Israel Hezbollah tensions have peaked like never before. Missiles fired by both the sides over the last few days and statements from Iran and Israel ratcheting up the tensions between the two warring sides. This has now led the UN Secretary General warning of Lebanon heading the Gaza way.

Lebanon-Israel tensions: Netanyahu says, 'Israel will turn Beirut into Gaza'

Watch top headlines of the hour: - IDF kills Hamas arms supplier in Lebanon - 24 dead in Israeli strikes in Gaza - Egypt: Crackdown over Hajj deaths - Two dead in Russian strikes on Kharkiv - Sunak slams Farage for Ukraine remark - Agriculturefire kills 12 in Turkiye

24 dead in Israeli strikes in Gaza | Egypt: Crackdown over Hajj deaths

The White House described PM Netanyahu's criticism of a single US weapons supply suspension as "vexing" and "disappointing." Watch to know more.

Rift widens between Israel and US over arms

Hunger in the Gaza Strip is killing children as Israel continues its attacks and obstructs food delivery to the enclave. Watch to know more.

Israel-Hamas war: Israeli assaults causing severe injuries

The family members of Israeli hostages taken captive by Hamas, have petitioned the High Court of Justice. They are demanding the Attorney General’s Office to check whether Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s wartime decisions were affected by his criminal trial.

Gravitas: Did Netanyahu's criminal trials affected war decisions?

In the middle of war, massacre, humanitarian crisis, and inflation – Eid al adha celebrations in West Asia were muted and came with mixed emotions, as Palestinians in gaza continue to suffer.

Gaza crisis, inflation dampen Eid festivities across West Asia

The Lebanon-Israel border is on the boil. Hezbollah’s leader has warned Israeli forces against an escalation it its strongest message yet -- but officials say the IDF has approved plans for a Lebanon offensive. Is an all-out war between the two sides on the horizon?

Hezbollah releases surveillance video of Israel, is full-blown war coming?

The condition of Palestinians in Gaza remains dire. Israeli soldiers continue their military onslaught in the enclave, as the global community watches in vain.

Israeli forces intensify Rafah invasion, death & hunger persist in Gaza

With Israel's mounting assaults in Gaza and the possibility of a ceasefire continuing to seem far, the war in Gaza has already killed over 37,000 people. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hamas War: Not just deaths, Israeli offensive also causing severe injuries

New tensions have emerged this week between US President Joe Biden's Administration and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the Israeli premier's criticism of US withholding weapon deliveries. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hamas war: 'Will not leave Gaza' until all hostages returned: Israeli PM Netanyahu

The temporary pier that the US military built on short notice to rush humanitarian aid to Gaza has largely failed in its mission, and will probably end operations weeks earlier than originally expected. Watch in for more details!

Israel war: Temporary Gaza pier to be dismantled as it failed its mission, says officials

Hezbollah Chief has warned no place in Israel will be spared in case of a full-blown War. The open warning comes hours after Israel's military said it has approved operational plans for an offensive against Hezbollah. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hezbollah tensions: Hezbollah Chief warns Israel, threatens Cyprus as well

The war of words between Lebanon's Hezbollah and Israel is escalating. On Wednesday, the pro-Iranian group warned that nowhere in Israel would be safe if a full-fledged war broke out between the two enemies. Not only that Hezbollah chief also threatened to attack EU country Cyprus for the first time. This is after Israel said it is prepared to fight Hezbollah. Will the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah pull Lebanon and Cyprus into a full-fledged war?

Gravitas: Will the Hezbollah-Israel conflict pull Lebanon and Cyprus into war?

IDF Spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari has made a big admission amid the war in Gaza. In an interview with Israeli broadcaster, Hagari said that Hamas cannot be defeated. The IDF spokesperson’s statement questions Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's stated war goal. It also lays bare the tensions between military officials and the political leadership of Israel. If the Israeli Army feels Hamas can't be defeated, then what is Israel doing in Gaza? What does Netanyahu plan to do next? Tune in to #Gravitas at 9 PM IST to find out more.

Gravitas: Israeli Military's big admission, IDF Spokesman says Hamas can’t be destroyed

US officials estimate that of the 116 hostages believed to be held by Hamas and Gaza, only 50 are still alive. The assessment comes amid Benjamin Netanyahu's government faces massive protests over the hostage crisis. Watch in for more details!

US officials say out of 116 hostages, only 50 are alive

American forces on Wednesday (June 19) announced that they have destroyed two Houthi rebel sites in Yemen following a spate of ship attacks by the rebel group.&nbsp;

"USCENTCOM forces successfully destroyed one ground control station and one command-and-control node," in a Houthi area of Yemen, the military command announced on X. CENTCOM also took out two Houthi "uncrewed surface vessels (USV) in the Red Sea" within the last 24 hours.&nbsp;

Previously, on Tuesday, CENTCOM reported destroying eight Houthi drones.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/yemens-houthi-rebels-believed-to-have-sunk-second-ship-in-red-sea-after-deadly-attack-733091">Yemen’s Houthi rebels believed to have sunk second ship in Red Sea after deadly attack</a>

Meanwhile, the MV Tutor, a merchant ship left abandoned after a Houthi attack last week, is believed to have sunk, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). The ship, Liberia-flagged and owned by the Greeks, was hit by a sea drone and aerial projectile on June 12. A Filipino crew member&nbsp;believed to have been in the ship's engine room at the time of the attack was reportedly killed.

"Military authorities report maritime debris and oil sighted in the (Tutor's) last reported location," said the UKMTO in a security update.&nbsp;

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/greece-owned-coal-carrier-attacked-by-yemeni-houthi-militants-731997/embed" width="560"></iframe>

It added, "The vessel is believed to have sunk."

Just a couple of months back, on March 2, a Houthi attack led to the sinking of the UK-owned Rubymar. &nbsp;&nbsp;

<h2>US and UK seek to weaken Houthis</h2>

The Houthis have been targeting vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden since November 2023. These attacks, they claim, are in support of Palestinians amid the Israel-Hamas war.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/crew-abandons-cargo-ship-hit-in-missile-attack-by-houthi-rebels-us-military-732137">Crew abandons cargo ship hit in missile attack by Houthi rebels: US military</a>

In response to the attacks, the United States and the United Kingdom have launched strikes to weaken the Iran-backed rebels' attack capabilities. Additionally, as per AFP, an international effort has been trying to intercept drones and missiles fired at ships.

Since November, the Houthis, at war with a Saudi-led coalition after ousting the government from Sanaa in 2014, have launched numerous drone and missile attacks on shipping vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. These attacks have driven up insurance costs for transiting vessels, causing many shipping firms to take the longer route around Africa's southern tip.

(With inputs from agencies)

American forces on Wednesday (June 19) announced that they have destroyed two Houthi rebel sites in Yemen following a spate of ship attacks by the rebel group. "USCENTCOM forces successfully destroyed one ground control station and one command-and-control node," in a Houthi area of Yemen, the military command announced on X.

American forces on Wednesday (June 19) announced that they have destroyed two Houthi rebel sites in Yemen following a spate of ship attacks by the rebel group. "USCENTCOM forces successfully destroyed one ground control station and one command-and-control node," in a Houthi area of Yemen, the military command announced on X. CENTCOM also took out two Houthi "uncrewed surface vessels (USV) in the Red Sea" within the last 24 hours. Previously, on Tuesday, CENTCOM reported destroying eight Houthi drones. Also read | Yemen’s Houthi rebels believed to have sunk second ship in Red Sea after deadly attack Meanwhile, the MV Tutor, a merchant ship left abandoned after a Houthi attack last week, is believed to have sunk, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO). The ship, Liberia-flagged and owned by the Greeks, was hit by a sea drone and aerial projectile on June 12. A Filipino crew member believed to have been in the ship's engine room at the time of the attack was reportedly killed. "Military authorities report maritime debris and oil sighted in the (Tutor's) last reported location," said the UKMTO in a security update. It added, "The vessel is believed to have sunk." Just a couple of months back, on March 2, a Houthi attack led to the sinking of the UK-owned Rubymar. US and UK seek to weaken Houthis The Houthis have been targeting vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden since November 2023. These attacks, they claim, are in support of Palestinians amid the Israel-Hamas war. Also read | Crew abandons cargo ship hit in missile attack by Houthi rebels: US military In response to the attacks, the United States and the United Kingdom have launched strikes to weaken the Iran-backed rebels' attack capabilities. Additionally, as per AFP, an international effort has been trying to intercept drones and missiles fired at ships. Since November, the Houthis, at war with a Saudi-led coalition after ousting the government from Sanaa in 2014, have launched numerous drone and missile attacks on shipping vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. These attacks have driven up insurance costs for transiting vessels, causing many shipping firms to take the longer route around Africa's southern tip. (With inputs from agencies)

US forces destroy two Houthi targets in Yemen amid Red Sea ship attacks

Tensions and chaos in the coalition amplified Wednesday, as the ruling Likud party accused Otzma Yehudit leader Itamar Ben Gvir of leaking “state secrets.” Watch to know more.

Israel PM Netanyahu accuses Ben Gvir of 'leaking secrets'

Israel's top army spokesman said that Hamas cannot be defeated as an ideology, prompting the government to quickly re-assert that it remains committed to the Palestinian group's destruction. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hamas War: Israel army spokesman says Hamas can't be defeated as an 'ideology'

The number of children killed in armed conflicts across the world tripled last year when compared to the year prior, said the United Nations, on Tuesday (Jun 18). The international organisation also said that it faced a $40.8-billion funding shortfall across the globe.&nbsp;

<h2>Death toll in armed conflicts rises</h2>

The UN rights chief Volker Turk, on Tuesday, revealed the disturbing number of civilians being killed in armed conflicts across the world to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva.&nbsp;

Overall, the number of civilian deaths in armed conflict soared by 72 per cent in 2023, said the UN rights chief citing the data gathered by his office.&nbsp;

Turk noted how killing and injuring of civilians as well as the destruction of vital infrastructure have become a “daily occurrence”.&nbsp;

“Children shot at. Hospitals bombed. Heavy artillery launched on entire communities. All along with hateful, divisive, and dehumanising rhetoric,” said the UN rights chief.&nbsp;

The data, collected by the OHCHR, “horrifyingly” also indicates “that the proportion of women killed in 2023 doubled and that of children tripled, compared to the year prior,” Turk said.&nbsp;

<h2>‘Unconscionable death and suffering’</h2>

Palestinians in the Israeli-occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem are suffering a drastically worsening human rights environment, alongside “unconscionable death and suffering” in Gaza, the UN rights chief said.&nbsp;

Turk also said he was “appalled by the disregard for international human rights and humanitarian law by parties to the conflict” amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.&nbsp;

According to the UN data, over 120,000 people in Gaza, mostly women and children, have been killed or injured because of Israel’s military operation in the Palestinian enclave.&nbsp;

Also Read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-at-least-17-palestinians-killed-in-israeli-strike-on-gaza-refugee-camp-732858">&nbsp;Israel-Hamas war: At least 17 Palestinians killed in Israeli strike on Gaza refugee camp</a>

The war in Gaza has also drawn focus away from the West Bank, where the Israeli army conducts nearly nightly, often deadly, raids.&nbsp;

Since the beginning of the war in Gaza, in October through mid-June, 528 Palestinians, including 133 children, had been killed by Israeli forces or settlers in the West Bank, said Turk.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, 23 Israelis have been killed in the West Bank and Israel in clashes with or attacks by Palestinians, said the UN rights chief.&nbsp;

Turk went on to talk about the Ukraine war and ongoing conflicts in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan and Syria. &nbsp;

The recent wave of Russian attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure has destroyed 68 per cent of the war-torn country’s electricity production capacity, “bringing the system to a dangerous tipping point, especially ahead of winter,” said the UN rights chief.&nbsp;

<h2>Lack of funds</h2>

According to Turk, as of the end of May this year the gap between the humanitarian funding requirements and available resources stood at $40.8 billion, which left appeals funded just 16.1 per cent on average.

On the other hand, the global military expenditure in 2023 was $2.5 trillion, which he said was “the steepest year-on-year increase since 2009”.&nbsp;

“In addition to inflicting unbearable human suffering, war comes with a hefty price tag,” the UN rights chief noted.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

The number of children killed in armed conflicts across the world tripled last year when compared to the year prior, said the United Nations, on Tuesday (Jun 18).

The number of children killed in armed conflicts across the world tripled last year when compared to the year prior, said the United Nations, on Tuesday (Jun 18). The international organisation also said that it faced a $40.8-billion funding shortfall across the globe. Death toll in armed conflicts rises The UN rights chief Volker Turk, on Tuesday, revealed the disturbing number of civilians being killed in armed conflicts across the world to the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva. Overall, the number of civilian deaths in armed conflict soared by 72 per cent in 2023, said the UN rights chief citing the data gathered by his office. Turk noted how killing and injuring of civilians as well as the destruction of vital infrastructure have become a “daily occurrence”. “Children shot at. Hospitals bombed. Heavy artillery launched on entire communities. All along with hateful, divisive, and dehumanising rhetoric,” said the UN rights chief. The data, collected by the OHCHR, “horrifyingly” also indicates “that the proportion of women killed in 2023 doubled and that of children tripled, compared to the year prior,” Turk said. ‘Unconscionable death and suffering’ Palestinians in the Israeli-occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem are suffering a drastically worsening human rights environment, alongside “unconscionable death and suffering” in Gaza, the UN rights chief said. Turk also said he was “appalled by the disregard for international human rights and humanitarian law by parties to the conflict” amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. According to the UN data, over 120,000 people in Gaza, mostly women and children, have been killed or injured because of Israel’s military operation in the Palestinian enclave. Also Read | Israel-Hamas war: At least 17 Palestinians killed in Israeli strike on Gaza refugee camp The war in Gaza has also drawn focus away from the West Bank, where the Israeli army conducts nearly nightly, often deadly, raids. Since the beginning of the war in Gaza, in October through mid-June, 528 Palestinians, including 133 children, had been killed by Israeli forces or settlers in the West Bank, said Turk. Meanwhile, 23 Israelis have been killed in the West Bank and Israel in clashes with or attacks by Palestinians, said the UN rights chief. Turk went on to talk about the Ukraine war and ongoing conflicts in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan and Syria. The recent wave of Russian attacks on Ukrainian energy infrastructure has destroyed 68 per cent of the war-torn country’s electricity production capacity, “bringing the system to a dangerous tipping point, especially ahead of winter,” said the UN rights chief. Lack of funds According to Turk, as of the end of May this year the gap between the humanitarian funding requirements and available resources stood at $40.8 billion, which left appeals funded just 16.1 per cent on average. On the other hand, the global military expenditure in 2023 was $2.5 trillion, which he said was “the steepest year-on-year increase since 2009”. “In addition to inflicting unbearable human suffering, war comes with a hefty price tag,” the UN rights chief noted. (With inputs from agencies)

Number of children killed due to armed conflicts tripled in one year: UN

SIPRI says Israel is working to modernise its nuclear weapons system and is upgrading its plutonium for its reactor in Dimona. What is Netanyahu's plan?

Gravitas: Israel upgrades plutonium in Dimona nuclear plant, what happens next?

Our next report focuses on Israel's booming defence industry. Arms sales have reached a record high, driven by a surge in air defence technology. Israel's defence industry is experiencing a boom, with exports reaching a record-breaking $13 billion in 2023.

Israel's defence exports hit record $13 billion in 2023

Anti-government protesters took to the streets of Jerusalem on Monday, clashing with police near the house of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and calling for new elections. Watch in for more details!

Israel War: Hundreds gather to protest Netanyahu's presence at event

The Hezbollah terror group has published a video it says is from one of its reconnaissance drones flying over northern Israel, including the Haifa port. Watch in for more details!

Israel war: Fears of wier conflict, Hezbollah ups the ante against Israel

Watch top headlines of the hour: - Gaza: Clinical capacity down by 70% - Philippine VP resigns as education minister - New Caledonia: Pro-Independence leader arrested - Delhi CM's custody extended - Nvidia: World's most valuable company

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal's custody extended | Gaza: Clinical capacity down by 70%

A dispute is brewing between Israel and its ally, the United States - over the 2,000 pound bomb - Israel has rallied on these powerful bombs, provided by the United States.

Israel eyes US' 2,000-pound bombs | US, Israel dispute over MK-84 bombs

The Israeli military announced Tuesday that it has approved "operational plans" for an offensive against the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah.

War of words between Israel & US: Bibi faces mounting criticism at home

The Iranian-backed Yemen-based Houthi militants are believed to have sunk a second ship in the Red Sea named the Tutor after allegedly killing one sailor on board, said media reports citing officials, on Wednesday (Jun 19).&nbsp;

<h2>Tutor&nbsp;'believed to have sunk'</h2>

Last week, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that the Liberian-flagged, Greek-owned-and-operated, Tutor coal carrier was attacked and taking on water.&nbsp;

“Military authorities report maritime debris and oil sighted in the (Tutor’s) last reported location,” said the UKMTO in a security update. It added, “The vessel is believed to have sunk.”

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/greece-owned-coal-carrier-attacked-by-yemeni-houthi-militants-731997/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The attack and sinking of the bulk carrier marks what appears to be a new escalation by the Houthis who have been targeting shipping through the vital maritime corridor ever&nbsp;since the war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas began in Gaza.&nbsp;

<h2>Deadly attack by militant group</h2>

The Tutor came under attack on June 12. The vessel, as per reports, was struck by missiles and an explosive-laden remote-controlled boat.&nbsp;

One of the crew members, who is believed to have been in the ship’s engine room at the time of the attack, remains missing, reported Reuters.&nbsp;

White House national security spokesman, John Kirby, on Monday (Jun 17) said that the attack killed “a crew member who hailed from the Philippines.” Manila has yet to confirm or acknowledge the reported death.&nbsp;

<h2>Houthis continue to attack in Red Sea</h2>

If confirmed,&nbsp;Tutor would be the second ship sunk by the Houthis,&nbsp;months&nbsp;after their attacks led to the sinking of the UK-owned Rubymar. The ship went down on March 2, about two weeks after being targeted by missiles.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/crew-abandons-cargo-ship-hit-in-missile-attack-by-houthi-rebels-us-military-732137">Crew abandons cargo ship hit in missile attack by Houthi rebels: US military</a>

Last week, the crew on board M/V Verbena, a Palauan-flagged ship, was forced to abandon the vessel after they were unable to contain a fire sparked due to a missile attack by the Houthis in the Gulf of Aden.&nbsp;

The ship, which was reportedly loaded with wood construction material, had also sustained damage and is now drifting and vulnerable to sinking or further assaults.

Since the beginning of their campaign, which the Houthis claim is in support of the Palestinians in Gaza amid the ongoing war, the militant group has seized vessels and killed three sailors in separate attacks.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

The Iranian-backed Yemen-based Houthi militants are believed to have sunk a second ship in the Red Sea named the Tutor after allegedly killing one sailor on board, said media reports citing officials, on Wednesday (Jun 19).

The Iranian-backed Yemen-based Houthi militants are believed to have sunk a second ship in the Red Sea named the Tutor after allegedly killing one sailor on board, said media reports citing officials, on Wednesday (Jun 19). Tutor 'believed to have sunk' Last week, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported that the Liberian-flagged, Greek-owned-and-operated, Tutor coal carrier was attacked and taking on water. “Military authorities report maritime debris and oil sighted in the (Tutor’s) last reported location,” said the UKMTO in a security update. It added, “The vessel is believed to have sunk.” The attack and sinking of the bulk carrier marks what appears to be a new escalation by the Houthis who have been targeting shipping through the vital maritime corridor ever since the war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas began in Gaza. Deadly attack by militant group The Tutor came under attack on June 12. The vessel, as per reports, was struck by missiles and an explosive-laden remote-controlled boat. One of the crew members, who is believed to have been in the ship’s engine room at the time of the attack, remains missing, reported Reuters. White House national security spokesman, John Kirby, on Monday (Jun 17) said that the attack killed “a crew member who hailed from the Philippines.” Manila has yet to confirm or acknowledge the reported death. Houthis continue to attack in Red Sea If confirmed, Tutor would be the second ship sunk by the Houthis, months after their attacks led to the sinking of the UK-owned Rubymar. The ship went down on March 2, about two weeks after being targeted by missiles. Also Read | Crew abandons cargo ship hit in missile attack by Houthi rebels: US military Last week, the crew on board M/V Verbena, a Palauan-flagged ship, was forced to abandon the vessel after they were unable to contain a fire sparked due to a missile attack by the Houthis in the Gulf of Aden. The ship, which was reportedly loaded with wood construction material, had also sustained damage and is now drifting and vulnerable to sinking or further assaults. Since the beginning of their campaign, which the Houthis claim is in support of the Palestinians in Gaza amid the ongoing war, the militant group has seized vessels and killed three sailors in separate attacks. (With inputs from agencies)

Yemen’s Houthi rebels believed to have sunk second ship in Red Sea after deadly attack

Israel-Hamas war: Blinken insists US sending weapons to Israel 'normally'

A new report revealed that Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) knew about Hamas’ October 7 attack. Report revealed that IDF intelligence officials have informed seniors about the possible attack but they ignored it. Watch in for more details!

IDF knew weeks before October 7 attacks of Hamas, says report

Israeli intelligence and IDF were warned of October 7 attack, says report

Israeli media reports have made a new revelation about the October 7th attacks. The new document shows that Israel's intelligence bureaus and the Defence Forces had complete knowledge of Hamas's October 7th assault and they plan to take hostages weeks before it happened. Watch for more details.

Israel war | Report says Israeli intelligence & the IDF were warned of Oct 7 breach

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