The Israeli army has killed three captives held by Palestinian armed groups in Gaza after mistakenly identifying them as a threat, according to Israeli military officials.

Israel-Hamas war: IDF mistake kills three hostages in Gaza

Israeli Defense Forces have surely sparked concerns over the safety of the remaining hostages amid Israel's continued offensive. Over 100 hostages are still held in captivity in Gaza. On Thursday Israel revised the number of hostages alive in Gaza to 115.

Israel-Hamas war: How will Israel ensure the safety of hostages still held in Gaza?

National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi said that once Hamas is defeated in Gaza, Israel may have to go to war against Hezbollah across the northern border in Lebanon. While on the other hand, Yemen's Houthis vow to target all Israel-bound ships in Red Sea.

Israel-Hamas war: Iran-backed Houthi rebels attack cargo ship in Red Sea

Israel-Hamas war: Netanyahu calls the killings 'unbearable tragedy'

Israel continues to pound the Gaza Strip with increased intensity the ongoing military offensive continues to flatten Southern Gaza. Over 90% of Gaza's 2.3 million civilians stand displaced.

Israel-Hamas war: IDF releases video footage of operations in Gaza & Jabalia

Israel bombs Gaza as rift with US grows. US President Joe Biden, whose government has provided Israel with billions of dollars in military aid, delivers his sharpest rebuke of the war. US National security adviser Jake Sullivan discusses “efforts to reduce harm to civilians” during israel visit.

Israel faces pressure to scale down offensive, US urges Israel to end war

Israel-Hamas war: Will Israel push back amid mounting international pressure?

Israeli army&nbsp;in early hours of Saturday (Dec&nbsp;16, IST) said that its soldiers had "mistakenly" shot dead&nbsp;three hostages&nbsp;after considering them a threat.

"During combat in Shejaiya, the IDF (army) mistakenly identified three Israeli hostages as a threat. As a result, the troops fired toward them and they were killed," the army said in a statement, expressing "deep remorse over the tragic incident".

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דובר צה"ל: 
 
במהלך הלחימה בשג׳עייה, כוח צה״ל זיהה בשוגג שלושה חטופים ישראלים כאיום. כתוצאה מכך הכוח ירה לעברם והם נהרגו. 
 
במהלך סריקה ובדיקה של מרחב האירוע עלה חשד לגבי זהות ההרוגים. הגופות נלקחו לבדיקה בשטח ישראל ולאחריה התברר כי מדובר בשלושה חטופים ישראלים&gt;&gt;
— צבא ההגנה לישראל (@idfonline) <a href="https://twitter.com/idfonline/status/1735725778250170731?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 15, 2023</a></blockquote>
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"The IDF began reviewing the incident immediately... Immediate lessons from the event have been learned, which have been passed on to all IDF troops in the field," it added.

The army has identified two of the hostages and has withheld the name of the third hostage after a request from the family.

Yotam Haim, one of the dead hostages was abducted by Hamas terrorists during October 7 attack from Kibbutz Kfar Aza. The second hostage, Samer El-Talaqa was taken from Kibbutz Nir Am.

When it launched its attack on October 7, Hamas terrorists killed 1200 Israelis and took around 250 as hostages.

The Israeli army also said earlier on Friday that the body of&nbsp;Elia Toledano, a French-Israeli hostage was returned to Israel. Toledano was not part of the group of three hostages which were mistakenly shot by Israeli troops on Saturday.

<h2>Status of the war and main developments on&nbsp;Friday (Dec 15)</h2>

Amid the still raging Israel-Hamas war, Israel on Friday (Dec 15) reopened aid crossing into the Gaza Strip. Israel has been under increasing global pressure especially from the United States for restraint and for efforts to avoid civilian casualties. The Hamas-run health ministry in the Gaza strip has already claimed that the death toll in the enclave has crossed 18,000.&nbsp; Israel has announced that opening of the crossing would be a "temporary" measure.

Meanwhile, fierce fighting between the two sides continued on Friday. Hamas claimed to have blown up a house in Khan Yunis that the militant group said had Israeli soldiers inside.

Watch | Israel-Hamas tops list of Google searches in 2023

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AFP reported that in Rafah near the Egyptian border, Palestinians searched for possible survivors under buildings destroyed due to Israeli strikes.

Notable development of the day was interception of missiles over Jerusalem.&nbsp;The city has a powerful missile defence system.

Israel's army said on Friday that 119 soldiers had died in Gaza since its ground offensive began.

US, the biggest international backer of Israel which gives billions of dollars to the latter in military aid, has so far strongly backed Israel and has said that it had a right to defend itself. But top US officials including US President Joe Biden have expressed major concerns about the rising death toll in Gaza Strip.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/maersk-suspends-shipping-through-red-sea-strait-after-attacks-from-houthi-rebels-670091">Maersk suspends shipping through Red Sea strait after attacks from Houthi rebels</a>

US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, who met Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday, met Palestinian Authority president Mahmud Abbas in West Bank on Friday.

Abbas asserted that Gaza should remain an "integral part" of the Palestinian state.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/45pc-of-israeli-air-to-ground-munitions-in-gaza-are-dumb-bombs-reveals-report-669941">45 pc of Israeli air-to-ground munitions in Gaza are 'dumb bombs', reveals report</a>

On Friday, there were calls from multiple Western nations including Britain, Canada, France and the European Union and Australia that Israel should "take concrete steps to halt unprecedented violence by Israeli settlers".&nbsp;

A journalist from Turkey's Anadolu news agency was assaulted by Israeli police in East Jerusalem when he tried to take photos of praying Palestinians. It was even reported that the police kicked him when he was on the ground in an injured state.

(With inputs from agencies)

Israeli army in early hours of Saturday (Dec 16, IST) said that its soldiers had "mistakenly" shot dead three hostages after considering them a threat. "During combat in Shejaiya, the IDF (army) mistakenly identified three Israeli hostages as a threat.

Israeli army in early hours of Saturday (Dec 16, IST) said that its soldiers had "mistakenly" shot dead three hostages after considering them a threat. "During combat in Shejaiya, the IDF (army) mistakenly identified three Israeli hostages as a threat. As a result, the troops fired toward them and they were killed," the army said in a statement, expressing "deep remorse over the tragic incident". דובר צה"ל: במהלך הלחימה בשג׳עייה, כוח צה״ל זיהה בשוגג שלושה חטופים ישראלים כאיום. כתוצאה מכך הכוח ירה לעברם והם נהרגו. במהלך סריקה ובדיקה של מרחב האירוע עלה חשד לגבי זהות ההרוגים. הגופות נלקחו לבדיקה בשטח ישראל ולאחריה התברר כי מדובר בשלושה חטופים ישראלים>> — צבא ההגנה לישראל (@idfonline) December 15, 2023 × "The IDF began reviewing the incident immediately... Immediate lessons from the event have been learned, which have been passed on to all IDF troops in the field," it added. The army has identified two of the hostages and has withheld the name of the third hostage after a request from the family. Yotam Haim, one of the dead hostages was abducted by Hamas terrorists during October 7 attack from Kibbutz Kfar Aza. The second hostage, Samer El-Talaqa was taken from Kibbutz Nir Am. When it launched its attack on October 7, Hamas terrorists killed 1200 Israelis and took around 250 as hostages. The Israeli army also said earlier on Friday that the body of Elia Toledano, a French-Israeli hostage was returned to Israel. Toledano was not part of the group of three hostages which were mistakenly shot by Israeli troops on Saturday. Status of the war and main developments on Friday (Dec 15) Amid the still raging Israel-Hamas war, Israel on Friday (Dec 15) reopened aid crossing into the Gaza Strip. Israel has been under increasing global pressure especially from the United States for restraint and for efforts to avoid civilian casualties. The Hamas-run health ministry in the Gaza strip has already claimed that the death toll in the enclave has crossed 18,000. Israel has announced that opening of the crossing would be a "temporary" measure. Meanwhile, fierce fighting between the two sides continued on Friday. Hamas claimed to have blown up a house in Khan Yunis that the militant group said had Israeli soldiers inside. Watch | Israel-Hamas tops list of Google searches in 2023 × AFP reported that in Rafah near the Egyptian border, Palestinians searched for possible survivors under buildings destroyed due to Israeli strikes. Notable development of the day was interception of missiles over Jerusalem. The city has a powerful missile defence system. Israel's army said on Friday that 119 soldiers had died in Gaza since its ground offensive began. US, the biggest international backer of Israel which gives billions of dollars to the latter in military aid, has so far strongly backed Israel and has said that it had a right to defend itself. But top US officials including US President Joe Biden have expressed major concerns about the rising death toll in Gaza Strip. Also Read | Maersk suspends shipping through Red Sea strait after attacks from Houthi rebels US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, who met Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu on Thursday, met Palestinian Authority president Mahmud Abbas in West Bank on Friday. Abbas asserted that Gaza should remain an "integral part" of the Palestinian state. Also Read | 45 pc of Israeli air-to-ground munitions in Gaza are 'dumb bombs', reveals report On Friday, there were calls from multiple Western nations including Britain, Canada, France and the European Union and Australia that Israel should "take concrete steps to halt unprecedented violence by Israeli settlers". A journalist from Turkey's Anadolu news agency was assaulted by Israeli police in East Jerusalem when he tried to take photos of praying Palestinians. It was even reported that the police kicked him when he was on the ground in an injured state. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel troops ‘mistakenly’ shot dead three Israeli hostages, says army

The Iran-backed Houthis have targeted another cargo ship in the Red Sea. The incident comes after a series of attacks by the group. Have they officially joined Hamas? Hem Saroya reports.

Gravitas | Houthis target cargo ship in the Red Sea

The United States on Thursday (Dec 14) said that it wants the war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas to "end as soon as possible," the White House said.

The comments by the White House came amid US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan's visit to Israel as the international pressure mounted over Tel Aviv due to a rise in the number of civilian casualties in Gaza more than two months into the Israel-Hamas war.

Sullivan, during his visit to Tel Aviv, discussed Israel moving to "low-intensity operations" against Gaza "in the near future", White House spokesman John Kirby said.&nbsp;

The top White House official also met Defence Minister Yoav Gallant who told him that the war would last for "more than several months", according to Gallant's office.

"Hamas is a terrorist organization that built itself over a decade to fight Israel, and they built infrastructure under the ground and above the ground and it is not easy to destroy them," his office said in a statement.

"It will require a period of time -- it will last more than several months, but we will win and we will destroy them," it added.

Ahead of his trip, Sullivan said at a Wall Street Journal event that he would discuss a timetable to end the war and urge Israeli leaders "to move to a different phase from the kind of high-intensity operations that we see today."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vladimir-putin-is-confident-over-victory-in-war-says-goals-have-not-changed-in-ukraine-669620">Vladimir Putin is confident of victory in war, says goals have not changed in Ukraine</a>

Israel has come under mounting pressure even from its key backer US as President Joe Biden said Tel Aviv's "indiscriminate" bombing of civilians was costing it international support.

<h2>Spain FM urges Israel to distinguish 'terrorists' from Gaza civilians</h2>

Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares on Thursday called on Israel to differentiate between its "terrorist targets" and civilians in Gaza, adding that places of worship, hospitals and UN buildings should be spared.

"Spain's voice will always be raised to protect the rights of the Palestinian civilian population in Gaza," Albares said on a visit to Morocco.

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nothing-will-stop-us-until-victory-in-gaza-says-israeli-prime-minister-benjamin-netanyahu-669443"> 'Nothing will stop us' until victory is achieved in Gaza, says Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu</a>

"We must make a distinction between terrorist targets and the civilian population. We cannot have places of worship, hospitals, United Nations offices as targets," he said at a joint press conference with his Moroccan counterpart Nasser Bourita.

Albares further setting the record straight about Spain's backing to Israel in its war against Hamas said that his country had condemned the attacks launched by the Palestinian militant group and that Tel Aviv had the right to defend itself but "this defence against this terrorist attack must be done within the limits of international humanitarian law".

This comes after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday reiterated that "nothing could stop" his country from continuing the war until it achieves victory against the Palestinian militant group.

"We will continue until the end. There is no question at all. I say this in light of great pain, but also in light of international pressure. Nothing will stop us. We are going until the end, until victory, nothing less than that," Netanyahu said in a video statement released by his office.

While talking to the soldiers over the radio, Netanyahu said, "I want you to pass this along to the last of the soldiers - we're continuing until the end, until victory, until Hamas is annihilated, let there be no doubt about this. This is important, it is a message I want to convey to each and every soldier over there."

Around 1,200 Israelis, most of them civilians, lost their lives in the Oct 7 attacks, in which Hamas gunmen also took some 240 hostages, according to Israeli officials.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The United States on Thursday (Dec 14) said that it wants the war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas to "end as soon as possible," the White House said.

The United States on Thursday (Dec 14) said that it wants the war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas to "end as soon as possible," the White House said. The comments by the White House came amid US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan's visit to Israel as the international pressure mounted over Tel Aviv due to a rise in the number of civilian casualties in Gaza more than two months into the Israel-Hamas war. Sullivan, during his visit to Tel Aviv, discussed Israel moving to "low-intensity operations" against Gaza "in the near future", White House spokesman John Kirby said. The top White House official also met Defence Minister Yoav Gallant who told him that the war would last for "more than several months", according to Gallant's office. "Hamas is a terrorist organization that built itself over a decade to fight Israel, and they built infrastructure under the ground and above the ground and it is not easy to destroy them," his office said in a statement. "It will require a period of time -- it will last more than several months, but we will win and we will destroy them," it added. Ahead of his trip, Sullivan said at a Wall Street Journal event that he would discuss a timetable to end the war and urge Israeli leaders "to move to a different phase from the kind of high-intensity operations that we see today." Also read: Vladimir Putin is confident of victory in war, says goals have not changed in Ukraine Israel has come under mounting pressure even from its key backer US as President Joe Biden said Tel Aviv's "indiscriminate" bombing of civilians was costing it international support. Spain FM urges Israel to distinguish 'terrorists' from Gaza civilians Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares on Thursday called on Israel to differentiate between its "terrorist targets" and civilians in Gaza, adding that places of worship, hospitals and UN buildings should be spared. "Spain's voice will always be raised to protect the rights of the Palestinian civilian population in Gaza," Albares said on a visit to Morocco. Also read: 'Nothing will stop us' until victory is achieved in Gaza, says Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu "We must make a distinction between terrorist targets and the civilian population. We cannot have places of worship, hospitals, United Nations offices as targets," he said at a joint press conference with his Moroccan counterpart Nasser Bourita. Albares further setting the record straight about Spain's backing to Israel in its war against Hamas said that his country had condemned the attacks launched by the Palestinian militant group and that Tel Aviv had the right to defend itself but "this defence against this terrorist attack must be done within the limits of international humanitarian law". This comes after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday reiterated that "nothing could stop" his country from continuing the war until it achieves victory against the Palestinian militant group. "We will continue until the end. There is no question at all. I say this in light of great pain, but also in light of international pressure. Nothing will stop us. We are going until the end, until victory, nothing less than that," Netanyahu said in a video statement released by his office. While talking to the soldiers over the radio, Netanyahu said, "I want you to pass this along to the last of the soldiers - we're continuing until the end, until victory, until Hamas is annihilated, let there be no doubt about this. This is important, it is a message I want to convey to each and every soldier over there." Around 1,200 Israelis, most of them civilians, lost their lives in the Oct 7 attacks, in which Hamas gunmen also took some 240 hostages, according to Israeli officials. (With inputs from agencies)

United States wants Israel-Hamas war to end 'as soon as possible', says White House

As many as four people, belonging to the terror outfit Hamas, suspected of plotting terrorist attacks on European soil have been arrested by the German and Dutch authorities, the federal prosecutor in Germany informed in a statement released on Thursday (Dec 14) Three Hamas members were arrested in Germany while the fourth was apprehended in the Netherlands.

As many as four people, belonging to the terror outfit Hamas, suspected of plotting terrorist attacks on European soil have been arrested by the German and Dutch authorities, the federal prosecutor in Germany informed in a statement released on Thursday (Dec 14) Three Hamas members were arrested in Germany while the fourth was apprehended in the Netherlands. The three have been identified as Lebanon-born Abdelhamid Al A, Ibrahim El-R and Egyptian national Mohamed B. Dutch-born Nazih R is the fourth and was arrested by police in Rotterdam. They were reportedly planning attacks on Jewish institutions across Europe, having been longstanding members of the terror outfit with close links to the leadership of the group's military branch. German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser thanked the Dutch government for the swift collaboration, adding that Jews and their security remained a paramount priority. “The protection of Jews is our top priority. We use all constitutional means against those who threaten the lives of Jews and the existence of the state of Israel,” Faeser said. Also read | 'We will dance again': Freed Hamas hostage Mia Schem strikes defiance with new tattoo Meanwhile, Justice Minister Marco Buschmann said the operation had contributed to making the lives of Jews safer in Europe. “Following the terrible attacks by Hamas on the Israeli population, attacks on Jews and Jewish institutions have also increased in our country in recent weeks. This is shameful and shocking," said Buschmann We must therefore do everything we can to ensure that Jews in our country do not have to fear for their safety again. And our security and law enforcement authorities are working flat out to achieve this." In recent weeks, the European authorities have increased the threat level of large-scale terrorist action. Watch | Israel-Hamas war: British team helping Palestinian authority prepare for governance Escalation between Israel-Hamas Ever since the second truce deal between Israel and Hamas collapsed, Tel Aviv has upped the ante by re-launching aerial and ground operations on the Gaz Strip. Hamas-run Palestinian health ministry claims that more than 18,000 people have been killed since Israel launched its retaliatory operations following the militant group’s attack on October 7 in southern Israel. (With inputs from agencies)

Four Hamas members arrested in Germany, Netherlands over terrorism plot; Jewish institutions were the target

US President Joe Biden administration's support of Israel in the war against Hamas has drawn sharp criticism both from Americans protesting Palestinian civilian deaths and from state department staff calling for a cease-fire. Question remains is US' support for Israel waning due to deaths in Gaza?

US says not right for Israel to occupy Gaza long-term as death toll rises

The United States is urging Israel to move towards surgical operations against Hamas as opposed to its current broad ground campaign. The shift in the strategy was suggested by the White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan.

Jake Sullivan urges Israel to shift to a more targeted action

Ripples of the Gaza war are being felt miles away in the Red Sea. Yemen’s Houthi rebels have vowed to attack all ships bound for Israel. They call it their response to Israeli atrocities in Gaza. It has the west alarmed. What can the Houthis do - are they a serious threat? Ghadi Francis explains.

Yemen Houthis attack ships in the Red Sea

Hospital, refugee camp, school - nowhere is safe in Gaza. Civilian order is up for a toss. There is no food, no clean water, no medicines. The Gaza strip’s reality worsens every single day this war stretches. The un has said that half of the Gazan population - that is around a million people face the risk of starvation. Ghadi Francis brings you the tale of Gaza.

Israel-Hamas war: 19,000 Gazans killed since October 7th attack

Israel is losing allies… the Jewish leaders are not seeing eye to eye with their American mentors. Europe has for weeks condemned civilian killings in Gaza. But the Israeli Defence Minister has vowed to continue - with or without support. Ghadi Francis details how Israel’s civilian killings in Gaza might leave it isolated on the world stage.

Israel-Hamas war: Is Israel losing global support?

What the future holds for Gaza. It is a big uncertain territory. Israel has rejected the option of p-a ruling the strip, while Arab nations say there will be no rebuilding plans until a two-state solution-based peace plan is kick-started. Ghadi Francis gets more on this big question - what is next for Gaza?

Israel-Hamas war: Who will take responsibility for Gaza?

Israel-Hamas war: US pushes for surgical operations in Gaza

Seven people, including four suspected Hamas members, were arrested in Denmark, Germany and the Netherlands on suspicion of planning attacks on Jewish institutions in Europe, authorities in the three countries said on Thursday.

Four out of the seven terror suspects arrested in Europe are linked to Hamas

In the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, a recent US intelligence assessment reportedly disclosed&nbsp;that nearly 45 per cent&nbsp;of the air-to-ground munitions utilised by Israel in Gaza since October 7 are unguided,&nbsp;referred to as "dumb bombs".

This revelation follows <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-gospel-israel-puts-ai-to-work-in-selecting-targets-in-war-torn-gaza-665180">reports </a>suggesting that a senior Israeli intelligence officer stressed the goal of "killing as many Hamas operatives as possible," without a strict mandate to avoid Palestinian injuries, indicating a flexible approach.

The Office of the Director of National Intelligence compiled the assessment, reportedly revealing that out of the 29,000 air-to-ground munitions used, 40-45 per cent were unguided, contrasting with precision-guided munitions.

This report also coincides with US President Joe Biden urging Israel to exercise caution and minimise civilian casualties in Gaza instead of the indiscriminate bombardment on the besieged territory.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/temu-sues-shein-alleging-mafia-style-tactics-from-the-ultra-cheap-chinese-e-commerce-retailer-669932">Temu sues Shein alleging 'mafia-style' tactics from the ultra-cheap Chinese e-commerce retailer</a>

Unguided munitions, also known as free-fall bombs, lack guidance systems to actively adjust their trajectory, posing a greater threat to civilians in densely populated areas like Gaza. A CNN report suggested&nbsp;that the high use of unguided munitions may contribute to the escalating civilian death toll, a worrying development for the international community.&nbsp;

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In response to the report, IDF spokesperson Nir Dinar reportedly declined to comment on the type of munitions used.

Major Keren Hajioff, an Israeli spokesperson, stressed&nbsp;the commitment to international law and minimising harm to civilians forced into the role of human shields by Hamas.

However, experts, including Brian Castner from Amnesty International, reportedly expressed concerns, questioning Israel's claim of minimising civilian casualties if unguided munitions are being used extensively.

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-to-operate-drone-bases-in-pakistan-669677">US to operate drone bases in Pakistan?</a>

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“I’m extremely surprised and concerned,” said Castner. “It’s bad enough to be using the weapons when they are precisely hitting their targets. It is a massive civilian harm problem if they do not have that accuracy, and if you can’t even give a benefit of the doubt that that the weapon is actually landing where the Israeli forces intended to.”

(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.

In the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, a recent US intelligence assessment reportedly disclosed that nearly 45 per cent of the air-to-ground munitions utilised by Israel in Gaza since October 7 are unguided, referred to as "dumb bombs".

In the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, a recent US intelligence assessment reportedly disclosed that nearly 45 per cent of the air-to-ground munitions utilised by Israel in Gaza since October 7 are unguided, referred to as "dumb bombs". This revelation follows reports suggesting that a senior Israeli intelligence officer stressed the goal of "killing as many Hamas operatives as possible," without a strict mandate to avoid Palestinian injuries, indicating a flexible approach. The Office of the Director of National Intelligence compiled the assessment, reportedly revealing that out of the 29,000 air-to-ground munitions used, 40-45 per cent were unguided, contrasting with precision-guided munitions. This report also coincides with US President Joe Biden urging Israel to exercise caution and minimise civilian casualties in Gaza instead of the indiscriminate bombardment on the besieged territory. Also Read | Temu sues Shein alleging 'mafia-style' tactics from the ultra-cheap Chinese e-commerce retailer Unguided munitions, also known as free-fall bombs, lack guidance systems to actively adjust their trajectory, posing a greater threat to civilians in densely populated areas like Gaza. A CNN report suggested that the high use of unguided munitions may contribute to the escalating civilian death toll, a worrying development for the international community. Also Read | COP28 Breakthrough: World unites to shift from fossil fuels in historic climate accord In response to the report, IDF spokesperson Nir Dinar reportedly declined to comment on the type of munitions used. Major Keren Hajioff, an Israeli spokesperson, stressed the commitment to international law and minimising harm to civilians forced into the role of human shields by Hamas. However, experts, including Brian Castner from Amnesty International, reportedly expressed concerns, questioning Israel's claim of minimising civilian casualties if unguided munitions are being used extensively. Watch | US to operate drone bases in Pakistan? × “I’m extremely surprised and concerned,” said Castner. “It’s bad enough to be using the weapons when they are precisely hitting their targets. It is a massive civilian harm problem if they do not have that accuracy, and if you can’t even give a benefit of the doubt that that the weapon is actually landing where the Israeli forces intended to.” (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.

45pc of Israeli air-to-ground munitions in Gaza are 'dumb bombs', reveals report

United States Vice President Kamala Harris has reportedly become the cause of tensions in the White House.&nbsp;As per reports, President Joe Biden's second-in-command has been urging him and other colleagues to show more sensitivity to the plight of Palestinian civilians, as the death toll in Gaza continues to mount.&nbsp;

<h2>A push for sympathy</h2>

As per a Politico report, Harris has been telling her colleagues that she wants the White House to publicly be sensitive and show more concern about the humanitarian damage in Gaza.

The publication reports that in internal conversations about the Israel-Hamas war, Harris has expressed her belief that the US should be "tougher" on Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/israel-hamas-conflict-takes-toll-on-neighbouring-economies-un-study-warns-of-10-bn-impact-669871">Israel-Hamas conflict takes toll on neighbouring economies, UN study warns of $10 bn impact</a>

She has called for being "more forceful at seeking a long-term peace and two-state solution," said one person.

Harris has reportedly also argued that the US should start making "day after" plans for when the war ends, leaving behind wreckage.

The source of this information, as cited by Politico, is "three people familiar with Harris' comments".

<h2>Differences between Biden and Harris?</h2>

There are longstanding differences in perspective between Harris and Biden, reports Politico. However, Kirsten Allen, Kamala Harris'&nbsp;press secretary, clarified that "there is no daylight between the president and the vice president, nor has there been".

Allen said that the two are aligned and "have been clear: Israel has a right and responsibility to defend itself; humanitarian aid must be allowed to flow into Gaza; innocent civilians must be protected; and the United States remains committed to a two-state solution."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-wants-israel-hamas-war-to-end-as-soon-as-possible-says-white-house-669806">United States wants Israel-Hamas war to end 'as soon as possible', says White House</a>

She also cautioned the media "about citing anonymous sources in the ‘orbit’ about sensitive national security conversations between the president and vice president that take place in the Oval Office."

Since the beginning of this war on Oct 7, the US has repeatedly made mention of its support for Israel's right to defend itself, and spoken up about a rise in antisemitism. However, as per a Washington Post report from last month, in October, Harris had urged Biden to condemn Islamophobia along with antisemitism.&nbsp;

Since then, the US has grown increasingly willing to criticise Israel's "indiscriminate bombing" of Gaza, with Biden even calling on the Netanyahu government to "change" its methods.

(With inputs from agencies)

United States Vice President Kamala Harris has reportedly become the cause of tensions in the White House. As per reports, President Joe Biden's second-in-command has been urging him and other colleagues to show more sensitivity to the plight of Palestinian civilians, as the death toll in Gaza continues to mount.

United States Vice President Kamala Harris has reportedly become the cause of tensions in the White House. As per reports, President Joe Biden's second-in-command has been urging him and other colleagues to show more sensitivity to the plight of Palestinian civilians, as the death toll in Gaza continues to mount. A push for sympathy As per a Politico report, Harris has been telling her colleagues that she wants the White House to publicly be sensitive and show more concern about the humanitarian damage in Gaza. The publication reports that in internal conversations about the Israel-Hamas war, Harris has expressed her belief that the US should be "tougher" on Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu. Also read | Israel-Hamas conflict takes toll on neighbouring economies, UN study warns of $10 bn impact She has called for being "more forceful at seeking a long-term peace and two-state solution," said one person. Harris has reportedly also argued that the US should start making "day after" plans for when the war ends, leaving behind wreckage. The source of this information, as cited by Politico, is "three people familiar with Harris' comments". Differences between Biden and Harris? There are longstanding differences in perspective between Harris and Biden, reports Politico. However, Kirsten Allen, Kamala Harris' press secretary, clarified that "there is no daylight between the president and the vice president, nor has there been". Allen said that the two are aligned and "have been clear: Israel has a right and responsibility to defend itself; humanitarian aid must be allowed to flow into Gaza; innocent civilians must be protected; and the United States remains committed to a two-state solution." Also read | United States wants Israel-Hamas war to end 'as soon as possible', says White House She also cautioned the media "about citing anonymous sources in the ‘orbit’ about sensitive national security conversations between the president and vice president that take place in the Oval Office." Since the beginning of this war on Oct 7, the US has repeatedly made mention of its support for Israel's right to defend itself, and spoken up about a rise in antisemitism. However, as per a Washington Post report from last month, in October, Harris had urged Biden to condemn Islamophobia along with antisemitism. Since then, the US has grown increasingly willing to criticise Israel's "indiscriminate bombing" of Gaza, with Biden even calling on the Netanyahu government to "change" its methods. (With inputs from agencies)

US VP Harris urges President Biden to be 'tougher' on Netanyahu, sparks tensions: Report

The United Nations demanded an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in the Gaza Strip as US President Joe Biden warned Israel it was losing international support because of its "indiscriminate" bombing of civilians in its war against Hamas militants.

Israel-Hamas war: Biden warns Israeli government of losing support amid war with Hamas

Israel faced condemnation from international leaders, communities over their aerial bombing campaign on Palestine's Gaza, that killed over 18,000 people. Now an intelligence report by the United States have revealed that more than half the bombs dropped were ‘dumb bombs’ or untargeted, not precise bombs.

'Dumb bombs' used in almost half of Israeli strikes on Gaza, says US Intelligence

Isareli forces' operation in Gaza is helping Hamas to gain popularity. Support for Hamas is growing in Gaza and West Bank. Palestinians are showing support for Hamas group.

Israel-Hamas war: Israel's operation in Gaza helping Hamas gain popularity

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