The assumption among the Israeli leadership is that Hamas will formally reject the most recent offer for a hostage and truce agreement, an Israeli official informed a media agency as the war cabinet met on Thursday night. Watch to know more.

Israel-Hamas war: Israel confirms death of hostages held in Gaza

Families of hostages still hope for Gaza truce and hostage deal between Israel and Hamas. Listen in!

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Even if the ongoing war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza&nbsp;was to end today, it would take until 2040 to rebuild all the homes that have been destroyed so far, said the United Nations in a report, on Thursday (May 2).&nbsp;

<h2>Around 16 years to rebuild&nbsp;homes in Gaza: UN</h2>

With nearly seven months of Israel’s bombardment and ground offensives in Gaza, images and videos show most of the Palestinian enclave turned to rubble. The&nbsp;rebuilding of Gaza would also cost around $30 billion to $40 billion and require an effort on a scale the world has not seen since World War II, said a UN official.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Over 16,000 academics condemn Israel's scholasticide in Gaza

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The report by the UN Development Programme (UNDP) and Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) details the damage to Gaza’s infrastructure and the socio-economic impact since the beginning of the war triggered by Hamas’ October 7 attack on southern Israel.&nbsp;

It also estimates the impact of the war at six months, with estimates of what would happen if the war were to continue. “Every additional day that this war continues is exacting huge and compounding costs to Gazans and all Palestinians,” said UNDP administrator Achim Steiner.

According to the report at least 370,000 housing units in Gaza have been damaged, including 79,000 destroyed completely. The rate of housing after the previous Israel-Hamas conflicts was 992 units per year.&nbsp;

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The report noted that even if Israel allows a five-fold increase of construction material to enter the blockaded Palestinian enclave, it would take until 2040 to rebuild destroyed houses, without fixing the damaged ones.

<h2>Cost of rebuilding and impact on economy</h2>

The UNDP estimates the cost of reconstruction of Gaza to surpass $30 billion and could reach up to $40 billion, said UN Assistant Secretary-General Abdallah al-Dardari, as per AFP.&nbsp;

“The scale of the destruction is huge and unprecedented...this is a mission that the global community has not dealt with since World War II,” he added.&nbsp;

According to the UNDP report, the Israeli offensive has virtually shut down the economy in Gaza which around 81 per cent in the last quarter of 2023. The “productive basis of the economy has been destroyed,” with sectors experiencing losses of more than 90 per cent, the report noted.&nbsp;

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If the war were to continue for nine months, according to the UNDP projections, the poverty is estimated to more than double with over&nbsp;1.86 million being pushed into poverty.

In 2024, the Palestinian economy – which includes both Gaza and the West Bank – contracted nearly 26 per cent and if the war continues until July, that number would reach 29 per cent with the estimated losses of $7.6 billion, according to the report.&nbsp;

“Unprecedented levels of human losses, capital destruction, and the steep rise in poverty in such a short period of time will precipitate a serious development crisis that jeopardizes the future of generations to come,” said Steiner.&nbsp;

Gaza, which is home to around 2.3 million people, has been blockaded by Israel and Egypt since Hamas’ 2007 takeover with strict control on what enters and exits the territory.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Even if the ongoing war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza was to end today, it would take until 2040 to rebuild all the homes that have been destroyed so far, said the United Nations in a report, on Thursday (May 2).

Even if the ongoing war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza was to end today, it would take until 2040 to rebuild all the homes that have been destroyed so far, said the United Nations in a report, on Thursday (May 2). Around 16 years to rebuild homes in Gaza: UN With nearly seven months of Israel’s bombardment and ground offensives in Gaza, images and videos show most of the Palestinian enclave turned to rubble. The rebuilding of Gaza would also cost around $30 billion to $40 billion and require an effort on a scale the world has not seen since World War II, said a UN official. WATCH | Over 16,000 academics condemn Israel's scholasticide in Gaza The report by the UN Development Programme (UNDP) and Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) details the damage to Gaza’s infrastructure and the socio-economic impact since the beginning of the war triggered by Hamas’ October 7 attack on southern Israel. It also estimates the impact of the war at six months, with estimates of what would happen if the war were to continue. “Every additional day that this war continues is exacting huge and compounding costs to Gazans and all Palestinians,” said UNDP administrator Achim Steiner. According to the report at least 370,000 housing units in Gaza have been damaged, including 79,000 destroyed completely. The rate of housing after the previous Israel-Hamas conflicts was 992 units per year. Also Read | Bogota severs diplomatic ties with Israel over 'genocidal' Gaza campaign The report noted that even if Israel allows a five-fold increase of construction material to enter the blockaded Palestinian enclave, it would take until 2040 to rebuild destroyed houses, without fixing the damaged ones. Cost of rebuilding and impact on economy The UNDP estimates the cost of reconstruction of Gaza to surpass $30 billion and could reach up to $40 billion, said UN Assistant Secretary-General Abdallah al-Dardari, as per AFP. “The scale of the destruction is huge and unprecedented...this is a mission that the global community has not dealt with since World War II,” he added. According to the UNDP report, the Israeli offensive has virtually shut down the economy in Gaza which around 81 per cent in the last quarter of 2023. The “productive basis of the economy has been destroyed,” with sectors experiencing losses of more than 90 per cent, the report noted. Also Read | US unleashes wave of sanctions, targets Russian circumvention via Chinese companies If the war were to continue for nine months, according to the UNDP projections, the poverty is estimated to more than double with over 1.86 million being pushed into poverty. In 2024, the Palestinian economy – which includes both Gaza and the West Bank – contracted nearly 26 per cent and if the war continues until July, that number would reach 29 per cent with the estimated losses of $7.6 billion, according to the report. “Unprecedented levels of human losses, capital destruction, and the steep rise in poverty in such a short period of time will precipitate a serious development crisis that jeopardizes the future of generations to come,” said Steiner. Gaza, which is home to around 2.3 million people, has been blockaded by Israel and Egypt since Hamas’ 2007 takeover with strict control on what enters and exits the territory. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel-Hamas war: Rebuilding all homes destroyed in Gaza would take at least 16 years, says UN

In response to a hostage negotiation, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken was informed by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that he would not accept an end to the Gaza War. Watch to know more.

Israel war: US Democrats press Biden to prevent Israeli assault on Rafah

Top US diplomat Antony Blinken urged Hamas to accept a truce in the Gaza Strip on Wednesday, after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to send troops into its far southern city of Rafah. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hamas War: Netanyahu tells Blinken he will not agree to end war on Hamas

Israel-Hamas War: Hope for Gaza truce and hostage deal

India has voiced hope for Palestine’s bid to join the United Nations. What did India’s permanent representative to the UN say? Watch on #gravitasquoteunquote.

Gravitas | India: Palestine's appeal to join UN should be reconsidered

Israel war cabinet meet is underway to discuss “the next steps in negotiations to achieve a hostage deal”. Earlier this week, prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel would launch a ground operation in Rafah regardless of whether there was a deal or not. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hamas War: Israel war cabinet meet underway on hostages, Rafah plan

Colombian President Gustavo Petro on Wednesday (May 1) promised he would break his nation's diplomatic&nbsp;relations with Israel over the warring nation's actions in Gaza.&nbsp;

<h2>A 'genocidal' leader</h2>

Petro told a May Day rally in Bogotá, "Here in front of you, the government of change, of the president of the republic announces that tomorrow we will break diplomatic relations with the state of Israel… for having a government, for having a president who is genocidal."

As per the Times of Israel, it is unclear if he used the word "genocidal" to refer to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu or President Isaac Herzog, who serves a largely symbolic role.

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Petro, addressing thousands of supporters, stressed that the world cannot accept "genocide, the extermination of an entire people."

"If Palestine dies, humanity dies," he declared, earning loud applause from the crowd.

Petro, a leftist leader, has been heavily critical of Netanyahu, reports Reuters. He has even requested to join South Africa's case, accusing Israel of genocide at the International Court of Justice.

<h2>Israel slams Colombian President Petro</h2>

Hitting back at Petro, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz said that the leftist leader was "hate-filled, antisemitic."

Taking to X, Katz posted, "History will remember that Gustavo Petro decided to side with the most despicable monsters known to humanity who burned babies, murdered children, raped women and kidnapped innocent civilians."

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"Relations between Israel and Colombia have always been warm—and no hate-filled, anti-Semitic president can change that. The State of Israel will continue to protect its citizens fearlessly and fearlessly," he added.

Hamas, on the other hand, hailed Colombia's move as a "victory."

"We greatly appreciate the position of Colombian President Gustavo Petro... which we consider a victory for the sacrifices of our people and their just cause," said the group in a statement. According to AFP, the militant group also urged other Latin American countries to follow suit.

Previously, Bolivia, Belize, and South Africa broke their relations with Israel. Several other countries in Latin America, including Colombia, Chile and Honduras, have recalled their diplomats.

(With inputs from agencies)

Colombian President Gustavo Petro on Wednesday (May 1) promised he would break his nation's diplomatic relations with Israel over the warring nation's actions in Gaza.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro on Wednesday (May 1) promised he would break his nation's diplomatic relations with Israel over the warring nation's actions in Gaza. A 'genocidal' leader Petro told a May Day rally in Bogotá, "Here in front of you, the government of change, of the president of the republic announces that tomorrow we will break diplomatic relations with the state of Israel… for having a government, for having a president who is genocidal." As per the Times of Israel, it is unclear if he used the word "genocidal" to refer to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu or President Isaac Herzog, who serves a largely symbolic role. Also read | US accuses Russia of using chemical weapons against Ukraine, links violation to Alexei Navalny poisoning Petro, addressing thousands of supporters, stressed that the world cannot accept "genocide, the extermination of an entire people." "If Palestine dies, humanity dies," he declared, earning loud applause from the crowd. Petro, a leftist leader, has been heavily critical of Netanyahu, reports Reuters. He has even requested to join South Africa's case, accusing Israel of genocide at the International Court of Justice. Israel slams Colombian President Petro Hitting back at Petro, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz said that the leftist leader was "hate-filled, antisemitic." Taking to X, Katz posted, "History will remember that Gustavo Petro decided to side with the most despicable monsters known to humanity who burned babies, murdered children, raped women and kidnapped innocent civilians." Also read | Trump blasts Biden, says 'every single thing he touches turns to sh**,' pledges world peace "Relations between Israel and Colombia have always been warm—and no hate-filled, anti-Semitic president can change that. The State of Israel will continue to protect its citizens fearlessly and fearlessly," he added. Hamas, on the other hand, hailed Colombia's move as a "victory." "We greatly appreciate the position of Colombian President Gustavo Petro... which we consider a victory for the sacrifices of our people and their just cause," said the group in a statement. According to AFP, the militant group also urged other Latin American countries to follow suit. Previously, Bolivia, Belize, and South Africa broke their relations with Israel. Several other countries in Latin America, including Colombia, Chile and Honduras, have recalled their diplomats. (With inputs from agencies)

Bogota severs diplomatic ties with Israel over 'genocidal' Gaza campaign; Israel dubs move 'antisemitic'

Israeli PM tells Blinken Israel won't accept Hamas demand to end war, Rafah op will go ahead

Pro-Palestinian protests sweeping across US colleges have spread to the UK, with students from several universities demonstrating on campus. Watch to know more.

US: Police arrest dozens of protesters across campuses, tensions escalate between police & students

Israel war: PM Netanyahu says Rafah offensive will go ahead with or without hostage deal

US campus agitations intensify | Pro-Palestine university protests spread from US to UK

Israel war: Hamas indicates rejection of hostage deal, to submit amended response to proposed deal

Palestinian militant group Hamas has expressed concern over the temporary ceasefire and has informed mediators that it wants a permanent conclusion to the conflict. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hamas War: Will hostage deal come through?

Over 1,600 academics in North America have signed an open letter condemning Israel’s destruction of the education system in Gaza over the past six months, with most major universities in Gaza now destroyed or damaged due to Israel’s genocidal assault. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hamas War: Over 16,000 academics condemn Israel's scholasticide in Gaza

Israel-Hamas War: Hamas unwilling to settle for temporary ceasefire in Gaza

The Israel-Hamas war is raging on. Meanwhile, protests are rocking U.S. universities. Students express opposition to Israel's war. Police intensified crackdown on protesters. Watch this video for all details.

Protests at UCLA: Police crackdown on protesters intensifies

Israel war: Hamas leader says will stop talks if Israel proceeds with Rafah offensive

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Monday he was hopeful Hamas would accept an "extraordinarily generous" offer to halt Israel's Gaza offensive in return for the release of hostages. Watch in for more details!

US: Blinken demands 'no more delays' by Hamas on truce deal

Israel reopened the sole crossing on the northern edge of the Gaza Strip for the first time since it was destroyed by Hamas on October 7, allowing aid trucks to pass through the Erez checkpoint following US demands to do more to get aid into the Strip. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hamas War: Erez Crossing between Israel and Gaza opens for aid

Israel-Hamas War: Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu hardens stance on truce

Israel-Hamas War: Israel reopens Erez crossing for Gaza aid trucks

Over 58% of the Israeli public believes that PM Benjamin Netanyahu should resign immediately, including 28% of those who voted for the bloc that supports Netanyahu, according to a poll published by N12 on Tuesday.

Israel-Hamas war: Israeli name leaders who should 'resign'

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged Hamas to swiftly accept an Israeli proposal for a truce in the Gaza war and the release of Israeli hostages held.

Blinken in Israel to push for truce, says 'will push Netanyahu on Gaza aid'

Blinken in Israel to push for truce | Netanyahu vows to launch Rafah offensive

Protesters on Columbia University’s campus took control of an academic building Tuesday, as pro-Palestinian demonstrations continue to spread at college campuses around the nation against the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.

US: Pro-Palestinian protesters at Columbia University take over campus building

Netanyahu has vowed a ground invasion of Rafah with or without a truce deal with Hamas. Is Netanyahu prolonging this war for his political survival? Mohammed Saleh speaks to Helit Barel, the former Director at Israel's National Security Council for more.

Why has Netanyahu failed to secure the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza War so far?

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged Hamas to swiftly accept an Israeli proposal for a truce in the Gaza war and the release of Israeli hostages held.

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The American Secretary of State Anthony Blinken is in the state of Israel with some plans to discuss a truce deal and also for the increased flow of humanitarian Aid into the Gaza Strip. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged Hamas to swiftly accept an Israeli proposal for a truce in the Gaza war and the release of Israeli hostages held.

US: Anthony Blinken in Israel for talks with Netanyahu, Yoav Gallant amid push for truce deal

Prosecutors from the International Criminal Court have interviewed staff from Gaza's two biggest hospitals, two sources told Reuters, the first confirmation that ICC investigators were speaking to medics about possible crimes in the Gaza Strip.

The sources, who asked not to be identified due to the sensitivity of the subject, told Reuters ICC investigators had taken testimony from staff who had worked in the main hospital in Gaza City in the north of the enclave, Al Shifa, and the main hospital in Khan Younis in the south, Nasser.

The sources declined to provide more details, citing concerns about the safety of potential witnesses.

One of the sources said that events surrounding the hospitals could become part of the investigation by the ICC, which hears criminal cases against individuals for war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide and aggression.

The ICC's office of the prosecutor refused to comment on operational matters in ongoing investigations citing the need to ensure the safety of victims and witnesses.

The ICC has said it is investigating both sides in the conflict, including both the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas fighters on Israel and the subsequent Israeli offensive in Gaza.

During the conflict, the two main Gaza hospitals have both been high profile Israeli targets - surrounded, besieged and stormed by Israeli forces who accused Hamas militants of using them for military purposes, which Hamas and medical staff deny.

In recent days, Palestinian officials have also demanded investigations after hundreds of bodies were exhumed in mass graves at Nasser. The two sources were not able to say whether such graves formed part of any questioning.

Israel denies carrying out war crimes, including in or around Gaza hospitals, where it says all its military activities have been justified by the presence of Hamas fighters.

Hospitals are protected during wartime by international treaties, which can make attacks on them war crimes under the ICC, although they can lose this protection under some circumstances if they are used by combatants in a way that is harmful to the enemy.

Israel is not a member of the ICC, while the Palestinian territories were admitted as a member state in 2015. The ICC says this gives it jurisdiction over actions by anyone including Israeli soldiers in the Palestinian territories, and by Palestinians anywhere, including on Israeli territory. Israel does not recognise any ICC jurisdiction over its citizens.

Any ICC criminal case would be separate from a case in the International Court of Justice, or World Court, which was brought by South Africa and accuses Israel of genocide in Gaza, which Israel denies. The ICJ, also based in the Hague, hears lawsuits between states, while the ICC hears criminal cases against individuals.

<h2>'Dangerous Precedent'&nbsp;</h2>

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Friday any ICC move would not affect Israel's actions but would "set a dangerous precedent that threatens soldiers and public figures".

"Under my leadership, Israel will never accept any attempt by the International Criminal Court in the Hague to undermine its basic right to defend itself," he wrote on Telegram.

Hamas fighters attacked Israel on Oct. 7, killing 1,200 people and capturing 253 hostages, by Israeli tallies. Israel responded with an assault that Palestinian health authorities say has killed at least 34,000 people, with thousands more bodies believed lost under the rubble.

In a sign the ICC's investigation into the Oct. 7 attacks has been moving forward, Yael Vias Gvirsman, a lawyer representing some Israeli victims, said in February a handful of her clients had given testimony directly to ICC investigators.

Prosecutors from the International Criminal Court have interviewed staff from Gaza's two biggest hospitals, two sources told Reuters, the first confirmation that ICC investigators were speaking to medics about possible crimes in the Gaza Strip.

Prosecutors from the International Criminal Court have interviewed staff from Gaza's two biggest hospitals, two sources told Reuters, the first confirmation that ICC investigators were speaking to medics about possible crimes in the Gaza Strip. The sources, who asked not to be identified due to the sensitivity of the subject, told Reuters ICC investigators had taken testimony from staff who had worked in the main hospital in Gaza City in the north of the enclave, Al Shifa, and the main hospital in Khan Younis in the south, Nasser. The sources declined to provide more details, citing concerns about the safety of potential witnesses. One of the sources said that events surrounding the hospitals could become part of the investigation by the ICC, which hears criminal cases against individuals for war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide and aggression. The ICC's office of the prosecutor refused to comment on operational matters in ongoing investigations citing the need to ensure the safety of victims and witnesses. The ICC has said it is investigating both sides in the conflict, including both the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas fighters on Israel and the subsequent Israeli offensive in Gaza. During the conflict, the two main Gaza hospitals have both been high profile Israeli targets - surrounded, besieged and stormed by Israeli forces who accused Hamas militants of using them for military purposes, which Hamas and medical staff deny. In recent days, Palestinian officials have also demanded investigations after hundreds of bodies were exhumed in mass graves at Nasser. The two sources were not able to say whether such graves formed part of any questioning. Israel denies carrying out war crimes, including in or around Gaza hospitals, where it says all its military activities have been justified by the presence of Hamas fighters. Hospitals are protected during wartime by international treaties, which can make attacks on them war crimes under the ICC, although they can lose this protection under some circumstances if they are used by combatants in a way that is harmful to the enemy. Israel is not a member of the ICC, while the Palestinian territories were admitted as a member state in 2015. The ICC says this gives it jurisdiction over actions by anyone including Israeli soldiers in the Palestinian territories, and by Palestinians anywhere, including on Israeli territory. Israel does not recognise any ICC jurisdiction over its citizens. Any ICC criminal case would be separate from a case in the International Court of Justice, or World Court, which was brought by South Africa and accuses Israel of genocide in Gaza, which Israel denies. The ICJ, also based in the Hague, hears lawsuits between states, while the ICC hears criminal cases against individuals. 'Dangerous Precedent' Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Friday any ICC move would not affect Israel's actions but would "set a dangerous precedent that threatens soldiers and public figures". "Under my leadership, Israel will never accept any attempt by the International Criminal Court in the Hague to undermine its basic right to defend itself," he wrote on Telegram. Hamas fighters attacked Israel on Oct. 7, killing 1,200 people and capturing 253 hostages, by Israeli tallies. Israel responded with an assault that Palestinian health authorities say has killed at least 34,000 people, with thousands more bodies believed lost under the rubble. In a sign the ICC's investigation into the Oct. 7 attacks has been moving forward, Yael Vias Gvirsman, a lawyer representing some Israeli victims, said in February a handful of her clients had given testimony directly to ICC investigators.

Gaza hospital staff questioned by ICC war crimes prosecutors: Report

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