The United Nations has warned that widespread famine in the Gaza Strip is "almost inevitable" without action. A formal conclusion that famine has arrived in the coastal enclave of 2.3 million people could come next week.

Israel War: Fear of famine grows in Gaza; Antony Blinken urges Hamas to sign ceasefire deal

Israel War | Antony Blinken urges Hamas to sign ceasefire deal

US President Joe Biden said that a deal for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip in exchange for the release of Israeli hostages was in the hands of Hamas, as delegations held a third day of talks with no sign of a breakthrough.

Israel War: US Joe Biden says Gaza ceasefire deal in Hamas's hands as Ramadan nears

The American President Joe Biden said that a deal for a potential ceasefire in the Gaza Strip in exchange for the release of Israeli hostages is now in the hands of Hamas. Hamas wants a permanent ceasefire but what the Americans here are talking about is a military pause in this war.

Israel War | US President: We must get more aid into Gaza, no excuses, none

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged Hamas leaders to agree to a ceasefire deal that would free hostages and halt the war in Gaza, even as he called on Israel to let in more humanitarian aid for increasingly desperate Palestinians.

Israel War: Antony Blinken urges Hamas to sign ceasefire deal

At least 100 Palestinians are said to have been killed and several injured trying to get desperately needed aid in Gaza.

Israel-Hamas War: Dozens killed while waiting for aid in Gaza City

US military cargo planes have air-dropped food into Gaza, in the first of series of aid drops as aid agencies criticise Israel for blocking access to the besieged and bombarded strip.

Israel-Hamas War: How 4 Nations airdropped aid: Explained

Vice President Kamala Harris on Monday is hosting a member of Israel’s wartime Cabinet who is visiting Washington in defiance of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Israel war: Kamala Harris stresses on US support for Israel, expresses 'deep concerns' over Gaza

Red sea conflict sends shockwaves far and wide affecting the invisible and critical infrastructure that connects the world. A new era of cable warfare is raging beneath the sea, posing a grave threat to communication from Europe to India.

Gravitas | Red Sea War cuts internet from India to Europe | Who's sabotaging undersea cables?

The United States supports the United Nations doing a review into an aid-related incident in Gaza last week where dozens of people were killed, the U.S. State Department said on Monday.

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Hamas, mediators press on with truce talks; Cairo truce taks in Israelis' absence

<p>A United Nations team of experts, led by special envoy Pramila Patten, on Monday, reported that there were "reasonable grounds to believe" sexual violence, including rape and gang rape, occurred during the Oct&nbsp;7 attack by Hamas militants on Israel.</p>

<p>The team conducted a mission in Israel from January 29 to February 14 to gather, analyse and verify information, and investigate allegations of sexual violence during the October 7 attacks.</p>

<h2><strong>UN findings</strong></h2>

<p>As per a 24-page UN report, there was "credible circumstantial information, which may be indicative of some forms of sexual violence, including genital mutilation, sexualised torture, or cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kamala-harris-issues-us-sharpest-rebuke-yet-calls-out-israel-for-the-catastrophe-says-it-must-do-more-696260">Kamala Harris issues US' sharpest rebuke yet, calls out Israel for the 'catastrophe', says it 'must do more'</a></strong></p>

<p>"The mission team found clear and convincing information that some hostages taken to Gaza have been subjected to various forms of conflict-related sexual violence and has reasonable grounds to believe that such violence may be ongoing," said the report.</p>

<p>The UN team added that a "full-fledged investigation" is needed to determine these crimes' full extent and specific attribution.</p>

<h2><strong>Sexual violence against Palestinians</strong></h2>

<p>They also said that they have received reports of sexual violence against Palestinian men and women "in detention settings" — at centres located in Israel, "during house raids and at checkpoints" after Oct 7. Sources of these reports have been mentioned as institutional and civil society sources and direct interviews.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Gazan mother loses infant twins to air strike</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gazan-mother-loses-infant-twins-to-air-strike-696562/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>However, the team said that when the allegations were raised with Israel's Ministry of Justice and Military Advocate General, they were told that the authorities had not received any complaints of sexual violence by members of the Israel Defense Forces.</p>

<p>During the Oct&nbsp;7 attack, Hamas militants killed approximately 1,200 people and captured 253 hostages, according to Israeli reports. In retaliation, Israel's response in the Gaza Strip has resulted in the death&nbsp;of around 30,000 Palestinians, as reported by health authorities in the Hamas-run enclave.</p>

<h2><strong>Israel reacts to the UN report&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Israeli Ambassador to the UN Gilad Erdan strongly criticised the international body for its delayed recognition of sexual crimes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He said that it took the UN five months to "finally recognise the horrifying sex crimes that occurred during the Hamas onslaught".</p>

<p>"Now that the report of the sexual atrocities and abuse that our hostages are going through in Gaza is being released, the shame of the silence of the UN — which is not even holding one hearing on the issue — is crying out to the heavens," Erdan stated.</p>

<p>In response to the UN's perceived inaction, Foreign Minister Israel Katz announced that he would recall Erdan to Israel for discussions on how to proceed.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-vp-kamala-harris-to-meet-israeli-war-cabinet-member-who-was-rebuked-by-netanyahu-696482">US VP Kamala Harris to meet Israeli war cabinet member who was rebuked by Netanyahu</a></strong></p>

<p>Katz criticised UN Secretary-General António Guterres for failing to convene a meeting of the UN Security Council to "declare Hamas a terror group and place sanctions on its supporters," and said Israel was yet to hear "one word" from Guterres regarding the report.</p>

<p>"Guterres, wake up," he remarked.</p>

<p>However, Guterres's spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, refuted claims that the secretary-general was trying to suppress the report.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a statement to AFP, Dujarric emphasised that the "work was done thoroughly and expeditiously. In no way, shape, or form did the secretary-general do anything to keep the report 'quiet'."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A United Nations team of experts, led by special envoy Pramila Patten, on Monday, reported that there were "reasonable grounds to believe" sexual violence, including rape and gang rape, occurred during the Oct 7 attack by Hamas militants on Israel.

A United Nations team of experts, led by special envoy Pramila Patten, on Monday, reported that there were "reasonable grounds to believe" sexual violence, including rape and gang rape, occurred during the Oct 7 attack by Hamas militants on Israel. The team conducted a mission in Israel from January 29 to February 14 to gather, analyse and verify information, and investigate allegations of sexual violence during the October 7 attacks. UN findings As per a 24-page UN report, there was "credible circumstantial information, which may be indicative of some forms of sexual violence, including genital mutilation, sexualised torture, or cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment." Also read | Kamala Harris issues US' sharpest rebuke yet, calls out Israel for the 'catastrophe', says it 'must do more' "The mission team found clear and convincing information that some hostages taken to Gaza have been subjected to various forms of conflict-related sexual violence and has reasonable grounds to believe that such violence may be ongoing," said the report. The UN team added that a "full-fledged investigation" is needed to determine these crimes' full extent and specific attribution. Sexual violence against Palestinians They also said that they have received reports of sexual violence against Palestinian men and women "in detention settings" — at centres located in Israel, "during house raids and at checkpoints" after Oct 7. Sources of these reports have been mentioned as institutional and civil society sources and direct interviews. Watch | Gazan mother loses infant twins to air strike However, the team said that when the allegations were raised with Israel's Ministry of Justice and Military Advocate General, they were told that the authorities had not received any complaints of sexual violence by members of the Israel Defense Forces. During the Oct 7 attack, Hamas militants killed approximately 1,200 people and captured 253 hostages, according to Israeli reports. In retaliation, Israel's response in the Gaza Strip has resulted in the death of around 30,000 Palestinians, as reported by health authorities in the Hamas-run enclave. Israel reacts to the UN report Israeli Ambassador to the UN Gilad Erdan strongly criticised the international body for its delayed recognition of sexual crimes. He said that it took the UN five months to "finally recognise the horrifying sex crimes that occurred during the Hamas onslaught". "Now that the report of the sexual atrocities and abuse that our hostages are going through in Gaza is being released, the shame of the silence of the UN — which is not even holding one hearing on the issue — is crying out to the heavens," Erdan stated. In response to the UN's perceived inaction, Foreign Minister Israel Katz announced that he would recall Erdan to Israel for discussions on how to proceed. Also read | US VP Kamala Harris to meet Israeli war cabinet member who was rebuked by Netanyahu Katz criticised UN Secretary-General António Guterres for failing to convene a meeting of the UN Security Council to "declare Hamas a terror group and place sanctions on its supporters," and said Israel was yet to hear "one word" from Guterres regarding the report. "Guterres, wake up," he remarked. However, Guterres's spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, refuted claims that the secretary-general was trying to suppress the report. In a statement to AFP, Dujarric emphasised that the "work was done thoroughly and expeditiously. In no way, shape, or form did the secretary-general do anything to keep the report 'quiet'." (With inputs from agencies)

UN finds 'credible' evidence of sexual violence, including gang rapes, during Hamas attack on Israel

A top member of Israel's wartime Cabinet Benny Gantz is meeting with US officials in Washington while talks are under way in Egypt to broker a ceasefire in Gaza before the Muslim holy month of Ramadan begins next week.

Israel war | Cairo truce talks: Israel sticking to demand for a temporary truce to free hostages?

Hamas and Egyptian mediators said they were going ahead with talks in Cairo on securing a ceasefire in Gaza, despite Israel's decision not to send a delegation, as Washington pressed again for a truce.

Israel War: Hamas, mediators presses on with Gaza truce talks without Israel

An incident in the Red Sea has cut three underwater sea cables providing internet and telecommunications around the world as the waterway remains a target of Yemen's Houthi rebels.

Red Sea crisis | 3 Red Sea underwater data cables have been cut amid Houthi attacks

Israel War: Hamas, mediators push for truce in Cairo

Israel War: Hamas, mediators press on with Gaza truce talks in absence of Israel

<p>Representatives from Palestinian militant group Hamas and international mediators are set to convene today (Mar 5) in Cairo as pressure mounts to reach a ceasefire deal to halt the Israeli offensive in Gaza.</p>

<p>Officials from Hamas and the United States are scheduled to meet with Qatari and Egyptian mediators for the third consecutive day to discuss a potential six-week ceasefire, the exchange of remaining hostages for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, and the delivery of aid to Gaza.</p>

<p>Despite the unofficial deadline of Mar 10, when the holy month of Ramadan starts, Israel has boycotted the talks over Hamas’ failure to provide it with the list of hostages still alive.</p>

<p>Israel believes 130 of the 250 captives held by Hamas are still in Gaza, while 31 have been confirmed dead.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, senior Hamas leaders argue that the exchange of the demanded information regarding the hostages was “not included in any documents or proposals circulated during the negotiation process.”</p>

<h2><strong>Egypt in contact with Israeli officials</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier on Monday (Mar 4), officials from Egypt and Hamas insisted on continuing the peace talks despite Israel pulling out.</p>

<p>"Talks in Cairo continue for the second day, regardless of whether the occupation's delegation is present in Egypt," a Hamas official told Reuters. Egypt claims its officials are constantly in touch with Israelis, thus allowing negotiations to move forward.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:<a data-ved="2ahUKEwj1-bP9w9yEAxUI1DQHHZkVBJAQxfQBKAB6BAgLEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-finds-credible-evidence-of-sexual-violence-including-gang-rapes-during-in-hamas-attack-on-israel-696611" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/un-finds-credible-evidence-of-sexual-violence-including-gang-rapes-during-in-hamas-attack-on-israel-696611&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj1-bP9w9yEAxUI1DQHHZkVBJAQxfQBKAB6BAgLEAE">UN finds `credible` evidence of sexual violence including gang rapes, during Hamas attack on Israel</a></strong></p>

<p>Meanwhile, in the US, President Joe Biden said a temporary ceasefire was essential to a hostage deal and urged Hamas to accept the terms currently on offer.</p>

<h2><strong>Strain between the White House and the Israeli govt</strong></h2>

<p>Speculations about potential strain between the White House and the Israeli government led by PM Benjamin Netanyahu are making rounds as VP Kamala Harris on Monday hosted Benny Gantz, a longtime Netanyahu political rival.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Hamas, mediators press on with truce talks; Cairo truce taks in Israelis' absence</strong></p>

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<p>After Harris' meeting with Gantz, the administration said in a statement that Harris had discussed the "urgency" of achieving a hostage deal and "expressed her deep concern about the humanitarian conditions in Gaza".</p>

<p>The Netanyahu administration has criticised Gantz’s visit to the US, saying it was in violation of government protocols.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Representatives from Palestinian militant group Hamas and international mediators are set to convene today (Mar 5) in Cairo as pressure mounts to reach a ceasefire deal to halt the Israeli offensive in Gaza.

Representatives from Palestinian militant group Hamas and international mediators are set to convene today (Mar 5) in Cairo as pressure mounts to reach a ceasefire deal to halt the Israeli offensive in Gaza. Officials from Hamas and the United States are scheduled to meet with Qatari and Egyptian mediators for the third consecutive day to discuss a potential six-week ceasefire, the exchange of remaining hostages for hundreds of Palestinian prisoners, and the delivery of aid to Gaza. Despite the unofficial deadline of Mar 10, when the holy month of Ramadan starts, Israel has boycotted the talks over Hamas’ failure to provide it with the list of hostages still alive. Israel believes 130 of the 250 captives held by Hamas are still in Gaza, while 31 have been confirmed dead. Meanwhile, senior Hamas leaders argue that the exchange of the demanded information regarding the hostages was “not included in any documents or proposals circulated during the negotiation process.” Egypt in contact with Israeli officials Earlier on Monday (Mar 4), officials from Egypt and Hamas insisted on continuing the peace talks despite Israel pulling out. "Talks in Cairo continue for the second day, regardless of whether the occupation's delegation is present in Egypt," a Hamas official told Reuters. Egypt claims its officials are constantly in touch with Israelis, thus allowing negotiations to move forward. Also read:UN finds `credible` evidence of sexual violence including gang rapes, during Hamas attack on Israel Meanwhile, in the US, President Joe Biden said a temporary ceasefire was essential to a hostage deal and urged Hamas to accept the terms currently on offer. Strain between the White House and the Israeli govt Speculations about potential strain between the White House and the Israeli government led by PM Benjamin Netanyahu are making rounds as VP Kamala Harris on Monday hosted Benny Gantz, a longtime Netanyahu political rival. Watch: Hamas, mediators press on with truce talks; Cairo truce taks in Israelis' absence × After Harris' meeting with Gantz, the administration said in a statement that Harris had discussed the "urgency" of achieving a hostage deal and "expressed her deep concern about the humanitarian conditions in Gaza". The Netanyahu administration has criticised Gantz’s visit to the US, saying it was in violation of government protocols. (With inputs from agencies)

Gaza war: Hamas, mediators push for truce in Cairo talks in absence of Israel

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A Palestinian woman who had gone through multiple rounds of fertility treatment to become a mother lost her twin babies in an Israeli strike. Watch in for more details!

Gazan mother loses infant twins to air strike

<p>United States Vice President Kamala Harris on Sunday issued the&nbsp;sharpest criticism to date of Israel by a top US official. Calling for an immediate ceasefire, she bluntly called out ally Israel for not doing enough to ease the "humanitarian catastrophe" in Gaza.</p>

<h2><strong>Ceasefire, suffering, and Gaza</strong></h2>

<p>During a speech in Selma, Alabama, Harris talked of the ceasefire deal&nbsp;that has been under discussion&nbsp;over the past few weeks, and said: "Given the immense scale of suffering in Gaza, there must be an immediate ceasefire for at least the next six weeks, which is what is currently on the table."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-gaza-war-israel-boycotts-cairo-talks-with-hamas-over-unknown-fate-of-hostages-696213">Israel-Gaza war: Israel 'boycotts' Cairo talks with Hamas over unknown fate of hostages</a></strong></p>

<p>The US VP, who was speaking in front of the Edmund Pettus Bridge during an event marking the 59th anniversary of "Bloody Sunday",&nbsp;also urged Hamas to accept the ceasefire deal and release hostages in exchange.</p>

<p>"This will get the hostages out and get a significant amount of aid in," she said.</p>

<p>"Hamas claims it wants a ceasefire. Well, there is a deal on the table. And as we have said, Hamas needs to agree to that deal," she added.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Israel-Hamas war: Israel refuses truce talks till Hamas gives list of hostages still alive</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-hamas-war-israel-refuses-truce-talks-till-hamas-gives-list-of-hostages-still-alive-696238/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<h2><strong>Criticism for Israel</strong></h2>

<p>Directing the bulk of her comments at Israel, Harris said that the conditions in Gaza were "inhumane" and Israel "must do more".</p>

<p>"People in Gaza are starving. The conditions are inhumane, and our common humanity compels us to act," she said, as quoted by Reuters.</p>

<p>Harris stressed, "The Israeli government must do more to significantly increase the flow of aid."</p>

<p>"No excuses," she remarked, adding that the warring nation "must open new border crossings" and "must not impose any unnecessary restrictions on the delivery of aid."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-schools-in-gaza-adjacent-city-of-sderot-reopen-for-first-time-since-oct-7-696184">Israel: Schools in Gaza-adjacent city of Sderot reopen for first time since October 7 attack</a></strong></p>

<p>Her remarks as per the report are a reflection of the "intense frustration, if not desperation, within the US government about the war," which has significantly hurt President Joe Biden's popularity among voters. This, in an election year, can significantly disrupt his re-election campaign.</p>

<h2><strong>What is Bloody Sunday?</strong></h2>

<p>'Bloody Sunday' refers to an event that dates back to March 7, 1965. On this day, voting rights activists were beaten&nbsp;by law enforcement officers on the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Alabama.&nbsp;This acted as a major catalyst in support for Black rights and helped lead a few months later to the passage of the Voting Rights Act, a federal law prohibiting racial discrimination in voting.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


United States Vice President Kamala Harris on Sunday issued the sharpest criticism to date of Israel by a top US official. Calling for an immediate ceasefire, she bluntly called out ally Israel for not doing enough to ease the "humanitarian catastrophe" in Gaza.

United States Vice President Kamala Harris on Sunday issued the sharpest criticism to date of Israel by a top US official. Calling for an immediate ceasefire, she bluntly called out ally Israel for not doing enough to ease the "humanitarian catastrophe" in Gaza. Ceasefire, suffering, and Gaza During a speech in Selma, Alabama, Harris talked of the ceasefire deal that has been under discussion over the past few weeks, and said: "Given the immense scale of suffering in Gaza, there must be an immediate ceasefire for at least the next six weeks, which is what is currently on the table." Also read | Israel-Gaza war: Israel 'boycotts' Cairo talks with Hamas over unknown fate of hostages The US VP, who was speaking in front of the Edmund Pettus Bridge during an event marking the 59th anniversary of "Bloody Sunday", also urged Hamas to accept the ceasefire deal and release hostages in exchange. "This will get the hostages out and get a significant amount of aid in," she said. "Hamas claims it wants a ceasefire. Well, there is a deal on the table. And as we have said, Hamas needs to agree to that deal," she added. Watch | Israel-Hamas war: Israel refuses truce talks till Hamas gives list of hostages still alive Criticism for Israel Directing the bulk of her comments at Israel, Harris said that the conditions in Gaza were "inhumane" and Israel "must do more". "People in Gaza are starving. The conditions are inhumane, and our common humanity compels us to act," she said, as quoted by Reuters. Harris stressed, "The Israeli government must do more to significantly increase the flow of aid." "No excuses," she remarked, adding that the warring nation "must open new border crossings" and "must not impose any unnecessary restrictions on the delivery of aid." Also read | Israel: Schools in Gaza-adjacent city of Sderot reopen for first time since October 7 attack Her remarks as per the report are a reflection of the "intense frustration, if not desperation, within the US government about the war," which has significantly hurt President Joe Biden's popularity among voters. This, in an election year, can significantly disrupt his re-election campaign. What is Bloody Sunday? 'Bloody Sunday' refers to an event that dates back to March 7, 1965. On this day, voting rights activists were beaten by law enforcement officers on the Edmund Pettus Bridge in Alabama. This acted as a major catalyst in support for Black rights and helped lead a few months later to the passage of the Voting Rights Act, a federal law prohibiting racial discrimination in voting. (With inputs from agencies)

Kamala Harris issues US' sharpest rebuke yet, calls out Israel for the 'catastrophe', says it 'must do more'

Israeli leader Benny Gantz's U.S. outreach visit has reportedly infuriated Bibi, revealing a widening gap in the country's war cabinet. Is the fall-out a grim indication of an impending political crisis in Israel?

Gaza war lays bare a power struggle in Israel's war cabinet

Meanwhile the situation in Gaza remains dire with Food Supplies running dangerously low. The risk of famine looms over the 2.3 million people. Aid agencies have warned of the worsening humanitarian crisis.

Israel war: US Vice President Kamala Harris calls for 'immediate ceasefire' in Gaza

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