Violent clashes broke out on Wednesday (May 1) at the University of California, Los Angeles campus between pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli protesters, reported a US-based broadcaster.

The clashes involved multiple acts of violence, with rival factions using sticks, hurling objects and even tearing down metal barricades. As per reports, to handle the violence, police were seen carrying zip ties and pepper spray.

<h2>Pro-Palestine vs pro-Israel protests</h2>

As per a UCLA student newspaper Daily Bruin report, pro-Israel supporters had tried to tear down a pro-Palestinian protest encampment on the campus.

To pacify the situation, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) had to step in. Police, as per Reuters, were responding to UCLA Chancellor Gene Block's request for support.

In a statement on X, LA police said, "At the request of UCLA, due to multiple acts of violence within the large encampment on their campus, the LAPD is responding to assist UCLA PD, and other law enforcement agencies, to restore order and maintain public safety."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-york-police-enter-columbia-building-barricaded-by-students-as-protests-716835">NYPD removes pro-Palestinian protesters from Columbia University, dozens arrested</a>

Visuals from the clash show rival protesters clashing, brandishing sticks, as unidentified projectiles flew overhead.

This comes as in New York City, late on Tuesday (Apr 30) police arrested dozens of pro-Palestinian demonstrators holed up in an academic building on Columbia University campus in the city. The police also removed a protest encampment that the Ivy League school had sought to dismantle for nearly two weeks but had failed.

As per AFP, UCLA Chancellor Gene D. Block in a letter posted on the University website on Tuesday had warned ahead of clashes that protesters including "both members of the UCLA community and others unaffiliated with our campus" had last week set up a camp.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/amid-rigging-allegations-trump-refuses-to-dismiss-possibility-of-violence-if-he-loses-in-2024-elections-716844">Amid 'rigging' allegations, Trump refuses to dismiss possibility of violence if he loses 2024 elections</a>

"Many of the demonstrators, as well as counter-demonstrators who have come to the area, have been peaceful in their activism," Block wrote.

"But the tactics of others have frankly been shocking and shameful. We have seen instances of violence," he said, adding, "These incidents have put many on our campus, especially our Jewish students, in a state of anxiety and fear."

(With inputs from agencies)

Violent clashes broke out on Wednesday (May 1) at the University of California, Los Angeles campus between pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli protesters, reported a US-based broadcaster.

Violent clashes broke out on Wednesday (May 1) at the University of California, Los Angeles campus between pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli protesters, reported a US-based broadcaster. The clashes involved multiple acts of violence, with rival factions using sticks, hurling objects and even tearing down metal barricades. As per reports, to handle the violence, police were seen carrying zip ties and pepper spray. Pro-Palestine vs pro-Israel protests As per a UCLA student newspaper Daily Bruin report, pro-Israel supporters had tried to tear down a pro-Palestinian protest encampment on the campus. To pacify the situation, the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) had to step in. Police, as per Reuters, were responding to UCLA Chancellor Gene Block's request for support. In a statement on X, LA police said, "At the request of UCLA, due to multiple acts of violence within the large encampment on their campus, the LAPD is responding to assist UCLA PD, and other law enforcement agencies, to restore order and maintain public safety." Also read | NYPD removes pro-Palestinian protesters from Columbia University, dozens arrested Visuals from the clash show rival protesters clashing, brandishing sticks, as unidentified projectiles flew overhead. This comes as in New York City, late on Tuesday (Apr 30) police arrested dozens of pro-Palestinian demonstrators holed up in an academic building on Columbia University campus in the city. The police also removed a protest encampment that the Ivy League school had sought to dismantle for nearly two weeks but had failed. As per AFP, UCLA Chancellor Gene D. Block in a letter posted on the University website on Tuesday had warned ahead of clashes that protesters including "both members of the UCLA community and others unaffiliated with our campus" had last week set up a camp. Also read | Amid 'rigging' allegations, Trump refuses to dismiss possibility of violence if he loses 2024 elections "Many of the demonstrators, as well as counter-demonstrators who have come to the area, have been peaceful in their activism," Block wrote. "But the tactics of others have frankly been shocking and shameful. We have seen instances of violence," he said, adding, "These incidents have put many on our campus, especially our Jewish students, in a state of anxiety and fear." (With inputs from agencies)

Pro-Palestine and pro-Israel protesters clash at UCLA campus, police step in

Colombian President Gustavo Petro on Wednesday (May 1) promised he would break his nation's diplomatic&nbsp;relations with Israel over the warring nation's actions in Gaza.&nbsp;

<h2>A 'genocidal' leader</h2>

Petro told a May Day rally in Bogotá, "Here in front of you, the government of change, of the president of the republic announces that tomorrow we will break diplomatic relations with the state of Israel… for having a government, for having a president who is genocidal."

As per the Times of Israel, it is unclear if he used the word "genocidal" to refer to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu or President Isaac Herzog, who serves a largely symbolic role.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-violation-of-the-cwc-us-accuses-russia-of-using-chemical-weapons-against-ukraine-717173">US accuses Russia of using chemical weapons against Ukraine, links violation to Alexei Navalny poisoning</a>

Petro, addressing thousands of supporters, stressed that the world cannot accept "genocide, the extermination of an entire people."

"If Palestine dies, humanity dies," he declared, earning loud applause from the crowd.

Petro, a leftist leader, has been heavily critical of Netanyahu, reports Reuters. He has even requested to join South Africa's case, accusing Israel of genocide at the International Court of Justice.

<h2>Israel slams Colombian President Petro</h2>

Hitting back at Petro, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz said that the leftist leader was "hate-filled, antisemitic."

Taking to X, Katz posted, "History will remember that Gustavo Petro decided to side with the most despicable monsters known to humanity who burned babies, murdered children, raped women and kidnapped innocent civilians."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-blasts-biden-says-every-single-thing-he-touches-turns-to-sh-pledges-world-peace-717177">Trump blasts Biden, says 'every single thing he touches turns to sh**,' pledges world peace</a>

"Relations between Israel and Colombia have always been warm—and no hate-filled, anti-Semitic president can change that. The State of Israel will continue to protect its citizens fearlessly and fearlessly," he added.

Hamas, on the other hand, hailed Colombia's move as a "victory."

"We greatly appreciate the position of Colombian President Gustavo Petro... which we consider a victory for the sacrifices of our people and their just cause," said the group in a statement. According to AFP, the militant group also urged other Latin American countries to follow suit.

Previously, Bolivia, Belize, and South Africa broke their relations with Israel. Several other countries in Latin America, including Colombia, Chile and Honduras, have recalled their diplomats.

(With inputs from agencies)

Colombian President Gustavo Petro on Wednesday (May 1) promised he would break his nation's diplomatic relations with Israel over the warring nation's actions in Gaza.

Colombian President Gustavo Petro on Wednesday (May 1) promised he would break his nation's diplomatic relations with Israel over the warring nation's actions in Gaza. A 'genocidal' leader Petro told a May Day rally in Bogotá, "Here in front of you, the government of change, of the president of the republic announces that tomorrow we will break diplomatic relations with the state of Israel… for having a government, for having a president who is genocidal." As per the Times of Israel, it is unclear if he used the word "genocidal" to refer to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu or President Isaac Herzog, who serves a largely symbolic role. Also read | US accuses Russia of using chemical weapons against Ukraine, links violation to Alexei Navalny poisoning Petro, addressing thousands of supporters, stressed that the world cannot accept "genocide, the extermination of an entire people." "If Palestine dies, humanity dies," he declared, earning loud applause from the crowd. Petro, a leftist leader, has been heavily critical of Netanyahu, reports Reuters. He has even requested to join South Africa's case, accusing Israel of genocide at the International Court of Justice. Israel slams Colombian President Petro Hitting back at Petro, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz said that the leftist leader was "hate-filled, antisemitic." Taking to X, Katz posted, "History will remember that Gustavo Petro decided to side with the most despicable monsters known to humanity who burned babies, murdered children, raped women and kidnapped innocent civilians." Also read | Trump blasts Biden, says 'every single thing he touches turns to sh**,' pledges world peace "Relations between Israel and Colombia have always been warm—and no hate-filled, anti-Semitic president can change that. The State of Israel will continue to protect its citizens fearlessly and fearlessly," he added. Hamas, on the other hand, hailed Colombia's move as a "victory." "We greatly appreciate the position of Colombian President Gustavo Petro... which we consider a victory for the sacrifices of our people and their just cause," said the group in a statement. According to AFP, the militant group also urged other Latin American countries to follow suit. Previously, Bolivia, Belize, and South Africa broke their relations with Israel. Several other countries in Latin America, including Colombia, Chile and Honduras, have recalled their diplomats. (With inputs from agencies)

Bogota severs diplomatic ties with Israel over 'genocidal' Gaza campaign; Israel dubs move 'antisemitic'

Former United States president Donald Trump on Tuesday (Apr 30) compared the ongoing university protests in the country to the January 6 Capitol attack. He lamented that the pro-Palestine protesters at Columbia University could be treated leniently than the rioters who stormed the Capitol in 2021.

Former United States president Donald Trump on Tuesday (Apr 30) compared the ongoing university protests in the country to the January 6 Capitol attack. He lamented that the pro-Palestine protesters at Columbia University could be treated leniently than the rioters who stormed the Capitol in 2021. Trump, the presumptive Republican presidential nominee, spoke in the hallway outside a Manhattan courtroom where his criminal trial in hush money case is taking place. The former president questioned whether student demonstrators would be treated the same way as his supporters who attacked the Capitol on Jan 6. Also read: Blinken meets Israeli PM Netanyahu, talks about Gaza aid, ceasefire and more The Gaza war began with the Hamas attack on October 7 that led to the deaths of about 1,170 people in Israel, according to an AFP tally of Israeli official figures. In retaliation, Israel vowed to wipe out Hamas and launched an offensive that has killed at least 34,356 people in Gaza so far, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. Palestinian militants also took some 250 hostages on October 7. Israel estimates 129 remain in Gaza, including 34 believed to be dead. Now, a truce deal is hanging by a thread, with Israel demanding their release, and Hamas asking for a complete ceasefire. The six-month-old war has deteriorated humanitarian conditions in the Gaza Strip. People struggling for food, clean water, medicines, and other basic amenities. Fears are also looming over a possible invasion of Rafah, where more than one million people have sought refuge from months of Israeli bombardment, which will be catastrophic. Also read: NYPD removes pro-Palestinian protesters from Columbia University, dozens arrested Now, global calls are being made, urging both sides to finalise a hostage deal and ceasefire, which appears to be unlikely as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said to invade Rafah "with or without a deal". People around the world are showing frustration over both situations - hostages and the humanitarian crisis in the Strip, with top US campuses becoming centre-stage of demonstrations. The war has sparked anger and division among people. In US universities, some Jewish students feel targeted and abused while others have taken leading roles in demonstrations. Israel-Hamas war has put West Asia on the brink of a broader conflict, even fears of a nuclear threat, with recent escalation involving Iran, but the student protests over the Gaza war have turned into a new US political battleground. President Joe Biden is pushing hard for a truce, which he hopes would be the extinguisher to douse the flames of war besides serving as a much-needed force for his presidency. Otherwise, the university protests would most likely become a burning issue in the presidential elections, scheduled for later this year. One of the reasons why Secretary of State Antony Blinken is pressing for truce, while reiterating US opposition to an Israeli assault on the crowded Gaza city of Rafah. Trump and other prominent Republicans are not shying away from seizing the political opportunity the ongoing campus protests have provided. Watch: Why has Netanyahu failed to secure the release of Israeli hostages in Gaza War so far? × Clashes erupt at UCLA campus The protests have intensified with clashes breaking out at pro-Palestinian demonstrations on the campus of the University of California, Los Angeles on Wednesday (May 1), forcing police to take action. At UCLA, a tent encampment was set up last week. Local media reported that the clashes erupted between rival pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli groups. This comes as dozens of universities around the US, including Columbia University and New York City, struggle to contain similar protests. In a post on social platform X, LA police said, "At the request of UCLA, due to multiple acts of violence within the large encampment on their campus, the LAPD is responding to assist UCLA PD, and other law enforcement agencies, to restore order and maintain public safety." Authorities have also made dozens of arrests on campuses across the nation after skirmishes between pro-Israeli and pro-Palestinian demonstrators. The initial days of protests were peaceful, but they turned violent with an expansion of the size of the pro-Palestinian encampment at UCLA in recent days. The counter-protesters have become increasingly vocal and visible on the campus. In a report by the news agency Reuters, Mary Osako, who is UCLA's vice chancellor for UCLA strategic communications, said that chaos erupted when some demonstrators broke through a barrier that the school had set up to separate the two factions. Images and videos shared on social media showed protesters and counter-protesters clashing with sticks and tearing down metal barricades. Some were seen launching fireworks or hurling objects at each other in the dark, which lit up with laser pointers and bright flashlights. UCLA Chancellor Gene D Block warned ahead of clashes that protesters including "both members of the UCLA community and others unaffiliated with our campus" had set up a camp last week. "Many of the demonstrators, as well as counter-demonstrators who have come to the area, have been peaceful in their activism," Block wrote in a letter posted on the university website on Tuesday. "But the tactics of others have frankly been shocking and shameful. We have seen instances of violence. These incidents have put many on our campus, especially our Jewish students, in a state of anxiety and fear," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump compares campus protests to Jan 6 riots, as Biden pushes for Gaza truce to stave off political heat

Top US diplomat Antony Blinken urged Hamas to accept a truce in the Gaza Strip on Wednesday, after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to send troops into its far southern city of Rafah.

Washington has heightened pressure on all sides to reach a ceasefire -- a message pushed by Blinken, who was on his seventh regional tour since the Gaza war broke out in October.

An Israeli official told AFP that the government "will wait for answers until Wednesday night", and then "make a decision" whether to send a delegation to indirect talks being brokered by US, Egyptian and Qatari mediators in Cairo.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-york-police-enter-columbia-building-barricaded-by-students-as-protests-716835">NYPD removes pro-Palestinian protesters from Columbia University, arrests made</a>

The Palestinian militant group said it was considering a plan for a 40-day ceasefire and the exchange of scores of hostages for larger numbers of Palestinian prisoners.

Hamas, whose envoys returned from Cairo talks to their base in Qatar, would "discuss the ideas and the proposal", said a Hamas source, adding: "We are keen to respond as quickly as possible."

Blinken put the ball squarely in Hamas's court.

"There is a very strong proposal on the table right now. Hamas needs to say yes, and needs to get this done," he said.

But analysts questioned whether Hamas would sign up to another temporary ceasefire like the week-long truce that saw more than 100 hostages released in November, knowing that Israeli troops could resume their onslaught as soon as it was over.

"I'm pessimistic about the option of Hamas agreeing to a deal that doesn't have a permanent&nbsp;ceasefire baked into it," said Mairav Zonszein, senior analyst on Israel-Palestine at the International Crisis Group.

Zonszein said the three countries brokering the truce talks had their own reasons for trying to bounce the warring parties into a deal.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-forces-will-enter-rafah-with-or-without-gaza-hostage-deal-says-netanyahu-716734" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-forces-will-enter-rafah-with-or-without-gaza-hostage-deal-says-netanyahu-716734&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiJlruhmeyFAxWlUGwGHU6fAH0QFnoECAUQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw2EnvTW7xUlz5tSpCxBWH_L&amp;arm=e" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-forces-will-enter-rafah-with-or-without-gaza-hostage-deal-says-netanyahu-716734" target="_blank">Israeli&nbsp;forces will enter Rafah 'with or without' Gaza hostage deal</a>

"The US and Egypt and Qatar all have very strong interests of their own, for various&nbsp; reasons, why they're trying very hard now to pressure both sides into agreeing to a deal."

"And I think they believe that if they're able to get an initial deal and a pause, that they can try to build on that," he said.

Rafah differences

Hours before Blinken landed in Tel Aviv, Netanyahu fired a shot across his bows, vowing to send Israeli ground troops into Rafah despite repeated US warnings of the potential for heavy casualties among the 1.5 million civilians sheltering in the city.

"We will enter Rafah and we will eliminate the Hamas battalions there with or without a deal," the right-wing premier told hostage families, his office said.

Ahead of what promised to be a difficult meeting with Netanyahu in Jerusalem, Blinken too met privately with hostage relatives in Tel Aviv.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-launches-air-strikes-on-rafah-killing-at-least-13-people-hours-before-ceasefire-talks-716049" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-launches-air-strikes-on-rafah-killing-at-least-13-people-hours-before-ceasefire-talks-716049&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiJlruhmeyFAxWlUGwGHU6fAH0QFnoECAYQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw3udA0Zf4d_kiTMQ-wGZD4D&amp;arm=e" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-launches-air-strikes-on-rafah-killing-at-least-13-people-hours-before-ceasefire-talks-716049" target="_blank">Israel&nbsp;launches air strikes on Rafah killing at least 13 people</a>

In rare scenes for the top US diplomat, who has faced furore at home and abroad over the administration's support for Israel in its campaign against Hamas, Blinken was greeted outside his Tel Aviv hotel by Israeli demonstrators waving US flags.&nbsp;

Blinken told them that freeing the hostages was "at the heart of everything we're trying to do".&nbsp;

As per estimates, 129 Israelis remain captive in Gaza, 34 of whom are presumed dead.

Many of their families have expressed hope that US pressure may force Netanyahu to agree to a deal for their release.

More routes for aid

On the previous leg of his regional tour in Jordan, Blinken said a Gaza truce and the redoubling of aid deliveries went hand in hand.

A truce is "the most effective way to relieve the suffering" of civilians in Gaza, he told reporters near Amman.

Blinken saw off a first Jordanian truck convoy of aid heading to Gaza through the Erez crossing reopened by Israel.

"It is real and important progress, but more still needs to be done," he said.

UN agencies have warned that without urgent intervention, famine looms in Gaza, particularly in northern areas which are hardest to reach.

A US-built floating pier on Gaza's coast is expected to be completed later this week, said Cyprus, the departure point for the planned "maritime corridor".

Blinken said the pier would "significantly increase the assistance" but was not "a substitute" for greater overland access.

In northern Gaza's Beit Lahia, across from Erez crossing, 24-year-old farmer Yussef Abu Rabih was replanting plots he said had been "completely destroyed" by the fighting.

"We decided to return to farming despite difficult conditions and scarce resources" after suffering "severe hunger", he told AFP.

'Unbearable escalation'

The war started after Hamas's October 7 attack on southern Israel resulted in the deaths of 1,170 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of Israeli official figures.

Israel's retaliatory offensive has killed at least 34,568 people in Gaza, mostly women and children, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory.

Washington has strongly backed its ally Israel but also pressured it to refrain from a ground invasion of Rafah, which is packed with displaced civilians.

Calev Ben-Dor, a former analyst for the Israeli foreign ministry and now deputy editor for specialised review Fathom, told AFP that Netanyahu's "Rafah comments likely have more to do with trying to keep his coalition intact, rather than operational plans in the near term".

The prime minister "is feeling the squeeze between the Biden administration" and far-right members of his government who have vehemently opposed the proposed truce, Ben-Dor said.

UN chief Antonio Guterres said an Israeli assault on Rafah would "be an unbearable escalation, killing thousands more civilians and forcing hundreds of thousands to flee". 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Top US diplomat Antony Blinken urged Hamas to accept a truce in the Gaza Strip on Wednesday, after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to send troops into its far southern city of Rafah.

Top US diplomat Antony Blinken urged Hamas to accept a truce in the Gaza Strip on Wednesday, after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to send troops into its far southern city of Rafah. Washington has heightened pressure on all sides to reach a ceasefire -- a message pushed by Blinken, who was on his seventh regional tour since the Gaza war broke out in October. An Israeli official told AFP that the government "will wait for answers until Wednesday night", and then "make a decision" whether to send a delegation to indirect talks being brokered by US, Egyptian and Qatari mediators in Cairo. Also read: NYPD removes pro-Palestinian protesters from Columbia University, arrests made The Palestinian militant group said it was considering a plan for a 40-day ceasefire and the exchange of scores of hostages for larger numbers of Palestinian prisoners. Hamas, whose envoys returned from Cairo talks to their base in Qatar, would "discuss the ideas and the proposal", said a Hamas source, adding: "We are keen to respond as quickly as possible." Blinken put the ball squarely in Hamas's court. "There is a very strong proposal on the table right now. Hamas needs to say yes, and needs to get this done," he said. But analysts questioned whether Hamas would sign up to another temporary ceasefire like the week-long truce that saw more than 100 hostages released in November, knowing that Israeli troops could resume their onslaught as soon as it was over. "I'm pessimistic about the option of Hamas agreeing to a deal that doesn't have a permanent ceasefire baked into it," said Mairav Zonszein, senior analyst on Israel-Palestine at the International Crisis Group. Zonszein said the three countries brokering the truce talks had their own reasons for trying to bounce the warring parties into a deal. Also read: Israeli forces will enter Rafah 'with or without' Gaza hostage deal "The US and Egypt and Qatar all have very strong interests of their own, for various reasons, why they're trying very hard now to pressure both sides into agreeing to a deal." "And I think they believe that if they're able to get an initial deal and a pause, that they can try to build on that," he said. Rafah differences Hours before Blinken landed in Tel Aviv, Netanyahu fired a shot across his bows, vowing to send Israeli ground troops into Rafah despite repeated US warnings of the potential for heavy casualties among the 1.5 million civilians sheltering in the city. "We will enter Rafah and we will eliminate the Hamas battalions there with or without a deal," the right-wing premier told hostage families, his office said. Ahead of what promised to be a difficult meeting with Netanyahu in Jerusalem, Blinken too met privately with hostage relatives in Tel Aviv. Also read: Israel launches air strikes on Rafah killing at least 13 people In rare scenes for the top US diplomat, who has faced furore at home and abroad over the administration's support for Israel in its campaign against Hamas, Blinken was greeted outside his Tel Aviv hotel by Israeli demonstrators waving US flags. Blinken told them that freeing the hostages was "at the heart of everything we're trying to do". As per estimates, 129 Israelis remain captive in Gaza, 34 of whom are presumed dead. Many of their families have expressed hope that US pressure may force Netanyahu to agree to a deal for their release. More routes for aid On the previous leg of his regional tour in Jordan, Blinken said a Gaza truce and the redoubling of aid deliveries went hand in hand. A truce is "the most effective way to relieve the suffering" of civilians in Gaza, he told reporters near Amman. Blinken saw off a first Jordanian truck convoy of aid heading to Gaza through the Erez crossing reopened by Israel. "It is real and important progress, but more still needs to be done," he said. UN agencies have warned that without urgent intervention, famine looms in Gaza, particularly in northern areas which are hardest to reach. A US-built floating pier on Gaza's coast is expected to be completed later this week, said Cyprus, the departure point for the planned "maritime corridor". Blinken said the pier would "significantly increase the assistance" but was not "a substitute" for greater overland access. In northern Gaza's Beit Lahia, across from Erez crossing, 24-year-old farmer Yussef Abu Rabih was replanting plots he said had been "completely destroyed" by the fighting. "We decided to return to farming despite difficult conditions and scarce resources" after suffering "severe hunger", he told AFP. 'Unbearable escalation' The war started after Hamas's October 7 attack on southern Israel resulted in the deaths of 1,170 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of Israeli official figures. Israel's retaliatory offensive has killed at least 34,568 people in Gaza, mostly women and children, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory. Washington has strongly backed its ally Israel but also pressured it to refrain from a ground invasion of Rafah, which is packed with displaced civilians. Calev Ben-Dor, a former analyst for the Israeli foreign ministry and now deputy editor for specialised review Fathom, told AFP that Netanyahu's "Rafah comments likely have more to do with trying to keep his coalition intact, rather than operational plans in the near term". The prime minister "is feeling the squeeze between the Biden administration" and far-right members of his government who have vehemently opposed the proposed truce, Ben-Dor said. UN chief Antonio Guterres said an Israeli assault on Rafah would "be an unbearable escalation, killing thousands more civilians and forcing hundreds of thousands to flee". (With inputs from agencies)

Blinken urges Hamas to accept Gaza truce as he meets Israel leaders

Columbia University’s president, on Monday (Apr 29) said that the talks with the pro-Palestinian protesters on the campus have failed and urged them to voluntarily disperse or face suspension. This comes a day after skirmishes broke out at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) between pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli protesters.&nbsp;

<h2>What happened at Columbia University?</h2>

Columbia University President Nemat Minouche Shafik, on Monday, said that the talks between student organisers and academic leaders have failed over the encampments set up by the pro-Palestinian protesters.&nbsp;

In a statement, Shafik said that the university would not divest assets that support the Israeli military – a key demand by the protesters – but offered to invest in health and education in Gaza as well as make Columbia’s direct investment holdings more transparent, reported Reuters.

Meanwhile, students at Columbia shared a copy of the warning they received from the university. The statement said those who did not vacate the encampment by 2:00 pm (local time) and sign a form acknowledging their participation would face suspension.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-gets-40-day-ceasefire-amid-renewed-airstrikes-on-rafah-by-israel-716335">Hamas gets 40-day ceasefire offer amid airstrikes on Rafah by Israel</a>

The student would also be considered ineligible to complete the semester, reported Reuters citing the letter. Additionally, even those who sign the form and leave the area would have to reportedly face “disciplinary probation” until June 2025 or their graduation, whichever comes first.&nbsp;

The university president faced outrage, on April 18, as New York police removed a pro-Palestinian protest encampment and arrested more than 100 demonstrators from the Ivy League campus.&nbsp;

Since then, the number of people arrested for participating in these protests has surpassed 900, reported the Associated Press.&nbsp;

University campuses across the United States are witnessing similar protests, while college officials have urged pro-Palestinian student protesters to clear out tent encampments. This comes as the universities wrap up for the semester and prepare for graduation ceremonies.&nbsp;

However, amid the ongoing war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza, students and other protesters have called on universities to cut financial ties with Israel.&nbsp;

<h2>Clashes at UCLA</h2>

On Sunday (Apr 28) morning, thousands of protesters, including university students and others gathered on the UCLA campus.&nbsp;

UCLA’s student-led newspaper, Daily Bruin reported that the crowd consisted of four protests, organised by various groups after the pro-Palestinian encampment started on the campus, last week.&nbsp;

The crowd included members of the Israeli American Council which “led the main counter-protest…toward the encampment,” according to the Daily Bruin.&nbsp;

Members of the Harriet Tubman Center for Social Justice which sought to support students’ right to protest and the Palestinian Youth Movement were also a part of the crowd.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/columbia-faculty-senate-passes-resolution-over-administrative-handling-of-anti-israel-protests-715673">Columbia faculty senate passes resolution over administrative handling of anti-Israel protests</a>

Images and videos of the skirmishes posted on social media show pro-Palestinian protesters and pro-Israeli counter-protesters led by the council shouting and shoving at each other.&nbsp;

According to the Daily Bruin, counter-protesters waving Israeli and American flags attempted to breach the barriers created by students inside the encampment.&nbsp;

“This morning, a group of demonstrators breached a barrier that the university had established separating two groups of protestors on our campus, resulting in physical altercations,” said Mary Osako, vice chancellor of UCLA Strategic Communications in a statement to the student-led paper.&nbsp;

It added, “UCLA has a long history of being a place of peaceful protest, and we are heartbroken about the violence that broke out.”

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Columbia University’s president, on Monday (Apr 29) said that the talks with the pro-Palestinian protesters on the campus have failed and urged them to voluntarily disperse or face suspension.

Columbia University’s president, on Monday (Apr 29) said that the talks with the pro-Palestinian protesters on the campus have failed and urged them to voluntarily disperse or face suspension. This comes a day after skirmishes broke out at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) between pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli protesters. What happened at Columbia University? Columbia University President Nemat Minouche Shafik, on Monday, said that the talks between student organisers and academic leaders have failed over the encampments set up by the pro-Palestinian protesters. In a statement, Shafik said that the university would not divest assets that support the Israeli military – a key demand by the protesters – but offered to invest in health and education in Gaza as well as make Columbia’s direct investment holdings more transparent, reported Reuters. Meanwhile, students at Columbia shared a copy of the warning they received from the university. The statement said those who did not vacate the encampment by 2:00 pm (local time) and sign a form acknowledging their participation would face suspension. Also Read | Hamas gets 40-day ceasefire offer amid airstrikes on Rafah by Israel The student would also be considered ineligible to complete the semester, reported Reuters citing the letter. Additionally, even those who sign the form and leave the area would have to reportedly face “disciplinary probation” until June 2025 or their graduation, whichever comes first. The university president faced outrage, on April 18, as New York police removed a pro-Palestinian protest encampment and arrested more than 100 demonstrators from the Ivy League campus. Since then, the number of people arrested for participating in these protests has surpassed 900, reported the Associated Press. University campuses across the United States are witnessing similar protests, while college officials have urged pro-Palestinian student protesters to clear out tent encampments. This comes as the universities wrap up for the semester and prepare for graduation ceremonies. However, amid the ongoing war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza, students and other protesters have called on universities to cut financial ties with Israel. Clashes at UCLA On Sunday (Apr 28) morning, thousands of protesters, including university students and others gathered on the UCLA campus. UCLA’s student-led newspaper, Daily Bruin reported that the crowd consisted of four protests, organised by various groups after the pro-Palestinian encampment started on the campus, last week. The crowd included members of the Israeli American Council which “led the main counter-protest…toward the encampment,” according to the Daily Bruin. Members of the Harriet Tubman Center for Social Justice which sought to support students’ right to protest and the Palestinian Youth Movement were also a part of the crowd. Also Read | Columbia faculty senate passes resolution over administrative handling of anti-Israel protests Images and videos of the skirmishes posted on social media show pro-Palestinian protesters and pro-Israeli counter-protesters led by the council shouting and shoving at each other. According to the Daily Bruin, counter-protesters waving Israeli and American flags attempted to breach the barriers created by students inside the encampment. “This morning, a group of demonstrators breached a barrier that the university had established separating two groups of protestors on our campus, resulting in physical altercations,” said Mary Osako, vice chancellor of UCLA Strategic Communications in a statement to the student-led paper. It added, “UCLA has a long history of being a place of peaceful protest, and we are heartbroken about the violence that broke out.” (With inputs from agencies)

US: Columbia threatens to suspend pro-Palestinian protesters; rival groups clash on UCLA campus

As pro-Palestinian protests continue to rage on university campuses across the United States, demonstrators and university leadership of Northwestern University in the US state of Illinois announced, late Monday (Apr 29) that they have reached an agreement to end the encampment set up on campus.&nbsp;

<h2>Protests to continue</h2>

The Daily Northwestern, a student-led newspaper of the university said that after five days of demonstrations, pro-Palestinian student protesters wrapped up negotiations with the officials and struck a deal which would allow protests and gatherings in support of Palestine at the Deering Meadow in exchange for an end to the encampment set up there.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taken-matters-into-their-own-hands-columbia-students-protestors-takeover-university-building-716599">Columbia student protesters seize university building, White House condemns</a>

In line with the agreement, students would have to end the encampment set up on Deering Meadow since Thursday (Apr 25), while university leadership said they would ensure more transparency in its investments.&nbsp;

This comes as protesters not only at Northwestern but across several campuses have demanded that their universities divest from Israel while calling for an end to the war in Gaza.&nbsp;

The deal also allows only NU students, faculty and staff to protest at the Deering Meadow in support of Palestine till June 1.&nbsp;

<h2>About the deal</h2>

Northwestern Divestment Coalition which set up the encampment praised the demonstrators’ efforts for successfully growing the encampment over the days while avoiding suspensions or arrests.

The group, in its statement, had called on the university to end its partnerships with Israel, including Northwestern University’s Israel Innovation Project, which, according to the student-led newspaper, facilitates academic collaborations with Israeli institutions.&nbsp;

It also called on the university to disclose its investments and divest from “institutions and companies that support and maintain apartheid, occupation and the oppression of the Palestinian people.”

The university for its part said it would “answer questions from any internal stakeholder about holdings, held currently or within the last quarter, to the best of its knowledge and to the extent legally possible”.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-forces-will-enter-rafah-with-or-without-gaza-hostage-deal-says-netanyahu-716734">Israeli forces will enter Rafah ‘with or without’ Gaza hostage deal, says PM Netanyahu</a>

It will also reestablish an Advisory Committee on Investment Responsibility which will include representatives from students, faculty and staff.

Northwestern University, as per ABC News, also pledged more inclusivity, funding two Palestinian faculty members and the full cost of attendance for five Palestinian undergraduate students every year.&nbsp;

As a part of the agreement, the university said that the encampment would be dismantled immediately, except for one aid tent and students are required to stop the “non-approved use of amplified sound.”

(With inputs from agencies)

As pro-Palestinian protests continue to rage on university campuses across the United States, demonstrators and university leadership of Northwestern University in the US state of Illinois announced, late Monday (Apr 29) that they have reached an agreement to end the encampment set up on campus.

As pro-Palestinian protests continue to rage on university campuses across the United States, demonstrators and university leadership of Northwestern University in the US state of Illinois announced, late Monday (Apr 29) that they have reached an agreement to end the encampment set up on campus. Protests to continue The Daily Northwestern, a student-led newspaper of the university said that after five days of demonstrations, pro-Palestinian student protesters wrapped up negotiations with the officials and struck a deal which would allow protests and gatherings in support of Palestine at the Deering Meadow in exchange for an end to the encampment set up there. Also Read | Columbia student protesters seize university building, White House condemns In line with the agreement, students would have to end the encampment set up on Deering Meadow since Thursday (Apr 25), while university leadership said they would ensure more transparency in its investments. This comes as protesters not only at Northwestern but across several campuses have demanded that their universities divest from Israel while calling for an end to the war in Gaza. The deal also allows only NU students, faculty and staff to protest at the Deering Meadow in support of Palestine till June 1. About the deal Northwestern Divestment Coalition which set up the encampment praised the demonstrators’ efforts for successfully growing the encampment over the days while avoiding suspensions or arrests. The group, in its statement, had called on the university to end its partnerships with Israel, including Northwestern University’s Israel Innovation Project, which, according to the student-led newspaper, facilitates academic collaborations with Israeli institutions. It also called on the university to disclose its investments and divest from “institutions and companies that support and maintain apartheid, occupation and the oppression of the Palestinian people.” The university for its part said it would “answer questions from any internal stakeholder about holdings, held currently or within the last quarter, to the best of its knowledge and to the extent legally possible”. Also Read | Israeli forces will enter Rafah ‘with or without’ Gaza hostage deal, says PM Netanyahu It will also reestablish an Advisory Committee on Investment Responsibility which will include representatives from students, faculty and staff. Northwestern University, as per ABC News, also pledged more inclusivity, funding two Palestinian faculty members and the full cost of attendance for five Palestinian undergraduate students every year. As a part of the agreement, the university said that the encampment would be dismantled immediately, except for one aid tent and students are required to stop the “non-approved use of amplified sound.” (With inputs from agencies)

Northwestern University reaches deal with pro-Palestinian protesters to end encampment on campus

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) Tuesday (Apr 30) rejected a demand by Nicaragua to force Germany to stop sending military aid to Israel, which has been fighting a deadly war in Gaza against the Palestinian militant organisation Hamas since&nbsp;October 7. Nicaragua’s request to make Germany renew its funding to the UN aid agency in Gaza&nbsp;was also dismissed&nbsp;by the court in a 15-1 vote.

“Based on the factual information and legal arguments presented by the parties, the court concludes that, as present, the circumstances are not such as to require the exercise of its power ... to indicate provisional measures,” said Nawaf Salam, the court’s president.

Notably, the case against Germany has not been dismissed&nbsp;completely&nbsp;and will continue to be heard in court until it’s resolved. The court also raised concerns regarding the ongoing violence in Gaza.

The court “remains deeply concerned about the catastrophic living conditions of the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, in particular in view of the prolonged and widespread deprivation of food and other basic necessities to which they have been subjected,” added Salam in his statement.

<h2>Germany vs Nicaragua</h2>

Nicaragua&nbsp;in&nbsp;its case against&nbsp;Germany&nbsp;argued that it was aiding Israel’s ‘genocide’ in Gaza by selling arms and providing other support.

&nbsp;Germany&nbsp;on&nbsp;the other&nbsp;hand&nbsp;says it has barely exported any arms to the Jewish nation since the war began on&nbsp;Oct 7&nbsp;after the Hamas attacks.

Nicaragua’s case comes after South Africa filed a genocide case against Israel last year in the international court.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjmt_7yj-qFAxWk8DgGHWqaArMQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/irans-nuclear-program-the-forgotten-deal-but-a-lurking-threat-715449" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/irans-nuclear-program-the-forgotten-deal-but-a-lurking-threat-715449&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjmt_7yj-qFAxWk8DgGHWqaArMQxfQBKAB6BAgHEAE">Iran’s nuclear programme: The forgotten deal but a lurking threat</a>

Earlier this month, Nicaragua’s ambassador to the Netherlands, Carlos José Argüello Gómez, told the 16-judge panel that “Germany is failing to honour its own obligation to prevent genocide or to ensure respect of international humanitarian law.”

Reacting to it, the head of Germany’s legal team, Tania von Uslar-Gleichen, said that Nicaragua’s claims “have no basis in fact or law.”

<h2>Israel’s stance</h2>

Israel, which is not a party to the ICJ case,&nbsp;strongly&nbsp;denies it’s committing genocide in Gaza and says it’s acting in self-defence.

Watch:&nbsp;Israel-Hamas war: US &amp; Britain hopeful that Hamas will accept Israeli truce proposal

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Israeli legal adviser Tal Becker told judges at the court earlier this year in the case brought by South Africa that Israel is fighting a “war it did not start and did not want.”

(With inputs from agencies)

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) Tuesday (Apr 30) rejected a demand by Nicaragua to force Germany to stop sending military aid to Israel, which has been fighting a deadly war in Gaza against the Palestinian militant organisation Hamas since October 7.

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) Tuesday (Apr 30) rejected a demand by Nicaragua to force Germany to stop sending military aid to Israel, which has been fighting a deadly war in Gaza against the Palestinian militant organisation Hamas since October 7. Nicaragua’s request to make Germany renew its funding to the UN aid agency in Gaza was also dismissed by the court in a 15-1 vote. “Based on the factual information and legal arguments presented by the parties, the court concludes that, as present, the circumstances are not such as to require the exercise of its power ... to indicate provisional measures,” said Nawaf Salam, the court’s president. Notably, the case against Germany has not been dismissed completely and will continue to be heard in court until it’s resolved. The court also raised concerns regarding the ongoing violence in Gaza. The court “remains deeply concerned about the catastrophic living conditions of the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, in particular in view of the prolonged and widespread deprivation of food and other basic necessities to which they have been subjected,” added Salam in his statement. Germany vs Nicaragua Nicaragua in its case against Germany argued that it was aiding Israel’s ‘genocide’ in Gaza by selling arms and providing other support. Germany on the other hand says it has barely exported any arms to the Jewish nation since the war began on Oct 7 after the Hamas attacks. Nicaragua’s case comes after South Africa filed a genocide case against Israel last year in the international court. Also read: Iran’s nuclear programme: The forgotten deal but a lurking threat Earlier this month, Nicaragua’s ambassador to the Netherlands, Carlos José Argüello Gómez, told the 16-judge panel that “Germany is failing to honour its own obligation to prevent genocide or to ensure respect of international humanitarian law.” Reacting to it, the head of Germany’s legal team, Tania von Uslar-Gleichen, said that Nicaragua’s claims “have no basis in fact or law.” Israel’s stance Israel, which is not a party to the ICJ case, strongly denies it’s committing genocide in Gaza and says it’s acting in self-defence. Watch: Israel-Hamas war: US & Britain hopeful that Hamas will accept Israeli truce proposal × Israeli legal adviser Tal Becker told judges at the court earlier this year in the case brought by South Africa that Israel is fighting a “war it did not start and did not want.” (With inputs from agencies)

International court dismisses Nicaragua’s plea of forcing Germany to stop sending arms to Israel

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on Tuesday (Apr 30) said Israel will carry out operation in southern Gaza’s Rafah regardless of whether a ceasefire and hostage release deal is reached. Meanwhile, a report by news agency AFP citing a top Israeli official said that the government will wait until Wednesday (May 1) night for Hamas’ answer to the latest proposal.&nbsp;

<h2>‘With or without a deal’: Netanyahu</h2>

Netanyahu, on Tuesday again vowed to launch an incursion into the southern Gaza city of Rafah where millions of displaced Palestinians are sheltering amid the ongoing war between Israel and the militant group Hamas.&nbsp;

Israel’s plans for Rafah have garnered international criticism and condemnation even from its allies, but the Israeli PM has reiterated the need&nbsp;to eliminate Hamas’ battalions in the southern Gaza city in order to achieve “total victory.”

WATCH |&nbsp;US Secy of State Blinken 'hopeful' Hamas will accept Gaza deal

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“The idea that we will stop the war before achieving all of its goals is out of the question,” said Netanyahu, according to a statement by his office.&nbsp;

He added, “We will enter Rafah and we will eliminate Hamas’ battalions there – with or without a deal, to achieve the total victory.”

The Israeli PM made the remarks on Tuesday while addressing a small group of families of hostages called the Tikva Forum. The group is distinct from the large group representing the families of captive Israelis in Gaza and has reportedly put crushing Hamas over the freedom of their loved ones.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the group representing the majority of the families of captive Israelis have taken to the streets across the country calling on the government to work out a deal that brings the hostages home, saying it should take precedence over military action.

<h2>Israel to wait until Wednesday night</h2>

A report by AFP citing a top Israeli official said the government will wait until Wednesday night for a Hamas response to a Gaza truce proposal before it decides whether to send envoys to Cairo for ceasefire talks or not.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/stabbing-attack-in-jerusalems-old-city-injures-officer-suspect-identified-as-turkish-citizen-fatally-shot-716686">Turkish citizen fatally shot by Israeli police after allegedly stabbing officer in Jerusalem's Old City</a>

“Israel will make a decision once Hamas provides their answer,” the official told AFP on condition of anonymity, adding that “we will wait for answers until Wednesday night and then decide”.&nbsp;

<h2>About the ceasefire deal</h2>

United States President Joe Biden called on the leaders of Qatar and Egypt on Monday (Apr 29) to “exert all efforts” and secure the release of hostages who have been held captive by Hamas in the Gaza Strip so that the ceasefire deal is achieved.&nbsp;

Netanyahu’s statement on Tuesday also came hours after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Israel to advance truce talks which are meant to free hostages and avert an Israeli offensive into Rafah and the potential harm to civilians there.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-egypt-qatar-agree-to-exert-all-efforts-for-hostage-release-ceasefire-deal-716469">US, Egypt, Qatar agree to 'exert all efforts' for hostage release, ceasefire deal</a>

The current deal, which is being brokered by the US, Egypt and Qatar, would see the release of dozens of hostages in exchange for a six-week halt in fighting, reported the Associated Press citing Egyptian official and Israeli media.&nbsp;

In line with the deal, hundreds of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel would also be released. Blinken, on Monday, urged Hamas to accept the latest proposal, calling it “extraordinarily generous” on Israel’s part.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on Tuesday (Apr 30) said Israel will carry out operation in southern Gaza’s Rafah regardless of whether a ceasefire and hostage release deal is reached.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on Tuesday (Apr 30) said Israel will carry out operation in southern Gaza’s Rafah regardless of whether a ceasefire and hostage release deal is reached. Meanwhile, a report by news agency AFP citing a top Israeli official said that the government will wait until Wednesday (May 1) night for Hamas’ answer to the latest proposal. ‘With or without a deal’: Netanyahu Netanyahu, on Tuesday again vowed to launch an incursion into the southern Gaza city of Rafah where millions of displaced Palestinians are sheltering amid the ongoing war between Israel and the militant group Hamas. Israel’s plans for Rafah have garnered international criticism and condemnation even from its allies, but the Israeli PM has reiterated the need to eliminate Hamas’ battalions in the southern Gaza city in order to achieve “total victory.” WATCH | US Secy of State Blinken 'hopeful' Hamas will accept Gaza deal “The idea that we will stop the war before achieving all of its goals is out of the question,” said Netanyahu, according to a statement by his office. He added, “We will enter Rafah and we will eliminate Hamas’ battalions there – with or without a deal, to achieve the total victory.” The Israeli PM made the remarks on Tuesday while addressing a small group of families of hostages called the Tikva Forum. The group is distinct from the large group representing the families of captive Israelis in Gaza and has reportedly put crushing Hamas over the freedom of their loved ones. Meanwhile, the group representing the majority of the families of captive Israelis have taken to the streets across the country calling on the government to work out a deal that brings the hostages home, saying it should take precedence over military action. Israel to wait until Wednesday night A report by AFP citing a top Israeli official said the government will wait until Wednesday night for a Hamas response to a Gaza truce proposal before it decides whether to send envoys to Cairo for ceasefire talks or not. Also Read | Turkish citizen fatally shot by Israeli police after allegedly stabbing officer in Jerusalem's Old City “Israel will make a decision once Hamas provides their answer,” the official told AFP on condition of anonymity, adding that “we will wait for answers until Wednesday night and then decide”. About the ceasefire deal United States President Joe Biden called on the leaders of Qatar and Egypt on Monday (Apr 29) to “exert all efforts” and secure the release of hostages who have been held captive by Hamas in the Gaza Strip so that the ceasefire deal is achieved. Netanyahu’s statement on Tuesday also came hours after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Israel to advance truce talks which are meant to free hostages and avert an Israeli offensive into Rafah and the potential harm to civilians there. Also Read | US, Egypt, Qatar agree to 'exert all efforts' for hostage release, ceasefire deal The current deal, which is being brokered by the US, Egypt and Qatar, would see the release of dozens of hostages in exchange for a six-week halt in fighting, reported the Associated Press citing Egyptian official and Israeli media. In line with the deal, hundreds of Palestinian prisoners held by Israel would also be released. Blinken, on Monday, urged Hamas to accept the latest proposal, calling it “extraordinarily generous” on Israel’s part. (With inputs from agencies)

Israeli forces will enter Rafah ‘with or without’ Gaza hostage deal, says PM Netanyahu

The United States announced that five Israeli military units had committed grave human rights violations against Palestinians in the West Bank before Hamas launched its assault in the month of October, said the State Department on Monday (Apr 29).

State Department deputy spokesman Vedant Patel said that four out of these five units had taken remedial measures, however, consultations were underway over the fifth unit with the Israeli government.

"After a careful process, we found five Israeli units responsible for individual incidents of gross violations of human rights," Patel said.

Patel said that the violations took place before the Oct 7 Hamas assault and that it was not in the Gaza Strip.

He did not identify the units or specify the measures the Israeli government had taken against them.

As per the news agency AFP, press reports identified a battalion called the Netzah Yehuda comprised mainly of ultra-Orthodox Jews, as the one that was accused of abuses.&nbsp;

US law prohibits the government from funding or arming foreign security forces that have credible allegations of human rights abuses against them.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-gets-40-day-ceasefire-amid-renewed-airstrikes-on-rafah-by-israel-716335">Hamas gets 40-day ceasefire offer amid airstrikes on Rafah by Israel</a>

<h2>Blinken 'hopeful' Hamas will accept Gaza deal</h2>

Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Monday said that he was hopeful Palestinian militant group Hamas would accept an "extraordinarily generous" offer to end the Israeli offensive in Gaza in exchange for the release of hostages.

"Hamas has before it a proposal that is extraordinarily, extraordinarily generous on the part of Israel," Blinken said in Riyadh at the World Economic Forum.

"In this moment, the only thing standing between the people of Gaza and a ceasefire is Hamas," he said.

"They have to decide -- and they have to decide quickly," Blinken said. "I'm hopeful that they will make the right decision."

"We can have a fundamental change in the dynamic" in more than half a year of bloodshed, Blinken said.

(With inputs from agencies)

The United States announced that five Israeli military units had committed grave human rights violations against Palestinians in the West Bank before Hamas launched its assault in the month of October, said the State Department on Monday (Apr 29).

The United States announced that five Israeli military units had committed grave human rights violations against Palestinians in the West Bank before Hamas launched its assault in the month of October, said the State Department on Monday (Apr 29). State Department deputy spokesman Vedant Patel said that four out of these five units had taken remedial measures, however, consultations were underway over the fifth unit with the Israeli government. "After a careful process, we found five Israeli units responsible for individual incidents of gross violations of human rights," Patel said. Patel said that the violations took place before the Oct 7 Hamas assault and that it was not in the Gaza Strip. He did not identify the units or specify the measures the Israeli government had taken against them. As per the news agency AFP, press reports identified a battalion called the Netzah Yehuda comprised mainly of ultra-Orthodox Jews, as the one that was accused of abuses. US law prohibits the government from funding or arming foreign security forces that have credible allegations of human rights abuses against them. Also read: Hamas gets 40-day ceasefire offer amid airstrikes on Rafah by Israel Blinken 'hopeful' Hamas will accept Gaza deal Meanwhile, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Monday said that he was hopeful Palestinian militant group Hamas would accept an "extraordinarily generous" offer to end the Israeli offensive in Gaza in exchange for the release of hostages. "Hamas has before it a proposal that is extraordinarily, extraordinarily generous on the part of Israel," Blinken said in Riyadh at the World Economic Forum. "In this moment, the only thing standing between the people of Gaza and a ceasefire is Hamas," he said. "They have to decide -- and they have to decide quickly," Blinken said. "I'm hopeful that they will make the right decision." "We can have a fundamental change in the dynamic" in more than half a year of bloodshed, Blinken said. (With inputs from agencies)

US says five Israeli units committed abuse before Hamas attack

The military of the United States has been constructing a temporary pier to boost aid deliveries to Gaza. The Pentagon said on Monday (Apr 29) that cost of the construction will cost Washington at least $320 million.

The military of the United States has been constructing a temporary pier to boost aid deliveries to Gaza. The Pentagon said on Monday (Apr 29) that cost of the construction will cost Washington at least $320 million. Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh told journalists, "That's about our rough estimate right now, approximately $320 million." Singh added, "That's an initial cost for the temporary pier." On Thursday, the Pentagon announced that construction of the pier had begun, saying it should be operational in early May and will humanitarian aid to Gaza. Once the pier is constructed, aid will be transported via commercial vessels to a floating platform miles off the Gaza coast. After that, it will be transferred to smaller vessels, brought to the pier and taken to land by truck for distribution. Also read: Hamas gets 40-day ceasefire offer amid airstrikes on Rafah by Israel Firstly, US President Joe Biden announced the plans for the pier in early March as Israel held up deliveries of assistance by ground. Meanwhile, the US Central Command and the Royal Jordanian Air Force conducted a combined humanitarian assistance airdrop into Northern Gaza on Sunday to provide relief to civilians in Gaza affected by the ongoing conflict, CENTCOM said. The US C-130's dropped over 25,000 Meals Ready to Eat (MREs) of humanitarian assistance in Northern Gaza, CENTCOM said, further adding that more than 13,080 meal equivalents of Jordanian food supplies were also delivered. Also read: Container ship en route to Jeddah reportedly targeted with missiles near Yemen: Ambrey Watch: Blinken 'hopeful' Hamas will accept Israel's new ceasefire deal × Humanitarian situation in Gaza The humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to worsen with a senior US administration official saying last week that the territory's entire population of 2.2 million people is facing food insecurity. The Israel-Hamas war started after the militant group's October 7 attack on southern Israel resulting in the deaths of about 1,170 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of Israeli official figures. Israel's retaliatory offensive has killed at least 34,488 people in Gaza, mostly women and children, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory. 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)

Temporary Gaza pier to boost aid deliveries will cost US at least $320 million

Israel's foreign minister Israel Katz said on Saturday (Apr 27) that if a deal is secured to release Israeli hostages held by Hamas, then a planned incursion into the southern Gaza city of Rafah could be suspended.

Israel's foreign minister Israel Katz said on Saturday (Apr 27) that if a deal is secured to release Israeli hostages held by Hamas, then a planned incursion into the southern Gaza city of Rafah could be suspended. During an interview with local Channel 12 television, Katz said, "The release of the hostages is the top priority for us." On being asked if the priority involved suspending a planned operation to eliminate Hamas battalions in the city of Rafah, Katz answered, "Yes." "If there will be a deal, we will suspend the operation," he further said. This comes after Hamas said that it was reviewing a new Israeli proposal for a cease-fire in Gaza City. A senior Hamas official Khalil al-Hayya said the Palestinian militant group was evaluating Israel's proposal, and "upon completion of its study, it will submit its response". The official didn't provide another detail on Israel's offer but said it was in response to a proposal from Hamas two weeks ago. This development comes as Egypt increased its efforts to secure a deal between Israel and Hamas amid a deteriorating humanitarian situation in the region and calls to prevent an Israeli ground offensive into the southern Gaza city of Rafah. Watch: Pro-Palestinian protests spread across US college campuses × Meanwhile, Hezbollah's Deputy Secretary General Naim Qassem warns that full-scale war will not bring residents of northern Israel home. He said that it will end their presence there "once and for all". "[Defense Minister Yoav] Gallant threatens us that if we don’t stop the attacks, he will attack Lebanon to return the residents of the north to their homes," he said, in a statement quoted in Hebrew media. "I say to Gallant that this war will not only cause the Zionists to not return to their homes but is likely to end their presence in the northern occupied territories once and for all," he 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)

Rafah operation could be suspended if hostage deal is secured, says Israeli foreign minister

British Foreign Secretary David Cameron on Monday (Apr 29) said that a 40-day ceasefire has been offered to Hamas and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged Hamas to accept Israel's latest and "extraordinarily generous" proposal.

British Foreign Secretary David Cameron on Monday (Apr 29) said that a 40-day ceasefire has been offered to Hamas and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged Hamas to accept Israel's latest and "extraordinarily generous" proposal. This comes after reports emerged that at least 25 Palestinians were killed during Israeli airstrikes on three houses in the southern Gaza city of Rafah. The strikes also wounded several others, the news agency Reuters reported citing medics as saying on Monday. Israeli warplanes struck two houses, killing at least four people and wounding several people, in Gaza City, which is in the north of the Gaza Strip, the health officials said as reported by the news agency. The strike on the other house killed two brothers, the agency added. Also read: Container ship en route to Jeddah reportedly targeted with missiles near Yemen: Ambrey The strikes came amid intensified talks of a long-sought Gaza truce between Israel and Hamas with the Palestinian militant group agreeing to a hostage release deal. The much-anticipated talks are scheduled to take place within a few hours as Egypt was expected to host leaders of Hamas to discuss prospects for a ceasefire agreement with Israel. To de-escalate the situation, Egypt, Qatar and the United States have been trying to mediate an agreement between Israel and Hamas for months. A recent increase in diplomacy appeared to suggest a new push towards halting amid fears that the invasion of Rafah, where more than one million people have sought refuge from months of Israeli bombardment, will be catastrophic. But Israel claimed that Hamas' last four intact battalions are holed up in Rafah. Also read: Red Sea shipping diversions boost carbon emissions equivalent to 9 mn cars Forty-day ceasefire? Hamas has been offered a 40-day ceasefire and the release of "potentially thousands" of Palestinian prisoners in return for freeing Israeli hostages, said UK foreign secretary. The Palestinian militant group has been given "a very generous offer of sustained 40 days ceasefire, the release of potentially thousands of Palestinian prisoners, in return for the release of these hostages," Cameron told a World Economic Forum meeting held in the Saudi capital Riyadh on Monday (April 29). Watch this report: × Blinken's message to Hamas Blinken urged Hamas to accept the proposal for a Gaza truce, reiterating that the US could not support an Israeli ground assault on Rafah "in the absence of an (Israeli) plan to ensure that civilians will not be harmed." "We strongly support Israel in its effort to ensure that what happened on October 7 never happens again. But at the same time, we are determined to do everything we can to bring an end to the terrible human suffering that we're seeing every single day in Gaza among children, women, men, who've been caught in a terrible crossfire of Hamas' making," Blinken said. "And so maximising protection of civilians, maximising the support that gets to them. This is very much our focus. Now, the quickest way to bring this to an end is to get to a ceasefire and the release of hostages," he 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)

Hamas gets 40-day ceasefire offer amid airstrikes on Rafah by Israel

A Malta-flagged container ship which was en route from Djibouti to the Saudi city of Jeddah was reportedly targeted with three missiles, reported the British maritime security firm Ambrey, on Monday (Apr 29). The incident reportedly took place near Yemen’s port city of Mokha.&nbsp;

<h2>What we know about the incident</h2>

At around 0702 UTC (Coordinated Universal Time), the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), citing military sources reported an incident near the Yemeni port city and that authorities are investigating.&nbsp;

“Vessels are advised to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity to UKMTO,” said the agency in a statement.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/red-sea-shipping-diversions-boost-carbon-emissions-equivalent-to-9-mn-cars-716173">Red Sea shipping diversions boost carbon emissions equivalent to 9 mn cars</a>

In an update, the UKMTO said that it was informed by a Company Security Officer that an explosion had occurred in close proximity to a merchant vessel in the area.&nbsp;

The vessel and the crew are reported safe and the authorities are still investigating the incident, said the British agency.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Ambrey said that the vessel was targeted due to its listed operator’s ongoing trade with Israel.&nbsp;

Both Ambrey and UKMTO reported that the incident took place around 54 nautical miles northwest of Yemen’s Mokha.

<h2>Houthi militants involved?</h2>

The Yemen-based Iran-backed Houthi rebels have repeatedly attacked international commercial shipping in the Red Sea region with drones and missiles, saying that they are acting in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza amid the ongoing war between Israel and the militant group Hamas.&nbsp;

The Houthi rebels, who have been targeting Red Sea shipping since mid-November have not claimed responsibility for the reported attack, on Monday.&nbsp;

The incident also comes days after UKMTO reported damage to an India-bound vessel after Ambrey said three missiles were sighted approximately 15 nautical miles southwest of Yemen’s Mokha.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-war-israel-making-efforts-to-block-feared-icc-arrest-warrants-against-netanyahu-others-report-716139">Gaza war: Israel making efforts to block ICC arrest warrants against Netanyahu and others, says report</a>

“The Master has reported two attacks. The first attack, the vessel experienced an explosion in close proximity to the vessel, which was felt by the crew on board,” the UKMTO said in a statement, on Friday (Apr 26).&nbsp;

It added, “Subsequently, the second attack on the vessel, consisted of what is believed to be two missiles, which resulted in damage to the vessel.”&nbsp;

The vessel in question was en route from Primorsk, Russia, to Vadinar, India. “At the time of writing, the vessel's owner was Seychelles-registered and was engaged in Russia-linked trade,” said Ambrey.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

A Malta-flagged container ship which was en route from Djibouti to the Saudi city of Jeddah was reportedly targeted with three missiles, reported the British maritime security firm Ambrey, on Monday (Apr 29).

A Malta-flagged container ship which was en route from Djibouti to the Saudi city of Jeddah was reportedly targeted with three missiles, reported the British maritime security firm Ambrey, on Monday (Apr 29). The incident reportedly took place near Yemen’s port city of Mokha. What we know about the incident At around 0702 UTC (Coordinated Universal Time), the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), citing military sources reported an incident near the Yemeni port city and that authorities are investigating. “Vessels are advised to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity to UKMTO,” said the agency in a statement. Also Read | Red Sea shipping diversions boost carbon emissions equivalent to 9 mn cars In an update, the UKMTO said that it was informed by a Company Security Officer that an explosion had occurred in close proximity to a merchant vessel in the area. The vessel and the crew are reported safe and the authorities are still investigating the incident, said the British agency. Meanwhile, Ambrey said that the vessel was targeted due to its listed operator’s ongoing trade with Israel. Both Ambrey and UKMTO reported that the incident took place around 54 nautical miles northwest of Yemen’s Mokha. Houthi militants involved? The Yemen-based Iran-backed Houthi rebels have repeatedly attacked international commercial shipping in the Red Sea region with drones and missiles, saying that they are acting in solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza amid the ongoing war between Israel and the militant group Hamas. The Houthi rebels, who have been targeting Red Sea shipping since mid-November have not claimed responsibility for the reported attack, on Monday. The incident also comes days after UKMTO reported damage to an India-bound vessel after Ambrey said three missiles were sighted approximately 15 nautical miles southwest of Yemen’s Mokha. Also Read | Gaza war: Israel making efforts to block ICC arrest warrants against Netanyahu and others, says report “The Master has reported two attacks. The first attack, the vessel experienced an explosion in close proximity to the vessel, which was felt by the crew on board,” the UKMTO said in a statement, on Friday (Apr 26). It added, “Subsequently, the second attack on the vessel, consisted of what is believed to be two missiles, which resulted in damage to the vessel.” The vessel in question was en route from Primorsk, Russia, to Vadinar, India. “At the time of writing, the vessel's owner was Seychelles-registered and was engaged in Russia-linked trade,” said Ambrey. (With inputs from agencies)

Container ship en route to Jeddah attacked with three missiles near Yemen’s port city Mokha

A senior official with the UN Mine Action Service said on Friday (Apr 26) that there are some 37 million tonnes of debris to clear away in the war-ravaged Gaza once the Israeli offensive is over and it could take over 14 years to clear it.&nbsp;

Pehr Lodhammar of the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) said that it was impossible to clearly state how much of the ammunition fired in Gaza remained live. Lodhammar, who has run mine programmes in countries such as Iraq, further noted that unexploded ordnance buried in the rubble would complicate the work of clearing the cities.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-hostage-says-hamas-captor-proposed-her-for-marriage-he-gave-me-a-ring-715371">Israeli hostage says Hamas captor proposed her for marriage; ‘he gave me a ring’</a>&nbsp;

While speaking to journalists in Geneva during the launch of the 2023 annual report Friday, Lodhammar said, "We know that typically there is a failure rate of at least 10% of land service ammunition. What we do know is that we estimated 37 million tonnes of debris, which is approximately 300 kilos of debris per square metre."&nbsp;

The Israel-Hamas war started after the Paletine-based militant group launched a shock incursion into southern Israel in which they killed 1,200 people, according to Israeli tallies. It is believed that Hamas is still holding 129 hostages out of the 253 it took on October 7. In retaliation, Israel started the war against Hamas and began the&nbsp;military offensive.&nbsp;

So far in the war, at least 34,305 Palestinians have been killed and 77,293 wounded, according to Gaza's health ministry.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/premature-baby-rescued-from-dead-mothers-womb-in-gaza-dies-715377">Premature baby rescued from dead mother’s womb in Gaza dies</a>&nbsp;

<h2>Gaza infrastructure damages estimated at $18.5bn&nbsp;</h2>

Earlier this month, a new report by the World Bank and the United Nations found that the cost of damage to critical infrastructure in the first four months of the ongoing war in Gaza is estimated at $18.5 billion.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Iran's new warning to Israel

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According to the report, the damage caused by missile strikes and bombardments estimated that the damage was equivalent to 97 per cent of the combined GDP of the occupied West Bank and Gaza in 2022.&nbsp;

"The level of destruction in the Gaza Strip since October 2023 is unprecedented," the Interim Damage Assessment Note said further mentioning that such costs "are expected to increase substantially along with the magnitude of damages" as the conflict continues.&nbsp;

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

A senior official with the UN Mine Action Service said on Friday (Apr 26) that there are some 37 million tonnes of debris to clear away in the war-ravaged Gaza once the Israeli offensive is over and it could take over 14 years to clear it.

A senior official with the UN Mine Action Service said on Friday (Apr 26) that there are some 37 million tonnes of debris to clear away in the war-ravaged Gaza once the Israeli offensive is over and it could take over 14 years to clear it. Pehr Lodhammar of the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) said that it was impossible to clearly state how much of the ammunition fired in Gaza remained live. Lodhammar, who has run mine programmes in countries such as Iraq, further noted that unexploded ordnance buried in the rubble would complicate the work of clearing the cities. Also read: Israeli hostage says Hamas captor proposed her for marriage; ‘he gave me a ring’ While speaking to journalists in Geneva during the launch of the 2023 annual report Friday, Lodhammar said, "We know that typically there is a failure rate of at least 10% of land service ammunition. What we do know is that we estimated 37 million tonnes of debris, which is approximately 300 kilos of debris per square metre." The Israel-Hamas war started after the Paletine-based militant group launched a shock incursion into southern Israel in which they killed 1,200 people, according to Israeli tallies. It is believed that Hamas is still holding 129 hostages out of the 253 it took on October 7. In retaliation, Israel started the war against Hamas and began the military offensive. So far in the war, at least 34,305 Palestinians have been killed and 77,293 wounded, according to Gaza's health ministry. Also read: Premature baby rescued from dead mother’s womb in Gaza dies Gaza infrastructure damages estimated at $18.5bn Earlier this month, a new report by the World Bank and the United Nations found that the cost of damage to critical infrastructure in the first four months of the ongoing war in Gaza is estimated at $18.5 billion. Watch: Iran's new warning to Israel × According to the report, the damage caused by missile strikes and bombardments estimated that the damage was equivalent to 97 per cent of the combined GDP of the occupied West Bank and Gaza in 2022. "The level of destruction in the Gaza Strip since October 2023 is unprecedented," the Interim Damage Assessment Note said further mentioning that such costs "are expected to increase substantially along with the magnitude of damages" as the conflict continues. 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)

It could take over 14 years to clear debris in war-ravaged Gaza: UN official

The US President Joe Biden has spoken with the Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on a phone call. The White House said Biden and reviewed talks designed to secure the release of some of the Israeli hostages coupled with an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. Watch in for more details!

Israel war: Biden-Netanyahu discuss Rafah, hostage deal on call

The Israeli government is making efforts to block the International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrants against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and other top officials, the Times of Israel reported on Sunday (Apr 28) citing sources.

The Israeli government is making efforts to block the International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrants against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and other top officials, the Times of Israel reported on Sunday (Apr 28) citing sources. Israeli officials believe that the ICC has been preparing to issue these arrest warrants for officials on charges related to the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Also read | Israel launches air strikes on Rafah killing at least 13 people, hours before ceasefire talks The report said that the country's National Security Council is leading the campaign (to head off the arrest warrants), adding the foreign ministry is also involved in the efforts. One of the sources told the publication that a major focus of the ICC allegations would be that Israel deliberately starved Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. 'Netanyahu under unusual stress' According to Israeli journalist and analyst Ben Caspit, Prime Minister Netanyahu has been under unusual stress over the feared arrest warrant against him and other top officials. Writing an article in the Walla News, Caspit said that Netanyahu was leading a non-stop push over the telephone to prevent an arrest warrant, focussed especially on the Joe Biden-led US administration. Last Friday, the Israeli Prime Minister said in a post on Telegram that under his leadership, Israel would never accept any attempt by the ICC to undermine its basic right to defend itself. Also watch | Future of war: Will private military contractors take over? | WION Decodes × Amid these developments, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz said that his country expects the ICC to refrain from issuing arrest warrants. "If the orders are issued, they will harm the commanders and soldiers of the IDF and give a boost to the terrorist organisation Hamas and the radical Islamic axis led by Iran against which we are fighting," Katz said in a statement. No end to conflict anytime soon On October 7 last year, Hamas militants launched an unprecedented attack on Israel, killing 1,200 people, mostly civilians. More than 200 people were taken as hostages by Hamas. Israel retaliated hard in the Gaza Strip and has killed more than 34,000 Palestinians. More than 77,000 people have been injured in the war-torn region. (With inputs from agencies)

Gaza war: Israel making efforts to block ICC arrest warrants against Netanyahu and others, says report

The US military has started building a large floating pier off Gaza's coast to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid. Watch in for more details!

US troops begin construction of floating pier for humanitarian aid delivery in Gaza

The Israeli military has massed dozens of tanks and armoured vehicles along its border with the southern Gaza strip in what appears to be a preparation for an invasion of the border city of Rafah. The tanks and armoured vehicles are stationed near Israel's Kerem Shalom crossing next to Rafah. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hamas war: Armoured vehicles stationed near Israel's Kerem Shalom crossing

In a heartbreaking development, the premature Palestinian baby who had been saved from her mother’s womb shortly after the woman was killed in an Israeli airstrike amid the ongoing war in Gaza, has died, the doctor who was caring for her told Reuters, on Friday (Apr 26).&nbsp;

<h2>Baby saved from dead mother’s womb dies</h2>

The baby’s mother, Sabreen Al-Sakani had suffered extensive injuries after an Israeli strike hit the family home in southern Gaza’s Rafah.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Premature baby rescued from dead mother’s womb in Gaza dies

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At the time, Sabreen, along with her husband and their other daughter – three-year-old Malak – were asleep. The explosion reportedly took place an hour before midnight on April 20.&nbsp;

The baby, who had been named Rouh, meaning soul died on Thursday (Apr 25) reported Reuters citing Doctor Mohammad Salama, head of the emergency neonatal unit at Emirati Hospital, who had been caring for her. &nbsp;

“I and other doctors tried to save her, but she died. For me personally, it was a very difficult and painful day,” he told the news agency by phone.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-hostage-says-hamas-captor-proposed-her-for-marriage-he-gave-me-a-ring-715371">Israeli hostage says Hamas captor proposed her for marriage; 'he gave me a ring'</a>

The doctor also said that the baby suffered respiratory problems and had a “very weak” immune system “that is what led to her death. She joined her family as a martyr,” Dr Salama said.&nbsp;

<h2>About the Israeli airstrike</h2>

Sabreen, who had carried her child through seven-and-a-half months of pregnancy, sustained extensive injuries while her husband and Malak were killed in an Israel airstrike. However, the baby was still alive in her mother’s womb when rescue workers reached the site.&nbsp;

Sabreen was rushed to the Emirati hospital in Rafah where she eventually succumbed to her wounds, but amid the chaos, doctors performed an emergency C-section and were able to save the baby.&nbsp;

In response to the airstrike, an&nbsp;Israeli military spokesperson told&nbsp;Reuters&nbsp;that different militant targets were hit in Gaza which included military compounds, launch posts and armed people.

Rouh weighed just 1.4 kilogrammes at birth and survived. At the time, the doctor wrote the words “the baby of the martyr Sabreen al-Sakani” on a piece of tape and attached it to the baby’s body before she was placed in an incubator.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/miracle-in-doomed-gaza-baby-delivered-alive-from-dead-body-of-mother-killed-in-attack-713713">Miracle in doomed Gaza: Baby delivered alive from dead body of mother killed in attack</a>

The baby’s uncle Rami al-Sheikh told the Associated Press that she was buried next to her father on Thursday. “My brother’s family is completely wiped out. It’s been deleted from the civil registry. There is no trace of him left behind.”

At least 34,356 people have been killed in Gaza amid the ongoing war between Hamas and Israel, said the health ministry run by the Palestinian militant group in an update on Friday.&nbsp;

The tally includes at least 51 deaths in the past 24 hours, the Hamas-run ministry said in the statement, adding that 77,368 people have been wounded in the Gaza Strip since the war began when Hamas militants attacked Israel on October 7.

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

In a heartbreaking development, the premature Palestinian baby who had been saved from her mother’s womb shortly after the woman was killed in an Israeli airstrike amid the ongoing war in Gaza, has died, the doctor who was caring for her told Reuters, on Friday (Apr 26).

In a heartbreaking development, the premature Palestinian baby who had been saved from her mother’s womb shortly after the woman was killed in an Israeli airstrike amid the ongoing war in Gaza, has died, the doctor who was caring for her told Reuters, on Friday (Apr 26). Baby saved from dead mother’s womb dies The baby’s mother, Sabreen Al-Sakani had suffered extensive injuries after an Israeli strike hit the family home in southern Gaza’s Rafah. WATCH | Premature baby rescued from dead mother’s womb in Gaza dies At the time, Sabreen, along with her husband and their other daughter – three-year-old Malak – were asleep. The explosion reportedly took place an hour before midnight on April 20. The baby, who had been named Rouh, meaning soul died on Thursday (Apr 25) reported Reuters citing Doctor Mohammad Salama, head of the emergency neonatal unit at Emirati Hospital, who had been caring for her. “I and other doctors tried to save her, but she died. For me personally, it was a very difficult and painful day,” he told the news agency by phone. Also Read | Israeli hostage says Hamas captor proposed her for marriage; 'he gave me a ring' The doctor also said that the baby suffered respiratory problems and had a “very weak” immune system “that is what led to her death. She joined her family as a martyr,” Dr Salama said. About the Israeli airstrike Sabreen, who had carried her child through seven-and-a-half months of pregnancy, sustained extensive injuries while her husband and Malak were killed in an Israel airstrike. However, the baby was still alive in her mother’s womb when rescue workers reached the site. Sabreen was rushed to the Emirati hospital in Rafah where she eventually succumbed to her wounds, but amid the chaos, doctors performed an emergency C-section and were able to save the baby. In response to the airstrike, an Israeli military spokesperson told Reuters that different militant targets were hit in Gaza which included military compounds, launch posts and armed people. Rouh weighed just 1.4 kilogrammes at birth and survived. At the time, the doctor wrote the words “the baby of the martyr Sabreen al-Sakani” on a piece of tape and attached it to the baby’s body before she was placed in an incubator. Also Read | Miracle in doomed Gaza: Baby delivered alive from dead body of mother killed in attack The baby’s uncle Rami al-Sheikh told the Associated Press that she was buried next to her father on Thursday. “My brother’s family is completely wiped out. It’s been deleted from the civil registry. There is no trace of him left behind.” At least 34,356 people have been killed in Gaza amid the ongoing war between Hamas and Israel, said the health ministry run by the Palestinian militant group in an update on Friday. The tally includes at least 51 deaths in the past 24 hours, the Hamas-run ministry said in the statement, adding that 77,368 people have been wounded in the Gaza Strip since the war began when Hamas militants attacked Israel on October 7. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Premature baby rescued from dead mother’s womb in Gaza dies

The Pentagon said that the United States will begin construction “very soon” on a pier to boost deliveries of desperately needed aid to Gaza. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hamas War: US to begin Gaza aid pier construction 'very soon'

Weeks after Germany and many other European nations suspended funding to the UNRWA the country says it now plans to resume payments to the humanitarian organization. Watch to know more!

Germany to unfreeze UNRWA funding after blocking it in March

A top Hamas official has stated that the militant group was ready to lay down arms for five years or more, if an independent Palestinian state is established along the pre-1967 borders.

This significant statement was made by Hamas political official Khalil al-Hayya during an interview with news agency Associated Press on Wednesday (Apr 24) in Istanbul. The top Hamas official also said that the group would convert into a political party.

<h2>A significant concession</h2>

As per the report, the suggestion that the Hamas would disarm appeared to be a "significant concession" by the militant group which is officially committed to Israel's destruction.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-to-go-ahead-with-rafah-invasion-even-as-egypt-warns-of-humanitarian-crisis-714721">Israel to go ahead with Rafah invasion even as Egypt warns of humanitarian crisis</a>

However, it is unlikely that Tel Aviv would even consider a truce. Israel, after the deadly Oct 7 attacks, had vowed to crush Hamas. Moreover, Israel's current leadership has been adamantly opposed to the creation of a Palestinian state on lands the nation captured during the 1967 Mideast war.

<h2>A 'fully sovereign Palestinian state'</h2>

Al-Hayya, who has previously represented the Palestinian militants in negotiations for a cease-fire and hostage exchange, said that Hamas would accept "a fully sovereign Palestinian state in the West Bank and Gaza Strip and the return of Palestinian refugees in accordance with the international resolutions".

He stated that if the demand is met, Hamas's military wing would dissolve, turning into a political party.

"All the experiences of people who fought against occupiers, when they became independent and obtained their rights and their state, what have these forces done? They have turned into political parties and their defending fighting forces have turned into the national army?".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/from-sabres-to-spikes-this-prehistoric-fish-had-tusks-like-a-warthog-714775">THIS prehistoric fish was nearly 9 feet long and had giant sabres for teeth</a>

AP reports that even as Hamas at times softens its public position about the possibility of a Palestinian state alongside Israel, it officially continues to reject "any alternative to the full liberation of Palestine, from the river to the sea". Here 'river to the sea' refers to the area reaching from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea — including lands that now make up Israel.

The Hamas leader, however, failed to explicitly specify whether the two-state solution would mean an end to the Palestinian-Israel conflict or if it would merely be an interim step towards Hamas' goal of destroying Israel.

(With inputs from agencies)

A top Hamas official has stated that the militant group was ready to lay down arms for five years or more, if an independent Palestinian state is established along the pre-1967 borders.

A top Hamas official has stated that the militant group was ready to lay down arms for five years or more, if an independent Palestinian state is established along the pre-1967 borders. This significant statement was made by Hamas political official Khalil al-Hayya during an interview with news agency Associated Press on Wednesday (Apr 24) in Istanbul. The top Hamas official also said that the group would convert into a political party. A significant concession As per the report, the suggestion that the Hamas would disarm appeared to be a "significant concession" by the militant group which is officially committed to Israel's destruction. Also read | Israel to go ahead with Rafah invasion even as Egypt warns of humanitarian crisis However, it is unlikely that Tel Aviv would even consider a truce. Israel, after the deadly Oct 7 attacks, had vowed to crush Hamas. Moreover, Israel's current leadership has been adamantly opposed to the creation of a Palestinian state on lands the nation captured during the 1967 Mideast war. A 'fully sovereign Palestinian state' Al-Hayya, who has previously represented the Palestinian militants in negotiations for a cease-fire and hostage exchange, said that Hamas would accept "a fully sovereign Palestinian state in the West Bank and Gaza Strip and the return of Palestinian refugees in accordance with the international resolutions". He stated that if the demand is met, Hamas's military wing would dissolve, turning into a political party. "All the experiences of people who fought against occupiers, when they became independent and obtained their rights and their state, what have these forces done? They have turned into political parties and their defending fighting forces have turned into the national army?". Also read | THIS prehistoric fish was nearly 9 feet long and had giant sabres for teeth AP reports that even as Hamas at times softens its public position about the possibility of a Palestinian state alongside Israel, it officially continues to reject "any alternative to the full liberation of Palestine, from the river to the sea". Here 'river to the sea' refers to the area reaching from the Jordan River to the Mediterranean Sea — including lands that now make up Israel. The Hamas leader, however, failed to explicitly specify whether the two-state solution would mean an end to the Palestinian-Israel conflict or if it would merely be an interim step towards Hamas' goal of destroying Israel. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel war: Hamas top official says militant group ready to lay down arms on one condition

Israel's Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said on Wednesday (Apr 24) that the forces are carrying out "offensive action" across southern Lebanon. In a video statement, Gallant said, "Many forces are deployed on the border and IDF (army) forces are carrying out offensive action currently throughout southern Lebanon."&nbsp;

The defence minister also claimed that "half of Hezbollah's commanders in southern Lebanon have been eliminated" in months of violence and further said the "other half are in hiding and abandoning the field to IDF operations".&nbsp;

He didn't reveal exact numbers and also didn't specify whether or not ground troops had crossed the border.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-attack-on-iran-territory-would-mean-the-end-of-zionist-regime-iranian-president-ebrahim-raisi-714474">Israeli attack on Iran territory would mean end of 'Zionist regime': Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi</a>&nbsp;

Separately, Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said in a post on social media platform X that 40 Hezbollah "terrorist" targets were struck, including storage facilities, weaponry and additional terror infrastructures used by the militant group in the region. As per reports, the targets linked to Hezbollah fighters around Ayta ash Shab.&nbsp;

The army distributed a video which showed various explosions said to be part of that attack. WION can not independently verify the details of the video.&nbsp;

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📍Southern Lebanon: 
40 Hezbollah terrorist targets were struck a short while ago, including storage facilities, weaponry and additional terror infrastructures used by the Hezbollah terrorist organization in the area.
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Meanwhile, Lebanon's state-run National News Agency said Israel had carried out more than 13 strikes near Aita al-Shaab and surrounding villages.&nbsp;

"Israeli warplanes carried out ... more than 13 airstrikes targeting the outskirts of the towns of Aita al-Shaab, Ramya, Jabal Balat and Khallet Warda," it said.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/west-asia-crisis-bodies-with-hands-tied-recovered-from-mass-graves-in-gaza-714301">Bodies ‘with hands tied’ recovered from mass graves in Gaza</a>&nbsp;

Lebanon's Hezbollah earlier in the day said that it fired dozens of rockets at an Israeli border town and sources in Lebanon reported heavy Israeli airstrikes on a Lebanese town just across the frontier.&nbsp;

The group had already fired rockets at northern Israel late on Tuesday "in response" to the civilian deaths.

This comes amid an escalating situation in the region amid an increase in cross-border strikes in recent days. The strikes were triggered since Hamas's October 7 attack on Israel which led to war in Gaza.&nbsp;

At least 380 people have been killed in Lebanon since October 7, mostly Hezbollah fighters but also 72 civilians, according to a tally by news agency AFP. On the other hand, Israel claims that 11 soldiers and eight civilians have been killed on its side of the border.&nbsp;

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Israel's Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said on Wednesday (Apr 24) that the forces are carrying out "offensive action" across southern Lebanon. In a video statement, Gallant said, "Many forces are deployed on the border and IDF (army) forces are carrying out offensive action currently throughout southern Lebanon.

Israel's Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said on Wednesday (Apr 24) that the forces are carrying out "offensive action" across southern Lebanon. In a video statement, Gallant said, "Many forces are deployed on the border and IDF (army) forces are carrying out offensive action currently throughout southern Lebanon." The defence minister also claimed that "half of Hezbollah's commanders in southern Lebanon have been eliminated" in months of violence and further said the "other half are in hiding and abandoning the field to IDF operations". He didn't reveal exact numbers and also didn't specify whether or not ground troops had crossed the border. Also read: Israeli attack on Iran territory would mean end of 'Zionist regime': Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi Separately, Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said in a post on social media platform X that 40 Hezbollah "terrorist" targets were struck, including storage facilities, weaponry and additional terror infrastructures used by the militant group in the region. As per reports, the targets linked to Hezbollah fighters around Ayta ash Shab. The army distributed a video which showed various explosions said to be part of that attack. WION can not independently verify the details of the video. 📍Southern Lebanon: 40 Hezbollah terrorist targets were struck a short while ago, including storage facilities, weaponry and additional terror infrastructures used by the Hezbollah terrorist organization in the area. — Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) April 24, 2024 × Meanwhile, Lebanon's state-run National News Agency said Israel had carried out more than 13 strikes near Aita al-Shaab and surrounding villages. "Israeli warplanes carried out ... more than 13 airstrikes targeting the outskirts of the towns of Aita al-Shaab, Ramya, Jabal Balat and Khallet Warda," it said. Also read: Bodies ‘with hands tied’ recovered from mass graves in Gaza Lebanon's Hezbollah earlier in the day said that it fired dozens of rockets at an Israeli border town and sources in Lebanon reported heavy Israeli airstrikes on a Lebanese town just across the frontier. The group had already fired rockets at northern Israel late on Tuesday "in response" to the civilian deaths. This comes amid an escalating situation in the region amid an increase in cross-border strikes in recent days. The strikes were triggered since Hamas's October 7 attack on Israel which led to war in Gaza. At least 380 people have been killed in Lebanon since October 7, mostly Hezbollah fighters but also 72 civilians, according to a tally by news agency AFP. On the other hand, Israel claims that 11 soldiers and eight civilians have been killed on its side of the border. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel carrying out ‘offensive action’ in south Lebanon, claims half of Hezbollah’s commanders ‘eliminated’

Hamas officials in the Gaza Strip claimed to have discovered mass graves with dozens of bodies at two&nbsp;hospitals, further alleging that Israeli forces are responsible for it. The officials reportedly recovered more bodies in the last 24 hours from what is believed to be one of at least three mass graves found at Nasser Hospital in southern Gaza.&nbsp;

As per reports, the Palestinian authorities reported finding scores of bodies in mass graves at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis this week and also at the Al Shifa site.&nbsp;

The Palestinian territory's Civil Defence agency said on Monday that health workers had uncovered more than 200 bodies of people killed and buried at Nasser Hospital. The authorities reportedly recovered 35 more bodies in the past day.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/satellite-photos-show-extent-of-damage-in-iran-during-alleged-israeli-attack-714281">Satellite photos show extent of damage in Iran during alleged Israeli attack</a>&nbsp;

Mahmud Bassal, who is a spokesman for Gaza's Hamas-run Civil Defence, told the news agency AFP that "civil defence crews are still recovering bodies from inside Nasser Medical Complex, and since Saturday bodies of nearly 200 martyrs have been retrieved".&nbsp;

The spokesman also said that several of the recovered bodies had decomposed.&nbsp;

On the other hand, Ismail al-Thawabta, who is the head of the Hamas government media office in Gaza, said that the figure was higher. He claimed that 283 bodies were found at the hospital. "We discovered mass graves inside Nasser Medical Complex" of people killed by "the occupation (Israeli) army," Thawabta told AFP.&nbsp;

Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media.&nbsp;

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03 FEB 2024 - In this footage you see Palestinians digging a mass grave 50m east, at the other side of the building visible in the footage above. (VID 03) 
 
With this text: 
"The bodies of thirty martyrs were buried in the Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Yunis." 
 
31.3457065,…
— GeoConfirmed (@GeoConfirmed) <a href="https://twitter.com/GeoConfirmed/status/1782360907579892195?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 22, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2>Call for international probe&nbsp;</h2>

The United Nations on Tuesday (Apr 23) called for an international probe into reports of mass graves. The world body said that war crimes may have been committed.&nbsp;

A spokesperson stated that UN rights chief Volker Turk said on Tuesday that he was "horrified" by the destruction of the Nasser and Al Shifa medical facilities.&nbsp;

Ravina Shamdasani, who is the spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, said: "We feel the need to raise the alarm because clearly there have been multiple bodies discovered."&nbsp;

The spokesperson further added that Turk said he had been horrified by the reported mass grave discoveries and the hospitals' destruction.&nbsp;

"Some of them had their hands tied, which of course indicates serious violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law, and these need to be subjected to further investigations," the spokesperson added.&nbsp;

The hospitals were often targeted over more than six months of war in Gaza. Notably, hospitals are protected under international law. Israel has accused the Palestinian militant group Hamas of using Gazan medical facilities as command centres and holding hostages abducted during its attack inside Israel on October 7.&nbsp;

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Hamas officials in the Gaza Strip claimed to have discovered mass graves with dozens of bodies at two hospitals, further alleging that Israeli forces are responsible for it.

Hamas officials in the Gaza Strip claimed to have discovered mass graves with dozens of bodies at two hospitals, further alleging that Israeli forces are responsible for it. The officials reportedly recovered more bodies in the last 24 hours from what is believed to be one of at least three mass graves found at Nasser Hospital in southern Gaza. As per reports, the Palestinian authorities reported finding scores of bodies in mass graves at Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis this week and also at the Al Shifa site. The Palestinian territory's Civil Defence agency said on Monday that health workers had uncovered more than 200 bodies of people killed and buried at Nasser Hospital. The authorities reportedly recovered 35 more bodies in the past day. Also read: Satellite photos show extent of damage in Iran during alleged Israeli attack Mahmud Bassal, who is a spokesman for Gaza's Hamas-run Civil Defence, told the news agency AFP that "civil defence crews are still recovering bodies from inside Nasser Medical Complex, and since Saturday bodies of nearly 200 martyrs have been retrieved". The spokesman also said that several of the recovered bodies had decomposed. On the other hand, Ismail al-Thawabta, who is the head of the Hamas government media office in Gaza, said that the figure was higher. He claimed that 283 bodies were found at the hospital. "We discovered mass graves inside Nasser Medical Complex" of people killed by "the occupation (Israeli) army," Thawabta told AFP. Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media. 03 FEB 2024 - In this footage you see Palestinians digging a mass grave 50m east, at the other side of the building visible in the footage above. (VID 03) With this text: "The bodies of thirty martyrs were buried in the Nasser Medical Complex in Khan Yunis." 31.3457065,… — GeoConfirmed (@GeoConfirmed) April 22, 2024 × Call for international probe The United Nations on Tuesday (Apr 23) called for an international probe into reports of mass graves. The world body said that war crimes may have been committed. A spokesperson stated that UN rights chief Volker Turk said on Tuesday that he was "horrified" by the destruction of the Nasser and Al Shifa medical facilities. Ravina Shamdasani, who is the spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, said: "We feel the need to raise the alarm because clearly there have been multiple bodies discovered." The spokesperson further added that Turk said he had been horrified by the reported mass grave discoveries and the hospitals' destruction. "Some of them had their hands tied, which of course indicates serious violations of international human rights law and international humanitarian law, and these need to be subjected to further investigations," the spokesperson added. The hospitals were often targeted over more than six months of war in Gaza. Notably, hospitals are protected under international law. Israel has accused the Palestinian militant group Hamas of using Gazan medical facilities as command centres and holding hostages abducted during its attack inside Israel on October 7. 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)

West Asia crisis: Bodies ‘with hands tied’ recovered from mass graves in Gaza

Why war between Iran & Israel will be a nuclear contest? Who is trying to steal Russia's Hypersonic weapons technology? Over 8 million people driven out of their homes in the one year of Sudan's civil war & Sydney is rocked by a spate of deadly stabbings Mohammed Saleh gets you an in-depth analysis of the world's biggest warzones of the week in World At War.

Why war between Iran & Israel will be a nuclear contest?

Who is trying to steal Russia's Hypersonic weapons technology?

Israel carried out overnight strikes on the southern Gaza city of Rafah in which 22 people were killed, including 18 children, as confirmed by health officials on Sunday (April 21).

The strikes were carried out at a time when the United States was clearing additional military aid, worth billions of dollars, for Israel.

Near-daily air raids are being carried out by Israel on Rafah, a place which has become the refuge of more than half of Gaza’s 2.3 million population.

Israel has also decided to expand its ground offensive against Hamas near Gaza's border with Egypt amid calls for restraint from various countries, including the United States.

“In the coming days, we will increase the political and military pressure on Hamas because this is the only way to bring back our hostages and achieve victory. We will land more and painful blows on Hamas — soon,” said Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a statement.&nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dont-leave-any-of-them-hamas-leader-ismail-haniyehs-sister-facing-incitement-charges-in-israel-713653">‘Don’t leave any of them’: Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh’s sister facing incitement charges in Israel</a>

In the first strike carried out on Rafah by Israel, one man, his wife and their 3-year-old child were killed, as per the nearby Kuwaiti Hospital, where dead bodies were sent.

According to the hospital, the woman was pregnant and the baby was saved by the doctors. In the second strike on Rafah, 17 children and two women from an extended family were killed.

“These children were sleeping. What did they do? What was their fault?” questioned one relative Umm Kareem, reported Associated News.

Another resident Mohammed al-Beheiri confirmed that his daughter Rasha, and her six children, the youngest being only 18 months old, were also killed. A woman and three children were reported to be stuck under the rubble.

<h2>United States prepares aid package for Gaza</h2>

More than 34,000 Palestinians, of which at least two-thirds were women and children, have been killed in the Israel-Hamas war, as per officials in Gaza.

The two largest cities of Gaza have been devastated in the war and colossal destruction has taken place. Nearly 80 per cent of the population has shifted to other regions of the besieged coastal enclave.

Watch:&nbsp;Israel hits out at US plans to sanction IDF unit Netzah Yehuda

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-hits-out-at-us-plans-to-sanction-idf-unit-netzah-yehuda-713666/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The US House of Representatives on Saturday (April 20) approved a $26 billion aid package which included nearly $9 billion in humanitarian assistance for Gaza, which appears to be on the brink of famine, according to experts.

The US Senate is likely to sign the package as soon as Tuesday (April 23), which will be immediately signed by President Joe Biden.

It has been seven months since the conflict started and has now led to regional unrest as Israel and the US stand against Iran and allied militant groups. This month, Israel and Iran had a face-off which raised concerns of an all-out war.

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

(With inputs from agencies)

Israel carried out overnight strikes on the southern Gaza city of Rafah in which 22 people were killed, including 18 children, as confirmed by health officials on Sunday (April 21).

Israel carried out overnight strikes on the southern Gaza city of Rafah in which 22 people were killed, including 18 children, as confirmed by health officials on Sunday (April 21). The strikes were carried out at a time when the United States was clearing additional military aid, worth billions of dollars, for Israel. Near-daily air raids are being carried out by Israel on Rafah, a place which has become the refuge of more than half of Gaza’s 2.3 million population. Israel has also decided to expand its ground offensive against Hamas near Gaza's border with Egypt amid calls for restraint from various countries, including the United States. “In the coming days, we will increase the political and military pressure on Hamas because this is the only way to bring back our hostages and achieve victory. We will land more and painful blows on Hamas — soon,” said Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a statement. Also Read: ‘Don’t leave any of them’: Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh’s sister facing incitement charges in Israel In the first strike carried out on Rafah by Israel, one man, his wife and their 3-year-old child were killed, as per the nearby Kuwaiti Hospital, where dead bodies were sent. According to the hospital, the woman was pregnant and the baby was saved by the doctors. In the second strike on Rafah, 17 children and two women from an extended family were killed. “These children were sleeping. What did they do? What was their fault?” questioned one relative Umm Kareem, reported Associated News. Another resident Mohammed al-Beheiri confirmed that his daughter Rasha, and her six children, the youngest being only 18 months old, were also killed. A woman and three children were reported to be stuck under the rubble. United States prepares aid package for Gaza More than 34,000 Palestinians, of which at least two-thirds were women and children, have been killed in the Israel-Hamas war, as per officials in Gaza. The two largest cities of Gaza have been devastated in the war and colossal destruction has taken place. Nearly 80 per cent of the population has shifted to other regions of the besieged coastal enclave. Watch: Israel hits out at US plans to sanction IDF unit Netzah Yehuda The US House of Representatives on Saturday (April 20) approved a $26 billion aid package which included nearly $9 billion in humanitarian assistance for Gaza, which appears to be on the brink of famine, according to experts. The US Senate is likely to sign the package as soon as Tuesday (April 23), which will be immediately signed by President Joe Biden. It has been seven months since the conflict started and has now led to regional unrest as Israel and the US stand against Iran and allied militant groups. This month, Israel and Iran had a face-off which raised concerns of an all-out war. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel-Hamas war: 22 killed, mostly children, in strikes on southern Gaza as US prepares aid package

Iranian state media on Friday (Apr 19) reported that Israel carried out a military strike inside the country - a move that has escalated tensions in the Middle East region. Israel hasn't claimed responsibility, but source-based media reports noted that Israel currently is assessing its effectiveness and the damage it caused.&nbsp;

In the aftermath, state media reported that Iran's air defence systems were activated in the cities of Isfahan and Tabriz. Explosions were heard close to a major military airbase near Isfahan, which is a city of historic and strategic importance.&nbsp;

Also&nbsp;read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/blinken-says-us-not-involved-in-any-offensive-operation-713037">US says ‘not involved in any offensive operation’ after Israel carries out retaliatory attacks against Iran</a>&nbsp;

<h2>What led to this escalation?</h2>

Recently, an attack levelled the five-storey consular annexe of the Iranian embassy in the Syrian capital and killed seven Revolutionary Guards, two of whom were senior commanders. A few days after that, the Iranian army launched a major drone and missile attack on Israel in retaliation, with Tehran claiming that all objectives were achieved.&nbsp;

After the drone and missile attack, Mohammad Bagheri, the Iranian armed forces chief of staff, told state TV: "Operation Honest Promise... was completed successfully from last night to this morning and achieved all its objectives".&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/west-asia-crisis-iran-not-planning-retaliation-against-israel-after-attack-near-isfahan-713015">West Asia crisis: Iran ‘not planning’ retaliation against Israel after attack near Isfahan</a>&nbsp;

<h2>What's the current situation?</h2>

The latest alleged attack comes amid fears of major spillover of the ongoing war in Gaza between Israel and Iran-backed Palestinian militants looming over the region. Meanwhile, world leaders have again appealed for de-escalation and urged all parties to opt for diplomatic channels to resolve conflicts... a scenario that doesn't appear to happen.&nbsp;

The question is, why Isfahan was targeted? What's the significance of this city?&nbsp;

If Israel actually aimed at Isfahan, it could have been a signal or warning to tell the world that it could strike deep inside Iran. Especially, on targets such as Isfahan, which is an Iranian military airbase housing multiple squadrons of f-14 Tomcat fighter aircraft. Isfahan also has significant sites including military research and development facilities and bases. Natanz, a nearby city, is home to one of the country's nuclear enrichment sites.&nbsp;

The senior military officer in Isfahan, Brigadier General Siavash Mihandoost, told state TV that people had heard defence systems shooting at a target in the air, not an explosion on the ground.

Nuclear facilities in Isfahan were reported to be "completely secure", Tasnim said, and the UN's atomic watchdog confirmed "no damage" to Iran's nuclear sites.&nbsp;

Watch this report:&nbsp;

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<h2>Confusion over the attack?&nbsp;</h2>

So far, Israeli or Iranian officials have not given any reaction to the attack. Also, there's no clarity over the extent of the damage. But Iranian media aired conflicting reports, with Tasnim news agency, citing "informed sources," denying that Iran had been attacked from outside.&nbsp;

Tasnim said that "contrary to the rumours and claims" made in foreign media, "there are no reports of an attack from abroad on Iran's central city of Isfahan or any other part of the country".&nbsp;

Three Iranian officials told The New York Times that small drones carried out the attack, possibly launched from inside Iran. The officials also claimed that the radar systems had not detected unidentified aircraft entering Iranian airspace.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Fars news agency reported "three explosions" close to Qahjavarestan, near Isfahan airport and the 8th Shekari Army airbase. Iran's space agency spokesman Hossein Dalirian, meanwhile, said "several" drones had been "successfully shot down".&nbsp;

Dalirian said on social media platform X there were "no reports of a missile attack".&nbsp;

The official IRNA news agency said that the "reports indicate there was no major damage or large explosions caused by the impact of any air threat".&nbsp;

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving &nbsp;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.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Iranian state media on Friday (Apr 19) reported that Israel carried out a military strike inside the country - a move that has escalated tensions in the Middle East region.

Iranian state media on Friday (Apr 19) reported that Israel carried out a military strike inside the country - a move that has escalated tensions in the Middle East region. Israel hasn't claimed responsibility, but source-based media reports noted that Israel currently is assessing its effectiveness and the damage it caused. In the aftermath, state media reported that Iran's air defence systems were activated in the cities of Isfahan and Tabriz. Explosions were heard close to a major military airbase near Isfahan, which is a city of historic and strategic importance. Also read: US says ‘not involved in any offensive operation’ after Israel carries out retaliatory attacks against Iran What led to this escalation? Recently, an attack levelled the five-storey consular annexe of the Iranian embassy in the Syrian capital and killed seven Revolutionary Guards, two of whom were senior commanders. A few days after that, the Iranian army launched a major drone and missile attack on Israel in retaliation, with Tehran claiming that all objectives were achieved. After the drone and missile attack, Mohammad Bagheri, the Iranian armed forces chief of staff, told state TV: "Operation Honest Promise... was completed successfully from last night to this morning and achieved all its objectives". Also read: West Asia crisis: Iran ‘not planning’ retaliation against Israel after attack near Isfahan What's the current situation? The latest alleged attack comes amid fears of major spillover of the ongoing war in Gaza between Israel and Iran-backed Palestinian militants looming over the region. Meanwhile, world leaders have again appealed for de-escalation and urged all parties to opt for diplomatic channels to resolve conflicts... a scenario that doesn't appear to happen. The question is, why Isfahan was targeted? What's the significance of this city? If Israel actually aimed at Isfahan, it could have been a signal or warning to tell the world that it could strike deep inside Iran. Especially, on targets such as Isfahan, which is an Iranian military airbase housing multiple squadrons of f-14 Tomcat fighter aircraft. Isfahan also has significant sites including military research and development facilities and bases. Natanz, a nearby city, is home to one of the country's nuclear enrichment sites. The senior military officer in Isfahan, Brigadier General Siavash Mihandoost, told state TV that people had heard defence systems shooting at a target in the air, not an explosion on the ground. Nuclear facilities in Isfahan were reported to be "completely secure", Tasnim said, and the UN's atomic watchdog confirmed "no damage" to Iran's nuclear sites. Watch this report: × Confusion over the attack? So far, Israeli or Iranian officials have not given any reaction to the attack. Also, there's no clarity over the extent of the damage. But Iranian media aired conflicting reports, with Tasnim news agency, citing "informed sources," denying that Iran had been attacked from outside. Tasnim said that "contrary to the rumours and claims" made in foreign media, "there are no reports of an attack from abroad on Iran's central city of Isfahan or any other part of the country". Three Iranian officials told The New York Times that small drones carried out the attack, possibly launched from inside Iran. The officials also claimed that the radar systems had not detected unidentified aircraft entering Iranian airspace. Meanwhile, Fars news agency reported "three explosions" close to Qahjavarestan, near Isfahan airport and the 8th Shekari Army airbase. Iran's space agency spokesman Hossein Dalirian, meanwhile, said "several" drones had been "successfully shot down". Dalirian said on social media platform X there were "no reports of a missile attack". The official IRNA news agency said that the "reports indicate there was no major damage or large explosions caused by the impact of any air threat". 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. (With inputs from agencies)

What’s the significance of Isfahan? Why did Israel ‘target’ this Iranian city?

Major General Aharon Haliva, the head of Israel’s military intelligence, quit on Monday (Apr 22) over the failure to prevent the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas which killed 1,200 people, mostly civilians.

Major General Aharon Haliva, the head of Israel’s military intelligence, quit on Monday (Apr 22) over the failure to prevent the October 7, 2023, attack by Hamas which killed 1,200 people, mostly civilians. Israel responded with a large-scale offensive in the Gaza Strip which has reportedly killed more than 34,000 Palestinians so far. Major General Haliva became the first senior Israeli figure to step down following the war. He said shortly after the attack in October last year that he shouldered the blame for not preventing the assault. In a statement, the Israeli military said that the military chief of staff accepted Haliva’s request to resign and thanked him for his service. A report by the news agency Associated Press said that Haliva's resignation could set the stage for more of the country's top security brass to accept blame for not being able to prevent the attack and step down. Israel indicts Hamas chief's sister Haliva's resignation came a day after Israel's state attorney indicted the sister of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh on charges of incitement and showing solidarity with a terror group. Also read | Israel-Hamas war: 22 killed, mostly children, in strikes on southern Gaza as US prepares aid package Sabah al-Salem Haniyeh, 57, had allegedly praised the October 7 attack. She lives in the southern Israeli town of Tel Sheva. Police footage from April 1 showed policemen raiding Haniyeh's home and speaking to her before she was detained, the news agency Reuters reported on Sunday. According to the indictment, in the days after Hamas' October 7 killing spree in southern Israel, Sabah sent messages to dozens of contacts, including her brother Ismail, praising the cross-border assault and calling for further "slaughter". One of her messages mentioned in the indictment includes the line: "Oh God, count them and kill them and don't leave any of them, Oh God." Death toll in Gaza Strip crosses 34,000 In the latest news from the conflict, the death toll in the Gaza Strip has climbed to 34,097, according to the health ministry in the war-ravaged region. Also watch | Thousands of pro-Gazans demonstrate in New York and Sanaa × The tally includes at least 48 deaths in the past 24 hours, a ministry statement said, adding that 76,980 people have been wounded since the conflict started. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel-Hamas war: Israeli military intelligence chief quits over failure to prevent Oct 7 attack

Israel war cabinet minister Benny Gantz is leading in the preference for prime minister, while current PM Benjamin Netanyahu has significantly closed the gap, i24 news reported on Friday (Apr 19) citing a survey.

Israel war cabinet minister Benny Gantz is leading in the preference for prime minister, while current PM Benjamin Netanyahu has significantly closed the gap, i24 news reported on Friday (Apr 19) citing a survey. The survey showed that 42 per cent of respondents considered Gantz as the preferred candidate for prime minister, while 37 per cent favoured Netanyahu. Twenty-one per cent of the respondents remained undecided about their choice of PM. When it comes to party representation in the Knesset, Gantz's National Unity party is projected to win 31 seats, followed by Netanyahu's Likud party at 21 seats, the survey also showed. Also read | Netanyahu aide lambasts minister for suggesting Israel's role behind Iran blasts The survey came as thousands of Israelis have protested in recent weeks demanding new elections in Israel. Several citizens have expressed anger over the Netanyahu government's handling of the war in the Gaza Strip. Gantz calls for early polls Earlier in April, Gantz called for elections in September this year. In a televised briefing on April 3, Gantz said, "In order to maintain unity and to overcome the challenges facing us, the public must know that soon we will once again ask for their trust. That we will not ignore the massacre of October 7 and that which preceded it. Therefore, we must agree on a date for elections in September, towards a year to the war if you will." Also watch | Massive protests across Israel against Netanyahu govt × "I believe that the Israeli society needs to renew its contract with its leadership. And I think the only way to do it and still maintaining the national effort in fighting Hamas and terrorist groups and other security challenges is by having an agreed election date, that we have to discuss when and if. And I hope that my political partners and friends and maybe some rivals as well, will agree to it because I think it serves all the country and all its sectors at the same time," he added. Netanyahu has ruled out early elections in Israel, saying that to go to the polls in the middle of a war would only reward Hamas.

Benny Gantz leads in preference for Israeli PM, Netanyahu not far behind: Survey

Three drones were shot down over the Iranian city of Isfahan. This was after Iran warned that even the slightest act of retaliation by Israel will lead to 'painful response'. All eyes are now on Tehran. Will Iran retaliate?

Gravitas | Iran vs Israel: West Asia on nuclear knife edge