Fuad Shukr, described as one of Hezbollah's most secretive commanders, was killed during an Israeli airstrike on July 30. WION tells you all about his assassination in this report. Watch in.

Explained: How Israel killed Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr via a phone call

Israel's Rambam underground hospital gears up for war. The hospital is believed to withstand chemical & biological attacks. WION brings you ground report from the Haifa's vast underground hospital.

Ground report from Israel's largest underground bunker hospital

Palestinian groups Hamas and Islamic Jihad on Monday claimed responsibility for a bombing in Tel Aviv, calling it a "suicide operation" and threatening more attacks in Israel as the Gaza war drags on.

Israeli police earlier said the late Sunday blast in Israel's commercial hub was a "terror attack" that prompted heightened alert.

The force had reported that one person -- who Israeli media said was the suspected assailant -- was killed, and another wounded.

The armed wings of Hamas and Islamic Jihad, which are both fighting against Israeli forces in the Gaza Strip, said in a joint statement that they "carried out the suicide operation that took place Sunday evening in the city of Tel Aviv".

But Israeli government spokesman David Mencer said a more serious attack was averted.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sicily-yacht-tragedy-tornado-sinks-luxury-vessel-search-for-six-missing-continues-751378">Sicily yacht tragedy: Tornado sinks luxury vessel, UK’s ‘Bill Gates’ among 6 missing</a>

"The Palestinian with a backpack loaded with explosives exploded his charge that he was carrying before he managed... to reach a more heavily populated area," Mencer said in an online press briefing.

Hamas and Islamic Jihad threatened to carry out more such attacks in Israel "as long as the occupation's massacres, the displacement of civilians and the policy of assassinations continue".

The police said Sunday's attack involved "a powerful explosive".

"As a result of the explosion, a passerby was moderately injured," the police said, adding that authorities had ordered "an increase in alert levels and extensive searches throughout the greater Tel Aviv area".

The blast occurred shortly after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Tel Aviv to push for a ceasefire in Gaza after more than 10 months of war triggered by Hamas's October 7 attack on Israel.

Diplomats say a Gaza truce could help avert a feared wider war.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Palestinian groups Hamas and Islamic Jihad on Monday claimed responsibility for a bombing in Tel Aviv, calling it a "suicide operation" and threatening more attacks in Israel as the Gaza war drags on.

Palestinian groups Hamas and Islamic Jihad on Monday claimed responsibility for a bombing in Tel Aviv, calling it a "suicide operation" and threatening more attacks in Israel as the Gaza war drags on. Israeli police earlier said the late Sunday blast in Israel's commercial hub was a "terror attack" that prompted heightened alert. The force had reported that one person -- who Israeli media said was the suspected assailant -- was killed, and another wounded. The armed wings of Hamas and Islamic Jihad, which are both fighting against Israeli forces in the Gaza Strip, said in a joint statement that they "carried out the suicide operation that took place Sunday evening in the city of Tel Aviv". But Israeli government spokesman David Mencer said a more serious attack was averted. Also read: Sicily yacht tragedy: Tornado sinks luxury vessel, UK’s ‘Bill Gates’ among 6 missing "The Palestinian with a backpack loaded with explosives exploded his charge that he was carrying before he managed... to reach a more heavily populated area," Mencer said in an online press briefing. Hamas and Islamic Jihad threatened to carry out more such attacks in Israel "as long as the occupation's massacres, the displacement of civilians and the policy of assassinations continue". The police said Sunday's attack involved "a powerful explosive". "As a result of the explosion, a passerby was moderately injured," the police said, adding that authorities had ordered "an increase in alert levels and extensive searches throughout the greater Tel Aviv area". The blast occurred shortly after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Tel Aviv to push for a ceasefire in Gaza after more than 10 months of war triggered by Hamas's October 7 attack on Israel. Diplomats say a Gaza truce could help avert a feared wider war. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Tel Aviv explosion: Hamas and Islamic Jihad claim suicide attack responsibility, vow more attacks

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken began crunch talks with senior officials in Israel on Monday in an attempt to advance a Gaza ceasefire-for-hostages deal. Watch in for more details!

US State Secy Antony Blinken in Israel for ceasefire talks

WION reports from Israel's largest underground bunker hospital

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has arrived in Israel in his latest effort to push for a ceasefire and hostage-release deal in Gaza. Watch in for details!

Israel-Hamas war: Will Antony Blinken's visit ensure ceasefire?

A commander in Hezbollah’s elite Radwan force was killed in a drone strike in southern Lebanon earlier today, the IDF says. Watch to know more!

Israel-Hezbollah War: Israelis trike kills 10 Syrians in Lebanon

With ceasefire fire talks in Cairo, due to resume next week. Israeli negotiators in a meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, expressed cautious optimism about moving towards a deal following the updated US proposal. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hamas war: Israel negotiators voice 'cautious optimism' over Gaza deal

Israel-Hezbollah War: Hezbollah commander killed in Israeli strike

Israel-Hamas war: Gaza ceasefire talks to resume next week after no breakthrough

A commander in Hezbollah’s elite Radwan force was killed in a drone strike in southern Lebanon earlier today, the IDF says.

Israel-Hezbollah War: Hezbollah commander killed in southern Lebanon drone strike: IDF

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is scheduled to visit Israel today, August 17, to advance efforts aimed at securing a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hamas, as well as facilitating the release of hostages held in Gaza. During his visit, Blinken will stress the critical importance of all parties in the region avoiding further escalation.

Israel-Hamas war: Antony Blinken to visit West Asia

Hezbollah deputy leader Fuad Shukr was lured to his seventh-floor residence from his second-floor office in Beirut last month when he was killed in an airstrike, a report in newspaper&nbsp;Wall Street Journal (WSJ) has claimed.

An official belonging to the Iran-backed terror outfit said minutes before the airstrike, Shukr had gone upstairs, which made his assassination easier. He had been living and working from the same building to limit his time outside.&nbsp;

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) strike on July 30 killed Shukr, his wife, two other women and two children. The aftermath of the attack left the top corner of a multi-storey building demolished, with charred debris scattered across the vicinity.

The report added that Hezbollah was working with Iran to investigate the security breach which led to the airstrike - killing one of its most important assets.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hezbollah-confirms-death-of-top-commander-fuad-shukr-in-israeli-air-strike-746333">Watch | Hezbollah confirms death of top commander Fuad Shukr in Israeli air strike</a>

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<h2>Retaliatory strike from Israel</h2>

The Israeli military, while announcing the killing,&nbsp;labelled Shukr as Hezbollah's most senior commander.&nbsp;The strike was retaliatory in nature after a Hezbollah rocket hit the northern town of Majdal Shams, killing 12 children and teenagers.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Galant justified the strike, asserting that Shukr was responsible for numerous Israeli deaths.

"He [Shukr] has the blood of many Israelis on his hands. Tonight, we have shown that the blood of our people has a price and that there is no place out of reach for our forces to this end," said Gallant at the time.&nbsp;

Notably, hours after the attack, Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh was also assassinated in a bomb blast at a guesthouse in Tehran.&nbsp;

According to reports, Israel was behind the attack as well with Iranian assets helping in setting off the bomb, planted in at least three rooms in the guesthouse, belonging to the&nbsp;Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-chief-haniyeh-was-killed-by-bomb-hidden-two-months-ago-in-tehran-guesthouse-746338" target="_blank">Also read |&nbsp;Hamas chief Haniyeh was killed by bomb hidden two months ago in Tehran guesthouse: Report</a>

After the twin attacks, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed of&nbsp;retaliation against Israel, which has kept the region on its toes with the US repeatedly calling for de-escalation in the situation.&nbsp;

“The criminal and terrorist Zionist regime martyred our dear guest in our house and made us bereaved,"&nbsp;Khamenei said at the time.&nbsp;

Since then, US warships, fighter jets and submarine have been deployed in the Middle East to avoid any potential Israel-Iran flare-up.&nbsp;

Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Israel-Hamas war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Hezbollah deputy leader Fuad Shukr was lured to his seventh-floor residence from his second-floor office in Beirut last month when he was killed in an airstrike, a report in newspaper Wall Street Journal (WSJ) has claimed.

Hezbollah deputy leader Fuad Shukr was lured to his seventh-floor residence from his second-floor office in Beirut last month when he was killed in an airstrike, a report in newspaper Wall Street Journal (WSJ) has claimed. An official belonging to the Iran-backed terror outfit said minutes before the airstrike, Shukr had gone upstairs, which made his assassination easier. He had been living and working from the same building to limit his time outside. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) strike on July 30 killed Shukr, his wife, two other women and two children. The aftermath of the attack left the top corner of a multi-storey building demolished, with charred debris scattered across the vicinity. The report added that Hezbollah was working with Iran to investigate the security breach which led to the airstrike - killing one of its most important assets. Watch | Hezbollah confirms death of top commander Fuad Shukr in Israeli air strike × Retaliatory strike from Israel The Israeli military, while announcing the killing, labelled Shukr as Hezbollah's most senior commander. The strike was retaliatory in nature after a Hezbollah rocket hit the northern town of Majdal Shams, killing 12 children and teenagers. Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Galant justified the strike, asserting that Shukr was responsible for numerous Israeli deaths. "He [Shukr] has the blood of many Israelis on his hands. Tonight, we have shown that the blood of our people has a price and that there is no place out of reach for our forces to this end," said Gallant at the time. Notably, hours after the attack, Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh was also assassinated in a bomb blast at a guesthouse in Tehran. According to reports, Israel was behind the attack as well with Iranian assets helping in setting off the bomb, planted in at least three rooms in the guesthouse, belonging to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC). Also read | Hamas chief Haniyeh was killed by bomb hidden two months ago in Tehran guesthouse: Report After the twin attacks, Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vowed of retaliation against Israel, which has kept the region on its toes with the US repeatedly calling for de-escalation in the situation. “The criminal and terrorist Zionist regime martyred our dear guest in our house and made us bereaved," Khamenei said at the time. Since then, US warships, fighter jets and submarine have been deployed in the Middle East to avoid any potential Israel-Iran flare-up. Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Israel-Hamas war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

Hezbollah leader Fuad Shukr was lured to his apartment via phone call, minutes before deadly Israeli strike

Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz has accused Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of getting involved in a conflict with the sons of assassinated Hamas political bureau chief Ismail Haniyeh over his alleged funds in Turkish banks, a claim denied as “disinformation” by Ankara.

Israel alleges Turkey refused to release Haniyeh's fortune

Even as United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres called on Israel to pause fighting in Gaza to facilitate a polio vaccination campaign, the Jewish country stepped up attacks on Saturday (Aug 17), reportedly&nbsp;killing at least 17 in the town of Zawayda. Among the dead were eight children and four women, hailing from the same family. "They were asleep in their beds, kids and babies, then three missiles targeted their place," one local resident was quoted as saying by news agencies.

A spokesperson for the Israel&nbsp;Defense Forces (IDF) claimed militants were firing rockets from the location and the strike was conducted against them.

<h2>Massive evacuation order</h2>

Earlier, the Israeli military issued a new evacuation order, affecting about 170,000 people ‘in parts of Deir al Balah in the central Strip and Khan Younis in the south, including two blocks within the Israeli-designated “humanitarian zone” of Mawasi, said the&nbsp;UN humanitarian affairs office.

"This is one of the largest evacuation orders affecting the zone to date and it shrinks the size of the so-called 'humanitarian area' to about 41 square kilometres, or 11 per cent of the total area of the Gaza Strip," the statement added.

It was not clear whether the target site in Zawayda was also covered under the evacuation orders.

<h2>Attack in Lebanon</h2>

In a separate incident, an Israeli strike in southern Lebanon killed at least 10 people on Saturday, the biggest attack in terms of casualties since the start of the war in Gaza.

Watch:&nbsp;Israel-Hamas War: Yoav Gallant calls Netanyahu's victory plans as 'nonsense': Reports

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The strike targeted a metal warehouse, which was described as Hezbollah’s weapons storage room by Israel.

<h2>Hamas dismisses truce claims</h2>

A Hamas official on Saturday dismissed speculations that the Gaza truce plan was near; a day after the United States, Egypt and Qatar revealed a peace proposal after holding negotiations in Doha.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjH_fCMqfyHAxX1cfUHHZCROFU4ChDF9AEoAHoECA8QAQ" href="https://www.wionews.com/middle-east/explained-who-is-ismail-haniyeh-hamas-leader-who-masterminded-attack-on-israel-while-sitting-in-doha-646481" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/middle-east/explained-who-is-ismail-haniyeh-hamas-leader-who-masterminded-attack-on-israel-while-sitting-in-doha-646481&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjH_fCMqfyHAxX1cfUHHZCROFU4ChDF9AEoAHoECA8QAQ">Explained | Who was Ismail Haniyeh? Hamas leader who masterminded attack on Israel, while sitting in Doha</a>

"To say that we are getting close to a deal is an illusion," Hamas political bureau member Sami Abu Zuhri told news agency AFP. "We are not facing a deal or real negotiations, but rather the imposing of American diktats."

Earlier, US President Joe Biden had said, "We are closer than we have ever been."

<h2>Gaza polio vaccination campaign</h2>

The World Health Organization (WHO) is concerned about the potential resurgence of the polio virus in the Gaza Strip as vaccination coverage has dropped to 86 per cent there.

Before the war, the coverage stood at 99 per cent.

If the virus spreads again, the disease “would have a disastrous effect, not only for Palestinian children in Gaza, but also in neighboring countries and the region,” Guterres said.

The warning came as Gaza reported its first&nbsp;polio case in 25 years, Hamas' health ministry said.

Tests in Jordan confirmed the disease in an unvaccinated 10-month-old from the central Gaza Strip.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.&nbsp;

Even as United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres called on Israel to pause fighting in Gaza to facilitate a polio vaccination campaign, the Jewish country stepped up attacks on Saturday (Aug 17), reportedly killing at least 17 in the town of Zawayda.

Even as United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres called on Israel to pause fighting in Gaza to facilitate a polio vaccination campaign, the Jewish country stepped up attacks on Saturday (Aug 17), reportedly killing at least 17 in the town of Zawayda. Among the dead were eight children and four women, hailing from the same family. "They were asleep in their beds, kids and babies, then three missiles targeted their place," one local resident was quoted as saying by news agencies. A spokesperson for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claimed militants were firing rockets from the location and the strike was conducted against them. Massive evacuation order Earlier, the Israeli military issued a new evacuation order, affecting about 170,000 people ‘in parts of Deir al Balah in the central Strip and Khan Younis in the south, including two blocks within the Israeli-designated “humanitarian zone” of Mawasi, said the UN humanitarian affairs office. "This is one of the largest evacuation orders affecting the zone to date and it shrinks the size of the so-called 'humanitarian area' to about 41 square kilometres, or 11 per cent of the total area of the Gaza Strip," the statement added. It was not clear whether the target site in Zawayda was also covered under the evacuation orders. Attack in Lebanon In a separate incident, an Israeli strike in southern Lebanon killed at least 10 people on Saturday, the biggest attack in terms of casualties since the start of the war in Gaza. Watch: Israel-Hamas War: Yoav Gallant calls Netanyahu's victory plans as 'nonsense': Reports × The strike targeted a metal warehouse, which was described as Hezbollah’s weapons storage room by Israel. Hamas dismisses truce claims A Hamas official on Saturday dismissed speculations that the Gaza truce plan was near; a day after the United States, Egypt and Qatar revealed a peace proposal after holding negotiations in Doha. Also read: Explained | Who was Ismail Haniyeh? Hamas leader who masterminded attack on Israel, while sitting in Doha "To say that we are getting close to a deal is an illusion," Hamas political bureau member Sami Abu Zuhri told news agency AFP. "We are not facing a deal or real negotiations, but rather the imposing of American diktats." Earlier, US President Joe Biden had said, "We are closer than we have ever been." Gaza polio vaccination campaign The World Health Organization (WHO) is concerned about the potential resurgence of the polio virus in the Gaza Strip as vaccination coverage has dropped to 86 per cent there. Before the war, the coverage stood at 99 per cent. If the virus spreads again, the disease “would have a disastrous effect, not only for Palestinian children in Gaza, but also in neighboring countries and the region,” Guterres said. The warning came as Gaza reported its first polio case in 25 years, Hamas' health ministry said. Tests in Jordan confirmed the disease in an unvaccinated 10-month-old from the central Gaza Strip. (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.

IDF kills 27 in separate attacks in Gaza, Lebanon; Hamas dismisses truce claims

Lebanon's Hezbollah on Friday released a video showing what appeared to be underground tunnels and large missile launchers, amid fears of all-out war between the Iran-backed group and Israel. Watch in for more details!

Israel vs Hezbollah: Hezbollah flaunts underground missile launch site

A senior Hamas official on Saturday dismissed optimistic talk by US President Joe Biden that a Gaza truce is nearer after negotiations in the Gulf emirate of Qatar. Watch in for more details!

West Asia peace talks: Deadly Israeli strikes as mediators push Gaza truce

The latest ceasefire talks in Doha have ended without a breakthrough, but technical teams will continue meetings and negotiators will meet again next week to end the war. The White House has come up with a new proposal. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hamas War: White House presents new proposal for Gaza ceasefire

Israel-Hamas War: Gaza ceasefire negotiators to resume next week

Israel-Hamas War: Deadly Israeli strikes as mediators push Gaza truce

The US has warned Iran that its newly elected government and economy could suffer a devastating blow if it were to mount a major attack against Israel, a US official said. The warning has been communicated to Tehran directly as well as through intermediaries, said the official, who declined to provide specifics.

Israel-Iran tensions: Amid truce talk, US official warns Iran

Israel is bracing for a possible retaliatory strike from Iran, where Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was assassinated. But there is a separate war front opening in West Asia, that targets America. Are these signals of a brewing war already being waged in the shadows? Let us untangle it for you.

Attacks on US bases rise in West Asia: Is a quiet war already on?

At least 15 Palestinians were killed and dozens wounded in an Israeli strike in the Gaza town of Zawayda, the official Palestinian news agency WAFA reported on Saturday, as Israel issued new evacuation orders, citing Hamas rocket fire nearby.

Israel-Hamas war: At least 15 Palestinians killed in Israeli strike in central Gaza: WAFA agency

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