Israeli strikes in Gaza have reportedly killed at least three Palestinians, including a four-year-old child, amid renewed tensions despite a U.S.-brokered ceasefire. The attacks targeted multiple locations in central Gaza as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned of intensified military action over alleged launches of kites, drones and balloons from the enclave. The developments come as diplomatic efforts continue to secure long-term stability, address the future of Hamas, and negotiate the withdrawal of Israeli forces. With civilians once again caught in the crossfire, concerns are growing over the risk of renewed escalation in the region.


Israel strikes Gaza, 1 killed as Netanyahu warns of more attacks over kite launches

A growing rift has reportedly emerged between U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over the future of Gaza. Netanyahu has rejected proposals involving an Israeli troop withdrawal and Hamas disarmament, raising fresh doubts over ceasefire negotiations and the prospects for a lasting peace. The disagreement highlights deep divisions over the next phase of the Gaza conflict and regional security.

Benjamin Netanyahu Refuses to Withdraw Troops from Gaza, Rejects Hamas Disarmament Proposal

Israel has delayed the public release of findings from internal investigations into alleged war crimes during the Gaza conflict. The postponed report reportedly covers several high-profile incidents, including strikes involving humanitarian aid workers. The delay comes as international scrutiny over Israel’s military operations and legal challenges at global courts continues to intensify.

Israel delays release of Gaza war crimes investigation findings amid international scrutiny


New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani has confirmed that his administration is consulting legal advisers over the possibility of arresting Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he visits New York for the United Nations General Assembly in September. Netanyahu is the subject of an International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant over alleged crimes against humanity related to the Gaza conflict. Mamdani, who pledged during his mayoral campaign to enforce the ICC warrant, says the matter is now under legal review. The remarks have sparked renewed debate over international law, diplomatic immunity, and the authority of local governments in the United States.

NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani considers Netanyahu arrest during un visit | ICC warrant controversy

Months after Israel claimed the elimination of Hamas chief Mohammad Sinwar, the Palestinian militant group's Gaza chief confirmed his death. While Hamas did not reveal the details of how he was killed and when, it did publish a picture of Sinwar along with other Hamas soldiers, naming them as 'martyrs.'Hams hinted that after Sinwar, his close associate Izz al-Din Haddad is expected to oversee the operations of Hamas' armed wing throughout the Gaza enclave. Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu on May 28, announced that the Israeli military had killed Hamas Gaza chief Muhammad Sinwar in an air strike on May 13.&nbsp;Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hostages-at-same-risks-as-hamas-palestinian-militant-group-warns-as-israel-intensifies-offensive-in-gaza-1756490847951">Hostages at ‘same risks’ as Hamas: Palestinian militant group warns as Israel intensifies offensive in Gaza</a><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-hamas-remember-october-7-israel-shares-shocking-clip-amid-gaza-crisis-1756529022240/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-hamas-remember-october-7-israel-shares-shocking-clip-amid-gaza-crisis-1756529022240/embed</a>&nbsp;<h2>Who was Mohammad Sinwar?</h2>Mohammad Sinwar was the brother of slain former chief Yahya Sinwar, who was killed by the Israeli military in October 2024 during a firefight in the Palestine enclave. Mohammad Sinwar, was nicknamed 'the shadow' for his secretive activities. He came into prominence after the abduction of the Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit in 2006. This led to the Gilad Shalit prisoner exchange deal between Israel and Hamas in which 1027 prisoners were released in exchange for Shalit. Under this deal, Israel had to release Yahya Sinwar, who was serving a life sentence in an Israeli jail for kidnapping Isareli soldiers in 1989. Since then, he has played a crucial role in handling Hamas' 'behind-the-scenes' planning. Ahead of his killing in May this year, Israel had placed a $300,000 bounty on him.&nbsp;Born in a Khan Younis refugee camp in 1975, Sinwar's family fled from Al-Majdal Asqalan during the 1948 Arab–Israeli War. He joined the military movement of Hamas in 1991. In the same year, he was arrested by Israel on charges of terrorism but was released within a year. Around the same time, he was also arrested by the Palestinian Authority in Ramallah. It was only in 2005 that he became the commander of Hamas' Khan Younis brigade. As per reports, he had survived as many as six assassination attempts by the IDF till May 2021.&nbsp;&nbsp;Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-calls-israel-s-justification-of-killing-journalists-baseless-and-an-attempt-to-evade-legal-responsibility-1756239098616">Hamas calls Israel’s justification of killing journalists ‘baseless’ and an attempt to evade legal responsibility</a>&nbsp;Israel's latest offensive on Hamas&nbsp;An Israeli airstrike in central Gaza on Saturday afternoon reportedly targeted Abu Obeida, the spokesman of Hamas's military wing. The strike hit near a local bakery in Gaza City, with initial reports from the territory saying more than ten people were killed.On Friday, Abu Obeida issued a statement warning Israel against moving to seize Gaza City, while also threatening the safety of Israeli hostages held in the enclave.As details are still being verified, it remains unclear whether Abu Obeida was indeed eliminated in the strike. The IDF said the operation was carried out with precision munitions and aerial surveillance, aiming to minimise civilian casualties. The military added that the strike followed specific intelligence received by the Shin Bet and Military Intelligence shortly before the attack. (ANI/TPS)&nbsp;Read More | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-we-remember-october-7-and-so-should-you-israel-releases-harrowing-clip-from-hamas-attack-days-after-un-declares-gaza-famine-1756515438561">'We remember October 7, and so should you': Israel releases harrowing clip from Hamas attack days</a> &nbsp;

Hamas confirms the death of Gaza chief Mohammad Sinwar, months after Israel claimed his killing in a May 13 airstrike. Known as 'the shadow,' Sinwar played a key role in Hamas operations. His close aide, Izz al-Din Haddad, is expected to succeed him

Months after Israel claimed the elimination of Hamas chief Mohammad Sinwar, the Palestinian militant group's Gaza chief confirmed his death. While Hamas did not reveal the details of how he was killed and when, it did publish a picture of Sinwar along with other Hamas soldiers, naming them as 'martyrs.'Hams hinted that after Sinwar, his close associate Izz al-Din Haddad is expected to oversee the operations of Hamas' armed wing throughout the Gaza enclave. Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu on May 28, announced that the Israeli military had killed Hamas Gaza chief Muhammad Sinwar in an air strike on May 13. Read More | Hostages at ‘same risks’ as Hamas: Palestinian militant group warns as Israel intensifies offensive in Gaza https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-hamas-remember-october-7-israel-shares-shocking-clip-amid-gaza-crisis-1756529022240/embed Who was Mohammad Sinwar? Mohammad Sinwar was the brother of slain former chief Yahya Sinwar, who was killed by the Israeli military in October 2024 during a firefight in the Palestine enclave. Mohammad Sinwar, was nicknamed 'the shadow' for his secretive activities. He came into prominence after the abduction of the Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit in 2006. This led to the Gilad Shalit prisoner exchange deal between Israel and Hamas in which 1027 prisoners were released in exchange for Shalit. Under this deal, Israel had to release Yahya Sinwar, who was serving a life sentence in an Israeli jail for kidnapping Isareli soldiers in 1989. Since then, he has played a crucial role in handling Hamas' 'behind-the-scenes' planning. Ahead of his killing in May this year, Israel had placed a $300,000 bounty on him. Born in a Khan Younis refugee camp in 1975, Sinwar's family fled from Al-Majdal Asqalan during the 1948 Arab–Israeli War. He joined the military movement of Hamas in 1991. In the same year, he was arrested by Israel on charges of terrorism but was released within a year. Around the same time, he was also arrested by the Palestinian Authority in Ramallah. It was only in 2005 that he became the commander of Hamas' Khan Younis brigade. As per reports, he had survived as many as six assassination attempts by the IDF till May 2021. Read More | Hamas calls Israel’s justification of killing journalists ‘baseless’ and an attempt to evade legal responsibility Israel's latest offensive on Hamas An Israeli airstrike in central Gaza on Saturday afternoon reportedly targeted Abu Obeida, the spokesman of Hamas's military wing. The strike hit near a local bakery in Gaza City, with initial reports from the territory saying more than ten people were killed.On Friday, Abu Obeida issued a statement warning Israel against moving to seize Gaza City, while also threatening the safety of Israeli hostages held in the enclave. As details are still being verified, it remains unclear whether Abu Obeida was indeed eliminated in the strike. The IDF said the operation was carried out with precision munitions and aerial surveillance, aiming to minimise civilian casualties. The military added that the strike followed specific intelligence received by the Shin Bet and Military Intelligence shortly before the attack. (ANI/TPS) Read More | 'We remember October 7, and so should you': Israel releases harrowing clip from Hamas attack days

Hamas confirms the death of Gaza chief Mohammad Sinwar, months after Israel claimed his killing in a May 13 airstrike. Known as 'the shadow,' Sinwar played a key role in Hamas operations. His close aide, Izz al-Din Haddad, is expected to succeed him

Hamas confirms its Gaza military chief Mohammad Sinwar was killed by Israel: Who was he and who will succeed him

Israel’s Defence Minister issued a warning on Friday saying that the Gaza City will get destroyed if Hamas does not agree to Tel Aviv’s terms of disarming, and releasing all remaining hostages in the Palestinian territory to end the war. The warning came as the Israeli military prepares for an expanded offensive in the enclave. “Soon, the gates of hell will open upon the heads of Hamas’s murderers and rapists in Gaza—until they agree to Israel’s conditions for ending the war, primarily the release of all hostages and their disarmament,” Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz posted on social media platform X.“If they do not agree, Gaza, the capital of Hamas, will become Rafah and Beit Hanoun,” he added, referring to two cities in Gaza largely razed during previous Israeli operations.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">אישרנו אתמול את תוכניות צה&quot;ל להכרעת החמאס בעזה - באש עצימה, בפינוי תושבים ובתמרון. בקרוב ייפתחו שערי הגיהנום על ראשם של מרצחי ואנסי החמאס בעזה - עד שיסכימו לתנאי ישראל לסיום המלחמה ובראשם שחרור כל החטופים והתפרקות מנשקם. אם לא יסכימו - עזה בירת החמאס תהפוך לרפיח ובית חאנון. בדיוק…&mdash; ישראל כ”ץ Israel Katz (@Israel_katz) <a href="https://twitter.com/Israel_katz/status/1958768775890669647?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 22, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

&nbsp;The remarks of the defence minister came a day after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he would authorise the military to seize Gaza City. PM Netanyahu also ordered immediate negotiations aimed at freeing all the remaining hostages in Gaza.The Israeli premier said that the push to release the hostages would go along with the operation to take control of Gaza City and destroy the Hamas stronghold.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/idf-initiates-steps-to-take-over-gaza-after-netanyahu-orders-reduction-in-timelines-1755714315261">IDF initiates steps for Gaza takeover after Netanyahu orders reduction in timelines</a>&nbsp;<h2>Israel’s planned offensive for Gaza takeover</h2>&nbsp;Israel’s planned offensive to expand the fighting and seize Gaza City has sparked an international outcry.&nbsp;Hamas’s attack on Israel in October 2023 had resulted in the deaths of 1,219 people, mostly civilians.&nbsp;Israel’s Defence Ministry had this week given the nod to the call-up of roughly 60,000 reservists to help seize Gaza City.“These two matters—defeating Hamas and releasing all our hostages—go hand in hand,” PM Netanyahu said in a video statement, without providing details about what the next stage of talks would entail.&nbsp;The Israeli military has already warned medical officials and international organisations to prepare for the evacuation of Gaza City's entire population of one million to shelters in the south before troops move in.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-gaza-war-israel-pushes-deeper-into-gaza-1755798269082/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-gaza-war-israel-pushes-deeper-into-gaza-1755798269082/embed</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

<h2>Limited operations by IDF already underway</h2>&nbsp;Some limited operations have already started in the Zeitoun neighbourhood and the Jabaliya refugee camp, specifically targeting areas where Hamas is believed to still hold military and governing control.&nbsp;However, unlike the earlier offensives, there are little sign of mass movement by Palestinians. Many residents say there is no safe place left in Gaza. Israel claims it now controls about 75% of the territory.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-on-terms-acceptable-to-israel-netanyahu-netanyahu-announces-immediate-negotiations-for-hostage-release-gaza-ceasefire-1755799396959">‘On terms acceptable to Israel’: Netanyahu announces ‘immediate negotiations’ for hostage release, Gaza ceasefire&nbsp;</a>&nbsp;Israel has been demanding the release of all hostages and complete disarmament of Hamas before any ceasefire, but the Palestinian terrorist group says it is ready to release captives if the war ends but would not disarm until the creation of a Palestinian state.&nbsp;<h2>Israel believes only 20 of the 50 hostages are alive</h2>&nbsp;On Monday, Hamas sources said the group agreed to a proposal by Qatari and Egyptian mediators for a 60-day ceasefire, which, according to Qatar, would see the release of half of the remaining hostages in Gaza.But Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has apparently rejected this, saying he had instructed negotiations to begin for the release of all remaining hostages and an end to the war in Gaza on terms "acceptable to Israel".Israel believes that only 20 of the 50 hostages are still alive after 22 months of war.The Israeli media cited an Israeli official as saying that the negotiators will be dispatched for renewed talks once a location has been determined.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/-bibi-is-a-good-man-trump-calls-netanyahu-and-himself-war-heroes-imposes-sanctions-on-international-criminal-court-1755745729804">'He's war hero and I'm too': Trump slams International Criminal Court for action against Netanyahu, imposes sanctions</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Israeli military has started contacting medical staff and international groups in northern Gaza, urging people to move south. It has also announced plans to call up 60,000 reservists and extend the service of another 20,000. 

Israel’s Defence Minister issued a warning on Friday saying that the Gaza City will get destroyed if Hamas does not agree to Tel Aviv’s terms of disarming, and releasing all remaining hostages in the Palestinian territory to end the war. The warning came as the Israeli military prepares for an expanded offensive in the enclave. “Soon, the gates of hell will open upon the heads of Hamas’s murderers and rapists in Gaza—until they agree to Israel’s conditions for ending the war, primarily the release of all hostages and their disarmament,” Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz posted on social media platform X. “If they do not agree, Gaza, the capital of Hamas, will become Rafah and Beit Hanoun,” he added, referring to two cities in Gaza largely razed during previous Israeli operations.

The Israeli military has started contacting medical staff and international groups in northern Gaza, urging people to move south. It has also announced plans to call up 60,000 reservists and extend the service of another 20,000.&nbsp;

‘Gaza City will be destroyed if Hamas does not agree to our terms,’ warns Israel’s defence minister

Thousands of protesters demonstrated in Israel on Sunday, demanding an immediate end to the war in Gaza and urging Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to reach an agreement with Hamas to end the war and secure the release of captives held in the blockaded territory. The protests come after Israeli forces escalated their offensive in Gaza City, pushing tens of thousands of starving Palestinians to flee once again.&nbsp;According to a report in Al Jazeera, police arrested dozens of protesters and used water cannons against those who gathered on Sunday for the nationwide demonstration. Meanwhile, organisers said that nearly half a million people rallied in Tel Aviv by nightfall – marking one of the largest and most intense ever since the conflict began almost two years ago.&nbsp;This nationwide strike prompted schools, businesses and public transport to standstill as rallies were held in several cities as part of a coordinated day of action, led by groups representing families of hostages and bereaved relatives.<h3>We don’t win wars over hostages’ bodies: Protester</h3>As per the Israeli newspaper Haaretz, dozens of Israeli artists, celebrities, and athletes raised support and joined the strike. In addition, major unions, including lawyers, doctors, and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, as well as the business forum, also confirmed their role during the protest.&nbsp;Protesters are scared that only about 20 of the 50 captives in Gaza are believed to be alive. “We don’t win a war over the bodies of hostages," a protester said. “Military pressure doesn’t bring hostages back – it only kills them,” former captive Arbel Yehoud stated while protesting in Tel Aviv’s “Hostage Square”. “The only way to bring them back is through a deal, all at once, without games," &nbsp;Arbel Yehoud added.&nbsp;The protest on Sunday followed just days after the security cabinet of Israel approved advancing on Gaza City, nearly two years into a genocidal war that has devastated the Gaza Strip. The conflict left several people on the brink of famine, resulting in Israel becoming internationally isolated.&nbsp;

The protest by the Israelis followed after Israeli forces heightened their offensive in Gaza City, pushing tens of thousands of starving Palestinians to flee once again.

Thousands of protesters demonstrated in Israel on Sunday, demanding an immediate end to the war in Gaza and urging Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to reach an agreement with Hamas to end the war and secure the release of captives held in the blockaded territory. The protests come after Israeli forces escalated their offensive in Gaza City, pushing tens of thousands of starving Palestinians to flee once again. According to a report in Al Jazeera, police arrested dozens of protesters and used water cannons against those who gathered on Sunday for the nationwide demonstration. Meanwhile, organisers said that nearly half a million people rallied in Tel Aviv by nightfall – marking one of the largest and most intense ever since the conflict began almost two years ago. This nationwide strike prompted schools, businesses and public transport to standstill as rallies were held in several cities as part of a coordinated day of action, led by groups representing families of hostages and bereaved relatives. We don’t win wars over hostages’ bodies: Protester As per the Israeli newspaper Haaretz, dozens of Israeli artists, celebrities, and athletes raised support and joined the strike. In addition, major unions, including lawyers, doctors, and the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, as well as the business forum, also confirmed their role during the protest. Protesters are scared that only about 20 of the 50 captives in Gaza are believed to be alive. “We don’t win a war over the bodies of hostages," a protester said. “Military pressure doesn’t bring hostages back – it only kills them,” former captive Arbel Yehoud stated while protesting in Tel Aviv’s “Hostage Square”. “The only way to bring them back is through a deal, all at once, without games," Arbel Yehoud added. The protest on Sunday followed just days after the security cabinet of Israel approved advancing on Gaza City, nearly two years into a genocidal war that has devastated the Gaza Strip. The conflict left several people on the brink of famine, resulting in Israel becoming internationally isolated.

The protest by the Israelis followed after Israeli forces heightened their offensive in Gaza City, pushing tens of thousands of starving Palestinians to flee once again.

Hundreds of thousands take to streets in Israel, demand end to Gaza War and release of hostages

In a dense urban landscape, with likely thousands of Hamas fighters lying in wait, taking Gaza City will be a difficult and costly slog for the Israeli army, security experts say.&nbsp;On Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu laid out his vision of victory in Gaza following 22 months of war, with the military ordered to attack the last remaining Hamas strongholds in Gaza City and the central camps further south.With a pre-war population of some 760,000, according to official figures, Gaza City was the biggest of any municipal area in the Palestinian territories.&nbsp;But following the unprecedented Hamas attack on Israel in 2023 that sparked the war, its population has only swelled, with thousands of displaced people fleeing intensive military operations to the north.&nbsp;Gaza City itself has come under intense aerial bombardment, and its remaining apartment buildings now rub shoulders with tents and other makeshift shelters.&nbsp;Amir Avivi, a former Israeli general and head of the Israeli Defense and Security Forum think tank, described the city as the “heart of Hamas’s rule in Gaza.”&nbsp;“Gaza City has always been the center of government and also has the strongest brigade of Hamas,” he said.&nbsp;The first challenge for Israeli troops relates to Netanyahu’s call for the evacuation of civilians — how such a feat will be carried out remains unclear.&nbsp;Unlike the rest of the Strip, where most of the population has been displaced at least once, around 300,000 residents of Gaza City have not moved since the outbreak of the conflict, according to Avivi.&nbsp;Israel has already tried to push civilians further south to so-called humanitarian zones established by the military, but there is likely little space to accommodate more arrivals.&nbsp;“You cannot put another one million people over there. It will be a horrible humanitarian crisis,” said Michael Milshtein, an Israeli former military intelligence officer.&nbsp;According to Avivi, humanitarian aid would be mainly distributed south of Gaza City in order to encourage residents to move toward future distribution sites managed by the US- and Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF).&nbsp;Up from just four currently, the GHF plans to operate 16 sites.&nbsp;However, Gaza’s civil defense agency says Israeli troops are firing at and killing civilians daily around the sites.&nbsp;Human Rights Watch has called them a “death trap,” while the UN and other groups have lashed out at what they call a militarization of aid.&nbsp;According to Michael Milshtein, who heads the Palestinian Studies Program at Tel Aviv University, Hamas’s military wing could have as many as 10,000 to 15,000 fighters in Gaza City, many of them freshly recruited.&nbsp;“It’s very easy to convince a 17, 18, 19-year-old Palestinian to be a part of Al-Qassam Brigades,” Milshtein told AFP, referring to Hamas’s armed wing as he cited a lack of opportunities for much Gaza’s population.&nbsp;“While (Israel’s army) prepares itself, Hamas also prepares itself for the coming warfare, if it takes place,” he added, predicting that the battle could end up being “very similar to Stalingrad.”&nbsp;He was referring to the battle for the city now known as Volgograd, one of the longest and bloodiest in World War II.&nbsp;The Israeli army will encounter obstacles including a vast network of tunnels where Israeli hostages are likely being held, along with weapons depots, hiding places and combat posts.&nbsp;Other obstacles could include improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and the use of civilians as human shields in a dense urban maze of narrow alleys and tall buildings, according to press reports.&nbsp;“It’s almost impossible to go in there without creating both hostage casualties and a large humanitarian disaster,” said Mairav Zonszein of the International Crisis Group.The material destruction, she added, will be enormous.&nbsp;“They will simply destroy everything, and then nothing will be left,” she said.&nbsp;Despite rumored disagreements over the plan by the chief of the army Eyal Zamir, the general said his forces “will be able to conquer Gaza City, just as it did in Khan Yunis and Rafah in the south,” according to a statement on Monday.&nbsp;“Our forces have operated there in the past, and we will know how to do it again.”

In a dense urban landscape, with likely thousands of Hamas fighters lying in wait, taking Gaza City will be a difficult and costly slog for the Israeli army, security experts say.

In a dense urban landscape, with likely thousands of Hamas fighters lying in wait, taking Gaza City will be a difficult and costly slog for the Israeli army, security experts say. On Sunday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu laid out his vision of victory in Gaza following 22 months of war, with the military ordered to attack the last remaining Hamas strongholds in Gaza City and the central camps further south. With a pre-war population of some 760,000, according to official figures, Gaza City was the biggest of any municipal area in the Palestinian territories. But following the unprecedented Hamas attack on Israel in 2023 that sparked the war, its population has only swelled, with thousands of displaced people fleeing intensive military operations to the north. Gaza City itself has come under intense aerial bombardment, and its remaining apartment buildings now rub shoulders with tents and other makeshift shelters. Amir Avivi, a former Israeli general and head of the Israeli Defense and Security Forum think tank, described the city as the “heart of Hamas’s rule in Gaza.” “Gaza City has always been the center of government and also has the strongest brigade of Hamas,” he said. The first challenge for Israeli troops relates to Netanyahu’s call for the evacuation of civilians — how such a feat will be carried out remains unclear. Unlike the rest of the Strip, where most of the population has been displaced at least once, around 300,000 residents of Gaza City have not moved since the outbreak of the conflict, according to Avivi. Israel has already tried to push civilians further south to so-called humanitarian zones established by the military, but there is likely little space to accommodate more arrivals. “You cannot put another one million people over there. It will be a horrible humanitarian crisis,” said Michael Milshtein, an Israeli former military intelligence officer. According to Avivi, humanitarian aid would be mainly distributed south of Gaza City in order to encourage residents to move toward future distribution sites managed by the US- and Israel-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). Up from just four currently, the GHF plans to operate 16 sites. However, Gaza’s civil defense agency says Israeli troops are firing at and killing civilians daily around the sites. Human Rights Watch has called them a “death trap,” while the UN and other groups have lashed out at what they call a militarization of aid. According to Michael Milshtein, who heads the Palestinian Studies Program at Tel Aviv University, Hamas’s military wing could have as many as 10,000 to 15,000 fighters in Gaza City, many of them freshly recruited. “It’s very easy to convince a 17, 18, 19-year-old Palestinian to be a part of Al-Qassam Brigades,” Milshtein told AFP, referring to Hamas’s armed wing as he cited a lack of opportunities for much Gaza’s population. “While (Israel’s army) prepares itself, Hamas also prepares itself for the coming warfare, if it takes place,” he added, predicting that the battle could end up being “very similar to Stalingrad.” He was referring to the battle for the city now known as Volgograd, one of the longest and bloodiest in World War II. The Israeli army will encounter obstacles including a vast network of tunnels where Israeli hostages are likely being held, along with weapons depots, hiding places and combat posts. Other obstacles could include improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and the use of civilians as human shields in a dense urban maze of narrow alleys and tall buildings, according to press reports. “It’s almost impossible to go in there without creating both hostage casualties and a large humanitarian disaster,” said Mairav Zonszein of the International Crisis Group. The material destruction, she added, will be enormous. “They will simply destroy everything, and then nothing will be left,” she said. Despite rumored disagreements over the plan by the chief of the army Eyal Zamir, the general said his forces “will be able to conquer Gaza City, just as it did in Khan Yunis and Rafah in the south,” according to a statement on Monday. “Our forces have operated there in the past, and we will know how to do it again.”

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently revealed his country's plan to take the Gaza City.

'Nothing will be left': Israel prepares for Gaza City battle

Israel's plan to seize control of Gaza triggered global condemnation, with world leaders drawing attention to the humanitarian crises in the besieged&nbsp;city. Thousands of Gazans have died in Israeli assaults since October 2023, following Hamas's attack on Israeli cities,&nbsp;killing over 1200, mostly civilians.&nbsp;Reacting to Israel's plan, the UN human rights chief Volker Turk said in a statement on Friday that the planned takeover must be immediately halted.&nbsp;"The Israeli Government’s plan for a complete military takeover of the occupied Gaza Strip must be immediately halted," the UN human rights chief Volker Turk said in a statement.&nbsp;Turkiye lambasted Israel, saying it aims to displace Palestinians by force. It also called on the global community to prevent the implementation of Israel's decision.&nbsp;United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer called Israel’s decision wrong and called for restraint. He said the decision to escalate the hostilities will spill more blood and will do nothing to end the conflict.&nbsp;A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson told AFP that Gaza belongs to the people of Palestine, calling for Israel to “cease its dangerous actions”.&nbsp;German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said his country will not approve any exports of military equipment to Israel.&nbsp;Australia said Israel's plan will be tantamount to the violation of international law. It called for a ceasefire and the return of hostages.&nbsp;The Netherlands said the Netanyahu government's&nbsp;plan to intensify Israeli operations in Gaza is a wrong move.&nbsp;Saudi Arabia also condemned Israel's move to take control of Gaza. It accused Israel of committing crimes of starvation, brutal practices, and ethnic cleansing.&nbsp;Ursula von der Leyen, the head of the EU’s executive branch, urged Israel to reconsider its plan to take control of Gaza.&nbsp;"The Israeli government’s decision to further extend its military operation in Gaza must be reconsidered,” she wrote on X.

Israel's plan to seize control of Gaza triggered global condemnation, with world leaders drawing attention to the humanitarian crises in the besieged city. 

Israel's plan to seize control of Gaza triggered global condemnation, with world leaders drawing attention to the humanitarian crises in the besieged city. Thousands of Gazans have died in Israeli assaults since October 2023, following Hamas's attack on Israeli cities, killing over 1200, mostly civilians. Reacting to Israel's plan, the UN human rights chief Volker Turk said in a statement on Friday that the planned takeover must be immediately halted. "The Israeli Government’s plan for a complete military takeover of the occupied Gaza Strip must be immediately halted," the UN human rights chief Volker Turk said in a statement. Turkiye lambasted Israel, saying it aims to displace Palestinians by force. It also called on the global community to prevent the implementation of Israel's decision. United Kingdom Prime Minister Keir Starmer called Israel’s decision wrong and called for restraint. He said the decision to escalate the hostilities will spill more blood and will do nothing to end the conflict. A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson told AFP that Gaza belongs to the people of Palestine, calling for Israel to “cease its dangerous actions”. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said his country will not approve any exports of military equipment to Israel. Australia said Israel's plan will be tantamount to the violation of international law. It called for a ceasefire and the return of hostages. The Netherlands said the Netanyahu government's plan to intensify Israeli operations in Gaza is a wrong move. Saudi Arabia also condemned Israel's move to take control of Gaza. It accused Israel of committing crimes of starvation, brutal practices, and ethnic cleansing. Ursula von der Leyen, the head of the EU’s executive branch, urged Israel to reconsider its plan to take control of Gaza. "The Israeli government’s decision to further extend its military operation in Gaza must be reconsidered,” she wrote on X.

Israel's Gaza plan: A strong reaction came from Turkiye, which lambasted Israel, saying it aims to displace Palestinians by force.

Shocked world reacts to Israel's Gaza takeover plan: 'Wrong, immediately halt'

As the Israeli security cabinet approved a plan to occupy Gaza Strip, several journalists and aid workers have captured the destruction of the Palestinian enclave from the air and shared the visuals on social media this week. After two years of war, the destruction makes one wonder: What's left there to occupy?<h2>What's happening in Gaza City?</h2>The relentless war since October 2023 has forced nearly all 2 million Gazans into repeated displacement and devastated the region’s landscape. Even as aid trickles in very slowly, a starvation crisis unfolded, with many children dying of hunger. The population is on the brink of famine, with the United Nations estimating that more than 60 per cent of buildings and vital infrastructure have been destroyed. The military takeover of Gaza City could intensify global concerns over civilian protection and aid access.<h2>A land turned into dust: What the aerial visuals of Gaza reveal</h2>Sharing a purported video of Gaza from the air, New York city's Democratic Mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani wrote on X: “Israel doesn’t want the world to see what Gaza looks like from above... From the sky, it’s all there: entire neighborhoods flattened, endless tent cities, a land turned to dust.”Ben Trew, The Independent newspaper’s chief international correspondent, flew in an aid plane over Gaza. Sharing what she saw, Trew posted on X: “This is Gaza from the sky: ashen destruction and a maze of makeshift tents stretching to the horizon.” "I spent two days filming &amp; photographing Gaza from a Jordanian plane. 22 months of Israel’s bombardment, blockade &amp; war with Hamas have left a blasted hellscape. Unimaginable," she wrote.Heidi Levine, an acclaimed photojournalist, shared some pictures that demonstrated how much devastation was caused by Israeli bombing. Reacting to the photo, &nbsp;Jeff Shawn, a X user wrote: "This is as breath-taking as it is heart-breaking...I am in awe. And in tears."Adwait, another X user wrote: "Israel doesn’t want you to see this picture. They told countries air-dropping aid not to take images. This is what Israel has done to Gaza."Below, you can see the aerial videos of Gaza City taken from aircraft during airdrop operations this week.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-gaza-war-israel-s-netanyahu-reportedly-plans-full-occupation-of-gaza-1754570676783/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-gaza-war-israel-s-netanyahu-reportedly-plans-full-occupation-of-gaza-1754570676783/embed</a><h2>Gaza braces for Israeli occupation</h2>On Thursday (Aug 7), the Israeli security cabinet approved Prime Minister Bejnamin Netanyahu’s plan for the militarily occupation of Gaza City. The plan is for the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) to take control of Gaza City while giving limited humanitarian aid outside combat zones.The plan aims five things: Disarmament of Hamas, return of all Israeli hostages it had taken on 7 October 2023, full demilitarisation of Gaza, Israeli control over the territory, and the establishment of a new civilian government to replace Hamas rule.The plan, awaiting final approval from Israel’s full cabinet, will be a major escalation in Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza, and cause further mass displacement of already starving and exhausted civilian population.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">🌐 Gaza seen from an airplane ...unbelievable 😳 <a href="https://t.co/0NQFRpA1H1">pic.twitter.com/0NQFRpA1H1</a>— Erik Warsaw (@WarsawErik) <a href="https://twitter.com/WarsawErik/status/1953308866210382024?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 7, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">This is Gaza from the sky: ashen destruction and a maze of makeshift tents stretching to the horizon. I spent two days filming & photographing Gaza from a Jordanian plane. 22 months of Israel’s bombardment, blockade & war with Hamas have left a blasted hellscape. Unimaginable. <a href="https://t.co/eJIndgO9qD">pic.twitter.com/eJIndgO9qD</a>— Bel Trew (@Beltrew) <a href="https://twitter.com/Beltrew/status/1953130838297645497?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 6, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Videos captured by a French news broadcaster showed a rare glimpse of a levelled Gaza from the air.<a href="https://t.co/VfDoFfeyxX">https://t.co/VfDoFfeyxX</a> <a href="https://t.co/dy3YRZWwJp">pic.twitter.com/dy3YRZWwJp</a>— Sky News (@SkyNews) <a href="https://twitter.com/SkyNews/status/1952402353182626259?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 4, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">Israel doesn’t want the world to see what Gaza looks like from above — but journalist Dalal Mawad from Al Araby TV got the footage. From the sky, it’s all there: entire neighborhoods flattened, endless tent cities, a land turned to dust. <a href="https://t.co/1A8xlssJgn">pic.twitter.com/1A8xlssJgn</a>— Zohran Mamdani (@zohranmamdani) <a href="https://twitter.com/zohranmamdani/status/1952431667416584450?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 4, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Sharing a purported video of Gaza from the air, New York city's Democratic Mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani wrote on X: “From the sky, it’s all there: entire neighborhoods flattened, endless tent cities, a land turned to dust.”

As the Israeli security cabinet approved a plan to occupy Gaza Strip, several journalists and aid workers have captured the destruction of the Palestinian enclave from the air and shared the visuals on social media this week. After two years of war, the destruction makes one wonder: What's left there to occupy? What's happening in Gaza City? The relentless war since October 2023 has forced nearly all 2 million Gazans into repeated displacement and devastated the region’s landscape. Even as aid trickles in very slowly, a starvation crisis unfolded, with many children dying of hunger. The population is on the brink of famine, with the United Nations estimating that more than 60 per cent of buildings and vital infrastructure have been destroyed. The military takeover of Gaza City could intensify global concerns over civilian protection and aid access. A land turned into dust: What the aerial visuals of Gaza reveal Sharing a purported video of Gaza from the air, New York city's Democratic Mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani wrote on X: “Israel doesn’t want the world to see what Gaza looks like from above... From the sky, it’s all there: entire neighborhoods flattened, endless tent cities, a land turned to dust.” Ben Trew, The Independent newspaper’s chief international correspondent, flew in an aid plane over Gaza. Sharing what she saw, Trew posted on X: “This is Gaza from the sky: ashen destruction and a maze of makeshift tents stretching to the horizon.” "I spent two days filming & photographing Gaza from a Jordanian plane. 22 months of Israel’s bombardment, blockade & war with Hamas have left a blasted hellscape. Unimaginable," she wrote. Heidi Levine, an acclaimed photojournalist, shared some pictures that demonstrated how much devastation was caused by Israeli bombing. Reacting to the photo, Jeff Shawn, a X user wrote: "This is as breath-taking as it is heart-breaking...I am in awe. And in tears." Adwait, another X user wrote: "Israel doesn’t want you to see this picture. They told countries air-dropping aid not to take images. This is what Israel has done to Gaza." Below, you can see the aerial videos of Gaza City taken from aircraft during airdrop operations this week. https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-gaza-war-israel-s-netanyahu-reportedly-plans-full-occupation-of-gaza-1754570676783/embed Gaza braces for Israeli occupation On Thursday (Aug 7), the Israeli security cabinet approved Prime Minister Bejnamin Netanyahu’s plan for the militarily occupation of Gaza City. The plan is for the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) to take control of Gaza City while giving limited humanitarian aid outside combat zones. The plan aims five things: Disarmament of Hamas, return of all Israeli hostages it had taken on 7 October 2023, full demilitarisation of Gaza, Israeli control over the territory, and the establishment of a new civilian government to replace Hamas rule. The plan, awaiting final approval from Israel’s full cabinet, will be a major escalation in Israel’s ongoing war in Gaza, and cause further mass displacement of already starving and exhausted civilian population.

Sharing a purported video of Gaza from the air, New York city's Democratic Mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani wrote on X: “From the sky, it’s all there: entire neighborhoods flattened, endless tent cities, a land turned to dust.”

Breathtaking, heartbreaking: Gaza seen from air is all rubble and graves. What's left to occupy? WATCH

The Palestinian militant group Hamas on Saturday (August 2) published a video of an Israeli hostage, Evyatar David, a day after releasing a short clip of the captive. Following the release, David's family approved the media outlets to publish the 40-second clip. In the heartbreaking video, the hostage is seen crossing off dates on a calendar on the tunnel's wall.The family of Evyatar David stressed that they are forced to witness their beloved son in this condition.“We are forced to witness our beloved son and brother, Evyatar, deliberately and cynically starved in the Hamas tunnels in Gaza — a living skeleton buried alive," David's family said.They further said that their son only has a few days to live in this condition, adding, "Hamas is using our son, Evyatar, as a living experiment in a disgusting hunger campaign.""The deliberate starvation of our son as part of a propaganda campaign is one of the most horrifying acts the world has seen. He is being starved purely to serve Hamas’s propaganda," they added.In the end of the video, David is seen digging his own grave, as he urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to worry about him and other hostages. &nbsp;While digging, he said that he is feeling “weaker and weaker” by the day, and heading toward death.The family further urged Israel and the international community to ensure that David receives food and is released from Hamas' captivity. "Israel and the international community must oppose Hamas’s cruelty and ensure that our Evyatar immediately receives proper nutrition."They said that the "intentional starvation, torture and abuse" of their son for propaganda purposes violates even the lowest standards of humanitarian law.They urged Israel not to remain silent or turn a blind eye to those deliberately starved as part of Hamas’s hunger campaign."We are in pain and we weep. There is no limit to the grief and cruelty we endure. There is no limit to the suffering that the Hamas terror organization inflicts on the hostages and on the residents of Gaza," the family stressed.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

The family of Evyatar David said that their son only has a few days to live in this condition, adding, "Hamas is using our son, Evyatar, as a living experiment in a disgusting hunger campaign."

The Palestinian militant group Hamas on Saturday (August 2) published a video of an Israeli hostage, Evyatar David, a day after releasing a short clip of the captive. Following the release, David's family approved the media outlets to publish the 40-second clip. In the heartbreaking video, the hostage is seen crossing off dates on a calendar on the tunnel's wall. The family of Evyatar David stressed that they are forced to witness their beloved son in this condition. “We are forced to witness our beloved son and brother, Evyatar, deliberately and cynically starved in the Hamas tunnels in Gaza — a living skeleton buried alive," David's family said. They further said that their son only has a few days to live in this condition, adding, "Hamas is using our son, Evyatar, as a living experiment in a disgusting hunger campaign." "The deliberate starvation of our son as part of a propaganda campaign is one of the most horrifying acts the world has seen. He is being starved purely to serve Hamas’s propaganda," they added. In the end of the video, David is seen digging his own grave, as he urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to worry about him and other hostages. While digging, he said that he is feeling “weaker and weaker” by the day, and heading toward death. The family further urged Israel and the international community to ensure that David receives food and is released from Hamas' captivity. "Israel and the international community must oppose Hamas’s cruelty and ensure that our Evyatar immediately receives proper nutrition." They said that the "intentional starvation, torture and abuse" of their son for propaganda purposes violates even the lowest standards of humanitarian law. They urged Israel not to remain silent or turn a blind eye to those deliberately starved as part of Hamas’s hunger campaign. "We are in pain and we weep. There is no limit to the grief and cruelty we endure. There is no limit to the suffering that the Hamas terror organization inflicts on the hostages and on the residents of Gaza," the family stressed.

The family of Evyatar David said that their son only has a few days to live in this condition, adding, "Hamas is using our son, Evyatar, as a living experiment in a disgusting hunger campaign."

'Living skeleton digging own grave': Hamas releases clip of Israeli hostage, family urges Israel 'not to turn blind eye'

The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), an agency backed by the United Nations, issued a dire warning on the hunger crisis unfolding in Gaza amid the Israel-Hamas war in the Palestinian enclave. It said that the ‘worst-case scenario’ of famine is playing out in the Gaza Strip, just as aid started trickling in after Israel allowed it after days of blockade.<h2>'Thresholds reached': What did IPC say on famine situation in Gaza?&nbsp;</h2>A review report of the IPC said that there is mounting evidence of ‘widespread starvation, malnutrition, and disease’, driving a rise in hunger-related deaths.Citing the latest data, it said that 'famine thresholds have been reached for food consumption in most of the Gaza Strip and for acute malnutrition in Gaza City.The latest alert follows IPC's warning in May that 2.1 million people are at ‘critical risk’ of famine and are facing extreme levels of food insecurity.IPC stopped short of formally naming the situation in Gaza as a famine, saying further analysis will be done.<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-abandons-gaza-netanyahu-in-charge-of-palestinian-fate-1753461829725/embed">https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-abandons-gaza-netanyahu-in-charge-of-palestinian-fate-1753461829725/embed</a><h2>What is IPC, the group that issued a famine alert for Gaza?</h2>IPC is a joint initiative by UN agencies, governments, civil society bodies, and global aid groups to identify famine conditions. The group provides evidence-based analysis of food insecurity and acute malnutrition situations. It uses a standards-based classification system to categorise food security situations. These are: acute food insecurity, chronic food insecurity and acute malnutrition.<h2>What is famine? Why is Gaza facing possible famine?</h2>Famine is defined as a widespread scarcity of food caused by factors including war, natural disasters and crop failure. For a famine to be declared by IPC, the criteria are: extreme lack of food, starvation or destitution for 20 per cent of households;&nbsp; More than 30 per cent of children under five suffer acute malnutrition and two adults or four children out of 10,000 people die from starvation or malnutrition every day. In Gaza's case, it's a man-made disaster, caused by Israel's weeks of aid blockade. Israeli forces and agencies are alleged to have fired at aid distribution centres, and have been blocking aid ships of international NGOs, including one led by activist Greta Thunberg.<h2>Why are Palestinians in Gaza starving?</h2>Israel started airdropping some aid in Gaza on Monday, but that may be too little, too late. Reportedly, thousands of people fought to lay their hands on that aid. Besides the alleged attacks and blockade by Israel, Palestinians have claimed that armed gangs are looting aid vehicles, and then selling the items at higher prices. Reportedly, one kilogram of flour is being sold for $35 in the black market. Most Gazan families can't afford it. Many Palestinian men, women and children have been lining up for food, with some reporting that the Gazans, including children, have not eaten in days.&nbsp;<h2>'Make or break week' for Gazans amid hunger crisis</h2>Global aid agencies and the United Nations have already warned that this week would be ‘make or break’ for Gazans to avert mass deaths due to starvation.They are asking for Israel to reopen border crossings, as small increases in aid are not enough to address the unfolding hunger crisis.&nbsp;Israel, meanwhile, insists that it was not responsible for the shortage of food. It is currently implementing 'tactical' pauses' in hostilities for 10 hours per day in three areas of Gaza.

Palestinians have claimed that armed gangs are looting aid vehicles, and then selling the items at higher prices. Reportedly, one kg of flour is being sold for $35 in the black market.

The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), an agency backed by the United Nations, issued a dire warning on the hunger crisis unfolding in Gaza amid the Israel-Hamas war in the Palestinian enclave. It said that the ‘worst-case scenario’ of famine is playing out in the Gaza Strip, just as aid started trickling in after Israel allowed it after days of blockade. 'Thresholds reached': What did IPC say on famine situation in Gaza? A review report of the IPC said that there is mounting evidence of ‘widespread starvation, malnutrition, and disease’, driving a rise in hunger-related deaths. Citing the latest data, it said that 'famine thresholds have been reached for food consumption in most of the Gaza Strip and for acute malnutrition in Gaza City. The latest alert follows IPC's warning in May that 2.1 million people are at ‘critical risk’ of famine and are facing extreme levels of food insecurity. IPC stopped short of formally naming the situation in Gaza as a famine, saying further analysis will be done. https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-abandons-gaza-netanyahu-in-charge-of-palestinian-fate-1753461829725/embed What is IPC, the group that issued a famine alert for Gaza? IPC is a joint initiative by UN agencies, governments, civil society bodies, and global aid groups to identify famine conditions. The group provides evidence-based analysis of food insecurity and acute malnutrition situations. It uses a standards-based classification system to categorise food security situations. These are: acute food insecurity, chronic food insecurity and acute malnutrition. What is famine? Why is Gaza facing possible famine? Famine is defined as a widespread scarcity of food caused by factors including war, natural disasters and crop failure. For a famine to be declared by IPC, the criteria are: extreme lack of food, starvation or destitution for 20 per cent of households; More than 30 per cent of children under five suffer acute malnutrition and two adults or four children out of 10,000 people die from starvation or malnutrition every day. In Gaza's case, it's a man-made disaster, caused by Israel's weeks of aid blockade. Israeli forces and agencies are alleged to have fired at aid distribution centres, and have been blocking aid ships of international NGOs, including one led by activist Greta Thunberg. Why are Palestinians in Gaza starving? Israel started airdropping some aid in Gaza on Monday, but that may be too little, too late. Reportedly, thousands of people fought to lay their hands on that aid. Besides the alleged attacks and blockade by Israel, Palestinians have claimed that armed gangs are looting aid vehicles, and then selling the items at higher prices. Reportedly, one kilogram of flour is being sold for $35 in the black market. Most Gazan families can't afford it. Many Palestinian men, women and children have been lining up for food, with some reporting that the Gazans, including children, have not eaten in days. 'Make or break week' for Gazans amid hunger crisis Global aid agencies and the United Nations have already warned that this week would be ‘make or break’ for Gazans to avert mass deaths due to starvation. They are asking for Israel to reopen border crossings, as small increases in aid are not enough to address the unfolding hunger crisis. Israel, meanwhile, insists that it was not responsible for the shortage of food. It is currently implementing 'tactical' pauses' in hostilities for 10 hours per day in three areas of Gaza.

Palestinians have claimed that armed gangs are looting aid vehicles, and then selling the items at higher prices. Reportedly, one kg of flour is being sold for $35 in the black market.

FAMINE in Gaza: UN-backed agency issues this alert as Palestinians starve amid Israeli aid blockade

The Bombay High Court on Friday dismissed a petition by the Communist Party&nbsp;of India (Marxist) seeking permission to protest over the alleged "genocide" in Gaza by Israel, asking the petitioners to show patriotism for India first. A division bench, comprising Justices Ravindra Ghuge and Gautam Ankhad, observed that the political party must focus on taking up issues concerning the citizens of India.&nbsp;Justice Ghuge, in a strongly worded observation, said speaking for Gaza and Palestine isn't patriotism, and India is facing several issues of its own that need highlighting. He asked the party why it doesn't&nbsp;do something for India, advising it to be "patriots".&nbsp;"Our country has several issues to deal with...We don't want anything like this. I am sorry to say, you are all short-sighted...You are looking at Gaza and Palestine... Why don't you do something for our own country... Be patriots... Speaking for Gaza and Palestine is not patriotism... Speak up for the causes in our own country... Practice what you preach..." Justice Ghuge was quoted as saying by Live Law.&nbsp;Responding to the observation, CPI(M)'s lawyer, senior advocate Mihir Desai, told the judges that his clients had been taking up charitable causes, including organising health and education camps.&nbsp;The bench later expressed curiosity as to why the party wants to protest against something that is happening in the Middle East, thousands of miles away.&nbsp;"We are curious.. You have no issue with respect to our own country...something productive for our own country... They are fighting 1000s of miles away, and you are showing concern for Palestine, Gaza, etc. You can take up social issues and local issues like flooding, drainage, getting blocked... Parking illegally... Why aren't you protesting such issues?" Justice Ghuge said.&nbsp;The court further asked the petitioners why they were interested in raising issues that don't concern the common man.&nbsp;"Do we have so much time to spend hearing such a matter when we have hundreds of cases of our citizens listed? Are these not our constitutional issues?" the judge said.&nbsp;Thousands of Gazans have died in Israel's ground assault and aerial bombardment, which began in October 2023 in response to Hamas' attack on Israeli cities.

The Bombay High Court on Friday dismissed a petition by the Communist Party of India (Marxist) seeking permission to protest over the alleged "genocide" in Gaza by Israel, asking the petitioners to show patriotism for India first. 

The Bombay High Court on Friday dismissed a petition by the Communist Party of India (Marxist) seeking permission to protest over the alleged "genocide" in Gaza by Israel, asking the petitioners to show patriotism for India first. A division bench, comprising Justices Ravindra Ghuge and Gautam Ankhad, observed that the political party must focus on taking up issues concerning the citizens of India. Justice Ghuge, in a strongly worded observation, said speaking for Gaza and Palestine isn't patriotism, and India is facing several issues of its own that need highlighting. He asked the party why it doesn't do something for India, advising it to be "patriots". "Our country has several issues to deal with...We don't want anything like this. I am sorry to say, you are all short-sighted...You are looking at Gaza and Palestine... Why don't you do something for our own country... Be patriots... Speaking for Gaza and Palestine is not patriotism... Speak up for the causes in our own country... Practice what you preach..." Justice Ghuge was quoted as saying by Live Law. Responding to the observation, CPI(M)'s lawyer, senior advocate Mihir Desai, told the judges that his clients had been taking up charitable causes, including organising health and education camps. The bench later expressed curiosity as to why the party wants to protest against something that is happening in the Middle East, thousands of miles away. "We are curious.. You have no issue with respect to our own country...something productive for our own country... They are fighting 1000s of miles away, and you are showing concern for Palestine, Gaza, etc. You can take up social issues and local issues like flooding, drainage, getting blocked... Parking illegally... Why aren't you protesting such issues?" Justice Ghuge said. The court further asked the petitioners why they were interested in raising issues that don't concern the common man. "Do we have so much time to spend hearing such a matter when we have hundreds of cases of our citizens listed? Are these not our constitutional issues?" the judge said. Thousands of Gazans have died in Israel's ground assault and aerial bombardment, which began in October 2023 in response to Hamas' attack on Israeli cities.

Israel-Palestine war: The Bombay High Court, dismissing CPI(M)'s petition, observed that speaking for Gaza and Palestine isn't patriotism.

'Short-sighted, be patriots': Bombay High Court admonishes CPI(M) over Gaza petition

Israel and the United Nations have publicly blamed each other for the worsening hunger crisis in Gaza, with both sides defending their roles in aid delivery and pointing fingers over who is really responsible for the suffering of civilians.In a statement posted on X, Israel’s Foreign Ministry wrote on Thursday (July 24), “Today, the IDF invited dozens of international journalists to the Kerem Shalom crossing inside Gaza, to see for themselves. Hundreds of aid trucks have entered Gaza with Israel’s approval, but the supplies are standing idle, undelivered. The reason? The UN refuses to distribute the aid. Hamas and the UN prevent the aid to reach the civilians in Gaza. The world deserves to know the truth.”Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-wants-elon-us-president-denies-destroying-musk-s-companies-in-america-wants-them-to-thrive-1753371173047">Trump wants Elon: US president denies 'destroying' Musk's companies in America</a>According to Israel, large quantities of aid have been delivered to the Gazan side of the border, but remain untouched because the UN is failing to collect or distribute them. The country has repeatedly said it is allowing enough supplies in.<h2>How did the UN respond?</h2>UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric earlier rejected Israel’s version of events and pointed to major obstacles caused by Israel itself. “The Kerem Shalom Crossing is not a McDonald’s drive-through where we just pull up and pick up what we’ve ordered,” Dujarric said during a press briefing.He explained that UN staff need a series of approvals from Israeli authorities just to approach the crossing and that this is made more complicated by ongoing military activity, restricted access and a slow, complex handover process. “There are tremendous bureaucratic impediments. There are tremendous security impediments, and frankly, there’s a lack of willingness to allow us to do our work,” he added.<h2>Why isn’t aid getting through to Gaza?</h2>Getting aid into Gaza is far from simple. Even if trucks manage to enter through heavily guarded crossings, humanitarian groups say Israeli restrictions make it almost impossible to move those supplies further inside the territory. Aid organisations argue there is no shortage of available food and medicine, the problem is distribution. According to them, trucks full of goods are stuck in warehouses, while thousands of Gazans face extreme hunger just a short distance away. Earlier this year, Israel blocked aid from entering Gaza for 11 weeks, saying the move was aimed at pressuring Hamas into releasing hostages.In response to growing criticism of the UN’s handling of aid, Israel and the US launched a controversial initiative called the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). It was set up to bypass traditional UN channels and use private security contractors to distribute aid from Israeli-controlled zones.Israel and the US say this method prevents Hamas from seizing aid. But human rights groups and aid organisations have condemned the scheme, accusing Israeli forces of using violence during distributions. The UN says over 1,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli troops while trying to collect food under the GHF programme.<h2>How bad is the situation on the ground?</h2>According to the World Health Organisation, a large part of Gaza’s population is now starving. International agencies continue to warn of catastrophic levels of hunger and disease as the blockade drags on and basic supplies fail to reach the people who&nbsp;need&nbsp;them&nbsp;most.

Israel and the United Nations are publicly blaming each other for Gaza’s worsening hunger crisis. Israel claims it has allowed many aid trucks into Gaza, but says the UN is refusing to distribute the supplies. Meanwhile, the UN says Israel makes it impossible to access and deliver the aid.

Israel and the United Nations have publicly blamed each other for the worsening hunger crisis in Gaza, with both sides defending their roles in aid delivery and pointing fingers over who is really responsible for the suffering of civilians. In a statement posted on X, Israel’s Foreign Ministry wrote on Thursday (July 24), “Today, the IDF invited dozens of international journalists to the Kerem Shalom crossing inside Gaza, to see for themselves. Hundreds of aid trucks have entered Gaza with Israel’s approval, but the supplies are standing idle, undelivered. The reason? The UN refuses to distribute the aid. Hamas and the UN prevent the aid to reach the civilians in Gaza. The world deserves to know the truth.” Also read: Trump wants Elon: US president denies 'destroying' Musk's companies in America According to Israel, large quantities of aid have been delivered to the Gazan side of the border, but remain untouched because the UN is failing to collect or distribute them. The country has repeatedly said it is allowing enough supplies in. How did the UN respond? UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric earlier rejected Israel’s version of events and pointed to major obstacles caused by Israel itself. “The Kerem Shalom Crossing is not a McDonald’s drive-through where we just pull up and pick up what we’ve ordered,” Dujarric said during a press briefing. He explained that UN staff need a series of approvals from Israeli authorities just to approach the crossing and that this is made more complicated by ongoing military activity, restricted access and a slow, complex handover process. “There are tremendous bureaucratic impediments. There are tremendous security impediments, and frankly, there’s a lack of willingness to allow us to do our work,” he added. Why isn’t aid getting through to Gaza? Getting aid into Gaza is far from simple. Even if trucks manage to enter through heavily guarded crossings, humanitarian groups say Israeli restrictions make it almost impossible to move those supplies further inside the territory. Aid organisations argue there is no shortage of available food and medicine, the problem is distribution. According to them, trucks full of goods are stuck in warehouses, while thousands of Gazans face extreme hunger just a short distance away. Earlier this year, Israel blocked aid from entering Gaza for 11 weeks, saying the move was aimed at pressuring Hamas into releasing hostages. In response to growing criticism of the UN’s handling of aid, Israel and the US launched a controversial initiative called the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). It was set up to bypass traditional UN channels and use private security contractors to distribute aid from Israeli-controlled zones. Israel and the US say this method prevents Hamas from seizing aid. But human rights groups and aid organisations have condemned the scheme, accusing Israeli forces of using violence during distributions. The UN says over 1,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli troops while trying to collect food under the GHF programme. How bad is the situation on the ground? According to the World Health Organisation, a large part of Gaza’s population is now starving. International agencies continue to warn of catastrophic levels of hunger and disease as the blockade drags on and basic supplies fail to reach the people who need them most.

Israel and the United Nations are publicly blaming each other for Gaza’s worsening hunger crisis. Israel claims it has allowed many aid trucks into Gaza, but says the UN is refusing to distribute the supplies. Meanwhile, the UN says Israel makes it impossible to access and deliver the aid.

‘Aid trucks enter Gaza, but supplies are undelivered’: Gaza is starving. Israel blames the UN. The UN blames Israel. What’s really happening?

Facebook parent company Meta is hosting ads on its platforms, including Instagram and Threads, to fund Israeli military gear, which in many cases, was responsible for the killings of unarmed civilians in Gaza, according to new research. The ads, critics say, also seem to directly violate the platform's own rules on political and weapons-related content. These paid ads, first flagged to Meta by global consumer watchdog Ekō, have reportedly raised millions of dollars to arm the Israeli military.<h2>What do the ads say?</h2>One such ad, which as per The Guardian, remained live as of July 17, read: "We are the sniper team of Unit Shaked, stationed in Gaza, and we urgently need shooting tripods to complete our mission in Jabalia". It was first posted on June 11.Ekō has identified at least 117 such ads since March of this year, all seeking donations for gear for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). The IDF itself is not running these campaigns, but according to Ekō, the military has received equipment through donations raised online. What's more, this isn't the first time the group flagged these campaigns. In December 2024, Ekō alerted Meta to 98 similar ads—prompting the tech giant to remove many. But the same publishers, it says, returned soon after with nearly identical fundraising appeals."This shows that Meta will literally take money from anybody," said Maen Hammad, a campaigner with Ekō. "So little of the checks and balances the platform ought to be doing actually takes place and if it does, they’ll do it after the fact".<h2>Ads removed, but for the wrong reasons</h2>Meta confirmed that it had removed the ads for violating its policies—but only after Ekō and The Guardian reached out for comment, and that too not for raising money for weapons but something else. A Meta spokesperson said all political or social issue-based ads must include disclaimers that identify who paid for them. None of these ads did.Ekō estimates that the ads, most of which were shown in the UK and EU, racked up at least 76,000 impressions. It was unable to determine the reach of the ads in the United States.<h2>What was the raised money used for?</h2>A deeper investigation by Israeli publication +972 Magazine revealed that many of the drones being crowdfunded—commercial quadcopters sold on Amazon—are being retrofitted by Israeli soldiers to drop grenades in combat. Several soldiers told the outlet that such drones were delivered via online donation drives and private Facebook groups."Most of our drones are broken and falling apart—and we don’t have any replacements," read one ad. "Donate now — every second counts, every drone saves lives."One publisher flagged by Ekō, Vaad Hatzedaka, a non profit, has even linked its ads to a donation page listing the exact models of drones and tactical gear it was fundraising for, including two drones made by Chinese firm Autel. According to the group's donation tracker, it has raised over $250,000 of its $300,000 goal.Another campaigner, Israeli musician Mayer Malik, has used Meta ads to promote a donation page that offers sponsorships for tactical items like thermal drones. He has reportedly raised over $2.2 million for Israeli units through these efforts.<h2>Are such ads allowed? What do Meta rules say?</h2>Meta's policies broadly prohibit the buying, selling, gifting, or fundraising for "firearms, firearm parts, ammunition, explosives, or lethal enhancements," though they allow some exceptions. But the company said the recent ads were removed primarily for lacking political disclaimers—not for fundraising for military gear.According to Ekō, these campaigns may also violate the EU's Digital Services Act (DSA), which obligates platforms to remove any content that violates national or EU law. In both France and the UK, strict regulations limit how charities can fundraise for foreign militaries. In January 2025, the UK’s Charity Commission issued a formal warning to a London-based charity after it raised funds for an Israeli soldier, saying the effort was "not lawful or acceptable."

"This shows that Meta will literally take money from anybody," said Maen Hammad, a campaigner with Ekō. "So little of the checks and balances the platform ought to be doing actually takes place and if it does, they’ll do it after the fact".

Facebook parent company Meta is hosting ads on its platforms, including Instagram and Threads, to fund Israeli military gear, which in many cases, was responsible for the killings of unarmed civilians in Gaza, according to new research. The ads, critics say, also seem to directly violate the platform's own rules on political and weapons-related content. These paid ads, first flagged to Meta by global consumer watchdog Ekō, have reportedly raised millions of dollars to arm the Israeli military. What do the ads say? One such ad, which as per The Guardian, remained live as of July 17, read: "We are the sniper team of Unit Shaked, stationed in Gaza, and we urgently need shooting tripods to complete our mission in Jabalia". It was first posted on June 11. Ekō has identified at least 117 such ads since March of this year, all seeking donations for gear for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). The IDF itself is not running these campaigns, but according to Ekō, the military has received equipment through donations raised online. What's more, this isn't the first time the group flagged these campaigns. In December 2024, Ekō alerted Meta to 98 similar ads—prompting the tech giant to remove many. But the same publishers, it says, returned soon after with nearly identical fundraising appeals. "This shows that Meta will literally take money from anybody," said Maen Hammad, a campaigner with Ekō. "So little of the checks and balances the platform ought to be doing actually takes place and if it does, they’ll do it after the fact". Ads removed, but for the wrong reasons Meta confirmed that it had removed the ads for violating its policies—but only after Ekō and The Guardian reached out for comment, and that too not for raising money for weapons but something else. A Meta spokesperson said all political or social issue-based ads must include disclaimers that identify who paid for them. None of these ads did. Ekō estimates that the ads, most of which were shown in the UK and EU, racked up at least 76,000 impressions. It was unable to determine the reach of the ads in the United States. What was the raised money used for? A deeper investigation by Israeli publication +972 Magazine revealed that many of the drones being crowdfunded—commercial quadcopters sold on Amazon—are being retrofitted by Israeli soldiers to drop grenades in combat. Several soldiers told the outlet that such drones were delivered via online donation drives and private Facebook groups. "Most of our drones are broken and falling apart—and we don’t have any replacements," read one ad. "Donate now — every second counts, every drone saves lives." One publisher flagged by Ekō, Vaad Hatzedaka, a non profit, has even linked its ads to a donation page listing the exact models of drones and tactical gear it was fundraising for, including two drones made by Chinese firm Autel. According to the group's donation tracker, it has raised over $250,000 of its $300,000 goal. Another campaigner, Israeli musician Mayer Malik, has used Meta ads to promote a donation page that offers sponsorships for tactical items like thermal drones. He has reportedly raised over $2.2 million for Israeli units through these efforts. Are such ads allowed? What do Meta rules say? Meta's policies broadly prohibit the buying, selling, gifting, or fundraising for "firearms, firearm parts, ammunition, explosives, or lethal enhancements," though they allow some exceptions. But the company said the recent ads were removed primarily for lacking political disclaimers—not for fundraising for military gear. According to Ekō, these campaigns may also violate the EU's Digital Services Act (DSA), which obligates platforms to remove any content that violates national or EU law. In both France and the UK, strict regulations limit how charities can fundraise for foreign militaries. In January 2025, the UK’s Charity Commission issued a formal warning to a London-based charity after it raised funds for an Israeli soldier, saying the effort was "not lawful or acceptable."

"This shows that Meta will literally take money from anybody," said Maen Hammad, a campaigner with Ekō. "So little of the checks and balances the platform ought to be doing actually takes place and if it does, they’ll do it after the fact".

'Meta will literally take money from anybody': Facebook, Instagram ran ads funding Israeli military strikes in Gaza, watchdog finds

Israel-Hamas War: Israel-Hamas War: The Israeli Defence Force (IDF) announced on Sunday (June 22) that it has recovered the remains of three hostages who were held in Gaza. The three hostages who were confirmed killed on the October 7 attack were: Yonatan Samerano (21), Ofra Keidar (70), and Shay Levinson (19). The 70-year-old Ofra Keidar was killed alongside her husband, Sami, in the October 7 attack. Her death was confirmed by the IDF in December 2023. Another hostage whose remains were found, Keidar, was the only female hostage left in Hamas captivity, along with Inbar Haiman.&nbsp;The 21-year-old Yonatan Samerano was killed after he was kidnapped while attending the Nova Music Festival at Re'im on October 7, 2023.&nbsp;This was after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu extended his condolences and thanked the commanders and soldiers who took part in the operation in an official statement. &nbsp;&nbsp;"Together with all the citizens of Israel, my wife and I send our heartfelt condolences to the dear families and share in their profound sorrow," Netanyahu said.&nbsp;"I thank our commanders and soldiers for a successful operation, for their determination, and their courage," he added."We will not rest until all our hostages—both the living and the fallen—are brought home," Netanyahu said.&nbsp;

IDF recovers remains of 3 hostages held in Gaza: Who were they?

Israel-Hamas War: Israel-Hamas War: The Israeli Defence Force (IDF) announced on Sunday (June 22) that it has recovered the remains of three hostages who were held in Gaza. The three hostages who were confirmed killed on the October 7 attack were: Yonatan Samerano (21), Ofra Keidar (70), and Shay Levinson (19). The 70-year-old Ofra Keidar was killed alongside her husband, Sami, in the October 7 attack. Her death was confirmed by the IDF in December 2023. Another hostage whose remains were found, Keidar, was the only female hostage left in Hamas captivity, along with Inbar Haiman. The 21-year-old Yonatan Samerano was killed after he was kidnapped while attending the Nova Music Festival at Re'im on October 7, 2023. This was after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu extended his condolences and thanked the commanders and soldiers who took part in the operation in an official statement. "Together with all the citizens of Israel, my wife and I send our heartfelt condolences to the dear families and share in their profound sorrow," Netanyahu said. "I thank our commanders and soldiers for a successful operation, for their determination, and their courage," he added. "We will not rest until all our hostages—both the living and the fallen—are brought home," Netanyahu said.

The Israeli military said it has recovered the remains of three hostages held in the Gaza Strip. The hostages were identified as Yonatan Samerano, 21; Ofra Keidar, 70; and Shay Levinson, 19.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has held office longer than anyone else since the founding of Israel in 1948. The &nbsp;name is synonymous to Israel’s most influential political figure, involved in shaping the country's policy and global posture through a mix of strategic acumen, deep-rooted ideology, and political resilience. Serving his sixth term as prime minister, the veteran’s legacy is intertwined with Israel’s current conflicts and long-term security doctrine. Born in 1949 in Jaffa, Netanyahu spent a part of his childhood in both Jerusalem and the United States.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>Early years</h2><h2>&nbsp;</h2>Netanyahu's family background set the tone for his future worldview since childhood. The leader's father, Benzion Netanyahu was a historian and a staunch Revisionist Zionist who had always advocated for a Greater Israel stretching beyond the Jordan River. This ideological grounding later, allegedly, influenced Netanyahu’s political positions, especially those regarding the territorial bargains and talks with Arab states.&nbsp;<h2>Military roots and diplomatic rise</h2><h2>&nbsp;</h2>The early years of Benjamin Netanyahu were marked by military service in the elite Sayeret Matkal commando unit, where he also served as a captain before being discharged. He also fought in the 1973 Yom Kippur War, later even taking part in the 1972 rescue of hostages from a hijacked Sabena aircraft. These formative experiences played a great role in contributing to his emphasis on security as a pillar of his leadership in his country.&nbsp;Netanyahu began his political career abroad, initially serving as Israel’s deputy chief of mission in Washington in 1982, and later as the ambassador to the United Nations between 1984 and 1988. His experiences during his tenure, helped him hone his diplomatic skills, especially with American audiences, a key component, it seems, of his enduring influence on U.S.-Israel relations.&nbsp;<h2>Political climb and repeated returns</h2>&nbsp;Domestically, Netanyahu rose rapidly through the Likud party ranks, becoming party leader in 1993. He first became the &nbsp;Prime Minister from 1996 to 1999 and later returned to office in 2009, remaining in power until 2021. After a brief political setback, during this time, Netanyahu reclaimed leadership in late 2022, following a November election win. As of 2025, Netanyahu holds the distinction of being Israel’s longest-serving prime minister, and one of the most powerful leaders globally.&nbsp;His tenure has been characterised by a series of crises and comebacks. In 2019, as per media reports, he was indicted on charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust. He, however, denied any wrongdoing, framing the cases as politically motivated. However, it was on 21 November 2019, that Netanyahu was officially charged with fraud and breach of trust. Despite these legal proceedings, Netanyahu retained his political power by forging the coalitions with right-wing and religious parties, including controversial figures like Itamar Ben-Gvir, whose past links to extremist ideologies had sparked criticism both within and outside Israel.&nbsp;<h2>The Gaza War and international scrutiny</h2>&nbsp;The current stage of Netanyahu’s leadership is defined by intensifying regional conflict, especially full-fledged war with Gaza and Iran. The Israel-Hamas conflict officially began in October 2023 which left 1,100 Israeli citizen dead. In response to Hamas’s 7 October 2023 attack, Israel launched a major military campaign in Gaza. That offensive led to widespread destruction and drew global scrutiny. The diplomatic impact of the Gaza war was such that at least eleven countries cut ties with Israel. In May 2025, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu, citing allegations including the starvation of civilians and attacks against non-combatants. Similar warrants were also issued for Israel’s then-defence minister and leaders of Hamas.&nbsp;While Netanyahu and his government have continuously rejected the ICC's jurisdiction, the development has sparked fierce debate over the rules of war as well as conduct of state leaders. Supporters still argue that Netanyahu acted within Israel's right to self-defence while his critics claim disproportionate use of force. Former prime minister (and Likud leader) Yitzhak Shamir once called Netanyahu the “angel of destruction”. Amid the fallout from the Gaza conflict, Netanyahu has shifted focus to Iran, long considered Israel’s most formidable adversary, with the escalating tensions between the two countries, the world is watching every move closely. The Netanyahu government launched a series of airstrikes in ban operation which they called 'Operation Rising Lion,' targeting sites linked to Iran’s nuclear and military infrastructure. Netanyahu has consistently labelled the country as an existential threat for Israel, and his current actions are widely seen as an attempt to reassert Israeli deterrence.&nbsp;<h2>Focus on Iran and why?</h2>&nbsp;The Iran operation has also had international ramifications. It comes at a time when regional alliances are shifting, and yet the global powers remain distracted by other conflicts, including Russia’s war in Ukraine. With the war-like situation in other countries as well, Israel’s assertive stance under Netanyahu reflects both a strategic calculation and a broader effort to shape Middle Eastern dynamics.&nbsp;Netanyahu remains a deeply polarising figure, but Netanyahu shares a close relationship with India. It is also important to mention that the India–Israel partnership deepened significantly over the past decade, with growing strategic, technological, and defence cooperation. To his base, Netanyahu is a guarantor of national security but to his opponents, he risks undermining democratic norms. Yet few dispute his political mastery. Whether through military decisions, coalition manoeuvring, or global messaging, he continues to define Israel’s direction more than any other individual.&nbsp;Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.&nbsp;&nbsp;

The early years of Benjamin Netanyahu were marked by military service in the elite Sayeret Matkal commando unit. He also fought in the 1973 Yom Kippur War, later even taking part in the 1972 rescue of hostages from a hijacked Sabena aircraft. 

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has held office longer than anyone else since the founding of Israel in 1948. The name is synonymous to Israel’s most influential political figure, involved in shaping the country's policy and global posture through a mix of strategic acumen, deep-rooted ideology, and political resilience. Serving his sixth term as prime minister, the veteran’s legacy is intertwined with Israel’s current conflicts and long-term security doctrine. Born in 1949 in Jaffa, Netanyahu spent a part of his childhood in both Jerusalem and the United States. Early years Netanyahu's family background set the tone for his future worldview since childhood. The leader's father, Benzion Netanyahu was a historian and a staunch Revisionist Zionist who had always advocated for a Greater Israel stretching beyond the Jordan River. This ideological grounding later, allegedly, influenced Netanyahu’s political positions, especially those regarding the territorial bargains and talks with Arab states. Military roots and diplomatic rise The early years of Benjamin Netanyahu were marked by military service in the elite Sayeret Matkal commando unit, where he also served as a captain before being discharged. He also fought in the 1973 Yom Kippur War, later even taking part in the 1972 rescue of hostages from a hijacked Sabena aircraft. These formative experiences played a great role in contributing to his emphasis on security as a pillar of his leadership in his country. Netanyahu began his political career abroad, initially serving as Israel’s deputy chief of mission in Washington in 1982, and later as the ambassador to the United Nations between 1984 and 1988. His experiences during his tenure, helped him hone his diplomatic skills, especially with American audiences, a key component, it seems, of his enduring influence on U.S.-Israel relations. Political climb and repeated returns Domestically, Netanyahu rose rapidly through the Likud party ranks, becoming party leader in 1993. He first became the Prime Minister from 1996 to 1999 and later returned to office in 2009, remaining in power until 2021. After a brief political setback, during this time, Netanyahu reclaimed leadership in late 2022, following a November election win. As of 2025, Netanyahu holds the distinction of being Israel’s longest-serving prime minister, and one of the most powerful leaders globally. His tenure has been characterised by a series of crises and comebacks. In 2019, as per media reports, he was indicted on charges of bribery, fraud and breach of trust. He, however, denied any wrongdoing, framing the cases as politically motivated. However, it was on 21 November 2019, that Netanyahu was officially charged with fraud and breach of trust. Despite these legal proceedings, Netanyahu retained his political power by forging the coalitions with right-wing and religious parties, including controversial figures like Itamar Ben-Gvir, whose past links to extremist ideologies had sparked criticism both within and outside Israel. The Gaza War and international scrutiny The current stage of Netanyahu’s leadership is defined by intensifying regional conflict, especially full-fledged war with Gaza and Iran. The Israel-Hamas conflict officially began in October 2023 which left 1,100 Israeli citizen dead. In response to Hamas’s 7 October 2023 attack, Israel launched a major military campaign in Gaza. That offensive led to widespread destruction and drew global scrutiny. The diplomatic impact of the Gaza war was such that at least eleven countries cut ties with Israel. In May 2025, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu, citing allegations including the starvation of civilians and attacks against non-combatants. Similar warrants were also issued for Israel’s then-defence minister and leaders of Hamas. While Netanyahu and his government have continuously rejected the ICC's jurisdiction, the development has sparked fierce debate over the rules of war as well as conduct of state leaders. Supporters still argue that Netanyahu acted within Israel's right to self-defence while his critics claim disproportionate use of force. Former prime minister (and Likud leader) Yitzhak Shamir once called Netanyahu the “angel of destruction”. Amid the fallout from the Gaza conflict, Netanyahu has shifted focus to Iran, long considered Israel’s most formidable adversary, with the escalating tensions between the two countries, the world is watching every move closely. The Netanyahu government launched a series of airstrikes in ban operation which they called 'Operation Rising Lion,' targeting sites linked to Iran’s nuclear and military infrastructure. Netanyahu has consistently labelled the country as an existential threat for Israel, and his current actions are widely seen as an attempt to reassert Israeli deterrence. Focus on Iran and why? The Iran operation has also had international ramifications. It comes at a time when regional alliances are shifting, and yet the global powers remain distracted by other conflicts, including Russia’s war in Ukraine. With the war-like situation in other countries as well, Israel’s assertive stance under Netanyahu reflects both a strategic calculation and a broader effort to shape Middle Eastern dynamics. Netanyahu remains a deeply polarising figure, but Netanyahu shares a close relationship with India. It is also important to mention that the India–Israel partnership deepened significantly over the past decade, with growing strategic, technological, and defence cooperation. To his base, Netanyahu is a guarantor of national security but to his opponents, he risks undermining democratic norms. Yet few dispute his political mastery. Whether through military decisions, coalition manoeuvring, or global messaging, he continues to define Israel’s direction more than any other individual. Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.

The early years of Benjamin Netanyahu were marked by military service in the elite Sayeret Matkal commando unit. He also fought in the 1973 Yom Kippur War, later even taking part in the 1972 rescue of hostages from a hijacked Sabena aircraft.&nbsp;

A devout patriot, master tactician or a relentless power broker? All about Benjamin Netanyahu, Israel’s most powerful man

Israel on Friday slammed a UN probe which concluded it was deliberately seeking to destroy healthcare in the Gaza Strip and abusing Palestinian detainees, branding the findings "outrageous".

The United Nations Independent International Commission of Inquiry (CoI) said Israel had "perpetrated a concerted policy to destroy Gaza's healthcare system".

The country is "committing war crimes and the crime against humanity of extermination with relentless and deliberate attacks on medical personnel and facilities", it added, in a report released Thursday.

Israel said it firmly rejected the allegations, in a statement from its mission in Geneva.

"This latest report is another blatant attempt by the CoI to delegitimise the very existence of the State of Israel and obstruct its right to protect its population, while covering up the crimes of terrorist organisations.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/maa-kalis-sacred-crown-stolen-from-bangladesh-temple-was-gifted-by-pm-modi-766517">India calls for investigation after deity's crown stolen from B'desh temple</a>

"This report shamelessly portrays Israel's operations in terror-infested health facilities in Gaza as a matter of policy against Gaza's health system, while entirely dismissing overwhelming evidence that medical facilities in Gaza have been systematically used by Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad for terrorist activities," it said.

Israel also rejected accusations of widespread and systematic abuse of Palestinian detainees, amounting to war crimes and crimes against humanity.

"Israel is fully committed to international legal standards regarding the treatment of detainees. This includes prohibition of excessive use of force and ill-treatment," the mission said.

It accused the commission of creating an "alternate reality", and thereby contributing to "the exacerbation of this conflict".

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/west-asia-crisis-us-wants-solution-in-lebanon-not-broader-conflict-says-blinken-766579">US wants solution in Lebanon, not broader conflict, says Blinken</a>

"We call on states to speak out against this prejudiced approach, which only serves to further stain the credibility of the Human Rights Council and the United Nations at large."

The three-person commission, established by the UN Human Rights Council in May 2021 to investigate alleged international law violations in Israel and the Palestinian territories, was publishing its second report since Hamas's October 7 attack a year ago, which sparked the ongoing war.

Israel invaded the Gaza Strip after last year's October 7 attack by Hamas militants that resulted in the deaths of 1,206 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli official figures, which include hostages killed in captivity.

Israel's retaliatory offensive has killed more than 42,000 people in Gaza, according to figures from the Hamas-run territory's health ministry that the UN has described as reliable.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Israel on Friday slammed a UN probe which concluded it was deliberately seeking to destroy healthcare in the Gaza Strip and abusing Palestinian detainees, branding the findings "outrageous".

Israel on Friday slammed a UN probe which concluded it was deliberately seeking to destroy healthcare in the Gaza Strip and abusing Palestinian detainees, branding the findings "outrageous". The United Nations Independent International Commission of Inquiry (CoI) said Israel had "perpetrated a concerted policy to destroy Gaza's healthcare system". The country is "committing war crimes and the crime against humanity of extermination with relentless and deliberate attacks on medical personnel and facilities", it added, in a report released Thursday. Israel said it firmly rejected the allegations, in a statement from its mission in Geneva. "This latest report is another blatant attempt by the CoI to delegitimise the very existence of the State of Israel and obstruct its right to protect its population, while covering up the crimes of terrorist organisations. Also Read | India calls for investigation after deity's crown stolen from B'desh temple "This report shamelessly portrays Israel's operations in terror-infested health facilities in Gaza as a matter of policy against Gaza's health system, while entirely dismissing overwhelming evidence that medical facilities in Gaza have been systematically used by Hamas and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad for terrorist activities," it said. Israel also rejected accusations of widespread and systematic abuse of Palestinian detainees, amounting to war crimes and crimes against humanity. "Israel is fully committed to international legal standards regarding the treatment of detainees. This includes prohibition of excessive use of force and ill-treatment," the mission said. It accused the commission of creating an "alternate reality", and thereby contributing to "the exacerbation of this conflict". Also Read | US wants solution in Lebanon, not broader conflict, says Blinken "We call on states to speak out against this prejudiced approach, which only serves to further stain the credibility of the Human Rights Council and the United Nations at large." The three-person commission, established by the UN Human Rights Council in May 2021 to investigate alleged international law violations in Israel and the Palestinian territories, was publishing its second report since Hamas's October 7 attack a year ago, which sparked the ongoing war. Israel invaded the Gaza Strip after last year's October 7 attack by Hamas militants that resulted in the deaths of 1,206 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli official figures, which include hostages killed in captivity. Israel's retaliatory offensive has killed more than 42,000 people in Gaza, according to figures from the Hamas-run territory's health ministry that the UN has described as reliable. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

'Outrageous': Israel slams UN probe accusing it of destroying Gaza healthcare system

A Turkish court on Monday released pending trial an Israeli footballer who was detained after displaying a message referring to the Israel-Hamas war during a first division match.

Sagiv Jehezkel, 28, held up a bandage on his wrist reading "100 days. 07/10" next to a Star of David when he celebrated scoring a goal for Antalyaspor against Trabzonspor on Sunday.

Turkish prosecutors launched a criminal investigation into Jehezkel's for alleged "incitement to hate", and his club tore up the forward's contract for "exhibiting behaviour that goes against our country's sensitivities".

Israel furiously condemned Jehezkel's detention, sending relations between the two regional powers to a new low.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/tennis-experienced-campaigners-andy-murray-stan-wawrinka-make-early-australian-open-exits-680152">Tennis: Experienced campaigners Andy Murray, Stan Wawrinka make early Australian Open exits</a>

"Turkey has become a dark dictatorship, working against humane values and sports values," Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz said. "I call on the international community and the international sports organisations to act against Turkey and against its political use of violence and threats against athletes."

An Israeli foreign ministry spokesman said Jehezkel would return to Israel later on Monday. Turkey's NTV television said Israel had sent a private plan to pick up the player and his family overnight.

The message on Jehezkel's bandage referred to the 100 days since the start of the Israel-Hamas war, which was marked on Sunday.

In testimony to the police, Jehezkel said he wanted to call attention to the hostages taken by Hamas and in no way intended to support the war.

"I am not a pro-war person," the private DHA news agency reported him as saying. "After all, there are also Israeli soldiers taken prisoner in Gaza. I am someone who believes that this 100-day period should end now. I want the war to end. That's why I showed the sign," he reportedly told the police.

On October 7, Hamas militants launched an attack in Israel, killing about 1,140 people and abducting around 250 others, 132 of whom remain in Gaza, according to Israeli officials.

In retaliation, Israel vowed to destroy Hamas and launched a relentless military assault on Gaza that has killed at least 23,968 people in the Palestinian territory, most of them women and children, according to Gaza's health ministry.

A Turkish court on Monday released pending trial an Israeli footballer who was detained after displaying a message referring to the Israel-Hamas war during a first division match.

A Turkish court on Monday released pending trial an Israeli footballer who was detained after displaying a message referring to the Israel-Hamas war during a first division match. Sagiv Jehezkel, 28, held up a bandage on his wrist reading "100 days. 07/10" next to a Star of David when he celebrated scoring a goal for Antalyaspor against Trabzonspor on Sunday. Turkish prosecutors launched a criminal investigation into Jehezkel's for alleged "incitement to hate", and his club tore up the forward's contract for "exhibiting behaviour that goes against our country's sensitivities". Israel furiously condemned Jehezkel's detention, sending relations between the two regional powers to a new low. ALSO READ: Tennis: Experienced campaigners Andy Murray, Stan Wawrinka make early Australian Open exits "Turkey has become a dark dictatorship, working against humane values and sports values," Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz said. "I call on the international community and the international sports organisations to act against Turkey and against its political use of violence and threats against athletes." An Israeli foreign ministry spokesman said Jehezkel would return to Israel later on Monday. Turkey's NTV television said Israel had sent a private plan to pick up the player and his family overnight. The message on Jehezkel's bandage referred to the 100 days since the start of the Israel-Hamas war, which was marked on Sunday. In testimony to the police, Jehezkel said he wanted to call attention to the hostages taken by Hamas and in no way intended to support the war. "I am not a pro-war person," the private DHA news agency reported him as saying. "After all, there are also Israeli soldiers taken prisoner in Gaza. I am someone who believes that this 100-day period should end now. I want the war to end. That's why I showed the sign," he reportedly told the police. On October 7, Hamas militants launched an attack in Israel, killing about 1,140 people and abducting around 250 others, 132 of whom remain in Gaza, according to Israeli officials. In retaliation, Israel vowed to destroy Hamas and launched a relentless military assault on Gaza that has killed at least 23,968 people in the Palestinian territory, most of them women and children, according to Gaza's health ministry.

Turkey court releases Israeli footballer jailed over Gaza war sign

As the Israel-Palestine conflict unfolds, it's the silent suffering of individuals in Gaza and Israel that often remains hidden. In Gaza, where perpetual violence has become a grim reality, a study from 2017 reveals the staggering extent of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Approximately 37 per cent of adults in Gaza meet the criteria for a PTSD diagnosis. The symptoms, including disrupted sleep, a constant state of alertness, and emotional numbness, directly result from the ongoing atrocities – the demolition of homes, oppressive policing, unlawful killings, detention without trial, and torture. The people here are not just battling the visible scars but also grappling with the invisible ones, trapped in a state of "learned helplessness" that can lead to depression.

The widening ripple effect

The impact of the conflict isn't confined within the borders of Gaza and Israel; it extends far beyond. The psychological repercussions touch both veterans and civilians in Israel. In recent years, bureaucratic obstacles and insufficient funding have left many veterans without the support they need. At least ten veterans have tragically taken their own lives in the past two years. The burden of PTSD is not limited to those who have served; it extends to a significant portion of the civilian population.

The psychological impact of this ongoing conflict reverberates globally. People with ties to the region and those concerned about the effects of war worldwide are also experiencing indirect repercussions. Consuming traumatic news through various media channels has detrimental effects. Driven by the power of visual imagery, these stories can become intrusive, leading to anxiety, depression, and acute stress reactions.

Children caught in the crossfire

The conflict's psychological toll does not discriminate by age. Children living amid the turmoil face profound emotional challenges. The constant state of uncertainty, with the looming threat of injury or loss of loved ones, leaves indelible scars. Signs of trauma in children manifest in various ways – regression, anxiety, emotional upheaval, and difficulties in understanding and coping with the ongoing conflict. The impact on their young minds is substantial and potentially long-lasting.

The hidden costs

The Israel-Palestine conflict underscores that the price of war extends beyond the physical destruction and casualties. It leaves a deep and enduring mark on the mental well-being of those directly and indirectly involved. The consequences of this invisible suffering, if left unaddressed, could impair not only individual lives but also the broader resilience of communities. It's a stark reminder that providing the necessary support and resources to help individuals and communities heal from the trauma of war is an urgent and vital endeavour.

As the Israel-Palestine conflict unfolds, it's the silent suffering of individuals in Gaza and Israel that often remains hidden. In Gaza, where perpetual violence has become a grim reality, a study from 2017 reveals the staggering extent of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

As the Israel-Palestine conflict unfolds, it's the silent suffering of individuals in Gaza and Israel that often remains hidden. In Gaza, where perpetual violence has become a grim reality, a study from 2017 reveals the staggering extent of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Approximately 37 per cent of adults in Gaza meet the criteria for a PTSD diagnosis. The symptoms, including disrupted sleep, a constant state of alertness, and emotional numbness, directly result from the ongoing atrocities – the demolition of homes, oppressive policing, unlawful killings, detention without trial, and torture. The people here are not just battling the visible scars but also grappling with the invisible ones, trapped in a state of "learned helplessness" that can lead to depression. The widening ripple effect The impact of the conflict isn't confined within the borders of Gaza and Israel; it extends far beyond. The psychological repercussions touch both veterans and civilians in Israel. In recent years, bureaucratic obstacles and insufficient funding have left many veterans without the support they need. At least ten veterans have tragically taken their own lives in the past two years. The burden of PTSD is not limited to those who have served; it extends to a significant portion of the civilian population. The psychological impact of this ongoing conflict reverberates globally. People with ties to the region and those concerned about the effects of war worldwide are also experiencing indirect repercussions. Consuming traumatic news through various media channels has detrimental effects. Driven by the power of visual imagery, these stories can become intrusive, leading to anxiety, depression, and acute stress reactions. Children caught in the crossfire The conflict's psychological toll does not discriminate by age. Children living amid the turmoil face profound emotional challenges. The constant state of uncertainty, with the looming threat of injury or loss of loved ones, leaves indelible scars. Signs of trauma in children manifest in various ways – regression, anxiety, emotional upheaval, and difficulties in understanding and coping with the ongoing conflict. The impact on their young minds is substantial and potentially long-lasting. The hidden costs The Israel-Palestine conflict underscores that the price of war extends beyond the physical destruction and casualties. It leaves a deep and enduring mark on the mental well-being of those directly and indirectly involved. The consequences of this invisible suffering, if left unaddressed, could impair not only individual lives but also the broader resilience of communities. It's a stark reminder that providing the necessary support and resources to help individuals and communities heal from the trauma of war is an urgent and vital endeavour.

Caught in conflict: The invisible scars of war in Gaza & Israel

A heartwarming video which purportedly shows a Palestinian journalist playing with a child amid Israeli airstrikes on Gaza is making rounds on social media and has since garnered millions of views. The video surfaced as the war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas rages on with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/soul-shattering-images-from-israel-and-palestine-show-chilling-reality-of-war-644814">soul-shattering visuals</a> emerging from Israel and Gaza.&nbsp; 
 
Watch the video here: 
 
Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos, videos and information shared on social media.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Palestinian journalist plays with a little baby boy who survived an lsraeli airstrike, Gaza. <a href="https://t.co/SaQpZd70yH">pic.twitter.com/SaQpZd70yH</a>
— TIMES OF GAZA (@Timesofgaza) <a href="https://twitter.com/Timesofgaza/status/1712517531292877163?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 12, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<h2> 
Situation in Gaza</h2>

Hamas launched a surprise attack on Saturday (Oct 7) which led to the death of 1,300 Israelis, mainly citizens and wounded thousands of others, while the Palestinian militant group also captured hundreds of people from southern Israel.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gazans-must-not-delay-evacuation-before-expected-offensive-starts-israel-646851">Gazans must not delay evacuation before expected offensive starts: Israel</a> 
 
Meanwhile, in Gaza, Israeli strikes have killed at least 324 people in the past 24 hours alone, including 126 children, claimed the Hamas-controlled health ministry, on Saturday. The total death toll has risen to 2,215, including 724 children.

The Israeli military dropped pamphlets across northern Gaza, on Friday (Oct 13) warning the densely populated region’s 1.1 million people to evacuate and move towards the south.&nbsp;

A report by Al Jazeera citing the ministry of health in Gaza said at least 28 medical staff have been killed and 15 hospitals have been damaged by Israeli shelling and air raids.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/middle-east/wion-exclusive-israeli-survivor-recounts-terror-at-music-festival-646688">'There were THOUSANDS...': Israeli survivor recounts terror at music festival to WION</a>

According to the UN’s humanitarian agency OCHA, more than 1,300 buildings and 5,540 “housing units” in the Gaza Strip have been destroyed. Additionally, around 3,750 more homes were so badly damaged they were uninhabitable, said the UN agency.&nbsp;

<h2>Israel accused of ‘war crimes’</h2>

In a letter addressed to United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh on Saturday (Oct 14) accused Israel of committing war crimes and preventing humanitarian aid from entering the blockaded enclave.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/true-humanitarian-crisis-gazans-walk-30-km-south-many-sheltering-at-al-shifa-hospital-reluctant-to-move-646463">Gaza student speaks to WION: People walking 30km to flee Israel stikes, many camping at hospital</a>

“Israeli atrocities amount to war crimes,” said the letter posted on the Palestinian group’s website, according to news agency AFP.&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.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

A heartwarming video which purportedly shows a Palestinian journalist playing with a child amid Israeli airstrikes on Gaza is making rounds on social media and has since garnered millions of views.

A heartwarming video which purportedly shows a Palestinian journalist playing with a child amid Israeli airstrikes on Gaza is making rounds on social media and has since garnered millions of views. The video surfaced as the war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas rages on with soul-shattering visuals emerging from Israel and Gaza. Watch the video here: Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos, videos and information shared on social media. Palestinian journalist plays with a little baby boy who survived an lsraeli airstrike, Gaza. pic.twitter.com/SaQpZd70yH — TIMES OF GAZA (@Timesofgaza) October 12, 2023 × Situation in Gaza Hamas launched a surprise attack on Saturday (Oct 7) which led to the death of 1,300 Israelis, mainly citizens and wounded thousands of others, while the Palestinian militant group also captured hundreds of people from southern Israel. ALSO READ | Gazans must not delay evacuation before expected offensive starts: Israel Meanwhile, in Gaza, Israeli strikes have killed at least 324 people in the past 24 hours alone, including 126 children, claimed the Hamas-controlled health ministry, on Saturday. The total death toll has risen to 2,215, including 724 children. The Israeli military dropped pamphlets across northern Gaza, on Friday (Oct 13) warning the densely populated region’s 1.1 million people to evacuate and move towards the south. A report by Al Jazeera citing the ministry of health in Gaza said at least 28 medical staff have been killed and 15 hospitals have been damaged by Israeli shelling and air raids. ALSO READ | 'There were THOUSANDS...': Israeli survivor recounts terror at music festival to WION According to the UN’s humanitarian agency OCHA, more than 1,300 buildings and 5,540 “housing units” in the Gaza Strip have been destroyed. Additionally, around 3,750 more homes were so badly damaged they were uninhabitable, said the UN agency. Israel accused of ‘war crimes’ In a letter addressed to United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh on Saturday (Oct 14) accused Israel of committing war crimes and preventing humanitarian aid from entering the blockaded enclave. ALSO READ | Gaza student speaks to WION: People walking 30km to flee Israel stikes, many camping at hospital “Israeli atrocities amount to war crimes,” said the letter posted on the Palestinian group’s website, according to news agency AFP. (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. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Watch | Heartwarming video shows Palestinian journalist playing with child amid Israeli airstrikes on Gaza

Palestinian armed groups fired salvoes of rockets from Gaza into southern Israel on Tuesday after an Islamic Jihad leader died in Israeli custody following an 87-day hunger strike, the first such death in more than three decades.

Khader Adnan, who was awaiting trial, was found unconscious in his cell and taken to a hospital, where he was declared dead after efforts to revive him, Israel's Prisons Service said.

Hundreds of people took to the streets in blockaded Gaza and the occupied West Bank to rally in support of Adnan and mourn his death, which Palestinian leaders described as an assassination. In Gaza, an umbrella group of armed Palestinian factions, including Hamas and Islamic Jihad, launched two separate rocket barrages towards Israel.

Watch |&nbsp;45-year-old Islamic Jihad member Khader Adnan dies is Israeli custody

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/45-year-old-islamic-jihad-member-khader-adnan-dies-is-israeli-custody-588164/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The Israeli military said at least three rockets were fired from Gaza in the hours after Adnan's death and a further 26 were launched later in the afternoon. Two landed in the southern city of Sderot, wounding three people, including a 25-year-old foreign national who Israel's ambulance service said sustained serious shrapnel wounds.

An Israeli Defence Force official said Israel would respond at a time and a place of its choosing.

Prime Minister Bejnamin Netanyahu held a meeting with security officials to assess the situation and the military said it was investigating how two rockets had penetrated the Iron Dome air defence system.

Since 2011, Adnan had conducted at least three hunger strikes in protest at detentions without charges by Israel. The tactic has been used by other Palestinian prisoners, sometimes en masse, but none had died since 1992.

Adnan's lawyer Jamil Al-Khatib and a doctor with a human rights group who recently met him accused Israeli authorities of withholding medical care.

"We demanded he be moved into a civilian hospital where he could be properly monitored. Unfortunately, such a demand was met by intransigence and rejection," Al-Khatib told Reuters.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tinder-swipes-left-on-russia-to-exit-the-warring-nation-by-june-30-588252">Tinder 'swipes left' on Russia, to 'dump' the warring nation by June 30</a>

Adnan, 45, was a baker and a father of nine from Jenin in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Islamic Jihad sources said he was one of its political leaders. The faction has a limited West Bank presence but is the second most powerful armed group in Hamas-ruled Gaza, where Israeli forces fought a brief war against it last August.

Lina Qasem-Hassan of Physicians for Human Rights in Israel said she saw Adnan on April 23, at which point he had lost 40 kg (88 pounds) and was having trouble breathing but was conscious.

"His death could have been avoided," Qasem Hassan told Reuters, saying several Israeli hospitals had refused to admit Adnan after he made brief visits to their emergency rooms.

The Prisons Service said hospitalisation had not been an option as Adnan had declined "even a preliminary inspection".

'Fight is continuing'

Physicians for Human Rights said Israeli authorities had denied requests by Adnan and his family to visit him in prison.

Speaking from the family's home in the northern West Bank town of Arraba near Jenin, Adnan's wife, Randa Musa, said: "Our message to all the resistance groups is, we do not want the weapons that were not used to free the sheikh (Adnan) to be used after his death. We do not want to see any bloodshed."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/sudan-100000-refugees-have-fled-into-neighbouring-countries-number-could-rise-to-800000-un-588196">Sudan: 100,000 refugees have fled into neighbouring countries, number could rise to 800,000 - UN</a>

Adnan's 9-year-old son Ali led a march through Arraba. Perched on a man's shoulders, he chanted, "Khader, you a hero, your name shook the prison!" as dozens followed.

Tuesday's rocket barrages came almost a month after the last cross-border exchanges of fire between Israel and Gaza, which followed an Israeli police raid in the al-Aqsa mosque complex during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

"Our fight is continuing and the enemy will realise once again that its crimes will not pass without a response," Islamic Jihad, which preaches Israel's destruction, said in a statement.

Israel said it was cancelling a military drill that had been planned for the areas surrounding Gaza "pursuant to a situational assessment", and was putting staff in security prisons on heightened alert.

According to the Palestinian Prisoners Association, Adnan had been arrested by Israel 12 times, spending around eight years in prison, mostly under so-called "administrative detention" - or detention without charges.

Israel says such detentions are required when evidence cannot be revealed in court due to the need to keep intelligence sources secret. Palestinians and rights groups say they deny due process of law.

This time, Adnan was arrested and indicted in an Israeli military court on charges that included links to an outlawed group and incitement to violence, the Prisons Service said.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Palestinian armed groups fired salvoes of rockets from Gaza into southern Israel on Tuesday after an Islamic Jihad leader died in Israeli custody following an 87-day hunger strike, the first such death in more than three decades.

Palestinian armed groups fired salvoes of rockets from Gaza into southern Israel on Tuesday after an Islamic Jihad leader died in Israeli custody following an 87-day hunger strike, the first such death in more than three decades. Khader Adnan, who was awaiting trial, was found unconscious in his cell and taken to a hospital, where he was declared dead after efforts to revive him, Israel's Prisons Service said. Hundreds of people took to the streets in blockaded Gaza and the occupied West Bank to rally in support of Adnan and mourn his death, which Palestinian leaders described as an assassination. In Gaza, an umbrella group of armed Palestinian factions, including Hamas and Islamic Jihad, launched two separate rocket barrages towards Israel. Watch | 45-year-old Islamic Jihad member Khader Adnan dies is Israeli custody The Israeli military said at least three rockets were fired from Gaza in the hours after Adnan's death and a further 26 were launched later in the afternoon. Two landed in the southern city of Sderot, wounding three people, including a 25-year-old foreign national who Israel's ambulance service said sustained serious shrapnel wounds. An Israeli Defence Force official said Israel would respond at a time and a place of its choosing. Prime Minister Bejnamin Netanyahu held a meeting with security officials to assess the situation and the military said it was investigating how two rockets had penetrated the Iron Dome air defence system. Since 2011, Adnan had conducted at least three hunger strikes in protest at detentions without charges by Israel. The tactic has been used by other Palestinian prisoners, sometimes en masse, but none had died since 1992. Adnan's lawyer Jamil Al-Khatib and a doctor with a human rights group who recently met him accused Israeli authorities of withholding medical care. "We demanded he be moved into a civilian hospital where he could be properly monitored. Unfortunately, such a demand was met by intransigence and rejection," Al-Khatib told Reuters. Also read | Tinder 'swipes left' on Russia, to 'dump' the warring nation by June 30 Adnan, 45, was a baker and a father of nine from Jenin in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Islamic Jihad sources said he was one of its political leaders. The faction has a limited West Bank presence but is the second most powerful armed group in Hamas-ruled Gaza, where Israeli forces fought a brief war against it last August. Lina Qasem-Hassan of Physicians for Human Rights in Israel said she saw Adnan on April 23, at which point he had lost 40 kg (88 pounds) and was having trouble breathing but was conscious. "His death could have been avoided," Qasem Hassan told Reuters, saying several Israeli hospitals had refused to admit Adnan after he made brief visits to their emergency rooms. The Prisons Service said hospitalisation had not been an option as Adnan had declined "even a preliminary inspection". 'Fight is continuing' Physicians for Human Rights said Israeli authorities had denied requests by Adnan and his family to visit him in prison. Speaking from the family's home in the northern West Bank town of Arraba near Jenin, Adnan's wife, Randa Musa, said: "Our message to all the resistance groups is, we do not want the weapons that were not used to free the sheikh (Adnan) to be used after his death. We do not want to see any bloodshed." Also read | Sudan: 100,000 refugees have fled into neighbouring countries, number could rise to 800,000 - UN Adnan's 9-year-old son Ali led a march through Arraba. Perched on a man's shoulders, he chanted, "Khader, you a hero, your name shook the prison!" as dozens followed. Tuesday's rocket barrages came almost a month after the last cross-border exchanges of fire between Israel and Gaza, which followed an Israeli police raid in the al-Aqsa mosque complex during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. "Our fight is continuing and the enemy will realise once again that its crimes will not pass without a response," Islamic Jihad, which preaches Israel's destruction, said in a statement. Israel said it was cancelling a military drill that had been planned for the areas surrounding Gaza "pursuant to a situational assessment", and was putting staff in security prisons on heightened alert. According to the Palestinian Prisoners Association, Adnan had been arrested by Israel 12 times, spending around eight years in prison, mostly under so-called "administrative detention" - or detention without charges. Israel says such detentions are required when evidence cannot be revealed in court due to the need to keep intelligence sources secret. Palestinians and rights groups say they deny due process of law. This time, Adnan was arrested and indicted in an Israeli military court on charges that included links to an outlawed group and incitement to violence, the Prisons Service said. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Rockets fired from Gaza after Palestinian hunger striker dies in Israeli custody

India has called the ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza a "matter of grave concern" and that "violence has not completely subsided despite hectic diplomatic parleys, development initiatives". Conflict broke out between Israel and Gaza-based Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) and since then worries are growing amid growing violence.

Speaking at the United Nations security council meeting on the situation in Gaza, India's new Ambassador to United Nations Ruchira Kamboj, said," The latest cycle has, once again, caused immense suffering and resulted in the loss of precious civilian lives, including children, and has left several injured and traumatized. We extend our deepest condolences to all those affected and their families."

These are the first public comments by India after hostilities broke between the two&nbsp;sides. The conflict came almost a year after clashes broke out in May of last year that lasted for 11 days. This time the violence broke out after Israel arrested Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) commander which was followed by strikes by the group. In retaliation, Israel conducted its own strikes.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-re-opens-gaza-crossings-after-declaring-truce-with-palestine-505015" hreflang="en">Israel re-opens Gaza crossings after declaring truce with Palestine</a>

Ambassador Ruchira lauded Egypt's role in working on a ceasefire between the two&nbsp;sides. She said, "We support the diplomatic efforts of the UN and members of the international community, the countries in the region, especially Egypt, that has led to a ceasefire, to calm the situation further and seek to achieve durable peace.". She further added, "We urge all parties to de-escalate the situation to ensure that this does not spiral out of control."

India has good relations with Israel, which are incrementally growing, and has been an important development partner of Palestine. This year India and Israel are celebrating 30 years of establishment of formal relationship and are part of groupings like I2U2. As for Palestine, New Delhi has in the past extended economic assistance for various projects. Indian govt supported the construction of the Jawaharlal Nehru Library at the Al Azhar University in Gaza city and the Mahatma Gandhi Library-cum-Student Activity Centre at the Palestine Technical College at Deir Al Balah in the Gaza Strip.

Indian envoy to the UN recalled New Delhi's long-standing policy on the issue. She said, "Long-term peace in Israel and Palestine can be achieved only through a negotiated two-state solution leading to the establishment of a sovereign, independent and viable State of Palestine living within secure and recognized borders, side by side, at peace with Israel, taking into consideration the legitimate security needs of Israel. "

She called on for the "resumption of direct peace negotiations between the parties, which, we believe, is the best path towards achieving the goal of a two-state solution" and that the "UN and the international community must prioritize the revival of these negotiations."

Watch WION's live TV here:

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

&nbsp;

India has called the ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza a "matter of grave concern" and that "violence has not completely subsided despite hectic diplomatic parleys, development initiatives".

India has called the ongoing conflict between Israel and Gaza a "matter of grave concern" and that "violence has not completely subsided despite hectic diplomatic parleys, development initiatives". Conflict broke out between Israel and Gaza-based Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) and since then worries are growing amid growing violence. Speaking at the United Nations security council meeting on the situation in Gaza, India's new Ambassador to United Nations Ruchira Kamboj, said," The latest cycle has, once again, caused immense suffering and resulted in the loss of precious civilian lives, including children, and has left several injured and traumatized. We extend our deepest condolences to all those affected and their families." These are the first public comments by India after hostilities broke between the two sides. The conflict came almost a year after clashes broke out in May of last year that lasted for 11 days. This time the violence broke out after Israel arrested Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) commander which was followed by strikes by the group. In retaliation, Israel conducted its own strikes. Also read | Israel re-opens Gaza crossings after declaring truce with Palestine Ambassador Ruchira lauded Egypt's role in working on a ceasefire between the two sides. She said, "We support the diplomatic efforts of the UN and members of the international community, the countries in the region, especially Egypt, that has led to a ceasefire, to calm the situation further and seek to achieve durable peace.". She further added, "We urge all parties to de-escalate the situation to ensure that this does not spiral out of control." India has good relations with Israel, which are incrementally growing, and has been an important development partner of Palestine. This year India and Israel are celebrating 30 years of establishment of formal relationship and are part of groupings like I2U2. As for Palestine, New Delhi has in the past extended economic assistance for various projects. Indian govt supported the construction of the Jawaharlal Nehru Library at the Al Azhar University in Gaza city and the Mahatma Gandhi Library-cum-Student Activity Centre at the Palestine Technical College at Deir Al Balah in the Gaza Strip. Indian envoy to the UN recalled New Delhi's long-standing policy on the issue. She said, "Long-term peace in Israel and Palestine can be achieved only through a negotiated two-state solution leading to the establishment of a sovereign, independent and viable State of Palestine living within secure and recognized borders, side by side, at peace with Israel, taking into consideration the legitimate security needs of Israel. " She called on for the "resumption of direct peace negotiations between the parties, which, we believe, is the best path towards achieving the goal of a two-state solution" and that the "UN and the international community must prioritize the revival of these negotiations." Watch WION's live TV here: ×

At UNSC, India's envoy Ruchira Kamboj calls Israel-Gaza conflict 'matter of grave concern'

A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip held ground on Saturday. Officials said that Egyptian mediators are interacting with both the sides on establishing long-term peace.

The ceasefire came into force on Friday after 11 days of cross-border shelling which caused major destruction in Gaza and Israel. International players were worried that the fighting would escalate into a regional conflict.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-palestine-conflict-hamas-chief-claims-victory-after-truce-386656/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

With US support, Egypt mediated the halt to the fighting. On Friday, Egypt sent a delegation to Israel to discuss ways of easing the ceasefire including aid for those affected in Gaza, Reuters cited Hamas officials as saying. The officials have been trying to facilitate talks between Israel and Gaza with the talks continuing on Saturday.

Even after the ceasefire, Israeli police and Palestinian protesters clashed in Jerusalem on Friday.&nbsp;But no rockets were launched from Gaza or Israel on Saturday morning.

On Thursday, US President Joe Biden said that Washington would work with the United Nations to bring humanitarian aid to Gaza.&nbsp;The agency also has safeguards against the money being used to arm Hamas.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/israel-hamas-conflict-now-the-narrative-war-begins-amid-ceasefire-386592" hreflang="en">Israel-Hamas conflict: Now, the narrative war begins amid ceasefire</a>

The Palestinian death toll has been put at 248, including 66 children according to medical officers in Gaza.

According to Israel, over 200 Hamas fighters and members of the allied faction Islamic Jihad were killed by its strikes.&nbsp;

In addition, it claimed that 17 civilian fatalities in Gaza were a result of militants’ rockets malfunctioning.&nbsp; In Israel, attacks from Palestine have killed 13 people including two children, three foreign workers and a soldier.

A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip held ground on Saturday. Officials said that Egyptian mediators are interacting with both the sides on establishing long-term peace.

A ceasefire between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip held ground on Saturday. Officials said that Egyptian mediators are interacting with both the sides on establishing long-term peace. The ceasefire came into force on Friday after 11 days of cross-border shelling which caused major destruction in Gaza and Israel. International players were worried that the fighting would escalate into a regional conflict. With US support, Egypt mediated the halt to the fighting. On Friday, Egypt sent a delegation to Israel to discuss ways of easing the ceasefire including aid for those affected in Gaza, Reuters cited Hamas officials as saying. The officials have been trying to facilitate talks between Israel and Gaza with the talks continuing on Saturday. Even after the ceasefire, Israeli police and Palestinian protesters clashed in Jerusalem on Friday. But no rockets were launched from Gaza or Israel on Saturday morning. On Thursday, US President Joe Biden said that Washington would work with the United Nations to bring humanitarian aid to Gaza. The agency also has safeguards against the money being used to arm Hamas. Also read: Israel-Hamas conflict: Now, the narrative war begins amid ceasefire The Palestinian death toll has been put at 248, including 66 children according to medical officers in Gaza. According to Israel, over 200 Hamas fighters and members of the allied faction Islamic Jihad were killed by its strikes. In addition, it claimed that 17 civilian fatalities in Gaza were a result of militants’ rockets malfunctioning. In Israel, attacks from Palestine have killed 13 people including two children, three foreign workers and a soldier.

Ceasefire between Israel and Gaza holds as Egyptian mediators eye long-term peace

The owner of a building in Gaza which was destroyed in Israeli airstrike is raising a complaint&nbsp;with the International Criminal Court. The building in question is called Jala Tower, which was destroyed on May 15. The building housed the offices of Associated Press and Al Jazeera.

According to the owner Jawad Mehdi, the flattening of the building counts as a “war crime”. "The owner of this building, who is a Palestinian, has mandated his lawyers to file a war crime complaint with the International Criminal Court,"&nbsp; the man’s lawyer Gilles Devers said in a statement.

In addition, Devers told AFP that Israel could show “no military objective” for the attack. "We hear a lot that this tower could have been destroyed because there was equipment or an armed resistance team. This is something that we totally deny after studying the case," Devers added.

The lawyer added how international law states that civilian property may be harmed only if it is used for military purposes, which was “not the case”. The complaint would be forwarded formally to the court by email on Friday.

After the attack, Israel claimed that Hamas military intelligence units were operating from the building. At the time, an Israeli intelligence officer told Mehdi that he had an hour to evacuate the building, before a missile struck it.

Once complaints to ICC are submitted, it is not under any obligation to take all into account and can independently decide which cases to forward to court judges.

The owner of a building in Gaza which was destroyed in Israeli airstrike is raising a complaint with the International Criminal Court. The building in question is called Jala Tower, which was destroyed on May 15.

The owner of a building in Gaza which was destroyed in Israeli airstrike is raising a complaint with the International Criminal Court. The building in question is called Jala Tower, which was destroyed on May 15. The building housed the offices of Associated Press and Al Jazeera. According to the owner Jawad Mehdi, the flattening of the building counts as a “war crime”. "The owner of this building, who is a Palestinian, has mandated his lawyers to file a war crime complaint with the International Criminal Court," the man’s lawyer Gilles Devers said in a statement. In addition, Devers told AFP that Israel could show “no military objective” for the attack. "We hear a lot that this tower could have been destroyed because there was equipment or an armed resistance team. This is something that we totally deny after studying the case," Devers added. The lawyer added how international law states that civilian property may be harmed only if it is used for military purposes, which was “not the case”. The complaint would be forwarded formally to the court by email on Friday. After the attack, Israel claimed that Hamas military intelligence units were operating from the building. At the time, an Israeli intelligence officer told Mehdi that he had an hour to evacuate the building, before a missile struck it. Once complaints to ICC are submitted, it is not under any obligation to take all into account and can independently decide which cases to forward to court judges.

Owner of destroyed Gaza building which housed media offices files ICC complaint

Misinformation, hate speech and calls for violence about the conflict have circulated on social media platforms amid the deadly fighting.

Facebook Inc set up a 24-7 "special operations centre" last week to respond to content posted on its platform about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict amid violence in the region, the company said on Wednesday.

Misinformation, hate speech and calls for violence about the conflict have circulated on social media platforms amid the deadly fighting.

"This operations centre allows us to closely monitor the situation so we can remove content that violates our community standards faster, while also addressing possible errors in enforcement," Monika Bickert, Facebook's vice president of content policy, told reporters on a conference call.

Facebook has previously set up similar operations centres to focus on situations like global elections.

Facebook spokesman Andy Stone told Reuters that Facebook's head of global affairs, Nick Clegg, and other executives had on Tuesday spoken to Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh. Facebook executives previously met with Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz via Zoom, Politico reported last week.

A Reuters fact-checking team has debunked images shared on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram that falsely claim to be related to the conflict.

The New York Times reported on Wednesday that Jewish extremists had formed new groups on WhatsApp, the Facebook-owned encrypted messaging service, to commit violence against Palestinians.

"As a private messaging service, we do not have access to the contents of people's chats through when information is reported to us, we take action to ban accounts we believe may be involved in causing imminent harm," a WhatsApp spokesman said. "We also quickly respond to valid legal requests from law enforcement for the limited information available to us."

Social media platforms have also faced accusations of censorship. Last week, BuzzFeed News reported that Facebook-owned Instagram had mistakenly removed content about al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem where Israeli security police clashed with worshippers.

The Thomson Reuters Foundation also reported that Instagram and Twitter Inc had blamed glitches for the deletion of posts mentioning the possible eviction of Palestinians from East Jerusalem.

Facebook has banned Gaza's Islamist rulers Hamas from its platform and removes content praising the group regarded by Israel, the United States and the European Union as a terrorist group.

Facebook's Bickert said the new operations centre was staffed by experts, including native Arabic and Hebrew speakers. California-based Facebook has been criticized in the past for lacking local language expertise and resources amid violent situations in other countries.

Misinformation, hate speech and calls for violence about the conflict have circulated on social media platforms amid the deadly fighting. Facebook Inc set up a 24-7 "special operations centre" last week to respond to content posted on its platform about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict amid violence in the region, the company said on Wednesday.

Misinformation, hate speech and calls for violence about the conflict have circulated on social media platforms amid the deadly fighting. Facebook Inc set up a 24-7 "special operations centre" last week to respond to content posted on its platform about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict amid violence in the region, the company said on Wednesday. Misinformation, hate speech and calls for violence about the conflict have circulated on social media platforms amid the deadly fighting. "This operations centre allows us to closely monitor the situation so we can remove content that violates our community standards faster, while also addressing possible errors in enforcement," Monika Bickert, Facebook's vice president of content policy, told reporters on a conference call. Facebook has previously set up similar operations centres to focus on situations like global elections. Facebook spokesman Andy Stone told Reuters that Facebook's head of global affairs, Nick Clegg, and other executives had on Tuesday spoken to Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh. Facebook executives previously met with Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz via Zoom, Politico reported last week. A Reuters fact-checking team has debunked images shared on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram that falsely claim to be related to the conflict. The New York Times reported on Wednesday that Jewish extremists had formed new groups on WhatsApp, the Facebook-owned encrypted messaging service, to commit violence against Palestinians. "As a private messaging service, we do not have access to the contents of people's chats through when information is reported to us, we take action to ban accounts we believe may be involved in causing imminent harm," a WhatsApp spokesman said. "We also quickly respond to valid legal requests from law enforcement for the limited information available to us." Social media platforms have also faced accusations of censorship. Last week, BuzzFeed News reported that Facebook-owned Instagram had mistakenly removed content about al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem where Israeli security police clashed with worshippers. The Thomson Reuters Foundation also reported that Instagram and Twitter Inc had blamed glitches for the deletion of posts mentioning the possible eviction of Palestinians from East Jerusalem. Facebook has banned Gaza's Islamist rulers Hamas from its platform and removes content praising the group regarded by Israel, the United States and the European Union as a terrorist group. Facebook's Bickert said the new operations centre was staffed by experts, including native Arabic and Hebrew speakers. California-based Facebook has been criticized in the past for lacking local language expertise and resources amid violent situations in other countries.

Facebook deploys special team to tackle misinformation, hate speech on Israel-Gaza conflict

Former Israeli Diplomat Alon Pinkas who has been advisor to 4 Israeli Foreign Ministers, speaks to WION on Israel-Gaza conflict.

Former Israeli Diplomat Alon Pinkas speaks to WION on Israel-Gaza conflict

Israel-Gaza tensions: Islamic Jihad & Israel confirm ceasefire agreement. Watch video to know more.

Israel-Gaza tensions: Islamic Jihad & Israel confirm ceasefire agreement