The world has been divided over Hamas' war with Israeli forces. But in the eye of the storm are 2.3 million Palestinians living in Gaza. As Israel lays total siege on the territory, global leaders watch the humanitarian crisis unfold. For how long will Israeli forces carry out war crimes in the world's largest open prison? And when will the world pay attention to the plight of Gazans?

A humanitarian crisis unfolds in Gaza | The West Asia Post

Hamas has been building the sophisticated network of tunnels since it seized control of the strip in 2007. Since then, the tunnels have increased manifold. WION'S Ghadi Francis visited the area in 2013.

Israel-Palestine war: A lookback inside the tunnels of Gaza | The West Asia Post

No war begins overnight, and the ongoing conflict is no exception. So, what triggered Hamas to carry out such a deadly attack? What is the Palestinian cause? And why has Israel spent decades forcibly occupying the homes of thousands of Palestinians?

Israel-Palestine war: What triggered Hamas' assault? | The West Asia Post

The Netanyahu govt has asked 1.1 million Palestinians to evacuate northern Gaza in the next 24 hours, even as casualties on both sides have crossed the 2800 mark. Palestinians fear it could be a precursor to a planned Israeli ground offensive.

Israel-Palestine war: Crisis unfolds in Gaza as Israel prepares for possible invasion

While Israeli forces battle Hamas on one front, Lebanon's militant organisation Hezbollah has fired missiles on Israeli military settlements in a show of solidarity. As the war drags on, will West Asia's mightiest militant group enter the war?     

Israel-Palestine war: Lebanon strikes Israeli settlements | The West Asia Post

Around the world protests are taking place, some are supporting Israel and it's right to defend while some are on the streets to show solidarity with the Palestinian people.

Israel-Palestine war: World split between Israel and Palestine for support

US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin said Thursday (Oct 12) that there are no conditions on Israel using the ammunition Washington has provided to the West Asian country and hoped that Israeli leadership would do the "right things". "We have not placed any conditions on the provision of this equipment. This is a professional military, led by professional leadership, and we would hope and expect that they would do the right things in the prosecution of their campaign," Austin reportedly said.

Israel-Palestine war: US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin meets with Israeli counterpart Gallant

<p>The firing of more than 5,000 rockets from the Gaza Strip broke the dawn of Saturday (Oct 7), with&nbsp;Israelis woke up to one of the bloodiest terror attacks launched by Hamas while breaking the impregnable Iron Dome defence system of Tel Aviv and infiltrating the country by breaching its security barriers.<br />
<br />
The fighters from the terrorist outfit Hamas entered the country on foot, vehicles,&nbsp;paragliders and boats,&nbsp;and Israel was caught off-guard by this sudden escalation, being seen&nbsp;as a “major intelligence failure”.<br />
<br />
In a recorded message, the leader of Hamas’ military wing Mohammed Deif said, “Enough is enough”, as he appealed to Palestinians to take part in “Operation Al-Aqsa Storm”, which is being called the biggest military offensive by Hamas in years.<br />
<br />
<strong>ALSO READ | </strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-declares-full-control-of-communities-attacked-near-gaza-644443">Israel declares 'full control of communities' attacked near Gaza</a><br />
<br />
Speaking about the 'Operation Al-Aqsa Storm' being termed as the biggest attack on Israel to WION, spokesperson for Israeli Ambassador to India Naor Gilon Guy Nir said, “It is called the biggest terror attack because of the sheer magnitude of the event. Over 600 Israelis have been murdered and many have been held hostage.”</p>

<h2><strong>Root cause: The historical conflict between Israel and Palestine</strong></h2>

<p>In World War I, after the Ottoman Empire fell, Palestine – which had a population divided between Arab majority and Jewish minority, went under the control of Britain. Britain was given the task of creating a Jewish homeland in Palestine by the international community, which led to increased tensions between Arabs and Jews.<br />
<br />
The demand for a Jewish homeland emerged as part of an ethno-nationalist movement called Zionism - which started in the late 19th century and aimed at creating a homeland for the Jews in Palestine.<br />
<br />
In the wake of World War II and the Nazi Holocaust of Jewish people, the demand for a Jewish nation increased and it gained the support of the people. Many Jews fled Europe to save themselves from persecution, and Palestine saw a sudden influx of Jewish immigrants in the 1920s and 1940s.<br />
<br />
<strong>ALSO READ |</strong> <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/did-hamas-dupe-israel-into-a-false-sense-of-security-before-ongoing-devastating-attack-644424">Did Hamas dupe Israel into a false sense of security before ongoing devastating attack?</a><br />
<br />
As tensions escalated between Arabs and Jews, the resistance to the British regime intensified further. The United Nations adopted a partition plan in 1947, according to which Palestine was to be divided into separate Jewish and Arab states and Jerusalem was to remain under international administration.<br />
<br />
The plan was accepted by the Jewish leadership, however, the Arabs rejected it and it was never implemented. Immediately after the partition plan was adopted, a war broke out between Arabs and Zionist settlers who were entering Palestine.<br />
<br />
The founding of Israel was proclaimed by the Jewish leaders, with the support of the British authorities and the United Nations, in 1948. The war saw intervention by neighbouring Arab countries with military force.<br />
<br />
In 1949, the first Arab-Israeli War ended with the victory of Israel and 750,000 Palestinians were reportedly displaced, which they called Al Nakba, or "The Catastrophe".</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-gaza-strip-and-the-struggle-for-survival-for-millions-of-its-residents-645290">Gaza Strip and the struggle for survival for millions of its residents</a></strong></p>

<p>The territory was divided into three parts - the Arab West Bank, the Gaza Strip and the Jewish Israel. To date, the conflict remains unresolved.</p>

<h2><strong>Israel's war with Hamas and the looming question of a 'third Intifada'</strong></h2>

<p>Harakat al-Muqawama al-Islamiya, also known by the acronym Hamas, was founded in 1987 by Palestinian cleric Sheikh Ahmed Yassin as a transnational Sunni Islamist organisation.<br />
<br />
Hamas was involved in two Palestinian uprisings, also known as 'intifadas', which took place from 1987 to 1993 and 2000 to 2005, and ended the peace process between the two countries, as they entered in a new phase of conflict.<br />
<br />
<strong>WATCH | Israel-Palestine War: US officials move to send aid and ammunition for Israel: Report</strong></p>

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<p>“Intifada” is an Arabic term which means to ‘shake off’. In December 1987, it came into popular usage as Palestinians used it to term their uprising against the presence of Israelis in Gaza and the West Bank.<br />
<br />
Since the latest and unprecedented attacks were carried out by Hamas, some of the experts called it the beginning of the “Third Intifada”.<br />
<br />
As Hamas launched a barrage of rockets, it appealed to the West Bank and the Arab and Islamic worlds to take part in this war against Israel.<br />
<br />
Speaking about the intentions of Hamas behind the latest salvo against Israel, the spokesperson for the Israeli Ambassador to India said, “The intent is to instill fear in the minds of the people of Israel. They are launching terror attacks at civilians and kidnaping, raping, and murdering children as well as women and elderly.”<br />
<br />
“Israel has to defend its civilians, and we will do what is needed to achieve that goal. I think the Israel Defense Forces' response will not encourage any Hamas terrorist to act," he added.</p>

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The firing of more than 5,000 rockets from the Gaza Strip broke the dawn of Saturday (Oct 7), with Israelis woke up to one of the bloodiest terror attacks launched by Hamas while breaking the impregnable Iron Dome defence system of Tel Aviv and infiltrating the country by breaching its security barriers.

The firing of more than 5,000 rockets from the Gaza Strip broke the dawn of Saturday (Oct 7), with Israelis woke up to one of the bloodiest terror attacks launched by Hamas while breaking the impregnable Iron Dome defence system of Tel Aviv and infiltrating the country by breaching its security barriers. The fighters from the terrorist outfit Hamas entered the country on foot, vehicles, paragliders and boats, and Israel was caught off-guard by this sudden escalation, being seen as a “major intelligence failure”. In a recorded message, the leader of Hamas’ military wing Mohammed Deif said, “Enough is enough”, as he appealed to Palestinians to take part in “Operation Al-Aqsa Storm”, which is being called the biggest military offensive by Hamas in years. ALSO READ | Israel declares 'full control of communities' attacked near Gaza Speaking about the 'Operation Al-Aqsa Storm' being termed as the biggest attack on Israel to WION, spokesperson for Israeli Ambassador to India Naor Gilon Guy Nir said, “It is called the biggest terror attack because of the sheer magnitude of the event. Over 600 Israelis have been murdered and many have been held hostage.” Root cause: The historical conflict between Israel and Palestine In World War I, after the Ottoman Empire fell, Palestine – which had a population divided between Arab majority and Jewish minority, went under the control of Britain. Britain was given the task of creating a Jewish homeland in Palestine by the international community, which led to increased tensions between Arabs and Jews. The demand for a Jewish homeland emerged as part of an ethno-nationalist movement called Zionism - which started in the late 19th century and aimed at creating a homeland for the Jews in Palestine. In the wake of World War II and the Nazi Holocaust of Jewish people, the demand for a Jewish nation increased and it gained the support of the people. Many Jews fled Europe to save themselves from persecution, and Palestine saw a sudden influx of Jewish immigrants in the 1920s and 1940s. ALSO READ | Did Hamas dupe Israel into a false sense of security before ongoing devastating attack? As tensions escalated between Arabs and Jews, the resistance to the British regime intensified further. The United Nations adopted a partition plan in 1947, according to which Palestine was to be divided into separate Jewish and Arab states and Jerusalem was to remain under international administration. The plan was accepted by the Jewish leadership, however, the Arabs rejected it and it was never implemented. Immediately after the partition plan was adopted, a war broke out between Arabs and Zionist settlers who were entering Palestine. The founding of Israel was proclaimed by the Jewish leaders, with the support of the British authorities and the United Nations, in 1948. The war saw intervention by neighbouring Arab countries with military force. In 1949, the first Arab-Israeli War ended with the victory of Israel and 750,000 Palestinians were reportedly displaced, which they called Al Nakba, or "The Catastrophe". Also read: Gaza Strip and the struggle for survival for millions of its residents The territory was divided into three parts - the Arab West Bank, the Gaza Strip and the Jewish Israel. To date, the conflict remains unresolved. Israel's war with Hamas and the looming question of a 'third Intifada' Harakat al-Muqawama al-Islamiya, also known by the acronym Hamas, was founded in 1987 by Palestinian cleric Sheikh Ahmed Yassin as a transnational Sunni Islamist organisation. Hamas was involved in two Palestinian uprisings, also known as 'intifadas', which took place from 1987 to 1993 and 2000 to 2005, and ended the peace process between the two countries, as they entered in a new phase of conflict. WATCH | Israel-Palestine War: US officials move to send aid and ammunition for Israel: Report “Intifada” is an Arabic term which means to ‘shake off’. In December 1987, it came into popular usage as Palestinians used it to term their uprising against the presence of Israelis in Gaza and the West Bank. Since the latest and unprecedented attacks were carried out by Hamas, some of the experts called it the beginning of the “Third Intifada”. As Hamas launched a barrage of rockets, it appealed to the West Bank and the Arab and Islamic worlds to take part in this war against Israel. Speaking about the intentions of Hamas behind the latest salvo against Israel, the spokesperson for the Israeli Ambassador to India said, “The intent is to instill fear in the minds of the people of Israel. They are launching terror attacks at civilians and kidnaping, raping, and murdering children as well as women and elderly.” “Israel has to defend its civilians, and we will do what is needed to achieve that goal. I think the Israel Defense Forces' response will not encourage any Hamas terrorist to act," he added. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Explained: Revisiting Israel-Palestine historical conflict amid new escalation by Hamas

<p>Terrorist group Hamas claimed on Friday (Oct 13) that at least 13 hostages held in Gaza were killed in Israeli air strikes over the past 24 hours.</p>

<p>Hamas hinted that amongst the hostages killed were Israelis and foreigners.</p>

<p>According to Israeli authorities, Hamas has taken more than 150 people hostage, including both civilians and military personnel.</p>

<p>Hamas said six of the hostages were killed in strikes on two separate locations in the Northern district, while seven others died in strikes that hit three locations in the Gaza district, as reported by AFP.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Israel-Palestine war: UN says Israel wants 1.1 million Gazans moved south</strong></p>

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<p>"Thirteen prisoners... including foreigners" were killed in five locations targeted by Israeli fighter jets, the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades said in a statement.</p>

<p>Since the Hamas’ Saturday assault on Israel, the Jewish country has retaliated aggressively, raining strikes on the blockaded strip and flattening buildings. More than 1,500 people have so far lost their lives in the Gaza Strip.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In Israel, at least 1,300 people have been killed by terrorist group Hamas.</p>

<h2><strong>Israel drops 6,000 bombs on Gaza</strong></h2>

<p>The Israeli air force on Thursday (Oct 12) said that so far they have dropped 6,000 bombs over the Hamas targets and more than 3,600 targets have been hit in the airstrikes, The Washington Post reported.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-israeli-air-force-drops-staggering-6000-bombs-in-six-days-646143"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Israel-Hamas war: Israeli air force drops staggering 6,000 bombs in six days</strong></a></p>

<p>As per some experts in warfare, the number of bombs dropped, which is 6,000 in the last six days, was a staggering number.</p>

<p>“Israel is dropping in less than a week what the U.S. was dropping in Afghanistan in a year, in a much smaller, much more densely populated area, where mistakes are going to be magnified,” stated Marc Garlasco, a former UN war crimes investigator in Libya and a military adviser at the Dutch organisation PAX for Peace, while speaking to The Washington Post. &nbsp;</p>

<p><em><strong>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.</strong></em></p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Terrorist group Hamas claimed on Friday (Oct 13) that at least 13 hostages held in Gaza were killed in Israeli air strikes over the past 24 hours. Hamas hinted that amongst the hostages killed were Israelis and foreigners.

Terrorist group Hamas claimed on Friday (Oct 13) that at least 13 hostages held in Gaza were killed in Israeli air strikes over the past 24 hours. Hamas hinted that amongst the hostages killed were Israelis and foreigners. According to Israeli authorities, Hamas has taken more than 150 people hostage, including both civilians and military personnel. Hamas said six of the hostages were killed in strikes on two separate locations in the Northern district, while seven others died in strikes that hit three locations in the Gaza district, as reported by AFP. Watch: Israel-Palestine war: UN says Israel wants 1.1 million Gazans moved south × "Thirteen prisoners... including foreigners" were killed in five locations targeted by Israeli fighter jets, the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades said in a statement. Since the Hamas’ Saturday assault on Israel, the Jewish country has retaliated aggressively, raining strikes on the blockaded strip and flattening buildings. More than 1,500 people have so far lost their lives in the Gaza Strip. In Israel, at least 1,300 people have been killed by terrorist group Hamas. Israel drops 6,000 bombs on Gaza The Israeli air force on Thursday (Oct 12) said that so far they have dropped 6,000 bombs over the Hamas targets and more than 3,600 targets have been hit in the airstrikes, The Washington Post reported. Also read: Israel-Hamas war: Israeli air force drops staggering 6,000 bombs in six days As per some experts in warfare, the number of bombs dropped, which is 6,000 in the last six days, was a staggering number. “Israel is dropping in less than a week what the U.S. was dropping in Afghanistan in a year, in a much smaller, much more densely populated area, where mistakes are going to be magnified,” stated Marc Garlasco, a former UN war crimes investigator in Libya and a military adviser at the Dutch organisation PAX for Peace, while speaking to The Washington Post. 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. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Israeli strikes killed 13 hostages, including foreigners, in Gaza, claims Hamas

<p>Just the night before Hamas’ assault on Israel, the security and intelligence establishment of the Jewish nation received some unnerving signals that aroused concerns.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As reported by Israel’s newspaper Haaretz, several telephonic conversations were held between officials of Israel Defense Forces (IDF), Shin Bet security service and Southern Command.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Two telephonic conversations involved Shin Bet, IDF’s Intelligence Corps, the operations division and Southern Command, and these took place with the knowledge of IDF Chief of Staff Herzl Halevi.</p>

<p>A separate consultation was held at Shin Bet security service, which also involved its head Ronen Bar.</p>

<h2><strong>What was the intelligence input?</strong></h2>

<p>It was not fully clear exactly what intelligence input triggered these high-level consultations in the Jewish nation, but Haaretz reported that “the information involved an exercise.”</p>

<p>Despite significant nervousness, both IDF’s Intelligence Corps and Shin Bet security service didn’t recommend increasing the state of alert.</p>

<p>No steps were taken, as the Shin Bet said the signals or the intelligence input was insufficient to derive any insight.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Israel-Hamas war: Israel releases photos of babies allegedly murdered by Hamas | Gravitas&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>But Shin Bet was concerned that an isolated abduction attack might take place. So, it decided to dispatch a small operational squad to the south.</p>

<p>It was decided that the situation would be reassessed the next morning.</p>

<p>Turned out it was too late by then.</p>

<h2><strong>Intelligence failure</strong></h2>

<p>On October 7, Hamas launched a massive terrorist attack on Israeli soil. The Shin Bet unit that was dispatched to the south found itself fighting off terrorists at a kibbutz - or Jewish community- near the Gaza border later in the day.</p>

<p>It was definitely an intelligence failure but what shocked the Israeli security establishment was a coordinated leak by a political source to political reporters regarding the failure, Haaretz reported.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/willing-to-fight-for-isreal-expat-indian-tells-wion-recounts-alarm-after-suspected-aerial-assault-646028"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;`Willing to fight for Israel`, expat Indian tells WION, recounts alarm after suspected `aerial assault`</strong></a></p>

<p>Haaretz cited some top Israeli officers as saying that ‘it was no coincidence that shortly after the chief of staff's statement to the public taking responsibility for the horrible failure, someone was already busy briefing in detail regarding the failures of the IDF and the Shin Bet.’</p>

<h2><strong>Warnings to the PM</strong></h2>

<p>Despite considerable failure, Israel’s security agencies claim they had been warning the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) of ‘the possibility of disaster in light of the internal crisis surrounding Netanyahu's insistence to pass the regime coup legislation.’</p>

<p>Reportedly, the PMO ignored all these warnings, including a direct appeal by the chief of staff. The Prime Minister's Office said on Thursday (Oct 12) that "Netanyahu was updated only at 6:29 A.M. as fighting broke out, and not before.”</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Just the night before Hamas’ assault on Israel, the security and intelligence establishment of the Jewish nation received some unnerving signals that aroused concerns.

Just the night before Hamas’ assault on Israel, the security and intelligence establishment of the Jewish nation received some unnerving signals that aroused concerns. As reported by Israel’s newspaper Haaretz, several telephonic conversations were held between officials of Israel Defense Forces (IDF), Shin Bet security service and Southern Command. Two telephonic conversations involved Shin Bet, IDF’s Intelligence Corps, the operations division and Southern Command, and these took place with the knowledge of IDF Chief of Staff Herzl Halevi. A separate consultation was held at Shin Bet security service, which also involved its head Ronen Bar. What was the intelligence input? It was not fully clear exactly what intelligence input triggered these high-level consultations in the Jewish nation, but Haaretz reported that “the information involved an exercise.” Despite significant nervousness, both IDF’s Intelligence Corps and Shin Bet security service didn’t recommend increasing the state of alert. No steps were taken, as the Shin Bet said the signals or the intelligence input was insufficient to derive any insight. Watch: Israel-Hamas war: Israel releases photos of babies allegedly murdered by Hamas | Gravitas × But Shin Bet was concerned that an isolated abduction attack might take place. So, it decided to dispatch a small operational squad to the south. It was decided that the situation would be reassessed the next morning. Turned out it was too late by then. Intelligence failure On October 7, Hamas launched a massive terrorist attack on Israeli soil. The Shin Bet unit that was dispatched to the south found itself fighting off terrorists at a kibbutz - or Jewish community- near the Gaza border later in the day. It was definitely an intelligence failure but what shocked the Israeli security establishment was a coordinated leak by a political source to political reporters regarding the failure, Haaretz reported. Also read: `Willing to fight for Israel`, expat Indian tells WION, recounts alarm after suspected `aerial assault` Haaretz cited some top Israeli officers as saying that ‘it was no coincidence that shortly after the chief of staff's statement to the public taking responsibility for the horrible failure, someone was already busy briefing in detail regarding the failures of the IDF and the Shin Bet.’ Warnings to the PM Despite considerable failure, Israel’s security agencies claim they had been warning the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) of ‘the possibility of disaster in light of the internal crisis surrounding Netanyahu's insistence to pass the regime coup legislation.’ Reportedly, the PMO ignored all these warnings, including a direct appeal by the chief of staff. The Prime Minister's Office said on Thursday (Oct 12) that "Netanyahu was updated only at 6:29 A.M. as fighting broke out, and not before.” (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Did they know? Israeli security officials were nervous the night before Hamas attack, held talks: Report

Tales of Wars continue for the people of Gaza as the intensified Israeli bombings in Gaza have led to a scarcity of facilities on the medical front. The Palestinian Health Ministry mentioned that they are running out of beds to accommodate the wounded. Our report tells you more.

Israel-Palestine war: Shocking, gruesome images of babies killed during Hamas attack released

Israel-Palestine war | Israel: Struck 750 Gaza targets overnight

The war is raging between Israel and Hamas and attacks from both sides are intensifying. It's now a week since Israel declared war on Hamas after an unprecedented ground air and sea assault by the militants over the weekend. The death toll continues to mount on both sides over 1,300 Israelis and over 1,500 Palestinians have lost their lives so far.

Israel-Palestine war: Antony Blinken stresses support for Israel | WION

Israel warns 1.1 million palestinians in Northern Gaza to evacuate within 24 hours, UN says it is 'impossible'. UN further asks the Israeli military to reconsider the order, warning of devastating humanitarian consequences.

Israel-Palestine war: 300 tanks, 600 warplanes & 173,000 troops all prepared for ground assault

White phosphorus is a waxy crystalline solid, which turns dark on exposure to light. This toxic substance comes in white to yellow transparent. White phosphorus has a match-like or garlic-like, acrid odour, however, it is not feasible to depend on odour for its detection. It is used by the military in the form of various types of ammunition as an incendiary agent because it spontaneously catches fire in the air when it comes into contact with oxygen.

Israel-Palestine War: Explained I What is white phosphorus that Israel reportedly used in Gaza?

Israel-Palestine war: Hamas calls on people in Gaza to stay at home

Israel has released photos of dead babies allegedly murdered & burnt by Hamas. The death toll from the war has surpassed 2,500. Pentagon Chief Lloyd Austin is going to visit Israel after Antony Blinken.

Israel-Palestine war: Israel releases photos of babies murdered by Hamas

About 100 foreign Nationals have been killed missing or taken hostage during this surprise attack on Israel by Hamas over the weekend. Several countries including India, France, Thailand and the US are scrambling to get their citizens who have to be evacuated from Israel. Some are trying to find citizens who may have been killed or taken hostage when militants from Gaza surged across the Israeli border on Saturday. Here's what to know so far.

Israel-Palestine war: India, France deploy planes to Israel to return nationals

The UK government has given the green light to send two Royal Navy ships and surveillance aircraft to the Eastern Mediterranean. These ships and the surveillance aircraft will begin their operations from today in the region.

Israel-Palestine war: UK to deploy aircraft, royal navy ships to Eastern Mediterranean

Israel-Palestine war: US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin arrives in Israel

It's now a week since Israel declared war on Hamas after an unprecedented ground air and sea assault by Hamas militants on Israel over the weekend. Death toll continues to mount on both sides over 1,300 Israelis and over 1,500 Palestinians have lost their lives.

Israel-Palestine War: US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin arrives in Israel

<p>Human Rights Watch has accused Israel of using white phosphorus munitions during its military operations in Gaza and Lebanon.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The human rights organisation emphasised that Israel's deployment of such weapons poses a severe threat to the safety of civilians, and can potentially cause significant and long-lasting injuries.</p>

<h2>White phosphorus&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Human Rights Watch, as per a Reuters report, claimed to have verified the authenticity of videos captured in Lebanon on October 10 and in Gaza on October 11. These videos reportedly depict "multiple airbursts of artillery-fired white phosphorus over the Gaza City port and two rural locations along the Israel-Lebanon border."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-denies-weapon-supply-to-hamas-accuses-us-the-empire-of-evil-of-blame-shifting-646120">North Korea denies weapon supply to Hamas, accuses US 'the empire of evil' of blame-shifting</a></strong></p>

<p>The organisation further shared links to two videos that were circulated on social media platforms, asserting that they showcase the use of "155mm white phosphorus artillery projectiles, seemingly for the purpose of creating smokescreens, marking, or signalling." Both videos show scenes near the border shared by Israel and Lebanon, said Human Rights Watch.</p>

<p>However, as per Reuters, the group did not provide links to videos showing their alleged use in Gaza.</p>

<h2><strong>Israel denies accusation</strong></h2>

<p>Reuters reports that when asked for comments on the Human Rights Watch's accusations, the Israeli military said it was "currently not aware of the use of weapons containing white phosphorus in Gaza."</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Israel-Palestine War: Israel accused of using White Phosphorus in Gaza</strong></p>

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<p>However, the military made no mention of the allegations of the weapon's use in Lebanon.</p>

<h2><strong>What are white phosphorus munitions?</strong></h2>

<p>White phosphorus refers to weaponised phosphorus, which, as per Reuters, is used to incinerate enemy positions.</p>

<p>Its use on the battlefield is legal for the purposes of making smoke screens, generating illumination, marking targets or burning bunkers and buildings.</p>

<p>Because of its legal uses, international conventions don't ban its use as a chemical weapon. However, white phosphorus is known to cause serious burns and spark fires.</p>

<p><strong>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></strong></p>

<p>It is considered an incendiary weapon under Protocol III of the Convention on the Prohibition of Use of Certain Conventional Weapons, which prohibits its use against military targets located among civilians. However, Israel has not signed this protocol and is not bound by its provisions.</p>

<p>Previously, in 2013, Israel's military announced plans to phase out the use of white phosphorus smokescreen munitions. It had used the munitions during the 2008-2009 offensive in Gaza, this had drawn allegations of war crimes from several rights organisations.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong><em>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.</em></strong></p>

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Human Rights Watch has accused Israel of using white phosphorus munitions during its military operations in Gaza and Lebanon. The human rights organisation emphasised that Israel's deployment of such weapons poses a severe threat to the safety of civilians, and can potentially cause significant and long-lasting injuries.

Human Rights Watch has accused Israel of using white phosphorus munitions during its military operations in Gaza and Lebanon. The human rights organisation emphasised that Israel's deployment of such weapons poses a severe threat to the safety of civilians, and can potentially cause significant and long-lasting injuries. White phosphorus Human Rights Watch, as per a Reuters report, claimed to have verified the authenticity of videos captured in Lebanon on October 10 and in Gaza on October 11. These videos reportedly depict "multiple airbursts of artillery-fired white phosphorus over the Gaza City port and two rural locations along the Israel-Lebanon border." Also read | North Korea denies weapon supply to Hamas, accuses US 'the empire of evil' of blame-shifting The organisation further shared links to two videos that were circulated on social media platforms, asserting that they showcase the use of "155mm white phosphorus artillery projectiles, seemingly for the purpose of creating smokescreens, marking, or signalling." Both videos show scenes near the border shared by Israel and Lebanon, said Human Rights Watch. However, as per Reuters, the group did not provide links to videos showing their alleged use in Gaza. Israel denies accusation Reuters reports that when asked for comments on the Human Rights Watch's accusations, the Israeli military said it was "currently not aware of the use of weapons containing white phosphorus in Gaza." Watch | Israel-Palestine War: Israel accused of using White Phosphorus in Gaza However, the military made no mention of the allegations of the weapon's use in Lebanon. What are white phosphorus munitions? White phosphorus refers to weaponised phosphorus, which, as per Reuters, is used to incinerate enemy positions. Its use on the battlefield is legal for the purposes of making smoke screens, generating illumination, marking targets or burning bunkers and buildings. Because of its legal uses, international conventions don't ban its use as a chemical weapon. However, white phosphorus is known to cause serious burns and spark fires. Also read | I wish that it wasn't true: War correspondent stands by report of beheadings of Israeli babies It is considered an incendiary weapon under Protocol III of the Convention on the Prohibition of Use of Certain Conventional Weapons, which prohibits its use against military targets located among civilians. However, Israel has not signed this protocol and is not bound by its provisions. Previously, in 2013, Israel's military announced plans to phase out the use of white phosphorus smokescreen munitions. It had used the munitions during the 2008-2009 offensive in Gaza, this had drawn allegations of war crimes from several rights organisations. (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.

Human Rights Watch accuses Israel of using white phosphorus in Gaza and Lebanon

It's now a week since Israel declared war on Hamas after an unprecedented ground air and sea assault by Hamas militants on Israel over the weekend. Death toll continues to mount on both sides over 1,300 Israelis and over 1,500 Palestinians have lost their lives. To know more watch this interview with the director general of Dubai Public Policy Research Centre, Mohammed Baharoon.

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