Harvard University's president Claudine Gay, who had courted controversy over the testimony she gave about antisemitism on campus, received unanimous backing from several hundred faculty members of the educational institution and will remain in her position, the institution's governing body released a statement saying on Tuesday (Dec 12).

“As members of the Harvard Corporation, we today reaffirm our support for President Gay’s continued leadership of Harvard University,” the Harvard Corporation, one of the university's two governing boards, said.

“Our extensive deliberations affirm our confidence that President Gay is the right leader to help our community heal and to address the very serious societal issues we are facing,” it added.

The Harvard Corporation announced the decision on Tuesday after the board's meeting concluded.

“In this tumultuous and difficult time, we unanimously stand in support of President Gay,” the Corporation added.

However, the body denounced the initial response by the university over the unprecedented attacks launched by the Palestinian militant group Hamas against Israel on Oct 7 which, as per Tel Aviv, has by far claimed the lives of 1,200 people and witnessed around 240 people taken hostage.

A petition was also signed by at least 570 professors and was given on Sunday evening to the 13-member Harvard Corporation, which has the power to make the final decision on President Gay's firing. More professors suggested that they also wanted to sign, according to a co-author of the petition.

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"What they're arguing is that to remove her would essentially be bending to political pressure," said Megan Zahneis, Senior Reporter at the Chronicle of Higher Education.

<h2>President Gay under fire</h2>

Harvard University's president courted controversy for the testimony she delivered about antisemitism on campus.

Since the war between Israel and Hamas broke out in the West Bank, there has been a significant rise in the number of hate attacks and violent rhetoric targeting Jews and Muslims.

Such attacks have also been reported in the universities.

"So many people have suffered tremendous damage and pain because of Hamas's brutal terrorist attack, and the University's initial statement should have been an immediate, direct, and unequivocal condemnation," the corporation said.&nbsp;

"Calls for genocide are despicable and contrary to fundamental human values.&nbsp;

"President Gay has apologised for how she handled her congressional testimony."

(With inputs from agencies)

Harvard University's president Claudine Gay, who had courted controversy over the testimony she gave about antisemitism on campus, received unanimous backing from several hundred faculty members of the educational institution and will remain in her position, the institution's governing body released a statement saying on Tuesday (Dec 12).

Harvard University's president Claudine Gay, who had courted controversy over the testimony she gave about antisemitism on campus, received unanimous backing from several hundred faculty members of the educational institution and will remain in her position, the institution's governing body released a statement saying on Tuesday (Dec 12). “As members of the Harvard Corporation, we today reaffirm our support for President Gay’s continued leadership of Harvard University,” the Harvard Corporation, one of the university's two governing boards, said. “Our extensive deliberations affirm our confidence that President Gay is the right leader to help our community heal and to address the very serious societal issues we are facing,” it added. The Harvard Corporation announced the decision on Tuesday after the board's meeting concluded. “In this tumultuous and difficult time, we unanimously stand in support of President Gay,” the Corporation added. However, the body denounced the initial response by the university over the unprecedented attacks launched by the Palestinian militant group Hamas against Israel on Oct 7 which, as per Tel Aviv, has by far claimed the lives of 1,200 people and witnessed around 240 people taken hostage. A petition was also signed by at least 570 professors and was given on Sunday evening to the 13-member Harvard Corporation, which has the power to make the final decision on President Gay's firing. More professors suggested that they also wanted to sign, according to a co-author of the petition. Also read: Nikki Haley's prez campaign may get support from New Hampshire Governor Sununu "What they're arguing is that to remove her would essentially be bending to political pressure," said Megan Zahneis, Senior Reporter at the Chronicle of Higher Education. President Gay under fire Harvard University's president courted controversy for the testimony she delivered about antisemitism on campus. Since the war between Israel and Hamas broke out in the West Bank, there has been a significant rise in the number of hate attacks and violent rhetoric targeting Jews and Muslims. Such attacks have also been reported in the universities. "So many people have suffered tremendous damage and pain because of Hamas's brutal terrorist attack, and the University's initial statement should have been an immediate, direct, and unequivocal condemnation," the corporation said. "Calls for genocide are despicable and contrary to fundamental human values. "President Gay has apologised for how she handled her congressional testimony." (With inputs from agencies)

Harvard's president receives university board's backing amid antisemitism row

Pro-Palestinian protesters blocked a major highway in the United States city of Los Angeles&nbsp;on Wednesday (Dec 13), calling for a ceasefire amid the ongoing war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza. The California police detained 75 people following tense physical confrontations between commuters and protesters who caused the highway to shut down during the morning rush hour.&nbsp;

<h2>Protests on highway in LA</h2>

At least 75 people who were related to the pro-Palestinian protest were detained by the California highway patrol after dozens gathered on the 110 Freeway in downtown LA. Images and videos show several demonstrators sitting in a row stretching from one edge of the multi-lane highway to the other.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-one-civilian-killed-11-injured-after-russian-drone-missile-attacks-in-south-ukraine-kyiv-669564">At least one civilian killed, 11 injured after Russian drone, missile attacks in southern Ukraine: Kyiv</a>

The protest was organised by the progressive Jewish organisation IfNotNow which said that&nbsp;it had been timed for Hanukkah. They could also be heard singing the phrase “ceasefire now” while appearing to link arms and blocking the highway.&nbsp;

Images and videos also show protesters&nbsp;wearing black t-shirts which read “not in our name” and “Jews say ceasefire now”. The organisation in a statement said, “We cannot allow business as usual to continue, as Palestinians are murdered with impunity.”&nbsp;

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Protestors calling for a Ceasefire in Gaza have blocked the 110 southbound freeway in Los Angeles <a href="https://t.co/iIxksmvFlN">pic.twitter.com/iIxksmvFlN</a>
— Sergio Olmos (@MrOlmos) <a href="https://twitter.com/MrOlmos/status/1734988800303190401?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 13, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Protesters demanding a cease-fire in Gaza shut down the 110 Freeway in Los Angeles Wednesday morning. All lanes were blocked as protesters lined up, sitting down along the southbound side of the freeway. 75 people were arrested, according to the California Highway Patrol. <a href="https://t.co/zpWv3lCaoS">pic.twitter.com/zpWv3lCaoS</a>
— The Associated Press (@AP) <a href="https://twitter.com/AP/status/1735069713275744492?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 13, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Protesters also sang in Hebrew and erected a seven-foot menorah in the middle of the freeway, reported Los Angeles Times.&nbsp;

<h2>‘Just hurting working people’</h2>

Since the protest disrupted LA’s major highway during the morning rush, safe to say people who were trying to get to work were not happy about it.&nbsp;

Some videos posted by American media outlets show angry commuters stepping out of their vehicles and trying to move the demonstrators from the road.&nbsp;

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Some commuters were seen dragging and shoving the protesters. “You idiots are just hurting working people,” one person was heard saying in a video posted by a journalist on-scene.&nbsp;

Content warning: The visuals may be disturbing to some users. It may contain some profanity as well. Viewer discretion is advised. WION is not responsible for the content of the video.

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More people on the freeway attack protesters - with one being thrown to the street - and CHP steps in: <a href="https://t.co/yHW9IhP5Xh">pic.twitter.com/yHW9IhP5Xh</a>
— Jon peltz (@JonnyPeltz) <a href="https://twitter.com/JonnyPeltz/status/1734993154477281650?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 13, 2023</a></blockquote>
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“Is it over? I’m in support of a cease-fire but we’re late,” said a woman with her daughter in the backseat off the freeway, as quoted by the LA Times.&nbsp;

As per the media report, the last demonstrator left at about 10:30 am (local time) and two lanes of the highway reopened.&nbsp;

Since the beginning of the war between Israel and Hamas, the US in particular has witnessed a number of protests and rallies.&nbsp;

The protest in LA also comes days after at least 50 people were arrested in Washington DC by the police after they held pro-Palestinian protests inside the Capitol building.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Pro-Palestinian protesters blocked a major highway in the United States city of Los Angeles on Wednesday (Dec 13), calling for a ceasefire amid the ongoing war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza.

Pro-Palestinian protesters blocked a major highway in the United States city of Los Angeles on Wednesday (Dec 13), calling for a ceasefire amid the ongoing war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza. The California police detained 75 people following tense physical confrontations between commuters and protesters who caused the highway to shut down during the morning rush hour. Protests on highway in LA At least 75 people who were related to the pro-Palestinian protest were detained by the California highway patrol after dozens gathered on the 110 Freeway in downtown LA. Images and videos show several demonstrators sitting in a row stretching from one edge of the multi-lane highway to the other. ALSO READ | At least one civilian killed, 11 injured after Russian drone, missile attacks in southern Ukraine: Kyiv The protest was organised by the progressive Jewish organisation IfNotNow which said that it had been timed for Hanukkah. They could also be heard singing the phrase “ceasefire now” while appearing to link arms and blocking the highway. Images and videos also show protesters wearing black t-shirts which read “not in our name” and “Jews say ceasefire now”. The organisation in a statement said, “We cannot allow business as usual to continue, as Palestinians are murdered with impunity.” Protestors calling for a Ceasefire in Gaza have blocked the 110 southbound freeway in Los Angeles pic.twitter.com/iIxksmvFlN — Sergio Olmos (@MrOlmos) December 13, 2023 × Protesters demanding a cease-fire in Gaza shut down the 110 Freeway in Los Angeles Wednesday morning. All lanes were blocked as protesters lined up, sitting down along the southbound side of the freeway. 75 people were arrested, according to the California Highway Patrol. pic.twitter.com/zpWv3lCaoS — The Associated Press (@AP) December 13, 2023 × Protesters also sang in Hebrew and erected a seven-foot menorah in the middle of the freeway, reported Los Angeles Times. ‘Just hurting working people’ Since the protest disrupted LA’s major highway during the morning rush, safe to say people who were trying to get to work were not happy about it. Some videos posted by American media outlets show angry commuters stepping out of their vehicles and trying to move the demonstrators from the road. ALSO READ | Australian mother wrongfully jailed for death of four babies has convictions overturned Some commuters were seen dragging and shoving the protesters. “You idiots are just hurting working people,” one person was heard saying in a video posted by a journalist on-scene. Content warning: The visuals may be disturbing to some users. It may contain some profanity as well. Viewer discretion is advised. WION is not responsible for the content of the video. More people on the freeway attack protesters - with one being thrown to the street - and CHP steps in: pic.twitter.com/yHW9IhP5Xh — Jon peltz (@JonnyPeltz) December 13, 2023 × “Is it over? I’m in support of a cease-fire but we’re late,” said a woman with her daughter in the backseat off the freeway, as quoted by the LA Times. As per the media report, the last demonstrator left at about 10:30 am (local time) and two lanes of the highway reopened. Since the beginning of the war between Israel and Hamas, the US in particular has witnessed a number of protests and rallies. The protest in LA also comes days after at least 50 people were arrested in Washington DC by the police after they held pro-Palestinian protests inside the Capitol building. (With inputs from agencies)

WATCH | Pro-Palestinian protesters block major highway in Los Angeles, at least 75 arrested

Yemen’s Houthi rebels fired two missiles at a commercial tanker carrying Indian-manufactured jet fuel near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, on Wednesday (Dec 13), reported the Associated Press citing an American official. The vessel was also attacked by a speedboat with armed men off the coast of Yemen’s Red Sea port of Hodeidah, said the British maritime security company.

The attack comes a day after a senior official from the Iran-backed group warned cargo ships in the Red Sea to avoid travelling toward Israel and claimed the attack on a Norwegian commercial tanker.&nbsp;

<h2>Missiles fired from rebel-held Yemen</h2>

A report by the AP citing an anonymous United States official said that an American warship in the region shot down a suspected Houthi drone flying in its direction during the incident.&nbsp;

The incident which involved a tanker, Ardmore Encounter, marks an escalation by the Houthis who have repeatedly attacked ships close to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait amid the ongoing war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Israel forces deploy 'Sa'ar 6' to counter Houthis as their attacks rise in Red Sea

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The Marshall Islands-flagged tanker was travelling north toward the Suez Canal in the Red Sea, reported AP citing satellite tracking data, adding that the vessel had left from the Indian city of Mangalore and had an armed security crew aboard it.

The guards apparently opened fire at the armed men on speedboats trying to board the vessel, said Ambrey, a British maritime security company.&nbsp;

Earlier, on Wednesday, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency said it had received reports of an incident in the vicinity of the Bab al-Mandab Strait, without giving more details.

Ambrey said a Marshall Islands-flagged chemical tanker reported an “exchange of fire” with a speedboat around 102 kilometres off Hodeidah, adding that the boat approached the tanker and initiated the gunfire at a distance of 300 metres.&nbsp;

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The British private intelligence firm also said that the tanker was hailed by an entity claiming to be the Yemeni Navy – both Yemen’s internationally recognised government and Houthi rebels self-identify as the Yemeni Navy – which asked the vessel to alter course but a “coalition” warship advised the ship to maintain it, reported Reuters.&nbsp;

It was not immediately clear which coalition Ambrey was referring to.&nbsp;

<h2>Shipping company confirms attack</h2>

Ardmore Shipping Corp, which owns and operates the ship, issued a statement to the AP acknowledging the attack and said that no one was injured and “all crew members are safe and accounted for,” adding that the vessel was also “fully operational with no loss of cargo or damage on board.”

“Ardmore is in close contact with the relevant authorities and military assistance is now in the area providing support as required,” said the shipping company.&nbsp;

The ship, carrying jet fuel from Shell MRPL Aviation Fuels &amp; Services Ltd and India’s national oil company was reportedly headed to either Rotterdam, Netherlands or Gavle, Sweden. &nbsp;

<h2>Houthis issue another warning&nbsp;</h2>

The recent incident came after an anti-ship cruise missile launched from Houthi-controlled Yemen, struck a Norwegian-flagged tanker STRINDA and caused a fire, according to the United States military.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/yemens-houthis-say-they-attacked-israeli-ships-in-red-sea-665844">Yemen's Houthis say they attacked Israeli ships in Red Sea</a>

The Iran-backed group had issued a warning on Saturday (Dec 9) that they would target all ships heading to Israel, regardless of their nationality, and warned international shipping companies against dealing in Israeli ports.&nbsp;

Mohamed Ali al-Houthi, head of Yemen’s Houthi supreme revolutionary committee took to X, on Tuesday (Dec 12) and reiterated the warning and asked ships that pass Yemen to keep radios turned on, and quickly respond to Houthi attempts at communication.&nbsp;

Al-Houthi also warned cargo ships against “falsifying their identity” or raising flags different from the country belonging to the cargo ship owner.

(With inputs from agencies)

Yemen’s Houthi rebels fired two missiles at a commercial tanker carrying Indian-manufactured jet fuel near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, on Wednesday (Dec 13), reported the Associated Press citing an American official.

Yemen’s Houthi rebels fired two missiles at a commercial tanker carrying Indian-manufactured jet fuel near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, on Wednesday (Dec 13), reported the Associated Press citing an American official. The vessel was also attacked by a speedboat with armed men off the coast of Yemen’s Red Sea port of Hodeidah, said the British maritime security company. The attack comes a day after a senior official from the Iran-backed group warned cargo ships in the Red Sea to avoid travelling toward Israel and claimed the attack on a Norwegian commercial tanker. Missiles fired from rebel-held Yemen A report by the AP citing an anonymous United States official said that an American warship in the region shot down a suspected Houthi drone flying in its direction during the incident. The incident which involved a tanker, Ardmore Encounter, marks an escalation by the Houthis who have repeatedly attacked ships close to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait amid the ongoing war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza. WATCH | Israel forces deploy 'Sa'ar 6' to counter Houthis as their attacks rise in Red Sea The Marshall Islands-flagged tanker was travelling north toward the Suez Canal in the Red Sea, reported AP citing satellite tracking data, adding that the vessel had left from the Indian city of Mangalore and had an armed security crew aboard it. The guards apparently opened fire at the armed men on speedboats trying to board the vessel, said Ambrey, a British maritime security company. Earlier, on Wednesday, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency said it had received reports of an incident in the vicinity of the Bab al-Mandab Strait, without giving more details. Ambrey said a Marshall Islands-flagged chemical tanker reported an “exchange of fire” with a speedboat around 102 kilometres off Hodeidah, adding that the boat approached the tanker and initiated the gunfire at a distance of 300 metres. ALSO READ | Anti-ship cruise missile from Houthi-controlled Yemen strikes tanker, causes fire: US military The British private intelligence firm also said that the tanker was hailed by an entity claiming to be the Yemeni Navy – both Yemen’s internationally recognised government and Houthi rebels self-identify as the Yemeni Navy – which asked the vessel to alter course but a “coalition” warship advised the ship to maintain it, reported Reuters. It was not immediately clear which coalition Ambrey was referring to. Shipping company confirms attack Ardmore Shipping Corp, which owns and operates the ship, issued a statement to the AP acknowledging the attack and said that no one was injured and “all crew members are safe and accounted for,” adding that the vessel was also “fully operational with no loss of cargo or damage on board.” “Ardmore is in close contact with the relevant authorities and military assistance is now in the area providing support as required,” said the shipping company. The ship, carrying jet fuel from Shell MRPL Aviation Fuels & Services Ltd and India’s national oil company was reportedly headed to either Rotterdam, Netherlands or Gavle, Sweden. Houthis issue another warning The recent incident came after an anti-ship cruise missile launched from Houthi-controlled Yemen, struck a Norwegian-flagged tanker STRINDA and caused a fire, according to the United States military. ALSO READ | Yemen's Houthis say they attacked Israeli ships in Red Sea The Iran-backed group had issued a warning on Saturday (Dec 9) that they would target all ships heading to Israel, regardless of their nationality, and warned international shipping companies against dealing in Israeli ports. Mohamed Ali al-Houthi, head of Yemen’s Houthi supreme revolutionary committee took to X, on Tuesday (Dec 12) and reiterated the warning and asked ships that pass Yemen to keep radios turned on, and quickly respond to Houthi attempts at communication. Al-Houthi also warned cargo ships against “falsifying their identity” or raising flags different from the country belonging to the cargo ship owner. (With inputs from agencies)

Tanker carrying jet fuel from India hit by missiles from Houthi-controlled Yemen, gunmen on speedboats

The number of journalists killed in the line of duty fell this year, despite reporter deaths in Gaza in the past two months, media advocacy group Reporters Without Borders (RSF) said Thursday (Dec 14).

The number of journalists killed in the line of duty fell this year, despite reporter deaths in Gaza in the past two months, media advocacy group Reporters Without Borders (RSF) said Thursday (Dec 14). In the first 11 months of 2023, 45 journalists were killed carrying out their work, down from 61 last year, according to the annual report by RSF. It was the smallest number since 33 died in 2002, largely due to a major drop in Latin America. While some 63 journalists have been killed in the Middle East since the October 7 start of fighting between Israel and Islamist group Hamas, only 17 of those deaths fell under RSF's definition. "It takes nothing away from the tragedy in Gaza but we are observing a regular decline, and are very far from the 140 journalists killed in 2012 and again in 2013" because of the wars in Syria and Iraq, RSF secretary-general Christophe Deloire told AFP. The decline is due to efforts by inter-governmental organisations and NGOs to combat impunity, as well as due to greater "prudence" by reporters themselves, he said. Of the 17 journalists RSF counted as killed carrying out their profession in the Middle East since October 7, 13 were killed by Israeli fire in Gaza, three died in Lebanon and one was killed in Israel by Hamas. Watch | Israel-Palestine war: 45 Palestinian, 4 Israeli journalists killed since war began × RSF in November said it filed a complaint at the International Criminal Court for "war crimes" for these deaths. AFP last week said its investigation showed that Israeli tank fire was responsible for killing Reuters cameraman Issam Abdallah on October 13 and wounding six others, including AFP photographer Christina Assi. A spokesperson for the Israeli army said the journalists were in an "active combat zone" in southern Lebanon, an answer that Deloire called "not satisfactory." The war in Ukraine cost the lives of two reporters in 2023, including AFP reporter Arman Soldin, "the only reporter to have lost their life outside their own country", RSF said. A total of 11 reporters have been killed since the start of the conflict in February 2022. Fall in Latin America There was a sharp drop in Latin America where six reporters were killed, down from 26 in 2022. In Mexico alone, the number fell to four from 11 the previous year. RSF warned that Mexico remains dangerous for journalists, citing continued kidnappings and attacks. Of the 84 journalists counted as missing worldwide, about a third are Mexican. Also read | Two journalists, Hamas terrorist killed in Israeli strikes on Lebanon The number of jailed reporters declined to 521 from 569 in 2022, with Belarus joining China and Myanmar as "one of the three biggest prisons in the world". Turkey and Iran also repeatedly jail journalists, the report said. A total of 54 journalists are being held hostage, compared to 65 in 2022.

Despite Israel-Hamas war, number of journalists killed on job declines in 2023: Report

India's Minister of State for External Affairs, V Muraleedharan on Monday (Dec 11) released a statement in the Lok Sabha rectifying the response given to a question raised last week on the designation of Hamas.

"I rise to lay a statement correcting the reply given on December 8, 2023, to unstarred question number 980 by Kumbakudi Sudhakaran, MP, regarding the declaration of Hamas as a terrorist organisation," Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan said in the House.

The correction was made after Minister of State Meenakshi Lekhi, took to her official X account and wrote in a posting clarifying that she had not signed any paper with the question related to the declaration of Hamas as a terrorist organisation.

"You have been misinformed as I have not signed any paper with this question and this answer," Lekhi stated on X in reply to a post citing the report.

The Ministry of External Affairs on Saturday (Dec 9) said that the answer needs a technical correction.

'"We have noted that Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 980 answered on 8 December 2023 needs a technical correction in terms of reflecting Shri V. Muraleedharan as the Minister of State replying to the Parliament Question. This is being suitably undertaken," MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said.

Lekhi, in a press conference later that day, denied signing any such paper and said that she had asked for an inquiry into the matter.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-top-court-approves-modi-govts-2019-move-that-stripped-jammu-and-kashmir-of-its-special-status-668426">India: SC approves Modi govt's 2019 move that stripped J&amp;K's special status</a>

"I would like to clarify that I have not signed any paper regarding that question. I have tagged PMO and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar regarding the breach. I have also called the Foreign Secretary and asked for an investigation and action should be taken against those responsible," the MoS stated.

She added, "It has to be found out who committed this from the MEA without the signature of the concerned minister. I hope that there will be a prompt inquiry into the matter."

Congress MP K Sudhakaran had raised a question asking if the government had proposed a plan to declare Hamas as a terrorist organisation or if the government of Israel had raised a demand asking the same.

"Designation of an organisation as terrorist is covered under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act and declaring any organisation as terrorist is considered as per the provisions of the Act by the relevant government departments," the government said in a reply.

(With inputs from agencies)

India's Minister of State for External Affairs, V Muraleedharan on Monday (Dec 11) released a statement in the Lok Sabha rectifying the response given to a question raised last week on the designation of Hamas.

India's Minister of State for External Affairs, V Muraleedharan on Monday (Dec 11) released a statement in the Lok Sabha rectifying the response given to a question raised last week on the designation of Hamas. "I rise to lay a statement correcting the reply given on December 8, 2023, to unstarred question number 980 by Kumbakudi Sudhakaran, MP, regarding the declaration of Hamas as a terrorist organisation," Minister of State for External Affairs V Muraleedharan said in the House. The correction was made after Minister of State Meenakshi Lekhi, took to her official X account and wrote in a posting clarifying that she had not signed any paper with the question related to the declaration of Hamas as a terrorist organisation. "You have been misinformed as I have not signed any paper with this question and this answer," Lekhi stated on X in reply to a post citing the report. The Ministry of External Affairs on Saturday (Dec 9) said that the answer needs a technical correction. '"We have noted that Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 980 answered on 8 December 2023 needs a technical correction in terms of reflecting Shri V. Muraleedharan as the Minister of State replying to the Parliament Question. This is being suitably undertaken," MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said. Lekhi, in a press conference later that day, denied signing any such paper and said that she had asked for an inquiry into the matter. Also read: India: SC approves Modi govt's 2019 move that stripped J&K's special status "I would like to clarify that I have not signed any paper regarding that question. I have tagged PMO and External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar regarding the breach. I have also called the Foreign Secretary and asked for an investigation and action should be taken against those responsible," the MoS stated. She added, "It has to be found out who committed this from the MEA without the signature of the concerned minister. I hope that there will be a prompt inquiry into the matter." Congress MP K Sudhakaran had raised a question asking if the government had proposed a plan to declare Hamas as a terrorist organisation or if the government of Israel had raised a demand asking the same. "Designation of an organisation as terrorist is covered under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act and declaring any organisation as terrorist is considered as per the provisions of the Act by the relevant government departments," the government said in a reply. (With inputs from agencies)

Indian government 'corrects reply' in Lok Sabha on question concerning designation of Hamas

A new report published by the World Food Programme (WFP) has revealed that 91 per cent of households in Gaza reported going to bed hungry while 63 per cent reported enduring entire days without food.

A new report published by the World Food Programme (WFP) has revealed that 91 per cent of households in Gaza reported going to bed hungry while 63 per cent reported enduring entire days without food. The rapid food security assessment was carried out during the humanitarian pause (November 24-30) and the findings were published last week. As the war between Israel and Hamas escalates, the agencies are having a tough time providing food and related assistance to the Palestinians in Gaza. Since the conflict started after the events of October 7, the Gaza Strip has remained under siege with only one border crossing open for humanitarian aid. The report stated that "42 per cent of the households in the Northern governorates (Gaza and North Gaza) and 35 per cent of households in the Southern governorates (Deir Al Balah, Khan Younis and Rafah) reported knowing of people who were compelled to consume wild or raw food to cope with hunger". The food scarcity situation is significantly worse in the north than in the south, according to the report. The aid is concentrated in the south of the strip where it is received through the border with Egypt at the Rafah crossing. However, since the second truce deal expired on December 1 and the fight intensified, the aid delivery has slowed down significantly. The acute shortage of cooking gas has also led to heavy dependence on less clean sources such as firewood, wood residues, and waste burning, raising the risk of respiratory diseases. Additionaly, the people in north Gaza have only 1.8 litre of clean water per person/per day while the volume comes down to 1.5 litre per person/per day in south Gaza. Watch | Israel-Hamas war: British team helping Palestinian authority prepare for governance UN agency staff feels abandoned While ordinary Palestinians are scurrying around for food, the agencies serving them are faring no better. United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) chief Philippe Lazzarini said the agency feels abandoned in Gaza after the US vetoed a resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire. “It's beyond disappointment. They feel abandoned by the international community,” Lazzarini told CNN. “They still cannot understand why, after 17,000 people have been killed, after the almost entire population has been displaced, we still cannot agree on a ceasefire.” Also read | US: Coffee shop fires three antisemitic staffers for blocking Jewish customer from using washroom “Too many people haven't eaten now for two, three days in the Gaza Strip,” Lazzarini continued. “The more [that] we will see breakdown of civil order, the more [UNRWA] will be at risk not to be able to operate anymore.” According to the Hamas-run Palestinian health ministry, nearly 18,000 people have been killed since Israel launched its retaliatory operations following the militant group’s attack on October 7 in southern Israel. 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. (With inputs from agencies)

Nearly 91% of households in Gaza go to bed hungry: UN report

Prominent mosque chairman Mohammed Kozbar, who had praised the founder of the Palestinian militant group Hamas was invited to a dinner hosted by the London Met&nbsp;commissioner, reported the Sunday Telegraph, on Saturday (Dec 9).&nbsp;

The event was hosted months after Kozbar’s remarks about the Hamas founder, raising&nbsp;questions about Met’s links to the activist&nbsp;amid criticism over its response to the pro-Palestinian protests in London.&nbsp;

The British capital city like many major cities across the world has witnessed pro-Palestinian protests and pro-Israel rallies since the beginning of the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. In the UK several people at pro-Palestinian rallies have been detained for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/antisemitic-banners-during-pro-palestinian-march-in-london-calling-for-permanent-ceasefire-in-gaza-662995">raising antisemitic slogans</a>.&nbsp;

<h2>About the event at Scotland Yard</h2>

According to the Telegraph, Kozbar attended an evening event alongside senior Met officers in July, &nbsp;five months after he praised Hamas’ founder as “the master of the martyrs of the resistance” and was cited in the official counter-extremism review.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-gaza-death-toll-mounts-to-17770-as-heavy-fighting-continues-668051">Israel-Hamas war: Gaza death toll mounts to 17,770 as heavy fighting continues, claims Hamas</a>

When asked by the British media about Kozbar’s presence at Scotland Yard, Met police’s headquarters, the London police force told the Telegraph, “We can confirm that Mr Mohammed Kozbar is a member of the London Muslim Communities Forum.”&nbsp;

The event was reportedly organised by the London Muslim Communities Forum or LMCF, a Met “strategic advisory body” and was also addressed by Attiq Malik, a hard-left activist who led the LMCF until November.&nbsp;

The Sunday Telegraph also revealed that he had been filmed chanting “from the river to the sea” and railing against “global censorship by the Zionists”.

Hamas launched one of the deadliest attacks on Israel, on October 7, killing at least 1,200 people and taking around 240 people as hostages, according to Israeli officials.

Israel has since retaliated with constant bombardment of Gaza and a ground operation which according to the Hamas-run government and health ministry has killed more than 17,700 people.&nbsp; 
 
Amid the mounting death toll in Gaza, the Israeli government has faced pressure and criticism to minimise civilian casualties in the Palestinian enclave.&nbsp;

<h2>Met cuts ties with Malik</h2>

Earlier this year, in an official review of Prevent, the government’s counter-extremism programme, raised concerns that the London branch of the National Association of Muslim Police had praised Kozbar despite evidence that he had “previously supported the founder…of Hamas.”

The Telegraph, citing an image of the event on July 7 said Malik and Kozbar were seen having a conversation which was attended by around 50 representatives of the Muslim community in London to mark Eid.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-sunaks-political-enemies-allegedly-plotting-the-end-of-his-career-in-london-restaurant-report-668134">UK PM Sunak's political enemies were allegedly plotting end of his career in London restaurant: Report</a>

The Met police has since cut ties with Malik saying that some “past language and views” were “contrary with our values”.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Kozbar&nbsp;and his deputy secretary-general of the Muslim Council of Britain in recent posts on X have&nbsp;repeatedly accused Israel of carrying out a “genocide” in Gaza.

Hamas was proscribed by the UK in March 2001, according to the British government’s website.&nbsp;

In response to The Telegraph’s recent report, Kozbar claimed that he was being subjected to “repeated attempts to smear me as I pursue work to foster better community relations”.&nbsp;

He added, “I condemn the targeting of all civilians, whoever they are. It is criminal to indiscriminately murder innocent men, women, and children.”&nbsp;

The mosque chairman also told The Telegraph, that he supports “the Palestinian people and their quest for freedom, as clearly expressed as a basic right within international law”.

(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.

Prominent mosque chairman Mohammed Kozbar, who had praised the founder of the Palestinian militant group Hamas was invited to a dinner hosted by the London Met commissioner, reported the Sunday Telegraph, on Saturday (Dec 9).

Prominent mosque chairman Mohammed Kozbar, who had praised the founder of the Palestinian militant group Hamas was invited to a dinner hosted by the London Met commissioner, reported the Sunday Telegraph, on Saturday (Dec 9). The event was hosted months after Kozbar’s remarks about the Hamas founder, raising questions about Met’s links to the activist amid criticism over its response to the pro-Palestinian protests in London. The British capital city like many major cities across the world has witnessed pro-Palestinian protests and pro-Israel rallies since the beginning of the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. In the UK several people at pro-Palestinian rallies have been detained for raising antisemitic slogans. About the event at Scotland Yard According to the Telegraph, Kozbar attended an evening event alongside senior Met officers in July, five months after he praised Hamas’ founder as “the master of the martyrs of the resistance” and was cited in the official counter-extremism review. ALSO READ | Israel-Hamas war: Gaza death toll mounts to 17,770 as heavy fighting continues, claims Hamas When asked by the British media about Kozbar’s presence at Scotland Yard, Met police’s headquarters, the London police force told the Telegraph, “We can confirm that Mr Mohammed Kozbar is a member of the London Muslim Communities Forum.” The event was reportedly organised by the London Muslim Communities Forum or LMCF, a Met “strategic advisory body” and was also addressed by Attiq Malik, a hard-left activist who led the LMCF until November. The Sunday Telegraph also revealed that he had been filmed chanting “from the river to the sea” and railing against “global censorship by the Zionists”. Hamas launched one of the deadliest attacks on Israel, on October 7, killing at least 1,200 people and taking around 240 people as hostages, according to Israeli officials. Israel has since retaliated with constant bombardment of Gaza and a ground operation which according to the Hamas-run government and health ministry has killed more than 17,700 people. Amid the mounting death toll in Gaza, the Israeli government has faced pressure and criticism to minimise civilian casualties in the Palestinian enclave. Met cuts ties with Malik Earlier this year, in an official review of Prevent, the government’s counter-extremism programme, raised concerns that the London branch of the National Association of Muslim Police had praised Kozbar despite evidence that he had “previously supported the founder…of Hamas.” The Telegraph, citing an image of the event on July 7 said Malik and Kozbar were seen having a conversation which was attended by around 50 representatives of the Muslim community in London to mark Eid. ALSO READ | UK PM Sunak's political enemies were allegedly plotting end of his career in London restaurant: Report The Met police has since cut ties with Malik saying that some “past language and views” were “contrary with our values”. Meanwhile, Kozbar and his deputy secretary-general of the Muslim Council of Britain in recent posts on X have repeatedly accused Israel of carrying out a “genocide” in Gaza. Hamas was proscribed by the UK in March 2001, according to the British government’s website. In response to The Telegraph’s recent report, Kozbar claimed that he was being subjected to “repeated attempts to smear me as I pursue work to foster better community relations”. He added, “I condemn the targeting of all civilians, whoever they are. It is criminal to indiscriminately murder innocent men, women, and children.” The mosque chairman also told The Telegraph, that he supports “the Palestinian people and their quest for freedom, as clearly expressed as a basic right within international law”. (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.

Prominent mosque chairman who praised Hamas founder invited to dinner with London’s Met police: Report

The United States on Friday (Dec 8) vetoed the proposed demand by the other&nbsp;United Nations Security Council countries for an immediate ceasefire in the intense fighting between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza, in a bid to shield its longtime ally.

Thirteen other members voted in favour of the draft resolution moved by the United Arab Emirates, while the United Kingdom abstained.&nbsp;

The voting came after United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, in a rare move, formally warned the 15-member council of a global threat from the war, which has now been going on for over two months.

"What is the message we are sending Palestinians if we cannot unite behind a call to halt the relentless bombardment of Gaza?," Deputy UAE U.N. Ambassador Mohamed Abushahab asked the council. 
 
"Indeed, what is the message we are sending civilians across the world who may find themselves in similar situations?"

"The United Arab Emirates is deeply disappointed," said the representative of the UAE. "Regrettably... this council is unable to demand a humanitarian ceasefire."

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<h2>US defends veto</h2>

The United States, defending its veto, said that the resolution still held a call for an unconditional ceasefire.

"This resolution still contains a call for an unconditional ceasefire... it would leave Hamas in place able to repeat what it did on October 7," said US deputy UN representative Robert Wood.

Wood further denounced the UAE stating that the draft resolution was a rushed, imbalanced text "that was divorced from reality, that would not move the needle forward on the ground in any concrete way."

"We do not support this resolution's call for an unsustainable ceasefire that will only plant the seeds for the next war," said Wood.

UK's UN Ambassador Barbara Woodward said that her country abstained because there was no denunciation of Hamas.

"Israel needs to be able to address the threat posed by Hamas and it needs to do so in a manner that abides by international humanitarian law so that such an attack can never be carried out again," she told the council.

Israel's UN Ambassador Gilad Erdan did not address the Security Council after the vote, but in a statement said: "A ceasefire will be possible only with the return of all the hostages and the destruction of Hamas."

Washington, being the permanent member of the Security Council, can veto any resolution.

Ahead of the vote, Guterres had said that "the brutality perpetrated by Hamas can never justify the collective punishment of the Palestinian people."

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The United States on Friday (Dec 8) vetoed the proposed demand by the other United Nations Security Council countries for an immediate ceasefire in the intense fighting between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza, in a bid to shield its longtime ally.

The United States on Friday (Dec 8) vetoed the proposed demand by the other United Nations Security Council countries for an immediate ceasefire in the intense fighting between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza, in a bid to shield its longtime ally. Thirteen other members voted in favour of the draft resolution moved by the United Arab Emirates, while the United Kingdom abstained. The voting came after United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, in a rare move, formally warned the 15-member council of a global threat from the war, which has now been going on for over two months. "What is the message we are sending Palestinians if we cannot unite behind a call to halt the relentless bombardment of Gaza?," Deputy UAE U.N. Ambassador Mohamed Abushahab asked the council. "Indeed, what is the message we are sending civilians across the world who may find themselves in similar situations?" "The United Arab Emirates is deeply disappointed," said the representative of the UAE. "Regrettably... this council is unable to demand a humanitarian ceasefire." Also read: Putin will run again in Russian presidential elections next March US defends veto The United States, defending its veto, said that the resolution still held a call for an unconditional ceasefire. "This resolution still contains a call for an unconditional ceasefire... it would leave Hamas in place able to repeat what it did on October 7," said US deputy UN representative Robert Wood. Wood further denounced the UAE stating that the draft resolution was a rushed, imbalanced text "that was divorced from reality, that would not move the needle forward on the ground in any concrete way." "We do not support this resolution's call for an unsustainable ceasefire that will only plant the seeds for the next war," said Wood. UK's UN Ambassador Barbara Woodward said that her country abstained because there was no denunciation of Hamas. "Israel needs to be able to address the threat posed by Hamas and it needs to do so in a manner that abides by international humanitarian law so that such an attack can never be carried out again," she told the council. Israel's UN Ambassador Gilad Erdan did not address the Security Council after the vote, but in a statement said: "A ceasefire will be possible only with the return of all the hostages and the destruction of Hamas." Washington, being the permanent member of the Security Council, can veto any resolution. Ahead of the vote, Guterres had said that "the brutality perpetrated by Hamas can never justify the collective punishment of the Palestinian people." (With inputs from agencies)

US vetoes UNSC resolution demanding immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza, says it would ‘benefit’ Hamas

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said that if Lebanon's Hezbollah opened a second front in the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, then he would bring devastation in southern Lebanon and turn Beirut into today's Gaza. 
 
"If Hezbollah decides to open an all-out war, then with its own hands it will turn Beirut and southern Lebanon, which are not far from here, into Gaza and Khan Yunis," Netanyahu said. 
 
The warning was issued by Netanyahu during his visit to the Israel Defense Force's (IDF) northern command's headquarters.

The northern command oversees units which have exchanged fire with Hezbollah along Israeli border with Lebanon in the weeks since the Hamas terror attack of October 7.

Praising the military reservists, Netanyahu said they have shown "great spirit in their readiness for battle."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/humanitys-first-space-war-occurred-during-thick-of-israel-hamas-conflict-heres-how-666812">Humanity's 'first' space war occurred during thick of Israel-Hamas conflict. Here's how</a>

Netanyahu's warning to Hezbollah was an indication of the&nbsp;widespread destruction unleashed by Israel's military in the northern Gaza Strip in response&nbsp;to the attack by Hamas, which has been recognised as a terrorist group by the US and the European Union. 
 
The focus of Israel has now turned to the south of Gaza as troops reportedly enter Khan Yunis. Cross-border firing has been happening daily between Israel and Hezbollah after the latter expressed solidarity with Hamas.

<h2>Israel says not using white phosphorus in southern Lebanon</h2>

Responding to the allegations of using white phosphorus in southern Lebanon, the Israeli military said it “only used legal weapons and ammunition.” 
 
The Lebanon National News Agency (NNA) alleged that “phosphorus” was shelled by the Israeli artillery on the outskirts of the town of Rmeish.

Watch:&nbsp;Netanyahu says Israel will turn Beirut into Gaza if Hezbollah starts war

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“The primary smoke-screen shells used by the IDF do not contain white phosphorus. Like many Western militaries, the IDF also possesses smoke-screen shells that include white phosphorous that are legal under international law. These shells are used by the IDF for creating smoke screens and not for targeting or causing fires and are not defined under law as incendiary weapons," read the statement. 
 
“IDF procedures require that such shells are not used in densely populated areas, subject to certain exceptions. This complies and goes beyond the requirements of international law,” it added.

(With inputs from agencies)

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said that if Lebanon's Hezbollah opened a second front in the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, then he would bring devastation in southern Lebanon and turn Beirut into today's Gaza.

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has said that if Lebanon's Hezbollah opened a second front in the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, then he would bring devastation in southern Lebanon and turn Beirut into today's Gaza. "If Hezbollah decides to open an all-out war, then with its own hands it will turn Beirut and southern Lebanon, which are not far from here, into Gaza and Khan Yunis," Netanyahu said. The warning was issued by Netanyahu during his visit to the Israel Defense Force's (IDF) northern command's headquarters. The northern command oversees units which have exchanged fire with Hezbollah along Israeli border with Lebanon in the weeks since the Hamas terror attack of October 7. Praising the military reservists, Netanyahu said they have shown "great spirit in their readiness for battle." Also read: Humanity's 'first' space war occurred during thick of Israel-Hamas conflict. Here's how Netanyahu's warning to Hezbollah was an indication of the widespread destruction unleashed by Israel's military in the northern Gaza Strip in response to the attack by Hamas, which has been recognised as a terrorist group by the US and the European Union. The focus of Israel has now turned to the south of Gaza as troops reportedly enter Khan Yunis. Cross-border firing has been happening daily between Israel and Hezbollah after the latter expressed solidarity with Hamas. Israel says not using white phosphorus in southern Lebanon Responding to the allegations of using white phosphorus in southern Lebanon, the Israeli military said it “only used legal weapons and ammunition.” The Lebanon National News Agency (NNA) alleged that “phosphorus” was shelled by the Israeli artillery on the outskirts of the town of Rmeish. Watch: Netanyahu says Israel will turn Beirut into Gaza if Hezbollah starts war “The primary smoke-screen shells used by the IDF do not contain white phosphorus. Like many Western militaries, the IDF also possesses smoke-screen shells that include white phosphorous that are legal under international law. These shells are used by the IDF for creating smoke screens and not for targeting or causing fires and are not defined under law as incendiary weapons," read the statement. “IDF procedures require that such shells are not used in densely populated areas, subject to certain exceptions. This complies and goes beyond the requirements of international law,” it added. (With inputs from agencies)

Israeli PM Netanyahu threatens Hezbollah, says 'will turn Beirut into Gaza if...'

United States President Joe Biden on Thursday (Dec 7) held a telephonic discussion with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu where he stressed the "critical" need to safeguard the civilians as grave urban battle seethed around Gaza's biggest cities, the White House said in a statement.

"The president emphasized the critical need to protect civilians and to separate the civilian population from Hamas including through corridors that allow people to move safely from defined areas of hostilities," the White House said in a statement.

This comes after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday urged Israel to do more to allow humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip and make necessary efforts to protect civilians in the Palestinian territory, in a phone call with Israeli Foreign Minister Ron Dermer, said a US official.

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Today I spoke with Prime Minister Netanyahu to express my concern for the remaining hostages — and to note that it was Hamas’s refusal to release women civilian hostages that broke down the humanitarian pause.⁰⁰We will continue to pursue every opportunity to free them.
— President Biden (@POTUS) <a href="https://twitter.com/POTUS/status/1732923046061593081?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 8, 2023</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Blinken welcomed Israel's decision to approve a "minimal" increase in the fuel supply to the conflict-torn besieged Palestinian enclave.

However, he also asked Dermer to make more efforts in that direction, a senior State Department official told reporters on condition of anonymity.

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<h2>Israel approves 'minimal' increase in fuel supply to Gaza</h2>

Israel allowed a "minimal" increase in the fuel supply to conflict-torn Gaza to prevent a "humanitarian collapse", Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said in a statement on Wednesday.

"The Security Cabinet, this evening, approved the recommendation of the War Cabinet to allow a minimal supplement of fuel – necessary to prevent a humanitarian collapse and the outbreak of epidemics – into the southern Gaza Strip," Netanyahu's office wrote on X.

"The minimal amount will be determined from time to time by the War Cabinet according to the morbidity situation and humanitarian situation in the Strip," it added.

The move by Israel came after the United Nations warned of a complete breakdown of public order in Gaza as the conflict intensifies in the south of the Palestinian territory.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres feared the public order would "completely break down soon" in Gaza.

"Amid constant bombardment by the Israel Defense Forces, and without shelter or the essentials to survive, I expect public order to completely break down soon due to the desperate conditions, rendering even limited humanitarian assistance impossible," he said in a letter to the UN Security Council.&nbsp;

Guterres told the council in his letter that the war "may aggravate existing threats to international peace and security."

He invoked Article 99 of the founding UN Charter, allowing him to "bring to the attention of the Security Council any matter which in his opinion may threaten the maintenance of international peace and security."

(With inputs from agencies)

United States President Joe Biden on Thursday (Dec 7) held a telephonic discussion with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu where he stressed the "critical" need to safeguard the civilians as grave urban battle seethed around Gaza's biggest cities, the White House said in a statement.

United States President Joe Biden on Thursday (Dec 7) held a telephonic discussion with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu where he stressed the "critical" need to safeguard the civilians as grave urban battle seethed around Gaza's biggest cities, the White House said in a statement. "The president emphasized the critical need to protect civilians and to separate the civilian population from Hamas including through corridors that allow people to move safely from defined areas of hostilities," the White House said in a statement. This comes after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday urged Israel to do more to allow humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip and make necessary efforts to protect civilians in the Palestinian territory, in a phone call with Israeli Foreign Minister Ron Dermer, said a US official. Today I spoke with Prime Minister Netanyahu to express my concern for the remaining hostages — and to note that it was Hamas’s refusal to release women civilian hostages that broke down the humanitarian pause.⁰⁰We will continue to pursue every opportunity to free them. — President Biden (@POTUS) December 8, 2023 × Blinken welcomed Israel's decision to approve a "minimal" increase in the fuel supply to the conflict-torn besieged Palestinian enclave. However, he also asked Dermer to make more efforts in that direction, a senior State Department official told reporters on condition of anonymity. Also read: Video: Russian plane goes up in flames moments after terrifying explosion Israel approves 'minimal' increase in fuel supply to Gaza Israel allowed a "minimal" increase in the fuel supply to conflict-torn Gaza to prevent a "humanitarian collapse", Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said in a statement on Wednesday. "The Security Cabinet, this evening, approved the recommendation of the War Cabinet to allow a minimal supplement of fuel – necessary to prevent a humanitarian collapse and the outbreak of epidemics – into the southern Gaza Strip," Netanyahu's office wrote on X. "The minimal amount will be determined from time to time by the War Cabinet according to the morbidity situation and humanitarian situation in the Strip," it added. The move by Israel came after the United Nations warned of a complete breakdown of public order in Gaza as the conflict intensifies in the south of the Palestinian territory. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres feared the public order would "completely break down soon" in Gaza. "Amid constant bombardment by the Israel Defense Forces, and without shelter or the essentials to survive, I expect public order to completely break down soon due to the desperate conditions, rendering even limited humanitarian assistance impossible," he said in a letter to the UN Security Council. Guterres told the council in his letter that the war "may aggravate existing threats to international peace and security." He invoked Article 99 of the founding UN Charter, allowing him to "bring to the attention of the Security Council any matter which in his opinion may threaten the maintenance of international peace and security." (With inputs from agencies)

Biden holds telephonic discussion with Netanyahu, underlines 'critical need to safeguard civilians'

Amid the escalating Israel-Hamas war, images of men detained in huge numbers by the Israeli military and stripped to their underwear, blindfolded as well as kneeling&nbsp;on the street and later taken in the cargo bed of a military vehicle circulated on&nbsp;social media. 
 
The dates and exact circumstances of the detentions remained unclear, however, some of the detainees were identified by either their family members or colleagues. Some of the men were civilians and were not affiliated with any militant groups, according to CNN. 
 
An image of one detainment was shared by the Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Monitor on its website Thursday and said that “the Israeli army detained and severely abused dozens of Palestinian civilians.”

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-holds-telephonic-discussion-with-netanyahu-emphasizes-on-critical-need-to-safeguard-civilians-667387">Biden holds telephonic discussion with Netanyahu, underlines 'critical need to safeguard civilians'</a>

“Euro-Med Monitor received reports that Israeli forces launched random and arbitrary arrest campaigns against displaced people, including doctors, academics, journalists, and elderly men,” it added. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) did not respond to the images circulating on social media.

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The IDF has conducted mass arrests in the northern Gaza Strip, with footage emerging of detainees stripped to their underwear and packed into the back of military trucks. 
 
Israeli media is claiming the pictures show the mass surrender of Hamas fighters of the Shejaya battalion.… <a href="https://t.co/nCYNAkmNbI">pic.twitter.com/nCYNAkmNbI</a>
— Mary McAuliffe (@mcauliffe_marym) <a href="https://twitter.com/mcauliffe_marym/status/1732806015366685001?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2023</a></blockquote>
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When IDF spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari was questioned about the images in a press conference, he said, “We’ve seen images of many captives, Hamas terrorists, that the IDF arrested during the ground manoeuvring.” 
 
Hagari added that, in their fight against Hamas, “those left in the area gradually come out.” “We investigate and check who has ties to Hamas, and who does not. We arrest them all and question them. We will continue dismantling each one of those strongholds until we are done,” he said.

<h2>Detainees identified</h2>

News outlet Al-Araby Al-Jadeed in a statement on Thursday confirmed the presence of one of its correspondents and several members of his family among those seen detained in the images.

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The slippers and flip-flops littering the ground in the first image appear to lean more toward the latter explanation. New Arab journalist <a href="https://twitter.com/will_christou?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@will_christou</a> 
says his colleague, Al-Araby Correspondent Diaa Kahlot, was among those taken into detention, along with other members of… <a href="https://t.co/1546RsMyzs">pic.twitter.com/1546RsMyzs</a>
— Mary McAuliffe (@mcauliffe_marym) <a href="https://twitter.com/mcauliffe_marym/status/1732807191789277400?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 7, 2023</a></blockquote>
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“Today, Thursday, the Israeli occupation army arrested the journalist and the director of ‘The New Arab’ office in Gaza, our colleague Diaa Al-Kahlot, from Market Street in Beit Lahia, along with a group of his brothers, relatives, and other civilians,” wrote Al-Araby Al-Jadeed, as reported by CNN.

Watch:&nbsp;Israel-Hamas war: Israeli army breaks through Hamas' defensive line in Gaza

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“The occupation deliberately forced Gazans to take off their clothes, searched them, and humiliated them when they were arrested before taking them to an unknown destination, according to what the people there told us. Pictures and video clips spread showing soldiers arresting dozens of Gazans using criminal and humiliating method,” it added. 
 
In a statement, Al-Araby Al-Jadeed editor-in-chief Hussam Kanafani said that Al-Kahlot and his family were still missing. 
 
“We will make every effort possible, in cooperation with international institutions and organizations concerned with the rights and freedom of journalists in the world, to determine the whereabouts of our colleague Diaa and release him as soon as possible,” Kanafani added.

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.

(With inputs from agencies)

Amid the escalating Israel-Hamas war, images of men detained in huge numbers by the Israeli military and stripped to their underwear, blindfolded as well as kneeling on the street and later taken in the cargo bed of a military vehicle circulated on social media.

Amid the escalating Israel-Hamas war, images of men detained in huge numbers by the Israeli military and stripped to their underwear, blindfolded as well as kneeling on the street and later taken in the cargo bed of a military vehicle circulated on social media. The dates and exact circumstances of the detentions remained unclear, however, some of the detainees were identified by either their family members or colleagues. Some of the men were civilians and were not affiliated with any militant groups, according to CNN. An image of one detainment was shared by the Euro-Mediterranean Human Rights Monitor on its website Thursday and said that “the Israeli army detained and severely abused dozens of Palestinian civilians.” Also read: Biden holds telephonic discussion with Netanyahu, underlines 'critical need to safeguard civilians' “Euro-Med Monitor received reports that Israeli forces launched random and arbitrary arrest campaigns against displaced people, including doctors, academics, journalists, and elderly men,” it added. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) did not respond to the images circulating on social media. The IDF has conducted mass arrests in the northern Gaza Strip, with footage emerging of detainees stripped to their underwear and packed into the back of military trucks. Israeli media is claiming the pictures show the mass surrender of Hamas fighters of the Shejaya battalion.… pic.twitter.com/nCYNAkmNbI — Mary McAuliffe (@mcauliffe_marym) December 7, 2023 × When IDF spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari was questioned about the images in a press conference, he said, “We’ve seen images of many captives, Hamas terrorists, that the IDF arrested during the ground manoeuvring.” Hagari added that, in their fight against Hamas, “those left in the area gradually come out.” “We investigate and check who has ties to Hamas, and who does not. We arrest them all and question them. We will continue dismantling each one of those strongholds until we are done,” he said. Detainees identified News outlet Al-Araby Al-Jadeed in a statement on Thursday confirmed the presence of one of its correspondents and several members of his family among those seen detained in the images. The slippers and flip-flops littering the ground in the first image appear to lean more toward the latter explanation. New Arab journalist @will_christou says his colleague, Al-Araby Correspondent Diaa Kahlot, was among those taken into detention, along with other members of… pic.twitter.com/1546RsMyzs — Mary McAuliffe (@mcauliffe_marym) December 7, 2023 × “Today, Thursday, the Israeli occupation army arrested the journalist and the director of ‘The New Arab’ office in Gaza, our colleague Diaa Al-Kahlot, from Market Street in Beit Lahia, along with a group of his brothers, relatives, and other civilians,” wrote Al-Araby Al-Jadeed, as reported by CNN. Watch: Israel-Hamas war: Israeli army breaks through Hamas' defensive line in Gaza “The occupation deliberately forced Gazans to take off their clothes, searched them, and humiliated them when they were arrested before taking them to an unknown destination, according to what the people there told us. Pictures and video clips spread showing soldiers arresting dozens of Gazans using criminal and humiliating method,” it added. In a statement, Al-Araby Al-Jadeed editor-in-chief Hussam Kanafani said that Al-Kahlot and his family were still missing. “We will make every effort possible, in cooperation with international institutions and organizations concerned with the rights and freedom of journalists in the world, to determine the whereabouts of our colleague Diaa and release him as soon as possible,” Kanafani added. 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. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel-Hamas war: Images circulate of dozens of men purportedly stripped naked, detained by IDF

Israeli authorities are delving into allegations raised by U.S. researchers, indicating that certain investors might have possessed foresight&nbsp;of a Hamas plan to attack Israel on October 7, Reuters reported on Monday.<o:p></o:p>

The researchers, law professors Robert Jackson Jr from New York University and Joshua Mitts of Columbia University, uncovered substantial short-selling of shares leading up to the attacks, which has ignited the ongoing conflict.<o:p></o:p>

Signals of anticipation<o:p></o:p>

Days preceding the attack, traders seemingly anticipated the unfolding events, as outlined by the researchers. They noted a surge in short interest in the MSCI Israel Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) on October 2, based on data from the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). Furthermore, just before the attack, short selling of Israeli securities on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange (TASE) notably surged. <o:p></o:p>

The researchers highlighted the unprecedented nature of this short-selling, surpassing levels observed during other periods of crisis, including the 2008 financial crisis, the 2014 Israel-Gaza war, and the COVID-19 pandemic.<o:p></o:p>

Israeli response and ongoing investigation<o:p></o:p>

In response to these findings, the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange (TASE) redirected inquiries to the Israel Securities Authority, stating, "The matter is known to the authority and is under investigation by all the relevant parties." The Israel Securities Authority confirmed the investigation but provided no further details. Israeli police did not immediately comment on the matter.<o:p></o:p>

Profits and unusual trading activity<o:p></o:p>

The researchers brought to light the profits reaped through short-selling, particularly focusing on Leumi, Israel's largest bank. Between September 14 and October 5, 4.43 million new shares sold short yielded profits of 3.2 billion shekels ($862 million). It was further pointed out that a sharp and unusual increase in trading risky short-dated options on Israeli companies took place just before the attacks, emphasising the potential exploitation of tragic events by informed traders. <o:p></o:p>

The study indicates a pattern reminiscent of early April when initial reports suggested Hamas was planning an attack. Short volume in the MSCI Israel ETF peaked on April 3, resembling patterns observed just before the October 7 attacks.<o:p></o:p>

Traders profiting from tragic events<o:p></o:p>

The researchers concluded that traders informed about the impending attacks profited from the tragic events, highlighting a concerning gap in U.S. and international enforcement of legal prohibitions on informed trading.<o:p></o:p>

(With inputs from Reuters)<o:p></o:p>

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Israeli authorities are delving into allegations raised by U.S. researchers, indicating that certain investors might have possessed foresight of a Hamas plan to attack Israel on October 7, Reuters reported on Monday.

Israeli authorities are delving into allegations raised by U.S. researchers, indicating that certain investors might have possessed foresight of a Hamas plan to attack Israel on October 7, Reuters reported on Monday. The researchers, law professors Robert Jackson Jr from New York University and Joshua Mitts of Columbia University, uncovered substantial short-selling of shares leading up to the attacks, which has ignited the ongoing conflict. Signals of anticipation Days preceding the attack, traders seemingly anticipated the unfolding events, as outlined by the researchers. They noted a surge in short interest in the MSCI Israel Exchange Traded Fund (ETF) on October 2, based on data from the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). Furthermore, just before the attack, short selling of Israeli securities on the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange (TASE) notably surged. The researchers highlighted the unprecedented nature of this short-selling, surpassing levels observed during other periods of crisis, including the 2008 financial crisis, the 2014 Israel-Gaza war, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Israeli response and ongoing investigation In response to these findings, the Tel Aviv Stock Exchange (TASE) redirected inquiries to the Israel Securities Authority, stating, "The matter is known to the authority and is under investigation by all the relevant parties." The Israel Securities Authority confirmed the investigation but provided no further details. Israeli police did not immediately comment on the matter. Profits and unusual trading activity The researchers brought to light the profits reaped through short-selling, particularly focusing on Leumi, Israel's largest bank. Between September 14 and October 5, 4.43 million new shares sold short yielded profits of 3.2 billion shekels ($862 million). It was further pointed out that a sharp and unusual increase in trading risky short-dated options on Israeli companies took place just before the attacks, emphasising the potential exploitation of tragic events by informed traders. The study indicates a pattern reminiscent of early April when initial reports suggested Hamas was planning an attack. Short volume in the MSCI Israel ETF peaked on April 3, resembling patterns observed just before the October 7 attacks. Traders profiting from tragic events The researchers concluded that traders informed about the impending attacks profited from the tragic events, highlighting a concerning gap in U.S. and international enforcement of legal prohibitions on informed trading. (With inputs from Reuters) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Israeli authorities probe suspected insider trading linked to Hamas attack

In the eastern German state of Saxony-Anhalt, people who are seeking to become naturalised citizens will now have to confirm not only verbally but in writing that they “recognise Israel’s right to exist”, reported the news agency Deutsche Welle (DW). And now the state's&nbsp;minister is urging all 15 German states to adopt similar rules.

<h2>‘Commitment to Israel’s right to exist’</h2>

Speaking about the new measure, on Wednesday (Dec 6), ahead of the meeting of state and federal interior ministers, Saxony-Anhalt Interior Minister Tamara Zieschang, a member of the centre-right Christian Democratic Union party, called for similar measures across Germany.&nbsp;

Her ministry had sent a decree to all Saxony-Anhalt municipalities informing them of the policy in late November.&nbsp;

The decree asks all officials to pay close attention if an applicant exhibits antisemitic attitudes and states that “obtaining German citizenship requires a commitment to Israel’s right to exist.”

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The applicants would also be asked to confirm in writing that they “recognize Israel’s right to exist and condemn any efforts directed against the existence of the State of Israel.”

The Saxony-Anhalt state interior ministry, in a letter to the local authorities, reportedly said naturalisation should be denied if the person engages in activities which would affect Germany’s liberal democratic order as outlined in the country’s Basic Law – which also includes denial of Israel’s right to exist and antisemitism.&nbsp;

The local officials have also been instructed to deny an application if the individual refuses to sign the declaration and make a note of the refusal for future reference.&nbsp;

However, the state regulation is yet to be debated in the Bundestag or German parliament. According to reports, some experts have argued that a written statement does not really confirm if a person is antisemitic or not.&nbsp;

Additionally, critics have also questioned the point of having the written statement as applicants are already required to sign their support of the constitution which includes these measures.&nbsp;

<h2>Rise in antisemitism</h2>

Germany has claimed a special historical responsibility to protect Jews after the Holocaust where the Nazi government killed more than six million Jews during WWII.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/broken-pelvises-mutilated-bodiesdid-hamas-use-rape-as-weapon-of-war-666257">Explained: 'Broken pelvises, mutilated bodies'...Did Hamas use rape as weapon of war in Israel?</a>

The proposed measure by the eastern German state comes months after the Palestinian militant group Hamas launched one of the deadliest attacks against Israel on October 7.&nbsp;

Israel has since retaliated with constant bombardment and a group operation in Gaza. Amid mounting death toll in the Palestinian enclave which according to the Hamas-run government crossed 17,000, Israel is also garnering criticism from across the world.&nbsp;

The recent war has sparked pro-Palestinian rallies across the world some of which have witnessed antisemitic behaviour.&nbsp;

The RIAS group which is tracking antisemitism in Germany, said it recorded 994 incidents, which is an average of 29 incidents per day – between October 7 and November 9 – and an increase of 320 per cent when compared to the same time period&nbsp;last year.&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.

In the eastern German state of Saxony-Anhalt, people who are seeking to become naturalised citizens will now have to confirm not only verbally but in writing that they “recognise Israel’s right to exist”, reported the news agency Deutsche Welle (DW).

In the eastern German state of Saxony-Anhalt, people who are seeking to become naturalised citizens will now have to confirm not only verbally but in writing that they “recognise Israel’s right to exist”, reported the news agency Deutsche Welle (DW). And now the state's minister is urging all 15 German states to adopt similar rules. ‘Commitment to Israel’s right to exist’ Speaking about the new measure, on Wednesday (Dec 6), ahead of the meeting of state and federal interior ministers, Saxony-Anhalt Interior Minister Tamara Zieschang, a member of the centre-right Christian Democratic Union party, called for similar measures across Germany. Her ministry had sent a decree to all Saxony-Anhalt municipalities informing them of the policy in late November. The decree asks all officials to pay close attention if an applicant exhibits antisemitic attitudes and states that “obtaining German citizenship requires a commitment to Israel’s right to exist.” ALSO READ | Iran Revolutionary Guard chief's open threat to Israel: 'You will collapse in 48 hours if...' The applicants would also be asked to confirm in writing that they “recognize Israel’s right to exist and condemn any efforts directed against the existence of the State of Israel.” The Saxony-Anhalt state interior ministry, in a letter to the local authorities, reportedly said naturalisation should be denied if the person engages in activities which would affect Germany’s liberal democratic order as outlined in the country’s Basic Law – which also includes denial of Israel’s right to exist and antisemitism. The local officials have also been instructed to deny an application if the individual refuses to sign the declaration and make a note of the refusal for future reference. However, the state regulation is yet to be debated in the Bundestag or German parliament. According to reports, some experts have argued that a written statement does not really confirm if a person is antisemitic or not. Additionally, critics have also questioned the point of having the written statement as applicants are already required to sign their support of the constitution which includes these measures. Rise in antisemitism Germany has claimed a special historical responsibility to protect Jews after the Holocaust where the Nazi government killed more than six million Jews during WWII. ALSO READ | Explained: 'Broken pelvises, mutilated bodies'...Did Hamas use rape as weapon of war in Israel? The proposed measure by the eastern German state comes months after the Palestinian militant group Hamas launched one of the deadliest attacks against Israel on October 7. Israel has since retaliated with constant bombardment and a group operation in Gaza. Amid mounting death toll in the Palestinian enclave which according to the Hamas-run government crossed 17,000, Israel is also garnering criticism from across the world. The recent war has sparked pro-Palestinian rallies across the world some of which have witnessed antisemitic behaviour. The RIAS group which is tracking antisemitism in Germany, said it recorded 994 incidents, which is an average of 29 incidents per day – between October 7 and November 9 – and an increase of 320 per cent when compared to the same time period last year. (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.

In this German state, citizenship applicants must sign statement supporting Israel’s right to exist

Senate Republicans on Wednesday (Dec 6) blocked the White House's request for $106 billion in emergency aid for Ukraine as well as Israel as the conservatives showed resistance to the debarment of immigration reforms they had demanded as part of the package.

The vote was 49 in favour to 51 against, which left the $110.5 billion measure short of the 60 votes needed in the 100-member Senate to pave the way to start debate, endangering President Joe Biden's push to provide new aid before the end of this year.

The package would provide approximately $60 billion in security assistance for Ukraine, along with funds for humanitarian and economic aid for the government in Kyiv.

It would also include $14 billion for Israel as it battles Hamas in Gaza.

A Democrat, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, also voted for a "no" stating that he could introduce the measure again in the future.&nbsp;

Schumer, post the voting, also underlined the risk if Ukraine fails to succeed, saying that it was a "serious moment that will have lasting consequences for the 21st century," risking the decline of Western democracy.

Republicans stated that it was extremely important to make their case for tighter immigration policies and control of the southern border.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/las-vegas-police-say-suspect-dead-amid-reports-multiple-victims-in-shooting-at-university-of-nevada-666995">Las Vegas police say suspect along with 3 others dead in university shooting</a>

"Today’s vote is what it takes for the Democratic leader to recognise that Senate Republicans mean what we say," Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell said in a floor speech earlier on Wednesday. "Then let’s vote. And then let's finally start meeting America's national security priorities, including right here at home."

<h2>'We can't&nbsp;let Putin win,' says Biden</h2>

Earlier in the day, United States President Joe Biden pleaded with the Republicans for more funds in military aid for Ukraine stating that if Russia succeeds in its invasion of Ukraine, Moscow would attain the position of attacking NATO allies and there is a possibility that it could draw US troops into a war.

"If Putin takes Ukraine, he won’t stop there," Biden said. Putin will attack a NATO ally, he predicted, and then "we’ll have something that we don't seek and that we don't have today: American troops fighting Russian troops," Biden said.

“We can’t let Putin win,” he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Senate Republicans on Wednesday (Dec 6) blocked the White House's request for $106 billion in emergency aid for Ukraine as well as Israel as the conservatives showed resistance to the debarment of immigration reforms they had demanded as part of the package.

Senate Republicans on Wednesday (Dec 6) blocked the White House's request for $106 billion in emergency aid for Ukraine as well as Israel as the conservatives showed resistance to the debarment of immigration reforms they had demanded as part of the package. The vote was 49 in favour to 51 against, which left the $110.5 billion measure short of the 60 votes needed in the 100-member Senate to pave the way to start debate, endangering President Joe Biden's push to provide new aid before the end of this year. The package would provide approximately $60 billion in security assistance for Ukraine, along with funds for humanitarian and economic aid for the government in Kyiv. It would also include $14 billion for Israel as it battles Hamas in Gaza. A Democrat, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer, also voted for a "no" stating that he could introduce the measure again in the future. Schumer, post the voting, also underlined the risk if Ukraine fails to succeed, saying that it was a "serious moment that will have lasting consequences for the 21st century," risking the decline of Western democracy. Republicans stated that it was extremely important to make their case for tighter immigration policies and control of the southern border. Also read: Las Vegas police say suspect along with 3 others dead in university shooting "Today’s vote is what it takes for the Democratic leader to recognise that Senate Republicans mean what we say," Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell said in a floor speech earlier on Wednesday. "Then let’s vote. And then let's finally start meeting America's national security priorities, including right here at home." 'We can't let Putin win,' says Biden Earlier in the day, United States President Joe Biden pleaded with the Republicans for more funds in military aid for Ukraine stating that if Russia succeeds in its invasion of Ukraine, Moscow would attain the position of attacking NATO allies and there is a possibility that it could draw US troops into a war. "If Putin takes Ukraine, he won’t stop there," Biden said. Putin will attack a NATO ally, he predicted, and then "we’ll have something that we don't seek and that we don't have today: American troops fighting Russian troops," Biden said. “We can’t let Putin win,” he said. (With inputs from agencies)

US Senate Republicans block Ukraine, Israel aid bill over immigration row

Israel allowed a "minimal" increase in the fuel supply to conflict-torn Gaza in order to prevent a "humanitarian collapse", Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said in a statement.

"The Security Cabinet, this evening, approved the recommendation of the War Cabinet to allow a minimal supplement of fuel – necessary to prevent a humanitarian collapse and the outbreak of epidemics – into the southern Gaza Strip," Netanyahu's office wrote on X.

"The minimal amount will be determined from time to time by the War Cabinet according to the morbidity situation and humanitarian situation in the Strip," it added.

Israel's announcement comes two days after its staunch ally, the United States, called for more fuel to be allowed into the besieged Palestinian enclave.

The move also comes after the United Nations warned of a complete breakdown of public order in Gaza as the conflict intensifies in the south of the Palestinian territory.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he feared that the public order would "completely break down soon" in Gaza.

"Amid constant bombardment by the Israel Defense Forces, and without shelter or the essentials to survive, I expect public order to completely break down soon due to the desperate conditions, rendering even limited humanitarian assistance impossible," he said in a letter to the UN Security Council.&nbsp;

Guterres told the council in his letter that the war "may aggravate existing threats to international peace and security."

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He invoked Article 99 of the founding UN&nbsp;Charter that allows him to "bring to the attention of the Security Council any matter which in his opinion may threaten the maintenance of international peace and security."

<h2>Guterres' mandate danger to world peace, says Cohen</h2>

Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen slammed Guterres saying that his mandate was a "danger to world peace".

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Guterres’ tenure is a danger to world peace. 
His request to activate Article 99 and the call for a cease fire in Gaza constitutes support of the Hamas terrorist organization and an endorsement of the murder of the elderly, the abduction of babies and the rape of women. 
Anyone who…
— אלי כהן | Eli Cohen (@elicoh1) <a href="https://twitter.com/elicoh1/status/1732513338049863692?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 6, 2023</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

"Guterres’ tenure is a danger to world peace. His request to activate Article 99 and the call for a cease-fire in Gaza constitutes support of the Hamas terrorist organization and an endorsement of the murder of the elderly, the abduction of babies and the rape of women. Anyone who supports world peace must support the liberation of Gaza from Hamas," he wrote on his official X account.

 
(With inputs from agencies)

Israel allowed a "minimal" increase in the fuel supply to conflict-torn Gaza in order to prevent a "humanitarian collapse", Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said in a statement.

Israel allowed a "minimal" increase in the fuel supply to conflict-torn Gaza in order to prevent a "humanitarian collapse", Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said in a statement. "The Security Cabinet, this evening, approved the recommendation of the War Cabinet to allow a minimal supplement of fuel – necessary to prevent a humanitarian collapse and the outbreak of epidemics – into the southern Gaza Strip," Netanyahu's office wrote on X. "The minimal amount will be determined from time to time by the War Cabinet according to the morbidity situation and humanitarian situation in the Strip," it added. Israel's announcement comes two days after its staunch ally, the United States, called for more fuel to be allowed into the besieged Palestinian enclave. The move also comes after the United Nations warned of a complete breakdown of public order in Gaza as the conflict intensifies in the south of the Palestinian territory. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he feared that the public order would "completely break down soon" in Gaza. "Amid constant bombardment by the Israel Defense Forces, and without shelter or the essentials to survive, I expect public order to completely break down soon due to the desperate conditions, rendering even limited humanitarian assistance impossible," he said in a letter to the UN Security Council. Guterres told the council in his letter that the war "may aggravate existing threats to international peace and security." Also read: G7 leaders agree to impose ban on Russian diamonds He invoked Article 99 of the founding UN Charter that allows him to "bring to the attention of the Security Council any matter which in his opinion may threaten the maintenance of international peace and security." Guterres' mandate danger to world peace, says Cohen Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen slammed Guterres saying that his mandate was a "danger to world peace". Guterres’ tenure is a danger to world peace. His request to activate Article 99 and the call for a cease fire in Gaza constitutes support of the Hamas terrorist organization and an endorsement of the murder of the elderly, the abduction of babies and the rape of women. Anyone who… — אלי כהן | Eli Cohen (@elicoh1) December 6, 2023 × "Guterres’ tenure is a danger to world peace. His request to activate Article 99 and the call for a cease-fire in Gaza constitutes support of the Hamas terrorist organization and an endorsement of the murder of the elderly, the abduction of babies and the rape of women. Anyone who supports world peace must support the liberation of Gaza from Hamas," he wrote on his official X account. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel approves 'minimal' increase in fuel supply to Gaza to prevent 'humanitarian collapse'

Officials in the United States believe that the current phase of Israel’s ground invasion of Gaza amid its ongoing war with the Palestinian militant group Hamas will possibly end by January 2024 to a less intense and hyper-localised strategy, according to a report by CNN.&nbsp;

The White House has also reportedly expressed concerns over Israel’s new ground phase in southern Gaza and warned Tel Aviv to take more steps to limit civilian casualties.

More than 16,200 people have been killed in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry, since Israel launched its retaliatory attacks following the Palestinian militant group’s October 7 attack on Israel.&nbsp;

<h2>Will Israel change military tactics in Gaza?</h2>

A report by CNN citing multiple US officials said that Washington is hopeful that Israel might move to more targeted attacks against specific Hamas militants and leaders by January. Israel has previously indicated that it is planning a long-term campaign in Gaza to eradicate the Palestinian militant group.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/around-two-civilians-killed-for-every-hamas-fighter-in-gaza-admits-israeli-military-666395">Around two civilian deaths for every Hamas fighter killed in Gaza, admits Israeli military</a>&nbsp; 
 
Israel has previously indicated that it is planning a long-term campaign in Gaza to eradicate the Palestinian militant group and that its ultimate goal is to weaken Hamas to such an extent that it can never launch an attack similar to the one on October 7.

However, a&nbsp;senior US official told the American media outlet that it is unlikely that Israel will achieve the said goal by the end of this&nbsp;year.

Therefore, Israel is expected to continue pursuing that objective in the next phase of the conflict which US officials see as a “longer-term campaign.” “We are in a high-intensity operation in the coming weeks, then probably moving to a low-intensity mode,” an Israeli official told CNN.&nbsp;

The report, citing a source familiar with the intelligence, said that as per current US assessments, Israel simply cannot maintain its level of high-intensity operations indefinitely, particularly with mobilised reservists.&nbsp;

This has also been attributed to the fact that Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has also had to protect the country’s northern border from near-daily attacks by Lebanon-based Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah since the beginning of its war with Hamas.&nbsp;

Therefore, Israeli forces will likely need to transition to more targeted raids once they have cleared as many Hamas militants in Gaza as they can, reported CNN citing the source.

<h2>US warns Israel about ‘waning international support’</h2>

Amid the mounting death toll and the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza, the US has reportedly told Israel that global opinion has increasingly turned against its ground campaign which has killed thousands of civilians in the Palestinian enclave.&nbsp;

White House has recently also expressed its deep concerns about the way that Israel’s operations will unfold in the next couple of weeks as Israeli forces enter a new ground phase in the south, reported CNN citing an official from President Joe Biden’s administration.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/intense-israeli-air-strikes-hit-gaza-strip-parts-in-total-blackout-666224">Intense Israeli air offensive hits south of Gaza, several areas in total blackout</a>

The US has warned Israel firmly in “hard” and “direct” conversations that the IDF cannot continue the devastating operations as it did in the north, the official said.&nbsp;

The Biden administration over the past few weeks has also publicly called on Israel to take more steps to minimise civilian deaths but stopped short of directly admonishing the IDF’s tactics.&nbsp;

The report comes a day after US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said Washington expects Israel to avoid attacking areas identified as “no-strike” zones in Gaza.&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.

Officials in the United States believe that the current phase of Israel’s ground invasion of Gaza amid its ongoing war with the Palestinian militant group Hamas will possibly end by January 2024 to a less intense and hyper-localised strategy, according to a report by CNN.

Officials in the United States believe that the current phase of Israel’s ground invasion of Gaza amid its ongoing war with the Palestinian militant group Hamas will possibly end by January 2024 to a less intense and hyper-localised strategy, according to a report by CNN. The White House has also reportedly expressed concerns over Israel’s new ground phase in southern Gaza and warned Tel Aviv to take more steps to limit civilian casualties. More than 16,200 people have been killed in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry, since Israel launched its retaliatory attacks following the Palestinian militant group’s October 7 attack on Israel. Will Israel change military tactics in Gaza? A report by CNN citing multiple US officials said that Washington is hopeful that Israel might move to more targeted attacks against specific Hamas militants and leaders by January. Israel has previously indicated that it is planning a long-term campaign in Gaza to eradicate the Palestinian militant group. ALSO READ | Around two civilian deaths for every Hamas fighter killed in Gaza, admits Israeli military Israel has previously indicated that it is planning a long-term campaign in Gaza to eradicate the Palestinian militant group and that its ultimate goal is to weaken Hamas to such an extent that it can never launch an attack similar to the one on October 7. However, a senior US official told the American media outlet that it is unlikely that Israel will achieve the said goal by the end of this year. Therefore, Israel is expected to continue pursuing that objective in the next phase of the conflict which US officials see as a “longer-term campaign.” “We are in a high-intensity operation in the coming weeks, then probably moving to a low-intensity mode,” an Israeli official told CNN. The report, citing a source familiar with the intelligence, said that as per current US assessments, Israel simply cannot maintain its level of high-intensity operations indefinitely, particularly with mobilised reservists. This has also been attributed to the fact that Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has also had to protect the country’s northern border from near-daily attacks by Lebanon-based Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah since the beginning of its war with Hamas. Therefore, Israeli forces will likely need to transition to more targeted raids once they have cleared as many Hamas militants in Gaza as they can, reported CNN citing the source. US warns Israel about ‘waning international support’ Amid the mounting death toll and the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza, the US has reportedly told Israel that global opinion has increasingly turned against its ground campaign which has killed thousands of civilians in the Palestinian enclave. White House has recently also expressed its deep concerns about the way that Israel’s operations will unfold in the next couple of weeks as Israeli forces enter a new ground phase in the south, reported CNN citing an official from President Joe Biden’s administration. ALSO READ | Intense Israeli air offensive hits south of Gaza, several areas in total blackout The US has warned Israel firmly in “hard” and “direct” conversations that the IDF cannot continue the devastating operations as it did in the north, the official said. The Biden administration over the past few weeks has also publicly called on Israel to take more steps to minimise civilian deaths but stopped short of directly admonishing the IDF’s tactics. The report comes a day after US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said Washington expects Israel to avoid attacking areas identified as “no-strike” zones in Gaza. (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.

US officials believe Israel will end ground operations in southern Gaza by January: Report

Jonathan&nbsp;Samerano, a 21-year-old who was taken hostage after the Palestinian terrorists launched attack on October 7 has died in Hamas captivity, his family was notified, Israeli media reported on Monday (Dec 4).&nbsp;

The 21-year-old from Tel Aviv was at the Supernova music festival in southern Israel’s kibbutz Re’im when Hamas fighters attacked.

According to Israeli officials, hundreds were killed at the desert festival which was said to be one of the first places attacked by the Hamas terrorists on October 7.&nbsp;

<h2>About Samerano’s death</h2>

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) informed the 21-year-old’s family of his death in Hamas’ captivity on Monday, reported the Israeli media.&nbsp;

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He was reportedly kidnapped on October 7 after he had escaped the festival towards Kibbutz Be’eri before being shot and taken into Gaza.

According to Israeli media reports, he and his friend Maor Gratzyani allegedly sought rescue. Gratzyani’s body was found in the vicinity several days after the massacre.&nbsp;

Samerano, a DJ, was at the festival with his friends wearing a black tank top, green pants and a green hat. His family says he was always the life of any party and had not been heard from since 7:00 am (local time) that morning.&nbsp;

His parents were earlier told to assume he is in Gaza in Hamas captivity. Samerano is survived by his parents, Kobi and Ayelet, and his brother Yair.&nbsp;

“Jonathan was a magical kid, surrounded by friends, a DJ who only wanted to make music, grow, be happy and travel. He had so many dreams,” said members of his family, as quoted by Israeli newspaper, Haaretz.&nbsp;

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His funeral will be held on Monday evening in Tel Aviv, reported Jerusalem Post.

<h2>Supernova music festival massacre</h2>

According to Israeli officials, some 350 people were killed after Hamas attacked the music festival and many attendees were among those kidnapped on October 7. At least 1,200 Israelis were reportedly killed by Hamas terrorists.&nbsp;

Last month, Israel’s Channel 12 obtained the first Israeli police report into the attack which said that the Hamas terrorists had originally intended to attack nearby kibbutz Re’im as well as other villages near the Gaza border and found out about the music festival with drones and from the air as they parachuted into Israel.&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.

Jonathan Samerano, a 21-year-old who was taken hostage after the Palestinian terrorists launched attack on October 7 has died in Hamas captivity, his family was notified, Israeli media reported on Monday (Dec 4).

Jonathan Samerano, a 21-year-old who was taken hostage after the Palestinian terrorists launched attack on October 7 has died in Hamas captivity, his family was notified, Israeli media reported on Monday (Dec 4). The 21-year-old from Tel Aviv was at the Supernova music festival in southern Israel’s kibbutz Re’im when Hamas fighters attacked. According to Israeli officials, hundreds were killed at the desert festival which was said to be one of the first places attacked by the Hamas terrorists on October 7. About Samerano’s death The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) informed the 21-year-old’s family of his death in Hamas’ captivity on Monday, reported the Israeli media. ALSO READ | 'Nothing will happen to you,' Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar met Israeli hostages in a tunnel He was reportedly kidnapped on October 7 after he had escaped the festival towards Kibbutz Be’eri before being shot and taken into Gaza. According to Israeli media reports, he and his friend Maor Gratzyani allegedly sought rescue. Gratzyani’s body was found in the vicinity several days after the massacre. Samerano, a DJ, was at the festival with his friends wearing a black tank top, green pants and a green hat. His family says he was always the life of any party and had not been heard from since 7:00 am (local time) that morning. His parents were earlier told to assume he is in Gaza in Hamas captivity. Samerano is survived by his parents, Kobi and Ayelet, and his brother Yair. “Jonathan was a magical kid, surrounded by friends, a DJ who only wanted to make music, grow, be happy and travel. He had so many dreams,” said members of his family, as quoted by Israeli newspaper, Haaretz. ALSO READ | Israel-Hamas war: UK to conduct air surveillance to locate Hamas hostage sites His funeral will be held on Monday evening in Tel Aviv, reported Jerusalem Post. Supernova music festival massacre According to Israeli officials, some 350 people were killed after Hamas attacked the music festival and many attendees were among those kidnapped on October 7. At least 1,200 Israelis were reportedly killed by Hamas terrorists. Last month, Israel’s Channel 12 obtained the first Israeli police report into the attack which said that the Hamas terrorists had originally intended to attack nearby kibbutz Re’im as well as other villages near the Gaza border and found out about the music festival with drones and from the air as they parachuted into Israel. (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.

Israel-Hamas war: Jonatan Samerano, abducted from music fest, died in Hamas custody

An intense air offensive by Israel struck the south of the Gaza Strip on Monday (Dec 4) claiming the lives of dozens of Palestinians and wounding others.

As per news agency Reuters reports, the target of the air strikes also included areas where Israel had told people to seek shelter.

Israeli army and tanks also pushed the ground campaign against Hamas militants in the south of the enclave after having primarily acquired control of the northern area which is now devastated.

Israel had earlier on Monday ordered Palestinians to leave parts of Gaza's main southern city, Khan Younis. However, the residents complained of even those areas coming under fire where they were asked to go.

The explosions were seen close to residential areas in Gaza, according to Reuters, with many buildings going into total blackout due to lack of electricity.

At the United Nations, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres appealed to Israel to avoid further action that would worsen the already alarming humanitarian situation in Gaza.

"For people ordered to evacuate, there is nowhere safe to go and very little to survive on," UN&nbsp;spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said.

The United States also indicated that it expects Israel to avoid attacking areas that Israeli authorities have identified as "no-strike" zones in Gaza.

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"They have also indicated that there are areas where there will be 'no-strike' zones. And in those zones, we do expect Israel to follow through on not striking," Sullivan told reporters at the White House.

<h2>Israeli army told UN health agency to leave southern Gaza warehouse, says Tedros</h2>

WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Monday said that the Israeli military had told the UN health agency to vacate an aid warehouse in southern Gaza before a ground offensive in the area made it inoperable.

"Today, WHO received notification from the Israel Defense Forces that we should remove our supplies from our medical warehouse in southern Gaza within 24 hours, as ground operations will put it beyond use," Tedros wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

"We appeal to Israel to withdraw the order, and take every possible measure to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, including hospitals and humanitarian facilities," he wrote.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

An intense air offensive by Israel struck the south of the Gaza Strip on Monday (Dec 4) claiming the lives of dozens of Palestinians and wounding others. As per news agency Reuters reports, the target of the air strikes also included areas where Israel had told people to seek shelter.

An intense air offensive by Israel struck the south of the Gaza Strip on Monday (Dec 4) claiming the lives of dozens of Palestinians and wounding others. As per news agency Reuters reports, the target of the air strikes also included areas where Israel had told people to seek shelter. Israeli army and tanks also pushed the ground campaign against Hamas militants in the south of the enclave after having primarily acquired control of the northern area which is now devastated. Israel had earlier on Monday ordered Palestinians to leave parts of Gaza's main southern city, Khan Younis. However, the residents complained of even those areas coming under fire where they were asked to go. The explosions were seen close to residential areas in Gaza, according to Reuters, with many buildings going into total blackout due to lack of electricity. At the United Nations, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres appealed to Israel to avoid further action that would worsen the already alarming humanitarian situation in Gaza. "For people ordered to evacuate, there is nowhere safe to go and very little to survive on," UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said. The United States also indicated that it expects Israel to avoid attacking areas that Israeli authorities have identified as "no-strike" zones in Gaza. Also read: Ending US aid for Ukraine would allow Putin to prevail, warns White House "They have also indicated that there are areas where there will be 'no-strike' zones. And in those zones, we do expect Israel to follow through on not striking," Sullivan told reporters at the White House. Israeli army told UN health agency to leave southern Gaza warehouse, says Tedros WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus on Monday said that the Israeli military had told the UN health agency to vacate an aid warehouse in southern Gaza before a ground offensive in the area made it inoperable. "Today, WHO received notification from the Israel Defense Forces that we should remove our supplies from our medical warehouse in southern Gaza within 24 hours, as ground operations will put it beyond use," Tedros wrote on X, formerly Twitter. "We appeal to Israel to withdraw the order, and take every possible measure to protect civilians and civilian infrastructure, including hospitals and humanitarian facilities," he wrote. (With inputs from agencies)

Intense Israeli air offensive hits south of Gaza, several areas in total blackout

At least two civilians lost their lives for every Hamas fighter killed in Gaza, said a report by news agency AFP, citing senior Israeli military officials, on Monday (Dec 4). This comes as Israel’s government and its army are facing mounting pressure from across the world to reduce civilian casualties amid the ongoing war with the Palestinian militant group.&nbsp;

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) also announced that they are deploying high-tech mapping software to try to reduce non-combatant deaths in the besieged Gaza Strip.&nbsp;

According to the Hamas-run Palestinian health ministry, nearly 16,000 people have been killed since Israel launched its retaliatory operations following the militant group’s attack on October 7 in southern Israel.&nbsp;

<h2>What did the Israeli military officials say?</h2>

The comments by Israeli military officials were made during a briefing where they reportedly confirmed the reports of 5,000 Hamas fighters being killed in Gaza&nbsp;so far and said, “The numbers are more or less right.”

“I’m not saying it’s not bad that we have a ratio of two to one,” one of the officials told reporters, as quoted by AFP. The official added that the use of human shields was part of Hamas’ “core strategy”.&nbsp;

“Hopefully it (the ratio) will be much lower” in the coming phase of the war, said the Israeli officials, speaking on condition of anonymity.

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Israeli officials, as per AFP, also said that they are&nbsp;using high-tech mapping software to track population movements inside the Gaza Strip and issue evacuation orders.

The system&nbsp;incorporates mobile phones and other signals, aerial surveillance and reports from local sources, as well as AI, to maintain a constantly updating map to show&nbsp;population concentrations across the territory.

However, the UN&nbsp;humanitarian office OCHA has questioned the usefulness of such a tool where&nbsp;access to telecommunications and electricity is sporadic.&nbsp;On Tuesday (Dec 5), Netblocks confirmed&nbsp;Gaza residents were experiencing "a total loss of communications".

<h2>Israel’s ‘human shield’ claim</h2>

Israel has repeatedly accused the Palestinian militant group of using civilians in Gaza as human shields amid the ongoing war claiming that Hamas is hiding arms and command centres in residential areas and hospitals.

International humanitarian law has forbidden the use of human shields in war and such cases are seen as a grave breach of the Geneva Convention.

However, the alleged presence of civilians&nbsp;does not&nbsp;mean that the warring nation cannot consider the site as a legitimate military target, but any&nbsp;attack on such a site needs to be weighed against the principle of proportionality.

Israel along with airstrikes also launched a ground operation in Gaza as it seeks to eradicate Hamas after the militant group’s October 7 attack which, according to Israeli officials, killed at least 1,200 people and led to the abduction of around 240 others.

<h2>US, UN urge&nbsp;Israel to protect civilians</h2>

The United States, Israel’s key ally, on Monday said that it is too soon to say if Israel was doing enough to protect civilians in Gaza. US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said Washington also expects Israel to avoid attacking areas identified as “no-strike” zones in Gaza.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/intense-israeli-air-strikes-hit-gaza-strip-parts-in-total-blackout-666224">Intense Israeli air offensive hits south of Gaza, several areas in total blackout</a>

A report by Reuters citing residents and journalists on the ground said Monday's intense Israeli air strikes in southern Gaza, the densely populated coastal enclave, included areas where Israel had told people to seek shelter.

The US also discussed with Israel how long the war with Hamas should continue, but Sullivan declined to share that timeline.&nbsp;

The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres appealed to Israel to avoid further action which would make the already dire humanitarian situation in Hamas-run Gaza worse and spare the civilians.

“For people ordered to evacuate, there is nowhere safe to go and very little to survive on,” said UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric.&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;

At least two civilians lost their lives for every Hamas fighter killed in Gaza, said a report by news agency AFP, citing senior Israeli military officials, on Monday (Dec 4).

At least two civilians lost their lives for every Hamas fighter killed in Gaza, said a report by news agency AFP, citing senior Israeli military officials, on Monday (Dec 4). This comes as Israel’s government and its army are facing mounting pressure from across the world to reduce civilian casualties amid the ongoing war with the Palestinian militant group. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) also announced that they are deploying high-tech mapping software to try to reduce non-combatant deaths in the besieged Gaza Strip. According to the Hamas-run Palestinian health ministry, nearly 16,000 people have been killed since Israel launched its retaliatory operations following the militant group’s attack on October 7 in southern Israel. What did the Israeli military officials say? The comments by Israeli military officials were made during a briefing where they reportedly confirmed the reports of 5,000 Hamas fighters being killed in Gaza so far and said, “The numbers are more or less right.” “I’m not saying it’s not bad that we have a ratio of two to one,” one of the officials told reporters, as quoted by AFP. The official added that the use of human shields was part of Hamas’ “core strategy”. “Hopefully it (the ratio) will be much lower” in the coming phase of the war, said the Israeli officials, speaking on condition of anonymity. ALSO READ | Explained: 'Broken pelvises, mutilated bodies'...Did Hamas use rape as weapon of war in Israel? Israeli officials, as per AFP, also said that they are using high-tech mapping software to track population movements inside the Gaza Strip and issue evacuation orders. The system incorporates mobile phones and other signals, aerial surveillance and reports from local sources, as well as AI, to maintain a constantly updating map to show population concentrations across the territory. However, the UN humanitarian office OCHA has questioned the usefulness of such a tool where access to telecommunications and electricity is sporadic. On Tuesday (Dec 5), Netblocks confirmed Gaza residents were experiencing "a total loss of communications". Israel’s ‘human shield’ claim Israel has repeatedly accused the Palestinian militant group of using civilians in Gaza as human shields amid the ongoing war claiming that Hamas is hiding arms and command centres in residential areas and hospitals. International humanitarian law has forbidden the use of human shields in war and such cases are seen as a grave breach of the Geneva Convention. However, the alleged presence of civilians does not mean that the warring nation cannot consider the site as a legitimate military target, but any attack on such a site needs to be weighed against the principle of proportionality. Israel along with airstrikes also launched a ground operation in Gaza as it seeks to eradicate Hamas after the militant group’s October 7 attack which, according to Israeli officials, killed at least 1,200 people and led to the abduction of around 240 others. US, UN urge Israel to protect civilians The United States, Israel’s key ally, on Monday said that it is too soon to say if Israel was doing enough to protect civilians in Gaza. US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said Washington also expects Israel to avoid attacking areas identified as “no-strike” zones in Gaza. ALSO READ | Intense Israeli air offensive hits south of Gaza, several areas in total blackout A report by Reuters citing residents and journalists on the ground said Monday's intense Israeli air strikes in southern Gaza, the densely populated coastal enclave, included areas where Israel had told people to seek shelter. The US also discussed with Israel how long the war with Hamas should continue, but Sullivan declined to share that timeline. The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres appealed to Israel to avoid further action which would make the already dire humanitarian situation in Hamas-run Gaza worse and spare the civilians. “For people ordered to evacuate, there is nowhere safe to go and very little to survive on,” said UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric. (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.

Around two civilian deaths for every Hamas fighter killed in Gaza, admits Israeli military

An American destroyer shot down multiple drones on Sunday (Dec 3) while assisting commercial ships in the Red Sea that were targeted by&nbsp;Yemen, said the United States Central Command (CENTCOM). The Pentagon had previously said that they were aware of reports regarding attacks on an American warship and commercial vessels in the area.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels had claimed drone and missile attacks on two Israeli vessels in the area.&nbsp;

In recent weeks, the Iran-backed group in Yemen has launched several drones and missiles towards Israel, particularly since the beginning of the war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas and even seized what they called an Israel-linked cargo vessel.&nbsp;

<h2>US destroyer downs drones</h2>

The US military said that the Carney, an American destroyer, responded to distress calls and provided assistance following missile and drone launches from Houthi-controlled territory.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/yemens-houthis-say-they-attacked-israeli-ships-in-red-sea-665844">Yemen's Houthis say they attacked Israeli ships in Red Sea</a>

“Today, there were four attacks against three separate commercial vessels operating in international waters in the southern Red Sea,” said the CENTCOM.&nbsp;

“The Arleigh-Burke Class destroyer USS Carney responded to the distress calls from the ships and provided assistance” and shot down three drones that were heading for the warship, the statement added.&nbsp;

Carney detected a missile from the Houthi-controlled area of Yemen which landed near the Bahamas-flagged M/V Unity Explorer. The cargo ship later reported minor damage from another missile from a rebel-held area, reported AFP.&nbsp;

A Panamanian-flagged bulk carrier, M/V Number 9, also reported some damage to the vessel but didn't report any casualties after a missile attack from Yemen. M/V Sophie II, which also has Panama’s flag, said it was struck as well but reported no significant harm.

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The US military has called these attacks a “direct threat to international commerce and maritime security.”

<h2>Houthis claim responsibility for attacks in Red Sea, US blames Iran</h2>

The Houthis claimed responsibility for the attacks on Unity Explorer and Number 9 – both reportedly linked to United Kingdom-based companies – earlier on Sunday, saying that it attacked two Israeli ships with an armed drone and a naval missile.&nbsp;

A spokesperson for the Iran-backed group also said that the ships were targeted after they rejected warnings, but did not give any other details about the incident.&nbsp;

In a statement on social media, the group said, the attacks on the country’s vessels would continue “until the Israeli aggression against our steadfast brothers in the Gaza Strip stops”.&nbsp;

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Meanwhile, the US has blamed Iran for enabling these attacks by the Houthis in Yemen and that it will take appropriate measures in coordination with its allies.&nbsp;

“We also have every reason to believe that these attacks, while launched by the Huthis in Yemen, are fully enabled by Iran. The United States will consider all appropriate responses in full coordination with its international allies and partners,” said the Pentagon.&nbsp;

On Sunday (Nov 26), the US military captured five attackers who seized an Israel-linked cargo ship in the Gulf of Aden.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

An American destroyer shot down multiple drones on Sunday (Dec 3) while assisting commercial ships in the Red Sea that were targeted by Yemen, said the United States Central Command (CENTCOM).

An American destroyer shot down multiple drones on Sunday (Dec 3) while assisting commercial ships in the Red Sea that were targeted by Yemen, said the United States Central Command (CENTCOM). The Pentagon had previously said that they were aware of reports regarding attacks on an American warship and commercial vessels in the area. Meanwhile, Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels had claimed drone and missile attacks on two Israeli vessels in the area. In recent weeks, the Iran-backed group in Yemen has launched several drones and missiles towards Israel, particularly since the beginning of the war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas and even seized what they called an Israel-linked cargo vessel. US destroyer downs drones The US military said that the Carney, an American destroyer, responded to distress calls and provided assistance following missile and drone launches from Houthi-controlled territory. ALSO READ | Yemen's Houthis say they attacked Israeli ships in Red Sea “Today, there were four attacks against three separate commercial vessels operating in international waters in the southern Red Sea,” said the CENTCOM. “The Arleigh-Burke Class destroyer USS Carney responded to the distress calls from the ships and provided assistance” and shot down three drones that were heading for the warship, the statement added. Carney detected a missile from the Houthi-controlled area of Yemen which landed near the Bahamas-flagged M/V Unity Explorer. The cargo ship later reported minor damage from another missile from a rebel-held area, reported AFP. A Panamanian-flagged bulk carrier, M/V Number 9, also reported some damage to the vessel but didn't report any casualties after a missile attack from Yemen. M/V Sophie II, which also has Panama’s flag, said it was struck as well but reported no significant harm. ALSO READ | Ex-US ambassador to Bolivia arrested, accused of serving as an agent of Cuba: Report The US military has called these attacks a “direct threat to international commerce and maritime security.” Houthis claim responsibility for attacks in Red Sea, US blames Iran The Houthis claimed responsibility for the attacks on Unity Explorer and Number 9 – both reportedly linked to United Kingdom-based companies – earlier on Sunday, saying that it attacked two Israeli ships with an armed drone and a naval missile. A spokesperson for the Iran-backed group also said that the ships were targeted after they rejected warnings, but did not give any other details about the incident. In a statement on social media, the group said, the attacks on the country’s vessels would continue “until the Israeli aggression against our steadfast brothers in the Gaza Strip stops”. ALSO READ | New York stabbing: Four killed in Queens neighbourhood as police shoot suspect dead Meanwhile, the US has blamed Iran for enabling these attacks by the Houthis in Yemen and that it will take appropriate measures in coordination with its allies. “We also have every reason to believe that these attacks, while launched by the Huthis in Yemen, are fully enabled by Iran. The United States will consider all appropriate responses in full coordination with its international allies and partners,” said the Pentagon. On Sunday (Nov 26), the US military captured five attackers who seized an Israel-linked cargo ship in the Gulf of Aden. (With inputs from agencies)

US shoots down drones, assists multiple commercial vessels attacked in Red Sea by Yemen’s Houthis

The United States is planning to impose visa ban on Israeli extremist settlers who have carried out violent acts against Palestinian civilians in the occupied West Bank, reported Reuters citing an unnamed senior official of US Department of State. The report said that the visa ban will be imposed in the next few weeks. Biden administration has reportedly informed Israel about this.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, when he met Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu and his war cabinet recently, had conveyed the action US intended to take.

Violence has surged in the West Bank which is among the territories where Palestinians are seeking statehood. The violence this year has been at a more-than-15-year high. The violence surged further after outbreak of the current Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza enclave. Gaza is geographically away from the West Bank.

Watch | Israel-Hamas war: Deadly fighting resumes in Gaza as truce expires

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The US has repeatedly said that the violence in the West Bank must stop. US President Joe Biden even wrote an opinion piece in Washington Post last month threatening action against perpetrators of violence.

"I have been emphatic with Israel’s leaders that extremist violence against Palestinians in the West Bank must stop and that those committing the violence must be held accountable. The United States is prepared to take our own steps, including issuing visa bans against extremists attacking civilians in the West Bank," Biden wrote in the opinion piece.

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Reuters quoted State Department official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, as saying that US wants Israel to prosecute those who are committing violent acts but it is yet to see such step taken by the Israeli side.

<h2>Surge in violence</h2>

Figures with the United Nations show that daily settler attacks have more than doubled since Hamas' October 7 attack that saw 1200 deaths on the Israeli side.

Hamas crossed border from Gaza and attacked southern Israel on October 7 killing 1200 people and taking more than 200 hostages. The process of hostage exchange has started and the militant group has released some of the hostage in return for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-gaza-truce-deal-expires-without-extension-announced-664925">Israel-Hamas war: Gaza truce deal expires, fighting resumes</a>

After Hamas' attack on October 7, Israel gave an unprecedented military response and carried out hundreds of air strikes on locations in Gaza enclave. Troops and tanks have launched ground attack before a brief truce that ended on Friday. The fighting between the two sides has resumed.

(With inputs from agencies)

The United States is planning to impose visa ban on Israeli extremist settlers who have carried out violent acts against Palestinian civilians in the occupied West Bank, reported Reuters citing an unnamed senior official of US Department of State.

The United States is planning to impose visa ban on Israeli extremist settlers who have carried out violent acts against Palestinian civilians in the occupied West Bank, reported Reuters citing an unnamed senior official of US Department of State. The report said that the visa ban will be imposed in the next few weeks. Biden administration has reportedly informed Israel about this. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, when he met Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu and his war cabinet recently, had conveyed the action US intended to take. Violence has surged in the West Bank which is among the territories where Palestinians are seeking statehood. The violence this year has been at a more-than-15-year high. The violence surged further after outbreak of the current Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza enclave. Gaza is geographically away from the West Bank. Watch | Israel-Hamas war: Deadly fighting resumes in Gaza as truce expires × The US has repeatedly said that the violence in the West Bank must stop. US President Joe Biden even wrote an opinion piece in Washington Post last month threatening action against perpetrators of violence. "I have been emphatic with Israel’s leaders that extremist violence against Palestinians in the West Bank must stop and that those committing the violence must be held accountable. The United States is prepared to take our own steps, including issuing visa bans against extremists attacking civilians in the West Bank," Biden wrote in the opinion piece. Also Read | Israel-Hamas war: Israeli officials knew about Hamas' attack plan over a year ago, says report Reuters quoted State Department official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, as saying that US wants Israel to prosecute those who are committing violent acts but it is yet to see such step taken by the Israeli side. Surge in violence Figures with the United Nations show that daily settler attacks have more than doubled since Hamas' October 7 attack that saw 1200 deaths on the Israeli side. Hamas crossed border from Gaza and attacked southern Israel on October 7 killing 1200 people and taking more than 200 hostages. The process of hostage exchange has started and the militant group has released some of the hostage in return for Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails. Also Read | Israel-Hamas war: Gaza truce deal expires, fighting resumes After Hamas' attack on October 7, Israel gave an unprecedented military response and carried out hundreds of air strikes on locations in Gaza enclave. Troops and tanks have launched ground attack before a brief truce that ended on Friday. The fighting between the two sides has resumed. (With inputs from agencies)

US plans visa ban on violent Israeli settlers in West Bank: Report

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated in clear terms that his country will return to the battlefield for the eradication of Hamas&nbsp;once the current phase of hostage exchange ends.

On the 54th day of the ongoing war and during the second phase of the ceasefire, Netanyahu took to X (formerly known as Twitter) and gave a brief summary of the events of the last few days.&nbsp;

Netanyahu said after the events of October 7 when Hamas butchered thousands of Israelis, he had set three goals: "The elimination of Hamas, the return of all our abductees and to ensure that Gaza will never again be a threat to Israel."&nbsp;

Bibi said his goals remain the same and that his government had achieved a great deal in the last week, which included the return of abductees - a feat that would have 'sounded imaginary'.&nbsp;

However, he added: "In the last few days I hear a question - will Israel return to fighting after this phase of returning our abductees is exhausted? So my answer is unequivocal - yes."

"There is no way we are not going back to fighting until the end. This is my policy, the entire cabinet stands behind it, the entire government stands behind it, the soldiers stand behind it, the people stand behind it - and that is exactly what we will do."

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בתחילת המלחמה קבעתי שלושה יעדים: חיסול החמאס, החזרת כל חטופינו ולהבטיח שעזה לעולם לא תחזור להיות איום על ישראל. 
 
שלושת היעדים האלה עומדים בעינם. 
 
בשבוע האחרון השגנו הישג גדול מאוד - החזרת עשרות רבות של חטופינו. לפני שבוע זה היה נשמע דמיוני, אבל השגנו את זה. 
 
בימים האחרונים אני…
— Benjamin Netanyahu - בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) <a href="https://twitter.com/netanyahu/status/1729940557621817673?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 29, 2023</a></blockquote>
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While Netanyahu indicated resuming the war soon, Defence Minister Yoav Gallant in a post added that Israeli forces were ready to resume fighting "immediately".&nbsp;

"We are making every attempt to return all the abductees and to fully exploit the current move to return all the abducted women and children in Gaza. IDF forces in the air, on land and at sea are ready to resume fighting immediately."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/10-month-old-baby-kfir-babis-held-hostage-by-hamas-killed-israel-in-works-to-confirm-report-664361">Also read |&nbsp;Hamas claims 10-month-old hostage Kfir Babis, 2 family members killed, Israel investigating to confirm: Report</a>

<h2>What is the current situation?&nbsp;</h2>

After last week's truce deal and the subsequent extension on Monday (Nov 27), negotiators are working towards extending the ceasefire. Qatar remains the key player with authorities in Doha remaining "very optimistic" of an extension. The Israelis have said if Hamas continues to release ten hostages a day, they will extend the truce by a day.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Hams said no agreement to extend the ongoing truce had been reached yet.&nbsp;

“Efforts to extend the truce have not yet matured, and as for the offer that has been made to us to extend the truce, we do not find it worthy to study,” said&nbsp;Osama Hamdan, a senior Hamas official in Lebanon.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, two Russian hostages, identified as&nbsp;Yelena Trupanov, 50, and 73-year-old Irena Tati were released&nbsp;by Hamas via the Rafah crossing.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated in clear terms that his country will return to the battlefield for the eradication of Hamas once the current phase of hostage exchange ends.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated in clear terms that his country will return to the battlefield for the eradication of Hamas once the current phase of hostage exchange ends. On the 54th day of the ongoing war and during the second phase of the ceasefire, Netanyahu took to X (formerly known as Twitter) and gave a brief summary of the events of the last few days. Netanyahu said after the events of October 7 when Hamas butchered thousands of Israelis, he had set three goals: "The elimination of Hamas, the return of all our abductees and to ensure that Gaza will never again be a threat to Israel." Bibi said his goals remain the same and that his government had achieved a great deal in the last week, which included the return of abductees - a feat that would have 'sounded imaginary'. However, he added: "In the last few days I hear a question - will Israel return to fighting after this phase of returning our abductees is exhausted? So my answer is unequivocal - yes." "There is no way we are not going back to fighting until the end. This is my policy, the entire cabinet stands behind it, the entire government stands behind it, the soldiers stand behind it, the people stand behind it - and that is exactly what we will do." בתחילת המלחמה קבעתי שלושה יעדים: חיסול החמאס, החזרת כל חטופינו ולהבטיח שעזה לעולם לא תחזור להיות איום על ישראל. שלושת היעדים האלה עומדים בעינם. בשבוע האחרון השגנו הישג גדול מאוד - החזרת עשרות רבות של חטופינו. לפני שבוע זה היה נשמע דמיוני, אבל השגנו את זה. בימים האחרונים אני… — Benjamin Netanyahu - בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) November 29, 2023 × While Netanyahu indicated resuming the war soon, Defence Minister Yoav Gallant in a post added that Israeli forces were ready to resume fighting "immediately". "We are making every attempt to return all the abductees and to fully exploit the current move to return all the abducted women and children in Gaza. IDF forces in the air, on land and at sea are ready to resume fighting immediately." Also read | Hamas claims 10-month-old hostage Kfir Babis, 2 family members killed, Israel investigating to confirm: Report What is the current situation? After last week's truce deal and the subsequent extension on Monday (Nov 27), negotiators are working towards extending the ceasefire. Qatar remains the key player with authorities in Doha remaining "very optimistic" of an extension. The Israelis have said if Hamas continues to release ten hostages a day, they will extend the truce by a day. Meanwhile, Hams said no agreement to extend the ongoing truce had been reached yet. “Efforts to extend the truce have not yet matured, and as for the offer that has been made to us to extend the truce, we do not find it worthy to study,” said Osama Hamdan, a senior Hamas official in Lebanon. On Wednesday, two Russian hostages, identified as Yelena Trupanov, 50, and 73-year-old Irena Tati were released by Hamas via the Rafah crossing. (With inputs from agencies)

'My answer is...': Israeli PM Netanyahu reveals what will happen after truce deal expires

The Palestinian health ministry on Wednesday (Nov 29) said that shots fired from the Israeli military claimed the lives of an eight-year-old boy and a teenager in the occupied West Bank city of Jenin.

"Adam al-Ghul, eight years old, and Bassem Abu el-Wafa, 15 years old, were killed by bullets from the occupier,"&nbsp;the ministry released a statement saying.

As per local media reports, the CCTV footage of the incident doing rounds on the internet shows a boy being hit by a bullet and falling in the street, prompting the other kids to flee from the site.

Several other images of the incident show a teenager also being struck by a bullet and falling, appearing to call for help as more shots hit the ground around him and other people run for cover, as per news agency AFP reports.

An official with the Palestinian Red Crescent told AFP that the boy and the teen had been on a side street of central Jenin's main thoroughfare, an area apparently off limits to the Israeli army as it is solely under the control of the Palestinian Authority.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/10-month-old-baby-kfir-babis-held-hostage-by-hamas-killed-israel-in-works-to-confirm-report-664361">Hamas claims 10-month-old hostage Kfir Babis killed, 2 family members killed</a>

<h2>Israeli military says 'verifying' information</h2>

The Israeli military, on being asked about the deaths, said that it was "verifying" the details.

It said that the army personnel did carry an overnight raid in the Jenin refugee camp which it said "killed two high-ranking terrorists".

Out of the two, one was wanted over connection with attacks that claimed the lives of Israelis or wounded them.

Meanwhile, Hamas claimed that a ten-month-old hostage, Kfir Babis was killed along with two family members in an alleged Israeli airstrike before the truce.&nbsp;

Hamas' armed wing Al-Qassam Brigades made the claims, to which Israel reacted saying that it is still verifying the reports. The militant group failed to provide any evidence supporting its claims over the killing of the baby.&nbsp;

The Palestinian militant group further stated that the baby's mother, 30-year-old mother Shiri Silberman-Babis and four-year-old brother Ariel, were also killed in the Israeli bombardment.

The Israeli army said that it is investigating the reports. It released a statement saying that it was "verifying the accuracy of the information."

"Hamas is endangering the lives of all the hostages in the Gaza Strip, which includes nine children, and is responsible for their security," an IDF statement said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

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.

The Palestinian health ministry on Wednesday (Nov 29) said that shots fired from the Israeli military claimed the lives of an eight-year-old boy and a teenager in the occupied West Bank city of Jenin.

The Palestinian health ministry on Wednesday (Nov 29) said that shots fired from the Israeli military claimed the lives of an eight-year-old boy and a teenager in the occupied West Bank city of Jenin. "Adam al-Ghul, eight years old, and Bassem Abu el-Wafa, 15 years old, were killed by bullets from the occupier," the ministry released a statement saying. As per local media reports, the CCTV footage of the incident doing rounds on the internet shows a boy being hit by a bullet and falling in the street, prompting the other kids to flee from the site. Several other images of the incident show a teenager also being struck by a bullet and falling, appearing to call for help as more shots hit the ground around him and other people run for cover, as per news agency AFP reports. An official with the Palestinian Red Crescent told AFP that the boy and the teen had been on a side street of central Jenin's main thoroughfare, an area apparently off limits to the Israeli army as it is solely under the control of the Palestinian Authority. Also read: Hamas claims 10-month-old hostage Kfir Babis killed, 2 family members killed Israeli military says 'verifying' information The Israeli military, on being asked about the deaths, said that it was "verifying" the details. It said that the army personnel did carry an overnight raid in the Jenin refugee camp which it said "killed two high-ranking terrorists". Out of the two, one was wanted over connection with attacks that claimed the lives of Israelis or wounded them. Meanwhile, Hamas claimed that a ten-month-old hostage, Kfir Babis was killed along with two family members in an alleged Israeli airstrike before the truce. Hamas' armed wing Al-Qassam Brigades made the claims, to which Israel reacted saying that it is still verifying the reports. The militant group failed to provide any evidence supporting its claims over the killing of the baby. The Palestinian militant group further stated that the baby's mother, 30-year-old mother Shiri Silberman-Babis and four-year-old brother Ariel, were also killed in the Israeli bombardment. The Israeli army said that it is investigating the reports. It released a statement saying that it was "verifying the accuracy of the information." "Hamas is endangering the lives of all the hostages in the Gaza Strip, which includes nine children, and is responsible for their security," an IDF statement said. (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.

Eight-year-old boy, teenager shot dead in West Bank, says Palestinian health ministry

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