Tel Aviv, Israel
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday (Dec 15) that Israel does not seek a confrontation with Syria. This comes just days after he ordered Israeli forces into the UN-patrolled buffer zone in the Golan Heights, a region between the two countries forces.
“We have no interest in confronting Syria. We will determine Israel's policy towards Syria according to the emerging reality on the ground,” Netanyahu said in a video message.
He further said that Israel is committed to preventing Hezbollah, the Iran-backed group based in Lebanon, from rearming saying “this is a continuous test of Israel, we must withstand it - and we will withstand it.“
<h2>Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Chief says Israel will 'pay a heavy price'</h2>
Meanwhile, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Chief, General Hossein Salami, warned that Israel would "pay a heavy price" and "be buried" in Syria. According to Iran’s state television, General Salami said, “The Zionists will pay a heavy price; they will be buried in this land, but this will require some time.”
He also addressed Iran’s state television on the situation following the withdrawal of Iranian forces after Assad’s regime collapsed, adding that “terrible” events had occurred since. General Salami added that Iran's involvement in Syria was aimed at protecting the country’s dignity. Iran had been Assad’s strongest regional supporter during Syria's decade-long civil war, and while Tehran has consistently described its role as advisory, hundreds of Iranian forces were killed in the conflict.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/west-asia-crisis-israel-strikes-syria-overnight-as-rebel-leader-warns-of-unwarranted-escalation-784154">Israel strikes Syria overnight; rebel leader warns of 'unwarranted escalation'</a>
On December 8, Syria’s army command issued a statement announcing that President Bashar al-Assad’s government had fallen. This came after armed groups, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), entered Damascus.
The HTS-led offensive to overthrow Assad’s government began on November 27, launching from their stronghold in Idlib, located in Syria’s western region.
(With inputs from agencies)
Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq and non-state actors like Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

“We have no interest in confronting Syria. We will determine Israel's policy towards Syria according to the emerging reality on the ground,” Netanyahu said in a video message.



Tel Aviv, Israel Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday (Dec 15) that Israel does not seek a confrontation with Syria. This comes just days after he ordered Israeli forces into the UN-patrolled buffer zone in the Golan Heights, a region between the two countries forces. “We have no interest in confronting Syria. We will determine Israel's policy towards Syria according to the emerging reality on the ground,” Netanyahu said in a video message. He further said that Israel is committed to preventing Hezbollah, the Iran-backed group based in Lebanon, from rearming saying “this is a continuous test of Israel, we must withstand it - and we will withstand it.“ Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Chief says Israel will 'pay a heavy price' Meanwhile, Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Chief, General Hossein Salami, warned that Israel would "pay a heavy price" and "be buried" in Syria. According to Iran’s state television, General Salami said, “The Zionists will pay a heavy price; they will be buried in this land, but this will require some time.” He also addressed Iran’s state television on the situation following the withdrawal of Iranian forces after Assad’s regime collapsed, adding that “terrible” events had occurred since. General Salami added that Iran's involvement in Syria was aimed at protecting the country’s dignity. Iran had been Assad’s strongest regional supporter during Syria's decade-long civil war, and while Tehran has consistently described its role as advisory, hundreds of Iranian forces were killed in the conflict. Also read: Israel strikes Syria overnight; rebel leader warns of 'unwarranted escalation' On December 8, Syria’s army command issued a statement announcing that President Bashar al-Assad’s government had fallen. This came after armed groups, led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), entered Damascus. The HTS-led offensive to overthrow Assad’s government began on November 27, launching from their stronghold in Idlib, located in Syria’s western region. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq and non-state actors like Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Netanyahu says Israel has 'no interest in confronting Syria'

Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers on Sunday (Dec 8) captured a strategic Syrian Army outpost at the summit of Mount Hermon in the Golan Heights in the wake of the fall of the Assad regime in the West Asian nation, Israeli state media reported.

The Israeli Army&nbsp;had earlier on Sunday said&nbsp;it was progressing into the buffer zone, a demilitarised area in the Golan Heights.&nbsp;

The move, it said, was aimed at preventing rebel forces from seizing control of the area and launching potential attacks on Israel.

<h2>Netanyahu says ordered army to capture Syria buffer zone as pact had collapsed</h2>

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday (Dec 8) said that he had ordered his military to capture the demilitarised buffer zone on the border with Syria after the fall of Bashar al-Assad in Damascus.

He said that a "disengagement agreement", that dated back to 50 years between the two countries had collapsed and "Syrian forces have abandoned their positions".

"I directed the IDF (military) yesterday to seize the buffer zone and the commanding positions nearby. We will not allow any hostile force to establish itself on our border."

On Sunday, the army announced a troop deployment there, citing "the possible entry of armed individuals into the buffer zone".

"Following the recent events in Syria... the IDF (military) has deployed forces in the buffer zone and in several other places necessary for its defence, to ensure the safety of the communities of the Golan Heights and the citizens of Israel," a military statement said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-ordered-military-to-seize-syria-buffer-zone-idf-says-defensive-measure-782505">Netanyahu orders military to seize Syria buffer zone; IDF says it's temporary</a>

Israeli forces "will continue to operate as long as necessary in order to preserve the buffer zone and defend Israel", it added.

<h2>Israel strikes weapons depot in Damascus</h2>

Israel also launched an airstrike on a weapons depot in Damascus, reported news agency Reuters citing China Global Television Network (CGTN).

A CGTN reporter shot a video that showed how the Israeli military struck the weapon facility to prevent it from falling into the hands of Syrian rebel forces who have "anti-Israeli sentiments".

"As we can see here, it looks like that the Israelis, they don't want the weapons of the Syrian military to be looted or to be scattered in hands of rebels because now they don't know who the weapons here are. There are people from everywhere, everywhere who's carrying a weapon, a light weapon is considered a rebel,"&nbsp;said Hydar Kazwini.

"So the Israelis don't know the orientation of them. They don't know their objectives, whether they are rebels, they have anti-Israeli sentiments. So they're striking all the maybe cutting-edge weapons that can be found when the Syrian military evacuated places. They are just preventing those weapons from reaching to the Syrian rebels,"

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq and non-state actors like Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

(With inputs from agencies)

Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers on Sunday (Dec 8) captured a strategic Syrian Army outpost at the summit of Mount Hermon in the Golan Heights in the wake of the fall of the Assad regime in the West Asian nation, Israeli state media reported.

Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers on Sunday (Dec 8) captured a strategic Syrian Army outpost at the summit of Mount Hermon in the Golan Heights in the wake of the fall of the Assad regime in the West Asian nation, Israeli state media reported. The Israeli Army had earlier on Sunday said it was progressing into the buffer zone, a demilitarised area in the Golan Heights. The move, it said, was aimed at preventing rebel forces from seizing control of the area and launching potential attacks on Israel. Netanyahu says ordered army to capture Syria buffer zone as pact had collapsed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday (Dec 8) said that he had ordered his military to capture the demilitarised buffer zone on the border with Syria after the fall of Bashar al-Assad in Damascus. He said that a "disengagement agreement", that dated back to 50 years between the two countries had collapsed and "Syrian forces have abandoned their positions". "I directed the IDF (military) yesterday to seize the buffer zone and the commanding positions nearby. We will not allow any hostile force to establish itself on our border." On Sunday, the army announced a troop deployment there, citing "the possible entry of armed individuals into the buffer zone". "Following the recent events in Syria... the IDF (military) has deployed forces in the buffer zone and in several other places necessary for its defence, to ensure the safety of the communities of the Golan Heights and the citizens of Israel," a military statement said. Also read: Netanyahu orders military to seize Syria buffer zone; IDF says it's temporary Israeli forces "will continue to operate as long as necessary in order to preserve the buffer zone and defend Israel", it added. Israel strikes weapons depot in Damascus Israel also launched an airstrike on a weapons depot in Damascus, reported news agency Reuters citing China Global Television Network (CGTN). A CGTN reporter shot a video that showed how the Israeli military struck the weapon facility to prevent it from falling into the hands of Syrian rebel forces who have "anti-Israeli sentiments". "As we can see here, it looks like that the Israelis, they don't want the weapons of the Syrian military to be looted or to be scattered in hands of rebels because now they don't know who the weapons here are. There are people from everywhere, everywhere who's carrying a weapon, a light weapon is considered a rebel," said Hydar Kazwini. "So the Israelis don't know the orientation of them. They don't know their objectives, whether they are rebels, they have anti-Israeli sentiments. So they're striking all the maybe cutting-edge weapons that can be found when the Syrian military evacuated places. They are just preventing those weapons from reaching to the Syrian rebels," Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq and non-state actors like Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel seizes Syrian Army outpost at the summit of Mount Hermon after Assad flees

Israel has&nbsp;destroyed&nbsp;significant military sites in Syria with a wave of airstrikes since the ouster of president Bashar al-Assad, said a war monitor on Tuesday (Dec 10).

"Israel destroyed the most important military sites in Syria, including Syrian airports and their warehouses, aircraft squadrons, radars, military signal stations, and many weapons and ammunition depots in various locations in most Syrian governorates," the Britain-based Observatory said in a statement Tuesday.&nbsp;

Israel targeted an air defence facility in the vicinity of the port city of Latakia, destroying Syria's naval ships as well as military warehouses.

<h2>Israel seizes Syrian Army outpost at the summit of Mount Hermon</h2>

Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers on Sunday (Dec 8) captured a strategic Syrian Army outpost at the summit of Mount Hermon in the Golan Heights in the wake of the fall of the Assad regime in the West Asian nation, Israeli state media reported.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/syrian-conflict-us-nsa-sullivan-to-visit-israel-for-talks-on-syria-as-rebels-take-over-updates-782755">US NSA Sullivan to visit Israel for talks on Syria as rebels take over nation</a>

The Israeli Army had earlier on Sunday said it was progressing into the buffer zone, a demilitarised area in the Golan Heights.&nbsp;

The move, it said, was aimed at preventing rebel forces from seizing control of the area and launching potential attacks on Israel.

<h2>Netanyahu says ordered army to capture Syria buffer zone as pact had collapsed</h2>

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday (Dec 8) said that he had ordered his military to capture the demilitarised buffer zone on the border with Syria after the fall of Bashar al-Assad in Damascus.

He said that a "disengagement agreement", that dated back to 50 years between the two countries had collapsed and "Syrian forces have abandoned their positions".

"I directed the IDF (military) yesterday to seize the buffer zone and the commanding positions nearby. We will not allow any hostile force to establish itself on our border."

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq and non-state actors like Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

(With inputs from agencies)

Israel has destroyed significant military sites in Syria with a wave of airstrikes since the ouster of president Bashar al-Assad, said a war monitor on Tuesday (Dec 10).

Israel has destroyed significant military sites in Syria with a wave of airstrikes since the ouster of president Bashar al-Assad, said a war monitor on Tuesday (Dec 10). "Israel destroyed the most important military sites in Syria, including Syrian airports and their warehouses, aircraft squadrons, radars, military signal stations, and many weapons and ammunition depots in various locations in most Syrian governorates," the Britain-based Observatory said in a statement Tuesday. Israel targeted an air defence facility in the vicinity of the port city of Latakia, destroying Syria's naval ships as well as military warehouses. Israel seizes Syrian Army outpost at the summit of Mount Hermon Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers on Sunday (Dec 8) captured a strategic Syrian Army outpost at the summit of Mount Hermon in the Golan Heights in the wake of the fall of the Assad regime in the West Asian nation, Israeli state media reported. Also read: US NSA Sullivan to visit Israel for talks on Syria as rebels take over nation The Israeli Army had earlier on Sunday said it was progressing into the buffer zone, a demilitarised area in the Golan Heights. The move, it said, was aimed at preventing rebel forces from seizing control of the area and launching potential attacks on Israel. Netanyahu says ordered army to capture Syria buffer zone as pact had collapsed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday (Dec 8) said that he had ordered his military to capture the demilitarised buffer zone on the border with Syria after the fall of Bashar al-Assad in Damascus. He said that a "disengagement agreement", that dated back to 50 years between the two countries had collapsed and "Syrian forces have abandoned their positions". "I directed the IDF (military) yesterday to seize the buffer zone and the commanding positions nearby. We will not allow any hostile force to establish itself on our border." Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq and non-state actors like Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel destroys key military sites in Syria as it carries out dozens of air strikes

In the wake of the ouster of Assad regime by rebel forces, the US launched airstrikes over Islamic State&nbsp;camps in Syria, said the US Central Command (CENTCOM).

In India, more than 40 schools in national capital Delhi receive bomb threats through e-mails on Monday morning (Dec 9). The schools which received the bomb threat included Delhi Public School located in RK Puram and GD Goenka School in Paschim Vihar in the early morning hours, as per news agency ANI.&nbsp;

Click on the headlines for more

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-toppling-of-assad-us-airstrikes-isis-camps-hidden-in-syria-782556">After toppling of Assad, US airstrikes ISIS camps hidden in Syria</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/12/09/470232-syria.png?imwidth=400" />

The operation included “dozens of precision airstrikes” and more than 75 targets were hit using Air Force assets like B-52s, F-15s and A-10s in central Syria.&nbsp;“The strikes against the ISIS leaders, operatives, and camps were conducted as part of the ongoing mission to disrupt, degrade and defeat ISIS, in order to prevent the terrorist group from conducting external operations and to ensure that ISIS does not seek to take advantage of the current situation to reconstitute in central Syria,” read the CENTCOM’s statement.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/two-schools-in-indias-national-capital-receive-bomb-threats-children-sent-back-782530">More than 40 schools in India's capital receive bomb threats via email</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/12/09/470217-dps-rk-puram-2.png?imwidth=400" />

According to Delhi Police, the email read,&nbsp;"I planted multiple bombs inside (school) buildings. The bombs are small and hidden very well. It will not cause much damage to the building, but many people will be injured when the bombs detonate. If I do not receive $30,000 I will detonate the bombs." The email was sent to school authorities on Sunday night (Dec 08) at 11:38 pm local time.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-security-council-to-hold-emergency-meeting-to-discuss-situation-in-syria-as-assad-flees-country-782534">UN Security Council to hold emergency meeting to discuss situation in Syria</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/12/09/470220-00036pl8w4.jpg?imwidth=400" />

The UN Security Council is set to hold an emergency closed-door meeting on Monday afternoon (Dec 9) to discuss the situation in Syria, following President Bashar al-Assad's fleeing the country, news agency AFP reported citing multiple diplomatic sources.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-seizes-syrian-army-outpost-at-the-summit-of-mount-hermon-after-assad-flees-report-782560">Israel seizes Syrian army outpost at the summit of Mount Hermon: Report</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/12/09/470237-00036pw3ak.jpg?imwidth=400" />

Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers on Sunday (Dec 8) captured a strategic Syrian army outpost at the summit of Mount Hermon in the Golan Heights, said the Israeli state media reports.&nbsp;The army had earlier on Sunday declared that it was progressing into the buffer zone, a demilitarized area in the Golan Heights.&nbsp;

WATCH:&nbsp;Syrian Rebels Capture Damascus Forcing Assad to Flee in a Big Blow to Russia &amp; Iran 
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In the wake of the ouster of Assad regime by rebel forces, the US launched airstrikes over Islamic State camps in Syria, said the US Central Command (CENTCOM). In India, more than 40 schools in national capital Delhi receive bomb threats through e-mails on Monday morning (Dec 9).

In the wake of the ouster of Assad regime by rebel forces, the US launched airstrikes over Islamic State camps in Syria, said the US Central Command (CENTCOM). In India, more than 40 schools in national capital Delhi receive bomb threats through e-mails on Monday morning (Dec 9). The schools which received the bomb threat included Delhi Public School located in RK Puram and GD Goenka School in Paschim Vihar in the early morning hours, as per news agency ANI. Click on the headlines for more After toppling of Assad, US airstrikes ISIS camps hidden in Syria The operation included “dozens of precision airstrikes” and more than 75 targets were hit using Air Force assets like B-52s, F-15s and A-10s in central Syria. “The strikes against the ISIS leaders, operatives, and camps were conducted as part of the ongoing mission to disrupt, degrade and defeat ISIS, in order to prevent the terrorist group from conducting external operations and to ensure that ISIS does not seek to take advantage of the current situation to reconstitute in central Syria,” read the CENTCOM’s statement. More than 40 schools in India's capital receive bomb threats via email According to Delhi Police, the email read, "I planted multiple bombs inside (school) buildings. The bombs are small and hidden very well. It will not cause much damage to the building, but many people will be injured when the bombs detonate. If I do not receive $30,000 I will detonate the bombs." The email was sent to school authorities on Sunday night (Dec 08) at 11:38 pm local time. UN Security Council to hold emergency meeting to discuss situation in Syria The UN Security Council is set to hold an emergency closed-door meeting on Monday afternoon (Dec 9) to discuss the situation in Syria, following President Bashar al-Assad's fleeing the country, news agency AFP reported citing multiple diplomatic sources. Israel seizes Syrian army outpost at the summit of Mount Hermon: Report Israel Defense Forces (IDF) soldiers on Sunday (Dec 8) captured a strategic Syrian army outpost at the summit of Mount Hermon in the Golan Heights, said the Israeli state media reports. The army had earlier on Sunday declared that it was progressing into the buffer zone, a demilitarized area in the Golan Heights. WATCH: Syrian Rebels Capture Damascus Forcing Assad to Flee in a Big Blow to Russia & Iran ×

Morning news brief: UN Security Council to hold emergency meeting; Israel takes over Syrian Hermon, and more

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad in Syria was a "historic day in the... Middle East" and the fall of a "central link in Iran's axis of evil".

Netanyahu said the events are "a direct result of the blows we have inflicted on Iran and Hezbollah, Assad's main supporters. It has triggered a chain reaction across the Middle East, empowering those seeking to break free from this oppressive regime."

He spoke on a visit to the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights.

In recent months, Israel has killed commanders in Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as well as the senior leaders of Palestinian Hamas and Lebanese Hezbollah, both of which are backed by Tehran.

The Israeli premier said Assad's overthrow "presents significant new opportunities" for Israel "but is not without risks".&nbsp;

He said his country was "pursuing a good neighbour policy".

"We extend a hand of peace to our Druze neighbours, who are brothers to our Druze citizens in Israel. We also extend this hand of peace to Kurds, Christians, and Muslims who wish to live peacefully with Israel," he added.

Syria is a multi-ethnic, multi-confessional country with significant minorities of Christians, Alawites, and Kurds, as well as the Druze, an ethno-religious Arab minority group with significant populations in Israel and Lebanon, and others.

"We will closely monitor developments and take the necessary steps to defend our border and our security," Netanyahu said.

He also said he had ordered the military to take control of a demilitarised buffer zone on the Syrian border.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz, speaking on the same trip, said of Iran: "Its tentacles are being severed one by one."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/armed-men-escort-syrian-pm-to-hotel-after-bashar-flees-country-782498">Armed men escort Syrian PM to hotel after Bashar flees country</a>

Islamist-led Syrian rebels overthrew more than five decades of rule by Assad and his father Hafez in a lightning offensive that began on November 27, dramatically overturning a years-long stalemate in the civil war that began in 2011.

Assad was propped up by substantial military support from Iran and its Lebanese ally Hezbollah, as well as by the Russian military from 2015 onwards.

The Israeli military killed long-time Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in a massive air strike on Beirut in September.

Since the Syrian civil war erupted in 2011, Israel carried out hundreds of strikes in the country, mainly targeting the army and Iran-backed groups.&nbsp;

The military intensified such strikes after almost a year of hostilities with Hezbollah in neighbouring Lebanon escalated in late September, before a ceasefire took effect on November 27, the same day Syria's rebel advance began.

Israel rarely comments on individual strikes in Syria but has repeatedly said it will not allow Iran to expand its presence in the country.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad in Syria was a "historic day in the... Middle East" and the fall of a "central link in Iran's axis of evil".

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad in Syria was a "historic day in the... Middle East" and the fall of a "central link in Iran's axis of evil". Netanyahu said the events are "a direct result of the blows we have inflicted on Iran and Hezbollah, Assad's main supporters. It has triggered a chain reaction across the Middle East, empowering those seeking to break free from this oppressive regime." He spoke on a visit to the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. In recent months, Israel has killed commanders in Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as well as the senior leaders of Palestinian Hamas and Lebanese Hezbollah, both of which are backed by Tehran. The Israeli premier said Assad's overthrow "presents significant new opportunities" for Israel "but is not without risks". He said his country was "pursuing a good neighbour policy". "We extend a hand of peace to our Druze neighbours, who are brothers to our Druze citizens in Israel. We also extend this hand of peace to Kurds, Christians, and Muslims who wish to live peacefully with Israel," he added. Syria is a multi-ethnic, multi-confessional country with significant minorities of Christians, Alawites, and Kurds, as well as the Druze, an ethno-religious Arab minority group with significant populations in Israel and Lebanon, and others. "We will closely monitor developments and take the necessary steps to defend our border and our security," Netanyahu said. He also said he had ordered the military to take control of a demilitarised buffer zone on the Syrian border. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz, speaking on the same trip, said of Iran: "Its tentacles are being severed one by one." Also read | Armed men escort Syrian PM to hotel after Bashar flees country Islamist-led Syrian rebels overthrew more than five decades of rule by Assad and his father Hafez in a lightning offensive that began on November 27, dramatically overturning a years-long stalemate in the civil war that began in 2011. Assad was propped up by substantial military support from Iran and its Lebanese ally Hezbollah, as well as by the Russian military from 2015 onwards. The Israeli military killed long-time Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in a massive air strike on Beirut in September. Since the Syrian civil war erupted in 2011, Israel carried out hundreds of strikes in the country, mainly targeting the army and Iran-backed groups. The military intensified such strikes after almost a year of hostilities with Hezbollah in neighbouring Lebanon escalated in late September, before a ceasefire took effect on November 27, the same day Syria's rebel advance began. Israel rarely comments on individual strikes in Syria but has repeatedly said it will not allow Iran to expand its presence in the country. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

‘Historic day’: Israeli PM Netanyahu on overthrow of Bashar al-Assad in Syria

Nine people were killed in Israeli strikes on villages in southern Lebanon Monday, after Israel said it was taking aim at dozens of Hezbollah targets in retaliation for an attack claimed by the militant group amid a fragile ceasefire.&nbsp;

Both Israel and Hezbollah faced accusations Monday of breaching the truce, which took effect on Wednesday to end a war that has killed thousands of people in Lebanon and sparked mass displacements on both sides of the border.

The Israeli military in a statement said it "struck Hezbollah terrorists, dozens of launchers, and terrorist infrastructure throughout Lebanon".

"Israel demands that the relevant parties in Lebanon fulfil their responsibilities and prevent Hezbollah's hostile activity," the statement said.

Lebanon's health ministry said the strikes killed five people and wounded two in the village of Haris "in an initial toll", while in the village of Tallous, another four people were killed and one wounded.

Earlier, Hezbollah said it had launched an attack targeting an Israeli position in "the occupied hills of Kfar Shouba", in a disputed part of the border area between Israel and Lebanon.

Israel's military said Hezbollah had launched two projectiles towards one of its posts in the area of Har Dov, Israel's term for the disputed Shebaa Farms.

After that attack, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Hezbollah of a "serious violation" and vowed to "respond forcefully".

"We are determined to uphold the ceasefire and respond to any violation by Hezbollah, no matter how minor or serious," he said.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz also vowed a "harsh response".

Shortly afterwards, the Israeli military said it was striking targets in Lebanon.

Lebanon's official National News Agency reported strikes on areas of south Lebanon, where Hezbollah has long held sway, that are located around 20 kilometres (12 miles) from the border with Israel.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-ex-minister-accuses-israel-of-ethnic-cleansing-in-northern-gaza-strip-780934">Israel-Hamas war: Ex-minister accuses Israel of ethnic cleansing in northern Gaza Strip</a>

<h2>'Aggressive actions'&nbsp;</h2>

Israel has carried out a near-daily series of strikes in southern Lebanon since the ceasefire was put in place, and earlier on Monday Beirut's powerful parliament speaker Nabih Berri accused it of violating the truce.

"The aggressive actions carried out by Israeli occupation forces... represent a flagrant violation of the terms of the ceasefire agreement," said Berri, who helped mediate the truce on behalf of ally Hezbollah.

The fighting escalated after Israel moved its focus from Gaza to Lebanon in September to secure its northern border from Hezbollah attacks, dealing the Iran-backed Shiite Muslim movement a series of stunning blows.

Also Monday, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot told Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar in a call of "the need for all sides to respect the ceasefire in Lebanon", the foreign ministry said.

Saar rejected accusations that Israel had violated the truce, claiming instead that his country's strikes were "enforcing" the ceasefire.

"We hear claims that Israel is violating the ceasefire understandings in Lebanon. On the contrary! Israel is enforcing them in response to Hezbollah's violations, which demand immediate action," he said in a statement.

He also said Hezbollah had attempted to move weapons in southern Lebanon and their presence "south of the Litani river is the most basic violation of the understandings".

Under the deal, Hezbollah must withdraw its fighters from areas south of the river, and dismantle its military infrastructure in the south.

As part of the agreement, the Lebanese army and United Nations peacekeepers will deploy in southern Lebanon as the Israeli army withdraws over a period of 60 days.

<h2>'Threats'&nbsp;</h2>

A committee involving France, UN peacekeepers, Israel, Lebanon and chaired by the United States is tasked with maintaining communication between the various parties and ensuring violations are identified and dealt with to avoid any escalation.

"We ask the technical committee formed to monitor the implementation of this agreement where it stands on ongoing violations... that have exceeded 54 breaches," Berri added, urging it to "oblige Israel to stop its violations and withdraw from territories it occupies".

The United States said on Monday it believed that a ceasefire was still holding in Lebanon and that it was looking at potential violations.

Israel escalated its campaign against Hezbollah in late September after nearly a year of cross-border exchanges launched by the militant group in support of its Palestinian ally Hamas and its October 7, 2023, attack on Israel.

Earlier on Monday, Lebanon's health ministry said an Israeli strike killed one person in the country's south, while the Lebanese army said an Israeli drone wounded a soldier in the east.

Israel's military said it was "aware of reports regarding a soldier from the Lebanese military who was injured in one of the strikes and the incident is under investigation".

The army said it was responding to "several acts by Hezbollah in Lebanon that posed a threat to Israeli civilians in violation of the understandings between Israel and Lebanon".

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.

Nine people were killed in Israeli strikes on villages in southern Lebanon Monday, after Israel said it was taking aim at dozens of Hezbollah targets in retaliation for an attack claimed by the militant group amid a fragile ceasefire.

Nine people were killed in Israeli strikes on villages in southern Lebanon Monday, after Israel said it was taking aim at dozens of Hezbollah targets in retaliation for an attack claimed by the militant group amid a fragile ceasefire. Both Israel and Hezbollah faced accusations Monday of breaching the truce, which took effect on Wednesday to end a war that has killed thousands of people in Lebanon and sparked mass displacements on both sides of the border. The Israeli military in a statement said it "struck Hezbollah terrorists, dozens of launchers, and terrorist infrastructure throughout Lebanon". "Israel demands that the relevant parties in Lebanon fulfil their responsibilities and prevent Hezbollah's hostile activity," the statement said. Lebanon's health ministry said the strikes killed five people and wounded two in the village of Haris "in an initial toll", while in the village of Tallous, another four people were killed and one wounded. Earlier, Hezbollah said it had launched an attack targeting an Israeli position in "the occupied hills of Kfar Shouba", in a disputed part of the border area between Israel and Lebanon. Israel's military said Hezbollah had launched two projectiles towards one of its posts in the area of Har Dov, Israel's term for the disputed Shebaa Farms. After that attack, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused Hezbollah of a "serious violation" and vowed to "respond forcefully". "We are determined to uphold the ceasefire and respond to any violation by Hezbollah, no matter how minor or serious," he said. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz also vowed a "harsh response". Shortly afterwards, the Israeli military said it was striking targets in Lebanon. Lebanon's official National News Agency reported strikes on areas of south Lebanon, where Hezbollah has long held sway, that are located around 20 kilometres (12 miles) from the border with Israel. Also read: Israel-Hamas war: Ex-minister accuses Israel of ethnic cleansing in northern Gaza Strip 'Aggressive actions' Israel has carried out a near-daily series of strikes in southern Lebanon since the ceasefire was put in place, and earlier on Monday Beirut's powerful parliament speaker Nabih Berri accused it of violating the truce. "The aggressive actions carried out by Israeli occupation forces... represent a flagrant violation of the terms of the ceasefire agreement," said Berri, who helped mediate the truce on behalf of ally Hezbollah. The fighting escalated after Israel moved its focus from Gaza to Lebanon in September to secure its northern border from Hezbollah attacks, dealing the Iran-backed Shiite Muslim movement a series of stunning blows. Also Monday, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot told Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar in a call of "the need for all sides to respect the ceasefire in Lebanon", the foreign ministry said. Saar rejected accusations that Israel had violated the truce, claiming instead that his country's strikes were "enforcing" the ceasefire. "We hear claims that Israel is violating the ceasefire understandings in Lebanon. On the contrary! Israel is enforcing them in response to Hezbollah's violations, which demand immediate action," he said in a statement. He also said Hezbollah had attempted to move weapons in southern Lebanon and their presence "south of the Litani river is the most basic violation of the understandings". Under the deal, Hezbollah must withdraw its fighters from areas south of the river, and dismantle its military infrastructure in the south. As part of the agreement, the Lebanese army and United Nations peacekeepers will deploy in southern Lebanon as the Israeli army withdraws over a period of 60 days. 'Threats' A committee involving France, UN peacekeepers, Israel, Lebanon and chaired by the United States is tasked with maintaining communication between the various parties and ensuring violations are identified and dealt with to avoid any escalation. "We ask the technical committee formed to monitor the implementation of this agreement where it stands on ongoing violations... that have exceeded 54 breaches," Berri added, urging it to "oblige Israel to stop its violations and withdraw from territories it occupies". The United States said on Monday it believed that a ceasefire was still holding in Lebanon and that it was looking at potential violations. Israel escalated its campaign against Hezbollah in late September after nearly a year of cross-border exchanges launched by the militant group in support of its Palestinian ally Hamas and its October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. Earlier on Monday, Lebanon's health ministry said an Israeli strike killed one person in the country's south, while the Lebanese army said an Israeli drone wounded a soldier in the east. Israel's military said it was "aware of reports regarding a soldier from the Lebanese military who was injured in one of the strikes and the incident is under investigation". The army said it was responding to "several acts by Hezbollah in Lebanon that posed a threat to Israeli civilians in violation of the understandings between Israel and Lebanon". Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Lebanon says nine killed in Israeli strikes on southern villages

Hamas&nbsp;on Saturday (Nov 30) published a video showing an Israeli-American hostage pleading for US President-elect Donald Trump's help in securing the release of those held captive by the Palestinian militant group in Gaza.

Edan Alexander addressed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Hebrew and Trump in English.

He then urged Israelis to demand action from the government to secure the release of the hostages held captive by Hamas since its attack on Israel on Oct 7, 2023.

Alexander's mother Yael, speaking later at a rally for the hostages in Tel Aviv on Saturday, said that the video has upset her, showing how the hostages are crying out for help.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-says-killed-a-gaza-militant-who-took-part-in-oct-7-attacks-hamas-ally-releases-new-hostage-video-780538">Israel says killed a Gaza militant who took part in Oct 7 attacks</a>

"This video has upset me, but beyond the hope it gives us, it shows how bad the situation is for Edan and the other hostages and how much they are crying out and hoping to be saved now," she said.

She then said that she had spoken to Netanyahu, further telling the crowd, "You must keep your promise and free them. This state is strong enough to end the war and bring them all back, including my Edan."

The Israeli prime minister's office released a statement saying that Netanyahu had "promised that Israel is determined to take every action to bring them back home, together with all of the hostages held by the enemy".

He also described the video's release as "cruel psychological warfare".

<h2>Cruel reminder of Hamas'&nbsp;terror: White House</h2>

White House National Security Council spokesman Sean Savett said that the video was "a cruel reminder of Hamas's terror".

"The war in Gaza would stop tomorrow and the suffering of Gazans would end... if Hamas agreed to release the hostages," Savett said in a statement.

The Hostage Families Forum campaign group meanwhile&nbsp;reiterated its calls for the release of hostages.

"One year after the first and only deal, it's clear to everyone: returning the hostages is only possible through a deal," it said in a statement.

(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.

Hamas on Saturday (Nov 30) published a video showing an Israeli-American hostage pleading for US President-elect Donald Trump's help in securing the release of those held captive by the Palestinian militant group in Gaza.

Hamas on Saturday (Nov 30) published a video showing an Israeli-American hostage pleading for US President-elect Donald Trump's help in securing the release of those held captive by the Palestinian militant group in Gaza. Edan Alexander addressed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Hebrew and Trump in English. He then urged Israelis to demand action from the government to secure the release of the hostages held captive by Hamas since its attack on Israel on Oct 7, 2023. Alexander's mother Yael, speaking later at a rally for the hostages in Tel Aviv on Saturday, said that the video has upset her, showing how the hostages are crying out for help. Also read: Israel says killed a Gaza militant who took part in Oct 7 attacks "This video has upset me, but beyond the hope it gives us, it shows how bad the situation is for Edan and the other hostages and how much they are crying out and hoping to be saved now," she said. She then said that she had spoken to Netanyahu, further telling the crowd, "You must keep your promise and free them. This state is strong enough to end the war and bring them all back, including my Edan." The Israeli prime minister's office released a statement saying that Netanyahu had "promised that Israel is determined to take every action to bring them back home, together with all of the hostages held by the enemy". He also described the video's release as "cruel psychological warfare". Cruel reminder of Hamas' terror: White House White House National Security Council spokesman Sean Savett said that the video was "a cruel reminder of Hamas's terror". "The war in Gaza would stop tomorrow and the suffering of Gazans would end... if Hamas agreed to release the hostages," Savett said in a statement. The Hostage Families Forum campaign group meanwhile reiterated its calls for the release of hostages. "One year after the first and only deal, it's clear to everyone: returning the hostages is only possible through a deal," it said in a statement. (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.

Hamas publishes video of Israeli-American hostage pleading for Trump's help in securing release

Iran is looking at this week's ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah as an opportunity to rebuild the Lebanon-based militant group, according to a report by the Washington Post.

The report, citing sources, said that the truce gives Iran a chance to reassess and regroup its most powerful proxy in the region and attempt to reestablish its deterrent capabilities.

As per the newspaper, Hezbollah was hoping for more support from Iran's other proxies present in the region at the time when Israel launched its military campaign against its sites across Lebanon.

“Lebanon was at its most vulnerable during heavy bombings, yet support from other members of the resistance axis, including Yemen and Iraq, was minimal at best,” one of the sources close to Hezbollah was quoted as saying.

During the war, Israel delivered several crushing blows to Hezbollah by killing the group's long-standing leader in September, along with other high-ranking officials.

“Iran is prepared to allocate funds for reconstruction and to ensure Hezbollah’s survival, as well as to maintain support within the Shiite community,” the source added according to the report.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-says-killed-a-gaza-militant-who-took-part-in-oct-7-attacks-hamas-ally-releases-new-hostage-video-780538">Israel says killed a Gaza militant who took part in Oct 7 attacks, Hamas ally releases new hostage video</a>

<h2>Iran welcomes ceasefire in Lebanon</h2>

Iran Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi welcomed the ceasefire on Wednesday (Nov. 27) and expressed hope that it would be permanent.&nbsp;

Araqchi further said that the ceasefire would ease tensions between Israel and Iran depending upon the behaviour of Israel.

“Of course, we reserve the right to respond to the recent Israeli aggression, but we are taking all developments in the region into account,” he said.

<h2>Israel says ceasefire with Hezbollah breached&nbsp;</h2>

Meanwhile, Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) Thursday (Nov. 28) reported the arrival of suspects into Lebanon's southern regions and called it a violation of the ceasefire by&nbsp;Hezbollah, reported news agency Reuters.

Earlier, the Lebanon-based militant organisation said its fighters were "full equipped to deal with the aspirations and assaults of the Israeli enemy” and said their forces had their hands on the "trigger." Earlier, Hezbollah claimed victory in the ongoing conflict with the Jewish nation without any mention of the fragile truce.

(With inputs from agencies)

Iran is looking at this week's ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah as an opportunity to rebuild the Lebanon-based militant group, according to a report by the Washington Post.

Iran is looking at this week's ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah as an opportunity to rebuild the Lebanon-based militant group, according to a report by the Washington Post. The report, citing sources, said that the truce gives Iran a chance to reassess and regroup its most powerful proxy in the region and attempt to reestablish its deterrent capabilities. As per the newspaper, Hezbollah was hoping for more support from Iran's other proxies present in the region at the time when Israel launched its military campaign against its sites across Lebanon. “Lebanon was at its most vulnerable during heavy bombings, yet support from other members of the resistance axis, including Yemen and Iraq, was minimal at best,” one of the sources close to Hezbollah was quoted as saying. During the war, Israel delivered several crushing blows to Hezbollah by killing the group's long-standing leader in September, along with other high-ranking officials. “Iran is prepared to allocate funds for reconstruction and to ensure Hezbollah’s survival, as well as to maintain support within the Shiite community,” the source added according to the report. Also read: Israel says killed a Gaza militant who took part in Oct 7 attacks, Hamas ally releases new hostage video Iran welcomes ceasefire in Lebanon Iran Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi welcomed the ceasefire on Wednesday (Nov. 27) and expressed hope that it would be permanent. Araqchi further said that the ceasefire would ease tensions between Israel and Iran depending upon the behaviour of Israel. “Of course, we reserve the right to respond to the recent Israeli aggression, but we are taking all developments in the region into account,” he said. Israel says ceasefire with Hezbollah breached Meanwhile, Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) Thursday (Nov. 28) reported the arrival of suspects into Lebanon's southern regions and called it a violation of the ceasefire by Hezbollah, reported news agency Reuters. Earlier, the Lebanon-based militant organisation said its fighters were "full equipped to deal with the aspirations and assaults of the Israeli enemy” and said their forces had their hands on the "trigger." Earlier, Hezbollah claimed victory in the ongoing conflict with the Jewish nation without any mention of the fragile truce. (With inputs from agencies)

Iran looking at Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire as opportunity to rebuild militant group: Report

Hezbollah Leader Naim Qassem in a defiant speech on Wednesday (Nov 20) rejected Israel's conditions for a ceasefire in Lebanon, asserting that Israel "cannot impose its conditions".

The Hezbollah leader's statement comes as US envoy Amos Hochstein headed to Israel to try to negotiate an end to the war.

Qassem, in his address, asserted, "Israel cannot defeat us and cannot impose its conditions on us."

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He added that his group was seeking a "complete and comprehensive end to the aggression" and "the preservation of Lebanon's sovereignty".

Qassem also vowed that Hezbollah will respond to the recent deadly Israeli air strikes on Beirut with an attack on "central Tel Aviv", Israel's densely populated commercial hub.

<h2>Israel has 'freedom to act' against Hezbollah</h2>

In a near-simultaneous statement to Qassem's, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said that any ceasefire deal must ensure that Israel still has the "freedom to act" against the militant group Hezbollah.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-us-blocks-un-push-calling-for-ceasefire-in-gaza-777763">Israel-Hamas war: US blocks UN push calling for ceasefire in Gaza</a>

<h2>Hochstein's mediation efforts</h2>

US mediator Amos Hochstein, as per reports, announced plans to travel to Israel after discussions in Beirut aimed at brokering a ceasefire.&nbsp;

Before leaving for Israel, he met with Lebanon's Hezbollah-allied parliament speaker Nabih Berri, who has led mediation efforts on Hezbollah's behalf.

Hochstein expressed cautious optimism and said Wednesday's meeting "made additional progress, so I will travel from here in a couple hours to Israel to try to bring this to a close if we can".

Previously, on Tuesday (Nov 19) he said that an end to the war was "within our grasp". 
&nbsp; 
The escalating conflict has had devastating consequences, with over 3,500 deaths reported in Lebanon since September, including 200 children. In Gaza, where the war initially began, the death toll from the resulting war has reached 43,985 people, a majority of them civilians.

(With inputs from agencies)

Hezbollah Leader Naim Qassem in a defiant speech on Wednesday (Nov 20) rejected Israel's conditions for a ceasefire in Lebanon, asserting that Israel "cannot impose its conditions".

Hezbollah Leader Naim Qassem in a defiant speech on Wednesday (Nov 20) rejected Israel's conditions for a ceasefire in Lebanon, asserting that Israel "cannot impose its conditions". The Hezbollah leader's statement comes as US envoy Amos Hochstein headed to Israel to try to negotiate an end to the war. Qassem, in his address, asserted, "Israel cannot defeat us and cannot impose its conditions on us." Also read | ‘Firepower dramatically reduced,’ IDF eliminates Hezbollah’s anti-tank missile commanders He added that his group was seeking a "complete and comprehensive end to the aggression" and "the preservation of Lebanon's sovereignty". Qassem also vowed that Hezbollah will respond to the recent deadly Israeli air strikes on Beirut with an attack on "central Tel Aviv", Israel's densely populated commercial hub. Israel has 'freedom to act' against Hezbollah In a near-simultaneous statement to Qassem's, Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar said that any ceasefire deal must ensure that Israel still has the "freedom to act" against the militant group Hezbollah. Also read | Israel-Hamas war: US blocks UN push calling for ceasefire in Gaza Hochstein's mediation efforts US mediator Amos Hochstein, as per reports, announced plans to travel to Israel after discussions in Beirut aimed at brokering a ceasefire. Before leaving for Israel, he met with Lebanon's Hezbollah-allied parliament speaker Nabih Berri, who has led mediation efforts on Hezbollah's behalf. Hochstein expressed cautious optimism and said Wednesday's meeting "made additional progress, so I will travel from here in a couple hours to Israel to try to bring this to a close if we can". Previously, on Tuesday (Nov 19) he said that an end to the war was "within our grasp". The escalating conflict has had devastating consequences, with over 3,500 deaths reported in Lebanon since September, including 200 children. In Gaza, where the war initially began, the death toll from the resulting war has reached 43,985 people, a majority of them civilians. (With inputs from agencies)

'Israel cannot defeat us': Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem rejects ceasefire terms

The earliest inscription of 'Jesus is God' was found on the floor of an Israeli prison and has been put on display in the United States. The discovery has been called "the greatest discovery since the Dead Sea Scrolls" by the researchers.&nbsp;

An inmate of the Megiddo prison found that 1,800-year-old mosaic which featured the ancient Greek writing: "The god-loving Akeptous has offered the table to God Jesus Christ as a memorial."

The first prayer hall of the world was decorated by the 581-square-foot mosaics in 230 AD which confirmed that it was believed by Christians from the beginning that Jesus was the son of God, The Daily Mail reported.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/this-2000-year-old-temple-is-submerged-underwater-in-italy-it-was-featured-in-indiana-jones-770096">THIS 2,000-year-old temple&nbsp;is submerged underwater in Italy. It was featured in 'Indiana Jones'</a>

In the Megiddo Mosaic were some earliest images of fish which had reference to the story in Luke 9:16 when two fishes were multiplied by Jesus to feed a crowd of 5,000 people as per experts.&nbsp;

<h2>Museum rents the floor of the mosaic&nbsp;</h2>

The floor earlier remained hidden beneath the prison since it was founded in 2005, however, it has now been rented out to a <a href="https://www.museumofthebible.org/magazine/exhibitions/the-megiddo-mosaic-a-community-coming-together-to-the-table">museum </a>in Washington&nbsp;DC till July 2025.

The museum's CEO Carlos Campo hailed the mosaic as "the greatest discovery since the Dead Sea Scrolls" and his colleagues said that it was "the most important archaeological discovery for understanding the early Christian church."

"We truly are among the first people to ever see this, to experience what almost 2,000 years ago was put together by a man named Brutius, the incredible craftsman who laid the flooring here," said Campo, at the opening of the exhibition.&nbsp;

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/marking-75th-year-of-constitution-adoption-india-to-get-constitution-museum-776088">Marking 75th year of Constitution adoption, India to get Constitution Museum</a>

Meanwhile, the curator of the exhibition Alegre Savariego said, "The mosaic presents groundbreaking physical evidence of the practices and beliefs of early Christians, including the first archaeological instance of the phrase, 'God Jesus Christ'.''&nbsp;

The discovery of Megiddo Mosaic was made in the Jezreel Valley where Christians believe the final battle of the Biblical Armageddon will occur as per the Book of Revelations.&nbsp;

Archaeologists from the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) conducted the excavation for four years to recover the 581-square-foot mosaic floor.

On the mosaic was mentioned the name of the Roman officer who is believed to have commissioned the tile. The inscription read, "Gaianus, a Roman officer, having sought honour, from his own money, has made the mosaic."

As per the researchers, this proves Romans coexisted with Christians in those times.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The earliest inscription of 'Jesus is God' was found on the floor of an Israeli prison and has been put on display in the United States. The discovery has been called "the greatest discovery since the Dead Sea Scrolls" by the researchers.

The earliest inscription of 'Jesus is God' was found on the floor of an Israeli prison and has been put on display in the United States. The discovery has been called "the greatest discovery since the Dead Sea Scrolls" by the researchers. An inmate of the Megiddo prison found that 1,800-year-old mosaic which featured the ancient Greek writing: "The god-loving Akeptous has offered the table to God Jesus Christ as a memorial." The first prayer hall of the world was decorated by the 581-square-foot mosaics in 230 AD which confirmed that it was believed by Christians from the beginning that Jesus was the son of God, The Daily Mail reported. Also Read: THIS 2,000-year-old temple is submerged underwater in Italy. It was featured in 'Indiana Jones' In the Megiddo Mosaic were some earliest images of fish which had reference to the story in Luke 9:16 when two fishes were multiplied by Jesus to feed a crowd of 5,000 people as per experts. Museum rents the floor of the mosaic The floor earlier remained hidden beneath the prison since it was founded in 2005, however, it has now been rented out to a museum in Washington DC till July 2025. The museum's CEO Carlos Campo hailed the mosaic as "the greatest discovery since the Dead Sea Scrolls" and his colleagues said that it was "the most important archaeological discovery for understanding the early Christian church." "We truly are among the first people to ever see this, to experience what almost 2,000 years ago was put together by a man named Brutius, the incredible craftsman who laid the flooring here," said Campo, at the opening of the exhibition. Also Read: Marking 75th year of Constitution adoption, India to get Constitution Museum Meanwhile, the curator of the exhibition Alegre Savariego said, "The mosaic presents groundbreaking physical evidence of the practices and beliefs of early Christians, including the first archaeological instance of the phrase, 'God Jesus Christ'.'' The discovery of Megiddo Mosaic was made in the Jezreel Valley where Christians believe the final battle of the Biblical Armageddon will occur as per the Book of Revelations. Archaeologists from the Israel Antiquities Authority (IAA) conducted the excavation for four years to recover the 581-square-foot mosaic floor. On the mosaic was mentioned the name of the Roman officer who is believed to have commissioned the tile. The inscription read, "Gaianus, a Roman officer, having sought honour, from his own money, has made the mosaic." As per the researchers, this proves Romans coexisted with Christians in those times. (With inputs from agencies)

Archaeologists find first 'Jesus is God' inscription in Israeli prison, call it 'greatest discovery'

Gaza's civil defence said 26 people, including children, were killed on Sunday and at least 59 were missing after an Israeli airstrike hit a building in the Palestinian territory's north.

Gaza's civil defence said 26 people, including children, were killed on Sunday and at least 59 were missing after an Israeli airstrike hit a building in the Palestinian territory's north. Following the strike early Sunday, 26 bodies were pulled from the rubble of the five-storey residential building in Beit Lahia, "including children and women", civil defence spokesman Mahmud Bassal told AFP. He added that at least 59 people were still trapped under the debris. AFP images showed men covered in dust scrambling to reach people under the rubble, while some of the bodies were taken away on a donkey-pulled cart. Other AFP images showed the flattened building with broken concrete and twisted metal sticking out from the ruins as more bodies covered in blankets lay nearby. Hamas, which runs the territory, accused Israel of committing a "massacre" which it said was "a continuation of the genocidal war and revenge against unarmed civilians". Also read: Two flash bombs fired towards Netanyahu's home in Caesarea, 3 arrested Earlier on Sunday, Gaza's civil defence said other Israeli strikes killed at least 20 people, including four women and three children, across the war-torn territory. Hamas-run Gaza's health ministry on Sunday said the overall death toll in more than 13 months of war had reached 43,846. The majority of the dead are civilians, according to ministry figures, which the United Nations considers reliable. Hamas's October 7, 2023, attack that sparked the war resulted in the deaths of 1,206 Israeli people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of Israeli official figures. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Gaza: 26 killed, 59 missing as Israeli air strike levels residential building

Israel's warfare in Gaza is consistent with the characteristics of genocide, a special UN committee said Thursday, accusing the country of "using starvation as a method of war".

The United Nations Special Committee pointed to "mass civilian casualties and life-threatening conditions intentionally imposed on Palestinians", in a fresh report covering the period from Hamas's deadly October 7 attack in Israel last year through to July.

"Through its siege over Gaza, obstruction of humanitarian aid, alongside targeted attacks and killing of civilians and aid workers, despite repeated UN appeals, binding orders from the International Court of Justice and resolutions of the Security Council, Israel is intentionally causing death, starvation and serious injury," it said in a statement.

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Israel's warfare practices in Gaza "are consistent with the characteristics of genocide", said the committee, which has for decades been investigating Israeli practices affecting rights in the occupied Palestinian territories.

Israel, it charged, was "using starvation as a method of war and inflicting collective punishment on the Palestinian population".

A UN-backed assessment at the weekend warned that famine was imminent in northern Gaza.&nbsp;

Thursday's report documented how Israel's extensive bombing campaign in Gaza had decimated essential services and unleashed an environmental catastrophe with lasting health impacts.

By February this year, Israeli forces had used more than 25,000 tonnes of explosives across the Gaza Strip, "equivalent to two nuclear bombs", the report pointed out.

<h2>AI-assisted targeting</h2>

"By destroying vital water, sanitation and food systems, and contaminating the environment, Israel has created a lethal mix of crises that will inflict severe harm on generations to come," the committee said.

The committee said it was "deeply alarmed by the unprecedented destruction of civilian infrastructure and the high death toll in Gaza", where more than 43,700 people have been killed since the war began, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory.

The staggering number of deaths raised serious concerns, it said, about Israel's use of artificial intelligence-enhanced targeting systems in its military operations.

"The Israeli military’s use of AI-assisted targeting, with minimal human oversight, combined with heavy bombs, underscores Israel’s disregard of its obligation to distinguish between civilians and combatants and take adequate safeguards to prevent civilian deaths," it said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/obvious-political-retribution-fbi-raids-polymarket-ceos-home-days-after-platform-predicted-trumps-win-776094">'Obvious political retribution': FBI raids Polymarket CEO's home days after platform predicted Trump's win</a>

It warned that reported new directives lowering the criteria for selecting targets and increasing the previously accepted ratio of civilian to combatant casualties appeared to have allowed the military to use AI systems to "rapidly generate tens of thousands of targets, as well as to track targets to their homes, particularly at night when families shelter together".&nbsp;

The committee stressed the obligations of other countries to urgently act to halt the bloodshed, saying that "other States are unwilling to hold Israel accountable and continue to provide it with military and other support".

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Israel's warfare in Gaza is consistent with the characteristics of genocide, a special UN committee said Thursday, accusing the country of "using starvation as a method of war".

Israel's warfare in Gaza is consistent with the characteristics of genocide, a special UN committee said Thursday, accusing the country of "using starvation as a method of war". The United Nations Special Committee pointed to "mass civilian casualties and life-threatening conditions intentionally imposed on Palestinians", in a fresh report covering the period from Hamas's deadly October 7 attack in Israel last year through to July. "Through its siege over Gaza, obstruction of humanitarian aid, alongside targeted attacks and killing of civilians and aid workers, despite repeated UN appeals, binding orders from the International Court of Justice and resolutions of the Security Council, Israel is intentionally causing death, starvation and serious injury," it said in a statement. Also read: Bolsonaro supporter dies in suicide blast outside Brazil Supreme Court Israel's warfare practices in Gaza "are consistent with the characteristics of genocide", said the committee, which has for decades been investigating Israeli practices affecting rights in the occupied Palestinian territories. Israel, it charged, was "using starvation as a method of war and inflicting collective punishment on the Palestinian population". A UN-backed assessment at the weekend warned that famine was imminent in northern Gaza. Thursday's report documented how Israel's extensive bombing campaign in Gaza had decimated essential services and unleashed an environmental catastrophe with lasting health impacts. By February this year, Israeli forces had used more than 25,000 tonnes of explosives across the Gaza Strip, "equivalent to two nuclear bombs", the report pointed out. AI-assisted targeting "By destroying vital water, sanitation and food systems, and contaminating the environment, Israel has created a lethal mix of crises that will inflict severe harm on generations to come," the committee said. The committee said it was "deeply alarmed by the unprecedented destruction of civilian infrastructure and the high death toll in Gaza", where more than 43,700 people have been killed since the war began, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory. The staggering number of deaths raised serious concerns, it said, about Israel's use of artificial intelligence-enhanced targeting systems in its military operations. "The Israeli military’s use of AI-assisted targeting, with minimal human oversight, combined with heavy bombs, underscores Israel’s disregard of its obligation to distinguish between civilians and combatants and take adequate safeguards to prevent civilian deaths," it said. Also read: 'Obvious political retribution': FBI raids Polymarket CEO's home days after platform predicted Trump's win It warned that reported new directives lowering the criteria for selecting targets and increasing the previously accepted ratio of civilian to combatant casualties appeared to have allowed the military to use AI systems to "rapidly generate tens of thousands of targets, as well as to track targets to their homes, particularly at night when families shelter together". The committee stressed the obligations of other countries to urgently act to halt the bloodshed, saying that "other States are unwilling to hold Israel accountable and continue to provide it with military and other support". Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

UN accuses Israel of 'genocidal warfare' in Gaza, citing mass casualties, starvation

The United Nations removed a quilt panel artwork after facing backlash claiming it called for the extermination of Israel. As per Fox News reports, the painting had a map of Israel without the West Bank or Gaza partition along with the Palestinian flag.

The United Nations removed a quilt panel artwork after facing backlash claiming it called for the extermination of Israel. As per Fox News reports, the painting had a map of Israel without the West Bank or Gaza partition along with the Palestinian flag. On the left side of the map in the painting, the phrase "From the river to the sea" was written followed by the right side that has the other part of the phrase that said "will be free". The phrase "From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free" from the 1960s has become a slogan for Palestine supporters against the Israeli occupation in Gaza after the October 7th attack that sparked the Israel-Hamas war. Also read | Military judge restores controversial plea deals for 9/11 terrorists, victims outraged by ruling The painting drew the attention of Israel's representative to the UN, Danny Danon, who called the artwork a "disgrace" and demanded the authorities to remove it from the display. The display was part of an exhibition called "Peace Flags" which was a way to "re-purpose fashion waste for positive impact," the UN said. The UN told Fox News that a staff member informed the organisation a few displays, along with the one with the phrase, could not be displayed. After which the painting was kept covered in the second week of October but "someone removed those covers" earlier this week. Also read | West Asia crisis: Israel intensifies strikes on Lebanon, at least 40 killed To criticise the painting by calling it the UN's lack of leadership, Danon took to X and wrote, "Yesterday, I exposed the hypocrisy of the UN through an exhibition featuring children’s drawings where the State of Israel was erased and filled with hateful imagery." He further added, "After firmly addressing the UN leadership this exhibition was fixed, and these antisemitic drawings were removed from the walls. We will stand up for truth, and each time we witness acts of antisemitism and hypocrisy, we will confront them head-on." (With inputs from agencies)

UN removes 'antisemitic' painting from display after backlash

Hezbollah's leader on Wednesday (Nov. 6) announced that the outcome of the US presidential election would not affect any potential ceasefire agreement to end the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.

"We don't base our expectations for a halt of the aggression on political developments... Whether (Kamala) Harris wins or (Donald) Trump wins, it means nothing to us," he said in a recorded address given before Trump declared his victory.

"We have tens of thousands of trained resistance combatants prepared to engage in combat," Naim Qassem said during a speech commemorating 40 days since his predecessor's death.

Qassem further cautioned that no location in Israel would be considered "off-limits" for Hezbollah's attacks.

"What will stop this... war is the battlefield," he added, referencing ongoing clashes in southern Lebanon and Hezbollah's strikes on Israel.

This was Qassem's second address since being appointed Hezbollah’s secretary-general last week. He took over from the former leader, Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed in a major Israeli airstrike on Hezbollah’s stronghold in southern Beirut.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indian-pm-modi-joins-world-leaders-to-congratulate-trump-on-his-win-in-us-election-773939">India's Modi joins world leaders to congratulate Trump on his win in US polls</a>

In a separate development, airstrikes hit areas in south Beirut on Wednesday, roughly an hour after Israel issued evacuation warnings for three regions in Hezbollah's main stronghold. One of the strikes caused a loud explosion that was heard across much of the capital, according to witnesses cited by AFP.

Israel's military spokesperson, Avichay Adraee, warned residents to leave the southern suburbs of Burj al-Barajneh, Laylaki, and Haret Hreik in a post on X.

"You are located near facilities and interests affiliated with Hezbollah, against which the (military) will act in the near future," Adraee stated as Naim Qassem’s speech was being broadcast.

Earlier on Wednesday, Lebanon’s official National News Agency reported Israeli airstrikes on the eastern Bekaa Valley and the southern city of Nabatiyeh.

(With inputs from agencies)

Hezbollah's leader on Wednesday (Nov. 6) announced that the outcome of the US presidential election would not affect any potential ceasefire agreement to end the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.

Hezbollah's leader on Wednesday (Nov. 6) announced that the outcome of the US presidential election would not affect any potential ceasefire agreement to end the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. "We don't base our expectations for a halt of the aggression on political developments... Whether (Kamala) Harris wins or (Donald) Trump wins, it means nothing to us," he said in a recorded address given before Trump declared his victory. "We have tens of thousands of trained resistance combatants prepared to engage in combat," Naim Qassem said during a speech commemorating 40 days since his predecessor's death. Qassem further cautioned that no location in Israel would be considered "off-limits" for Hezbollah's attacks. "What will stop this... war is the battlefield," he added, referencing ongoing clashes in southern Lebanon and Hezbollah's strikes on Israel. This was Qassem's second address since being appointed Hezbollah’s secretary-general last week. He took over from the former leader, Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed in a major Israeli airstrike on Hezbollah’s stronghold in southern Beirut. Also read: India's Modi joins world leaders to congratulate Trump on his win in US polls In a separate development, airstrikes hit areas in south Beirut on Wednesday, roughly an hour after Israel issued evacuation warnings for three regions in Hezbollah's main stronghold. One of the strikes caused a loud explosion that was heard across much of the capital, according to witnesses cited by AFP. Israel's military spokesperson, Avichay Adraee, warned residents to leave the southern suburbs of Burj al-Barajneh, Laylaki, and Haret Hreik in a post on X. "You are located near facilities and interests affiliated with Hezbollah, against which the (military) will act in the near future," Adraee stated as Naim Qassem’s speech was being broadcast. Earlier on Wednesday, Lebanon’s official National News Agency reported Israeli airstrikes on the eastern Bekaa Valley and the southern city of Nabatiyeh. (With inputs from agencies)

'It means nothing to us': Hezbollah chief says ceasefire with Israel won’t depend on US election result

The Israeli military announced on Monday (Nov 4) that it has 'eliminated' Abu Ali Rida, a Hezbollah commander, in an airstrike in southern Lebanon as the Israeli Air Force intensifies its attacks.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) posted on X, "The IAF struck and eliminated Abu Ali Rida, the Hezbollah commander of the Baraachit area in southern Lebanon. Abu Ali Rida was responsible for planning and executing rocket and anti-tank missile attacks on IDF troops and oversaw the terrorist activities of Hezbollah operatives in the area."

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🔴ELIMINATED: 2 Terrorists on 2 Fronts 
 
📍Lebanon: 
The IAF struck and eliminated Abu Ali Rida, the Hezbollah commander of the Baraachit area in southern Lebanon. Abu Ali Rida was responsible for planning and executing rocket and anti-tank missile attacks on IDF troops and oversaw… <a href="https://t.co/x6UvnmZ5ix">pic.twitter.com/x6UvnmZ5ix</a>
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) <a href="https://twitter.com/IDF/status/1853313488422105530?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 4, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2>Who was Abu Ali Rida?</h2>

According to the Israeli military, Abu Ali Rida was the main person behind the planning and execution of rocket and anti-tank missile attacks on IDF troops. He also led Hezbollah operations in the Baraachit area of southern Lebanon.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-iranian-military-personnel-die-in-plane-crash-during-martyrs-of-security-exercise-near-pakistan-border-773212">Two Iranian military personnel die in plane crash during 'Martyrs of Security' exercise near Pakistan border</a>

 
The IDF further reported that Ahmed Al-Dalu, a member of the Islamic Jihad's Military Intelligence Unit in Gaza, was also killed. Al-Dalu took part in the October 7 attack on the Israeli community of Kfar Aza and was involved in planning attacks against Israeli citizens.

<h2>Background of the conflict</h2>

 
This conflict has escalated after nearly a year of rising tensions. Hezbollah has fired rockets into northern Israel, supporting Hamas. The current fighting began after a surprise attack on Israel on October 7 last year. 
&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ai-nostradamus-predicts-surprising-outcomes-for-us-elections-with-unforeseen-dark-horse-as-kingmaker-773241">AI Nostradamus predicts surprising outcomes for US elections with 'unforeseen' dark horse as 'kingmaker'</a>

Since late September, Israeli forces have increased airstrikes on Hezbollah targets, resulting in the deaths of several key figures, including the former chief, Hassan Nasrallah. The military campaign shows the growing tensions between Israel and Hezbollah in the region.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The Israeli military announced on Monday (Nov 4) that it has 'eliminated' Abu Ali Rida, a Hezbollah commander, in an airstrike in southern Lebanon as the Israeli Air Force intensifies its attacks.

The Israeli military announced on Monday (Nov 4) that it has 'eliminated' Abu Ali Rida, a Hezbollah commander, in an airstrike in southern Lebanon as the Israeli Air Force intensifies its attacks. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) posted on X, "The IAF struck and eliminated Abu Ali Rida, the Hezbollah commander of the Baraachit area in southern Lebanon. Abu Ali Rida was responsible for planning and executing rocket and anti-tank missile attacks on IDF troops and oversaw the terrorist activities of Hezbollah operatives in the area." 🔴ELIMINATED: 2 Terrorists on 2 Fronts 📍Lebanon: The IAF struck and eliminated Abu Ali Rida, the Hezbollah commander of the Baraachit area in southern Lebanon. Abu Ali Rida was responsible for planning and executing rocket and anti-tank missile attacks on IDF troops and oversaw… pic.twitter.com/x6UvnmZ5ix — Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) November 4, 2024 × Who was Abu Ali Rida? According to the Israeli military, Abu Ali Rida was the main person behind the planning and execution of rocket and anti-tank missile attacks on IDF troops. He also led Hezbollah operations in the Baraachit area of southern Lebanon. Also read | Two Iranian military personnel die in plane crash during 'Martyrs of Security' exercise near Pakistan border The IDF further reported that Ahmed Al-Dalu, a member of the Islamic Jihad's Military Intelligence Unit in Gaza, was also killed. Al-Dalu took part in the October 7 attack on the Israeli community of Kfar Aza and was involved in planning attacks against Israeli citizens. Background of the conflict This conflict has escalated after nearly a year of rising tensions. Hezbollah has fired rockets into northern Israel, supporting Hamas. The current fighting began after a surprise attack on Israel on October 7 last year. Also read | AI Nostradamus predicts surprising outcomes for US elections with 'unforeseen' dark horse as 'kingmaker' Since late September, Israeli forces have increased airstrikes on Hezbollah targets, resulting in the deaths of several key figures, including the former chief, Hassan Nasrallah. The military campaign shows the growing tensions between Israel and Hezbollah in the region. (With inputs from agencies)

Who was Abu Ali Rida? High-ranking Hezbollah commander 'eliminated' in Israeli airstrike

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged on Sunday to take a "firm" stand against Hezbollah's actions and to block any attempts by the group to rearm, according to a statement from his office, while visiting the northern border with Lebanon.

Addressing the soldiers stationed at the border, Netanyahu said, "I want to be clear: with or without an agreement, the key to restoring peace and security in the north, the key to bringing our northern residents back home safely, is first and foremost to push Hezbollah back beyond the Litani River, secondly to target any attempt to rearm, and thirdly to respond firmly to any action taken against us."

In a separate development, on Sunday, protesters in Tehran burned Israeli and US flags outside the former American embassy, commemorating the 1979 hostage crisis, a pivotal event in US-Iran relations. The US military announced on Saturday that American B-52 bombers had arrived in the Middle East as part of a military reinforcement to caution Iran.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/west-asia-crisis-israel-captures-senior-hezbollah-operative-in-north-lebanon-772872">West Asia crisis: Israel captures senior Hezbollah operative in North Lebanon</a>

Meanwhile, Iran’s president commented on a possible ceasefire between its allies and Israel on Sunday, saying that it "could influence" Tehran’s reaction to recent Israeli attacks on Iranian military positions.

"If they (the Israelis) reconsider their behaviour, accept a ceasefire and stop massacring the oppressed and innocent people of the region, it could affect the intensity and type of our response," Masoud Pezeshkian stated, as reported by IRNA, Iran's state news agency. He said that Iran "will not leave unanswered any aggression against its sovereignty and security."

Israeli jets conducted strikes on October 26 in retaliation, according to Israel, for a missile barrage from Tehran on October 1. Iran, in turn, said its attack was in response to the killing of Iran-backed militant leaders and a commander from the Revolutionary Guards.

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq and non-state actors like Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged on Sunday to take a "firm" stand against Hezbollah's actions and to block any attempts by the group to rearm, according to a statement from his office, while visiting the northern border with Lebanon.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged on Sunday to take a "firm" stand against Hezbollah's actions and to block any attempts by the group to rearm, according to a statement from his office, while visiting the northern border with Lebanon. Addressing the soldiers stationed at the border, Netanyahu said, "I want to be clear: with or without an agreement, the key to restoring peace and security in the north, the key to bringing our northern residents back home safely, is first and foremost to push Hezbollah back beyond the Litani River, secondly to target any attempt to rearm, and thirdly to respond firmly to any action taken against us." In a separate development, on Sunday, protesters in Tehran burned Israeli and US flags outside the former American embassy, commemorating the 1979 hostage crisis, a pivotal event in US-Iran relations. The US military announced on Saturday that American B-52 bombers had arrived in the Middle East as part of a military reinforcement to caution Iran. Also read: West Asia crisis: Israel captures senior Hezbollah operative in North Lebanon Meanwhile, Iran’s president commented on a possible ceasefire between its allies and Israel on Sunday, saying that it "could influence" Tehran’s reaction to recent Israeli attacks on Iranian military positions. "If they (the Israelis) reconsider their behaviour, accept a ceasefire and stop massacring the oppressed and innocent people of the region, it could affect the intensity and type of our response," Masoud Pezeshkian stated, as reported by IRNA, Iran's state news agency. He said that Iran "will not leave unanswered any aggression against its sovereignty and security." Israeli jets conducted strikes on October 26 in retaliation, according to Israel, for a missile barrage from Tehran on October 1. Iran, in turn, said its attack was in response to the killing of Iran-backed militant leaders and a commander from the Revolutionary Guards. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq and non-state actors like Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Netanyahu vows ‘firm’ response to Hezbollah attacks; Iran says won’t leave Israeli aggression ‘unanswered’

The United States has delivered a firm warning to Israel regarding its humanitarian responsibilities in Gaza amid rising international concern.&nbsp;

As the 30-day deadline imposed by Washington looms, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the US Ambassador to the United Nations, expressed alarm over the "catastrophic humanitarian crisis" in Gaza, stating that "Israel's words must be matched by action on the ground."

"Right now, that is not happening. This must change—immediately," she said.

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:167,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2044}">US' deadline</h2>

On October 13, the US told Israel that it must take steps to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza within 30 days or risk losing US military aid, among other potential consequences.

Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:88,&quot;y&quot;:262,&quot;w&quot;:633,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:121,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2139}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-parliament-bans-unrwa-claims-un-aid-agency-has-deep-connection-with-hamas-771490">Israeli parliament bans UNRWA, claims UN aid agency has 'deep connection' with Hamas</a>

This demand coincides with Israel's recent legislative move to restrict operations of the UN Palestinian relief agency, UNRWA, which provides critical health and educational support to Palestinians. Israel's parliament has voted to prevent UNRWA from operating in areas like East Jerusalem and parts of Gaza and the West Bank, citing concerns over the agency's alleged ties to Hamas.

Linda Thomas-Greenfield urged immediate action to provide necessary aid such as food and medicine, especially to northern Gaza, and safeguard aid workers in the region.

"The US has stated clearly that Israel must allow food, medicine and other supplies into all of Gaza – especially the north, and especially as winter sets in—and protect the workers distributing it," she said.

Thomas-Greenfield added that the US had "real concerns" about the UNRWA ban passed by Israel's Knesset, and that there was no alternative to the organization for delivering aid to Gaza.

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:531,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2408}">Norway concerned about UNRWA ban</h2>

The Scandinavian country&nbsp;has announced plans to petition the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to clarify Israel's obligations as an occupying power in supporting humanitarian aid. Norway's Prime Minister, Jonas Gahr Støre, in a statement, said that his country was "requesting that the ICJ pronounces on Israel's obligations to facilitate humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian population, delivered by international organisations, including the UN and states".

Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:677,&quot;w&quot;:677,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2554}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/idf-says-its-lebanon-operations-have-achieved-key-goals-diplomacy-now-possible-771697">IDF says its Lebanon operations have achieved key goals, diplomacy now possible: Report</a>

Other European nations, including the UK, Ireland, and Germany, have also condemned the restrictions on UNRWA, with some officials considering potential sanctions or reviews of trade relations with Israel if the legislation takes effect.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres also called on Israel "to act consistently with its obligations" under the UN charter and international law, and stressed that "National legislation cannot alter those obligations."

(With inputs from agencies)

The United States has delivered a firm warning to Israel regarding its humanitarian responsibilities in Gaza amid rising international concern. As the 30-day deadline imposed by Washington looms, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the US Ambassador to the United Nations, expressed alarm over the "catastrophic humanitarian crisis" in Gaza, stating that "Israel's words must be matched by action on the ground.

The United States has delivered a firm warning to Israel regarding its humanitarian responsibilities in Gaza amid rising international concern. As the 30-day deadline imposed by Washington looms, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, the US Ambassador to the United Nations, expressed alarm over the "catastrophic humanitarian crisis" in Gaza, stating that "Israel's words must be matched by action on the ground." "Right now, that is not happening. This must change—immediately," she said. US' deadline On October 13, the US told Israel that it must take steps to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza within 30 days or risk losing US military aid, among other potential consequences. Also read | Israeli parliament bans UNRWA, claims UN aid agency has 'deep connection' with Hamas This demand coincides with Israel's recent legislative move to restrict operations of the UN Palestinian relief agency, UNRWA, which provides critical health and educational support to Palestinians. Israel's parliament has voted to prevent UNRWA from operating in areas like East Jerusalem and parts of Gaza and the West Bank, citing concerns over the agency's alleged ties to Hamas. Linda Thomas-Greenfield urged immediate action to provide necessary aid such as food and medicine, especially to northern Gaza, and safeguard aid workers in the region. "The US has stated clearly that Israel must allow food, medicine and other supplies into all of Gaza – especially the north, and especially as winter sets in—and protect the workers distributing it," she said. Thomas-Greenfield added that the US had "real concerns" about the UNRWA ban passed by Israel's Knesset, and that there was no alternative to the organization for delivering aid to Gaza. Norway concerned about UNRWA ban The Scandinavian country has announced plans to petition the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to clarify Israel's obligations as an occupying power in supporting humanitarian aid. Norway's Prime Minister, Jonas Gahr Støre, in a statement, said that his country was "requesting that the ICJ pronounces on Israel's obligations to facilitate humanitarian assistance to the Palestinian population, delivered by international organisations, including the UN and states". Also read | IDF says its Lebanon operations have achieved key goals, diplomacy now possible: Report Other European nations, including the UK, Ireland, and Germany, have also condemned the restrictions on UNRWA, with some officials considering potential sanctions or reviews of trade relations with Israel if the legislation takes effect. UN Secretary-General António Guterres also called on Israel "to act consistently with its obligations" under the UN charter and international law, and stressed that "National legislation cannot alter those obligations." (With inputs from agencies)

America's 30-day deadline looms: US presses Israel to address Gaza humanitarian crisis or risk losing aid

British foreign minister David Lammy&nbsp;on Monday (Oct 28) said that calling the Israeli operation in Gaza a genocide "undermines the seriousness" of the term and past genocides.&nbsp;

While addressing the House of Commons, Nick Timothy, a Conservative MP, made the remarks saying, "There is obviously much suffering in Gaza, but this (Genocide) terminology is completely inappropriate."

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David Lammy just stood up in Parliament and denied that Israel is committing a genocide. Apparently using the word to describe Israel’s crimes “undermines the seriousness” of it. 
 
Straight up genocide denial. 
 
The Hague awaits this coward. <a href="https://t.co/Ht0eYjYSfK">pic.twitter.com/Ht0eYjYSfK</a>
— Hamza Yusuf (@Hamza_a96) <a href="https://twitter.com/Hamza_a96/status/1850961180799410379?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 28, 2024</a></blockquote>
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He further added that the term is “repeated by the protesters and lawbreakers who are intimidating British Jews, as we saw again this weekend”.

The video of the house showed as Timothy concluded his speech, Lammy stood up and said he agreed with the MP.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-60-killed-in-israeli-strikes-in-east-lebanon-reports-771655">At least 60 killed in Israeli strikes in east, Lebanon reports</a>

"I do agree with the &nbsp;honourable gentleman, those terms were largely used when millions of people lost their lives in crises like Rwanda, the Second World War, and the Holocaust."&nbsp;

"The way they (the term Genocide) are now used undermines the seriousness of that term."&nbsp;

Lammy's statement sparked outrage on social media as people on X corrected the minister saying Genocide has nothing to do with the number of deaths. Rather, "it’s the intent plus the acts of the perpetrator that matter."

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Foreign Secretary David Lammy is wrong when he implies that the legal definition of genocide is dependent on how many people from an ethnic group are killed. Numbers are irrelevant - it’s the intent plus the acts of the perpetrator that matter. See:Art II, UN Genocide Convention <a href="https://t.co/T3KYb0pHlg">pic.twitter.com/T3KYb0pHlg</a>
— Sangita Myska (@SangitaMyska) <a href="https://twitter.com/SangitaMyska/status/1851005189827756476?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 28, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Many&nbsp;X users shared the UN Genocide convention to support their statement and said the human rights experts at the UN say that what is happening in Gaza "IS a genocide."

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🚨 BREAKING: Foreign Secretary David Lammy says using "genocide" to describe what is happening in Gaza "undermines" the seriousness of that term. 
Meanwhile, human rights experts at the UN say that this IS a genocide. 
 
David, who are you trying to protect?<a href="https://t.co/KxBBmAHOku">pic.twitter.com/KxBBmAHOku</a>
— joe brindle 🇵🇸 (@JoeBrindle_) <a href="https://twitter.com/JoeBrindle_/status/1850953646806032775?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 28, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Calling his statement outrageous, an X user blamed Lammy for ignoring the law and rules despite him being a lawyer himself.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/west-asia-crisis-hezbollah-names-naim-qassem-as-successor-to-late-hassan-nasrallah-771637">West Asia crisis: Hezbollah names Naim Qassem as successor to late Hassan Nasrallah</a>

"Genocide is defined not by numbers but intent. As a lawyer, Lammy knows that. He is denying the seriousness of Israel's intent and actions," the user said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

British foreign minister David Lammy on Monday (Oct 28) said that calling the Israeli operation in Gaza a genocide "undermines the seriousness" of the term and past genocides.

British foreign minister David Lammy on Monday (Oct 28) said that calling the Israeli operation in Gaza a genocide "undermines the seriousness" of the term and past genocides. While addressing the House of Commons, Nick Timothy, a Conservative MP, made the remarks saying, "There is obviously much suffering in Gaza, but this (Genocide) terminology is completely inappropriate." David Lammy just stood up in Parliament and denied that Israel is committing a genocide. Apparently using the word to describe Israel’s crimes “undermines the seriousness” of it. Straight up genocide denial. The Hague awaits this coward. pic.twitter.com/Ht0eYjYSfK — Hamza Yusuf (@Hamza_a96) October 28, 2024 × He further added that the term is “repeated by the protesters and lawbreakers who are intimidating British Jews, as we saw again this weekend”. The video of the house showed as Timothy concluded his speech, Lammy stood up and said he agreed with the MP. Also read | At least 60 killed in Israeli strikes in east, Lebanon reports "I do agree with the honourable gentleman, those terms were largely used when millions of people lost their lives in crises like Rwanda, the Second World War, and the Holocaust." "The way they (the term Genocide) are now used undermines the seriousness of that term." Lammy's statement sparked outrage on social media as people on X corrected the minister saying Genocide has nothing to do with the number of deaths. Rather, "it’s the intent plus the acts of the perpetrator that matter." Foreign Secretary David Lammy is wrong when he implies that the legal definition of genocide is dependent on how many people from an ethnic group are killed. Numbers are irrelevant - it’s the intent plus the acts of the perpetrator that matter. See:Art II, UN Genocide Convention pic.twitter.com/T3KYb0pHlg — Sangita Myska (@SangitaMyska) October 28, 2024 × Many X users shared the UN Genocide convention to support their statement and said the human rights experts at the UN say that what is happening in Gaza "IS a genocide." 🚨 BREAKING: Foreign Secretary David Lammy says using "genocide" to describe what is happening in Gaza "undermines" the seriousness of that term. Meanwhile, human rights experts at the UN say that this IS a genocide. David, who are you trying to protect?pic.twitter.com/KxBBmAHOku — joe brindle 🇵🇸 (@JoeBrindle_) October 28, 2024 × Calling his statement outrageous, an X user blamed Lammy for ignoring the law and rules despite him being a lawyer himself. Also read | West Asia crisis: Hezbollah names Naim Qassem as successor to late Hassan Nasrallah "Genocide is defined not by numbers but intent. As a lawyer, Lammy knows that. He is denying the seriousness of Israel's intent and actions," the user said. (With inputs from agencies)

'Calling Israel's war in Gaza genocide undermines the word': UK foreign minister

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Tuesday (Oct 29) said that its troops have achieved their goals in Lebanon and that the Israeli government can now go ahead with promoting a diplomatic resolution to end the conflict in the country's north.

According to a Walla report, the IDF's Northern Command has destroyed most of the terrorist infrastructure in the "contact villages" near the Lebanon-Israel border. It said that most of the weapons had either been destroyed in the field or transferred to Israel.

Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:88,&quot;y&quot;:149,&quot;w&quot;:413,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:121,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1986}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-60-killed-in-israeli-strikes-in-east-lebanon-reports-771655">At least 60 killed in Israeli strikes in east, Lebanon reports</a>

However, as per the report, the Israeli military also said that in spite of the progress, the work is not done. It said that there were some villages where the work was not complete, and the Shin Bet and IDF intelligence operations still need to be completed.

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:252,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2089}">What if a diplomatic settlement is not reached?</h2>

As per the report, two things can happen if a diplomatic agreement is not reached.

One, the military pressure will continue via ground manoeuvres and airstrikes.

Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:88,&quot;y&quot;:361,&quot;w&quot;:626,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:121,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2198}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/west-asia-crisis-hezbollah-names-naim-qassem-as-successor-to-late-hassan-nasrallah-771637">West Asia crisis: Hezbollah names Naim Qassem as successor to late Hassan Nasrallah</a>

Two, the Israeli military maintains its possession of the territories in Southern Lebanon, currently held by IDF soldiers. In this scenario, IDF forces may be required to expand operation control of the villages.

The IDF said that in either case, and whether the diplomatic settlement is achieved or not, it would be required to present a model for enforcing order in southern Lebanon.

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq and non-state actors like Islamic State, Hezbollah among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Tuesday (Oct 29) said that its troops have achieved their goals in Lebanon and that the Israeli government can now go ahead with promoting a diplomatic resolution to end the conflict in the country's north.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Tuesday (Oct 29) said that its troops have achieved their goals in Lebanon and that the Israeli government can now go ahead with promoting a diplomatic resolution to end the conflict in the country's north. According to a Walla report, the IDF's Northern Command has destroyed most of the terrorist infrastructure in the "contact villages" near the Lebanon-Israel border. It said that most of the weapons had either been destroyed in the field or transferred to Israel. Also read | At least 60 killed in Israeli strikes in east, Lebanon reports However, as per the report, the Israeli military also said that in spite of the progress, the work is not done. It said that there were some villages where the work was not complete, and the Shin Bet and IDF intelligence operations still need to be completed. What if a diplomatic settlement is not reached? As per the report, two things can happen if a diplomatic agreement is not reached. One, the military pressure will continue via ground manoeuvres and airstrikes. Also read | West Asia crisis: Hezbollah names Naim Qassem as successor to late Hassan Nasrallah Two, the Israeli military maintains its possession of the territories in Southern Lebanon, currently held by IDF soldiers. In this scenario, IDF forces may be required to expand operation control of the villages. The IDF said that in either case, and whether the diplomatic settlement is achieved or not, it would be required to present a model for enforcing order in southern Lebanon. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq and non-state actors like Islamic State, Hezbollah among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.

IDF says its Lebanon operations have achieved key goals, diplomacy now possible: Report

Egypt's president Abdel Fattah el-Sissi on Sunday (October 27) announced a proposal for a two-day ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, with the aim of securing the release of four hostages held in Gaza.

During a press conference in Cairo, alongside Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, the Egyptian president shared his proposal amidst plans for discussions in Doha involving diplomats from Israel, the US, Egypt, and Qatar, intended to revive stalled truce negotiations.

Egypt, a significant mediator alongside Qatar and the United States, has now made this proposal publicly for the first time. So far, there has been no official response from Israel or Hamas regarding the suggestion.

President el-Sissi explained that the initiative aims to “move the situation forward”. He added that if the ceasefire holds for two days, further discussions would pursue an extended ceasefire.

Negotiations would aim for a temporary pause in hostilities and the release of hostages held by Hamas in exchange for Israel's release of Palestinian detainees, as per an Egyptian official.

The talks aim to reach a short-term ceasefire, expected to last under a month, in hope&nbsp;of establishing a more lasting peace agreement.

This proposal follows a brief ceasefire in November, during which fighting paused and hostages and prisoners were exchanged.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-says-israels-attack-on-iran-precise-and-powerful-khamenei-gives-retaliation-devoid-reaction-771121">Netanyahu says Israel’s attack on Iran ‘precise and powerful’, achieved goals</a>

Meanwhile, Israel’s Mossad chief was travelling to Doha on Sunday for meetings with Qatar’s prime minister and the CIA director.

The announcement coincided with reports from Palestinian officials of Israeli airstrikes in northern Gaza on Sunday, which they say left at least 33 dead, primarily women and children. Israel stated the strikes were aimed at militant targets.

The United Nations described the humanitarian situation for civilians in northern Gaza as "unbearable", criticising the conduct of the conflict, which it says disregards international humanitarian law.

"The Secretary-General is shocked by the harrowing levels of death, injury and destruction in the north, with civilians trapped under rubble, the sick and wounded going without life-saving health care, and families lacking food and shelter, amid reports of families being separated and many people detained," said UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric.

(With inputs from agencies)

Egypt's president Abdel Fattah el-Sissi on Sunday (October 27) announced a proposal for a two-day ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, with the aim of securing the release of four hostages held in Gaza.

Egypt's president Abdel Fattah el-Sissi on Sunday (October 27) announced a proposal for a two-day ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, with the aim of securing the release of four hostages held in Gaza. During a press conference in Cairo, alongside Algerian President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, the Egyptian president shared his proposal amidst plans for discussions in Doha involving diplomats from Israel, the US, Egypt, and Qatar, intended to revive stalled truce negotiations. Egypt, a significant mediator alongside Qatar and the United States, has now made this proposal publicly for the first time. So far, there has been no official response from Israel or Hamas regarding the suggestion. President el-Sissi explained that the initiative aims to “move the situation forward”. He added that if the ceasefire holds for two days, further discussions would pursue an extended ceasefire. Negotiations would aim for a temporary pause in hostilities and the release of hostages held by Hamas in exchange for Israel's release of Palestinian detainees, as per an Egyptian official. The talks aim to reach a short-term ceasefire, expected to last under a month, in hope of establishing a more lasting peace agreement. This proposal follows a brief ceasefire in November, during which fighting paused and hostages and prisoners were exchanged. Also read: Netanyahu says Israel’s attack on Iran ‘precise and powerful’, achieved goals Meanwhile, Israel’s Mossad chief was travelling to Doha on Sunday for meetings with Qatar’s prime minister and the CIA director. The announcement coincided with reports from Palestinian officials of Israeli airstrikes in northern Gaza on Sunday, which they say left at least 33 dead, primarily women and children. Israel stated the strikes were aimed at militant targets. The United Nations described the humanitarian situation for civilians in northern Gaza as "unbearable", criticising the conduct of the conflict, which it says disregards international humanitarian law. "The Secretary-General is shocked by the harrowing levels of death, injury and destruction in the north, with civilians trapped under rubble, the sick and wounded going without life-saving health care, and families lacking food and shelter, amid reports of families being separated and many people detained," said UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric. (With inputs from agencies)

Egypt proposes 2-day ceasefire between Israel and Hamas to free hostages

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said on Sunday (Oct 27) that three Hezbollah commanders were killed in southern Lebanon.

"The Commander of Hezbollah’s Bint Jbeil Area, Ahmed Jafar Maatouk, was eliminated in an IAF strike. A day later, the IAF also eliminated his successor and Hezbollah's head of artillery in the Bint Jbeil area," stated the IDF.

The IDF added that "these three terrorists directed and carried out numerous terrorist attacks from the Bint Jbeil area, including launching anti-tank missiles toward Israeli civilians and IDF troops operating in southern Lebanon.”

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-says-israels-attack-on-iran-precise-and-powerful-khamenei-gives-retaliation-devoid-reaction-771121">Netanyahu says Israel’s attack on Iran ‘precise and powerful’, achieved goals</a>

According to Israel, these commanders had carried out multiple attacks in the Bint Jbeil area, targeting both civilians and military personnel with anti-tank missiles.

Following recent airstrikes on Iranian targets, Israel also intensified its operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon on Sunday.

As per an AFP report, the Israeli military announced it had killed 70 Hezbollah fighters, struck 120 targets in southern Lebanon, and conducted "precision strikes" on weapons manufacturing and storage sites in southern Beirut, Hezbollah's stronghold.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/truck-driver-rams-into-bus-stop-in-israel-more-than-30-injured-771110">Terror attack? Driver rams truck into bus stop in Israel, more than 30 injured</a>

Since September 23, the ongoing conflict has resulted in at least 1,615 deaths in Lebanon, according to AFP's tally based on official data, although the true figure may be higher due to incomplete information.

Meanwhile, Hezbollah confirmed it had launched rockets at a military base in northern Israel on Sunday. This came a day after the group declared parts of the area "legitimate targets" due to Israeli military presence.

The Iran-backed organisation claimed it had fired a "large rocket salvo" at a "military industries base north of Haifa," following an evacuation warning it issued on Saturday for wide areas in northern Israel.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said on Sunday (Oct 27) that three Hezbollah commanders were killed in southern Lebanon. "The Commander of Hezbollah’s Bint Jbeil Area, Ahmed Jafar Maatouk, was eliminated in an IAF strike.

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said on Sunday (Oct 27) that three Hezbollah commanders were killed in southern Lebanon. "The Commander of Hezbollah’s Bint Jbeil Area, Ahmed Jafar Maatouk, was eliminated in an IAF strike. A day later, the IAF also eliminated his successor and Hezbollah's head of artillery in the Bint Jbeil area," stated the IDF. The IDF added that "these three terrorists directed and carried out numerous terrorist attacks from the Bint Jbeil area, including launching anti-tank missiles toward Israeli civilians and IDF troops operating in southern Lebanon.” Also read: Netanyahu says Israel’s attack on Iran ‘precise and powerful’, achieved goals According to Israel, these commanders had carried out multiple attacks in the Bint Jbeil area, targeting both civilians and military personnel with anti-tank missiles. Following recent airstrikes on Iranian targets, Israel also intensified its operations against Hezbollah in Lebanon on Sunday. As per an AFP report, the Israeli military announced it had killed 70 Hezbollah fighters, struck 120 targets in southern Lebanon, and conducted "precision strikes" on weapons manufacturing and storage sites in southern Beirut, Hezbollah's stronghold. Also read: Terror attack? Driver rams truck into bus stop in Israel, more than 30 injured Since September 23, the ongoing conflict has resulted in at least 1,615 deaths in Lebanon, according to AFP's tally based on official data, although the true figure may be higher due to incomplete information. Meanwhile, Hezbollah confirmed it had launched rockets at a military base in northern Israel on Sunday. This came a day after the group declared parts of the area "legitimate targets" due to Israeli military presence. The Iran-backed organisation claimed it had fired a "large rocket salvo" at a "military industries base north of Haifa," following an evacuation warning it issued on Saturday for wide areas in northern Israel. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel says 3 top Hezbollah leaders eliminated in strikes on southern Lebanon

The Israeli Air Force conducted overnight targeted strikes on Sunday (October 27)&nbsp;against facilities associated with Hezbollah in Dahiyeh. These strikes were said to focus on Hezbollah's weapons production and maintenance facilities, as well as a weapons storage site.

"During the night, fighter jets of the Air Force, under the precise intelligence guidance of the Intelligence Division, attacked Dahiya in the capital sites for the production and maintenance of weapons and a weapons warehouse of the terrorist organization Hezbollah," the Israeli Air Force announced on X.

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במהלך הלילה מטוסי קרב של חיל-האוויר בהכוונה מודיעינית מדוייקת של אגף המודיעין, תקפו בדאחיה שבבירות אתרים לייצור ולתחזוקת אמצעי לחימה ומחסן אמצעי לחימה של ארגון הטרור חיזבאללה. 
 
במהלך היממה האחרונה מטוסי קרב של חיל-האוויר בהכוונת פיקוד הצפון חיסלו כ-70 מחבלים ותקפו יותר מ-120… <a href="https://t.co/MWx58Z0qy9">pic.twitter.com/MWx58Z0qy9</a>
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The Air Force added, "During the last day, fighter jets of the Air Force under the direction of the Northern Command eliminated about 70 terrorists. They attacked more than 120 terrorist targets of the terrorist organization Hezbollah. Air Force fighter jets struck a military infrastructure used by Hezbollah's air unit (127) and the unit's terrorist squad in southern Lebanon."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-says-israels-attack-on-iran-precise-and-powerful-khamenei-gives-retaliation-devoid-reaction-771121">Netanyahu says Israel's attack on Iran 'precise and powerful', achieved goals</a>

On the other hand, Hezbollah claimed to have launched rockets at an Israeli military base in northern Israel on Sunday. This came after the group declared various areas in northern Israel to be "legitimate targets" due to the presence of Israeli forces.

According to Hezbollah, a "military industries base north of Haifa" was targeted "with a large rocket salvo" following a prior evacuation notice for parts of northern Israel issued on Saturday.

Additionally, a Hezbollah drone reportedly struck a factory in the Bar Lev industrial zone near Acre in northern Israel, injuring two people. The factory, owned by BAZ aviation components, produces metal parts for both civilian and military aerospace applications.

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) confirmed the drone incident, saying, "Following the sirens that sounded in the Western Galilee area, a UAV was identified crossing from Lebanon into Israeli territory. The UAV fell in the Bar-Lev Industrial area. The incident is under review."

(With inputs from agencies)

The Israeli Air Force conducted overnight targeted strikes on Sunday (October 27) against facilities associated with Hezbollah in Dahiyeh. These strikes were said to focus on Hezbollah's weapons production and maintenance facilities, as well as a weapons storage site.

The Israeli Air Force conducted overnight targeted strikes on Sunday (October 27) against facilities associated with Hezbollah in Dahiyeh. These strikes were said to focus on Hezbollah's weapons production and maintenance facilities, as well as a weapons storage site. "During the night, fighter jets of the Air Force, under the precise intelligence guidance of the Intelligence Division, attacked Dahiya in the capital sites for the production and maintenance of weapons and a weapons warehouse of the terrorist organization Hezbollah," the Israeli Air Force announced on X. במהלך הלילה מטוסי קרב של חיל-האוויר בהכוונה מודיעינית מדוייקת של אגף המודיעין, תקפו בדאחיה שבבירות אתרים לייצור ולתחזוקת אמצעי לחימה ומחסן אמצעי לחימה של ארגון הטרור חיזבאללה. במהלך היממה האחרונה מטוסי קרב של חיל-האוויר בהכוונת פיקוד הצפון חיסלו כ-70 מחבלים ותקפו יותר מ-120… pic.twitter.com/MWx58Z0qy9 — Israeli Air Force (@IAFsite) October 27, 2024 × The Air Force added, "During the last day, fighter jets of the Air Force under the direction of the Northern Command eliminated about 70 terrorists. They attacked more than 120 terrorist targets of the terrorist organization Hezbollah. Air Force fighter jets struck a military infrastructure used by Hezbollah's air unit (127) and the unit's terrorist squad in southern Lebanon." Also read: Netanyahu says Israel's attack on Iran 'precise and powerful', achieved goals On the other hand, Hezbollah claimed to have launched rockets at an Israeli military base in northern Israel on Sunday. This came after the group declared various areas in northern Israel to be "legitimate targets" due to the presence of Israeli forces. According to Hezbollah, a "military industries base north of Haifa" was targeted "with a large rocket salvo" following a prior evacuation notice for parts of northern Israel issued on Saturday. Additionally, a Hezbollah drone reportedly struck a factory in the Bar Lev industrial zone near Acre in northern Israel, injuring two people. The factory, owned by BAZ aviation components, produces metal parts for both civilian and military aerospace applications. The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) confirmed the drone incident, saying, "Following the sirens that sounded in the Western Galilee area, a UAV was identified crossing from Lebanon into Israeli territory. The UAV fell in the Bar-Lev Industrial area. The incident is under review." (With inputs from agencies)

Israel targets Hezbollah weapons' sites in overnight strikes; group fires rockets at Israeli military base

Lebanon’s Health Minister Firass Abiad, on Friday (Oct 25) said that Israeli strikes have killed over 160 rescuers and healthcare personnel over the past year amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Lebanon-based militant group Hezbollah.

"The total number of rescuers and health sector workers killed has so far has reached 163, with 272 others wounded," Abiad stated in a press briefing detailing the "damage caused by Israeli attacks on the health sector in Lebanon."

The conflict initially began after Hezbollah, which is backed by Iran, started carrying out minor strikes on Israel in solidarity with the Palestinian militant group Hamas following their October 7 attack on Israel. The violence has escalated dramatically since an Israeli airstrike killed Hezbollah leader Nasrallah in Beirut’s southern suburbs on September 27.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/west-asia-crisis-iran-orders-troops-to-be-ready-for-war-with-israel-but-also-avoid-it-if-says-report-770649">Iran orders troops to be ready for war with Israel 'but also avoid it if...'</a>

Last month, Israel intensified its offensive by targeting Hezbollah strongholds, deploying ground troops, and eliminating several high-ranking leaders within the Lebanon-based militant group.&nbsp;

Israel claims that its strikes focus on military targets within Lebanon and Gaza and that it wants to prevent civilian casualties. Israel accuses Hezbollah, like Hamas, of hiding itself within civilian areas, a claim both groups deny.

Meanwhile, on Friday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Lebanon’s Prime Minister Najib Mikati to discuss Israel’s strikes. Following the meeting, Blinken pledged to urgently seek a diplomatic solution in Lebanon. He appealed to Israel to avoid civilian casualties but did not call for an immediate ceasefire.

"We have a sense of real urgency in getting to a diplomatic resolution and the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, such that there can be real security along the border between Israel and Lebanon," Blinken said, referring to calls for the disarmament of Hezbollah.

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.

Lebanon’s Health Minister Firass Abiad, on Friday (Oct 25) said that Israeli strikes have killed over 160 rescuers and healthcare personnel over the past year amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Lebanon-based militant group Hezbollah.

Lebanon’s Health Minister Firass Abiad, on Friday (Oct 25) said that Israeli strikes have killed over 160 rescuers and healthcare personnel over the past year amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Lebanon-based militant group Hezbollah. "The total number of rescuers and health sector workers killed has so far has reached 163, with 272 others wounded," Abiad stated in a press briefing detailing the "damage caused by Israeli attacks on the health sector in Lebanon." The conflict initially began after Hezbollah, which is backed by Iran, started carrying out minor strikes on Israel in solidarity with the Palestinian militant group Hamas following their October 7 attack on Israel. The violence has escalated dramatically since an Israeli airstrike killed Hezbollah leader Nasrallah in Beirut’s southern suburbs on September 27. Also read: Iran orders troops to be ready for war with Israel 'but also avoid it if...' Last month, Israel intensified its offensive by targeting Hezbollah strongholds, deploying ground troops, and eliminating several high-ranking leaders within the Lebanon-based militant group. Israel claims that its strikes focus on military targets within Lebanon and Gaza and that it wants to prevent civilian casualties. Israel accuses Hezbollah, like Hamas, of hiding itself within civilian areas, a claim both groups deny. Meanwhile, on Friday, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with Lebanon’s Prime Minister Najib Mikati to discuss Israel’s strikes. Following the meeting, Blinken pledged to urgently seek a diplomatic solution in Lebanon. He appealed to Israel to avoid civilian casualties but did not call for an immediate ceasefire. "We have a sense of real urgency in getting to a diplomatic resolution and the full implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, such that there can be real security along the border between Israel and Lebanon," Blinken said, referring to calls for the disarmament of Hezbollah. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.

Over 160 rescuers killed in year-long Israel-Hezbollah clashes, says Lebanon's health minister

Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said Israeli aircrews that after striking Iran, the world will understand Israel's might and its enemies will learn a lesson.&nbsp;

"After we attack in Iran, they will understand in Israel and elsewhere what your preparations have included," Gallant said while addressing the crew at Hatzerim Airbase on Wednesday (Oct 23)

Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:114,&quot;w&quot;:684,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1951}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/justin-trudeaus-leadership-in-jeopardy-as-his-own-partys-mps-ask-him-to-resign-by-october-28-770257">Justin Trudeau's leadership in jeopardy as his own party's MPs ask him to 'resign by October 28'</a>

Posting a video of the session on his X account, Gallant wrote, "In my conversation with them I emphasized - after we attack Iran, everyone will understand your might, the process of preparation and training - any enemy that tries to harm the State of Israel will pay a heavy price."

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בבסיס חצרים, יחד עם צוותי האויר והקרקע הממשיכים לפעול בעוצמה ובמקצועיות ״במלחמת שבע החזיתות״. 
 
בשיחתי איתם הדגשתי - אחרי שנתקוף באיראן, כולם יבינו את העוצמה שלכם, את תהליך ההכנה והאימון - כל אויב שינסה לפגוע במדינת ישראל ישלם מחיר כבד. <a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:296,&quot;y&quot;:357,&quot;w&quot;:153,&quot;h&quot;:14,&quot;abs_x&quot;:329,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2194}" href="https://t.co/XeLsotYvUl">pic.twitter.com/XeLsotYvUl</a>
— יואב גלנט - Yoav Gallant (@yoavgallant) <a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:465,&quot;y&quot;:385,&quot;w&quot;:100,&quot;h&quot;:14,&quot;abs_x&quot;:498,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2222}" href="https://twitter.com/yoavgallant/status/1849064768818012420?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 23, 2024</a></blockquote>
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"We have a very high confidence in your abilities, personally in each of you, as a group and as a squadron, and of course, full confidence in the Israeli army," Gallant said praising the crew.

"And whoever had dreams in Gaza of defeating us and beating us a year ago, today he is not in that dream after there is no more Sinwar and a long line at the top and everything that was done there by the Israeli army," the defence chief can be heard saying in the video.&nbsp;

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:572,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2409}">Israel seeks retaliation</h2>

Israel has been planning a response to a ballistic-missile barrage carried out by Iran on October 1, Tehran's second direct attack on Israel in six months.

Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:666,&quot;w&quot;:691,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2503}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-confirms-north-korea-has-troops-in-russia-says-they-legitimate-targets-if-fight-in-ukraine-770244">US confirms North Korea has troops in Russia, says they 'legitimate' targets if fight in Ukraine</a>

The West Asia has been on edge in anticipation of the Israeli retaliation for Iran's attack in which around 200 ballistic missiles were fired at Israel.

In the past few weeks Israel has intensified its offensive against Palestinian militants Hamas in Gaza and its Iran-backed ally Hezbollah in Lebanon.&nbsp;

Hamas confirmed that IDF killed its chief Yahya Sinwar on October 18 in a strike on Rafah.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said Israeli aircrews that after striking Iran, the world will understand Israel's might and its enemies will learn a lesson.

Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said Israeli aircrews that after striking Iran, the world will understand Israel's might and its enemies will learn a lesson. "After we attack in Iran, they will understand in Israel and elsewhere what your preparations have included," Gallant said while addressing the crew at Hatzerim Airbase on Wednesday (Oct 23) Also read | Justin Trudeau's leadership in jeopardy as his own party's MPs ask him to 'resign by October 28' Posting a video of the session on his X account, Gallant wrote, "In my conversation with them I emphasized - after we attack Iran, everyone will understand your might, the process of preparation and training - any enemy that tries to harm the State of Israel will pay a heavy price." בבסיס חצרים, יחד עם צוותי האויר והקרקע הממשיכים לפעול בעוצמה ובמקצועיות ״במלחמת שבע החזיתות״. בשיחתי איתם הדגשתי - אחרי שנתקוף באיראן, כולם יבינו את העוצמה שלכם, את תהליך ההכנה והאימון - כל אויב שינסה לפגוע במדינת ישראל ישלם מחיר כבד. pic.twitter.com/XeLsotYvUl — יואב גלנט - Yoav Gallant (@yoavgallant) October 23, 2024 × "We have a very high confidence in your abilities, personally in each of you, as a group and as a squadron, and of course, full confidence in the Israeli army," Gallant said praising the crew. "And whoever had dreams in Gaza of defeating us and beating us a year ago, today he is not in that dream after there is no more Sinwar and a long line at the top and everything that was done there by the Israeli army," the defence chief can be heard saying in the video. Israel seeks retaliation Israel has been planning a response to a ballistic-missile barrage carried out by Iran on October 1, Tehran's second direct attack on Israel in six months. Also read | US confirms North Korea has troops in Russia, says they 'legitimate' targets if fight in Ukraine The West Asia has been on edge in anticipation of the Israeli retaliation for Iran's attack in which around 200 ballistic missiles were fired at Israel. In the past few weeks Israel has intensified its offensive against Palestinian militants Hamas in Gaza and its Iran-backed ally Hezbollah in Lebanon. Hamas confirmed that IDF killed its chief Yahya Sinwar on October 18 in a strike on Rafah. (With inputs from agencies)

Strike on Iran will show Israel's power to world: Israel Defence Minister Yoav Gallant

<h2>The war expands in south: Humanitarian crisis deepens</h2>

As intense fighting spreads to southern Gaza, the people of Gaza being told to evacuate are finding themselves in deeper crisis, as there is no safe place to go. The truce collapsed on December 1, 2023, with both sides blaming each other. Israeli military launched operations in Khan Younis, Gaza's second largest city, declaring it as combat zone and calling it "the most intense day since the beginning of the ground operation", besides continuing strikes on northern Gaza. Hamas too is responding with rocket fire on border cities of Israel to register its existence. Caught in the crossfire, it’s distressing news for hostages and civilians of one of the most populated region of the world, who are blockaded in a land that is left with no safe zones.

Watch | Israel-Hamas war: Over 16,200 killed in Gaza; situation getting worse in Gaza: WHO

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Although, most rational voices condemn the brutal, barbaric, terror attack by Hamas on October 7, and felt Israel's actions against Hamas was justified, but the scale, cost and methodology of Israeli response, causing fourteen times more Palestinian civilian casualties (Approximately over 16000 in comparison to over 1200 Israelis killed so far) and large scale forced displacement of people has invited global criticism including from its closest ally United States, for violation of International Humanitarian Law. The violence and casualties in West Bank are complicating the situation further.

Despite Israel Defense Forces (IDF) maintaining that ‘it doesn’t target civilians’, reports of mounting casualties have caused concern everywhere, including in the USA, which expects Israel to do more to protect civilians in pursuance of its legitimate military objectives in Gaza.&nbsp;

After US announced new visa ban on Israeli settlers involved in violence against Palestinians in the West Bank, Israel responded with assurance of being open to "constructive feedback" from the US and the United Nations, without altering the pace and methodology of its operations.&nbsp;

<h2>Opposing strategies and outcomes</h2>

As per Netanyahu, Israel’s objective in this war is to eliminate Hamas completely, ensure that its citizens are never again threatened by an attack from Gaza and to ensure release the hostages. He thinks that it can be done by military action and has pulled back Israeli team from negotiations in Qatar.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/putin-enters-west-asia-powerplay-in-rare-wartime-visit-to-uae-saudi-arabia-666888">Putin enters West Asia powerplay in rare wartime visit to UAE, Saudi Arabia</a>

The level of force used and the scale of destruction being caused indicates that his undeclared aim is to make Gaza uninhabitable and force Palestinians out of Gaza, as its extremely difficult to identify Hamas in such heavily populated enclave and selectively destroy the fighters. To minimise own casualties, IDF has chosen the strategy of mass destruction and pulverising targets/buildings alleged to be hideouts of Hamas.

The strategy of Hamas on October 7 was to capture maximum number of hostages to be used as bargaining chip. The embarrassment led to heavy military response from Israel.

Hamas also expected support from Arab countries, radical Islamic countries and organisations and slow down normalisation of relations between some Arab countries and Israel. The objective has not been fully achieved as Arab countries have voiced support to Palestinians and not Hamas.&nbsp;

In past, Israel has finished wars within days. The 1967 war was finished in six days. Yom Kippur war was done and dusted in 19 days. But the current conflict has been going on for nearly two months. Complete destruction of Hamas is nowhere in sight. In spite of Israeli efforts towards eliminating Hamas, the militant group appears to have survived the initial Israeli onslaught. Only about 5,000 Hamas fighters killed in the conflict out of 30,000 soldiers of its military wing.&nbsp;

Total elimination of Hamas is overambitious because its an ideology brewed out of subjugation of population confined into bounds of Gaza, with airspace, maritime space, six exit points and inflow of essential services controlled by Israel.&nbsp;

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-hears-shocking-accounts-of-sexual-violence-by-hamas-during-oct-7-attacks-666798">UN hears shocking accounts of sexual violence by Hamas during Oct 7 attacks</a>

With growing hatred towards Israel due to unprecedented casualties, the ideology is unlikely to die down. Moreover, many Hamas leaders are outside Gaza, away from immediate strike range of Israel. They will hence, survive even after possible destruction of Gaza carried out with an aim to annihilate Hamas. While Israel may be able to comb Gaza to reduce striking capability of Hamas. It will make itself and its people more insecure in the long run towards terror attacks within and outside Israel.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has rightly warned that failure to protect Palestinian civilians could lead to ‘strategic defeat’.

<h2>Who will control Gaza after war?</h2>

While Israel is planning to have a buffer zone or a security envelope along Gaza border, inside Gaza to prevent Hamas being positioned on the border, but it may not be easy as world opinion is shifting against Israel and is inclined for the Two-State solution.&nbsp;

Even Israel’s closest ally USA, which is insisting on two-state solution, has laid down five principles for the future of Gaza, as its vice-president said “No forcible displacement of the Palestinian people, no reoccupation of Gaza, no siege or blockade, no reduction in territory, and no use of Gaza as a platform for terrorism”.

The idea of Gaza ruled by the Palestinian Authority (PA) has own drawbacks due to the lack of credibility of PA leaders. There haven't been elections after 2005, and they do not represent the people of Gaza. Governance under a UN stabilisation mission, till elections are held, could be an option, but will Israel agree to completely vacate Gaza remains a question. With angry population, the Israeli occupation of Gaza will be marred by risk of frequent insurgent attacks. &nbsp;&nbsp;

<h2>The Future of Two-State Solution</h2>

While Israel and Palestinians both have legitimate right to live, have a homeland, govern and defend themselves, lack of accommodation of these rights within the boundaries of Israel, West Bank and Gaza Strip remains a problem that has led to bloodshed for decades. Every peacemaker including the US is talking of two-state solution. But how to divide the landmass into two states? Both sides want East Jerusalem, because Palestinians can’t compromise on al-Aqsa Mosque (Third holiest shrine for Islam) and Jews can’t compromise on Temple Mount or Western Wall (the holiest site in Judaism).&nbsp;

The complexities of Palestinian enclaves embedded by Israeli settlements in the West Bank and their continued encroachment, makes it impractical for anyone of them to vacate their enclaves, complicating the situation further.

<h2>Way ahead</h2>

The strong US support to Israel in the initial stages has avoided direct involvement of any other country in the war. Although groups like Hezbollah and Houthis did show some support with standoff attacks.&nbsp;

The Arab countries have expressed support for Hamas, condemned Israel for violating International Humanitarian laws and excessive civilian casualties, but no one has directly entered the conflict. Considering the responses so far, it appears that this conflict may not expand into larger regional conflict.&nbsp;

This conflict has further divided the global power blocks with USA and Israel getting increasingly isolated. Most of the world and the UN is raising concerns amid unprecedented casualties and USA seems to be doing damage control internally and externally, short of stopping the Israeli offensive. The number of women and children killed in less than two months has exceeded two years of those killed in Russia-Ukraine War, which violates self-defence logic.&nbsp;

The war may end with Israeli combing operations in destroyed Gaza. It may also be claimed as victory by Israel. It may work as face-saver for Israeli government, but Israel can neither hope to be safe nor peaceful in the long term. In counter-terror operations, people are centre of gravity. The next generation of Hamas will arise, with a frustrated populace demanding revenge. Until a two-state solution that is acceptable to both parties is reached, the Israel-Palestine conflict will persist, albeit in an active insurgent form, for an extended period of time.

(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

The war expands in south: Humanitarian crisis deepens As intense fighting spreads to southern Gaza, the people of Gaza being told to evacuate are finding themselves in deeper crisis, as there is no safe place to go.

The war expands in south: Humanitarian crisis deepens As intense fighting spreads to southern Gaza, the people of Gaza being told to evacuate are finding themselves in deeper crisis, as there is no safe place to go. The truce collapsed on December 1, 2023, with both sides blaming each other. Israeli military launched operations in Khan Younis, Gaza's second largest city, declaring it as combat zone and calling it "the most intense day since the beginning of the ground operation", besides continuing strikes on northern Gaza. Hamas too is responding with rocket fire on border cities of Israel to register its existence. Caught in the crossfire, it’s distressing news for hostages and civilians of one of the most populated region of the world, who are blockaded in a land that is left with no safe zones. Watch | Israel-Hamas war: Over 16,200 killed in Gaza; situation getting worse in Gaza: WHO × Although, most rational voices condemn the brutal, barbaric, terror attack by Hamas on October 7, and felt Israel's actions against Hamas was justified, but the scale, cost and methodology of Israeli response, causing fourteen times more Palestinian civilian casualties (Approximately over 16000 in comparison to over 1200 Israelis killed so far) and large scale forced displacement of people has invited global criticism including from its closest ally United States, for violation of International Humanitarian Law. The violence and casualties in West Bank are complicating the situation further. Despite Israel Defense Forces (IDF) maintaining that ‘it doesn’t target civilians’, reports of mounting casualties have caused concern everywhere, including in the USA, which expects Israel to do more to protect civilians in pursuance of its legitimate military objectives in Gaza. After US announced new visa ban on Israeli settlers involved in violence against Palestinians in the West Bank, Israel responded with assurance of being open to "constructive feedback" from the US and the United Nations, without altering the pace and methodology of its operations. Opposing strategies and outcomes As per Netanyahu, Israel’s objective in this war is to eliminate Hamas completely, ensure that its citizens are never again threatened by an attack from Gaza and to ensure release the hostages. He thinks that it can be done by military action and has pulled back Israeli team from negotiations in Qatar. Also Read | Putin enters West Asia powerplay in rare wartime visit to UAE, Saudi Arabia The level of force used and the scale of destruction being caused indicates that his undeclared aim is to make Gaza uninhabitable and force Palestinians out of Gaza, as its extremely difficult to identify Hamas in such heavily populated enclave and selectively destroy the fighters. To minimise own casualties, IDF has chosen the strategy of mass destruction and pulverising targets/buildings alleged to be hideouts of Hamas. The strategy of Hamas on October 7 was to capture maximum number of hostages to be used as bargaining chip. The embarrassment led to heavy military response from Israel. Hamas also expected support from Arab countries, radical Islamic countries and organisations and slow down normalisation of relations between some Arab countries and Israel. The objective has not been fully achieved as Arab countries have voiced support to Palestinians and not Hamas. In past, Israel has finished wars within days. The 1967 war was finished in six days. Yom Kippur war was done and dusted in 19 days. But the current conflict has been going on for nearly two months. Complete destruction of Hamas is nowhere in sight. In spite of Israeli efforts towards eliminating Hamas, the militant group appears to have survived the initial Israeli onslaught. Only about 5,000 Hamas fighters killed in the conflict out of 30,000 soldiers of its military wing. Total elimination of Hamas is overambitious because its an ideology brewed out of subjugation of population confined into bounds of Gaza, with airspace, maritime space, six exit points and inflow of essential services controlled by Israel. Also Read | UN hears shocking accounts of sexual violence by Hamas during Oct 7 attacks With growing hatred towards Israel due to unprecedented casualties, the ideology is unlikely to die down. Moreover, many Hamas leaders are outside Gaza, away from immediate strike range of Israel. They will hence, survive even after possible destruction of Gaza carried out with an aim to annihilate Hamas. While Israel may be able to comb Gaza to reduce striking capability of Hamas. It will make itself and its people more insecure in the long run towards terror attacks within and outside Israel. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken has rightly warned that failure to protect Palestinian civilians could lead to ‘strategic defeat’. Who will control Gaza after war? While Israel is planning to have a buffer zone or a security envelope along Gaza border, inside Gaza to prevent Hamas being positioned on the border, but it may not be easy as world opinion is shifting against Israel and is inclined for the Two-State solution. Even Israel’s closest ally USA, which is insisting on two-state solution, has laid down five principles for the future of Gaza, as its vice-president said “No forcible displacement of the Palestinian people, no reoccupation of Gaza, no siege or blockade, no reduction in territory, and no use of Gaza as a platform for terrorism”. The idea of Gaza ruled by the Palestinian Authority (PA) has own drawbacks due to the lack of credibility of PA leaders. There haven't been elections after 2005, and they do not represent the people of Gaza. Governance under a UN stabilisation mission, till elections are held, could be an option, but will Israel agree to completely vacate Gaza remains a question. With angry population, the Israeli occupation of Gaza will be marred by risk of frequent insurgent attacks. The Future of Two-State Solution While Israel and Palestinians both have legitimate right to live, have a homeland, govern and defend themselves, lack of accommodation of these rights within the boundaries of Israel, West Bank and Gaza Strip remains a problem that has led to bloodshed for decades. Every peacemaker including the US is talking of two-state solution. But how to divide the landmass into two states? Both sides want East Jerusalem, because Palestinians can’t compromise on al-Aqsa Mosque (Third holiest shrine for Islam) and Jews can’t compromise on Temple Mount or Western Wall (the holiest site in Judaism). The complexities of Palestinian enclaves embedded by Israeli settlements in the West Bank and their continued encroachment, makes it impractical for anyone of them to vacate their enclaves, complicating the situation further. Way ahead The strong US support to Israel in the initial stages has avoided direct involvement of any other country in the war. Although groups like Hezbollah and Houthis did show some support with standoff attacks. The Arab countries have expressed support for Hamas, condemned Israel for violating International Humanitarian laws and excessive civilian casualties, but no one has directly entered the conflict. Considering the responses so far, it appears that this conflict may not expand into larger regional conflict. This conflict has further divided the global power blocks with USA and Israel getting increasingly isolated. Most of the world and the UN is raising concerns amid unprecedented casualties and USA seems to be doing damage control internally and externally, short of stopping the Israeli offensive. The number of women and children killed in less than two months has exceeded two years of those killed in Russia-Ukraine War, which violates self-defence logic. The war may end with Israeli combing operations in destroyed Gaza. It may also be claimed as victory by Israel. It may work as face-saver for Israeli government, but Israel can neither hope to be safe nor peaceful in the long term. In counter-terror operations, people are centre of gravity. The next generation of Hamas will arise, with a frustrated populace demanding revenge. Until a two-state solution that is acceptable to both parties is reached, the Israel-Palestine conflict will persist, albeit in an active insurgent form, for an extended period of time. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)

Crisis deepens as war spreads to south Gaza: Evaluating outcomes against realities

Israel on Monday (Oct 21) alleged that Hezbollah has stored hundreds of millions of dollars in cash and gold inside a bunker beneath Al-Sahel Hospital in Beirut. The Israeli military, however, assured that it would not target the facility despite ongoing airstrikes against the group's financial assets.

In a televised statement, Israeli military spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari asserted that the intelligence leading to this claim has been gathered over the years.&nbsp;

He also announced that the&nbsp;Israeli army has eliminated the latest commander responsible for funding the Lebanese Hezbollah group.&nbsp;

The man, whose name has not been released, was killed in Syria. He&nbsp;headed the Iran-backed Hezbollah's Unit 4400, which is "responsible for the transfers and the amount of funds" to the group through Tehran's oil sales, said Hagari.

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:85,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1922}">Hundreds of millions hidden</h2>

Hagari claimed that the bunker was built under the orders of Hezbollah's former leader, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah — killed last month — and that it was designed for long-term stays.

"There are hundreds of millions of dollars in cash and gold inside the bunker right now."

Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:262,&quot;w&quot;:706,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2099}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-sinwars-death-hamas-to-keep-new-leaders-identity-hidden-to-thwart-future-israeli-attacks-769584">After Sinwar’s death, Hamas to keep new leader’s identity hidden to thwart future Israeli attacks</a>

Hagari called on the Lebanese government and international organisations to prevent Hezbollah from using the alleged funds to support terror activities against Israel.

"I'm calling on the Lebanese government, Lebanese authorities, and the international organisations - don't allow Hezbollah to use the money for terror and to attack Israel," said Hagari.

"The Israeli Air Force is monitoring the compound, as you can see," he added, assuring "however, we will not strike the hospital itself".

However, Hagari confirmed that further attacks on Hezbollah's financial infrastructure are planned and will continue.&nbsp;

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:514,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2351}">Hospital director&nbsp;rejects accusations as false&nbsp;</h2>

The director of Al-Sahel Hospital Fadi Alameh, a Lebanese lawmaker, has denied the claims. In a conversation with the Reuters news agency, he called the allegations false and slanderous.

Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:88,&quot;y&quot;:608,&quot;w&quot;:492,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:121,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2445}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-dismantles-alleged-iran-spy-network-in-country-arrests-seven-citizens-769538">Israel dismantles Iran ‘spy network’ in country, arrests seven citizens</a>

Alameh said that the hospital was being evacuated and called on the Lebanese Army to inspect the premises to confirm that it only housed patients, operating rooms, and a morgue.

This comes as Israeli Chief of General Staff Herzi Halevi announced that around 30 Hezbollah-affiliated sites, including Al-Qard al-Hassan, which Israel considers Hezbollah's financial arm, were struck by Israeli forces overnight.

(With inputs from agencies)

Israel on Monday (Oct 21) alleged that Hezbollah has stored hundreds of millions of dollars in cash and gold inside a bunker beneath Al-Sahel Hospital in Beirut.

Israel on Monday (Oct 21) alleged that Hezbollah has stored hundreds of millions of dollars in cash and gold inside a bunker beneath Al-Sahel Hospital in Beirut. The Israeli military, however, assured that it would not target the facility despite ongoing airstrikes against the group's financial assets. In a televised statement, Israeli military spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari asserted that the intelligence leading to this claim has been gathered over the years. He also announced that the Israeli army has eliminated the latest commander responsible for funding the Lebanese Hezbollah group. The man, whose name has not been released, was killed in Syria. He headed the Iran-backed Hezbollah's Unit 4400, which is "responsible for the transfers and the amount of funds" to the group through Tehran's oil sales, said Hagari. Hundreds of millions hidden Hagari claimed that the bunker was built under the orders of Hezbollah's former leader, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah — killed last month — and that it was designed for long-term stays. "There are hundreds of millions of dollars in cash and gold inside the bunker right now." Also read | After Sinwar’s death, Hamas to keep new leader’s identity hidden to thwart future Israeli attacks Hagari called on the Lebanese government and international organisations to prevent Hezbollah from using the alleged funds to support terror activities against Israel. "I'm calling on the Lebanese government, Lebanese authorities, and the international organisations - don't allow Hezbollah to use the money for terror and to attack Israel," said Hagari. "The Israeli Air Force is monitoring the compound, as you can see," he added, assuring "however, we will not strike the hospital itself". However, Hagari confirmed that further attacks on Hezbollah's financial infrastructure are planned and will continue. Hospital director rejects accusations as false The director of Al-Sahel Hospital Fadi Alameh, a Lebanese lawmaker, has denied the claims. In a conversation with the Reuters news agency, he called the allegations false and slanderous. Also read | Israel dismantles Iran ‘spy network’ in country, arrests seven citizens Alameh said that the hospital was being evacuated and called on the Lebanese Army to inspect the premises to confirm that it only housed patients, operating rooms, and a morgue. This comes as Israeli Chief of General Staff Herzi Halevi announced that around 30 Hezbollah-affiliated sites, including Al-Qard al-Hassan, which Israel considers Hezbollah's financial arm, were struck by Israeli forces overnight. (With inputs from agencies)

Hezbollah hiding millions in gold and cash under Beirut's Al-Sahel hospital, Israel claims

Israel dismantled an alleged spy network in Iraq and arrested seven citizens in the process on Monday (Oct 21).&nbsp;

The citizens were reportedly collecting information from the energy infrastructure and military bases of Israel to hand it over to the Iranian intelligence.

The police and internal security "successfully dismantled a spy network involving seven Israeli citizens who were operating on behalf of Iranian intelligence," said the police, in a statement and added that they have arrested all seven of them.

The seven Israeli citizens belonged to the city of Haifa and other northern areas of the country.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-drops-leaflets-over-gaza-showing-sinwars-dead-body-as-palestinians-mourn-the-defiant-hero-769016">Israel drops leaflets over Gaza showing Sinwar's dead body as Palestinians mourn the defiant 'hero'</a>

"This network was engaged in gathering sensitive information on IDF (military) bases and energy infrastructure," it added.

<h2>Crypto-currency payments, Iranian agent: Here's how spy nexus worked</h2>

According to the police, the Israeli investigations found that the people were carrying out different missions under the guidance of two Iranian agents called "Alkhan and Orkhan" for the last two years.

"The network members were aware that the intelligence they provided compromised national security and could potentially aid enemy missile attacks," said the police.&nbsp;

"The network conducted extensive reconnaissance missions on IDF bases nationwide, focusing on air force and navy installations, ports, Iron Dome system locations, and energy infrastructure such as the Hadera power plant," it added.

The police stated that hundreds of thousands of dollars were sent to the group for the work in the form of crypto-currency payments.

"The investigation led to seizure of substantial materials compiled by the network members for Iranian agents," stated an official from Israel's internal security agency, in the police statement.

"These included photographs and videos of numerous IDF bases across Israel, ports, and energy infrastructure. It is assessed that these activities have inflicted security damage on the state," the official added.

Watch:&nbsp;Israel-Hezbollah War: Massive Explosions Near Beirut's International Airport

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The Israeli spies were also given the task of collecting intelligence on various Israeli citizens.

<h2>Israel continues to engage in multi-front conflict&nbsp;</h2>

Israel has been engaging in multi-front conflict with Hamas in Gaza, Houthis in Yemen and Iran-backed groups such as Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Israel has said that it will continue to strike Hezbollah till it collapses and will retaliate to a missile attack by Tehran on October 1.

According to Israel's military, nearly 60 rockets were fired towards northern Israel from Lebanon on Monday (Oct 21).

Meanwhile, the Israel Aviation Authority said that Ben Gurion Airport has started operating normally after there was a brief pause in the take-offs.&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.

(With inputs from agencies)

Israel dismantled an alleged spy network in Iraq and arrested seven citizens in the process on Monday (Oct 21). The citizens were reportedly collecting information from the energy infrastructure and military bases of Israel to hand it over to the Iranian intelligence.

Israel dismantled an alleged spy network in Iraq and arrested seven citizens in the process on Monday (Oct 21). The citizens were reportedly collecting information from the energy infrastructure and military bases of Israel to hand it over to the Iranian intelligence. The police and internal security "successfully dismantled a spy network involving seven Israeli citizens who were operating on behalf of Iranian intelligence," said the police, in a statement and added that they have arrested all seven of them. The seven Israeli citizens belonged to the city of Haifa and other northern areas of the country. Also Read: Israel drops leaflets over Gaza showing Sinwar's dead body as Palestinians mourn the defiant 'hero' "This network was engaged in gathering sensitive information on IDF (military) bases and energy infrastructure," it added. Crypto-currency payments, Iranian agent: Here's how spy nexus worked According to the police, the Israeli investigations found that the people were carrying out different missions under the guidance of two Iranian agents called "Alkhan and Orkhan" for the last two years. "The network members were aware that the intelligence they provided compromised national security and could potentially aid enemy missile attacks," said the police. "The network conducted extensive reconnaissance missions on IDF bases nationwide, focusing on air force and navy installations, ports, Iron Dome system locations, and energy infrastructure such as the Hadera power plant," it added. The police stated that hundreds of thousands of dollars were sent to the group for the work in the form of crypto-currency payments. "The investigation led to seizure of substantial materials compiled by the network members for Iranian agents," stated an official from Israel's internal security agency, in the police statement. "These included photographs and videos of numerous IDF bases across Israel, ports, and energy infrastructure. It is assessed that these activities have inflicted security damage on the state," the official added. Watch: Israel-Hezbollah War: Massive Explosions Near Beirut's International Airport The Israeli spies were also given the task of collecting intelligence on various Israeli citizens. Israel continues to engage in multi-front conflict Israel has been engaging in multi-front conflict with Hamas in Gaza, Houthis in Yemen and Iran-backed groups such as Hezbollah in Lebanon. Israel has said that it will continue to strike Hezbollah till it collapses and will retaliate to a missile attack by Tehran on October 1. According to Israel's military, nearly 60 rockets were fired towards northern Israel from Lebanon on Monday (Oct 21). Meanwhile, the Israel Aviation Authority said that Ben Gurion Airport has started operating normally after there was a brief pause in the take-offs. 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 dismantles Iran ‘spy network’ in country, arrests seven citizens

The United States on Saturday (Oct 19) called for Israel to scale back its strikes on Beirut, Lebanon, citing the rising civilian death toll as "far too high".&nbsp;

Just hours after Israel carried out heavy strikes on Hezbollah positions in the southern suburbs of the capital, sending plumes of smoke billowing over the city, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said: "We'd like to see Israel scale back on some of the strikes it's taking, especially in and around Beirut".

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:135,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1972}">'We'd like to see things transition': US</h2>

Speaking at a G7 defence meeting in Naples, Italy, Austin urged a shift towards negotiations to enable civilians on both sides of the Lebanon-Israel border to return home safely.

Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:229,&quot;w&quot;:707,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2066}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/no-us-forces-directly-involved-pentagon-clarifies-role-in-hamas-leader-yahya-sinwars-death-769092">'No US&nbsp;forces directly involved': Pentagon clarifies role in Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar’s death</a>

"We'd like to see things transition to some sort of negotiation that will allow civilians on both sides of the border to return to their homes," he said.

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:332,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2169}">Attacks on UNIFIL</h2>

On Friday, the UN mission, known as UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force In Lebanon), said that in recent days, it had come under several "deliberate" attacks by Israeli forces.

Austin said that he has asked his Israeli counterpart Yoav Gallant about Israeli attacks on the UN peacekeeping mission's positions in Lebanon.

"He (Gallant) assured me there's no intent of him or his forces to target UNIFIL forces. Again, I continue to emphasise how important it is that those forces don't come under attack," said Austin.

Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:526,&quot;w&quot;:692,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2363}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/g7-meeting-defence-ministers-vows-unwavering-support-for-ukraine-shares-concern-over-lebanon-conflict-769057">G7 meeting: Defence ministers vows 'unwavering support' for Ukraine; share concern over Lebanon conflict</a>

This comes as America, Israel's strongest ally, has been urging Tehran to do more to safeguard civilians in Lebanon and Gaza. Last week, the US in a confidential letter from Austin and Secretary of State Antony Blinken asked Israeli officials to take concrete measures to address the worsening situation in Gaza within 30 days. The US reportedly warned Tehran that without concrete steps to address the situation, the warring nation could face potential restrictions on American military aid.

(With inputs from agencies)

The United States on Saturday (Oct 19) called for Israel to scale back its strikes on Beirut, Lebanon, citing the rising civilian death toll as "far too high". Just hours after Israel carried out heavy strikes on Hezbollah positions in the southern suburbs of the capital, sending plumes of smoke billowing over the city, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said: "We'd like to see Israel scale back on some of the strikes it's taking, especially in and around Beirut".

The United States on Saturday (Oct 19) called for Israel to scale back its strikes on Beirut, Lebanon, citing the rising civilian death toll as "far too high". Just hours after Israel carried out heavy strikes on Hezbollah positions in the southern suburbs of the capital, sending plumes of smoke billowing over the city, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said: "We'd like to see Israel scale back on some of the strikes it's taking, especially in and around Beirut". 'We'd like to see things transition': US Speaking at a G7 defence meeting in Naples, Italy, Austin urged a shift towards negotiations to enable civilians on both sides of the Lebanon-Israel border to return home safely. Also read | 'No US forces directly involved': Pentagon clarifies role in Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar’s death "We'd like to see things transition to some sort of negotiation that will allow civilians on both sides of the border to return to their homes," he said. Attacks on UNIFIL On Friday, the UN mission, known as UNIFIL (United Nations Interim Force In Lebanon), said that in recent days, it had come under several "deliberate" attacks by Israeli forces. Austin said that he has asked his Israeli counterpart Yoav Gallant about Israeli attacks on the UN peacekeeping mission's positions in Lebanon. "He (Gallant) assured me there's no intent of him or his forces to target UNIFIL forces. Again, I continue to emphasise how important it is that those forces don't come under attack," said Austin. Also read | G7 meeting: Defence ministers vows 'unwavering support' for Ukraine; share concern over Lebanon conflict This comes as America, Israel's strongest ally, has been urging Tehran to do more to safeguard civilians in Lebanon and Gaza. Last week, the US in a confidential letter from Austin and Secretary of State Antony Blinken asked Israeli officials to take concrete measures to address the worsening situation in Gaza within 30 days. The US reportedly warned Tehran that without concrete steps to address the situation, the warring nation could face potential restrictions on American military aid. (With inputs from agencies)

West Asia crisis: US pressures Israel to scale back attacks on Beirut, citing 'far too high' civilian toll

Israeli strikes in Beit Lahia, northern Gaza killed at least 87 people on Sunday (Oct 20) as per the Hamas-run local authorities. As the 'horrifying scenes' unfolded in northern Gaza, UN special co-ordinator for the Middle East peace process, Tor Wennesland, in a statement, said that the "nightmare in Gaza is intensifying" and there is an "ever-worsening humanitarian crisis".

Israeli strikes in Beit Lahia, northern Gaza killed at least 87 people on Sunday (Oct 20) as per the Hamas-run local authorities. As the 'horrifying scenes' unfolded in northern Gaza, UN special co-ordinator for the Middle East peace process, Tor Wennesland, in a statement, said that the "nightmare in Gaza is intensifying" and there is an "ever-worsening humanitarian crisis". Also Read: West Asia crisis: Israel says it hit Hezbollah's command centre in Lebanon's Beirut. Watch "In Beit Lahia last night, dozens were reportedly killed in Israeli airstrikes. Nowhere is safe in Gaza," he said. Israel attacks Hezbollah headquarters in Beirut, Lebanon retaliates with 160 rockets Israel's military on Sunday (October 20) said that it had hit the intelligence headquarters of Hezbollah in Lebanon's capital, Beirut, in which 73 people were killed in a single air strike. Hezbollah's stronghold in south Beirut came under attack after the Iran-backed group was accused of trying to assassinate Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu by attacking his residence with a drone. Around 160 rockets were launched from Lebanon into the north of Israel and nearly 70 of them were intercepted within minutes on Sunday (October 20). "Following the sirens that sounded between 11:09 and 11:12 am in the Western Galilee and Upper Galilee areas, approximately 70 projectiles were identified crossing from Lebanon," stated Israel's military on X. In northern Israel, several major roads were also closed as emergency services made an attempt to put out the fire caused by rockets. Watch: Israel-Hamas War: Pressure Builds On Netanyahu After Yahya Sinwar's Killing Hezbollah on Sunday said it launched rocket salvos at Israeli "enemy forces" on the outskirts of Markaba villages and on soldiers nearby "west of the village of Adaisseh", stated the group. Hezbollah fighters also fired "a big rocket salvo" at an Israeli army base close to Safed "in defence of Lebanon" and "in response to the Israeli enemy's attacks on villages and homes". Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry, in its latest update, said that 87 people have lost their lives and 158 others have suffered injuries in the last 24 hours. As per the ministry, at least 42,603 Palestinians have been killed and 99,795 others have been injured since the Israel-Hamas war started after the October 7 attack in which 1,200 Israelis were killed and 251 others were taken hostage by the terror group. Out of the 251, nearly 100 hostages have still been kept 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.

Israeli strikes on northern Gaza kill at least 87 as Beirut attack continues

Conflict-ravaged Gaza appears to be facing the worst restrictions on aid since the Israel-Hams war there began over a year ago, the UN said on Tuesday, lamenting the devastating impact,&nbsp;especially, on children.

"Day after day, the situation for children becomes worse than the day before," said James Elder, spokesman for the UN children's agency UNICEF.

Vast areas of Gaza have been devastated by Israel's retaliatory assault on the territory after the October 7 Hamas attack last year that sparked the war.

And Israel has been intensifying operations in the north of the besieged Palestinian territory, where the UN has warned hundreds of thousands of people are trapped.

Despite a desperate need to increase the amount of aid going in, Elder lamented that aid access was worsening.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-to-impose-sanctions-on-india-experts-say-sick-man-shouldnt-punch-above-its-weight-767697">Canada looks to sanction India; experts say ‘sick man’ will shoot in the foot</a>

"August was the lowest amount of humanitarian aid that came into the Gaza Strip of any full month since the war broke out," he said, adding that there had been "several days in the last week (where) no commercial trucks whatsoever were allowed to come in".

"We see now what are probably the worst restrictions we've seen on humanitarian aid, ever."

Earlier in the year, amid warnings that the UN could declare a full-fledged famine in Gaza, Elder said there had been "a real push to have new routes and access point open".

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israels-air-defence-system-facing-shortage-of-munitions-as-war-drags-on-report-767726">Israel's air defence system facing shortage of munitions as war drags on</a>

But now, "we have seen an absolute reversal of that", he warned, adding that since May, "we've seen consistent entry points blocked".

Northern Gaza, meanwhile, "hasn't had food, any food aid at all coming in all of October", he added.

The dire lack of aid, coupled with the relentless strikes and the fact that around 85 per cent of the Gaza Strip has been hit with some form of evacuation order, has made the territory "essentially unlivable", Elder said.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Conflict-ravaged Gaza appears to be facing the worst restrictions on aid since the Israel-Hams war there began over a year ago, the UN said on Tuesday, lamenting the devastating impact, especially, on children.

Conflict-ravaged Gaza appears to be facing the worst restrictions on aid since the Israel-Hams war there began over a year ago, the UN said on Tuesday, lamenting the devastating impact, especially, on children. "Day after day, the situation for children becomes worse than the day before," said James Elder, spokesman for the UN children's agency UNICEF. Vast areas of Gaza have been devastated by Israel's retaliatory assault on the territory after the October 7 Hamas attack last year that sparked the war. And Israel has been intensifying operations in the north of the besieged Palestinian territory, where the UN has warned hundreds of thousands of people are trapped. Despite a desperate need to increase the amount of aid going in, Elder lamented that aid access was worsening. Also Read | Canada looks to sanction India; experts say ‘sick man’ will shoot in the foot "August was the lowest amount of humanitarian aid that came into the Gaza Strip of any full month since the war broke out," he said, adding that there had been "several days in the last week (where) no commercial trucks whatsoever were allowed to come in". "We see now what are probably the worst restrictions we've seen on humanitarian aid, ever." Earlier in the year, amid warnings that the UN could declare a full-fledged famine in Gaza, Elder said there had been "a real push to have new routes and access point open". Also Read | Israel's air defence system facing shortage of munitions as war drags on But now, "we have seen an absolute reversal of that", he warned, adding that since May, "we've seen consistent entry points blocked". Northern Gaza, meanwhile, "hasn't had food, any food aid at all coming in all of October", he added. The dire lack of aid, coupled with the relentless strikes and the fact that around 85 per cent of the Gaza Strip has been hit with some form of evacuation order, has made the territory "essentially unlivable", Elder said. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

‘Worst restrictions’ on Gaza aid since Israel-Hamas war began: UN

An assailant shot dead an Israeli policeman and wounded five other people near the southern city of Ashdod on Tuesday in what police called a "terrorist" attack. 
 
The gunman was killed during the attack at the Yavne interchange along the highway connecting Ashdod to Tel Aviv, the authorities said.

"A terrorist wounded five people, including a policeman who was critically injured and then died later," a police spokesman said.

The attacker had approached the main road on foot, fatally wounding the policeman before going on a shooting rampage and wounding others.

Watch |&nbsp;Israel-Hezbollah War: New Details Emerge on Mossad's Pager and Walkie-talkie Operations

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-hezbollah-war-new-details-emerge-on-mossads-pager-and-walkie-talkie-operations-764946/embed" width="560"></iframe>

An Israeli paramedic at the scene "shot the terrorist and neutralised him", said Zaki Heller, a spokesman with emergency service provider Magen David Adom.

"I was driving on the road, I saw a terrorist shooting, I jumped out of the car and neutralised him," the unidentified paramedic who shot the gunman told media during a live interview from the scene.

Far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir hailed the off-duty paramedic's response, saying his gun reforms had helped to save lives, in comments to the media.

The shooting comes just days after one person was killed and five wounded in&nbsp;a stabbing attack in the central town of Hadera before the assailant was shot by armed civilians.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-at-least-1-killed-9-wounded-in-terror-attack-at-beersheba-central-bus-station-764977">Also read |&nbsp;Israel: Woman killed, 10 wounded in terror attack at Beersheba central bus station; attacker shot dead</a>

Palestinian militant group Hamas later praised that attack, saying it was a "heroic stabbing operation" and calling "for more painful strikes against the occupation".

Earlier this month,&nbsp;seven people were killed in a Tel Aviv shooting and stabbing claimed by Hamas.

Palestinian militants have carried out several attacks on Israelis since October 7 last year, when Hamas attacked southern Israel, sparking war in Gaza.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

An assailant shot dead an Israeli policeman and wounded five other people near the southern city of Ashdod on Tuesday in what police called a "terrorist" attack.

An assailant shot dead an Israeli policeman and wounded five other people near the southern city of Ashdod on Tuesday in what police called a "terrorist" attack. The gunman was killed during the attack at the Yavne interchange along the highway connecting Ashdod to Tel Aviv, the authorities said. "A terrorist wounded five people, including a policeman who was critically injured and then died later," a police spokesman said. The attacker had approached the main road on foot, fatally wounding the policeman before going on a shooting rampage and wounding others. Watch | Israel-Hezbollah War: New Details Emerge on Mossad's Pager and Walkie-talkie Operations An Israeli paramedic at the scene "shot the terrorist and neutralised him", said Zaki Heller, a spokesman with emergency service provider Magen David Adom. "I was driving on the road, I saw a terrorist shooting, I jumped out of the car and neutralised him," the unidentified paramedic who shot the gunman told media during a live interview from the scene. Far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir hailed the off-duty paramedic's response, saying his gun reforms had helped to save lives, in comments to the media. The shooting comes just days after one person was killed and five wounded in a stabbing attack in the central town of Hadera before the assailant was shot by armed civilians. Also read | Israel: Woman killed, 10 wounded in terror attack at Beersheba central bus station; attacker shot dead Palestinian militant group Hamas later praised that attack, saying it was a "heroic stabbing operation" and calling "for more painful strikes against the occupation". Earlier this month, seven people were killed in a Tel Aviv shooting and stabbing claimed by Hamas. Palestinian militants have carried out several attacks on Israelis since October 7 last year, when Hamas attacked southern Israel, sparking war in Gaza. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Israeli policeman killed by gunman in Ashdod ‘terror attack’

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