Israelis trust the IDF significantly more than they trust Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, The Israel Democracy Institute said in its latest Israel Voice Index released on Tuesday, which focused on the war with Hamas.

Israeli PM Netanyahu is losing trust of his people, could Netanyahu be replaced?

Israel-Hamas war: Israel’s people are going through a crisis & they do not trust Netanyahu

An Israeli airstrike on a residence block in southern Lebanon has killed a Lebanese-Australian man, his wife, and his brother, who the armed group Hezbollah claims was one of their members.

Two Australians killed by Israeli airstrike in Lebanon

Gaza Health officials report dozens killed in an Israeli strike as the focus on Israel's war against Hamas militants shifts to the besieged territories. Israel's relentless air and ground offensive has left much of Gaza in ruins and killed over 20,000 people mostly women and children.

Israel-Hamas war: At least 195 killed in Israeli strikes in past 24 hours

Israel is engaged in the war in Gaza while battles on multiple fronts continue. Tensions are surging in West Bank as violence escalates while Iran backed Hezbollah and Houthis continue to engage in skirmishes with Israeli army and its allies.

Israel-Hamas war: Israel Army says, 'Hezbollah paying heavy price for attacks on Northern border'

US&nbsp;President Joe Biden and Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani discussed on Tuesday the need to release hostages held in Gaza and efforts to boost humanitarian aid, the White House said.

Qatar and Egypt were mediators between Israel and the militant group Hamas in the late November truce. Current diplomatic efforts on a new truce have yielded little public progress so far.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-being-attacked-from-seven-sides-says-defence-minister-gallant-raises-fear-of-escalation-across-gulf-673851">Israel being attacked from seven sides, says Defence Minister Gallant, raises fear of escalation across Gulf</a>

"The two leaders discussed the urgent effort to secure the release of all remaining hostages held by Hamas, including American citizens," the White House readout said, adding they also talked about increasing access to aid.

The Qatari State News Agency said the emir received a phone call from Biden to discuss the latest developments and current joint mediation efforts for calming the situation in the besieged enclave to reach a permanent ceasefire.

US President Joe Biden and Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani discussed on Tuesday the need to release hostages held in Gaza and efforts to boost humanitarian aid, the White House said.

US President Joe Biden and Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani discussed on Tuesday the need to release hostages held in Gaza and efforts to boost humanitarian aid, the White House said. Qatar and Egypt were mediators between Israel and the militant group Hamas in the late November truce. Current diplomatic efforts on a new truce have yielded little public progress so far. Also read | Israel being attacked from seven sides, says Defence Minister Gallant, raises fear of escalation across Gulf "The two leaders discussed the urgent effort to secure the release of all remaining hostages held by Hamas, including American citizens," the White House readout said, adding they also talked about increasing access to aid. The Qatari State News Agency said the emir received a phone call from Biden to discuss the latest developments and current joint mediation efforts for calming the situation in the besieged enclave to reach a permanent ceasefire.

Biden, Qatar's Emir discuss Gaza hostages, boosting aid - White House

Yemen's Houthi movement attacked two commercial ships in the Red Sea with naval drones on Monday, the Iran-backed group said, the latest in a surge of attacks over Israel's military campaign in Gaza.

Israel-Hamas war: US downs multiple drones, missiles fired by Houthis over Red Sea, says Pentagon

The cost of Israel's ongoing war with Hamas in the Gaza strip is estimated to be as high as $51 billion, according to preliminary figures reported by the Calcalist financial newspaper. This figure, equivalent to 10% of Israel's gross domestic product, is based on several key assumptions, including the conflict lasting between eight to 12 months.

Israel-Hamas war: Israel defence spending to climb | Hamas war to cost Israel more in 2024 | WION

The renewed talks for a potential truce in the Israel-Hamas War there are reports of Discord between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his defence minister Yoav Gallant. The Israeli media reports that Netanyahu has barred Gallant from holding talks with the Mossad chief on the hostage release deal.

Israel-Hamas war: Israel Army says, 'War in Gaza will last many more months' | World News | WION

UN calls crisis in Gaza 'a human Chess board'; Gaza on a communication blackout again | WION

Russia will soon deploy its newest howitzers against Ukrainian forces as part of what Moscow calls its "special military operation," the head of the Rostec state defence conglomerate said in remarks published on Wednesday.

Russia-Ukraine war: Russia to deploy howitzers near Finland border

Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer will engage in high-level talks with top US Officials in Washington. A spokesperson from the white house national security council has confirmed the meeting, which was expected to occur on Tuesday. Now, Dermer, a close ally of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, will meet with US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

Netanyahu's confidant Ron Dermer in US for talks after concerns on arms supply delay

Israel-Hamas war: Nine Israeli soldiers wounded in Hezbollah strike

Tensions escalate in West Bank, Lebanon & Red Sea

Israeli National Security Council has said that the explosion that took place near Israel's embassy in New Delhi on Tuesday (Dec 27) was a&nbsp;"possible terror attack". In the wake of the attack, the council in a travel advisory&nbsp;prompted its citizens living in India to exercise caution.

The blast occurred close to the embassy in the Chanakyapuri diplomatic enclave. Israeli nationals have been cautioned to steer clear of crowded places, including malls and markets.

Moreover, Israel also urged its citizens here to remain alert while visiting places serving Westerners, Jews, and Israelis.

Israeli embassy spokesperson Guy Nir reportedly confirmed the incident, stating that the blast occurred close to the embassy at around 5:48 pm. Nir added that the matter is being looked into.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mv-chem-pluto-drone-attack-initial-investigation-of-debris-hints-at-iran-link-report-673892">MV Chem Pluto drone attack: Initial investigation of debris hints at Iran link, says report</a>

"Delhi Police and the security team are still investigating the situation," the official reportedly said.&nbsp;

The NSC's recommendations also included increasing vigilance in public spaces. It urged citizens to avoid displaying Israeli symbols openly and refrain from attending unsecured large-scale events. Moreover, it also urged citizens to avoid real-time sharing of their itineraries on social media.

<h2>No casualties reported&nbsp;</h2>

The Israeli Foreign Ministry reported no casualties in Tuesday's incident.

"The incident is under investigation by the local authorities in full cooperation with the Israeli security forces", the ministry said in a statement.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/north-chennai-ammonia-leak-contained-traced-to-undersea-pipeline-say-indian-authorities-673889">North Chennai ammonia leak contained, traced to undersea pipeline, say Indian authorities</a>

Following the attack close to the Israeli mission in the Indian capital, the Delhi Police, bomb disposal squads, and fire departments conducted an extensive search operation in the area, with the National Investigation Agency (NIA) also examining the site.

As the probe into the matter continues, CCTV footage has directed Delhi police to two 'suspects'&nbsp;who are yet to be identified, media reports said, citing sources familiar with the matter.

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/top-netanyahu-confidant-ron-dermer-in-us-for-talks-after-concerns-on-arms-supply-delay-673906">Top Netanyahu confidant Ron Dermer in US for talks after concerns on arms supply delay</a>

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However, there is no confirmation if these suspects were linked to the attack. "Two persons are seen roaming in the area in CCTV footage. Their role in the 'blast' call incident is not yet clear. We are trying to ascertain their identity and what were they doing in the area at the time of the call. Things will become clear only after their questioning," the sources reportedly said.&nbsp;

<h2>Letter written to Israeli Embassy&nbsp;</h2>

In another development, the Delhi police spotted a letter near the Israeli mission in Delhi. The said letter was addressed to the Israeli ambassador and had "threatening words" in it.&nbsp;

"A letter has been written in English to the Israeli Embassy in which threatening words are used. The group whose name is written on the letter is Sir Allah Resistance," the sources reportedly said. The letter is also included in the investigation.&nbsp;

Acting swiftly on the matter, several officials, which also includes officials of the National Investigation Agency (NIA), have reached the Israeli embassy in Delhi.&nbsp;

<h2>Security increased&nbsp;</h2>

With the Israel-Hamas war into its third month, there are concerns about attacks on Israelis living overseas. With the situation being quite vulnerable amid the conflict, security around the embassy in Delhi and other Israeli establishments has been intensified.

The advisory followed earlier warnings urging Israelis to reconsider international travel and avoid overt displays&nbsp;of Jewish and Israeli identities amid rising global antisemitism, exacerbated by the conflict between Israel and Hamas.

<h2>Previous incidents</h2>

This is not the first instance of the Israeli embassy facing security threats in New Delhi. In 2021, a “very low intensity” device exploded outside the embassy. Windows of three cars were damaged in the incident but it caused no casualties. In a similar incident on 13 February 2012, the wife of an Israeli security staff member was injured in an attack on her car.

(With inputs from agencies)

Israeli National Security Council has said that the explosion that took place near Israel's embassy in New Delhi on Tuesday (Dec 27) was a "possible terror attack".

Israeli National Security Council has said that the explosion that took place near Israel's embassy in New Delhi on Tuesday (Dec 27) was a "possible terror attack". In the wake of the attack, the council in a travel advisory prompted its citizens living in India to exercise caution. The blast occurred close to the embassy in the Chanakyapuri diplomatic enclave. Israeli nationals have been cautioned to steer clear of crowded places, including malls and markets. Moreover, Israel also urged its citizens here to remain alert while visiting places serving Westerners, Jews, and Israelis. Israeli embassy spokesperson Guy Nir reportedly confirmed the incident, stating that the blast occurred close to the embassy at around 5:48 pm. Nir added that the matter is being looked into. Also Read | MV Chem Pluto drone attack: Initial investigation of debris hints at Iran link, says report "Delhi Police and the security team are still investigating the situation," the official reportedly said. The NSC's recommendations also included increasing vigilance in public spaces. It urged citizens to avoid displaying Israeli symbols openly and refrain from attending unsecured large-scale events. Moreover, it also urged citizens to avoid real-time sharing of their itineraries on social media. No casualties reported The Israeli Foreign Ministry reported no casualties in Tuesday's incident. "The incident is under investigation by the local authorities in full cooperation with the Israeli security forces", the ministry said in a statement. Also Read | North Chennai ammonia leak contained, traced to undersea pipeline, say Indian authorities Following the attack close to the Israeli mission in the Indian capital, the Delhi Police, bomb disposal squads, and fire departments conducted an extensive search operation in the area, with the National Investigation Agency (NIA) also examining the site. As the probe into the matter continues, CCTV footage has directed Delhi police to two 'suspects' who are yet to be identified, media reports said, citing sources familiar with the matter. Watch | Top Netanyahu confidant Ron Dermer in US for talks after concerns on arms supply delay × However, there is no confirmation if these suspects were linked to the attack. "Two persons are seen roaming in the area in CCTV footage. Their role in the 'blast' call incident is not yet clear. We are trying to ascertain their identity and what were they doing in the area at the time of the call. Things will become clear only after their questioning," the sources reportedly said. Letter written to Israeli Embassy In another development, the Delhi police spotted a letter near the Israeli mission in Delhi. The said letter was addressed to the Israeli ambassador and had "threatening words" in it. "A letter has been written in English to the Israeli Embassy in which threatening words are used. The group whose name is written on the letter is Sir Allah Resistance," the sources reportedly said. The letter is also included in the investigation. Acting swiftly on the matter, several officials, which also includes officials of the National Investigation Agency (NIA), have reached the Israeli embassy in Delhi. Security increased With the Israel-Hamas war into its third month, there are concerns about attacks on Israelis living overseas. With the situation being quite vulnerable amid the conflict, security around the embassy in Delhi and other Israeli establishments has been intensified. The advisory followed earlier warnings urging Israelis to reconsider international travel and avoid overt displays of Jewish and Israeli identities amid rising global antisemitism, exacerbated by the conflict between Israel and Hamas. Previous incidents This is not the first instance of the Israeli embassy facing security threats in New Delhi. In 2021, a “very low intensity” device exploded outside the embassy. Windows of three cars were damaged in the incident but it caused no casualties. In a similar incident on 13 February 2012, the wife of an Israeli security staff member was injured in an attack on her car. (With inputs from agencies)

India: NIA officials scour Israeli embassy blast site, CCTV footage leads police to 2 'suspects'

Israel on Tuesday (Dec 26) returned&nbsp;the remains of 80 Palestinians who had lost their lives in Gaza. The bodies were taken from morgues and graves, and were put through careful scrutiny to ensure that there were no hostages among them.

News agency AFP, quoting unnamed sources within the territory's health ministry, reported that the bodies which had been transported to Israel were being returned through the Red Cross.&nbsp;

<h2>What will happen to the bodies?</h2>

The international organisation handed over the remains to Hamas authorities, who buried them in a mass grave, reports AFP. A photojournalist with the news agency reportedly witnessed blue body bags being lowered into a trench in Rafah, in the far south of Gaza.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/broken-pelvises-mutilated-bodiesdid-hamas-use-rape-as-weapon-of-war-666257">Explained: 'Broken pelvises, mutilated bodies'...Did Hamas use rape as weapon of war in Israel?</a>

After Israel carried out its inspection of the bodies, they were returned to the Red Cross, transported via the Kerem Shalom crossing—the vital link connecting Israel and the Gaza Strip.&nbsp;Following this, a truck carried the bodies to their final resting place in the mass grave.

<h2>Israeli hostages</h2>

The backdrop to this can be traced back to the unfortunate events of October 7 when Hamas militants launched an attack on southern Israel. There, they abducted approximately 200&nbsp;hostages and them to the Gaza Strip. Approximately 129 hostages still remain in Hamas captivity in Gaza.

Around 1,140 people lost their lives in the initial attack, as per Israel.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-being-attacked-from-seven-sides-says-defence-minister-gallant-raises-fear-of-escalation-across-gulf-673851">Israel being attacked from seven sides, says Defence Minister Gallant, raises fear of escalation across Gulf</a>

Since the beginning of the war, more than 20,900 have been killed in Israel's retaliatory attacks on Gaza—most of them women and children, reports the health ministry in the Hamas-controlled Gaza. Additionally, around 55,000 people have been wounded.

Israel has vowed to destroy the Palestinian militant organisation. Even as international calls for a ceasefire gain traction, Israel has repeatedly reiterated that the war will continue till Hamas is destroyed.

On Tuesday, in a televised statement, Israel's Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi said that the war would go on "for many months".

"There are no magic solutions, there are no shortcuts in dismantling a terrorist organisation, only determined and persistent fighting," he said, adding "We will reach Hamas' leadership too, whether it takes a week or if it takes months."

(With inputs from agencies)

Israel on Tuesday (Dec 26) returned the remains of 80 Palestinians who had lost their lives in Gaza. The bodies were taken from morgues and graves, and were put through careful scrutiny to ensure that there were no hostages among them.

Israel on Tuesday (Dec 26) returned the remains of 80 Palestinians who had lost their lives in Gaza. The bodies were taken from morgues and graves, and were put through careful scrutiny to ensure that there were no hostages among them. News agency AFP, quoting unnamed sources within the territory's health ministry, reported that the bodies which had been transported to Israel were being returned through the Red Cross. What will happen to the bodies? The international organisation handed over the remains to Hamas authorities, who buried them in a mass grave, reports AFP. A photojournalist with the news agency reportedly witnessed blue body bags being lowered into a trench in Rafah, in the far south of Gaza. Also read | Explained: 'Broken pelvises, mutilated bodies'...Did Hamas use rape as weapon of war in Israel? After Israel carried out its inspection of the bodies, they were returned to the Red Cross, transported via the Kerem Shalom crossing—the vital link connecting Israel and the Gaza Strip. Following this, a truck carried the bodies to their final resting place in the mass grave. Israeli hostages The backdrop to this can be traced back to the unfortunate events of October 7 when Hamas militants launched an attack on southern Israel. There, they abducted approximately 200 hostages and them to the Gaza Strip. Approximately 129 hostages still remain in Hamas captivity in Gaza. Around 1,140 people lost their lives in the initial attack, as per Israel. Also read | Israel being attacked from seven sides, says Defence Minister Gallant, raises fear of escalation across Gulf Since the beginning of the war, more than 20,900 have been killed in Israel's retaliatory attacks on Gaza—most of them women and children, reports the health ministry in the Hamas-controlled Gaza. Additionally, around 55,000 people have been wounded. Israel has vowed to destroy the Palestinian militant organisation. Even as international calls for a ceasefire gain traction, Israel has repeatedly reiterated that the war will continue till Hamas is destroyed. On Tuesday, in a televised statement, Israel's Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi said that the war would go on "for many months". "There are no magic solutions, there are no shortcuts in dismantling a terrorist organisation, only determined and persistent fighting," he said, adding "We will reach Hamas' leadership too, whether it takes a week or if it takes months." (With inputs from agencies)

Israel returns 80 bodies it took from morgues and graves in Gaza for 'examination'

Experts are calling Israel's offense in Gaza, the 'deadliest is history.' The said war had more destruction in Gaza than Germany in World War 2. The Israel-Hamas war caused more damage in Gaza than Syria's Aleppo witnessed from 2012-2016.

Israel-Hamas war: Experts call Israel's offense in Gaza, the 'deadliest in history'

Hamas and its allied Islamic Jihad have refused to accept the Egyptian proposal to renounce power in exchange for a permanent ceasefire, news agency Reuters quoted two Egyptian security sources as saying on Monday.

Reportedly both the groups rejected delivering any other settlements beyond the potential release of more hostages seized on Oct 7 when militants broke into southern Israel, claiming the lives of 1,200 people.

Earlier, Egypt had proposed a plan, which is dubbed as "vision", that would involve a ceasefire in exchange for the release of more hostages further leading to a broader agreement involving a permanent ceasefire along with an overhaul of leadership in Gaza, which is at present led by Palestinian militant group Hamas.

The proposal was also backed by Qatari mediators.

As per Reuters, a Hamas official recently visited Cairo and declined to directly comment on specific offers of more temporary humanitarian truces and indicated the group's rejection by reiterating its official stance on the matter.

"Hamas seeks to end the Israeli aggression against our people, the massacres and genocide, and we discussed with our Egyptian brothers the ways to do that," the official told Reuters.

"We also said that the aid for our people must keep going and must increase and it must reach all the population in the north and the south," the official added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/yahya-sinwar-releases-first-public-message-since-oct-7-says-hamas-facing-unprecedented-battle-673519">Yahya Sinwar releases first public message since Oct 7, says Hamas facing ‘unprecedented battle’</a>

"After the aggression is stopped and the aid increased we are ready to discuss prisoner swaps," he further said.&nbsp;

<h2>Egypt-led efforts to bring peace in Gaza&nbsp;</h2>

Hamas politburo leader Ismail Haniyeh returned to Qatar on Saturday (Dec 23) after a four-day visit to Cairo to discuss the Egyptian proposal with the Hamas political bureau. On Sunday, a delegation of the Islamic Jihad arrived in Cairo for talks with Egyptian officials.

The Israel-Hamas war entered Day 79 on Christmas Eve of 2023. The war which began on October 7 when the Palestinian armed groups attacked southern Israel and killed about 1,200 Israelis, has resulted in an unprecedented humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip as Israel's retaliatory attacks have killed over 20,000 Palestinians so far.

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Hamas and its allied Islamic Jihad have refused to accept the Egyptian proposal to renounce power in exchange for a permanent ceasefire, news agency Reuters quoted two Egyptian security sources as saying on Monday.

Hamas and its allied Islamic Jihad have refused to accept the Egyptian proposal to renounce power in exchange for a permanent ceasefire, news agency Reuters quoted two Egyptian security sources as saying on Monday. Reportedly both the groups rejected delivering any other settlements beyond the potential release of more hostages seized on Oct 7 when militants broke into southern Israel, claiming the lives of 1,200 people. Earlier, Egypt had proposed a plan, which is dubbed as "vision", that would involve a ceasefire in exchange for the release of more hostages further leading to a broader agreement involving a permanent ceasefire along with an overhaul of leadership in Gaza, which is at present led by Palestinian militant group Hamas. The proposal was also backed by Qatari mediators. As per Reuters, a Hamas official recently visited Cairo and declined to directly comment on specific offers of more temporary humanitarian truces and indicated the group's rejection by reiterating its official stance on the matter. "Hamas seeks to end the Israeli aggression against our people, the massacres and genocide, and we discussed with our Egyptian brothers the ways to do that," the official told Reuters. "We also said that the aid for our people must keep going and must increase and it must reach all the population in the north and the south," the official added. Also read: Yahya Sinwar releases first public message since Oct 7, says Hamas facing ‘unprecedented battle’ "After the aggression is stopped and the aid increased we are ready to discuss prisoner swaps," he further said. Egypt-led efforts to bring peace in Gaza Hamas politburo leader Ismail Haniyeh returned to Qatar on Saturday (Dec 23) after a four-day visit to Cairo to discuss the Egyptian proposal with the Hamas political bureau. On Sunday, a delegation of the Islamic Jihad arrived in Cairo for talks with Egyptian officials. The Israel-Hamas war entered Day 79 on Christmas Eve of 2023. The war which began on October 7 when the Palestinian armed groups attacked southern Israel and killed about 1,200 Israelis, has resulted in an unprecedented humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip as Israel's retaliatory attacks have killed over 20,000 Palestinians so far. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Hamas, Islamic Jihad reject renouncing power in exchange for permanent ceasefire: Report

Hamas leader in Gaza Yahya Sinwar, in his first public message since the Oct 7 assault, said that the militant group was facing a “fierce, violent and unprecedented battle” against Israel, as per the Times of Israel reports.

However, Sinwar also claimed that the Palestinian militant group was on its way to crushing the Israel Defense Forces and that Hamas would not submit to “the occupation’s conditions.”

According to the Times Of Israel, Sinwar falsely claimed that the al-Qassam Brigades, which is the military wing of Hamas,&nbsp;killed over a thousand Israeli soldiers.

Hamas on Sunday (Dec 24) released footage which it said showed the group's military wing, Al-Qassam Brigade, fighting with the Israeli military in the northern Gaza Strip.

As per news agency Reuters, the footage appears to show the Palestinian group's militants using rocket-propelled grenades to engage in gunfire amongst the rubble of destroyed buildings.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-pm-benjamin-netanyahu-says-visited-gaza-vows-to-intensify-fighting-673432">Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu says visited Gaza, vows to 'intensify' fighting</a>

<h2>Israeli strikes on Gaza kills 200 in 24 hours, claims Hamas</h2>

Meanwhile, Gaza officials on Saturday (Dec 23) said that the Israeli strikes had claimed the lives of more than 200 people in 24 hours amidst an upsurge in attacks in the West Bank.

Israel continued with its counter-offensive aiming at the southern Gaza Strip, with clouds of grey and black smoke rising over Khan Yunis city, as per news agency AFP reports.

In the past 24 hours, at least 201 deaths were reported by the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza, taking the toll to 20,258 since the war broke out, and most of the victims were women and children as per claims by Hamas.

The fighting between the two sides began when the Palestinian militant group Hamas launched unprecedented attacks against Israel on Oct 7, killing about 1,140 Israelis, mostly civilians.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Hamas leader in Gaza Yahya Sinwar, in his first public message since the Oct 7 assault, said that the militant group was facing a “fierce, violent and unprecedented battle” against Israel, as per the Times of Israel reports.

Hamas leader in Gaza Yahya Sinwar, in his first public message since the Oct 7 assault, said that the militant group was facing a “fierce, violent and unprecedented battle” against Israel, as per the Times of Israel reports. However, Sinwar also claimed that the Palestinian militant group was on its way to crushing the Israel Defense Forces and that Hamas would not submit to “the occupation’s conditions.” According to the Times Of Israel, Sinwar falsely claimed that the al-Qassam Brigades, which is the military wing of Hamas, killed over a thousand Israeli soldiers. Hamas on Sunday (Dec 24) released footage which it said showed the group's military wing, Al-Qassam Brigade, fighting with the Israeli military in the northern Gaza Strip. As per news agency Reuters, the footage appears to show the Palestinian group's militants using rocket-propelled grenades to engage in gunfire amongst the rubble of destroyed buildings. Also read: Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu says visited Gaza, vows to 'intensify' fighting Israeli strikes on Gaza kills 200 in 24 hours, claims Hamas Meanwhile, Gaza officials on Saturday (Dec 23) said that the Israeli strikes had claimed the lives of more than 200 people in 24 hours amidst an upsurge in attacks in the West Bank. Israel continued with its counter-offensive aiming at the southern Gaza Strip, with clouds of grey and black smoke rising over Khan Yunis city, as per news agency AFP reports. In the past 24 hours, at least 201 deaths were reported by the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza, taking the toll to 20,258 since the war broke out, and most of the victims were women and children as per claims by Hamas. The fighting between the two sides began when the Palestinian militant group Hamas launched unprecedented attacks against Israel on Oct 7, killing about 1,140 Israelis, mostly civilians. (With inputs from agencies)

Yahya Sinwar releases first public message since Oct 7, says Hamas facing ‘unprecedented battle’

Pope Francis, during his Christmas Day blessings called for peace in the world and lashed out at the weapons industry and the "instruments of death" that fuel war. During his Christmas address, he particularly mentioned Ukraine war as well as Israel-Hamas war and prayed for peace. Pope was speaking from the loggia of St. Peter's Basilica to scores of people who had gathered below.&nbsp;

The Pope said he grieved the “abominable attack” carried out by Hamas in southern Israel on October 7 and made an appeal for release of hostages. He begged for an end to Irsael's military campaign in the Gaza Strip and the “appalling harvest of innocent civilians”. He said that humanitarian aid should reach all those who are in need.

Watch | Israel-Hamas war: Egypt outlines proposal to free hostages &amp; end Israel-Hamas war

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During his address, Pope Francis said that the story of Jesus Christ's birth in Bethlehem was one of peace. But he added that today, Bethlehem "is a place of sorrow and silence”, referring to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.

Pope's annual 'Urbi et Orbi' ("To the City and the World") speech typically has laments about misery facing the world. The speech made on Monday was no exception. the Pope appealed for humanitarian initiatives from Armenia and Azerbaijan to Syria and Yemen, Ukraine to South Sudan and Congo and the Korean peninsula.

<h2>Aim at the weapons industry</h2>

Pope Francis lashed out at the weapons industry saying that the industry was helping fuel conflicts around the world.

“It should be talked about and written about, so as to bring to light the interests and the profits that move the puppet strings of war,” he said. “And how can we even speak of peace, when arms production, sales and trade are on the rise?”

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-pm-benjamin-netanyahu-says-visited-gaza-vows-to-intensify-fighting-673432">Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu says visited Gaza, vows to 'intensify' fighting</a>

Pope Francis has frequently blasted the arms industry, calling it “merchants of death”. He has even said that wars like the one being waged in Ukraine are used to test new weapons and use up old stockpiles.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-six-killed-after-attacks-on-kherson-horlivka-moscow-will-be-defeated-says-zelensky-673397">Russia-Ukraine war: Six killed after attacks on Kherson, Horlivka; Moscow ‘will be defeated’, says Zelensky</a>

On the Israel-Hamas war, he called for peace. He said that the conflict should be resolved “through sincere and persevering dialogue between the parties, sustained by strong political will and the support of the international community.”

According to the Vatican officials, about 70,000 people filled St. Peter's Square for Pope Francis' speech and blessing. There were people flying Palestinian and Ukrainian flags.

(With inputs from agencies)

Pope Francis, during his Christmas Day blessings called for peace in the world and lashed out at the weapons industry and the "instruments of death" that fuel war.

Pope Francis, during his Christmas Day blessings called for peace in the world and lashed out at the weapons industry and the "instruments of death" that fuel war. During his Christmas address, he particularly mentioned Ukraine war as well as Israel-Hamas war and prayed for peace. Pope was speaking from the loggia of St. Peter's Basilica to scores of people who had gathered below. The Pope said he grieved the “abominable attack” carried out by Hamas in southern Israel on October 7 and made an appeal for release of hostages. He begged for an end to Irsael's military campaign in the Gaza Strip and the “appalling harvest of innocent civilians”. He said that humanitarian aid should reach all those who are in need. Watch | Israel-Hamas war: Egypt outlines proposal to free hostages & end Israel-Hamas war × During his address, Pope Francis said that the story of Jesus Christ's birth in Bethlehem was one of peace. But he added that today, Bethlehem "is a place of sorrow and silence”, referring to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. Pope's annual 'Urbi et Orbi' ("To the City and the World") speech typically has laments about misery facing the world. The speech made on Monday was no exception. the Pope appealed for humanitarian initiatives from Armenia and Azerbaijan to Syria and Yemen, Ukraine to South Sudan and Congo and the Korean peninsula. Aim at the weapons industry Pope Francis lashed out at the weapons industry saying that the industry was helping fuel conflicts around the world. “It should be talked about and written about, so as to bring to light the interests and the profits that move the puppet strings of war,” he said. “And how can we even speak of peace, when arms production, sales and trade are on the rise?” Also Read | Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu says visited Gaza, vows to 'intensify' fighting Pope Francis has frequently blasted the arms industry, calling it “merchants of death”. He has even said that wars like the one being waged in Ukraine are used to test new weapons and use up old stockpiles. Also Read | Russia-Ukraine war: Six killed after attacks on Kherson, Horlivka; Moscow ‘will be defeated’, says Zelensky On the Israel-Hamas war, he called for peace. He said that the conflict should be resolved “through sincere and persevering dialogue between the parties, sustained by strong political will and the support of the international community.” According to the Vatican officials, about 70,000 people filled St. Peter's Square for Pope Francis' speech and blessing. There were people flying Palestinian and Ukrainian flags. (With inputs from agencies)

Pope Francis calls for global peace in Christmas Day address

Senior commander of Iran's Revolutionary Guards Corps Sayyed Reza Mousavi has been killed in an Israeli airstrike near Damascus, Syria. Mousavi was a close aide of Qasem Soleimani. Iran has vowed to avenge Mousavi's death.

Gravitas | Sayyed Reza Mousavi: Iran's senior commander killed in Israeli airstrike

The Israel-Hamas war has impacted the daily lives of those living in the war-torn regions. According to reports by the World Food Programme, In Gaza 1 in 4 face extreme hunger. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to keep up the fight against Hamas militants on Monday while Palestinians mourned more than 100 people who Gaza health officials said were killed overnight in Israeli airstrikes.

Israel-Hamas War: Gaza faces severe food shortages amid conflict

Aid agencies issued a warning, stating that families' only chance of survival is being severely limited by the ongoing Israeli offensive, which is pushing Palestinians in Gaza to the verge of mass starvation. The grave situation surfaced one day after the United States vetoed a resolution calling for a cease-fire in the United Nations, impeding the provision of food and other necessities to the area.

Israel-Hamas war: Gazans struggles to find clean drinking water; Telephone, internet services cut

"We have already reacted and taken action in six of these areas, and I say this clearly: Anyone who acts against us could be our next target; no one is immune." The fight in Gaza, according to Gallant, will be "a long, hard war."

Israel-Hamas war | Anyone who acts against Israel is a potential target: Gallant

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