The&nbsp;Israel Defense Forces has accused a journalist, associated with Al Jazeera news organisation, of holding three of the four hostages who were freed in a raid on Saturday (June 8).

Al Jazeera's writer Abdallah Aljamal was killed by the IDF during its dramatic rescue mission in Nuseirat in the Gaza Strip. &nbsp;

Abdallah Aljamal, who was also a spokesman for the Hamas-run labour ministry, was killed by the special forces soldiers who entered his home in central Gaza to rescue hostages Almog Meir Jan, 21, Andri Kozlov, 27, and Shlomi Ziv, 41, said the Israeli military.&nbsp;

Taking to X, the IDF wrote, "'Journalist' Abdallah Aljamal was a Hamas terrorist holding Almog, Andrey and Shlomi hostage in his family’s home in Nuseirat.&nbsp;No press vest can make him innocent of the crimes he has committed. @AlJazeera what’s this terrorist doing on your website?"&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-drops-dramatic-footage-of-rescue-of-four-hamas-hostages-in-complex-daytime-operation-730368">Israel drops dramatic footage showing rescue of 3 of four hostages in 'complex daytime operation'</a>

The IDF further alleged on Sunday (June 9) that the hostages were held by Aljamal inside his family home.

“This is further proof that the Hamas terrorist organization uses the civilian population as a human shield,” said the IDF in a statement.

<h2>Aljamal's Al Jazeera connection</h2>

Aljamal has been listed by Al Jazeera as an author on its website, and he reportedly wrote at least one article for the media organisation.&nbsp;

However, Jerusalem bureau chief of the now-closed Al Jazeera office Omar al-Walid said that Aljamal was not working for Al Jazeera, reported the Times of Israel.

"This man is not from Al Jazeera, and he did not work for Al Jazeera at all, and he is not listed as working for Al Jazeera neither now nor in the past," said al-Walid.

“We do not know him, and all the rumours that have been spread are empty of content and not true at all,” he added.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Israel: Benny Gantz quits war cabinet; accuses Netanyahu of preventing 'true victory'

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-benny-gantz-quits-war-cabinet-accuses-netanyahu-of-preventing-true-victory-730459/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The Arabic-language news network further stated that they would sue those who are spreading false rumours regarding connections between al-Walid and Al-Jazeera, reported Times of Israel.

Imran Khan, who is a senior correspondent on&nbsp;Al Jazeera's English channel, stated on Instagram that Aljamal worked as a freelancer in the past.

"The individual in question who was killed in the raid along with his family was, at one point, a freelance journalist. He has never worked for&nbsp;Al Jazeera&nbsp;Arabic or English," Khan wrote.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The Israel Defense Forces has accused a journalist, associated with Al Jazeera news organisation, of holding three of the four hostages who were freed in a raid on Saturday (June 8).

The Israel Defense Forces has accused a journalist, associated with Al Jazeera news organisation, of holding three of the four hostages who were freed in a raid on Saturday (June 8). Al Jazeera's writer Abdallah Aljamal was killed by the IDF during its dramatic rescue mission in Nuseirat in the Gaza Strip. Abdallah Aljamal, who was also a spokesman for the Hamas-run labour ministry, was killed by the special forces soldiers who entered his home in central Gaza to rescue hostages Almog Meir Jan, 21, Andri Kozlov, 27, and Shlomi Ziv, 41, said the Israeli military. Taking to X, the IDF wrote, "'Journalist' Abdallah Aljamal was a Hamas terrorist holding Almog, Andrey and Shlomi hostage in his family’s home in Nuseirat. No press vest can make him innocent of the crimes he has committed. @AlJazeera what’s this terrorist doing on your website?" Also Read: Israel drops dramatic footage showing rescue of 3 of four hostages in 'complex daytime operation' The IDF further alleged on Sunday (June 9) that the hostages were held by Aljamal inside his family home. “This is further proof that the Hamas terrorist organization uses the civilian population as a human shield,” said the IDF in a statement. Aljamal's Al Jazeera connection Aljamal has been listed by Al Jazeera as an author on its website, and he reportedly wrote at least one article for the media organisation. However, Jerusalem bureau chief of the now-closed Al Jazeera office Omar al-Walid said that Aljamal was not working for Al Jazeera, reported the Times of Israel. "This man is not from Al Jazeera, and he did not work for Al Jazeera at all, and he is not listed as working for Al Jazeera neither now nor in the past," said al-Walid. “We do not know him, and all the rumours that have been spread are empty of content and not true at all,” he added. Watch: Israel: Benny Gantz quits war cabinet; accuses Netanyahu of preventing 'true victory' The Arabic-language news network further stated that they would sue those who are spreading false rumours regarding connections between al-Walid and Al-Jazeera, reported Times of Israel. Imran Khan, who is a senior correspondent on Al Jazeera's English channel, stated on Instagram that Aljamal worked as a freelancer in the past. "The individual in question who was killed in the raid along with his family was, at one point, a freelance journalist. He has never worked for Al Jazeera Arabic or English," Khan wrote. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel alleges Al Jazeera journalist held three hostages, media group denies connection

Lebanon-backed Hezbollah launched missiles targeting northern Israel that triggered forest fires across the region on Tuesday (June 4).&nbsp;

The Israeli authorities initiated rescue efforts to contain the spread of fire that engulfed residential areas in border towns and villages.

Israel Fire and Rescue Services released a statement saying that the fires began on Monday (June 3) and had already shrouded thousands of acres of land.&nbsp;

"As of this time, there are three active sites" near the border with Lebanon, the Israel Fire and Rescue Service posted on X earlier Tuesday.&nbsp;

The blaze progressed towards Kiryat Shmona, a town where daily exchanges of fire between the army and Hezbollah since Hamas' Oct 7 assault against Israel prompted a mass evacuation.

On Sunday (Jun 2), a rocket fired from Lebanon hit the town of Katzrin causing a brush fire in the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights that torched nearly 10 square kilometres of land.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-denies-netanyahu-to-address-us-congress-over-jewish-holiday-728637">Israel denies Netanyahu to address US Congress over Jewish holiday</a>

The blaze was reported in Alma al-Shaab and Dhayra villages, situated near the border with Israel, as per Lebanon's state-run National News Agency (NNA).

It said the fires were caused by "Israeli phosphorus incendiary shells".

The Israeli military said that it had deployed reinforcements to back the firefighters who were swamped by the scale of the fires.

"Six... reservist soldiers were lightly injured as a result of smoke inhalation and transferred to a hospital to receive medical treatment," the army said.

"The forces gained control over the locations of fire, and at this stage, no human life is at risk," it added.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office released a statement saying that it was closely monitoring the situation.

Government spokesman David Mencer said that attacks launched by Hezbollah "have caused significant fires".

In some areas of northern Israel firefighters had been battling "fire for almost 24 hours in extreme weather conditions while striving to reach out and save lives, and prevent damage to property," Mencer said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Lebanon-backed Hezbollah launched missiles targeting northern Israel that triggered forest fires across the region on Tuesday (June 4). The Israeli authorities initiated rescue efforts to contain the spread of fire that engulfed residential areas in border towns and villages.

Lebanon-backed Hezbollah launched missiles targeting northern Israel that triggered forest fires across the region on Tuesday (June 4). The Israeli authorities initiated rescue efforts to contain the spread of fire that engulfed residential areas in border towns and villages. Israel Fire and Rescue Services released a statement saying that the fires began on Monday (June 3) and had already shrouded thousands of acres of land. "As of this time, there are three active sites" near the border with Lebanon, the Israel Fire and Rescue Service posted on X earlier Tuesday. The blaze progressed towards Kiryat Shmona, a town where daily exchanges of fire between the army and Hezbollah since Hamas' Oct 7 assault against Israel prompted a mass evacuation. On Sunday (Jun 2), a rocket fired from Lebanon hit the town of Katzrin causing a brush fire in the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights that torched nearly 10 square kilometres of land. Also read: Israel denies Netanyahu to address US Congress over Jewish holiday The blaze was reported in Alma al-Shaab and Dhayra villages, situated near the border with Israel, as per Lebanon's state-run National News Agency (NNA). It said the fires were caused by "Israeli phosphorus incendiary shells". The Israeli military said that it had deployed reinforcements to back the firefighters who were swamped by the scale of the fires. "Six... reservist soldiers were lightly injured as a result of smoke inhalation and transferred to a hospital to receive medical treatment," the army said. "The forces gained control over the locations of fire, and at this stage, no human life is at risk," it added. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office released a statement saying that it was closely monitoring the situation. Government spokesman David Mencer said that attacks launched by Hezbollah "have caused significant fires". In some areas of northern Israel firefighters had been battling "fire for almost 24 hours in extreme weather conditions while striving to reach out and save lives, and prevent damage to property," Mencer said. (With inputs from agencies)

Forest fires triggered by Hezbollah rockets spread through northern Israel

United States President Joe Biden, on Tuesday (Jun 4) said there is “every reason” for people to believe that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is prolonging the war in Gaza for his own political preservation. The remark has since drawn criticism from the Israeli government which accused the US president of straying from diplomatic norms.&nbsp;

<h2>‘Every reason to believe’</h2>

In an interview with Time magazine, published on Tuesday, when asked whether he thought Netanyahu was prolonging the war for political reasons, Biden said, “I’m not going to comment on that.” He added, “There is every reason for people to draw that conclusion.”

WATCH |&nbsp;The Biden trap: Can Netanyahu get out of it?

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Notably, the Israeli PM’s popularity plummeted after Hamas launched its October 7 attack which took Israel by surprise and exposed serious flaws in the country’s security. However, a recent poll suggests otherwise and says Netanyahu is starting to regain his popularity.&nbsp;

The US president’s remarks were made during the interview on May 28 and came before he pitched a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-biden-details-israels-new-three-phase-ceasefire-proposal-amid-gaza-war-what-is-it-about-727842">three-phase ceasefire&nbsp;plan</a> to end the almost eight-month-long war in Gaza, on Friday (May 31).&nbsp;

Biden also told the magazine that it is “uncertain” whether Israeli forces committed war crimes in the Palestinian enclave.&nbsp;

The US president said that he had previously warned Israel not to make the same mistake that Washington made after the 9/11 attacks which led to “endless wars",&nbsp;adding that “they’re making that mistake.”

Biden, last week, called on the Israeli leadership to accept the deal and resist pressure from those who are pushing for the war in Gaza to go on “indefinitely".

“They want to occupy Gaza. They want to keep fighting for years and hostages are not a priority for them…I’ve urged leadership in Israel to stand behind this deal, despite whatever pressure comes,” he added.&nbsp;

<h2>Israeli government criticises Biden</h2>

When asked about the interview, Israeli government spokesperson David Mencer said it was “outside the diplomatic norms of every right-thinking country” for Biden to make such comments about Netanyahu.&nbsp;

<h2>Netanyahu’s popularity rises</h2>

Opinion polls since the October 7 attack indicate that while Israelis support the war in Gaza, they blame Netanyahu for the security failures, and would vote him out if there was an election.&nbsp;

Similarly, political analysts have&nbsp;indicated that the Israeli PM would lose if elections were held now.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-deems-bidens-gaza-proposal-partial-but-says-plan-can-kick-off-without-full-agreement-728394">Netanyahu deems Biden’s Gaza proposal ‘partial’ but says plan can kick off without full agreement</a>

However, a poll conducted by Israel’s Channel 12, on May 29, suggests that Netanyahu is starting to regain his popularity after struggling politically for more than a year. He even outpolled his main rival Benny Gantz for the first time since the beginning of the war.&nbsp;

When asked who was better suited to serve as PM, 36 per cent of the 500 Israeli voters who participated in the survey chose Netanyahu and 30 per cent supported Gantz.&nbsp;

The incumbent Israeli PM was also ahead of opposition leader Yair Lapid.

However, the poll, with a 4.4 per cent margin of error, seems to contradict the discontent observed in Israel as the country has been witnessing months of, often violent, protests with people calling on Netanyahu to resign.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

United States President Joe Biden, on Tuesday (Jun 4) said there is “every reason” for people to believe that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is prolonging the war in Gaza for his own political preservation.

United States President Joe Biden, on Tuesday (Jun 4) said there is “every reason” for people to believe that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is prolonging the war in Gaza for his own political preservation. The remark has since drawn criticism from the Israeli government which accused the US president of straying from diplomatic norms. ‘Every reason to believe’ In an interview with Time magazine, published on Tuesday, when asked whether he thought Netanyahu was prolonging the war for political reasons, Biden said, “I’m not going to comment on that.” He added, “There is every reason for people to draw that conclusion.” WATCH | The Biden trap: Can Netanyahu get out of it? Notably, the Israeli PM’s popularity plummeted after Hamas launched its October 7 attack which took Israel by surprise and exposed serious flaws in the country’s security. However, a recent poll suggests otherwise and says Netanyahu is starting to regain his popularity. The US president’s remarks were made during the interview on May 28 and came before he pitched a three-phase ceasefire plan to end the almost eight-month-long war in Gaza, on Friday (May 31). Biden also told the magazine that it is “uncertain” whether Israeli forces committed war crimes in the Palestinian enclave. The US president said that he had previously warned Israel not to make the same mistake that Washington made after the 9/11 attacks which led to “endless wars", adding that “they’re making that mistake.” Biden, last week, called on the Israeli leadership to accept the deal and resist pressure from those who are pushing for the war in Gaza to go on “indefinitely". “They want to occupy Gaza. They want to keep fighting for years and hostages are not a priority for them…I’ve urged leadership in Israel to stand behind this deal, despite whatever pressure comes,” he added. Israeli government criticises Biden When asked about the interview, Israeli government spokesperson David Mencer said it was “outside the diplomatic norms of every right-thinking country” for Biden to make such comments about Netanyahu. Netanyahu’s popularity rises Opinion polls since the October 7 attack indicate that while Israelis support the war in Gaza, they blame Netanyahu for the security failures, and would vote him out if there was an election. Similarly, political analysts have indicated that the Israeli PM would lose if elections were held now. Also Read | Netanyahu deems Biden’s Gaza proposal ‘partial’ but says plan can kick off without full agreement However, a poll conducted by Israel’s Channel 12, on May 29, suggests that Netanyahu is starting to regain his popularity after struggling politically for more than a year. He even outpolled his main rival Benny Gantz for the first time since the beginning of the war. When asked who was better suited to serve as PM, 36 per cent of the 500 Israeli voters who participated in the survey chose Netanyahu and 30 per cent supported Gantz. The incumbent Israeli PM was also ahead of opposition leader Yair Lapid. However, the poll, with a 4.4 per cent margin of error, seems to contradict the discontent observed in Israel as the country has been witnessing months of, often violent, protests with people calling on Netanyahu to resign. (With inputs from agencies)

Biden suggests Netanyahu is dragging out Gaza war for political reasons

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday (Jun 5) said that his country was all set for a "very strong action in the north" stating that his forces would restore security "one way or another" after the Iran-backed Hezbollah group launched missiles triggering forest fires across the region.

The exchanges have intensified between Israel and the Lebanon-backed militant group over the past week, with Israel launching strikes into Lebanese territory.&nbsp;

"Whoever thinks that they can harm us and we will sit idly by is making a big mistake. We are prepared for a very strong action in the north," Netanyahu said during a tour of the area. "In one way or another, we will restore security to the north."

Hezbollah said that it hit several Israeli positions during the day, including a "guided missile" strike on an "Iron Dome platform in the Ramot Naftali barracks".

Netanyahu's coalition partners National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, in recent days, have called for immediate action to strengthen security across northern Israel.

"They burn us here, all Hezbollah strongholds should also burn and be destroyed. WAR!" Ben Gvir said on Tuesday in a Telegram post.

Smotrich on Monday said, "We must move the security strip from inside Israeli territory in the Galilee to southern Lebanon, including a ground invasion, occupation of the territory and distancing Hezbollah terrorists and hundreds of thousands of Lebanese among whom Hezbollah hides to the other side of the Litani river," nearly 30 kilometres (20 miles) north of the border.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-war-israel-phasing-out-use-of-military-run-detention-camps-for-captured-palestinians-729045">Gaza war: Israel phasing out use of military-run detention camps</a>

<h2>Forest fires triggered by Hezbollah rockets spread through northern Israel</h2>

Netanyahu's remarks come as Hezbollah launched missiles targeting northern Israel that triggered forest fires across the region on Tuesday (June 4).&nbsp;

The Israeli authorities said that they had initiated rescue efforts to contain the spread of fire that engulfed residential areas in border towns and villages.

Israel Fire and Rescue Services released a statement saying that the fires began on Monday (June 3) and had already shrouded thousands of acres of land.&nbsp;

"As of this time, there are three active sites" near the border with Lebanon, the Israel Fire and Rescue Service posted on X earlier Tuesday.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday (Jun 5) said that his country was all set for a "very strong action in the north" stating that his forces would restore security "one way or another" after the Iran-backed Hezbollah group launched missiles triggering forest fires across the region.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday (Jun 5) said that his country was all set for a "very strong action in the north" stating that his forces would restore security "one way or another" after the Iran-backed Hezbollah group launched missiles triggering forest fires across the region. The exchanges have intensified between Israel and the Lebanon-backed militant group over the past week, with Israel launching strikes into Lebanese territory. "Whoever thinks that they can harm us and we will sit idly by is making a big mistake. We are prepared for a very strong action in the north," Netanyahu said during a tour of the area. "In one way or another, we will restore security to the north." Hezbollah said that it hit several Israeli positions during the day, including a "guided missile" strike on an "Iron Dome platform in the Ramot Naftali barracks". Netanyahu's coalition partners National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, in recent days, have called for immediate action to strengthen security across northern Israel. "They burn us here, all Hezbollah strongholds should also burn and be destroyed. WAR!" Ben Gvir said on Tuesday in a Telegram post. Smotrich on Monday said, "We must move the security strip from inside Israeli territory in the Galilee to southern Lebanon, including a ground invasion, occupation of the territory and distancing Hezbollah terrorists and hundreds of thousands of Lebanese among whom Hezbollah hides to the other side of the Litani river," nearly 30 kilometres (20 miles) north of the border. Also read: Gaza war: Israel phasing out use of military-run detention camps Forest fires triggered by Hezbollah rockets spread through northern Israel Netanyahu's remarks come as Hezbollah launched missiles targeting northern Israel that triggered forest fires across the region on Tuesday (June 4). The Israeli authorities said that they had initiated rescue efforts to contain the spread of fire that engulfed residential areas in border towns and villages. Israel Fire and Rescue Services released a statement saying that the fires began on Monday (June 3) and had already shrouded thousands of acres of land. "As of this time, there are three active sites" near the border with Lebanon, the Israel Fire and Rescue Service posted on X earlier Tuesday. (With inputs from agencies)

Israeli PM Netanyahu says country prepared for ‘very intense operation’ on Lebanon border

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin&nbsp;Netanyahu's office on Tuesday denied American media reports that he will address the US Congress on June 13, amid mounting pressure to agree to a ceasefire with Hamas.

Netanyahu's office told Israeli media the date of his speech to Congress had "not been finalised", but it would not be on June 13 because it interferes with a Jewish holiday. The date had been reported by Punchbowl News and Politico.

Speculation about the visit comes with&nbsp;Netanyahu&nbsp;facing intense criticism over the civilian death toll in the war in Gaza, which has ratcheted tension with President Joe Biden's administration.

Biden on Friday presented what he labelled an Israeli three-phase plan that would end the conflict, free all hostages and lead to the reconstruction of the devastated Palestinian territory without Hamas in power.

Netanyahu's office stressed that the war sparked by the October 7 attack would continue until all of Israel's "goals are achieved," including the destruction of Hamas's military and governing capabilities.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/northern-israel-battles-fires-sparked-by-hezbollah-attacks-728508">Northern Israel battles fires sparked by Hezbollah attacks</a>

The four party leaders in the House and Senate asked&nbsp;Netanyahu&nbsp;last week to speak before a&nbsp;joint meeting of Congress in a letter voicing solidarity with Israel "in your struggle against terror, especially as Hamas continues to hold American and Israeli citizens captive."

Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer called in March for Israel to hold new elections in a rare example of strident criticism from a senior American official of the country's handling of the war in Gaza.

The rebuke from Schumer, the highest-ranking elected Jewish American in history, came amid expressions of dismay from the White House over the death toll in the conflict, sparked by the October 7 attacks by Hamas militants.

Progressives including Vermont senator Bernie Sanders, an independent who votes with the Democrats, have condemned&nbsp;Netanyahu&nbsp;over his handling of the military response and vowed to snub any speech in the United States by the right-wing leader.

"It is a very sad day for our country that Prime Minister Benjamin&nbsp;Netanyahu&nbsp;has been invited - by leaders from both parties - to address a joint meeting of the United States Congress," Sanders said in a weekend statement.

Watch:&nbsp;Israel war: Hezbollah launched rockets on Israel from Lebanon

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-war-hezbollah-launched-rockets-on-israel-from-lebanon-728567/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"Israel, of course, had the right to defend itself against the horrific Hamas terrorist attack of&nbsp;October 7, but it did not, and does not, have the right to go to war against the entire Palestinian people," he added, calling&nbsp;Netanyahu&nbsp;a "war criminal".

The war broke out when Hamas militants attacked Israel, resulting in 1,194 deaths, mostly civilians, according to an AFP count based on official figures.

More than 36,470 Palestinians, mostly civilians, have been killed in the Gaza Strip since the war broke out, according to data provided by the&nbsp;health&nbsp;ministry of&nbsp;Hamas-run Gaza.

According to the Israeli military, 294 soldiers have been killed in the military campaign since the start of the ground offensive on October 27. House Speaker Mike Johnson's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office on Tuesday denied American media reports that he will address the US Congress on June 13, amid mounting pressure to agree to a ceasefire with Hamas.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office on Tuesday denied American media reports that he will address the US Congress on June 13, amid mounting pressure to agree to a ceasefire with Hamas. Netanyahu's office told Israeli media the date of his speech to Congress had "not been finalised", but it would not be on June 13 because it interferes with a Jewish holiday. The date had been reported by Punchbowl News and Politico. Speculation about the visit comes with Netanyahu facing intense criticism over the civilian death toll in the war in Gaza, which has ratcheted tension with President Joe Biden's administration. Biden on Friday presented what he labelled an Israeli three-phase plan that would end the conflict, free all hostages and lead to the reconstruction of the devastated Palestinian territory without Hamas in power. Netanyahu's office stressed that the war sparked by the October 7 attack would continue until all of Israel's "goals are achieved," including the destruction of Hamas's military and governing capabilities. Also Read: Northern Israel battles fires sparked by Hezbollah attacks The four party leaders in the House and Senate asked Netanyahu last week to speak before a joint meeting of Congress in a letter voicing solidarity with Israel "in your struggle against terror, especially as Hamas continues to hold American and Israeli citizens captive." Democratic Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer called in March for Israel to hold new elections in a rare example of strident criticism from a senior American official of the country's handling of the war in Gaza. The rebuke from Schumer, the highest-ranking elected Jewish American in history, came amid expressions of dismay from the White House over the death toll in the conflict, sparked by the October 7 attacks by Hamas militants. Progressives including Vermont senator Bernie Sanders, an independent who votes with the Democrats, have condemned Netanyahu over his handling of the military response and vowed to snub any speech in the United States by the right-wing leader. "It is a very sad day for our country that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been invited - by leaders from both parties - to address a joint meeting of the United States Congress," Sanders said in a weekend statement. Watch: Israel war: Hezbollah launched rockets on Israel from Lebanon "Israel, of course, had the right to defend itself against the horrific Hamas terrorist attack of October 7, but it did not, and does not, have the right to go to war against the entire Palestinian people," he added, calling Netanyahu a "war criminal". The war broke out when Hamas militants attacked Israel, resulting in 1,194 deaths, mostly civilians, according to an AFP count based on official figures. More than 36,470 Palestinians, mostly civilians, have been killed in the Gaza Strip since the war broke out, according to data provided by the health ministry of Hamas-run Gaza. According to the Israeli military, 294 soldiers have been killed in the military campaign since the start of the ground offensive on October 27. House Speaker Mike Johnson's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Israel denies Netanyahu to address US Congress over Jewish holiday

Thousands of anti-government protesters took to the streets in the Israeli city of Tel Aviv, on Saturday (Jun 1) and called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government to work on the deal to release hostages held by the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza after the October 7 attack.&nbsp;

<h2>At least 120,000 rally in Tel Aviv</h2>

While Israel has faced months of near-weekly protests since Netanyahu returned to power due to his government’s various policies, including the proposed judicial overhaul and more recently the war in Gaza, Saturday’s rally was said to be one of the largest since Hamas’ October 7 attack.&nbsp;

Israelis have also called on Netanyahu to resign and for the country to hold early elections.

WATCH |&nbsp;Israel urges Netanyahu to 'stand up &amp; publicly accept' truce deal

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-urges-netanyahu-to-stand-up-publicly-accept-truce-deal-families-demand-hostages-return-727931/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Organisers of the protest, as per Times of Israel said some 120,000 demonstrators attended the Tel Aviv rally. Similar rallies reportedly took place in several places across the country.&nbsp;

The rally was also marked by clashes, speeches and massive banners one of which according to images from the protest read “Biden save them from Netanyahu,” seemingly speaking about the hostages, which Hamas took back to Gaza after attacking Israel on October 7.&nbsp;

<h2>Police and protesters clash</h2>

Protesters, during the rally on Saturday, clashed with the police, according to Israeli media reports and videos on social media.&nbsp;

A report by Haaretz said two protesters were arrested and that the police used a sound cannon to disperse the thousands of demonstrators gathered.&nbsp;

Israeli news site, Ynet reported that the police had also brought a water cannon to the rally but did not use it.&nbsp;

At least 14 police officers including Chief Superintendent Avi Ofer and the deputy commander of the Tel Aviv Police Department, were injured during clashes with the protesters, reported Ynet.&nbsp;

<h2>‘Thank you, President Biden’</h2>

Protesters thanked United States President Joe Biden for his speech which called on the Israeli government and Hamas to accept the recent ceasefire proposal by Israel and end the ongoing war in Gaza.&nbsp;

Biden, on Friday (May 31) unveiled a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-biden-details-new-three-phase-ceasefire-proposal-by-israel-amid-gaza-war-what-is-it-about-727842">three-phase Israeli proposal</a> to Hamas seeking to end the almost eight-month-long war. If accepted, the deal in question would lead to a ceasefire in the Palestinian enclave and the release of hostages held by the militant group.&nbsp;

“A step away from a victory that will never come, we’re surrounded by enemies, the whole world’s against us,” said the former head of the finance ministry’s budget department, Shaul Meridor at the rally, referring to Netanyahu’s repeated claims that Israel is close to victory. &nbsp;

He added, “Last night, we received a reminder of what a real leader looks like, who cares for Israel’s future and not his own. Thank you, President Biden.”&nbsp;

Hostages and Missing Families Forum, on Saturday night also called for mass protests warning that there would be “very strong attempts to torpedo the deal”.&nbsp;

<h2>Israeli ministers threaten to quit</h2>

Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, two members of the Israeli PM’s right-wing coalition, have threatened to quit if the latest Gaza ceasefire deal is accepted, potentially leading to the collapse of the governing coalition.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the leader of the opposition Yair Lapid pledged to back the government if the Israeli PM accepted the plan.&nbsp;

Smotrich, in a post on social media, said he told Netanyahu he would “not be part of a government that agrees to the proposed outline and ends the war without destroying Hamas and bringing back all the hostages”.&nbsp;

Similarly, Ben-Gvir called the deal “reckless” and one that “constitutes a victory for terrorism and a security threat to the State of Israel”. He also vowed to “dissolve the government” rather than agree to the proposal.&nbsp;

Notably, Biden during his speech had warned that some people in the governing coalition have “made it clear” that they want to “occupy Gaza.”&nbsp;

He added, “Well, I’ve urged leadership in Israel to stand behind this deal, despite whatever pressure comes.”

(With inputs from agencies)

Thousands of anti-government protesters took to the streets in the Israeli city of Tel Aviv, on Saturday (Jun 1) and called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government to work on the deal to release hostages held by the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza after the October 7 attack.

Thousands of anti-government protesters took to the streets in the Israeli city of Tel Aviv, on Saturday (Jun 1) and called on Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government to work on the deal to release hostages held by the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza after the October 7 attack. At least 120,000 rally in Tel Aviv While Israel has faced months of near-weekly protests since Netanyahu returned to power due to his government’s various policies, including the proposed judicial overhaul and more recently the war in Gaza, Saturday’s rally was said to be one of the largest since Hamas’ October 7 attack. Israelis have also called on Netanyahu to resign and for the country to hold early elections. WATCH | Israel urges Netanyahu to 'stand up & publicly accept' truce deal Organisers of the protest, as per Times of Israel said some 120,000 demonstrators attended the Tel Aviv rally. Similar rallies reportedly took place in several places across the country. The rally was also marked by clashes, speeches and massive banners one of which according to images from the protest read “Biden save them from Netanyahu,” seemingly speaking about the hostages, which Hamas took back to Gaza after attacking Israel on October 7. Police and protesters clash Protesters, during the rally on Saturday, clashed with the police, according to Israeli media reports and videos on social media. A report by Haaretz said two protesters were arrested and that the police used a sound cannon to disperse the thousands of demonstrators gathered. Israeli news site, Ynet reported that the police had also brought a water cannon to the rally but did not use it. At least 14 police officers including Chief Superintendent Avi Ofer and the deputy commander of the Tel Aviv Police Department, were injured during clashes with the protesters, reported Ynet. ‘Thank you, President Biden’ Protesters thanked United States President Joe Biden for his speech which called on the Israeli government and Hamas to accept the recent ceasefire proposal by Israel and end the ongoing war in Gaza. Biden, on Friday (May 31) unveiled a three-phase Israeli proposal to Hamas seeking to end the almost eight-month-long war. If accepted, the deal in question would lead to a ceasefire in the Palestinian enclave and the release of hostages held by the militant group. “A step away from a victory that will never come, we’re surrounded by enemies, the whole world’s against us,” said the former head of the finance ministry’s budget department, Shaul Meridor at the rally, referring to Netanyahu’s repeated claims that Israel is close to victory. He added, “Last night, we received a reminder of what a real leader looks like, who cares for Israel’s future and not his own. Thank you, President Biden.” Hostages and Missing Families Forum, on Saturday night also called for mass protests warning that there would be “very strong attempts to torpedo the deal”. Israeli ministers threaten to quit Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, two members of the Israeli PM’s right-wing coalition, have threatened to quit if the latest Gaza ceasefire deal is accepted, potentially leading to the collapse of the governing coalition. Meanwhile, the leader of the opposition Yair Lapid pledged to back the government if the Israeli PM accepted the plan. Smotrich, in a post on social media, said he told Netanyahu he would “not be part of a government that agrees to the proposed outline and ends the war without destroying Hamas and bringing back all the hostages”. Similarly, Ben-Gvir called the deal “reckless” and one that “constitutes a victory for terrorism and a security threat to the State of Israel”. He also vowed to “dissolve the government” rather than agree to the proposal. Notably, Biden during his speech had warned that some people in the governing coalition have “made it clear” that they want to “occupy Gaza.” He added, “Well, I’ve urged leadership in Israel to stand behind this deal, despite whatever pressure comes.” (With inputs from agencies)

‘Biden save them from Netanyahu’: 120,000 rally in Tel Aviv against Israeli govt, demand hostage deal

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

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

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

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

Israeli war cabinet minister Benny Gantz's centrist party on Thursday (May 30) said that they had submitted a bill seeking to dissolve the parliament and have an early election.

"The head of the National Union Party, Pnina Tamano-Shata, has put forward a bill to dissolve the 25th Knesset. This follows the request of party leader Minister Benny Gantz to move forward in broad agreement to an election before October, a year since the massacre," said the political party, in a statement.

The submission of the bill is seen as an attempt to topple Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-war-israel-uncovers-15-kilometre-long-terrorist-tunnel-route-in-eastern-rafah-727109">Gaza war: Israel uncovers 1.5-kilometre-long 'terrorist' tunnel route in eastern Rafah</a>

National Unity MK Pnina Tamano-Shata had submitted the proposal to dissolve Israel’s parliament, Israel Hayom reported.

Countering the bill, Netanyahu's right-wing Likud party said that "the dissolution of the unity government is a reward for (Hamas Gaza leader Yahya) Sinwar, a capitulation to international pressure and a fatal blow to efforts to free our hostages".

In Israel, the election is not due before the final quarter of 2026 and earlier, the Likud party had warned that holding an early election would harm the fight against Hamas in Gaza.

<h2>Gantz's deadline for Netanyahu to draw a plan of action&nbsp;</h2>

This month, Gantz threatened to resign from the war cabinet if Netanyahu did not finalise a post-war plan for the Gaza Strip.

He had earlier threatened to leave the coalition of Netanyahu if the president did not sketch a plan for the Gaza war.

“I look you in the eyes tonight and tell you: The choice is in your hands. After talking to you again and again, the moment of truth has come,” Gantz said.

He gave a deadline of June 8 to Netanyahu for finalising a plan of action and to finalise six key strategic goals of the war.

Watch:&nbsp;Israel-Hamas war: Gaza war may go on for next 7 months: Israel

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The strategic goals listed by Netanyahu are - bringing home the hostages; destroying Hamas, creating an “international civilian governance mechanism for Gaza” including Palestinians but not P.A. leader Mahmoud Abbas or Hamas; advancing normalisation with Saudi Arabia and establishing a new framework for Israelis’ military service; demilitarizing the Gaza Strip and establishing Israeli security control there and returning the residents to the north and rehabilitating the western Negev.

Gantz in April had stated that Israel should go to the elections in September. Defence Minister Yoav Gallant had also criticised Netanyahu for not being able to rule out an Israeli occupation of Gaza after the war.

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)

Israeli war cabinet minister Benny Gantz's centrist party on Thursday (May 30) said that they had submitted a bill seeking to dissolve the parliament and have an early election.

Israeli war cabinet minister Benny Gantz's centrist party on Thursday (May 30) said that they had submitted a bill seeking to dissolve the parliament and have an early election. "The head of the National Union Party, Pnina Tamano-Shata, has put forward a bill to dissolve the 25th Knesset. This follows the request of party leader Minister Benny Gantz to move forward in broad agreement to an election before October, a year since the massacre," said the political party, in a statement. The submission of the bill is seen as an attempt to topple Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government. Also Read: Gaza war: Israel uncovers 1.5-kilometre-long 'terrorist' tunnel route in eastern Rafah National Unity MK Pnina Tamano-Shata had submitted the proposal to dissolve Israel’s parliament, Israel Hayom reported. Countering the bill, Netanyahu's right-wing Likud party said that "the dissolution of the unity government is a reward for (Hamas Gaza leader Yahya) Sinwar, a capitulation to international pressure and a fatal blow to efforts to free our hostages". In Israel, the election is not due before the final quarter of 2026 and earlier, the Likud party had warned that holding an early election would harm the fight against Hamas in Gaza. Gantz's deadline for Netanyahu to draw a plan of action This month, Gantz threatened to resign from the war cabinet if Netanyahu did not finalise a post-war plan for the Gaza Strip. He had earlier threatened to leave the coalition of Netanyahu if the president did not sketch a plan for the Gaza war. “I look you in the eyes tonight and tell you: The choice is in your hands. After talking to you again and again, the moment of truth has come,” Gantz said. He gave a deadline of June 8 to Netanyahu for finalising a plan of action and to finalise six key strategic goals of the war. Watch: Israel-Hamas war: Gaza war may go on for next 7 months: Israel The strategic goals listed by Netanyahu are - bringing home the hostages; destroying Hamas, creating an “international civilian governance mechanism for Gaza” including Palestinians but not P.A. leader Mahmoud Abbas or Hamas; advancing normalisation with Saudi Arabia and establishing a new framework for Israelis’ military service; demilitarizing the Gaza Strip and establishing Israeli security control there and returning the residents to the north and rehabilitating the western Negev. Gantz in April had stated that Israel should go to the elections in September. Defence Minister Yoav Gallant had also criticised Netanyahu for not being able to rule out an Israeli occupation of Gaza after the war. 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)

Netanyahu to lose power? Gantz's centrist party submits bill to dissolve Israeli parliament

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

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

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

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

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on Monday (May 27) called the deadly strike by the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) on the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah a “tragic accident”. The strike on tent camps, according to the Gaza health ministry killed at least 45&nbsp;people and injured nearly 250 others.&nbsp;

<h2>‘Tragic accident’</h2>

“In Rafah, we evacuated a million uninvolved residents and, despite our best efforts, a tragic accident happened yesterday,” the Israeli PM told the parliament (Knesset), adding that they are investigating the case and will draw conclusions.&nbsp;

Israel faced a wave of international criticism and condemnation after the deadly strike in Rafah, but Netanyahu struck a defiant tone during his address while being heckled by relatives of hostages held in Gaza and vowed to keep up the ongoing military operation in the Palestinian enclave to destroy Hamas.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-airstrikes-in-rafah-camp-for-displaced-people-kill-35-palestinians-gaza-health-ministry-725705">Death toll after Israeli strike on Rafah camp rises to 45: Gaza health ministry</a>

“There is no substitute for absolute victory,” said Netanyahu. The Israeli PM also denounced the pressure which his government has been facing since the beginning of the war.&nbsp;

“They pressured us then…Don’t enter Gaza. We entered! Do not enter Shifa! We entered! Do not enter Khan Yunis! We entered! Do not enter Rafah! We entered!” said the Israeli PM listing the military operations which Israel carried out in the Palestinian enclave.&nbsp;

He added, “I don’t give up and I won’t give up! I stand up to pressures from home and abroad.”

A survivor&nbsp;said families were preparing to sleep when the strike hit the Tel Al-Sultan neighbourhood where thousands were sheltering there after Israeli forces began a ground offensive in the east of Rafah over two weeks ago.

“We were praying...and we were getting our children’s beds ready to sleep. There was nothing unusual, then we heard a very loud noise, and fire erupted around us,” Umm Mohamed Al-Attar, a Palestinian mother, told Reuters.&nbsp;

<h2>Rafah strike sparks international criticism&nbsp;</h2>

In an interview with SkyTG24 TV, Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto said Israeli attacks on Palestinian civilians in Gaza were no longer justifiable in one of the strongest criticisms Rome has made so far against Israel amid the ongoing war.&nbsp;

“There is an increasingly difficult situation, in which the Palestinian people are being squeezed without regard for the rights of innocent men, women and children who have nothing to do with Hamas and this can no longer be justified,” said Crosetto, adding,&nbsp;“We are watching the situation with despair.”&nbsp;

European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said he was “horrified by news coming out of Rafah”. He added, “I condemn this in the strongest terms”. He also accused Netanyahu of using false claims of antisemitism against the International Criminal Court (ICC) for his own political ends.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/egyptian-soldier-killed-after-exchange-of-fire-with-israeli-forces-near-rafah-crossing-reports-725985">Egypt confirms soldier killed amid reports of firefight with Israeli troops on Gaza border</a>

Meanwhile, the African Union accused Israel of violating international law.&nbsp;

Israel “continues to violate international law with impunity and in contempt of an ICJ (International Court of Justice) ruling two days ago ordering an end to its military action in Rafah,” said AU Commission head Moussa Faki Mahamat on X.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said his country would do “everything possible” to hold “barbaric” Netanyahu accountable after the strikes in Rafah.&nbsp;

The United Nations human rights chief Volker Turk &nbsp;said that the images from the camp which was struck by Israel “are horrific and point to no apparent change in the methods and means of warfare used by Israel that have already led to so many civilian deaths.”

The UN has also urged Israel to conduct a&nbsp;"thorough and transparent" investigation into a strike and "hold those responsible for any wrongdoing to account."

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on Monday (May 27) called the deadly strike by the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) on the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah a “tragic accident”.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on Monday (May 27) called the deadly strike by the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) on the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah a “tragic accident”. The strike on tent camps, according to the Gaza health ministry killed at least 45 people and injured nearly 250 others. ‘Tragic accident’ “In Rafah, we evacuated a million uninvolved residents and, despite our best efforts, a tragic accident happened yesterday,” the Israeli PM told the parliament (Knesset), adding that they are investigating the case and will draw conclusions. Israel faced a wave of international criticism and condemnation after the deadly strike in Rafah, but Netanyahu struck a defiant tone during his address while being heckled by relatives of hostages held in Gaza and vowed to keep up the ongoing military operation in the Palestinian enclave to destroy Hamas. Also Read | Death toll after Israeli strike on Rafah camp rises to 45: Gaza health ministry “There is no substitute for absolute victory,” said Netanyahu. The Israeli PM also denounced the pressure which his government has been facing since the beginning of the war. “They pressured us then…Don’t enter Gaza. We entered! Do not enter Shifa! We entered! Do not enter Khan Yunis! We entered! Do not enter Rafah! We entered!” said the Israeli PM listing the military operations which Israel carried out in the Palestinian enclave. He added, “I don’t give up and I won’t give up! I stand up to pressures from home and abroad.” A survivor said families were preparing to sleep when the strike hit the Tel Al-Sultan neighbourhood where thousands were sheltering there after Israeli forces began a ground offensive in the east of Rafah over two weeks ago. “We were praying...and we were getting our children’s beds ready to sleep. There was nothing unusual, then we heard a very loud noise, and fire erupted around us,” Umm Mohamed Al-Attar, a Palestinian mother, told Reuters. Rafah strike sparks international criticism In an interview with SkyTG24 TV, Italian Defence Minister Guido Crosetto said Israeli attacks on Palestinian civilians in Gaza were no longer justifiable in one of the strongest criticisms Rome has made so far against Israel amid the ongoing war. “There is an increasingly difficult situation, in which the Palestinian people are being squeezed without regard for the rights of innocent men, women and children who have nothing to do with Hamas and this can no longer be justified,” said Crosetto, adding, “We are watching the situation with despair.” European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell said he was “horrified by news coming out of Rafah”. He added, “I condemn this in the strongest terms”. He also accused Netanyahu of using false claims of antisemitism against the International Criminal Court (ICC) for his own political ends. Also Read | Egypt confirms soldier killed amid reports of firefight with Israeli troops on Gaza border Meanwhile, the African Union accused Israel of violating international law. Israel “continues to violate international law with impunity and in contempt of an ICJ (International Court of Justice) ruling two days ago ordering an end to its military action in Rafah,” said AU Commission head Moussa Faki Mahamat on X. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said his country would do “everything possible” to hold “barbaric” Netanyahu accountable after the strikes in Rafah. The United Nations human rights chief Volker Turk said that the images from the camp which was struck by Israel “are horrific and point to no apparent change in the methods and means of warfare used by Israel that have already led to so many civilian deaths.” The UN has also urged Israel to conduct a "thorough and transparent" investigation into a strike and "hold those responsible for any wrongdoing to account." (With inputs from agencies)

Netanyahu calls deadly Israeli strike on Rafah ‘tragic accident’ amid international outcry

Egypt confirms that one of its soldiers was killed in a “shooting incident” near the border with the Gazan city of Rafah, on Monday (May 27) seemingly confirming reports of a firefight between Egyptian and Israeli forces amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas in the Palestinian enclave.&nbsp;

<h2>What we know about ‘shooting incident’</h2>

Prior to the confirmation by Egypt, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said officials were in contact with Cairo following “a shooting incident” on the Gaza-Egypt border.&nbsp;

According to media reports, there were armed clashes between Israeli and Egyptian forces near the Rafah crossing.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;45 killed in Israeli strikes on Rafah tent camp

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“A few hours ago there was a shooting incident on the Egyptian border, the (incident) is under investigation, dialogue is taking place with the Egyptian side,” said the IDF in a statement, as quoted by the Times of Israel.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the Egyptian military took to X and said that one of its soldiers was killed and that it was investigating the “shooting incident.”

“The Egyptian Armed Forces are conducting an investigation through the competent authorities regarding a shooting incident in the border area in Rafah, which led to the martyrdom of one of the personnel,” said the Egyptian military.&nbsp;

A report by the Israeli news site Ynet citing anonymous Israeli military sources said that Egypt was responsible for the deadly exchange of fire.&nbsp;

According to the Israeli media report, Egyptian forces opened fire on Israeli troops at the Rafah crossing and Israel retaliated. The incident also reportedly left several Egyptian troops injured.&nbsp;

<h2>At least 45 killed after Israeli strike on Rafah&nbsp;</h2>

Israel faced a wave of international criticism and condemnation after at least 45 Palestinians were killed following a strike on tent camps in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-airstrikes-in-rafah-camp-for-displaced-people-kill-35-palestinians-gaza-health-ministry-725705">Death toll after Israeli strike on Rafah camp rises to 45: Gaza health ministry</a>

According to the Hamas-run health ministry at least 45 people, including 23 women, children and elderly were killed and 249 others were wounded after the Israeli strike. However, Israel has said that the attack was aimed at a Hamas compound and the army regretted any harm to non-combatants.

“We're looking into this,” said Israeli government spokesman Avi Hyman speaking about the strike in Rafah, adding that it was “definitely grave.”&nbsp;

He added, “Any loss of life, civilian life, is grave and is awful. We seek to go after Hamas and limit civilian casualties...This is an unfolding story.”

(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.

Egypt confirms that one of its soldiers was killed in a “shooting incident” near the border with the Gazan city of Rafah, on Monday (May 27) seemingly confirming reports of a firefight between Egyptian and Israeli forces amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas in the Palestinian enclave.

Egypt confirms that one of its soldiers was killed in a “shooting incident” near the border with the Gazan city of Rafah, on Monday (May 27) seemingly confirming reports of a firefight between Egyptian and Israeli forces amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas in the Palestinian enclave. What we know about ‘shooting incident’ Prior to the confirmation by Egypt, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said officials were in contact with Cairo following “a shooting incident” on the Gaza-Egypt border. According to media reports, there were armed clashes between Israeli and Egyptian forces near the Rafah crossing. WATCH | 45 killed in Israeli strikes on Rafah tent camp “A few hours ago there was a shooting incident on the Egyptian border, the (incident) is under investigation, dialogue is taking place with the Egyptian side,” said the IDF in a statement, as quoted by the Times of Israel. Meanwhile, the Egyptian military took to X and said that one of its soldiers was killed and that it was investigating the “shooting incident.” “The Egyptian Armed Forces are conducting an investigation through the competent authorities regarding a shooting incident in the border area in Rafah, which led to the martyrdom of one of the personnel,” said the Egyptian military. A report by the Israeli news site Ynet citing anonymous Israeli military sources said that Egypt was responsible for the deadly exchange of fire. According to the Israeli media report, Egyptian forces opened fire on Israeli troops at the Rafah crossing and Israel retaliated. The incident also reportedly left several Egyptian troops injured. At least 45 killed after Israeli strike on Rafah Israel faced a wave of international criticism and condemnation after at least 45 Palestinians were killed following a strike on tent camps in the southern Gaza Strip city of Rafah. Also Read | Death toll after Israeli strike on Rafah camp rises to 45: Gaza health ministry According to the Hamas-run health ministry at least 45 people, including 23 women, children and elderly were killed and 249 others were wounded after the Israeli strike. However, Israel has said that the attack was aimed at a Hamas compound and the army regretted any harm to non-combatants. “We're looking into this,” said Israeli government spokesman Avi Hyman speaking about the strike in Rafah, adding that it was “definitely grave.” He added, “Any loss of life, civilian life, is grave and is awful. We seek to go after Hamas and limit civilian casualties...This is an unfolding story.” (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.

Egypt confirms soldier killed amid reports of firefight with Israeli troops on Gaza border

Four US Army vessels which were supporting the temporary pier built by the United States to deliver aid to Gaza amid the ongoing war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas, have been swept away due to heavy seas, said the US Central Command (CENTCOM), on Saturday (May 25).&nbsp;

<h2>What happened to US Army vessels?</h2>

In a statement, the CENTCOM said during the transportation of humanitarian aid, the floating deck disconnected from the small boat tugging it and that the vessels broke free from their moorings.&nbsp;

“The vessels broke free from their moorings and two vessels are now anchored on the beach near the pier. The third and fourth vessels are beached on the coast of Israel near Ashkelon,” said CENTCOM.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-truce-talks-likely-to-resume-next-week-as-pressure-piles-on-pm-netanyahu-725372">Israel-Hamas war: Truce talks likely to resume next week as pressure piles on PM Netanyahu&nbsp;</a>

It added, “No US personnel will enter Gaza. No injuries have been reported and the pier remains fully functional.” The US forces also said that the Israeli navy is assisting with recovering the vessels.

Meanwhile, the Pentagon, according to Al Jazeera, stressed that the pier remained fully functional and also emphasised that throughout this operation of retrieving US Army vessels, American personnel would not enter Gaza.&nbsp;

In March, US President Joe Biden had said that the pier would be built to alleviate restrictions imposed by Israel on aid delivery by land to Palestinians in Gaza amid criticism that this is a costly alternative to asking Israel to open all land crossings to the Palestinian enclave.&nbsp;

Millions of Gazans have been deprived of most clean water, food, medicines and fuel due to Israel’s ongoing siege on the Palestinian enclave.&nbsp;

The construction of the $320 million pier which also involved 1,000 US service members was completed earlier this month to provide aid to the Gaza Strip.&nbsp;

As of Friday (May 24), the CENTCOM said 1,005 metric tons of aid had been delivered from the sea to the beach transfer point with 903 metric tons distributed from the transfer point to the United Nations warehouse.

The UN World Food Programme “took possession of 97 trucks since the floating dock came into operation” on May 17 Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for UN chief Antonio Guterres, told reporters on Friday.&nbsp;

<h2>At least 10 killed in drone attack on Gaza school</h2>

On the other hand, at least 10 people, including children, have been killed after a drone strike hit the school they were sheltering in, reported CNN citing local health workers, on Saturday.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pilot-killed-in-crash-of-wwii-era-spitfire-near-raf-coningsby-in-lincolnshire-725435">Pilot killed in crash of WWII-era Spitfire near RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire</a>

People had reportedly been sheltering in Al-Nazla school in Saftawy, on the outskirts of northern Gaza’s Jabalia.&nbsp;

An eyewitness told CNN that his son-in-law was being treated for injuries.&nbsp;

He also said that a man who was “making bread for his children, thinking this was a safe space” was killed along with his daughter and son.&nbsp;

The Israeli military did not immediately comment on the incident.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Four US Army vessels which were supporting the temporary pier built by the United States to deliver aid to Gaza amid the ongoing war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas, have been swept away due to heavy seas, said the US Central Command (CENTCOM), on Saturday (May 25).

Four US Army vessels which were supporting the temporary pier built by the United States to deliver aid to Gaza amid the ongoing war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas, have been swept away due to heavy seas, said the US Central Command (CENTCOM), on Saturday (May 25). What happened to US Army vessels? In a statement, the CENTCOM said during the transportation of humanitarian aid, the floating deck disconnected from the small boat tugging it and that the vessels broke free from their moorings. “The vessels broke free from their moorings and two vessels are now anchored on the beach near the pier. The third and fourth vessels are beached on the coast of Israel near Ashkelon,” said CENTCOM. Also Read | Israel-Hamas war: Truce talks likely to resume next week as pressure piles on PM Netanyahu It added, “No US personnel will enter Gaza. No injuries have been reported and the pier remains fully functional.” The US forces also said that the Israeli navy is assisting with recovering the vessels. Meanwhile, the Pentagon, according to Al Jazeera, stressed that the pier remained fully functional and also emphasised that throughout this operation of retrieving US Army vessels, American personnel would not enter Gaza. In March, US President Joe Biden had said that the pier would be built to alleviate restrictions imposed by Israel on aid delivery by land to Palestinians in Gaza amid criticism that this is a costly alternative to asking Israel to open all land crossings to the Palestinian enclave. Millions of Gazans have been deprived of most clean water, food, medicines and fuel due to Israel’s ongoing siege on the Palestinian enclave. The construction of the $320 million pier which also involved 1,000 US service members was completed earlier this month to provide aid to the Gaza Strip. As of Friday (May 24), the CENTCOM said 1,005 metric tons of aid had been delivered from the sea to the beach transfer point with 903 metric tons distributed from the transfer point to the United Nations warehouse. The UN World Food Programme “took possession of 97 trucks since the floating dock came into operation” on May 17 Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for UN chief Antonio Guterres, told reporters on Friday. At least 10 killed in drone attack on Gaza school On the other hand, at least 10 people, including children, have been killed after a drone strike hit the school they were sheltering in, reported CNN citing local health workers, on Saturday. Also Read | Pilot killed in crash of WWII-era Spitfire near RAF Coningsby in Lincolnshire People had reportedly been sheltering in Al-Nazla school in Saftawy, on the outskirts of northern Gaza’s Jabalia. An eyewitness told CNN that his son-in-law was being treated for injuries. He also said that a man who was “making bread for his children, thinking this was a safe space” was killed along with his daughter and son. The Israeli military did not immediately comment on the incident. (With inputs from agencies)

US Army vessels supporting Gaza aid pier washed away in heavy seas: CENTCOM

Israel War Cabinet's member Benny Gantz hinted that the military of the country is not likely to change its course in the Rafah invasion even after the top UN court on Friday (May 24 ) gave the order to halt the widening offensive.

Israel War Cabinet's member Benny Gantz hinted that the military of the country is not likely to change its course in the Rafah invasion even after the top UN court on Friday (May 24 ) gave the order to halt the widening offensive. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) ordered Israel to immediately stop the ongoing military offensive in Rafah, which is located in southern Gaza. However, it did not order a complete ceasefire. Even though Israel is not likely to comply with the court's order, it will increase the pressure on the country. The comments were made by Gantz after the top UN court gave an order to halt the Rafah offensive as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remained silent over the entire issue. Gantz said that Israel “set out on a just and necessary campaign following the brutal massacre of its citizens". Also Read: World court orders Israel to 'immediately halt' offensive in Rafah “We will continue operating in accordance with international law wherever we might operate, while safeguarding to the best extent possible the civilian population. Not because of the ICJ, but because of who we are and the values we stand for," he added. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government has said that accusations made about Tel Aviv carrying out a genocide in Gaza are “false, outrageous and morally repugnant.” “Israel has not and will not conduct military actions in the Rafah area which may inflict on the Palestinian civilian population in Gaza conditions of life that could bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part,” said Netanyahu’s government on Friday (May 24). The ICJ does not have a police force which can help them in ensuring that their orders are enforced. Israel was also asked by the court to reopen the Rafah border crossing. However, it abstained from ordering a complete cease-fire across Gaza. US, Egypt agree to send aid through Kerem Shalom crossing in Gaza US President Joe Biden appreciated the commitment expressed by Egypt in permitting the flow of UN-provided humanitarian aid into Gaza through the Kerem Shalom crossing on a temporary basis, said the White House. Watch: Israel-Hamas War: ICJ orders Israel to halt military operation in Rafah "President Biden welcomed the commitment from President al-Sisi to permit the flow of UN-provided humanitarian assistance from Egypt through the Karem Shalom crossing on a provisional basis for onward distribution throughout Gaza. This will help save lives," it added. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel unlikely to halt Rafah invasion after ICJ ruling as Netanyahu opts to remain silent

An Israeli drone strike in central Syria killed two Hezbollah fighters on Saturday (May 25), said a war monitor.

"An Israeli drone fired two missiles at a Hezbollah car and truck near the town of Qusayr in Homs province, as they were on their way to Al-Dabaa military airport, killing at least two Hezbollah fighters and wounding others," said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

This was the third Israeli strike against Lebanon's Iran-backed targets in Syria in about a week's time.

Earlier, Israeli strikes hit the Qusayr area, in the vicinity of the Lebanese border, and killed two men, said Observatory, a Britain-based monitor with a network of sources in Syria.

At least one out of the deceased was a Hezbollah fighter, the news agency AFP reported citing a source of the militant group.

Another strike, on May 18, targeted "a Hezbollah commander and his companion", the Observatory said. It did not report any casualties.

Israel has repeatedly stated that it will not let its arch-foe Iran expand its presence in Syria.

Israel has carried out several strikes in Syria since the civil war in its northern neighbour broke out, primarily aiming at army positions and Iran-backed fighters including from Hezbollah.

The strikes multiplied since the outbreak of Israel's war with Hamas in the Gaza Strip, on Oct 7, when the Palestinian militant group launched an unprecedented attack against Israel.

Last month, Syria had accused Israel of launching attacks targeting army positions.

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Syria's defence ministry released a statement saying, "The Israeli enemy carried out an attack using missiles... targeting our air defence sites in the southern region" and causing material damage.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor said that Israel hit the army radar position in the southern province of Daraa that had detected the entry of Israeli planes into Syria's airspace.

Head of the Britain-based Observatory, Rami Abdel Rahman said that the air offensive occurred at the time "when the Israeli air force was flying intensively over the Daraa region".

Syria's foreign ministry condemned "in the strongest terms" Friday's "Israeli aggression and the attacks before it on its territory".

Syria called on "the international community and the United Nations... to take all deterrence measures to stop" the Israeli attacks, the ministry said in a statement carried by state news agency SANA.

(With inputs from agencies)

An Israeli drone strike in central Syria killed two Hezbollah fighters on Saturday (May 25), said a war monitor. "An Israeli drone fired two missiles at a Hezbollah car and truck near the town of Qusayr in Homs province, as they were on their way to Al-Dabaa military airport, killing at least two Hezbollah fighters and wounding others," said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights.

An Israeli drone strike in central Syria killed two Hezbollah fighters on Saturday (May 25), said a war monitor. "An Israeli drone fired two missiles at a Hezbollah car and truck near the town of Qusayr in Homs province, as they were on their way to Al-Dabaa military airport, killing at least two Hezbollah fighters and wounding others," said the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights. This was the third Israeli strike against Lebanon's Iran-backed targets in Syria in about a week's time. Earlier, Israeli strikes hit the Qusayr area, in the vicinity of the Lebanese border, and killed two men, said Observatory, a Britain-based monitor with a network of sources in Syria. At least one out of the deceased was a Hezbollah fighter, the news agency AFP reported citing a source of the militant group. Another strike, on May 18, targeted "a Hezbollah commander and his companion", the Observatory said. It did not report any casualties. Israel has repeatedly stated that it will not let its arch-foe Iran expand its presence in Syria. Israel has carried out several strikes in Syria since the civil war in its northern neighbour broke out, primarily aiming at army positions and Iran-backed fighters including from Hezbollah. The strikes multiplied since the outbreak of Israel's war with Hamas in the Gaza Strip, on Oct 7, when the Palestinian militant group launched an unprecedented attack against Israel. Last month, Syria had accused Israel of launching attacks targeting army positions. Also read: Domes, minarets disappear from China’s last Arabic-style mosque, replaced by pagoda rooftop, towers Syria's defence ministry released a statement saying, "The Israeli enemy carried out an attack using missiles... targeting our air defence sites in the southern region" and causing material damage. The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor said that Israel hit the army radar position in the southern province of Daraa that had detected the entry of Israeli planes into Syria's airspace. Head of the Britain-based Observatory, Rami Abdel Rahman said that the air offensive occurred at the time "when the Israeli air force was flying intensively over the Daraa region". Syria's foreign ministry condemned "in the strongest terms" Friday's "Israeli aggression and the attacks before it on its territory". Syria called on "the international community and the United Nations... to take all deterrence measures to stop" the Israeli attacks, the ministry said in a statement carried by state news agency SANA. (With inputs from agencies)

Israeli drone strike kills two Hezbollah fighters in Syria

The United Kingdom PM Rishi Sunak ended months of speculation and announced that he is calling for an earlier-than-expected election next month.

In other news, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the October 7 move by the&nbsp;Palestinian militant group Hamas,&nbsp;which sparked the Gaza war. amounted to a “reward for terror”.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-general-elections-to-be-held-in-july-reports-724367">UK PM Rishi Sunak springs a surprise, announces general elections on July 4</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/05/23/433235-wion-images-2024-05-23t002655187.png?imwidth=400" />

British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Wednesday (May 22) announced that the King has granted the request for dissolution of parliament and the general election will be held on July 4.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/4-dead-and-35-injured-as-iowa-reels-from-tornado-724426">At least 5 killed, 35 injured as tornado wreaks havoc in Iowa</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/05/23/433240-untitled-design-46.png?imwidth=400" />

At least five&nbsp;people died and 35 were injured in a tornado that devastated a small town in Iowa.&nbsp;The number of people injured is likely higher, the Iowa Department of Public Safety said on Wednesday (May 22). The names of those killed haven’t been released.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-send-out-forces-around-island-after-china-starts-punishment-drills-724443">Taiwan send out forces around island after China starts 'punishment' drills</a>

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Taiwan's military assembled its forces and said it was confident it could protect the island, after China started two days of ‘punishment’ drills around Taiwan on Thursday (May 23).

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/controversial-flag-flown-over-supreme-court-justice-alitos-home-report-724424">Controversial flag flown over US Supreme Court Justice Alito's home: Report</a>

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A flag&nbsp;reading&nbsp;‘Appeal to Heaven,’ was flown by some of the Capitol attackers on January 6, 2021 atop Virginia justices's house. This same flag was seen flying over Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito's home last summer, the New York Times reported on Wednesday (May 22).

Watch:&nbsp;‘It’s reward for terror’: Netanyahu blasts Ireland, Norway, Spain for recognising Palestinian state

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The United Kingdom PM Rishi Sunak ended months of speculation and announced that he is calling for an earlier-than-expected election next month. In other news, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the October 7 move by the Palestinian militant group Hamas, which sparked the Gaza war.

The United Kingdom PM Rishi Sunak ended months of speculation and announced that he is calling for an earlier-than-expected election next month. In other news, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the October 7 move by the Palestinian militant group Hamas, which sparked the Gaza war. amounted to a “reward for terror”. UK PM Rishi Sunak springs a surprise, announces general elections on July 4 British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak on Wednesday (May 22) announced that the King has granted the request for dissolution of parliament and the general election will be held on July 4. At least 5 killed, 35 injured as tornado wreaks havoc in Iowa At least five people died and 35 were injured in a tornado that devastated a small town in Iowa. The number of people injured is likely higher, the Iowa Department of Public Safety said on Wednesday (May 22). The names of those killed haven’t been released. Taiwan send out forces around island after China starts 'punishment' drills Taiwan's military assembled its forces and said it was confident it could protect the island, after China started two days of ‘punishment’ drills around Taiwan on Thursday (May 23). Controversial flag flown over US Supreme Court Justice Alito's home: Report A flag reading ‘Appeal to Heaven,’ was flown by some of the Capitol attackers on January 6, 2021 atop Virginia justices's house. This same flag was seen flying over Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito's home last summer, the New York Times reported on Wednesday (May 22). Watch: ‘It’s reward for terror’: Netanyahu blasts Ireland, Norway, Spain for recognising Palestinian state ×

Morning news brief: Sunak and Starmer kick-off campaigns; Netanyahu blasts Ireland, and more

Israel on Tuesday urged "nations of the civilised world" to oppose the International Criminal Court prosecutor's request for arrest warrants against its leaders, and to declare they would ignore the warrants.

Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, who along with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-netanyahu-slams-icc-after-chief-prosecutor-seeks-arrest-warrants-for-israeli-pm-defence-minister-723681">Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu</a> was named in Monday's announcement at The Hague, called it a "disgraceful" bid to interfere in Israel's more than seven-month-old Gaza war against Hamas.

Israel's anger is echoed in Washington, which condemned the impression of equivalence given by the fact that the prosecutor, Karim Khan, simultaneously sought warrants against leaders of the Palestinian Islamist group.

Also Read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/international-criminal-court-prosecutor-seeks-arrest-warrants-for-netanyahu-3-hamas-leaders-723520">&nbsp;International Criminal Court prosecutor seeks arrest warrants for Netanyahu, 3 Hamas leaders</a>

"We call on the nations of the civilised, free world - nations who despise terrorists and anyone who supports them - to stand by Israel. You should outright condemn this step," government spokesperson Tal Heinrich said.

"Make sure the ICC understands where you stand. Oppose the prosecutor's decision and declare that, even if warrants are issued, you do not intend to enforce them. Because this is not about our leaders. It's about our survival."

In a post on X, Gallant said: "The attempt by Prosecutor Karim Khan to deny the State of Israel the right to self-defence and to free its hostages must be rejected out of hand."

Hamas holds around 125 hostages seized during its cross-border rampage on October&nbsp;7, which killed 1,200 people, according to Israeli tallies, and triggered the war. Gaza medical officials say more than 35,000 have been killed during the Israeli offensive.&nbsp;

Khan said on Monday that Israel did have the right to defend its population but added: "That right, however, does not absolve Israel or any state of its obligation to comply with international humanitarian law."

He said that, whatever Israel's military goals in Gaza, the prosecution believed its methods - "namely, intentionally causing death, starvation, great suffering, and serious injury to body or health of the civilian population" - were criminal.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amal-clooney-helps-icc-seek-arrest-warrants-for-israeli-hamas-leaders-723687">Amal Clooney helped ICC seek arrest warrants for Israeli, Hamas leaders</a>

The US&nbsp;ambassador to Israel, Jack Lew, said there was no comparing "actions taken by a democratic government here with the behaviour of a terrorist organisation that is fighting in a way that has created these conditions".

"I don't think that a day has gone by that I haven't worked with either the prime minister or the defence minister or somebody in their immediate circle on how you get humanitarian assistance to starving people," he added, speaking at a conference.

Asked if Netanyahu or Gallant would avoid travelling to ICC-signatory countries if arrest warrants were issued, Heinrich said: "Let's wait and see."

Israel on Tuesday urged "nations of the civilised world" to oppose the International Criminal Court prosecutor's request for arrest warrants against its leaders, and to declare they would ignore the warrants.

Israel on Tuesday urged "nations of the civilised world" to oppose the International Criminal Court prosecutor's request for arrest warrants against its leaders, and to declare they would ignore the warrants. Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, who along with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was named in Monday's announcement at The Hague, called it a "disgraceful" bid to interfere in Israel's more than seven-month-old Gaza war against Hamas. Israel's anger is echoed in Washington, which condemned the impression of equivalence given by the fact that the prosecutor, Karim Khan, simultaneously sought warrants against leaders of the Palestinian Islamist group. Also Read | International Criminal Court prosecutor seeks arrest warrants for Netanyahu, 3 Hamas leaders "We call on the nations of the civilised, free world - nations who despise terrorists and anyone who supports them - to stand by Israel. You should outright condemn this step," government spokesperson Tal Heinrich said. "Make sure the ICC understands where you stand. Oppose the prosecutor's decision and declare that, even if warrants are issued, you do not intend to enforce them. Because this is not about our leaders. It's about our survival." In a post on X, Gallant said: "The attempt by Prosecutor Karim Khan to deny the State of Israel the right to self-defence and to free its hostages must be rejected out of hand." Hamas holds around 125 hostages seized during its cross-border rampage on October 7, which killed 1,200 people, according to Israeli tallies, and triggered the war. Gaza medical officials say more than 35,000 have been killed during the Israeli offensive. Khan said on Monday that Israel did have the right to defend its population but added: "That right, however, does not absolve Israel or any state of its obligation to comply with international humanitarian law." He said that, whatever Israel's military goals in Gaza, the prosecution believed its methods - "namely, intentionally causing death, starvation, great suffering, and serious injury to body or health of the civilian population" - were criminal. Also Read | Amal Clooney helped ICC seek arrest warrants for Israeli, Hamas leaders The US ambassador to Israel, Jack Lew, said there was no comparing "actions taken by a democratic government here with the behaviour of a terrorist organisation that is fighting in a way that has created these conditions". "I don't think that a day has gone by that I haven't worked with either the prime minister or the defence minister or somebody in their immediate circle on how you get humanitarian assistance to starving people," he added, speaking at a conference. Asked if Netanyahu or Gallant would avoid travelling to ICC-signatory countries if arrest warrants were issued, Heinrich said: "Let's wait and see."

Israel urges 'civilised nations' to spurn arrest warrants by ICC for its leaders

Several anti-government protesters were arrested after they clashed with the police on Monday (May 20) as demonstrators held a “day of disruption” protest to mark the beginning of the Israeli Parliament’s summer assembly amid the ongoing Gaza war.

<h2> 
Key highway blocked</h2>

On Monday morning protesters attempted to block traffic on the main highway between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, reported the Times of Israel, ahead of the main rally against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government which was supposed to take place outside the Knesset in the afternoon.&nbsp;

The protestsers called&nbsp;for the Netanyahu-led government to resign and hold an early election after it failed to bring the hostages that Hamas took from Israel after the attack on October 7.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-netanyahu-slams-icc-after-chief-prosecutor-seeks-arrest-warrants-for-israeli-pm-defence-minister-723681">Biden, Netanyahu slams ICC after chief prosecutor seeks arrest warrants for Israeli PM, defence minister</a>

Tens of thousands of people from Israel’s north and south, who have been displaced due to the attacks by Lebanon-based Hezbollah militant group&nbsp;and Hamas, also took part in the protest.

The demonstrators also rallied against the Haredi conscription legislation which is aimed at regulating the enlistment of ultra-Orthodox men into the military.&nbsp;

<h2>At least 13 protesters arrested</h2>

One of the many protest groups participating in the demonstration on Monday, Brothers in Arms, said at least 13 of its members had been detained following an altercation with the police&nbsp;

According to the Times of Israel, the arrests came after the activists attempted to block traffic.

Police said the demonstrators were detained as they were supposedly planning to set vehicles on fire to create a long-lasting shutdown of the main road.&nbsp;

The group later took to X and denied the allegations and accused the police of lying and carrying out arrests without evidence.&nbsp; “The Israel Police has become an executive political tool of an extremist government,” said the group.&nbsp;

It added, “We will continue with a determined and nonviolent protest to return the mandate to the people. We call on the public to join us until the Knesset is dissolved.”

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/international-criminal-court-prosecutor-seeks-arrest-warrants-for-netanyahu-3-hamas-leaders-723520">International Criminal Court prosecutor seeks arrest warrants for Netanyahu, 3 Hamas leaders</a>

According to Channel 12 news, hundreds of police officers were deployed outside the Israeli parliament.&nbsp;

March to Netanyahu’s house

There was also an unauthorised march to Netanyahu’s residence in Jerusalem, on Monday evening, which strayed off course after protesters, who were reportedly split into multiple directions, were hit with the putrid Skunk liquid, a chemical compound designed to disperse crowds, by the police.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Several anti-government protesters were arrested after they clashed with the police on Monday (May 20) as demonstrators held a “day of disruption” protest to mark the beginning of the Israeli Parliament’s summer assembly amid the ongoing Gaza war.

Several anti-government protesters were arrested after they clashed with the police on Monday (May 20) as demonstrators held a “day of disruption” protest to mark the beginning of the Israeli Parliament’s summer assembly amid the ongoing Gaza war. Key highway blocked On Monday morning protesters attempted to block traffic on the main highway between Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, reported the Times of Israel, ahead of the main rally against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government which was supposed to take place outside the Knesset in the afternoon. The protestsers called for the Netanyahu-led government to resign and hold an early election after it failed to bring the hostages that Hamas took from Israel after the attack on October 7. Also Read | Biden, Netanyahu slams ICC after chief prosecutor seeks arrest warrants for Israeli PM, defence minister Tens of thousands of people from Israel’s north and south, who have been displaced due to the attacks by Lebanon-based Hezbollah militant group and Hamas, also took part in the protest. The demonstrators also rallied against the Haredi conscription legislation which is aimed at regulating the enlistment of ultra-Orthodox men into the military. At least 13 protesters arrested One of the many protest groups participating in the demonstration on Monday, Brothers in Arms, said at least 13 of its members had been detained following an altercation with the police According to the Times of Israel, the arrests came after the activists attempted to block traffic. Police said the demonstrators were detained as they were supposedly planning to set vehicles on fire to create a long-lasting shutdown of the main road. The group later took to X and denied the allegations and accused the police of lying and carrying out arrests without evidence. “The Israel Police has become an executive political tool of an extremist government,” said the group. It added, “We will continue with a determined and nonviolent protest to return the mandate to the people. We call on the public to join us until the Knesset is dissolved.” Also Read | International Criminal Court prosecutor seeks arrest warrants for Netanyahu, 3 Hamas leaders According to Channel 12 news, hundreds of police officers were deployed outside the Israeli parliament. March to Netanyahu’s house There was also an unauthorised march to Netanyahu’s residence in Jerusalem, on Monday evening, which strayed off course after protesters, who were reportedly split into multiple directions, were hit with the putrid Skunk liquid, a chemical compound designed to disperse crowds, by the police. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel: Several anti-government protesters arrested after clashing with police on ‘day of disruption’

Hamas on Monday (May 20) mourned the demise of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, who passed away in a helicopter crash reported on the evening of Sunday (May 19).&nbsp;

The Palestinian militant group, that is fighting a war with Israel, said that Raisi supported the Palestinian people during the ongoing offensive.

"These leaders supported the legitimate struggle of our people against the Zionist entity, provided valued support to the Palestinian resistance, and made tireless efforts in solidarity and support in all forums and fields for our people in the steadfast Gaza Strip during the Battle of Al-Aqsa Flood," referring to the war with Israel which began on Oct 7.

"They also made significant political and diplomatic efforts to stop the Zionist aggression against our Palestinian people," said Hamas in a statement.

Raisi, who was also seen as a potential successor to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, lost his life in a helicopter crash that was first reported on Sunday evening.&nbsp;

The incident took place in the mountainous terrain near the border of Azerbaijan, as the Iranian leader was returning from the Khoda Afarin region after inaugurating a dam.

The helicopter carrying Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian was found in a charred state early on Monday after an overnight search amid rain and fog.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-declares-one-day-state-mourning-after-iranian-president-ebrahim-raisi-dies-in-helicopter-crash-723584">Also read: India declares one-day state mourning after Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi dies in helicopter crash</a>

<h2>'Raisi played important role in supporting Palestinians,' says Islamic Jihad</h2>

The Islamic Jihad group, which is fighting alongside Hamas in the war-torn Gaza Strip, also released a statement saying that Raisi and Amirabdollahian "played a prominent and clear role in supporting and assisting the struggle of the Palestinian people and its resistance in facing the ongoing criminal Zionist aggression."

"We are confident that the Islamic Republic of Iran can overcome this painful ordeal, as it has overcome all difficulties and challenges throughout its extended journey over the past decades," the group added.&nbsp;

<h2>Hezbollah expresses condolences</h2>

Lebanon's armed group Hezbollah offered its condolences on the death of Raisi.

"On the occasion of the painful incident that led to the martyrdom of Mr. Ebrahim Raisi, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and the martyrdom of our dear brother Dr. Hossein Amirabdollahian, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic and the representative of His Eminence Imam Khamenei in Azerbaijan Province, Mr. Mohamed Ali Al Hashem and the rest of the honourable brothers. Hezbollah in Lebanon extends its deepest condolences and feelings of sympathy for their loss," the statement said.

"We have known His Eminence the martyr president closely for a long time. He was a big brother to us, a strong supporter, a staunch defender of our causes and the nation’s causes, foremost of which is Jerusalem and Palestine, and a protector of the resistance movements and their fighters in all the positions of responsibility he assumed," it added.&nbsp;

<h2>Iran and Gaza war</h2>

The statements by the militant groups claiming support from Raisi in the war against Israel come against the backdrop of the ongoing conflict in the besieged Palestinian enclave which started after Hamas' assault on Oct 7.

Iran has repeatedly refuted claims of its involvement in what is termed one of the bloodiest attacks in Israel's history.

Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, after Hamas' unprecedented attacks against Israel, had said, "The supporters of the Zionist regime (Israel) and some people in the usurping regime (a reference to USA) have been spreading rumours over the past two or three days, including that Islamic Iran was behind this action. They are wrong."

Foreign ministry spokesman Nasser Kanani had also denied an Iranian role in the attacks, “The accusations linked to an Iranian role… are based on political reasons.”

(With inputs from agencies)

Hamas on Monday (May 20) mourned the demise of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, who passed away in a helicopter crash reported on the evening of Sunday (May 19).

Hamas on Monday (May 20) mourned the demise of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, who passed away in a helicopter crash reported on the evening of Sunday (May 19). The Palestinian militant group, that is fighting a war with Israel, said that Raisi supported the Palestinian people during the ongoing offensive. "These leaders supported the legitimate struggle of our people against the Zionist entity, provided valued support to the Palestinian resistance, and made tireless efforts in solidarity and support in all forums and fields for our people in the steadfast Gaza Strip during the Battle of Al-Aqsa Flood," referring to the war with Israel which began on Oct 7. "They also made significant political and diplomatic efforts to stop the Zionist aggression against our Palestinian people," said Hamas in a statement. Raisi, who was also seen as a potential successor to Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, lost his life in a helicopter crash that was first reported on Sunday evening. The incident took place in the mountainous terrain near the border of Azerbaijan, as the Iranian leader was returning from the Khoda Afarin region after inaugurating a dam. The helicopter carrying Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian was found in a charred state early on Monday after an overnight search amid rain and fog. Also read: India declares one-day state mourning after Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi dies in helicopter crash 'Raisi played important role in supporting Palestinians,' says Islamic Jihad The Islamic Jihad group, which is fighting alongside Hamas in the war-torn Gaza Strip, also released a statement saying that Raisi and Amirabdollahian "played a prominent and clear role in supporting and assisting the struggle of the Palestinian people and its resistance in facing the ongoing criminal Zionist aggression." "We are confident that the Islamic Republic of Iran can overcome this painful ordeal, as it has overcome all difficulties and challenges throughout its extended journey over the past decades," the group added. Hezbollah expresses condolences Lebanon's armed group Hezbollah offered its condolences on the death of Raisi. "On the occasion of the painful incident that led to the martyrdom of Mr. Ebrahim Raisi, President of the Islamic Republic of Iran, and the martyrdom of our dear brother Dr. Hossein Amirabdollahian, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic and the representative of His Eminence Imam Khamenei in Azerbaijan Province, Mr. Mohamed Ali Al Hashem and the rest of the honourable brothers. Hezbollah in Lebanon extends its deepest condolences and feelings of sympathy for their loss," the statement said. "We have known His Eminence the martyr president closely for a long time. He was a big brother to us, a strong supporter, a staunch defender of our causes and the nation’s causes, foremost of which is Jerusalem and Palestine, and a protector of the resistance movements and their fighters in all the positions of responsibility he assumed," it added. Iran and Gaza war The statements by the militant groups claiming support from Raisi in the war against Israel come against the backdrop of the ongoing conflict in the besieged Palestinian enclave which started after Hamas' assault on Oct 7. Iran has repeatedly refuted claims of its involvement in what is termed one of the bloodiest attacks in Israel's history. Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, after Hamas' unprecedented attacks against Israel, had said, "The supporters of the Zionist regime (Israel) and some people in the usurping regime (a reference to USA) have been spreading rumours over the past two or three days, including that Islamic Iran was behind this action. They are wrong." Foreign ministry spokesman Nasser Kanani had also denied an Iranian role in the attacks, “The accusations linked to an Iranian role… are based on political reasons.” (With inputs from agencies)

Hamas, Islamic Jihad mourn Raisi’s demise, hail him for ‘support’ in war against Israel

Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler and United States President Joe Biden's top aide have reportedly held talks around a "semi-final" version of a deal that is expected to strengthen the security ties.

The meeting involved discussions between Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Jake Sullivan, Biden's national security advisor, in the eastern Saudi city of Dhahran, the official Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported on Sunday (May 19).

Sullivan arrived in Israel on Sunday for talks surrounding the ongoing war in Gaza.

"The semi-final version of the draft strategic agreements between the Kingdom and the United States of America, which are almost being finalised... were discussed," SPA said.

The meeting between the officials also involved talks around "what is being worked on between the two sides on the Palestinian issue to find a credible path towards a two-state solution", along with endeavours to put an end to the ongoing war in Gaza and streamline the distribution of humanitarian aid in the region. &nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/whitewashed-words-netanyahus-office-hits-back-at-gantzs-ultimatum-722944">Whitewashed words: Netanyahu's office hits back at Gantz's 'ultimatum'</a>

The Biden administration has actively chased the 'mega-deal' where Washington has agreed to give benefits to Saudi Arabia including a defence pact and assistance with a civilian nuclear programme with uranium enrichment capacity in exchange for providing first-ever recognition of Israel.

Earlier in the month of September, Prince Mohammed in an interview with the US network Fox News said that "every day we get closer" to a deal to normalise ties. This was before Hamas launched unprecedented attacks against Israel.

After the Palestinian militant group's Oct 7 assault, the US had accused Hamas of derailing the efforts to normalise ties between Saudi Arabia and Israel.

"It wouldn't be a surprise that part of the motivation may have been to disrupt efforts to bring Saudi Arabia and Israel together, along with other countries that may be interested in normalising relations with Israel," the US Secretary of State had said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler and United States President Joe Biden's top aide have reportedly held talks around a "semi-final" version of a deal that is expected to strengthen the security ties.

Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler and United States President Joe Biden's top aide have reportedly held talks around a "semi-final" version of a deal that is expected to strengthen the security ties. The meeting involved discussions between Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Jake Sullivan, Biden's national security advisor, in the eastern Saudi city of Dhahran, the official Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported on Sunday (May 19). Sullivan arrived in Israel on Sunday for talks surrounding the ongoing war in Gaza. "The semi-final version of the draft strategic agreements between the Kingdom and the United States of America, which are almost being finalised... were discussed," SPA said. The meeting between the officials also involved talks around "what is being worked on between the two sides on the Palestinian issue to find a credible path towards a two-state solution", along with endeavours to put an end to the ongoing war in Gaza and streamline the distribution of humanitarian aid in the region. Also read: Whitewashed words: Netanyahu's office hits back at Gantz's 'ultimatum' The Biden administration has actively chased the 'mega-deal' where Washington has agreed to give benefits to Saudi Arabia including a defence pact and assistance with a civilian nuclear programme with uranium enrichment capacity in exchange for providing first-ever recognition of Israel. Earlier in the month of September, Prince Mohammed in an interview with the US network Fox News said that "every day we get closer" to a deal to normalise ties. This was before Hamas launched unprecedented attacks against Israel. After the Palestinian militant group's Oct 7 assault, the US had accused Hamas of derailing the efforts to normalise ties between Saudi Arabia and Israel. "It wouldn't be a surprise that part of the motivation may have been to disrupt efforts to bring Saudi Arabia and Israel together, along with other countries that may be interested in normalising relations with Israel," the US Secretary of State had said. (With inputs from agencies)

Saudi crown prince and US national security adviser discuss ‘semi-final’ version of security deal

Hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters clashed with the officers of the New York Police Department (NYPD) in Brooklyn on Saturday (May 18), which reportedly led to over 30 arrests.

<h2>Protesters and police clash in Brooklyn&nbsp;</h2>

Chaos erupted at a pro-Palestinian rally in the Bay Ridge neighbourhood in Brooklyn where a group of at least 250 people were protesting the Israeli military’s offensive in Gaza.&nbsp;

In various videos posted on social media of the rally, NYPD officers can be seen punching at least three people who were wrestled to the ground. This comes after police reportedly tried to move them towards the sidewalk in Bay Ridge.&nbsp;

Subsequently, the officers began tackling and arresting people, while some protesters could be seen yelling and fighting back with the officers, according to the videos.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-20-killed-after-israeli-strike-on-nuseirat-refugee-camp-in-central-gaza-723049">Death toll after Israeli strike on Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza rises to 31</a>

According to the New York Post, the entire neighbourhood was blanketed by a massive police presence. “The NYPD has spent over 400 million on Palestine protest alone,” the demonstrators chanted in a call and response, as quoted by the media report.&nbsp;

A report by the New York Times, early Sunday (May 19), citing a senior law enforcement official who spoke on condition of anonymity said at least 34 people were arrested amid the protest in Brooklyn, while the charges they face were unclear.&nbsp;

<h2>University of Pennsylvania</h2>

The University of Pennsylvania police, on Saturday, said six students were among 19 pro-Palestinian protesters arrested during an attempt to occupy a school building.&nbsp;

Members of Penn Students Against the Occupation of Palestine had called for action on Friday (May 17) at the school’s Fisher-Bennett Hall, urging supporters to bring “flags, pots, pans, noise-makers, megaphones” and other items, according to the Associated Press.&nbsp;

The local media reported that the officers from the University police supported by city police then escorted the protesters out and secured the building.&nbsp;

The police said that they recovered “lock-picking tools and homemade metal shields fashioned from oil drums,” after clearing out the building.&nbsp;

Additionally, exit doors had been secured with zip ties and barbed wire and barricaded with metal chairs and desks, while windows were covered by newspaper and cardboard, and bike racks and metal chairs blocked entrances, said the police, according to AP.&nbsp;

Last week, city and university police broke up a two-week encampment on the campus, arresting 33 people, nine of whom were students and two dozen of whom had “no Penn affiliation,” according to university officials.

<h2>Campus protests in Australia</h2>

In a statement, on Saturday, students at La Trobe University said that the college authorities are “attempting to crush pro-Palestine encampments.” This comes amid a wave of campus protests in support of Palestinians in Australia.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/whitewashed-words-netanyahus-office-hits-back-at-gantzs-ultimatum-722944">Whitewashed words: Netanyahu's office hits back at Gantz's 'ultimatum'</a>

La Trobe University, on Friday, issued a formal directive for protesters asking them to end their encampment on the Bundoora campus, according to the Guardian.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, students at the University of Melbourne spent four nights camped inside the Arts West building as organisers of the protests and university administration remained in a deadlock as the university’s executives had not met their key demands.&nbsp;

The students have also renamed the building from Arts West to Mahmoud Hall, to honour a Palestinian student who they say intended to study at the but was killed in Gaza last year.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters clashed with the officers of the New York Police Department (NYPD) in Brooklyn on Saturday (May 18), which reportedly led to over 30 arrests.

Hundreds of pro-Palestinian protesters clashed with the officers of the New York Police Department (NYPD) in Brooklyn on Saturday (May 18), which reportedly led to over 30 arrests. Protesters and police clash in Brooklyn Chaos erupted at a pro-Palestinian rally in the Bay Ridge neighbourhood in Brooklyn where a group of at least 250 people were protesting the Israeli military’s offensive in Gaza. In various videos posted on social media of the rally, NYPD officers can be seen punching at least three people who were wrestled to the ground. This comes after police reportedly tried to move them towards the sidewalk in Bay Ridge. Subsequently, the officers began tackling and arresting people, while some protesters could be seen yelling and fighting back with the officers, according to the videos. Also Read | Death toll after Israeli strike on Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza rises to 31 According to the New York Post, the entire neighbourhood was blanketed by a massive police presence. “The NYPD has spent over 400 million on Palestine protest alone,” the demonstrators chanted in a call and response, as quoted by the media report. A report by the New York Times, early Sunday (May 19), citing a senior law enforcement official who spoke on condition of anonymity said at least 34 people were arrested amid the protest in Brooklyn, while the charges they face were unclear. University of Pennsylvania The University of Pennsylvania police, on Saturday, said six students were among 19 pro-Palestinian protesters arrested during an attempt to occupy a school building. Members of Penn Students Against the Occupation of Palestine had called for action on Friday (May 17) at the school’s Fisher-Bennett Hall, urging supporters to bring “flags, pots, pans, noise-makers, megaphones” and other items, according to the Associated Press. The local media reported that the officers from the University police supported by city police then escorted the protesters out and secured the building. The police said that they recovered “lock-picking tools and homemade metal shields fashioned from oil drums,” after clearing out the building. Additionally, exit doors had been secured with zip ties and barbed wire and barricaded with metal chairs and desks, while windows were covered by newspaper and cardboard, and bike racks and metal chairs blocked entrances, said the police, according to AP. Last week, city and university police broke up a two-week encampment on the campus, arresting 33 people, nine of whom were students and two dozen of whom had “no Penn affiliation,” according to university officials. Campus protests in Australia In a statement, on Saturday, students at La Trobe University said that the college authorities are “attempting to crush pro-Palestine encampments.” This comes amid a wave of campus protests in support of Palestinians in Australia. Also Read | Whitewashed words: Netanyahu's office hits back at Gantz's 'ultimatum' La Trobe University, on Friday, issued a formal directive for protesters asking them to end their encampment on the Bundoora campus, according to the Guardian. Meanwhile, students at the University of Melbourne spent four nights camped inside the Arts West building as organisers of the protests and university administration remained in a deadlock as the university’s executives had not met their key demands. The students have also renamed the building from Arts West to Mahmoud Hall, to honour a Palestinian student who they say intended to study at the but was killed in Gaza last year. (With inputs from agencies)

Dozens of pro-Palestinian protesters arrested after clashing with police in New York

The death toll after an Israeli airstrike targeted a house at Nuseirat refugee camp in the central part of the Palestinian enclave, rose to 31, said Gaza's civil defence agency on&nbsp;Sunday (May 19).&nbsp;This comes a day after Israeli troops and tanks pushed into parts of congested northern Gaza killing and wounding dozens of Palestinians, reported Reuters citing medics and residents.&nbsp;

<h2>Deadly strike on Nuseirat refugee camp</h2>

"The civil defence crew were able to recover 31 martyrs and 20 wounded from a house belonging to the Hassan family, which was targeted by the Israeli occupation forces in the Nuseirat camp," Gaza civil defence agency spokesman Mahmud Bassal told journalists.

This comes after the&nbsp;Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital said at least 20 people had been killed due to the Israeli strike.&nbsp;

“We received 20 fatalities and several wounded after an Israeli air strike targeted a house belonging to the Hassan family in Al-Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza,” the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital had said, in a statement, as quoted by news agency AFP.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;IDF's campaign leaves Gaza's medical system on brink of collapse

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The news agency citing witnesses said that the airstrike occurred around 3:00 am (local time), while the Israeli army said that they were checking reports.&nbsp;

The Palestinian official news agency Wafa reported that several children were among those wounded and that the rescuers were searching for those missing under the rubble.&nbsp;

Heavy Israeli bombardment has been reported in the central Nuseirat camp since the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) launched a “targeted” operation focusing on the city of Rafah, earlier this month.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/whitewashed-words-netanyahus-office-hits-back-at-gantzs-ultimatum-722944">Whitewashed words: Netanyahu's office hits back at Gantz's 'ultimatum'</a>

Witnesses, according to AFP, said several other houses were targeted in air strikes during the night across Gaza. Additionally, air strikes and artillery shelling also hit parts of Rafah overnight.&nbsp;

<h2>At least 800,000 Gazans have evacuated from Rafah: UN</h2>

The Israeli forces, earlier this month, issued evacuation orders for Rafah, a southern city in the Palestinian enclave near the Egyptian border packed with hundreds of thousands of Gazans displaced amid the ongoing war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas.&nbsp;

Around 800,000 Palestinians have been “forced to flee” Rafah amid Israel’s military operation, said the United Nations, on Saturday.&nbsp;

“In response to evacuation orders demanding people to flee to so-called safe zones, people mainly went to the middle areas and Khan Younis including to destroyed buildings,” said UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini, in a post on X.&nbsp;

He added, “Every time, they are forced to leave behind the few belongings they have:  mattresses, tents, cooking utensils and basic supplies that they cannot carry or pay to transport. Every time, they have to start from scratch, all over again.”

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-israeli-hostage-shani-louks-body-recovered-who-was-she-722672">Israel-Hamas war: Israeli hostage Shani Louk's body recovered. Who was she?&nbsp;</a>

The Hamas-run health ministry and the Civil Emergency Service said teams received dozens of calls about possible casualties but were unable to carry out any searches because of the ongoing ground offensive and aerial bombardment, reported Reuters, on Saturday.&nbsp;

“Today is the most difficult in terms of the occupation bombardment, air strikes and tank shelling have going on almost non-stop,” a resident in Jabalia, Ibrahim Khaled, told Reuters.&nbsp;

He added, “We know of dozens of people, martyrs (killed) and wounded, but no ambulance vehicle can get into the area.”

(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.

The death toll after an Israeli airstrike targeted a house at Nuseirat refugee camp in the central part of the Palestinian enclave, rose to 31, said Gaza's civil defence agency on Sunday (May 19).

The death toll after an Israeli airstrike targeted a house at Nuseirat refugee camp in the central part of the Palestinian enclave, rose to 31, said Gaza's civil defence agency on Sunday (May 19). This comes a day after Israeli troops and tanks pushed into parts of congested northern Gaza killing and wounding dozens of Palestinians, reported Reuters citing medics and residents. Deadly strike on Nuseirat refugee camp "The civil defence crew were able to recover 31 martyrs and 20 wounded from a house belonging to the Hassan family, which was targeted by the Israeli occupation forces in the Nuseirat camp," Gaza civil defence agency spokesman Mahmud Bassal told journalists. This comes after the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital said at least 20 people had been killed due to the Israeli strike. “We received 20 fatalities and several wounded after an Israeli air strike targeted a house belonging to the Hassan family in Al-Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza,” the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital had said, in a statement, as quoted by news agency AFP. WATCH | IDF's campaign leaves Gaza's medical system on brink of collapse The news agency citing witnesses said that the airstrike occurred around 3:00 am (local time), while the Israeli army said that they were checking reports. The Palestinian official news agency Wafa reported that several children were among those wounded and that the rescuers were searching for those missing under the rubble. Heavy Israeli bombardment has been reported in the central Nuseirat camp since the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) launched a “targeted” operation focusing on the city of Rafah, earlier this month. Also Read | Whitewashed words: Netanyahu's office hits back at Gantz's 'ultimatum' Witnesses, according to AFP, said several other houses were targeted in air strikes during the night across Gaza. Additionally, air strikes and artillery shelling also hit parts of Rafah overnight. At least 800,000 Gazans have evacuated from Rafah: UN The Israeli forces, earlier this month, issued evacuation orders for Rafah, a southern city in the Palestinian enclave near the Egyptian border packed with hundreds of thousands of Gazans displaced amid the ongoing war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas. Around 800,000 Palestinians have been “forced to flee” Rafah amid Israel’s military operation, said the United Nations, on Saturday. “In response to evacuation orders demanding people to flee to so-called safe zones, people mainly went to the middle areas and Khan Younis including to destroyed buildings,” said UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini, in a post on X. He added, “Every time, they are forced to leave behind the few belongings they have:  mattresses, tents, cooking utensils and basic supplies that they cannot carry or pay to transport. Every time, they have to start from scratch, all over again.” Also Read | Israel-Hamas war: Israeli hostage Shani Louk's body recovered. Who was she? The Hamas-run health ministry and the Civil Emergency Service said teams received dozens of calls about possible casualties but were unable to carry out any searches because of the ongoing ground offensive and aerial bombardment, reported Reuters, on Saturday. “Today is the most difficult in terms of the occupation bombardment, air strikes and tank shelling have going on almost non-stop,” a resident in Jabalia, Ibrahim Khaled, told Reuters. He added, “We know of dozens of people, martyrs (killed) and wounded, but no ambulance vehicle can get into the area.” (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.

Death toll after Israeli strike on Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza rises to 31

The Israeli Army said that the troops have recovered the bodies of three hostages, who had been abducted from a music festival, in a tunnel situated in the war-torn Gaza Strip. They were held captive and "murdered" by Hamas after the terror attack of October 7 last year, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said.

IDF spokesperson Rear Adm Daniel Hagari on Friday (May 17) identified the hostages as Shani Louk, Amit Bouskila, and Itshak Gelernter.

"Last night, the Israel Defence Forces (army) rescued the bodies of our hostages Shani Louk, Amit Buskila and Itzhak Gelerenter," military spokesman Daniel Hagari said in a televised address.

He said that all three of them were killed by the Palestinian militant group at the Nova music festival and their bodies taken into Gaza.

"They were celebrating life in the Nova music festival and they were murdered by Hamas," he said.&nbsp;

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We are devastated to share that the <a href="https://twitter.com/IDF?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IDF</a> recovered the bodies of three Israeli hostages who were kidnapped from the Nova Festival and held by Hamas in Gaza. 
 
Amit Bouskila (28) 
Shani Louk (23) 
Itzhak Gelerenter (53) 
 
There are no words. 
 
May their memory be a blessing. <a href="https://t.co/N8xEvUPBC2">pic.twitter.com/N8xEvUPBC2</a>
— Israel ישראל (@Israel) <a href="https://twitter.com/Israel/status/1791495933508649120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 17, 2024</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Thousands of people had gathered to enjoy the electronic music fest at Re'im kibbutz close to the Gaza border when Hamas launched its assault against Israel on Oct 7 and held hundreds of them as hostages.

The Palestinian militant group, as per Israeli officials, crossed over the border and claimed the lives of over 360 people at the festival.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-war-south-africas-genocide-case-totally-divorced-from-facts-says-israel-722433">Israel-Hamas war: US delivers first aid to Gaza via temporary&nbsp;pier</a>

<h2>'This terrible loss is heart-breaking,' says Netanyahu</h2>

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released a statement and vowed to bring back all the hostages after the announcement.

He also heaped praises on the military operation and his "brave" soldiers.&nbsp;

"Heartbroken for the great loss. My wife Sara and I grieve with the families. The hearts of all of us are firm in the hour of the liver's death. We will return all our hostages, living and space alike. I congratulate our brave forces who, with determined action, returned boys and girls to their border," Netanyahu wrote in a posting on his official X account.

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הלב נשבר על האובדן הגדול. רעייתי שרה ואני דואבים עם המשפחות. לב כולנו איתן בשעת יגונן הכבד. 
 
נחזיר את כל חטופינו, החיים והחללים כאחד. 
 
אני מברך את כוחותינו האמיצים שבפעולה נחושה השיבו בנים ובנות לגבולם.
— Benjamin Netanyahu - בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) <a href="https://twitter.com/netanyahu/status/1791491891331998008?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 17, 2024</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Hamas launched unprecedented attacks on Israel on October 7, which as per Israeli tallies claimed the lives of 1,200 people. The militant group abducted 252 people and held them as hostages, out of which 125 still remain in Gaza.

The Hostages Families Forum released a statement saying that the recovery of the bodies was a "painful and stark reminder that we must swiftly bring back all our brothers and sisters from their cruel captivity".

(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.

The Israeli Army said that the troops have recovered the bodies of three hostages, who had been abducted from a music festival, in a tunnel situated in the war-torn Gaza Strip.

The Israeli Army said that the troops have recovered the bodies of three hostages, who had been abducted from a music festival, in a tunnel situated in the war-torn Gaza Strip. They were held captive and "murdered" by Hamas after the terror attack of October 7 last year, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said. IDF spokesperson Rear Adm Daniel Hagari on Friday (May 17) identified the hostages as Shani Louk, Amit Bouskila, and Itshak Gelernter. "Last night, the Israel Defence Forces (army) rescued the bodies of our hostages Shani Louk, Amit Buskila and Itzhak Gelerenter," military spokesman Daniel Hagari said in a televised address. He said that all three of them were killed by the Palestinian militant group at the Nova music festival and their bodies taken into Gaza. "They were celebrating life in the Nova music festival and they were murdered by Hamas," he said. We are devastated to share that the @IDF recovered the bodies of three Israeli hostages who were kidnapped from the Nova Festival and held by Hamas in Gaza. Amit Bouskila (28) Shani Louk (23) Itzhak Gelerenter (53) There are no words. May their memory be a blessing. pic.twitter.com/N8xEvUPBC2 — Israel ישראל (@Israel) May 17, 2024 × Thousands of people had gathered to enjoy the electronic music fest at Re'im kibbutz close to the Gaza border when Hamas launched its assault against Israel on Oct 7 and held hundreds of them as hostages. The Palestinian militant group, as per Israeli officials, crossed over the border and claimed the lives of over 360 people at the festival. Also read: Israel-Hamas war: US delivers first aid to Gaza via temporary pier 'This terrible loss is heart-breaking,' says Netanyahu Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released a statement and vowed to bring back all the hostages after the announcement. He also heaped praises on the military operation and his "brave" soldiers. "Heartbroken for the great loss. My wife Sara and I grieve with the families. The hearts of all of us are firm in the hour of the liver's death. We will return all our hostages, living and space alike. I congratulate our brave forces who, with determined action, returned boys and girls to their border," Netanyahu wrote in a posting on his official X account. הלב נשבר על האובדן הגדול. רעייתי שרה ואני דואבים עם המשפחות. לב כולנו איתן בשעת יגונן הכבד. נחזיר את כל חטופינו, החיים והחללים כאחד. אני מברך את כוחותינו האמיצים שבפעולה נחושה השיבו בנים ובנות לגבולם. — Benjamin Netanyahu - בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) May 17, 2024 × Hamas launched unprecedented attacks on Israel on October 7, which as per Israeli tallies claimed the lives of 1,200 people. The militant group abducted 252 people and held them as hostages, out of which 125 still remain in Gaza. The Hostages Families Forum released a statement saying that the recovery of the bodies was a "painful and stark reminder that we must swiftly bring back all our brothers and sisters from their cruel captivity". (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 military says bodies of three hostages 'murdered' by Hamas recovered in Gaza

Swedish police have cordoned off an area in Stockholm after a patrol heard suspected gunshots, they said on Friday, with the Israeli embassy located in the closed-off area.

Police declined to comment on whether there was a link between the incident and the Israeli embassy, Swedish news agency TT reported.

"A police patrol at Strandvagen in Stockholm heard bangs and suspected there had been a shooting," police said on their website shortly after midnight, adding that the affected area lay between the capital's Djurgarden Bridge, its Nobel Park and the Oscar Church.

"In connection with the ongoing forensic investigation, findings have been made that strengthen the suspicions that a shooting took place," they said.

Police said an investigation into suspected serious weapons crime had been launched and that they held several people in connection with the incident.

A prosecutor's office spokesperson later in the day said none of them remained in custody.

The Israeli embassy could not immediately be reached for comment.

Swedish police have cordoned off an area in Stockholm after a patrol heard suspected gunshots, they said on Friday, with the Israeli embassy located in the closed-off area.

Swedish police have cordoned off an area in Stockholm after a patrol heard suspected gunshots, they said on Friday, with the Israeli embassy located in the closed-off area. Police declined to comment on whether there was a link between the incident and the Israeli embassy, Swedish news agency TT reported. "A police patrol at Strandvagen in Stockholm heard bangs and suspected there had been a shooting," police said on their website shortly after midnight, adding that the affected area lay between the capital's Djurgarden Bridge, its Nobel Park and the Oscar Church. "In connection with the ongoing forensic investigation, findings have been made that strengthen the suspicions that a shooting took place," they said. Police said an investigation into suspected serious weapons crime had been launched and that they held several people in connection with the incident. A prosecutor's office spokesperson later in the day said none of them remained in custody. The Israeli embassy could not immediately be reached for comment.

Suspected gunshots near Israeli embassy in Stockholm prompt police cordon

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on Wednesday (May 15) put forward a new conscription law proposal that would gradually increase national service recruitment among the ultra-Orthodox Haredi community.

The proposal comes just a day before the May 16 deadline set by the Israeli Supreme Court. Earlier this month, the court had given Netanyahu's coalition time to come up with a plan to resolve the conscription issue, which has caused significant public discontent.

<h2>Ultra-Orthodox Jews and exemptions</h2>

The exemptions granted to ultra-Orthodox Jews have long been a point of contention in Israel. The issue is further exacerbated by the country's costly mobilisation during the conflict in Gaza in which high casualties have been recorded among young soldiers and reservists.

Ultra-Orthodox parties, which represent approximately 13 per cent of Israel's population, have been coalition partners in successive Netanyahu-led governments, demanding that their constituents be permitted to study in seminaries instead of serving in the military.

Netanyahu's coalition includes two ultra-Orthodox parties that have threatened to leave the government if military exemptions are removed.&nbsp;

Critics argue that the draft exemption stops many of them from participating in the workforce, while opposition lawmakers have denounced it as an unfair and an insulting policy to other Israelis.

<h2>Netanyahu's proposal</h2>

The new proposal aims to gradually increase national service recruitment among ultra-Orthodox Jews.&nbsp;

It builds on a previous bill introduced by former army chief Benny Gantz, who joined Netanyahu's government in a show of unity during the war. However, Gantz has criticised the bill as inadequate for Israel's current wartime needs, emphasising that the country requires more soldiers rather than political compromises.

Previously, in March, the centrist cabinet minister said, "The nation cannot accept it, the Knesset (parliament) must not vote for it, and my colleagues and I will not be members of the emergency government should such legislation pass in the Knesset."

"The conscription law being drawn up by the government is a serious moral failure that will create a deep rift within us at a time when we need to fight together against our enemies,"&nbsp;Gantz added.

Netanyahu's office stated that the prime minister aims to bridge societal and political divides and has urged all parties that previously supported the conscription law to do so again.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on Wednesday (May 15) put forward a new conscription law proposal that would gradually increase national service recruitment among the ultra-Orthodox Haredi community.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on Wednesday (May 15) put forward a new conscription law proposal that would gradually increase national service recruitment among the ultra-Orthodox Haredi community. The proposal comes just a day before the May 16 deadline set by the Israeli Supreme Court. Earlier this month, the court had given Netanyahu's coalition time to come up with a plan to resolve the conscription issue, which has caused significant public discontent. Ultra-Orthodox Jews and exemptions The exemptions granted to ultra-Orthodox Jews have long been a point of contention in Israel. The issue is further exacerbated by the country's costly mobilisation during the conflict in Gaza in which high casualties have been recorded among young soldiers and reservists. Ultra-Orthodox parties, which represent approximately 13 per cent of Israel's population, have been coalition partners in successive Netanyahu-led governments, demanding that their constituents be permitted to study in seminaries instead of serving in the military. Netanyahu's coalition includes two ultra-Orthodox parties that have threatened to leave the government if military exemptions are removed. Critics argue that the draft exemption stops many of them from participating in the workforce, while opposition lawmakers have denounced it as an unfair and an insulting policy to other Israelis. Netanyahu's proposal The new proposal aims to gradually increase national service recruitment among ultra-Orthodox Jews. It builds on a previous bill introduced by former army chief Benny Gantz, who joined Netanyahu's government in a show of unity during the war. However, Gantz has criticised the bill as inadequate for Israel's current wartime needs, emphasising that the country requires more soldiers rather than political compromises. Previously, in March, the centrist cabinet minister said, "The nation cannot accept it, the Knesset (parliament) must not vote for it, and my colleagues and I will not be members of the emergency government should such legislation pass in the Knesset." "The conscription law being drawn up by the government is a serious moral failure that will create a deep rift within us at a time when we need to fight together against our enemies," Gantz added. Netanyahu's office stated that the prime minister aims to bridge societal and political divides and has urged all parties that previously supported the conscription law to do so again. (With inputs from agencies)

Netanyahu proposes gradually increasing ultra-Orthodox Jew drafting in army

In a baffling statement, United States Senator Lindsey Graham (Republican-South Carolina) compared the ongoing war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza to the US’ decision to drop atomic bombs on Japan during World War II and told Israel to “do whatever” to finish the military operation it has launched in the blockaded enclave.&nbsp;

<h2>‘Right decision’</h2>

In a recent interview, Graham appeared to justify Israel’s killing of civilians in Gaza as well as the assault on Gaza's city of Rafah, which US President Joe Biden had warned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against.&nbsp;

The Republican senator also compared the ongoing war in Gaza to America’s war with Japan nearly eight decades ago while suggesting that Israel would be right to flatten the Gaza Strip, home to some 2.2 million Palestinians because the US did so too in 1945 when it dropped atomic bombs on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Israeli forces press Gaza offensive from North &amp; South

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“So when we were faced with destruction as a nation after Pearl Harbor, fighting the Germans and the Japanese, we decided to end the war by bombing Hiroshima, Nagasaki, with nuclear weapons,” said Graham, in an interview with NBC, on Sunday (May 12).&nbsp;

He also went on to call the decision to bomb Hiroshima and Nagasaki “the right decision” by the US. The decision in question killed hundreds of thousands of people, mostly Japanese civilians, due to the blasts and the radiation that followed.&nbsp;

“Give Israel the bombs they need to end the war they can’t afford to lose and work with them to minimise casualties,” the Republican senator added. The interviewer, Kristin Welker, attempted to stop him, but he talked over her.&nbsp;

“Why is it okay for America to drop two nuclear bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki to end their existential threat war. Why was it okay to do that? I thought it was okay?” said Graham.&nbsp;

He added, “To Israel, do whatever you have to do to survive as a Jewish state. Whatever you have to do.”

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-un-staff-member-killed-in-gaza-war-what-we-know-so-far-721141">Indian UN staff member killed in Gaza war: What we know so far</a>

Graham was also among the Republicans who criticised the Biden administration’s decision to hold back delivery of high payload munitions to Israel, earlier this month, ahead of an Israeli offensive in Rafah.&nbsp;

<h2>Hamas responds to remarks</h2>

Hamas released a statement calling the Republican senator’s remarks “shocking,” adding that it shows the “deep moral decline and the genocide and colonialism mentality that he harbors,” according to Turkish state-run news agency Anadolu Ajansı.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

In a baffling statement, United States Senator Lindsey Graham (Republican-South Carolina) compared the ongoing war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza to the US’ decision to drop atomic bombs on Japan during World War II and told Israel to “do whatever” to finish the military operation it has launched in the blockaded enclave.

In a baffling statement, United States Senator Lindsey Graham (Republican-South Carolina) compared the ongoing war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza to the US’ decision to drop atomic bombs on Japan during World War II and told Israel to “do whatever” to finish the military operation it has launched in the blockaded enclave. ‘Right decision’ In a recent interview, Graham appeared to justify Israel’s killing of civilians in Gaza as well as the assault on Gaza's city of Rafah, which US President Joe Biden had warned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against. The Republican senator also compared the ongoing war in Gaza to America’s war with Japan nearly eight decades ago while suggesting that Israel would be right to flatten the Gaza Strip, home to some 2.2 million Palestinians because the US did so too in 1945 when it dropped atomic bombs on the Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. WATCH | Israeli forces press Gaza offensive from North & South “So when we were faced with destruction as a nation after Pearl Harbor, fighting the Germans and the Japanese, we decided to end the war by bombing Hiroshima, Nagasaki, with nuclear weapons,” said Graham, in an interview with NBC, on Sunday (May 12). He also went on to call the decision to bomb Hiroshima and Nagasaki “the right decision” by the US. The decision in question killed hundreds of thousands of people, mostly Japanese civilians, due to the blasts and the radiation that followed. “Give Israel the bombs they need to end the war they can’t afford to lose and work with them to minimise casualties,” the Republican senator added. The interviewer, Kristin Welker, attempted to stop him, but he talked over her. “Why is it okay for America to drop two nuclear bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki to end their existential threat war. Why was it okay to do that? I thought it was okay?” said Graham. He added, “To Israel, do whatever you have to do to survive as a Jewish state. Whatever you have to do.” Also Read | Indian UN staff member killed in Gaza war: What we know so far Graham was also among the Republicans who criticised the Biden administration’s decision to hold back delivery of high payload munitions to Israel, earlier this month, ahead of an Israeli offensive in Rafah. Hamas responds to remarks Hamas released a statement calling the Republican senator’s remarks “shocking,” adding that it shows the “deep moral decline and the genocide and colonialism mentality that he harbors,” according to Turkish state-run news agency Anadolu Ajansı. (With inputs from agencies)

US Senator Lindsey Graham suggests Israel should nuke Gaza

Weeks after attending a pro-Palestinian demonstration, Egyptian-American student Layla Sayed received a text message from a friend drawing her attention to a website dedicated to exposing people it says promote hatred of Jews and Israel.

"I think they found you from the protest," the friend wrote.

When Sayed visited the site, called Canary Mission, she found a photo from the Oct. 16 rally at the University of Pennsylvania with red arrows pointing to her among the demonstrators. The post included her name, the two cities she lives in, details about her studies and links to her social media accounts.

Canary Mission later posted a photo of her on its X and Instagram accounts labeled "Hamas War Crimes Apologist," a reference to the Palestinian militant group's Oct. 7 attack on Israel in which around 1,200 people were killed and 253 taken hostage, according to Israeli tallies.

In response to that raid, Israel launched a military offensive in the Gaza Strip that has killed nearly 35,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health authorities.

Comments about Sayed from social media users poured in.

"No future for that c.nt," one X user wrote. "Candidate for deportation to Gaza," wrote another.

Although Sayed has long supported Palestinian causes, she said it was the first time she had participated in a pro-Palestinian demonstration at Penn, and Canary Mission did not flag any other activities.

"My initial reaction was just absolute shock," Sayed, a 20-year-old sophomore, told Reuters. "I wasn't there to say I supported Hamas. I wasn't there to say I hated Israel. I was there to say what's happening in Palestine is wrong."

She said she did not realize at the time that a chant Canary Mission took issue with, "When people are occupied, resistance is justified," is considered by some as an expression of support for Hamas' killings. She joined in the chants, she said, to show support for demonstrations.

Responding to an inquiry submitted via its website, Canary Mission said it has been "working around the clock" to combat a "wave of antisemitism" on college campuses since Oct. 7, including by exposing people who endorse Hamas.

Canary Mission did not respond to questions about Sayed's profile or the online abuse directed against its targets, according to the comments from the site provided by a spokesperson from a Tel Aviv-based public relations firm, Gova10.

While Canary Mission relies on tips, it said it verifies what it publishes, drawing from publicly available sources. Canary Mission’s profiles include links to its targets' social media posts, public speeches and interviews with journalists.

Penn officials did not respond to questions about Sayed's case.

"Penn is focused on the well-being of all members of the community," a university spokesperson, Steve Silverman, told Reuters, adding that staff reach out to offer support when aware of concerning situations.

Canary Mission is one of the oldest and most prominent of several digital advocacy groups that have intensified campaigns to expose Israel's critics since the war broke out, often leading to harassment such as Sayed experienced. The people behind the site have kept their identities, location and funding sources hidden.

Reuters reviewed online attacks and abusive messages directed at scores of people targeted by Canary Mission since Oct. 7.

The site has accused over 250 U.S. students and academics of supporting terrorism or spreading antisemitism and hatred of Israel since the start of the latest Gaza conflict, according to the Reuters review of its posts. Some are leading members of Palestinian rights groups or were arrested for offenses such as blocking traffic and punching a Jewish student. Others, like Sayed, said they had just stepped into campus activism and were not charged with any crimes.

Reuters spoke to 17 students and one research fellow from six U.S. universities featured on Canary Mission since Oct. 7. They include other students who chanted slogans during protests, leaders of groups that backed statements saying Israel bears sole responsibility for the violence and people who argued in social media posts that armed resistance by Palestinians is justified. All but one said they had received hate messages or seen vitriolic comments posted about them online.

Messages reviewed by Reuters called for their deportation or expulsion from school or suggested they should be raped or killed. 

Several pro-Palestinian groups that use similar tactics to call out Israel's defenders have emerged in recent months. They include an X account called StopZionistHate and Raven Mission, a website launched in December that emulates Canary Mission by spotlighting people it accuses of Islamophobia or helping perpetuate atrocities against Palestinians.

Raven Mission did not respond to requests for comment. StopZionistHate said it wanted to "ensure that the American public is aware of the threat posed by Zionist extremism."

ACCUSATIONS OF CYBERBULLYING

Some critics accuse sites on both sides of cyberbullying or doxxing, which they note can have a chilling effect on free expression.

Tensions have been mounting on U.S. college campuses, where Israel's war in Gaza has unleashed an outpouring of student activism. Some of the pro-Palestinian demonstrations have been met with counter-protesters accusing them of fomenting anti-Jewish hatred and intimidating Jewish students on campus. Both camps have clashed with police.

The U.S. Department of Education has opened investigations into dozens of colleges since Oct. 7, noting an "alarming nationwide rise" in reports of antisemitic, anti-Muslim and other forms of discrimination and harassment. It declined to provide details about these investigations, including whether any concern Canary Mission, Raven Mission or StopZionistHate, or incidents these groups have highlighted. &nbsp;

Across the U.S., pro-Palestinian student groups are advising followers to wear masks at protests, to avoid drawing unwelcome attention.

Canary Mission and its defenders argue that those who promote hatred and bigotry should be held to account. On its site, Canary Mission provides academic and employer details for the people it profiles, calling on its tens of thousands of followers to ensure "today's radicals are not tomorrow's employees." 

Ten of the students interviewed by Reuters feared that appearing on the site could derail their careers. Canary Mission is often at the top of its targets' Google search results, and its social media posts can draw hundreds of comments.

For those targeted, there are few options to seek redress, lawyers and advocacy groups say. Much of what Canary Mission publishes is protected by the U.S. Constitution's First Amendment on free speech, three lawyers told Reuters.

It generally isn't illegal to publish information about someone without consent when the information is accurate and was acquired lawfully from the public domain, said Eugene Volokh, a law professor at the University of California, Los Angeles.

The legal standard for defamation is high, with the burden on claimants to prove the site made false statements about them, added Dylan Saba, an attorney at Palestine Legal, which represents pro-Palestinian activists. He could recall only a handful of cases where students succeeded in getting Canary Mission profiles changed or removed by threatening defamation suits.

The low profile of Canary Mission's principals poses an additional hurdle.

"If you're going to sue somebody, you have to know where you're serving them," Saba said.

Canary Mission says on its site that it will remove profiles of people who "recognize their earlier mistakes" and reject what it describes as "latent anti-Semitism" in groups that campaign for boycotts against Israel over its policies in the Palestinian territories. It publishes what it says are their apologies on an "ex-canary" page but does not identify the individuals.

Canary Mission told Reuters the site was established in 2015 to counter rising antisemitism on college campuses. It  did not answer questions about its leadership and funding.

LINKS TO ISRAELI NON-PROFIT&nbsp;

A 2016 tax filing by a prominent Jewish American philanthropic organization, the Helen Diller Family Foundation, revealed a financial link between Canary Mission and an Israeli non-profit called Megamot Shalom. That year, the Diller foundation gave $100,000 to the Central Fund of Israel earmarked "Canary Mission for Megamot Shalom," according to the document, which was first reported by the U.S. Jewish news outlet the Forward and reviewed by Reuters.

The Central Fund is a U.S.-based group that acts as a conduit for Americans to make tax-deductible donations to Israeli charities. Its president, Jay Marcus, told Reuters his organization only supports registered charities but would not confirm whether Megamot Shalom or Canary Mission were among them, citing the privacy of its donors and recipients.

Despite several attempts, Reuters could not reach a representative of the Diller foundation.&nbsp;

The organization that oversees the Diller foundation's giving, the Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund of San Francisco, referred Reuters to a 2018 statement confirming the donation was to support the work of Canary Mission and saying neither group would fund the site further. The statement said the federation had determined that the Central Fund did not comply with its giving guidelines but did not respond to requests to elaborate.

Canary Mission did not respond to questions about Megamot Shalom or its connection to the nonprofit.

Megamot Shalom was founded in 2016 "to preserve and ensure the national strength and image of the State of Israel" through media initiatives, according to documents obtained from Israel's corporations registry.

As of 2022, the most recent year for which records are available, it employed 11 people, including four content writers. The only donor identified in the registry documents is the Central Fund, from which it received 13.2 million shekels ($3.5 million) between 2019 and 2022, the records show.

Reuters was unable to reach Megamot Shalom's founder, Jonathan Bash, or any other listed employees. When Reuters visited the group's registered address in Beit Shemesh, a city 23 km (15 miles) southwest of Jerusalem, it found a locked one-story building with no sign of activity.

"A TARGET ON MY BACK"

Canary Mission has targeted at least 30 Penn students and academics since Oct. 7.

The university is one of several elite campuses that have been at the center of unrest over the Gaza war. Its former president, Liz Magill, resigned in December after coming under fire for her handling of accusations of antisemitism on campus.

On Friday, police dismantled an unsanctioned pro-Palestinian encampment on Penn's main lawn and arrested about 33 people following accusations of harassing and threatening behavior by protesters and the defacement of campus landmarks.

After finding her profile on Canary Mission, Sayed consulted the Council on American-Islamic Relations, an advocacy group. Ahmet Tekelioglu, executive director of CAIR's Philadelphia branch, said the group offered her help to remove information from the internet but advised that it would be hard to take legal action against a group that isn't registered in the U.S.&nbsp;

Despite the "blatant negative framing," Canary Mission's comments were presented as quotes or opinions, which typically cannot be the subject of a defamation claim, Tekelioglu told Reuters.

Fearful for her safety, Sayed said she removed the Palestinian keffiyeh scarf she had tied to her backpack, which she said felt like "a target on my back." She avoided walking alone on campus and put her LinkedIn profile in hibernation. 

Canary Mission also profiled seven Georgetown University School of Medicine students after they were featured in a Dec. 21 article by the conservative Washington Free Beacon news site headlined, "At Georgetown Med, the Doctors of Tomorrow Aren't Hiding Their Support for Terrorism."

One of them, Yusra Rafeeqi, 22, said the websites published a screenshot of a post she said she had shared privately with her Instagram followers showing a man atop an Israeli tank waving a Palestinian flag on the day Hamas militants broke through the border fence between Gaza and Israel. The image was captioned, "No more condemning Palestinian resistance. Radical change requires radical moves."

"Fire her immediately," an X user commented on a Canary Mission post that tagged her school and a clinic where she volunteers.

Rafeeqi told Reuters she reposted the image to support resistance to what she described as Israel's "violent occupational forces" and noted she did not comment on Hamas' killing of Israelis.

A Georgetown representative referred Reuters to a statement issued by Edward Healton, the medical school's executive dean, calling the leaking of students' private information and reports of retribution against those believed responsible "unacceptable." Healton said the school condemns antisemitism and Islamophobia, and encouraged students to report potential threats.

Rafeeqi said she has had "massive anxiety" about how this might affect her ability to pursue a career in medicine and continue advocating for Palestinians.

"I no longer feel safe in this country I once called home," said Rafeeqi, whose parents immigrated from Pakistan.

Canary Mission and the Washington Free Beacon did not respond to questions about Rafeeqi's case.

Weeks after attending a pro-Palestinian demonstration, Egyptian-American student Layla Sayed received a text message from a friend drawing her attention to a website dedicated to exposing people it says promote hatred of Jews and Israel.

Weeks after attending a pro-Palestinian demonstration, Egyptian-American student Layla Sayed received a text message from a friend drawing her attention to a website dedicated to exposing people it says promote hatred of Jews and Israel. "I think they found you from the protest," the friend wrote. When Sayed visited the site, called Canary Mission, she found a photo from the Oct. 16 rally at the University of Pennsylvania with red arrows pointing to her among the demonstrators. The post included her name, the two cities she lives in, details about her studies and links to her social media accounts. Canary Mission later posted a photo of her on its X and Instagram accounts labeled "Hamas War Crimes Apologist," a reference to the Palestinian militant group's Oct. 7 attack on Israel in which around 1,200 people were killed and 253 taken hostage, according to Israeli tallies. In response to that raid, Israel launched a military offensive in the Gaza Strip that has killed nearly 35,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health authorities. Comments about Sayed from social media users poured in. "No future for that c.nt," one X user wrote. "Candidate for deportation to Gaza," wrote another. Although Sayed has long supported Palestinian causes, she said it was the first time she had participated in a pro-Palestinian demonstration at Penn, and Canary Mission did not flag any other activities. "My initial reaction was just absolute shock," Sayed, a 20-year-old sophomore, told Reuters. "I wasn't there to say I supported Hamas. I wasn't there to say I hated Israel. I was there to say what's happening in Palestine is wrong." She said she did not realize at the time that a chant Canary Mission took issue with, "When people are occupied, resistance is justified," is considered by some as an expression of support for Hamas' killings. She joined in the chants, she said, to show support for demonstrations. Responding to an inquiry submitted via its website, Canary Mission said it has been "working around the clock" to combat a "wave of antisemitism" on college campuses since Oct. 7, including by exposing people who endorse Hamas. Canary Mission did not respond to questions about Sayed's profile or the online abuse directed against its targets, according to the comments from the site provided by a spokesperson from a Tel Aviv-based public relations firm, Gova10. While Canary Mission relies on tips, it said it verifies what it publishes, drawing from publicly available sources. Canary Mission’s profiles include links to its targets' social media posts, public speeches and interviews with journalists. Penn officials did not respond to questions about Sayed's case. "Penn is focused on the well-being of all members of the community," a university spokesperson, Steve Silverman, told Reuters, adding that staff reach out to offer support when aware of concerning situations. Canary Mission is one of the oldest and most prominent of several digital advocacy groups that have intensified campaigns to expose Israel's critics since the war broke out, often leading to harassment such as Sayed experienced. The people behind the site have kept their identities, location and funding sources hidden. Reuters reviewed online attacks and abusive messages directed at scores of people targeted by Canary Mission since Oct. 7. The site has accused over 250 U.S. students and academics of supporting terrorism or spreading antisemitism and hatred of Israel since the start of the latest Gaza conflict, according to the Reuters review of its posts. Some are leading members of Palestinian rights groups or were arrested for offenses such as blocking traffic and punching a Jewish student. Others, like Sayed, said they had just stepped into campus activism and were not charged with any crimes. Reuters spoke to 17 students and one research fellow from six U.S. universities featured on Canary Mission since Oct. 7. They include other students who chanted slogans during protests, leaders of groups that backed statements saying Israel bears sole responsibility for the violence and people who argued in social media posts that armed resistance by Palestinians is justified. All but one said they had received hate messages or seen vitriolic comments posted about them online. Messages reviewed by Reuters called for their deportation or expulsion from school or suggested they should be raped or killed.  Several pro-Palestinian groups that use similar tactics to call out Israel's defenders have emerged in recent months. They include an X account called StopZionistHate and Raven Mission, a website launched in December that emulates Canary Mission by spotlighting people it accuses of Islamophobia or helping perpetuate atrocities against Palestinians. Raven Mission did not respond to requests for comment. StopZionistHate said it wanted to "ensure that the American public is aware of the threat posed by Zionist extremism." ACCUSATIONS OF CYBERBULLYING Some critics accuse sites on both sides of cyberbullying or doxxing, which they note can have a chilling effect on free expression. Tensions have been mounting on U.S. college campuses, where Israel's war in Gaza has unleashed an outpouring of student activism. Some of the pro-Palestinian demonstrations have been met with counter-protesters accusing them of fomenting anti-Jewish hatred and intimidating Jewish students on campus. Both camps have clashed with police. The U.S. Department of Education has opened investigations into dozens of colleges since Oct. 7, noting an "alarming nationwide rise" in reports of antisemitic, anti-Muslim and other forms of discrimination and harassment. It declined to provide details about these investigations, including whether any concern Canary Mission, Raven Mission or StopZionistHate, or incidents these groups have highlighted. Across the U.S., pro-Palestinian student groups are advising followers to wear masks at protests, to avoid drawing unwelcome attention. Canary Mission and its defenders argue that those who promote hatred and bigotry should be held to account. On its site, Canary Mission provides academic and employer details for the people it profiles, calling on its tens of thousands of followers to ensure "today's radicals are not tomorrow's employees."  Ten of the students interviewed by Reuters feared that appearing on the site could derail their careers. Canary Mission is often at the top of its targets' Google search results, and its social media posts can draw hundreds of comments. For those targeted, there are few options to seek redress, lawyers and advocacy groups say. Much of what Canary Mission publishes is protected by the U.S. Constitution's First Amendment on free speech, three lawyers told Reuters. It generally isn't illegal to publish information about someone without consent when the information is accurate and was acquired lawfully from the public domain, said Eugene Volokh, a law professor at the University of California, Los Angeles. The legal standard for defamation is high, with the burden on claimants to prove the site made false statements about them, added Dylan Saba, an attorney at Palestine Legal, which represents pro-Palestinian activists. He could recall only a handful of cases where students succeeded in getting Canary Mission profiles changed or removed by threatening defamation suits. The low profile of Canary Mission's principals poses an additional hurdle. "If you're going to sue somebody, you have to know where you're serving them," Saba said. Canary Mission says on its site that it will remove profiles of people who "recognize their earlier mistakes" and reject what it describes as "latent anti-Semitism" in groups that campaign for boycotts against Israel over its policies in the Palestinian territories. It publishes what it says are their apologies on an "ex-canary" page but does not identify the individuals. Canary Mission told Reuters the site was established in 2015 to counter rising antisemitism on college campuses. It  did not answer questions about its leadership and funding. LINKS TO ISRAELI NON-PROFIT A 2016 tax filing by a prominent Jewish American philanthropic organization, the Helen Diller Family Foundation, revealed a financial link between Canary Mission and an Israeli non-profit called Megamot Shalom. That year, the Diller foundation gave $100,000 to the Central Fund of Israel earmarked "Canary Mission for Megamot Shalom," according to the document, which was first reported by the U.S. Jewish news outlet the Forward and reviewed by Reuters. The Central Fund is a U.S.-based group that acts as a conduit for Americans to make tax-deductible donations to Israeli charities. Its president, Jay Marcus, told Reuters his organization only supports registered charities but would not confirm whether Megamot Shalom or Canary Mission were among them, citing the privacy of its donors and recipients. Despite several attempts, Reuters could not reach a representative of the Diller foundation. The organization that oversees the Diller foundation's giving, the Jewish Community Federation and Endowment Fund of San Francisco, referred Reuters to a 2018 statement confirming the donation was to support the work of Canary Mission and saying neither group would fund the site further. The statement said the federation had determined that the Central Fund did not comply with its giving guidelines but did not respond to requests to elaborate. Canary Mission did not respond to questions about Megamot Shalom or its connection to the nonprofit. Megamot Shalom was founded in 2016 "to preserve and ensure the national strength and image of the State of Israel" through media initiatives, according to documents obtained from Israel's corporations registry. As of 2022, the most recent year for which records are available, it employed 11 people, including four content writers. The only donor identified in the registry documents is the Central Fund, from which it received 13.2 million shekels ($3.5 million) between 2019 and 2022, the records show. Reuters was unable to reach Megamot Shalom's founder, Jonathan Bash, or any other listed employees. When Reuters visited the group's registered address in Beit Shemesh, a city 23 km (15 miles) southwest of Jerusalem, it found a locked one-story building with no sign of activity. "A TARGET ON MY BACK" Canary Mission has targeted at least 30 Penn students and academics since Oct. 7. The university is one of several elite campuses that have been at the center of unrest over the Gaza war. Its former president, Liz Magill, resigned in December after coming under fire for her handling of accusations of antisemitism on campus. On Friday, police dismantled an unsanctioned pro-Palestinian encampment on Penn's main lawn and arrested about 33 people following accusations of harassing and threatening behavior by protesters and the defacement of campus landmarks. After finding her profile on Canary Mission, Sayed consulted the Council on American-Islamic Relations, an advocacy group. Ahmet Tekelioglu, executive director of CAIR's Philadelphia branch, said the group offered her help to remove information from the internet but advised that it would be hard to take legal action against a group that isn't registered in the U.S. Despite the "blatant negative framing," Canary Mission's comments were presented as quotes or opinions, which typically cannot be the subject of a defamation claim, Tekelioglu told Reuters. Fearful for her safety, Sayed said she removed the Palestinian keffiyeh scarf she had tied to her backpack, which she said felt like "a target on my back." She avoided walking alone on campus and put her LinkedIn profile in hibernation.  Canary Mission also profiled seven Georgetown University School of Medicine students after they were featured in a Dec. 21 article by the conservative Washington Free Beacon news site headlined, "At Georgetown Med, the Doctors of Tomorrow Aren't Hiding Their Support for Terrorism." One of them, Yusra Rafeeqi, 22, said the websites published a screenshot of a post she said she had shared privately with her Instagram followers showing a man atop an Israeli tank waving a Palestinian flag on the day Hamas militants broke through the border fence between Gaza and Israel. The image was captioned, "No more condemning Palestinian resistance. Radical change requires radical moves." "Fire her immediately," an X user commented on a Canary Mission post that tagged her school and a clinic where she volunteers. Rafeeqi told Reuters she reposted the image to support resistance to what she described as Israel's "violent occupational forces" and noted she did not comment on Hamas' killing of Israelis. A Georgetown representative referred Reuters to a statement issued by Edward Healton, the medical school's executive dean, calling the leaking of students' private information and reports of retribution against those believed responsible "unacceptable." Healton said the school condemns antisemitism and Islamophobia, and encouraged students to report potential threats. Rafeeqi said she has had "massive anxiety" about how this might affect her ability to pursue a career in medicine and continue advocating for Palestinians. "I no longer feel safe in this country I once called home," said Rafeeqi, whose parents immigrated from Pakistan. Canary Mission and the Washington Free Beacon did not respond to questions about Rafeeqi's case.

Name and shame: Pro-Israel website ramps up attacks on pro-Palestinian student protesters

The Israeli army said around 300,000 people have left eastern Rafah for a humanitarian area, as of Saturday (May 11) while its latest order indicates that the military may launch a ground attack in the area. Meanwhile, Hebrew and Egyptian state media reports said that Egypt has halted deliveries of aid to Gaza and refuses to coordinate with Israel on the entry for assistance.

<h2>Egypt halts aid, refuses to coordinate with Israel: Reports</h2>

On Saturday, Egypt’s state-affiliated Alqahera News satellite TV citing a senior official said, Cairo has refused to coordinate with Israel on the entry of aid into Gaza from the Rafah crossing due to Israel’s “unacceptable escalation”.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Israel's ground invasion into Rafah sparks an exodus of 300,000 Palestinians

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israels-ground-invasion-into-rafah-sparks-an-exodus-of-300000-palestinians-720474/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Cairo held Israel responsible for the deterioration of the situation in the Gaza Strip, the official said according to the media report. This comes after the Israeli forces, on Monday (May 7) seized the main border crossing at Rafah, a key route for aid to enter from Egypt.&nbsp;

Egypt has halted deliveries of aid to Gaza in protest of the Israeli army’s takeover of the Rafah crossing, reported Times of Israel citing Hebrew media reports. Similarly, a report by Reuters citing Red Crescent sources in Egypt said shipments had completely halted.&nbsp;

A report by the Times of Israel citing anonymous American officials said Israel did not coordinate with Egypt ahead of the operation on Rafah, adding that they are urging Egyptian officials to resume aid deliveries through Kerem Shalom.&nbsp;

Meanwhile,&nbsp;United Nations agency OCHA says it’s struggling to provide Palestinians with aid because of Israeli restrictions.&nbsp;

<h2>Around 300,000 Gazans have evacuated east Rafah: Israeli military</h2>

The Israeli military, in a statement, on Saturday about 300,000 people had left eastern Rafah for a humanitarian area in Al-Mawasi since they first issued the evacuation order on Monday (May 7).&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/time-is-running-out-hamas-releases-video-showing-hostage-held-in-gaza-720407">‘Time is running out’: Hamas releases video showing hostage, claims he ‘died in Israeli strike’</a>

It added that the calls for “temporary evacuation” were being communicated to people through leaflets, mobile text messages, phone calls and broadcasts in Arabic.&nbsp;

<h2>Israel expands evacuation order</h2>

In a post on X, an Israeli military spokesperson asked residents and displaced people in the Jabalia, an area in northern Gaza, and 11 other neighbourhoods in the enclave to go immediately to places west of Gaza City.&nbsp;

The announcement suggests that the military is pressing ahead with its plans for a ground attack on Rafah, which many countries across the world have warned Israel not to do.&nbsp;

Overnight strikes across the enclave, including in Rafah, killed at least 37 people, out of which 24 were from central Gaza areas, according to the Palestinian health ministry.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-releases-evacuation-orders-for-people-in-more-areas-of-gazas-rafah-720367">Israel orders evacuation from more areas in Rafah, presses ahead with ground offensive</a>

In Rafah, residents told Reuters the new evacuation orders by the Israeli military cover areas in the centre of the city and leave little doubt that Israel has planned to expand its ground offensive there.

<h2>Death toll nears 35,000-mark</h2>

The Hamas-run health ministry, on Saturday, said that at least 34,971 people have been killed in Gaza amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas.&nbsp;

It added that around 78,641 people have been wounded in Gaza since the war broke out after the Palestinian militant group attacked Israel on October 7.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

The Israeli army said around 300,000 people have left eastern Rafah for a humanitarian area, as of Saturday (May 11) while its latest order indicates that the military may launch a ground attack in the area.

The Israeli army said around 300,000 people have left eastern Rafah for a humanitarian area, as of Saturday (May 11) while its latest order indicates that the military may launch a ground attack in the area. Meanwhile, Hebrew and Egyptian state media reports said that Egypt has halted deliveries of aid to Gaza and refuses to coordinate with Israel on the entry for assistance. Egypt halts aid, refuses to coordinate with Israel: Reports On Saturday, Egypt’s state-affiliated Alqahera News satellite TV citing a senior official said, Cairo has refused to coordinate with Israel on the entry of aid into Gaza from the Rafah crossing due to Israel’s “unacceptable escalation”. WATCH | Israel's ground invasion into Rafah sparks an exodus of 300,000 Palestinians Cairo held Israel responsible for the deterioration of the situation in the Gaza Strip, the official said according to the media report. This comes after the Israeli forces, on Monday (May 7) seized the main border crossing at Rafah, a key route for aid to enter from Egypt. Egypt has halted deliveries of aid to Gaza in protest of the Israeli army’s takeover of the Rafah crossing, reported Times of Israel citing Hebrew media reports. Similarly, a report by Reuters citing Red Crescent sources in Egypt said shipments had completely halted. A report by the Times of Israel citing anonymous American officials said Israel did not coordinate with Egypt ahead of the operation on Rafah, adding that they are urging Egyptian officials to resume aid deliveries through Kerem Shalom. Meanwhile, United Nations agency OCHA says it’s struggling to provide Palestinians with aid because of Israeli restrictions. Around 300,000 Gazans have evacuated east Rafah: Israeli military The Israeli military, in a statement, on Saturday about 300,000 people had left eastern Rafah for a humanitarian area in Al-Mawasi since they first issued the evacuation order on Monday (May 7). Also Read | ‘Time is running out’: Hamas releases video showing hostage, claims he ‘died in Israeli strike’ It added that the calls for “temporary evacuation” were being communicated to people through leaflets, mobile text messages, phone calls and broadcasts in Arabic. Israel expands evacuation order In a post on X, an Israeli military spokesperson asked residents and displaced people in the Jabalia, an area in northern Gaza, and 11 other neighbourhoods in the enclave to go immediately to places west of Gaza City. The announcement suggests that the military is pressing ahead with its plans for a ground attack on Rafah, which many countries across the world have warned Israel not to do. Overnight strikes across the enclave, including in Rafah, killed at least 37 people, out of which 24 were from central Gaza areas, according to the Palestinian health ministry. Also Read | Israel orders evacuation from more areas in Rafah, presses ahead with ground offensive In Rafah, residents told Reuters the new evacuation orders by the Israeli military cover areas in the centre of the city and leave little doubt that Israel has planned to expand its ground offensive there. Death toll nears 35,000-mark The Hamas-run health ministry, on Saturday, said that at least 34,971 people have been killed in Gaza amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas. It added that around 78,641 people have been wounded in Gaza since the war broke out after the Palestinian militant group attacked Israel on October 7. (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.

Egypt refuses to coordinate with Israel on Gaza aid over ‘unacceptable escalation’: Reports

Hamas on Friday (May 10) released footage of what it claimed was an attack targeting the Israeli soldiers in a neighbourhood in Gaza City and bombing in Beersheba city.

As per news agency Reuters, the videos shared on the Palestinian militant group's official Telegram channel were captioned to show an attack aimed at a group of Israeli snipers south of the Al-Zaytoun neighbourhood in Gaza City and the bombing of the "occupied city" of Beersheba.

WION was unable to independently verify the footage released or the location, and when they were filmed.

<h2>Hamas says truce talks back to 'square one'</h2>

Meanwhile, the group on Friday (May 10) &nbsp;stated that the talks to broker a ceasefire deal and hostage release were back to "square one" after Israel rejected a truce plan submitted by mediators.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-war-israels-use-of-us-supplied-weapons-may-have-violated-international-law-says-washington-720237">Gaza war: 'Israel's use of US-supplied weapons may have violated int'l law'</a>

The Palestinian-based militant group released a statement saying, "The rejection of the mediators' proposal by Israel... has returned matters to square one."&nbsp;

It further stated that it would confer with other Palestinian factions on its plan for talks to put an end to the war which was triggered by its deadly assault against Israel.

WATCH | Israel-Hamas War: Four Israeli soldiers killed in North Gaza, tanks advances into Rafah

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Hamas alleged it had agreed to the plan, which included the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, the return of displaced civilians, and the exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners.&nbsp;

This comes a day after the negotiating teams of both sides, Israel as well as Hamas, left Cairo talks on the terms of a truce without a deal.&nbsp;

The militant group was pressing for a "permanent ceasefire", however, Israel has long opposed the move stating that it will first dismantle Hamas.

Hamas senior official Khalil Al-Hayya on Friday said that the militant group wants calmness and a prisoners swap deal, but Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wants the war to continue.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Hamas on Friday (May 10) released footage of what it claimed was an attack targeting the Israeli soldiers in a neighbourhood in Gaza City and bombing in Beersheba city.

Hamas on Friday (May 10) released footage of what it claimed was an attack targeting the Israeli soldiers in a neighbourhood in Gaza City and bombing in Beersheba city. As per news agency Reuters, the videos shared on the Palestinian militant group's official Telegram channel were captioned to show an attack aimed at a group of Israeli snipers south of the Al-Zaytoun neighbourhood in Gaza City and the bombing of the "occupied city" of Beersheba. WION was unable to independently verify the footage released or the location, and when they were filmed. Hamas says truce talks back to 'square one' Meanwhile, the group on Friday (May 10) stated that the talks to broker a ceasefire deal and hostage release were back to "square one" after Israel rejected a truce plan submitted by mediators. Also read: Gaza war: 'Israel's use of US-supplied weapons may have violated int'l law' The Palestinian-based militant group released a statement saying, "The rejection of the mediators' proposal by Israel... has returned matters to square one." It further stated that it would confer with other Palestinian factions on its plan for talks to put an end to the war which was triggered by its deadly assault against Israel. WATCH | Israel-Hamas War: Four Israeli soldiers killed in North Gaza, tanks advances into Rafah × Hamas alleged it had agreed to the plan, which included the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza, the return of displaced civilians, and the exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners. This comes a day after the negotiating teams of both sides, Israel as well as Hamas, left Cairo talks on the terms of a truce without a deal. The militant group was pressing for a "permanent ceasefire", however, Israel has long opposed the move stating that it will first dismantle Hamas. Hamas senior official Khalil Al-Hayya on Friday said that the militant group wants calmness and a prisoners swap deal, but Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wants the war to continue. (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 releases footage said to show attack on Israeli snippers

Israel on Saturday (May 11) released evacuation orders for Palestinians in several areas of Gaza's southern city of Rafah and asked them to progress towards an expanded humanitarian area in Al-Mawasi, indicating its further plans to expand ground offensive on the city.

Taking to social media platform X, a military spokesperson urged the residents and the displaced living in the Jabalia area of northern Gaza, and 11 other neighbourhoods in the enclave to immediately head to the shelters west of Gaza City. 
 
As per reports, the IDF&nbsp;published a map marking some&nbsp;sectors of the city as “dangerous combat zone” and warned civilians,&nbsp;“Everyone in these areas is risking their lives and the lives of their family members. For your safety — we ask you to evacuate immediately to the humanitarian zone.”

As per the Palestinian news agency WAFA, 24 Palestinians lost their lives after Israeli jets hit several areas in central Gaza.

Despite several humanitarian groups raising alarm bells, and pressure from the United States, Israel has stated that it will progress with its offensive in Rafah, where over one million displaced people have sought refuge during the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas.

According to the Israeli military, nearly 300,000 Gazans have moved towards Al-Mawasi.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-war-israels-use-of-us-supplied-weapons-may-have-violated-international-law-says-washington-720237">Gaza war: 'Israel's use of US-supplied weapons may have violated int'l law'</a>

<h2>Hezbollah fires salvo of rockets at Kiryat Shmona</h2>

Meanwhile, Hezbollah on Friday (May 10) fired a salvo of rockets from Lebanon targetting the northern city of Kiryat Shmona. In response, the Israeli military launched a series of retaliatory attacks on the militant group's locations.

The army said that nearly 15 missiles were shot down by the Iron Dome, while the rest hit the city and caused extensive damage to property.

As per The Times Of Israel, the footage released from inside the city showed damaged buildings and vehicles that were burned out.

Reportedly, the rockets also prompted massive fires in the hills along Route 90 and 10 firefighting teams were deployed at the scene, said the Israel Fire and Rescue Services.

The Iran-backed militant group released a statement saying that it fired a barrage of "Katyusha rockets” at Israel’s north “in response to the Israeli enemy’s attacks on… civilians, most recently in Tayr Harfa.”

(With inputs from agencies)

Israel on Saturday (May 11) released evacuation orders for Palestinians in several areas of Gaza's southern city of Rafah and asked them to progress towards an expanded humanitarian area in Al-Mawasi, indicating its further plans to expand ground offensive on the city.

Israel on Saturday (May 11) released evacuation orders for Palestinians in several areas of Gaza's southern city of Rafah and asked them to progress towards an expanded humanitarian area in Al-Mawasi, indicating its further plans to expand ground offensive on the city. Taking to social media platform X, a military spokesperson urged the residents and the displaced living in the Jabalia area of northern Gaza, and 11 other neighbourhoods in the enclave to immediately head to the shelters west of Gaza City. As per reports, the IDF published a map marking some sectors of the city as “dangerous combat zone” and warned civilians, “Everyone in these areas is risking their lives and the lives of their family members. For your safety — we ask you to evacuate immediately to the humanitarian zone.” As per the Palestinian news agency WAFA, 24 Palestinians lost their lives after Israeli jets hit several areas in central Gaza. Despite several humanitarian groups raising alarm bells, and pressure from the United States, Israel has stated that it will progress with its offensive in Rafah, where over one million displaced people have sought refuge during the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas. According to the Israeli military, nearly 300,000 Gazans have moved towards Al-Mawasi. Also read: Gaza war: 'Israel's use of US-supplied weapons may have violated int'l law' Hezbollah fires salvo of rockets at Kiryat Shmona Meanwhile, Hezbollah on Friday (May 10) fired a salvo of rockets from Lebanon targetting the northern city of Kiryat Shmona. In response, the Israeli military launched a series of retaliatory attacks on the militant group's locations. The army said that nearly 15 missiles were shot down by the Iron Dome, while the rest hit the city and caused extensive damage to property. As per The Times Of Israel, the footage released from inside the city showed damaged buildings and vehicles that were burned out. Reportedly, the rockets also prompted massive fires in the hills along Route 90 and 10 firefighting teams were deployed at the scene, said the Israel Fire and Rescue Services. The Iran-backed militant group released a statement saying that it fired a barrage of "Katyusha rockets” at Israel’s north “in response to the Israeli enemy’s attacks on… civilians, most recently in Tayr Harfa.” (With inputs from agencies)

Israel orders evacuation from more areas in Rafah, presses ahead with ground offensive

The police in the German capital city Berlin, on Tuesday (May 7) broke up a protest by several hundred pro-Palestinian activists at Berlin’s Free University. This comes as the pro-Palestinian protests which began and are continuing on campuses across the United States are now spreading to universities in Europe.&nbsp;

Countries like&nbsp;Finland, Denmark, Italy, Spain, France and the United Kingdom have also&nbsp; witnessed pro-Palestinian&nbsp;protests&nbsp;on universities&nbsp;campuses.&nbsp;Protesters have called on officials to cut academic ties with Israel over its ongoing war with the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza.

<h2>Protests at German universities&nbsp;</h2>

Berlin Police, on Tuesday, broke a protest by several hundred pro-Palestinian demonstrators who had set up an encampment, earlier in the day, in the courtyard of Berlin’s Free University and formed a human chain around it.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pro-palestinian-protesters-storm-streets-near-the-met-gala-nabbed-by-nypd-youre-enjoying-met-gala-718746">Pro-Palestinian protesters barred from reaching Met Gala; burn American flag, vandalise WWI memorial</a>

The law enforcement officials were seen carrying protesters amid scuffles and even used pepper spray against some of them.&nbsp;Officials at Free University said protesters attempted to enter rooms and lecture halls to occupy them and rejected any kind of dialogue which prompted them to call the police.

German news agency, dpa, reported about 50 pro-Palestinian protesters set up tents on campus of the Leipzig University and occupied a lecture hall, on Tuesday afternoon.&nbsp;

<h2>University of&nbsp;Amsterdam</h2>

A massive protest erupted in the Dutch capital on Tuesday as a crowd of several hundred people marched and blocked downtown streets chanting “Free, Free Palestine!”

This was after the Dutch riot police used a bulldozer to knock down barricades at an encampment on Tuesday morning at Amsterdam University and detained around 140 people.&nbsp;&nbsp;

“Students and staff describe the use of pepper spray, police batons, police dogs and bulldozers to forcefully remove them. People were injured because of this excessive violence,” said a group called Dutch Scholars for Palestine, in a statement.&nbsp;

The University of Amsterdam said that they called the police after what began as a peaceful student protest turned violent, with beatings, the throwing of fireworks and the burning of an Israeli flag.

All but four protesters, who were charged with public violence and insulting an officer were still in detention, while others were released.&nbsp;

The police noted that the action was taken after requests from the university and the mayor were ignored. One officer had suffered hearing damage, but it is unclear how many other people may have been injured, said the police.&nbsp;

On Tuesday, the police in the French capital twice intervened to&nbsp;disperse about 20 students who had barricaded themselves in the university's main hall. According to prosecutors, two people were arrested.&nbsp;

<h2>University of Lausanne</h2>

In&nbsp;Switzerland, protests which began at the University of Lausanne (UNIL), spread to&nbsp;three universities across the country, reported AFP. Hundreds of students occupied a&nbsp;hall Thursday evening and demanded&nbsp;an end to partnerships with Israeli universities.

However, the university said&nbsp;it "considers that there is no reason to cease these relations".&nbsp;

<h2>University of Chicago&nbsp;</h2>

The police, on early Tuesday, cleared out a pro-Palestinian encampment set up at the University of Chicago as hundreds of protesters had gathered in an area known as the Quad for over a week.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-pillories-canada-for-glorifying-violence-after-khalistani-imageries-displayed-at-nagar-kirtan-parade-719080">India pillories Canada for 'glorifying violence' after Khalistani imageries displayed at nagar kirtan parade</a>

“The protesters were given an opportunity to disassemble their structures and depart the encampment, and there have been no arrests,” school President Paul Alivisatos, adding that “appropriate, disciplinary action will proceed.”

Ahead of the police action on Tuesday morning, the number of protesters on campus had increased to more than 200.&nbsp;

<h2>MIT&nbsp;</h2>

The protesters at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) were given a Monday afternoon deadline to voluntarily leave or face suspension.&nbsp;

A report by the Associated Press citing an MIT spokesperson at the institute said many had left, but as of Monday night dozens of protesters remained at the encampment in a calmer atmosphere.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

The police in the German capital city Berlin, on Tuesday (May 7) broke up a protest by several hundred pro-Palestinian activists at Berlin’s Free University. This comes as the pro-Palestinian protests which began and are continuing on campuses across the United States are now spreading to universities in Europe.

The police in the German capital city Berlin, on Tuesday (May 7) broke up a protest by several hundred pro-Palestinian activists at Berlin’s Free University. This comes as the pro-Palestinian protests which began and are continuing on campuses across the United States are now spreading to universities in Europe. Countries like Finland, Denmark, Italy, Spain, France and the United Kingdom have also witnessed pro-Palestinian protests on universities campuses. Protesters have called on officials to cut academic ties with Israel over its ongoing war with the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza. Protests at German universities Berlin Police, on Tuesday, broke a protest by several hundred pro-Palestinian demonstrators who had set up an encampment, earlier in the day, in the courtyard of Berlin’s Free University and formed a human chain around it. Also Read | Pro-Palestinian protesters barred from reaching Met Gala; burn American flag, vandalise WWI memorial The law enforcement officials were seen carrying protesters amid scuffles and even used pepper spray against some of them. Officials at Free University said protesters attempted to enter rooms and lecture halls to occupy them and rejected any kind of dialogue which prompted them to call the police. German news agency, dpa, reported about 50 pro-Palestinian protesters set up tents on campus of the Leipzig University and occupied a lecture hall, on Tuesday afternoon. University of Amsterdam A massive protest erupted in the Dutch capital on Tuesday as a crowd of several hundred people marched and blocked downtown streets chanting “Free, Free Palestine!” This was after the Dutch riot police used a bulldozer to knock down barricades at an encampment on Tuesday morning at Amsterdam University and detained around 140 people. “Students and staff describe the use of pepper spray, police batons, police dogs and bulldozers to forcefully remove them. People were injured because of this excessive violence,” said a group called Dutch Scholars for Palestine, in a statement. The University of Amsterdam said that they called the police after what began as a peaceful student protest turned violent, with beatings, the throwing of fireworks and the burning of an Israeli flag. All but four protesters, who were charged with public violence and insulting an officer were still in detention, while others were released. The police noted that the action was taken after requests from the university and the mayor were ignored. One officer had suffered hearing damage, but it is unclear how many other people may have been injured, said the police. On Tuesday, the police in the French capital twice intervened to disperse about 20 students who had barricaded themselves in the university's main hall. According to prosecutors, two people were arrested. University of Lausanne In Switzerland, protests which began at the University of Lausanne (UNIL), spread to three universities across the country, reported AFP. Hundreds of students occupied a hall Thursday evening and demanded an end to partnerships with Israeli universities. However, the university said it "considers that there is no reason to cease these relations". University of Chicago The police, on early Tuesday, cleared out a pro-Palestinian encampment set up at the University of Chicago as hundreds of protesters had gathered in an area known as the Quad for over a week. Also Read | India pillories Canada for 'glorifying violence' after Khalistani imageries displayed at nagar kirtan parade “The protesters were given an opportunity to disassemble their structures and depart the encampment, and there have been no arrests,” school President Paul Alivisatos, adding that “appropriate, disciplinary action will proceed.” Ahead of the police action on Tuesday morning, the number of protesters on campus had increased to more than 200. MIT The protesters at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) were given a Monday afternoon deadline to voluntarily leave or face suspension. A report by the Associated Press citing an MIT spokesperson at the institute said many had left, but as of Monday night dozens of protesters remained at the encampment in a calmer atmosphere. (With inputs from agencies)

Pro-Palestinian student protests spark clashes, arrests as campus demonstrations spread across Europe

United States President Joe Biden on Tuesday (May 7) cautioned of a "ferocious surge" in antisemitism during his Holocaust memorial speech amid a sharp rise in the number of Gaza protests in US universities.

"Never again simply translated for me means: Never forget. Never forgetting means we must keep telling the story, we must keep teaching the truth," Biden said as he addressed a bipartisan memorial held at the US Capitol's Emancipation Hall. "The truth is we're at risk of people not knowing the truth."

Biden, who has backed its staunch ally in the war against Hamas, said that Oct 7 was the deadliest day for Jews since the Holocaust.

"This hatred (of Jews) continues to lie deep in the hearts of too many people in the world and requires our continued vigilance and outspokenness," Biden said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-forces-take-control-of-gaza-side-of-rafah-crossing-aid-flow-impacted-719023">Humanitarian aid flow stopped as Israel takes control of Gaza side of Rafah</a>

<h2>'Hamas unleashed terror'</h2>

He then highlighted that the people must not forget that it was Hamas who first launched an attack against Israel on Oct 7 and "unleashed this terror".

"Now here we are, not 75 years later, but just seven and a half months later, and people are already forgetting ... that Hamas unleashed this terror," he said. "I have not forgotten, nor have you. And we will not forget."

He then laid stress on an alarming rise in antisemitism in the United States, including campuses that are roiled by demonstrations against the ongoing war in Gaza.

"We've seen a ferocious surge of anti-Semitism in America and around the world," Biden said.

The Jewish students enrolled in US universities have reported an increase in antisemitism since the Palestinian militant group Hamas' Oct 7 attack on Israel.

"There's no place on any campus in America -- any place in America -- for anti-Semitism or hate speech or threats of violence of any kind," Biden said.

Earlier, Israel's president also condemned the protests stating that US campuses were "contaminated" by hatred.

Biden's speech also comes against Israel's seizure of a key border crossing in Rafah in southern Gaza despite several warnings from the United States and amid the ongoing talks to broker a deal for the release of hostages held captive by Hamas.

(With inputs from agencies)

United States President Joe Biden on Tuesday (May 7) cautioned of a "ferocious surge" in antisemitism during his Holocaust memorial speech amid a sharp rise in the number of Gaza protests in US universities.

United States President Joe Biden on Tuesday (May 7) cautioned of a "ferocious surge" in antisemitism during his Holocaust memorial speech amid a sharp rise in the number of Gaza protests in US universities. "Never again simply translated for me means: Never forget. Never forgetting means we must keep telling the story, we must keep teaching the truth," Biden said as he addressed a bipartisan memorial held at the US Capitol's Emancipation Hall. "The truth is we're at risk of people not knowing the truth." Biden, who has backed its staunch ally in the war against Hamas, said that Oct 7 was the deadliest day for Jews since the Holocaust. "This hatred (of Jews) continues to lie deep in the hearts of too many people in the world and requires our continued vigilance and outspokenness," Biden said. Also read: Humanitarian aid flow stopped as Israel takes control of Gaza side of Rafah 'Hamas unleashed terror' He then highlighted that the people must not forget that it was Hamas who first launched an attack against Israel on Oct 7 and "unleashed this terror". "Now here we are, not 75 years later, but just seven and a half months later, and people are already forgetting ... that Hamas unleashed this terror," he said. "I have not forgotten, nor have you. And we will not forget." He then laid stress on an alarming rise in antisemitism in the United States, including campuses that are roiled by demonstrations against the ongoing war in Gaza. "We've seen a ferocious surge of anti-Semitism in America and around the world," Biden said. The Jewish students enrolled in US universities have reported an increase in antisemitism since the Palestinian militant group Hamas' Oct 7 attack on Israel. "There's no place on any campus in America -- any place in America -- for anti-Semitism or hate speech or threats of violence of any kind," Biden said. Earlier, Israel's president also condemned the protests stating that US campuses were "contaminated" by hatred. Biden's speech also comes against Israel's seizure of a key border crossing in Rafah in southern Gaza despite several warnings from the United States and amid the ongoing talks to broker a deal for the release of hostages held captive by Hamas. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel-Hamas war: Biden condemns ‘ferocious surge’ in antisemitism amid US campus Gaza protests

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