And now we look at the financial impact of the recent conflict in Gaza. Israeli defence companies saw a surge in profits, while the US supplied Israel with billions of dollars in weaponry.

Cost of war: Israel in focus

United States President Joe Biden, on Friday (May 31) <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-lays-out-three-phases-of-israels-ceasefire-proposal-says-its-time-to-end-war-727553">unveiled a three-phase Israeli proposal</a> to the Palestinian militant group Hamas seeking to end the almost eight-month-long war. If accepted, the proposal in question would lead to a ceasefire in the Palestinian enclave and the release of hostages held by Hamas.&nbsp;

<h2>‘It’s time for this war to end’</h2>

Speaking about the plan, the US president said that Israel’s ceasefire proposal will have three phases which will begin with a six-week complete ceasefire, see the return of hostages in Gaza, the release of Palestinians from Israeli jails, and reconstruction of the Palestinian enclave which has been destroyed amid months of fighting.&nbsp;

“It’s time for this war to end, for the day after to begin,” said Biden in a televised speech from the White House. He added, “Israel has offered a comprehensive new proposal. It’s a roadmap to an enduring ceasefire and the release of all hostages.”&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;US President Joe Biden says time for Gaza war to end

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-war-us-president-joe-biden-says-time-for-gaza-war-to-end-727777/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

This comes as the incumbent president and presumptive Democratic presidential nominee has faced pressure from people in his own party as well as Americans who have criticised the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pro-palestinian-protesters-storm-brooklyn-museum-unfurl-banner-police-arrest-several-727612">Biden administration’s support for Israel</a> in the ongoing war amid the mounting death toll and deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza.&nbsp;

Hamas’ October 7 attack on southern Israel which sparked the war in Gaza, led to the deaths of at least 1,200 people and around 250 others were taken by the militant group to the Palestinian enclave as hostages, according to the Israeli officials.&nbsp;

Israel has since launched a military operation into Gaza which has killed more than 36,000 people, mostly civilians, as claimed by the Hamas-run health ministry.&nbsp;

<h2>About the three-phase plan</h2>

The first phase will include a ceasefire, partial withdrawal of Israeli forces and release of some hostages in exchange for the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners.&nbsp;

Biden said that the first phase of Israel’s offer would last six weeks and would also include a “full and complete” ceasefire and withdrawal of Israeli forces from “all populated areas” of Gaza.&nbsp;

This phase would also see the release of a number of hostages including “women, the elderly, the wounded in exchange for release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners,” said the US president. It also includes talks between Israel and Hamas to get to the next phase of the proposal.

Additionally, Palestinian civilians will return to their homes and neighbourhoods in all areas of Gaza. This comes as the Israeli military’s evacuation orders have led to the displacing of 1.7 million people, more than 75 per cent of Gaza’s population.&nbsp;

As a part of the first phase, humanitarian assistance will increase to 600 trucks carrying aid into Gaza per day. “With a ceasefire, that aid could be safely and effectively distributed to all who need it,” said Biden.&nbsp;

The second phase will include a “permanent end to hostilities” after negotiations, said Biden and the release of all remaining hostages. However, he noted that this phase could take longer than six weeks due to the differences between the two sides; during this time, the ceasefire will continue.&nbsp;

“Israel will want to make sure its interests are protected but the proposal says if the negotiations take longer than six weeks from phase one, the ceasefire will still continue for as long as negotiations continue,” said the US president.&nbsp;

The US, Qatar and Egypt will ensure that talks continue until “all agreements are reached” during this period, said Biden. The second phase will also see the release of the rest of the hostages who are alive including male soldiers, while Israeli forces withdraw from Gaza.&nbsp;

“And as long as Hamas lives up to its commitments, a temporary ceasefire will become – in the words of the Israeli proposal – the cessation of hostilities permanently,” said the US president.&nbsp;

The third and last phase would include a “major reconstruction plan for Gaza and any final remains of hostages who have been killed would be returned to their families,” said Biden.&nbsp;

Even if the ongoing war in Gaza was to end today, it would take until 2040 to rebuild all the homes that have been destroyed so far, said a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rebuilding-gaza-to-at-least-16-years-and-cost-around-30-to-40-billion-un-717472">report by the United Nations</a>, earlier this month.&nbsp;

Israel has “devastated Hamas forces over the past eight months,” said Biden, adding that at this point “Hamas no longer is capable of carrying out another Oct. 7.”

Arab nations and the international community will also help in Gaza rebuilding efforts, but in a “manner that does not allow Hamas to rearm,” the US president added. Washington will work with its partners to rebuild homes, schools and hospitals in the Palestinian enclave.&nbsp;

<h2>Hamas reacts ‘positively’</h2>

Hamas, on Friday, said that it “considers positively” the Israeli plan towards a full ceasefire in Gaza. During his speech, the US president urged the militant group to accept the proposal.&nbsp;

The Palestinian militant group, in a statement, said that it “considers positively” Biden’s speech about “a permanent ceasefire, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, reconstruction and the exchange of prisoners”.&nbsp;

Amid the war, there have been multiple rounds of talks between Israel and Hamas, but except for a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/qatar-says-hostage-release-to-start-7am-friday-first-13-captives-to-be-out-at-4pm-662051">one week-long ceasefire in November</a> to facilitate the release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners from Israel, there has been no progress.&nbsp;

<h2>Netanyahu says war will not end</h2>

Amid some hope after Biden’s speech, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was quick to throw cold water on peace talks saying that the war will not end until the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-offering-gaza-peace-roadmap-netanyahu-says-war-will-not-end-until-elimination-of-hamas-727660">“elimination” of Hamas</a>.&nbsp;

Netanyahu’s office said that he “authorised the negotiating team to present an outline for achieving (the return of hostages), while insisting that the war will not end until all of its goals are achieved…”

The aims include “return of all our hostages and the elimination of Hamas's military and governmental capabilities,” it added.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, on Friday, accused Israel of “using negotiations as a cover to continue its aggression” and said that the Palestinian militant group “refuses to be a part of these manoeuvres”.&nbsp;

Notably, Netanyahu’s government has been facing near-daily protests for multiple reasons including the war in Gaza. After Biden’s speech, families of Israeli hostages also called on all parties to immediately accept the recent proposal.&nbsp;

“We want to see people coming back from Gaza alive and soon,” Gili Roman, whose sister, Yarden Roman-Gat, was taken hostage and freed during the ceasefire in November, told the Associated Press.&nbsp;

However, Yarden’s sister-in-law, Carmel, is still being held in the Palestinian enclave. “This might be the last chance to save lives. Therefore, the current state must be changed and we expect all to adhere to Biden’s call for accepting the deal on the table, immediately,” Gili added.&nbsp;

<h2>Situation in Gaza</h2>

Hundreds of thousands of Gazans are moving out of Rafah, where up to 1.4 million people displaced due to the war were sheltering after the Israeli military began striking the city which was once said to be a safe zone.&nbsp;

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken acknowledged Friday that the humanitarian situation was “dire” despite Washington’s efforts to increase the amount of aid entering Gaza.&nbsp;

The World Food Programme (WFP) said daily life had become “apocalyptic” in southern Gaza after Israel began its assault on Rafah in early May.&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.

United States President Joe Biden, on Friday (May 31) unveiled a three-phase Israeli proposal to the Palestinian militant group Hamas seeking to end the almost eight-month-long war.

United States President Joe Biden, on Friday (May 31) unveiled a three-phase Israeli proposal to the Palestinian militant group Hamas seeking to end the almost eight-month-long war. If accepted, the proposal in question would lead to a ceasefire in the Palestinian enclave and the release of hostages held by Hamas. ‘It’s time for this war to end’ Speaking about the plan, the US president said that Israel’s ceasefire proposal will have three phases which will begin with a six-week complete ceasefire, see the return of hostages in Gaza, the release of Palestinians from Israeli jails, and reconstruction of the Palestinian enclave which has been destroyed amid months of fighting. “It’s time for this war to end, for the day after to begin,” said Biden in a televised speech from the White House. He added, “Israel has offered a comprehensive new proposal. It’s a roadmap to an enduring ceasefire and the release of all hostages.” WATCH | US President Joe Biden says time for Gaza war to end This comes as the incumbent president and presumptive Democratic presidential nominee has faced pressure from people in his own party as well as Americans who have criticised the Biden administration’s support for Israel in the ongoing war amid the mounting death toll and deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza. Hamas’ October 7 attack on southern Israel which sparked the war in Gaza, led to the deaths of at least 1,200 people and around 250 others were taken by the militant group to the Palestinian enclave as hostages, according to the Israeli officials. Israel has since launched a military operation into Gaza which has killed more than 36,000 people, mostly civilians, as claimed by the Hamas-run health ministry. About the three-phase plan The first phase will include a ceasefire, partial withdrawal of Israeli forces and release of some hostages in exchange for the release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners. Biden said that the first phase of Israel’s offer would last six weeks and would also include a “full and complete” ceasefire and withdrawal of Israeli forces from “all populated areas” of Gaza. This phase would also see the release of a number of hostages including “women, the elderly, the wounded in exchange for release of hundreds of Palestinian prisoners,” said the US president. It also includes talks between Israel and Hamas to get to the next phase of the proposal. Additionally, Palestinian civilians will return to their homes and neighbourhoods in all areas of Gaza. This comes as the Israeli military’s evacuation orders have led to the displacing of 1.7 million people, more than 75 per cent of Gaza’s population. As a part of the first phase, humanitarian assistance will increase to 600 trucks carrying aid into Gaza per day. “With a ceasefire, that aid could be safely and effectively distributed to all who need it,” said Biden. The second phase will include a “permanent end to hostilities” after negotiations, said Biden and the release of all remaining hostages. However, he noted that this phase could take longer than six weeks due to the differences between the two sides; during this time, the ceasefire will continue. “Israel will want to make sure its interests are protected but the proposal says if the negotiations take longer than six weeks from phase one, the ceasefire will still continue for as long as negotiations continue,” said the US president. The US, Qatar and Egypt will ensure that talks continue until “all agreements are reached” during this period, said Biden. The second phase will also see the release of the rest of the hostages who are alive including male soldiers, while Israeli forces withdraw from Gaza. “And as long as Hamas lives up to its commitments, a temporary ceasefire will become – in the words of the Israeli proposal – the cessation of hostilities permanently,” said the US president. The third and last phase would include a “major reconstruction plan for Gaza and any final remains of hostages who have been killed would be returned to their families,” said Biden. Even if the ongoing war in Gaza was to end today, it would take until 2040 to rebuild all the homes that have been destroyed so far, said a report by the United Nations, earlier this month. Israel has “devastated Hamas forces over the past eight months,” said Biden, adding that at this point “Hamas no longer is capable of carrying out another Oct. 7.” Arab nations and the international community will also help in Gaza rebuilding efforts, but in a “manner that does not allow Hamas to rearm,” the US president added. Washington will work with its partners to rebuild homes, schools and hospitals in the Palestinian enclave. Hamas reacts ‘positively’ Hamas, on Friday, said that it “considers positively” the Israeli plan towards a full ceasefire in Gaza. During his speech, the US president urged the militant group to accept the proposal. The Palestinian militant group, in a statement, said that it “considers positively” Biden’s speech about “a permanent ceasefire, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, reconstruction and the exchange of prisoners”. Amid the war, there have been multiple rounds of talks between Israel and Hamas, but except for a one week-long ceasefire in November to facilitate the release of hostages and Palestinian prisoners from Israel, there has been no progress. Netanyahu says war will not end Amid some hope after Biden’s speech, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was quick to throw cold water on peace talks saying that the war will not end until the “elimination” of Hamas. Netanyahu’s office said that he “authorised the negotiating team to present an outline for achieving (the return of hostages), while insisting that the war will not end until all of its goals are achieved…” The aims include “return of all our hostages and the elimination of Hamas's military and governmental capabilities,” it added. Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, on Friday, accused Israel of “using negotiations as a cover to continue its aggression” and said that the Palestinian militant group “refuses to be a part of these manoeuvres”. Notably, Netanyahu’s government has been facing near-daily protests for multiple reasons including the war in Gaza. After Biden’s speech, families of Israeli hostages also called on all parties to immediately accept the recent proposal. “We want to see people coming back from Gaza alive and soon,” Gili Roman, whose sister, Yarden Roman-Gat, was taken hostage and freed during the ceasefire in November, told the Associated Press. However, Yarden’s sister-in-law, Carmel, is still being held in the Palestinian enclave. “This might be the last chance to save lives. Therefore, the current state must be changed and we expect all to adhere to Biden’s call for accepting the deal on the table, immediately,” Gili added. Situation in Gaza Hundreds of thousands of Gazans are moving out of Rafah, where up to 1.4 million people displaced due to the war were sheltering after the Israeli military began striking the city which was once said to be a safe zone. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken acknowledged Friday that the humanitarian situation was “dire” despite Washington’s efforts to increase the amount of aid entering Gaza. The World Food Programme (WFP) said daily life had become “apocalyptic” in southern Gaza after Israel began its assault on Rafah in early May. (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.

Explained: Biden details Israel’s new three-phase ceasefire proposal amid Gaza war. What is it about?

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US President Joe Biden on Friday laid out what he described as a three-phase Israeli proposal for a ceasefire in Gaza in return for the release of Israeli hostages, saying "it's time for this war to end" and winning a positive initial reaction from Hamas. Already, Israel has criticized the proposal as Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu remains adamant that the goal to eliminate Hamas must be achieved. Wion's Eric Njoka speaks to Sergej Sumlenny who is a defense expert & Director at the European Resilience Initiative Centre on what this could mean for lasting peace in the region.

Israel war: US President Joe Biden says time for Gaza war to end

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Earlier this week, Spain, Norway and Ireland formally recognised Palestinian statehood after a coordinated effort by the three Western European nations in what they said was an attempt to bring the focus back to finding a political solution amid the ongoing war between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas.&nbsp;

<h2>145 countries now recognise a Palestinian state</h2>

The three European countries joined 142 others out of the 193 members of the United Nations which have recognised a Palestinian state.

The group of now 145 countries includes a number of nations in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. However, the list does not include any major countries like the United States, Canada, most of western Europe, Australia, Japan and South Korea.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Spain, Norway &amp; Ireland formally recognise Palestinian state

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/spain-norway-ireland-formally-recognise-palestinian-state-726387/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

However, Spain, Ireland and Norway are hoping to change that. The three countries believe that by acting together other European countries will follow suit for a diplomatic push to help secure a ceasefire in Gaza as well as bring back the hostages.&nbsp;

The Hamas’ October 7 attack on southern Israel led to the killing of 1,200 people, and around 250 others were taken back to the Palestinian enclave as hostages, according to Israeli officials.&nbsp;

<h2>EU countries and Palestine</h2>

Before European Union countries, Ireland and Spain, joined the list only seven members of the 27-nation bloc had officially recognised a Palestinian state. Out of which, six had announced recognition back in 1988 prior to the creation of the bloc. In 2014, Sweden became the first EU nation to do so.&nbsp;

It also seems like the efforts by the three countries&nbsp;have worked as EU member Slovenia is set to recognise Palestinian statehood in June after Prime Minister Robert Golob said his government will forward its decision to parliament for final approval, on Thursday (May 30).&nbsp;

However, despite many European countries criticising Israel for its military operation in Gaza, the 27-nation bloc remains divided.&nbsp;

Some countries in the EU have sought to recognise a Palestinian state in hopes of eventually bringing peace in the Middle East, while other countries like Germany, Hungary, and the Netherlands staunchly support <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-how-netanyahu-helped-grow-hamas-which-became-the-frankensteins-monster-for-him-651336">Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu</a>’s government.

Finnish President Alexander Stubb, according to the state media, has also said that they would also recognise Palestine “at some stage in the future”.&nbsp;

France has previously indicated that it will not join other countries in recognising a Palestinian state, with Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne accusing fellow EU members of making the move as part of “political positioning,” instead of seeking a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

<h2>Three countries&nbsp;recognise&nbsp;Palestinian state</h2>

Spanish PM Pedro Sánchez, on Tuesday (May 28) announcing the move said that “this is a historic decision that has a single goal, and that is to help Israelis and Palestinians achieve peace.”

He also said that the decision is not against Israel whom Sánchez called a “friendly people whom we respect, whom we appreciate and with whom we want to have the best possible relationship.”

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spain-norway-recognise-palestinian-statehood-ireland-to-follow-suit-726323">Spain, Norway and Ireland formally recognise Palestinian statehood as Israel fumes</a>

Ireland and Norway soon joined Spain in formalising the decision which they had jointly announced a week prior and hoped their decision will accelerate efforts towards securing a ceasefire amid the way which is now in its eighth month.

The countries said that they recognised a Palestinian state based on borders established before the war in 1967, with Jerusalem as the capital of both Israel and Palestine.

However, they acknowledged that those borders might change if any eventual talks take place for a two-state solution to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-are-core-israel-palestine-issues-whats-the-future-of-peace-attempts-646716">Israeli-Palestinian conflict</a>.&nbsp;

On Tuesday, the Palestinian flag was raised in Dublin outside Leinster House, the seat of Ireland’s parliament.&nbsp;

“I hope (this) sends the Palestinian people a message of hope that – in this their darkest hour – Ireland stands with them,” Irish PM Simon Harris told lawmakers after his cabinet approved the decision.&nbsp;

Amid the ongoing war in Gaza, Ireland has time and time again voiced its support for Palestinians and condemned Israel for its military operation in the blockaded enclave which, according to the Hamas-run health ministry, has killed more than 36,000 people.&nbsp;

Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide, in a statement, said Oslo has been one of the “strongest advocates for a Palestinian state” and called it a “milestone in the relationship between Norway and Palestine.”&nbsp;

Ireland said it would appoint an ambassador and create a full embassy in the West Bank’s Ramallah. Meanwhile, Norway will upgrade its diplomatic office in the West Bank to an embassy.&nbsp;

Spain, for now, said it will maintain its consulate in Jerusalem. However, Israel said that the consulate won’t be allowed to attend to Palestinians.

US President Joe Biden has opposed “unilateral recognition” of a Palestinian state, saying that it “should be realised through direct negotiations between the parties.”&nbsp;

<h2>Israel’s reaction</h2>

As expected, the decision taken by the three countries left Israel fuming. After the announcement by the Spanish PM, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz quickly lashed out at Madrid saying that Sánchez’s government was “being complicit in inciting genocide against Jews and war crimes.”

Also Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/its-reward-for-terror-netanyahu-blasts-ireland-norway-spain-for-recognising-palestinian-state-724448">‘It’s reward for terror’: Netanyahu blasts Ireland, Norway, Spain for recognising Palestinian state</a>

Israeli officials also summoned the countries’ ambassadors in Tel Aviv to the foreign ministry where they were filmed while being shown videos of Hamas’ attacks and abductions on October 7.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Netanyahu called it a “reward for terror” saying that a sovereign State of Palestine would be a “terror state” that would “try to repeatedly carry out the massacre of October 7th”.&nbsp;

<h2>Will recognition make a difference?</h2>

While the decision by the three nations is mostly symbolic, since they aren’t recognising an existing state, just the possibility of one, it does help enhance the Palestinians’ international standing.&nbsp;

Palestinians have long sought an independent state which would be made up of Gaza, the West Bank and east Jerusalem, territories Israel captured in the 1967 Mideast war.&nbsp;

To make it happen, the idea of a land corridor linking Gaza and the West Bank through Israel was discussed in previous rounds of peace talks, but nothing came of them and negotiations have not been held in more than 15 years.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-accused-of-failing-miserably-as-war-cabinet-members-press-for-israel-elections-726873">Netanyahu accused of 'failing miserably' as war cabinet members press for Israel elections</a>

The recognition, particularly by Spain, Ireland and Norway, also makes Israel look more isolated on the international stage amid a wave of criticism against Israeli military operations in Gaza and Netanyahu and heaps more pressure on Israel to open negotiations on ending the war.

<h2>Countries that recognise Palestinian state</h2>

India was among the first countries to officially recognise an independent Palestinian state on November 15, 1988, during the first Palestinian intifada (uprising) when Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat unilaterally proclaimed an independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital.

Algeria became the first country to do so, and within a few weeks India, Turkey, most of Africa and several central and eastern European countries followed suit.

The next wave of recognition was in late 2010 and early 2011 with South American countries including Argentina, Brazil and Chile joining the list in response to Israel ending its temporary ban on Jewish settlement building in the occupied West Bank.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Earlier this week, Spain, Norway and Ireland formally recognised Palestinian statehood after a coordinated effort by the three Western European nations in what they said was an attempt to bring the focus back to finding a political solution amid the ongoing war between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas.

Earlier this week, Spain, Norway and Ireland formally recognised Palestinian statehood after a coordinated effort by the three Western European nations in what they said was an attempt to bring the focus back to finding a political solution amid the ongoing war between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas. 145 countries now recognise a Palestinian state The three European countries joined 142 others out of the 193 members of the United Nations which have recognised a Palestinian state. The group of now 145 countries includes a number of nations in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. However, the list does not include any major countries like the United States, Canada, most of western Europe, Australia, Japan and South Korea. WATCH | Spain, Norway & Ireland formally recognise Palestinian state However, Spain, Ireland and Norway are hoping to change that. The three countries believe that by acting together other European countries will follow suit for a diplomatic push to help secure a ceasefire in Gaza as well as bring back the hostages. The Hamas’ October 7 attack on southern Israel led to the killing of 1,200 people, and around 250 others were taken back to the Palestinian enclave as hostages, according to Israeli officials. EU countries and Palestine Before European Union countries, Ireland and Spain, joined the list only seven members of the 27-nation bloc had officially recognised a Palestinian state. Out of which, six had announced recognition back in 1988 prior to the creation of the bloc. In 2014, Sweden became the first EU nation to do so. It also seems like the efforts by the three countries have worked as EU member Slovenia is set to recognise Palestinian statehood in June after Prime Minister Robert Golob said his government will forward its decision to parliament for final approval, on Thursday (May 30). However, despite many European countries criticising Israel for its military operation in Gaza, the 27-nation bloc remains divided. Some countries in the EU have sought to recognise a Palestinian state in hopes of eventually bringing peace in the Middle East, while other countries like Germany, Hungary, and the Netherlands staunchly support Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government. Finnish President Alexander Stubb, according to the state media, has also said that they would also recognise Palestine “at some stage in the future”. France has previously indicated that it will not join other countries in recognising a Palestinian state, with Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne accusing fellow EU members of making the move as part of “political positioning,” instead of seeking a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Three countries recognise Palestinian state Spanish PM Pedro Sánchez, on Tuesday (May 28) announcing the move said that “this is a historic decision that has a single goal, and that is to help Israelis and Palestinians achieve peace.” He also said that the decision is not against Israel whom Sánchez called a “friendly people whom we respect, whom we appreciate and with whom we want to have the best possible relationship.” Also Read | Spain, Norway and Ireland formally recognise Palestinian statehood as Israel fumes Ireland and Norway soon joined Spain in formalising the decision which they had jointly announced a week prior and hoped their decision will accelerate efforts towards securing a ceasefire amid the way which is now in its eighth month. The countries said that they recognised a Palestinian state based on borders established before the war in 1967, with Jerusalem as the capital of both Israel and Palestine. However, they acknowledged that those borders might change if any eventual talks take place for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. On Tuesday, the Palestinian flag was raised in Dublin outside Leinster House, the seat of Ireland’s parliament. “I hope (this) sends the Palestinian people a message of hope that – in this their darkest hour – Ireland stands with them,” Irish PM Simon Harris told lawmakers after his cabinet approved the decision. Amid the ongoing war in Gaza, Ireland has time and time again voiced its support for Palestinians and condemned Israel for its military operation in the blockaded enclave which, according to the Hamas-run health ministry, has killed more than 36,000 people. Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide, in a statement, said Oslo has been one of the “strongest advocates for a Palestinian state” and called it a “milestone in the relationship between Norway and Palestine.” Ireland said it would appoint an ambassador and create a full embassy in the West Bank’s Ramallah. Meanwhile, Norway will upgrade its diplomatic office in the West Bank to an embassy. Spain, for now, said it will maintain its consulate in Jerusalem. However, Israel said that the consulate won’t be allowed to attend to Palestinians. US President Joe Biden has opposed “unilateral recognition” of a Palestinian state, saying that it “should be realised through direct negotiations between the parties.” Israel’s reaction As expected, the decision taken by the three countries left Israel fuming. After the announcement by the Spanish PM, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz quickly lashed out at Madrid saying that Sánchez’s government was “being complicit in inciting genocide against Jews and war crimes.” Also Watch | ‘It’s reward for terror’: Netanyahu blasts Ireland, Norway, Spain for recognising Palestinian state Israeli officials also summoned the countries’ ambassadors in Tel Aviv to the foreign ministry where they were filmed while being shown videos of Hamas’ attacks and abductions on October 7. Meanwhile, Netanyahu called it a “reward for terror” saying that a sovereign State of Palestine would be a “terror state” that would “try to repeatedly carry out the massacre of October 7th”. Will recognition make a difference? While the decision by the three nations is mostly symbolic, since they aren’t recognising an existing state, just the possibility of one, it does help enhance the Palestinians’ international standing. Palestinians have long sought an independent state which would be made up of Gaza, the West Bank and east Jerusalem, territories Israel captured in the 1967 Mideast war. To make it happen, the idea of a land corridor linking Gaza and the West Bank through Israel was discussed in previous rounds of peace talks, but nothing came of them and negotiations have not been held in more than 15 years. Also Read | Netanyahu accused of 'failing miserably' as war cabinet members press for Israel elections The recognition, particularly by Spain, Ireland and Norway, also makes Israel look more isolated on the international stage amid a wave of criticism against Israeli military operations in Gaza and Netanyahu and heaps more pressure on Israel to open negotiations on ending the war. Countries that recognise Palestinian state India was among the first countries to officially recognise an independent Palestinian state on November 15, 1988, during the first Palestinian intifada (uprising) when Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat unilaterally proclaimed an independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital. Algeria became the first country to do so, and within a few weeks India, Turkey, most of Africa and several central and eastern European countries followed suit. The next wave of recognition was in late 2010 and early 2011 with South American countries including Argentina, Brazil and Chile joining the list in response to Israel ending its temporary ban on Jewish settlement building in the occupied West Bank. (With inputs from agencies)

Explained: Spain, Ireland and Norway formally recognise Palestinian statehood. Here’s why it matters

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has urged Israel to come up with a post-war plan for Gaza and warned that the absent of it could trigger lawlessness chaos and a comeback by Hamas in the Enclave. A senior Israeli official has said war in Gaza may continue at least through the rest of the year even though International pressure on Israel intensifies to end fighting. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hamas war: Absence of day-after plan could trigger chaos in Gaza: Blinken

After the pro-Palestine 'All Eyes on Rafah' AI-generated image went viral on social media, Israel has hit back by posting a similar image of its own. The counter-image features the text "Where were your eyes on October 7" and depicts a Hamas militant standing armed in front of an infant.

The infant in the image, as per Times of Israel, is presumed to be Kfir Bibas, a nine-month-old infant who, along with his brother and mother, was taken hostage by Hamas on October 7.

<h2>Where were your eyes?</h2>

Israel has shared the AI-generated counter image on social media platform X.

It comes after over 44 million accounts shared the "All Eyes on Rafah" image on Instagram alone.&nbsp;Furthermore, as per an AFP report citing online monitor Visibrain, the hashtag #alleyesonrafah on X attracted almost one million hits.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-accused-of-failing-miserably-as-war-cabinet-members-press-for-israel-elections-726873">Netanyahu accused of 'failing miserably' as war cabinet members press for Israel elections</a>

Sharing the image on X, Israel wrote, "We will NEVER stop talking about October 7th."&nbsp;

"We will NEVER stop fighting for the hostages," it added.

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
We will NEVER stop talking about October 7th. 
 
We will NEVER stop fighting for the hostages. <a href="https://t.co/XoFqAf1IjM">pic.twitter.com/XoFqAf1IjM</a>
— Israel ישראל (@Israel) <a href="https://twitter.com/Israel/status/1795899775335727169?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 29, 2024</a></blockquote>
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On October 7 of last year, Hamas launched an unprecedented attack on Israel, killing 1,189 people.

Furthermore, the militants took hostage 252 people, of which 121 remain in Gaza, seven months into the war sparked by the Hamas attack. Israel claims that of the 121 hostages, 37 are dead.

<h2>Instagram takes down 'Where were your eyes' image creator's account</h2>

As per the Times of Israel, the image was created by an Israeli Instagram user named Benjamin Jamon. Within hours of his posting, the AI-generated image was taken down, and his Instagram account was banned from the platform.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/norway-recognises-palestine-right-thing-to-do-at-right-time-foreign-minister-eide-tells-wion-726877">Norway recognises Palestine: 'Right thing to do at right time', Foreign Minister Eide tells WION</a>

While there was no initial explanation from Instagram about why the image was taken down, its parent company, Meta, said that it was "working to understand a technical issue that led to some instances of the image being mistakenly removed."

"This image does not violate our policies," said the statement, adding that it was "working to understand what technical problem led to its accidental removal".

This comes as, on Wednesday (May 29) human rights groups as per the Guardian, coordinated an online protest calling on Meta to put an end to its alleged "systemic censorship of pro-Palestinian content" on its platforms and within the workforce. &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

<h2>Meta finds deceptive AI-generated content</h2>

Also, on Wednesday, Meta revealed that it had found "likely AI-generated" content used deceptively on its Facebook and Instagram platforms. As per Reuters, this includes comments by accounts praising Israel's handling of the war in Gaza, posted by accounts posing as Jewish students, African Americans and other concerned citizens. Meta has attributed the deceptive campaign to Tel Aviv-based political marketing firm STOIC.

(With inputs from agencies)

After the pro-Palestine 'All Eyes on Rafah' AI-generated image went viral on social media, Israel has hit back by posting a similar image of its own. The counter-image features the text "Where were your eyes on October 7" and depicts a Hamas militant standing armed in front of an infant.

After the pro-Palestine 'All Eyes on Rafah' AI-generated image went viral on social media, Israel has hit back by posting a similar image of its own. The counter-image features the text "Where were your eyes on October 7" and depicts a Hamas militant standing armed in front of an infant. The infant in the image, as per Times of Israel, is presumed to be Kfir Bibas, a nine-month-old infant who, along with his brother and mother, was taken hostage by Hamas on October 7. Where were your eyes? Israel has shared the AI-generated counter image on social media platform X. It comes after over 44 million accounts shared the "All Eyes on Rafah" image on Instagram alone. Furthermore, as per an AFP report citing online monitor Visibrain, the hashtag #alleyesonrafah on X attracted almost one million hits. Also read | Netanyahu accused of 'failing miserably' as war cabinet members press for Israel elections Sharing the image on X, Israel wrote, "We will NEVER stop talking about October 7th." "We will NEVER stop fighting for the hostages," it added. We will NEVER stop talking about October 7th. We will NEVER stop fighting for the hostages. pic.twitter.com/XoFqAf1IjM — Israel ישראל (@Israel) May 29, 2024 × On October 7 of last year, Hamas launched an unprecedented attack on Israel, killing 1,189 people. Furthermore, the militants took hostage 252 people, of which 121 remain in Gaza, seven months into the war sparked by the Hamas attack. Israel claims that of the 121 hostages, 37 are dead. Instagram takes down 'Where were your eyes' image creator's account As per the Times of Israel, the image was created by an Israeli Instagram user named Benjamin Jamon. Within hours of his posting, the AI-generated image was taken down, and his Instagram account was banned from the platform. Also read | Norway recognises Palestine: 'Right thing to do at right time', Foreign Minister Eide tells WION While there was no initial explanation from Instagram about why the image was taken down, its parent company, Meta, said that it was "working to understand a technical issue that led to some instances of the image being mistakenly removed." "This image does not violate our policies," said the statement, adding that it was "working to understand what technical problem led to its accidental removal". This comes as, on Wednesday (May 29) human rights groups as per the Guardian, coordinated an online protest calling on Meta to put an end to its alleged "systemic censorship of pro-Palestinian content" on its platforms and within the workforce. Meta finds deceptive AI-generated content Also, on Wednesday, Meta revealed that it had found "likely AI-generated" content used deceptively on its Facebook and Instagram platforms. As per Reuters, this includes comments by accounts praising Israel's handling of the war in Gaza, posted by accounts posing as Jewish students, African Americans and other concerned citizens. Meta has attributed the deceptive campaign to Tel Aviv-based political marketing firm STOIC. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel hits back at pro-Palestine 'All Eyes on Rafah' image with 'Where Were Your Eyes on October 7?'

The Israeli military claims to have found 20 tunnels and to have operational control over the whole Gaza-Egypt border route. Watch to know more.

Israel-war: IDF takes control of key Gaza-Egypt border road, discovers 20 tunnels

Israel-war: US Secretary of State Blinken urges Israel to craft post-war Gaza plan, warns of chaos

There is growing global outrage over Israel's military offensive in Rafah. Yet, Israel has escalated its assault on the southern Gaza City, where about 1.3 million Palestinians had sought shelter before the operation began. The European Union is even considering sanctions against Israel. Despite widespread condemnation, President Joe Biden is not changing his policy toward Israel. What is the Biden administration's red line as far as Israel's actions in Gaza is concerned?

Gravitas: Anger against Israel's Rafah assault rises, but US remains steadfast

US President Joe Biden has no plans to change his Israel policy following a deadly weekend strike on Gaza's Rafah but is not turning a "blind eye" to the plight of Palestinian civilians. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hamas War: Israel intensifies strikes in Rafah | Rafah attacks doesn't cross red lines: US

After Gaza health officials said that Israeli tank shelling had killed at least 21 people at a tent camp west of Rafah on Tuesday, Israel's military denied attacking the location, which it had declared a civilian evacuation zone.

Israel-Hamas War: Israel denies strike on camp near Rafah that Gaza officials say killed 21 people

Israel-Hamas War: Rafah attacks doesn't cross red lines

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