Israel raised a record amount of debt last year to fund its multi-front war against Hamas and other Iran-backed militias.

Israel Raised A Record Amount Of Debt In 2024 | World Business Watch

US President Joe Biden has stressed the immediate need for a ceasefire in Gaza and the return of the hostages. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hamas War: Joe Biden Says Both Sides On The Brink Of Sealing Ceasefire Deal | World DNA

Qatar has provided a final ceasefire and hostage release draft to Israel and Hamas to end the Gaza war. Watch this report for more details!

Israel-Hamas war: Qatar presents final ceasefire draft to Israel, Hamas

US President-elect Donald Trump on Tuesday (7 January) issued a stern warning to Hamas, demanding the release of hostages before his inauguration on 20 January, 2025.

Donald Trump: All hell to break out if hostages not released by Jan 20

US President-elect Donald Trump, on Tuesday (Jan 7), reiterated his stark warning against Hamas stating that if the Palestinian militant group does not release hostages before the day he assumes office, which is Jan 20, "all hell will break out".
"All hell will break out. If those hostages aren't back, I don't want to hurt your negotiation, if they're not back by the time I get into office, all hell will break out in the Middle East," Trump told reporters at a news conference in Mar-a-Lago, Florida.
He said in response to one of the reporters who asked a question about the status of negotiations with Hamas concerning the release of American hostages by the Palestinian militant group.&nbsp;
Trump's Special Envoy to the Middle East Steven Charles Witkoff said that they were on the verge of it.
"I believe we've been on the verge of it. I don't want to discuss sort of what's delayed it, no point in being negative in any way. But I think it's the president, his stature, what he's said he expects, the red lines he's put out there, that's driving this negotiation," Witkoff said.
"I don't want to say too much because I think they're doing a really good job back in Doha. I'm leaving tomorrow to go back to Doha. But I think that we've had some really great progress and I'm really hopeful that by the inauguration we'll have some good things to announce on behalf of the president." "I actually believe that we're working in tandem in a really good way, but it's the president, his reputation, the things that he has said that are driving this negotiation. So hopefully it'll all work out and we'll save some lives," he added highlighting that they were making a lot of progress.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-says-hamas-has-not-given-status-of-hostages-it-says-ready-to-free-8595389" rel="dofollow">Also read: Israel says Hamas has not given 'status of hostages' it is ready to free</a>
<h2>'Oct 7 attack should've never happened': Trump</h2>
Trump then stressed that the Oct 7, 2023 attack on Israel by Hamas should have never happened.
"It will not be good for Hamas and it will not be good frankly for anyone. All hell will break out. I don't have to say anymore, but that's what it is. They should have given them back a long time ago &mdash; they should have never taken them. There should have never been the attack of October 7th. People forget that, but there was and many people are killed," he said.
"They're no longer hostages. I have people from Israel and others calling, begging me to get &mdash; we had also people there from the United States just so you know. They're holding some so-called hostages from the US, but I've had mothers come to me and fathers crying, can I get the body of their son back? Can I get the body of their daughter back?" the US President-elect added.
"That beautiful girl where they threw her in the car, pulled her by her ponytail and threw her in the car like she was a sack of potatoes. I said, what happened to her? Sir, she's dead. Like a 19, 20-year-old, beautiful girl. The way they treated her," he said as he applauded his special envoy for the progress being made so far.
"I tell this, I don't want to hurt the negotiation. If the deal isn't done before I take office, which is now going to be two weeks, all hell will break out in the Middle East," Trump said.
(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Trump has issued warnings to Hamas several times to release hostages before January 20, when he will be sworn in as the 47th President of the United States.

US President-elect Donald Trump, on Tuesday (Jan 7), reiterated his stark warning against Hamas stating that if the Palestinian militant group does not release hostages before the day he assumes office, which is Jan 20, "all hell will break out". "All hell will break out. If those hostages aren't back, I don't want to hurt your negotiation, if they're not back by the time I get into office, all hell will break out in the Middle East," Trump told reporters at a news conference in Mar-a-Lago, Florida. He said in response to one of the reporters who asked a question about the status of negotiations with Hamas concerning the release of American hostages by the Palestinian militant group. Trump's Special Envoy to the Middle East Steven Charles Witkoff said that they were on the verge of it. "I believe we've been on the verge of it. I don't want to discuss sort of what's delayed it, no point in being negative in any way. But I think it's the president, his stature, what he's said he expects, the red lines he's put out there, that's driving this negotiation," Witkoff said. "I don't want to say too much because I think they're doing a really good job back in Doha. I'm leaving tomorrow to go back to Doha. But I think that we've had some really great progress and I'm really hopeful that by the inauguration we'll have some good things to announce on behalf of the president." "I actually believe that we're working in tandem in a really good way, but it's the president, his reputation, the things that he has said that are driving this negotiation. So hopefully it'll all work out and we'll save some lives," he added highlighting that they were making a lot of progress. Also read: Israel says Hamas has not given 'status of hostages' it is ready to free 'Oct 7 attack should've never happened': Trump Trump then stressed that the Oct 7, 2023 attack on Israel by Hamas should have never happened. "It will not be good for Hamas and it will not be good frankly for anyone. All hell will break out. I don't have to say anymore, but that's what it is. They should have given them back a long time ago — they should have never taken them. There should have never been the attack of October 7th. People forget that, but there was and many people are killed," he said. "They're no longer hostages. I have people from Israel and others calling, begging me to get — we had also people there from the United States just so you know. They're holding some so-called hostages from the US, but I've had mothers come to me and fathers crying, can I get the body of their son back? Can I get the body of their daughter back?" the US President-elect added. "That beautiful girl where they threw her in the car, pulled her by her ponytail and threw her in the car like she was a sack of potatoes. I said, what happened to her? Sir, she's dead. Like a 19, 20-year-old, beautiful girl. The way they treated her," he said as he applauded his special envoy for the progress being made so far. "I tell this, I don't want to hurt the negotiation. If the deal isn't done before I take office, which is now going to be two weeks, all hell will break out in the Middle East," Trump said. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump warns 'all hell will break out' if Hamas doesn't release hostages before Jan 20

In his post-certification address, former President Donald Trump announced a significant $20 billion investment in new data centers. The initiative aims to boost the nation's digital infrastructure and create thousands of jobs, marking a major step in the tech sector's growth.

Donald Trump Unveils $20 Billion Investment in New Data Centers in Post-Certification Address

Hamas official Osama Hamdan threatened US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, saying that he would be prosecuted for his role in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?title=gaza+war+" rel="dofollow">Gaza war</a>, calling him "a partner in the war of extermination".&nbsp;
Hamas politburo member Hamdan stressed that Blinken's partnership in the crimes will be pursued legally, The Times of Israel reported.&nbsp;
&ldquo;His statements are misleading and we do not trust them, and his partnership in the crimes against our people will be pursued legally,&rdquo; Hamdan threatened.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-state-secy-warned-netanyahu-biden-would-not-visit-israel-if-they-wont-allow-aid-into-gaza-8591823" rel="dofollow">US top diplomat Blinken warned Netanyahu, Biden would not visit Israel if he won't allow aid into Gaza</a>
US top diplomat Blinken, in an interview with The New York Times, blamed Hamas for the failure to reach a hostage release agreement with Israel.&nbsp;
&ldquo;What we&rsquo;ve seen time and again is Hamas not concluding a deal that it should have concluded,&rdquo; Blinken said.
&ldquo;Why there hasn&rsquo;t been a unanimous chorus around the world for Hamas to put down its weapons, to give up the hostages, to surrender &mdash; I don&rsquo;t know what the answer is to that. Israel, on various occasions, has offered safe passage to Hamas&rsquo;s leadership and fighters out of Gaza. Where is the world? Where is the world saying, Yeah, do that! End this! Stop the suffering of people that you brought on!,&rdquo; he said.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/west-asia-crisis-antony-blinken-warns-against-triggering-further-conflicts-in-syria-783566" rel="dofollow">West Asia crisis: Antony Blinken warns against triggering further conflicts in Syria</a>
Hamdan continued that negotiations with Israel have proven that the only way to achieve rights for the Palestinians is by force.&nbsp;
Moreover, Blinken said in the interview that the US does not believe that Israel is carrying out genocide in Gaza, although he says that there were times when Israel was not &ldquo;doing enough&rdquo; to allow in humanitarian assistance.
Hamdan further stressed that Hamas is determined to stop the aggression, adding that "for the enemy to withdraw from the Gaza Strip, and for relief and reconstruction to be without Israeli conditions."
Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-secretary-of-state-blinken-meets-with-lebanons-pm-amid-rising-israel-hezbollah-tensions-770651" rel="dofollow"> US Secretary of State Blinken meets with Lebanon&rsquo;s PM amid rising Israel-Hezbollah tensions</a>
&ldquo;We hope that this will be achieved as soon as possible," Hamdan added.&nbsp;
<h2>Call for national committee to manage Gaza</h2>
Hamdan called for a "national committee" to manage Gaza and "block the path of every corrupt argument that seeks to oppress our people."&nbsp;
Notably, Hamas and Israel have been negotiating on the potential deal in Qatar, however, the progress has been slow.&nbsp;
Hamdan said Hamas hopes that Syria &ldquo;will remain in the position of resistance&rdquo; due to Israel&rsquo;s control of the Golan Heights and beyond. &ldquo;One of the most important values ​​launched by Al-Aqsa Flood [the Hamas name for the October 7, 2023, terror onslaught] is that peoples will not be liberated except through resistance.&rdquo;
Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.
(With inputs from agencies)

World | Middle East: Hamas politburo member Osama Hamdan stressed that US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's partnership in the crimes will be pursued legally, The Times of Israel reported.

Hamas official Osama Hamdan threatened US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, saying that he would be prosecuted for his role in the Gaza war, calling him "a partner in the war of extermination". Hamas politburo member Hamdan stressed that Blinken's partnership in the crimes will be pursued legally, The Times of Israel reported. “His statements are misleading and we do not trust them, and his partnership in the crimes against our people will be pursued legally,” Hamdan threatened. Also read: US top diplomat Blinken warned Netanyahu, Biden would not visit Israel if he won't allow aid into Gaza US top diplomat Blinken, in an interview with The New York Times, blamed Hamas for the failure to reach a hostage release agreement with Israel. “What we’ve seen time and again is Hamas not concluding a deal that it should have concluded,” Blinken said. “Why there hasn’t been a unanimous chorus around the world for Hamas to put down its weapons, to give up the hostages, to surrender — I don’t know what the answer is to that. Israel, on various occasions, has offered safe passage to Hamas’s leadership and fighters out of Gaza. Where is the world? Where is the world saying, Yeah, do that! End this! Stop the suffering of people that you brought on!,” he said. Also read: West Asia crisis: Antony Blinken warns against triggering further conflicts in Syria Hamdan continued that negotiations with Israel have proven that the only way to achieve rights for the Palestinians is by force. Moreover, Blinken said in the interview that the US does not believe that Israel is carrying out genocide in Gaza, although he says that there were times when Israel was not “doing enough” to allow in humanitarian assistance. Hamdan further stressed that Hamas is determined to stop the aggression, adding that "for the enemy to withdraw from the Gaza Strip, and for relief and reconstruction to be without Israeli conditions." Also read: US Secretary of State Blinken meets with Lebanon’s PM amid rising Israel-Hezbollah tensions “We hope that this will be achieved as soon as possible," Hamdan added. Call for national committee to manage Gaza Hamdan called for a "national committee" to manage Gaza and "block the path of every corrupt argument that seeks to oppress our people." Notably, Hamas and Israel have been negotiating on the potential deal in Qatar, however, the progress has been slow. Hamdan said Hamas hopes that Syria “will remain in the position of resistance” due to Israel’s control of the Golan Heights and beyond. “One of the most important values launched by Al-Aqsa Flood [the Hamas name for the October 7, 2023, terror onslaught] is that peoples will not be liberated except through resistance.” Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

Hamas official threatens to take legal action against US diplomat Blinken for 'partnership' in Israeli crimes

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken expresses confidence that a deal regarding hostages in Gaza will be reached soon, amid ongoing Israel-Hamas tensions.

Israel-Hamas war: Blinken 'confident' Gaza hostage deal to come soon

A Hamas official said the Palestinian militants were ready to free 34 hostages in the “first phase” of a potential deal with Israel. Watch this report for more details!

Israel-Hamas War: Reports citing Hamas official suggest new prisoner swap proposal

Israel-Hamas War: 'Ready to release 34 Israeli hostages in first phase', says Hamas official

The latest Israeli strikes in Gaza have killed 12 people, including five in the Nuseirat refugee camp, four in the southern city of Khan Younis, and three in the Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza, according to Gaza's Health Ministry. They say that at least 88 people had been killed in the past 24 hours. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hamas War: Israel says Hamas command centers targeted

The Palestinian militant group Hamas on Saturday (Jan 4) released a video of a hostage held captive in Gaza since the October 7, 2023 attack.
In the three-and-a-half-minute video shared by the armed wing of Hamas, the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, 19-year-old soldier Liri Albag called for the Israeli government to secure her release, according to news agency AFP reports.
According to the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, which is a campaign group for the families of the ones held captive, Albag's family did not authorise publication of the video.
"We appeal to the prime minister, world leaders and all decision-makers: it's time to take decisions as if it were your own children there," the family released a statement.
Albag was abducted by the Palestinian militant group at the age of 18 at the Nahal Oz base on the Gaza border along with six other women conscripts.
Five of them still remain in captivity.
Hamas abducted 251 hostages during the 2023 attack, out of which 96 still remain in Gaza, and as per the Israeli military, 34 are dead.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-accuses-israel-of-flagrant-violation-of-ceasefire-as-hezbollah-warns-patience-running-out-8592119" rel="dofollow">UN accuses Israel of 'flagrant violation' of ceasefire as Hezbollah warns patience running out</a>
<h2>Israel says indirect ceasefire talks with Hamas resume in Qatar</h2>
Meanwhile, Israel on Saturday (Jan 4) confirmed that indirect negotiations for a ceasefire and hostage release with Hamas have resumed in Qatar.
Defence Minister Israel Katz stated that an Israeli delegation had travelled to Qatar to advance talks.
"Efforts are underway to free the hostages, notably the Israeli delegation which left yesterday (Friday) for negotiations in Qatar," said his office.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had given "detailed instructions for the continued negotiations," added the statement.
On Friday, Hamas also confirmed that the negotiations were poised to resume and said that it aims to "focus on ensuring the agreement leads to a complete cessation of hostilities (and) the withdrawal of occupation forces". Mediators from the United States, Qatar, and Egypt have been engaged in mediation efforts for months. &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.

Israel on Saturday (Jan 4) confirmed that indirect negotiations for a ceasefire and hostage release with Hamas have resumed in Qatar.

The Palestinian militant group Hamas on Saturday (Jan 4) released a video of a hostage held captive in Gaza since the October 7, 2023 attack. In the three-and-a-half-minute video shared by the armed wing of Hamas, the Ezzedine al-Qassam Brigades, 19-year-old soldier Liri Albag called for the Israeli government to secure her release, according to news agency AFP reports. According to the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, which is a campaign group for the families of the ones held captive, Albag's family did not authorise publication of the video. "We appeal to the prime minister, world leaders and all decision-makers: it's time to take decisions as if it were your own children there," the family released a statement. Albag was abducted by the Palestinian militant group at the age of 18 at the Nahal Oz base on the Gaza border along with six other women conscripts. Five of them still remain in captivity. Hamas abducted 251 hostages during the 2023 attack, out of which 96 still remain in Gaza, and as per the Israeli military, 34 are dead. Also read: UN accuses Israel of 'flagrant violation' of ceasefire as Hezbollah warns patience running out Israel says indirect ceasefire talks with Hamas resume in Qatar Meanwhile, Israel on Saturday (Jan 4) confirmed that indirect negotiations for a ceasefire and hostage release with Hamas have resumed in Qatar. Defence Minister Israel Katz stated that an Israeli delegation had travelled to Qatar to advance talks. "Efforts are underway to free the hostages, notably the Israeli delegation which left yesterday (Friday) for negotiations in Qatar," said his office. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had given "detailed instructions for the continued negotiations," added the statement. On Friday, Hamas also confirmed that the negotiations were poised to resume and said that it aims to "focus on ensuring the agreement leads to a complete cessation of hostilities (and) the withdrawal of occupation forces". Mediators from the United States, Qatar, and Egypt have been engaged in mediation efforts for months. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Hamas releases video of teen Israeli hostage held in Gaza urging Netanyahu's govt to secure release

As Israel begins its monumental rebuilding efforts following the recent conflict with Hamas, the construction sector faces a significant labor shortage. Historically dependent on Palestinian and other migrant workers, Israel is now turning to an increasing number of workers from India to fill the gap.

Indian workers fill critical roles in Israel

Israeli military strikes in the Gaza Strip have killed at least 70 people over the last day, Palestinian medics said on Saturday, as mediators launched a new ceasefire push to end the 15-month-old war.
At least 17 of those who died were killed in airstrikes on two houses in Gaza City, the first of which destroyed the home of the Al-Ghoula family in the early hours, medics and residents said.

Israel Gaza: Israeli Strikes Kill Dozens In Gaza Strip As New Ceasefire Talks Begin

Ryan Routh, who made an assasination bid on US President-elect Donald Trump offered to join the Palestinian militant group Hamas as a captive it was revealed in a letter from a jailhouse in Miami, where he is currently imprisoned and pending trial, according to the New York Post&nbsp;
The 58-year-old Routh is incarcerated in a federal prison in Miami pending trial for allegedly attempting to kill Trump.&nbsp;
Routh in a bizarre letter confirmed by the New York Post, expressed concern for the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-state-secy-warned-netanyahu-biden-would-not-visit-israel-if-they-wont-allow-aid-into-gaza-8591823" rel="dofollow">Also read: US top diplomat Blinken warned Netanyahu, Biden would not visit Israel if they won't allow aid into Gaza</a>
"Will you go with me to Gaza and surrender to Hamas in exchange for a hostage life, please? Will you help me stop the killing of innocent children and families by offering yourself to restart the peace process and end this war?&rdquo; Routh asked in the letter.
Routh depicts himself as Alexander Hamilton from &ldquo;It's a Wonderful Life,&rdquo; who is highly obsessed with George Bailey.
Routh has been researching and reading about the life of founding father Hamilton, who worked as the first US treasury secretary from 1789 to 1795, "crying", over his passing in a battle with former Vice President Aaron Burr.&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-administration-proposes-8b-arms-sale-to-israel-reports-8591476" rel="dofollow">Also read: Biden administration proposes $8B arms sale to Israel: Report</a>
Further, he linked himself to Bailey, the kindhearted banker portrayed by Jimmy Stewart in the Frank Capra Christmastime classic from 1946.&nbsp;
In his letter, Routh expressed his willingness to surrender to Gaza, stressing that he does not desire a world where "our neighbours struggle" around the world.&nbsp;
&ldquo;I feel as George Bailey, wondering if there is support and value in honor, dignity, righteousness, meek, modest, altruism, magnanimity, empathy, kindness, caring [and] sacrifice," he stated.&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-delegation-departs-for-qatar-to-hold-hostage-deal-talks-with-hamas-8588239" rel="dofollow">Also read: Israeli delegation departs for Qatar to hold hostage deal talks with Hamas</a>
The letter's envelope has Routh's name, his prison ID number, and prison return address, according to the New York Post.&nbsp;
Moreover, Routh's 31-year-old daughter Sara, also signed the letter and confirmed the letter's legitimacy, according to the New York Post.
As he expressed his "willingness to surrender" in Gaza, Routh said this would be merely to restart the peace talks.&nbsp;
He also expressed solidarity with the university students staging violent protests on campus in&nbsp; support of Hamas.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-police-chief-deputy-killed-in-israeli-airstrikes-on-gaza-humanitarian-zone-8585896" rel="dofollow">Also read: Hamas police chief, deputy killed in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza humanitarian zone</a>
&ldquo;It was extremely sad when our US leaders crushed the tent cities created by the University students for Gaza,&rdquo; Routh said, encouraging students to rebuild encampments at the &ldquo;edge of Gaza.&rdquo;
Routh was apprehended by federal agents on September 15 last year, with a semiautomatic rifle during a search at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida.
(With inputs from agencies)

World: In his letter, Routh expressed his willingness to surrender to Gaza, stressing that he does not desire a world where "our neighbours struggle" around the world. 

Ryan Routh, who made an assasination bid on US President-elect Donald Trump offered to join the Palestinian militant group Hamas as a captive it was revealed in a letter from a jailhouse in Miami, where he is currently imprisoned and pending trial, according to the New York Post The 58-year-old Routh is incarcerated in a federal prison in Miami pending trial for allegedly attempting to kill Trump. Routh in a bizarre letter confirmed by the New York Post, expressed concern for the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Also read: US top diplomat Blinken warned Netanyahu, Biden would not visit Israel if they won't allow aid into Gaza "Will you go with me to Gaza and surrender to Hamas in exchange for a hostage life, please? Will you help me stop the killing of innocent children and families by offering yourself to restart the peace process and end this war?” Routh asked in the letter. Routh depicts himself as Alexander Hamilton from “It's a Wonderful Life,” who is highly obsessed with George Bailey. Routh has been researching and reading about the life of founding father Hamilton, who worked as the first US treasury secretary from 1789 to 1795, "crying", over his passing in a battle with former Vice President Aaron Burr. Also read: Biden administration proposes $8B arms sale to Israel: Report Further, he linked himself to Bailey, the kindhearted banker portrayed by Jimmy Stewart in the Frank Capra Christmastime classic from 1946. In his letter, Routh expressed his willingness to surrender to Gaza, stressing that he does not desire a world where "our neighbours struggle" around the world. “I feel as George Bailey, wondering if there is support and value in honor, dignity, righteousness, meek, modest, altruism, magnanimity, empathy, kindness, caring [and] sacrifice," he stated. Also read: Israeli delegation departs for Qatar to hold hostage deal talks with Hamas The letter's envelope has Routh's name, his prison ID number, and prison return address, according to the New York Post. Moreover, Routh's 31-year-old daughter Sara, also signed the letter and confirmed the letter's legitimacy, according to the New York Post. As he expressed his "willingness to surrender" in Gaza, Routh said this would be merely to restart the peace talks. He also expressed solidarity with the university students staging violent protests on campus in support of Hamas. Also read: Hamas police chief, deputy killed in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza humanitarian zone “It was extremely sad when our US leaders crushed the tent cities created by the University students for Gaza,” Routh said, encouraging students to rebuild encampments at the “edge of Gaza.” Routh was apprehended by federal agents on September 15 last year, with a semiautomatic rifle during a search at Trump International Golf Club in West Palm Beach, Florida. (With inputs from agencies)

'Willing to surrender in Gaza': Trump's alleged shooter Routh wishes to become Hamas hostage in shocking letter

An Israeli delegation of "working-level negotiators" have departed Tel Aviv to attend talks in Qatar's capital Doha for further negotiations regarding a hostage agreement in the Gaza Strip, The Times of Israel reported.&nbsp;
Israeli Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?title=+Benjamin+Netanyahu+" rel="dofollow">Benjamin Netanyahu </a>said on Thursday (Jan 2) that he had okayed the delegation's departure to discuss a potential hostage-ceasefire agreement.&nbsp;
"Netanyahu authorised a working-level delegation from the Mossad, Shin Bet, and IDF to continue negotiations in Doha," the Israeli PMO said in a statement.&nbsp;
Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-hostage-deal-at-impasse-unlikely-to-be-completed-before-end-of-bidens-term-report-8583822" rel="dofollow"> Israel-Hamas hostage deal hit impasse; 'unlikely before end of Biden's term': Report</a>
The Israeli delegation comprises Mossad, the country's intelligence agency; Shin Bet or the Israeli Security Agency, the intelligence, technological, and operational organisation of Israel; and Israeli Defence Forces (IDF).
Moreover, a delegation from the Palestinian militant group, Hamas, is also expected to reach Doha to proceed with the negotiations.&nbsp;
<h2>Ceasefire-hostage talks reached an impasse</h2>
This comes amid the circulating reports that the ceasefire-hostage talks had reached an impasse.&nbsp;The ongoing negotiations between Israel and Hamas over the ceasefire and hostage deal have reached a dead end, Arab mediators told the Wall Street Journal earlier this week.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-police-chief-deputy-killed-in-israeli-airstrikes-on-gaza-humanitarian-zone-8585896" rel="dofollow">Hamas police chief, deputy killed in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza humanitarian zone</a>
The mediators said that despite new hopes for their renewed talks, Israel-Hamas discussions to secure the deal have hit an impasse, adding that&nbsp;the deal is unlikely to be completed by the end of Biden's administration.&nbsp;
Following Netanyahu's approval to send a delegation to Qatar, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, a civil, volunteer-based organisation, representing the families of the hostages, welcomes the decision, saying that the "window of opportunity" cannot be missed.&nbsp;
However, in November last year, Qatar stressed that it halted its role as a ceasefire mediator due to a lack of willingness by Israel and Hamas to reach an agreement.&nbsp;
Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-warns-hamas-to-let-hostages-come-back-soon-8582598">Trump warns Hamas to 'let hostages come back soon'</a>
Lately, Israel and the Palestinian militant group have been blaming each other for not following the terms of the deal. Hamas said that Israel had set "new issues and conditions" on the terms of a deal and Netanyahu accused Hamas of "reneging on understandings."&nbsp;
Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.
(With inputs from agencies)

World: Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday (Jan 2) that he had okayed the delegation's departure to discuss a potential hostage-ceasefire agreement.

An Israeli delegation of "working-level negotiators" have departed Tel Aviv to attend talks in Qatar's capital Doha for further negotiations regarding a hostage agreement in the Gaza Strip, The Times of Israel reported. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday (Jan 2) that he had okayed the delegation's departure to discuss a potential hostage-ceasefire agreement. "Netanyahu authorised a working-level delegation from the Mossad, Shin Bet, and IDF to continue negotiations in Doha," the Israeli PMO said in a statement. Also read: Israel-Hamas hostage deal hit impasse; 'unlikely before end of Biden's term': Report The Israeli delegation comprises Mossad, the country's intelligence agency; Shin Bet or the Israeli Security Agency, the intelligence, technological, and operational organisation of Israel; and Israeli Defence Forces (IDF). Moreover, a delegation from the Palestinian militant group, Hamas, is also expected to reach Doha to proceed with the negotiations. Ceasefire-hostage talks reached an impasse This comes amid the circulating reports that the ceasefire-hostage talks had reached an impasse. The ongoing negotiations between Israel and Hamas over the ceasefire and hostage deal have reached a dead end, Arab mediators told the Wall Street Journal earlier this week. Also read: Hamas police chief, deputy killed in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza humanitarian zone The mediators said that despite new hopes for their renewed talks, Israel-Hamas discussions to secure the deal have hit an impasse, adding that the deal is unlikely to be completed by the end of Biden's administration. Following Netanyahu's approval to send a delegation to Qatar, the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, a civil, volunteer-based organisation, representing the families of the hostages, welcomes the decision, saying that the "window of opportunity" cannot be missed. However, in November last year, Qatar stressed that it halted its role as a ceasefire mediator due to a lack of willingness by Israel and Hamas to reach an agreement. Also read:Trump warns Hamas to 'let hostages come back soon' Lately, Israel and the Palestinian militant group have been blaming each other for not following the terms of the deal. Hamas said that Israel had set "new issues and conditions" on the terms of a deal and Netanyahu accused Hamas of "reneging on understandings." Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

Israeli delegation departs for Qatar to hold hostage deal talks with Hamas

Day after the US was shaken by attacks on New Year's Day, authorities have been investigating a possible military connection between the New Orleans attack suspect Shamsud-Din Jabbar, and &nbsp;Matthew Livelsberger, the driver involved in the Cybertruck explosion outside US President-elect Trump's hotel in Las Vegas.&nbsp;
In other news, the Israeli military killed the chief of Hamas-run police force and his deputy in an airstrike in the Gaza humanitarian zone, Hamas said on Thursday. The strike also claimed the lives of 11 others, while 15 were injured.&nbsp;
Click on the headlines to read the full stories.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/multiple-people-involved-in-new-orleans-attack-authorities-8585950" rel="dofollow">Investigation on for military link between New Orleans and Cybertruck attack suspects: Authorities</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/01/02/1zgyyEkk2bmnViGf7U5Y.png" alt=" During the attack, Jabbar shot two police officials and later the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) said he was killed in a gunfight with police.&nbsp; Photograph: (Reuters ) ">
Authorities launched an investigation into a possible military connection between the New Orleans attack's suspect, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, and Matthew Livelsberger, the driver in the Cybertruck explosion outside the Trump hotel in Las Vegas.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-police-chief-deputy-killed-in-israeli-airstrikes-on-gaza-humanitarian-zone-8585896" rel="dofollow">Hamas police chief, deputy killed in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza humanitarian zone</a>
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<div><img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/01/02/bEYAU9ZyhQNFS6PSoEFo.jpg" alt=" Palestinians walk amid scattered debris of tents on Thursday following an overnight Israeli strike on a makeshift displacement camp in al-Mawasi in the southern Gaza Strip, that reportedly killed at least 11 people, including the chief of the Hamas police chief and his deputy Photograph: (AFP) "></div>
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The chief of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?title=hamas" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Hamas</a>-run police force and his deputy have been killed in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza, the Palestinian militant group said on Thursday (Jan 2).&nbsp;
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Matthew Livelsberger, a native of Colorado Springs, has been identified as the suspect in the Tesla&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?title=cybertruck+" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">Cybertruck explosion</a>&nbsp;that happened outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas on Thursday (Jan 2).&nbsp;
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Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (January 2) condemned the truck attack in the United States city of New Orleans, which claimed the lives of 15 people.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korean-president-yoon-suk-yeol-resists-arrest-for-third-day-vows-to-fight-to-the-end-8586182">Suspended South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol resists arrest for third day, vows to 'fight to the end'</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2024/12/27/6URZdB8MvJ9wVWpMC5Xa.png" alt=" South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol delivers an address to the nation at the Presidential Office in Seoul, South Korea, December 12, 2024. Photograph: (Reuters) ">
Suspended South Korean President&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/south-korean-investigators-vow-to-execute-arrest-warrant-against-yoon-suk-yeol-before-jan-6-8582785" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Yoon Suk Yeol</a>&nbsp;resisited arrest for a third consecutive day on Thursday (January 2). Yoon remained inside his official residence and vowed to "fight" authorities who are trying to arrest him over his failed attempt to impose martial law.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trump-blames-open-borders-democrats-after-deadly-new-orleans-attack-kills-15-8585338" rel="dofollow">&lsquo;US is breaking down&rsquo;: Trump blames open borders, Democrats after deadly New Orleans attack kills 15</a>
<img src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/fit-in/1280x720/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/media_files/2025/01/02/X6MLvdGhlXzP1wJ58ZLP.png" alt=" In this file picture, U.S. President-elect Donald Trump gestures to supporters during a campaign rally at the Forum River Center in Georgia, US, on March 9, 2024. Photograph: (Reuters) ">
In a scathing statement, US President-elect Donald Trump on Thursday (January 2) criticised what he called "weak, ineffective, and virtually nonexistent leadership" in the United States. His comments followed a deadly car attack in New Orleans, although he did not directly mention the incident in his post.
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The Supreme Court on Thursday heard a petition related to the ongoing farmers' protest and questioned the Centre for not making a statement that they would consider genuine demands of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?title=farmers+protest" rel="dofollow noopener" target="_blank">protesting farmers&nbsp;</a>and their doors are open.&nbsp;
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-nsa-jake-sullivan-to-travel-to-india-next-week-8586038" rel="dofollow">US NSA Jake Sullivan to travel to India next week</a>
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United States National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan will&nbsp;be travelling&nbsp;to Delhi next week for the key US-India Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) talks. He is expected to be in India on Monday and Tuesday&nbsp;and&nbsp;will co-chair the talks with his Indian counterpart,&nbsp;NSA&nbsp;Ajit Doval. This will be the&nbsp;3rd&nbsp;round of iCET talks&nbsp;that have taken place since the launch of the initiative in January of&nbsp;2023 in Washington.&nbsp;
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Indian Test team captain Rohit Sharma will sit out of the Sydney Test match against Australia starting on Friday (Jan 3) as the two sides prepare for the series finale. According to several media reports, Rohit has informed chief selector Ajit Agarkar and head coach Gautam Gambhir that he will not play in the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) contest with Shubman Gill replacing him in the batting order. The likely change will also see Jasprit Bumrah captain the side as he did in the Perth Test in November.<o:p></o:p>
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Sooraj R. Barjatya, known for giving us timeless classics in the romance genre will soon make his OTT debut with SonyLIV&rsquo;s&nbsp;Bada Naam Karenge.&nbsp;With a legacy rooted in heartfelt storytelling and cherished family values, Rajshri Productions will start their OTT journey with a love story.&nbsp;
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World: The Israeli military killed the chief of Hamas-run police force and his deputy in an airstrike in the Gaza humanitarian zone, Hamas said on Thursday. 

Day after the US was shaken by attacks on New Year's Day, authorities have been investigating a possible military connection between the New Orleans attack suspect Shamsud-Din Jabbar, and Matthew Livelsberger, the driver involved in the Cybertruck explosion outside US President-elect Trump's hotel in Las Vegas. In other news, the Israeli military killed the chief of Hamas-run police force and his deputy in an airstrike in the Gaza humanitarian zone, Hamas said on Thursday. The strike also claimed the lives of 11 others, while 15 were injured. Click on the headlines to read the full stories. Investigation on for military link between New Orleans and Cybertruck attack suspects: Authorities Authorities launched an investigation into a possible military connection between the New Orleans attack's suspect, Shamsud-Din Jabbar, and Matthew Livelsberger, the driver in the Cybertruck explosion outside the Trump hotel in Las Vegas. Hamas police chief, deputy killed in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza humanitarian zone The chief of Hamas-run police force and his deputy have been killed in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza, the Palestinian militant group said on Thursday (Jan 2). Who is Matthew Livelsberger, suspect in cybertruck explosion in Las Vegas? Matthew Livelsberger, a native of Colorado Springs, has been identified as the suspect in the Tesla Cybertruck explosion that happened outside the Trump International Hotel in Las Vegas on Thursday (Jan 2). Indian PM Narendra Modi condemns 'cowardly terrorist attack' in New Orleans that killed 15 Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday (January 2) condemned the truck attack in the United States city of New Orleans, which claimed the lives of 15 people. Suspended South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol resists arrest for third day, vows to 'fight to the end' Suspended South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol resisited arrest for a third consecutive day on Thursday (January 2). Yoon remained inside his official residence and vowed to "fight" authorities who are trying to arrest him over his failed attempt to impose martial law. ‘US is breaking down’: Trump blames open borders, Democrats after deadly New Orleans attack kills 15 In a scathing statement, US President-elect Donald Trump on Thursday (January 2) criticised what he called "weak, ineffective, and virtually nonexistent leadership" in the United States. His comments followed a deadly car attack in New Orleans, although he did not directly mention the incident in his post. 'Why can't Centre say it will consider genuine grievances of farmers,' asks Supreme Court The Supreme Court on Thursday heard a petition related to the ongoing farmers' protest and questioned the Centre for not making a statement that they would consider genuine demands of protesting farmers and their doors are open. US NSA Jake Sullivan to travel to India next week United States National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan will be travelling to Delhi next week for the key US-India Initiative on Critical and Emerging Technology (iCET) talks. He is expected to be in India on Monday and Tuesday and will co-chair the talks with his Indian counterpart, NSA Ajit Doval. This will be the 3rd round of iCET talks that have taken place since the launch of the initiative in January of 2023 in Washington. BGT 2024-25: Rohit Sharma opts out of Sydney Test amid poor form; Shubman Gill set to return - Report Indian Test team captain Rohit Sharma will sit out of the Sydney Test match against Australia starting on Friday (Jan 3) as the two sides prepare for the series finale. According to several media reports, Rohit has informed chief selector Ajit Agarkar and head coach Gautam Gambhir that he will not play in the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) contest with Shubman Gill replacing him in the batting order. The likely change will also see Jasprit Bumrah captain the side as he did in the Perth Test in November. Sooraj R. Barjatya to return to romance with OTT debut Bada Naam Karenge Sooraj R. Barjatya, known for giving us timeless classics in the romance genre will soon make his OTT debut with SonyLIV’s Bada Naam Karenge. With a legacy rooted in heartfelt storytelling and cherished family values, Rajshri Productions will start their OTT journey with a love story.

Top 10 world news: New Orleans attack updates; IDF kills Hamas police chief, and more

The chief of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?title=hamas" rel="dofollow">Hamas</a>-run police force and his deputy have been killed in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza, the Palestinian militant group said on Thursday (Jan 2).&nbsp;
The airstrike hit a central Gaza tent, which was used for sheltering displaced families. The strike claimed lives of two officials and several others.&nbsp;
Police chief Mahmoud Salah and his deputy Hussam Shahwan were killed in the al-Mawasi area, inside the IDF-designated humanitarian zone west of Khan Younis, Hamas said.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-hostage-deal-at-impasse-unlikely-to-be-completed-before-end-of-bidens-term-report-8583822" rel="dofollow">Israel-Hamas hostage deal hit impasse; 'unlikely before end of Biden's term': Report</a>
According to the medics, 11 people were killed in the airstrike.&nbsp;
<h2>Israel confirms the killing</h2>
Later, the Israeli military confirmed the killing of Shahwan and accused him of "hiding under the protection of the civilian population in the humanitarian zone in Khan Younis."
However, the military did not mention anything about Salah.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-warns-hamas-to-let-hostages-come-back-soon-8582598" rel="dofollow">Trump warns Hamas to 'let hostages come back soon'</a>
The IDF said that Shahwan served as Hamas's head of internal security, adding that he was responsible for "severely violating the human rights&rdquo; of Gazan civilians, including &ldquo;violent interrogations".&nbsp;
The Israeli military added that he was also involved in planning attacks against Israeli troops.&nbsp;
Further, the IDF noted that they took steps before the airstrike to reduce the harm to civilians, and accused Hamas of "cruelly exploiting civilian shelters, civilian buildings, and the civilian population as human shields.&rdquo;
The Hamas-run Interior Ministry issued a statement, condemning the killing of the two officers.&nbsp;
"They were performing their humanitarian and national duty in serving our people," the statement read.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-kills-hamas-commander-who-led-oct-7-attack-on-kibbutz-nir-oz-8582031" rel="dofollow">Israel kills Hamas commander who led Oct 7 attack on Kibbutz Nir Oz</a>
&ldquo;By committing the assassination, the occupation continues to spread chaos in the Strip and deepen the human suffering of citizens,&rdquo; the ministry said, adding that &ldquo;the police force is a civil protection force that works to provide services to citizens.&rdquo;&nbsp;
The ministry further noted that Salah served in the police for 30 years and was appointed as the chief six years ago.&nbsp;
Moreover, 11 people were killed in the strike, including women and children, and 15 others are wounded, according to the medics.&nbsp;
Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.
(With inputs from agencies)

World, Middle East: The airstrike hit a central Gaza tent, which was used for sheltering displaced families. The strike claimed the lives of two officials and several others. 

The chief of Hamas-run police force and his deputy have been killed in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza, the Palestinian militant group said on Thursday (Jan 2). The airstrike hit a central Gaza tent, which was used for sheltering displaced families. The strike claimed lives of two officials and several others. Police chief Mahmoud Salah and his deputy Hussam Shahwan were killed in the al-Mawasi area, inside the IDF-designated humanitarian zone west of Khan Younis, Hamas said. Also read: Israel-Hamas hostage deal hit impasse; 'unlikely before end of Biden's term': Report According to the medics, 11 people were killed in the airstrike. Israel confirms the killing Later, the Israeli military confirmed the killing of Shahwan and accused him of "hiding under the protection of the civilian population in the humanitarian zone in Khan Younis." However, the military did not mention anything about Salah. Also read: Trump warns Hamas to 'let hostages come back soon' The IDF said that Shahwan served as Hamas's head of internal security, adding that he was responsible for "severely violating the human rights” of Gazan civilians, including “violent interrogations". The Israeli military added that he was also involved in planning attacks against Israeli troops. Further, the IDF noted that they took steps before the airstrike to reduce the harm to civilians, and accused Hamas of "cruelly exploiting civilian shelters, civilian buildings, and the civilian population as human shields.” The Hamas-run Interior Ministry issued a statement, condemning the killing of the two officers. "They were performing their humanitarian and national duty in serving our people," the statement read. Also read: Israel kills Hamas commander who led Oct 7 attack on Kibbutz Nir Oz “By committing the assassination, the occupation continues to spread chaos in the Strip and deepen the human suffering of citizens,” the ministry said, adding that “the police force is a civil protection force that works to provide services to citizens.” The ministry further noted that Salah served in the police for 30 years and was appointed as the chief six years ago. Moreover, 11 people were killed in the strike, including women and children, and 15 others are wounded, according to the medics. Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

Hamas police chief, deputy killed in Israeli airstrikes on Gaza humanitarian zone

Israel has warned that it will intensify its strikes in Gaza if Hamas continues its rocket fire. Over the past week, Hamas militants have repeatedly launched rockets, particularly from northern Gaza, where the Israeli military is conducting a major offensive. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hamas war: Israel intensifies operation in northern Gaza

The ongoing negotiations between Israel and Hamas over the ceasefire and hostage deal have reached a dead end, Arab mediators told the Wall Street Journal.&nbsp;
The mediators said that despite new hopes for their renewed talks, Israel and Hamas&nbsp;discussions to secure the deal have hit an impasse.&nbsp;
They added that the deal is unlikely to be completed by the end of Biden's administration.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-warns-hamas-to-let-hostages-come-back-soon-8582598" rel="dofollow">Trump warns Hamas to 'let hostages come back soon'</a>
The two sides were considering a 60-day truce that would see the release of up to 30 hostages while Israel would set free Palestinian prisoners and increase the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza.&nbsp;
&ldquo;Both parties hardened their positions," with Israel insisting that only living hostages be freed and refusing to approve some of the Palestinian prisoners named by Hamas, the report stated.&nbsp;
Meanwhile, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?title=hamas" rel="dofollow">Hamas </a>has been insisting on a path toward the end of the war, which was initiated by it only with the attack on October 7, 2023.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-kills-hamas-commander-who-led-oct-7-attack-on-kibbutz-nir-oz-8582031" rel="dofollow">Israel kills Hamas commander who led Oct 7 attack on Kibbutz Nir Oz</a>
The Arab mediators told the Journal that they expect both sides to return to the negotiating table after US President-elect Donald Trump takes office this month.&nbsp;
Earlier on Tuesday, Hamas reportedly rejected 12 of the 34 hostages that Israel asked to release. Instead, Hamas offered the release of 22 living hostages and 12 bodies.&nbsp;
Trump, on Tuesday, warned Palestinian militant group Hamas to release hostages held captive in Gaza before he takes office.
&ldquo;We&rsquo;re gonna see what happens, I&rsquo;ll put it this way: they better let the hostages come back soon," Trump said while speaking to a reporter about whether he spoke to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about the possibility of a ceasefire and hostage deal.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/impossible-to-reach-deal-without-it-hamas-still-hasnt-sent-list-of-living-dead-hostages-to-israel-report-786735" rel="dofollow">'Impossible to reach deal without it,' Hamas still hasn't sent list of living, dead hostages to Israel: Report</a>
<h2>'Hell to pay'</h2>
This comes after Trump took to his official Truth Social handle and issued a stern warning to Hamas to release the hostages before Jan 20, the day when he assumes office, and warned "hell to pay" if Hamas continued to hold the abductees hostage.
&ldquo;...Please let this Truth serve to represent that if the hostages are not released prior to January 20, 2025, the date that I proudly assume Office as President of the United States, there will be all hell to pay in the Middle East, and for those in charge who perpetrated these atrocities against Humanity&rdquo;, he said.&nbsp;
Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.
(With inputs from agencies)

World, Middle East: The mediators said that despite new hopes for Israel-Hamas renewed talks, they have hit an impasse, adding that it is unlikely to be done by the end of Biden's administration. 

The ongoing negotiations between Israel and Hamas over the ceasefire and hostage deal have reached a dead end, Arab mediators told the Wall Street Journal. The mediators said that despite new hopes for their renewed talks, Israel and Hamas discussions to secure the deal have hit an impasse. They added that the deal is unlikely to be completed by the end of Biden's administration. Also read: Trump warns Hamas to 'let hostages come back soon' The two sides were considering a 60-day truce that would see the release of up to 30 hostages while Israel would set free Palestinian prisoners and increase the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza. “Both parties hardened their positions," with Israel insisting that only living hostages be freed and refusing to approve some of the Palestinian prisoners named by Hamas, the report stated. Meanwhile, Hamas has been insisting on a path toward the end of the war, which was initiated by it only with the attack on October 7, 2023. Also read: Israel kills Hamas commander who led Oct 7 attack on Kibbutz Nir Oz The Arab mediators told the Journal that they expect both sides to return to the negotiating table after US President-elect Donald Trump takes office this month. Earlier on Tuesday, Hamas reportedly rejected 12 of the 34 hostages that Israel asked to release. Instead, Hamas offered the release of 22 living hostages and 12 bodies. Trump, on Tuesday, warned Palestinian militant group Hamas to release hostages held captive in Gaza before he takes office. “We’re gonna see what happens, I’ll put it this way: they better let the hostages come back soon," Trump said while speaking to a reporter about whether he spoke to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about the possibility of a ceasefire and hostage deal. Also read: 'Impossible to reach deal without it,' Hamas still hasn't sent list of living, dead hostages to Israel: Report 'Hell to pay' This comes after Trump took to his official Truth Social handle and issued a stern warning to Hamas to release the hostages before Jan 20, the day when he assumes office, and warned "hell to pay" if Hamas continued to hold the abductees hostage. “...Please let this Truth serve to represent that if the hostages are not released prior to January 20, 2025, the date that I proudly assume Office as President of the United States, there will be all hell to pay in the Middle East, and for those in charge who perpetrated these atrocities against Humanity”, he said. Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel-Hamas hostage deal hit impasse; 'unlikely before end of Biden's term': Report

People in Gaza continue to suffer, with many Gazans losing their loved ones to extreme cold. This comes as heavy rains have battered the region, and the harsh weather has added to their plight. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hamas War: Gaza Welcomes New Year With Hope As Displaced Struggles To Survive In Winter

Former US President Donald Trump has once again warned Hamas to release hostages, stating that failure to do so will result in severe consequences. His statement comes amid ongoing tensions and calls for the safe return of captives held by the militant group.

US: Donald Trump Again Warns Hamas To Free Captives ‘Soon’

2024 was a year marked by conflicts and turmoil across the globe. The year witnessed challenges that shaped global geopolitics, from escalating tensions in war-torn regions to political unrest and humanitarian crises. Watch to know more.

2024 Rewind: Leaders Fall And Raging Wars | Year Of Intensifying Wars In Middle East

US President-elect Donald Trump on Tuesday (Dec 31) warned Palestinian militant group Hamas to release hostages held captive in Gaza before he takes office.
Reiterating his ultimatum, Trump while speaking to a reporter on if he spoke to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about the possibility of a ceasefire and hostage deal said, &ldquo;We&rsquo;re gonna see what happens, I&rsquo;ll put it this way: they better let the hostages come back soon.&rdquo;
This comes after Trump took to his official Truth Social handle and issued a stern warning to Hamas to release the hostages before Jan 20, the day when he assumes office, or else there will be "all hell to pay" in the Middle East.
&ldquo;Everybody is talking about the hostages who are being held so violently, inhumanely, and against the will of the entire World, in the Middle East - But it&rsquo;s all talk, and no action! Please let this Truth serve to represent that if the hostages are not released prior to January 20, 2025, the date that I proudly assume Office as President of the United States, there will be all hell to pay in the Middle East, and for those in charge who perpetrated these atrocities against Humanity&rdquo;, he wrote.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-year-begins-with-houthi-missile-attacks-on-israel-one-intercepted-8581933" rel="dofollow">Also read: New Year begins in West Asia with Houthi missile attacks on Israel; one intercepted</a>
"Those responsible will be hit harder than anybody has been hit in the long and storied history of the United States of America. Release the hostages now!," he added.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet publive-iframes-block publive-Twitter-block" contenteditable="false" width="600" height="400" id="PL_blockquote_block-m5dl3ilt-gws9iavz-xgxlsdq8">
Everybody is talking about the hostages who are being held so violently, inhumanely, and against the will of the entire World, in the Middle East - But it&rsquo;s all talk, and no action! Please let this TRUTH serve to represent that if the hostages are not released prior to January&hellip;
&mdash; Donald J. Trump Posts From His Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) <a href="https://twitter.com/TrumpDailyPosts/status/1863674423678525573?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 2, 2024</a></blockquote>
<h2>Israel kills Hamas commander who led Oct 7 attack on Kibbutz Nir Oz</h2>
Meanwhile, The Israeli army on Tuesday (Dec 31) said that they eliminated Hamas' Nukhba Platoon commander, Abd al-Hadi Sabah in a drone strike that was conducted recently.
Sabah, according to the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF), was the leader of the Oct 7, 2023, attack on Kibbutz Nir Oz.
The Nukhba Platoon commander in Hamas' Western Khan Yunis Battalion was killed in the Khan Yunis area of southern Gaza, said the IDF in a statement.
Taking to their official X handle, the IDF said, "Abd al-Hadi Sabah, a Nukhba Platoon Commander in the Western Khan Yunis Battalion was eliminated in an intelligence-based IDF and ISA strike."
(With inputs from agencies)

This comes after Trump took to his official Truth Social handle and issued a stern warning to Hamas to release the hostages before Jan 20, the day when he assumes office, or else there will be "all hell to pay" in the Middle East.

US President-elect Donald Trump on Tuesday (Dec 31) warned Palestinian militant group Hamas to release hostages held captive in Gaza before he takes office. Reiterating his ultimatum, Trump while speaking to a reporter on if he spoke to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about the possibility of a ceasefire and hostage deal said, “We’re gonna see what happens, I’ll put it this way: they better let the hostages come back soon.” This comes after Trump took to his official Truth Social handle and issued a stern warning to Hamas to release the hostages before Jan 20, the day when he assumes office, or else there will be "all hell to pay" in the Middle East. “Everybody is talking about the hostages who are being held so violently, inhumanely, and against the will of the entire World, in the Middle East - But it’s all talk, and no action! Please let this Truth serve to represent that if the hostages are not released prior to January 20, 2025, the date that I proudly assume Office as President of the United States, there will be all hell to pay in the Middle East, and for those in charge who perpetrated these atrocities against Humanity”, he wrote. Also read: New Year begins in West Asia with Houthi missile attacks on Israel; one intercepted "Those responsible will be hit harder than anybody has been hit in the long and storied history of the United States of America. Release the hostages now!," he added. Everybody is talking about the hostages who are being held so violently, inhumanely, and against the will of the entire World, in the Middle East - But it’s all talk, and no action! Please let this TRUTH serve to represent that if the hostages are not released prior to January… — Donald J. Trump Posts From His Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) December 2, 2024 Israel kills Hamas commander who led Oct 7 attack on Kibbutz Nir Oz Meanwhile, The Israeli army on Tuesday (Dec 31) said that they eliminated Hamas' Nukhba Platoon commander, Abd al-Hadi Sabah in a drone strike that was conducted recently. Sabah, according to the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF), was the leader of the Oct 7, 2023, attack on Kibbutz Nir Oz. The Nukhba Platoon commander in Hamas' Western Khan Yunis Battalion was killed in the Khan Yunis area of southern Gaza, said the IDF in a statement. Taking to their official X handle, the IDF said, "Abd al-Hadi Sabah, a Nukhba Platoon Commander in the Western Khan Yunis Battalion was eliminated in an intelligence-based IDF and ISA strike." (With inputs from agencies)

Trump warns Hamas to 'let hostages come back soon'

The Israeli army on Tuesday (Dec 31) said that they eliminated Hamas' Nukhba Platoon commander, Abd al-Hadi Sabah in a drone strike that was conducted recently.
Sabah, according to the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF), was the leader of the Oct 7, 2023, attack on Kibbutz Nir Oz.
The Nukhba Platoon commander in Hamas' Western Khan Yunis Battalion was killed in the Khan Yunis area of southern Gaza, said the IDF in a statement.
Taking to their official X handle, the IDF said, "Abd al-Hadi Sabah, a Nukhba Platoon Commander in the Western Khan Yunis Battalion was eliminated in an intelligence-based IDF and ISA strike."
"Abd al-Hadi Sabah--who operated from a shelter in the Humanitarian Area in Khan Yunis--was one of the leaders of the infiltration into Kibbutz Nir Oz during the murderous October 7 Massacre. Sabah also led and advanced numerous terrorist attacks against IDF troops throughout the current war. The IDF and ISA will continue to operate against all of the terrorists who took part in the murderous October 7 Massacre," they further added.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/palestinian-leader-predicts-us-president-elect-trump-will-destroy-iran-8581210" rel="dofollow">Palestinian leader predicts Trump will 'destroy' Iran: Report</a>
The Israeli defence had earlier said that they had killed 14 Hamas militants, out of which six were the ones involved in the Oct 7 attack. The operations were a part of IDF's 162nd "Steel" Division's ongoing activity in the war-torn Gaza Strip.
The 162nd Division is functioning in the Jabalia and Beit Lahia as part of a joint operation between the IDF and Shin Bet (Israel's General Security Service) aimed at locating and killing militants who participated in the Oct 7 attack.
<h2>IDF kills Palestinian Islamic Jihad rocket unit chief</h2>
The IDF also announced that it killed Anas Muhammad Masri, who was the commander of the northern sector of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad&rsquo;s rocket unit.
Masri, as per the IDF, was actively commanding rocket fire into Israel from the northern part of Gaza.
The Israeli army said that he was a &ldquo;significant figure responsible for executing numerous terrorist operations, managing and directing actions by the organization that targeted Israeli civilians and IDF soldiers.&rdquo;
(With inputs from agencies)

The Israeli defence had earlier said that they had killed 14 Hamas militants, out of which six had been involved in the Oct 7 attack. 

The Israeli army on Tuesday (Dec 31) said that they eliminated Hamas' Nukhba Platoon commander, Abd al-Hadi Sabah in a drone strike that was conducted recently. Sabah, according to the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF), was the leader of the Oct 7, 2023, attack on Kibbutz Nir Oz. The Nukhba Platoon commander in Hamas' Western Khan Yunis Battalion was killed in the Khan Yunis area of southern Gaza, said the IDF in a statement. Taking to their official X handle, the IDF said, "Abd al-Hadi Sabah, a Nukhba Platoon Commander in the Western Khan Yunis Battalion was eliminated in an intelligence-based IDF and ISA strike." "Abd al-Hadi Sabah--who operated from a shelter in the Humanitarian Area in Khan Yunis--was one of the leaders of the infiltration into Kibbutz Nir Oz during the murderous October 7 Massacre. Sabah also led and advanced numerous terrorist attacks against IDF troops throughout the current war. The IDF and ISA will continue to operate against all of the terrorists who took part in the murderous October 7 Massacre," they further added. Also read: Palestinian leader predicts Trump will 'destroy' Iran: Report The Israeli defence had earlier said that they had killed 14 Hamas militants, out of which six were the ones involved in the Oct 7 attack. The operations were a part of IDF's 162nd "Steel" Division's ongoing activity in the war-torn Gaza Strip. The 162nd Division is functioning in the Jabalia and Beit Lahia as part of a joint operation between the IDF and Shin Bet (Israel's General Security Service) aimed at locating and killing militants who participated in the Oct 7 attack. IDF kills Palestinian Islamic Jihad rocket unit chief The IDF also announced that it killed Anas Muhammad Masri, who was the commander of the northern sector of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad’s rocket unit. Masri, as per the IDF, was actively commanding rocket fire into Israel from the northern part of Gaza. The Israeli army said that he was a “significant figure responsible for executing numerous terrorist operations, managing and directing actions by the organization that targeted Israeli civilians and IDF soldiers.” (With inputs from agencies)

Israel kills Hamas commander who led Oct 7 attack on Kibbutz Nir Oz

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attended a session in parliament on Tuesday after being discharged from hospital where he had undergone a prostate removal surgery over the weekend.

Israel PM out of hospital, attends parliament session after surgery

As the West Asia crisis escalates, a top Palestinian leader has stressed that the US President-elect Donald Trump would "destroy Iran", leading to the destruction of Hamas' influence.
Israel and Hamas have been in a constant war for more than a year now. The conflict began with the Hamas attack on southern Israel in October last year.&nbsp;
The Hamas group has been rising against the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?title=Palestinian+Authority" rel="dofollow">Palestinian Authority</a> - supported by the Western governments including the US - which is run by the rival Fatah party.
Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-claims-director-of-gazas-kamal-adwan-hospital-a-hamas-terrorist-detains-him-days-after-he-accused-tel-aviv-of-targeting-medical-facility-8574358" rel="dofollow">Israel detains director of Gaza's 'last hospital,' accuses him of being a 'Hamas terrorist'</a>
&ldquo;We are confronting Hamas&rsquo; ideology,&rdquo; Mohammad Hamdan, Secretary General of the PA&rsquo;s ruling Fatah party, told The New York Post.
&ldquo;Our problem is with Hamas&rsquo; link to regimes outside Palestine,&rdquo; Hamdan said, referring to Iran in particular.&nbsp;
Hamdan said he expects Trump's return to the US administration to lead to Hamas and Iran's&nbsp; defeats.&nbsp;
&ldquo;We see that Trump and the ruling government in Israel are planning to destroy Iran, so Hamas [followers] will have no other choice than to become Palestinian,&rdquo; the leader said.&nbsp;
Notably, the Palestinian Authority has killed at least three extremist militants in Jenin since the December 6 incident.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/three-week-old-baby-girl-freezes-to-death-in-gaza-while-israel-and-hamas-trade-blames-of-ceasefire-delay-8568285" rel="dofollow">Three-week old baby girl freezes to death in Gaza while Israel and Hamas trade blame for ceasefire delay</a>
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?title=hamas" rel="dofollow">Hamas </a>took control of the Gaza Strip after defeating Fatah in the 2006 election. The group had a rule, which included an Islamist crackdown in the Palestinian territory and repeated incursions into Israel.&nbsp;
However, it came to an end with the October 7 attack on Israel.&nbsp;
Further, Hamdan said, &ldquo;Hamas rejects international legitimacy, meaning UN resolutions," adding, &ldquo;The world cannot accept a situation where a party does not accept international resolutions.&rdquo;
Hamdan also said PA President Mahmoud Abbas &ldquo;still supports realistic relations with the Americans in order to achieve the aspirations of the Palestinians.&rdquo;
Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.
(With inputs from agencies)

World: The Hamas group has been rising up against the Palestinian Authority, which is run by the rival Fatah party, The New York Post reported. 

As the West Asia crisis escalates, a top Palestinian leader has stressed that the US President-elect Donald Trump would "destroy Iran", leading to the destruction of Hamas' influence. Israel and Hamas have been in a constant war for more than a year now. The conflict began with the Hamas attack on southern Israel in October last year. The Hamas group has been rising against the Palestinian Authority - supported by the Western governments including the US - which is run by the rival Fatah party. Also read: Israel detains director of Gaza's 'last hospital,' accuses him of being a 'Hamas terrorist' “We are confronting Hamas’ ideology,” Mohammad Hamdan, Secretary General of the PA’s ruling Fatah party, told The New York Post. “Our problem is with Hamas’ link to regimes outside Palestine,” Hamdan said, referring to Iran in particular. Hamdan said he expects Trump's return to the US administration to lead to Hamas and Iran's defeats. “We see that Trump and the ruling government in Israel are planning to destroy Iran, so Hamas [followers] will have no other choice than to become Palestinian,” the leader said. Notably, the Palestinian Authority has killed at least three extremist militants in Jenin since the December 6 incident. Also read: Three-week old baby girl freezes to death in Gaza while Israel and Hamas trade blame for ceasefire delay Hamas took control of the Gaza Strip after defeating Fatah in the 2006 election. The group had a rule, which included an Islamist crackdown in the Palestinian territory and repeated incursions into Israel. However, it came to an end with the October 7 attack on Israel. Further, Hamdan said, “Hamas rejects international legitimacy, meaning UN resolutions," adding, “The world cannot accept a situation where a party does not accept international resolutions.” Hamdan also said PA President Mahmoud Abbas “still supports realistic relations with the Americans in order to achieve the aspirations of the Palestinians.” Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

Palestinian leader predicts Trump will 'destroy' Iran

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Israel-Hamas War: Harsh Winter Brings New Agony For Palestinians

Israel-Hamas War: Newborn Babies Are Dying Of Cold In Gaza

People in Gaza continue to suffer, with many Gazans losing their loved ones to extreme cold. This comes as heavy rains have battered the region, and the harsh weather has further added to their plight. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hamas War: Gaza Newborn Freezes To Death As Rain Floods Tents

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