Jamal Muhammad Haniyeh, the oldest grandson of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh has been killed in an Israeli attack, multiple media reports said. Jamal Haniyeh was reportedly killed in an Israeli airstrike. The air strike took place inside the Gaza Strip. A couple of weeks ago, Roaa Haniyeh, granddaughter of Ismail Haniyeh was killed in a similar bombing. She was a medical student at the Gaza University. It has been reported that Haniyeh has lost more of his relatives in the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. Israeli fighter jets have also targeted Haniyeh's properties in the Gaza Strip.

Ismail Haniyeh on Tuesday said that Hamas and Israel were close to a hostage exchange and truce deal.

"We are close to reaching a deal on a truce," Haniyeh said, according to the statement, as quoted by AFP.

Watch | Israel-Hamas war: Israel's opposition asks Netanyahu to resign

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Hamas fighters crossed the border from the Gaza Strip into Israel on October 7 and as per Israeli estimates, killed 1200 people in addition to taking 240 hostages. Israel has since responded with overwhelming military action and has carried out hundreds of air raids in the Palestinian enclave. Ground assault is ongoing as well with the deployment of tanks and troops. According to the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza, Israeli military action has caused more than 13,000 deaths, including thousands of children.

Qatar has been mediating between the two warring sides to secure the release of hostages and to take the hostilities down a notch.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-brics-could-help-reach-political-settlement-in-conflict-says-putin-661232">Israel-Hamas war: BRICS could help reach political settlement in conflict, says Putin</a>

There was considerable progress towards striking a deal on Tuesday with even US President Joe Biden hinting that both sides were close to an agreement. On Sunday, Qatar's prime minister said that the deal hinged on some "minor" issues that need smoothening.

AFP quoted sources within Hamas and Islamic Jihad, the group that also took part in the October 7 attacks, to say that both groups had agreed to a truce.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-considers-designating-yemens-houthis-a-terrorist-organization-after-cargo-ship-seizure-661294">US considers designating Yemen's Houthis a terrorist organization after cargo ship seizure</a>

It is being reported that a deal may see Hamas release 50 to 100 hostages. It is, however, opposed to freeing military personnel. Israel on its part, may release 300 Palestinians that are currently in Israeli jails. The deal may also involve food and medical aid to enter Gaza.

(With inputs from agencies)

Jamal Muhammad Haniyeh, the oldest grandson of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh has been killed in an Israeli attack, multiple media reports said. Jamal Haniyeh was reportedly killed in an Israeli airstrike.

Jamal Muhammad Haniyeh, the oldest grandson of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh has been killed in an Israeli attack, multiple media reports said. Jamal Haniyeh was reportedly killed in an Israeli airstrike. The air strike took place inside the Gaza Strip. A couple of weeks ago, Roaa Haniyeh, granddaughter of Ismail Haniyeh was killed in a similar bombing. She was a medical student at the Gaza University. It has been reported that Haniyeh has lost more of his relatives in the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. Israeli fighter jets have also targeted Haniyeh's properties in the Gaza Strip. Ismail Haniyeh on Tuesday said that Hamas and Israel were close to a hostage exchange and truce deal. "We are close to reaching a deal on a truce," Haniyeh said, according to the statement, as quoted by AFP. Watch | Israel-Hamas war: Israel's opposition asks Netanyahu to resign × Hamas fighters crossed the border from the Gaza Strip into Israel on October 7 and as per Israeli estimates, killed 1200 people in addition to taking 240 hostages. Israel has since responded with overwhelming military action and has carried out hundreds of air raids in the Palestinian enclave. Ground assault is ongoing as well with the deployment of tanks and troops. According to the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza, Israeli military action has caused more than 13,000 deaths, including thousands of children. Qatar has been mediating between the two warring sides to secure the release of hostages and to take the hostilities down a notch. Also Read | Israel-Hamas war: BRICS could help reach political settlement in conflict, says Putin There was considerable progress towards striking a deal on Tuesday with even US President Joe Biden hinting that both sides were close to an agreement. On Sunday, Qatar's prime minister said that the deal hinged on some "minor" issues that need smoothening. AFP quoted sources within Hamas and Islamic Jihad, the group that also took part in the October 7 attacks, to say that both groups had agreed to a truce. Also Read | US considers designating Yemen's Houthis a terrorist organization after cargo ship seizure It is being reported that a deal may see Hamas release 50 to 100 hostages. It is, however, opposed to freeing military personnel. Israel on its part, may release 300 Palestinians that are currently in Israeli jails. The deal may also involve food and medical aid to enter Gaza. (With inputs from agencies)

Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh's oldest grandson Jamal killed in Israeli attack: Reports

The United States is considering designating Yemen's Houthi rebels a terrorist organisation after their militants hijacked an Israel-linked cargo vessel in the Red Sea.

National Security Council spokesman John Kirby, during a press briefing, said that "in light of... the piracy of a ship in international waters, we have begun a review of potential terrorist designations and we'll be considering other options together with our allies and partners as well."

Kirby called on the rebels to "release that ship immediately, as well as the crew, and unconditionally."

The capture of the Galaxy Leader and its 25 international crew, which took place on Sunday (Nov 19), came days after the Iran-backed Houthis threatened to target Israeli shipping over the Israel-Hamas war.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iceland-volcanic-eruption-may-happen-with-30-minute-warning-met-office-661221">Iceland volcanic eruption may happen with 30-minute warning: Met Office</a>

<h2>Houthi rebels release video of hijacking ship</h2>

Yemen's Iran-backed group on Monday (Nov 20) released a chilling video of the seizure of the Galaxy Leader.

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Footage of Houthi forces hijacking the ship Galaxy Leader in the Red Sea yesterday. <a href="https://t.co/PSFLpV4FLA">pic.twitter.com/PSFLpV4FLA</a>
— OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) <a href="https://twitter.com/Osinttechnical/status/1726641686309400988?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 20, 2023</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

The footage, which showed armed men landing on a ship's deck from a helicopter in the southern Red Sea and seizing it, was released by the movement's TV channel Al Masirah a day after the Iran-backed group seized the ship.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-to-release-80-israeli-hostages-in-exchange-for-four-day-pause-in-fighting-report-661241">Hamas to release over 50 Israeli hostages in deal for four-day pause: Report</a>

The vessel's owner, as per news agency Reuters, on Monday (Nov 20) said that the cargo ship was "illegally boarded by military personnel via a helicopter" on Sunday, Nov 19 and was at present in the Hodeidah port area in Yemen.

"All communications were subsequently lost with the vessel," the Isle of Man registered Galaxy Maritime Ltd, owner of the pure car carrier Galaxy Leader, said in a statement.

"The company, as a shipping concern, will not be commenting further on the political or geopolitical situation."

The Bahamas-flagged Galaxy Leader's crew comprises nationals from Bulgaria, Ukraine, the Philippines, Mexico and Romania, Galaxy Maritime said. The vessel is chartered by Japan's Nippon Yusen.

"Owners and managers believe the seizure of this vessel represents a gross violation of freedom of passage for the world fleet and a serious threat to international trade," Galaxy Maritime said.

It added that the "key concern at this time is the safety and security of the 25 crew members currently being held by the perpetrators of this criminal act".

(With inputs from agencies)

The United States is considering designating Yemen's Houthi rebels a terrorist organisation after their militants hijacked an Israel-linked cargo vessel in the Red Sea.

The United States is considering designating Yemen's Houthi rebels a terrorist organisation after their militants hijacked an Israel-linked cargo vessel in the Red Sea. National Security Council spokesman John Kirby, during a press briefing, said that "in light of... the piracy of a ship in international waters, we have begun a review of potential terrorist designations and we'll be considering other options together with our allies and partners as well." Kirby called on the rebels to "release that ship immediately, as well as the crew, and unconditionally." The capture of the Galaxy Leader and its 25 international crew, which took place on Sunday (Nov 19), came days after the Iran-backed Houthis threatened to target Israeli shipping over the Israel-Hamas war. Also read: Iceland volcanic eruption may happen with 30-minute warning: Met Office Houthi rebels release video of hijacking ship Yemen's Iran-backed group on Monday (Nov 20) released a chilling video of the seizure of the Galaxy Leader. Footage of Houthi forces hijacking the ship Galaxy Leader in the Red Sea yesterday. pic.twitter.com/PSFLpV4FLA — OSINTtechnical (@Osinttechnical) November 20, 2023 × The footage, which showed armed men landing on a ship's deck from a helicopter in the southern Red Sea and seizing it, was released by the movement's TV channel Al Masirah a day after the Iran-backed group seized the ship. Also read: Hamas to release over 50 Israeli hostages in deal for four-day pause: Report The vessel's owner, as per news agency Reuters, on Monday (Nov 20) said that the cargo ship was "illegally boarded by military personnel via a helicopter" on Sunday, Nov 19 and was at present in the Hodeidah port area in Yemen. "All communications were subsequently lost with the vessel," the Isle of Man registered Galaxy Maritime Ltd, owner of the pure car carrier Galaxy Leader, said in a statement. "The company, as a shipping concern, will not be commenting further on the political or geopolitical situation." The Bahamas-flagged Galaxy Leader's crew comprises nationals from Bulgaria, Ukraine, the Philippines, Mexico and Romania, Galaxy Maritime said. The vessel is chartered by Japan's Nippon Yusen. "Owners and managers believe the seizure of this vessel represents a gross violation of freedom of passage for the world fleet and a serious threat to international trade," Galaxy Maritime said. It added that the "key concern at this time is the safety and security of the 25 crew members currently being held by the perpetrators of this criminal act". (With inputs from agencies)

US considers designating Yemen's Houthis a terrorist organisation after cargo ship seizure

The fighting in diplomatic parleys continue side by side in the Israel-Hamas War several countries are taking a clear position in the conflict one country that has been a vocal critic of Israel. South Africa this time going a step further its lawmakers have voted in favor of closing Israel's Embassy and cutting diplomatic ties with the war ridden country. The motion called for these measures until Israel agrees to ceasefire in Gaza.

South Africa to suspend ties with Israel

Israel has released a list of 300 Palestinian prisoners, out of which 150 will be released in the first phase if the Hamas militant group releases more than the promised 50 Israeli hostages. The list was released on Wednesday (Nov 22) by Israel's Justice Ministry. As per Haaretz, the ministry also reportedly gave a time frame of 24 hours to the public to appeal to the court regarding the list.

A ceasefire was earlier agreed upon for a minimum of four days to facilitate the release of at least 50 hostages in exchange for 150 Palestinians jailed in Israel.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/with-china-presiding-over-session-india-warns-un-security-council-of-vicious-cycle-of-debt-traps-661488">With China presiding over session, India warns UN Security Council of 'vicious cycle of debt traps'</a>

<h2>Who all are there in the released list?&nbsp;</h2>

Both sides have agreed to release 150 females and minors. Meanwhile, 287 out of 300 detainees mentioned in the list are males who are aged under 18.&nbsp;The remaining 13 prisoners are adult women arrested for attempting terror stabbing. &nbsp;

The 150 detainees will be released by Israel in the first phase. In the second phase,&nbsp;Israel will release another 150 Palestinian detainees in case another 50 hostages are released from Gaza.

As per the second phase, the truce in Israel-Hamas war will be extended by a day for every 10 further hostages released.&nbsp; 
 
Israel has published a list of 300 Palestinians who could be released in total - most are&nbsp;male&nbsp;teenagers.

These Palestinians were arrested by Israel for clashing&nbsp;with police, throwing stones, and riots in the West Bank and East Jerusalem region, media reports said.&nbsp;

The West Bank and East Jerusalem region have been brewing with violence for a long time and there have been many instances of clashes between Palestinians and police at Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa mosque, especially during major holidays.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/chinas-state-banks-drive-yuan-rally-amidst-dollar-weakness-report-661466">China's state banks drive yuan rally amidst dollar weakness: Report</a>

Many pro-Palestinians have been calling for a truce in the Israel-Hamas war, however, the talks were not able to reach any conclusive end till Wednesday, which finally reached a major breakthrough.&nbsp;

The agreement was cleared by the full Israeli cabinet.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-approves-hostage-deal-with-hamas-661498">Israel approves hostage deal with Hamas</a>

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Qatar played a pivotal role in reaching the agreement. The truce comes as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza has been quite dire with the Hamas-run government saying that the Palestinian death toll in the besieged region has surpassed 14,000.&nbsp;

The truce is a ray of hope for many of Gaza's civilians who are caught in the crossfire between Israel and Hamas. Many Israelis were outraged overt Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's inaction over the hostage situation.

As per Israel, the ceasefire might be extended depending on hostages being freed by Hamas militant group.&nbsp;

Netanyahu along with Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Minister Benny Gantz have been given the power by the government to continue to assess the situation at every step. They will call the shots as to when the ceasefire will end and for how long it will be there.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Israel has released a list of 300 Palestinian prisoners, out of which 150 will be released in the first phase if the Hamas militant group releases more than the promised 50 Israeli hostages.

Israel has released a list of 300 Palestinian prisoners, out of which 150 will be released in the first phase if the Hamas militant group releases more than the promised 50 Israeli hostages. The list was released on Wednesday (Nov 22) by Israel's Justice Ministry. As per Haaretz, the ministry also reportedly gave a time frame of 24 hours to the public to appeal to the court regarding the list. A ceasefire was earlier agreed upon for a minimum of four days to facilitate the release of at least 50 hostages in exchange for 150 Palestinians jailed in Israel. Also Read | With China presiding over session, India warns UN Security Council of 'vicious cycle of debt traps' Who all are there in the released list? Both sides have agreed to release 150 females and minors. Meanwhile, 287 out of 300 detainees mentioned in the list are males who are aged under 18. The remaining 13 prisoners are adult women arrested for attempting terror stabbing. The 150 detainees will be released by Israel in the first phase. In the second phase, Israel will release another 150 Palestinian detainees in case another 50 hostages are released from Gaza. As per the second phase, the truce in Israel-Hamas war will be extended by a day for every 10 further hostages released. Israel has published a list of 300 Palestinians who could be released in total - most are male teenagers. These Palestinians were arrested by Israel for clashing with police, throwing stones, and riots in the West Bank and East Jerusalem region, media reports said. The West Bank and East Jerusalem region have been brewing with violence for a long time and there have been many instances of clashes between Palestinians and police at Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa mosque, especially during major holidays. Also Read | China's state banks drive yuan rally amidst dollar weakness: Report Many pro-Palestinians have been calling for a truce in the Israel-Hamas war, however, the talks were not able to reach any conclusive end till Wednesday, which finally reached a major breakthrough. The agreement was cleared by the full Israeli cabinet. Watch | Israel approves hostage deal with Hamas × Qatar played a pivotal role in reaching the agreement. The truce comes as the humanitarian crisis in Gaza has been quite dire with the Hamas-run government saying that the Palestinian death toll in the besieged region has surpassed 14,000. The truce is a ray of hope for many of Gaza's civilians who are caught in the crossfire between Israel and Hamas. Many Israelis were outraged overt Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's inaction over the hostage situation. As per Israel, the ceasefire might be extended depending on hostages being freed by Hamas militant group. Netanyahu along with Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and Minister Benny Gantz have been given the power by the government to continue to assess the situation at every step. They will call the shots as to when the ceasefire will end and for how long it will be there. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel releases  list of 300 detained Palestinian prisoners, 150 to be set free in first phase

The temporary truce between the militant group Hamas and Israel will begin on Thursday morning at 10:00 a.m. local time. As per the latest coming in that is what a top Hamas official has stated. Israel's cabinet approved a ceasefire deal with the Hamas group on Tuesday night and under the deal Hamas is to free 50 hostages over a 4-day period.

Israel-Palestine war | Hamas: Temporary truce will begin on Thursday at 10am local time

US President Joe Biden gave the impression that a deal to release Palestinian prisoners detained by Israel in exchange for hostages held by Hamas and a provisional cease-fire was "now very close." "We are now very close, very close. We could bring some of these hostages home very soon. But I don’t want to get into the details of things, because nothing is done until it's done," he said at the White House. "Things are looking good at the moment."

Israel-Palestine war: Qatar asks US to form secret cell to work on hostage issue

Israel-Palestine war: US establishes secret team for hostage release

In an unprecedented vote early Wednesday morning, Israel’s cabinet approved an agreement to secure the release of roughly 50 hostages who were abducted into Gaza during the October 7 terror onslaught.

Israel-Hamas war: Israel approves hostage deal, Netanyahu says 4-day truce deal right decision

Israel-Palestine war: First hostages may be released as early as Thursday | World News | WION

The Iran-backed Houthi rebels said they hijacked the ship over its connection to Israel and would continue to target ships in international waters that were linked to or owned by Israelis until the end of Israel's campaign against Gaza's Hamas rulers.

Yemen's Houthis seize cargo ship in Red Sea; how did they manage to hijack a ship? | WION

Israel-Palestine war: Israel, Hamas agree to 4-day ceasefire | World News | WION

Are Israel and Hamas on the brink of a hostage release deal in Gaza? PM Netanyahu has spelled out Israel's non-negotiables for any potential pause in fighting. Meanwhile, Qatar, the country that is facilitate negotiations, has assured 'good progress' in talks.

Israel-Hamas Temporary Ceasefire on the Cards? Qatar's Big Hint

Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, on Tuesday (Nov 21), said that his militant group was nearing a truce agreement with Israel amid the ongoing war in Gaza. This comes as negotiators are working to secure a deal between the two sides amid the mounting death toll and deteriorating humanitarian situation in the Palestinian enclave.&nbsp;

<h2>‘Close to reaching a deal’</h2>

In a post on Telegram, Haniyeh said “We are close to reaching a deal on a truce,” as quoted by AFP.&nbsp;

Qatar has been mediating with Hamas while also negotiating&nbsp;with Israel and the United States&nbsp;reportedly for the release of hostages held by the Palestinian militant group in Gaza in exchange for a ceasefire.&nbsp;

Around 1,200 people were killed in Israel after Hamas launched its surprise attack on October 7, according to Israeli officials. The Palestinian militant group also took more than 200 hostages, including civilians and military personnel.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-agrees-to-tentative-deal-to-free-at-least-50-hostages-in-exchange-for-multi-day-truce-reports-659119">Hamas agrees to tentative deal to free at least 50 hostages; Israel's approval awaited: Report</a>

Israel has since retaliated with constant bombardment and later launched a ground operation in the Gaza Strip, which according to the Hamas-run Palestinian health ministry has killed more than 13,000 people.

<h2>What we know about the potential deal</h2>

A report by news agency AFP, citing two sources familiar with the talks, said that the tentative deal includes a five-day truce, consisting of a ceasefire on the ground and limits to Israeli air operations over southern Gaza.

The deal also includes the return of between 50 and 100 hostages&nbsp;–&nbsp;Israeli civilians and captives of other nationalities, but not military personnel&nbsp;–&nbsp;held by Hamas and Islamic Jihad,&nbsp;a separate Palestinian militant group.&nbsp;

If agreed upon, some 300 Palestinians would also be released from Israeli jails, among them women and children.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-challenges-to-hostage-deal-are-logistical-says-qatar-pm-660454">Israel-Hamas war: Challenges to hostage deal are logistical, says Qatar PM</a> 
 
According to media reports, intense negotiations are underway in Qatar, which is also home to Hamas’ political office,&nbsp;where Haniyeh is based.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden, on Monday (Nov 20) said that he believes that a deal to free some of the hostages in exchange for a ceasefire is close.

“I believe so,” said Biden when asked whether a deal was near during a Thanksgiving ceremony at the White House and went on to cross his fingers to signal he hoped for good luck.

<h2>Hamas leader’s meeting with ICRC chief</h2>

Separately, the Hamas’ leader also met with Mirjana Spoljaric, president of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Qatar on Monday (Nov 20) to “advance humanitarian issues” related to the conflict, the Geneva-based ICRC said in a statement.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-adopts-resolution-calling-for-humanitarian-truce-between-israel-and-hamas-heres-what-happened-652178">UN adopts resolution calling for ‘humanitarian truce’ between Israel and Hamas. Here's what happened</a> 
 
She also met with Qatari authorities who are acting as mediators in the conflict and said that the meeting was part of discussions with all sides to the conflict to improve respect for international humanitarian law.

The Geneva-based organisation said it was continuing “to appeal for the urgent protection of all victims in the conflict, and for the alleviation of the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza strip” and had “persistently called for the immediate release of hostages.”

 
(With inputs from agencies) 
 
Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, on Tuesday (Nov 21), said that his militant group was nearing a truce agreement with Israel amid the ongoing war in Gaza. This comes as negotiators are working to secure a deal between the two sides amid the mounting death toll and deteriorating humanitarian situation in the Palestinian enclave.

Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, on Tuesday (Nov 21), said that his militant group was nearing a truce agreement with Israel amid the ongoing war in Gaza. This comes as negotiators are working to secure a deal between the two sides amid the mounting death toll and deteriorating humanitarian situation in the Palestinian enclave. ‘Close to reaching a deal’ In a post on Telegram, Haniyeh said “We are close to reaching a deal on a truce,” as quoted by AFP. Qatar has been mediating with Hamas while also negotiating with Israel and the United States reportedly for the release of hostages held by the Palestinian militant group in Gaza in exchange for a ceasefire. Around 1,200 people were killed in Israel after Hamas launched its surprise attack on October 7, according to Israeli officials. The Palestinian militant group also took more than 200 hostages, including civilians and military personnel. ALSO READ | Hamas agrees to tentative deal to free at least 50 hostages; Israel's approval awaited: Report Israel has since retaliated with constant bombardment and later launched a ground operation in the Gaza Strip, which according to the Hamas-run Palestinian health ministry has killed more than 13,000 people. What we know about the potential deal A report by news agency AFP, citing two sources familiar with the talks, said that the tentative deal includes a five-day truce, consisting of a ceasefire on the ground and limits to Israeli air operations over southern Gaza. The deal also includes the return of between 50 and 100 hostages – Israeli civilians and captives of other nationalities, but not military personnel – held by Hamas and Islamic Jihad, a separate Palestinian militant group. If agreed upon, some 300 Palestinians would also be released from Israeli jails, among them women and children. ALSO READ | Israel-Hamas war: Challenges to hostage deal are logistical, says Qatar PM According to media reports, intense negotiations are underway in Qatar, which is also home to Hamas’ political office, where Haniyeh is based. Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden, on Monday (Nov 20) said that he believes that a deal to free some of the hostages in exchange for a ceasefire is close. “I believe so,” said Biden when asked whether a deal was near during a Thanksgiving ceremony at the White House and went on to cross his fingers to signal he hoped for good luck. Hamas leader’s meeting with ICRC chief Separately, the Hamas’ leader also met with Mirjana Spoljaric, president of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Qatar on Monday (Nov 20) to “advance humanitarian issues” related to the conflict, the Geneva-based ICRC said in a statement. ALSO READ | UN adopts resolution calling for ‘humanitarian truce’ between Israel and Hamas. Here's what happened She also met with Qatari authorities who are acting as mediators in the conflict and said that the meeting was part of discussions with all sides to the conflict to improve respect for international humanitarian law. The Geneva-based organisation said it was continuing “to appeal for the urgent protection of all victims in the conflict, and for the alleviation of the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza strip” and had “persistently called for the immediate release of hostages.” (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Hamas chief says 'close to reaching' truce deal with Israel amid war

US lawmakers on Tuesday (Nov 21) wrote to billionaire Elon Musk highlighting concerns on how his social media platform X appeared to be benefiting from the premium accounts that glorified violence against Israel.

A group of 27 lawmakers wrote a letter to Musk and X chief executive Linda Yaccarino, expressing concerns citing reports from nonprofit organizations that showcased people with X Premium accounts "glorifying barbaric acts of violence against Israelis."

"These reports demonstrated that X is profiting from the spread of this gruesome and harmful propaganda through account subscription fees and ad revenue," the lawmakers wrote, adding that much of the offensive content remained live despite being flagged by researchers. &nbsp;

The lawmakers further said that X earned profit from the posts both from subscription fees as well as ads displayed in replies to both Premium and regular posts.

"X has financially benefited from the spread of demonstrably false and misleading content as well," the lawmakers wrote.

They also noted that since the US had designated Hamas as a terrorist organization in 1997, it was illegal to intentionally provide material support or resources to the group.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-makes-fresh-attempt-to-launch-first-spy-satellite-says-it-was-success-661263">North Korea makes fresh attempt to launch first spy satellite, says it was success</a>

"There is no ambiguity about whether violent videos generated by the group qualify under these policies. These are videos that carry official Hamas branding and iconography," the lawmakers wrote.

<h2>X sues watchdog group Media Matters</h2>

X on Monday (Nov 20) sued nonprofit Media Matters accusing the organisation of defaming the platform after it published a report which said that ads for major brands appeared next to posts hailing Hitler and the Nazi party.&nbsp;

The platform, according to the lawsuit filed in the United States District Court in Texas, alleges that the media non-profit is driving advertisers away by portraying X as full of antisemitic content.

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-condemns-elon-musk-for-abhorrent-promotion-of-anti-semitism-659879"> </a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/white-house-condemns-elon-musk-for-abhorrent-promotion-of-anti-semitism-659879">White House condemns Elon Musk for 'abhorrent promotion' of antisemitism</a>

X claimed that the media non-profit “manipulated” the platform by “tricking the algorithm into thinking Media Matters wanted to view both hateful content and content from large advertisers.”

It also alleged that the media non-profit used accounts that exclusively followed accounts for major brands or users known to produce fringe content while also “endlessly scrolling and refreshing” the feed until it found ads next to extremist posts.

“Media Matters knowingly and maliciously manufactured side-by-side images depicting advertisers' posts on X Corp.’s social media platform beside Neo-Nazi and white-nationalist fringe content and then portrayed these manufactured images as if they were what typical X users experience,” said the company in its lawsuit.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

US lawmakers on Tuesday (Nov 21) wrote to billionaire Elon Musk highlighting concerns on how his social media platform X appeared to be benefiting from the premium accounts that glorified violence against Israel.

US lawmakers on Tuesday (Nov 21) wrote to billionaire Elon Musk highlighting concerns on how his social media platform X appeared to be benefiting from the premium accounts that glorified violence against Israel. A group of 27 lawmakers wrote a letter to Musk and X chief executive Linda Yaccarino, expressing concerns citing reports from nonprofit organizations that showcased people with X Premium accounts "glorifying barbaric acts of violence against Israelis." "These reports demonstrated that X is profiting from the spread of this gruesome and harmful propaganda through account subscription fees and ad revenue," the lawmakers wrote, adding that much of the offensive content remained live despite being flagged by researchers. The lawmakers further said that X earned profit from the posts both from subscription fees as well as ads displayed in replies to both Premium and regular posts. "X has financially benefited from the spread of demonstrably false and misleading content as well," the lawmakers wrote. They also noted that since the US had designated Hamas as a terrorist organization in 1997, it was illegal to intentionally provide material support or resources to the group. Also read: North Korea makes fresh attempt to launch first spy satellite, says it was success "There is no ambiguity about whether violent videos generated by the group qualify under these policies. These are videos that carry official Hamas branding and iconography," the lawmakers wrote. X sues watchdog group Media Matters X on Monday (Nov 20) sued nonprofit Media Matters accusing the organisation of defaming the platform after it published a report which said that ads for major brands appeared next to posts hailing Hitler and the Nazi party. The platform, according to the lawsuit filed in the United States District Court in Texas, alleges that the media non-profit is driving advertisers away by portraying X as full of antisemitic content. Also read: White House condemns Elon Musk for 'abhorrent promotion' of antisemitism X claimed that the media non-profit “manipulated” the platform by “tricking the algorithm into thinking Media Matters wanted to view both hateful content and content from large advertisers.” It also alleged that the media non-profit used accounts that exclusively followed accounts for major brands or users known to produce fringe content while also “endlessly scrolling and refreshing” the feed until it found ads next to extremist posts. “Media Matters knowingly and maliciously manufactured side-by-side images depicting advertisers' posts on X Corp.’s social media platform beside Neo-Nazi and white-nationalist fringe content and then portrayed these manufactured images as if they were what typical X users experience,” said the company in its lawsuit. (With inputs from agencies)

US lawmakers accuse Elon Musk of benefiting financially from anti-Israel propaganda on X

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Even as the deadly assault on Gaza continued and rockets were being fired into Israel, the leader of Hamas announced on Tuesday that the Palestinian militant group was close to reaching a truce agreement with Israel. Ismail Haniyeh released a statement claiming that Hamas officials are "close to reaching a truce agreement" with Israel and that the organization has given its response to Qatari mediators.

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A bombing by the Israelis on the Bureij refugee camp killed two journalists. Israeli air power struck journalists Sari Mansour and Hassouneh Salim.

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According to the UN agency, more than 880,000 internally displaced have sought shelter in 154 UNRWA installations across all five of Gaza’s governorates. Out of Gaza’s 2.3 million people, 1.7 million are now displaced. To date, 104 UNRWA staff have been killed along with at least 11,000 people in Gaza according to health authorities.

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Israel is at war with Hamas which controls the Gaza Strip. More than 1,100 people have been killed on both sides since the war broke out on Saturday after Hamas rained thousands of rockets on Israel in surprise pre-dawn attacks from Gaza. Israeli leadership have cautioned the nation for a long and difficult war.

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The United States believes that Israel and Hamas are getting closer to a deal that would secure the release of some hostages held in Gaza, even as the Israeli military's deadly assault on Gaza City continued and rockets were being fired into Israel.

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On Monday, a delegation of Democratic senators urged President Biden to collaborate with Israel to persuade the nation to open its borders to humanitarian aid entering the Gaza Strip, which is ruled by Hamas.

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In an online statement, the armed group "Islamic Resistance in Iraq" claimed that one of its fighters had dropped a drone that was set off by a booby-trap on the al-Tanf military base, which is close to Syria's borders with Jordan and Iraq. Without giving any more information, it stated that the drone had struck its target inside the US military installation.

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From the Israel-Hamas war to the latest the offensive continues to pick up as Israel makes inroads into the Gazan territory and civilian casualties continue to ramp up with each passing day. Israel, the United States and Hamas are close to an agreement that would free dozens of women and children held hostage in Gaza.

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