The latest war in the Middle East triggered by the Hamas Islamist group has seen a massive retaliation by Israel. Israeli air strikes have taken out many Hamas commanders and pounded their targets. It also boasted of an air, ground, and sea invasion of Gaza. But, the country has so far not started&nbsp;a full-fledged ground invasion.

Given Israel's military might, why is the country shying away from taking this move?

As per an AFP report that quoted experts, there are a multitude of factors at play, including global pressure, divisions between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF), and rising concerns for the safety of people held captive by the Hamas militant group.&nbsp;

Israeli journalist Nahum Barnea in a daily Yedioth Ahronoth pointed at the ongoing friction between Netanyahu and IDF and attributed this to the cautious moves made by Israel and its decision to put the Gaza ground invasion on a back burner.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-considering-inundating-hamas-underground-tunnels-before-ground-invasion-report-651029">Israel considering inundating Hamas’ underground tunnels before ground invasion: Report</a>

"There's a crisis of confidence between (Israeli Prime Minister) Benjamin Netanyahu and the IDF (army)," Barnea wrote, adding, "The government is having difficulties taking decisions that everyone agrees on about the top issues."&nbsp;

<h2>Does Netanyahu blame IDF generals for Oct 7 Hamas attack?&nbsp;</h2>

Israel's much-touted Iron Dome missile system failed to protect innocent Israelis after about 5,000 surprise air strikes by Hamas. Barnea, while citing government and military sources in the report, said, "Netanyahu is angry at the generals and blames them for what happened."&nbsp;

Another Israeli journalist Amos Harel in Haaretz Daily wrote, "Disputes over these operations are creating tensions, especially between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant."&nbsp;

What is noteworthy is that this political-military divide does not play out in public. In public appearances and official statements, Netanyahu and IDF leadership seem to be in consonance with each other.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/greta-thunberg-kicked-out-of-israeli-textbooks-after-stand-with-gaza-row-651005">Greta Thunberg kicked out of Israeli textbooks after 'stand with Gaza' row</a>

It was reflected in a communique on Tuesday (Oct 24) from the Israeli government. "The prime minister, the defence minister and the IDF chief of staff are working in close and full cooperation, around the clock, to lead the State of Israel to a decisive victory over Hamas," the communique read.&nbsp;

"There is total and mutual trust between the prime minister, the defence minister and the IDF chief of staff; the unity of the goal is clear," it added. So is this a tacit agreement between Netanyahu and IDF to put up a good face for the world?&nbsp;&nbsp;

<h2>Complex situation in Gaza Strip&nbsp;</h2>

While&nbsp;Hamas continues to hold captive many Israelis and foreign nationals, the situation remains complex and any reckless move by Israel could lead to further deterioration of the situation.

Gunmen who made an incursion into Israel took over 200 people hostages, including foreign nationals, and hence the situation remains sensitive.&nbsp;

Patrick Bettane, an intelligence specialist at Israel's International Institute for Counter-Terrorism (ICT) think tank, explained that as far as a ground offensive is concerned there remains a "disagreement".

"But the fact that there are hostages being held in the Gaza Strip complicates everything," he reportedly said, adding, "Israel is waiting to see how this problem can be resolved before it acts."

Akiva Eldar, an expert on Israeli politics, reportedly said that "after the emotions (were) aroused by this terrible massacre, Bibi (Netanyahu) and the generals are starting to think differently".

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-palestine-war-hope-rises-among-kin-of-hostages-649904">Israel-Palestine war: Hope rises among kin of hostages</a>

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There is international pressure at play as well, especially with the hostage situation.

Many nations including the US, China and Australia have made their military presence felt in the Middle East due to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.&nbsp;

Army chief Herzi Halevi asserted, "We are well prepared for the ground operations in the south." There have been calls by the Israeli PM to fully root out the Hamas Islamist group.

Israel also warned the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, with Israeli army spokesman Jonathan Conricus saying, "Hezbollah... is dragging Lebanon into a war that it will gain nothing from, but stands to lose a lot."&nbsp;

"We will strike it with a force it cannot even imagine, and the significance for it and the state of Lebanon will be devastating," warned Netanyahu.&nbsp;

Political analyst Daniel Bensimon said, "Disagreement or not, it's a fact that Americans and the Europeans are coming to Israel to caress it with honeyed words with the aim of preventing a ground offensive."&nbsp;

"The international community fears a ground operation would spark a chain reaction that could engulf the whole region, and maybe even further afield," he said, adding, "But in the end, they want to stop Israel from going into Gaza and prevent Iran from becoming involved through the Shiite Hezbollah movement, its proxy in Lebanon."&nbsp;

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The latest war in the Middle East triggered by the Hamas Islamist group has seen a massive retaliation by Israel. Israeli air strikes have taken out many Hamas commanders and pounded their targets.

The latest war in the Middle East triggered by the Hamas Islamist group has seen a massive retaliation by Israel. Israeli air strikes have taken out many Hamas commanders and pounded their targets. It also boasted of an air, ground, and sea invasion of Gaza. But, the country has so far not started a full-fledged ground invasion. Given Israel's military might, why is the country shying away from taking this move? As per an AFP report that quoted experts, there are a multitude of factors at play, including global pressure, divisions between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF), and rising concerns for the safety of people held captive by the Hamas militant group. Israeli journalist Nahum Barnea in a daily Yedioth Ahronoth pointed at the ongoing friction between Netanyahu and IDF and attributed this to the cautious moves made by Israel and its decision to put the Gaza ground invasion on a back burner. Also Read | Israel considering inundating Hamas’ underground tunnels before ground invasion: Report "There's a crisis of confidence between (Israeli Prime Minister) Benjamin Netanyahu and the IDF (army)," Barnea wrote, adding, "The government is having difficulties taking decisions that everyone agrees on about the top issues." Does Netanyahu blame IDF generals for Oct 7 Hamas attack? Israel's much-touted Iron Dome missile system failed to protect innocent Israelis after about 5,000 surprise air strikes by Hamas. Barnea, while citing government and military sources in the report, said, "Netanyahu is angry at the generals and blames them for what happened." Another Israeli journalist Amos Harel in Haaretz Daily wrote, "Disputes over these operations are creating tensions, especially between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant." What is noteworthy is that this political-military divide does not play out in public. In public appearances and official statements, Netanyahu and IDF leadership seem to be in consonance with each other. Also Read | Greta Thunberg kicked out of Israeli textbooks after 'stand with Gaza' row It was reflected in a communique on Tuesday (Oct 24) from the Israeli government. "The prime minister, the defence minister and the IDF chief of staff are working in close and full cooperation, around the clock, to lead the State of Israel to a decisive victory over Hamas," the communique read. "There is total and mutual trust between the prime minister, the defence minister and the IDF chief of staff; the unity of the goal is clear," it added. So is this a tacit agreement between Netanyahu and IDF to put up a good face for the world? Complex situation in Gaza Strip While Hamas continues to hold captive many Israelis and foreign nationals, the situation remains complex and any reckless move by Israel could lead to further deterioration of the situation. Gunmen who made an incursion into Israel took over 200 people hostages, including foreign nationals, and hence the situation remains sensitive. Patrick Bettane, an intelligence specialist at Israel's International Institute for Counter-Terrorism (ICT) think tank, explained that as far as a ground offensive is concerned there remains a "disagreement". "But the fact that there are hostages being held in the Gaza Strip complicates everything," he reportedly said, adding, "Israel is waiting to see how this problem can be resolved before it acts." Akiva Eldar, an expert on Israeli politics, reportedly said that "after the emotions (were) aroused by this terrible massacre, Bibi (Netanyahu) and the generals are starting to think differently". Watch | Israel-Palestine war: Hope rises among kin of hostages × There is international pressure at play as well, especially with the hostage situation. Many nations including the US, China and Australia have made their military presence felt in the Middle East due to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. Army chief Herzi Halevi asserted, "We are well prepared for the ground operations in the south." There have been calls by the Israeli PM to fully root out the Hamas Islamist group. Israel also warned the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, with Israeli army spokesman Jonathan Conricus saying, "Hezbollah... is dragging Lebanon into a war that it will gain nothing from, but stands to lose a lot." "We will strike it with a force it cannot even imagine, and the significance for it and the state of Lebanon will be devastating," warned Netanyahu. Political analyst Daniel Bensimon said, "Disagreement or not, it's a fact that Americans and the Europeans are coming to Israel to caress it with honeyed words with the aim of preventing a ground offensive." "The international community fears a ground operation would spark a chain reaction that could engulf the whole region, and maybe even further afield," he said, adding, "But in the end, they want to stop Israel from going into Gaza and prevent Iran from becoming involved through the Shiite Hezbollah movement, its proxy in Lebanon." 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. ×

Explained: Why is Israel putting Gaza's ground invasion on the back-burner?

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Tuesday alleged violations of international law in Gaza and urged an immediate ceasefire as Israel pounds the Palestinian territory in response to Hamas attacks, with the crisis deeply dividing the Security Council.

Israel-Palestine war: Israel demands UN chief's resignation after his remarks on Gaza strikes

As a war between Israel and the Hamas militant group escalates, Israel's Defense Forces are now preparing for a ground offensive in Gaza. Israel is poised to launch an attack into the northern half of the Gaza Strip. It is an attack that is filled with uncertainty and whose potential humanitarian consequences are grim as Israel vows to destroy and eliminate Hamas completely.

Israel-Palestine war: Israel plans to flood underground tunnels where hostages may be held

Approximately 15,000 Israelis have responded to the call to action that evolved over night from activists against the government's controversial plans for judicial reform to organizers of an extensive network to assist and rescue fellow citizens in need. Three thousand people were later evacuated from the Gaza border communities, 200 of whom were under fire, thanks to this infrastructure, which has been stationed at the Expo Tel Aviv International Convention Center since the day following the atrocities.

Israel-Palestine war: Half a million Israeli displace | WION Ground report

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 plans for mass evacuations from Israel

Israel-Palestine war: US mulling for mass evacuations if Gaza war escalates

Israel-Palestine war: Survivors find solace in Tel Aviv as volunteers help displaced Israelis

Rocket warning sirens sounded in Israel’s Tel Aviv on Tuesday (October 24) as fighting between Israel and Hamas continued, 17 days after the start of the conflict.

Israel-Palestine war: Sirens warn of incoming rockets in Israeli cities from Hamas

The government of Israel has warned the people living in the north of Gaza to move to the south or risk being seen as ‘terrorists’. Since Sunni Hamas took control of Gaza in 2007 the Middle East has been sitting on a political volcano.

For decades they have been brainwashing and preparing populations they hold politically ransom for one agenda: the annihilation of the state of Israel and the genocide of the Jewish population.

What the world witnessed on October 7, 2023, was conducted as a surprise attack. The question, however, is why Hamas chose the month of October when Israel was celebrating the 50th anniversary of their victory in the Yom Kippur War (October 6-25); the fourth Arab-Israel war of 1973.

Why was such a brutal attack conducted against Israel when it was breaking peace deals in the Middle East left, right and centre?

It was former US President Jimmy Carter who managed to broker a peace agreement titled ‘Framework for Peace in the Middle East’ known as the Camp David Accord between Egypt, and Israel on September 17, 1978.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/hamas-israel-war-rare-dissent-over-us-arms-for-israel-raises-troubling-questions-650540">Opinion | Hamas-Israel war: Rare dissent over US arms for Israel raises troubling questions</a>

On October 26, 1993, Israel accomplished a peace deal with Jordan and signed the ‘Jordan-Israel peace Treaty’ thereby extending peace to a second Arab country.

Any further breakthrough would have to wait until 2020 before Israel could agree for another Arab country to join Israel’s enterprise to establish peace in the region. This time it was the Persian Gulf nation of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) that signed the ‘Abraham Accord’.

Another Arab nation, Bahrain, followed the UAE by signing a peace deal with Israel, which then led to the normalisation of relations between Morocco and Israel.

By February 2023 Sudan also had made peace with Israel by officially founding diplomatic relations with the State of Israel.

In recent months, expectations that Saudi Arabia and Israel were at the ‘cusp’ of making a peace deal and establishing full diplomatic relations began to show signs of a possible diplomatic paradigm shift in Middle East politics.

The bottom line is that if Saudi Arabia establishes full trade and diplomatic relations with the State of Israel then many Sunni Muslim states are bound to follow suit.

In a speech delivered to the United Nations General Assembly on September 22, 2023, the prime minister of Israel Benyamin Netanyahu said the following, “I believe that we are at the cusp of an even more dramatic breakthrough: a historic peace with Saudi Arabia.”

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-assault-may-have-destroyed-deep-rooted-beliefs-about-israel-and-palestinians-650579">Opinion | Hamas assault may have destroyed deep-rooted beliefs about Israel and Palestinians</a>

But then there is another aspect that needs our attention while considering the purpose of Hamas’s genocidal attack on October 7.

The G-20 (September 2023) summit held in New Delhi India witnessed Saudi Arabia and Israel joining hands with India in an endeavour to establish the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) connecting Asia, the Middle East and Europe thereby creating a new economic passage.

Since its inception on May 14, 1948, the State of Israel has set itself the primary goal to bring peace in a post-colonial, poor and war-torn Middle East.

Therefore, it is safe to conclude that the surprise attack conducted on October 7 on the sovereign State of Israel by Hamas has nothing to do with the desire to establish a Palestinian state alongside Israel but everything to do with sabotaging the efforts to bring peace and prosperity to the region.

Who is benefiting from the violence of Hamas? What purpose does war in the Middle East and West Asia serve?

Firstly, it serves the purpose of bringing peace efforts between Israel and Saudi Arabia to an abrupt halt.

Secondly, it benefits China. The IMEC is now in jeopardy leaving the Middle East vulnerable to the Chinese economic expansionist project called the Belt and Road Initiative.

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-palestine-war-holocaust-survivors-struggle-with-israel-war-650967">Israel-Palestine War: Holocaust survivors struggle with Israel war</a>

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The ‘Belt and Road Initiative’ (BRI) of China which is a maritime Silk Road project connecting China, Southeast Asia, Africa and Europe is in actuality designed to trick poor Asian, African and Middle Eastern countries into the Chinese debt trap and usurping their ports and strategic locations with the sole purpose of hegemonising trade routes.

An alternate shipping route will be created if IMEC is established connecting Mumbai and Gujarat with UAE while a rail network will connect UAE, Saudi Arabia and Jordan with the port of Haifa in Israel therefore reaching the shores of the Mediterranean sea and from there onward to Europe.

Turkey was the first country to oppose this ambitious plan. Why?

Because, Erdogan proposes an alternate route called the ‘Iraq Development Project’ that would connect the Persian Gulf with Europe through a network of railways, highways, and via ports in the UAE, Qatar, and Iraq.

Another Persian Gulf country that is hybrid in its opposition to IMEC is Iran. It is proposing an economic connectivity route for countries bordering the Caspian Sea.

On October 6, during the Second Caspian Sea Forum held in Moscow, Iranian first vice president Mohammed Mokhber came up with the idea of a ‘Green Corridor’ with simplified customs procedures.

Another country with an empire-building desire is Russia. Its government proposes that Russia, Iran, and Azerbaijan work on a joint project that would use the Caspian Sea as a trading outpost for markets in Europe and beyond. This economic corridor would include Russia, Iran, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Turkmenistan, which are oil and gas-rich countries.

2008 saw the period of economic growth, credited to the age of globalisation, coming to an abrupt end. The reorganisation of markets in a post-globalisation era led to protectionism.

After undergoing a painful post-2008 protectionist economic period now we have a world that is once again trying to evolve toward a free, open, and integrated global economy by strengthening regional trade alliances for which expansion of spheres of political influence is crucial.

Today, the reorganisation of new economic alliances is manifesting itself through regional wars, be it Ukraine or the Middle East. These conflicts are in fact the birth pangs of a new world order that has yet to be born.

The main challenge, we as global citizens face, is how to make the transition from (national) protectionism towards regional and finally global economic integration, a peaceful process.

One thing seems to be certain.

In order to make the world a better place, evil regimes such as the one harbouring in Iran, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and China and their proxies such as Hamas, Hezbollah, Lashkar-e-Taiba, Hizb-ul-Mujahideen, and various others need to be brought down.

As Hamas revealed its evil intentions against innocent civilians in the cities and towns of Ofakim, Sderot, Yad Mordechai, Kfar Aza, Yated and Kissufim killing hundreds of innocent civilians including women and children, burning them alive, beheading them as well as taking 200 of Israeli men and women and foreign nationals hostage, the world cannot remain a silent spectator.

The time has come when once and for all the menace of Islamic Jihadi terrorism has to be flushed out of Gaza and the rest of the Middle East. And that is the sole purpose of Israeli defence forces’ decision to launch a ground invasion of the Gaza Strip.

In order to have minimum civilian causalities Israel is asking the population of northern Gaza to move to the southern part. If Hamas does not allow this to happen and uses the civilian population as human shields it will only add to the gruesome war crimes Hamas has been inflicting upon the people of both Israel and Gaza.

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

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The government of Israel has warned the people living in the north of Gaza to move to the south or risk being seen as ‘terrorists’. Since Sunni Hamas took control of Gaza in 2007 the Middle East has been sitting on a political volcano.

The government of Israel has warned the people living in the north of Gaza to move to the south or risk being seen as ‘terrorists’. Since Sunni Hamas took control of Gaza in 2007 the Middle East has been sitting on a political volcano. For decades they have been brainwashing and preparing populations they hold politically ransom for one agenda: the annihilation of the state of Israel and the genocide of the Jewish population. What the world witnessed on October 7, 2023, was conducted as a surprise attack. The question, however, is why Hamas chose the month of October when Israel was celebrating the 50th anniversary of their victory in the Yom Kippur War (October 6-25); the fourth Arab-Israel war of 1973. Why was such a brutal attack conducted against Israel when it was breaking peace deals in the Middle East left, right and centre? It was former US President Jimmy Carter who managed to broker a peace agreement titled ‘Framework for Peace in the Middle East’ known as the Camp David Accord between Egypt, and Israel on September 17, 1978. Also Read | Opinion | Hamas-Israel war: Rare dissent over US arms for Israel raises troubling questions On October 26, 1993, Israel accomplished a peace deal with Jordan and signed the ‘Jordan-Israel peace Treaty’ thereby extending peace to a second Arab country. Any further breakthrough would have to wait until 2020 before Israel could agree for another Arab country to join Israel’s enterprise to establish peace in the region. This time it was the Persian Gulf nation of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) that signed the ‘Abraham Accord’. Another Arab nation, Bahrain, followed the UAE by signing a peace deal with Israel, which then led to the normalisation of relations between Morocco and Israel. By February 2023 Sudan also had made peace with Israel by officially founding diplomatic relations with the State of Israel. In recent months, expectations that Saudi Arabia and Israel were at the ‘cusp’ of making a peace deal and establishing full diplomatic relations began to show signs of a possible diplomatic paradigm shift in Middle East politics. The bottom line is that if Saudi Arabia establishes full trade and diplomatic relations with the State of Israel then many Sunni Muslim states are bound to follow suit. In a speech delivered to the United Nations General Assembly on September 22, 2023, the prime minister of Israel Benyamin Netanyahu said the following, “I believe that we are at the cusp of an even more dramatic breakthrough: a historic peace with Saudi Arabia.” Also Read | Opinion | Hamas assault may have destroyed deep-rooted beliefs about Israel and Palestinians But then there is another aspect that needs our attention while considering the purpose of Hamas’s genocidal attack on October 7. The G-20 (September 2023) summit held in New Delhi India witnessed Saudi Arabia and Israel joining hands with India in an endeavour to establish the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) connecting Asia, the Middle East and Europe thereby creating a new economic passage. Since its inception on May 14, 1948, the State of Israel has set itself the primary goal to bring peace in a post-colonial, poor and war-torn Middle East. Therefore, it is safe to conclude that the surprise attack conducted on October 7 on the sovereign State of Israel by Hamas has nothing to do with the desire to establish a Palestinian state alongside Israel but everything to do with sabotaging the efforts to bring peace and prosperity to the region. Who is benefiting from the violence of Hamas? What purpose does war in the Middle East and West Asia serve? Firstly, it serves the purpose of bringing peace efforts between Israel and Saudi Arabia to an abrupt halt. Secondly, it benefits China. The IMEC is now in jeopardy leaving the Middle East vulnerable to the Chinese economic expansionist project called the Belt and Road Initiative. Watch | Israel-Palestine War: Holocaust survivors struggle with Israel war × The ‘Belt and Road Initiative’ (BRI) of China which is a maritime Silk Road project connecting China, Southeast Asia, Africa and Europe is in actuality designed to trick poor Asian, African and Middle Eastern countries into the Chinese debt trap and usurping their ports and strategic locations with the sole purpose of hegemonising trade routes. An alternate shipping route will be created if IMEC is established connecting Mumbai and Gujarat with UAE while a rail network will connect UAE, Saudi Arabia and Jordan with the port of Haifa in Israel therefore reaching the shores of the Mediterranean sea and from there onward to Europe. Turkey was the first country to oppose this ambitious plan. Why? Because, Erdogan proposes an alternate route called the ‘Iraq Development Project’ that would connect the Persian Gulf with Europe through a network of railways, highways, and via ports in the UAE, Qatar, and Iraq. Another Persian Gulf country that is hybrid in its opposition to IMEC is Iran. It is proposing an economic connectivity route for countries bordering the Caspian Sea. On October 6, during the Second Caspian Sea Forum held in Moscow, Iranian first vice president Mohammed Mokhber came up with the idea of a ‘Green Corridor’ with simplified customs procedures. Another country with an empire-building desire is Russia. Its government proposes that Russia, Iran, and Azerbaijan work on a joint project that would use the Caspian Sea as a trading outpost for markets in Europe and beyond. This economic corridor would include Russia, Iran, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Turkmenistan, which are oil and gas-rich countries. 2008 saw the period of economic growth, credited to the age of globalisation, coming to an abrupt end. The reorganisation of markets in a post-globalisation era led to protectionism. After undergoing a painful post-2008 protectionist economic period now we have a world that is once again trying to evolve toward a free, open, and integrated global economy by strengthening regional trade alliances for which expansion of spheres of political influence is crucial. Today, the reorganisation of new economic alliances is manifesting itself through regional wars, be it Ukraine or the Middle East. These conflicts are in fact the birth pangs of a new world order that has yet to be born. The main challenge, we as global citizens face, is how to make the transition from (national) protectionism towards regional and finally global economic integration, a peaceful process. One thing seems to be certain. In order to make the world a better place, evil regimes such as the one harbouring in Iran, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and China and their proxies such as Hamas, Hezbollah, Lashkar-e-Taiba, Hizb-ul-Mujahideen, and various others need to be brought down. As Hamas revealed its evil intentions against innocent civilians in the cities and towns of Ofakim, Sderot, Yad Mordechai, Kfar Aza, Yated and Kissufim killing hundreds of innocent civilians including women and children, burning them alive, beheading them as well as taking 200 of Israeli men and women and foreign nationals hostage, the world cannot remain a silent spectator. The time has come when once and for all the menace of Islamic Jihadi terrorism has to be flushed out of Gaza and the rest of the Middle East. And that is the sole purpose of Israeli defence forces’ decision to launch a ground invasion of the Gaza Strip. In order to have minimum civilian causalities Israel is asking the population of northern Gaza to move to the southern part. If Hamas does not allow this to happen and uses the civilian population as human shields it will only add to the gruesome war crimes Hamas has been inflicting upon the people of both Israel and Gaza. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.) 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. ×

Israel gives final warning: Leave or be treated as terrorists

Israeli President Isaac Herzog said in an interview that <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-had-intentions-of-using-chemical-weapons-as-part-of-terror-attack-report-649949">Hamas militants had plans to use cyanide agents</a> against Israeli civilians when they launched an unprecedented attack on Oct 7, killing more than 1,400 people and taking around 200 hostages.&nbsp;

During the interview with Sky News, Herzog supported his claims by showing material recovered from a USB drive on the body of a Hamas terrorist.&nbsp;The document was copied from al-Qaeda and had "detailed instructions on creating chemical weapons". It also included "precise instructions for preparing a device for dispersing cyanide agents".&nbsp;

"This is material which was found on the body of one of those sadistic villains. It's al-Qaeda material, official al-Qaeda material. When dealing with ISIS, al-Qaeda, and Hamas, this is what we're dealing with. And in this material, there were instructions, on how to produce chemical weapons," he said.&nbsp;

Tensions continue to escalate, and several claims and counterclaims are being made. But there's no data that would substantiate what Hamas planned, or whether or not the militants&nbsp;were carrying the elements to make a bomb.&nbsp;

There's no confirmation of the use of chemical weapons in the Israel-Hamas war which started after the Oct 7 attack. But let's decode what exactly chemical weapons are.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-are-white-phosphorus-bombs-that-israel-reportedly-launched-in-gaza-it-is-legal-to-use-645106">What are white phosphorus bombs that Israel reportedly used in Gaza? Is it illegal?</a>&nbsp;

<h2>What are chemical weapons?&nbsp;</h2>

A Chemical Weapon (CW) is a chemical used to cause intentional death or harm through its toxic properties. Chemical weapons also include munitions, gadgets, and other equipment specifically designed to weaponise toxic substances.&nbsp;

The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) says that any chemical which through its chemical action on life processes can cause death, temporary incapacitation or permanent harm&nbsp;through its toxic properties is termed a chemical weapon. Chlorine, which is a&nbsp;non-controlled chemical, could also become a chemical weapon if used in a conflict.&nbsp;

Chemical weapons are&nbsp;condemned by human rights groups, but white phosphorous is not banned by the CWC. Neither are cluster munitions, which fall under a separate international treaty.

Chemical weapons can be used in warfare and are known by the military acronym NBC (for nuclear, biological, and chemical warfare). They are different from nuclear weapons, biological weapons, and radiological weapons, but are classified as weapons of mass destruction (WMD).&nbsp;

Chemical weapons are cheap and simple to make, allowing even small terrorist groups to cause mass casualties in small quantities.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-israel-hamas-war-spreading-al-qaeda-and-is-call-on-followers-to-attack-jewish-and-us-targets-650184">Amid horror of Israel-Hamas war, al-Qaeda, Islamic State call for global attacks</a>

<h2>How chemical weapons are used?&nbsp;</h2>

Chemical weapons are extremely toxic synthetic chemicals and can be extensively disseminated in gas, liquid, and solid forms. They can readily injure anyone other than the intended targets. Chemical weapons in the modern era include nerve gas, tear gas, and pepper spray.&nbsp;

These CW agents can be deadly or incapacitate&nbsp;humans. They vary from explosive compounds, in that their damaging effects are localised and triggered by shear stress.&nbsp;

There are thousands of toxic substances known, but only a few of them are considered CW agents based on their characteristics, such as high toxicity, imperceptibility to senses, rapidity of action after dissemination, and persistency.&nbsp;

Watch this report:&nbsp;

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<h2>Are chemical weapons banned?&nbsp;</h2>

The 1925 Protocol for the Prohibition of the Use of Asphyxiating, Poisonous or Other Gases, and of Bacteriological Methods of Warfare, commonly known as the 1925 Geneva Protocol, bans the use of chemical and bacteriological (biological) weapons in war.&nbsp;

Chemical weapons production, use and stockpiling are banned under the 1997 Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC). Some nations, such as Egypt, North Korea and South Sudan, have not signed or ratified the international arms control treaty.&nbsp;

Under the treaty, the use of the most dangerous "scheduled" toxins and their precursors is banned. This includes nerve agents sarin, VX and the Soviet-era developed Novichok, as well as the poison ricin and blistering agent sulphur mustard.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-family-destroyed-16-year-old-british-teen-noiya-sharabi-confirmed-dead-in-tragic-hamas-attack-650157">A 16-year-old British teen Noiya Sharabi confirmed dead in tragic Hamas attack</a>&nbsp;

<h2>Are there long-term effects of chemical weapons?</h2>

Lancet conducted a study, published in 2002, after analysing volunteers who suffered such attacks.&nbsp;

The study mentioned that those who have claimed that they were exposed to chemical warfare agents have often presented with "unusual clinical syndromes or symptom complexes that have caused controversy".&nbsp;

Nerve agents such as sarin, tabun, and soman, are believed to have the most severe long-term consequences.&nbsp;

In some cases, altered neuromuscular function, abnormal electroencephalograms, and impaired psychomotor performance have been reported.&nbsp;

This could affect behaviour, intelligence, and memory, especially if the initial exposure induced cerebral abnormalities detectable via MRI or electroencephalogram.&nbsp;

There can be other effects as well, but it needs more data and analysis to find out other long-term effects, which also vary from case to case.&nbsp;

<h2>When were such weapons used?&nbsp;</h2>

There have been various instances when chemical weapons were deployed. After the development of industrial chemistry in the 19th century, mass manufacturing and deployment of CW agents in warfare became a possibility.

History books have mentioned the German gas attack with chlorine on April 22, 1915, at Ypres, Belgium.&nbsp;

During World War I, the use of these toxic chemicals, including phosgene, sulfur mustard and lewisites, caused 100,000 deaths.&nbsp;

During World War II, Nazis used Zyklon B gas (hydrogen cyanide gas) which killed millions of civilians.&nbsp;

The United States used Agent Orange, a defoliant, during the Vietnam War.&nbsp;

Another instance was in the 1980s during the Iran-Iraq war. An Iraqi nerve agent strike was reportedly launched on the Kurdish civilian population of Halabja, killing hundreds of people.&nbsp;

<h2>How al-Qaeda has used chemical weapons in attacks?</h2>

From late 2006 to mid-2007, al-Qaeda in Iraq detonated a series of crude chlorine bombs in Iraq. The New America Foundation discovered a total of 16 chlorine gas bombs in Iraq, the most recent of which occurred in June 2007.

On Oct 21, 2006, al-Qaeda in Iraq initiated its chlorine bomb campaign in Ramadi by detonating a car filled with mortars and chlorine tanks, injuring three Iraqi police officers and a civilian.&nbsp;

Most publications on al-Qaeda's chemical weapons operations simply claim that there is evidence that it is interested in creating or acquiring chemical weapons.&nbsp;

The 11th volume of al-Qaeda’s Encyclopedia of Jihad talks about how to construct chemical and biological weapons. Osama bin Laden claimed: "‘We have chemical and nuclear weapons as a deterrent and if America used them against us we reserve the right to use them." His remarks came during an interview with a Pakistani journalist in 2001.&nbsp;&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.&nbsp;

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Israeli President Isaac Herzog said in an interview that Hamas militants had plans to use cyanide agents against Israeli civilians when they launched an unprecedented attack on Oct 7, killing more than 1,400 people and taking around 200 hostages.

Israeli President Isaac Herzog said in an interview that Hamas militants had plans to use cyanide agents against Israeli civilians when they launched an unprecedented attack on Oct 7, killing more than 1,400 people and taking around 200 hostages. During the interview with Sky News, Herzog supported his claims by showing material recovered from a USB drive on the body of a Hamas terrorist. The document was copied from al-Qaeda and had "detailed instructions on creating chemical weapons". It also included "precise instructions for preparing a device for dispersing cyanide agents". "This is material which was found on the body of one of those sadistic villains. It's al-Qaeda material, official al-Qaeda material. When dealing with ISIS, al-Qaeda, and Hamas, this is what we're dealing with. And in this material, there were instructions, on how to produce chemical weapons," he said. Tensions continue to escalate, and several claims and counterclaims are being made. But there's no data that would substantiate what Hamas planned, or whether or not the militants were carrying the elements to make a bomb. There's no confirmation of the use of chemical weapons in the Israel-Hamas war which started after the Oct 7 attack. But let's decode what exactly chemical weapons are. Also read: What are white phosphorus bombs that Israel reportedly used in Gaza? Is it illegal? What are chemical weapons? A Chemical Weapon (CW) is a chemical used to cause intentional death or harm through its toxic properties. Chemical weapons also include munitions, gadgets, and other equipment specifically designed to weaponise toxic substances. The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) says that any chemical which through its chemical action on life processes can cause death, temporary incapacitation or permanent harm through its toxic properties is termed a chemical weapon. Chlorine, which is a non-controlled chemical, could also become a chemical weapon if used in a conflict. Chemical weapons are condemned by human rights groups, but white phosphorous is not banned by the CWC. Neither are cluster munitions, which fall under a separate international treaty. Chemical weapons can be used in warfare and are known by the military acronym NBC (for nuclear, biological, and chemical warfare). They are different from nuclear weapons, biological weapons, and radiological weapons, but are classified as weapons of mass destruction (WMD). Chemical weapons are cheap and simple to make, allowing even small terrorist groups to cause mass casualties in small quantities. Also read: Amid horror of Israel-Hamas war, al-Qaeda, Islamic State call for global attacks How chemical weapons are used? Chemical weapons are extremely toxic synthetic chemicals and can be extensively disseminated in gas, liquid, and solid forms. They can readily injure anyone other than the intended targets. Chemical weapons in the modern era include nerve gas, tear gas, and pepper spray. These CW agents can be deadly or incapacitate humans. They vary from explosive compounds, in that their damaging effects are localised and triggered by shear stress. There are thousands of toxic substances known, but only a few of them are considered CW agents based on their characteristics, such as high toxicity, imperceptibility to senses, rapidity of action after dissemination, and persistency. Watch this report: × Are chemical weapons banned? The 1925 Protocol for the Prohibition of the Use of Asphyxiating, Poisonous or Other Gases, and of Bacteriological Methods of Warfare, commonly known as the 1925 Geneva Protocol, bans the use of chemical and bacteriological (biological) weapons in war. Chemical weapons production, use and stockpiling are banned under the 1997 Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC). Some nations, such as Egypt, North Korea and South Sudan, have not signed or ratified the international arms control treaty. Under the treaty, the use of the most dangerous "scheduled" toxins and their precursors is banned. This includes nerve agents sarin, VX and the Soviet-era developed Novichok, as well as the poison ricin and blistering agent sulphur mustard. Also read: A 16-year-old British teen Noiya Sharabi confirmed dead in tragic Hamas attack Are there long-term effects of chemical weapons? Lancet conducted a study, published in 2002, after analysing volunteers who suffered such attacks. The study mentioned that those who have claimed that they were exposed to chemical warfare agents have often presented with "unusual clinical syndromes or symptom complexes that have caused controversy". Nerve agents such as sarin, tabun, and soman, are believed to have the most severe long-term consequences. In some cases, altered neuromuscular function, abnormal electroencephalograms, and impaired psychomotor performance have been reported. This could affect behaviour, intelligence, and memory, especially if the initial exposure induced cerebral abnormalities detectable via MRI or electroencephalogram. There can be other effects as well, but it needs more data and analysis to find out other long-term effects, which also vary from case to case. When were such weapons used? There have been various instances when chemical weapons were deployed. After the development of industrial chemistry in the 19th century, mass manufacturing and deployment of CW agents in warfare became a possibility. History books have mentioned the German gas attack with chlorine on April 22, 1915, at Ypres, Belgium. During World War I, the use of these toxic chemicals, including phosgene, sulfur mustard and lewisites, caused 100,000 deaths. During World War II, Nazis used Zyklon B gas (hydrogen cyanide gas) which killed millions of civilians. The United States used Agent Orange, a defoliant, during the Vietnam War. Another instance was in the 1980s during the Iran-Iraq war. An Iraqi nerve agent strike was reportedly launched on the Kurdish civilian population of Halabja, killing hundreds of people. How al-Qaeda has used chemical weapons in attacks? From late 2006 to mid-2007, al-Qaeda in Iraq detonated a series of crude chlorine bombs in Iraq. The New America Foundation discovered a total of 16 chlorine gas bombs in Iraq, the most recent of which occurred in June 2007. On Oct 21, 2006, al-Qaeda in Iraq initiated its chlorine bomb campaign in Ramadi by detonating a car filled with mortars and chlorine tanks, injuring three Iraqi police officers and a civilian. Most publications on al-Qaeda's chemical weapons operations simply claim that there is evidence that it is interested in creating or acquiring chemical weapons. The 11th volume of al-Qaeda’s Encyclopedia of Jihad talks about how to construct chemical and biological weapons. Osama bin Laden claimed: "‘We have chemical and nuclear weapons as a deterrent and if America used them against us we reserve the right to use them." His remarks came during an interview with a Pakistani journalist in 2001. (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.

Explained: Did Hamas plan to use chemical weapons on Israelis? What are these 'dirty' weapons?

The unexpected terror let loose by Hamas into Israel on October 7 has dealt a blow to long-standing beliefs on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict over the years.

Israelis drew parallels between the attack, which led to approximately 1,400 casualties on their side, primarily among civilians, and the tragic events of September 11, 2001, in the US.&nbsp;

The element of shock and surprise in the assault evoked memories of both 9/11 and the Yom Kippur War of 1973. In that war, Israeli forces found themselves unprepared for an Arab coalition, spearheaded by Egypt and Syria, challenging widely accepted assumptions.

However, the present Israel-Hamas war has shattered a series of long-held assumptions that once underpinned the Israel-Palestine dispute.

<h2>Assumption 1 - Israel is 'bulletproof' and its army unbeatable</h2>

Israel was basking in its own technological glory when the Hamas attacked. The country boasts of the most sophisticated military in the Middle East.&nbsp;Yet, akin to the shock felt in the US after 9/11, a considerably less equipped adversary managed to put together an unforeseen attack.

While Hamas may rely on relatively basic, mostly hand-held weaponry , they did use drones, paragliders and their own intelligence to outfox Israel's supposedly impenetrable border, laden with top-notch surveillance tools.

<img alt="pic" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="74af6f10-a727-415e-ab81-d0dd5f4f1cb5" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/The%20battle%20for%20Kyiv%20-%202023-10-24T115958.769.jpg" />

Streaks of light seen as Israel's Iron Dome system intercepts rockets launched from Gaza. Photo credit: Reuters

Hamas' ability to keep their mega assault plot under wraps, despite the involvement of hundreds of fighters, dealt a significant blow to Israel's pride in its on-ground human intelligence capabilities in Gaza, led by the reputed agency Mossad.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/hamas-israel-war-rare-dissent-over-us-arms-for-israel-raises-troubling-questions-650540">Also read |&nbsp;Hamas-Israel war: Rare dissent over US arms for Israel raises troubling questions</a>

<h2>Assumption 2: Hamas could be kept in check</h2>

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu long pursued a strategy aimed at dividing Palestinians between the West Bank and Gaza. This involved weakening the Palestinian Authority led by President Mahmoud Abbas, allowing Hamas to maintain control over Gaza, whereas PA was confined to West Bank, the other piece of land which, along with Gaza, constitutes the homeland of Palestinians.&nbsp;

The theory was that, by letting Hamas focus on governance and bolstering the Gaza enclave's living conditions, the group might moderate its stance and avoid major conflicts with Israel.

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Palestinian Hamas militants take part in a rally marking the 31st anniversary of Hamas' founding, in Gaza City. Photo credits: Reuters

In practice, Israel permitted Qatar to financially support Hamas, provided essential resources, and allowed a limited number of Gazans to work in Israel, while maintaining strict controls on population movement in cooperation with Egypt, leading to what many termed "an open-air prison."

<h2>Assumption 3: The US could take a backseat in Middle East relations</h2>

For the longest time,&nbsp; the US&nbsp; has only verbally expressed its commitment to a two-state solution and criticised Israeli settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank.

The US has also consistently&nbsp; prioritised matters related to China and the Indo-Pacific region. Similarly, it has also been involved in managing the aftermath of Russia's actions in Ukraine.

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&nbsp;

President Biden was greeted by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on his arrival in Israel. Photo credit: AFP

Yet, this time around,&nbsp;President Joe Biden had to re-engage with the Middle East by providing unwavering support to Israel and maintaining relations with Arab countries facing threats from Iran and its associated groups.

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

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The unexpected terror let loose by Hamas into Israel on October 7 has dealt a blow to long-standing beliefs on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict over the years. Israelis drew parallels between the attack, which led to approximately 1,400 casualties on their side, primarily among civilians, and the tragic events of September 11, 2001, in the US.

The unexpected terror let loose by Hamas into Israel on October 7 has dealt a blow to long-standing beliefs on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict over the years. Israelis drew parallels between the attack, which led to approximately 1,400 casualties on their side, primarily among civilians, and the tragic events of September 11, 2001, in the US. The element of shock and surprise in the assault evoked memories of both 9/11 and the Yom Kippur War of 1973. In that war, Israeli forces found themselves unprepared for an Arab coalition, spearheaded by Egypt and Syria, challenging widely accepted assumptions. However, the present Israel-Hamas war has shattered a series of long-held assumptions that once underpinned the Israel-Palestine dispute. Assumption 1 - Israel is 'bulletproof' and its army unbeatable Israel was basking in its own technological glory when the Hamas attacked. The country boasts of the most sophisticated military in the Middle East. Yet, akin to the shock felt in the US after 9/11, a considerably less equipped adversary managed to put together an unforeseen attack. While Hamas may rely on relatively basic, mostly hand-held weaponry , they did use drones, paragliders and their own intelligence to outfox Israel's supposedly impenetrable border, laden with top-notch surveillance tools. Streaks of light seen as Israel's Iron Dome system intercepts rockets launched from Gaza. Photo credit: Reuters Hamas' ability to keep their mega assault plot under wraps, despite the involvement of hundreds of fighters, dealt a significant blow to Israel's pride in its on-ground human intelligence capabilities in Gaza, led by the reputed agency Mossad. Also read | Hamas-Israel war: Rare dissent over US arms for Israel raises troubling questions Assumption 2: Hamas could be kept in check Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu long pursued a strategy aimed at dividing Palestinians between the West Bank and Gaza. This involved weakening the Palestinian Authority led by President Mahmoud Abbas, allowing Hamas to maintain control over Gaza, whereas PA was confined to West Bank, the other piece of land which, along with Gaza, constitutes the homeland of Palestinians. The theory was that, by letting Hamas focus on governance and bolstering the Gaza enclave's living conditions, the group might moderate its stance and avoid major conflicts with Israel. Palestinian Hamas militants take part in a rally marking the 31st anniversary of Hamas' founding, in Gaza City. Photo credits: Reuters In practice, Israel permitted Qatar to financially support Hamas, provided essential resources, and allowed a limited number of Gazans to work in Israel, while maintaining strict controls on population movement in cooperation with Egypt, leading to what many termed "an open-air prison." Assumption 3: The US could take a backseat in Middle East relations For the longest time, the US has only verbally expressed its commitment to a two-state solution and criticised Israeli settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank. The US has also consistently prioritised matters related to China and the Indo-Pacific region. Similarly, it has also been involved in managing the aftermath of Russia's actions in Ukraine. President Biden was greeted by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on his arrival in Israel. Photo credit: AFP Yet, this time around, President Joe Biden had to re-engage with the Middle East by providing unwavering support to Israel and maintaining relations with Arab countries facing threats from Iran and its associated groups. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Hamas assault may have destroyed deep-rooted beliefs about Israel and Palestinians

Many relatives of hostages taken by Hamas are pleading with the government to scale back the war effort and instead negotiate the release of their loved ones as Israel gets ready to attack the Gaza Strip.

Israel-Palestine war | 'Hamas will pay a big price if they harm hostages' says Richard Hecht

Israel-Palestine war: Bank of Israel on economy and war

Israel is offering cash, safety to Gazans in exchange of information on the hostages. IDF has dropped leaflets into Gaza asking residents to contact the Israeli military through secured channels. Priyanka Sharma brings you the latest.

Gravitas: Israel-Palestine war | Israel asks Gazans to leak information on Hamas hostages

Israel-Palestine war: Iran-backed militia's fighters continue to attack North Israel

US accuses Iran of ‘actively facilitating’ attacks on bases in West Asia. Washington says it will not allow threats to its interests to ‘go unchallenged’ after increase in attacks on its forces in the region. But with current attacks, would a US President really be willing to become embroiled in another war, especially in an election year?

Gravitas: US vows to hold Iran responsible for attacks on troops in West Asia

Former US President Barack Obama stated on Monday that some of Israel's measures in its war against Hamas, such as denying food and water to Gaza, could "harden Palestinian attitudes for generations" and reduce international support for Israel. Obama stated in an uncommon statement on a current foreign policy problem that any Israeli military plan that disregards the human cost of the conflict "could ultimately backfire."

Israel-Palestine war: Some Israeli actions in Gaza can weaken international support: Barack Obama

The Israeli Central Bank has lowered its economic forecasts and maintained its focus on propping up the domestic currency, the shekel, by holding interest rates steady. The research division of the bank of Israel revised its gdp growth forecasts for 2023 and 2024 downward on Monday.

Bank of Israel revises economic forecast downward amid conflict

Amid the Gaza War, Israel has called its reserves to defend their homeland. But there's a mounting question: Where is Prime Minister's son? In the midst of this mobilization, Israeli soldiers are seething with anger. The Prime Minister's 32-year-old son remains absent even as countless soldiers rush back home to fight the war. But why is Yair Netanyahu still in the U.S., far from the frontlines? Here's a report.

Gravitas: Israeli PM's Son Absence Amid Gaza War Mobilization Sparks Outrage

Israeli government spokesman Eylon Levy stated that his nation's goal is to "totally destroy the military and governing capabilities" of Hamas and that military action within the Gaza Strip will occur "at the time of our choosing." The world and the west Asian nation were stunned by the terror attack carried out by Hamas on October 7, in which over 200 Israelis were taken captive and 1400 Israelis died. "We are going to destroy Hamas, we are going to enter the Gaza Strip and totally demolish its military terrorist and governing structure inside the Gaza Strip," Levy declared in an interview with our diplomatic correspondent Siddhant Sibbal.

'Will completely destroy Hamas', Israeli govt spokesperson Eylon Levy in a conversation with WION

On Tuesday, French President Emmanuel Macron traveled to Tel Aviv to declare his nation's 'full solidarity' with Israel. Following that incident, Macron was scheduled to meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to convey France's "complete solidarity" with Israel, according to the French presidency.

Israel-Palestine war: France President Macron says, 'Terrorism a common enemy for Israel & France'

The Israeli military on Tuesday (October 24) dropped leaflets in Gaza urging Palestinians to provide information about hostages being held by Hamas. The military has offered protection and a reward to those who give information.

When they launched cross-border raid into Israel in October 7, the Hamas terrorists captured more than 200 people.

"If your will is to live in peace and to have a better future for your children, do the humanitarian deed immediately and share verified and valuable information about hostages being held in your area," the Israeli military said in the leaflet.

"The Israeli military assures you that it will invest maximum effort in providing security for you and your home, and you will receive a financial reward. We guarantee you complete confidentiality."

Watch | Israel-Palestine war | Pressure grows on Israel to negotiate release of Gaza hostages

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&nbsp;

Phone numbers were provided in the leaflet to call with information.

AFP reported that people taking refuge at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis in southern Gaza tore the leaflets after they were dropped by Israeli planes.

"We don't care, do whatever you want. All of us in Gaza are telling you, we are resisting, from east to west," said a Palestinian man as quoted by AFP.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/been-through-hell-survivor-recounts-her-horrific-experience-as-hamas-captive-650680">'Been through hell': Survivor recounts her horrific experience as Hamas' captive</a>

Israel has massed forces near the border with the Gaza strip and there is speculation of a ground assault with an aim to free hostages and tackle Hamas.

Israel says that foreign nationals are among the hostages who have been taken to Gaza. The exact whereabouts of those abducted are not known.

<h2>Two hostages freed</h2>

Hamas on Tuesday, freed two elderly hostages. Yocheved Lifshitz (85) and Nurit Cooper (79) were among the people abducted by Hamas terrorists on October 7.

Lifshitz, seated in a wheelchair, interacted with media after her release.

While recounting her ordeal, she said that she 'went through hell'

She described how the terrorists "went on a rampage in our kibbutz, kidnapped me, lay me over a motorcycle... and sped off with me through the ploughed fields". She added that the fighters beat her on the way.

"...they didn't break my ribs but hurt me very much," she said.

She however said that during captivity, "they treated us well" adding that her captors were courteous and a doctor visited every two to three days.

Lifshitz's husband is still in captivity.

"They had everything that men and women needed including shampoo," she told journalists. "We ate the same food they did -- pitas with cream cheese, melted cheese, cucumbers."

(With inputs from agencies)

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&nbsp;

The Israeli military on Tuesday (October 24) dropped leaflets in Gaza urging Palestinians to provide information about hostages being held by Hamas. The military has offered protection and a reward to those who give information.

The Israeli military on Tuesday (October 24) dropped leaflets in Gaza urging Palestinians to provide information about hostages being held by Hamas. The military has offered protection and a reward to those who give information. When they launched cross-border raid into Israel in October 7, the Hamas terrorists captured more than 200 people. "If your will is to live in peace and to have a better future for your children, do the humanitarian deed immediately and share verified and valuable information about hostages being held in your area," the Israeli military said in the leaflet. "The Israeli military assures you that it will invest maximum effort in providing security for you and your home, and you will receive a financial reward. We guarantee you complete confidentiality." Watch | Israel-Palestine war | Pressure grows on Israel to negotiate release of Gaza hostages × Phone numbers were provided in the leaflet to call with information. AFP reported that people taking refuge at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis in southern Gaza tore the leaflets after they were dropped by Israeli planes. "We don't care, do whatever you want. All of us in Gaza are telling you, we are resisting, from east to west," said a Palestinian man as quoted by AFP. Also Read | 'Been through hell': Survivor recounts her horrific experience as Hamas' captive Israel has massed forces near the border with the Gaza strip and there is speculation of a ground assault with an aim to free hostages and tackle Hamas. Israel says that foreign nationals are among the hostages who have been taken to Gaza. The exact whereabouts of those abducted are not known. Two hostages freed Hamas on Tuesday, freed two elderly hostages. Yocheved Lifshitz (85) and Nurit Cooper (79) were among the people abducted by Hamas terrorists on October 7. Lifshitz, seated in a wheelchair, interacted with media after her release. While recounting her ordeal, she said that she 'went through hell' She described how the terrorists "went on a rampage in our kibbutz, kidnapped me, lay me over a motorcycle... and sped off with me through the ploughed fields". She added that the fighters beat her on the way. "...they didn't break my ribs but hurt me very much," she said. She however said that during captivity, "they treated us well" adding that her captors were courteous and a doctor visited every two to three days. Lifshitz's husband is still in captivity. "They had everything that men and women needed including shampoo," she told journalists. "We ate the same food they did -- pitas with cream cheese, melted cheese, cucumbers." (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Israel air force drops leaflets in Gaza seeking information on hostages

Israeli aircraft struck a compound beneath a mosque in the occupied West Bank early on Sunday that the military said was being used by militants to organise attacks, and Palestinian medics said at least one person was killed.

Israel-Palestine War: Preparing for unrelenting attacks to dismantle Hamas: Israel military

Two Israeli hostages, Yocheved Lifshitz, 85, and Nurit Cooper, 79, were freed by Hamas. According to Hamas' armed branch, the ladies were freed for "compelling humanitarian" grounds. The two hostages' liberation was confirmed by the ICRC.

Israel-Hamas: Four hostages released by Hamas so far; Can Israel manage to release hostages?

The United States on Monday (Oct 23) accused Iran of “actively facilitating” rocket and drone attacks on its forces in Iraq and Syria. This comes after Iran-backed militias in Iraq claimed responsibility for multiple attacks on US bases in the two countries.&nbsp;

President Joe Biden has since directed the Department of Defense to brace for additional similar attacks and respond appropriately, said White House spokesman John Kirby. He also said that the US has sent a “few” military advisors to Israel.

<h2>Attacks on US military bases</h2>

Kirby said there had been an uptick in such attacks over the last week, particularly over the last few days and that the US would not&nbsp;allow its interests in the region to “go unchallenged.”&nbsp;

Washington also raised concerns about an escalation of the war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas. However, the US has rejected calls for a ceasefire saying its ally Israel has a right to self-defence.&nbsp;

“Iran continues to support Hamas and Hezbollah, and we know that Iran is closely monitoring these events and, in some cases, actively facilitating these attacks and spurring on others who may want to exploit the conflict for their own good or for that of Iran,” said Kirby.&nbsp;

He added, “We know Iran’s goal is to maintain some level of deniability here, but we’re not going to allow them to do that.” This comes as there has been an increase in attacks on US forces in the region, particularly since Hamas attacked southern Israel on October 7.&nbsp;

Earlier this week, at least five rocket and drone attacks targeted three Iraqi military bases where&nbsp;American troops are stationed as part of the international coalition set up to fight the Islamic State group.

On Monday (Oct 23), Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella group of Iranian-backed militias, said that its forces used two drones to attack US military bases in Deir el-Zour province and in al-Shaddadi further north.&nbsp;

This was after the group also said that it attacked the al-Tanf garrison near the Jordanian and Iraqi borders which is near the desert Rukban camp home to tens of thousands of Syrians.

“We are deeply concerned about the potential for any significant escalation of these attacks in the days ahead,” said the White House spokesperson.&nbsp;

<h2>US sends ‘few’ military advisors to Israel</h2>

Kirby said that the US has also sent a “few” military advisors to Israel, adding that these officers have experience in “the sorts of operations that Israel is conducting, and may conduct in the future” and were “over there to share some perspectives.”&nbsp;

A report by the Associated Press said that the Pentagon has sent military advisers to Israel to help with war planning ahead of their potential ground operation in Gaza.&nbsp;

Among those is Marine Corps Lt. Gen. James Glynn, who has previously helped lead special operations forces against the Islamic State and served in Fallujah, Iraq, during some of the most heated urban combat there, a US official told AP.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
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The United States on Monday (Oct 23) accused Iran of “actively facilitating” rocket and drone attacks on its forces in Iraq and Syria. This comes after Iran-backed militias in Iraq claimed responsibility for multiple attacks on US bases in the two countries.

The United States on Monday (Oct 23) accused Iran of “actively facilitating” rocket and drone attacks on its forces in Iraq and Syria. This comes after Iran-backed militias in Iraq claimed responsibility for multiple attacks on US bases in the two countries. President Joe Biden has since directed the Department of Defense to brace for additional similar attacks and respond appropriately, said White House spokesman John Kirby. He also said that the US has sent a “few” military advisors to Israel. Attacks on US military bases Kirby said there had been an uptick in such attacks over the last week, particularly over the last few days and that the US would not allow its interests in the region to “go unchallenged.” Washington also raised concerns about an escalation of the war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas. However, the US has rejected calls for a ceasefire saying its ally Israel has a right to self-defence. “Iran continues to support Hamas and Hezbollah, and we know that Iran is closely monitoring these events and, in some cases, actively facilitating these attacks and spurring on others who may want to exploit the conflict for their own good or for that of Iran,” said Kirby. He added, “We know Iran’s goal is to maintain some level of deniability here, but we’re not going to allow them to do that.” This comes as there has been an increase in attacks on US forces in the region, particularly since Hamas attacked southern Israel on October 7. Earlier this week, at least five rocket and drone attacks targeted three Iraqi military bases where American troops are stationed as part of the international coalition set up to fight the Islamic State group. On Monday (Oct 23), Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an umbrella group of Iranian-backed militias, said that its forces used two drones to attack US military bases in Deir el-Zour province and in al-Shaddadi further north. This was after the group also said that it attacked the al-Tanf garrison near the Jordanian and Iraqi borders which is near the desert Rukban camp home to tens of thousands of Syrians. “We are deeply concerned about the potential for any significant escalation of these attacks in the days ahead,” said the White House spokesperson. US sends ‘few’ military advisors to Israel Kirby said that the US has also sent a “few” military advisors to Israel, adding that these officers have experience in “the sorts of operations that Israel is conducting, and may conduct in the future” and were “over there to share some perspectives.” A report by the Associated Press said that the Pentagon has sent military advisers to Israel to help with war planning ahead of their potential ground operation in Gaza. Among those is Marine Corps Lt. Gen. James Glynn, who has previously helped lead special operations forces against the Islamic State and served in Fallujah, Iraq, during some of the most heated urban combat there, a US official told AP. (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.

White House says Iran ‘actively facilitating’ attacks on US military bases

In the area to encourage peace negotiations and press for a ceasefire is China's special envoy on Middle East affairs. The likelihood of a protracted ground battle in Gaza is "significantly rising," Zhai Jun continues. According to Zhai, China will keep pushing for a two-state solution and provide the Palestinians with necessary humanitarian help via the UN and bilateral channels. Despite its desire to project an image of neutrality as a mediator, China has significant economic interests in the Middle East, particularly with regard to access to gas and oil. China has not denounced Hamas for its horrific act of terrorism against Israel.

Israel-Hamas war: China's Middle East envoy pitches for peace

President Joe Biden declared that until all of the hostages taken by Hamas are freed, he will not support an Israel-Hamas ceasefire. When questioned about the possibility of a ceasefire in exchange for Hamas releasing some 200 prisoners, including Americans, said to be in the Gaza Strip, Biden told reporters, "We should have those hostages released and then we can talk."

Israel-Palestine war: Israel continues ground offensive as US urges it to slowdown

French President Emmanuel Macron, on Tuesday (Oct 24), called for the international coalition fighting against the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria to be widened in order to combat the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza after it launched an unprecedented attack on Israel.

While speaking alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem, Macron said the countries fighting the Islamic State "should also fight against Hamas."

"We should build a regional and international coalition to battle against terrorist groups that threaten us all," he said while addressing a joint news conference.

He also highlighted that France and Israel shared terrorism as their "common enemy".

"France is ready for the international coalition against Daesh in which we are taking part for operations in Iraq and Syria to also fight against Hamas," he told reporters, referring to Islamic State.

Macron warned against the potential risks of regional violence while also stating that the battle against Hamas "must be without mercy but not without rules".

Though Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not directly comment on Macron's proposal but said the fight was a battle between the "axis of evil" and "the free world".

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-how-russia-and-china-found-common-cause-in-conflict-between-israel-hamas-649439">Explained | How Russia and China found common cause in conflict between Israel, Hamas</a>

"This battle is not merely our own ... it's everybody's battle," he said.

An Elysee Palace source said Macron's proposal "draws inspiration from the experience of the Global Coalition against Daesh and seeing what aspects can be replicated against Hamas".

<h2>Freeing hostages&nbsp;a priority,&nbsp;says Macron</h2>

Macron, who met the families of French victims at Tel Aviv airport, said freeing nine French hostages was a priority.

"The first objective we should have today is the release of all hostages, without any distinction, because this is an awful crime to play with the lives of children, adults, old people, civilians and soldiers," Macron said after meeting Israel's President Isaac Herzog.&nbsp;

He added that the battle must be fought without "enlarging this conflict."

Macron's visit was aimed at preventing an escalation of the war, freeing hostages, guaranteeing Israel's security and working towards a two-state solution, said the presidential advisers. He will push for a humanitarian ceasefire, they added.

His official visit to Jerusalem comes after the European Union foreign ministers struggled to agree on a call for a "humanitarian pause" in the war on Monday (Oct 23).&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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French President Emmanuel Macron, on Tuesday (Oct 24), called for the international coalition fighting against the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria to be widened in order to combat the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza after it launched an unprecedented attack on Israel.

French President Emmanuel Macron, on Tuesday (Oct 24), called for the international coalition fighting against the Islamic State group in Iraq and Syria to be widened in order to combat the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza after it launched an unprecedented attack on Israel. While speaking alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem, Macron said the countries fighting the Islamic State "should also fight against Hamas." "We should build a regional and international coalition to battle against terrorist groups that threaten us all," he said while addressing a joint news conference. He also highlighted that France and Israel shared terrorism as their "common enemy". "France is ready for the international coalition against Daesh in which we are taking part for operations in Iraq and Syria to also fight against Hamas," he told reporters, referring to Islamic State. Macron warned against the potential risks of regional violence while also stating that the battle against Hamas "must be without mercy but not without rules". Though Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu did not directly comment on Macron's proposal but said the fight was a battle between the "axis of evil" and "the free world". Also read: Explained | How Russia and China found common cause in conflict between Israel, Hamas "This battle is not merely our own ... it's everybody's battle," he said. An Elysee Palace source said Macron's proposal "draws inspiration from the experience of the Global Coalition against Daesh and seeing what aspects can be replicated against Hamas". Freeing hostages a priority, says Macron Macron, who met the families of French victims at Tel Aviv airport, said freeing nine French hostages was a priority. "The first objective we should have today is the release of all hostages, without any distinction, because this is an awful crime to play with the lives of children, adults, old people, civilians and soldiers," Macron said after meeting Israel's President Isaac Herzog. He added that the battle must be fought without "enlarging this conflict." Macron's visit was aimed at preventing an escalation of the war, freeing hostages, guaranteeing Israel's security and working towards a two-state solution, said the presidential advisers. He will push for a humanitarian ceasefire, they added. His official visit to Jerusalem comes after the European Union foreign ministers struggled to agree on a call for a "humanitarian pause" in the war on Monday (Oct 23). (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.

French President Emmanuel Macron proposes international coalition against Hamas

Hamas militants killed at least 1,400 people on October 7 - in which most of them were civilians who were shot or burnt to death on the first day of the raid. The militants also took over 200 people hostages.

Israel-Palestine war: Evidence shows civilians killed | Israel goes all out to counter Hamas

The spokesperson for Hamas’ military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades said that the Palestinian militant group released two Israeli hostages, on Monday (Oct 23), who were being held in the Gaza Strip. Former&nbsp;hostages Yocheved Lifshitz and Nurit Cooper have been handed over to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) custody, said Prime Minister&nbsp;Benjamin Netanyahu's office in a statement.&nbsp;

<h2>Two more hostages released</h2>

The two detainees were identified by Hamas as Nurit Yitzhak and Yochved Lifshitz. The step was taken following Egyptian-Qatari mediation and “compelling humanitarian” reasons, said the Hamas spokesperson in a statement.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-joe-biden-dials-american-hostages-released-by-hamas-649777">US President Joe Biden dials American hostages released by Hamas</a>

Egyptian state media said that the two hostages who were freed by Hamas have arrived at Rafah border crossing. The report also claimed that the release was the result of intense Egyptian efforts.&nbsp;

Additionally, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) took to X and said that they “facilitated the release of 2 more hostages” and transported “them out of Gaza this evening”.

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In the image of Al Qassam Brigades releasing 2 Israeli hostages, what attracted attention was the attitude of the hostages. The hostages even waved their hands. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gaza?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gaza</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Palestine?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Palestine</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Israel?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Israel</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TelAviv?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TelAviv</a> <a href="https://t.co/sP0SZQFUgs">pic.twitter.com/sP0SZQFUgs</a>
— E. E. 🇹🇷 (@muhendisev) <a href="https://twitter.com/muhendisev/status/1716572047906668817?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2023</a></blockquote>
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In a statement the spokesperson for Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas said: "We in the Al-Qassam Brigades, through Egyptian-Qatari mediation, released the two detainees, Nurit Yitzhak and Yochved Lifshitz, knowing that the enemy has refused since last Friday to accept their receipt, and is still neglecting the file of its prisoners. We have decided to release them for compelling humanitarian and satisfactory reasons, despite the occupation’s crimes. For more than 8 violations of the procedures that were agreed upon with the mediator brothers that the occupation would adhere to during this day to complete the handover process."

<h2>Israel confirms release</h2>

The militant group had said on Saturday that they wanted to release the same two hostages, but that Israel declined to accept them, according to Times of Israel. Netanyahu’s office, at the time, said it would not respond to Hamas’ “propaganda lies.”

The Israeli PM's office later released a statement confirming that the former hostages were in Israeli custody&nbsp;and are making their way to a hospital in Israel especially set up for them, where they will be reunited with their families.&nbsp;

It also thanked&nbsp;Egypt "for its help" and the Red Cross "for its important life-saving role," adding that the "IDF and&nbsp;the security forces have worked hard in the last few days in all channels to bring about their release and to overcome the many difficulties set by Hamas."

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-releases-two-american-hostages-from-gaza-649400">Hamas releases two American hostages from Gaza</a>

A report by Israel’s Channel 12 said that the families of 79-year-old Cooper and Lifshitz, 85, have been notified of their release from Hamas captivity, adding that their husbands remain in Gaza.

According to the report, both women were abducted from their homes in Nir Oz kibbutz.&nbsp;

<h2>Four hostages released from Gaza</h2>

Hamas has now released four female hostages from Gaza after the Palestinian militant group, on Friday (Oct 20), released a statement saying that it had released two American hostages.&nbsp;

Judith and Natalie Raanan were taken hostage from Kibbutz Nahal Oz during Hamas’ October 7 attack on southern Israel. The mother-daughter duo lived in Chicago and were visiting Israel to celebrate a relative’s birthday.

(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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The spokesperson for Hamas’ military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades said that the Palestinian militant group released two Israeli hostages, on Monday (Oct 23), who were being held in the Gaza Strip.

The spokesperson for Hamas’ military wing, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades said that the Palestinian militant group released two Israeli hostages, on Monday (Oct 23), who were being held in the Gaza Strip. Former hostages Yocheved Lifshitz and Nurit Cooper have been handed over to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) custody, said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office in a statement. Two more hostages released The two detainees were identified by Hamas as Nurit Yitzhak and Yochved Lifshitz. The step was taken following Egyptian-Qatari mediation and “compelling humanitarian” reasons, said the Hamas spokesperson in a statement. ALSO READ | US President Joe Biden dials American hostages released by Hamas Egyptian state media said that the two hostages who were freed by Hamas have arrived at Rafah border crossing. The report also claimed that the release was the result of intense Egyptian efforts. Additionally, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) took to X and said that they “facilitated the release of 2 more hostages” and transported “them out of Gaza this evening”. In the image of Al Qassam Brigades releasing 2 Israeli hostages, what attracted attention was the attitude of the hostages. The hostages even waved their hands. #Gaza #Palestine #Israel #TelAviv pic.twitter.com/sP0SZQFUgs — E. E. 🇹🇷 (@muhendisev) October 23, 2023 × In a statement the spokesperson for Al-Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas said: "We in the Al-Qassam Brigades, through Egyptian-Qatari mediation, released the two detainees, Nurit Yitzhak and Yochved Lifshitz, knowing that the enemy has refused since last Friday to accept their receipt, and is still neglecting the file of its prisoners. We have decided to release them for compelling humanitarian and satisfactory reasons, despite the occupation’s crimes. For more than 8 violations of the procedures that were agreed upon with the mediator brothers that the occupation would adhere to during this day to complete the handover process." Israel confirms release The militant group had said on Saturday that they wanted to release the same two hostages, but that Israel declined to accept them, according to Times of Israel. Netanyahu’s office, at the time, said it would not respond to Hamas’ “propaganda lies.” The Israeli PM's office later released a statement confirming that the former hostages were in Israeli custody and are making their way to a hospital in Israel especially set up for them, where they will be reunited with their families. It also thanked Egypt "for its help" and the Red Cross "for its important life-saving role," adding that the "IDF and the security forces have worked hard in the last few days in all channels to bring about their release and to overcome the many difficulties set by Hamas." ALSO READ | Hamas releases two American hostages from Gaza A report by Israel’s Channel 12 said that the families of 79-year-old Cooper and Lifshitz, 85, have been notified of their release from Hamas captivity, adding that their husbands remain in Gaza. According to the report, both women were abducted from their homes in Nir Oz kibbutz. Four hostages released from Gaza Hamas has now released four female hostages from Gaza after the Palestinian militant group, on Friday (Oct 20), released a statement saying that it had released two American hostages. Judith and Natalie Raanan were taken hostage from Kibbutz Nahal Oz during Hamas’ October 7 attack on southern Israel. The mother-daughter duo lived in Chicago and were visiting Israel to celebrate a relative’s birthday. (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.

Israel-Hamas war: Hamas releases two more hostages from Gaza; Israel confirms their arrival

Israeli government spokesman Eylon Levy stated that his nation's goal is to "totally destroy the military and governing capabilities" of Hamas and that military action within the Gaza Strip will occur "at the time of our choosing." The world and the west Asian nation were stunned by the terror attack carried out by Hamas on October 7, in which over 200 Israelis were taken captive and 1400 Israelis died.

Israel govt spokesperson speaks to WION, says 'Israel's mind is on fate of hostages held by Hamas'

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