ceasefire’ in Gaza during Ramadan; US abstains from voting In a statement on Monday (Mar 25), Hamas claimed that Israel “did not respond to any of the basic demands of our people and our resistance (Hamas): a comprehensive ceasefire, withdrawal from the Gaza Strip, the return of the displaced, and a real exchange of prisoners." With the statement, it appeared that Hamas rejected the proposal offered in Doha where both sides had indirect talks via Qatar, Egypt, and the United States. The militant group claimed, “(Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu and his extremist government bear full responsibility for thwarting all negotiation efforts and obstructing reaching an agreement so far.” Netanyahu scraps visit by top aides to US The statement of Hamas came hours after a resolution was adopted by the United Nations Security Council demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and for the hostages to be released. The United States had abstained from voting on the resolution. After the adoption of the resolution, the Israel Prime Minister’s Office, in a statement, warned that the decision of the United States to abstain has harmed the war effort against Hamas. Watch: Israel War: UN Security Council passes Gaza ceasefire resolution The statement said that the decision was “a clear retreat from the consistent US position in the Security Council since the beginning of the war,” and one that “gives Hamas hope that international pressure will allow them to get a ceasefire without releasing our hostages.” Meanwhile, Netanyahu abruptly cancelled his top aides' trip to Washington which was aimed at discussing plans for an offensive in Rafah. Israeli Ambassador to the UN Gilad Erdan also slammed the Security Council for adopting the resolution and said, “On the one hand, the resolution says that taking civilians hostage is in violation of international law, yet on the other hand — despite the fact that you know Hamas won’t listen to your calls and release the hostages — you demand a ceasefire." Israeli minister quits Netanyahu's unity government Israeli minister, who was part of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's emergency unity government, resigned after he was not included in the highest-level war cabinet. Gideon Saar had joined the government, along with other ministers, to help manage the war on Hamas in Gaza. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Hamas says will stick to original position on ceasefire hours after UNSC passes resolution

It's safe to say that the rift is widening between Israel and the United States after the five-month-long Israel-Hamas War. Israel has had near-full White House support to its goals of destroying Hamas and recovering the hostages but now Israel's closest ally the US is suggesting that the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is trying to manufacture a crisis in Israel.

Biden's stance over Gaza war changed?

White House: Netanyahu stirring crisis in US-Israel ties

Israel war: US  'disappointed' after Israel cancels visit to Washington

Relations between President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu sank to a wartime low on Monday with the US allowing passage of a Gaza ceasefire resolution at the United Nations and drawing a sharp rebuke from the Israeli leader.

Israel war: Biden, Netanyahu on collision course after Gaza UN vote

hamas

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