IDF eliminates Nukhba force commander who led October 7 attack on Kissufim. IDF says Adel Msammah was eliminated in central Gaza’s Deir Al Balah in an overnight airstrike. Israel, also withdraws some forces from Gaza to shift to more targeted operations against Hamas. Returning reservists to help the economy as the war looks set to last well into the New Year.

Fighting rages in Gaza as Israel looks at new phase of war

Latest in Israel-Hamas war: As humanitarian crisis worsens in Gaza, fighting triggers mass exodus towards Rafah. The Hamas health Ministry says 48 Palestinians killed in overnight bombing in Gaza city. Israeli Finance Minister calls for return of settlers to Gaza. Watch the video to know more!

Israel-Hamas war: Over 1.9 million displaced in Gaza , says UN report

Latest in Israel-Hamas war: The Hamas health Ministry says 48 Palestinians killed in overnight bombing in Gaza city. Israeli Finance Minister calls for return of settlers to Gaza. Watch the video to know more!

Israel-Hamas war: Israel intercepts rockets fired from Gaza

Adel Mesmah, the commander of the Najaba company of Deir al-Balah, was killed by an Israeli Air Force fighter jet in central Gaza. Mesmah led Hamas terrorists in their October 7, 2023 attack on Kibbutz Be'eri and Kibbutz Nirim, where 135 Israelis were killed.

Israel-Hamas war | IDF: Hamas commander who led October 7th attacks killed in central Gaza

The ongoing combat between Israeli forces and Hamas militants is pushing Gazans further south near the Rafah crossing. Out of the population of 2.3 million over 1.9 have been displaced internally says a UN report.

Israel-Hamas war: Fighting across triggers mass exodus towards Rafah

The Israel Defense Forces say that it is beginning to release five brigades from combat in the Gaza Strip. This is as the military increasingly gains control on the ground. Earlier Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the war would take many more months to end and now the military has said that it is prepared for the lengthy fighting.

Israel-Hamas war: IDF releases 5 brigades from Gaza, claims increasing gains on ground

Israel-Hamas: Israeli intercepts attacks from Gaza overnight

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a far-right leader, called for return of Jewish settlers to the Gaza Strip after current war between Israel and Hamas is over. The minister also said on Sunday (December 31, 2023) that Palestinians should be encouraged to emigrate out of Gaza Strip.

"To have security we must control the territory," Smotrich said as quoted by Israel's Army Radio. He was responding to a question which asked him about prospects of re-estabilshing settlements in Gaza.

"In order to control the territory militarily for a long time, we need a civilian presence," he said.

In 2005, Israel unilaterally withdrew its soldiers and settlers. This ended their presence in the enclave since 1967. However, Israel has been maintaining tight control over the territory’s borders.

Watch | Israel-Hamas war: Gaza death toll climbs to over 21800: Hamas health ministry

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Under international law, all settlements on occupied Palestinian land are considered illegal irrespective of state of their approval by Israel.

Smotrich is chief of the far-right Religious Zionism party, which is part of the ruling coalition.

"If we act in a strategically correct way and encourage emigration, if there are 100,000 or 200,000 Arabs in Gaza and not two million, the whole discourse of the day after (the war) will be completely different," he said.

"We will help rehabilitate these refugees in other countries in a good and humane manner with the cooperation of the international community and Arab countries around us."

<h2>Hamas reacts sharply</h2>

Hamas has condemned Smotrich's comments saying it was a "vile mockery and a war crime". In its statement quoted by AFP, Hamas said that Gazans "will stand firm and steadfast in the face of all attempts to displace them from their land and homes".

The plan to make Gazans emigrate has not been officially presented by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. It has also has not said officially that Israeli settlers should be sent back to Gaza Strip after the war is over.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-gaza-conflict-looms-large-for-many-months-in-2024-675368">Israel-Hamas war: Gaza conflict set to go on for 'many months' in 2024</a>

Israel has mounted a serious military response since Hamas fighters crossed borders in northern Gaza on October 7 and killed at least 1200 people in Israeli territory and took hostages.

The Israeli response has seen the country carry out hundreds of air attacks inside Gaza Strip as Israeli tanks and troops were deployed for ground operation.

According to Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza, more than 21,000 civilians have died so far in the ongoing conflict.

(With inputs from agencies)

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a far-right leader, called for return of Jewish settlers to the Gaza Strip after current war between Israel and Hamas is over.

Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a far-right leader, called for return of Jewish settlers to the Gaza Strip after current war between Israel and Hamas is over. The minister also said on Sunday (December 31, 2023) that Palestinians should be encouraged to emigrate out of Gaza Strip. "To have security we must control the territory," Smotrich said as quoted by Israel's Army Radio. He was responding to a question which asked him about prospects of re-estabilshing settlements in Gaza. "In order to control the territory militarily for a long time, we need a civilian presence," he said. In 2005, Israel unilaterally withdrew its soldiers and settlers. This ended their presence in the enclave since 1967. However, Israel has been maintaining tight control over the territory’s borders. Watch | Israel-Hamas war: Gaza death toll climbs to over 21800: Hamas health ministry × Under international law, all settlements on occupied Palestinian land are considered illegal irrespective of state of their approval by Israel. Smotrich is chief of the far-right Religious Zionism party, which is part of the ruling coalition. "If we act in a strategically correct way and encourage emigration, if there are 100,000 or 200,000 Arabs in Gaza and not two million, the whole discourse of the day after (the war) will be completely different," he said. "We will help rehabilitate these refugees in other countries in a good and humane manner with the cooperation of the international community and Arab countries around us." Hamas reacts sharply Hamas has condemned Smotrich's comments saying it was a "vile mockery and a war crime". In its statement quoted by AFP, Hamas said that Gazans "will stand firm and steadfast in the face of all attempts to displace them from their land and homes". The plan to make Gazans emigrate has not been officially presented by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. It has also has not said officially that Israeli settlers should be sent back to Gaza Strip after the war is over. Also Read | Israel-Hamas war: Gaza conflict set to go on for 'many months' in 2024 Israel has mounted a serious military response since Hamas fighters crossed borders in northern Gaza on October 7 and killed at least 1200 people in Israeli territory and took hostages. The Israeli response has seen the country carry out hundreds of air attacks inside Gaza Strip as Israeli tanks and troops were deployed for ground operation. According to Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza, more than 21,000 civilians have died so far in the ongoing conflict. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel minister says Israeli settlers should return to Gaza

Israel-Hamas: Hamas health ministry says 48 Palestinians killed in overnight bombing

Israel-Hamas: Israel intercepts attacks from Gaza overnight

Israel-Hamas: Israeli fighter jets strike Hezbollah military structures in Lebanon

Israel-Hamas war: 48 Palestinians killed in overnight bombing in Gaza city

As the world is set to ring in 2024, countries are ramping up security measures in order to ensure safe celebrations amid heightened terror threats linked to the war between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

France will deploy close to 90,000 police officers across the country, with 6,000 of them in Paris alone, for the weekend's New Year's celebrations due to the 'very high' terrorist threat.

"I have called for an extremely high turnout of police and security forces given the context of the very high terrorist threat due to, clearly, what is happening in Israel and in Palestine," Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said&nbsp;on Friday (Dec 29).

He further added that for the very first time, the police officers would be permitted to make use of the drones as a part of the security efforts and that tens of thousands of firefighters would also be deployed along with 5,000 soldiers.

<h2>Germany: Authorities bar sightseeing visits to Cologne's iconic cathedral</h2>

German authorities banned sightseeing visits to Cologne's iconic cathedral during Christmas celebrations last and worshippers had to undergo security checks amid growing fears of attack.

Police said that they were taking stern measures to safeguard the iconic cathedral during New Year's celebrations.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukrainian-strike-kills-at-least-14-in-city-of-belgorod-says-russia-675107">Ukrainian strike kills at least 14 in city of Belgorod, says Russia</a>

The precautionary security efforts are being made to prevent any possible attacks said officer in charge Martin Lotz.

"Even if the reference was to New Year's Eve, there are a lot of people in the area around the cathedral, today is Christmas Eve midnight Mass, it is one of the most visited cathedrals, and the main train station is nearby," said police spokesperson Wolfgang Baldes, as per Associated Press report.

“There are a lot of people, and that's why we said that if there was an indication, we would do everything necessary to protect people.”

Meanwhile, in Austria, the security was heightened around&nbsp;churches and Christmas markets in&nbsp;Vienna.

<h2>Authorities tighten security around Times Square, US</h2>

The FBI is setting up efforts to secure Times Square for visitors who are expected to attend the New Year's Eve celebrations.&nbsp;

Police officials will set up a perimeter from Sixth Avenue to Eighth and from 41st Street to 57th, as per CBS reports.

The New York City Police Department is also preparing for demonstrations near the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting in November.

"There's a protest every day in New York City, so there's certainly going to be a protest on New Year's Eve," said NYPD Intelligence Division Commanding Officer John Hart.

"Those who want to peacefully protest, have the right to do so. But you're not going to do it at the expense of disrupting those who are coming here to peacefully bring in the new year," Mayor Eric Adams said. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

As the world is set to ring in 2024, countries are ramping up security measures in order to ensure safe celebrations amid heightened terror threats linked to the war between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

As the world is set to ring in 2024, countries are ramping up security measures in order to ensure safe celebrations amid heightened terror threats linked to the war between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip. France will deploy close to 90,000 police officers across the country, with 6,000 of them in Paris alone, for the weekend's New Year's celebrations due to the 'very high' terrorist threat. "I have called for an extremely high turnout of police and security forces given the context of the very high terrorist threat due to, clearly, what is happening in Israel and in Palestine," Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin said on Friday (Dec 29). He further added that for the very first time, the police officers would be permitted to make use of the drones as a part of the security efforts and that tens of thousands of firefighters would also be deployed along with 5,000 soldiers. Germany: Authorities bar sightseeing visits to Cologne's iconic cathedral German authorities banned sightseeing visits to Cologne's iconic cathedral during Christmas celebrations last and worshippers had to undergo security checks amid growing fears of attack. Police said that they were taking stern measures to safeguard the iconic cathedral during New Year's celebrations. Also read: Ukrainian strike kills at least 14 in city of Belgorod, says Russia The precautionary security efforts are being made to prevent any possible attacks said officer in charge Martin Lotz. "Even if the reference was to New Year's Eve, there are a lot of people in the area around the cathedral, today is Christmas Eve midnight Mass, it is one of the most visited cathedrals, and the main train station is nearby," said police spokesperson Wolfgang Baldes, as per Associated Press report. “There are a lot of people, and that's why we said that if there was an indication, we would do everything necessary to protect people.” Meanwhile, in Austria, the security was heightened around churches and Christmas markets in Vienna. Authorities tighten security around Times Square, US The FBI is setting up efforts to secure Times Square for visitors who are expected to attend the New Year's Eve celebrations. Police officials will set up a perimeter from Sixth Avenue to Eighth and from 41st Street to 57th, as per CBS reports. The New York City Police Department is also preparing for demonstrations near the Rockefeller Center Christmas tree lighting in November. "There's a protest every day in New York City, so there's certainly going to be a protest on New Year's Eve," said NYPD Intelligence Division Commanding Officer John Hart. "Those who want to peacefully protest, have the right to do so. But you're not going to do it at the expense of disrupting those who are coming here to peacefully bring in the new year," Mayor Eric Adams said. (With inputs from agencies)

Global terror alert: Cities ramp up security measures for New Year celebrations amid 'high risk' of attacks

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said that the Border zone between the Gaza Strip and Egypt should be under Israel's control this as he predicted the war in the Palestinian territory to last for many months.

Israel-Hamas war | Thousands of protesters in Tel Aviv call for the ouster of PM Netanyahu

Israel-Hamas war | Netanyahu says the war in Gaza to last for many months

Israel-Hamas war | PM Benjamin Netanyahu: Gaza-Egypt border zone should be under Israeli control

Israel-Hamas war | Hamas-run Health Ministry: 187 killed across Gaza in past 24 hours

As Israel continuously bombs the Gaza strip, the Hamas-run Palestinian Health Ministry has expressed fears of famine for more than 1.9 million displaced Gazans. The United Nations has earlier said that the quantity of aid entering Gaza is only 10% of what is required.

Israel-Hamas war | UN: Only 10% of required aid supplies entering Gaza

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to retake control of Gaza's border with Egypt further asserting on how Israel's mission to neutralize Hamas is expected to last for months. Meanwhile the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza is only worsening

Israel-Hamas war: 100,000 displaced in Gaza hostilities

Israel-Hamas war | Palestinian Health Ministry expresses fears of famine over 1.9 mn Gazans

Israel has indicated no signs of scaling down its offensive in Gaza. Israeli leaders have once again reiterated that fighting will end only with the elimination of Hamas. Hamas says at least 187 died across Gaza on Friday in Israeli shelling.

Israel-Hamas war | 187 killed across Gaza in past 24 hours: Hamas-run Health Ministry

Israel-Hamas war: Israel expands offensive in Southern Gaza's Khan Younis

Israel-Hamas war: IDF says it destroyed the hideout of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar in Gaza city

Amid the horrors of war in Gaza, a woman pregnant with quadruplets had to walk five kilometres in search of shelter for her unborn babies. The Gazan woman, 28-year-old Iman al-Masry, has now given birth to her premature children, one of whom was too weak to leave the hospital.

<h2>Simply exhausted</h2>

Talking to news agency AFP, the mother said she is simply exhausted after giving birth to the quadruplets in a hospital in Southern Gaza.&nbsp;

Al-Masry, at six months pregnant, had to flee her family home in Beit Hanun on foot, along with her three other children, seeking safety.&nbsp;

The family had to walk five kilometres (around three miles) to the Jabalia refugee camp. "The distance was too long,"&nbsp;the young woman told AFP.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-several-killed-in-strike-near-south-gaza-hospital-un-asks-israel-to-end-unlawful-killings-674387">Israel-Hamas war: Several killed in strike near south Gaza hospital; UN asks Israel to ‘end unlawful killings’</a>

"It affected my pregnancy," she added. On December 18, she gave birth by C-section to daughters Tia and Lynn and sons Yasser and Mohammed.&nbsp;

Of the four, Mohammed was too fragile to leave the hospital. However, to make space for other patients of war, Iman and her other newborns had to leave the medical facility.&nbsp;

"Mohammed weighs only one kilogram (2.2 pounds). He cannot survive," said Iman, talking about the child she had to leave behind at a hospital in the Nuseirat refugee camp.

The mother and her other three newborns are now living in a cramped schoolroom turned shelter in Deir al-Balah along with around 50 other members of their extended family.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/son-of-hamas-deputy-commander-marwan-issa-killed-in-israeli-airstrike-reports-674444">Son of Hamas Deputy Commander Marwan Issa killed in Israeli airstrike: Reports</a>

Talking to AFP, she recounted her journey from "hell",&nbsp;and said: "When I left home, I had only some summer clothes for the children. I thought the war would last a week or two and that afterwards we would go back home."

Now, more than 11 weeks later, her hope of going&nbsp;home has shattered.

<h2>The human cost of war</h2>

Iman is not alone. Thousands of Gazans have been rendered homeless by the war that began on Oct 7, with Hamas launching an attack on Israel. In the first attack, as per Israeli figures, 1,140 Israelis lost their lives. Another 250 were taken hostage by the Hamas militants, and 129 of them still remain in captivity.

The retaliatory attack by Israel, according to the latest toll issued by Gaza's health ministry, has killed at least 21,110 people — about two-thirds of them women and children.

Amid the horrors of war in Gaza, a woman pregnant with quadruplets had to walk five kilometres in search of shelter for her unborn babies. The Gazan woman, 28-year-old Iman al-Masry, has now given birth to her premature children, one of whom was too weak to leave the hospital.

Amid the horrors of war in Gaza, a woman pregnant with quadruplets had to walk five kilometres in search of shelter for her unborn babies. The Gazan woman, 28-year-old Iman al-Masry, has now given birth to her premature children, one of whom was too weak to leave the hospital. Simply exhausted Talking to news agency AFP, the mother said she is simply exhausted after giving birth to the quadruplets in a hospital in Southern Gaza. Al-Masry, at six months pregnant, had to flee her family home in Beit Hanun on foot, along with her three other children, seeking safety. The family had to walk five kilometres (around three miles) to the Jabalia refugee camp. "The distance was too long," the young woman told AFP. Also read | Israel-Hamas war: Several killed in strike near south Gaza hospital; UN asks Israel to ‘end unlawful killings’ "It affected my pregnancy," she added. On December 18, she gave birth by C-section to daughters Tia and Lynn and sons Yasser and Mohammed. Of the four, Mohammed was too fragile to leave the hospital. However, to make space for other patients of war, Iman and her other newborns had to leave the medical facility. "Mohammed weighs only one kilogram (2.2 pounds). He cannot survive," said Iman, talking about the child she had to leave behind at a hospital in the Nuseirat refugee camp. The mother and her other three newborns are now living in a cramped schoolroom turned shelter in Deir al-Balah along with around 50 other members of their extended family. Also read | Son of Hamas Deputy Commander Marwan Issa killed in Israeli airstrike: Reports Talking to AFP, she recounted her journey from "hell", and said: "When I left home, I had only some summer clothes for the children. I thought the war would last a week or two and that afterwards we would go back home." Now, more than 11 weeks later, her hope of going home has shattered. The human cost of war Iman is not alone. Thousands of Gazans have been rendered homeless by the war that began on Oct 7, with Hamas launching an attack on Israel. In the first attack, as per Israeli figures, 1,140 Israelis lost their lives. Another 250 were taken hostage by the Hamas militants, and 129 of them still remain in captivity. The retaliatory attack by Israel, according to the latest toll issued by Gaza's health ministry, has killed at least 21,110 people — about two-thirds of them women and children.

Heavily pregnant Gaza woman forced to walk 5km seeking shelter, gives birth to quadruplets

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