<p>United States President Joe Biden said on Tuesday (Jan 30) that he has decided how to respond to the drone attack on US troops in Jordan, which killed three service members. Biden also added that Iran is to blame for supplying weapons to the militant groups.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Biden responded to the reporters as he left the White House on a campaign trip to Florida. He was asked whether or not he had made a decision on his response. He said, "Yes."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The US president also asked whether Iran was to blame, and he said, "I do hold them responsible, in the sense that they're supplying the weapons to the people who did it."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Biden also said that the US does not need a wider war in the Middle East.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/cctv-footage-shows-how-undercover-israeli-troops-raided-west-bank-hospital-killing-three-palestinians-685179">CCTV footage shows undercover Israeli troops raiding West Bank hospital, killing three Palestinians</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>In an election year, Biden and his party have been facing growing pressure to punish Iran for the drone strike on a US military facility near the Jordanian-Syrian border on Sunday, with some urging direct strikes on Iran itself.</p>

<p>However, US media reported that Biden's administration believes hitting Iranian territory could escalate tensions, with strikes on Iranian-backed militias and possibly on Iranian Revolutionary Guard facilities in other countries more likely.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the White House had said on Monday that the US will aim at a "very consequential" response.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While talking about links to Tehran, Biden said that the US would have that "discussion" when asked if a direct link to Iran had been established.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-who-is-kataib-hezbollah-the-iran-backed-group-allegedly-behind-the-jordan-strike-on-us-troops-685166">Who is Kataib Hezbollah, the Iran-backed group allegedly behind strike on US troops in Jordan</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;US bases attacked in Jordan: Officials say drone 'mix-up' led to the attack&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Middle East crisis</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>In the past few weeks, tensions have escalated sharply in the Middle East (West Asia) region, especially after the Jordan attack in the already unstable region after the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel and Israel's devastating response in Gaza.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Global calls have been made to opt for a diplomatic channel and avoid escalation, with Russia, a close ally of Iran, on Tuesday calling for de-escalation.</p>

<p>"In our view, the overall level of tension is very alarming and, on the contrary, now is the time for steps to de-escalate tensions," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters in Moscow.</p>

<p>"This is the only thing that can help us prevent further spreading of the conflict, especially the Middle East conflict, and somehow achieve de-confliction and de-escalation," Peskov added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em><strong>Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.&nbsp;</strong></em></p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


United States President Joe Biden said on Tuesday (Jan 30) that he has decided how to respond to the drone attack on US troops in Jordan, which killed three service members.

United States President Joe Biden said on Tuesday (Jan 30) that he has decided how to respond to the drone attack on US troops in Jordan, which killed three service members. Biden also added that Iran is to blame for supplying weapons to the militant groups. Biden responded to the reporters as he left the White House on a campaign trip to Florida. He was asked whether or not he had made a decision on his response. He said, "Yes." The US president also asked whether Iran was to blame, and he said, "I do hold them responsible, in the sense that they're supplying the weapons to the people who did it." Biden also said that the US does not need a wider war in the Middle East. Also read: CCTV footage shows undercover Israeli troops raiding West Bank hospital, killing three Palestinians In an election year, Biden and his party have been facing growing pressure to punish Iran for the drone strike on a US military facility near the Jordanian-Syrian border on Sunday, with some urging direct strikes on Iran itself. However, US media reported that Biden's administration believes hitting Iranian territory could escalate tensions, with strikes on Iranian-backed militias and possibly on Iranian Revolutionary Guard facilities in other countries more likely. Meanwhile, the White House had said on Monday that the US will aim at a "very consequential" response. While talking about links to Tehran, Biden said that the US would have that "discussion" when asked if a direct link to Iran had been established. Also read: Who is Kataib Hezbollah, the Iran-backed group allegedly behind strike on US troops in Jordan Watch: US bases attacked in Jordan: Officials say drone 'mix-up' led to the attack × Middle East crisis In the past few weeks, tensions have escalated sharply in the Middle East (West Asia) region, especially after the Jordan attack in the already unstable region after the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel and Israel's devastating response in Gaza. Global calls have been made to opt for a diplomatic channel and avoid escalation, with Russia, a close ally of Iran, on Tuesday calling for de-escalation. "In our view, the overall level of tension is very alarming and, on the contrary, now is the time for steps to de-escalate tensions," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters in Moscow. "This is the only thing that can help us prevent further spreading of the conflict, especially the Middle East conflict, and somehow achieve de-confliction and de-escalation," Peskov 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)

Jordan drone attack: Biden has decided on response, doesn't want wider war in Middle East

<p>A dramatic CCTV footage released on Tuesday (Jan 30) showed Israeli security forces engaged in a hospital raid that killed at least three Palestinians. The footage showed around a dozen Israeli troops running with rifles through a corridor in Ibn Sina Hospital in the West Bank. The video showed some in women's garb and two dressed as medical staff.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The news agency Reuters said that it was able to confirm the location by hospital signs, colour and design of the door and walls seen in the video. The news agency matched the CCTV video with available file footage of the scene.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Israeli authorities stated that commandos disguised as Palestinians killed three gunmen in the hospital in the occupied West Bank city of Jenin, one of whom they accused of planning an imminent attack.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-who-is-kataib-hezbollah-the-iran-backed-group-allegedly-behind-the-jordan-strike-on-us-troops-685166">Who is Kataib Hezbollah, the Iran-backed group allegedly behind strike on US troops in Jordan</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Hamas claimed one of the dead in Ibn Sina Hospital as its member. The allied faction Islamic Jihad claimed the other two, stating that they were brothers. Ibn Sina said one of the brothers had been receiving treatment for an injury that paralysed his legs.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel's national security minister, reposted the clip on social media. He congratulated the forces who carried out the raid, stating, "Let all our enemies know that our forces will operate everywhere and by all means to protect our citizens and the state of Israel."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Israel’s military released a statement, revealing the names of the men killed as Mohammed Jalamneh, Mohammed Ghazawi and his brother Basel Ghazawi.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/former-us-house-speaker-nancy-pelosi-tells-pro-palestinian-activists-to-go-back-to-china-watch-685037">Former US House speaker Nancy Pelosi tells pro-Palestinian activists to 'go back to China'</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>The statement claimed: "Jalamneh planned to carry out a terror attack in the immediate future and used the hospital as a hiding place and therefore was neutralized. Israeli security forces will continue to act against any threat that would endanger the security of Israeli civilians."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"For a long time, wanted suspects have been hiding in hospitals and using them as a base for planning terrorist activities and carrying out terror attacks, while they assume that the exploitation of hospitals will serve as protection against counter-terrorism activities of Israeli security forces. This is another example of the cynical use of civilian areas and hospitals as shelters and human shields by terrorist organisations," it added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch the video:&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Watch the moment undercover Israeli special forces, posing as nurses, civilians and elderly crippled in a wheelchair, stormed Ibn Sina Hospital in Jenin, West Bank<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IsraelHamasWar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IsraelHamasWar</a><br />
<br />
Track updates: <a href="https://t.co/PiC4Q6XLO1">https://t.co/PiC4Q6XLO1</a> <a href="https://t.co/Iki9FbsF5X">pic.twitter.com/Iki9FbsF5X</a></p>
— WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1752279225862848614?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 30, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>Hamas to study new ceasefire proposal</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Hamas said on Tuesday it would study a new ceasefire proposal in the war with Israel in Gaza.</p>

<p>As reported by Reuters, Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh said the group had received a ceasefire proposal put forward after talks in Paris. He said he would study the plan and visit Cairo for discussions on it.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em><strong>Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.</strong></em></p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A dramatic CCTV footage released on Tuesday (Jan 30) showed Israeli security forces engaged in a hospital raid that killed at least three Palestinians. The footage showed around a dozen Israeli troops running with rifles through a corridor in Ibn Sina Hospital in the West Bank.

A dramatic CCTV footage released on Tuesday (Jan 30) showed Israeli security forces engaged in a hospital raid that killed at least three Palestinians. The footage showed around a dozen Israeli troops running with rifles through a corridor in Ibn Sina Hospital in the West Bank. The video showed some in women's garb and two dressed as medical staff. The news agency Reuters said that it was able to confirm the location by hospital signs, colour and design of the door and walls seen in the video. The news agency matched the CCTV video with available file footage of the scene. The Israeli authorities stated that commandos disguised as Palestinians killed three gunmen in the hospital in the occupied West Bank city of Jenin, one of whom they accused of planning an imminent attack. Also read: Who is Kataib Hezbollah, the Iran-backed group allegedly behind strike on US troops in Jordan Hamas claimed one of the dead in Ibn Sina Hospital as its member. The allied faction Islamic Jihad claimed the other two, stating that they were brothers. Ibn Sina said one of the brothers had been receiving treatment for an injury that paralysed his legs. Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israel's national security minister, reposted the clip on social media. He congratulated the forces who carried out the raid, stating, "Let all our enemies know that our forces will operate everywhere and by all means to protect our citizens and the state of Israel." Israel’s military released a statement, revealing the names of the men killed as Mohammed Jalamneh, Mohammed Ghazawi and his brother Basel Ghazawi. Also read: Former US House speaker Nancy Pelosi tells pro-Palestinian activists to 'go back to China' The statement claimed: "Jalamneh planned to carry out a terror attack in the immediate future and used the hospital as a hiding place and therefore was neutralized. Israeli security forces will continue to act against any threat that would endanger the security of Israeli civilians." "For a long time, wanted suspects have been hiding in hospitals and using them as a base for planning terrorist activities and carrying out terror attacks, while they assume that the exploitation of hospitals will serve as protection against counter-terrorism activities of Israeli security forces. This is another example of the cynical use of civilian areas and hospitals as shelters and human shields by terrorist organisations," it added. Watch the video: Watch the moment undercover Israeli special forces, posing as nurses, civilians and elderly crippled in a wheelchair, stormed Ibn Sina Hospital in Jenin, West Bank#IsraelHamasWar Track updates: https://t.co/PiC4Q6XLO1 pic.twitter.com/Iki9FbsF5X — WION (@WIONews) January 30, 2024 × Hamas to study new ceasefire proposal Hamas said on Tuesday it would study a new ceasefire proposal in the war with Israel in Gaza. As reported by Reuters, Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh said the group had received a ceasefire proposal put forward after talks in Paris. He said he would study the plan and visit Cairo for discussions on it. 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)

CCTV footage shows undercover Israeli troops raiding West Bank hospital, killing three Palestinian militants

<p>Over a dozen countries, including the United States and more recently <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-suspends-financial-support-to-unrwa-amid-allegations-of-staff-involvement-in-gaza-attack-684707">Japan</a>, have suspended funds for the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees after Israel accused some of its employees of participating in the October 7 attack by Hamas. However, a UN expert said that these countries may be violating the World Court order to provide effective aid in Gaza.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Why are countries pausing the funding to Gaza?</strong></h2>

<p>At least 14&nbsp;countries, including top donors like the US and Germany, have paused funding for the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), amid accusations by Israel that their staff participated in the October 7 attack by the Palestinian militant group&nbsp;Hamas.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The allegations led to the UNRWA terminating several employees based on the information provided by Israeli authorities. However, many countries are now hesitant to continue the UN agency funding and calling for a thorough investigation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>New Zealand, on Tuesday&nbsp;(Jan 30) joined a growing number of countries: Australia, Austria,&nbsp;Canada, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Netherlands,&nbsp;Norway, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the US, to halt the funding to the UNRWA.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the European Union,&nbsp;one of UNRWA's top donors, on Monday (Jan 29)&nbsp;demanded an "urgent" audit of the UN agency for Palestinians.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A commission statement said the EU executive "will determine upcoming funding decisions...in light of the very serious allegations made on 24 January relating to the involvement of UNRWA staff in the heinous 7 October attacks". It also said&nbsp;no additional funding to UNRWA "is foreseen until the end of February".</p>

<p>The Palestinian militant group Hamas’ October 7 attack on Israel resulted in the killing of 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and around 240 people were taken to Gaza as hostages, according to Israeli officials. Approximately more than 100 people are still said to be in Hamas captivity.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Israel has since retaliated with constant bombardment and ground operation in the Palestinian enclave killing more than 26,000 people, mostly women and children, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. &nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>UN responds to suspension of aid</strong></h2>

<p>The UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini in a statement, on Saturday (Jan 27) slammed what he called <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-agency-for-palestinians-slams-shocking-suspension-of-funds-by-several-western-countries-684412">“shocking” suspensions of funding</a>.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“It is shocking to see a suspension of funds to the agency in reaction to allegations against a small group of staff, especially given the immediate action that UNRWA took by terminating their contracts and asking for a transparent independent investigation,” said Lazzarini, in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Palestinians in Gaza did not need this additional collective punishment,” the UNRWA chief said on X and added “This stains all of us.”</p>

<p>Meanwhile, UN chief Antonio Guterres on Sunday (Jan 28) urged the donor states to “guarantee the continuity” of funds to the UNRWA. He added, “The abhorrent alleged acts of these staff members must have consequences.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, Guterres said, “tens of thousands of men and women who work for UNRWA, many in some of the most dangerous situations for humanitarian workers, should not be penalized.”</p>

<p>“Any UNRWA employee involved in acts of terror will be held accountable, including through criminal prosecution,” Lazzarini assured when the allegations were <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-warns-will-end-un-agencys-operations-in-gaza-nations-halt-aid-amid-oct-7-allegations-684304">first levelled</a> against the agency’s staff.</p>

<h2><strong>Are the countries violating international law?</strong></h2>

<p>UN special rapporteur for the occupied Palestinian territories, Francesca Albanese, warned that the decision taken by several countries to pause the funding to the UNRWA “overtly defies” the order by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to allow effective humanitarian assistance to reach Gazans.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“This will entail legal responsibilities - or the demise of the (international) legal system,” said the UN expert, in a post on X.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Albanese is referring to one, among the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/5-key-takeaways-from-icj-order-in-gaza-genocide-case-against-israel-684019">series of provisional measures</a> on Israel given by the ICJ which included “order to allow effective humanitarian assistance ‘to address the adverse conditions of life faced by Palestinians in Gaza’”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The court order stated, “Israel must take immediate and effective measures to enable the provision of urgently needed basic services and humanitarian assistance to address the adverse conditions of life faced by Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.”</p>

<p>The UN judges gave an interim ruling on January 26 as the World Court continues to hear the case brought by South Africa accusing Israel of state-led genocide in the Gaza Strip amid its ongoing operation in the blockaded Palestinian enclave.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The UN special rapporteur, an independent expert&nbsp;who does not speak on behalf of the United Nations, also went on to highlight the timing that the announcements were made by several countries.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The day after ICJ concluded that Israel is plausibly committing genocide in Gaza, some states decided to defund UNRWA,” said Albanese, in a separate post on X.&nbsp;</p>

<p>She also noted that by pausing the funding, countries are “collectively punishing millions of Palestinians at the most critical time, and most likely violating their obligations under the Genocide Convention”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, an American International law professor Francis Boyle at the University of Illinois College of Law, who also serves as a legal adviser to the Provisional Government of the Palestinian Authority, in an interview with MSNBC called the suspension of funding “inconsistent” with the court order.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The governments who have made this decision without any due process or investigation, according to Boyle, are in violation of Article 2(c) of the Genocide Convention, which states “Deliberately&nbsp;inflicting on the group conditions of life calculated to bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part.”</p>

<p>It is also worth noting that in its 29-page court order, the UN judges did indicate that they see a credible risk to Palestinians under the Genocide Convention, saying that “there is a real and imminent risk that irreparable prejudice will be caused to the rights claimed before the Court gives its final decision.”</p>

<p>“South Africa does not need to prove that Israel is committing genocide,” Juliette McIntyre, an international law expert told AFP <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-south-africa-discuss-gaza-war-as-israel-braces-for-world-court-ruling-on-genocide-case-683799">ahead of the interim ruling</a>, adding that they “simply need to establish that there is a plausible risk of genocide occurring.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>Experts ahead of the vote also said if the court decides there is a risk of genocide in Gaza, it could still have a ripple effect, particularly on the nations which support Israel politically or militarily.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Israel’s accusations against UNRWA staff</strong></h2>

<p>In his Sunday statement, the UN chief said 12 UNRWA employees were cited in the accusations by Israel out of which one is dead, nine have been fired and the “identity of the two others is being clarified.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, news agency Reuters, on Monday (Jan 29) reported that Israeli intelligence released a six-page dossier which alleges that some 190 UNRWA employees, including teachers, have doubled as Hamas or Islamic Jihad militants.</p>

<p>One of the 11 accused is said to be a school counsellor who allegedly provided unspecified assistance to his son in the abduction of a woman during the Hamas infiltration.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Another UNRWA social worker, according to Reuters, has been accused of coordinating the movements of pick-up trucks used by the raiders and of weapons supplies.</p>

<p>Another Palestinian working for the UN agency is accused of participating in an attack on Reim, the site both of an army base and the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-militants-parachuted-into-israeli-music-festival-turned-it-into-a-massacre-video-644452">Supernova music festival</a> where, according to Israeli officials, more than 360 revellers were killed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Reuters report, citing an anonymous source, also said that the report had been compiled by Israeli intelligence and was shared with the US, which was among the first countries to suspend funding for UNRWA, on Friday (Jan 26).&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>UNRWA’s role in Gaza</strong></h2>

<p>On Monday (Jan 29), the UN agency said that it would not be able to continue operations in Gaza and surrounding regions after the end of February without any new funding.</p>

<p>Notably, the UNRWA plays a significant role in the Palestinian enclave and helps provide education, health and aid services to two-thirds of Gaza’s 2.3 million population.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Therefore, without any further aid, the future of millions of Palestinians hangs in balance <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-israel-qatar-officials-meet-in-paris-for-gaza-ceasefire-talks-684867">amid the ongoing war</a> and&nbsp;deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
<br />
<em><strong>Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.</strong></em></p>


Over a dozen countries, including the United States and more recently Japan, have suspended funds for the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees after Israel accused some of its employees of participating in the October 7 attack by Hamas.

Over a dozen countries, including the United States and more recently Japan, have suspended funds for the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees after Israel accused some of its employees of participating in the October 7 attack by Hamas. However, a UN expert said that these countries may be violating the World Court order to provide effective aid in Gaza. Why are countries pausing the funding to Gaza? At least 14 countries, including top donors like the US and Germany, have paused funding for the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), amid accusations by Israel that their staff participated in the October 7 attack by the Palestinian militant group Hamas. The allegations led to the UNRWA terminating several employees based on the information provided by Israeli authorities. However, many countries are now hesitant to continue the UN agency funding and calling for a thorough investigation. New Zealand, on Tuesday (Jan 30) joined a growing number of countries: Australia, Austria, Canada, Finland, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, Norway, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the US, to halt the funding to the UNRWA. Meanwhile, the European Union, one of UNRWA's top donors, on Monday (Jan 29) demanded an "urgent" audit of the UN agency for Palestinians. A commission statement said the EU executive "will determine upcoming funding decisions...in light of the very serious allegations made on 24 January relating to the involvement of UNRWA staff in the heinous 7 October attacks". It also said no additional funding to UNRWA "is foreseen until the end of February". The Palestinian militant group Hamas’ October 7 attack on Israel resulted in the killing of 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and around 240 people were taken to Gaza as hostages, according to Israeli officials. Approximately more than 100 people are still said to be in Hamas captivity. Israel has since retaliated with constant bombardment and ground operation in the Palestinian enclave killing more than 26,000 people, mostly women and children, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. UN responds to suspension of aid The UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini in a statement, on Saturday (Jan 27) slammed what he called “shocking” suspensions of funding. “It is shocking to see a suspension of funds to the agency in reaction to allegations against a small group of staff, especially given the immediate action that UNRWA took by terminating their contracts and asking for a transparent independent investigation,” said Lazzarini, in a statement. “Palestinians in Gaza did not need this additional collective punishment,” the UNRWA chief said on X and added “This stains all of us.” Meanwhile, UN chief Antonio Guterres on Sunday (Jan 28) urged the donor states to “guarantee the continuity” of funds to the UNRWA. He added, “The abhorrent alleged acts of these staff members must have consequences.” However, Guterres said, “tens of thousands of men and women who work for UNRWA, many in some of the most dangerous situations for humanitarian workers, should not be penalized.” “Any UNRWA employee involved in acts of terror will be held accountable, including through criminal prosecution,” Lazzarini assured when the allegations were first levelled against the agency’s staff. Are the countries violating international law? UN special rapporteur for the occupied Palestinian territories, Francesca Albanese, warned that the decision taken by several countries to pause the funding to the UNRWA “overtly defies” the order by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to allow effective humanitarian assistance to reach Gazans. “This will entail legal responsibilities - or the demise of the (international) legal system,” said the UN expert, in a post on X. Albanese is referring to one, among the series of provisional measures on Israel given by the ICJ which included “order to allow effective humanitarian assistance ‘to address the adverse conditions of life faced by Palestinians in Gaza’”. The court order stated, “Israel must take immediate and effective measures to enable the provision of urgently needed basic services and humanitarian assistance to address the adverse conditions of life faced by Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.” The UN judges gave an interim ruling on January 26 as the World Court continues to hear the case brought by South Africa accusing Israel of state-led genocide in the Gaza Strip amid its ongoing operation in the blockaded Palestinian enclave. The UN special rapporteur, an independent expert who does not speak on behalf of the United Nations, also went on to highlight the timing that the announcements were made by several countries. “The day after ICJ concluded that Israel is plausibly committing genocide in Gaza, some states decided to defund UNRWA,” said Albanese, in a separate post on X. She also noted that by pausing the funding, countries are “collectively punishing millions of Palestinians at the most critical time, and most likely violating their obligations under the Genocide Convention”. Meanwhile, an American International law professor Francis Boyle at the University of Illinois College of Law, who also serves as a legal adviser to the Provisional Government of the Palestinian Authority, in an interview with MSNBC called the suspension of funding “inconsistent” with the court order. The governments who have made this decision without any due process or investigation, according to Boyle, are in violation of Article 2(c) of the Genocide Convention, which states “Deliberately inflicting on the group conditions of life calculated to bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part.” It is also worth noting that in its 29-page court order, the UN judges did indicate that they see a credible risk to Palestinians under the Genocide Convention, saying that “there is a real and imminent risk that irreparable prejudice will be caused to the rights claimed before the Court gives its final decision.” “South Africa does not need to prove that Israel is committing genocide,” Juliette McIntyre, an international law expert told AFP ahead of the interim ruling, adding that they “simply need to establish that there is a plausible risk of genocide occurring.” Experts ahead of the vote also said if the court decides there is a risk of genocide in Gaza, it could still have a ripple effect, particularly on the nations which support Israel politically or militarily. Israel’s accusations against UNRWA staff In his Sunday statement, the UN chief said 12 UNRWA employees were cited in the accusations by Israel out of which one is dead, nine have been fired and the “identity of the two others is being clarified.” Meanwhile, news agency Reuters, on Monday (Jan 29) reported that Israeli intelligence released a six-page dossier which alleges that some 190 UNRWA employees, including teachers, have doubled as Hamas or Islamic Jihad militants. One of the 11 accused is said to be a school counsellor who allegedly provided unspecified assistance to his son in the abduction of a woman during the Hamas infiltration. Another UNRWA social worker, according to Reuters, has been accused of coordinating the movements of pick-up trucks used by the raiders and of weapons supplies. Another Palestinian working for the UN agency is accused of participating in an attack on Reim, the site both of an army base and the Supernova music festival where, according to Israeli officials, more than 360 revellers were killed. The Reuters report, citing an anonymous source, also said that the report had been compiled by Israeli intelligence and was shared with the US, which was among the first countries to suspend funding for UNRWA, on Friday (Jan 26). UNRWA’s role in Gaza On Monday (Jan 29), the UN agency said that it would not be able to continue operations in Gaza and surrounding regions after the end of February without any new funding. Notably, the UNRWA plays a significant role in the Palestinian enclave and helps provide education, health and aid services to two-thirds of Gaza’s 2.3 million population. Therefore, without any further aid, the future of millions of Palestinians hangs in balance amid the ongoing war and deteriorating humanitarian situation in Gaza. (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.

Explained | Countries pausing funding for UNRWA might be violating genocide convention. Here’s how

<p>Japan has declared its decision to align with a cohort of nations and the suspension of financial support to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).&nbsp;</p>

<p>This strategic move follows Israeli accusations that certain UNRWA personnel played a role in the October 7 attack orchestrated by Hamas.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-focus-on-paris-talks-to-broker-two-month-ceasefire-in-gaza-684627">Israel-Hamas war: Focus on Paris talks to broker two-month ceasefire in Gaza</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>Japan suspends aid</strong></h2>

<p>On Sunday, Japan said it was "extremely concerned about the alleged involvement of UNRWA staff members in the terror attack on Israel on October 7 last year."</p>

<p>In a statement, the nation's foreign ministry said: "In response, Japan has decided to suspend additional funding to UNRWA for the time being while UNRWA conducts an investigation into the matter and considers measures to address the allegations."</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;UNRWA fires staffers suspected of role in October 7 attack on Israel</strong></p>

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<p>"At the same time, Japan will continue to make persistent and active diplomatic efforts to improve the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and to calm down the situation as soon as possible by providing support to other international organizations," added the nation.</p>

<p>Leading contributors such as the United States and Germany have already halted their financial contributions to UNRWA, citing the gravity of the allegations.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>UNRWA fires staff</strong></h2>

<p>The UNRWA, which, as per the news agency AFP, is a pivotal player in Gaza's humanitarian landscape, swiftly responded to Israel's unspecified charges by terminating multiple staff members and committing to an exhaustive investigation.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-agency-for-palestinians-slams-shocking-suspension-of-funds-by-several-western-countries-684412">UN agency for Palestinians slams ‘shocking’ suspension of funds by several Western countries</a></strong></p>

<p>Philippe Lazzarini, the head of UNRWA, as per the report, has vowed to hold "accountable, including through criminal prosecution,"&nbsp;any employee found to have been involved in "acts of terror".&nbsp;</p>

<p>UN chief António Guterres has also promised an urgent independent review of UNRWA. He has also pleaded for donor states to "guarantee the continuity" of the agency for the sake of "the desperate populations" it serves.</p>

<p>Israel, however, has vowed to halt UNRWA's operations in Gaza in the aftermath of the conflict.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Japan has declared its decision to align with a cohort of nations and the suspension of financial support to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA).

Japan has declared its decision to align with a cohort of nations and the suspension of financial support to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). This strategic move follows Israeli accusations that certain UNRWA personnel played a role in the October 7 attack orchestrated by Hamas. Also read | Israel-Hamas war: Focus on Paris talks to broker two-month ceasefire in Gaza Japan suspends aid On Sunday, Japan said it was "extremely concerned about the alleged involvement of UNRWA staff members in the terror attack on Israel on October 7 last year." In a statement, the nation's foreign ministry said: "In response, Japan has decided to suspend additional funding to UNRWA for the time being while UNRWA conducts an investigation into the matter and considers measures to address the allegations." Watch | UNRWA fires staffers suspected of role in October 7 attack on Israel × "At the same time, Japan will continue to make persistent and active diplomatic efforts to improve the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and to calm down the situation as soon as possible by providing support to other international organizations," added the nation. Leading contributors such as the United States and Germany have already halted their financial contributions to UNRWA, citing the gravity of the allegations. UNRWA fires staff The UNRWA, which, as per the news agency AFP, is a pivotal player in Gaza's humanitarian landscape, swiftly responded to Israel's unspecified charges by terminating multiple staff members and committing to an exhaustive investigation. Also read | UN agency for Palestinians slams ‘shocking’ suspension of funds by several Western countries Philippe Lazzarini, the head of UNRWA, as per the report, has vowed to hold "accountable, including through criminal prosecution," any employee found to have been involved in "acts of terror". UN chief António Guterres has also promised an urgent independent review of UNRWA. He has also pleaded for donor states to "guarantee the continuity" of the agency for the sake of "the desperate populations" it serves. Israel, however, has vowed to halt UNRWA's operations in Gaza in the aftermath of the conflict. (With inputs from agencies)

Japan suspends aid to UN agency in Gaza over staff involvement in Oct 7 terror attack on Israel

<p>The United Nations agency for Palestinian&nbsp;refugees&nbsp;on Saturday (Jan 27) slammed what it called “shocking” suspensions of funding by several countries after Israel accused some of its employees of participating in the October 7 attack by Hamas. Meanwhile, the UN chief, on Sunday (Jan 28)&nbsp;urged the donor states to "guarantee the continuity" of funds to UNRWA.</p>

<h2><strong>‘Shocking suspension’</strong></h2>

<p>“It is shocking to see a suspension of funds to the agency in reaction to allegations against a small group of staff, especially given the immediate action that UNRWA took by terminating their contracts and asking for a transparent independent investigation,” said UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) chief Philippe Lazzarini, in a statement,&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Palestinians in Gaza did not need this additional collective punishment,” the UNRWA chief said on X and added&nbsp;“This stains all of us.”</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;UNRWA chief 'shocked' after countries pause funding</strong></p>

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<p>On Friday (Jan 26), UNRWA said that it had terminated several employees following information about their alleged involvement provided by Israeli authorities.&nbsp;</p>

<p>UN chief Antonio Guterres has ordered an “urgent and comprehensive independent review of UNRWA,” said his spokesman Stephane Dujarric.</p>

<p>The Palestinian militant group Hamas’ October 7 attack on Israel resulted in the killing of 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and around 240 people were taken to Gaza as hostages, according to Israeli officials. Approximately more than 100 people are still said to be in Hamas captivity.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Israel has since retaliated with constant bombardment and ground operation in the Palestinian enclave killing more than 26,000 people, mostly women and children, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Nine countries suspend aid for UNRWA</strong></h2>

<p>As of Saturday, six European countries, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Finland, joined the United States, Australia and Canada in pausing the funding to the UN aid agency.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Berlin, on Saturday (Jan 27), became the latest European country to suspend funding saying so long as the accusation had not been cleared up, “Germany, in agreement with other donor countries” would for the moment withhold approval for further resources, said the foreign ministry in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz said UNRWA should be replaced once fighting in the enclave dies down after accusing it of ties with the Islamist militants in Gaza.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“In Gaza’s rebuilding, @UNRWA must be replaced with agencies dedicated to genuine peace and development,” said Katz.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/unrwa-fires-staff-members-linked-to-alleged-oct-7-attack-684100">UN agency fires staff members linked to alleged Oct 7 attack on Israel by Hamas</a></strong></p>

<p>Notably, the UNRWA plays a significant role in the Palestinian enclave and helps provide education, health and aid services to two-thirds of Gaza’s 2.3 million population.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Any UNRWA employee involved in acts of terror will be held accountable, including through criminal prosecution,” the UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini had said when the allegations were first levelled against the agency’s staff.</p>

<p>However, he did not disclose the number of employees allegedly involved in the attacks, nor the nature of their supposed involvement.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Palestinian officials, Hamas condemn&nbsp;decision</strong></h2>

<p>Several top Palestinian officials and Hamas have criticised the decision by some Western countries to suspend funding to the UNRWA warning of a “great” risk.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Palestinian foreign ministry criticised what it described as an Israeli campaign against UNRWA.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-warns-will-end-un-agencys-operations-in-gaza-nations-halt-aid-amid-oct-7-allegations-684304">Israel warns will end UN agency’s operations in Gaza, nations halt aid over Oct 7 allegations</a></strong></p>

<p>Meanwhile, the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) Secretary General Hussein al-Sheikh took to X and said that the nine countries’ decision “entails great political and humanitarian relief risks”.</p>

<p>“At this particular time and in light of the continuing aggression against the Palestinian people, we need the maximum support for this international organization and not stopping support and assistance to it,” he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Palestinian militant group, Hamas, on Saturday, slammed Israeli “threats” against the UN agency.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>UN chief urges&nbsp;for 'continuity' of funds</strong></h2>

<p>"While I understand their concerns -- I was myself horrified by these accusations -- I strongly appeal to the governments that have suspended their contributions to, at least, guarantee the continuity of UNRWA's operations," Guterres said in a statement, on Sunday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added, "The abhorrent alleged acts of these staff members must have consequences." However,&nbsp;Guterres said, "tens of thousands of men and women who work for UNRWA, many in some of the most dangerous situations for humanitarian workers, should not be penalized."&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the UN chief,&nbsp;12 UNRWA employees were cited in the accusations by Israel out of which one is dead, nine&nbsp;have been fired and the "identity of the two others is being clarified,"&nbsp;Guterres confirmed.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong><em>Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.</em></strong></p>


The United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees on Saturday (Jan 27) slammed what it called “shocking” suspensions of funding by several countries after Israel accused some of its employees of participating in the October 7 attack by Hamas.

The United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees on Saturday (Jan 27) slammed what it called “shocking” suspensions of funding by several countries after Israel accused some of its employees of participating in the October 7 attack by Hamas. Meanwhile, the UN chief, on Sunday (Jan 28) urged the donor states to "guarantee the continuity" of funds to UNRWA. ‘Shocking suspension’ “It is shocking to see a suspension of funds to the agency in reaction to allegations against a small group of staff, especially given the immediate action that UNRWA took by terminating their contracts and asking for a transparent independent investigation,” said UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) chief Philippe Lazzarini, in a statement, “Palestinians in Gaza did not need this additional collective punishment,” the UNRWA chief said on X and added “This stains all of us.” WATCH | UNRWA chief 'shocked' after countries pause funding On Friday (Jan 26), UNRWA said that it had terminated several employees following information about their alleged involvement provided by Israeli authorities. UN chief Antonio Guterres has ordered an “urgent and comprehensive independent review of UNRWA,” said his spokesman Stephane Dujarric. The Palestinian militant group Hamas’ October 7 attack on Israel resulted in the killing of 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and around 240 people were taken to Gaza as hostages, according to Israeli officials. Approximately more than 100 people are still said to be in Hamas captivity. Israel has since retaliated with constant bombardment and ground operation in the Palestinian enclave killing more than 26,000 people, mostly women and children, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. Nine countries suspend aid for UNRWA As of Saturday, six European countries, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Switzerland and Finland, joined the United States, Australia and Canada in pausing the funding to the UN aid agency. Berlin, on Saturday (Jan 27), became the latest European country to suspend funding saying so long as the accusation had not been cleared up, “Germany, in agreement with other donor countries” would for the moment withhold approval for further resources, said the foreign ministry in a statement. Meanwhile, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz said UNRWA should be replaced once fighting in the enclave dies down after accusing it of ties with the Islamist militants in Gaza. “In Gaza’s rebuilding, @UNRWA must be replaced with agencies dedicated to genuine peace and development,” said Katz. ALSO READ | UN agency fires staff members linked to alleged Oct 7 attack on Israel by Hamas Notably, the UNRWA plays a significant role in the Palestinian enclave and helps provide education, health and aid services to two-thirds of Gaza’s 2.3 million population. “Any UNRWA employee involved in acts of terror will be held accountable, including through criminal prosecution,” the UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini had said when the allegations were first levelled against the agency’s staff. However, he did not disclose the number of employees allegedly involved in the attacks, nor the nature of their supposed involvement. Palestinian officials, Hamas condemn decision Several top Palestinian officials and Hamas have criticised the decision by some Western countries to suspend funding to the UNRWA warning of a “great” risk. The Palestinian foreign ministry criticised what it described as an Israeli campaign against UNRWA. ALSO READ | Israel warns will end UN agency’s operations in Gaza, nations halt aid over Oct 7 allegations Meanwhile, the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) Secretary General Hussein al-Sheikh took to X and said that the nine countries’ decision “entails great political and humanitarian relief risks”. “At this particular time and in light of the continuing aggression against the Palestinian people, we need the maximum support for this international organization and not stopping support and assistance to it,” he added. The Palestinian militant group, Hamas, on Saturday, slammed Israeli “threats” against the UN agency. UN chief urges for 'continuity' of funds "While I understand their concerns -- I was myself horrified by these accusations -- I strongly appeal to the governments that have suspended their contributions to, at least, guarantee the continuity of UNRWA's operations," Guterres said in a statement, on Sunday. He added, "The abhorrent alleged acts of these staff members must have consequences." However, Guterres said, "tens of thousands of men and women who work for UNRWA, many in some of the most dangerous situations for humanitarian workers, should not be penalized." According to the UN chief, 12 UNRWA employees were cited in the accusations by Israel out of which one is dead, nine have been fired and the "identity of the two others is being clarified," Guterres confirmed. (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.

UN agency for Palestinians slams ‘shocking’ suspension of funds by several Western countries

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<p>The top court of the United Nations on Friday (Jan 26) said that it is under its jurisdiction to rule over emergency measures as appealed by South Africa in the genocide case filed against Israel, in the wake of its ongoing war in Gaza.</p>

<p>Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had hinted that he would not feel bound by any ICJ order. "No one will stop us -- not The Hague, not the Axis of Evil and no one else," Prime Minister Netanyahu said on Jan 14, referring to the Iran-aligned "axis of resistance" groups in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and Yemen.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-hostages-impregnated-by-hamas-terrorists-to-receive-financial-psychological-help-report-683458">Israeli hostages impregnated by Hamas terrorists to receive financial, psychological help: Report</a></strong></p>

<p>The top UN court's ruling against Israel could increase political pressure on the country.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What is the case?</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier in January, South Africa had asked the ICJ to order an emergency suspension of Israel's devastating military campaign in Gaza. The Israeli offensive came when Hamas launched its unprecedented Oct 7 attack, which resulted in about 1,140 people killed in Israel, mostly civilians.</p>

<p>More than 25,000 people have been killed in the Gaza Strip in Israeli bombardments. Most of the victims have been women and children.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;ICJ to rule on South Africa's Genocide case against Israel</strong></p>

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<p>South Africa filed a case in the ICJ, accusing Israel of carrying out a state-led genocide. Pretoria filed nine injunctions to the court which included a demand for an order that would direct Israel to suspend all military operations in Gaza; and a separate order that would direct the Netanyahu administration to facilitate and not impede delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza.</p>

<p>AFP reported that South Africa can take Israel to the ICJ as both countries signed the Genocide Convention and disputes over the text have to be settled at the top court.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Palestinians welcome case</strong></h2>

<p>Palestinians in the West Bank have<strong>&nbsp;</strong>welcomed the genocide case (against Israel) brought by South Africa, saying the proceedings were an opportunity to hold Israel to account for its offensive in Gaza.</p>

<p>Addressing a rally in Ramallah earlier this month, Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh said, "Israel was built upon the crimes it committed against the Palestinian people."</p>

<p>"Thank you South Africa!" he added.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-proposes-2-month-hiatus-in-gaza-signals-potential-hostage-release-since-nov-truce-report-682660">Israel proposes 2-month hiatus in Gaza for another potential hostage release: Report</a></strong></p>

<p>Speaking to the news agency Reuters on Jan 11, Atieh Jawabra, a former political science professor at Al-Quds University Abu Dis, said he had long been waiting for Israel to appear before an international court for its crimes, which he said go back to the mass expulsion of Palestinians during the 1948 war of Israel's founding.</p>

<p>"Israel, the United States and the West have put Israel above the law over the course of its history," Jawabra, 68, said.</p>

<h2><strong>What has Israel said?</strong></h2>

<p>Israel has dismissed South Africa's genocide allegations as "grossly distorted" and said it had a right to defend itself and was targeting Hamas, not Palestinian civilians. Israel has also accused Pretoria of playing "advocate of the devil" for Hamas.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier this month, Israeli President Isaac Herzog said that there was nothing more "atrocious and preposterous" than a lawsuit filed in the ICJ accusing Israel of genocide against Palestinians.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Herzog accused South Africa of hypocrisy for bringing the case, and thanked Washington for its support of Israel, which says it makes utmost efforts to avoid civilian casualties in Gaza.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-67-of-arab-world-says-hamas-oct-7-attack-was-legitimate-679859">67% of Arab world says Hamas’ Oct 7 attack was legitimate, poll shows</a></strong></p>

<p>"Actually our enemies, Hamas, in their charter, call for the destruction of our nation, the State of Israel - the only nation-state of the Jewish people," Herzog added.</p>

<p>The Israeli president also said that his country must win the war as the conflict affects international values and that of the free world.</p>

<p>The US, which has backed Israel, has already rejected South Africa's case, and Germany said it would intervene as a third party on Israel's side when the court hears the broader genocide case.</p>

<h2><strong>ICJ's little power to enforce its verdicts</strong></h2>

<p>Though a landmark ruling is expected on Friday, the ICJ has little power to enforce its verdict. The ICJ had ordered Russia to stop its invasion of Ukraine one month after it began, to no avail.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Orders from the ICJ, which rules in disputes between countries, are legally binding and cannot be appealed, AFP reported. In the present case, the ICJ is only ruling on South Africa's plea for emergency measures, not on the fundamental issue of whether Israel could be committing genocide -- that will take years.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The top court of the United Nations on Friday (Jan 26) said that it is under its jurisdiction to rule over emergency measures as appealed by South Africa in the genocide case filed against Israel, in the wake of its ongoing war in Gaza.

The top court of the United Nations on Friday (Jan 26) said that it is under its jurisdiction to rule over emergency measures as appealed by South Africa in the genocide case filed against Israel, in the wake of its ongoing war in Gaza. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had hinted that he would not feel bound by any ICJ order. "No one will stop us -- not The Hague, not the Axis of Evil and no one else," Prime Minister Netanyahu said on Jan 14, referring to the Iran-aligned "axis of resistance" groups in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and Yemen. Also read | Israeli hostages impregnated by Hamas terrorists to receive financial, psychological help: Report The top UN court's ruling against Israel could increase political pressure on the country. What is the case? Earlier in January, South Africa had asked the ICJ to order an emergency suspension of Israel's devastating military campaign in Gaza. The Israeli offensive came when Hamas launched its unprecedented Oct 7 attack, which resulted in about 1,140 people killed in Israel, mostly civilians. More than 25,000 people have been killed in the Gaza Strip in Israeli bombardments. Most of the victims have been women and children. Also watch | ICJ to rule on South Africa's Genocide case against Israel × South Africa filed a case in the ICJ, accusing Israel of carrying out a state-led genocide. Pretoria filed nine injunctions to the court which included a demand for an order that would direct Israel to suspend all military operations in Gaza; and a separate order that would direct the Netanyahu administration to facilitate and not impede delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza. AFP reported that South Africa can take Israel to the ICJ as both countries signed the Genocide Convention and disputes over the text have to be settled at the top court. Palestinians welcome case Palestinians in the West Bank have welcomed the genocide case (against Israel) brought by South Africa, saying the proceedings were an opportunity to hold Israel to account for its offensive in Gaza. Addressing a rally in Ramallah earlier this month, Palestinian Prime Minister Mohammad Shtayyeh said, "Israel was built upon the crimes it committed against the Palestinian people." "Thank you South Africa!" he added. Also read | Israel proposes 2-month hiatus in Gaza for another potential hostage release: Report Speaking to the news agency Reuters on Jan 11, Atieh Jawabra, a former political science professor at Al-Quds University Abu Dis, said he had long been waiting for Israel to appear before an international court for its crimes, which he said go back to the mass expulsion of Palestinians during the 1948 war of Israel's founding. "Israel, the United States and the West have put Israel above the law over the course of its history," Jawabra, 68, said. What has Israel said? Israel has dismissed South Africa's genocide allegations as "grossly distorted" and said it had a right to defend itself and was targeting Hamas, not Palestinian civilians. Israel has also accused Pretoria of playing "advocate of the devil" for Hamas. Earlier this month, Israeli President Isaac Herzog said that there was nothing more "atrocious and preposterous" than a lawsuit filed in the ICJ accusing Israel of genocide against Palestinians. Speaking to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Herzog accused South Africa of hypocrisy for bringing the case, and thanked Washington for its support of Israel, which says it makes utmost efforts to avoid civilian casualties in Gaza. Also read | 67% of Arab world says Hamas’ Oct 7 attack was legitimate, poll shows "Actually our enemies, Hamas, in their charter, call for the destruction of our nation, the State of Israel - the only nation-state of the Jewish people," Herzog added. The Israeli president also said that his country must win the war as the conflict affects international values and that of the free world. The US, which has backed Israel, has already rejected South Africa's case, and Germany said it would intervene as a third party on Israel's side when the court hears the broader genocide case. ICJ's little power to enforce its verdicts Though a landmark ruling is expected on Friday, the ICJ has little power to enforce its verdict. The ICJ had ordered Russia to stop its invasion of Ukraine one month after it began, to no avail. Orders from the ICJ, which rules in disputes between countries, are legally binding and cannot be appealed, AFP reported. In the present case, the ICJ is only ruling on South Africa's plea for emergency measures, not on the fundamental issue of whether Israel could be committing genocide -- that will take years. (With inputs from agencies)

Explained: UN top court rules against Israel in Gaza 'genocide case'. What is it?

<p>A young ‘influencer’ from war-torn Yemen has become a TikTok sensation in Arab nations by promoting a contentious cause: Support for attacks against ships and vessels in the Red Sea by Houthi rebels. The 19-year-old Rashed Al-Haddad, who lives in the Houthi-held capital Sanaa has been dubbed as "Tim-Huthi Chalamet" by netizens as he looks like "Wonka" star Timothee Chalamet.</p>

<p>"I received many offers to participate in fashion shows and advertisements, but I decided to take advantage of this fame for the Palestinian cause," the so-called influencer was quoted as saying by AFP.</p>

<p>Rashed Al-Haddad has so far made the most out of the crisis in the West Asian region, boosting his reach on social media through making a crazy popular video shot aboard Galaxy Leader, the Israel-linked cargo ship that was captured in November.</p>

<p>The Houthi rebels have disrupted the global shipping routes by waging relentless attacks on merchant ships in the Red Sea, causing companies to opt for longer and costlier alternative around South Africa. These actions have led the US to declare Houthis a terrorist organisation and an international coalition led by the US and UK to launch strikes in Yemen.</p>

<p>With increased international attention on Yemen, Rashed too witnessed a drastic rise in his popularity and user engagement on social media.</p>

<p>“When I started on TikTok, I posted videos of the ship (Galaxy Leader) that was seized by the Yemenis. When I posted the video clips, they reached millions of views within four days," he told AFP in Sanaa, wearing a combat belt with a rifle slung across his lap.</p>

<p>Support for what most Western nations see as ‘terrorism’ led TikTok to delete his account permanently. He was also deplatformed from Instagram and Facebook, owned by Meta, for violating their hate speech guidelines.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-jsarwt="1" data-usg="AOvVaw0niDKC1J6uzLwuYiWrC8Ng" data-ved="2ahUKEwiIg5eZkfuDAxVS7zgGHetQDe0QxfQBKAB6BAgLEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-and-uk-conduct-fresh-series-of-air-strikes-against-houthi-targets-in-yemen-682642" jsname="YKoRaf">US and UK conduct fresh series of air strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen</a></strong></p>

<p>"Three of my TikTok accounts were banned as well, but I have created new accounts, and thankfully, the number of followers is increasing," Haddad added.</p>

<p>He said he was happy to have connected with many westerners, who followed his accounts across social media platforms.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Houthis order UN staff from US, UK to leave Yemen in a month</strong></p>

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<p>"I'm not thinking of becoming famous because I'm handsome in order to do advertisements or to be an actor,” he said, while shrugging off comparisons with Hollywood's Chalamet.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A young ‘influencer’ from war-torn Yemen has become a TikTok sensation in Arab nations by promoting a contentious cause: Support for attacks against ships and vessels in the Red Sea by Houthi rebels.

A young ‘influencer’ from war-torn Yemen has become a TikTok sensation in Arab nations by promoting a contentious cause: Support for attacks against ships and vessels in the Red Sea by Houthi rebels. The 19-year-old Rashed Al-Haddad, who lives in the Houthi-held capital Sanaa has been dubbed as "Tim-Huthi Chalamet" by netizens as he looks like "Wonka" star Timothee Chalamet. "I received many offers to participate in fashion shows and advertisements, but I decided to take advantage of this fame for the Palestinian cause," the so-called influencer was quoted as saying by AFP. Rashed Al-Haddad has so far made the most out of the crisis in the West Asian region, boosting his reach on social media through making a crazy popular video shot aboard Galaxy Leader, the Israel-linked cargo ship that was captured in November. The Houthi rebels have disrupted the global shipping routes by waging relentless attacks on merchant ships in the Red Sea, causing companies to opt for longer and costlier alternative around South Africa. These actions have led the US to declare Houthis a terrorist organisation and an international coalition led by the US and UK to launch strikes in Yemen. With increased international attention on Yemen, Rashed too witnessed a drastic rise in his popularity and user engagement on social media. “When I started on TikTok, I posted videos of the ship (Galaxy Leader) that was seized by the Yemenis. When I posted the video clips, they reached millions of views within four days," he told AFP in Sanaa, wearing a combat belt with a rifle slung across his lap. Support for what most Western nations see as ‘terrorism’ led TikTok to delete his account permanently. He was also deplatformed from Instagram and Facebook, owned by Meta, for violating their hate speech guidelines. Also read: US and UK conduct fresh series of air strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen "Three of my TikTok accounts were banned as well, but I have created new accounts, and thankfully, the number of followers is increasing," Haddad added. He said he was happy to have connected with many westerners, who followed his accounts across social media platforms. Watch: Houthis order UN staff from US, UK to leave Yemen in a month × "I'm not thinking of becoming famous because I'm handsome in order to do advertisements or to be an actor,” he said, while shrugging off comparisons with Hollywood's Chalamet. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Tim-Houthi Chalamet,’ 19-year-old becomes TikTok sensation for romanticising Red Sea attacks

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

Israel-Hamas war | ICJ to issue order on emergency measures against Israel

<p>US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Director William Burns and Israel's Mossad chief David Barnea will meet with Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani in the coming days for talks on a second potential hostage deal in the Gaza Strip, the news agency Reuters reported on Thursday (Jan 25), citing sources.</p>

<p>A source told Reuters the meeting would take place in Europe this weekend. Egyptian intelligence chief Abbas Kamel will also participate in the meeting, a second source said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Burns and Barnea had met Qatari officials on November last year, helping to broker a short-lived truce that saw more than 100 hostages freed from Hamas' captivity in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held in&nbsp;Israeli jails.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Israel proposes 60-day pause in fighting: Source</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier, White House national security spokesperson John Kirby told reporters that Burns had been helping the Biden administration with the hostage "deal that was in place and trying to help us pursue another one."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-67-of-arab-world-says-hamas-oct-7-attack-was-legitimate-679859">Israel-Hamas war: 67% of Arab world says Hamas’ Oct 7 attack was legitimate, poll shows</a></strong></p>

<p>A third source told Reuters on Thursday that Israel proposed a 60-day pause in the fighting during which more than 100 hostages would be released in phases, beginning with&nbsp;women and children. This would be followed by the release of civilian men, female soldiers, and the remains of hostages who died after being abducted by Hamas.</p>

<p>As per the source, Hamas last week proposed an end to the war, international guarantees that it would not start anew, and the release of all detainees held by Israel, including those who participated in its Oct 7, 2023 attack.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>'There will be no ceasefire'</strong></h2>

<p>Since the conflict began, Israel has opposed a permanent ceasefire in Gaza. On Wednesday, Israeli government spokesperson Ilana Stein appeared to push back against media reports of a possible new mediated deal with Hamas under which fighting would be halted in exchange for a hostage release.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Israel-Hamas War: US top officials to discuss Gaza war</strong></p>

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<p>"Commenting on reported ceasefire agreements, Israel will not give up on the destruction of Hamas, the return of all the hostages, and there will be no security threat from Gaza towards Israel," Stein said.</p>

<p>"There will be no ceasefire. In the past, there were pauses for humanitarian purposes. That agreement was breached by Hamas," she added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Director William Burns and Israel's Mossad chief David Barnea will meet with Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani in the coming days for talks on a second potential hostage deal in the Gaza Strip, the news agency Reuters reported on Thursday (Jan 25), citing sources.

US Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Director William Burns and Israel's Mossad chief David Barnea will meet with Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani in the coming days for talks on a second potential hostage deal in the Gaza Strip, the news agency Reuters reported on Thursday (Jan 25), citing sources. A source told Reuters the meeting would take place in Europe this weekend. Egyptian intelligence chief Abbas Kamel will also participate in the meeting, a second source said. Burns and Barnea had met Qatari officials on November last year, helping to broker a short-lived truce that saw more than 100 hostages freed from Hamas' captivity in exchange for Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails. Israel proposes 60-day pause in fighting: Source Earlier, White House national security spokesperson John Kirby told reporters that Burns had been helping the Biden administration with the hostage "deal that was in place and trying to help us pursue another one." Also read | Israel-Hamas war: 67% of Arab world says Hamas’ Oct 7 attack was legitimate, poll shows A third source told Reuters on Thursday that Israel proposed a 60-day pause in the fighting during which more than 100 hostages would be released in phases, beginning with women and children. This would be followed by the release of civilian men, female soldiers, and the remains of hostages who died after being abducted by Hamas. As per the source, Hamas last week proposed an end to the war, international guarantees that it would not start anew, and the release of all detainees held by Israel, including those who participated in its Oct 7, 2023 attack. 'There will be no ceasefire' Since the conflict began, Israel has opposed a permanent ceasefire in Gaza. On Wednesday, Israeli government spokesperson Ilana Stein appeared to push back against media reports of a possible new mediated deal with Hamas under which fighting would be halted in exchange for a hostage release. Also watch | Israel-Hamas War: US top officials to discuss Gaza war × "Commenting on reported ceasefire agreements, Israel will not give up on the destruction of Hamas, the return of all the hostages, and there will be no security threat from Gaza towards Israel," Stein said. "There will be no ceasefire. In the past, there were pauses for humanitarian purposes. That agreement was breached by Hamas," she added. (With inputs from agencies)

US, Israeli intelligence chiefs to meet Qatar officials to discuss second Gaza hostage deal: Report

<p>The US Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with South African Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor, on Thursday (Jan 25) about the ongoing war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza. Meanwhile, Israel is bracing for a ruling by the United Nations judges at the World Court who are set to decide whether to order Israel to suspend its military campaign in Gaza. &nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What did US and South Africa discuss?</strong></h2>

<p>During the call on Thursday, Blinken reaffirmed Washington’s support for “Israel’s right to ensure the terrorist attacks of October 7 can never be repeated,” said the US State Department&nbsp;in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Washington’s top diplomat and South Africa’s foreign minister also discussed the need to protect civilian lives in Gaza, and ensure regional peace that “advances the establishment of an independent Palestinian state,” said the State Department.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Blinken and Pandor also reaffirmed bilateral ties between the two countries.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Israel-Hamas War: ICJ to rule genocide case against Israel</strong></p>

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<p>Notably, the conversation took place as the International Court of Justice (ICJ),&nbsp;on Friday (Jan 26), delivers a landmark ruling in a case against Israel over alleged genocide in the Gaza Strip.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Israel braces for ICJ ruling</strong></h2>

<p>The UN judges will rule on South Africa’s request for emergency measures against Israel after accusing it of state-led genocide for its military operation in Gaza.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Israel has since rejected the accusations by&nbsp;South Africa and said it has a right to defend itself after Hamas’ October 7 attacks on Israel where around 1,200 people were killed and 240 others were taken as hostages back to Gaza, according to Israeli officials.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Pretoria has sought an immediate halt to Israel’s military operation which has killed nearly 26,000 people in the Palestinian enclave, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.&nbsp;</p>

<p>South Africa has requested nine emergency measures, which act like a restraining order against Israel while the court will proceed with hearing the rest of the case, which could go on for years.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-uns-top-court-to-hand-down-its-ruling-in-gaza-genocide-case-against-israel-on-friday-what-is-it-683591">Explained: UN's top court to hand down ruling in Gaza 'genocide case' against Israel on Friday. What is it?</a></strong></p>

<p>Therefore, the judgement on Friday will be an initial one at best and does not necessarily mean that Israel is being convicted based on the accusations of genocide. The court is also not bound to act on measures sought by South Africa and can order its own.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“South Africa does not need to prove that Israel is committing genocide,” Juliette McIntyre, an international law expert told AFP. She added, “They simply need to establish that there is a plausible risk of genocide occurring.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to experts, if the court decides there is a risk of genocide in Gaza, it could still have a ripple effect, particularly on the nations which support Israel politically or militarily.</p>

<h2><strong>Situation on the ground</strong></h2>

<p>As the world waits with bated breath for ICJ’s ruling, which could potentially see a halt in the months-long war, media reports citing sources have said diplomatic efforts to bring about a break in the conflict are underway.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A report by Reuters citing sources said US and Israeli intelligence chiefs were due to meet Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani in Europe this weekend, and Egypt’s intelligence chief would also participate.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-genocide-case-western-countries-reject-safricas-charges-turkey-to-provide-documents-679670">&nbsp;Israel ‘genocide’ case: Western countries reject S. Africa’s charges; Turkey to provide documents</a></strong></p>

<p>Officials in Gaza, on Thursday, said Israeli strikes killed 20 Palestinians queuing for food aid in Gaza City. Additionally, strikes in central Gaza’s Al-Nusseirat refugee camp killed six and at least 50 people lost their lives in the last 24 hours in Gaza’s main southern city Khan Younis.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, in Israel, protests against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continue as families and supporters of the more than 100 remaining Israeli hostages took to the streets demanding that the government strike a deal to secure their release.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong><em>Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.</em></strong></p>


The US Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with South African Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor, on Thursday (Jan 25) about the ongoing war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza.

The US Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke with South African Foreign Minister Naledi Pandor, on Thursday (Jan 25) about the ongoing war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza. Meanwhile, Israel is bracing for a ruling by the United Nations judges at the World Court who are set to decide whether to order Israel to suspend its military campaign in Gaza. What did US and South Africa discuss? During the call on Thursday, Blinken reaffirmed Washington’s support for “Israel’s right to ensure the terrorist attacks of October 7 can never be repeated,” said the US State Department in a statement. Washington’s top diplomat and South Africa’s foreign minister also discussed the need to protect civilian lives in Gaza, and ensure regional peace that “advances the establishment of an independent Palestinian state,” said the State Department. Blinken and Pandor also reaffirmed bilateral ties between the two countries. WATCH | Israel-Hamas War: ICJ to rule genocide case against Israel Notably, the conversation took place as the International Court of Justice (ICJ), on Friday (Jan 26), delivers a landmark ruling in a case against Israel over alleged genocide in the Gaza Strip. Israel braces for ICJ ruling The UN judges will rule on South Africa’s request for emergency measures against Israel after accusing it of state-led genocide for its military operation in Gaza. Israel has since rejected the accusations by South Africa and said it has a right to defend itself after Hamas’ October 7 attacks on Israel where around 1,200 people were killed and 240 others were taken as hostages back to Gaza, according to Israeli officials. Pretoria has sought an immediate halt to Israel’s military operation which has killed nearly 26,000 people in the Palestinian enclave, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. South Africa has requested nine emergency measures, which act like a restraining order against Israel while the court will proceed with hearing the rest of the case, which could go on for years. ALSO READ | Explained: UN's top court to hand down ruling in Gaza 'genocide case' against Israel on Friday. What is it? Therefore, the judgement on Friday will be an initial one at best and does not necessarily mean that Israel is being convicted based on the accusations of genocide. The court is also not bound to act on measures sought by South Africa and can order its own. “South Africa does not need to prove that Israel is committing genocide,” Juliette McIntyre, an international law expert told AFP. She added, “They simply need to establish that there is a plausible risk of genocide occurring.” According to experts, if the court decides there is a risk of genocide in Gaza, it could still have a ripple effect, particularly on the nations which support Israel politically or militarily. Situation on the ground As the world waits with bated breath for ICJ’s ruling, which could potentially see a halt in the months-long war, media reports citing sources have said diplomatic efforts to bring about a break in the conflict are underway. A report by Reuters citing sources said US and Israeli intelligence chiefs were due to meet Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani in Europe this weekend, and Egypt’s intelligence chief would also participate. ALSO READ | Israel ‘genocide’ case: Western countries reject S. Africa’s charges; Turkey to provide documents Officials in Gaza, on Thursday, said Israeli strikes killed 20 Palestinians queuing for food aid in Gaza City. Additionally, strikes in central Gaza’s Al-Nusseirat refugee camp killed six and at least 50 people lost their lives in the last 24 hours in Gaza’s main southern city Khan Younis. Meanwhile, in Israel, protests against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu continue as families and supporters of the more than 100 remaining Israeli hostages took to the streets demanding that the government strike a deal to secure their release. (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.

US, South Africa discuss Gaza war as Israel braces for World Court ruling on 'genocide' case

<p>Maersk, the Danish shipping giant announced on Wednesday (Jan 24) that two ships belonging to its US subsidiary had turned back after explosions nearby in the Red Sea.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The incident happened when the ships were transiting the Bab el-Mandeb strait amid the escalating Red Sea crisis which has majorly impacted the shipping route and global trade.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Bab al-Mandab is the outlet of the Red Sea. It is between between Yemen on the Arabian Peninsula, and Djibouti and Eritrea on the African coast.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/exclusive-india-is-a-friend-can-play-constructive-role-says-palestinian-pm-mohammad-shtayyeh-683327">Exclusive: India is a friend, can play constructive role, says Palestinian PM Mohammad Shtayyeh</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>In a statement, Maersk said that both crews and the cargo were unharmed. It added that the ships were being escorted by US Navy ships and "enroute, both ships reported seeing explosions close by and the US Navy accompaniment also intercepted multiple projectiles".</p>

<p>"The US Navy has turned both ships around and is escorting them back to the Gulf of Aden," it said, further stating that the vessels were being escorted back to the Gulf of Aden.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a separate statement, US Central Command said that Yemen's Houthi forces fired three anti-ship ballistic missiles toward the US-flagged container ship Maersk Detroit as it was transiting the Gulf of Aden.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Maersk on January 5 said that it would divert its container vessels away from the Red Sea for the foreseeable future. But Maersk ships were an exception until Wednesday. The company said that that would no longer be the case.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Following the escalation of risk, MLL is suspending transits in the region until further notice," it said on Wednesday.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-rejects-israeli-proposal-for-2-month-gaza-war-pause-insists-on-end-to-israeli-offensive-report-683067">Hamas rejects Israeli proposal for 2-month Gaza war pause, insists on end to Israeli offensive</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<h2><strong>Israel-Hamas war</strong></h2>

<p>The tensions in the region continue to escalate with the worsening situation in the Gaza Strip. The Gaza head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees said that tank shelling on a UN shelter on Wednesday killed nine people in Gaza's main southern city of Khan Yunis, with the toll expected to rise.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Two tank rounds hit building that shelters 800 people - reports now 9 dead and 75 injured," Thomas White, UNRWA's Gaza director, said on X.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas: America fighter jets bomb Iran-backed targets in Iraq, Yemen&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>Philippe Lazzarini, who is the head of UNRWA, condemned the attack emphasing that the compound had been clearly marked as a UN facility, and its coordinates had been shared with Israeli authorities.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Once again a blatant disregard of basic rules of war," Lazzarini said on X.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Teams from UNRWA and the World Health Organization were trying to reach the shelter, which had been blocked for two days, White said.</p>

<p>Earlier he said the UNRWA training centre had been hit, with "buildings ablaze and mass casualties".</p>

<p><em><strong>Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.&nbsp;</strong></em></p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Maersk, the Danish shipping giant announced on Wednesday (Jan 24) that two ships belonging to its US subsidiary had turned back after explosions nearby in the Red Sea.

Maersk, the Danish shipping giant announced on Wednesday (Jan 24) that two ships belonging to its US subsidiary had turned back after explosions nearby in the Red Sea. The incident happened when the ships were transiting the Bab el-Mandeb strait amid the escalating Red Sea crisis which has majorly impacted the shipping route and global trade. Bab al-Mandab is the outlet of the Red Sea. It is between between Yemen on the Arabian Peninsula, and Djibouti and Eritrea on the African coast. Also read: Exclusive: India is a friend, can play constructive role, says Palestinian PM Mohammad Shtayyeh In a statement, Maersk said that both crews and the cargo were unharmed. It added that the ships were being escorted by US Navy ships and "enroute, both ships reported seeing explosions close by and the US Navy accompaniment also intercepted multiple projectiles". "The US Navy has turned both ships around and is escorting them back to the Gulf of Aden," it said, further stating that the vessels were being escorted back to the Gulf of Aden. In a separate statement, US Central Command said that Yemen's Houthi forces fired three anti-ship ballistic missiles toward the US-flagged container ship Maersk Detroit as it was transiting the Gulf of Aden. Maersk on January 5 said that it would divert its container vessels away from the Red Sea for the foreseeable future. But Maersk ships were an exception until Wednesday. The company said that that would no longer be the case. "Following the escalation of risk, MLL is suspending transits in the region until further notice," it said on Wednesday. Also read: Hamas rejects Israeli proposal for 2-month Gaza war pause, insists on end to Israeli offensive Israel-Hamas war The tensions in the region continue to escalate with the worsening situation in the Gaza Strip. The Gaza head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees said that tank shelling on a UN shelter on Wednesday killed nine people in Gaza's main southern city of Khan Yunis, with the toll expected to rise. "Two tank rounds hit building that shelters 800 people - reports now 9 dead and 75 injured," Thomas White, UNRWA's Gaza director, said on X. Watch: Gravitas: America fighter jets bomb Iran-backed targets in Iraq, Yemen × Philippe Lazzarini, who is the head of UNRWA, condemned the attack emphasing that the compound had been clearly marked as a UN facility, and its coordinates had been shared with Israeli authorities. "Once again a blatant disregard of basic rules of war," Lazzarini said on X. Teams from UNRWA and the World Health Organization were trying to reach the shelter, which had been blocked for two days, White said. Earlier he said the UNRWA training centre had been hit, with "buildings ablaze and mass casualties". 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)

Red Sea: Maersk vessels turn back after Houthis reportedly fire missiles at ships

<p>The atomic scientists on Tuesday (Jan 22) kept their "Doomsday Clock" set as close to midnight as ever before. The clock has stayed at 90 seconds to midnight, which is the closest it had been since it was established in 1947.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Doomsday Clock is a symbolic countdown to human extinction. It is a sheer representation of the likelihood of a human-made global catastrophe.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Last year, the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists set the clock at 90 seconds to midnight, which is the theoretical point of annihilation.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
The clock reflects&nbsp;a continuing and unprecedented level of risk.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-officials-claim-russian-missile-strike-damages-gas-pipeline-in-kharkiv-682912">Ukraine officials blame Russian missile strike for damage to gas pipeline in Kharkiv</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>The Bulletin was founded in 1945 by scientists including Albert Einstein and J Robert Oppenheimer and the clock was built two years later, during the Cold War tensions to warn the public about how close humanity was to destroying the planet.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The scientists have cited the existential threats to humanity posed by potential nuclear escalation from the wars, including the Russia-Ukraine war, the Middle east conflict, and the climate crisis - all the factors that are driving the risk of global catastrophe.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-over-100-paralysed-sea-turtles-found-on-north-carolina-beach-only-36-survive-682928">Over 100 paralysed sea turtles found on North Carolina beach, only 36 survive</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Gravitas | Israel-Hamas War: Deadliest day for Israel's Defence Forces&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>Rachel Bronson, the president and CEO of the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists, said: "Trends continue to point ominously towards global catastrophe."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The war in Ukraine poses an ever present risk of nuclear escalation, and the October 7 attack in Israel and war in Gaza provides further illustration of the horrors of modern war, even without nuclear escalation," Bronson said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Rather than abandoning nuclear weapons, countries that possess them are upgrading their arsenals and threatening to create a new arms race, while massive floods, fires and other disasters marked the hottest year on record by far, with little meaningful action on climate change," she added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Biological research aimed at preventing future pandemics has proven useful, but also presents the risks of causing one," she further said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>She further added that the recent advances in artificial intelligence (AI) raise questions about how to control a technology "that could improve or threaten civilization in countless ways."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Doomsday Clock operates as a wake-up call about global threats like a&nbsp;nuclear war, dangerous technologies and mass health concerns.</p>

<p>The clock&nbsp;is reset around the same time in January each year by varying lengths&nbsp;to signal how close the human race is to self-destruction by its distance from midnight.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


The atomic scientists on Tuesday (Jan 22) kept their "Doomsday Clock" set as close to midnight as ever before. The clock has stayed at 90 seconds to midnight, which is the closest it had been since it was established in 1947.

The atomic scientists on Tuesday (Jan 22) kept their "Doomsday Clock" set as close to midnight as ever before. The clock has stayed at 90 seconds to midnight, which is the closest it had been since it was established in 1947. The Doomsday Clock is a symbolic countdown to human extinction. It is a sheer representation of the likelihood of a human-made global catastrophe. Last year, the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists set the clock at 90 seconds to midnight, which is the theoretical point of annihilation. The clock reflects a continuing and unprecedented level of risk. Also read: Ukraine officials blame Russian missile strike for damage to gas pipeline in Kharkiv The Bulletin was founded in 1945 by scientists including Albert Einstein and J Robert Oppenheimer and the clock was built two years later, during the Cold War tensions to warn the public about how close humanity was to destroying the planet. The scientists have cited the existential threats to humanity posed by potential nuclear escalation from the wars, including the Russia-Ukraine war, the Middle east conflict, and the climate crisis - all the factors that are driving the risk of global catastrophe. Also read: Over 100 paralysed sea turtles found on North Carolina beach, only 36 survive Watch: Gravitas | Israel-Hamas War: Deadliest day for Israel's Defence Forces × Rachel Bronson, the president and CEO of the Bulletin of Atomic Scientists, said: "Trends continue to point ominously towards global catastrophe." "The war in Ukraine poses an ever present risk of nuclear escalation, and the October 7 attack in Israel and war in Gaza provides further illustration of the horrors of modern war, even without nuclear escalation," Bronson said. "Rather than abandoning nuclear weapons, countries that possess them are upgrading their arsenals and threatening to create a new arms race, while massive floods, fires and other disasters marked the hottest year on record by far, with little meaningful action on climate change," she added. "Biological research aimed at preventing future pandemics has proven useful, but also presents the risks of causing one," she further said. She further added that the recent advances in artificial intelligence (AI) raise questions about how to control a technology "that could improve or threaten civilization in countless ways." The Doomsday Clock operates as a wake-up call about global threats like a nuclear war, dangerous technologies and mass health concerns. The clock is reset around the same time in January each year by varying lengths to signal how close the human race is to self-destruction by its distance from midnight. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Doomsday Clock’ remains at 90 seconds to midnight amid fears of ‘global catastrophe’

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

Israel-Hamas war: Israel proposes 2-month pause in Hamas war

<p>We are tracking live updates on the grand Ram Temple consecration ceremony which will take place in Uttar Pradesh's Ayodhya on Monday (Jan 22). Ahead of the event, security has been bolstered in UP as well as India's national capital New Delhi. The 51-inch-tall Ram Lalla idol by sculptor Arun Yogiraj has been placed inside the sanctum sanctorum of the temple in Ayodhya.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Pakistan and Iran have agreed to de-escalate tensions after both countries traded deadly airstrikes on militant targets in each other's territory this week. The military actions in the porous border region of Baluchistan killed 11 people.</p>

<p>In other news from around the world, the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah warned Israel that there will be a response in case of continued escalation of its offensive in the Gaza Strip.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Click on the headlines to read more:</strong></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ayodhya-ram-temple-live-updates-with-2-days-to-go-before-inauguration-security-bolstered-in-up-delhi-681710"><strong>Ayodhya Ram Mandir Inauguration Live: With 2 days to go before consecration, security bolstered in UP, Delhi</strong></a></p>

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<p>With the consecration ceremony at the Ram temple in Ayodhya just two days away, all&nbsp;central government hospitals in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and nearby states have been asked to be on alert on Jan 22, media reports said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-iran-agree-to-de-escalate-tensions-after-trading-deadly-airstrikes-681721"><strong>Pakistan, Iran agree to de-escalate tensions after trading deadly airstrikes</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/01/20/406841-untitled-design-1.png?imwidth=3840" /></p>

<p>Pakistan and Iran have agreed to de-escalate tensions after both countries traded deadly airstrikes on militant targets in each other's territory this week. The military actions in the porous border region of Baluchistan -- split between Pakistan and Iran- had stoked regional tensions which are already enflamed by the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-to-get-real-slap-in-the-face-if-aggression-expanded-warns-hezbollah-681717"><strong>Israel to get 'real slap in the face' if aggression expanded, warns Hezbollah</strong></a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/11/13/392730-untitled-design-5.png?imwidth=3840" /></p>

<p>With Israel continuing to pound southern Lebanon, a top Hezbollah official on Friday (Jan 19) gave a stern warning to the "enemy" Jewish country that there will be a response in case of continued escalation.&nbsp;It is noteworthy that the Lebanon-Israel border has witnessed frequent cross-border attacks since the commencement of the conflict in Gaza.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/elon-musks-starlink-has-knocked-on-indias-door-positive-response-likely-by-jan-24-681720"><strong>Elon Musk's Starlink has knocked on India's door. Positive response likely by Jan 24</strong></a></p>

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<p>Elon Musk's Starlink is reportedly on the brink of securing regulatory approval to roll out its space-based broadband services in India. According to initial reports, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has sought clarification from Starlink about its shareholding pattern.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;World Tourism Organisation's optimistic forecast</strong></p>

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We are tracking live updates on the grand Ram Temple consecration ceremony which will take place in Uttar Pradesh's Ayodhya on Monday (Jan 22). Ahead of the event, security has been bolstered in UP as well as India's national capital New Delhi.

We are tracking live updates on the grand Ram Temple consecration ceremony which will take place in Uttar Pradesh's Ayodhya on Monday (Jan 22). Ahead of the event, security has been bolstered in UP as well as India's national capital New Delhi. The 51-inch-tall Ram Lalla idol by sculptor Arun Yogiraj has been placed inside the sanctum sanctorum of the temple in Ayodhya. Pakistan and Iran have agreed to de-escalate tensions after both countries traded deadly airstrikes on militant targets in each other's territory this week. The military actions in the porous border region of Baluchistan killed 11 people. In other news from around the world, the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah warned Israel that there will be a response in case of continued escalation of its offensive in the Gaza Strip. Click on the headlines to read more: Ayodhya Ram Mandir Inauguration Live: With 2 days to go before consecration, security bolstered in UP, Delhi With the consecration ceremony at the Ram temple in Ayodhya just two days away, all central government hospitals in Delhi, Uttar Pradesh, and nearby states have been asked to be on alert on Jan 22, media reports said. Pakistan, Iran agree to de-escalate tensions after trading deadly airstrikes Pakistan and Iran have agreed to de-escalate tensions after both countries traded deadly airstrikes on militant targets in each other's territory this week. The military actions in the porous border region of Baluchistan -- split between Pakistan and Iran- had stoked regional tensions which are already enflamed by the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. Israel to get 'real slap in the face' if aggression expanded, warns Hezbollah With Israel continuing to pound southern Lebanon, a top Hezbollah official on Friday (Jan 19) gave a stern warning to the "enemy" Jewish country that there will be a response in case of continued escalation. It is noteworthy that the Lebanon-Israel border has witnessed frequent cross-border attacks since the commencement of the conflict in Gaza. Elon Musk's Starlink has knocked on India's door. Positive response likely by Jan 24 Elon Musk's Starlink is reportedly on the brink of securing regulatory approval to roll out its space-based broadband services in India. According to initial reports, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has sought clarification from Starlink about its shareholding pattern. Also watch | World Tourism Organisation's optimistic forecast ×

Morning brief: Security beefed up ahead of Ram Temple event; Pak-Iran tensions, and more

<p>Israel's army on Tuesday (Jan 23) confirmed that 24&nbsp;soldiers were killed in the Gaza Strip in a single day, making it the biggest daily death toll for the Israeli army since it started a ground operation against Hamas on October 27. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Among them, 21&nbsp;soldiers lost their lives after a tank and a building were hit by a rocket-propelled grenade, said military spokesman Daniel Hagari in a televised statement.</p>

<p>Hagari said that a total of 21 soldiers lost their lives in an explosion which took place in central Gaza.</p>

<p>He said that the troops were operating around 600 metres from the border while destroying structures and Hamas sites as part of the efforts of the army to establish a buffer zone which will allow the residents of Israeli border communities to go back to their homes.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-makes-first-death-toll-estimate-of-hamas-fighters-report-682133">Hamas justifies October 7 attacks in report, Netanyahu rejects conditions for hostage release</a></p>

<p>“As far as we know, at around 4 pm, an RPG was fired by terrorists at a tank securing the forces, and simultaneously, an explosion occurred at two two-story buildings. The buildings collapsed due to this explosion, while most of the forces were inside and near them,” he said.</p>

<p>Hagari added that the explosion occurred most probably because of mines planted by troops to demolish the buildings, however, the cause of the detonation is still being investigated.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>PM Netanyahu says Army investigating 'disaster'</strong></h2>

<p>Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said&nbsp;that the army is investigating&nbsp;the "disaster" which led to the deaths of 21 soldiers in Gaza "The IDF (Israeli army) has launched an investigation of the disaster. We must learn the necessary lessons and do everything to preserve the lives of our warriors," said Netanyahu, in a statement.</p>

<h2><strong>‘Deaths compel us to achieve war’s goals’, Israel's defence minister reacts to deadly attack</strong></h2>

<p>Israel's Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, reacting to the reports of the attack, said that it is a “difficult and painful morning”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Our hearts are with the dear families in their most difficult times. This is a war that will determine the future of Israel for decades to come – the fall of the soldiers compels us to achieve the goals of the fighting,” wrote the defence minister.</p>

<h2><strong>Names of the best of our sons added to headstones of heroes: President Herzog</strong></h2>

<p>Israeli President Isaac Herzog, expressing his grief about the killing of 21 soldiers, said that “more and more of the best of our sons” have died in the war.</p>

<p>“An unbearably difficult morning, in which more and more names of the best of our sons are added to the gravestones of heroes, in a war that has no justice,” wrote Herzog on X.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Israel-Hamas war: War will continue at all fronts, says PM Netanyahu</strong></p>

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<p>“The intense battles are taking place in an extremely challenging space, and we send strength to the soldiers of the IDF and the security forces, who are working with endless determination to realise the goals of the fighting,” he added.</p>

<p>“On behalf of the entire nation, I console the families and pray for the healing of the wounded,” he wrote. “Even on this sad and difficult morning, we are strong and remember that together we will win," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Israel's army on Tuesday (Jan 23) confirmed that 24 soldiers were killed in the Gaza Strip in a single day, making it the biggest daily death toll for the Israeli army since it started a ground operation against Hamas on October 27.

Israel's army on Tuesday (Jan 23) confirmed that 24 soldiers were killed in the Gaza Strip in a single day, making it the biggest daily death toll for the Israeli army since it started a ground operation against Hamas on October 27. Among them, 21 soldiers lost their lives after a tank and a building were hit by a rocket-propelled grenade, said military spokesman Daniel Hagari in a televised statement. Hagari said that a total of 21 soldiers lost their lives in an explosion which took place in central Gaza. He said that the troops were operating around 600 metres from the border while destroying structures and Hamas sites as part of the efforts of the army to establish a buffer zone which will allow the residents of Israeli border communities to go back to their homes. Also read: Hamas justifies October 7 attacks in report, Netanyahu rejects conditions for hostage release “As far as we know, at around 4 pm, an RPG was fired by terrorists at a tank securing the forces, and simultaneously, an explosion occurred at two two-story buildings. The buildings collapsed due to this explosion, while most of the forces were inside and near them,” he said. Hagari added that the explosion occurred most probably because of mines planted by troops to demolish the buildings, however, the cause of the detonation is still being investigated. PM Netanyahu says Army investigating 'disaster' Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the army is investigating the "disaster" which led to the deaths of 21 soldiers in Gaza "The IDF (Israeli army) has launched an investigation of the disaster. We must learn the necessary lessons and do everything to preserve the lives of our warriors," said Netanyahu, in a statement. ‘Deaths compel us to achieve war’s goals’, Israel's defence minister reacts to deadly attack Israel's Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, reacting to the reports of the attack, said that it is a “difficult and painful morning”. “Our hearts are with the dear families in their most difficult times. This is a war that will determine the future of Israel for decades to come – the fall of the soldiers compels us to achieve the goals of the fighting,” wrote the defence minister. Names of the best of our sons added to headstones of heroes: President Herzog Israeli President Isaac Herzog, expressing his grief about the killing of 21 soldiers, said that “more and more of the best of our sons” have died in the war. “An unbearably difficult morning, in which more and more names of the best of our sons are added to the gravestones of heroes, in a war that has no justice,” wrote Herzog on X. Watch: Israel-Hamas war: War will continue at all fronts, says PM Netanyahu “The intense battles are taking place in an extremely challenging space, and we send strength to the soldiers of the IDF and the security forces, who are working with endless determination to realise the goals of the fighting,” he added. “On behalf of the entire nation, I console the families and pray for the healing of the wounded,” he wrote. “Even on this sad and difficult morning, we are strong and remember that together we will win," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel-Hamas War: IDF faces deadliest single attack, 24 soldiers dead

<p>Palestinian militant group Hamas on Sunday (January 21) released a 16-page report justifying its October 7 on Israel as a 'necessary step' that was taken against Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories. This is Hamas' first public report about the October 7 attacks which resulted in death of more than 1000 persons.</p>

<p>Though it justified its attack, the group admitted that "some faults happened... due to the rapid collapse of the Israeli security and military system, and the chaos caused along the border areas with Gaza".</p>

<p>Hamas has demanded that Israel stop it Gaza offensive and withdraw its forces if it wants hostages to be released.</p>

<p>Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has categorically refused this.</p>

<p>"In exchange for the release of our hostages, Hamas demands an end to the war, the withdrawal of our forces from Gaza, the release of all murderers.... If we accept this, our soldiers have fallen in vain. If we accept this, we won't be able to guarantee the safety of our citizens," Netanyahu said as quoted by AFP</p>

<h2><strong>US makes first estimate of Hamas death toll</strong></h2>

<p>The United States intelligence agencies have made first estimate of death toll among Hamas fighters, Wall Street Journal reported. The news outlet reported that the estimate, mentioned in classified documents say that Israel has been able to eliminate 20 to 30 per cent of Hamas fighters in the Gaza Strip. But this falls way short of Israeli aim of completely eliminating the militant group in the ongoing war which has seen thousands of civilian deaths.</p>

<p>The news report has also said that Hamas still has enough firepower to continue attacking Israeli forces inside Gaza for months. Report of the estimate has come just when Israel has had to withdraw thousands of its soldiers from Gaza in the face of mounting international pressure over civilian deaths.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Red Sea Crisis: US central command confirms Saturday's strike on Houthi targets</strong></p>

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<p>Hamas fighters attacked Israel on October 7 killing more than a thousand people. Israel then responded with overwhelming military response that included land assaults as well as air strikes. The conflict soon began claiming civilian lives and the death toll spiked. It has reached 25,000 now.</p>

<p>International pressure, particularly that from the United States has forced Israel to change it tactics. The US has pressured Israel to adopt a more surgical approach than an all-out war in order to minimise civilian casualties.</p>

<p>However, even after relentless military campaign and destruction of Hamas' network of underground tunnels at many places in Gaza Strip, Israeli forces have not been able to eliminate Hamas completely. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly said that complete destruction of Hamas is Israel's aim.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-soldiers-uncover-gaza-tunnel-that-once-held-hostages-681935">Israeli soldiers uncover Gaza tunnel that once held hostages</a></strong></p>

<p>But the classified US intelligence report says that Israel hasn't been able to fully achieve the stated aim, WSJ reports.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-says-israeli-strike-on-damascus-kills-guards-syria-spy-chief-along-with-4-others-681852">Iran says Israeli strike on Damascus killed Guards’ Syria spy chief along with 4 others</a></strong></p>

<p>Besides, Hamas has changed tactics. It is attacking Israeli forces in small groups.</p>

<p>Israeli estimate of Hamas deaths is a little higher. It reportedly says that its forces have eliminated at least 30 per cent of the fighters.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Palestinian militant group Hamas on Sunday (January 21) released a 16-page report justifying its October 7 on Israel as a 'necessary step' that was taken against Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories.

Palestinian militant group Hamas on Sunday (January 21) released a 16-page report justifying its October 7 on Israel as a 'necessary step' that was taken against Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories. This is Hamas' first public report about the October 7 attacks which resulted in death of more than 1000 persons. Though it justified its attack, the group admitted that "some faults happened... due to the rapid collapse of the Israeli security and military system, and the chaos caused along the border areas with Gaza". Hamas has demanded that Israel stop it Gaza offensive and withdraw its forces if it wants hostages to be released. Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has categorically refused this. "In exchange for the release of our hostages, Hamas demands an end to the war, the withdrawal of our forces from Gaza, the release of all murderers.... If we accept this, our soldiers have fallen in vain. If we accept this, we won't be able to guarantee the safety of our citizens," Netanyahu said as quoted by AFP US makes first estimate of Hamas death toll The United States intelligence agencies have made first estimate of death toll among Hamas fighters, Wall Street Journal reported. The news outlet reported that the estimate, mentioned in classified documents say that Israel has been able to eliminate 20 to 30 per cent of Hamas fighters in the Gaza Strip. But this falls way short of Israeli aim of completely eliminating the militant group in the ongoing war which has seen thousands of civilian deaths. The news report has also said that Hamas still has enough firepower to continue attacking Israeli forces inside Gaza for months. Report of the estimate has come just when Israel has had to withdraw thousands of its soldiers from Gaza in the face of mounting international pressure over civilian deaths. Watch | Red Sea Crisis: US central command confirms Saturday's strike on Houthi targets × Hamas fighters attacked Israel on October 7 killing more than a thousand people. Israel then responded with overwhelming military response that included land assaults as well as air strikes. The conflict soon began claiming civilian lives and the death toll spiked. It has reached 25,000 now. International pressure, particularly that from the United States has forced Israel to change it tactics. The US has pressured Israel to adopt a more surgical approach than an all-out war in order to minimise civilian casualties. However, even after relentless military campaign and destruction of Hamas' network of underground tunnels at many places in Gaza Strip, Israeli forces have not been able to eliminate Hamas completely. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has repeatedly said that complete destruction of Hamas is Israel's aim. Also Read | Israeli soldiers uncover Gaza tunnel that once held hostages But the classified US intelligence report says that Israel hasn't been able to fully achieve the stated aim, WSJ reports. Also Read | Iran says Israeli strike on Damascus killed Guards’ Syria spy chief along with 4 others Besides, Hamas has changed tactics. It is attacking Israeli forces in small groups. Israeli estimate of Hamas deaths is a little higher. It reportedly says that its forces have eliminated at least 30 per cent of the fighters. (With inputs from agencies)

Hamas justifies October 7 attacks in report, Netanyahu rejects conditions for hostage release

<p>An official from the Palestinian militant group Hamas said Israeli people, taken as hostages following the militant group's October 7 attacks, &nbsp;have “no chance” of returning to Israel&nbsp;after&nbsp;Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on Sunday (Jan 21) outright rejected the conditions proposed by the group.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What were Hamas’ conditions?</strong></h2>

<p>Netanyahu outright rejected the conditions put forth by the Palestinian militant group to end the war, which he said included leaving Hamas in power and Israel’s complete withdrawal from the territory.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Israel-Hamas war: Netanyahu against two-state solution, rejects Hamas' call to end war</strong></p>

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<p>"In exchange for the release of our hostages, Hamas demands the end of the war, the withdrawal of our forces from Gaza, the release of all the murderers and rapists and leaving Hamas intact,"&nbsp;said the Israeli PM in a statement.</p>

<p>"I reject outright the terms of surrender of the monsters of Hamas," he added.</p>

<p>A senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri told Reuters that the Israeli leader’s refusal to end the military offensive in Gaza “means there is no chance for the return of the (Israeli) captives.”</p>

<h2><strong>Netanyahu under pressure</strong></h2>

<p>There has been mounting pressure on the Israeli PM to secure the release of the 136 hostages who remain in Hamas captivity. According to Israeli officials, some 240 people were taken by the Palestinian militant group following the October 7 attacks on Israel.&nbsp;</p>

<p>More than 100 hostages were released under a deal brokered in late November by the United States, Qatar and Egypt, in exchange for the release of 240 Palestinians held in Israeli prisons.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-military-personnel-injured-after-ballistic-missile-attack-by-iran-backed-militants-on-airbase-in-iraq-681950">US military personnel injured after ballistic missile attack by Iran-backed militants on airbase in Iraq</a></strong></p>

<p>On Sunday evening, family members of the hostages began a protest outside Netanyahu’s private home in Jerusalem while others&nbsp;camped outside the Israeli PM’s house in Caesarea on Saturday (Jan 20) and planned to stay there until he met&nbsp;them.</p>

<p>Israel’s Hostages and Missing Families Forum said the protesters would remain until “the prime minister agrees to a deal to return the hostages”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>They have also demanded&nbsp;that Netanyahu “clearly state that we will not abandon civilians, soldiers, and others kidnapped in the October debacle.”</p>

<p>“We must advance the deal now,” said the Hostages and Missing Persons Families Forum, adding that “If the prime minister decides to sacrifice the hostages, he should show leadership and honestly share his position with the Israeli public.”&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Netanyahu rejects calls for Palestinian state</strong></h2>

<p>In his statement on Sunday, the Israeli PM reiterated his strong line on the issue of Palestinian statehood and said, “I will not compromise on full Israeli security control of all territory west of the Jordan River.”&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-continues-to-expand-beyond-gaza-amid-calls-for-palestinian-statehood-681945">Israel-Hamas war continues to expand beyond Gaza with conflict against regional proxies</a></strong></p>

<p>This was a day after Netanyahu pushed back against the United States President Joe Biden’s remarks where he spoke of Palestinian statehood once the war against Hamas in Gaza ends.&nbsp;The Israeli PM, on Sunday, repeated that he would insist upon “full Israeli security control over all the territory west of Jordan.”</p>

<p>He also said that it was his “insistence” that prevented the establishment of a Palestinian state which, according to Netanyahu “would have posed an existential danger to Israel.”</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)<br />
<br />
<strong>Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.</strong></em></p>


An official from the Palestinian militant group Hamas said Israeli people, taken as hostages following the militant group's October 7 attacks, have “no chance” of returning to Israel after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on Sunday (Jan 21) outright rejected the conditions proposed by the group.

An official from the Palestinian militant group Hamas said Israeli people, taken as hostages following the militant group's October 7 attacks, have “no chance” of returning to Israel after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on Sunday (Jan 21) outright rejected the conditions proposed by the group. What were Hamas’ conditions? Netanyahu outright rejected the conditions put forth by the Palestinian militant group to end the war, which he said included leaving Hamas in power and Israel’s complete withdrawal from the territory. WATCH | Israel-Hamas war: Netanyahu against two-state solution, rejects Hamas' call to end war "In exchange for the release of our hostages, Hamas demands the end of the war, the withdrawal of our forces from Gaza, the release of all the murderers and rapists and leaving Hamas intact," said the Israeli PM in a statement. "I reject outright the terms of surrender of the monsters of Hamas," he added. A senior Hamas official Sami Abu Zuhri told Reuters that the Israeli leader’s refusal to end the military offensive in Gaza “means there is no chance for the return of the (Israeli) captives.” Netanyahu under pressure There has been mounting pressure on the Israeli PM to secure the release of the 136 hostages who remain in Hamas captivity. According to Israeli officials, some 240 people were taken by the Palestinian militant group following the October 7 attacks on Israel. More than 100 hostages were released under a deal brokered in late November by the United States, Qatar and Egypt, in exchange for the release of 240 Palestinians held in Israeli prisons. ALSO READ | US military personnel injured after ballistic missile attack by Iran-backed militants on airbase in Iraq On Sunday evening, family members of the hostages began a protest outside Netanyahu’s private home in Jerusalem while others camped outside the Israeli PM’s house in Caesarea on Saturday (Jan 20) and planned to stay there until he met them. Israel’s Hostages and Missing Families Forum said the protesters would remain until “the prime minister agrees to a deal to return the hostages”. They have also demanded that Netanyahu “clearly state that we will not abandon civilians, soldiers, and others kidnapped in the October debacle.” “We must advance the deal now,” said the Hostages and Missing Persons Families Forum, adding that “If the prime minister decides to sacrifice the hostages, he should show leadership and honestly share his position with the Israeli public.” Netanyahu rejects calls for Palestinian state In his statement on Sunday, the Israeli PM reiterated his strong line on the issue of Palestinian statehood and said, “I will not compromise on full Israeli security control of all territory west of the Jordan River.” ALSO READ | Israel-Hamas war continues to expand beyond Gaza with conflict against regional proxies This was a day after Netanyahu pushed back against the United States President Joe Biden’s remarks where he spoke of Palestinian statehood once the war against Hamas in Gaza ends. The Israeli PM, on Sunday, repeated that he would insist upon “full Israeli security control over all the territory west of Jordan.” He also said that it was his “insistence” that prevented the establishment of a Palestinian state which, according to Netanyahu “would have posed an existential danger to Israel.” (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.

Hamas official says ‘no chance’ hostages will return after Netanyahu rejected conditions

<p>A number of United States military personnel were injured after a ballistic missile attack by Iran-backed militants hit Al-Asad Air Base in Iraq, on Saturday (Jan 20), said&nbsp;US officials. This comes amid dozens of attacks against the US and coalition forces in Iraq and Syria deployed to fight jihadists of the Islamic State group.</p>

<h2><strong>Several US military personnel, one Iraqi injured</strong></h2>

<p>According to a statement by the US military’s Central Command, the Al Asad airbase which also hosts American troops came under attack by Iran-backed militia with ballistic missiles and rockets on Saturday evening.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While air defence systems intercepted most of the projectiles, “others impacted on the base”, said the statement.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;US central command confirms Saturday's strike on Houthi targets</strong></p>

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<p>The attack resulted in minor injuries,&nbsp;but it was not immediately clear how many military personnel were wounded.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“A number of U.S. personnel are undergoing evaluation for traumatic brain injuries,” said the CENTCOM, in the statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>At least one Iraqi service member was wounded in the attack, it added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an Iran-backed militia group, claimed responsibility for Saturday’s attack on the base. The group, according to the US-based Washington Institute for Near East Policy, comprises several Iran-affiliated armed groups operating in Iraq and emerged in late 2023.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>US hits another Houthi anti-ship missile</h2>

<p>The attack also came after the US forces launched a fresh strike on the Iran-backed Yemen-based Houthi rebels targeting an anti-ship ballistic missile, which according to the US army, was aimed into the Gulf of Aden and prepared to launch.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-says-it-hit-another-houthi-anti-ship-missile-aimed-into-the-gulf-of-aden-681907">US hits another Houthi anti-ship missile aimed into the Gulf of Aden</a></strong></p>

<p>“US forces determined the missile presented a threat to merchant vessels and US Navy ships in the region, and subsequently struck and destroyed the missile in self-defense,” said the CENTCOM, in a statement, on X.&nbsp;</p>

<p>US forces in Iraq and Syria operating as part of the coalition to defeat ISIS, have witnessed a number of attacks since October last year, when a war broke out between&nbsp;Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza.</p>

<p>There are fears of the situation&nbsp;escalating further with&nbsp;Houthis entering&nbsp;into the fray by attacking ships in the Red Sea.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-says-israeli-strike-on-damascus-kills-guards-syria-spy-chief-along-with-4-others-681852">Iran says Israeli strike on Damascus killed Guards’ Syria spy chief along with 4 others</a></strong></p>

<p>Earlier on Friday (Jan 19), US Central Command forces conducted strikes against three Houthi anti-ship missiles that they said were aimed at the Southern Red Sea.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A number of United States military personnel were injured after a ballistic missile attack by Iran-backed militants hit Al-Asad Air Base in Iraq, on Saturday (Jan 20), said US officials.

A number of United States military personnel were injured after a ballistic missile attack by Iran-backed militants hit Al-Asad Air Base in Iraq, on Saturday (Jan 20), said US officials. This comes amid dozens of attacks against the US and coalition forces in Iraq and Syria deployed to fight jihadists of the Islamic State group. Several US military personnel, one Iraqi injured According to a statement by the US military’s Central Command, the Al Asad airbase which also hosts American troops came under attack by Iran-backed militia with ballistic missiles and rockets on Saturday evening. While air defence systems intercepted most of the projectiles, “others impacted on the base”, said the statement. WATCH | US central command confirms Saturday's strike on Houthi targets The attack resulted in minor injuries, but it was not immediately clear how many military personnel were wounded. “A number of U.S. personnel are undergoing evaluation for traumatic brain injuries,” said the CENTCOM, in the statement. At least one Iraqi service member was wounded in the attack, it added. The Islamic Resistance in Iraq, an Iran-backed militia group, claimed responsibility for Saturday’s attack on the base. The group, according to the US-based Washington Institute for Near East Policy, comprises several Iran-affiliated armed groups operating in Iraq and emerged in late 2023. US hits another Houthi anti-ship missile The attack also came after the US forces launched a fresh strike on the Iran-backed Yemen-based Houthi rebels targeting an anti-ship ballistic missile, which according to the US army, was aimed into the Gulf of Aden and prepared to launch. ALSO READ | US hits another Houthi anti-ship missile aimed into the Gulf of Aden “US forces determined the missile presented a threat to merchant vessels and US Navy ships in the region, and subsequently struck and destroyed the missile in self-defense,” said the CENTCOM, in a statement, on X. US forces in Iraq and Syria operating as part of the coalition to defeat ISIS, have witnessed a number of attacks since October last year, when a war broke out between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza. There are fears of the situation escalating further with Houthis entering into the fray by attacking ships in the Red Sea. ALSO READ | Iran says Israeli strike on Damascus killed Guards’ Syria spy chief along with 4 others Earlier on Friday (Jan 19), US Central Command forces conducted strikes against three Houthi anti-ship missiles that they said were aimed at the Southern Red Sea. (With inputs from agencies)

US military personnel injured after ballistic missile attack by Iran-backed militants on airbase in Iraq

<p>At the end of a kilometre-long, booby-trapped&nbsp;tunnel&nbsp;in the Gaza Strip, Israeli soldiers discovered cramped cells where the military said&nbsp;Hamas&nbsp;kept about 20 hostages.</p>

<p>They found a holding area, five narrow rooms behind metal bars, toilets, mattresses, and even drawings by a child hostage who was freed during a November truce, military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said.</p>

<p>No hostages were there when it was discovered.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Israel-Hamas war: Children, women becoming first victims of the Gaza war, says UN</strong></p>

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<p>The military released photos from the underground labyrinth and said it brought in journalists to document the&nbsp;tunnel&nbsp;before it was destroyed.</p>

<p>The tunnel entrance, Hagari said, was in the house of a Hamas member in the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis, where Israel has been focusing its fight in recent weeks against the Palestinian Islamist group.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-says-israeli-strike-on-damascus-kills-guards-syria-spy-chief-along-with-4-others-681852">Iran says Israeli strike on Damascus killed Guards’ Syria spy chief along with 4 others</a></strong></p>

<p>"The soldiers entered the tunnel where they encountered terrorists, engaging in a battle that ended with the elimination of the terrorists," Hagari said.</p>

<p>The tunnel was rigged with blast doors and explosives, he said.</p>

<p>"According to the testimonies we have, about 20 hostages were held in this tunnel at different times under harsh conditions without daylight, in dense air with little oxygen, and terrible humidity that makes breathing difficult," he said.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-to-get-real-slap-in-the-face-if-aggression-expanded-warns-hezbollah-681717">Israel to get 'real slap in the face' if aggression expanded, warns Hezbollah</a></strong></p>

<p>Some of the hostages kept there were freed during the week-long Qatari-mediated truce. Others are among the more than 130 captured during Hamas' October&nbsp;7 rampage through southern Israel that are still in Gaza.</p>


At the end of a kilometre-long, booby-trapped tunnel in the Gaza Strip, Israeli soldiers discovered cramped cells where the military said Hamas kept about 20 hostages.

At the end of a kilometre-long, booby-trapped tunnel in the Gaza Strip, Israeli soldiers discovered cramped cells where the military said Hamas kept about 20 hostages. They found a holding area, five narrow rooms behind metal bars, toilets, mattresses, and even drawings by a child hostage who was freed during a November truce, military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said. No hostages were there when it was discovered. WATCH | Israel-Hamas war: Children, women becoming first victims of the Gaza war, says UN The military released photos from the underground labyrinth and said it brought in journalists to document the tunnel before it was destroyed. The tunnel entrance, Hagari said, was in the house of a Hamas member in the southern Gaza city of Khan Younis, where Israel has been focusing its fight in recent weeks against the Palestinian Islamist group. ALSO READ | Iran says Israeli strike on Damascus killed Guards’ Syria spy chief along with 4 others "The soldiers entered the tunnel where they encountered terrorists, engaging in a battle that ended with the elimination of the terrorists," Hagari said. The tunnel was rigged with blast doors and explosives, he said. "According to the testimonies we have, about 20 hostages were held in this tunnel at different times under harsh conditions without daylight, in dense air with little oxygen, and terrible humidity that makes breathing difficult," he said. ALSO READ | Israel to get 'real slap in the face' if aggression expanded, warns Hezbollah Some of the hostages kept there were freed during the week-long Qatari-mediated truce. Others are among the more than 130 captured during Hamas' October 7 rampage through southern Israel that are still in Gaza.

Israeli soldiers uncover Gaza tunnel that once held hostages

The Houthis of Yemen launched a "direct hit" on the Zografia ship with the use of naval missiles, according to Yahya Sarea, a spokesman for the group's military. One of the Greek sources stated that the Zografia had 24 crew members on board and was travelling from Vietnam to Israel when it was attacked. The ship was devoid of cargo.

Italy, France & Spain refuse role in strikes in Yemen

<p>United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for an "immediate humanitarian ceasefire" in the Gaza Strip as the conflict between Israel and Hamas surpasses 100 days.</p>

<p>Guterres stressed on&nbsp;the urgent need for a ceasefire to facilitate aid delivery, release hostages, and prevent further escalation.</p>

<p>"We need an immediate humanitarian ceasefire. To ensure sufficient aid gets to where it is needed. To facilitate the release of the hostages. To tamp down the flames of wider war because the longer the conflict in Gaza continues, the greater the risk of escalation and miscalculation," Guterres said at a press briefing in New York.</p>

<p>The war, triggered by a surprise Hamas attack on Israel, has led to a humanitarian crisis in Gaza, affecting 2.4 million people and leaving much of the territory in ruins.</p>

<h2>Humanitarian catastrophe and displacement</h2>

<p>The conflict, which began with Hamas'&nbsp;October 7 attack, resulted in approximately 1,140 deaths in Israel, mainly civilians, and the seizure of around 250 hostages by militants. Israel responded with a relentless military campaign, causing the death of at least 24,100 people in Gaza. Over three months of fighting have displaced roughly 85 per cent of Gaza's population, with people seeking refuge in shelters and struggling to access essential resources such as food, water, fuel, and medical care.</p>

<p>Guterres condemned the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza as "beyond words." He highlighted the significant displacement of UN Palestinian staff, with the majority fleeing their homes, and the loss of 152 staff members since October 7—the largest single loss of life in the UN's history. Aid deliveries face challenges reaching the traumatised population, leading to the looming threat of starvation in Gaza.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;One killed, 17 injured in twin attacks in Israeli city of Ra'anana</strong></p>

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<p>Guterres unequivocally stated that nothing justifies the collective punishment of the Palestinian people. He expressed concern about the escalating spillover of the conflict, particularly across the Lebanon-Israeli border, emphasising the potential for broader escalation and its profound impact on regional stability.</p>

<p><br />
<em><strong>Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.</strong></em></p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for an "immediate humanitarian ceasefire" in the Gaza Strip as the conflict between Israel and Hamas surpasses 100 days.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for an "immediate humanitarian ceasefire" in the Gaza Strip as the conflict between Israel and Hamas surpasses 100 days. Guterres stressed on the urgent need for a ceasefire to facilitate aid delivery, release hostages, and prevent further escalation. "We need an immediate humanitarian ceasefire. To ensure sufficient aid gets to where it is needed. To facilitate the release of the hostages. To tamp down the flames of wider war because the longer the conflict in Gaza continues, the greater the risk of escalation and miscalculation," Guterres said at a press briefing in New York. The war, triggered by a surprise Hamas attack on Israel, has led to a humanitarian crisis in Gaza, affecting 2.4 million people and leaving much of the territory in ruins. Humanitarian catastrophe and displacement The conflict, which began with Hamas' October 7 attack, resulted in approximately 1,140 deaths in Israel, mainly civilians, and the seizure of around 250 hostages by militants. Israel responded with a relentless military campaign, causing the death of at least 24,100 people in Gaza. Over three months of fighting have displaced roughly 85 per cent of Gaza's population, with people seeking refuge in shelters and struggling to access essential resources such as food, water, fuel, and medical care. Guterres condemned the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza as "beyond words." He highlighted the significant displacement of UN Palestinian staff, with the majority fleeing their homes, and the loss of 152 staff members since October 7—the largest single loss of life in the UN's history. Aid deliveries face challenges reaching the traumatised population, leading to the looming threat of starvation in Gaza. Also watch | One killed, 17 injured in twin attacks in Israeli city of Ra'anana Guterres unequivocally stated that nothing justifies the collective punishment of the Palestinian people. He expressed concern about the escalating spillover of the conflict, particularly across the Lebanon-Israeli border, emphasising the potential for broader escalation and its profound impact on regional stability. 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: UN chief calls for ‘immediate’ ceasefire in Gaza

<p>Two Navy SEALs remain missing off the coast of Somalia after one fell into the water during a nighttime mission on January 11.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Latest reports suggest that they were involved in the operation that seized a small boat carrying lethal aid from Iran to the Houthi militia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As quoted by news agencies, US Central Command chief Michael Kurilla said that "an exhaustive search" is still underway to find them.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-launches-barrage-of-missile-strikes-in-iraq-and-syria-680336">Iran launches barrage of missile strikes in northern Iraq and Syria; US condemns attacks</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>The Associated Press, citing officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity, reported that the two SEALs were&nbsp;climbing aboard a vessel while on a mission in the Gulf of Aden when high waves knocked one into the sea.&nbsp;</p>

<p>To save him, the second SEAL jumped in, which is a part of Navy SEAL protocol to help a comrade in danger. Both of them disappeared.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The US military announced on Tuesday (Jan 16) that it had captured Iranian-made missile parts en route to Houthi rebels from a boat in the Arabian Sea.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This is said to be the first such operation since the start of Houthi attacks against commercial ships last year.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/missile-hits-cargo-ship-off-yemen-says-maritime-risk-company-680596">Missile hits cargo ship off Yemen, says maritime risk company</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>US Central Command said in a statement on social media X that the parts consisted of both "Iranian-made ballistic missile and cruise missiles components".</p>

<p>The statement added that the seized items included propulsion and guidance systems, warheads for Houthi medium-range ballistic missiles (MRBMs), and anti-ship cruise missiles (ASCMs). It also included air defence components.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The military further stated that these weapon transfers to the Houthis violate international law and a United Nations Security Council resolution.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Two hostages killed in Israeli strike, says Hamas; IDF raises concerns&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>The statement said: "Initial analysis indicates these same weapons have been employed by the Houthis to threaten and attack innocent mariners on international merchant ships transiting in the Red Sea."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The weapons parts were seized from a dhow, a traditional masted sailing vessel, with 14 crew members whose disposition was "being determined in accordance with international law".&nbsp;</p>

<p>The United States Navy Sea, Air, and Land Teams are commonly known as Navy SEALs. They are the US Navy's primary special operations force and a component of the Naval Special Warfare Command.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Red Sea crisis&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>This comes amid the ongoing Red Sea crisis, which started when rebels launched repeated attacks on shipping. The US and British forces retaliated and on Friday, they hit scores of rebel targets across Yemen.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Attacks by and against the Houthis, part of the "axis of resistance" of Iran-aligned groups, have raised concerns about violence spreading in the region from the Gaza war.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em><strong>Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.&nbsp;</strong></em></p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em>&nbsp;</p>


Two Navy SEALs remain missing off the coast of Somalia after one fell into the water during a nighttime mission on January 11. Latest reports suggest that they were involved in the operation that seized a small boat carrying lethal aid from Iran to the Houthi militia.

Two Navy SEALs remain missing off the coast of Somalia after one fell into the water during a nighttime mission on January 11. Latest reports suggest that they were involved in the operation that seized a small boat carrying lethal aid from Iran to the Houthi militia. As quoted by news agencies, US Central Command chief Michael Kurilla said that "an exhaustive search" is still underway to find them. Also read: Iran launches barrage of missile strikes in northern Iraq and Syria; US condemns attacks The Associated Press, citing officials who spoke on the condition of anonymity, reported that the two SEALs were climbing aboard a vessel while on a mission in the Gulf of Aden when high waves knocked one into the sea. To save him, the second SEAL jumped in, which is a part of Navy SEAL protocol to help a comrade in danger. Both of them disappeared. The US military announced on Tuesday (Jan 16) that it had captured Iranian-made missile parts en route to Houthi rebels from a boat in the Arabian Sea. This is said to be the first such operation since the start of Houthi attacks against commercial ships last year. Also read: Missile hits cargo ship off Yemen, says maritime risk company US Central Command said in a statement on social media X that the parts consisted of both "Iranian-made ballistic missile and cruise missiles components". The statement added that the seized items included propulsion and guidance systems, warheads for Houthi medium-range ballistic missiles (MRBMs), and anti-ship cruise missiles (ASCMs). It also included air defence components. The military further stated that these weapon transfers to the Houthis violate international law and a United Nations Security Council resolution. Watch: Two hostages killed in Israeli strike, says Hamas; IDF raises concerns × The statement said: "Initial analysis indicates these same weapons have been employed by the Houthis to threaten and attack innocent mariners on international merchant ships transiting in the Red Sea." The weapons parts were seized from a dhow, a traditional masted sailing vessel, with 14 crew members whose disposition was "being determined in accordance with international law". The United States Navy Sea, Air, and Land Teams are commonly known as Navy SEALs. They are the US Navy's primary special operations force and a component of the Naval Special Warfare Command. Red Sea crisis This comes amid the ongoing Red Sea crisis, which started when rebels launched repeated attacks on shipping. The US and British forces retaliated and on Friday, they hit scores of rebel targets across Yemen. Attacks by and against the Houthis, part of the "axis of resistance" of Iran-aligned groups, have raised concerns about violence spreading in the region from the Gaza 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)

Two missing US Navy SEALs were on mission to stop Iranian weapons bound for Houthi rebels: US

<p>Higher exports helped India's merchandise trade deficit come down to lower than expected at $19.8 billion in December, data showed on Monday, though officials signalled that the turmoil in the Red Sea could have an impact on this month's figures.</p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-1">Economists polled by Reuters had expected a merchandise trade deficit of $21 billion in December.</p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-1"><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-conflict-to-wind-down-in-southern-gaza-says-israel-680333">Click here to follow all updates on the Israel-Hamas war</a></strong></p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-2">"There has been a demand upturn in December (leading to higher exports). This provides us a cushion as there are uncertainties for trade in January and going forward due to the Red Sea crisis," Trade Secretary Sunil Bharthwal said.</p>

<p>Nearly 80% of India's merchandise trade with Europe passes through the Red Sea where shipping has been attacked by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi militants, in a spillover from Israel's more than three-month-long war with Hamas in the Gaza Strip</p>

<p>Trade ministry official Satya Srinivas told reporters India's December exports were not impacted by the Red Sea crisis, but some more recently consignments had been put on hold.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/red-sea-attacks-spark-global-inflation-fears-disrupting-supply-chains-680168">Red Sea attacks spark global inflation fears, disrupting supply chains</a></strong></p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-5">India's merchandise exports in December stood at $38.45 billion, while imports were $58.25 billion, government data showed on Monday. In the previous month, merchandise exports were $33.9 billion, while imports stood at $54.48 billion.</p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-6">Merchandise exports for the period April-December totalled $317.12 billion, while imports for the same period reached $505.15 billion, the data showed. The figures compared with $336.30 billion in exports, and $548.64 billion in imports for the same period last year.</p>

<p data-testid="paragraph-7">In December, services exports were $27.88 billion, while imports were $13.25 billion. In November, services exports were $28.68 billion and imports were $13.4 billion.</p>


Higher exports helped India's merchandise trade deficit come down to lower than expected at $19.8 billion in December, data showed on Monday, though officials signalled that the turmoil in the Red Sea could have an impact on this month's figures.

Higher exports helped India's merchandise trade deficit come down to lower than expected at $19.8 billion in December, data showed on Monday, though officials signalled that the turmoil in the Red Sea could have an impact on this month's figures. Economists polled by Reuters had expected a merchandise trade deficit of $21 billion in December. Click here to follow all updates on the Israel-Hamas war "There has been a demand upturn in December (leading to higher exports). This provides us a cushion as there are uncertainties for trade in January and going forward due to the Red Sea crisis," Trade Secretary Sunil Bharthwal said. Nearly 80% of India's merchandise trade with Europe passes through the Red Sea where shipping has been attacked by Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi militants, in a spillover from Israel's more than three-month-long war with Hamas in the Gaza Strip Trade ministry official Satya Srinivas told reporters India's December exports were not impacted by the Red Sea crisis, but some more recently consignments had been put on hold. Also read: Red Sea attacks spark global inflation fears, disrupting supply chains India's merchandise exports in December stood at $38.45 billion, while imports were $58.25 billion, government data showed on Monday. In the previous month, merchandise exports were $33.9 billion, while imports stood at $54.48 billion. Merchandise exports for the period April-December totalled $317.12 billion, while imports for the same period reached $505.15 billion, the data showed. The figures compared with $336.30 billion in exports, and $548.64 billion in imports for the same period last year. In December, services exports were $27.88 billion, while imports were $13.25 billion. In November, services exports were $28.68 billion and imports were $13.4 billion.

India sees December exports boost, but all eyes on Red Sea

Israel-Hamas War reached a grim milestone of 100 days on Sunday with more civilian deaths in Gaza and relatives of dozens of hostages still awaiting their freedom from the war.

Israel-Hamas war | Israelis pay tribute to hostages still held in Gaza

<p>The Palestinian militant group, Hamas, on Sunday (Jan 14) released a video showing three Israeli hostages it is holding in Gaza, 100 days into the&nbsp;war. In the clip, the hostages, one woman and two men appear talking in Hebrew calling on the Israeli government to act for their return home.</p>

<h2><strong>About the footage</strong></h2>

<p>The 37-second video shows Noa Argamani (26), &nbsp;Yossi Sharabi (53), and Itai Svirsky (38) and ends with the message by Hamas which reads, “Tomorrow we will inform you of their fate.” It was unclear when the footage was filmed.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em><strong>Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos, videos and information shared on social media.</strong></em></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">BREAKING<br />
New Hamas released video showing three hostages<br />
<br />
Noa Argamani is ALIVE ❤️<br />
Yoshi Sharabi is ALIVE ❤️<br />
Itay Svirski is ALIVE ❤️<br />
<br />
I am only posting the first seconds. Not showing the pure propaganda parts<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BringThemHomeNow?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BringThemHomeNow</a> <a href="https://t.co/w3U5qKSuM2">pic.twitter.com/w3U5qKSuM2</a></p>
— Hamas Atrocities (@HamasAtrocities) <a href="https://twitter.com/HamasAtrocities/status/1746637741771645045?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 14, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Hamas has previously released similar videos, a move that the Israeli government has called psychological warfare and has generally declined to respond to public messaging on the hostages.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Hamas says many hostages likely killed, blames Israel</strong></h2>

<p>Several hostages held in Gaza by Hamas are likely to have been killed, said Abu Obeida, a spokesperson for the group’s armed wing, on Sunday (Jan 14).&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The fate of many of the enemy’s hostages and detainees has become unknown in recent weeks and the rest have all entered the tunnel of the unknown due to the Zionist aggression,” said Obeida, in a televised statement.</p>

<p>He added, “Most likely, many of them were killed recently, the rest are in great danger every hour and the enemy’s leadership and army bear full responsibility.”&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Israel-Hamas war | Hamas armed-wing spokesman: Fate of many hostages unknown</strong></p>

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<p>Hagar Mizrahi, a forensic official with Israel’s health ministry, told the local TV on December 31 that autopsies of slain hostages who had been recovered&nbsp;reveals inconsistency with Hamas’ account that they had died in Israeli airstrikes, reported Reuters.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, Israel has said that they are aware of the risks to the hostages due to its operations in the Palestinian enclave and said they are taking precautions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The military operation takes time. It obligates us to be precise, and we are adapting it in accordance with the threats and the hostages who are in the field,” said Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson Rear-Admiral Daniel Hagari on Sunday (Jan 14).</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-claims-it-shot-down-anti-ship-cruise-missile-from-houthi-area-of-yemen-targeting-uss-laboon-679991">US claims it shot down anti-ship cruise missile from Houthi area of Yemen targeting USS Laboon</a></strong></p>

<p>Hamas spokesperson also claimed that Israel is facing failure amid its operations in Gaza. “After 100 days of battle... this is the enemy’s leadership, gulping down pain and wading through the mud of failure and setback.”</p>

<p>The war began on October 7 after Hamas launched a deadly attack against Israel killing around 1,200 people and taking some 240 hostages back to Gaza, according to Israeli officials.</p>

<p>Israel has since retaliated with constant bombardment and a ground operation in Gaza killing nearly 24,000 people, mostly women and children in the Palestinian enclave, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<strong>Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.</strong></em></p>


The Palestinian militant group, Hamas, on Sunday (Jan 14) released a video showing three Israeli hostages it is holding in Gaza, 100 days into the war. In the clip, the hostages, one woman and two men appear talking in Hebrew calling on the Israeli government to act for their return home.

The Palestinian militant group, Hamas, on Sunday (Jan 14) released a video showing three Israeli hostages it is holding in Gaza, 100 days into the war. In the clip, the hostages, one woman and two men appear talking in Hebrew calling on the Israeli government to act for their return home. About the footage The 37-second video shows Noa Argamani (26), Yossi Sharabi (53), and Itai Svirsky (38) and ends with the message by Hamas which reads, “Tomorrow we will inform you of their fate.” It was unclear when the footage was filmed. Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos, videos and information shared on social media. BREAKING New Hamas released video showing three hostages Noa Argamani is ALIVE ❤️ Yoshi Sharabi is ALIVE ❤️ Itay Svirski is ALIVE ❤️ I am only posting the first seconds. Not showing the pure propaganda parts#BringThemHomeNow pic.twitter.com/w3U5qKSuM2 — Hamas Atrocities (@HamasAtrocities) January 14, 2024 × Hamas has previously released similar videos, a move that the Israeli government has called psychological warfare and has generally declined to respond to public messaging on the hostages. Hamas says many hostages likely killed, blames Israel Several hostages held in Gaza by Hamas are likely to have been killed, said Abu Obeida, a spokesperson for the group’s armed wing, on Sunday (Jan 14). “The fate of many of the enemy’s hostages and detainees has become unknown in recent weeks and the rest have all entered the tunnel of the unknown due to the Zionist aggression,” said Obeida, in a televised statement. He added, “Most likely, many of them were killed recently, the rest are in great danger every hour and the enemy’s leadership and army bear full responsibility.” ALSO WATCH | Israel-Hamas war | Hamas armed-wing spokesman: Fate of many hostages unknown Hagar Mizrahi, a forensic official with Israel’s health ministry, told the local TV on December 31 that autopsies of slain hostages who had been recovered reveals inconsistency with Hamas’ account that they had died in Israeli airstrikes, reported Reuters. However, Israel has said that they are aware of the risks to the hostages due to its operations in the Palestinian enclave and said they are taking precautions. “The military operation takes time. It obligates us to be precise, and we are adapting it in accordance with the threats and the hostages who are in the field,” said Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson Rear-Admiral Daniel Hagari on Sunday (Jan 14). ALSO READ | US claims it shot down anti-ship cruise missile from Houthi area of Yemen targeting USS Laboon Hamas spokesperson also claimed that Israel is facing failure amid its operations in Gaza. “After 100 days of battle... this is the enemy’s leadership, gulping down pain and wading through the mud of failure and setback.” The war began on October 7 after Hamas launched a deadly attack against Israel killing around 1,200 people and taking some 240 hostages back to Gaza, according to Israeli officials. Israel has since retaliated with constant bombardment and a ground operation in Gaza killing nearly 24,000 people, mostly women and children in the Palestinian enclave, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. (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.

Video | Hamas airs clip of 3 hostages, says will disclose their fate tomorrow

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<p>A new opinion poll published earlier this week showed that 67 per cent of the Arab world said that Hamas' attack against Israel on Oct 7 was legitimate. According to a report by The Jerusalem Post on Saturday (Jan 13), the poll was carried out by the Arab Centre for Research and Policy Studies on Wednesday. The poll collected data from 8,000 Arab respondents from 16 countries.</p>

<p>Sixty-seven per cent of the respondents perceived the Oct 7 attack as a legitimate resistance operation. The poll results clarified that 19 per cent of the respondents answered the attack was legitimate but “flawed,” three per cent said it was legitimate but “involved heinous or criminal acts” and only five per cent called the attack “illegitimate.”&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-live-updates-100-days-of-conflict-netanyahu-says-no-one-will-stop-us-679793">Click here to follow all updates on the Israel-Hamas war</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>Respondents' opinions on why Hamas launched the attack</strong></h2>

<p>On being asked why Hamas launched the attack against Israel last year, 35 per cent respondents in the poll said the number one reason behind the attack was “the ongoing Israeli occupation of Palestinian land.”</p>

<p>Twenty-four per cent of the respondents said the reason behind the attack was “defending al-Aqsa Mosque against attacks,” The Jerusalem Post reported. Only two per cent of the respondents agreed Hamas' attack on Israel as a proxy war for Iran.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-genocide-case-western-countries-reject-safricas-charges-turkey-to-provide-documents-679670">Israel ‘genocide’ case: Western countries reject S. Africa’s charges; Turkey to provide documents</a></strong></p>

<p>Meanwhile, eight per cent of respondents felt the ongoing blockade of the Gaza Strip was the main reason for the attack.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Conflict enters 100th day</strong></h2>

<p>The war between Israel has Hamas has entered its 100th day with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowing that "no one will stop us" from destroying the Palestinian militant group.</p>

<p>"No one will stop us -- not The Hague, not the Axis of Evil and no one else," Prime Minister Netanyahu said on Saturday referring to the Iran-aligned "axis of resistance" groups in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Yemen</p>

<p>"It is possible and necessary to continue until victory and we will do it," he added, saying most Hamas battalions in Gaza had been 'eliminated'.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A new opinion poll published earlier this week showed that 67 per cent of the Arab world said that Hamas' attack against Israel on Oct 7 was legitimate. According to a report by The Jerusalem Post on Saturday (Jan 13), the poll was carried out by the Arab Centre for Research and Policy Studies on Wednesday.

A new opinion poll published earlier this week showed that 67 per cent of the Arab world said that Hamas' attack against Israel on Oct 7 was legitimate. According to a report by The Jerusalem Post on Saturday (Jan 13), the poll was carried out by the Arab Centre for Research and Policy Studies on Wednesday. The poll collected data from 8,000 Arab respondents from 16 countries. Sixty-seven per cent of the respondents perceived the Oct 7 attack as a legitimate resistance operation. The poll results clarified that 19 per cent of the respondents answered the attack was legitimate but “flawed,” three per cent said it was legitimate but “involved heinous or criminal acts” and only five per cent called the attack “illegitimate.” Click here to follow all updates on the Israel-Hamas war Respondents' opinions on why Hamas launched the attack On being asked why Hamas launched the attack against Israel last year, 35 per cent respondents in the poll said the number one reason behind the attack was “the ongoing Israeli occupation of Palestinian land.” Twenty-four per cent of the respondents said the reason behind the attack was “defending al-Aqsa Mosque against attacks,” The Jerusalem Post reported. Only two per cent of the respondents agreed Hamas' attack on Israel as a proxy war for Iran. Also read | Israel ‘genocide’ case: Western countries reject S. Africa’s charges; Turkey to provide documents Meanwhile, eight per cent of respondents felt the ongoing blockade of the Gaza Strip was the main reason for the attack. Conflict enters 100th day The war between Israel has Hamas has entered its 100th day with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowing that "no one will stop us" from destroying the Palestinian militant group. "No one will stop us -- not The Hague, not the Axis of Evil and no one else," Prime Minister Netanyahu said on Saturday referring to the Iran-aligned "axis of resistance" groups in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Yemen "It is possible and necessary to continue until victory and we will do it," he added, saying most Hamas battalions in Gaza had been 'eliminated'. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel-Hamas war: 67% of Arab world says Hamas’ Oct 7 attack was legitimate, poll shows

<p>US President Joe Biden&nbsp;has come under fire for carrying out strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen. The strikes, which were carried out without congressional approval, have earned the ire of Biden's fellow democrats who said that the action was "unconstitutional" and that he "needs to come to Congress" before launching a strike.</p>

<p>The American President was also slammed on social media as people dug out an old post he made on Twitter, now known as X, in which he promised to use "military power responsibly".</p>

<h2><strong>Biden Administration defends move</strong></h2>

<p>The strike, which were made in collaboration with the United Kingdom comes&nbsp;after a series of Houthi drone and missile strikes on commercial ships in the Red Sea.</p>

<p>Calling the strikes a "defensive action" Biden, as per AFP, said he "will not hesitate" to order further military action if needed.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-and-uk-launch-massive-strike-against-houthi-rebels-in-yemen-679159">US and UK launch massive strikes against Houthi rebels, 5 killed</a></strong></p>

<p>UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak too called the strikes "necessary and proportionate" and said that the Houthis' breach of international law merited a "strong signal" in response.</p>

<p>"People can't act like this with impunity," said Sunak, adding the Houthi attacks were "disrupting the global economy"</p>

<h2><strong>Democrats criticise Biden</strong></h2>

<p>Indian American lawmaker Ro Khanna in a post on X slammed Biden and said: "The President needs to come to Congress before launching a strike against the Houthis in Yemen and involving us in another Middle East conflict. That is Article I of the Constitution. I will stand up for that regardless of whether a Democrat or Republican is in the White House."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The President needs to come to Congress before launching a strike against the Houthis in Yemen and involving us in another middle east conflict. That is Article I of the Constitution. I will stand up for that regardless of whether a Democrat or Republican is in the White House.</p>
— Ro Khanna (@RoKhanna) <a href="https://twitter.com/RoKhanna/status/1745590169493745693?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>"Section 2C of the War Powers Act is clear: POTUS may only introduce the U.S. into hostilities after Congressional authorization or in a national emergency when the U.S. is under imminent attack. Reporting is not a substitute. This is a retaliatory, offensive strike," he added in another post.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-external-affairs-minister-jaishankar-to-visit-iran-on-jan-15-679396">India's External Affairs Minister Jaishankar to visit Iran on Jan 15</a></strong></p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The President needs to come to Congress before launching a strike against the Houthis in Yemen and involving us in another middle east conflict. That is Article I of the Constitution. I will stand up for that regardless of whether a Democrat or Republican is in the White House.</p>
— Ro Khanna (@RoKhanna) <a href="https://twitter.com/RoKhanna/status/1745590169493745693?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Echoing Khanna's sentiments, Justin Amash, a member of the Libertarian part said: "If President Biden had enough time to form a multinational coalition to plan and conduct strikes in Yemen, then he had enough time to seek and obtain an authorization from Congress as our Constitution requires."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">If President Biden had enough time to form a multinational coalition to plan and conduct strikes in Yemen, then he had enough time to seek and obtain an authorization from Congress as our Constitution requires.<br />
<br />
Without this authorization, any nondefensive military action is…</p>
— Justin Amash (@justinamash) <a href="https://twitter.com/justinamash/status/1745633418946240640?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>Netizens troll Biden</strong></h2>

<p>Meanwhile, X users&nbsp;trolled Biden over a post he made&nbsp;during the 2020 Presidential campaign. Biden during the campaign had&nbsp;said,&nbsp;"As President, I will use military power responsibly and as a last resort. We will not go back to forever wars in the Middle East."</p>

<p>Digging up the old post, users poked fun at the US president. One user commented, "Well the lie detector determined that was a lie".</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Well the lie detector determined that was a lie</p>
— The Big Nachoski (@BigNachoski) <a href="https://twitter.com/BigNachoski/status/1745632578206658930?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>"Dementia?" questioned another, while a third user labelled it "a joke".</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Biden: UK, US successfully struck Houthi targets in Yemen</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/biden-uk-us-successfully-struck-houthi-targets-in-yemen-679360/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>"This didn’t age well," pointed out another user, "We don’t owe Israel anything," said&nbsp;another X user.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Then please stop giving my tax dollars to Israel! You are funding a forever war against Palestine. WWII ended in 1945. Haven’t we worked through our American guilt for not taking Jewish refugees during the war? We don’t owe Israel anything. Sanctions, not cash, for them.</p>
— Meidas Cathy 🕊️🇺🇦🇵🇸 (@OldGinger) <a href="https://twitter.com/OldGinger/status/1745628318462833022?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


US President Joe Biden has come under fire for carrying out strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen. The strikes, which were carried out without congressional approval, have earned the ire of Biden's fellow democrats who said that the action was "unconstitutional" and that he "needs to come to Congress" before launching a strike.

US President Joe Biden has come under fire for carrying out strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen. The strikes, which were carried out without congressional approval, have earned the ire of Biden's fellow democrats who said that the action was "unconstitutional" and that he "needs to come to Congress" before launching a strike. The American President was also slammed on social media as people dug out an old post he made on Twitter, now known as X, in which he promised to use "military power responsibly". Biden Administration defends move The strike, which were made in collaboration with the United Kingdom comes after a series of Houthi drone and missile strikes on commercial ships in the Red Sea. Calling the strikes a "defensive action" Biden, as per AFP, said he "will not hesitate" to order further military action if needed. Also read | US and UK launch massive strikes against Houthi rebels, 5 killed UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak too called the strikes "necessary and proportionate" and said that the Houthis' breach of international law merited a "strong signal" in response. "People can't act like this with impunity," said Sunak, adding the Houthi attacks were "disrupting the global economy" Democrats criticise Biden Indian American lawmaker Ro Khanna in a post on X slammed Biden and said: "The President needs to come to Congress before launching a strike against the Houthis in Yemen and involving us in another Middle East conflict. That is Article I of the Constitution. I will stand up for that regardless of whether a Democrat or Republican is in the White House." The President needs to come to Congress before launching a strike against the Houthis in Yemen and involving us in another middle east conflict. That is Article I of the Constitution. I will stand up for that regardless of whether a Democrat or Republican is in the White House. — Ro Khanna (@RoKhanna) January 11, 2024 × "Section 2C of the War Powers Act is clear: POTUS may only introduce the U.S. into hostilities after Congressional authorization or in a national emergency when the U.S. is under imminent attack. Reporting is not a substitute. This is a retaliatory, offensive strike," he added in another post. Also read | India's External Affairs Minister Jaishankar to visit Iran on Jan 15 The President needs to come to Congress before launching a strike against the Houthis in Yemen and involving us in another middle east conflict. That is Article I of the Constitution. I will stand up for that regardless of whether a Democrat or Republican is in the White House. — Ro Khanna (@RoKhanna) January 11, 2024 × Echoing Khanna's sentiments, Justin Amash, a member of the Libertarian part said: "If President Biden had enough time to form a multinational coalition to plan and conduct strikes in Yemen, then he had enough time to seek and obtain an authorization from Congress as our Constitution requires." If President Biden had enough time to form a multinational coalition to plan and conduct strikes in Yemen, then he had enough time to seek and obtain an authorization from Congress as our Constitution requires. Without this authorization, any nondefensive military action is… — Justin Amash (@justinamash) January 12, 2024 × Netizens troll Biden Meanwhile, X users trolled Biden over a post he made during the 2020 Presidential campaign. Biden during the campaign had said, "As President, I will use military power responsibly and as a last resort. We will not go back to forever wars in the Middle East." Digging up the old post, users poked fun at the US president. One user commented, "Well the lie detector determined that was a lie". Well the lie detector determined that was a lie — The Big Nachoski (@BigNachoski) January 12, 2024 × "Dementia?" questioned another, while a third user labelled it "a joke". Watch | Biden: UK, US successfully struck Houthi targets in Yemen "This didn’t age well," pointed out another user, "We don’t owe Israel anything," said another X user. Then please stop giving my tax dollars to Israel! You are funding a forever war against Palestine. WWII ended in 1945. Haven’t we worked through our American guilt for not taking Jewish refugees during the war? We don’t owe Israel anything. Sanctions, not cash, for them. — Meidas Cathy 🕊️🇺🇦🇵🇸 (@OldGinger) January 12, 2024 × (With inputs from agencies)

Biden's 'defensive action' against Houthis in Yemen earns him Democratic ire and trolling on X

<p>The United States carried out fresh strikes against Yemen’s Houthi rebels, on Friday (Jan 12), said the&nbsp;US Central Command (CENTCOM)&nbsp;after President Joe Biden said that American forces would carry out new strikes if the Iran-backed group keeps attacking ships in the Red Sea.&nbsp;The new strikes were seemingly confirmed by the Houthi media which reported airstrikes in Yemen’s capital, Sanaa.</p>

<p>The latest strike targeted a radar site, US officials speaking on the condition of anonymity told Reuters. Radar infrastructure reportedly has been a key target in the US military effort to halt Houthi attacks in the Red Sea.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>‘Outrageous behaviour’</strong></h2>

<p>The new airstrikes come a day after the US and the United Kingdom together conducted strikes on the Iran-backed group’s facilities. The strikes, according to a statement by the CENTCOM were conducted at 3:45 am (Yemen time) and "designed to degrade the Houthi’s ability to attack maritime vessels, including commercial vessels."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-carries-out-more-strikes-on-houthi-targets-in-yemen-679504">US carries out more strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen</a></strong></p>

<p>“We will make sure we respond to the Huthis if they continue this outrageous behavior,” Biden told reporters on an election campaign in the US state of Pennsylvania, on Friday (Jan 12).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The strikes on Thursday (Jan 11) by the American and British forces, according to the Pentagon, reduced the Houthis’ capacity to launch fresh attacks. The US military said 60 targets in 28 sites were hit.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Houthi-run television channel Al-Masirah news network reported multiple strikes in Sanaa. “The American-British enemy is targeting the capital, Sanaa, with a number of airstrikes,” said the Houthi-run media.</p>

<p>It added, “The American-British aggression targeted the Al-Dailami base in the capital, Sanaa.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>A report by Reuters said witnesses confirmed explosions early on Friday (Yemen time) at military bases near airports in the capital Sanaa and Yemen’s third city Taiz, a naval base at Yemen’s main Red Sea port Hodeidah and military sites in the coastal Hajjah governorate.</p>

<p>The new strike also comes after the rebel group’s military on Friday (Jan 12) said that overnight air strikes carried out by the American and British forces had killed five of their fighters and injured six others, adding that the attacks would not go unpunished or unanswered.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Houthis, which have controlled most of Yemen for nearly a decade, have also vowed to continue their attacks on regional shipping.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The strikes in Yemen by the US and UK forces sparked massive protests with tens of thousands of Yemenis taking to the streets across the country. “Your strikes on Yemen are terrorism,” said Mohammed Ali Al-Houthi, a member of the Houthi Supreme Political Council, referring to the United States.</p>

<h2><strong>Houthis accidentally attack ship carrying Russian oil: UK</strong></h2>

<p>The Iran-backed group accidentally targeted a tanker carrying Russian oil in a missile attack on Friday off Yemen, according to Ambrey.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/yemens-houthis-say-strikes-will-not-go-unpunished-or-unanswered-679470">Yemen's Houthis say strikes will not go 'unpunished or unanswered'</a></strong></p>

<p>“This was the second tanker mistakenly targeted by the Houthis whilst carrying Russian oil,” said the British maritime security firm.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), issuing an advisory said it had received reports of a missile being fired 90 nautical miles southeast of Yemen’s port city of Aden.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The master reported a missile landing in the water 400-500 metres away, and being followed by three small craft,” said the UKMTO.</p>

<h2><strong>UN chief warns against escalation</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called on all sides “not to escalate” the volatile situation in the Red Sea, on Friday (Jan 12) after the US and UK launched strikes against Houthis.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Iran-backed group in Yemen who say they are acting in solidarity with Gaza have attacked a number of ships in the Red Sea stoking fears of the Israel-Hamas war spreading regionwide.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bidens-defensive-action-against-houthis-in-yemen-earns-him-democratic-ire-and-trolling-on-x-679415">Biden's 'defensive action' against Houthis in Yemen earns him Democratic ire and trolling on X</a></strong></p>

<p>“The Secretary-General further calls on all parties involved not to escalate even more the situation in the interest of peace and stability in the Red Sea and the wider region,” said UN chief’s spokesman Stephane Dujarric.</p>

<p>The Russian ambassador to the UN called the joint US-UK strikes against the Houthis a “blatant armed aggression against another country.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added, “These states all carried out a mass strike on Yemeni territory. I'm not talking about an attack on some group within the country but an attack on the people of the country on the whole. Aircraft were used, warships and submarines.”&nbsp;<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The United States carried out fresh strikes against Yemen’s Houthi rebels, on Friday (Jan 12), said the US Central Command (CENTCOM) after President Joe Biden said that American forces would carry out new strikes if the Iran-backed group keeps attacking ships in the Red Sea.

The United States carried out fresh strikes against Yemen’s Houthi rebels, on Friday (Jan 12), said the US Central Command (CENTCOM) after President Joe Biden said that American forces would carry out new strikes if the Iran-backed group keeps attacking ships in the Red Sea. The new strikes were seemingly confirmed by the Houthi media which reported airstrikes in Yemen’s capital, Sanaa. The latest strike targeted a radar site, US officials speaking on the condition of anonymity told Reuters. Radar infrastructure reportedly has been a key target in the US military effort to halt Houthi attacks in the Red Sea. ‘Outrageous behaviour’ The new airstrikes come a day after the US and the United Kingdom together conducted strikes on the Iran-backed group’s facilities. The strikes, according to a statement by the CENTCOM were conducted at 3:45 am (Yemen time) and "designed to degrade the Houthi’s ability to attack maritime vessels, including commercial vessels." ALSO WATCH | US carries out more strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen “We will make sure we respond to the Huthis if they continue this outrageous behavior,” Biden told reporters on an election campaign in the US state of Pennsylvania, on Friday (Jan 12). The strikes on Thursday (Jan 11) by the American and British forces, according to the Pentagon, reduced the Houthis’ capacity to launch fresh attacks. The US military said 60 targets in 28 sites were hit. Houthi-run television channel Al-Masirah news network reported multiple strikes in Sanaa. “The American-British enemy is targeting the capital, Sanaa, with a number of airstrikes,” said the Houthi-run media. It added, “The American-British aggression targeted the Al-Dailami base in the capital, Sanaa.” A report by Reuters said witnesses confirmed explosions early on Friday (Yemen time) at military bases near airports in the capital Sanaa and Yemen’s third city Taiz, a naval base at Yemen’s main Red Sea port Hodeidah and military sites in the coastal Hajjah governorate. The new strike also comes after the rebel group’s military on Friday (Jan 12) said that overnight air strikes carried out by the American and British forces had killed five of their fighters and injured six others, adding that the attacks would not go unpunished or unanswered. The Houthis, which have controlled most of Yemen for nearly a decade, have also vowed to continue their attacks on regional shipping. The strikes in Yemen by the US and UK forces sparked massive protests with tens of thousands of Yemenis taking to the streets across the country. “Your strikes on Yemen are terrorism,” said Mohammed Ali Al-Houthi, a member of the Houthi Supreme Political Council, referring to the United States. Houthis accidentally attack ship carrying Russian oil: UK The Iran-backed group accidentally targeted a tanker carrying Russian oil in a missile attack on Friday off Yemen, according to Ambrey. ALSO READ | Yemen's Houthis say strikes will not go 'unpunished or unanswered' “This was the second tanker mistakenly targeted by the Houthis whilst carrying Russian oil,” said the British maritime security firm. Meanwhile, the UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), issuing an advisory said it had received reports of a missile being fired 90 nautical miles southeast of Yemen’s port city of Aden. “The master reported a missile landing in the water 400-500 metres away, and being followed by three small craft,” said the UKMTO. UN chief warns against escalation United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called on all sides “not to escalate” the volatile situation in the Red Sea, on Friday (Jan 12) after the US and UK launched strikes against Houthis. The Iran-backed group in Yemen who say they are acting in solidarity with Gaza have attacked a number of ships in the Red Sea stoking fears of the Israel-Hamas war spreading regionwide. ALSO READ | Biden's 'defensive action' against Houthis in Yemen earns him Democratic ire and trolling on X “The Secretary-General further calls on all parties involved not to escalate even more the situation in the interest of peace and stability in the Red Sea and the wider region,” said UN chief’s spokesman Stephane Dujarric. The Russian ambassador to the UN called the joint US-UK strikes against the Houthis a “blatant armed aggression against another country.” He added, “These states all carried out a mass strike on Yemeni territory. I'm not talking about an attack on some group within the country but an attack on the people of the country on the whole. Aircraft were used, warships and submarines.” (With inputs from agencies)

US carries out new strikes in Yemen after Biden vows to protect shipping in Red Sea

In pics | US-UK strikes against Houthis spark massive protests across Yemen

<p>Leaders of major Western countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada rejected South Africa’s case against Israel which accuses it of genocide amid the ongoing war with the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza. Meanwhile, Turkey has said that it will provide documents, mostly visuals, on Israel’s attacks on Gaza.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>‘Canada does not accept…’</strong></h2>

<p>Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, on Friday (Jan 12) said that he&nbsp;does not accept South Africa’s case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) which accuses Israel of committing genocide in the Gaza Strip.&nbsp;</p>

<p>When asked by reporters during a recent press conference, the Canadian PM said that Ottawa is a strong backer of the United Nation’s top court but “that does not mean that we support the premise of the case brought forward by South Africa.”</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Israel Genocide Trial: Pro-Israel and pro-Palestine protests break outside ICJ building</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-genocide-trial-pro-israel-and-pro-palestine-protests-break-outside-icj-building-678989/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>Notably, Trudeau has come under criticism as he initially backed Israel’s right to defend itself but later changed his tune amid the mounting death toll in Gaza.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“He sends out some of his MPs (Members of Parliament) to claim that they support calling Israel genocidal when they’re talking to one group of voters. And then he sends out another group to say that they’re against calling Israel genocidal,” said Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>‘Completely unjustified and wrong’</strong></h2>

<p>A spokesperson for the UK PM Rishi Sunak said that Sunak believed South Africa’s case against Israel was “completely unjustified and wrong.” He added, “The UK government stands by Israel’s clear right to defend itself within the framework of international law.”&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Germany to intervene in ICJ case?</strong></h2>

<p>In what can be seen as the strongest show of support for Israel, aside from the United States the German government, on Friday (Jan 12), said that it is planning to intervene in the ongoing genocide case at the World Court.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-rebuffs-genocide-charges-calls-south-africas-allegations-baseless-679474">Israel rebuffs genocide charges by South Africa, calls allegations 'baseless'</a></strong></p>

<p>“German government firmly and explicitly rejects the accusation of genocide that has now been made against Israel before the International Court of Justice. This accusation has no basis whatsoever,” said spokesman Steffen Hebestreit in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Berlin would be able to intervene in the proceedings at The Hague in line with an article which allows states to seek clarification on the use of a multilateral convention. Hebestreit said Israel was “defending itself” after the “inhuman” attacks by Hamas on October 7.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“In view of Germany’s history, crimes against humanity, and Shoah the government is particularly committed to the UN Genocide Convention,” Hebestreit said.</p>

<p>He added, “The German government supports the International Court of Justice in its work, as it has done for many decades. The government intends to intervene as a third party in the main hearing.”&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>South Africa’s claims are ‘unfounded’</strong></h2>

<p>US State Department spokesman Vedant Patel, on Thursday (Jan 11) after South Africa’s representatives had presented their case said, “That is not a characterisation that I would make from up here about our South African partners.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added, “The allegation that Israel is committing genocide is unfounded.”&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-reacts-to-genocide-accusations-calls-south-africa-legal-arm-of-hamas-679055">&nbsp;Israel reacts to genocide accusations at UN court hearing, calls South Africa 'legal arm' of Hamas</a></strong></p>

<p>Similarly, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby also called the genocide allegations “unfounded,” saying that it is not a word “that ought to be thrown around lightly, and we certainly don’t believe that it applies here.”&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Turkey to provide documents</strong></h2>

<p>Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan on Friday told reporters in Istanbul that Turkey would continue to provide documents, mostly visuals, on Israel’s attacks on Gaza. “I believe Israel will be convicted there. We believe in the justice of the International Court of Justice,” said Erdogan.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>South Africa’s case</strong></h2>

<p>South Africa launched an emergency case at the ICJ accusing Israel of violating the UN Genocide Convention which was signed in 1948 in the wake of the Holocaust.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Pretoria seeks a judgement where Israel is ordered to “immediately” halt its ongoing counteroffensive in Gaza. Israel has dismissed the case as “atrocious” and “preposterous” and even called South Africa a “legal arm” of Hamas.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Leaders of major Western countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada rejected South Africa’s case against Israel which accuses it of genocide amid the ongoing war with the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza.

Leaders of major Western countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada rejected South Africa’s case against Israel which accuses it of genocide amid the ongoing war with the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza. Meanwhile, Turkey has said that it will provide documents, mostly visuals, on Israel’s attacks on Gaza. ‘Canada does not accept…’ Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, on Friday (Jan 12) said that he does not accept South Africa’s case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) which accuses Israel of committing genocide in the Gaza Strip. When asked by reporters during a recent press conference, the Canadian PM said that Ottawa is a strong backer of the United Nation’s top court but “that does not mean that we support the premise of the case brought forward by South Africa.” ALSO WATCH | Israel Genocide Trial: Pro-Israel and pro-Palestine protests break outside ICJ building Notably, Trudeau has come under criticism as he initially backed Israel’s right to defend itself but later changed his tune amid the mounting death toll in Gaza. “He sends out some of his MPs (Members of Parliament) to claim that they support calling Israel genocidal when they’re talking to one group of voters. And then he sends out another group to say that they’re against calling Israel genocidal,” said Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre. ‘Completely unjustified and wrong’ A spokesperson for the UK PM Rishi Sunak said that Sunak believed South Africa’s case against Israel was “completely unjustified and wrong.” He added, “The UK government stands by Israel’s clear right to defend itself within the framework of international law.” Germany to intervene in ICJ case? In what can be seen as the strongest show of support for Israel, aside from the United States the German government, on Friday (Jan 12), said that it is planning to intervene in the ongoing genocide case at the World Court. ALSO READ | Israel rebuffs genocide charges by South Africa, calls allegations 'baseless' “German government firmly and explicitly rejects the accusation of genocide that has now been made against Israel before the International Court of Justice. This accusation has no basis whatsoever,” said spokesman Steffen Hebestreit in a statement. Berlin would be able to intervene in the proceedings at The Hague in line with an article which allows states to seek clarification on the use of a multilateral convention. Hebestreit said Israel was “defending itself” after the “inhuman” attacks by Hamas on October 7. “In view of Germany’s history, crimes against humanity, and Shoah the government is particularly committed to the UN Genocide Convention,” Hebestreit said. He added, “The German government supports the International Court of Justice in its work, as it has done for many decades. The government intends to intervene as a third party in the main hearing.” South Africa’s claims are ‘unfounded’ US State Department spokesman Vedant Patel, on Thursday (Jan 11) after South Africa’s representatives had presented their case said, “That is not a characterisation that I would make from up here about our South African partners.” He added, “The allegation that Israel is committing genocide is unfounded.” ALSO READ | Israel reacts to genocide accusations at UN court hearing, calls South Africa 'legal arm' of Hamas Similarly, National Security Council spokesman John Kirby also called the genocide allegations “unfounded,” saying that it is not a word “that ought to be thrown around lightly, and we certainly don’t believe that it applies here.” Turkey to provide documents Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan on Friday told reporters in Istanbul that Turkey would continue to provide documents, mostly visuals, on Israel’s attacks on Gaza. “I believe Israel will be convicted there. We believe in the justice of the International Court of Justice,” said Erdogan. South Africa’s case South Africa launched an emergency case at the ICJ accusing Israel of violating the UN Genocide Convention which was signed in 1948 in the wake of the Holocaust. Pretoria seeks a judgement where Israel is ordered to “immediately” halt its ongoing counteroffensive in Gaza. Israel has dismissed the case as “atrocious” and “preposterous” and even called South Africa a “legal arm” of Hamas. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel ‘genocide’ case: Western countries reject S. Africa’s charges; Turkey to provide documents

<p>Court cases are tense no matter the issue they are about. The presiding judges maintain strict silence and protocol as lawyers from both sides bring in their knowledge and expertise in order to win the case using smallest of the legal provisions, manoeuvres or loopholes as the case may be. And when it comes to International Court of Justice (ICJ) deliberating on cases of great global importance, the stakes can't be any higher.</p>

<p>It is precisely because of this, when an international lawyer makes a gaffe or a 'silly error' it becomes the talk of the town. And in the social media age, this means global trolling.</p>

<p>Not that his competence or legal expertise was called into question, but British lawyer Malcolm Shaw, one of those representing the Israeli side in the ongoing 'genocide' case in the ICJ, has a 'whoops' moment just when he was in the middle of presenting his argument in the case that involves some serious charges against Israel.</p>

<p>As he carefully and methodically presented what he wanted to say in the matter, the courtroom was silent and attentive to the extent that even a pindrop could be heard. The panel of judges looked at documents, possibly thinking about finer points of International Law and its applications in the context of Israel-Hamas war, expecting strong argument from Shaw...when he just stopped talking.</p>

<p>All eyes were suddenly on Shaw as the continuous stream of proceedings suddenly stopped. And they saw him going through his papers.</p>

<p>A lawyer messing around with the papers in an international court may be a rare sight as everyone is expected to be in tip-top form backed by their painstaking preparation beforehand, but Shaw started looking at his papers, clearly not finding what he was meant to.</p>

<p>"Excuse me....I've lost the page," he can be heard saying in the video recording of the court proceedings.</p>

<p>"Well, someone has shuffled my papers," he added as he looked at page after page.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/not-red-sea-but-a-sea-of-blood-erdogan-lashes-out-at-us-uk-air-strikes-in-yemen-679562">Turning Red Sea to 'sea of blood': Erdogan lashes out at US, UK air strikes in Yemen</a></strong></p>

<p>He definitely did not break any law or rule and any legal representative has a right to take time to go through their documentation during the court proceedings. But ICJ is such a haloed place that this small error appeared to amuse social media users.</p>

<p>Watch the full video here.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-media-max-width="560">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">“Someone has shuffled my papers.”<br />
<br />
Malcolm Shaw, Israel's defence representative at the International Court of Justice and British international legal expert, lost his papers during his statement today in The Hague <a href="https://t.co/oYOyDKLJ99">pic.twitter.com/oYOyDKLJ99</a></p>
— Middle East Eye (@MiddleEastEye) <a href="https://twitter.com/MiddleEastEye/status/1745939736634470457?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2024</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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<h2><strong>What's the case about?</strong></h2>

<p>The emergency case has been launched by South Africa against Israel in the ICJ saying that the latter has breached the UN Genocide Convention in the ongoing war. In simpler terms, Israel has been accused of a 'genocide'. South Africa wants the ICJ to compel Israel to immediately stop its military campaign in Gaza, which has resulted in death of at least 23,469 people so far, according to the figures of the&nbsp;Hamas-run health ministry in the enclave.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | US-UK Airstrikes on Yemen: Will retaliate if Houthis continue outrageous behavior, says Biden</strong></p>

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<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-uk-airstrikes-on-yemen-will-retaliate-if-houthis-continue-outrageous-behavior-says-biden-679587/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
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<p>Israel has strongly denied charges of genocide.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Court cases are tense no matter the issue they are about. The presiding judges maintain strict silence and protocol as lawyers from both sides bring in their knowledge and expertise in order to win the case using smallest of the legal provisions, manoeuvres or loopholes as the case may be.

Court cases are tense no matter the issue they are about. The presiding judges maintain strict silence and protocol as lawyers from both sides bring in their knowledge and expertise in order to win the case using smallest of the legal provisions, manoeuvres or loopholes as the case may be. And when it comes to International Court of Justice (ICJ) deliberating on cases of great global importance, the stakes can't be any higher. It is precisely because of this, when an international lawyer makes a gaffe or a 'silly error' it becomes the talk of the town. And in the social media age, this means global trolling. Not that his competence or legal expertise was called into question, but British lawyer Malcolm Shaw, one of those representing the Israeli side in the ongoing 'genocide' case in the ICJ, has a 'whoops' moment just when he was in the middle of presenting his argument in the case that involves some serious charges against Israel. As he carefully and methodically presented what he wanted to say in the matter, the courtroom was silent and attentive to the extent that even a pindrop could be heard. The panel of judges looked at documents, possibly thinking about finer points of International Law and its applications in the context of Israel-Hamas war, expecting strong argument from Shaw...when he just stopped talking. All eyes were suddenly on Shaw as the continuous stream of proceedings suddenly stopped. And they saw him going through his papers. A lawyer messing around with the papers in an international court may be a rare sight as everyone is expected to be in tip-top form backed by their painstaking preparation beforehand, but Shaw started looking at his papers, clearly not finding what he was meant to. "Excuse me....I've lost the page," he can be heard saying in the video recording of the court proceedings. "Well, someone has shuffled my papers," he added as he looked at page after page. Also Read | Turning Red Sea to 'sea of blood': Erdogan lashes out at US, UK air strikes in Yemen He definitely did not break any law or rule and any legal representative has a right to take time to go through their documentation during the court proceedings. But ICJ is such a haloed place that this small error appeared to amuse social media users. Watch the full video here. “Someone has shuffled my papers.” Malcolm Shaw, Israel's defence representative at the International Court of Justice and British international legal expert, lost his papers during his statement today in The Hague pic.twitter.com/oYOyDKLJ99 — Middle East Eye (@MiddleEastEye) January 12, 2024 × What's the case about? The emergency case has been launched by South Africa against Israel in the ICJ saying that the latter has breached the UN Genocide Convention in the ongoing war. In simpler terms, Israel has been accused of a 'genocide'. South Africa wants the ICJ to compel Israel to immediately stop its military campaign in Gaza, which has resulted in death of at least 23,469 people so far, according to the figures of the Hamas-run health ministry in the enclave. Watch | US-UK Airstrikes on Yemen: Will retaliate if Houthis continue outrageous behavior, says Biden × Israel has strongly denied charges of genocide. (With inputs from agencies)

Someone shuffled my papers: Video of Israel lawyer fumbling in ICJ amuses netizens