The brief 'targeted' incursion comes ahead of a widely expected ground invasion after nearly four weeks of air strikes.

Israel-Palestine war: 76 injured Palestinians, 35 foreigners leave for Egypt in 1st evacuations

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

Israel-Palestine war | True cost of war on Gaza to be measured in lives of children: UN

Israel's relentless air strikes are forcing residents of Northern Gaza city to seek refuge in the southern city of Rafa with supplies running critically low due a total blockade.

Israel-Palestine war: US reiterates its support for Israel | Jordan recalls Ambassador to Israel

Tussle over Israel, Ukraine aid in US, Republicans to ignore Ukraine aid over Israel

Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives on Monday unveiled a proposal to provide Israel $14.3 billion in aid by slashing money for the Internal Revenue Service, putting Democrats in the Senate in a confrontation.

House Republicans propose $14.3 billion in aid to Israel, cut IRS funding

In the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, after the Rafah crossing opened for the first time on Wednesday and hundreds of foreign nationals and injured people were allowed to evacuate from Gaza.

Israel-Palestine war: Israel kills 'another' Hamas Commander as it strikes Jabalia Refugee Camp

Hamas has told mediators it will release a number of foreign captives in the coming days, Abu Ubaida, the spokesman of the group’s armed wing, al-Qassam Brigades, said in a video on its Telegram account on Tuesday.

Israel dropped 18,000 tonnes of bombs since October 7, above 200,000 buildings destroyed: Hamas

Israel-Palestine war: Gaza isolated from whole world; 2 Palestinians cut off from electricity, water

The Gaza strip ---- home to some 2.3 million people has now become a strip of graveyard for thousands of children. According to the United Nations agency -- UNICEF. The figure of children killed and injured daily is at over 400.

Israel-Hamas war: Over 400 children killed & injured daily in Gaza

Israel is showing no signs that it will de-escalate its offensive against Gaza for a second time in 2 days. Israel has struck Gaza’s largest refugee camp in Jabaliya. Killing 195 Palestinians, wounding another 777. Israel says it struck Hamas' hideouts.

Israel-Hamas war: Gaza's largest refugee camp struck again, killing hundreds

Trigger warning: Some readers may find the details of this report disturbing. Discretion is advised

In just the first 25 days, more than 3,600 children have lost their lives to the increasingly brutal Israel-Hamas war, reports the Hamas controlled Gaza Health Ministry.

Gaza, as per the UN's children agency UNICEF, has become "a graveyard for thousands of children", where more than 400 are killed or injured every day. Gazans say parenthood in the war-torn land has become a "curse".

<h2>The toll on innocence</h2>

As per global charity Save the Children, in just over three weeks, the ongoing war has claimed the lives of more children than all the world's conflicts combined in the last three years.

In the crowded Gaza Strip, almost half of the 2.3 million inhabitants are under 18, and so far, around 40 per cent of the dead are children.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/your-whole-world-stops-israel-vs-hamas-war-claims-42-members-of-family-youngest-victim-three-month-old-653823">'Your whole world stops': Israel vs Hamas war claims 42 members of a family; youngest victim three-month-old</a>

James Elder, the United Nations Children's Fund's (UNICEF) spokesperson,&nbsp;said, "Gaza has become a graveyard for thousands of children".

According to UNICEF estimates, every day, more than 400 children are killed or injured in Gaza due to the Israeli offensive.&nbsp;

In a statement, the UN agency said that around 3,500 children have reportedly been killed, while more than 6,800 have been injured due to the "ongoing bombardment".

"This cannot become the new normal," it asserted, adding, "Children have endured too much already. The killing and captivity of children must stop. Children are not a target."

<h2>The 'curse' of parenthood</h2>

"It’s a curse to be a parent in Gaza," said Ahmed Modawikh, who lost his eight-year-old daughter to the war, as quoted by news agency AP.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mom-im-fine-family-reveal-6-year-old-hate-crime-victims-heartbreaking-last-words-647816">'Mom, I'm fine': 6-year-old Muslim boy's heartbreaking last words before dying in hate crime</a>

Another Gazan, Yasmine Jouda, who has lost 68 members of his extended family in an airstrike on a four-story building in Deir al-Balah, summed up the situation in just nine words: "People are running from death only to find death".

It is not just Gaza. Israeli children have also become victims of the bloodshed too. When Hamas militants launched their attack on October 7, about 1,400 Israelis were killed, among them babies and small children. 
 
Reports of allegedly beheaded babies and charred bodies of children shocked the global community. Of the more than 240 hostages still stuck in the clutches of militants, some 30 are children.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/horrible-horrible-images-war-correspondent-stands-by-report-of-beheadings-of-israeli-babies-645754">I wish that it wasn't true: War correspondent stands by report of beheadings of Israeli babies</a>

The tragedy of lost innocence unfortunately doesn't end here. Hundreds of minors have lost their parents, many are left without a family.

"What did this tiny baby do to deserve a life without any family?" questions Jouda, whose one-year-old Milissa is now an orphan, having lost her mother to an attack.

A huge number of injured children, their heartbreaking visuals of being pulled from the rubble, all bloody or writhing on dirty gurneys in makeshift hospitals, are a haunting reminder of the massive cost wars have on 'innocence'.&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;

Trigger warning: Some readers may find the details of this report disturbing. Discretion is advised In just the first 25 days, more than 3,600 children have lost their lives to the increasingly brutal Israel-Hamas war, reports the Hamas controlled Gaza Health Ministry.

Trigger warning: Some readers may find the details of this report disturbing. Discretion is advised In just the first 25 days, more than 3,600 children have lost their lives to the increasingly brutal Israel-Hamas war, reports the Hamas controlled Gaza Health Ministry. Gaza, as per the UN's children agency UNICEF, has become "a graveyard for thousands of children", where more than 400 are killed or injured every day. Gazans say parenthood in the war-torn land has become a "curse". The toll on innocence As per global charity Save the Children, in just over three weeks, the ongoing war has claimed the lives of more children than all the world's conflicts combined in the last three years. In the crowded Gaza Strip, almost half of the 2.3 million inhabitants are under 18, and so far, around 40 per cent of the dead are children. Also read | 'Your whole world stops': Israel vs Hamas war claims 42 members of a family; youngest victim three-month-old James Elder, the United Nations Children's Fund's (UNICEF) spokesperson, said, "Gaza has become a graveyard for thousands of children". According to UNICEF estimates, every day, more than 400 children are killed or injured in Gaza due to the Israeli offensive. In a statement, the UN agency said that around 3,500 children have reportedly been killed, while more than 6,800 have been injured due to the "ongoing bombardment". "This cannot become the new normal," it asserted, adding, "Children have endured too much already. The killing and captivity of children must stop. Children are not a target." The 'curse' of parenthood "It’s a curse to be a parent in Gaza," said Ahmed Modawikh, who lost his eight-year-old daughter to the war, as quoted by news agency AP. Also read | 'Mom, I'm fine': 6-year-old Muslim boy's heartbreaking last words before dying in hate crime Another Gazan, Yasmine Jouda, who has lost 68 members of his extended family in an airstrike on a four-story building in Deir al-Balah, summed up the situation in just nine words: "People are running from death only to find death". It is not just Gaza. Israeli children have also become victims of the bloodshed too. When Hamas militants launched their attack on October 7, about 1,400 Israelis were killed, among them babies and small children. Reports of allegedly beheaded babies and charred bodies of children shocked the global community. Of the more than 240 hostages still stuck in the clutches of militants, some 30 are children. Also read | I wish that it wasn't true: War correspondent stands by report of beheadings of Israeli babies The tragedy of lost innocence unfortunately doesn't end here. Hundreds of minors have lost their parents, many are left without a family. "What did this tiny baby do to deserve a life without any family?" questions Jouda, whose one-year-old Milissa is now an orphan, having lost her mother to an attack. A huge number of injured children, their heartbreaking visuals of being pulled from the rubble, all bloody or writhing on dirty gurneys in makeshift hospitals, are a haunting reminder of the massive cost wars have on 'innocence'. (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.

Gaza a 'graveyard' where parenthood is a 'curse': Israel-Hamas war claims lives of 400+ children every day

Pope Francis is calling for Hamas to release all hostages they took from Israel this is the strongest comment the head of the Vatican church has made since a full-scale war erupted in the region 5 days ago. He also said that Israel's Siege on Gaza is concerning.

Israel-Palestine war: Pope Francis says two-state solution needed for Israelis, Palestinians

After Hezbollah of Lebanon joined Hamas in countering Israel , another militia has now unleashed its fury on the Jewish state launching a missile attack which was thwarted by Israel. The Houthis of Yemen have joined the Israel-Hamas war and all fears of this war becoming a larger regional conflict are now becoming reality. Who are the Houthis? What is their weapons arsenal? Is Iran using them to fight its war against Israel? Watch Game Plan with Shivan Chanana.

Israel-Hamas war: Is Iran using Houthis to fight its war on Israel?

Israel-Palestine war: Israel kills 'another' Hamas Commander, 195 killed in Jabalia attack

The police in New York have arrested and charged a Connell University student who is accused of posting violent threats to Jewish classmates over the weekend.

US: Gaza siege triggers rise in anti-Semitism; Cornell University says, 'we are shocked' | WION

Qatar has mediated an agreement between Egypt, Israel and Hamas, in coordination with the U.S., which will allow limited evacuations from besieged Gaza.

Israel-Palestine war: Rafah border crossing open for evacuations but only these people can use it

Hamas'&nbsp;underground tunnels have been described as "Gaza Metro" by Israeli authorities. These tunnels which run for miles underneath Gaza have long been a source of anxiety for Israeli forces.&nbsp;

We previously reported that the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) will use an innovative weapon called the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-sponge-bomb-israels-new-weapon-to-secure-hamas-underground-tunnels-652100">"sponge bombs"</a> and special 'killer' drones to combat militants and their surprise ambush. Now, recent reports indicate that the military will use specialist units that include attack dogs.&nbsp;

<h2>'Sting' attack dogs and specialised units</h2>

As per The National report quoting officials in the Israeli military, specialist teams made up of Oketz or "sting" dog attack units and the Samur "Weasel" subterranean commandos will help deal with these tunnels.

These commandos, as per the report, have been trained in a specially built tunnel complex under the Negev Desert in Israel.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-sponge-bomb-israels-new-weapon-to-secure-hamas-underground-tunnels-652100">Explained: 'Sponge Bomb,' Israel's new weapon to secure Hamas' underground tunnels</a>

Reportedly, defence analysts have disclosed that the forces have used ground-penetrating radar and gravity detectors to map out the over 500-kilometre&nbsp;spiderweb tunnel system under Gaza.

Israel has also formed a force of combat engineers to locate the tunnels. This force is called Yahalom "Diamond" and has been trained to either destroy the tunnels or blow them up, to allow for a "hard entry" by the Samur and Oketz units.

The two units will drop into the tunnels that would likely have been blown open.

They will also use robots that have been developed by Tel Aviv company Roboteam. The company has developed IRIS, a 'throwbot', that boasts the capability to be operated remotely. The drone, which can provide critical insights and imagery from within the intricate tunnel network, is tailored to meet the demands of combat situations. It can even feature the capacity for attachments, such as weapons, ensuring enhanced capabilities for potential threats that may be seen during reconnaissance.

Alongside IRIS, Roboteam technology company has developed the MTGR (Micro Tactical Ground Robot). This as per reports, can navigate stairs and confined spaces like caves.

<h2>Gaza tunnels</h2>

As per former Israeli military brigadier General Amir Avivi, "There is a whole city all over Gaza underneath with depths of 40–50 metres. There are bunkers and headquarters and storage and, of course, they are connected to more than a thousand rocket launching positions."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/your-whole-world-stops-israel-vs-hamas-war-claims-42-members-of-family-youngest-victim-three-month-old-653823">'Your whole world stops': Israel vs Hamas war claims 42 members of a family; youngest victim three-month-old</a>

"It is a very complicated situation, and I'm not talking about the number of dead or number of kidnapped, namely the infrastructure of the lower city, of the tunnels, is a very delicate situation," said Omri Attar, a reserve major in a special operations brigade.

Hamas is believed to have dug some of the Gaza tunnel network decades ago, back in the mid-1990s. As per reports, these tunnels have evolved into a multifaceted infrastructure. Much of it stretches under civilian structures and has exit/entry points in civilian areas.

Reuters reports that Israeli ground troops have also been trained to locate and seal off air vents and escape hatches leading to the tunnel openings.

(With inputs from agencies)

Hamas' underground tunnels have been described as "Gaza Metro" by Israeli authorities. These tunnels which run for miles underneath Gaza have long been a source of anxiety for Israeli forces.

Hamas' underground tunnels have been described as "Gaza Metro" by Israeli authorities. These tunnels which run for miles underneath Gaza have long been a source of anxiety for Israeli forces. We previously reported that the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) will use an innovative weapon called the "sponge bombs" and special 'killer' drones to combat militants and their surprise ambush. Now, recent reports indicate that the military will use specialist units that include attack dogs. 'Sting' attack dogs and specialised units As per The National report quoting officials in the Israeli military, specialist teams made up of Oketz or "sting" dog attack units and the Samur "Weasel" subterranean commandos will help deal with these tunnels. These commandos, as per the report, have been trained in a specially built tunnel complex under the Negev Desert in Israel. Also read | Explained: 'Sponge Bomb,' Israel's new weapon to secure Hamas' underground tunnels Reportedly, defence analysts have disclosed that the forces have used ground-penetrating radar and gravity detectors to map out the over 500-kilometre spiderweb tunnel system under Gaza. Israel has also formed a force of combat engineers to locate the tunnels. This force is called Yahalom "Diamond" and has been trained to either destroy the tunnels or blow them up, to allow for a "hard entry" by the Samur and Oketz units. The two units will drop into the tunnels that would likely have been blown open. They will also use robots that have been developed by Tel Aviv company Roboteam. The company has developed IRIS, a 'throwbot', that boasts the capability to be operated remotely. The drone, which can provide critical insights and imagery from within the intricate tunnel network, is tailored to meet the demands of combat situations. It can even feature the capacity for attachments, such as weapons, ensuring enhanced capabilities for potential threats that may be seen during reconnaissance. Alongside IRIS, Roboteam technology company has developed the MTGR (Micro Tactical Ground Robot). This as per reports, can navigate stairs and confined spaces like caves. Gaza tunnels As per former Israeli military brigadier General Amir Avivi, "There is a whole city all over Gaza underneath with depths of 40–50 metres. There are bunkers and headquarters and storage and, of course, they are connected to more than a thousand rocket launching positions." Also read | 'Your whole world stops': Israel vs Hamas war claims 42 members of a family; youngest victim three-month-old "It is a very complicated situation, and I'm not talking about the number of dead or number of kidnapped, namely the infrastructure of the lower city, of the tunnels, is a very delicate situation," said Omri Attar, a reserve major in a special operations brigade. Hamas is believed to have dug some of the Gaza tunnel network decades ago, back in the mid-1990s. As per reports, these tunnels have evolved into a multifaceted infrastructure. Much of it stretches under civilian structures and has exit/entry points in civilian areas. Reuters reports that Israeli ground troops have also been trained to locate and seal off air vents and escape hatches leading to the tunnel openings. (With inputs from agencies)

'Sponge bombs,' killer drones, and attack dogs: The many weapons Israel will use to tackle Hamas tunnels

Here is a quick look at how much of Gaza's infrastructure has been damaged by Israeli attacks.

38,200- 44,500 buildings throughout Gaza damaged: Analysis

As a crippling humanitarian crisis unfolds in Gaza protests in solidarity with Palestinians have grown louder across the globe. Thousands have taken to the streets calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza from London to Madrid to Beirut and Islamabad, people have taken to the streets rallying in support of Palestinians and calling for an end to Israel's barrage of attacks on Gaza.

Pro-Palestinians stage global protests | Protests in support of Gazans near French embassy | WION

As the war enters its fourth week and Israel continues to bombard areas in Gaza the hostilities have cost close to 8,600 Palestinian lives so fa. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ruled out a ceasefire. Netanyahu has already said his military is expanding into Gaza and the second stage of the war has started.

Israel-Palestine war: Has Israel started the planned full-scale invasion of Gaza strip?

Voters upset over the White House's response to Israel's war in Gaza could be a risk to Biden's reelection plan.

US: Did Biden anger some voters with Israel-Hamas war comments?

As the war enters its fourth week and Israel continues to bombard areas in Gaza the hostilities have cost close to 8,600 Palestinian lives so far. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ruled out a ceasefire. Netanyahu has already said his military is expanding into Gaza and the second stage of the war has started. To understand this better watch this interview with the former Deputy Prime Minister of Israel, Natan Sharansky.

Israel-Palestine war |  Netanyahu: Second stage of the war has started

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