Israeli strikes deepen panic in Rafah as un aid chief warns a ground offensive could result in ‘slaughter’. Israeli officials have requested un aid agencies to help with efforts to evacuate civilians from Gaza war zones.

Military operations in Gaza can lead to slaughter, says UN

‘We lived in terror,’ say Palestinians in Rafah

As Israel prepares for an incursion in Rafah, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces growing international pressure to agree to a ceasefire. While displaced palestinians only urge for safety and to return home. What is next? Where will the displaced go now?

Displaced residents in Rafah ask: Where to now? Where is home?

A court in the United Kingdom, on Tuesday (Feb 13) found three people guilty of a terror offence after they displayed images of paragliders at a pro-Palestine march in London a week after Hamas’ deadly October 7 attack on Israel.&nbsp;

<h2>‘You crossed the line’</h2>

The trio, identified as Heba Alhayek, 29, Pauline Ankunda, 26, and Noimutu Olayinka Taiwo, 27, were each handed a 12-month conditional discharge by the Westminster Magistrates’ Court.&nbsp;

“You crossed the line, but it would have been fair to say that emotions ran very high on this issue,” said Deputy Senior District Judge Tan Ikram giving his verdict. He added, “Your lesson has been well learned.”

Alhayek and Ankunda had reportedly taped images of paragliders to their backs while Taiwo stuck one to the handle of a placard during a pro-Palestinian protest in London on October 14, 2023.

Also&nbsp;Read&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/german-diplomat-slammed-for-inspiring-hamas-to-launch-paragliding-style-attack-against-israel-650455">German diplomat slammed for ‘inspiring’ Hamas to launch paragliding-style attack against Israel</a>

The protest took place a week after Hamas militants attacked Israel and killed nearly 1,200 people, according to Israeli officials, and took&nbsp;more than 240 others as hostages back to Gaza.&nbsp;

The three protesters were later charged under the UK’s Terrorism Act for carrying or displaying an article to cause&nbsp;reasonable suspicion that they were supporters of a banned organisation, in this case, Hamas. The trio had denied the charges against them.&nbsp;

The verdict followed a two-day trial where prosecutors argued it was “no coincidence” the defendants were displaying the images merely days after the attack.&nbsp;

However, lawyer Mark Summers KC for Alhayek and Ankunda, argued that the police were “mistaken” about what they saw that day and termed them images of cartoon parachutes which are a “well-known nationalist symbol of peace”.

The idea that the image was of a paraglider started with “an internet group with an agenda,” said KC.&nbsp;

“Seven days earlier, Hamas went into Israel with what was described by the media as paragliders. A reasonable person would have seen and read that,” said the district court judge.&nbsp;

He added, “I want to be clear, there’s no evidence that any of these defendants are supporters of Hamas, or were seeking to show support for them.”

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-militants-paraglide-into-israeli-rave-party-partygoers-keep-dancing-unaware-watch-644397">Hamas militants paraglide into Israeli 'rave party,' partygoers keep dancing unaware</a>

The judge said he had “decided not to punish” the defendants while handing them the 12-month conditional discharge.&nbsp;

<h2>‘Glorification of the actions’ of Hamas</h2>

In response to the verdict, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said that displaying the images amounted to the “glorification of the actions” of the Palestinian militant group.&nbsp;

“All three women knowingly displayed the images of paragliders in central London and therefore showed their support for Hamas – a proscribed terrorist organisation,” said Nick Price of CPS&nbsp;in a statement.

He added, “The fact that these images were being displayed in the context of a protest opposing the Israeli response to the Hamas attacks demonstrates a glorification of the actions taken by the group.” 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

A court in the United Kingdom, on Tuesday (Feb 13) found three people guilty of a terror offence after they displayed images of paragliders at a pro-Palestine march in London a week after Hamas’ deadly October 7 attack on Israel.

A court in the United Kingdom, on Tuesday (Feb 13) found three people guilty of a terror offence after they displayed images of paragliders at a pro-Palestine march in London a week after Hamas’ deadly October 7 attack on Israel. ‘You crossed the line’ The trio, identified as Heba Alhayek, 29, Pauline Ankunda, 26, and Noimutu Olayinka Taiwo, 27, were each handed a 12-month conditional discharge by the Westminster Magistrates’ Court. “You crossed the line, but it would have been fair to say that emotions ran very high on this issue,” said Deputy Senior District Judge Tan Ikram giving his verdict. He added, “Your lesson has been well learned.” Alhayek and Ankunda had reportedly taped images of paragliders to their backs while Taiwo stuck one to the handle of a placard during a pro-Palestinian protest in London on October 14, 2023. Also Read | German diplomat slammed for ‘inspiring’ Hamas to launch paragliding-style attack against Israel The protest took place a week after Hamas militants attacked Israel and killed nearly 1,200 people, according to Israeli officials, and took more than 240 others as hostages back to Gaza. The three protesters were later charged under the UK’s Terrorism Act for carrying or displaying an article to cause reasonable suspicion that they were supporters of a banned organisation, in this case, Hamas. The trio had denied the charges against them. The verdict followed a two-day trial where prosecutors argued it was “no coincidence” the defendants were displaying the images merely days after the attack. However, lawyer Mark Summers KC for Alhayek and Ankunda, argued that the police were “mistaken” about what they saw that day and termed them images of cartoon parachutes which are a “well-known nationalist symbol of peace”. The idea that the image was of a paraglider started with “an internet group with an agenda,” said KC. “Seven days earlier, Hamas went into Israel with what was described by the media as paragliders. A reasonable person would have seen and read that,” said the district court judge. He added, “I want to be clear, there’s no evidence that any of these defendants are supporters of Hamas, or were seeking to show support for them.” Also Read | Hamas militants paraglide into Israeli 'rave party,' partygoers keep dancing unaware The judge said he had “decided not to punish” the defendants while handing them the 12-month conditional discharge. ‘Glorification of the actions’ of Hamas In response to the verdict, the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) said that displaying the images amounted to the “glorification of the actions” of the Palestinian militant group. “All three women knowingly displayed the images of paragliders in central London and therefore showed their support for Hamas – a proscribed terrorist organisation,” said Nick Price of CPS in a statement. He added, “The fact that these images were being displayed in the context of a protest opposing the Israeli response to the Hamas attacks demonstrates a glorification of the actions taken by the group.” (With inputs from agencies)

UK: Three pro-Palestinian protesters found guilty of terror offence over paraglider images

On the May 10 of last year, the first rockets from Gaza were fired towards Israel which lasted 11 days. WION's Jodie Cohen spoke exclusively to ambassador Danny Danon about the way forward and the way forward towards peace in a fraught region.

Israel Knesset member Danny Danon talks about Rafah operation in Gaza

South Africa said on Tuesday it had asked the World Court to consider whether Israel's plan to extend its offensive in Gaza into the city of Rafah requires additional emergency measures to protect Palestinians' rights.

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) last month ordered Israel to take all measures within its power to prevent its troops from committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, in a case brought by South Africa.

WATCH |&nbsp;Israel-Hamas war: PM Netanyahu says, 'Continued military pessure' key, alarm over tensions

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Israel has denied all allegations of genocide in connection with its war against Gaza's ruling Palestinian Islamist group Hamas and asked the court to reject the case outright, saying it respects international law and has a right to defend itself.

Israel has said it is planning to expand its ground assault into Rafah, where over 1 million Palestinians have sought refuge from the offensive that has laid waste to much of the Gaza Strip since Hamas militants attacked Israel on October 7.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-threatens-catastrophe-if-israel-strikes-rafah-688986">Saudi Arabia threatens ‘catastrophe’ if Israel strikes Rafah; Gaza death toll crosses 28,000</a>

"In a request submitted to the court yesterday (Feb. 12), the South African government said it was gravely concerned that the unprecedented military offensive against Rafah, as announced by the State of Israel, has already led to and will result in further large-scale killing, harm and destruction," a statement issued by South Africa's presidency said.

"This would be in serious and irreparable breach both of the Genocide Convention and of the Court's Order of Jan. 26."

The Hague-based ICJ declined to comment on whether it had received the request.

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In past cases, the ICJ has sometimes granted additional emergency measures when circumstances on the ground changed.

The court has not yet ruled on the core of the case brought by South Africa - whether genocide has occurred in Gaza. But it recognised the right of Palestinians in Gaza to be protected from acts of genocide.

South Africa said on Tuesday it had asked the World Court to consider whether Israel's plan to extend its offensive in Gaza into the city of Rafah requires additional emergency measures to protect Palestinians' rights.

South Africa said on Tuesday it had asked the World Court to consider whether Israel's plan to extend its offensive in Gaza into the city of Rafah requires additional emergency measures to protect Palestinians' rights. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) last month ordered Israel to take all measures within its power to prevent its troops from committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, in a case brought by South Africa. WATCH | Israel-Hamas war: PM Netanyahu says, 'Continued military pessure' key, alarm over tensions Israel has denied all allegations of genocide in connection with its war against Gaza's ruling Palestinian Islamist group Hamas and asked the court to reject the case outright, saying it respects international law and has a right to defend itself. Israel has said it is planning to expand its ground assault into Rafah, where over 1 million Palestinians have sought refuge from the offensive that has laid waste to much of the Gaza Strip since Hamas militants attacked Israel on October 7. ALSO READ | Saudi Arabia threatens ‘catastrophe’ if Israel strikes Rafah; Gaza death toll crosses 28,000 "In a request submitted to the court yesterday (Feb. 12), the South African government said it was gravely concerned that the unprecedented military offensive against Rafah, as announced by the State of Israel, has already led to and will result in further large-scale killing, harm and destruction," a statement issued by South Africa's presidency said. "This would be in serious and irreparable breach both of the Genocide Convention and of the Court's Order of Jan. 26." The Hague-based ICJ declined to comment on whether it had received the request. ALSO READ | India-UAE agree to link their instant payment platforms, domestic cards RuPay and JAYWAN In past cases, the ICJ has sometimes granted additional emergency measures when circumstances on the ground changed. The court has not yet ruled on the core of the case brought by South Africa - whether genocide has occurred in Gaza. But it recognised the right of Palestinians in Gaza to be protected from acts of genocide.

Israel-Hamas war: South Africa moves top UN court over Israeli offensive in Rafah

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF), on Tuesday (Feb 13) released a video they said was of Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar with his family members in a tunnel under Gaza. The clip shows troops giving a tour of a tunnel where Sinwar and other senior Hamas officials supposedly hid days after the October 7 attack on Israel.&nbsp;

<h2>What did the clip show?</h2>

“During a special unit’s operations...a video was discovered in a tunnel from a security camera installed there. The footage shows the leader of Hamas and mass murderer, Yahya Sinwar, fleeing with his children and one of his wives,” said Israeli army spokesperson Daniel Hagari at a briefing.

WATCH |&nbsp;Israel-Hamas war: Hamas Chief to visit Egypt for Gaza ceasefire talks

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The footage was reportedly filmed on October 10, three days after Hamas militants attacked Israel and killed nearly 1,200 people, according to Israeli officials, and took more than 240 others as hostages back to Gaza.&nbsp;

Israel has since retaliated with a military operation in Gaza and killed nearly 28,500 people, mostly women and children, according to the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza.&nbsp;

The IDF clip also shows troops giving a tour of the tunnel where the Hamas chief allegedly hid with other senior officials of the Palestinian militant group.&nbsp;

The video, according to Times of Israel, showed that the tunnel has two bathrooms, a kitchen, an area to sleep and a separate room which the IDF said belongs to Sinwar.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-three-pro-palestinian-protesters-found-guilty-of-terror-offence-over-paraglider-images-690041">UK: Three pro-Palestinian protesters found guilty of terror offence over paraglider images</a>

In the room, as per Israeli media reports, soldiers found a safe with millions of shekels and dollars in cash. The tunnel in question was in southern Gaza’s Khan Younis, according to the IDF.&nbsp;

Hagari said that the video, obtained from a surveillance camera, was filmed on October 10 and shows that Sinwar “escaped with his family underground to one of the safe accommodation complexes he had built in advance".

The clip shows a man, Sinwar’s brother Ibrahim, leading the Hamas chief, along with his wife and children, through the tunnel, reported Times of Israel.

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Spotted: Yahya Sinwar running away and hiding in his underground terrorist tunnel network as Gazan civilians suffer above ground under the rule of Hamas terrorism. 
 
There is no tunnel deep enough for him to hide in. <a href="https://t.co/KLjisBFq1f">pic.twitter.com/KLjisBFq1f</a>
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&nbsp;

<h2>'Mastermind' of October 7 attacks&nbsp;</h2>

Israel has publicly accused Sinwar of being the “mastermind” behind Hamas’ terror attack against Israel on October 7. &nbsp;“We are determined to capture him – and we will capture him,” said the IDF spokesperson.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-south-africa-asks-world-court-to-weigh-israeli-offensive-in-gazas-rafah-689966">Israel-Hamas war: South Africa asks World Court to weigh Israeli offensive in Rafah</a>

“This video of Sinwar is the result of our hunt. This hunt will not stop until we have captured him dead or alive,” said Hagari. The images released on Tuesday are said to be the first of Hamas chief since the beginning of the war.&nbsp;

(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.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF), on Tuesday (Feb 13) released a video they said was of Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar with his family members in a tunnel under Gaza. The clip shows troops giving a tour of a tunnel where Sinwar and other senior Hamas officials supposedly hid days after the October 7 attack on Israel.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF), on Tuesday (Feb 13) released a video they said was of Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar with his family members in a tunnel under Gaza. The clip shows troops giving a tour of a tunnel where Sinwar and other senior Hamas officials supposedly hid days after the October 7 attack on Israel. What did the clip show? “During a special unit’s operations...a video was discovered in a tunnel from a security camera installed there. The footage shows the leader of Hamas and mass murderer, Yahya Sinwar, fleeing with his children and one of his wives,” said Israeli army spokesperson Daniel Hagari at a briefing. WATCH | Israel-Hamas war: Hamas Chief to visit Egypt for Gaza ceasefire talks The footage was reportedly filmed on October 10, three days after Hamas militants attacked Israel and killed nearly 1,200 people, according to Israeli officials, and took more than 240 others as hostages back to Gaza. Israel has since retaliated with a military operation in Gaza and killed nearly 28,500 people, mostly women and children, according to the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza. The IDF clip also shows troops giving a tour of the tunnel where the Hamas chief allegedly hid with other senior officials of the Palestinian militant group. The video, according to Times of Israel, showed that the tunnel has two bathrooms, a kitchen, an area to sleep and a separate room which the IDF said belongs to Sinwar. Also Read | UK: Three pro-Palestinian protesters found guilty of terror offence over paraglider images In the room, as per Israeli media reports, soldiers found a safe with millions of shekels and dollars in cash. The tunnel in question was in southern Gaza’s Khan Younis, according to the IDF. Hagari said that the video, obtained from a surveillance camera, was filmed on October 10 and shows that Sinwar “escaped with his family underground to one of the safe accommodation complexes he had built in advance". The clip shows a man, Sinwar’s brother Ibrahim, leading the Hamas chief, along with his wife and children, through the tunnel, reported Times of Israel. Spotted: Yahya Sinwar running away and hiding in his underground terrorist tunnel network as Gazan civilians suffer above ground under the rule of Hamas terrorism. There is no tunnel deep enough for him to hide in. pic.twitter.com/KLjisBFq1f — Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) February 13, 2024 × 'Mastermind' of October 7 attacks Israel has publicly accused Sinwar of being the “mastermind” behind Hamas’ terror attack against Israel on October 7. “We are determined to capture him – and we will capture him,” said the IDF spokesperson. Also Read | Israel-Hamas war: South Africa asks World Court to weigh Israeli offensive in Rafah “This video of Sinwar is the result of our hunt. This hunt will not stop until we have captured him dead or alive,” said Hagari. The images released on Tuesday are said to be the first of Hamas chief since the beginning of the war. (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.

IDF releases video of Hamas leader Sinwar in Gaza tunnel with family days after October 7 attack

Tel Aviv is facing growing International pressure to agree to a ceasefire with Hamas. Israel is preparing for an incursion into the crowded Southern Gaza City of Rafah where more than a million Palestinians are trapped. US CIA director met Mossad Chief in Cairo for talks on a brokered plan to temporarily halt fighting in exchange for Hamas frees hostages. Watch to know more!

Israel-Hamas war: All eyes on Erdogan-Abdel Fattah El-Sisi meet

Egypt's foreign ministry condemned comments by Israel’s far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich who claimed Cairo has "considerable responsibility" for Hamas's October 7 attack. Watch in for more details!

Egypt-Israel relations in jeopardy? | Israel-Hamas war

Britain imposed sanctions on four Israeli nationals saying they were extremist settlers who had violently attacked Palestinians in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. After US and UK, France imposed sanctions on Israel. Watch in for more details!

After US & UK, France imposes sanctions on Israel | 28 Israelis banned from entering France

Israelis welcome the rescue of two Gaza hostages on Monday. Well fears of a looming ground incursion grew among over a million Palestinians were trapped in the war ravaged territories densely crowded far south. International mediators they've continued working towards a truce and a hostage prisoner exchange. President Joe Biden said that US is working to negotiate a ceasefire of at least 6 weeks in the Gaza Strip as part of a wider deal that would also involve the release of hostages. However, Jordan's King Abdullah second appealed for a full ceasefire to end the Gaza war after talks with Joe Biden...Watch to know more!

Israel-Hamas war: After talks with Biden, Jordan's king appeals for full ceasefire

Former US president Donald Trump has approached US Supreme Court for immunity against charges related to January 6, 2021 riots. A lower court has previously ruled that Trump does not have such an immunity. In other news, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has released a video that shows rescue of two Israeli hostages. Read this and more in our morning news brief.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-launches-immunity-bid-in-us-supreme-court-against-jan-6-trial-689672">Donald Trump launches immunity bid in US Supreme Court against Jan 6 trial</a>

Trump has claimed that he could not be tried for acts carried out as president. But a total of three lower court judges have previously ruled that Trump can be prosecuted like any other citizen.&nbsp;

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/01/15/405937-donald-trump-5.png?imwidth=1920" />

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-israeli-forces-says-this-is-how-seen-rescued-hostages-from-hamas-captivity-in-gaza-689676">Watch: Israeli forces say this is how they rescued hostages from Gaza</a>

The rescue operation spread a rare wave of relief in Israel where the uproar continues to grow to ensure that all hostages held by Hamas are freed.

<img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/02/13/411737-new-york-one-killed-five-injured-in-firing-incident-at-subway-station-1.png?imwidth=256" />

&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/google-warns-all-android-and-iphone-users-check-out-whats-this-exactly-689677">Google warns all Android and iPhone users of privacy threats. Details here</a>

Artificial intelligence, after catching hold of popular perception after the 2022 release of the blockbuster generative AI tool ChatGPT, has moved beyond being just a thing with a 'wow factor', and tech giants have already taken steps to integrate AI tools and apps in existing ecosystems. Google has something to say to Android and iPhone users.

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<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lakewood-church-shooting-female-suspect-critically-injured-her-own-child-689697">Lakewood church shooting: Female suspect critically injured her own child</a>

According to the authorities, the woman had a history of mental illness and used an AR-style rifle to open fire inside the church

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Watch | BAPS Hindu Mandir UAE: PM Modi to inaugurate temple in UAE

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Watch | Donald Trump defiant after backlash over NATO remarks

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Former US president Donald Trump has approached US Supreme Court for immunity against charges related to January 6, 2021 riots. A lower court has previously ruled that Trump does not have such an immunity.

Former US president Donald Trump has approached US Supreme Court for immunity against charges related to January 6, 2021 riots. A lower court has previously ruled that Trump does not have such an immunity. In other news, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has released a video that shows rescue of two Israeli hostages. Read this and more in our morning news brief. Donald Trump launches immunity bid in US Supreme Court against Jan 6 trial Trump has claimed that he could not be tried for acts carried out as president. But a total of three lower court judges have previously ruled that Trump can be prosecuted like any other citizen. Watch: Israeli forces say this is how they rescued hostages from Gaza The rescue operation spread a rare wave of relief in Israel where the uproar continues to grow to ensure that all hostages held by Hamas are freed. Google warns all Android and iPhone users of privacy threats. Details here Artificial intelligence, after catching hold of popular perception after the 2022 release of the blockbuster generative AI tool ChatGPT, has moved beyond being just a thing with a 'wow factor', and tech giants have already taken steps to integrate AI tools and apps in existing ecosystems. Google has something to say to Android and iPhone users. Lakewood church shooting: Female suspect critically injured her own child According to the authorities, the woman had a history of mental illness and used an AR-style rifle to open fire inside the church Watch | BAPS Hindu Mandir UAE: PM Modi to inaugurate temple in UAE × Watch | Donald Trump defiant after backlash over NATO remarks ×

Morning news brief: Trump wants immunity in Jan 6 trial; IDF releases hostage rescue video; and more

Egypt slams Israeli minister’s claim it shares October 7 'responsibility’

Israelis welcome the rescue of two Gaza hostages on Monday. Well fears of a looming ground incursion grew among over a million Palestinians were trapped in the war ravaged territories densely crowded far south. International mediators they've continued working towards a truce and a hostage prisoner exchange.

Israel's assault on Rafah looms, 'Pushing for 6-week Gaza pause,' says Biden

Israeli security forces had freed two hostages on Monday, who were being held in the southern Gazan city of Rafah, in only the second known rescue of its kind in Gaza since the start of the war.

Israelis welcomed the rescue of two Gaza hostages; Rafah assault looms

Israel-Hamas war: PM Netanyahu says, 'Continued military pessure' key, alarm over tensions

Egypt hits back at Israel finance minister | Israel-Hamas war

Israel-Hamas war: A series of Israeli air strikes on the southern Gaza town of Rafah killed at least 52 people. As per Gaza officials the strikes hit 14 houses and three mosques in different parts of Rafah. Mediators held new talks in Cairo for a pause in the fighting and the release of some 132 hostages. Watch to know more!

Israel-Hamas war: Israeli airstrike on Rafah kill at least 52

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has brushed off mounting criticism against his plans to enter the largest city of Southern Gaza. The Prime Minister slammed his critics claiming that telling Israel to not enter Rafah is equivalent to Israel losing its war against Hamas. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he has ordered the military to prepare a plan for the evacuation of the population of the southern Gaza city of Rafah ahead of an expected ground invasion. Watch to know more!

Israel-Hamas war: Displaced Gazans in Rafah look to Egypt for help

Britain imposed sanctions on four Israeli nationals on Monday, saying they were extremist settlers who had violently attacked Palestinians in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. The measures impose strict financial and travel restrictions on the four individuals, who Britain said were involved in "egregious abuses of human rights".

Israel-Hamas war | UK announces sanctions against 4 extremist Israelis in West Bank

United States President Joe Biden&nbsp;told Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday (Feb 11)&nbsp;that&nbsp;Israel should not proceed with a military operation in Gaza's Rafah&nbsp;without a plan to ensure the safety of around one million people taking shelter there, said the White House.

The conversation came shortly after Netanyahu, on Sunday&nbsp;said that he has not spoken to&nbsp;Biden since he called Israel’s military operations “over the top” last week.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<h2>What did Biden and Netanyahu talk about?</h2>

The US president&nbsp;reaffirmed the shared goal of defeating the Palestinian militant group Hamas and&nbsp;ensuring the long-term security of Israel but also called for&nbsp;"urgent and specific steps" to increase the amount of&nbsp;humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians trapped in Gaza, said the White House in a statement.&nbsp;

The aid agencies in Gaza's&nbsp;Rafah have warned that a military operation in the area&nbsp;located in the southern part of Gaza on the border with Egypt&nbsp;would be&nbsp;catastrophic.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-matter-of-months-netanyahu-says-about-israels-victory-amid-war-in-gaza-687991">Israel-Hamas war: Netanyahu rejects Hamas’ ceasefire deal, vows to fight until ‘total victory’</a>

"Biden told Netanyahu&nbsp;that a military operation in Rafah should not proceed without a credible and executable plan for ensuring the safety of and support for the more than one million people sheltering there," the White House said.&nbsp;

The two leaders also discussed the&nbsp;ongoing efforts to secure the release of all remaining hostages taken by Hamas and both&nbsp;agreed to remain in close contact.&nbsp;

<h2>‘Over the top’</h2>

In an interview, earlier on&nbsp;Sunday, the Israeli PM said that he has not spoken to the US president since he suggested Israel’s military response in Gaza has been “over the top” last week and is seeking a “sustained pause in the fighting” to help Palestinians in Gaza.&nbsp;

“I appreciate President Biden’s support for Israel since the beginning of the war. I don’t know exactly what he meant by that,” said Netanyahu in a recent interview.&nbsp;&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Israel-Hamas war: UN says Palestinian civilians in Rafah require protection

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Netanyahu’s remarks come days after Biden, on Thursday (Feb 8), said, “I’m of the view, as you know, that the conduct of the response in the Gaza Strip has been over the top.”&nbsp;

He also spoke about how he has been pushing for a deal to normalise ties between Saudi Arabia and Israel, increased humanitarian aid for Palestinian civilians in Gaza, and a temporary pause in fighting to allow the release of hostages taken by Hamas.&nbsp;

“I’m pushing very hard now to deal with this hostage ceasefire,” Biden told reporters at the White House. He added, “There are a lot of innocent people who are starving, a lot of innocent people who are in trouble and dying, and it’s gotta stop.”

The remarks were seen as the sharpest criticism of Israel’s response to Hamas’ October 7 attack on Israel which sparked the war in Gaza.&nbsp;

The Biden administration’s support for Israel amid the mounting death toll and deteriorating humanitarian situation in the Palestinian enclave has led to weeks of protests across the US.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-says-no-ties-with-israel-until-palestinian-state-is-recognised-687938">Saudi Arabia says no ties with Israel until Palestinian state is 'recognised'</a>

Notably, the US president has been a staunch supporter of Israel, but the recent remarks mark a shift in the rhetoric of the Biden administration which has long supported Israel’s right to defend itself.&nbsp;

<h2>Biden’s mounting frustration with Netanyahu?</h2>

A report by the Washington Post, on Sunday, citing several people familiar with discussions between Biden and his top aides said they are closer to a “breach” with Netanyahu than at any time since the beginning of the war.

According to the report, the US president no longer views the Israeli PM as a ‘productive partner’ who can be ‘influenced even in private’.&nbsp;

Therefore, ‘mounting frustration’ with Netanyahu has prompted some of Biden’s aides to urge him to be more publicly critical of the Israeli PM, reported the WaPo, citing six people familiar with the conversations&nbsp;who spoke on&nbsp;condition of anonymity.&nbsp;

Just last week, on Wednesday (Feb 7), Netanyahu rejected Hamas’ latest offer for a ceasefire and insisted that the country’s total victory in Gaza is within reach, a move that reportedly angered US officials.&nbsp;

The rejection also came after the Israeli PM held talks with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken who was in the midst of his 5th visit to the region to negotiate the&nbsp;new peace agreement which was turned down by Netanyahu.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

United States President Joe Biden told Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday (Feb 11) that Israel should not proceed with a military operation in Gaza's Rafah without a plan to ensure the safety of around one million people taking shelter there, said the White House.

United States President Joe Biden told Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday (Feb 11) that Israel should not proceed with a military operation in Gaza's Rafah without a plan to ensure the safety of around one million people taking shelter there, said the White House. The conversation came shortly after Netanyahu, on Sunday said that he has not spoken to Biden since he called Israel’s military operations “over the top” last week. What did Biden and Netanyahu talk about? The US president reaffirmed the shared goal of defeating the Palestinian militant group Hamas and ensuring the long-term security of Israel but also called for "urgent and specific steps" to increase the amount of humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians trapped in Gaza, said the White House in a statement. The aid agencies in Gaza's Rafah have warned that a military operation in the area located in the southern part of Gaza on the border with Egypt would be catastrophic. ALSO READ | Israel-Hamas war: Netanyahu rejects Hamas’ ceasefire deal, vows to fight until ‘total victory’ "Biden told Netanyahu that a military operation in Rafah should not proceed without a credible and executable plan for ensuring the safety of and support for the more than one million people sheltering there," the White House said. The two leaders also discussed the ongoing efforts to secure the release of all remaining hostages taken by Hamas and both agreed to remain in close contact. ‘Over the top’ In an interview, earlier on Sunday, the Israeli PM said that he has not spoken to the US president since he suggested Israel’s military response in Gaza has been “over the top” last week and is seeking a “sustained pause in the fighting” to help Palestinians in Gaza. “I appreciate President Biden’s support for Israel since the beginning of the war. I don’t know exactly what he meant by that,” said Netanyahu in a recent interview. WATCH | Israel-Hamas war: UN says Palestinian civilians in Rafah require protection Netanyahu’s remarks come days after Biden, on Thursday (Feb 8), said, “I’m of the view, as you know, that the conduct of the response in the Gaza Strip has been over the top.” He also spoke about how he has been pushing for a deal to normalise ties between Saudi Arabia and Israel, increased humanitarian aid for Palestinian civilians in Gaza, and a temporary pause in fighting to allow the release of hostages taken by Hamas. “I’m pushing very hard now to deal with this hostage ceasefire,” Biden told reporters at the White House. He added, “There are a lot of innocent people who are starving, a lot of innocent people who are in trouble and dying, and it’s gotta stop.” The remarks were seen as the sharpest criticism of Israel’s response to Hamas’ October 7 attack on Israel which sparked the war in Gaza. The Biden administration’s support for Israel amid the mounting death toll and deteriorating humanitarian situation in the Palestinian enclave has led to weeks of protests across the US. ALSO READ | Saudi Arabia says no ties with Israel until Palestinian state is 'recognised' Notably, the US president has been a staunch supporter of Israel, but the recent remarks mark a shift in the rhetoric of the Biden administration which has long supported Israel’s right to defend itself. Biden’s mounting frustration with Netanyahu? A report by the Washington Post, on Sunday, citing several people familiar with discussions between Biden and his top aides said they are closer to a “breach” with Netanyahu than at any time since the beginning of the war. According to the report, the US president no longer views the Israeli PM as a ‘productive partner’ who can be ‘influenced even in private’. Therefore, ‘mounting frustration’ with Netanyahu has prompted some of Biden’s aides to urge him to be more publicly critical of the Israeli PM, reported the WaPo, citing six people familiar with the conversations who spoke on condition of anonymity. Just last week, on Wednesday (Feb 7), Netanyahu rejected Hamas’ latest offer for a ceasefire and insisted that the country’s total victory in Gaza is within reach, a move that reportedly angered US officials. The rejection also came after the Israeli PM held talks with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken who was in the midst of his 5th visit to the region to negotiate the new peace agreement which was turned down by Netanyahu. (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-Hamas war: Biden warns Netanyahu against Rafah operation, urges protection of civilians

World leaders express deep concern over Netanyahu's Rafah plans. Worries over increasingly scarce supplies of food, water & drugs. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says he has ordered the military to prepare a plan for the evacuation of the population of the southern Gaza city of Rafah ahead of an expected ground invasion. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has brushed off mounting criticism against his plans to enter the largest city of Southern Gaza. The Prime Minister slammed his critics claiming that telling Israel to not enter Rafah is equivalent to Israel losing its war against Hamas. Watch to know more!

Israel-Hamas war: Israel's Rafah plan sparks global alarm

A series of Israeli air strikes on the southern Gaza town of Rafah have killed at least 67 people. As per Gaza officials of strikes hit 14 homes and three mosques in different parts of Rafah mediators held new talks in Cairo for a paus in the fighting and he release of around 130 hostages.

Israel-Hamas war | Israel launches operation in Gaza's Rafah

There is anger on the streets of Israel as frustrated demonstrators called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to do more to get the hostages out of Gaza and nearby towns.

Gaza officials: Israel hit at least 14 homes & 3 mosques in Rafah

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