US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Tuesday drew a parallel between the ghastly 26/11 terror attack in Mumbai by Pakistan-based Laskhar-e-Taiba in 2008 and the recent one launched by Hamas militants in Israel.

'Whether it targets people of Mumbai, New York or Israel: Blinken condemns Hamas'  terror

According to a statement from his office, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited Israeli defense personnel on Saturday outside of the Gaza Strip. "Are you prepared for the next phase?" PM Netanyahu asked the military staff. The next phase will soon arrive.

Israel PM Netanyahu visits Gaza border, meets IDF soldiers | IDF Chief says 'ready for invasion'

Palestinian officials claim that over the course of Israeli airstrikes on Gaza overnight, approximately 700 Palestinians lost their lives. This is the biggest number of deaths in a single day since Israel started attacking the beleaguered enclave earlier this month.

Israel strikes Gaza: Rescuers struggle to save civilians, assure people stuck under rubble in Gaza

Israel-Palestine war: 700 Palestinians killed in overnight Israel strikes: Hamas-run Health Ministry

Israel-Hamas War News: Israel's attacks on Hamas are increasing day by day. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has warned Hezbollah, saying, 'If Hezbollah jumps into war, it will be its biggest mistake'.

Israel-Palestine war: Israel says war triggered elderly population's World War-II holocaust trauma

Israel alleged that Hamas, a Palestine-based group which has been designated a terrorist organisation by many countries, offered $10,000 and an apartment to its militants if they brought a hostage back to Gaza with them when they launched an unprecedented attack on Oct 7, The Jerusalem Post reported citing a video released by Israel.&nbsp;

During the attack, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-live-updates-50-palestinians-killed-in-one-hour-in-gaza-no-aid-entered-on-tuesday-says-un-650884">Hamas militants</a> killed more than 1,400 people, as per the Israeli authorities, and took around 200 people as hostages, some of whom have now been released.&nbsp;

Israel's security agency Shin Bet and the country's police force shared the footage, which claims to feature several detained Hamas militants, who were being interrogated.&nbsp;

The video appears to show an unnamed Hamas militant who said that he was given orders to "kidnap as many as possible" during the attacks.&nbsp;

In the video, the man who was being interrogated said that Hamas offered property and money for each person captured. This was mentioned by a company commander of the Al-Qassam Brigades.&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</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media.

Watch the video here:&nbsp;

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🔴 YOU MUST WATCH THIS! 🔴 
 
Captured Hamas terrorists ADMIT crimes against humanity! 
 
"We were told whoever brings a hostage gets $10,000" <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HamasTerrorists?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HamasTerrorists</a> <a href="https://t.co/9JyntYmwd3">pic.twitter.com/9JyntYmwd3</a>
— Hananya Naftali (@HananyaNaftali) <a href="https://twitter.com/HananyaNaftali/status/1716897912775684373?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 24, 2023</a></blockquote>
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As quoted by The Jerusalem Post, one person said in the video: "The instructions were to kidnap women and children". Meanwhile, another described an encounter with a dead body, saying: "Her body was lying on the floor. I shot her, and my commander yelled at me for wasting bullets on a dead body." &nbsp;

They said that they were asked not to distinguish between civilians and soldiers, making it clear that when it came to murder, they were not to distinguish between the two.

"When we finished, we burned two houses," said another Hamas militant.&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>&nbsp;

"Two [terrorists] went into the house ... we heard voices inside. Another two came in. There was one lying on the floor next to the door. I don't know if he was dead, but there was blood next to him. Inside there was one wounded man... I think a whole family. In their pyjamas. The wounded man was in his underwear. A woman came out wearing a dress... then another with a dress. [Then] a boy and a girl," one of the militants described entering a house after his comrades went inside.&nbsp;

"We went to the next house. From there, they took out a woman. An old woman," he added.&nbsp;

On being asked if family members were used as human shields, the Hamas militants answered "Yes".&nbsp;

One of the terrorists, who was at Be'eri, told interrogators: "When I entered the town, I saw two [terrorists] on a motorbike. They took a woman about 60-65 years old [with them] on the motorbike."&nbsp;

He said that they took the woman to Gaza when the interrogator asked about her.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

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Israel alleged that Hamas, a Palestine-based group which has been designated a terrorist organisation by many countries, offered $10,000 and an apartment to its militants if they brought a hostage back to Gaza with them when they launched an unprecedented attack on Oct 7, The Jerusalem Post reported citing a video released by Israel.

Israel alleged that Hamas, a Palestine-based group which has been designated a terrorist organisation by many countries, offered $10,000 and an apartment to its militants if they brought a hostage back to Gaza with them when they launched an unprecedented attack on Oct 7, The Jerusalem Post reported citing a video released by Israel. During the attack, Hamas militants killed more than 1,400 people, as per the Israeli authorities, and took around 200 people as hostages, some of whom have now been released. Israel's security agency Shin Bet and the country's police force shared the footage, which claims to feature several detained Hamas militants, who were being interrogated. The video appears to show an unnamed Hamas militant who said that he was given orders to "kidnap as many as possible" during the attacks. In the video, the man who was being interrogated said that Hamas offered property and money for each person captured. This was mentioned by a company commander of the Al-Qassam Brigades. Also read: Israel considering inundating Hamas’ underground tunnels before ground invasion Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media. Watch the video here: 🔴 YOU MUST WATCH THIS! 🔴 Captured Hamas terrorists ADMIT crimes against humanity! "We were told whoever brings a hostage gets $10,000" #HamasTerrorists pic.twitter.com/9JyntYmwd3 — Hananya Naftali (@HananyaNaftali) October 24, 2023 × As quoted by The Jerusalem Post, one person said in the video: "The instructions were to kidnap women and children". Meanwhile, another described an encounter with a dead body, saying: "Her body was lying on the floor. I shot her, and my commander yelled at me for wasting bullets on a dead body." They said that they were asked not to distinguish between civilians and soldiers, making it clear that when it came to murder, they were not to distinguish between the two. "When we finished, we burned two houses," said another Hamas militant. Also read: Greta Thunberg kicked out of Israeli textbooks after 'stand with Gaza' row "Two [terrorists] went into the house ... we heard voices inside. Another two came in. There was one lying on the floor next to the door. I don't know if he was dead, but there was blood next to him. Inside there was one wounded man... I think a whole family. In their pyjamas. The wounded man was in his underwear. A woman came out wearing a dress... then another with a dress. [Then] a boy and a girl," one of the militants described entering a house after his comrades went inside. "We went to the next house. From there, they took out a woman. An old woman," he added. On being asked if family members were used as human shields, the Hamas militants answered "Yes". One of the terrorists, who was at Be'eri, told interrogators: "When I entered the town, I saw two [terrorists] on a motorbike. They took a woman about 60-65 years old [with them] on the motorbike." He said that they took the woman to Gaza when the interrogator asked about her. (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.

Captured Hamas militant claims he was offered $10K, apartment as reward for bringing hostages

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 to flood Hamas' hostage tunnels, preparing to turn Gaza into rubble: US journalist

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.

Israeli envoy expresses concerns on UN Chief's remarks on Israel-Palestine war, demands resignation

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?

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

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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&nbsp;

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.

<img alt="picture" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="64fdc5e9-2167-4389-a0c4-9eae3e76fc9d" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/The%20battle%20for%20Kyiv%20-%202023-10-24T120154.147.png" />

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.

<img alt="picture" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="553edaa4-5f95-4a4a-b3cb-9e91961e65f2" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/The%20battle%20for%20Kyiv%20-%202023-10-24T120413.579.png" />

&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.)

WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

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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-Palestine war: Iran-backed militia's fighters continue to attack North Israel

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

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

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