Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian, while speaking at the United Nations, said that Hamas was ready to release civilian hostages but only when 6,000 Palestinians in Israeli prisons were released.

"The Islamic Republic of Iran stands ready to play its part in this very important humanitarian endeavour, along with Qatar and Turkey. Naturally, the release of the 6,000 Palestinian prisoners is another necessity and responsibility of the global community," Amirabdollahian said.

He further warned the United States that if Israel's counter-attacks against the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza did not stop, then Washington would "not be spared from this fire."

"I say frankly to the American statesmen, who are now managing the genocide in Palestine, that we do not welcome (an) expansion of the war in the region. But if the genocide in Gaza continues, they will not be spared from this fire," he told a meeting on the Middle East at&nbsp;the 193-member General Assembly.

<h2>Release of hostages needs ceasefire, says Hamas official</h2>

A Hamas official linked the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza to a ceasefire in Israel's counter-attacks on the besieged Palestinian enclave.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-amid-fears-of-escalation-united-states-intensifies-deployment-of-forces-around-israel-651727">Also read: Explained | Amid fears of escalation, United States intensifies deployment of forces around Israel</a>

Israel said earlier it is preparing for a ground invasion of Gaza, however, US and Arab countries have urged Tel Aviv to delay the operation amid fears that it could ignite a broader escalation.

As per news agency Reuters, a poll released on Friday (Oct 27), suggested that nearly half of the Israelis wanted defence forces to halt the ground invasion out of fears that at least 224 hostages were reported to be held there.

The Russian newspaper Kommersant quoted a member of a Hamas delegation visiting Moscow as saying that time was needed to locate all those who had been abducted by various Palestinian factions in the Hamas attack on October 7.

"They seized dozens of people, most of them civilians, and we need time to find them in the Gaza Strip and then release them," Abu Hamid said.

He said Hamas, which has freed four hostages so far, had made clear it intended to release "civilian prisoners".

But this required a "calm environment", he said, repeating an assertion that Israeli bombing had already killed 50 of those held.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

 
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Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian, while speaking at the United Nations, said that Hamas was ready to release civilian hostages but only when 6,000 Palestinians in Israeli prisons were released.

Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian, while speaking at the United Nations, said that Hamas was ready to release civilian hostages but only when 6,000 Palestinians in Israeli prisons were released. "The Islamic Republic of Iran stands ready to play its part in this very important humanitarian endeavour, along with Qatar and Turkey. Naturally, the release of the 6,000 Palestinian prisoners is another necessity and responsibility of the global community," Amirabdollahian said. He further warned the United States that if Israel's counter-attacks against the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza did not stop, then Washington would "not be spared from this fire." "I say frankly to the American statesmen, who are now managing the genocide in Palestine, that we do not welcome (an) expansion of the war in the region. But if the genocide in Gaza continues, they will not be spared from this fire," he told a meeting on the Middle East at the 193-member General Assembly. Release of hostages needs ceasefire, says Hamas official A Hamas official linked the release of Israeli hostages held in Gaza to a ceasefire in Israel's counter-attacks on the besieged Palestinian enclave. Also read: Explained | Amid fears of escalation, United States intensifies deployment of forces around Israel Israel said earlier it is preparing for a ground invasion of Gaza, however, US and Arab countries have urged Tel Aviv to delay the operation amid fears that it could ignite a broader escalation. As per news agency Reuters, a poll released on Friday (Oct 27), suggested that nearly half of the Israelis wanted defence forces to halt the ground invasion out of fears that at least 224 hostages were reported to be held there. The Russian newspaper Kommersant quoted a member of a Hamas delegation visiting Moscow as saying that time was needed to locate all those who had been abducted by various Palestinian factions in the Hamas attack on October 7. "They seized dozens of people, most of them civilians, and we need time to find them in the Gaza Strip and then release them," Abu Hamid said. He said Hamas, which has freed four hostages so far, had made clear it intended to release "civilian prisoners". But this required a "calm environment", he said, repeating an assertion that Israeli bombing had already killed 50 of those held. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'Hamas ready to release civilian hostages but on one condition', says Iran

Smaller ground operations into Gaza will continue, according to the Israeli military, which implies that these are steps towards a larger-scale invasion. In response to US authorities who questioned the number, the Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza has made public the names and identification numbers of 7,028 persons it claims have died in the ongoing Israeli assault.

Israel-Palestine war | Israel ground forces and jets raided Central Gaza: Army

The US has been Israel's strongest ally, showing unwavering support for the latter's military actions in Gaza. But Joe Biden's weak stance on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza has angered thousands of American Muslims and Arabs in the country.

Israel-Palestine war: Shift in Washington's tone amid war? Biden stresses on two-state solution

Deputy Finance Minister Michal Woldiger announced Thursday that she was resigning from the government in order to divert her office’s budget and resources to assist in the war against Hamas, and to free up her own time to visit and aid those traumatized by the October 7 onslaught and strengthen “societal resilience.”

Israel-Palestine war | Israel: Deputy Finance Minister, Public Diplomacy Minister resign

Israel-Palestine war | IDF: Killed three senior Hamas commanders in Gaza airstrike

Israel-Palestine war: This conflict might spread to other countries as well: Analyst

Israel-Palestine war: There must be independent states of Israel and Palestine: Joe Biden

Russian news agencies claimed, citing the foreign ministry, that a Hamas delegation visited Moscow on Thursday to discuss the release of foreign hostages, including Russian citizens, that the militant group is currently holding in Gaza. TASS said that Abu Marzouk, a senior Hamas member, was present at the discussions.

Hamas delegation visits Moscow, discusses release of hostages in Gaza: Foreign ministry

East Libya-based assembly calls on ambassadors of countries supporting Israeli attacks in Gaza to leave Libya immediately.

Libya's parliament calls for halting oil exports to supporters of Israel amid conflict

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is getting worse, which is why there are more strikes. In an attempt to save hostages and maintain the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza, President Joe Biden stated on Wednesday that he "did not demand" that Israel postpone a ground invasion of the region.

Israel-Hamas war: Israel launches brief ground incursion in Gaza

An emergency plenary session of the UN General Assembly is being held to discuss the conflict between Israel and Hamas as well as the circumstances in the Palestinian territory. It comes after a UN Security Council resolution urging "humanitarian pauses" in the violence was not approved on October 18. The US vetoed the resolution.

Israel-Palestine war | Palestinian diplomat: 70% of those killed are women & children

US President Joe Biden said on Wednesday on the veracity of the Palestinian death toll statistics in the Gaza Strip, which is under Hamas control. Over 6,500 people have been killed in Israeli attacks, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, with about 2,700 of them being minors. Biden was questioned about whether Israel was disregarding US requests to reduce civilian casualties in its assault of the coastal enclave during a White House news conference.

Israel-Palestine war: Here why Israel is delaying its ground invasion of Gaza | WION Newspoint

The Joe Biden administration in the United States is preparing for the possibility of carrying out a mass evacuation of hundreds of thousands of American citizens from the Middle East if the ongoing conflict in Gaza isn't contained, the Washington Post reported citing officials.

Israel-Palestine war: US increases military deployment near Israel

After 18 days since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas conflict, the narrative appears to be shifting towards the suffering of Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip. With rising casualties, challenges in delivering aid, and the United Nations Chief condemning violations of international law in Gaza, sympathy for Israel seems to be diminishing. Here's a report.

Gravitas: Palestinian Sympathy Grows Amid Israeli Bombardment | The Human Cost of War in Gaza

Who will govern Gaza if Hamas is driven out in a further escalation - the West wants a two-state solution. Israel says it wants to crush the Hamas and its terror activities but will it control Gaza and if not then will it allow the Palestinian authorities?

Israel-Palestine war: Can Mahmoud Abbas represent the voice of Palestinians?

Following Kevin McCarthy's removal three weeks ago, there had been a turbulent 22-day vacancy until Mike Johnson was sworn in as the 56th Speaker of the House Representatives.

New US house speaker Mike Johnson announces resolution supporting Israel as first bill

Israel-Palestine war: Over-crowding, poor sanitation causing spread of diseases in Gaza

While acknowledging the close ties with India, Israel has called on New Delhi to&nbsp;declare Hamas a terrorist organisation in the country. Israel's ambassador to India Naor Gilon on Wednesday (Oct 26) in a press briefing showered praises on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his statement post the horrific October 7 Hamas attack where he assured the terror-hit country that India stands firm with it in these unprecedented times.&nbsp;

"Prime Minister Modi was among the first leaders in the world to come out with a clear statement...this was before we had understood the full magnitude of what had happened...I think that set a very strong tone of clear condemnation of terrorism. It's important to us because India is a very close ally," Gilon said in the briefing.&nbsp;

The ambassador also appreciated the pivotal role played by India in its fight against terrorism.&nbsp;"India is also a very important moral voice in the world and when it comes to terror, India is also coming from the point of view of someone who knows what they're talking about being victims for so many years of terrorism," he reportedly said.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-police-consider-hitler-moustache-drawn-on-abducted-children-posters-a-hate-crime-651313">UK: Police consider 'Hitler moustache' drawn on abducted children posters a 'hate crime'</a>

<h2>Hamas is a designated&nbsp;terrorist organisation in several countries</h2>

Hamas' attack on Israel has led to the killing of thousands of Israeli citizens and this has once again brought the spotlight on the terrorist organisation that has long been active in the Gaza Strip. As the UNSC meets to find a resolution to the Israel-Hamas war, Israel is urging India to declare the militant group a terrorist organisation. Notably, Israel, the US, and the EU have already designated the Islamist militant group a terrorist organisation.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"I think that it's also time to officially designate Hamas as a terror organisation also in India. Most of the democracies, the EU, US, Canada, and Australia, I believe have already done this, and I think it's good," the envoy said.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-biden-urges-israel-to-follow-laws-of-war-protect-civilians-in-gaza-651316">US President Biden urges Israel to follow ‘laws of war’, protect civilians in Gaza</a>

India has seen the ugly face of terrorism and has been the victim of Pakistan-based terror groups such as&nbsp;Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). The country on many occasions also voiced its concerns&nbsp;on the&nbsp;pertinent issue on international platforms, asking Pakistan to stop its cross-border terrorism.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-palestinian-sympathy-grows-amid-israeli-bombardment-the-human-cost-of-war-in-gaza-651298">Gravitas: Palestinian Sympathy Grows Amid Israeli Bombardment | The Human Cost of War in Gaza</a>

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"We spoke to the relevant authorities also here. It's not the first time we've spoken about it. We understand the problems of terror threats to each other. I think it's a natural thing. It's not something that we are putting pressure on. We are asking because I think it's something that is due because of our shared war on terror," Gilon said.&nbsp;

"We raised it after the attack and we are still in dialogue. We are speaking always with India. It's a friendly talk. We are not having battles on anything. We see eye to eye on a vast majority of things, on counter-terrorism for sure, but also in other strategic issues," he added.

(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.

While acknowledging the close ties with India, Israel has called on New Delhi to declare Hamas a terrorist organisation in the country. Israel's ambassador to India Naor Gilon on Wednesday (Oct 26) in a press briefing showered praises on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his statement post the horrific October 7 Hamas attack where he assured the terror-hit country that India stands firm with it in these unprecedented times.

While acknowledging the close ties with India, Israel has called on New Delhi to declare Hamas a terrorist organisation in the country. Israel's ambassador to India Naor Gilon on Wednesday (Oct 26) in a press briefing showered praises on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his statement post the horrific October 7 Hamas attack where he assured the terror-hit country that India stands firm with it in these unprecedented times. "Prime Minister Modi was among the first leaders in the world to come out with a clear statement...this was before we had understood the full magnitude of what had happened...I think that set a very strong tone of clear condemnation of terrorism. It's important to us because India is a very close ally," Gilon said in the briefing. The ambassador also appreciated the pivotal role played by India in its fight against terrorism. "India is also a very important moral voice in the world and when it comes to terror, India is also coming from the point of view of someone who knows what they're talking about being victims for so many years of terrorism," he reportedly said. Also Read | UK: Police consider 'Hitler moustache' drawn on abducted children posters a 'hate crime' Hamas is a designated terrorist organisation in several countries Hamas' attack on Israel has led to the killing of thousands of Israeli citizens and this has once again brought the spotlight on the terrorist organisation that has long been active in the Gaza Strip. As the UNSC meets to find a resolution to the Israel-Hamas war, Israel is urging India to declare the militant group a terrorist organisation. Notably, Israel, the US, and the EU have already designated the Islamist militant group a terrorist organisation. "I think that it's also time to officially designate Hamas as a terror organisation also in India. Most of the democracies, the EU, US, Canada, and Australia, I believe have already done this, and I think it's good," the envoy said. Also Read | US President Biden urges Israel to follow ‘laws of war’, protect civilians in Gaza India has seen the ugly face of terrorism and has been the victim of Pakistan-based terror groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT). The country on many occasions also voiced its concerns on the pertinent issue on international platforms, asking Pakistan to stop its cross-border terrorism. Watch | Gravitas: Palestinian Sympathy Grows Amid Israeli Bombardment | The Human Cost of War in Gaza × "We spoke to the relevant authorities also here. It's not the first time we've spoken about it. We understand the problems of terror threats to each other. I think it's a natural thing. It's not something that we are putting pressure on. We are asking because I think it's something that is due because of our shared war on terror," Gilon said. "We raised it after the attack and we are still in dialogue. We are speaking always with India. It's a friendly talk. We are not having battles on anything. We see eye to eye on a vast majority of things, on counter-terrorism for sure, but also in other strategic issues," he added. (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.

'It is time...': Israel urges India to designate Hamas a terrorist organisation

For over a year and a half, the war in Ukraine has dominated global attention due to the bloody scenes after Russia’s invasion. Despite the grinding battle of attrition, the Russian armed forces are pressing on. Moscow continues to bank on its military-industrial complex and recently tested its ability to deliver a massive retaliatory nuclear strike by land, sea and air.

Does the world have the resources to focus on two wars? | Gravitas

Not only has the violence led to widespread flight cancellations and uncertainty in Israel, but it's also sending shockwaves throughout West Asia’s tourism industry.

Tourism industry reels from Israel-Hamas conflict fallout | World Business Watch

As the war grinds on between Israel and Hamas, one should not forget the decades-old “alliance” between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Gaza-based terrorist organisation.

The basis of this collaboration of more than a decade was their shared hatred for the Palestinian Authority (PA) and its leader Mahmoud Abbas.

Let us break it down for you.

Netanyahu assumed the PM's office in 2009 and since then, he has tried to shore up Hamas in order to ostracise the PA.&nbsp;

<h2>Netanyahu always opposed peace efforts between Hamas and the PA</h2>

He opposed reconciliation efforts between Hamas and Fatah, the political party backed by PA leader Mahmoud Abbas.

A glaring example came in late 2017. The peace efforts were going on, with support from the US and Egypt. One of the major hurdles in reaching the peace deal was Hamas’ assertion that it won’t be subordinate to the PA.&nbsp;

However, it agreed to transfer all political powers to the PA in Gaza, while refusing to lay down its arms.

During that time, Netanyahu reportedly made all possible efforts to derail that deal, while &nbsp;claiming that “reconciliation between Hamas and the PLO makes achieving peace harder.”&nbsp;

Bibi believed that peace between Hamas and PA would pave the way for a united Palestine, essentially leading to a two-state solution, an idea Netanyahu vehemently opposes.

In May 2019, former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak further confirmed this during an interview with Channel 13. “Netanyahu isn’t interested in a two-state solution. Rather, he wants to separate Gaza from the West Bank, as he told me at the end of 2010,” he said.

<h2>Netanyahu’s pro-Hamas policies</h2>

Under his rule, Netanyahu ensured Hamas got unhindered access to funds flowing in from Qatar and Iran. He did almost nothing to install checks and balances even as he knew much of it might be directed towards funding terrorism and the flowering of militant ideology.

Without these funds, Hamas would never have developed such a strong military arm, eventually carrying out the dastardly terrorist attack of October 7.

In March 2019, Netanyahu himself admitted that he supported the policy of enriching Hamas to keep the PA at bay.&nbsp;

“Whoever opposes a Palestinian state must support delivery of funds to Gaza because maintaining separation between the PA in the West Bank and Hamas in Gaza will prevent the establishment of a Palestinian state,” he said during a meeting with Likud MKs (Members of Knesset).

Netanyahu had this clear plan in mind: To hurt Abbas and prevent the division of the land of Israel into two states, Hamas must be shored up.

<h2>Operation Protective Edge</h2>

It is also a fact that under Netanyahu’s rule, Hamas never faced any major, existential military threat from the Israeli forces. In fact, according to claims by several Israeli officials and ministers, it is Netanyahu himself who once stymied the IDF’s plans to obliterate the Hamas once and for all.

In 2014, IDF launched Operation Protective Edge in Gaza which had the potential to wipe Hamas off Gaza’s map. Netanyahu reportedly did something to derail that plan and shield Hamas.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Israel PM Netanyahu visits Gaza border, meets IDF soldiers | IDF Chief says 'ready for invasion'

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He allegedly leaked to the media a presentation made by the Israeli military highlighting the potential repercussions and human cost of the operation.

The secret document was leaked to peddle this narrative that the operation against Hamas would lead to thousands of casualties for the IDF and it should not be initiated altogether.

Of course, the leak was never investigated. In closed-door meetings, Benny Gantz, IDF’s former chief of staff, is believed to have said, “Bibi leaked this.”

<h2>Top anti-Netanyahu voices</h2>

Many of Israel’s top military and political leaders have talked about this covert relationship between Hamas and Bibi.

In an interview published days before Hamas’ October 7 assault against Israel, Avigdor Lieberman, former finance minister, was quoted as saying by Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper that Bibi “continuously thwarted all the targeted assassinations” in Gaza.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/where-is-your-son-pm-israeli-reservists-ask-as-yair-netanyahu-stays-back-in-us-650631">Also read:&nbsp;'Where is your son PM?' Israeli reservists ask as Yair Netanyahu stays back in US</a>

In August 2019, former PM of Israel Ehud Barak said that Netanyahu’s strategy was to keep Hamas alive. “His strategy is to keep Hamas alive and kicking… even at the price of abandoning the citizens [of the south] … in order to weaken the PA in Ramallah,” he said.

Former IDF chief Gadi Eisenkot in January 2022 claimed that Netanyahu always overruled what the National Security Council suggested—establish two states and engage with the PA. Israel did the exact opposite—it ostracised the PA and strengthened Hamas.

<h2>Pro-Netanyahu flank's argument</h2>

Pro-Netanyahu voices believe the biggest achievement of the prime minister is separating Gaza from the West Bank, thus virtually killing the idea of a two-state solution.

Netanyahu “basically smashed the vision of the Palestinian state in these two places,” said Jonatan Urich, one of Netanyahu’s media advisers and a Likud spokesman, in April 2019.

The very next month, another pro-Netanyahu voice, Gen (Res) Gershon Hacohen said, “When Netanyahu didn’t go to war in Gaza to defeat the Hamas regime, he basically prevented Abu Mazen (Mahmoud Abbas) from establishing a united Palestinian state.”

“We need to exploit the situation of separation created between Gaza and Ramallah. It’s an Israeli interest of the highest level, and you can’t understand the situation in Gaza without understanding this context,” he added, reinforcing Netanyahu’s divide-and-rule policy.

(With inputs from agencies)

As the war grinds on between Israel and Hamas, one should not forget the decades-old “alliance” between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Gaza-based terrorist organisation.

As the war grinds on between Israel and Hamas, one should not forget the decades-old “alliance” between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Gaza-based terrorist organisation. The basis of this collaboration of more than a decade was their shared hatred for the Palestinian Authority (PA) and its leader Mahmoud Abbas. Let us break it down for you. Netanyahu assumed the PM's office in 2009 and since then, he has tried to shore up Hamas in order to ostracise the PA. Netanyahu always opposed peace efforts between Hamas and the PA He opposed reconciliation efforts between Hamas and Fatah, the political party backed by PA leader Mahmoud Abbas. A glaring example came in late 2017. The peace efforts were going on, with support from the US and Egypt. One of the major hurdles in reaching the peace deal was Hamas’ assertion that it won’t be subordinate to the PA. However, it agreed to transfer all political powers to the PA in Gaza, while refusing to lay down its arms. During that time, Netanyahu reportedly made all possible efforts to derail that deal, while claiming that “reconciliation between Hamas and the PLO makes achieving peace harder.” Bibi believed that peace between Hamas and PA would pave the way for a united Palestine, essentially leading to a two-state solution, an idea Netanyahu vehemently opposes. In May 2019, former Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak further confirmed this during an interview with Channel 13. “Netanyahu isn’t interested in a two-state solution. Rather, he wants to separate Gaza from the West Bank, as he told me at the end of 2010,” he said. Netanyahu’s pro-Hamas policies Under his rule, Netanyahu ensured Hamas got unhindered access to funds flowing in from Qatar and Iran. He did almost nothing to install checks and balances even as he knew much of it might be directed towards funding terrorism and the flowering of militant ideology. Without these funds, Hamas would never have developed such a strong military arm, eventually carrying out the dastardly terrorist attack of October 7. In March 2019, Netanyahu himself admitted that he supported the policy of enriching Hamas to keep the PA at bay. “Whoever opposes a Palestinian state must support delivery of funds to Gaza because maintaining separation between the PA in the West Bank and Hamas in Gaza will prevent the establishment of a Palestinian state,” he said during a meeting with Likud MKs (Members of Knesset). Netanyahu had this clear plan in mind: To hurt Abbas and prevent the division of the land of Israel into two states, Hamas must be shored up. Operation Protective Edge It is also a fact that under Netanyahu’s rule, Hamas never faced any major, existential military threat from the Israeli forces. In fact, according to claims by several Israeli officials and ministers, it is Netanyahu himself who once stymied the IDF’s plans to obliterate the Hamas once and for all. In 2014, IDF launched Operation Protective Edge in Gaza which had the potential to wipe Hamas off Gaza’s map. Netanyahu reportedly did something to derail that plan and shield Hamas. Watch: Israel PM Netanyahu visits Gaza border, meets IDF soldiers | IDF Chief says 'ready for invasion' × He allegedly leaked to the media a presentation made by the Israeli military highlighting the potential repercussions and human cost of the operation. The secret document was leaked to peddle this narrative that the operation against Hamas would lead to thousands of casualties for the IDF and it should not be initiated altogether. Of course, the leak was never investigated. In closed-door meetings, Benny Gantz, IDF’s former chief of staff, is believed to have said, “Bibi leaked this.” Top anti-Netanyahu voices Many of Israel’s top military and political leaders have talked about this covert relationship between Hamas and Bibi. In an interview published days before Hamas’ October 7 assault against Israel, Avigdor Lieberman, former finance minister, was quoted as saying by Yedioth Ahronoth newspaper that Bibi “continuously thwarted all the targeted assassinations” in Gaza. Also read: 'Where is your son PM?' Israeli reservists ask as Yair Netanyahu stays back in US In August 2019, former PM of Israel Ehud Barak said that Netanyahu’s strategy was to keep Hamas alive. “His strategy is to keep Hamas alive and kicking… even at the price of abandoning the citizens [of the south] … in order to weaken the PA in Ramallah,” he said. Former IDF chief Gadi Eisenkot in January 2022 claimed that Netanyahu always overruled what the National Security Council suggested—establish two states and engage with the PA. Israel did the exact opposite—it ostracised the PA and strengthened Hamas. Pro-Netanyahu flank's argument Pro-Netanyahu voices believe the biggest achievement of the prime minister is separating Gaza from the West Bank, thus virtually killing the idea of a two-state solution. Netanyahu “basically smashed the vision of the Palestinian state in these two places,” said Jonatan Urich, one of Netanyahu’s media advisers and a Likud spokesman, in April 2019. The very next month, another pro-Netanyahu voice, Gen (Res) Gershon Hacohen said, “When Netanyahu didn’t go to war in Gaza to defeat the Hamas regime, he basically prevented Abu Mazen (Mahmoud Abbas) from establishing a united Palestinian state.” “We need to exploit the situation of separation created between Gaza and Ramallah. It’s an Israeli interest of the highest level, and you can’t understand the situation in Gaza without understanding this context,” he added, reinforcing Netanyahu’s divide-and-rule policy. (With inputs from agencies)

Explained | How Netanyahu helped turn Hamas into his Frankenstein's monster

Amid its military campaign in Gaza, Israel intensifies diplomatic efforts to have Hamas officially designated as a terrorist organization worldwide. The move is part of Israel's broader strategy to combat terrorism and garner international support during the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Israel urges India to designate Hamas as terror outfit | Gravitas

S&P Global Ratings has issued a stark warning regarding Israel's economic outlook. Amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, the rating agency has downgraded Israel's credit outlook from stable to negative.

S&P rattles Israel's economic confidence amid escalating conflict

You can find a lot of false information on social media. That's not a brand-new issue, but the conflict between Israel and Hamas makes it very urgent at the moment.

Israel-Palestine war: How Israel-Gaza war is affecting you

Israel-Palestine war: Will Israel launch a ground invasion of Gaza?

As Israel intensifies its operations in the Gaza Strip, watch how Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's spokesperson reacts to the escalating situation. The conflict has reached a critical stage, with Israel reportedly preparing for a ground invasion.

Israel-Hamas war: Netanyahu's aide speaks to WION, justifies ground assault | Gravitas

Israel and UN are locked in a furious spat over the UN Secretary General Antonio Guturres' comments on the Israel-Hamas war--saying that it did not happen in a vacuum. The Secy General's comments have sparked outrage from Israel which has even asked Guterres to resign saying he has justified terrorism.

Israel accuses UN's Guterres of supporting Hamas terrorists, UNSC leaders veto resolutions| Gravitas

Israeli troops and tanks conducted an overnight ground raid in northern Gaza, marking a significant development in the conflict. Amid the strikes, tragic stories of families affected by the conflict, are coming out of the Gaza strip. Watch this video for all the developments from the ground.

Israel-Hamas War: Israel stages biggest night incursion in North Gaza, prepares for Ground offensive

Hamas' armed wing on Thursday (Oct 26) claimed that "almost 50" Israeli hostages, held captive by the militant group, were killed after Israel began its counter-offensive against the Palestinian enclave.

"(Ezzedine) Al-Qassam Brigades estimates that the number of Zionist prisoners who were killed in the Gaza Strip as a result of Zionist strikes and massacres has reached almost 50," the group said in a statement issued on its Telegram channel, as per news agency AFP reports.

Earlier, the Israeli army said that 224 people were kidnapped by militants during the attack that claimed the lives of 1,400 people, mostly civilians.

"We have informed the families of 224 hostages. This number is changing based on the intelligence we obtain," military spokesman Daniel Hagari told reporters.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-russia-us-proposals-for-un-action-on-israel-gaza-rejected-at-security-council-651348">Israel-Hamas war: Russia, US proposals for UN action on Israel, Gaza rejected at Security Council</a>

"It will continue to change. The effort to return the hostages is a top priority."

As per the Israeli government, at least half of the hostages have foreign passports.

Israel launched massive air strikes&nbsp;in retaliation against Palestinian militant group Hamas after its brutal onslaught on Oct 7.

<h2>'Advance warnings make no difference'</h2>

The UN humanitarian coordinator for the Palestinian territories, Lynne Hastings, on Thursday, said that despite the fact that Israeli forces issued warnings to the people in Gaza to leave, "advance warnings make no difference".&nbsp;

In a statement, she said that when evacuation routes are bombed, "people are left with nothing but impossible choices. Nowhere is safe in Gaza."

The army said overnight its forces hit "numerous terrorist cells, infrastructure and anti-tank missile launch posts".

The operation in northern Gaza came in "preparation for the next stages of combat", the military said.

The raid by the army came after PM Netanyahu, during a televised address said that "we are in the midst of a campaign for our existence".&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

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Hamas' armed wing on Thursday (Oct 26) claimed that "almost 50" Israeli hostages, held captive by the militant group, were killed after Israel began its counter-offensive against the Palestinian enclave.

Hamas' armed wing on Thursday (Oct 26) claimed that "almost 50" Israeli hostages, held captive by the militant group, were killed after Israel began its counter-offensive against the Palestinian enclave. "(Ezzedine) Al-Qassam Brigades estimates that the number of Zionist prisoners who were killed in the Gaza Strip as a result of Zionist strikes and massacres has reached almost 50," the group said in a statement issued on its Telegram channel, as per news agency AFP reports. Earlier, the Israeli army said that 224 people were kidnapped by militants during the attack that claimed the lives of 1,400 people, mostly civilians. "We have informed the families of 224 hostages. This number is changing based on the intelligence we obtain," military spokesman Daniel Hagari told reporters. Also read: Israel-Hamas war: Russia, US proposals for UN action on Israel, Gaza rejected at Security Council "It will continue to change. The effort to return the hostages is a top priority." As per the Israeli government, at least half of the hostages have foreign passports. Israel launched massive air strikes in retaliation against Palestinian militant group Hamas after its brutal onslaught on Oct 7. 'Advance warnings make no difference' The UN humanitarian coordinator for the Palestinian territories, Lynne Hastings, on Thursday, said that despite the fact that Israeli forces issued warnings to the people in Gaza to leave, "advance warnings make no difference". In a statement, she said that when evacuation routes are bombed, "people are left with nothing but impossible choices. Nowhere is safe in Gaza." The army said overnight its forces hit "numerous terrorist cells, infrastructure and anti-tank missile launch posts". The operation in northern Gaza came in "preparation for the next stages of combat", the military said. The raid by the army came after PM Netanyahu, during a televised address said that "we are in the midst of a campaign for our existence". (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. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'Almost 50' hostages killed in Israel raids, says Hamas armed wing

Reiterating his words, "Israel is in a battle for its existence", Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that his goal against the Hamas war is "saving the nation" and promises that a ground incursion to destroy Hamas in Gaza will start soon, The Times of Israel reported on Wednesday.

'We are preparing for a ground incursion': Israeli PM signals on ground offensive in Gaza

The UN Security Council on October 25 failed again to take action on the Israel-Hamas war, with Russia and China vetoing a U.S.-led draft resolution and a text led by Moscow drawing insufficient support.

US, Russian bids on Israel-Hamas war fail at Security Council

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