The Palestinian militant group Hamas allegedly used sexual violence as "part of a deliberate genocidal strategy" during the October 7 attack on Israel, a group of Israeli legal and gender experts claimed in a new report.The Dinah Project, in its report, stated what it describes as a "legal blueprint for prosecuting these crimes, even when direct attribution to individual perpetrators is impossible".The report is based on a review of evidence, which further includes testimony from a survivor of an attempted rape and 15 former hostages held in Gaza.According to the report, the Palestinian militant group used sexual violence as a "tactical weapon", as part of a genocidal scheme and with the goal of "terrorising and dehumanising Israeli society".It also "creates a pathway to justice for victims of the 7 October attack and potentially for victims in other conflict zones", the group stressed.The authors of the report stated that they reviewed several sources from social media as well as recorded testimonies. They also gathered forensic evidence and visual and audio evidence.One of the 15 former hostages said that she was forced to perform a sexual act, which was preceded by sexual abuse and verbal and physical sexual harassment, as per the report. While continuing to express her ordeal, she also said that she endured forced nudity.Almost all the hostages reported verbal and some physical harassment, including "unwanted physical contact in private parts", the report read. While six hostages alleged that they also faced threats of forced marriages.Not just women, two men hostages also alleged that they were subjected to forced nudity and physical abuse when naked.According to the report, five witnesses reported at least four separate cases of gang rape. Moreover, 27 first responders described dozens of cases which showed "clear signs of sexual violence across six locations", including the Nova festival, Route 232, and the kibbutzim of Be'eri, Alumim, Nahal Oz and Re'im.<h2>Hamas denies allegation of ‘sexual abuse’</h2>&nbsp;However, Hamas has denied the allegations, saying that they did not commit sexual violence or mistreat any women while keeping them hostage.In March 2024, a United Nations mission concluded that there were "reasonable grounds" to believe that conflict-related sexual violence happened during the October 7 attack in Israel, including rape and gang rape. It added that there was "convincing information" that the Israeli hostages faced sexual violence and sexualised torture.&nbsp;

According to the report, the Palestinian militant group used sexual violence as a "tactical weapon", as part of a genocidal scheme and with the goal of "terrorising and dehumanising Israeli society".

The Palestinian militant group Hamas allegedly used sexual violence as "part of a deliberate genocidal strategy" during the October 7 attack on Israel, a group of Israeli legal and gender experts claimed in a new report. The Dinah Project, in its report, stated what it describes as a "legal blueprint for prosecuting these crimes, even when direct attribution to individual perpetrators is impossible". The report is based on a review of evidence, which further includes testimony from a survivor of an attempted rape and 15 former hostages held in Gaza. According to the report, the Palestinian militant group used sexual violence as a "tactical weapon", as part of a genocidal scheme and with the goal of "terrorising and dehumanising Israeli society". It also "creates a pathway to justice for victims of the 7 October attack and potentially for victims in other conflict zones", the group stressed. The authors of the report stated that they reviewed several sources from social media as well as recorded testimonies. They also gathered forensic evidence and visual and audio evidence. One of the 15 former hostages said that she was forced to perform a sexual act, which was preceded by sexual abuse and verbal and physical sexual harassment, as per the report. While continuing to express her ordeal, she also said that she endured forced nudity. Almost all the hostages reported verbal and some physical harassment, including "unwanted physical contact in private parts", the report read. While six hostages alleged that they also faced threats of forced marriages. Not just women, two men hostages also alleged that they were subjected to forced nudity and physical abuse when naked. According to the report, five witnesses reported at least four separate cases of gang rape. Moreover, 27 first responders described dozens of cases which showed "clear signs of sexual violence across six locations", including the Nova festival, Route 232, and the kibbutzim of Be'eri, Alumim, Nahal Oz and Re'im. Hamas denies allegation of ‘sexual abuse’ However, Hamas has denied the allegations, saying that they did not commit sexual violence or mistreat any women while keeping them hostage. In March 2024, a United Nations mission concluded that there were "reasonable grounds" to believe that conflict-related sexual violence happened during the October 7 attack in Israel, including rape and gang rape. It added that there was "convincing information" that the Israeli hostages faced sexual violence and sexualised torture.

According to the report, the Palestinian militant group used sexual violence as a "tactical weapon", as part of a genocidal scheme and with the goal of "terrorising and dehumanising Israeli society".

Did Hamas use sexual violence as 'tactical weapon'? Israeli report accuses militant group of terrorising society

In a major success claimed by the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF), Hamas' naval commander Ramzi Ramadan Abd Ali Saleh has been eliminated along with other members of the Palestinian militant group, said IDF on Sunday (July 6).&nbsp;Saleh, Hamas' top naval commander in northern Gaza was involved in planning several terrorist attacks against the Israeli forces in the recent months.&nbsp;"Saleh was a significant source of knowledge in the Hamas terrorist organisation, and in recent weeks was involved in planning and advancing maritime terrorist attacks against IDF troops operating in the Gaza Strip, said IDF.&nbsp;The deputy head of the militant group's mortar shell array cell, Hisham Ayman Atiya Mansour was also killed in the attack.&nbsp;The IDF claimed to take utmost care in minimising civilian casualties while carrying out the attack against both the Hamas leaders.&nbsp;Taking to the microblogging site X, the IDF wrote, “ELIMINATED: Commander of Hamas’ Naval Force in northern Gaza and additional terrorists. The terrorist Ramzi Ramadan Abd Ali Saleh was eliminated by the IDF in Gaza City. Saleh was a significant source of knowledge within Hamas and in recent weeks, was involved in planning and advancing maritime terrorist attacks against IDF troops operating in Gaza.”&nbsp;The claims have been made by the Israeli military amid Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu preparing &nbsp;to leave for Washington, where he is scheduled to meet US President Donald Trump on Monday.&nbsp;Netanyahu trip will be his third meeting with Trump since the US President took oath for the second term in January. During his trip Netanyahu will also meet Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State and National Security Advisor Marco Rubio and Secretary of Defence Pete Hasegawa among other leaders.&nbsp;Recently, the Israeli military said it had killed Mohammed Deif, Hamas’ top military chief, and Mohammed Sinwar, a key commander and brother of Hamas’ former leader.&nbsp;

Ramzi Ramadan Abd Ali Saleh  was involved in planning several terrorist attacks against the Israeli forces in the recent months.

In a major success claimed by the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF), Hamas' naval commander Ramzi Ramadan Abd Ali Saleh has been eliminated along with other members of the Palestinian militant group, said IDF on Sunday (July 6). Saleh, Hamas' top naval commander in northern Gaza was involved in planning several terrorist attacks against the Israeli forces in the recent months. "Saleh was a significant source of knowledge in the Hamas terrorist organisation, and in recent weeks was involved in planning and advancing maritime terrorist attacks against IDF troops operating in the Gaza Strip, said IDF. The deputy head of the militant group's mortar shell array cell, Hisham Ayman Atiya Mansour was also killed in the attack. The IDF claimed to take utmost care in minimising civilian casualties while carrying out the attack against both the Hamas leaders. Taking to the microblogging site X, the IDF wrote, “ELIMINATED: Commander of Hamas’ Naval Force in northern Gaza and additional terrorists. The terrorist Ramzi Ramadan Abd Ali Saleh was eliminated by the IDF in Gaza City. Saleh was a significant source of knowledge within Hamas and in recent weeks, was involved in planning and advancing maritime terrorist attacks against IDF troops operating in Gaza.” The claims have been made by the Israeli military amid Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu preparing to leave for Washington, where he is scheduled to meet US President Donald Trump on Monday. Netanyahu trip will be his third meeting with Trump since the US President took oath for the second term in January. During his trip Netanyahu will also meet Vice President JD Vance, Secretary of State and National Security Advisor Marco Rubio and Secretary of Defence Pete Hasegawa among other leaders. Recently, the Israeli military said it had killed Mohammed Deif, Hamas’ top military chief, and Mohammed Sinwar, a key commander and brother of Hamas’ former leader.

Ramzi Ramadan Abd Ali Saleh &nbsp;was involved in planning several terrorist attacks against the Israeli forces in the recent months.

Israel airstrikes kill Hamas naval commander in Gaza ahead of Netanyahu's meeting with Trump

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he was sending a negotiating team to Qatar Sunday for talks on a truce in Gaza, but rejected Hamas's earlier ceasefire proposals."The changes that Hamas is seeking to make in the Qatari proposal were conveyed to us last night and are unacceptable to Israel," said a statement from his office."In light of an assessment of the situation, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has directed that the invitation to proximity talks be accepted and that the contacts for the return of our hostages – on the basis of the Qatari proposal that Israel has agreed to – be continued," the statement added."The negotiating team will leave tomorrow (Sunday) for the talks in Qatar."Hamas announced late on Friday that it was ready to start talks "immediately" on a US-sponsored proposal for a Gaza ceasefire.US President Donald Trump has been making a renewed push to end nearly 21 months of war in Gaza, and Netanyahu is due in Washington for talks with him on Monday.Trump has vowed to be tough on Netanyahu as he hopes to use the momentum from the truce between Iran and Israel to secure a ceasefire in the devastated Palestinian territory, too.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.

"The changes that Hamas is seeking to make in the Qatari proposal were conveyed to us last night and are unacceptable to Israel," said a statement from his office.

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he was sending a negotiating team to Qatar Sunday for talks on a truce in Gaza, but rejected Hamas's earlier ceasefire proposals. "The changes that Hamas is seeking to make in the Qatari proposal were conveyed to us last night and are unacceptable to Israel," said a statement from his office. "In light of an assessment of the situation, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has directed that the invitation to proximity talks be accepted and that the contacts for the return of our hostages – on the basis of the Qatari proposal that Israel has agreed to – be continued," the statement added. "The negotiating team will leave tomorrow (Sunday) for the talks in Qatar." Hamas announced late on Friday that it was ready to start talks "immediately" on a US-sponsored proposal for a Gaza ceasefire. US President Donald Trump has been making a renewed push to end nearly 21 months of war in Gaza, and Netanyahu is due in Washington for talks with him on Monday. Trump has vowed to be tough on Netanyahu as he hopes to use the momentum from the truce between Iran and Israel to secure a ceasefire in the devastated Palestinian territory, too. 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.

"The changes that Hamas is seeking to make in the Qatari proposal were conveyed to us last night and are unacceptable to Israel," said a statement from his office.

Israel agrees to Qatar talks on Gaza truce — but slams Hamas’s 'unacceptable' demands

US President Donald Trump has been pushing for a Gaza ceasefire as he said that Israel has agreed to terms for a 60-day ceasefire, but Hamas's decision is yet to come. Trump said that in the next 24 hours, it would probably be known whether the Palestinian militant group has agreed to the "final proposal" or not.Just months back, another ceasefire proposal was put on the table and agreed to by both sides, but it didn't do well and collapsed.Later, in May, another proposal was floated but Hamas stressed that it is just a way for Israel to continue the war after a brief pause, instead of a permanent end to the war.<h2>How will it be different this time?</h2>The Qatari mediators put forward the proposal, which involves Hamas releasing ten living hostages and the bodies of 18 deceased hostages over the 60-day period. In exchange, Israel will release a number of Palestinian prisoners.If they reach a long-term deal, the remaining 22 hostages would also be released.The 60-day ceasefire period would also include negotiations for a permanent end to hostilities. Moreover, the plan is no different than the last ceasefire, which was for eight week and had three phases, beginning from January to March.However, turned out to be fragile, and the ceasefire collapsed after the first phase of hostage exchanges.Hamas has been pushing for a long-term ceasefire, meaning to end the war permanently and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. But, Israel, on the other side, wants the complete elimination of Hamas, dismantling and disarming the Palestinian militant group of its military wing.Netanyahu on Wednesday called for the elimination of the Hamas terror group in his first public remarks since US President Donald Trump said that Israel has agreed to a 60-day truce in Gaza, calling it the "final deal" for Hamas. Netanyahu, during a meeting hosted by the Trans-Israel pipeline, said, "There will not be a Hamas. There will not be a Hamastan."Next week, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Trump are scheduled to meet in Washington, to discuss the Gaza ceasefire deal.

The Qatari mediators put forward the proposal, which involves Hamas releasing ten living hostages and the bodies of 18 deceased hostages over the 60-day period. In exchange, Israel will release a number of Palestinian prisoners.

US President Donald Trump has been pushing for a Gaza ceasefire as he said that Israel has agreed to terms for a 60-day ceasefire, but Hamas's decision is yet to come. Trump said that in the next 24 hours, it would probably be known whether the Palestinian militant group has agreed to the "final proposal" or not. Just months back, another ceasefire proposal was put on the table and agreed to by both sides, but it didn't do well and collapsed. Later, in May, another proposal was floated but Hamas stressed that it is just a way for Israel to continue the war after a brief pause, instead of a permanent end to the war. How will it be different this time? The Qatari mediators put forward the proposal, which involves Hamas releasing ten living hostages and the bodies of 18 deceased hostages over the 60-day period. In exchange, Israel will release a number of Palestinian prisoners. If they reach a long-term deal, the remaining 22 hostages would also be released. The 60-day ceasefire period would also include negotiations for a permanent end to hostilities. Moreover, the plan is no different than the last ceasefire, which was for eight week and had three phases, beginning from January to March. However, turned out to be fragile, and the ceasefire collapsed after the first phase of hostage exchanges. Hamas has been pushing for a long-term ceasefire, meaning to end the war permanently and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. But, Israel, on the other side, wants the complete elimination of Hamas, dismantling and disarming the Palestinian militant group of its military wing. Netanyahu on Wednesday called for the elimination of the Hamas terror group in his first public remarks since US President Donald Trump said that Israel has agreed to a 60-day truce in Gaza, calling it the "final deal" for Hamas. Netanyahu, during a meeting hosted by the Trans-Israel pipeline, said, "There will not be a Hamas. There will not be a Hamastan." Next week, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Trump are scheduled to meet in Washington, to discuss the Gaza ceasefire deal.

The Qatari mediators put forward the proposal, which involves Hamas releasing ten living hostages and the bodies of 18 deceased hostages over the 60-day period. In exchange, Israel will release a number of Palestinian prisoners.

New Gaza hostage & ceasefire deal: How will it be different this time from March - EXPLAINED as Trump pushes Hamas for truce

Just hours after the Hamas terror group agreed to a ceasefire proposal, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) on Saturday (July 5) reported that the terror group launched two rockets from the Gaza Strip toward Kissufim, southern Israel. A red alert was activated moments ago in the community.The Israeli forces added that both rockets were intercepted by the Air Force, adding that no injuries or damage have been reported.Israel War Room took to X, stating, "Hamas terrorists launched two rockets from the Gaza Strip toward southern Israel."This comes after US President Donald Trump has been pushing for a Gaza hostage and ceasefire deal, to which Israel agreed to a 60-day ceasefire. Later, Hamas also accepted the framework, paving the way for US-backed negotiations with Israel.The terror group stated, "The Hamas movement has completed its internal consultations and discussions with Palestinian factions and forces regarding the latest proposal put forward by the mediators."It further confirmed that it has submitted its response to the mediators and is "fully ready and serious to immediately enter a round of negotiations on the mechanism for implementing this framework.”Earlier, the US president warned, “I hope, for the good of the Middle East, that Hamas takes this deal because it won’t get better, it will only get worse."The Qatari mediators put forward the proposal, which involves Hamas releasing ten living hostages and the bodies of 18 deceased hostages over the 60-day period. In exchange, Israel will release a number of Palestinian prisoners. If they reach a long-term deal, the remaining 22 hostages would also be released.Netanyahu on Wednesday called for the elimination of the Hamas terror group in his first public remarks since US President Donald Trump said that Israel has agreed to a 60-day truce in Gaza, calling it the "final deal" for Hamas.Moreover, Next week, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Trump are scheduled to meet in Washington, to discuss the Gaza ceasefire deal.

This comes after US President Donald Trump has been pushing for a Gaza hostage and ceasefire deal, to which Israel agreed to a 60-day ceasefire. Later, Hamas also accepted the framework, paving the way for US-backed negotiations with Israel.

Just hours after the Hamas terror group agreed to a ceasefire proposal, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) on Saturday (July 5) reported that the terror group launched two rockets from the Gaza Strip toward Kissufim, southern Israel. A red alert was activated moments ago in the community. The Israeli forces added that both rockets were intercepted by the Air Force, adding that no injuries or damage have been reported. Israel War Room took to X, stating, "Hamas terrorists launched two rockets from the Gaza Strip toward southern Israel." This comes after US President Donald Trump has been pushing for a Gaza hostage and ceasefire deal, to which Israel agreed to a 60-day ceasefire. Later, Hamas also accepted the framework, paving the way for US-backed negotiations with Israel. The terror group stated, "The Hamas movement has completed its internal consultations and discussions with Palestinian factions and forces regarding the latest proposal put forward by the mediators." It further confirmed that it has submitted its response to the mediators and is "fully ready and serious to immediately enter a round of negotiations on the mechanism for implementing this framework.” Earlier, the US president warned, “I hope, for the good of the Middle East, that Hamas takes this deal because it won’t get better, it will only get worse." The Qatari mediators put forward the proposal, which involves Hamas releasing ten living hostages and the bodies of 18 deceased hostages over the 60-day period. In exchange, Israel will release a number of Palestinian prisoners. If they reach a long-term deal, the remaining 22 hostages would also be released. Netanyahu on Wednesday called for the elimination of the Hamas terror group in his first public remarks since US President Donald Trump said that Israel has agreed to a 60-day truce in Gaza, calling it the "final deal" for Hamas. Moreover, Next week, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Trump are scheduled to meet in Washington, to discuss the Gaza ceasefire deal.

This comes after US President Donald Trump has been pushing for a Gaza hostage and ceasefire deal, to which Israel agreed to a 60-day ceasefire. Later, Hamas also accepted the framework, paving the way for US-backed negotiations with Israel.

Israel, Hamas back to war? Hamas launches two rockets towards southern Israel, hours after agreeing to US proposed truce talks

As the situation in Gaza worsens, the doctors there have warned that hundreds of babies are at risk of death amid a shortage of baby milk. This comes as Israel continues to restrict the humanitarian aid entering the Gaza Strip. The doctors are now running out of the specialised formula meant for premature babies and are forced to use the regular formula.The Head of Paediatrics at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis said that his ward had only about a week's worth of infant formula remaining.“I can’t begin to describe how bad things are. Right now, we have enough formula for about one week. But we also have infants outside the hospital without any access to milk. It’s catastrophic,” the doctor told the Guardian.According to the doctors, the food aid that comes through the controversial US-Israeli-backed private company Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), does not include infant formula.The doctor warned that the situation here is "horrifying". "You should see the children arriving. They’re just skin and bones. It’s horrifying. The real solution is to end the war, open the crossings, and allow baby formula in.”Hanaa al-Taweel, a 27-year-old mother of five children at al-Nuseirat refugee camp, said she was unable to breastfeed as she herself was not getting enough food, while adding that she struggled to find infant formula for her 13-month-old child.“The problem of getting milk started since my son’s birth, as due to my malnutrition and general weakness I wasn’t able to breastfeed my baby,” al-Taweel said.Doctors said that her son is suffering from stunting due to malnutrition. She said that she feels sadness and fear for her children, adding, "I try to keep a small piece of bread next to me when he sleeps because he wakes up often asking for food.""I fear they will die from hunger, thirst, and disease," she added.Amnesty International has accused Israel of using starvation as a weapon of war against civilians in Gaza, saying that it was a tactic intended "to inflict genocide against Palestinians”.

A 27-year-old mother of five children at al-Nuseirat refugee camp, said she was unable to breastfeed as she herself was not getting enough food, while adding that she struggled to find infant formula for her 13-month-old child.

As the situation in Gaza worsens, the doctors there have warned that hundreds of babies are at risk of death amid a shortage of baby milk. This comes as Israel continues to restrict the humanitarian aid entering the Gaza Strip. The doctors are now running out of the specialised formula meant for premature babies and are forced to use the regular formula. The Head of Paediatrics at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis said that his ward had only about a week's worth of infant formula remaining. “I can’t begin to describe how bad things are. Right now, we have enough formula for about one week. But we also have infants outside the hospital without any access to milk. It’s catastrophic,” the doctor told the Guardian. According to the doctors, the food aid that comes through the controversial US-Israeli-backed private company Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), does not include infant formula. The doctor warned that the situation here is "horrifying". "You should see the children arriving. They’re just skin and bones. It’s horrifying. The real solution is to end the war, open the crossings, and allow baby formula in.” Hanaa al-Taweel, a 27-year-old mother of five children at al-Nuseirat refugee camp, said she was unable to breastfeed as she herself was not getting enough food, while adding that she struggled to find infant formula for her 13-month-old child. “The problem of getting milk started since my son’s birth, as due to my malnutrition and general weakness I wasn’t able to breastfeed my baby,” al-Taweel said. Doctors said that her son is suffering from stunting due to malnutrition. She said that she feels sadness and fear for her children, adding, "I try to keep a small piece of bread next to me when he sleeps because he wakes up often asking for food." "I fear they will die from hunger, thirst, and disease," she added. Amnesty International has accused Israel of using starvation as a weapon of war against civilians in Gaza, saying that it was a tactic intended "to inflict genocide against Palestinians”.

A 27-year-old mother of five children at al-Nuseirat refugee camp, said she was unable to breastfeed as she herself was not getting enough food, while adding that she struggled to find infant formula for her 13-month-old child.

'They're just skin and bones': Gaza doctors warn about 'horrifying' ordeal of children as hundreds of babies' lives at risk

Hamas said it had responded on Friday in "a positive spirit" to a U.S.-brokered Gaza ceasefire proposal and was prepared to enter into talks on implementing the deal, which envisages a release of hostages and negotiations on ending the conflict. US President Donald Trump earlier announced a "final proposal" for a 60-day ceasefire in the nearly 21-month-old war between Israel and Hamas, stating he anticipated a reply from the parties in coming hours.&nbsp;Hamas wrote on its official website: "The Hamas movement has completed its internal consultations as well as discussions with Palestinian factions and forces regarding the latest proposal by the mediators to halt the aggression against our people in Gaza."The movement has delivered its response to the brotherly mediators, which was characterized by a positive spirit. Hamas is fully prepared, with all seriousness, to immediately enter a new round of negotiations on the mechanism for implementing this framework," the statement said.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-close-to-finalising-ceasefire-in-gaza-trump-says-decision-on-peace-proposal-by-hamas-likely-in-24-hrs-1751627196633">Israel-Hamas close to finalising ceasefire in Gaza? Trump says decision on peace proposal by Hamas likely in 24 hrs</a>&nbsp;In a sign of potential challenges still facing the sides, a Palestinian official of a militant group allied with Hamas said concerns remained over humanitarian aid, passage through the Rafah crossing to Egypt and clarity over a timetable of Israeli troop withdrawals.&nbsp;Trump said on Tuesday that Israel had agreed "to the necessary conditions to finalise" a 60-day ceasefire, during which efforts would be made to end the U.S. ally's war in the Palestinian enclave.&nbsp;Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is due to meet Trump in Washington on Monday, has yet to comment on Trump's announcement, and in their public statements the two sides remain far apart. Netanyahu has repeatedly said Hamas must be disarmed, a position the militant group, which is thought to be holding 20 living hostages, has so far refused to discuss.&nbsp;Israeli media cited an Israeli official as saying that Israel had received and was looking into Hamas' response to the ceasefire proposal.&nbsp;An Egyptian security official told Reuters that Egypt, which along with Qatar is mediating ceasefire efforts, had seen Hamas' response and said: "It includes positive signs that an agreement is near, but there are some demands from Hamas that need to be worked on."&nbsp;Trump has said he would be "very firm" with Netanyahu on the need for a speedy Gaza ceasefire, while noting that the Israeli leader wants one as well. "We hope it's going to happen. And we're looking forward to it happening sometime next week," he told reporters earlier this week. "We want to get the hostages out."<h2>Attacks overnight</h2>Israeli attacks have killed at least 138 Palestinians in Gaza over the past 24 hours, local health officials said.&nbsp;Health officials at the Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, said the Israeli military had carried out an airstrike on a tent encampment west of the city around 2 a.m., killing 15 Palestinians displaced by nearly two years of war.&nbsp;The Israeli military said troops operating in the Khan Younis area had eliminated militants, confiscated weapons and dismantled Hamas outposts in the last 24 hours, while striking 100 targets across Gaza, including military structures, weapons storage facilities and launchers.&nbsp;Later on Friday, Palestinians gathered to perform funeral prayers before burying those killed overnight."There should have been a ceasefire long ago before I lost my brother," said 13-year-old Mayar Al Farr as she wept. Her brother, Mahmoud, was shot dead in another incident, she said."He went to get aid, so he can get a bag of flour for us to eat. He got a bullet in his neck," she said.<h2>'Make the deal'</h2>In Tel Aviv, families and friends of hostages held in Gaza were among demonstrators who gathered outside a U.S. Embassy building on U.S. Independence Day, calling on Trump to secure a deal for all of the captives.&nbsp;Demonstrators set up a symbolic Sabbath dinner table, placing 50 empty chairs to represent those who are still held in Gaza. Banners hung nearby displaying a post by Trump from his Truth Social platform that read, "MAKE THE DEAL IN GAZA. GET THE HOSTAGES BACK!!!"&nbsp;"Only you can make the deal. We want one beautiful deal. One beautiful hostage deal," said Gideon Rosenberg, 48, from Tel Aviv.&nbsp;Rosenberg was wearing a shirt with the image of hostage Avinatan Or, one of his employees who was abducted by Palestinian militants from the Nova musical festival on October 7, 2023. He is among the 20 hostages who are believed to be alive after more than 600 days of captivity.&nbsp;An official familiar with the negotiations said on Thursday that <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/us-backed-60-day-gaza-ceasefire-envisages-gradual-return-hostages-official-says-2025-07-03/">the proposal</a> envisages the return of 10 of the hostages during the 60 days, along with the bodies of 18 others who had died since being taken hostage.&nbsp;Ruby Chen, 55, the father of 19-year-old American-Israeli Itay, who is believed to have been killed after being taken captive, urged Netanyahu to return from <a href="https://www.reuters.com/world/middle-east/israels-netanyahu-expects-meet-trump-next-week-us-2025-07-01/">meeting with Trump</a> with a deal that brings back all hostages.&nbsp;Itay Chen, also a German national, was serving as an Israeli soldier when Hamas carried out its surprise attack on October 7, 2023, killing around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking another 251 hostage.&nbsp;Israel’s retaliatory war against Hamas has devastated Gaza, which the militant group has ruled for almost two decades but now only controls in parts, displacing most of the population of more than 2 million and triggering widespread hunger.&nbsp;More than 57,000 Palestinians have been killed in nearly two years of fighting, most of them civilians, according to local health officials.

Hamas said it had responded on Friday in "a positive spirit" to a U.S.-brokered Gaza ceasefire proposal and was prepared to enter into talks on implementing the deal, which envisages a release of hostages and negotiations on ending the conflict. 

Hamas said it had responded on Friday in "a positive spirit" to a U.S.-brokered Gaza ceasefire proposal and was prepared to enter into talks on implementing the deal, which envisages a release of hostages and negotiations on ending the conflict. US President Donald Trump earlier announced a "final proposal" for a 60-day ceasefire in the nearly 21-month-old war between Israel and Hamas, stating he anticipated a reply from the parties in coming hours. Hamas wrote on its official website: "The Hamas movement has completed its internal consultations as well as discussions with Palestinian factions and forces regarding the latest proposal by the mediators to halt the aggression against our people in Gaza. "The movement has delivered its response to the brotherly mediators, which was characterized by a positive spirit. Hamas is fully prepared, with all seriousness, to immediately enter a new round of negotiations on the mechanism for implementing this framework," the statement said. Also read: Israel-Hamas close to finalising ceasefire in Gaza? Trump says decision on peace proposal by Hamas likely in 24 hrs In a sign of potential challenges still facing the sides, a Palestinian official of a militant group allied with Hamas said concerns remained over humanitarian aid, passage through the Rafah crossing to Egypt and clarity over a timetable of Israeli troop withdrawals. Trump said on Tuesday that Israel had agreed "to the necessary conditions to finalise" a 60-day ceasefire, during which efforts would be made to end the U.S. ally's war in the Palestinian enclave. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is due to meet Trump in Washington on Monday, has yet to comment on Trump's announcement, and in their public statements the two sides remain far apart. Netanyahu has repeatedly said Hamas must be disarmed, a position the militant group, which is thought to be holding 20 living hostages, has so far refused to discuss. Israeli media cited an Israeli official as saying that Israel had received and was looking into Hamas' response to the ceasefire proposal. An Egyptian security official told Reuters that Egypt, which along with Qatar is mediating ceasefire efforts, had seen Hamas' response and said: "It includes positive signs that an agreement is near, but there are some demands from Hamas that need to be worked on." Trump has said he would be "very firm" with Netanyahu on the need for a speedy Gaza ceasefire, while noting that the Israeli leader wants one as well. "We hope it's going to happen. And we're looking forward to it happening sometime next week," he told reporters earlier this week. "We want to get the hostages out." Attacks overnight Israeli attacks have killed at least 138 Palestinians in Gaza over the past 24 hours, local health officials said. Health officials at the Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, said the Israeli military had carried out an airstrike on a tent encampment west of the city around 2 a.m., killing 15 Palestinians displaced by nearly two years of war. The Israeli military said troops operating in the Khan Younis area had eliminated militants, confiscated weapons and dismantled Hamas outposts in the last 24 hours, while striking 100 targets across Gaza, including military structures, weapons storage facilities and launchers. Later on Friday, Palestinians gathered to perform funeral prayers before burying those killed overnight. "There should have been a ceasefire long ago before I lost my brother," said 13-year-old Mayar Al Farr as she wept. Her brother, Mahmoud, was shot dead in another incident, she said. "He went to get aid, so he can get a bag of flour for us to eat. He got a bullet in his neck," she said. 'Make the deal' In Tel Aviv, families and friends of hostages held in Gaza were among demonstrators who gathered outside a U.S. Embassy building on U.S. Independence Day, calling on Trump to secure a deal for all of the captives. Demonstrators set up a symbolic Sabbath dinner table, placing 50 empty chairs to represent those who are still held in Gaza. Banners hung nearby displaying a post by Trump from his Truth Social platform that read, "MAKE THE DEAL IN GAZA. GET THE HOSTAGES BACK!!!" "Only you can make the deal. We want one beautiful deal. One beautiful hostage deal," said Gideon Rosenberg, 48, from Tel Aviv. Rosenberg was wearing a shirt with the image of hostage Avinatan Or, one of his employees who was abducted by Palestinian militants from the Nova musical festival on October 7, 2023. He is among the 20 hostages who are believed to be alive after more than 600 days of captivity. An official familiar with the negotiations said on Thursday that the proposal envisages the return of 10 of the hostages during the 60 days, along with the bodies of 18 others who had died since being taken hostage. Ruby Chen, 55, the father of 19-year-old American-Israeli Itay, who is believed to have been killed after being taken captive, urged Netanyahu to return from meeting with Trump with a deal that brings back all hostages. Itay Chen, also a German national, was serving as an Israeli soldier when Hamas carried out its surprise attack on October 7, 2023, killing around 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking another 251 hostage. Israel’s retaliatory war against Hamas has devastated Gaza, which the militant group has ruled for almost two decades but now only controls in parts, displacing most of the population of more than 2 million and triggering widespread hunger. More than 57,000 Palestinians have been killed in nearly two years of fighting, most of them civilians, according to local health officials.

Hamas said it had responded on Friday in "a positive spirit" to a U.S.-brokered Gaza ceasefire proposal and was prepared to enter into talks on implementing the deal, which envisages a release of hostages and negotiations on ending the conflict.&nbsp;

Hamas responds to Gaza ceasefire proposal in 'a positive spirit'

US President Donald Trump on Friday (July 4) said that a decision by the Palestinian militant group Hamas on a “final proposal” for a ceasefire with Israel in Gaza will become clear in the next 24 hours, reported Reuters. On being asked by the press whether Israel had accepted the conditions required to finalise a 60-day ceasefire with Hamas, Trump said, "We’ll see what happens, we are going to know over the next 24 hours."&nbsp;Meanwhile, the Islamist group Hamas has sought guarantees that the new U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal would end the war in Gaza with Israel, reported Reuters, citing a source close to the militant group.&nbsp;The Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza has so far claimed the lives of 56,000 Palestinians. The war has also led to hunger crisis, and displaced thousands of Gazans prompting accusations of genocide at the International Court of Justice. There are also allegations &nbsp;of war crimes carried out by the Israeli forces that are completely denied by the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) and the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.&nbsp;A previous two month ceasefire came to an end after Israeli strikes killed more than 400 Palestinians on March 18.&nbsp;Abraham Accords&nbsp;Meanwhile, Donald Trump spoke to Saudi Arabia about expanding the Abraham Accords, that his administration negotiated between Israel and some Gulf countries during his first term to normalise ties.&nbsp;“It’s one of the things we talked about,” said Trump on his meeting with Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman at the White House. “I think a lot of people are going to be joining the Abraham accords,” he added, hinting at the damage faced by Iran from recent US and Israeli strikes.&nbsp;After the meeting with Trump, the Saudi Defense Minister spoke on the phone with Abdolrahim Mousavi, chief of Iran’s General Staff of the Armed Forces in this regard, reported Reuters, citing Axios.&nbsp;Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is going to visit Washington next week. &nbsp;(With inputs from agencies)

The Islamist group Hamas has sought guarantees that the new U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal would end the war in Gaza with Israel.

US President Donald Trump on Friday (July 4) said that a decision by the Palestinian militant group Hamas on a “final proposal” for a ceasefire with Israel in Gaza will become clear in the next 24 hours, reported Reuters. On being asked by the press whether Israel had accepted the conditions required to finalise a 60-day ceasefire with Hamas, Trump said, "We’ll see what happens, we are going to know over the next 24 hours." Meanwhile, the Islamist group Hamas has sought guarantees that the new U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal would end the war in Gaza with Israel, reported Reuters, citing a source close to the militant group. The Israel-Hamas conflict in Gaza has so far claimed the lives of 56,000 Palestinians. The war has also led to hunger crisis, and displaced thousands of Gazans prompting accusations of genocide at the International Court of Justice. There are also allegations of war crimes carried out by the Israeli forces that are completely denied by the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) and the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. A previous two month ceasefire came to an end after Israeli strikes killed more than 400 Palestinians on March 18. Abraham Accords Meanwhile, Donald Trump spoke to Saudi Arabia about expanding the Abraham Accords, that his administration negotiated between Israel and some Gulf countries during his first term to normalise ties. “It’s one of the things we talked about,” said Trump on his meeting with Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman at the White House. “I think a lot of people are going to be joining the Abraham accords,” he added, hinting at the damage faced by Iran from recent US and Israeli strikes. After the meeting with Trump, the Saudi Defense Minister spoke on the phone with Abdolrahim Mousavi, chief of Iran’s General Staff of the Armed Forces in this regard, reported Reuters, citing Axios. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is going to visit Washington next week. (With inputs from agencies)

The Islamist group Hamas has sought guarantees that the new U.S.-backed ceasefire proposal would end the war in Gaza with Israel.

Israel-Hamas close to finalising ceasefire in Gaza? Trump says decision on peace proposal by Hamas likely in 24 hrs

In the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, the Israeli military reportedly used a 500lb (230kg) bomb to attack a target in a crowded beachfront cafe in Gaza on Monday. The US-made bomb is a powerful weapon that generates a massive blast wave and scatters shrapnel over a large area.&nbsp;The popular seafront cafe, Al-Baqa Cafe, is often crowded by activists, journalists, and local residents. The use of such a munition by Israel despite the known presence of many unprotected civilians could amount to war crime in international law, reported The Guardian, citing experts.&nbsp;Experts have identified the fragments from the blast as part of the US-made MK-82 general purpose 230kg bomb, that has been extensively used by Washington in its several bombing campaigns in recent decades. They further said that the attack despite the known presence of many unprotected civilians &nbsp;was almost certainly unlawful and may constitute a war crime, reported the media outlet.&nbsp;An Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson after the attack said “prior to the strike, steps were taken to mitigate the risk of harming civilians using aerial surveillance," and the attack was under review.&nbsp;Attacks that cause “incidental loss of civilian life” that is “excessive or disproportionate to the military advantage", is forbidden by the &nbsp;International Humanitarian Law.&nbsp;The bombing at the cafe, one of the few businesses to continue operating during the war was a place for people looking for internet connection and charging their phones.&nbsp;Videos shared on social media platforms showed disfigured bodies soaked in blood and injured being rushed to hospitals wrapped in blankets.&nbsp;"Without a warning, all of a sudden, a warplane hit the place, shaking it like an earthquake,” said one of the eyewitnesses of the attack present at the cafe to the Associated Press.&nbsp;After the attack, the Israeli military said in a statement that the strike targeted Hamas operatives, but it did not identify them. &nbsp;

The bombing at the cafe, one of the few businesses to continue operating during the war, was a place for people looking for internet connection and charging their phones.

In the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, the Israeli military reportedly used a 500lb (230kg) bomb to attack a target in a crowded beachfront cafe in Gaza on Monday. The US-made bomb is a powerful weapon that generates a massive blast wave and scatters shrapnel over a large area. The popular seafront cafe, Al-Baqa Cafe, is often crowded by activists, journalists, and local residents. The use of such a munition by Israel despite the known presence of many unprotected civilians could amount to war crime in international law, reported The Guardian, citing experts. Experts have identified the fragments from the blast as part of the US-made MK-82 general purpose 230kg bomb, that has been extensively used by Washington in its several bombing campaigns in recent decades. They further said that the attack despite the known presence of many unprotected civilians was almost certainly unlawful and may constitute a war crime, reported the media outlet. An Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson after the attack said “prior to the strike, steps were taken to mitigate the risk of harming civilians using aerial surveillance," and the attack was under review. Attacks that cause “incidental loss of civilian life” that is “excessive or disproportionate to the military advantage", is forbidden by the International Humanitarian Law. The bombing at the cafe, one of the few businesses to continue operating during the war was a place for people looking for internet connection and charging their phones. Videos shared on social media platforms showed disfigured bodies soaked in blood and injured being rushed to hospitals wrapped in blankets. "Without a warning, all of a sudden, a warplane hit the place, shaking it like an earthquake,” said one of the eyewitnesses of the attack present at the cafe to the Associated Press. After the attack, the Israeli military said in a statement that the strike targeted Hamas operatives, but it did not identify them.

The bombing at the cafe, one of the few businesses to continue operating during the war, was a place for people looking for internet connection and charging their phones.

Use of 500lb bomb by Israel to attack Gaza cafe a war crime? Here's what experts say

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday (July 2) called for the elimination of the Hamas terror group in his first public remarks since US President Donald Trump said that Israel has agreed to a 60-day truce in Gaza, calling it the "final deal" for Hamas.Netanyahu, during a meeting hosted by the Trans-Israel pipeline, said, "There will not be a Hamas. There will not be a Hamastan."The Israeli PM stressed, "We’re not going back to that. It’s over."Earlier today, Trump took to his Truth Social, saying that his representatives held a "long and productive meeting" with Israeli officials. He urged the militant group Hamas to also accept the "final proposal" while issuing an ominous warning "IT WILL ONLY GET WORSE".On Truth Social, Trump wrote, "My Representatives had a long and productive meeting with the Israelis today on Gaza. Israel has agreed to the necessary conditions to finalise the 60-Day CEASEFIRE, during which time we will work with all parties to end the War."He then told Hamas that "The Qataris and Egyptians, who have worked very hard to help bring Peace, will deliver this final proposal." He added that he hopes “for the good of the Middle East, that Hamas takes this Deal, because it will not get better — IT WILL ONLY GET WORSE.”Reportedly, Hamas was reviewing new ceasefire proposals from mediators, aiming for an agreement that would end the Gaza conflict and ensure the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the territory, according to Reuters.It added that the group is holding talks with mediators to "bridge gaps" to return to the negotiating table to reach a ceasefire agreement.Moreover, Netanyahu is scheduled to meet US President Donald Trump and other administration officials next week, according to US officials. A senior US administration official, while speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed Netanyahu's visit, but noted that it has not yet been formally announced.According to Israeli officials, 1219 people were killed in the attack, most of them civilians, according to AFP.Meanwhile, according to the Hamas health ministry, at least 56,531 people have been killed so far, with most of them also being civilians.&nbsp;

Hamas was reviewing new ceasefire proposals from mediators, aiming for an agreement that would end the Gaza conflict and ensure the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the territory

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday (July 2) called for the elimination of the Hamas terror group in his first public remarks since US President Donald Trump said that Israel has agreed to a 60-day truce in Gaza, calling it the "final deal" for Hamas. Netanyahu, during a meeting hosted by the Trans-Israel pipeline, said, "There will not be a Hamas. There will not be a Hamastan." The Israeli PM stressed, "We’re not going back to that. It’s over." Earlier today, Trump took to his Truth Social, saying that his representatives held a "long and productive meeting" with Israeli officials. He urged the militant group Hamas to also accept the "final proposal" while issuing an ominous warning "IT WILL ONLY GET WORSE". On Truth Social, Trump wrote, "My Representatives had a long and productive meeting with the Israelis today on Gaza. Israel has agreed to the necessary conditions to finalise the 60-Day CEASEFIRE, during which time we will work with all parties to end the War." He then told Hamas that "The Qataris and Egyptians, who have worked very hard to help bring Peace, will deliver this final proposal." He added that he hopes “for the good of the Middle East, that Hamas takes this Deal, because it will not get better — IT WILL ONLY GET WORSE.” Reportedly, Hamas was reviewing new ceasefire proposals from mediators, aiming for an agreement that would end the Gaza conflict and ensure the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the territory, according to Reuters. It added that the group is holding talks with mediators to "bridge gaps" to return to the negotiating table to reach a ceasefire agreement. Moreover, Netanyahu is scheduled to meet US President Donald Trump and other administration officials next week, according to US officials. A senior US administration official, while speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed Netanyahu's visit, but noted that it has not yet been formally announced. According to Israeli officials, 1219 people were killed in the attack, most of them civilians, according to AFP. Meanwhile, according to the Hamas health ministry, at least 56,531 people have been killed so far, with most of them also being civilians.

Hamas was reviewing new ceasefire proposals from mediators, aiming for an agreement that would end the Gaza conflict and ensure the withdrawal of Israeli forces from the territory.

'There will be no Hamas, IT'S OVER': Netanyahu vows to eliminate terror group in postwar Gaza

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will be meeting US President Donald Trump and other administration officials next week, according to US officials. This comes as the White House pushes Israel and Hamas for a hostage and ceasefire deal.A senior US administration official, while speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed Netanyahu's visit, but noted that it has not yet been formally announced.Moreover, the meeting is aimed at advancing discussions on a ceasefire agreement and a possible hostage deal in Gaza.Earlier on Sunday, Trump took to Truth Social, stressing to get the hostages back. "MAKE THE DEAL IN GAZA. GET THE HOSTAGES BACK!!!"Meanwhile, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the Trump administration was in constant communication with the Israeli government for the hostage and ceasefire deal.Leavitt said that Trump viewed ending the war in Gaza and returning the remaining hostages held by Hamas as a top priority. “It's heartbreaking to see the images that have come out from both Israel and Gaza throughout this war, and the President wants to see it end. He wants to save lives,” she said.She added that the discussions were ongoing to arrange Netanyahu's visit to Washington, although the date had not been officially confirmed.This comes after the Israel-Iran war ended in 12 days after Trump announced the ceasefire. Since then, Trump has shifted his focus to the ongoing fighting between Israel and Hamas, raising concerns over their ceasefire.“We think within the next week we're going to get a ceasefire,” Trump told reporters on Friday, but, he did not provide further details about the negotiations or timeline.According to Israeli officials, 1219 people were killed in the attack,, most of them civilians, according to AFP.Meanwhile, according to the Hamas health ministry, at least 56,531 people have been killed so far, with most of them also being civilians.&nbsp;

A senior US administration official, while speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed Netanyahu's visit, but noted that it has not yet been formally announced.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will be meeting US President Donald Trump and other administration officials next week, according to US officials. This comes as the White House pushes Israel and Hamas for a hostage and ceasefire deal. A senior US administration official, while speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed Netanyahu's visit, but noted that it has not yet been formally announced. Moreover, the meeting is aimed at advancing discussions on a ceasefire agreement and a possible hostage deal in Gaza. Earlier on Sunday, Trump took to Truth Social, stressing to get the hostages back. "MAKE THE DEAL IN GAZA. GET THE HOSTAGES BACK!!!" Meanwhile, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt said the Trump administration was in constant communication with the Israeli government for the hostage and ceasefire deal. Leavitt said that Trump viewed ending the war in Gaza and returning the remaining hostages held by Hamas as a top priority. “It's heartbreaking to see the images that have come out from both Israel and Gaza throughout this war, and the President wants to see it end. He wants to save lives,” she said. She added that the discussions were ongoing to arrange Netanyahu's visit to Washington, although the date had not been officially confirmed. This comes after the Israel-Iran war ended in 12 days after Trump announced the ceasefire. Since then, Trump has shifted his focus to the ongoing fighting between Israel and Hamas, raising concerns over their ceasefire. “We think within the next week we're going to get a ceasefire,” Trump told reporters on Friday, but, he did not provide further details about the negotiations or timeline. According to Israeli officials, 1219 people were killed in the attack,, most of them civilians, according to AFP. Meanwhile, according to the Hamas health ministry, at least 56,531 people have been killed so far, with most of them also being civilians.

A senior US administration official, while speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed Netanyahu's visit, but noted that it has not yet been formally announced.

Hope for Israel-Hamas ceasefire? Netanyahu to visit US next week to meet Trump - What we know

Israeli government spokesman David Mencer accused Hamas of looting aid entering Gaza, adding that the Palestinian militant group is “on its last legs”. He also said that Iran’s nuclear programme had been “set back by many years” following the US and Israeli strikes. This comes as Tel Aviv halted aid supplies to Gaza for two days to prevent them from being looted by Hamas, an official said on Thursday (Jun 26). The move was taken after images circulated showing masked men on aid trucks, whom the clan leaders claimed were protecting the aid.&nbsp;In a joint statement with Defence Minister Israel Katz, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said late Wednesday (Jun 25) that he ordered the military to present a way within two days to prevent aid from being taken under control by Hamas. The move was made after new information indicated that the Palestinian militant group was seizing the aid intended for civilians in northern Gaza. While the statement did not disclose the information, a video circulating showed dozens of masked men, some armed, raiding the trucks carrying aid.&nbsp;An Israeli official told Reuters that aid deliveries were temporarily suspended for two days to allow the military to come up with a new plan. The Higher Commission for Tribal Affairs, which represents influential clans in the region, said that trucks were protected as part of an aid security process managed “solely through tribal efforts”. It suggested that Hamas had not taken part in the process.&nbsp;Earlier on Wednesday (Jun 25), A senior Hamas official told AFP that negotiations for a ceasefire in Gaza between Israel and the Palestinian militant group have “intensified in recent hours” with mediator countries.After the ceasefire was announced between Israel and Iran on Tuesday (Jun 24) following 12 days of conflict, the Israeli military chief said that Tel Aviv’s focus will now shift back to Gaza and fighting against Hamas.&nbsp;“Now the focus shifts back to Gaza — to bring the hostages home and to dismantle the Hamas regime,” chief of staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir said in a statement.

The move was made after new information indicated that the Palestinian militant group was seizing the aid intended for civilians in northern Gaza.

Israeli government spokesman David Mencer accused Hamas of looting aid entering Gaza, adding that the Palestinian militant group is “on its last legs”. He also said that Iran’s nuclear programme had been “set back by many years” following the US and Israeli strikes. This comes as Tel Aviv halted aid supplies to Gaza for two days to prevent them from being looted by Hamas, an official said on Thursday (Jun 26). The move was taken after images circulated showing masked men on aid trucks, whom the clan leaders claimed were protecting the aid. In a joint statement with Defence Minister Israel Katz, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said late Wednesday (Jun 25) that he ordered the military to present a way within two days to prevent aid from being taken under control by Hamas. The move was made after new information indicated that the Palestinian militant group was seizing the aid intended for civilians in northern Gaza. While the statement did not disclose the information, a video circulating showed dozens of masked men, some armed, raiding the trucks carrying aid. An Israeli official told Reuters that aid deliveries were temporarily suspended for two days to allow the military to come up with a new plan. The Higher Commission for Tribal Affairs, which represents influential clans in the region, said that trucks were protected as part of an aid security process managed “solely through tribal efforts”. It suggested that Hamas had not taken part in the process. Earlier on Wednesday (Jun 25), A senior Hamas official told AFP that negotiations for a ceasefire in Gaza between Israel and the Palestinian militant group have “intensified in recent hours” with mediator countries. After the ceasefire was announced between Israel and Iran on Tuesday (Jun 24) following 12 days of conflict, the Israeli military chief said that Tel Aviv’s focus will now shift back to Gaza and fighting against Hamas. “Now the focus shifts back to Gaza — to bring the hostages home and to dismantle the Hamas regime,” chief of staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir said in a statement.

The move was made after new information indicated that the Palestinian militant group was seizing the aid intended for civilians in northern Gaza.

Hamas on ‘its last leg’: Israel halts aid supplies to Gaza over alleged looting by Palestinian militant group

From Gaza and Ukraine to Taiwan and the Iran–Israel shadow war, the world is living through an age of high-stakes conflict. But behind each battlefield is a quieter race, the one fought through defence budgets, warhead stockpiles, and nuclear modernisation plans. 

The warhead economy: Inside the explosive budgets of the world’s nuclear giants

As tensions in West Asia escalate, a baby girl has frozen to death in Gaza, and at least 10 other people have been killed in airstrikes while Israel and Hamas continue to fight on the issue of reaching a ceasefire deal.
The baby was three weeks old, and it was the third such incident of death from the cold wave in Gaza in recent days, said doctors of the Hamas-run Gaza health authorities.
Moreover, five people were killed and 20 injured in an Israeli airstrike on a house in Gaza City's Zeitoun neighbourhood on Thursday (Dec 26), medics with the Gaza health authorities reported.
They further warned that the death toll could rise as many people were stuck under the rubble.&nbsp;
<h2>Journalists killed</h2>
In a separate incident, five journalists were killed after their vehicle got struck in the vicinity of Al-Awda Hospital in Nuseirat in central Gaza, according to the health authorities.&nbsp;
Medics said the five were among at least 21 people who have been killed in Israeli air strikes.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/impossible-to-reach-deal-without-it-hamas-still-hasnt-sent-list-of-living-dead-hostages-to-israel-report-786735">'Impossible to reach deal without it,' Hamas still hasn't sent list of living, dead hostages to Israel: Report</a>
The Palestinian Journalists Union said that one strike killed five journalists from the Al-Quds Today channel.&nbsp;
The union added that more than 190 Palestinian journalists have been killed by Israeli fire since the beginning of the war last year.&nbsp;
Meanwhile, Israel has always denied targeting journalists, adding that they always stay cautious to avoid harming civilians.&nbsp;
Earlier on Wednesday, Hamas and Israel traded blame over their failure to reach a ceasefire agreement, despite both sides having reported progress in the past few days.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-one-child-killed-every-hour-says-unrwa-786720">Gaza: One child killed every hour, says UNRWA</a>
Hamas has been saying that Israel has laid down further conditions, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed that the Hamas group keeps on going back on the understanding that has already been reached.&nbsp;
Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.
(With inputs from agencies)

Five people were killed and 20 injured in an Israeli airstrike on a house in Gaza City's Zeitoun neighbourhood on Thursday, medics with the Gaza health authorities reported.

As tensions in West Asia escalate, a baby girl has frozen to death in Gaza, and at least 10 other people have been killed in airstrikes while Israel and Hamas continue to fight on the issue of reaching a ceasefire deal. The baby was three weeks old, and it was the third such incident of death from the cold wave in Gaza in recent days, said doctors of the Hamas-run Gaza health authorities. Moreover, five people were killed and 20 injured in an Israeli airstrike on a house in Gaza City's Zeitoun neighbourhood on Thursday (Dec 26), medics with the Gaza health authorities reported. They further warned that the death toll could rise as many people were stuck under the rubble. Journalists killed In a separate incident, five journalists were killed after their vehicle got struck in the vicinity of Al-Awda Hospital in Nuseirat in central Gaza, according to the health authorities. Medics said the five were among at least 21 people who have been killed in Israeli air strikes. Also read: 'Impossible to reach deal without it,' Hamas still hasn't sent list of living, dead hostages to Israel: Report The Palestinian Journalists Union said that one strike killed five journalists from the Al-Quds Today channel. The union added that more than 190 Palestinian journalists have been killed by Israeli fire since the beginning of the war last year. Meanwhile, Israel has always denied targeting journalists, adding that they always stay cautious to avoid harming civilians. Earlier on Wednesday, Hamas and Israel traded blame over their failure to reach a ceasefire agreement, despite both sides having reported progress in the past few days. Also read: Gaza: One child killed every hour, says UNRWA Hamas has been saying that Israel has laid down further conditions, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed that the Hamas group keeps on going back on the understanding that has already been reached. Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

Three-week old baby girl freezes to death in Gaza while Israel and Hamas trade blame for ceasefire delay

A senior Israeli defence official said that for the first time in a long time, there is a good chance to reach a hostage deal with the Palestinian militant group Hamas amid the ongoing war in Gaza.

A senior Israeli defence official said that for the first time in a long time, there is a good chance to reach a hostage deal with the Palestinian militant group Hamas amid the ongoing war in Gaza. However, the deal does not include an official end to the war in Gaza, The Times of Israel reported. Hamas has been under a lot of pressure, however, has refused to surrender, the official said. The official added that the group is potentially interested in a hostage deal. The potential deal will include a first-stage 42-day ceasefire, in which a number of hostages will be released. Also read: Netanyahu makes rare Gaza visit, announces $5 million reward for each hostage returned Last week, a senior Hamas official said that the Palestinian militant group was “ready for a ceasefire” in besieged Gaza. Hamas political bureau member Bassem Naim told news agency AFP that he wanted United States President-elect Donald Trump to press Israel to “end the aggression”. “Hamas is ready to reach a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip if a ceasefire proposal is presented and on the condition that it is respected” by Israel, said the Hamas official. “We call on the US administration and Trump to pressure the Israeli government to end the aggression,” he added. Watch | Israel-Hamas War: Palestinian Envoy Denounces US Decision To Veto Gaza Resolution × On Wednesday (Nov 20), during an interview with Al-Aqsa TV, Hamas’ acting Gaza chief Khalil al-Hayya said that there would be no hostages-for-prisoners swap deal with Israel unless the war ends. "Without an end to the war, there can be no prisoner swap," Hayya said during the interview. "If the aggression is not ended, why would the resistance and in particular Hamas, return the prisoners (hostages)?" he said. "How would a sane or an insane person lose a strong card he owns while the war is continuing?" Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

Hamas potentially interested in a hostage deal, says senior Israeli official

Islamic Jihad militant group released a video of Israeli hostage Sasha Trufanov on Wednesday (Nov 13), marking the third video released by the Palestinian militants.&nbsp;

In the video, Trufanov was seen speaking about Israeli military operations in Lebanon. He also said that he and the other hostages were running out of food and hygiene products.&nbsp;

The hostage also called on Israelis to increase pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government to secure the release of hostages.

In the shared video, Trufanov said that he is 28 years old, however, the video was released two days after he turned 29.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israels-gaza-aid-efforts-in-right-direction-says-us-but-urges-further-action-775661">Also read:&nbsp;Israel's Gaza aid efforts in 'right direction,' says US, but urges further action</a>

Trufanov is an engineer employed at Annapurna Labs, an Israeli microelectronics company owned by Amazon.&nbsp;

Earlier also, the Palestinian militant groups shared similar videos of hostages, which have been labelled as deplorable psychological violence by Israel.&nbsp;

Trufanov was taken hostage along with three other members of his family, including his grandmother Irena Tati, mother Yelena, and his girlfriend Sapir Cohen, from Kibbutz Nir Oz during the October 7 Hamas attack, The Times of Israel reported.

Watch |&nbsp;Israel-Hamas War: Has Israel Missed U.S.' Gaza Aid Deadline?

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-hamas-war-has-israel-missed-us-gaza-aid-deadline-775648/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

However, his mother and Tati were released by Hamas on November 29 at the request of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Later Cohen was also released on November 30 as part of a temporary ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.&nbsp;

Trufanov and Cohen recently moved in together when the Gaza border communities were attacked by Hamas militants.&nbsp;

Last month, Hamas said Trufanov and another hostage with Russian citizenship, Maxim Herkin, would be among the first to be released during the hostage deal.

Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.

(With inputs from agencies)

Islamic Jihad militant group released a video of Israeli hostage Sasha Trufanov on Wednesday (Nov 13), marking the third video released by the Palestinian militants.

Islamic Jihad militant group released a video of Israeli hostage Sasha Trufanov on Wednesday (Nov 13), marking the third video released by the Palestinian militants. In the video, Trufanov was seen speaking about Israeli military operations in Lebanon. He also said that he and the other hostages were running out of food and hygiene products. The hostage also called on Israelis to increase pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government to secure the release of hostages. In the shared video, Trufanov said that he is 28 years old, however, the video was released two days after he turned 29. Also read: Israel's Gaza aid efforts in 'right direction,' says US, but urges further action Trufanov is an engineer employed at Annapurna Labs, an Israeli microelectronics company owned by Amazon. Earlier also, the Palestinian militant groups shared similar videos of hostages, which have been labelled as deplorable psychological violence by Israel. Trufanov was taken hostage along with three other members of his family, including his grandmother Irena Tati, mother Yelena, and his girlfriend Sapir Cohen, from Kibbutz Nir Oz during the October 7 Hamas attack, The Times of Israel reported. Watch | Israel-Hamas War: Has Israel Missed U.S.' Gaza Aid Deadline? × However, his mother and Tati were released by Hamas on November 29 at the request of Russian President Vladimir Putin. Later Cohen was also released on November 30 as part of a temporary ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Trufanov and Cohen recently moved in together when the Gaza border communities were attacked by Hamas militants. Last month, Hamas said Trufanov and another hostage with Russian citizenship, Maxim Herkin, would be among the first to be released during the hostage deal. Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

Israeli hostage calls for pressure on Netanyahu government in video shared by Hamas ally

A majority of Gazans believe Hamas' decision to launch the October&nbsp;7 attack on Israel was incorrect, according to a poll published on Tuesday pointing to a big drop in backing for the assault that prompted Israel's devastating Gaza offensive.

The poll, conducted in early September by the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research (PSR), found that 57 per cent&nbsp;of people surveyed in the Gaza Strip said the decision to launch the offensive was incorrect, while 39 per cent&nbsp;said it was correct.

It marked the first time since October&nbsp;7 that a PSR poll found a majority of Gazan respondents judging the decision as incorrect. It was accompanied by a drop in support for the attack in the West Bank, though a majority of 64 per cent&nbsp;of respondents there still thought it was the correct decision, the poll found.

PSR's previous poll, conducted in June, showed that 57 per cent&nbsp;of respondents in Gaza thought the decision to be correct.

More than 41,000 Palestinians have been killed by the Israeli military offensive that has laid waste to the Gaza Strip since last October, according to the Gaza health ministry.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwi3u5zBzMqIAxUgafUHHUSsIowQxfQBKAB6BAgIEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dozens-of-hezbollah-fighters-injured-after-israel-explodes-their-communication-devices-759520" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/dozens-of-hezbollah-fighters-injured-after-israel-explodes-their-communication-devices-759520&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi3u5zBzMqIAxUgafUHHUSsIowQxfQBKAB6BAgIEAE">Nine Hezbollah fighters dead; 2,750 injured as ‘Israel explodes’ their communication devices</a>

Israel launched its assault after the unprecedented Hamas raid which killed 1,200 people and resulted in another 250 being abducted, according to Israeli tallies.

PSR said it surveyed 1,200 people face-to-face, 790 of them in the West Bank and 410 in Gaza, with a 3.5 per cent&nbsp;margin of error.&nbsp;

PSR polls since the Oct. 7 attack have consistently shown a majority of respondents in both Gaza and the West Bank to believe the attack was a correct decision, with support generally greater in the West Bank than Gaza.

PSR said the poll released on Tuesday marked the first time since October 7. that its findings had shown simultaneously in the West Bank and Gaza a significant drop in the favorability of the attack and in expectations that Hamas will win the current war. &nbsp; &nbsp;

Overall, the poll found a majority of 54 per cent&nbsp;of respondents in Gaza and the West Bank thought the decision was correct.

In August, the Israeli military accused Hamas of mounting an effort to falsify the results of PSR polls to falsely show support for Hamas and October&nbsp;7, though the military said there was no evidence of PSR cooperating with Hamas.

PSR said it had taken the allegation seriously and investigated it. PSR said on Tuesday its analysis of the data did not flag any inconsistencies that would arise when data is arbitrarily altered, and that a review of quality control measures "convinced us that no data manipulation took place".

Support for October&nbsp;7 did not necessarily mean support for Hamas or killings or atrocities against civilians, PSR said, adding that "almost 90% of the public believes Hamas men did not commit the atrocities depicted in videos taken on that day".

The poll showed a drop in the number of respondents in Gaza who said they support Hamas to 35 per cent&nbsp;from 38 per cent. But the Islamist movement remained more popular than Fatah, led by President Mahmoud Abbas, in both in Gaza and the West Bank.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience. 
&nbsp;

A majority of Gazans believe Hamas' decision to launch the October 7 attack on Israel was incorrect, according to a poll published on Tuesday pointing to a big drop in backing for the assault that prompted Israel's devastating Gaza offensive.

A majority of Gazans believe Hamas' decision to launch the October 7 attack on Israel was incorrect, according to a poll published on Tuesday pointing to a big drop in backing for the assault that prompted Israel's devastating Gaza offensive. The poll, conducted in early September by the Palestinian Center for Policy and Survey Research (PSR), found that 57 per cent of people surveyed in the Gaza Strip said the decision to launch the offensive was incorrect, while 39 per cent said it was correct. It marked the first time since October 7 that a PSR poll found a majority of Gazan respondents judging the decision as incorrect. It was accompanied by a drop in support for the attack in the West Bank, though a majority of 64 per cent of respondents there still thought it was the correct decision, the poll found. PSR's previous poll, conducted in June, showed that 57 per cent of respondents in Gaza thought the decision to be correct. More than 41,000 Palestinians have been killed by the Israeli military offensive that has laid waste to the Gaza Strip since last October, according to the Gaza health ministry. Also read: Nine Hezbollah fighters dead; 2,750 injured as ‘Israel explodes’ their communication devices Israel launched its assault after the unprecedented Hamas raid which killed 1,200 people and resulted in another 250 being abducted, according to Israeli tallies. PSR said it surveyed 1,200 people face-to-face, 790 of them in the West Bank and 410 in Gaza, with a 3.5 per cent margin of error. PSR polls since the Oct. 7 attack have consistently shown a majority of respondents in both Gaza and the West Bank to believe the attack was a correct decision, with support generally greater in the West Bank than Gaza. PSR said the poll released on Tuesday marked the first time since October 7. that its findings had shown simultaneously in the West Bank and Gaza a significant drop in the favorability of the attack and in expectations that Hamas will win the current war. Overall, the poll found a majority of 54 per cent of respondents in Gaza and the West Bank thought the decision was correct. In August, the Israeli military accused Hamas of mounting an effort to falsify the results of PSR polls to falsely show support for Hamas and October 7, though the military said there was no evidence of PSR cooperating with Hamas. PSR said it had taken the allegation seriously and investigated it. PSR said on Tuesday its analysis of the data did not flag any inconsistencies that would arise when data is arbitrarily altered, and that a review of quality control measures "convinced us that no data manipulation took place". Support for October 7 did not necessarily mean support for Hamas or killings or atrocities against civilians, PSR said, adding that "almost 90% of the public believes Hamas men did not commit the atrocities depicted in videos taken on that day". The poll showed a drop in the number of respondents in Gaza who said they support Hamas to 35 per cent from 38 per cent. But the Islamist movement remained more popular than Fatah, led by President Mahmoud Abbas, in both in Gaza and the West Bank. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Massive drop in number of Gazans who believe October 7 Hamas attack was justified: Poll

Brig. Gen. Yossi Sariel, the commander of the IDF’s Unit 8200, has announced his intention to resign, nearly a year after Israel's intelligence community failed to prevent the Hamas attack on October 7. Sariel informed his superiors and subordinates of his decision, marking a significant leadership change in Israel's top intelligence unit.

Commander of IDF's 8200 intelligence unit

Officials in the United States-led coalition, preparing to counter a potential Iranian attack, have cautioned Israel against a strong response, according to a report on Tuesday (Aug 6).

"Don’t push it," the unnamed officials advised Israel, as reported by Kan news, part of the Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation. "Think carefully before you attack in return. The goal at the end of the day is not to lead to an all-out war."

In April, a significant drone and missile attack from Iran was thwarted by a coalition that reportedly included Israel, the United States, Britain, France, Qatar, Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain.

Watch |&nbsp;Israel-Hezbollah conflict: Foreigners flee Lebanon amid fear of conflict

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-hezbollah-conflict-foreigners-flee-lebanon-amid-fear-of-conflict-747733/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Iran vowed to take action on Monday, saying that Israel must be "punished" for the death of Hamas militant group leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. This raised concerns that Iran's retaliation may push the already unstable Middle East toward a full-scale conflict.

In addition, Hezbollah, an Iran-backed&nbsp;militant&nbsp;group acting as a proxy, has also vowed to attack Israel from Lebanon after its military chief, Fuad Shukr, was killed in a strike in Beirut last week.&nbsp;

The Wall Street Journal, citing unnamed US sources, reported that Iran has been moving missile launchers and doing military manoeuvres lately, raising the possibility of an impending strike.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-war-israels-finance-minister-orders-seizure-of-26-million-of-palestinian-tax-funds-747406">Gaza war: Israel's finance minister orders seizure of $26 million in Palestinian tax funds</a>

According to an American&nbsp;official, US President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris received a briefing on Monday from their national security team, which said that the timing of prospective assaults by Iran and Hezbollah is still unknown. The representative added that nothing is known about "the specifics of such an attack."

President Biden and VP Harris got an update on US military support for Israel's defence against any threats from Iran, the White House reported during a national security meeting on Monday. Along with discussing ways to ease tensions, they also looked at the current ceasefire and hostage-release agreement between Israel and Hamas.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/palestinian-officials-say-eight-dead-in-israel-west-bank-raids-747666">Palestinian officials say eight dead in Israel West Bank raids</a>

Biden and Harris addressed the Monday missile strike on a US military post in Iraq, according to the statement. Washington&nbsp;says it intends to respond "in the manner and place of our choosing."

According to the US State Department, Washington has been pushing other countries to send a message to Iran advising against any more escalation.

“Iran seeks to establish stability in the region, but this will only come with punishing the aggressor and creating deterrence against the adventurism of the Zionist regime,” said Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani, adding that action from Tehran was inevitable.

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq and non-state actors like Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Officials in the United States-led coalition, preparing to counter a potential Iranian attack, have cautioned Israel against a strong response, according to a report on Tuesday (Aug 6).

Officials in the United States-led coalition, preparing to counter a potential Iranian attack, have cautioned Israel against a strong response, according to a report on Tuesday (Aug 6). "Don’t push it," the unnamed officials advised Israel, as reported by Kan news, part of the Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation. "Think carefully before you attack in return. The goal at the end of the day is not to lead to an all-out war." In April, a significant drone and missile attack from Iran was thwarted by a coalition that reportedly included Israel, the United States, Britain, France, Qatar, Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain. Watch | Israel-Hezbollah conflict: Foreigners flee Lebanon amid fear of conflict × Iran vowed to take action on Monday, saying that Israel must be "punished" for the death of Hamas militant group leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. This raised concerns that Iran's retaliation may push the already unstable Middle East toward a full-scale conflict. In addition, Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militant group acting as a proxy, has also vowed to attack Israel from Lebanon after its military chief, Fuad Shukr, was killed in a strike in Beirut last week. The Wall Street Journal, citing unnamed US sources, reported that Iran has been moving missile launchers and doing military manoeuvres lately, raising the possibility of an impending strike. Also read: Gaza war: Israel's finance minister orders seizure of $26 million in Palestinian tax funds According to an American official, US President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris received a briefing on Monday from their national security team, which said that the timing of prospective assaults by Iran and Hezbollah is still unknown. The representative added that nothing is known about "the specifics of such an attack." President Biden and VP Harris got an update on US military support for Israel's defence against any threats from Iran, the White House reported during a national security meeting on Monday. Along with discussing ways to ease tensions, they also looked at the current ceasefire and hostage-release agreement between Israel and Hamas. Also read: Palestinian officials say eight dead in Israel West Bank raids Biden and Harris addressed the Monday missile strike on a US military post in Iraq, according to the statement. Washington says it intends to respond "in the manner and place of our choosing." According to the US State Department, Washington has been pushing other countries to send a message to Iran advising against any more escalation. “Iran seeks to establish stability in the region, but this will only come with punishing the aggressor and creating deterrence against the adventurism of the Zionist regime,” said Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani, adding that action from Tehran was inevitable. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq and non-state actors like Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Israel urged by US, allies to limit response to imminent Iran attack: 'Think carefully before...'

The military claimed that an Israeli attack had hit Hamas command centres, but Gaza's civil defence service said that the strike had struck two schools in Gaza City on Sunday, killing at least 30 people.

The military claimed that an Israeli attack had hit Hamas command centres, but Gaza's civil defence service said that the strike had struck two schools in Gaza City on Sunday, killing at least 30 people. Based on a count of tolls previously provided by Hamas officials, these make up the total number of schools in Gaza that have been attacked since July 6 at least 11, killing around 150 people. "The number of martyrs in the massacre of the Hassan Salameh and Al-Nasr schools' bombing has risen to 30. Dozens were also wounded," civil defence spokesman Mahmud Bassal told AFP. According to a civil defence spokesman, women and children made up the majority of the wounded and deceased. He stated that the schools housed Palestinians who had been displaced as a result of the continuing conflict between Israel and Hamas terrorists. The two schools were the target of an attack that was verified by the Israeli military. Watch | Security chiefs accuse Israeli PM Netanyahu of sabotaging hostage talks, says report × The Israeli military said in a statement, "The schools were used by Hamas' Al-Furqan Battalion as a hiding place for its terrorist operatives and as command centres." According to the civil defence agency, a similar Israeli attack happened on Saturday in Gaza City, hitting another school compound and killing at least 17 people. Hamas has been accused by the Israeli military on many occasions of hiding its commanders and militants and utilising civilian buildings as command and control centres. Hamas refutes these accusations According to an AFP count based on official Israeli data, 1,197 people, mostly civilians, lost their lives in the October 7 attack by Hamas militants in Israel, which marked the start of the Gaza War. Militants also abducted 251 persons, 111 of whom are still hostages in Gaza, including 39 who the IDF claims are dead. The health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza, claims that Israel's retaliation has killed at least 39,583 people. Nations advise citizens to leave Lebanon as war fears surge On Sunday, the urgency for foreign nationals to leave Lebanon intensified, with France warning of a tense situation as Iran and its allies prepared to react to high-profile killings attributed to Israel. Saudi Arabia, along with France, Canada, and Jordan, urged their citizens to leave Lebanon. The United States and Britain issued similar warnings. France also advised its nationals in Iran to "temporarily leave," citing potential closures of Iranian airspace and airports. Also read: West Asia crisis: Several nations advise citizens to leave Lebanon Several Western airlines have halted flights to Lebanon and other regional airports. Qatar Airways announced on Sunday that its Doha-Beirut route would "operate exclusively during daylight hours" at least until Monday. Hezbollah, Lebanon's Iran-backed militant group, which has been engaging in almost daily skirmishes with Israeli forces since the Gaza conflict started in October, declared that its fighters launched a new rocket barrage at northern Israel overnight into Sunday. US says it's prepared for 'every possibility' as Middle East tensions rise After the Pentagon announced an increased US military presence in the Middle East, White House Deputy National Security Adviser Jon Finer affirmed, "We are preparing for every possibility." Speaking on ABC News, Finer added, "The Pentagon is moving significant assets to the region, to prepare for what may be another need to defend Israel from an attack, while simultaneously we are working very hard to deescalate this situation diplomatically because we do not believe that a regional war is in anyone's interest in the current moment." (With inputs from agencies)

Israel Hamas war: Israeli strikes hit Gaza schools, hospital; nations advise citizens to leave Lebanon

15 people were killed in an attack on a school sheltering war refugees on Sunday (July 15), according to the civil defence agency in Gaza. As per the Israeli military, the attack targeted "terrorists".

The attack was the seventh on a school-turned-shelter in eight days on the UN-run Abu Araban site in the Nuseirat camp in central Gaza.

Mahmud Bassal, a spokesperson for the civil defence service, told AFP that the Abu Araban school sheltered "thousands of displaced people" and that women and children were the majority of the deceased.

Schools in Nuseirat were hit by two of the earlier strikes as Israel continued its offensive against Hamas militants, who began the conflict with their October 7 attack on Israel.

The Israeli military said its air force struck several terrorists who were operating in the area of UNRWA's Abu Araban school building in Nuseirat".

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mogadishu-car-bomb-blast-5-dead-20-injured-at-packed-cafe-during-euro-2024-match-740912">Mogadishu car bomb blast: 5 dead, 20 injured at packed cafe during Euro 2024 match</a>

It said the building had "served as a hideout" and base for "attacks" on Israeli troops.

The Israeli military reported that its air force targeted several individuals identified as terrorists in the vicinity of UNRWA's Abu Araban school building in Nuseirat. According to the military, the building had been used as a hiding place and operational base for conducting attacks against Israeli soldiers.

Israel claims Hamas uses schools, hospitals, and other public facilities for military objectives. Hamas refutes the charge.

Last week, Germany and France demanded a probe into the school strikes.

Following the Al-Jawni strike, UNRWA spokesperson Juliette Touma told AFP that the agency had converted its schools into shelters when the conflict started.

As Gaza's primary relief organisation, UNRWA has reported that over half of its facilities, totalling 190, have been damaged during the military response to the Hamas attacks on October 7.

(With inputs from agencies)

15 people were killed in an attack on a school sheltering war refugees on Sunday (July 15), according to the civil defence agency in Gaza. As per the Israeli military, the attack targeted "terrorists".

15 people were killed in an attack on a school sheltering war refugees on Sunday (July 15), according to the civil defence agency in Gaza. As per the Israeli military, the attack targeted "terrorists". The attack was the seventh on a school-turned-shelter in eight days on the UN-run Abu Araban site in the Nuseirat camp in central Gaza. Mahmud Bassal, a spokesperson for the civil defence service, told AFP that the Abu Araban school sheltered "thousands of displaced people" and that women and children were the majority of the deceased. Schools in Nuseirat were hit by two of the earlier strikes as Israel continued its offensive against Hamas militants, who began the conflict with their October 7 attack on Israel. The Israeli military said its air force struck several terrorists who were operating in the area of UNRWA's Abu Araban school building in Nuseirat". Also read: Mogadishu car bomb blast: 5 dead, 20 injured at packed cafe during Euro 2024 match It said the building had "served as a hideout" and base for "attacks" on Israeli troops. The Israeli military reported that its air force targeted several individuals identified as terrorists in the vicinity of UNRWA's Abu Araban school building in Nuseirat. According to the military, the building had been used as a hiding place and operational base for conducting attacks against Israeli soldiers. Israel claims Hamas uses schools, hospitals, and other public facilities for military objectives. Hamas refutes the charge. Last week, Germany and France demanded a probe into the school strikes. Following the Al-Jawni strike, UNRWA spokesperson Juliette Touma told AFP that the agency had converted its schools into shelters when the conflict started. As Gaza's primary relief organisation, UNRWA has reported that over half of its facilities, totalling 190, have been damaged during the military response to the Hamas attacks on October 7. (With inputs from agencies)

15 dead in Israeli strike on Gaza school shelter, seventh in 8 days, military claims targeted 'terrorists'

Fifteen people were killed in an attack on a school sheltering war refugees on Sunday (Jul&nbsp;15), according to the civil defence agency in Gaza. As per the Israeli military, the attack targeted "terrorists".

The attack was the seventh on a school-turned-shelter in eight days on the UN-run Abu Araban site in the Nuseirat camp in central Gaza.

Mahmud Bassal, a spokesperson for the civil defence service, told news agency AFP that the Abu Araban school sheltered "thousands of displaced people" and that women and children were the majority of the deceased.

Schools in Nuseirat were hit by two of the earlier strikes as Israel continued its offensive against Hamas militants, who launched their offensive against Israel on Oct 7.

The Israeli military said its air force struck several terrorists who were operating in the area of UNRWA's Abu Araban school building in Nuseirat".

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mogadishu-car-bomb-blast-5-dead-20-injured-at-packed-cafe-during-euro-2024-match-740912">Mogadishu car bomb blast: 5 dead, 20 injured at packed cafe during Euro 2024 match</a>

It said the building had "served as a hideout" and base for "attacks" on Israeli troops.

The Israeli military reported that its air force targeted several individuals identified as terrorists in the vicinity of UNRWA's Abu Araban school building in Nuseirat. According to the military, the building had been used as a hiding place and operational base for conducting attacks against Israeli soldiers.

Israel claims Hamas uses schools, hospitals, and other public facilities for military objectives. Hamas refutes the charge.

Last week, Germany and France demanded a probe into the school strikes.

Following the Al-Jawni strike, UNRWA spokesperson Juliette Touma told AFP that the agency had converted its schools into shelters when the conflict started.

As Gaza's primary relief organisation, UNRWA has reported that over half of its facilities, totalling 190, have been damaged during the military response to the Hamas attacks on October 7.

(With inputs from agencies)

Fifteen people were killed in an attack on a school sheltering war refugees on Sunday (Jul 15), according to the civil defence agency in Gaza. As per the Israeli military, the attack targeted "terrorists".

Fifteen people were killed in an attack on a school sheltering war refugees on Sunday (Jul 15), according to the civil defence agency in Gaza. As per the Israeli military, the attack targeted "terrorists". The attack was the seventh on a school-turned-shelter in eight days on the UN-run Abu Araban site in the Nuseirat camp in central Gaza. Mahmud Bassal, a spokesperson for the civil defence service, told news agency AFP that the Abu Araban school sheltered "thousands of displaced people" and that women and children were the majority of the deceased. Schools in Nuseirat were hit by two of the earlier strikes as Israel continued its offensive against Hamas militants, who launched their offensive against Israel on Oct 7. The Israeli military said its air force struck several terrorists who were operating in the area of UNRWA's Abu Araban school building in Nuseirat". Also read: Mogadishu car bomb blast: 5 dead, 20 injured at packed cafe during Euro 2024 match It said the building had "served as a hideout" and base for "attacks" on Israeli troops. The Israeli military reported that its air force targeted several individuals identified as terrorists in the vicinity of UNRWA's Abu Araban school building in Nuseirat. According to the military, the building had been used as a hiding place and operational base for conducting attacks against Israeli soldiers. Israel claims Hamas uses schools, hospitals, and other public facilities for military objectives. Hamas refutes the charge. Last week, Germany and France demanded a probe into the school strikes. Following the Al-Jawni strike, UNRWA spokesperson Juliette Touma told AFP that the agency had converted its schools into shelters when the conflict started. As Gaza's primary relief organisation, UNRWA has reported that over half of its facilities, totalling 190, have been damaged during the military response to the Hamas attacks on October 7. (With inputs from agencies)

Israeli strike on Gaza school shelter kills 15; military says attack targeted 'terrorists'

Israeli forces recovered the bodies of three additional hostages who were killed during the October 7 attack in Gaza, the army announced on Friday (May 24). The victims—Hanan Yablonka, Michel Nisenbaum, and Orion Hernandez—were identified, and their families have been informed, reported AFP. They were killed at the Mefalsim intersection on the day of the attack, with their bodies subsequently taken to Gaza.

<div class="flex flex-grow flex-col max-w-full">
<div class="min-h-[20px] text-message flex flex-col items-start whitespace-pre-wrap break-words [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-5 juice:w-full juice:items-end overflow-x-auto gap-2" data-message-author-role="assistant" data-message-id="e5b6d470-ea89-40de-8a35-54988a82b382" dir="auto">
<div class="flex w-full flex-col gap-1 juice:empty:hidden juice:first:pt-[3px]">
<div class="markdown prose w-full break-words dark:prose-invert dark">
During the October 7 attack, terrorists affiliated with Hamas killed approximately 1,200 people, predominantly civilians, and abducted about 250 others. Since then, roughly half of the hostages have been released, primarily through exchanges for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel during a weeklong ceasefire in November, 2023.&nbsp;

<div class="flex-col gap-1 md:gap-3">
<div class="flex flex-grow flex-col max-w-full">
<div class="min-h-[20px] text-message flex flex-col items-start whitespace-pre-wrap break-words [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-5 juice:w-full juice:items-end overflow-x-auto gap-2" data-message-author-role="assistant" data-message-id="ebe433cf-903a-46cd-808f-524ac8a28c70" dir="auto">
<div class="flex w-full flex-col gap-1 juice:empty:hidden juice:first:pt-[3px]">
<div class="markdown prose w-full break-words dark:prose-invert dark">
Israel says that approximately 100 hostages still remain in Gaza, as also the bodies of around 30 others. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pledged to uproot Hamas and secure the release of all hostages, but has encountered minimal success.

<div class="flex flex-grow flex-col max-w-full">
<div class="min-h-[20px] text-message flex flex-col items-start whitespace-pre-wrap break-words [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-5 juice:w-full juice:items-end overflow-x-auto gap-2" data-message-author-role="assistant" data-message-id="e85de95a-e00f-4e03-8499-0175669f12a5" dir="auto">
<div class="flex w-full flex-col gap-1 juice:empty:hidden juice:first:pt-[3px]">
<div class="markdown prose w-full break-words dark:prose-invert dark">
On Friday (May 24), Netanyahu spoke about Israel's obligation to do everything possible to bring back those abducted, whether dead or alive.

The International Court of Justice is expected to deliver a ruling on South Africa's urgent plea to halt Israel's operations on Friday afternoon. Israel is unlikely to comply with any such order, potentially increasing pressure on the country, already facing isolation.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-war-israel-will-stop-work-of-spanish-consulate-for-palestinians-724883">Also read | Gaza war: Israel will stop work of Spanish consulate for Palestinians</a>

<h2>Two emerging camps</h2>

Israelis are divided into two main factions regarding the hostages: one advocating for a ceasefire and the release of hostages, while the other sees their captivity as a regrettable necessity in the campaign against Hamas.

Despite intermittent mediation efforts by Qatar, the United States, and Egypt, negotiations have yielded limited results.

Also watch | French ships deliver humanitarian aid to US barge off Gaza coast
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-war-french-ships-deliver-humanitarian-aid-to-us-barge-off-gaza-coast-724862/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<div class="mt-1 flex gap-3 empty:hidden juice:-ml-3">
<div class="items-center justify-start rounded-xl p-1 flex">
<div class="flex items-center">
<div class="flex-col gap-1 md:gap-3">
<div class="flex flex-grow flex-col max-w-full">
<div class="min-h-[20px] text-message flex flex-col items-start whitespace-pre-wrap break-words [.text-message+&amp;]:mt-5 juice:w-full juice:items-end overflow-x-auto gap-2" data-message-author-role="assistant" data-message-id="2373d2fa-9beb-4d44-b645-76e2facf3b8d" dir="auto">
<div class="flex w-full flex-col gap-1 juice:empty:hidden juice:first:pt-[3px]">
<div class="markdown prose w-full break-words dark:prose-invert dark">
Earlier this week, a group representing hostage families released new video footage showing Hamas' capture of five female Israeli soldiers near the Gaza border on October 7. The footage showed the soldiers injured and bleeding, with one scene showing a terrorist commenting on one of the women's appearance.

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.&nbsp;
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

Israeli forces recovered the bodies of three additional hostages who were killed during the October 7 attack in Gaza, the army announced on Friday (May 24). The victims—Hanan Yablonka, Michel Nisenbaum, and Orion Hernandez—were identified, and their families have been informed, reported AFP.

Israeli forces recovered the bodies of three additional hostages who were killed during the October 7 attack in Gaza, the army announced on Friday (May 24). The victims—Hanan Yablonka, Michel Nisenbaum, and Orion Hernandez—were identified, and their families have been informed, reported AFP. They were killed at the Mefalsim intersection on the day of the attack, with their bodies subsequently taken to Gaza. During the October 7 attack, terrorists affiliated with Hamas killed approximately 1,200 people, predominantly civilians, and abducted about 250 others. Since then, roughly half of the hostages have been released, primarily through exchanges for Palestinian prisoners held by Israel during a weeklong ceasefire in November, 2023. Israel says that approximately 100 hostages still remain in Gaza, as also the bodies of around 30 others. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has pledged to uproot Hamas and secure the release of all hostages, but has encountered minimal success. On Friday (May 24), Netanyahu spoke about Israel's obligation to do everything possible to bring back those abducted, whether dead or alive. The International Court of Justice is expected to deliver a ruling on South Africa's urgent plea to halt Israel's operations on Friday afternoon. Israel is unlikely to comply with any such order, potentially increasing pressure on the country, already facing isolation. Also read | Gaza war: Israel will stop work of Spanish consulate for Palestinians Two emerging camps Israelis are divided into two main factions regarding the hostages: one advocating for a ceasefire and the release of hostages, while the other sees their captivity as a regrettable necessity in the campaign against Hamas. Despite intermittent mediation efforts by Qatar, the United States, and Egypt, negotiations have yielded limited results. Also watch | French ships deliver humanitarian aid to US barge off Gaza coast Earlier this week, a group representing hostage families released new video footage showing Hamas' capture of five female Israeli soldiers near the Gaza border on October 7. The footage showed the soldiers injured and bleeding, with one scene showing a terrorist commenting on one of the women's appearance. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

Bodies of three more Oct 7 hostages recovered overnight from Gaza, says Israeli Army

The US military has confirmed on Friday (May 17) that the first aid shipment has reached Gaza via the temporary pier. According to a post on X by US Central Command, aid trucks began moving ashore around 0900 local time.

"This is an ongoing, multinational effort to deliver additional aid to Palestinian civilians in Gaza via a maritime corridor that is entirely humanitarian in nature," the post stated, stressing that no US troops went ashore.

The US started constructing the floating base weeks ago to facilitate aid delivery to Gaza amidst Israel's military campaign against Hamas.

<h2>What's the process of dispatching aid?</h2>

This announcement follows reports that hundreds of tonnes of aid had arrived in Cyprus on Wednesday (May 15),&nbsp; where it undergoes screening before being loaded on to commercial ships for delivery to the pier.

Once at the pier, smaller US military vessels, capable of carrying five to 15 lorries of aid, will transport it to a floating pier several hundred metres long, fixed to Gaza's beach.

The lorries will travel along the pier and drop off the aid at a marshalling yard on the beach.

Also watch | Israel-Hamas War: US military completes installation of Gaza floating pier for aid delivery

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-hamas-war-us-military-completes-installation-of-gaza-floating-pier-for-aid-delivery-722479/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The UN, primarily the World Food Programme, will be responsible for the onward distribution of the aid.

The announcement signifies the opening of a new route for humanitarian aid to reach Gaza.

Approximately 2.2 million Palestinians are in need of food, shelter, and other assistance.

Aid deliveries to the area have slowed since Israeli forces took control of the Gaza side of the Rafah crossing last week.

Earlier this month, Israel temporarily closed the key Kerem Shalom crossing overnight, citing the death of four soldiers in a Hamas rocket attack near the crossing.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-icj-south-africa-alleges-israel-stepping-up-genocide-in-gaza-tel-aviv-slams-biased-and-false-claims-722456">Also read | At ICJ, South Africa alleges Israel 'stepping up' genocide in Gaza; Tel Aviv slams 'biased and false claims'</a>

<div>
<h2>Gaza crisis deepens; bleak conditions grip region</h2>
</div>

<div>
Aid agencies said that they are almost out of food in southern Gaza and running low on fuel.

This shortage will cause hospitals to stop critical operations and prevent aid trucks from delivering supplies.

The United Nations and other agencies have warned for weeks that an Israeli attack on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-war-israels-rafah-offensive-will-provoke-anarchy-without-eliminating-hamas-says-blinken-720701">Rafah</a>, near the main aid entry points on the Egypt border, would severely disrupt humanitarian efforts and lead to many civilian deaths.

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)
</div>

The US military has confirmed on Friday (May 17) that the first aid shipment has reached Gaza via the temporary pier. According to a post on X by US Central Command, aid trucks began moving ashore around 0900 local time.

The US military has confirmed on Friday (May 17) that the first aid shipment has reached Gaza via the temporary pier. According to a post on X by US Central Command, aid trucks began moving ashore around 0900 local time. "This is an ongoing, multinational effort to deliver additional aid to Palestinian civilians in Gaza via a maritime corridor that is entirely humanitarian in nature," the post stated, stressing that no US troops went ashore. The US started constructing the floating base weeks ago to facilitate aid delivery to Gaza amidst Israel's military campaign against Hamas. What's the process of dispatching aid? This announcement follows reports that hundreds of tonnes of aid had arrived in Cyprus on Wednesday (May 15), where it undergoes screening before being loaded on to commercial ships for delivery to the pier. Once at the pier, smaller US military vessels, capable of carrying five to 15 lorries of aid, will transport it to a floating pier several hundred metres long, fixed to Gaza's beach. The lorries will travel along the pier and drop off the aid at a marshalling yard on the beach. Also watch | Israel-Hamas War: US military completes installation of Gaza floating pier for aid delivery The UN, primarily the World Food Programme, will be responsible for the onward distribution of the aid. The announcement signifies the opening of a new route for humanitarian aid to reach Gaza. Approximately 2.2 million Palestinians are in need of food, shelter, and other assistance. Aid deliveries to the area have slowed since Israeli forces took control of the Gaza side of the Rafah crossing last week. Earlier this month, Israel temporarily closed the key Kerem Shalom crossing overnight, citing the death of four soldiers in a Hamas rocket attack near the crossing. Also read | At ICJ, South Africa alleges Israel 'stepping up' genocide in Gaza; Tel Aviv slams 'biased and false claims' Gaza crisis deepens; bleak conditions grip region Aid agencies said that they are almost out of food in southern Gaza and running low on fuel. This shortage will cause hospitals to stop critical operations and prevent aid trucks from delivering supplies. The United Nations and other agencies have warned for weeks that an Israeli attack on Rafah, near the main aid entry points on the Egypt border, would severely disrupt humanitarian efforts and lead to many civilian deaths. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

US confirms arrival of first aid trucks via Gaza pier