US Vice President Kamala Harris called for a proposed six-week ceasefire deal in the Israel-Hamas war to be accepted, while criticizing Israel over insufficient aid deliveries into Gaza.

Israel War: US Vice President Kamala Harris calls for 'immediate ceasefire' in Gaza

Mediators in Cairo made a renewed push for a Gaza ceasefire, but differences remained as fighting raged on Sunday between Israeli forces and Hamas militants in the Palestinian territory gripped by desperate food shortages.

Israel War: Mediators in Cairo make a renewed push for a Gaza ceasefire

Israel War: Gaza truce talks in Cairo as heavy fighting rages

Israel will face dire consequences if it sends troops into the besieged Gazan city of Rafah, according to Ehud Olmert, a former prime minister.

Former Israeli PM Ehud Olmert issues stern warning to Netanyahu

Palestinians were seeking food in Gaza city. Israeli forces opened fire. How Gaza food killings unfolded, and Israel’s story changed. At least 112 Palestinians were killed after waiting for much-needed aid in Gaza.

Israel War: 'Massacre' in Gaza as Israeli forces kill dozens of aid seekers

Israel War: 'Massacre' by Israeli troops at aid delivery site in Gaza | WION Fineprint

More than 100 Palestinians have been killed and some 700 others wounded after Israeli troops opened fire on hundreds waiting for food aid southwest of Gaza city. The ministry said the attack was part of Israel’s ongoing “genocidal war”. It called on the international community to “urgently intervene” to forge a ceasefire as “the only way to protect civilians”.

Israel-Hamas war: Over 100 Gazans waiting for food aid killed by Israeli fire

The families of hostages held in Gaza and their supporters are launching a four-day march from southern Israel to Jerusalem to demand their loved ones be set free.

Israel War: Families of Israeli hostages march for freedom

Hamas urged Palestinians on Wednesday to march to Jerusalem's Al-Aqsa Mosque at the start of Ramadan next month, raising the stakes in negotiations for a truce in Gaza, which U.S. President Joe Biden hopes will be in place by then.

Israel War: Hamas raises stakes in Gaza truce talks with Ramadan call

Former Israeli PM Ehud Olmert warns Netanyahu amid Rafah invasion plan

Israel War: Dozens killed in Israeli attack on crowd waiting for aid, Gaza health officials

Ex- Israeli PM Ehud Olmert issues stern warning to Netanyahu

Israel War: Gaza claims Israeli troops fire on crowd at food aid point

Israel War: Dozens killed by Israeli fire in Gaza while collecting food aid

Israeli journalist and film director Yuval Abraham said he is receiving death threats and has canceled his flight home from the Berlin International Film Festival amid backlash to an acceptance speech in which he decried the "situation of apartheid" and called for a ceasefire in Gaza.

Israeli Director Yuval Abraham receives death threats after calling for ceasefire in Gaza

Will Israel release Marwan Barghouti, the ‘Palestinian Mandela’? Hamas’s demand has cast Barghouti — back into the spotlight at a time when Western and Arab diplomats are debating how to revitalise the Palestinian leadership once the war between Israel and Hamas is over.

Hamas asks for Barghouti's release in hostage-prisoner swap

<p>Palestinian militant group Hamas said Tuesday (Feb 27) it received the draft proposal hammered out by key mediators in Paris to materialise a ceasefire in war-torn Gaza. The draft includes a 40-day pause in the war and the release of 400 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for at least 40 Israeli hostages, Reuters reported citing a Hamas source.</p>

<p>The draft proposal also talks about repairing hospitals and bakeries in Gaza, along with the entry of 500 aid trucks into the besieged territory every day. Additionally, all those displaced and not having houses anymore will be provided with tents and caravans.</p>

<p>The proposal was prepared after marathon talks in Paris between officials from Israel, US, Egypt and Qatar.</p>

<h2><strong>Hamas warns against premature conclusion</strong></h2>

<p>Hamas, meanwhile, has warned that any speculation regarding a halt in the Gaza war is still ‘premature’.</p>

<p>Hamas’ statement came after US President Joe Biden on Monday expressed his hope that a ceasefire deal may be struck before Monday (Mar 4).</p>

<p>Speaking to reporters, Biden said, “We're close. We're not done yet. My hope is by next Monday we'll have a ceasefire." Biden also claimed Israel was willing to halt fighting if a deal is reached.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Israel-Hamas war: Joe Biden says, 'We'll have a ceasefire by Monday'</strong></p>

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<p>Hamas on Tuesday (Feb 27) termed Biden’s statement as “premature”, adding that there were still “big gaps that need to be bridged”. Reuters quoted a Hamas official as saying that the assessment by Joe Biden didn’t match the situation on the ground.</p>

<h2><strong>Hamas’ priority</strong></h2>

<p>Another Hamas official was quoted by BBC as saying that securing the release of prisoners was not their biggest priority right now, but the cessation of war was.</p>

<p>"It is not logical, after all this loss of life and property, to accept any offer that does not lead to a complete ceasefire, the return of the displaced, and the reconstruction of Gaza," the official said.</p>

<h2><strong>Netanyahu’s warning</strong></h2>

<p>Even as the negotiations continue, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday (Feb 25) said an invasion of Rafah will take place regardless of the outcome.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwj_m82BssuEAxV4a2wGHTglDxIQxfQBKAB6BAgREAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-biden-expresses-hope-says-a-ceasefire-may-happen-by-next-monday-694174" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-biden-expresses-hope-says-a-ceasefire-may-happen-by-next-monday-694174&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj_m82BssuEAxV4a2wGHTglDxIQxfQBKAB6BAgREAE">Israel-Hamas war: Biden expresses hope, says a ceasefire may happen `by next Monday`</a></strong></p>

<p>"If we have a deal, it'll be delayed somewhat," he added. "But it'll happen. If we don't have a deal, we'll do it anyway," he said in an interview.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Palestinian militant group Hamas said Tuesday (Feb 27) it received the draft proposal hammered out by key mediators in Paris to materialise a ceasefire in war-torn Gaza.

Palestinian militant group Hamas said Tuesday (Feb 27) it received the draft proposal hammered out by key mediators in Paris to materialise a ceasefire in war-torn Gaza. The draft includes a 40-day pause in the war and the release of 400 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for at least 40 Israeli hostages, Reuters reported citing a Hamas source. The draft proposal also talks about repairing hospitals and bakeries in Gaza, along with the entry of 500 aid trucks into the besieged territory every day. Additionally, all those displaced and not having houses anymore will be provided with tents and caravans. The proposal was prepared after marathon talks in Paris between officials from Israel, US, Egypt and Qatar. Hamas warns against premature conclusion Hamas, meanwhile, has warned that any speculation regarding a halt in the Gaza war is still ‘premature’. Hamas’ statement came after US President Joe Biden on Monday expressed his hope that a ceasefire deal may be struck before Monday (Mar 4). Speaking to reporters, Biden said, “We're close. We're not done yet. My hope is by next Monday we'll have a ceasefire." Biden also claimed Israel was willing to halt fighting if a deal is reached. Watch: Israel-Hamas war: Joe Biden says, 'We'll have a ceasefire by Monday' × Hamas on Tuesday (Feb 27) termed Biden’s statement as “premature”, adding that there were still “big gaps that need to be bridged”. Reuters quoted a Hamas official as saying that the assessment by Joe Biden didn’t match the situation on the ground. Hamas’ priority Another Hamas official was quoted by BBC as saying that securing the release of prisoners was not their biggest priority right now, but the cessation of war was. "It is not logical, after all this loss of life and property, to accept any offer that does not lead to a complete ceasefire, the return of the displaced, and the reconstruction of Gaza," the official said. Netanyahu’s warning Even as the negotiations continue, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday (Feb 25) said an invasion of Rafah will take place regardless of the outcome. Also read: Israel-Hamas war: Biden expresses hope, says a ceasefire may happen `by next Monday` "If we have a deal, it'll be delayed somewhat," he added. "But it'll happen. If we don't have a deal, we'll do it anyway," he said in an interview. (With inputs from agencies)

Hamas says talk of Gaza truce still premature as ‘big gaps’ still need to be bridged

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that military operation into Gaza's Rafah would put Israel within weeks of total victory over Hamas. He also added that any deal wouldn't prevent Rafah assault. Watch in for more details!

Benjamin Netanyahu: Any deal wouldn't prevent Rafah assault

The Israeli military cabinet was presented with a plan to evacuate Palestinians from the city of Rafah in Gaza and provide humanitarian aid to southern Gaza to prevent looting. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hamas War: Israeli military presents evacuation plan for Rafah

<p>The US said Sunday (Feb 25)&nbsp;that Paris talks&nbsp;came to an "understanding" on a potential ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas.</p>

<p>"Representatives of Israel, the United States, Egypt, and Qatar met in Paris and came to an understanding among the four of them about what the basic contours of a hostage deal for a temporary ceasefire would look like," White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan was quoted as saying by&nbsp;CNN.</p>

<p>Israeli media earlier reported that significant progress was made&nbsp;in marathon mediatory talks in Paris aimed at halting fighting between Israel and Hamas. According to media reports, Israel’s ‘war cabinet’ discussed the peace proposal late Saturday (Feb 24) and tacitly approved the deal. However, further negotiations will take place in Qatar. A ceasefire is likely to materialise before March 10, before the commencement of the Ramadan month, the reports said.</p>

<p>The Israel delegation, led by Chief of Mossad David Barnea and Director of Shin Bet, Ronen Bar, held discussions in Paris with officials from Cairo, the US, Qatar and Egypt.</p>

<h2><strong>Hamas ‘agrees to all demands’</strong></h2>

<p>According to Israeli defence ministry sources quoted by media reports, Hamas has agreed to all demands put forward by Israel, including releasing all hostages and handing over bodies of those who have died.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Israel-Hamas war: Rising malnutrition threatens children's lives in the Gaza Strip</strong></p>

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<p>Israel has reportedly warned that should the deal collapse, its defence forces will double down on the ongoing ground offensive. In return, Israel has agreed to facilitate the rehabilitation of the Palestinians who are displaced from northern Gaza.</p>

<h2><strong>Details of draft ceasefire deal</strong></h2>

<p>Associated Press quoted a senior Egyptian official as saying that up to 40 women and elderly hostages could be released in return for up to 300 Palestinian prisoners, mostly women, minors and older people.</p>

<p>The truce is likely to last for six weeks, and the period will see the entry of hundreds of trucks to bring desperately needed aid into Gaza every day.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-jsarwt="1" data-usg="AOvVaw2U8lI_3GsEuWiouncGoqym" data-ved="2ahUKEwiDv4f0q8aEAxVWcmwGHXsgAk0QxfQBKAB6BAgQEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-truce-hopes-revived-as-negotiators-in-paris-reach-outline-for-hostage-release-693563" jsname="YKoRaf">Israel-Hamas war: Truce hopes revived as negotiators in Paris reach ‘outline’ for hostage release</a></strong></p>

<p>Hamas maintains it will not release all hostages until the war in Gaza stops and Israeli forces withdraw from the territory. Hamas also wants several Palestinian prisoners, many of them militants, released, a demand vehemently rejected by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.</p>

<h2><strong>Hamas on latest peace proposal</strong></h2>

<p>The AP quoted Hamas as saying it was not involved in the latest proposal developed by the US, Egypt and Qatar. However, Hamas’ top political leader, Ismail Haniyeh, was in Cairo last week to discuss a ceasefire.</p>

<p>An earlier proposal from Hamas outlined an initial phase that resembles the reported draft agreement, which signals that the two warring sides might actually come to terms to stop the fighting.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The US said Sunday (Feb 25) that Paris talks came to an "understanding" on a potential ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas. "Representatives of Israel, the United States, Egypt, and Qatar met in Paris and came to an understanding among the four of them about what the basic contours of a hostage deal for a temporary ceasefire would look like," White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan was quoted as saying by CNN.

The US said Sunday (Feb 25) that Paris talks came to an "understanding" on a potential ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas. "Representatives of Israel, the United States, Egypt, and Qatar met in Paris and came to an understanding among the four of them about what the basic contours of a hostage deal for a temporary ceasefire would look like," White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan was quoted as saying by CNN. Israeli media earlier reported that significant progress was made in marathon mediatory talks in Paris aimed at halting fighting between Israel and Hamas. According to media reports, Israel’s ‘war cabinet’ discussed the peace proposal late Saturday (Feb 24) and tacitly approved the deal. However, further negotiations will take place in Qatar. A ceasefire is likely to materialise before March 10, before the commencement of the Ramadan month, the reports said. The Israel delegation, led by Chief of Mossad David Barnea and Director of Shin Bet, Ronen Bar, held discussions in Paris with officials from Cairo, the US, Qatar and Egypt. Hamas ‘agrees to all demands’ According to Israeli defence ministry sources quoted by media reports, Hamas has agreed to all demands put forward by Israel, including releasing all hostages and handing over bodies of those who have died. Watch: Israel-Hamas war: Rising malnutrition threatens children's lives in the Gaza Strip × Israel has reportedly warned that should the deal collapse, its defence forces will double down on the ongoing ground offensive. In return, Israel has agreed to facilitate the rehabilitation of the Palestinians who are displaced from northern Gaza. Details of draft ceasefire deal Associated Press quoted a senior Egyptian official as saying that up to 40 women and elderly hostages could be released in return for up to 300 Palestinian prisoners, mostly women, minors and older people. The truce is likely to last for six weeks, and the period will see the entry of hundreds of trucks to bring desperately needed aid into Gaza every day. Also read: Israel-Hamas war: Truce hopes revived as negotiators in Paris reach ‘outline’ for hostage release Hamas maintains it will not release all hostages until the war in Gaza stops and Israeli forces withdraw from the territory. Hamas also wants several Palestinian prisoners, many of them militants, released, a demand vehemently rejected by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Hamas on latest peace proposal The AP quoted Hamas as saying it was not involved in the latest proposal developed by the US, Egypt and Qatar. However, Hamas’ top political leader, Ismail Haniyeh, was in Cairo last week to discuss a ceasefire. An earlier proposal from Hamas outlined an initial phase that resembles the reported draft agreement, which signals that the two warring sides might actually come to terms to stop the fighting. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel-Hamas war: Paris talks came to 'understanding' on possible truce, says US

Protesters in Tel Aviv staged a "Sorry For Being Kidnapped" demonstration on Wednesday (February 21) in support of the 134 hostages still being held in Gaza by Hamas. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hamas War: Israelis rally in Tel Aviv for release of Hamas-held hostages

<p>Indian External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar on Saturday (Feb 17) said what Palestinian militant group Hamas did on October 7 was an act of terrorism. Speaking on the sidelines of the ongoing Munich security conference, the Indian minister also warned Israel that it should be mindful of civilian casualties and observe international humanitarian law in Gaza.</p>

<p>“We must be clear that what happened on October 7 was terrorism,” S Jaishankar said, adding, “No caveats, no justification, no explanation, it was terrorism.”</p>

<p>Jaishankar also said Israel’s response should have spared civilian lives.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">EAM Jaishankar <a href="https://twitter.com/DrSJaishankar?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@DrSJaishankar</a> at Munich security conference on Israel Palestine issue:<br />
-Oct 7 was terrorism<br />
-Israel should be mindful of civilian casualties<br />
-Return hostages<br />
-Humanitarian corridor -Permanent Fix<br />
-India backs 2 state solution <a href="https://t.co/ZBWxQtJyg4">pic.twitter.com/ZBWxQtJyg4</a></p>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1758874331705442783?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 17, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>“It is important that Israel should have been very mindful of civilian casualties and that it has an obligation to observe international humanitarian law,” the EAM said.</p>

<p>The number of Palestinians killed during the war in Gaza has surpassed 28,000 people, according to the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza.</p>

<p>Speaking of the hostages, Jaishankar said their release was important to secure a peace deal.</p>

<p>“The return of hostages is today imperative,” he said while sharing the stage with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock.</p>

<p>Jaishankar further talked about the need to establish a humanitarian, sustainable corridor in Gaza to provide relief material to the Gazan population.</p>

<p>“There is a need for a humanitarian corridor, a sustainable corridor to provide relief,” he said.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Israel-Hamas war: Israel to comply with decreasing civilian losses, says UN top court</strong></p>

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<p>Jaishankar also talked about the need to have a long-term solution to the Israel-Gaza conflict. He said India’s commitment towards a two-state solution has been unwavering and it was more urgent than ever to secure a solution.</p>

<p>“Eventually, there has to be a permanent fix, a long term fix, otherwise you’re going to see reoccurrence. India has certainly believed in a two-state solution, we maintain that position from many decades,” Jaishankar said. “And today many more countries in the world feel not just the two-state solution is necessary but it is more urgent than it was before,” he added.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-jsarwt="1" data-usg="AOvVaw3Mhc08spBH17te5IKjExcg" data-ved="2ahUKEwib79PezrKEAxXIU2wGHb-4D_EQxfQBKAB6BAgKEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-gaza-war-thousands-fleeing-rafah-as-israeli-military-campaign-intensifies-691224" jsname="YKoRaf">Israel-Hamas war: Thousands fleeing Rafah as Israeli military campaign intensifies</a></strong></p>

<p>Jaishankar also responded to criticism regarding India’s close relationship with Russia. While reaffirming India’s stance, Jaishankar said it should not be a problem for others.</p>

<p>"Is that a problem, why should that be a problem? if I am smart enough to have multiple options, you should be admiring me. Is that a problem for others? I don't think so, suddenly in this case. We try to explain what are the different pulls and pressures that countries have. it's very hard to have that unidimensional relationship," Jaishankar said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Indian External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar on Saturday (Feb 17) said what Palestinian militant group Hamas did on October 7 was an act of terrorism. Speaking on the sidelines of the ongoing Munich security conference, the Indian minister also warned Israel that it should be mindful of civilian casualties and observe international humanitarian law in Gaza.

Indian External Affairs Minister (EAM) S Jaishankar on Saturday (Feb 17) said what Palestinian militant group Hamas did on October 7 was an act of terrorism. Speaking on the sidelines of the ongoing Munich security conference, the Indian minister also warned Israel that it should be mindful of civilian casualties and observe international humanitarian law in Gaza. “We must be clear that what happened on October 7 was terrorism,” S Jaishankar said, adding, “No caveats, no justification, no explanation, it was terrorism.” Jaishankar also said Israel’s response should have spared civilian lives. EAM Jaishankar @DrSJaishankar at Munich security conference on Israel Palestine issue: -Oct 7 was terrorism -Israel should be mindful of civilian casualties -Return hostages -Humanitarian corridor -Permanent Fix -India backs 2 state solution pic.twitter.com/ZBWxQtJyg4 — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) February 17, 2024 × “It is important that Israel should have been very mindful of civilian casualties and that it has an obligation to observe international humanitarian law,” the EAM said. The number of Palestinians killed during the war in Gaza has surpassed 28,000 people, according to the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza. Speaking of the hostages, Jaishankar said their release was important to secure a peace deal. “The return of hostages is today imperative,” he said while sharing the stage with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock. Jaishankar further talked about the need to establish a humanitarian, sustainable corridor in Gaza to provide relief material to the Gazan population. “There is a need for a humanitarian corridor, a sustainable corridor to provide relief,” he said. Watch: Israel-Hamas war: Israel to comply with decreasing civilian losses, says UN top court × Jaishankar also talked about the need to have a long-term solution to the Israel-Gaza conflict. He said India’s commitment towards a two-state solution has been unwavering and it was more urgent than ever to secure a solution. “Eventually, there has to be a permanent fix, a long term fix, otherwise you’re going to see reoccurrence. India has certainly believed in a two-state solution, we maintain that position from many decades,” Jaishankar said. “And today many more countries in the world feel not just the two-state solution is necessary but it is more urgent than it was before,” he added. Also read: Israel-Hamas war: Thousands fleeing Rafah as Israeli military campaign intensifies Jaishankar also responded to criticism regarding India’s close relationship with Russia. While reaffirming India’s stance, Jaishankar said it should not be a problem for others. "Is that a problem, why should that be a problem? if I am smart enough to have multiple options, you should be admiring me. Is that a problem for others? I don't think so, suddenly in this case. We try to explain what are the different pulls and pressures that countries have. it's very hard to have that unidimensional relationship," Jaishankar said. (With inputs from agencies)

Gaza war: India’s Jaishankar says Israel should have been ‘mindful’ of civilian casualties, watch

<p>UN officials on Friday (Feb 16) said thousands of Palestinians are fleeing the southern Gazan city of Rafah as intense Israeli bombardment continues. The statement from the UN came as airstrikes on Rafah killed at least 13 people overnight, according to hospital officials.</p>

<p>It is speculated that 1.4 million people have made their way to Rafah after being displaced from other territories. Hundreds of thousands are living in sprawling tent camps.</p>

<p>Speaking to reporters, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said people were moving in large numbers towards Deir al-Balah, which is roughly 16 kilometres (10 miles) north of Rafah.</p>

<p>“In Rafah, humanitarian conditions have become increasingly severe, with continued reports of people stopping aid trucks to take food,” he said.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Israel-Hamas War: Hezbollah says Israel will pay 'in blood' for killing civilians</strong></p>

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<p>“Vulnerable segments of the population include children, the elderly, and people with underlying health conditions, are particularly susceptible to the risk of malnutrition,” he added.</p>

<p>Dujarric added that the Israeli military campaign has severely hindered the delivery of aid to the besieged territory.</p>

<h2><strong>Israel’s stance</strong></h2>

<p>Israel says it will ensure the region is evacuated before it is targeted. However, experts say there is nowhere to go due to the vast devastation left behind.</p>

<p>On allegations of genocide, Israel strongly denies the claims by Hamas and Gazan authorities. Israel says it only targets Hamas militants and does all to spare civilians. The Jewish nation also claims that Hamas’ tactic of embedding in civilian areas makes it difficult to avoid civilian casualties.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-jsarwt="1" data-usg="AOvVaw1xkHOwadCjviWRnLHnh0Wy" data-ved="2ahUKEwiC6LXfrLKEAxXL7zgGHdgJAm8QxfQBKAB6BAgQEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/shame-on-him-israel-slams-un-aid-chief-after-he-says-hamas-not-terrorist-group-for-us-691165" jsname="YKoRaf">`Shame on him`, Israel slams UN aid chief after he says ‘Hamas not terrorist group for us’</a></strong></p>

<p>The number of Palestinians killed during the war in Gaza has surpassed 28,000 people, according to the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza.</p>

<h2><strong>UN court rejects motion against Rafah offensive</strong></h2>

<p>Meanwhile, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Friday dismissed a motion brought by South Africa to impose urgent measures to safeguard Rafah.</p>

<p>The top UN court said in a statement that the “perilous situation” in Rafah “demands immediate and effective implementation of the provisional measures" that it ordered on January 26.</p>

<p>However, the court warned that Israel “remains bound to fully comply with its obligations under the Genocide Convention.”</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


UN officials on Friday (Feb 16) said thousands of Palestinians are fleeing the southern Gazan city of Rafah as intense Israeli bombardment continues. The statement from the UN came as airstrikes on Rafah killed at least 13 people overnight, according to hospital officials.

UN officials on Friday (Feb 16) said thousands of Palestinians are fleeing the southern Gazan city of Rafah as intense Israeli bombardment continues. The statement from the UN came as airstrikes on Rafah killed at least 13 people overnight, according to hospital officials. It is speculated that 1.4 million people have made their way to Rafah after being displaced from other territories. Hundreds of thousands are living in sprawling tent camps. Speaking to reporters, UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric said people were moving in large numbers towards Deir al-Balah, which is roughly 16 kilometres (10 miles) north of Rafah. “In Rafah, humanitarian conditions have become increasingly severe, with continued reports of people stopping aid trucks to take food,” he said. Watch: Israel-Hamas War: Hezbollah says Israel will pay 'in blood' for killing civilians × “Vulnerable segments of the population include children, the elderly, and people with underlying health conditions, are particularly susceptible to the risk of malnutrition,” he added. Dujarric added that the Israeli military campaign has severely hindered the delivery of aid to the besieged territory. Israel’s stance Israel says it will ensure the region is evacuated before it is targeted. However, experts say there is nowhere to go due to the vast devastation left behind. On allegations of genocide, Israel strongly denies the claims by Hamas and Gazan authorities. Israel says it only targets Hamas militants and does all to spare civilians. The Jewish nation also claims that Hamas’ tactic of embedding in civilian areas makes it difficult to avoid civilian casualties. Also read: `Shame on him`, Israel slams UN aid chief after he says ‘Hamas not terrorist group for us’ The number of Palestinians killed during the war in Gaza has surpassed 28,000 people, according to the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza. UN court rejects motion against Rafah offensive Meanwhile, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Friday dismissed a motion brought by South Africa to impose urgent measures to safeguard Rafah. The top UN court said in a statement that the “perilous situation” in Rafah “demands immediate and effective implementation of the provisional measures" that it ordered on January 26. However, the court warned that Israel “remains bound to fully comply with its obligations under the Genocide Convention.” (With inputs from agencies)

Israel-Hamas war: Thousands fleeing Rafah as Israeli military campaign intensifies

Israel vowed on Wednesday to press on with a "powerful" operation in war-torn Gaza's Rafah, even as calls mounted for it to hold off sending troops into the territory's overcrowded far-southern city.

Israel-Gaza War: Israel vows to press ahead with 'powerful' Rafah operation

Israelis welcome the rescue of two Gaza hostages on Monday. Well fears of a looming ground incursion grew among over a million Palestinians were trapped in the war ravaged territories densely crowded far south. International mediators they've continued working towards a truce and a hostage prisoner exchange. President Joe Biden said that US is working to negotiate a ceasefire of at least 6 weeks in the Gaza Strip as part of a wider deal that would also involve the release of hostages. However, Jordan's King Abdullah second appealed for a full ceasefire to end the Gaza war after talks with Joe Biden...Watch to know more!

Israel-Hamas war: After talks with Biden, Jordan's king appeals for full ceasefire

Israeli security forces had freed two hostages on Monday, who were being held in the southern Gazan city of Rafah, in only the second known rescue of its kind in Gaza since the start of the war.

Israelis welcomed the rescue of two Gaza hostages; Rafah assault looms

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) has confirmed that it has been flooding tunnels in Gaza with large volumes of water in its effort to attack the terrorist infrastructure of Hamas. Watch in this report for more details!

Israel-Hamas War: IDF confirms flooding Hamas tunnels in Gaza with seawater

Israeli officials are bracing for an expected interim ruling from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on South Africa’s allegation that the war in Gaza amounts to genocide against Palestinians, an emergency measure that could expose Israel to international sanctions.

Israel-Hamas War: ICJ to rule genocide case against Israel

Israel has given Hamas a proposal through Qatari and Egyptian mediators that includes up to two months of a pause in the fighting as part of a multi-phase deal that would include the release of all remaining hostages held in Gaza.

Israel-Hamas War: Israel proposes two-month ceasefire deal for release of all hostages

Israel-Hamas War: Israel proposes two-month fighting pause in Gaza for release of all hostages

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