As the Israel-Hamas war escalates, Egypt has been reluctant to accept Palestinian refugees. One major reason is security concerns, as Egypt fears that militant groups could infiltrate the refugee population, potentially destabilizing the country. Additionally, Egypt is wary of taking on the economic and social strain that a large influx of refugees could impose.

Israel-Hamas War: Why Does Egypt Not Want Palestinian Refugees? | WION

WION's Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal spoke to former Egyptian foreign minister Mohamed Al-Oraby in New Delhi on the situation in West Asia and if Israel can afford an all-out war in Lebanon. Watch to know more.

Israel-Hezbollah War: Israel Must Not Enter Another War In North, Says FMR Egypt FM Mohamed El Oraby

As tensions in West Asia escalate, world leaders gathered in New York for the United Nations General Assembly and they have called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon. Watch to know more.

Israel-Hezbollah War: UN Chief Says Lebanon Cannot Become Another Gaza

Iran is ready to end its nuclear standoff with the West, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian told the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday, while calling for an end to Russia's war in Ukraine through dialogue. Iran's clerical establishment hopes to see an easing of U.S. sanctions that have crippled the country's economy.

Pezeshkian Addresses UNGA, Targets US And Israel In His Speech

A video released by the IDF on Monday claimed to show Israeli air strikes hitting Russian-made DM-3 cruise missiles just as it was ready to launch from within a building in southern Lebanon.

Israel-Hezbollah War: Hezbollah capabilities targeted

Thousands of teddy bears have been displayed in Doha to honor the children killed in the Gaza conflict. Take a look at these images of teddy bears dressed in black t-shirts reminder of Gaza's Lost Innocence.

Teddy Bears Honour Gaza's Fallen Children

Pezeshkian Addresses UNGA, Accuses Israel Of Committing Genocide in Gaza

"Due to the current situation, the Haifa Day commemoration, planned for September 23, 2024 in Haifa, by the Embassy of India, is being cancelled," a press release stated.

Haifa Day Commemoration Cancelled: Tribute To Indian Soldiers Cancelled Due To Latest Escalation

A Hezbollah commander who was a key member of the organization's rocket division was killed by an Israeli airstrike on Tuesday in the southern suburbs of Beirut, according to Israeli media.

Israel kills Hezbollah commander in airstrike on Beirut: Israeli Media

The state of Israel has expanded its war with Hezbollah, currently Lebanon is witnessing one of its bloodiest days since the 1975-90 Civil War. The Lebanese Health Ministry has said that at least about 558 people have lost their lives during the fierce Israeli bombardment that has happened in the last 48 hours.

Lebanon's Deadliest Day: 558 People Killed In Israeli Strikes

The state of Israel has expanded its war with Hezbollah, currently Lebanon is witnessing one of its bloodiest days since the 1975-90 Civil War. The Lebanese Health Ministry has said that at least about 550 people have lost their lives during the fierce Israeli bombardment that has happened in the last 48 hours.

Lebanese authorities report 558 dead in Israeli airstrikes,1,800 Wounded

President Masoud Pezeshkian stated that Iran aims to achieve sustainable peace and security in the region with the assistance of its neighbors, emphasizing Tehran's stance against the pursuit of nuclear weapons.

Iranian President Accuses Israel Of Seeking A Wider Conflict

Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said military actions "will continue until we reach a point where we may ensure the safe return of Israel's northern communities to their homes". Watch in for more details!

Gallant Says, 'Steps to Continue Until Israeli Residents Can Return Home'

The&nbsp;mother of a hostage still held by Hamas in Gaza&nbsp;has contradicted Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's statement&nbsp;that some 50 hostages held by Hamas are still alive, and said that the number is actually 30-35 at most.

Einav Zangauker, whose son Matan is held hostage by Hamas in Gaza, said, "The prime minister is lying. We know, the families, that the number is far smaller than the number cited by the prime minister.”

She said that all the families receive information on the status of their loved ones, including signs of life. And, on the basis of that information, she said, "In my opinion, there are no more than 30 to 35 hostages still alive.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-war-half-of-hostages-held-by-hamas-since-oct-7-have-died-pm-netanyahu-tells-mps-760976">Also read:&nbsp;Gaza war: Half of hostages held by Hamas since Oct 7 have died, PM Netanyahu tells MPs</a>

What’s at stake, she says, “is not redeeming hostages; it is truly saving lives.”

<h2>50 hostages alive in Gaza: Netanyahu</h2>

Earlier, Netanyahu said that about half of the roughly 100 hostages held in the Gaza Strip since last year are still alive.&nbsp;

Further stressing that she does not anticipate a possible deal for the next three to four months, Zangauker said, "There are no [substantive] contacts between the Israeli [negotiating] team and the mediators,” and “Hamas is not involved in any stage” of the efforts at present. “That’s the reality.”&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Israel-Hezbollah tensions: Israelis protest demanding hostage release

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She added that the US mediators, who have been trying hard to finalise a deal, have largely “given up” on their efforts at present.

<h2>‘Netanyahu chose escalation’</h2>

She further accused Netanyahu, "who through his decisions is murdering my Matan” — of putting his political future ahead of the future of the hostages. There was a clear opportunity for a deal several months ago, she says, but “he chose escalation.”

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)

The mother of a hostage still held by Hamas in Gaza has contradicted Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's statement that some 50 hostages held by Hamas are still alive, and said that the number is actually 30-35 at most.

The mother of a hostage still held by Hamas in Gaza has contradicted Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's statement that some 50 hostages held by Hamas are still alive, and said that the number is actually 30-35 at most. Einav Zangauker, whose son Matan is held hostage by Hamas in Gaza, said, "The prime minister is lying. We know, the families, that the number is far smaller than the number cited by the prime minister.” She said that all the families receive information on the status of their loved ones, including signs of life. And, on the basis of that information, she said, "In my opinion, there are no more than 30 to 35 hostages still alive.” Also read: Gaza war: Half of hostages held by Hamas since Oct 7 have died, PM Netanyahu tells MPs What’s at stake, she says, “is not redeeming hostages; it is truly saving lives.” 50 hostages alive in Gaza: Netanyahu Earlier, Netanyahu said that about half of the roughly 100 hostages held in the Gaza Strip since last year are still alive. Further stressing that she does not anticipate a possible deal for the next three to four months, Zangauker said, "There are no [substantive] contacts between the Israeli [negotiating] team and the mediators,” and “Hamas is not involved in any stage” of the efforts at present. “That’s the reality.” Watch | Israel-Hezbollah tensions: Israelis protest demanding hostage release × She added that the US mediators, who have been trying hard to finalise a deal, have largely “given up” on their efforts at present. ‘Netanyahu chose escalation’ She further accused Netanyahu, "who through his decisions is murdering my Matan” — of putting his political future ahead of the future of the hostages. There was a clear opportunity for a deal several months ago, she says, but “he chose escalation.” 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)

Mother of hostage contradicts Netanyahu's claim of 50 hostages being alive, says its 'no more than 30 to 35'

In a fresh wave of attacks, Israel carried out extensive air strikes in southern Lebanon on Monday (Sep 23), killing 274 people and injuring over 700 others, according to the Lebanese health ministry. Israel's defence ministry has warned people to immediately leave the homes and other buildings where the Iran-backed Hezbollah has allegedly stored weapons.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Kerala in India has reported its first case of Mpox strain Clade 1b. It was confirmed in a patient from Kerala, an Indian news agency reported, citing official sources.

Click on the headlines to read more:

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-strikes-more-than-300-hezbollah-targets-182-killed-over-700-injured-761254">Israel strikes more than 300 Hezbollah targets, 274 killed, over 700 injured</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/09/23/456348-untitled-design-1.jpg?imwidth=400" />

Israel carried out extensive air strikes in southern Lebanon, killing 274 people, including 21 children, and injuring 700 others in air raids on towns and villages, according to the Lebanese health ministry.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-first-case-of-mpox-clade-1b-strain-detected-from-kerala-761279">India: First case of mpox Clade 1b strain detected from Kerala</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/09/18/455489-untitled-design-6.jpg?imwidth=400" />

India on Monday (Sep 23) reported its first case of Mpox strain Clade 1b. The strain was confirmed in a patient from Kerala, reported an Indian news agency citing official sources.&nbsp;Clade 1b strain has been detected in a 38-year-old man from Kerala's Malappuram district. The man, as per reports, had recently returned from the United Arab Emirates.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/lebanon-pm-slams-israels-war-of-extermination-after-multiple-strikes-kill-over-150-761260">Lebanon PM slams Israel’s ‘war of extermination’ as death toll from strikes rises to 274</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/09/23/456351-new-wion-81.png?imwidth=400" />

Lebanon Prime Minister Najib Mikati on Monday (Sep 23) slammed Israel's "destructive plan" of strikes against his country as a "war of extermination". His statement comes as the Israeli military struck over 300 Hezbollah targets in east and south Lebanon.

&nbsp;

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Was a pager blast behind the death of Iranian president Ebrahim Raisi? As Iran continues to reel from the pager and walkie-talkie blasts that claimed the lives of dozens of people and injured nearly 3,000, reports suggest that a similar blast could've been behind Raisi's death in a helicopter crash in May.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kremlin-says-will-study-zelenskys-victory-plan-if-released-officially-761234">Kremlin says will study Zelensky's 'victory plan' if released officially</a>

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The Kremlin on Monday, said that it would study what Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has pressed as his "victory plan" to end the war with Russia after it releases official information.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/badlapur-horror-accused-akshay-shinde-shot-dead-in-defence-after-he-opens-fire-at-police-761263">Badlapur horror: Accused Akshay Shinde shot dead in defence after he snatches weapon, opens fire at cops</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/08/21/450538-badlapur-school-case.jpg?imwidth=400" />

In a shocking development, the Badlapur sexual assault case&nbsp;prime accused Akshay Shinde succumbed to injuries after he snatched the revolver of a police officer&nbsp;in the police van and opened fire on the cops,&nbsp;leading to retaliatory firing&nbsp;in which&nbsp;he&nbsp;got shot, said Thane Police, according to news agency ANI.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/musks-xs-takes-u-turn-complies-with-brazilian-court-orders-to-undo-ban-761222">Elon Musk’s X takes U-turn, complies with Brazilian court orders to undo ban</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/08/17/449929-elonmuskandthenewlogox-sixteennine.jpg?imwidth=400" />

Elon Musk's social media platform X has now complied with the Brazil court's demands and will resume its operations in the country.&nbsp;The Brazilian Supreme Court banned platform X in August due to its failure to adhere to court orders related to hate speech moderation.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/rahul-gandhi-joins-farooq-abdullah-for-the-final-day-of-campaigning-in-2nd-phase-of-jk-assembly-elections-761233">Rahul Gandhi joins Farooq Abdullah for the final day of campaigning in 2nd phase of J&amp;K assembly elections</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/09/23/456333-new-wion-80.png?imwidth=400" />

On the last day of the campaigning for the second phase of the assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, mega rallies were held by the top leadership of multiple political parties. Leader of the opposition, Rahul Gandhi, was in Surankote area of Poonch district and later in Srinagar to address a mega rally.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/hardik-pandya-gears-up-for-shock-test-return-with-bgt-looming-training-video-goes-viral-watch-761256">Hardik Pandya gears up for ‘shock’ Test return with BGT looming, training video goes viral - WATCH</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/09/23/456349-hardik-pandya-gears-up-for-shock-test-return-with-bgt-looming-watch-video.jpg?imwidth=400" />

Ace India all-rounder Hardik Pandya is in line to make a shock return to Test cricket for the first time in six years. Having last appeared in the whites for the country in 2018, Pandya is now gearing up for the five-match Test series Down Under starting November 22.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-laapataa-ladies-worthy-contender-for-oscars-fans-feel-all-we-imagine-as-light-had-a-better-chance-761277">Laapataa Ladies worthy contender for Oscars? Fans feel All We Imagine As Light had a better chance</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/09/23/456361-your-paragraph-text-2024-09-23t205421558.jpg?imwidth=400" />

Kiran Rao's&nbsp;Laapataa Ladies&nbsp;has been selected as India's official entry to Oscars 2025 in the Best International Feature Film category. While the decision, made by the Film Federation of India, has been greeted with a lot of joy by cinema lovers, it has also left the internet divided. Like every year, some have disagreed with FFI's decision and expressed that there was a better film that should have represented India this year at the Oscars. Some on social media have stated that Payal Kapadia's&nbsp;All We Imagine As Light&nbsp;would have been a worthy pick.&nbsp;

In a fresh wave of attacks, Israel carried out extensive air strikes in southern Lebanon on Monday (Sep 23), killing 274 people and injuring over 700 others, according to the Lebanese health ministry.

In a fresh wave of attacks, Israel carried out extensive air strikes in southern Lebanon on Monday (Sep 23), killing 274 people and injuring over 700 others, according to the Lebanese health ministry. Israel's defence ministry has warned people to immediately leave the homes and other buildings where the Iran-backed Hezbollah has allegedly stored weapons. Meanwhile, Kerala in India has reported its first case of Mpox strain Clade 1b. It was confirmed in a patient from Kerala, an Indian news agency reported, citing official sources. Click on the headlines to read more: Israel strikes more than 300 Hezbollah targets, 274 killed, over 700 injured Israel carried out extensive air strikes in southern Lebanon, killing 274 people, including 21 children, and injuring 700 others in air raids on towns and villages, according to the Lebanese health ministry. India: First case of mpox Clade 1b strain detected from Kerala India on Monday (Sep 23) reported its first case of Mpox strain Clade 1b. The strain was confirmed in a patient from Kerala, reported an Indian news agency citing official sources. Clade 1b strain has been detected in a 38-year-old man from Kerala's Malappuram district. The man, as per reports, had recently returned from the United Arab Emirates. Lebanon PM slams Israel’s ‘war of extermination’ as death toll from strikes rises to 274 Lebanon Prime Minister Najib Mikati on Monday (Sep 23) slammed Israel's "destructive plan" of strikes against his country as a "war of extermination". His statement comes as the Israeli military struck over 300 Hezbollah targets in east and south Lebanon. Iran MP alleges pager blast could be behind president Ebrahim Raisi's death Was a pager blast behind the death of Iranian president Ebrahim Raisi? As Iran continues to reel from the pager and walkie-talkie blasts that claimed the lives of dozens of people and injured nearly 3,000, reports suggest that a similar blast could've been behind Raisi's death in a helicopter crash in May. Kremlin says will study Zelensky's 'victory plan' if released officially The Kremlin on Monday, said that it would study what Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has pressed as his "victory plan" to end the war with Russia after it releases official information. Badlapur horror: Accused Akshay Shinde shot dead in defence after he snatches weapon, opens fire at cops In a shocking development, the Badlapur sexual assault case prime accused Akshay Shinde succumbed to injuries after he snatched the revolver of a police officer in the police van and opened fire on the cops, leading to retaliatory firing in which he got shot, said Thane Police, according to news agency ANI. Elon Musk’s X takes U-turn, complies with Brazilian court orders to undo ban Elon Musk's social media platform X has now complied with the Brazil court's demands and will resume its operations in the country. The Brazilian Supreme Court banned platform X in August due to its failure to adhere to court orders related to hate speech moderation. Rahul Gandhi joins Farooq Abdullah for the final day of campaigning in 2nd phase of J&K assembly elections On the last day of the campaigning for the second phase of the assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, mega rallies were held by the top leadership of multiple political parties. Leader of the opposition, Rahul Gandhi, was in Surankote area of Poonch district and later in Srinagar to address a mega rally. Hardik Pandya gears up for ‘shock’ Test return with BGT looming, training video goes viral - WATCH Ace India all-rounder Hardik Pandya is in line to make a shock return to Test cricket for the first time in six years. Having last appeared in the whites for the country in 2018, Pandya is now gearing up for the five-match Test series Down Under starting November 22. Laapataa Ladies worthy contender for Oscars? Fans feel All We Imagine As Light had a better chance Kiran Rao's Laapataa Ladies has been selected as India's official entry to Oscars 2025 in the Best International Feature Film category. While the decision, made by the Film Federation of India, has been greeted with a lot of joy by cinema lovers, it has also left the internet divided. Like every year, some have disagreed with FFI's decision and expressed that there was a better film that should have represented India this year at the Oscars. Some on social media have stated that Payal Kapadia's All We Imagine As Light would have been a worthy pick.

Top 10 world news: 274 killed in Israeli strikes on Lebanon; Mpox Clade 1b first case in Kerala, and more

The depth of strikes between Israel and Hezbollah reached a new high on Monday. Israel struck more than 300 Hezbollah targets in Lebanon leaving at least 270 dead, and over 1000 injured. This development comes amidst Israel and Hezbollah openly threatening to attack each other, raising fears of an all-out war. The questions that loom in the aftermath is will Israel turn Lebanon into the next Gaza or will it be a bitter end for them, given the strength of Hezbollah, backed by Iran and other allies.

War Explodes Across West Asia

Israel attacked hundreds of Hezbollah targets on Monday in airstrikes which Lebanese health authorities said killed at least 182 people, making it the deadliest day in Lebanon in nearly a year of conflict with its Iran-backed enemy. Watch to know more.

Israel Set To Launch Big Strike | Hezbollah Declares 'Battle Of Reckoning'

Israel President Isaac Herzog stressed on Monday that Israel is not seeking war with Hezbollah but is defending its citizens from attacks by the Lebanon-based terror group.&nbsp;

"I repeat and reiterate: Israel does not seek war. But we have the right and the duty to defend our people," Herzog said in a post on X.&nbsp;

Posting a video in the post, the Israeli president said that Hezbollah stores and launches missiles in civilian areas and homes, adding that thousands of long-range rockets are kept in the houses and are launched with the intent of killing the Israeli people.&nbsp;

"Here’s just an example of the threat we face. This IDF video shows how Hezbollah stores and launches missiles in civilian areas and homes. Thousands and thousands of long-range rockets are kept in houses, living rooms, bedrooms, and kitchens, and then launched with the sole intention of killing our people," he said.&nbsp;

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I repeat and reiterate: Israel does not seek war. But we have the right and the duty to defend our people. 
 
Here’s just an example of the threat we face. This IDF video shows how Hezbollah stores and launches missiles in civilian areas and homes. Thousands and thousands of long… <a href="https://t.co/mqQryzD8Er">pic.twitter.com/mqQryzD8Er</a>
— יצחק הרצוג Isaac Herzog (@Isaac_Herzog) <a href="https://twitter.com/Isaac_Herzog/status/1838135860765573531?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 23, 2024</a></blockquote>
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The president further asked, "Would you accept this in your or your neighbor’s home? What nation would accept its citizens living under such a threat from its neighbours?"

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-war-half-of-hostages-held-by-hamas-since-oct-7-have-died-pm-netanyahu-tells-mps-760976">Also read:&nbsp;Gaza war: Half of hostages held by Hamas since Oct 7 have died, PM Netanyahu tells MPs</a>

Earlier on Sunday, Herzog said that his country did not want this war with Hezbollah, stressing that this war was waged upon Israel by the proxies of the empire of the evil of Iran, on October 7 by Hamas, and on October 8 by Hezbollah.&nbsp;

"This is the real watershed in the world," Herzog said. "The world has to stop this. The world has to be with us. And the world has to understand that we are fighting for the free world and we must bring our hostages back home as soon as possible. This is the biggest plight of humanity at this current stage."

The President's remarks come after Israel and Lebanon heavily fired overnight, following a string of attacks against Hezbollah.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Israel-Hamas War: Gallant Says, 'Steps to Continue Until Israeli Residents Can Return Home'

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On Friday last week, an Israeli airstrike in Beirut killed a top Hezbollah commander, Ibrahim Aqil, among others, in the deadliest targeting of the Lebanese capital since the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah war.

Earlier, after Israel's alleged role in the pagers' explosions across Lebanon, Hezbollah had vowed retaliation after those explosive devices killed dozens of people.&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)

Israel President Isaac Herzog stressed on Monday that Israel is not seeking war with Hezbollah but is defending its citizens from attacks by the Lebanon-based terror group.

Israel President Isaac Herzog stressed on Monday that Israel is not seeking war with Hezbollah but is defending its citizens from attacks by the Lebanon-based terror group. "I repeat and reiterate: Israel does not seek war. But we have the right and the duty to defend our people," Herzog said in a post on X. Posting a video in the post, the Israeli president said that Hezbollah stores and launches missiles in civilian areas and homes, adding that thousands of long-range rockets are kept in the houses and are launched with the intent of killing the Israeli people. "Here’s just an example of the threat we face. This IDF video shows how Hezbollah stores and launches missiles in civilian areas and homes. Thousands and thousands of long-range rockets are kept in houses, living rooms, bedrooms, and kitchens, and then launched with the sole intention of killing our people," he said. I repeat and reiterate: Israel does not seek war. But we have the right and the duty to defend our people. Here’s just an example of the threat we face. This IDF video shows how Hezbollah stores and launches missiles in civilian areas and homes. Thousands and thousands of long… pic.twitter.com/mqQryzD8Er — יצחק הרצוג Isaac Herzog (@Isaac_Herzog) September 23, 2024 × The president further asked, "Would you accept this in your or your neighbor’s home? What nation would accept its citizens living under such a threat from its neighbours?" Also read: Gaza war: Half of hostages held by Hamas since Oct 7 have died, PM Netanyahu tells MPs Earlier on Sunday, Herzog said that his country did not want this war with Hezbollah, stressing that this war was waged upon Israel by the proxies of the empire of the evil of Iran, on October 7 by Hamas, and on October 8 by Hezbollah. "This is the real watershed in the world," Herzog said. "The world has to stop this. The world has to be with us. And the world has to understand that we are fighting for the free world and we must bring our hostages back home as soon as possible. This is the biggest plight of humanity at this current stage." The President's remarks come after Israel and Lebanon heavily fired overnight, following a string of attacks against Hezbollah. Watch | Israel-Hamas War: Gallant Says, 'Steps to Continue Until Israeli Residents Can Return Home' × On Friday last week, an Israeli airstrike in Beirut killed a top Hezbollah commander, Ibrahim Aqil, among others, in the deadliest targeting of the Lebanese capital since the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah war. Earlier, after Israel's alleged role in the pagers' explosions across Lebanon, Hezbollah had vowed retaliation after those explosive devices killed dozens of people. 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 does not seek war, but we have duty, right to defend our people’: President Herzog

Yahya Sinwar, the leader of Hamas in Gaza, has reportedly been out of communication for an extended period, prompting speculation from Israel about his possible death. Israeli public broadcaster Kan and several news outlets, including Haaretz, Maariv, and Walla, along with the IDF Military Intelligence Directorate, have suggested that Sinwar may have been killed in recent Israeli airstrikes in Gaza. However, there is currently no concrete evidence to confirm these claims.

Israel-Hamas War: Hamas Chief Yahya Sinwar Goes Silent and Unreachable

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly told lawmakers in a closed meeting that half of the 97 hostages held by Hamas in Gaza since October 7 have died.

“According to the information we have, half of the hostages in Gaza are alive,” he was quoted as saying by Army Radio.

Netanyahu held a meeting with the Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee earlier on Sunday (Sep 22), in which he stressed he was not standing in the way of a hostage deal and instead blamed Hamas for demanding numerous revisions to the proposed ceasefire outline.

Netanyahu's statement comes at a time when families of hostages are increasingly accusing the Israeli PM of abandoning the captives under the pretext of tackling the threat in Lebanon.

“Netanyahu does not have the authority to abandon the captives under the guise of launching a war in the north,” the families said during a press conference held near the Defense Ministry headquarters in Tel Aviv.

The families also accused Netanyahu of “disregarding the lives of their relatives held in Gaza and choosing instead to escalate tensions on multiple fronts.”

Protesters have urged President Isaac Herzog to intervene and force Netanyahu government to start negotiations with Hamas.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwi70-zjkNeIAxX34zgGHcP-BC8QxfQBKAB6BAgIEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-pm-netanyahu-to-delay-departure-for-us-amid-security-situation-in-north-760491" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-pm-netanyahu-to-delay-departure-for-us-amid-security-situation-in-north-760491&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi70-zjkNeIAxX34zgGHcP-BC8QxfQBKAB6BAgIEAE">Israeli PM Netanyahu to delay departure for US amid security situation in north</a>

Tensions between Israel and Hezbollah have escalated following an Israeli airstrike that killed at least 38 people in Beirut’s southern suburb on Friday.

Earlier, former IDF chief Dan Halutz had also criticised Netanyahu for 'sacrificed the remaining hostages'.&nbsp;

"Look at what’s happening in our wonderful country, see what amazing people we have, and compare that to the leadership," Halutz told Ynet following the incident. "We were at two protest sites in Caesarea, protesting there with demonstrators and many local residents. Netanyahu has made a decision - to continue sacrificing the hostages, and we are not going to let him off the hook," he told reporters.

(With inputs from agencies)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly told lawmakers in a closed meeting that half of the 97 hostages held by Hamas in Gaza since October 7 have died.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reportedly told lawmakers in a closed meeting that half of the 97 hostages held by Hamas in Gaza since October 7 have died. “According to the information we have, half of the hostages in Gaza are alive,” he was quoted as saying by Army Radio. Netanyahu held a meeting with the Knesset’s Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee earlier on Sunday (Sep 22), in which he stressed he was not standing in the way of a hostage deal and instead blamed Hamas for demanding numerous revisions to the proposed ceasefire outline. Netanyahu's statement comes at a time when families of hostages are increasingly accusing the Israeli PM of abandoning the captives under the pretext of tackling the threat in Lebanon. “Netanyahu does not have the authority to abandon the captives under the guise of launching a war in the north,” the families said during a press conference held near the Defense Ministry headquarters in Tel Aviv. The families also accused Netanyahu of “disregarding the lives of their relatives held in Gaza and choosing instead to escalate tensions on multiple fronts.” Protesters have urged President Isaac Herzog to intervene and force Netanyahu government to start negotiations with Hamas. Also read: Israeli PM Netanyahu to delay departure for US amid security situation in north Tensions between Israel and Hezbollah have escalated following an Israeli airstrike that killed at least 38 people in Beirut’s southern suburb on Friday. Earlier, former IDF chief Dan Halutz had also criticised Netanyahu for 'sacrificed the remaining hostages'. "Look at what’s happening in our wonderful country, see what amazing people we have, and compare that to the leadership," Halutz told Ynet following the incident. "We were at two protest sites in Caesarea, protesting there with demonstrators and many local residents. Netanyahu has made a decision - to continue sacrificing the hostages, and we are not going to let him off the hook," he told reporters. (With inputs from agencies)

Gaza war: Half of hostages held by Hamas since Oct 7 have died, PM Netanyahu tells MPs

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Israel unleashes 400 air & missile strikes on Lebanon in 'New Phase' of war

Hezbollah pounded northern Israel with around 150 rockets on Friday, a day after the militant group’s leader Hassan Nasrallah vowed to retaliate after Israel launched a mass bombing attack, the Israeli military and the militant group said.

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