<p>Israel has claimed to have discovered a tunnel underneath the Gaza headquarters of the embattled&nbsp;UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near&nbsp;East (UNRWA). The Israeli military alleged that all tunnels operated by Hamas in the Gaza Strip were powered from there.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>To ascertain its claims, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has invited foreign journalists to inspect the 700-metre-long and 18-metre-deep tunnel.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Acting on ISA intelligence, the forces discovered a tunnel shaft near a UNRWA school, leading to an underground terrorist tunnel beneath UNRWA’s main headquarters," said IDF&nbsp;on X (formerly known as Twitter).&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The forces found electrical infrastructure inside the tunnel connected to UNRWA’s main HQ, suggesting it was supplying the tunnel with electricity — generated by the fuel provided through humanitarian aid,” it added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>IDF claimed to have discovered large quantities of weapons, including rifles, grenades and explosives in the tunnel.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After Israel levelled the allegations, the UNRWA chief&nbsp;Philippe Lazzarini released a statement saying the UN aid agency "did not know" what was underneath its headquarters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"UNRWA did not know what is under its headquarters in Gaza. Staff left its headquarters in Gaza City on 12 October following the Israeli evacuation orders and as bombardment intensified in the area. We have not used that compound since we left it nor are we aware of any activity that may have taken place there," posted&nbsp;Lazzarini on X.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Lazzarini said whenever such a "suspicious cavity" was found close to or under the UNRWA premises in the past, "protest letters were&nbsp;promptly filed to parties to the conflict, including both the de facto authorities in Gaza (Hamas) and the Israeli authorities".&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">- UNRWA did not know what is under its headquarters in Gaza.<br />
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- UNRWA is made aware of reports through the media regarding a tunnel under the UNRWA Headquarters in Gaza.<br />
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- UNRWA staff left its headquarters in Gaza City on 12 October following the Israeli evacuation orders and as…</p>
— Philippe Lazzarini (@UNLazzarini) <a href="https://twitter.com/UNLazzarini/status/1756377920254218556?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 10, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gaza-crisis-unrwa-staff-involved-in-oct-7th-hamas-attack-un-agency-probes-staff-involvement-684618"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Gaza crisis: UNRWA staff involved in Oct 7th Hamas attack? | UN agency probes staff involvement</strong></a></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" data-gtm-yt-inspected-20="true" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gaza-crisis-unrwa-staff-involved-in-oct-7th-hamas-attack-un-agency-probes-staff-involvement-684618/embed" width="560"></iframe></p>

<h2><strong>UNRWA in a soup&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Over a dozen countries, including the United States, Britain, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Finland, Canada, Japan, the Netherlands and Australia have paused funding to the aid agency after allegations surfaced that several of its employees had ties with Hamas.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-holds-back-300000-funding-to-un-agency-amid-allegations-of-ties-with-hamas-685310"><strong>Also read | US holds back $300,000 funding to UN agency amid allegations of ties with Hamas</strong></a></p>

<p>The allegations led to the UNRWA terminating several employees based on the information provided by Israeli authorities. However, many countries are now hesitant to continue the UN agency funding and calling for a thorough investigation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The European Union,&nbsp;one of UNRWA's top donors, last month demanded an "urgent" audit of the UN agency for Palestinians.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em><strong>Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.&nbsp;</strong></em></p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Israel has claimed to have discovered a tunnel underneath the Gaza headquarters of the embattled UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).

Israel has claimed to have discovered a tunnel underneath the Gaza headquarters of the embattled UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). The Israeli military alleged that all tunnels operated by Hamas in the Gaza Strip were powered from there. To ascertain its claims, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has invited foreign journalists to inspect the 700-metre-long and 18-metre-deep tunnel. “Acting on ISA intelligence, the forces discovered a tunnel shaft near a UNRWA school, leading to an underground terrorist tunnel beneath UNRWA’s main headquarters," said IDF on X (formerly known as Twitter). "The forces found electrical infrastructure inside the tunnel connected to UNRWA’s main HQ, suggesting it was supplying the tunnel with electricity — generated by the fuel provided through humanitarian aid,” it added. IDF claimed to have discovered large quantities of weapons, including rifles, grenades and explosives in the tunnel. After Israel levelled the allegations, the UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini released a statement saying the UN aid agency "did not know" what was underneath its headquarters. "UNRWA did not know what is under its headquarters in Gaza. Staff left its headquarters in Gaza City on 12 October following the Israeli evacuation orders and as bombardment intensified in the area. We have not used that compound since we left it nor are we aware of any activity that may have taken place there," posted Lazzarini on X. Lazzarini said whenever such a "suspicious cavity" was found close to or under the UNRWA premises in the past, "protest letters were promptly filed to parties to the conflict, including both the de facto authorities in Gaza (Hamas) and the Israeli authorities". - UNRWA did not know what is under its headquarters in Gaza. - UNRWA is made aware of reports through the media regarding a tunnel under the UNRWA Headquarters in Gaza. - UNRWA staff left its headquarters in Gaza City on 12 October following the Israeli evacuation orders and as… — Philippe Lazzarini (@UNLazzarini) February 10, 2024 × Watch | Gaza crisis: UNRWA staff involved in Oct 7th Hamas attack? | UN agency probes staff involvement UNRWA in a soup Over a dozen countries, including the United States, Britain, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Finland, Canada, Japan, the Netherlands and Australia have paused funding to the aid agency after allegations surfaced that several of its employees had ties with Hamas. Also read | US holds back $300,000 funding to UN agency amid allegations of ties with Hamas The allegations led to the UNRWA terminating several employees based on the information provided by Israeli authorities. However, many countries are now hesitant to continue the UN agency funding and calling for a thorough investigation. The European Union, one of UNRWA's top donors, last month demanded an "urgent" audit of the UN agency for Palestinians. 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. (With inputs from agencies)

Hamas tunnel under UN agency headquarters in Gaza? Israel levels fresh allegations

<p>Overnight Israeli airstrikes on the southern Gaza City of Rafah have claimed the lives of "around 100" Palestinians including children, said the Hamas-run health ministry on Monday (Feb 12). Meanwhile, Israel reported that it had successfully rescued two hostages from the city.</p>

<h2><strong>Strikes kill 100</strong></h2>

<p>In a statement, the Hamas-run territory's health ministry said that overnight heavy airstrikes on the overcrowded city of Rafah killed "around 100".</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/worried-about-border-situation-egypt-issues-ultimatum-to-hamas-to-reach-ceasefire-agreement-689393">Worried about Rafah border situation, Egypt issues ultimatum to Hamas to reach ceasefire deal</a></strong></p>

<p>It said that the strikes hit 14 houses and three mosques in different parts of the city. Reuters reports that the militant group&nbsp;said the attack on Rafah was a continuation of a "genocidal war" and forced displacement attempts Israel has waged against the Palestinian people.</p>

<p>As people flee Israel's heavy bombardment elsewhere in the Gaza Strip, the city, according to AFP, now hosts more than half of Gaza's total population. This amounts to around 1.4 million Palestinians, many of them living in tents.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Israel-Hamas war: US President Biden warns Israel against Rafah assault</strong></p>

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<p>The Israeli military, as per the report, said it had "conducted a series of strikes on terror targets in the area of Shaboura in the southern Gaza Strip." The strikes had concluded, it added.</p>

<h2><strong>Rescue operation</strong></h2>

<p>The Israeli ministry,&nbsp;as per an AFP report, announced that after nearly 130 days of captivity, two Israeli-Argentinian hostages were rescued in a joint military, Shin Bet and police operation.</p>

<p>In a statement, they were identified as Fernando Simon Marman and Louis Har. The army said that they "were kidnapped by the Hamas terrorist organisation on October 7th from Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak".</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/israel-economy-poised-for-recovery-despite-moodys-downgrade-says-bank-of-israel-governor-689496">Israel economy poised for recovery despite Moody's downgrade, says bank of Israel Governor</a></strong></p>

<p>The two men are in a "good medical condition," it said.</p>

<p>In a briefing, army spokesperson Daniel Hagari revealed that, "The military and the Shin Bet have been working on this operation for a long time."</p>

<p>"They waited until the conditions were right to carry it out," he said.</p>

<p>He said that a firefight broke out during the rescue, due to which air strikes targeted nearby buildings from where shots were fired.</p>

<p>"Many terrorists were killed this evening during this operation and one of our fighters was slightly injured," said Hagari.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Overnight Israeli airstrikes on the southern Gaza City of Rafah have claimed the lives of "around 100" Palestinians including children, said the Hamas-run health ministry on Monday (Feb 12).

Overnight Israeli airstrikes on the southern Gaza City of Rafah have claimed the lives of "around 100" Palestinians including children, said the Hamas-run health ministry on Monday (Feb 12). Meanwhile, Israel reported that it had successfully rescued two hostages from the city. Strikes kill 100 In a statement, the Hamas-run territory's health ministry said that overnight heavy airstrikes on the overcrowded city of Rafah killed "around 100". Also read | Worried about Rafah border situation, Egypt issues ultimatum to Hamas to reach ceasefire deal It said that the strikes hit 14 houses and three mosques in different parts of the city. Reuters reports that the militant group said the attack on Rafah was a continuation of a "genocidal war" and forced displacement attempts Israel has waged against the Palestinian people. As people flee Israel's heavy bombardment elsewhere in the Gaza Strip, the city, according to AFP, now hosts more than half of Gaza's total population. This amounts to around 1.4 million Palestinians, many of them living in tents. Watch | Israel-Hamas war: US President Biden warns Israel against Rafah assault × The Israeli military, as per the report, said it had "conducted a series of strikes on terror targets in the area of Shaboura in the southern Gaza Strip." The strikes had concluded, it added. Rescue operation The Israeli ministry, as per an AFP report, announced that after nearly 130 days of captivity, two Israeli-Argentinian hostages were rescued in a joint military, Shin Bet and police operation. In a statement, they were identified as Fernando Simon Marman and Louis Har. The army said that they "were kidnapped by the Hamas terrorist organisation on October 7th from Kibbutz Nir Yitzhak". Also read | Israel economy poised for recovery despite Moody's downgrade, says bank of Israel Governor The two men are in a "good medical condition," it said. In a briefing, army spokesperson Daniel Hagari revealed that, "The military and the Shin Bet have been working on this operation for a long time." "They waited until the conditions were right to carry it out," he said. He said that a firefight broke out during the rescue, due to which air strikes targeted nearby buildings from where shots were fired. "Many terrorists were killed this evening during this operation and one of our fighters was slightly injured," said Hagari. (With inputs from agencies)

Overnight airstrikes kill ‘around 100’ in Rafah; Israel rescues two hostages

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: At least 67 killed in Israeli strikes on Gaza's Rafah; 14 homes & 3 mosques hit

A series of Israeli air strikes on the southern Gaza town of Rafah have killed at least 52 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's Rafah plans spark global alarm

Israel Prime Minister Nathany who is facing calls for early elections and mounting protests over his administration failure to bring home the hostages.

Israel protesters call for early polls, thinks Gantz most suitable PM candidate

<p>Israeli forces exposed a complex tunnel network, stretching hundreds of meters and partially located under the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) headquarters in Gaza. The military alleges that this discovery provides new evidence of Hamas exploiting the UN relief agency's infrastructure for Palestinians.</p>

<p>Amid a crisis for UNRWA, which faces funding freezes from several donor countries, the Israeli army took reporters from foreign news outlets on a guided tour of the passages. The agency is under internal investigation following Israel's claims that some of its staff doubled as Hamas operatives.</p>

<h2><strong>What does Hamas tunnel under UN agency's headquarter look like?</strong></h2>

<p>The tunnel, measuring 700 meters in length and 18 meters deep, was explored by journalists in a closely escorted trip. Reporters descended into the concrete-lined passage from a shaft near a school on the outskirts of the UN compound. The tour revealed side-rooms, including an office space with emptied steel safes, a tiled toilet, a chamber with computer servers, and another filled with industrial battery stacks.</p>

<p><strong>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></strong></p>

<p>An army lieutenant-colonel leading the tour said that the tunnel was used as a central command for Hamas intelligence.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"UNRWA ... does not have the military and security expertise nor the capacity to undertake military inspections of what is or might be under its premises," said the lieutenant-colonel.</p>

<p>"In the past, whenever (a) suspicious cavity was found close to or under UNRWA premises, protest letters were promptly filed to parties to the conflict, including both the de facto authorities in Gaza (Hamas) and the Israeli authorities," he added.</p>

<p>Speaking further he said, the underground facility played a key role in directing combat activities.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">These findings were found within <a href="https://twitter.com/UNRWA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UNRWA</a> facilities:<br />
<br />
Acting on ISA intelligence, the forces discovered a tunnel shaft near an UNRWA school, leading to an underground terrorist tunnel beneath UNRWA's main headquarters. The forces found electrical infrastructure inside the tunnel… <a href="https://t.co/n5EWJpyI4o">pic.twitter.com/n5EWJpyI4o</a></p>
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) <a href="https://twitter.com/IDF/status/1756378191415951666?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 10, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>UNRWA, employing 13,000 people in Gaza and providing crucial aid and services, countered the Israeli findings. The agency claimed to have vacated the headquarters on October 12, shortly after the war began, and expressed its inability to confirm or comment on the military's discovery.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Israel-Hamas war | US suspends funding to UNRWA</strong></p>

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<p>UNRWA supporters argue its crucial role in aiding Palestinians, while Israel contends the agency is influenced by Hamas and calls for its replacement.</p>

<h2><strong>What does it mean?</strong></h2>

<p>The tunnel's location under the UNRWA headquarters raises questions about the organisation's involvement, with Israel asserting that Hamas operates within civilian facilities.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The lack of cellphone reception in the tunnel made geolocation impossible.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Journalists were required to deposit personal items in a bucket, lowered into a vertical hole on the headquarters' grounds, before embarking on the tunnel tour. The Israeli military imposed restrictions on capturing military intelligence, maps, or specific equipment during the trip, underlining the sensitivity of the situation.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><em><strong>Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.</strong></em></p>


Israeli forces exposed a complex tunnel network, stretching hundreds of meters and partially located under the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) headquarters in Gaza.

Israeli forces exposed a complex tunnel network, stretching hundreds of meters and partially located under the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) headquarters in Gaza. The military alleges that this discovery provides new evidence of Hamas exploiting the UN relief agency's infrastructure for Palestinians. Amid a crisis for UNRWA, which faces funding freezes from several donor countries, the Israeli army took reporters from foreign news outlets on a guided tour of the passages. The agency is under internal investigation following Israel's claims that some of its staff doubled as Hamas operatives. What does Hamas tunnel under UN agency's headquarter look like? The tunnel, measuring 700 meters in length and 18 meters deep, was explored by journalists in a closely escorted trip. Reporters descended into the concrete-lined passage from a shaft near a school on the outskirts of the UN compound. The tour revealed side-rooms, including an office space with emptied steel safes, a tiled toilet, a chamber with computer servers, and another filled with industrial battery stacks. Also read | Saudi Arabia threatens ‘catastrophe’ if Israel strikes Rafah; Gaza death toll crosses 28,000 An army lieutenant-colonel leading the tour said that the tunnel was used as a central command for Hamas intelligence. "UNRWA ... does not have the military and security expertise nor the capacity to undertake military inspections of what is or might be under its premises," said the lieutenant-colonel. "In the past, whenever (a) suspicious cavity was found close to or under UNRWA premises, protest letters were promptly filed to parties to the conflict, including both the de facto authorities in Gaza (Hamas) and the Israeli authorities," he added. Speaking further he said, the underground facility played a key role in directing combat activities. These findings were found within @UNRWA facilities: Acting on ISA intelligence, the forces discovered a tunnel shaft near an UNRWA school, leading to an underground terrorist tunnel beneath UNRWA's main headquarters. The forces found electrical infrastructure inside the tunnel… pic.twitter.com/n5EWJpyI4o — Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) February 10, 2024 × UNRWA, employing 13,000 people in Gaza and providing crucial aid and services, countered the Israeli findings. The agency claimed to have vacated the headquarters on October 12, shortly after the war began, and expressed its inability to confirm or comment on the military's discovery. Also watch | Israel-Hamas war | US suspends funding to UNRWA × UNRWA supporters argue its crucial role in aiding Palestinians, while Israel contends the agency is influenced by Hamas and calls for its replacement. What does it mean? The tunnel's location under the UNRWA headquarters raises questions about the organisation's involvement, with Israel asserting that Hamas operates within civilian facilities. The lack of cellphone reception in the tunnel made geolocation impossible. Journalists were required to deposit personal items in a bucket, lowered into a vertical hole on the headquarters' grounds, before embarking on the tunnel tour. The Israeli military imposed restrictions on capturing military intelligence, maps, or specific equipment during the trip, underlining the sensitivity of the situation. (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.

Video: Israel shows what it claims as Hamas tunnel network below UN agency's Gaza headquarters

12 days after being missing following an Israeli shelling off a family car, the body of the 6-year-old Hind Rajab has been found along with the bodies of five of her family members.

Missing 6-year-old girl Hind Rajab found dead in Gaza weeks after repeated calls for help

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.

Palestinians brace for Rafah assault as Netanyahu orders military to plan evacuations from Rafah

Israel-Palestine war: 3 senior Rafah police officials killed in latest Israeli strike

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.

Israel: Thousands protest and voice demands at Tel Aviv's Habima Square; demand release of hostages

12 days after being missing following an Israeli shelling off a family car, the body of the 6-year-old Hind Rajab has been found along with the bodies of five of her family members. Rajab was fleeing the city in car with her family when killed. Watch to know more!

Israel-Hamas war: Missing 6-year-old girl Hind Rajab found dead in Gaza

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: UN says Palestinian civilians in Rafah require protection | World News

Israel-Hamas war: Missing girl Hind Rajab found dead in Gaza weeks after repeated calls for help

Israel strikes reaps destruction on Rafah | 117 killed & 150 injured in last 24 hours in Rafah

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. EU and UN express concern over Rafah ground attack. US has warned Israel an invasion of Rafah would be a disaster. Watch to know more!

Israel-Hamas war: Leaders warn of 'Catastrophe' | Egypt warns of scrapping peace treaty

Israel: Protests against Neyantahu; Tel Aviv, Kfar Saba rocked by agitations

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. Watch to know more!

Israel: Kfar Saba, Tel Aviv rocked by agitation amid protests for hostage release & fresh elections

Israel-Hamas war: 3 senior police officials killed in latest Israeli airstrikes in Rafah

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu directed his military to prepare to evacuate an estimated 1.3 million people in the city. This comes ahead of an Israeli invasion of the densely populated southern Gaza city. Rafah is located on the Egyptian border...Watch to know more!

Israel-Hamas war: PM Netanyahu orders military to plan evacuations from Rafah

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu directed his military to prepare to evacuate an estimated 1.3 million people in the city. This comes ahead of a looming ground offensive in Gaza's southern border city of Rafah.

Israel-Hamas war: One million palestinians trapped in Rafah

<p>Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, as per reports, is considering removing posts on social media that use the word "Zionist." This step is being considered to counter a surge of antisemitism, hate speech online, especially during the Israel-Gaza conflict, reports The Washington Post citing people familiar with private deliberations and internal guidance on the topic.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Reportedly, the social media giant has told some civil society groups that 'Zionist' at times is being used as a hurtful substitute for 'Jews' or 'Israelis'.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/released-israeli-hostages-plead-with-netanyahu-to-push-for-ceasefire-deal-688786">Released Israeli hostages plead with Netanyahu to push for ceasefire deal</a></strong></p>

<p>The CEO and national director of the Anti-Defamation League, Jonathan Greenblatt, as per the report said "Whether the culprit is a hardened antizionist or a White nationalist, the term 'Zionist' is often used as an ugly synonym for 'Jew'". He also said that he had not been consulted on Meta's potential policy changes.</p>

<h2><strong>Antisemitism online</strong></h2>

<p>Since the start of the Israel and Hamas there has been a lot more hate speech online.</p>

<p>On platforms including Meta's Facebook and Instagram, Greenblatt said "antisemitic posts … directly invoke the words 'Zionist' or 'Zionism' in a manner that is not just pejorative but antisemitic, threatening and shameful."</p>

<p>In a statement Meta spokeswoman Erin McPike said that the company doesn't allow&nbsp;people to attack others on the basis of religion or nationality.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ahead-of-possible-offensive-netanyahu-orders-plan-for-rafah-evacuation-688806">Ahead of possible offensive, Netanyahu orders plan for Rafah evacuation</a></strong></p>

<p>"While the term 'Zionist' often refers to a person’s ideology, which is not a protected characteristic, it can also be used to refer to Jewish or Israeli people."</p>

<p>"Given the increase in polarised public discourse due to events in the Middle East, we believe it’s important to assess our guidance for reviewing posts that use the term 'Zionist.'"</p>

<h2><strong>People against the move</strong></h2>

<p>However, not everyone is okay with the move. It has triggered an alarm among digital rights activists and pro-Palestinians who have alleged that the group would stifle legitimate political critiques of the Israeli government, its armed forces and Zionism, during the ongoing war.</p>

<p>Nadim Nashif, co-founder of the pro-Palestinian digital rights group 7amleh said that "Zionism is an ideology. It's not a race."</p>

<p>"As I told them, in my opinion, this is a slippery slope. From there, you can remove a lot of content that is criticizing Israel and Zionism that is part of legitimate political discussion."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, as per reports, is considering removing posts on social media that use the word "Zionist." This step is being considered to counter a surge of antisemitism, hate speech online, especially during the Israel-Gaza conflict, reports The Washington Post citing people familiar with private deliberations and internal guidance on the topic.

Meta, the parent company of Facebook and Instagram, as per reports, is considering removing posts on social media that use the word "Zionist." This step is being considered to counter a surge of antisemitism, hate speech online, especially during the Israel-Gaza conflict, reports The Washington Post citing people familiar with private deliberations and internal guidance on the topic. Reportedly, the social media giant has told some civil society groups that 'Zionist' at times is being used as a hurtful substitute for 'Jews' or 'Israelis'. Also read | Released Israeli hostages plead with Netanyahu to push for ceasefire deal The CEO and national director of the Anti-Defamation League, Jonathan Greenblatt, as per the report said "Whether the culprit is a hardened antizionist or a White nationalist, the term 'Zionist' is often used as an ugly synonym for 'Jew'". He also said that he had not been consulted on Meta's potential policy changes. Antisemitism online Since the start of the Israel and Hamas there has been a lot more hate speech online. On platforms including Meta's Facebook and Instagram, Greenblatt said "antisemitic posts … directly invoke the words 'Zionist' or 'Zionism' in a manner that is not just pejorative but antisemitic, threatening and shameful." In a statement Meta spokeswoman Erin McPike said that the company doesn't allow people to attack others on the basis of religion or nationality. Also read | Ahead of possible offensive, Netanyahu orders plan for Rafah evacuation "While the term 'Zionist' often refers to a person’s ideology, which is not a protected characteristic, it can also be used to refer to Jewish or Israeli people." "Given the increase in polarised public discourse due to events in the Middle East, we believe it’s important to assess our guidance for reviewing posts that use the term 'Zionist.'" People against the move However, not everyone is okay with the move. It has triggered an alarm among digital rights activists and pro-Palestinians who have alleged that the group would stifle legitimate political critiques of the Israeli government, its armed forces and Zionism, during the ongoing war. Nadim Nashif, co-founder of the pro-Palestinian digital rights group 7amleh said that "Zionism is an ideology. It's not a race." "As I told them, in my opinion, this is a slippery slope. From there, you can remove a lot of content that is criticizing Israel and Zionism that is part of legitimate political discussion." (With inputs from agencies)

Meta considers removing posts with word 'zionist'. Here's why

Israel's ongoing war with hamas has led to the country receiving its first-ever sovereign downgrade. Credit rating firm moody's has lowered Israel's rating as the war in Gaza takes a toll on Israel's finances. Israel's sovereign credit rating has been cut by one notch, from a1 to a2.

Moody's downgrades Israel's rating

<p>Palestinian militant group Hamas issued a warning to Israel threatening "tens of thousands" of casualties in case of a military action on Rafah.</p>

<p>The group released a statement saying that an army operation would have disastrous repercussions that "may lead to tens of thousands of martyrs and injured if Rafah... is invaded".</p>

<p>Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday (February 9) said that he had ordered his forces to draw up a plan to evacuate people in Rafah - a southern town in the Gaza Strip - ahead of Israel's ground invasion. Israel has been carrying out airstrikes on the now overpopulated town and did so on Friday as well.</p>

<p>Netanyahu ordered its military and security officials late on Friday to "submit to the cabinet a combined plan for evacuating the population and destroying the battalions" of Hamas in the southern city.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ahead-of-possible-offensive-netanyahu-orders-plan-for-rafah-evacuation-688806">Ahead of possible offensive, Netanyahu orders plan for Rafah evacuation</a></p>

<p>This came just hours after US President Joe Biden warned Israel against expansion of its Gaza offensive to the southern city.</p>

<p>Biden on Thursday said that Israel's response and conduct in the war after Hamas' deadly October 7 attacks was 'over the top'. This is the harshest criticism yet by Israel's biggest international backer.</p>

<p>"The Israeli occupation's move threatens security and peace in the region and the world. This is a blatant violation of all red lines," said the office of Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas.</p>

<p>Jordan's Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi warned "another bloodbath in Gaza cannot be allowed", in a post on X.</p>

<p>"An Israeli attack on 1.5 million Palestinians already facing inhumane conditions in Rafah will cause a massacre of innocent people," he wrote, urging the "whole world" to prevent it.</p>

<p>Spain and Germany also warned of a "humanitarian catastrophe" if the plan went ahead.</p>

<p>"We call for a ceasefire, the release of hostages, respect for international humanitarian law and the entry of aid," Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares posted on X.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


Palestinian militant group Hamas issued a warning to Israel threatening "tens of thousands" of casualties in case of a military action on Rafah. The group released a statement saying that an army operation would have disastrous repercussions that "may lead to tens of thousands of martyrs and injured if Rafah.

Palestinian militant group Hamas issued a warning to Israel threatening "tens of thousands" of casualties in case of a military action on Rafah. The group released a statement saying that an army operation would have disastrous repercussions that "may lead to tens of thousands of martyrs and injured if Rafah... is invaded". Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Friday (February 9) said that he had ordered his forces to draw up a plan to evacuate people in Rafah - a southern town in the Gaza Strip - ahead of Israel's ground invasion. Israel has been carrying out airstrikes on the now overpopulated town and did so on Friday as well. Netanyahu ordered its military and security officials late on Friday to "submit to the cabinet a combined plan for evacuating the population and destroying the battalions" of Hamas in the southern city. Also read: Ahead of possible offensive, Netanyahu orders plan for Rafah evacuation This came just hours after US President Joe Biden warned Israel against expansion of its Gaza offensive to the southern city. Biden on Thursday said that Israel's response and conduct in the war after Hamas' deadly October 7 attacks was 'over the top'. This is the harshest criticism yet by Israel's biggest international backer. "The Israeli occupation's move threatens security and peace in the region and the world. This is a blatant violation of all red lines," said the office of Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas. Jordan's Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi warned "another bloodbath in Gaza cannot be allowed", in a post on X. "An Israeli attack on 1.5 million Palestinians already facing inhumane conditions in Rafah will cause a massacre of innocent people," he wrote, urging the "whole world" to prevent it. Spain and Germany also warned of a "humanitarian catastrophe" if the plan went ahead. "We call for a ceasefire, the release of hostages, respect for international humanitarian law and the entry of aid," Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares posted on X. (With inputs from agencies)

Hamas says military action in Rafah may lead to ‘tens of thousands’ of casualties

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