<p>Baby Kai was just 9 days old when Hamas terrorists broke into his home in Kibbutz Nirim and set it ablaze. The infant’s fate hung in the balance, and the family had to take the risk of placing him away from lethal smoke in a spot where any terrorist could see him should they return.</p>

<p>The horror lasted for six hours and eventually, the nightmare turned into an amazing tale of miraculous survival.</p>

<p>The story was shared on X by a user Aviva Klompas. The mother of the infant also shared the horrifying experience with Channel 12, a TV channel in Israel.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;US readies plans for mass evacuations if Gaza war escalates</strong></p>

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<p>"My mom who was with us grabbed Kai and he started crying. She put a finger in his mouth to shut him up as quickly as possible," mother Amy told Channel 12.</p>

<p>She along with her husband Uriel held the doorknob up even as the terrorists tried to enter the house. The family rushed to the “safe room,” beyond the reach of the gunmen.</p>

<p>“We began to see an orange light, thick flames and smoke,” she said, adding their house was set ablaze.</p>

<p>“The smoke still managed to get into the room,” she said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/at-unsc-india-vows-continued-humanitarian-assistance-for-palestinians-650959"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;At UNSC, India vows continued humanitarian assistance for Palestinians</strong></a></p>

<p>Father Uriel sent out an SOS call to the community’s Whatsapp group.</p>

<p>"My house is on fire, we're locked in the shelter, please save us," he wrote.</p>

<p>“When we placed our little one on the windowsill, it was one of the hardest decisions we had to make. On the one hand, if we left him in the safe room, we thought he would probably inhale a lethal amount of smoke, but on the other hand, if we put him on the windowsill, the terrorists could have attacked him,” Uriel described the experience.</p>

<p>“We thought the worst, but we looked each other in the eye and said I love you, and that helped," he concluded.</p>

<p>The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) eventually came to their rescue, leading them and their neighbours to a nearby shelter.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Baby Kai was just 9 days old when Hamas terrorists broke into his home in Kibbutz Nirim and set it ablaze. The infant’s fate hung in the balance, and the family had to take the risk of placing him away from lethal smoke in a spot where any terrorist could see him should they return.

Baby Kai was just 9 days old when Hamas terrorists broke into his home in Kibbutz Nirim and set it ablaze. The infant’s fate hung in the balance, and the family had to take the risk of placing him away from lethal smoke in a spot where any terrorist could see him should they return. The horror lasted for six hours and eventually, the nightmare turned into an amazing tale of miraculous survival. The story was shared on X by a user Aviva Klompas. The mother of the infant also shared the horrifying experience with Channel 12, a TV channel in Israel. Watch: US readies plans for mass evacuations if Gaza war escalates × "My mom who was with us grabbed Kai and he started crying. She put a finger in his mouth to shut him up as quickly as possible," mother Amy told Channel 12. She along with her husband Uriel held the doorknob up even as the terrorists tried to enter the house. The family rushed to the “safe room,” beyond the reach of the gunmen. “We began to see an orange light, thick flames and smoke,” she said, adding their house was set ablaze. “The smoke still managed to get into the room,” she said. Also read: At UNSC, India vows continued humanitarian assistance for Palestinians Father Uriel sent out an SOS call to the community’s Whatsapp group. "My house is on fire, we're locked in the shelter, please save us," he wrote. “When we placed our little one on the windowsill, it was one of the hardest decisions we had to make. On the one hand, if we left him in the safe room, we thought he would probably inhale a lethal amount of smoke, but on the other hand, if we put him on the windowsill, the terrorists could have attacked him,” Uriel described the experience. “We thought the worst, but we looked each other in the eye and said I love you, and that helped," he concluded. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) eventually came to their rescue, leading them and their neighbours to a nearby shelter. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Israel vs Hamas: Soul-stirring survival story of a 9-day-old whose house was set on fire by terrorists

<p>While Joe Biden-led US has emerged as the strongest backer of embattled Israel, it might really end up hurting the reelection bid of the incumbent president in the 2024 elections.</p>

<p>Many Arab and Muslim Americans are voicing anger against what they call Biden’s failure to prevent a humanitarian crisis in Gaza following the Israeli retaliation, which has resulted in the death of more than 5,500 Palestinians so far, as per claims of Gaza officials.</p>

<p>In US, academics, community members, activists and even pro-Palestine administration officials are joining forces to send a loud and clear message to Joe Biden: Israeli actions against Gazans must stop.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Experts believe that Biden’s open support to Israeli actions could cost him Muslim votes in key states, including Michigan and Pennsylvania.</p>

<h2><strong>Impact on Biden’s re-election bid</strong></h2>

<p>Arab and Muslim voters wield great electoral influence in some key states. In Michigan, they account for 5 per cent of the votes. In other battleground states Pennsylvania and Ohio, they are between 1.7 per cent and 2 per cent.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Israel-Palestine war: Half a million Israeli displace | WION Ground report</strong></p>

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<p>It must be noted that Biden won these states in 2020 with a very thin margin. In Michigan, Biden got 50.6 per cent of the votes ahead of Trump’s 47.8 per cent. In Pennsylvania, Biden got 50.01 per cent of the votes, with Trump just falling short of 81,000 votes.</p>

<p>While Muslims are unlikely to vote for Donald Trump, in the event of a possible re-match, they will not vote for Biden either, dimming Biden’s prospects of getting back to the White House.</p>

<h2><strong>Reactions from US Muslims</strong></h2>

<p>CAIR, the largest Muslim civil rights group in the US, alleged that their government was responsible for “ethnic cleansing” in Gaza.</p>

<p>Israel’s bombing of Gaza is "now in the realm of genocide targeting the entire Palestinian population," it said, adding, “Government officials will be complicit in the ethnic cleansing of Gaza" unless they intervene.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trigger-warning-israel-shares-footage-of-oct-7-hamas-attack-to-counter-claims-of-atrocities-650582"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Israel shares unedited footage Oct 7 attack; Hamas militant boasts to parents `killed 10 Jews`</strong></a></p>

<p>Some also criticised Biden’s vow to give $14 billion in aid to Israel amidst the war.</p>

<p>"If you look at his rhetoric, it's unbelievable, and now they are trying to pump billions and billions of dollars militarily into Israel, with some $100 million in humanitarian aid for the Palestinians," said Sa'ed Atshan, a Quaker Palestinian American who teaches peace and conflict studies at Pennsylvania's Swarthmore College.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


While Joe Biden-led US has emerged as the strongest backer of embattled Israel, it might really end up hurting the reelection bid of the incumbent president in the 2024 elections.

While Joe Biden-led US has emerged as the strongest backer of embattled Israel, it might really end up hurting the reelection bid of the incumbent president in the 2024 elections. Many Arab and Muslim Americans are voicing anger against what they call Biden’s failure to prevent a humanitarian crisis in Gaza following the Israeli retaliation, which has resulted in the death of more than 5,500 Palestinians so far, as per claims of Gaza officials. In US, academics, community members, activists and even pro-Palestine administration officials are joining forces to send a loud and clear message to Joe Biden: Israeli actions against Gazans must stop. Experts believe that Biden’s open support to Israeli actions could cost him Muslim votes in key states, including Michigan and Pennsylvania. Impact on Biden’s re-election bid Arab and Muslim voters wield great electoral influence in some key states. In Michigan, they account for 5 per cent of the votes. In other battleground states Pennsylvania and Ohio, they are between 1.7 per cent and 2 per cent. Watch: Israel-Palestine war: Half a million Israeli displace | WION Ground report × It must be noted that Biden won these states in 2020 with a very thin margin. In Michigan, Biden got 50.6 per cent of the votes ahead of Trump’s 47.8 per cent. In Pennsylvania, Biden got 50.01 per cent of the votes, with Trump just falling short of 81,000 votes. While Muslims are unlikely to vote for Donald Trump, in the event of a possible re-match, they will not vote for Biden either, dimming Biden’s prospects of getting back to the White House. Reactions from US Muslims CAIR, the largest Muslim civil rights group in the US, alleged that their government was responsible for “ethnic cleansing” in Gaza. Israel’s bombing of Gaza is "now in the realm of genocide targeting the entire Palestinian population," it said, adding, “Government officials will be complicit in the ethnic cleansing of Gaza" unless they intervene. Also read: Israel shares unedited footage Oct 7 attack; Hamas militant boasts to parents `killed 10 Jews` Some also criticised Biden’s vow to give $14 billion in aid to Israel amidst the war. "If you look at his rhetoric, it's unbelievable, and now they are trying to pump billions and billions of dollars militarily into Israel, with some $100 million in humanitarian aid for the Palestinians," said Sa'ed Atshan, a Quaker Palestinian American who teaches peace and conflict studies at Pennsylvania's Swarthmore College. (With inputs from agencies)

Biden’s 2024 campaign may take hit as Arab, Muslim Americans criticise US support to Israel

<p>Israeli military leadership is considering inundating the underground tunnels of Hamas before launching a ground invasion into Gaza, a renowned US journalist has reported.</p>

<p>Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Seymour Hersh wrote in his report that the Israeli leadership was even willing to sacrifice those who might currently be held hostages in these tunnels.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Israel is now in the process of turning Gaza City into rubble, via constant bombing, and is also planning to begin a ground invasion in the near future," the journalist said citing a senior US official.</p>

<p>He also added that flooding the tunnels would mean that “Israel was prepared to write off the hostages still in jeopardy."</p>

<h2><strong>‘Israel to turn Gaza into Hiroshima’</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier, the journalist claimed that Israel was about to turn Gaza into Hiroshima, just without using a nuclear bomb.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Israel-Palestine war: Israel continues ground offensive as US urges it to slowdown</strong></p>

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<p>He also claimed that Israel was fully backed by the US in its efforts to completely dismantle the underground tunnel infrastructure created by Hamas.</p>

<h2><strong>IDF not yet ready for ground offensive, says US</strong></h2>

<p>Meanwhile, top US officials have said that the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) was not ready to initiate a ground invasion of Gaza as they lack achievable military goals.</p>

<p>It was anticipated shortly after the Oct 7 assault by Hamas that the IDF may launch a ground offensive. However, the campaign has been delayed, with some experts blaming USA’s pressure on the Jewish nation.</p>

<h2><strong>US dispatching its own army officials to advise the IDF</strong></h2>

<p>Meanwhile, the White House has said the US Army was willing to cooperate with the IDF in its war against Hamas. White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby told reporters that several senior US Army officers who have experience in “the sorts of operations that Israel is conducting and may conduct in the future” have been dispatched to advise the IDF.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-vs-hamas-amid-upsurge-in-violence-us-begins-preparing-for-mass-evacuation-if-war-escalates-650898"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Israel vs Hamas: Amid upsurge in violence, US begins preparing for mass evacuation if war escalates</strong></a></p>

<p>“We have asked several officials with relevant experience simply to help Israeli officials think through the difficult questions ahead and explore their options. The IDF will, as always, make its own decisions,” a Pentagon spokesperson added.</p>

<p><strong>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.</strong></p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Israeli military leadership is considering inundating the underground tunnels of Hamas before launching a ground invasion into Gaza, a renowned US journalist has reported.

Israeli military leadership is considering inundating the underground tunnels of Hamas before launching a ground invasion into Gaza, a renowned US journalist has reported. Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Seymour Hersh wrote in his report that the Israeli leadership was even willing to sacrifice those who might currently be held hostages in these tunnels. "Israel is now in the process of turning Gaza City into rubble, via constant bombing, and is also planning to begin a ground invasion in the near future," the journalist said citing a senior US official. He also added that flooding the tunnels would mean that “Israel was prepared to write off the hostages still in jeopardy." ‘Israel to turn Gaza into Hiroshima’ Earlier, the journalist claimed that Israel was about to turn Gaza into Hiroshima, just without using a nuclear bomb. Watch: Israel-Palestine war: Israel continues ground offensive as US urges it to slowdown × He also claimed that Israel was fully backed by the US in its efforts to completely dismantle the underground tunnel infrastructure created by Hamas. IDF not yet ready for ground offensive, says US Meanwhile, top US officials have said that the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) was not ready to initiate a ground invasion of Gaza as they lack achievable military goals. It was anticipated shortly after the Oct 7 assault by Hamas that the IDF may launch a ground offensive. However, the campaign has been delayed, with some experts blaming USA’s pressure on the Jewish nation. US dispatching its own army officials to advise the IDF Meanwhile, the White House has said the US Army was willing to cooperate with the IDF in its war against Hamas. White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby told reporters that several senior US Army officers who have experience in “the sorts of operations that Israel is conducting and may conduct in the future” have been dispatched to advise the IDF. Also read: Israel vs Hamas: Amid upsurge in violence, US begins preparing for mass evacuation if war escalates “We have asked several officials with relevant experience simply to help Israeli officials think through the difficult questions ahead and explore their options. The IDF will, as always, make its own decisions,” a Pentagon spokesperson added. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Israel considering flooding Hamas tunnels before ground invasion, claims famed scribe

<p>Palestinian militant group Hamas, on Friday (Oct 20), released a statement saying that it had released two American hostages out of the 200 captives it kidnapped following an unprecedented attack against Israel.</p>

<p>"In response to Qatari efforts, (Ezzedine) al-Qassam Brigades released two American citizens (a mother and her daughter) for humanitarian reasons," Hamas said in a statement posted on Telegram.</p>

<p>The militant group did not share details on how and when the hostages were released.</p>

<p>Earlier on Friday, the Israeli military said that most of the hostages abducted to Gaza were still alive.</p>

<p>"The majority of the hostages are alive. There were also dead bodies that were taken... to the Gaza Strip," an army statement said.</p>

<p>The army said that more than 20 hostages were minors, while between 10 and 20 were over the age of 60.</p>

<p>The Israeli military has carried out air raids on thousands of Hamas targets in Gaza, said the spokesman.</p>

<p>"They include quality targets such as drone facilities, they include naval facilities, they include command and control facilities, they include all of the rocket facilities," Lerner said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-joe-biden-asks-congress-for-105-bln-security-package-includes-funds-for-ukraine-and-israel-649351">Biden asks Congress for $105 bln package, including funds for Ukraine, Israel</a></p>

<p>"Our assessment suggests that at this time Hamas are in a state of disarray, they have no idea what the situation is above ground, they have escaped into the tunnels."</p>

<h2><strong>'Any help from New Delhi is welcome' for release of hostages, says Israel envoy to India</strong></h2>

<p>Israel's Ambassador to India, Naor Gilon, while speaking to Indian Express, stated that Israel would welcome any help from India for the release of over 200 Israeli hostages, including several foreign nationals.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He further said that Israel was "moved that the first reaction from Prime Minister Narendra Modi came on the same afternoon, even before the full picture was out".</p>

<p>Gilon added that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi again "expressed solidarity" after speaking to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a few days later. He said, "Not just the Indian PM, we have got a show of support from all levels here — officials, ministers, civil society, and even people on social media."&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong><em>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.</em></strong></p>

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Palestinian militant group Hamas, on Friday (Oct 20), released a statement saying that it had released two American hostages out of the 200 captives it kidnapped following an unprecedented attack against Israel.

Palestinian militant group Hamas, on Friday (Oct 20), released a statement saying that it had released two American hostages out of the 200 captives it kidnapped following an unprecedented attack against Israel. "In response to Qatari efforts, (Ezzedine) al-Qassam Brigades released two American citizens (a mother and her daughter) for humanitarian reasons," Hamas said in a statement posted on Telegram. The militant group did not share details on how and when the hostages were released. Earlier on Friday, the Israeli military said that most of the hostages abducted to Gaza were still alive. "The majority of the hostages are alive. There were also dead bodies that were taken... to the Gaza Strip," an army statement said. The army said that more than 20 hostages were minors, while between 10 and 20 were over the age of 60. The Israeli military has carried out air raids on thousands of Hamas targets in Gaza, said the spokesman. "They include quality targets such as drone facilities, they include naval facilities, they include command and control facilities, they include all of the rocket facilities," Lerner said. Also read: Biden asks Congress for $105 bln package, including funds for Ukraine, Israel "Our assessment suggests that at this time Hamas are in a state of disarray, they have no idea what the situation is above ground, they have escaped into the tunnels." 'Any help from New Delhi is welcome' for release of hostages, says Israel envoy to India Israel's Ambassador to India, Naor Gilon, while speaking to Indian Express, stated that Israel would welcome any help from India for the release of over 200 Israeli hostages, including several foreign nationals. He further said that Israel was "moved that the first reaction from Prime Minister Narendra Modi came on the same afternoon, even before the full picture was out". Gilon added that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi again "expressed solidarity" after speaking to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a few days later. He said, "Not just the Indian PM, we have got a show of support from all levels here — officials, ministers, civil society, and even people on social media." (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Hamas releases two American hostages from Gaza

<p>UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak took off for Israel to hold&nbsp;talks with his Israeli counterpart. After concluding his Israel visit, Sunak&nbsp;is scheduled to travel to other countries in the region for further discussions with other leaders in West Asia, Downing Street announced.</p>

<p>Downing Street, however, did not specify which other leaders Sunak will engage with. Instead, it mentioned that the UK Prime Minister will travel "to a number of other regional capitals", whose details have not been released due to security reasons.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spotlight-on-washingtons-waning-political-capital-after-gaza-hospital-blast-sinks-bidens-jordan-summit-648187">Spotlight on Washington's waning political capital after Gaza hospital blast sinks Biden's Jordan summit</a></strong></p>

<p>In Israel, Sunak will meet with PM Benjamin Netanyahu as well as the&nbsp;country’s President, Isaac Herzog, on Thursday, according to the details of Sunak's schedule shared by 10, Downing Street.</p>

<h2><strong>Rishi Sunak's Israel visit: What does it mean?</strong></h2>

<p>Sunak is set to arrive in Israel right after US President Joe Biden concluded his wartime visit to the country at war with Hamas since October 7. Biden was due to visit the Jordanian capital Amman&nbsp;for a four-way summit with the leaders of Jordan, Egypt and Palestine Authority. But Jordan called off the summit after a hospital in the Gaza Strip was hit by a strike and killed over 500 people, in the deadliest civilian casualty event in the region since the beginning of the war.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sunak faces the task of pacifying Arabian leaders whose anti-Israel passions are running high, especially since the Gaza hospital's mass casualty event.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Israel's Prime Minister Netanyahu said that Israel would allow Egypt to deliver limited quantities of humanitarian aid to Gaza, a move Cairo later approved from the Rafah border crossing into Gaza.</p>

<p>Downing Street said that Rishi Sunak would push for humanitarian access to Gaza&nbsp;to happen "as soon as possible", an event whose administerial approval has already been given by both Israel and Egypt following US President Joe Biden's visit.</p>

<p>It is noteworthy that the push for humanitarian access to the Gaza Strip was first announced by US State Secretary Antony Blinken on October 17 following days of engagements with leaders in West Asia.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Today, at our request, the United States and Israel have agreed to develop a plan that will enable humanitarian aid from donor nations and multilateral organizations to reach civilians in Gaza, including the possibility of creating areas to help keep civilians out of harm’s way.</p>
— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecBlinken/status/1714076759963136319?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 17, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>"Every civilian death is a tragedy. And too many lives have been lost following Hamas’&nbsp;horrific act of terror," Sunak said in his remarks before taking off from London.</p>

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UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak took off for Israel to hold talks with his Israeli counterpart. After concluding his Israel visit, Sunak is scheduled to travel to other countries in the region for further discussions with other leaders in West Asia, Downing Street announced.

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak took off for Israel to hold talks with his Israeli counterpart. After concluding his Israel visit, Sunak is scheduled to travel to other countries in the region for further discussions with other leaders in West Asia, Downing Street announced. Downing Street, however, did not specify which other leaders Sunak will engage with. Instead, it mentioned that the UK Prime Minister will travel "to a number of other regional capitals", whose details have not been released due to security reasons. Also read | Spotlight on Washington's waning political capital after Gaza hospital blast sinks Biden's Jordan summit In Israel, Sunak will meet with PM Benjamin Netanyahu as well as the country’s President, Isaac Herzog, on Thursday, according to the details of Sunak's schedule shared by 10, Downing Street. Rishi Sunak's Israel visit: What does it mean? Sunak is set to arrive in Israel right after US President Joe Biden concluded his wartime visit to the country at war with Hamas since October 7. Biden was due to visit the Jordanian capital Amman for a four-way summit with the leaders of Jordan, Egypt and Palestine Authority. But Jordan called off the summit after a hospital in the Gaza Strip was hit by a strike and killed over 500 people, in the deadliest civilian casualty event in the region since the beginning of the war. Sunak faces the task of pacifying Arabian leaders whose anti-Israel passions are running high, especially since the Gaza hospital's mass casualty event. Meanwhile, Israel's Prime Minister Netanyahu said that Israel would allow Egypt to deliver limited quantities of humanitarian aid to Gaza, a move Cairo later approved from the Rafah border crossing into Gaza. Downing Street said that Rishi Sunak would push for humanitarian access to Gaza to happen "as soon as possible", an event whose administerial approval has already been given by both Israel and Egypt following US President Joe Biden's visit. It is noteworthy that the push for humanitarian access to the Gaza Strip was first announced by US State Secretary Antony Blinken on October 17 following days of engagements with leaders in West Asia. Today, at our request, the United States and Israel have agreed to develop a plan that will enable humanitarian aid from donor nations and multilateral organizations to reach civilians in Gaza, including the possibility of creating areas to help keep civilians out of harm’s way. — Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) October 17, 2023 × "Every civilian death is a tragedy. And too many lives have been lost following Hamas’ horrific act of terror," Sunak said in his remarks before taking off from London. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

After Biden, Rishi Sunak takes off for wartime Israel visit first, and then wider region

<p>The Gaza health ministry has claimed that at least 500 Palestinians were killed after Israeli airstrikes attacked a hospital in the city.</p>

<p>On Tuesday (Oct 17), the Gaza health ministry claimed that Israeli warplanes bombed the Ahli Baptist Hospital which was treating hundreds of wounded and sheltering other Palestinians, AP news agency reported.&nbsp;The hospital is run by the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem.</p>

<p>"Hundreds of victims are still under the rubble," a statement said, calling it a "war crime".</p>

<p>The Israeli military said that it was looking into the claims. "We will look into it... the strike happened just a short while ago," Israeli military spokesman Daniel Hagari told a televised press briefing.</p>

<p>Later, the Israel&nbsp;Defense Forces (IDF)&nbsp;clarified that a&nbsp;rocket barrage was fired at Israel&nbsp;from the vicinity of the hospital&nbsp;at the time it was hit. "According to intelligence information, the Islamic Jihad sent the failed rocket such that it hit their own hospital," the IDF spokesperson said.</p>

<p>Earlier, Israel-based i24News outlet also claimed that an initial investigation done by the Israeli Defense Force found that the explosion at the&nbsp;hospital in Gaza was caused by a failed Hamas rocket launch. However, an official confirmation is awaited.</p>

<p>The incident occurred hours after the United Nations agency supporting Palestinian refugees claimed that six people were killed when one of its schools sheltering displaced families was hit during Israeli air strikes.</p>

<p>UNRWA commissioner-general Philippe Lazzarini called the bombing at Al-Maghazi refugee camp, also in central Gaza, "outrageous" and warned the death count would likely rise.</p>

<p>"It again shows a flagrant disregard for the lives of civilians. No place is safe in Gaza anymore, not even UNRWA facilities," he added.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<p dir="ltr" lang="und">Israeli warplanes bombed Al-Ahli Arab hospital (Baptist Hospital) in the center of Gaza City, resulting in the martyrdom of hundreds of Palestinians, including children and women.<br />
<br />
الطائرات الحربية الإسرائيلية تقصف المستشفى الأهلي العربي (المستشفى المعمداني) وسط مدينة غزة، ما أدى… <a href="https://t.co/ioVAyWRfvn">pic.twitter.com/ioVAyWRfvn</a></p>
— State of Palestine - MFA 🇵🇸🇵🇸 (@pmofa) <a href="https://twitter.com/pmofa/status/1714340122420756889?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 17, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>Palestine president declares three-day mourning&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Describing the attack&nbsp;as a "hospital massacre",&nbsp;Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas declared three days of mourning and said that flags would be flown at half-mast for "the martyrs of the Baptist hospital massacre and all our people's martyrs", the official Palestinian news agency&nbsp;Wafa&nbsp;said.</p>

<p>The attacks come on the eve of US President Joe Biden's visit to Israel on Tuesday (Oct 17) evening where he is expected to meet Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for talks amidst escalating conflict with Hamas.</p>

<h2><strong>Egypt blames Israel&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Egypt’s foreign ministry strongly condemned&nbsp;the incident saying that it considers this “deliberate bombing of civilians to be a serious violation of international, humanitarian law and of the most basic values of humanity.”</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-vs-hamas-us-military-readies-2000-troops-for-potential-middle-east-deployment-as-war-escalates-648105">Israel-Hamas war: US military readies 2,000 troops for Middle East deployment</a></p>

<p>Cairo further held Israel responsible for the bombing of the Ahli Baptist Hospital in Gaza City that killed at least 500 people.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-senior-hamas-commander-ayman-nofal-killed-in-air-strike-in-gaza-648110">Israel-Hamas war: Senior Hamas commander Ayman Nofal killed in Gaza air strike</a></p>

<p>“Egypt called on Israel to immediately stop its policies of collective punishment against the people in the Gaza Strip,” the Egyptian foreign ministry statement adds.</p>

<p><em><strong>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.</strong></em></p>

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The Gaza health ministry has claimed that at least 500 Palestinians were killed after Israeli airstrikes attacked a hospital in the city. On Tuesday (Oct 17), the Gaza health ministry claimed that Israeli warplanes bombed the Ahli Baptist Hospital which was treating hundreds of wounded and sheltering other Palestinians, AP news agency reported.

The Gaza health ministry has claimed that at least 500 Palestinians were killed after Israeli airstrikes attacked a hospital in the city. On Tuesday (Oct 17), the Gaza health ministry claimed that Israeli warplanes bombed the Ahli Baptist Hospital which was treating hundreds of wounded and sheltering other Palestinians, AP news agency reported. The hospital is run by the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem. "Hundreds of victims are still under the rubble," a statement said, calling it a "war crime". The Israeli military said that it was looking into the claims. "We will look into it... the strike happened just a short while ago," Israeli military spokesman Daniel Hagari told a televised press briefing. Later, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) clarified that a rocket barrage was fired at Israel from the vicinity of the hospital at the time it was hit. "According to intelligence information, the Islamic Jihad sent the failed rocket such that it hit their own hospital," the IDF spokesperson said. Earlier, Israel-based i24News outlet also claimed that an initial investigation done by the Israeli Defense Force found that the explosion at the hospital in Gaza was caused by a failed Hamas rocket launch. However, an official confirmation is awaited. The incident occurred hours after the United Nations agency supporting Palestinian refugees claimed that six people were killed when one of its schools sheltering displaced families was hit during Israeli air strikes. UNRWA commissioner-general Philippe Lazzarini called the bombing at Al-Maghazi refugee camp, also in central Gaza, "outrageous" and warned the death count would likely rise. "It again shows a flagrant disregard for the lives of civilians. No place is safe in Gaza anymore, not even UNRWA facilities," he added. Israeli warplanes bombed Al-Ahli Arab hospital (Baptist Hospital) in the center of Gaza City, resulting in the martyrdom of hundreds of Palestinians, including children and women. الطائرات الحربية الإسرائيلية تقصف المستشفى الأهلي العربي (المستشفى المعمداني) وسط مدينة غزة، ما أدى… pic.twitter.com/ioVAyWRfvn — State of Palestine - MFA 🇵🇸🇵🇸 (@pmofa) October 17, 2023 × Palestine president declares three-day mourning Describing the attack as a "hospital massacre", Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas declared three days of mourning and said that flags would be flown at half-mast for "the martyrs of the Baptist hospital massacre and all our people's martyrs", the official Palestinian news agency Wafa said. The attacks come on the eve of US President Joe Biden's visit to Israel on Tuesday (Oct 17) evening where he is expected to meet Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for talks amidst escalating conflict with Hamas. Egypt blames Israel Egypt’s foreign ministry strongly condemned the incident saying that it considers this “deliberate bombing of civilians to be a serious violation of international, humanitarian law and of the most basic values of humanity.” Also read | Israel-Hamas war: US military readies 2,000 troops for Middle East deployment Cairo further held Israel responsible for the bombing of the Ahli Baptist Hospital in Gaza City that killed at least 500 people. Also read | Israel-Hamas war: Senior Hamas commander Ayman Nofal killed in Gaza air strike “Egypt called on Israel to immediately stop its policies of collective punishment against the people in the Gaza Strip,” the Egyptian foreign ministry statement adds. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Israel-Hamas war: At least 500 killed after deadly explosion at Gaza hospital, Israel denies role

In Pics | Here's how Hamas secretly built a 'mini-army' to fight Israel

<p>As the world grieves the loss of lives of people who attended the Supernova Music Festival in the deadly attack by Hamas terrorists, an Israeli production company SIPUR is currently putting together a documentary that will recount the tragedy. The deadly attack took place on October 7 as Hamas terrorists attacked those attending the music festival. The group was responsible for the deaths of at least 260 festival-goers at the Supernova electronic dance music festival celebrating the Jewish holiday of Sukkot.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The production company has now begun work on the documentary which will tell the story with assistance from award-winning director Yariv Mozer.</p>

<p>The documentary will source exclusive content from family members of those who attended the festival and authorities like police and first responders. The film will honour the lives of the victims using interviews with investigators, soldiers and journalists, as well as unseen footage gathered from those who survived the attacks. It will be released in Israel and globally over the coming year.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-gigi-hadids-israel-hamas-war-instagram-post-upsets-state-of-israel-647786">Gigi Hadid's Israel-Hamas war Instagram post upsets Israel</a></p>

<p>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/israel-hamas-war-security-guard-with-taylor-swifts-eras-tour-team-joins-israel-army-647777">Israel-Hamas war: Security guard with Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour team joins Israel Army</a></p>

<p>The filmmaker said, “I have seen things in my life. I have lived through wars; I have fought in wars and I have even filmed during a war. But nothing prepared me for the harsh images I have seen in the remains of the massacre that took place at the Nova music festival. I see it as my duty as a documentary filmmaker to bring to the world the testimonies and horrific stories of the survivors of this slaughter. Young women and men whose only sin was their desire for music, and the passion to celebrate free love, spirit and freedom.”</p>

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As the world grieves the loss of lives of people who attended the Supernova Music Festival in the deadly attack by Hamas terrorists, an Israeli production company SIPUR is currently putting together a documentary that will recount the tragedy.

As the world grieves the loss of lives of people who attended the Supernova Music Festival in the deadly attack by Hamas terrorists, an Israeli production company SIPUR is currently putting together a documentary that will recount the tragedy. The deadly attack took place on October 7 as Hamas terrorists attacked those attending the music festival. The group was responsible for the deaths of at least 260 festival-goers at the Supernova electronic dance music festival celebrating the Jewish holiday of Sukkot. The production company has now begun work on the documentary which will tell the story with assistance from award-winning director Yariv Mozer. The documentary will source exclusive content from family members of those who attended the festival and authorities like police and first responders. The film will honour the lives of the victims using interviews with investigators, soldiers and journalists, as well as unseen footage gathered from those who survived the attacks. It will be released in Israel and globally over the coming year. Gigi Hadid's Israel-Hamas war Instagram post upsets Israel Also read: Israel-Hamas war: Security guard with Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour team joins Israel Army The filmmaker said, “I have seen things in my life. I have lived through wars; I have fought in wars and I have even filmed during a war. But nothing prepared me for the harsh images I have seen in the remains of the massacre that took place at the Nova music festival. I see it as my duty as a documentary filmmaker to bring to the world the testimonies and horrific stories of the survivors of this slaughter. Young women and men whose only sin was their desire for music, and the passion to celebrate free love, spirit and freedom.” WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Documentary film on Supernova Music Festival Hamas attack in works

<p>Two Israeli women security officers of Indian origin were killed during last week's attack launched by Hamas militants, the news agency PTI reported on Sunday (Oct 15) citing officials and community members. According to officials, Lieutenant Or Moses, 22, a commander in the Home Front Command, from Ashdod, and Inspector Kim Dokraker, a Border Police officer in the police's Central District, were killed in the attack on October 7. Both the officers are said to have died on duty in combat.</p>

<p>Shahaf Talker, a young woman from the community, shared with PTI her testimony about how she survived an attack with her friend while they were at the Nove Music Festival which killed 260 people.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking to the news agency, Talker's grandfather Yaacov, who migrated from India's Mumbai city in 1963, said her granddaughter was still in shock and unable to speak due to mental agony. She hence decided that putting her thoughts in writing would ease some of her stress, Yaacov said.</p>

<p>"Early today Shahaf went to the funeral of some of her friends who were killed in the massacre that happened at the rave music party," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"She is still in shock. It will take her a lot of time to come out of it," the man further said.</p>

<p>The death toll from Israeli strikes on the Gaza Strip surged to at least 2,670 since Hamas's bloody attack on southern Israel last week, the Gaza health ministry said Sunday. On the Israeli side, 1,400 people have been killed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to officials, so far 286 army soldiers and 51 police officers have been killed in the conflict.</p>

<p><em><strong>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.</strong></em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


Two Israeli women security officers of Indian origin were killed during last week's attack launched by Hamas militants, the news agency PTI reported on Sunday (Oct 15) citing officials and community members.

Two Israeli women security officers of Indian origin were killed during last week's attack launched by Hamas militants, the news agency PTI reported on Sunday (Oct 15) citing officials and community members. According to officials, Lieutenant Or Moses, 22, a commander in the Home Front Command, from Ashdod, and Inspector Kim Dokraker, a Border Police officer in the police's Central District, were killed in the attack on October 7. Both the officers are said to have died on duty in combat. Shahaf Talker, a young woman from the community, shared with PTI her testimony about how she survived an attack with her friend while they were at the Nove Music Festival which killed 260 people. Speaking to the news agency, Talker's grandfather Yaacov, who migrated from India's Mumbai city in 1963, said her granddaughter was still in shock and unable to speak due to mental agony. She hence decided that putting her thoughts in writing would ease some of her stress, Yaacov said. "Early today Shahaf went to the funeral of some of her friends who were killed in the massacre that happened at the rave music party," he added. "She is still in shock. It will take her a lot of time to come out of it," the man further said. The death toll from Israeli strikes on the Gaza Strip surged to at least 2,670 since Hamas's bloody attack on southern Israel last week, the Gaza health ministry said Sunday. On the Israeli side, 1,400 people have been killed. According to officials, so far 286 army soldiers and 51 police officers have been killed in the conflict. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Two Israeli women security officers of Indian origin killed in attack by Hamas

<p>The Walt Disney Company has taken a significant step to support humanitarian efforts in the wake of the Israel-Hamas war, pledging $2 million to organisations providing relief to those affected by the ongoing conflict.</p>

<p>The generous donation, which was announced by Disney on Thursday, aims to assist the innocent victims enduring pain, violence, and uncertainty, with a particular focus on children impacted by the conflict. Bob Iger, CEO of The Walt Disney Company, expressed the company's commitment to aiding those suffering in the region.</p>

<p>"In the wake of the horrific terrorist attacks targeting Jews in Israel this past weekend, we must all do what we can to support the innocent people experiencing so much pain, violence, and uncertainty — particularly children," Iger stated. "We condemn these attacks, the hate that motivated them, and all acts of terrorism, and we will continue working to find more ways to provide support in the region, and to honour the victims, their families, and all those affected by this war."</p>

<p>Disney's $2 million donation includes $1 million earmarked for Magen David Adom, an organisation that forms part of the Red Cross Red Crescent movement and provides essential emergency medical and blood banking services in Israel. The remaining $1 million will be directed towards various nonprofit organisations in the region, with a specific focus on delivering aid to children.</p>

<p>Furthermore, Disney has committed to matching charitable donations made by Disney employees, extending its support with an additional contribution of up to $25,000.</p>

<p>Other corporations have also stepped forward to assist with relief efforts in response to the recent terrorist attack in Israel. David Ellison's Skydance pledged $1 million to American Friends of Magen David Adom through an employee match program, expressing solidarity with Israel and condemning the attacks against its citizens.</p>

<p>On a similar note, Comcast recently committed $2 million to support humanitarian initiatives in Israel and the Middle East. The donation includes $1.5 million directed immediately to Save the Children Federation Inc., Doctors Without Borders, Direct Relief, and American Friends of Magen David Adom. Additionally, Comcast will match employee donations to these organisations, along with contributions from its existing matching gift program, providing further financial assistance for the cause.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/ciara-pens-heartfelt-note-honoring-lives-lost-in-israel-following-hamas-surprise-attack-647065">Ciara pens heartfelt note honoring lives lost in Israel following Hamas' surprise attack</a></strong></p>

<p>The crisis in Israel was triggered by a surprise ambush on Israeli citizens by Hamas on October 7, involving thousands of rockets launched from Gaza, resulting in the brutal killing of civilians and a massacre at a peaceful music festival where 260 lives were tragically lost. More than 100 civilians have been kidnapped from Israel and are currently held hostage in Gaza.</p>

<p>President Joe Biden has unequivocally condemned Hamas as a terrorist organisation and expressed unwavering support for Israel as it responds to and defends itself against the violence in Gaza. This dire situation has seen the highest number of Jewish casualties in a single day since the Holocaust.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


The Walt Disney Company has taken a significant step to support humanitarian efforts in the wake of the Israel-Hamas war, pledging $2 million to organisations providing relief to those affected by the ongoing conflict.

The Walt Disney Company has taken a significant step to support humanitarian efforts in the wake of the Israel-Hamas war, pledging $2 million to organisations providing relief to those affected by the ongoing conflict. The generous donation, which was announced by Disney on Thursday, aims to assist the innocent victims enduring pain, violence, and uncertainty, with a particular focus on children impacted by the conflict. Bob Iger, CEO of The Walt Disney Company, expressed the company's commitment to aiding those suffering in the region. "In the wake of the horrific terrorist attacks targeting Jews in Israel this past weekend, we must all do what we can to support the innocent people experiencing so much pain, violence, and uncertainty — particularly children," Iger stated. "We condemn these attacks, the hate that motivated them, and all acts of terrorism, and we will continue working to find more ways to provide support in the region, and to honour the victims, their families, and all those affected by this war." Disney's $2 million donation includes $1 million earmarked for Magen David Adom, an organisation that forms part of the Red Cross Red Crescent movement and provides essential emergency medical and blood banking services in Israel. The remaining $1 million will be directed towards various nonprofit organisations in the region, with a specific focus on delivering aid to children. Furthermore, Disney has committed to matching charitable donations made by Disney employees, extending its support with an additional contribution of up to $25,000. Other corporations have also stepped forward to assist with relief efforts in response to the recent terrorist attack in Israel. David Ellison's Skydance pledged $1 million to American Friends of Magen David Adom through an employee match program, expressing solidarity with Israel and condemning the attacks against its citizens. On a similar note, Comcast recently committed $2 million to support humanitarian initiatives in Israel and the Middle East. The donation includes $1.5 million directed immediately to Save the Children Federation Inc., Doctors Without Borders, Direct Relief, and American Friends of Magen David Adom. Additionally, Comcast will match employee donations to these organisations, along with contributions from its existing matching gift program, providing further financial assistance for the cause. Also read: Ciara pens heartfelt note honoring lives lost in Israel following Hamas' surprise attack The crisis in Israel was triggered by a surprise ambush on Israeli citizens by Hamas on October 7, involving thousands of rockets launched from Gaza, resulting in the brutal killing of civilians and a massacre at a peaceful music festival where 260 lives were tragically lost. More than 100 civilians have been kidnapped from Israel and are currently held hostage in Gaza. President Joe Biden has unequivocally condemned Hamas as a terrorist organisation and expressed unwavering support for Israel as it responds to and defends itself against the violence in Gaza. This dire situation has seen the highest number of Jewish casualties in a single day since the Holocaust. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Disney donates $2 million to support humanitarian relief in Israel post Hamas' attack

In Pics | List of wars Israel has fought since its inception

<p>As tensions escalate in the West Asia, investors around the globe are bracing themselves for potential market volatility, with a particular focus on the oil market and the risk of prices soaring even higher. The situation in the region remains fluid as Israel's troops engage in a fierce battle with Hamas gunmen who crossed into Israel from Gaza. This has sparked concerns of a broader conflict that could embroil other countries, including Iran, and lead to a sustained increase in oil prices.</p>

<p>The S&amp;P 500 has exhibited a mixed response, rebounding by 0.5 per cent, while Brent crude oil prices have surged approximately 4 per cent to reach $88.10 per barrel. Gold, a traditional safe-haven asset, saw an increase of 1.2 per cent to reach $1,854.10 per ounce.</p>

<p>Reuters quoted Mohit Kumar, Chief Europe Economist at Jefferies in London, as saying, "The coming days are likely to be driven by geopolitical risks, rather than fundamentals. For markets, the geopolitical risks add another uncertainty for investors when convictions are already low."</p>

<p>Geopolitical events have typically had short-lived effects on financial markets. However, this escalating conflict comes at a time when investors are already grappling with significant uncertainty due to a historic sell-off in U.S. Treasuries and stock market volatility. Market experts believe that the repercussions of this conflict could exacerbate several ongoing trends that have weighed on risk assets in recent months.</p>

<p>One of the key concerns is the potential for a rebound in oil prices, which could negatively impact U.S. economic growth and threaten the "soft landing narrative" that has buoyed stocks this year. After months of steady increases, Brent crude reached its highest level since late 2022 in September, although prices had been retreating somewhat this month.</p>

<p>Tina Fordham, a geopolitical strategist and founder of Fordham Global Foresight, cautioned, "The worst-case scenario from a geopolitical risk perspective would be a full-scale confrontation between Israel and Iran. A return to the risk of direct military tensions - especially the risk of Israeli attacks on Iran's nuclear facilities - would likely have systemic impact," Reuters quoted her. &nbsp;A widening conflict could keep oil prices elevated, potentially contributing to inflation, further complicating matters for central banks worldwide, including the Federal Reserve.</p>

<p>According to Reuters, Paul Nolte, Senior Wealth Advisor and Market Strategist at Murphy &amp; Sylvest Wealth Management, emphasised, "All of this is going to circle around oil. Energy is going to be the key here as to whether the impact on the economy is going to be temporary or longer-lasting."</p>

<p>While U.S. equities have been under pressure due to rising Treasury yields, with the S&amp;P 500 down roughly 6 per cent &nbsp;from its late July highs, yields on the benchmark 10-year U.S. Treasury bonds have reached their highest levels in over a decade and a half. The upcoming U.S. earnings season and inflation data scheduled for Thursday are adding to investor unease.</p>

<p>Reuters cited Emmanuel Cau, Barclays' Head of European Equity Strategy, who indicated that he believed the situation was an additional cause for concern. He noted that the timing was less than ideal, citing that the commodity market was already under strain, and the bond market was similarly stressed.</p>

<p>Amidst the turmoil, shares of Israeli companies on Wall Street have seen declines, with companies like Mobileye Global and Solaredge Technologies both experiencing approximately 4 per cent &nbsp;drops.</p>

<p>In the safe-haven government bond markets, concerns about renewed tensions in the West Asia have alleviated some of the selling pressure that had caused 10-year borrowing costs to rise across the U.S. and Germany. U.S. bond markets were closed on Monday, but U.S. Treasury futures showed an increase as investors sought safety.</p>

<p>Althea Spinozzi, Senior Fixed Income Strategist at Saxo Bank, noted that while heightened tensions in Israel might make U.S. Treasuries more attractive to investors seeking safety, the risk of rising commodity prices and impending Treasury auctions could limit any significant decline in yields. "Within this environment, we remain defensive and wary of duration," Reuters quoted her as saying.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from Reuters)</em></p>

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<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>


As tensions escalate in the West Asia, investors around the globe are bracing themselves for potential market volatility, with a particular focus on the oil market and the risk of prices soaring even higher.

As tensions escalate in the West Asia, investors around the globe are bracing themselves for potential market volatility, with a particular focus on the oil market and the risk of prices soaring even higher. The situation in the region remains fluid as Israel's troops engage in a fierce battle with Hamas gunmen who crossed into Israel from Gaza. This has sparked concerns of a broader conflict that could embroil other countries, including Iran, and lead to a sustained increase in oil prices. The S&P 500 has exhibited a mixed response, rebounding by 0.5 per cent, while Brent crude oil prices have surged approximately 4 per cent to reach $88.10 per barrel. Gold, a traditional safe-haven asset, saw an increase of 1.2 per cent to reach $1,854.10 per ounce. Reuters quoted Mohit Kumar, Chief Europe Economist at Jefferies in London, as saying, "The coming days are likely to be driven by geopolitical risks, rather than fundamentals. For markets, the geopolitical risks add another uncertainty for investors when convictions are already low." Geopolitical events have typically had short-lived effects on financial markets. However, this escalating conflict comes at a time when investors are already grappling with significant uncertainty due to a historic sell-off in U.S. Treasuries and stock market volatility. Market experts believe that the repercussions of this conflict could exacerbate several ongoing trends that have weighed on risk assets in recent months. One of the key concerns is the potential for a rebound in oil prices, which could negatively impact U.S. economic growth and threaten the "soft landing narrative" that has buoyed stocks this year. After months of steady increases, Brent crude reached its highest level since late 2022 in September, although prices had been retreating somewhat this month. Tina Fordham, a geopolitical strategist and founder of Fordham Global Foresight, cautioned, "The worst-case scenario from a geopolitical risk perspective would be a full-scale confrontation between Israel and Iran. A return to the risk of direct military tensions - especially the risk of Israeli attacks on Iran's nuclear facilities - would likely have systemic impact," Reuters quoted her. A widening conflict could keep oil prices elevated, potentially contributing to inflation, further complicating matters for central banks worldwide, including the Federal Reserve. According to Reuters, Paul Nolte, Senior Wealth Advisor and Market Strategist at Murphy & Sylvest Wealth Management, emphasised, "All of this is going to circle around oil. Energy is going to be the key here as to whether the impact on the economy is going to be temporary or longer-lasting." While U.S. equities have been under pressure due to rising Treasury yields, with the S&P 500 down roughly 6 per cent from its late July highs, yields on the benchmark 10-year U.S. Treasury bonds have reached their highest levels in over a decade and a half. The upcoming U.S. earnings season and inflation data scheduled for Thursday are adding to investor unease. Reuters cited Emmanuel Cau, Barclays' Head of European Equity Strategy, who indicated that he believed the situation was an additional cause for concern. He noted that the timing was less than ideal, citing that the commodity market was already under strain, and the bond market was similarly stressed. Amidst the turmoil, shares of Israeli companies on Wall Street have seen declines, with companies like Mobileye Global and Solaredge Technologies both experiencing approximately 4 per cent drops. In the safe-haven government bond markets, concerns about renewed tensions in the West Asia have alleviated some of the selling pressure that had caused 10-year borrowing costs to rise across the U.S. and Germany. U.S. bond markets were closed on Monday, but U.S. Treasury futures showed an increase as investors sought safety. Althea Spinozzi, Senior Fixed Income Strategist at Saxo Bank, noted that while heightened tensions in Israel might make U.S. Treasuries more attractive to investors seeking safety, the risk of rising commodity prices and impending Treasury auctions could limit any significant decline in yields. "Within this environment, we remain defensive and wary of duration," Reuters quoted her as saying. (With inputs from Reuters) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

West Asia turmoil sparks investor concerns over oil price surge

Thousand of Palestinian Muslims gathered at Al-Aqsa compound to take part in prayers marking the end of holy month of Ramzan amid the increased tension and cross-border conflict between Israel and Hamas. Muslim worshipers performed the Eid al-Fitr prayers in front of the dome of the rock mosque at the Al-Aqsa compound in Jerusalem.

Palestinians gathered at Al-Aqsa to celebrate Eid amid Israel-Hamas conflict