Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi movement has engaged in Oman-mediated talks with international parties about its operations in the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea. This is according to a Houthi spokesperson. This follows a series of attacks on ships by the militia group. To know more watch this interview with Edward P Joseph, Senior Fellow at the John Hopkins University.

Houthi Red Sea attack: More ships suspend passage in the Red Sea

Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi movement has engaged in Oman-mediated talks with international parties about its operations in the Red Sea and the Arabian Sea. This is according to a Houthi spokesperson. This follows a series of attacks on ships by the militia group.

Houthi Red Sea attack: Yemen Houthis in Oman-mediated talks over Red Sea operations

Israel is facing immense pressure from its citizens to bring hostage negotiations back to the table. Anger and sorrow have mounted in Israel after the IDF admitted to killing three hostages on Friday. Thousands gathered at Israel's headquarters in Tel Aviv to protest the Israeli military's actions and call on to Netanyahu government to do more to release the hostages in Gaza. To know more watch this interview with Israeli government spokesperson Eylon Levy.

Israel-Hamas war: Freed hostages urge Israel to re-instate hostage negotiations

Israel is facing immense pressure from its citizens to bring hostage negotiations back to the table. Anger and sorrow have mounted in Israel after the IDF admitted to killing three hostages on Friday. Thousands gathered at Israel's headquarters in Tel Aviv to protest the Israeli military's actions and call on to Netanyahu government to do more to release the hostages in Gaza.

Israel-Hamas war: Protesters rally against Israel government to hasten hostage release

Israel's ongoing offensive in the Gaza Strip has spilled over into the Red Sea. The Houthis have ramped up their attacks on Israeli-affiliated ships or any ships that are suspected of carrying cargo to Israeli ports.

Red Sea threats amid Israel-Hamas war

A Canadian youth was charged and arrested with terrorism related offences in connection with antisemitism activity, which has been witnessing&nbsp;a spike across the world after the Israel-Hamas war.

The police arrested the youth, whose information has not been shared citing the accused’s age, on Friday (Dec 15) for facilitating terrorist activity by communicating instructional material related to an explosive substance, CTV News reported.

The accused is further charged with knowingly instructing a person to carry out terrorist activity against "Jewish persons”, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police said in a press release.

Noting the rise of using the internet in terrorism-related activities, the police said it has arrested five young people on such offences since June 2023.

The police said that these activities are especially prevalent among young people, urging the adults in authority positions to watch for early warning signs of radicalisation.

<h2>Mayor asks police to tighten security around Jewish institutions&nbsp;</h2>

“Those include dehumanisation of others, extreme anti-government attitudes and clear statements of intention to carry out violent acts,” the statement added.

Reacting to the development,&nbsp;Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe expressed shock over the incident and asked the police to tighten security around synagogues and other Jewish institutions.

“I was shocked to learn the details of a planned attack against Ottawa's Jewish community,” Sutcliffe said on X.

“There has been a rise in antisemitism in Ottawa in recent weeks.”

He added he was grateful that strong investigative work by the RCMP and Ottawa police was able to avert an attack. He said police would continue to patrol synagogues and other Jewish institutions.

<h2>Rise of hate crimes in Canada after Oct 7 attack</h2>

The Canadian authorities have been witnessing a rise in hate crimes against Jewish and Muslim communities since the October 7 deadly surprise attack in Israel by Hamas, prompting that country's military offensive in Gaza.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-hostages-mistakenly-killed-by-idf-were-waving-white-flag-when-troops-shot-them-reveals-initial-probe-670436">Israeli hostages mistakenly killed by IDF were waving white flag, finds probe</a>

Many metropolitan cities like Toronto, which is house to Canada's largest Jewish population and Muslim population, have reported almost double the number of hate crimes in October compared to the same period last year.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/over-60-including-women-and-children-drown-after-shipwreck-off-libya-says-iom-670455">More than 60 people, including women, kids, drown in shipwreck off Libya: IOM</a>

The city's police chief, Myron Demkiw, said there were 15 reported antisemitic hate crimes for the period of Oct&nbsp;7 to 25 compared to seven in the same time frame in 2022 and three in 2021.

(With inputs from agencies)

A Canadian youth was charged and arrested with terrorism related offences in connection with antisemitism activity, which has been witnessing a spike across the world after the Israel-Hamas war.

A Canadian youth was charged and arrested with terrorism related offences in connection with antisemitism activity, which has been witnessing a spike across the world after the Israel-Hamas war. The police arrested the youth, whose information has not been shared citing the accused’s age, on Friday (Dec 15) for facilitating terrorist activity by communicating instructional material related to an explosive substance, CTV News reported. The accused is further charged with knowingly instructing a person to carry out terrorist activity against "Jewish persons”, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police said in a press release. Noting the rise of using the internet in terrorism-related activities, the police said it has arrested five young people on such offences since June 2023. The police said that these activities are especially prevalent among young people, urging the adults in authority positions to watch for early warning signs of radicalisation. Mayor asks police to tighten security around Jewish institutions “Those include dehumanisation of others, extreme anti-government attitudes and clear statements of intention to carry out violent acts,” the statement added. Reacting to the development, Ottawa Mayor Mark Sutcliffe expressed shock over the incident and asked the police to tighten security around synagogues and other Jewish institutions. “I was shocked to learn the details of a planned attack against Ottawa's Jewish community,” Sutcliffe said on X. “There has been a rise in antisemitism in Ottawa in recent weeks.” He added he was grateful that strong investigative work by the RCMP and Ottawa police was able to avert an attack. He said police would continue to patrol synagogues and other Jewish institutions. Rise of hate crimes in Canada after Oct 7 attack The Canadian authorities have been witnessing a rise in hate crimes against Jewish and Muslim communities since the October 7 deadly surprise attack in Israel by Hamas, prompting that country's military offensive in Gaza. Also read | Israeli hostages mistakenly killed by IDF were waving white flag, finds probe Many metropolitan cities like Toronto, which is house to Canada's largest Jewish population and Muslim population, have reported almost double the number of hate crimes in October compared to the same period last year. Also read | More than 60 people, including women, kids, drown in shipwreck off Libya: IOM The city's police chief, Myron Demkiw, said there were 15 reported antisemitic hate crimes for the period of Oct 7 to 25 compared to seven in the same time frame in 2022 and three in 2021. (With inputs from agencies)

Canadian youth arrested on terrorism charges for targeting Jewish community

Top officials in Washington are actively weighing options to strike back at Yemen’s Houthis after the Iran-backed militant group launched a number of attacks against naval and commercial ships in the Red Sea, reported Politico citing two United States officials. This comes a day after major shipping firms announced that they would be avoiding the Suez Canal, a key trade route between Europe and Asia, a move which could potentially affect global trade.&nbsp;

<h2>Will US respond to Houthi attacks?</h2>

Over the last few weeks, the Yemen-based Houthis have launched a number of attacks against commercial ships passing through the Red Sea amid the ongoing war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza.&nbsp;

The attacks have mostly been thwarted by the American forces in the region but given the rise of such incidents, the US may be planning to ramp up its forces to now retaliate.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Houthi Red Sea attacks: Iran warns against proposed US-backed Red Sea force

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The Pentagon has in recent days moved the Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group from the Persian Gulf into the Gulf of Aden, off the coast of Yemen, to support a potential US response to attacks, one of the American officials told Politico on the condition of anonymity.&nbsp;

The report citing officials also said that the US military has provided options to commanders to strike the Houthis. However, President Joe Biden’s administration is reluctant to respond to these attacks amid fear of provoking Iran.&nbsp;

Earlier, the Pentagon itself had reportedly recommended against it but given the significant uptick in attacks, US officials may be looking to change their tactics.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tanker-in-bab-al-mandab-strait-attacked-by-missiles-from-houthi-controlled-yemen-gunmen-on-speedboats-669295">Tanker carrying jet fuel from India hit by missiles from Houthi-controlled Yemen, gunmen on speedboats</a>

National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, who is in the midst of a trip to the Middle East, said Houthis were a “material threat” to shipping and commerce in the region but the ultimate responsibility for the attacks lies with Iran.&nbsp;

<h2>Recent attacks</h2>

As the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza rages on, Houthis who have expressed support for the Palestinian militant group have issued multiple warnings saying that they would target all ships heading to Israel, regardless of their nationality, and warned international shipping companies against dealing in Israeli ports.&nbsp;

On Saturday (Dec 16) morning, the US and United Kingdom navy vessels shot down suspected attack drones which were said to have been targeting shipping vessels.&nbsp;

American destroyer USS Carney shot down 14 one-way attack drones launched from Houthi-controlled territory in Yemen, said the US Central Command. HMS Diamond, a British destroyer, which was recently deployed in the Red Sea to help protect commercial shipping, also shot down one suspected Houthi drone.

This was a day after two cargo ships in the Red Sea had been attacked by missiles and drones fired from a Houthi-controlled part of Yemen. The attacks took place near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a key route for global trade.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/idf-confirms-houthis-hijacked-ship-in-red-sea-but-says-its-not-israeli-vessel-660542">IDF confirms Houthis hijacked India-bound ship in Red Sea, but says it's not Israeli vessel</a>

One ship was also attacked by a suspected Houthi drone but the Iran-backed group did not claim responsibility for it. “We are aware that something launched from a Houthi-controlled region of Yemen struck this vessel which was damaged, and there was a report of a fire,” a US military official told AFP referring to the drone attack.

<h2>Shipping firms to avoid Suez Canal&nbsp;</h2>

Major shipping firms, including MSC, the world’s biggest container shipping line, on Saturday said that they will avoid the Suez Canal in light of the attacks in the Red Sea.&nbsp;

Denmark’s AP Moller-Maersk, on Friday (Dec 15) said that they are pausing all its container shipments through Bab al-Mandab until further notice, Swiss-based MSC and French shipping group CMA CGM followed suit the next day.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Top officials in Washington are actively weighing options to strike back at Yemen’s Houthis after the Iran-backed militant group launched a number of attacks against naval and commercial ships in the Red Sea, reported Politico citing two United States officials.

Top officials in Washington are actively weighing options to strike back at Yemen’s Houthis after the Iran-backed militant group launched a number of attacks against naval and commercial ships in the Red Sea, reported Politico citing two United States officials. This comes a day after major shipping firms announced that they would be avoiding the Suez Canal, a key trade route between Europe and Asia, a move which could potentially affect global trade. Will US respond to Houthi attacks? Over the last few weeks, the Yemen-based Houthis have launched a number of attacks against commercial ships passing through the Red Sea amid the ongoing war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza. The attacks have mostly been thwarted by the American forces in the region but given the rise of such incidents, the US may be planning to ramp up its forces to now retaliate. WATCH | Houthi Red Sea attacks: Iran warns against proposed US-backed Red Sea force The Pentagon has in recent days moved the Dwight D. Eisenhower Carrier Strike Group from the Persian Gulf into the Gulf of Aden, off the coast of Yemen, to support a potential US response to attacks, one of the American officials told Politico on the condition of anonymity. The report citing officials also said that the US military has provided options to commanders to strike the Houthis. However, President Joe Biden’s administration is reluctant to respond to these attacks amid fear of provoking Iran. Earlier, the Pentagon itself had reportedly recommended against it but given the significant uptick in attacks, US officials may be looking to change their tactics. ALSO READ | Tanker carrying jet fuel from India hit by missiles from Houthi-controlled Yemen, gunmen on speedboats National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan, who is in the midst of a trip to the Middle East, said Houthis were a “material threat” to shipping and commerce in the region but the ultimate responsibility for the attacks lies with Iran. Recent attacks As the war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza rages on, Houthis who have expressed support for the Palestinian militant group have issued multiple warnings saying that they would target all ships heading to Israel, regardless of their nationality, and warned international shipping companies against dealing in Israeli ports. On Saturday (Dec 16) morning, the US and United Kingdom navy vessels shot down suspected attack drones which were said to have been targeting shipping vessels. American destroyer USS Carney shot down 14 one-way attack drones launched from Houthi-controlled territory in Yemen, said the US Central Command. HMS Diamond, a British destroyer, which was recently deployed in the Red Sea to help protect commercial shipping, also shot down one suspected Houthi drone. This was a day after two cargo ships in the Red Sea had been attacked by missiles and drones fired from a Houthi-controlled part of Yemen. The attacks took place near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, a key route for global trade. ALSO READ | IDF confirms Houthis hijacked India-bound ship in Red Sea, but says it's not Israeli vessel One ship was also attacked by a suspected Houthi drone but the Iran-backed group did not claim responsibility for it. “We are aware that something launched from a Houthi-controlled region of Yemen struck this vessel which was damaged, and there was a report of a fire,” a US military official told AFP referring to the drone attack. Shipping firms to avoid Suez Canal Major shipping firms, including MSC, the world’s biggest container shipping line, on Saturday said that they will avoid the Suez Canal in light of the attacks in the Red Sea. Denmark’s AP Moller-Maersk, on Friday (Dec 15) said that they are pausing all its container shipments through Bab al-Mandab until further notice, Swiss-based MSC and French shipping group CMA CGM followed suit the next day. (With inputs from agencies)

US weighs options to retaliate against Houthi attacks in Red Sea: Report

Israel has continued its offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu saying that his country will not stop "until complete victory.

Israel has continued its offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu saying that his country will not stop "until complete victory." The conflict between the warring factions has been going on for more than two months. A report by The New York Times (NYT) on Saturday (Dec 16) said that Israel knew about Hamas' vast financial network in 2018 but took no action. As per the report, Israeli intelligence got its hands on secret documents that laid out details about what amounted to a private equity fund that Hamas used to finance its operations. The documents, which were pilfered from a senior Hamas official's computer, listed assets worth hundreds of millions of dollars. Click here to follow all updates on the Israel-Hamas war The documents were a potential roadmap for choking off Hamas’s money and thwarting its plans, the report said, adding that Israeli agents who obtained the records shared them inside their government and the United States. But nothing happened. A failure to prioritise financial intelligence NYT reported that Hamas controlled mining, chicken farming, and road-building companies in Sudan, twin skyscrapers in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), a property developer in Algeria, and a real estate firm listed on the Turkish stock exchange. However, none of these companies named in the documents faced Israeli or American sanctions. Both Israeli and American officials failed to prioritise financial intelligence which showed that tens of millions of dollars flowed from these companies to Hamas at the same time the Palestinian militant group was buying new weapons and preparing an attack. Also read: Israeli officials knew about Hamas' attack plan over a year ago, says report Officials said that this money helped Hamas build up its military infrastructure and also helped the group lay the groundwork for the Oct 7 attack. Speaking to the publication, Udi Levy, a former chief of Mossad’s economic warfare division, said that everyone talked about the failures of intelligence on the Oct 7 attack but none talked about the failure to stop the money. “It’s the money — the money — that allowed this,” Levy said. 'Netanyahu disinterested in Hamas' portfolio' Amid hopes that the discovery of Hamas' financial network would be disrupted by Israel and the US, the officials at the top levels of both governments were focused on imposing a series of sanctions on Iran. The NYT report said that neither country prioritised Hamas at the time. Israel believed at that time Hamas was more interested in governing than fighting. Udi Levy was part of a team investigating terror finances called Task Force Harpoon, which tracked Hamas' money network over many years. In 2015, the team found out what it called the militant group's secret investment portfolio. Levy told NYT that he recalled briefing Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about the portfolio. “But he didn’t care that much about it,” the former top Mossad official added. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel knew about Hamas' financial network in 2018, but did nothing: Report

Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen said on Sunday (Dec 17) that France could play a "significant role" in avoiding a war in Lebanon as Israel has exchanged regular fire with Lebanese militants since its conflict with Hamas started on Oct 7.

Israeli Foreign Minister Eli Cohen said on Sunday (Dec 17) that France could play a "significant role" in avoiding a war in Lebanon as Israel has exchanged regular fire with Lebanese militants since its conflict with Hamas started on Oct 7. Addressing a press conference in Tel Aviv with his French counterpart Catherine Colonna, Foreign Minister Cohen said, "France could play a positive and significant role to prevent a war in Lebanon." French Foreign Minister Colonna, meanwhile, told reporters that Paris was deeply concerned over the situation in the Gaza Strip. "Too many civilians are being killed," Colonna said while stressing that victims of Hamas' Oct 7 attack should not be forgotten. She is due to meet families of French hostages still held in Gaza and to call for an immediate and durable new humanitarian truce. Click here to follow all updates on Israel-Hamas war Since the Israel-Hamas war started, Israel and Lebanese militant groups, primarily Hezbollah have been in border skirmishes along the Israel-Lebanon border. Hezbollah backs Hamas and has said it is engaging in combat (with Israel) in support of the Palestinian militant group. Israeli soldier killed in Lebanese border The Israeli army said on Saturday that a soldier was killed and two others were wounded by a hostile aircraft on the Lebanese border. "Sergeant Major (reservist) Yehezkel Azaria, from Petah Tikva... fell during an operational activity in the Margaliot area, aged 53 at the time of his death," a statement from the army said. A military spokesperson told the news agency AFP that the attack was the result of an incursion by the hostile aircraft. The army reported the incursion earlier in the day, saying that air defences "intercepted a hostile aircraft that crossed from Lebanon into Israel." "An additional hostile aircraft that crossed from Lebanon was identified and fell in Margaliot... In response, IDF artillery is striking in Lebanon," the army statement added. Also read: Israel knew about Hamas' financial network in 2018, but did nothing: Report This attack comes a day after Lebanese citizens said that the Israeli army dropped leaflets on parts of southern Lebanon, warning them not to help Hezbollah. As per AFP, since the cross-border exchanges began, more than 120 people have been killed on the Lebanese side, most of them Hezbollah fighters but also a Lebanese soldier and 17 civilians. On the Israeli side, four civilians have been killed in addition to the seven soldiers, authorities said. (With inputs from agencies)

France could play 'significant role' to avoid war in Lebanon: Israeli foreign minister

A senior Israeli envoy on Saturday (Dec 16) held a meeting with the prime minister of Qatar, a key mediator in the ongoing conflict in Gaza, news agency Reuters reported citing sources.

As per reports, sources from Egypt suggested that Israel appeared to be more open to a new deal with the Palestinian militant group Hamas.

The meeting that took place between David Barnea and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani was the very first one between senior officials from Israel and Qatar.

In another sign of a possible breakthrough, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would convene his security cabinet and deliver a televised statement on Saturday evening.

<h2>Hostages killed by Israeli army</h2>

In another development from the ongoing conflict, the Israeli army on Saturday said that at least three hostages were mistakenly killed by the Israeli army were carrying a white flag and also cried for help in Hebrew.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-destroyer-shots-down-suspected-attack-drone-targeting-red-sea-shipping-670312">UK destroyer shoots down suspected attack drone 'targeting Red Sea shipping'</a>

Family members of other hostages held in Gaza urged the Israeli government to pause the fighting and make a truce to secure their release.

Yotam Haim, Alon Shamriz and Samer El-Talalqa, all in their 20s, were shot during operations in Gaza City on Friday, prompting demonstrations in Israel.

Army spokesman Daniel Hagari said that during fighting in the Shejaiya district of Gaza City, troops "mistakenly identified three Israeli hostages as a threat and as a result, fired toward them and the hostages were killed".

An army official said the hostages were all "without shirts" and had "a stick with a white cloth on it", but a soldier felt threatened and opened fire.

"Two are killed immediately, one is injured and runs back into the building," the official said, adding that the soldiers heard "a cry for help... in Hebrew".

Despite a ceasefire order, "there's another burst of fire towards the third figure and he also dies."

<h2>United States urges Israel to narrow campaign</h2>

US President Joe Biden's national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, called on Israel to scale down its Gaza campaign and transition to more narrowly targeted operations against Hamas leaders, said the US official.

This came after Netanyahu reiterated that "nothing could stop" his country from continuing the war until it achieves victory against the Palestinian militant group.

"We will continue until the end. There is no question at all. I say this in light of great pain, but also in light of international pressure. Nothing will stop us. We are going until the end, until victory, nothing less than that," Netanyahu said in a video statement released by his office.

(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.

&nbsp;

A senior Israeli envoy on Saturday (Dec 16) held a meeting with the prime minister of Qatar, a key mediator in the ongoing conflict in Gaza, news agency Reuters reported citing sources.

A senior Israeli envoy on Saturday (Dec 16) held a meeting with the prime minister of Qatar, a key mediator in the ongoing conflict in Gaza, news agency Reuters reported citing sources. As per reports, sources from Egypt suggested that Israel appeared to be more open to a new deal with the Palestinian militant group Hamas. The meeting that took place between David Barnea and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani was the very first one between senior officials from Israel and Qatar. In another sign of a possible breakthrough, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would convene his security cabinet and deliver a televised statement on Saturday evening. Hostages killed by Israeli army In another development from the ongoing conflict, the Israeli army on Saturday said that at least three hostages were mistakenly killed by the Israeli army were carrying a white flag and also cried for help in Hebrew. Also read: UK destroyer shoots down suspected attack drone 'targeting Red Sea shipping' Family members of other hostages held in Gaza urged the Israeli government to pause the fighting and make a truce to secure their release. Yotam Haim, Alon Shamriz and Samer El-Talalqa, all in their 20s, were shot during operations in Gaza City on Friday, prompting demonstrations in Israel. Army spokesman Daniel Hagari said that during fighting in the Shejaiya district of Gaza City, troops "mistakenly identified three Israeli hostages as a threat and as a result, fired toward them and the hostages were killed". An army official said the hostages were all "without shirts" and had "a stick with a white cloth on it", but a soldier felt threatened and opened fire. "Two are killed immediately, one is injured and runs back into the building," the official said, adding that the soldiers heard "a cry for help... in Hebrew". Despite a ceasefire order, "there's another burst of fire towards the third figure and he also dies." United States urges Israel to narrow campaign US President Joe Biden's national security adviser, Jake Sullivan, called on Israel to scale down its Gaza campaign and transition to more narrowly targeted operations against Hamas leaders, said the US official. This came after Netanyahu reiterated that "nothing could stop" his country from continuing the war until it achieves victory against the Palestinian militant group. "We will continue until the end. There is no question at all. I say this in light of great pain, but also in light of international pressure. Nothing will stop us. We are going until the end, until victory, nothing less than that," Netanyahu said in a video statement released by his office. (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.

Israel-Hamas war: Mossad and Qatar officials meet amid fresh hopes of truce talks

Three Israeli hostages accidently killed by Israel Defense Forces (IDF) troops were shirtless and waving a white flag when they&nbsp;were mistaken for being militants, according to an IDF official. Meanwhile, thousands of Israelis took to the streets in the city of Tel Aviv urging Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government to secure the release of hostages held by the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza.&nbsp;

<h2>Israeli hostages mistakenly killed by troops</h2>

Three Israeli hostages – Yotam Haim (28), Samer Talalka (22), and Alon Shamriz (26) – were killed in Gaza’s Shejaiya on Friday (Dec 15) around 10:00 am (local time), said an Israeli military official. The case, according to the IDF, was “against our rules of engagement” and had prompted an investigation at the “highest level”.&nbsp;

The initial probe revealed that a soldier stationed at a building identified three suspicious figures emerging from another building around several dozen metres away, reported Times of Israel citing a senior IDF official.&nbsp;

All three were shirtless and one of them was carrying a stick with a white cloth. According to the initial probe, the soldier thought it was an attempt by Hamas to lure them into a trap and immediately opened fire and shouted “terrorists!”.&nbsp;

The soldier, according to the probe, killed two men, while the third one returned to the building he emerged from. Subsequently, the commander of the battalion went outside and asked the troops to stop firing.&nbsp;

The third hostage was heard shouting “Help” in Hebrew and came out of the building and another soldier opened fire at him and fatally shot him, it was found after the initial probe.&nbsp;

Wichian Temthong, a freed Thai hostage, told BBC, that he was “very shocked” and “saddened” to learn about the deaths of the three men with whom he had spent nearly 50 days in captivity.

“We couldn’t speak each other’s languages, so we mostly did hand signals and drawing to communicate,” the Thai worker told BBC. Four of them would shake hands and make a hand gesture to say “keep on fighting” every day to boost their moral support, said Wichian.&nbsp;

<h2>New negotiations are underway?</h2>

Netanyahu made an&nbsp;appearance on TV&nbsp;to confirm on Saturday (Dec 16) that new negotiations were underway for release of&nbsp;hostages held by Hamas. A report by Reuters citing a source said that the chief of Israel’s Mossad spy agency, David Barnea, met Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani in Europe late on Friday.&nbsp;

The meeting indicates a possible new Gaza truce and a prisoner and hostage deal. Meanwhile, in Israel, in a speech followed by the news of the three&nbsp;hostages being mistakenly killed, the Israeli PM said that their deaths “broke the hearts of the nation” but vowed to “continue until victory”.&nbsp;

Netanyahu, in a televised speech, spoke about how the Israeli offensive in Gaza has helped clinch a partial hostage-release deal in November and vowed to maintain intense military pressure on Hamas.&nbsp;

“The instruction I am giving the negotiating team is predicated on this pressure, without which we have nothing,” said the Israeli PM.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Hamas, in a statement said that the group “affirms its position not to open any negotiations to exchange prisoners unless the aggression against our people stops once and for all.” It added, “The movement communicated this position to all mediators.”

<h2>Netanyahu government under pressure</h2>

Israelis continue to put pressure on the Netanyahu government to secure the release of the more than 100 hostages still in Gaza. Hundreds took to the streets in Tel Aviv after the news of the three hostages being mistakenly killed by IDF.

The demonstrators marched toward the IDF’s headquarters chanting, “Their time is running out! Bring them home now!”, quoted Times of Israel. “There is no victory until every last hostage is released!”&nbsp;

Tagit Tzin, the aunt of Dafna (15) and Ela Elyakim (9) who were freed from Gaza last month, told The Independent that while the families understood the military mistakenly killed the three hostages, she believes the error highlights how the only way to retrieve the hostages safely was through a truce deal, not military action.

“Only a ceasefire deal will bring the hostages out alive and not put our soldiers in danger like this,” said Tzin.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Three Israeli hostages accidently killed by Israel Defense Forces (IDF) troops were shirtless and waving a white flag when they were mistaken for being militants, according to an IDF official.

Three Israeli hostages accidently killed by Israel Defense Forces (IDF) troops were shirtless and waving a white flag when they were mistaken for being militants, according to an IDF official. Meanwhile, thousands of Israelis took to the streets in the city of Tel Aviv urging Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government to secure the release of hostages held by the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza. Israeli hostages mistakenly killed by troops Three Israeli hostages – Yotam Haim (28), Samer Talalka (22), and Alon Shamriz (26) – were killed in Gaza’s Shejaiya on Friday (Dec 15) around 10:00 am (local time), said an Israeli military official. The case, according to the IDF, was “against our rules of engagement” and had prompted an investigation at the “highest level”. The initial probe revealed that a soldier stationed at a building identified three suspicious figures emerging from another building around several dozen metres away, reported Times of Israel citing a senior IDF official. All three were shirtless and one of them was carrying a stick with a white cloth. According to the initial probe, the soldier thought it was an attempt by Hamas to lure them into a trap and immediately opened fire and shouted “terrorists!”. The soldier, according to the probe, killed two men, while the third one returned to the building he emerged from. Subsequently, the commander of the battalion went outside and asked the troops to stop firing. The third hostage was heard shouting “Help” in Hebrew and came out of the building and another soldier opened fire at him and fatally shot him, it was found after the initial probe. Wichian Temthong, a freed Thai hostage, told BBC, that he was “very shocked” and “saddened” to learn about the deaths of the three men with whom he had spent nearly 50 days in captivity. “We couldn’t speak each other’s languages, so we mostly did hand signals and drawing to communicate,” the Thai worker told BBC. Four of them would shake hands and make a hand gesture to say “keep on fighting” every day to boost their moral support, said Wichian. New negotiations are underway? Netanyahu made an appearance on TV to confirm on Saturday (Dec 16) that new negotiations were underway for release of hostages held by Hamas. A report by Reuters citing a source said that the chief of Israel’s Mossad spy agency, David Barnea, met Qatari Prime Minister Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani in Europe late on Friday. The meeting indicates a possible new Gaza truce and a prisoner and hostage deal. Meanwhile, in Israel, in a speech followed by the news of the three hostages being mistakenly killed, the Israeli PM said that their deaths “broke the hearts of the nation” but vowed to “continue until victory”. Netanyahu, in a televised speech, spoke about how the Israeli offensive in Gaza has helped clinch a partial hostage-release deal in November and vowed to maintain intense military pressure on Hamas. “The instruction I am giving the negotiating team is predicated on this pressure, without which we have nothing,” said the Israeli PM. Meanwhile, Hamas, in a statement said that the group “affirms its position not to open any negotiations to exchange prisoners unless the aggression against our people stops once and for all.” It added, “The movement communicated this position to all mediators.” Netanyahu government under pressure Israelis continue to put pressure on the Netanyahu government to secure the release of the more than 100 hostages still in Gaza. Hundreds took to the streets in Tel Aviv after the news of the three hostages being mistakenly killed by IDF. The demonstrators marched toward the IDF’s headquarters chanting, “Their time is running out! Bring them home now!”, quoted Times of Israel. “There is no victory until every last hostage is released!” Tagit Tzin, the aunt of Dafna (15) and Ela Elyakim (9) who were freed from Gaza last month, told The Independent that while the families understood the military mistakenly killed the three hostages, she believes the error highlights how the only way to retrieve the hostages safely was through a truce deal, not military action. “Only a ceasefire deal will bring the hostages out alive and not put our soldiers in danger like this,” said Tzin. (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.

Israeli hostages mistakenly killed by IDF were waving white flag when troops shot them, reveals initial probe

Israel's ongoing offensive in the Gaza Strip is of course continued and now it has spilled over into the Red Sea. The Houthi rebels in Yemen have ramped up their attacks on the Israeli Affiliated ships or any ships that are suspected of being carrying cargo to Israeli ports. To know more watch this interview with Glenn Diesen.

Houthi Red Sea attacks: Iran warns against proposed US-backed Red Sea force

+Houthis spark a Shipping Crisis in Red Sea as Maersk suspends ops amidst Gaza War +23 Pakistani soldiers killed in a terror attack by Tehreek-e-Jihad in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa +China facilitates a Ceasefire between Military Junta and Ethnic Rebels +Venezuela & Guyana agree not to use force to settle their dispute over oil-rich Essequibo Mohammed Saleh gets you an in-depth report of the world's biggest warzones of the week in World At War

Houthis spark a Shipping Crisis in Red Sea as Maersk suspends ops amidst Gaza War

The Israeli army has killed three captives held by Palestinian armed groups in Gaza after mistakenly identifying them as a threat, according to Israeli military officials. To know more watch this interview with Former Director of National Security Council Israel, Helit Barel.

Israel-Hamas war: Israeli army bears full responsibility

Israel continues to pound the Gaza Strip with increased intensity the ongoing military offensive continues to flatten Southern Gaza. Over 90% of Gaza's 2.3 million civilians stand displaced.

Israel-Hamas war: Palestinian death toll touches 18,890, including 7,729 children

Casualties in the Gaza War continue to rise and so does the number of journalists killed in the conflict. An unfortunate addition to the list of journalists and media persons killed in the Gaza War, Al Jazeera has confirmed that its journalist Samer Abdudaqa was killed in an Israeli drone attack.

Israel-Hamas war: Al Jazeera cameraperson killed in Gaza

Israeli Defense Forces have surely sparked concerns over the safety of the remaining hostages amid Israel's continued offensive. Over 100 hostages are still held in captivity in Gaza. On Thursday Israel revised the number of hostages alive in Gaza to 115.

Israel-Hamas war: How will Israel ensure the safety of hostages still held in Gaza?

The Israeli army has killed three captives held by Palestinian armed groups in Gaza after mistakenly identifying them as a threat, according to Israeli military officials.

Israel-Hamas war: Netanyahu calls the killings 'unbearable tragedy'

Israel-Hamas war: IDF releases video footage of operations in Gaza & Jabalia

The Indian state of Haryana will recruit 10,000 skilled workers for Israel where there has been a shortage of labour in the construction sector, the Times of India (TOI) reported on Saturday (Dec 16). According to a <a href="https://hkrnl.itiharyana.gov.in/RegisterCompanyDocuments/Construction_Workers.pdf">notice issued by the Haryana Kaushal Rozgar Nigam (HKRN)</a> on Friday, there are four job roles mentioned by the state government- framework/ shuttering carpenter, iron bending, ceramic tile, and plastering.

"The first visa and work permit will be valid until the end of the calendar year and may be extended for additional periods of up to one year at a time to a maximum of 63 months," the <a href="https://hkrnl.itiharyana.gov.in/RegisterCompanyDocuments/Construction_Workers.pdf">notice said regarding</a> the job contract.

Framework/ shuttering carpenter role has vacancies for 3,000 workers, iron bending has vacancies for 3,000 workers, ceramic tile has vacancies for 2,000 workers, and plastering also has vacancies for 2,000 workers.

For all these job roles, the minimum education qualification is a Class 10 pass and a minimum working experience of three years is required. The minimum age requirement of candidates is 25 years while the maximum is 54 years.&nbsp;

All the workers will be paid a monthly salary of around $1,664 (Rs 138,235 or 6,100&nbsp;Israeli New Shekel). The medical insurance of the workers will be provided by their respective employers. A PCC document will be needed for visa processing.

Interested candidates will be interviewed offline.

Once selected, the workers will be entitled to 236 hours of work per month. The overtime hours will be decided by their employers. All workers will be provided leave benefits as per Israel's labour laws.

The notice also said that accommodation allowance and medical insurance charges will be deducted from the workers' salaries.

As per the TOI report, there has been a severe shortage of workers in Israel's construction sector following the country's war with Hamas. Around 90,000 Palestinians had their work permits cancelled due to the ongoing conflict.

The Haryana government's announcement came just days after Union Minister V. Muraleedharan informed the Rajya Sabha that the Modi government did not hold any discussions with Israel over a possible replacement of Palestinian workers by Indians, the report said.

The Indian state of Haryana will recruit 10,000 skilled workers for Israel where there has been a shortage of labour in the construction sector, the Times of India (TOI) reported on Saturday (Dec 16).

The Indian state of Haryana will recruit 10,000 skilled workers for Israel where there has been a shortage of labour in the construction sector, the Times of India (TOI) reported on Saturday (Dec 16). According to a notice issued by the Haryana Kaushal Rozgar Nigam (HKRN) on Friday, there are four job roles mentioned by the state government- framework/ shuttering carpenter, iron bending, ceramic tile, and plastering. "The first visa and work permit will be valid until the end of the calendar year and may be extended for additional periods of up to one year at a time to a maximum of 63 months," the notice said regarding the job contract. Framework/ shuttering carpenter role has vacancies for 3,000 workers, iron bending has vacancies for 3,000 workers, ceramic tile has vacancies for 2,000 workers, and plastering also has vacancies for 2,000 workers. For all these job roles, the minimum education qualification is a Class 10 pass and a minimum working experience of three years is required. The minimum age requirement of candidates is 25 years while the maximum is 54 years. All the workers will be paid a monthly salary of around $1,664 (Rs 138,235 or 6,100 Israeli New Shekel). The medical insurance of the workers will be provided by their respective employers. A PCC document will be needed for visa processing. Interested candidates will be interviewed offline. Once selected, the workers will be entitled to 236 hours of work per month. The overtime hours will be decided by their employers. All workers will be provided leave benefits as per Israel's labour laws. The notice also said that accommodation allowance and medical insurance charges will be deducted from the workers' salaries. As per the TOI report, there has been a severe shortage of workers in Israel's construction sector following the country's war with Hamas. Around 90,000 Palestinians had their work permits cancelled due to the ongoing conflict. The Haryana government's announcement came just days after Union Minister V. Muraleedharan informed the Rajya Sabha that the Modi government did not hold any discussions with Israel over a possible replacement of Palestinian workers by Indians, the report said.

Indian state Haryana to recruit 10,000 skilled workers for jobs in Israel

The U.S. Is a divided house when it comes to supporting its friend in West Asia - Israel. It looks like President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, do not see eye to eye. Reports say Kamala Harris, is forcing the White House to adopt a more sympathetic stance toward Palestinians, publicly.

Gravitas | Biden, Kamala Harris at odds over Palestinians?

Israel’s longest-serving Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has remained a dominant force in the politics of the country for nearly 15 years. Experts believe that he has mastered the art of remaining in power while outmanoeuvring his opponents with the government's prime focus being on economic prosperity, and security, and undermining any chance of establishment of peace between Israel and Palestine.&nbsp;

However, his long and unchallenged rule over Israel started going downwards after his reinstatement in late 2022 when he started working on his highly divisive judicial overhaul for which he faced severe opposition from the citizens of the country.&nbsp;

However, his image as the protector and guardian of the nation was punctured by the surprise attack by Hamas militants on October 7, as his approval ratings crashed. Israelis in huge numbers, especially the former Hamas hostages and their families and relatives, expressed their disappointment and disgust with him openly.

<h2>Declining popularity of Netanyahu&nbsp;</h2>

Generally, in the world of politics, a national security crisis or the beginning of war sees an increase in popularity for democratic leaders. Ukraine's President Vladimir Zelensky is the most recent example who saw a surge in his popularity after the Russia-Ukraine war.&nbsp;

The same was the case with George W Bush whose approval rating increased from 51 per cent to 90 per cent after the 9/11 attacks, according to The Economist. However, this did not turn out in a similar way for Benjamin Netanyahu.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-gaza-war-even-allies-ditch-us-as-153-nations-including-india-vote-in-favour-of-ceasefire-669206">Israel-Gaza war: Even allies ditch US as 153 nations including India vote in favour of ceasefire</a>

The research institutes of Israel on October 13, amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, in a poll revealed that the popularity of Netanyahu has suffered a severe setback since the devastating attack of Hamas while that of Benny Gantz, who is part of the country's “war cabinet,” has increased.

The poll, which was published by Maariv newspaper, showed that the country's opposition parties would clinch a brutal victory against the coalition of Netanyahu if elections were held now.&nbsp;

Among around 600 people surveyed, 47 per cent opted for Gantz as their next prime minister, while only 27 per cent voted for Netanyahu.

As per the survey, Gantz’s centrist National Unity party will be able to win 41 seats more than the 12 seats&nbsp;it has been currently holding. Meanwhile, Likud – which currently has 32 seats – will be able to clinch a win on just 19 seats.

Watch:&nbsp;Israel's Foreign Minister: War in Gaza would continue 'with or without international support'

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israels-foreign-minister-war-in-gaza-would-continue-with-or-without-international-support-669618/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

As per a Dialogue Center poll, around 86 per cent of respondents felt that the October 7 attack was a result of a failed national leadership. Even the editorials in newspapers as well as political commentators did not stay behind in expressing mistrust against the government of Netanyahu.&nbsp;

As the dark clouds hovered over Netanyahu's regime, the country's longest-running newspaper The Haaretz wrote - “The disaster that befell Israel on the holiday of Simchat Torah is the clear responsibility of one person: Benjamin Netanyahu.”

Now, it will be in 2024 to see whether Netanyahu emerges successful in saving his throne or if this&nbsp;tumultuous phase brings the leader to his knees.

(With inputs from agencies)

Israel’s longest-serving Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has remained a dominant force in the politics of the country for nearly 15 years. Experts believe that he has mastered the art of remaining in power while outmanoeuvring his opponents with the government's prime focus being on economic prosperity, and security, and undermining any chance of establishment of peace between Israel and Palestine.

Israel’s longest-serving Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has remained a dominant force in the politics of the country for nearly 15 years. Experts believe that he has mastered the art of remaining in power while outmanoeuvring his opponents with the government's prime focus being on economic prosperity, and security, and undermining any chance of establishment of peace between Israel and Palestine. However, his long and unchallenged rule over Israel started going downwards after his reinstatement in late 2022 when he started working on his highly divisive judicial overhaul for which he faced severe opposition from the citizens of the country. However, his image as the protector and guardian of the nation was punctured by the surprise attack by Hamas militants on October 7, as his approval ratings crashed. Israelis in huge numbers, especially the former Hamas hostages and their families and relatives, expressed their disappointment and disgust with him openly. Declining popularity of Netanyahu Generally, in the world of politics, a national security crisis or the beginning of war sees an increase in popularity for democratic leaders. Ukraine's President Vladimir Zelensky is the most recent example who saw a surge in his popularity after the Russia-Ukraine war. The same was the case with George W Bush whose approval rating increased from 51 per cent to 90 per cent after the 9/11 attacks, according to The Economist. However, this did not turn out in a similar way for Benjamin Netanyahu. Also read: Israel-Gaza war: Even allies ditch US as 153 nations including India vote in favour of ceasefire The research institutes of Israel on October 13, amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, in a poll revealed that the popularity of Netanyahu has suffered a severe setback since the devastating attack of Hamas while that of Benny Gantz, who is part of the country's “war cabinet,” has increased. The poll, which was published by Maariv newspaper, showed that the country's opposition parties would clinch a brutal victory against the coalition of Netanyahu if elections were held now. Among around 600 people surveyed, 47 per cent opted for Gantz as their next prime minister, while only 27 per cent voted for Netanyahu. As per the survey, Gantz’s centrist National Unity party will be able to win 41 seats more than the 12 seats it has been currently holding. Meanwhile, Likud – which currently has 32 seats – will be able to clinch a win on just 19 seats. Watch: Israel's Foreign Minister: War in Gaza would continue 'with or without international support' As per a Dialogue Center poll, around 86 per cent of respondents felt that the October 7 attack was a result of a failed national leadership. Even the editorials in newspapers as well as political commentators did not stay behind in expressing mistrust against the government of Netanyahu. As the dark clouds hovered over Netanyahu's regime, the country's longest-running newspaper The Haaretz wrote - “The disaster that befell Israel on the holiday of Simchat Torah is the clear responsibility of one person: Benjamin Netanyahu.” Now, it will be in 2024 to see whether Netanyahu emerges successful in saving his throne or if this tumultuous phase brings the leader to his knees. (With inputs from agencies)

Here's how 2023 turned out for Israel's PM Netanyahu amid war, protests

United States Vice President Kamala Harris has reportedly become the cause of tensions in the White House.&nbsp;As per reports, President Joe Biden's second-in-command has been urging him and other colleagues to show more sensitivity to the plight of Palestinian civilians, as the death toll in Gaza continues to mount.&nbsp;

<h2>A push for sympathy</h2>

As per a Politico report, Harris has been telling her colleagues that she wants the White House to publicly be sensitive and show more concern about the humanitarian damage in Gaza.

The publication reports that in internal conversations about the Israel-Hamas war, Harris has expressed her belief that the US should be "tougher" on Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/israel-hamas-conflict-takes-toll-on-neighbouring-economies-un-study-warns-of-10-bn-impact-669871">Israel-Hamas conflict takes toll on neighbouring economies, UN study warns of $10 bn impact</a>

She has called for being "more forceful at seeking a long-term peace and two-state solution," said one person.

Harris has reportedly also argued that the US should start making "day after" plans for when the war ends, leaving behind wreckage.

The source of this information, as cited by Politico, is "three people familiar with Harris' comments".

<h2>Differences between Biden and Harris?</h2>

There are longstanding differences in perspective between Harris and Biden, reports Politico. However, Kirsten Allen, Kamala Harris'&nbsp;press secretary, clarified that "there is no daylight between the president and the vice president, nor has there been".

Allen said that the two are aligned and "have been clear: Israel has a right and responsibility to defend itself; humanitarian aid must be allowed to flow into Gaza; innocent civilians must be protected; and the United States remains committed to a two-state solution."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/united-states-wants-israel-hamas-war-to-end-as-soon-as-possible-says-white-house-669806">United States wants Israel-Hamas war to end 'as soon as possible', says White House</a>

She also cautioned the media "about citing anonymous sources in the ‘orbit’ about sensitive national security conversations between the president and vice president that take place in the Oval Office."

Since the beginning of this war on Oct 7, the US has repeatedly made mention of its support for Israel's right to defend itself, and spoken up about a rise in antisemitism. However, as per a Washington Post report from last month, in October, Harris had urged Biden to condemn Islamophobia along with antisemitism.&nbsp;

Since then, the US has grown increasingly willing to criticise Israel's "indiscriminate bombing" of Gaza, with Biden even calling on the Netanyahu government to "change" its methods.

(With inputs from agencies)

United States Vice President Kamala Harris has reportedly become the cause of tensions in the White House. As per reports, President Joe Biden's second-in-command has been urging him and other colleagues to show more sensitivity to the plight of Palestinian civilians, as the death toll in Gaza continues to mount.

United States Vice President Kamala Harris has reportedly become the cause of tensions in the White House. As per reports, President Joe Biden's second-in-command has been urging him and other colleagues to show more sensitivity to the plight of Palestinian civilians, as the death toll in Gaza continues to mount. A push for sympathy As per a Politico report, Harris has been telling her colleagues that she wants the White House to publicly be sensitive and show more concern about the humanitarian damage in Gaza. The publication reports that in internal conversations about the Israel-Hamas war, Harris has expressed her belief that the US should be "tougher" on Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu. Also read | Israel-Hamas conflict takes toll on neighbouring economies, UN study warns of $10 bn impact She has called for being "more forceful at seeking a long-term peace and two-state solution," said one person. Harris has reportedly also argued that the US should start making "day after" plans for when the war ends, leaving behind wreckage. The source of this information, as cited by Politico, is "three people familiar with Harris' comments". Differences between Biden and Harris? There are longstanding differences in perspective between Harris and Biden, reports Politico. However, Kirsten Allen, Kamala Harris' press secretary, clarified that "there is no daylight between the president and the vice president, nor has there been". Allen said that the two are aligned and "have been clear: Israel has a right and responsibility to defend itself; humanitarian aid must be allowed to flow into Gaza; innocent civilians must be protected; and the United States remains committed to a two-state solution." Also read | United States wants Israel-Hamas war to end 'as soon as possible', says White House She also cautioned the media "about citing anonymous sources in the ‘orbit’ about sensitive national security conversations between the president and vice president that take place in the Oval Office." Since the beginning of this war on Oct 7, the US has repeatedly made mention of its support for Israel's right to defend itself, and spoken up about a rise in antisemitism. However, as per a Washington Post report from last month, in October, Harris had urged Biden to condemn Islamophobia along with antisemitism. Since then, the US has grown increasingly willing to criticise Israel's "indiscriminate bombing" of Gaza, with Biden even calling on the Netanyahu government to "change" its methods. (With inputs from agencies)

US VP Harris urges President Biden to be 'tougher' on Netanyahu, sparks tensions: Report

Even as the civilian casualties in Gaza continue to rise, Israeli citizens say that the army should not back off from its unrelenting offensive to crush the militant group Hamas.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on Wednesday, echoed the sentiments and announced that the country will continue to fight.

This is despite the international calls for a ceasefire and the fading global sympathy for Israel.

<h2>'Now is not the time to back down'</h2>

Polls conducted in recent weeks show overwhelming support for the war. Talking to Reuters on Wednesday, four Israeli citizens said that regardless of fading global sympathy for Israel — aptly reflected in Tuesday's UN resolution — now was not the time to back down.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nothing-will-stop-us-until-victory-in-gaza-says-israeli-prime-minister-benjamin-netanyahu-669443">'Nothing will stop us' until victory in Gaza, says Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu</a>

"If we don't take this fight to the end, then tomorrow morning we'll have battles in the north and in the east and the south and maybe Iran. Therefore, we have no choice," said Ben Zion Levinger, a retired IT worker.

<h2>Hamas annihilation is the goal</h2>

The public's sentiment is an echo of what the Israeli officials feel.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, while talking to soldiers, said that the country will continue fighting "until the end".

"We're continuing until the end, until victory, until Hamas is annihilated," he told soldiers in Gaza over radio.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-starts-flooding-seawater-in-gaza-tunnels-to-dismantle-hamas-network-report-669279">Israel starts flooding seawater in Gaza tunnels to dismantle Hamas network: Report</a>

"I say this in the face of great pain but also in the face of international pressures. Nothing will stop us."

In an interview, Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee chair, Yuli Edelstein, said that although the cost was "terrible", the nation's military operation's goal was the total destruction of Hamas Infrastructure in Gaza.&nbsp;

<h2>Israelis and war: What the polls show</h2>

Even as international pressure for a ceasefire builds, more than three-quarters of Israelis said that the nation's offensive should continue — without adjustments that could potentially reduce Palestinian civilian casualties.

These are the results of a survey conducted in November by the Israel Democracy Institute, after a week-long pause in hostilities.&nbsp;

Many people felt that deaths were an acceptable price to pay for future security.

"There is a sense of first revenge, mainly on the right, and on the left and the centre they see it as I would say secondary to the achievements of the war … it is being perceived as collateral damage," reports Reuters.

As per a poll conducted by Tel Aviv University late in October, only 10 per cent of the respondents thought that the army was using too much firepower. Others said Israel was doing what it could to avoid killing non-combatants.

"It's awful. It's awful that there are so many civilian casualties," said Jerusalem resident Adam Saville, adding,&nbsp;"But this is war, and that's what happens in war."

Even as the civilian casualties in Gaza continue to rise, Israeli citizens say that the army should not back off from its unrelenting offensive to crush the militant group Hamas.

Even as the civilian casualties in Gaza continue to rise, Israeli citizens say that the army should not back off from its unrelenting offensive to crush the militant group Hamas. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on Wednesday, echoed the sentiments and announced that the country will continue to fight. This is despite the international calls for a ceasefire and the fading global sympathy for Israel. 'Now is not the time to back down' Polls conducted in recent weeks show overwhelming support for the war. Talking to Reuters on Wednesday, four Israeli citizens said that regardless of fading global sympathy for Israel — aptly reflected in Tuesday's UN resolution — now was not the time to back down. Also read | 'Nothing will stop us' until victory in Gaza, says Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu "If we don't take this fight to the end, then tomorrow morning we'll have battles in the north and in the east and the south and maybe Iran. Therefore, we have no choice," said Ben Zion Levinger, a retired IT worker. Hamas annihilation is the goal The public's sentiment is an echo of what the Israeli officials feel. On Wednesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, while talking to soldiers, said that the country will continue fighting "until the end". "We're continuing until the end, until victory, until Hamas is annihilated," he told soldiers in Gaza over radio. Also read | Israel starts flooding seawater in Gaza tunnels to dismantle Hamas network: Report "I say this in the face of great pain but also in the face of international pressures. Nothing will stop us." In an interview, Knesset Foreign Affairs and Defence Committee chair, Yuli Edelstein, said that although the cost was "terrible", the nation's military operation's goal was the total destruction of Hamas Infrastructure in Gaza. Israelis and war: What the polls show Even as international pressure for a ceasefire builds, more than three-quarters of Israelis said that the nation's offensive should continue — without adjustments that could potentially reduce Palestinian civilian casualties. These are the results of a survey conducted in November by the Israel Democracy Institute, after a week-long pause in hostilities. Many people felt that deaths were an acceptable price to pay for future security. "There is a sense of first revenge, mainly on the right, and on the left and the centre they see it as I would say secondary to the achievements of the war … it is being perceived as collateral damage," reports Reuters. As per a poll conducted by Tel Aviv University late in October, only 10 per cent of the respondents thought that the army was using too much firepower. Others said Israel was doing what it could to avoid killing non-combatants. "It's awful. It's awful that there are so many civilian casualties," said Jerusalem resident Adam Saville, adding, "But this is war, and that's what happens in war."

'Awful...but that's what happens in war': Israelis want Hamas crushed despite Gaza casualties

Pro-Palestinian protesters blocked a major highway in the United States city of Los Angeles&nbsp;on Wednesday (Dec 13), calling for a ceasefire amid the ongoing war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza. The California police detained 75 people following tense physical confrontations between commuters and protesters who caused the highway to shut down during the morning rush hour.&nbsp;

<h2>Protests on highway in LA</h2>

At least 75 people who were related to the pro-Palestinian protest were detained by the California highway patrol after dozens gathered on the 110 Freeway in downtown LA. Images and videos show several demonstrators sitting in a row stretching from one edge of the multi-lane highway to the other.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-one-civilian-killed-11-injured-after-russian-drone-missile-attacks-in-south-ukraine-kyiv-669564">At least one civilian killed, 11 injured after Russian drone, missile attacks in southern Ukraine: Kyiv</a>

The protest was organised by the progressive Jewish organisation IfNotNow which said that&nbsp;it had been timed for Hanukkah. They could also be heard singing the phrase “ceasefire now” while appearing to link arms and blocking the highway.&nbsp;

Images and videos also show protesters&nbsp;wearing black t-shirts which read “not in our name” and “Jews say ceasefire now”. The organisation in a statement said, “We cannot allow business as usual to continue, as Palestinians are murdered with impunity.”&nbsp;

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Protestors calling for a Ceasefire in Gaza have blocked the 110 southbound freeway in Los Angeles <a href="https://t.co/iIxksmvFlN">pic.twitter.com/iIxksmvFlN</a>
— Sergio Olmos (@MrOlmos) <a href="https://twitter.com/MrOlmos/status/1734988800303190401?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 13, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Protesters demanding a cease-fire in Gaza shut down the 110 Freeway in Los Angeles Wednesday morning. All lanes were blocked as protesters lined up, sitting down along the southbound side of the freeway. 75 people were arrested, according to the California Highway Patrol. <a href="https://t.co/zpWv3lCaoS">pic.twitter.com/zpWv3lCaoS</a>
— The Associated Press (@AP) <a href="https://twitter.com/AP/status/1735069713275744492?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 13, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Protesters also sang in Hebrew and erected a seven-foot menorah in the middle of the freeway, reported Los Angeles Times.&nbsp;

<h2>‘Just hurting working people’</h2>

Since the protest disrupted LA’s major highway during the morning rush, safe to say people who were trying to get to work were not happy about it.&nbsp;

Some videos posted by American media outlets show angry commuters stepping out of their vehicles and trying to move the demonstrators from the road.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australian-mother-wrongfully-jailed-for-death-of-four-babies-has-convictions-overturned-669517">Australian mother wrongfully jailed for death of four babies has convictions overturned</a>

Some commuters were seen dragging and shoving the protesters. “You idiots are just hurting working people,” one person was heard saying in a video posted by a journalist on-scene.&nbsp;

Content warning: The visuals may be disturbing to some users. It may contain some profanity as well. Viewer discretion is advised. WION is not responsible for the content of the video.

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More people on the freeway attack protesters - with one being thrown to the street - and CHP steps in: <a href="https://t.co/yHW9IhP5Xh">pic.twitter.com/yHW9IhP5Xh</a>
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“Is it over? I’m in support of a cease-fire but we’re late,” said a woman with her daughter in the backseat off the freeway, as quoted by the LA Times.&nbsp;

As per the media report, the last demonstrator left at about 10:30 am (local time) and two lanes of the highway reopened.&nbsp;

Since the beginning of the war between Israel and Hamas, the US in particular has witnessed a number of protests and rallies.&nbsp;

The protest in LA also comes days after at least 50 people were arrested in Washington DC by the police after they held pro-Palestinian protests inside the Capitol building.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Pro-Palestinian protesters blocked a major highway in the United States city of Los Angeles on Wednesday (Dec 13), calling for a ceasefire amid the ongoing war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza.

Pro-Palestinian protesters blocked a major highway in the United States city of Los Angeles on Wednesday (Dec 13), calling for a ceasefire amid the ongoing war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza. The California police detained 75 people following tense physical confrontations between commuters and protesters who caused the highway to shut down during the morning rush hour. Protests on highway in LA At least 75 people who were related to the pro-Palestinian protest were detained by the California highway patrol after dozens gathered on the 110 Freeway in downtown LA. Images and videos show several demonstrators sitting in a row stretching from one edge of the multi-lane highway to the other. ALSO READ | At least one civilian killed, 11 injured after Russian drone, missile attacks in southern Ukraine: Kyiv The protest was organised by the progressive Jewish organisation IfNotNow which said that it had been timed for Hanukkah. They could also be heard singing the phrase “ceasefire now” while appearing to link arms and blocking the highway. Images and videos also show protesters wearing black t-shirts which read “not in our name” and “Jews say ceasefire now”. The organisation in a statement said, “We cannot allow business as usual to continue, as Palestinians are murdered with impunity.” Protestors calling for a Ceasefire in Gaza have blocked the 110 southbound freeway in Los Angeles pic.twitter.com/iIxksmvFlN — Sergio Olmos (@MrOlmos) December 13, 2023 × Protesters demanding a cease-fire in Gaza shut down the 110 Freeway in Los Angeles Wednesday morning. All lanes were blocked as protesters lined up, sitting down along the southbound side of the freeway. 75 people were arrested, according to the California Highway Patrol. pic.twitter.com/zpWv3lCaoS — The Associated Press (@AP) December 13, 2023 × Protesters also sang in Hebrew and erected a seven-foot menorah in the middle of the freeway, reported Los Angeles Times. ‘Just hurting working people’ Since the protest disrupted LA’s major highway during the morning rush, safe to say people who were trying to get to work were not happy about it. Some videos posted by American media outlets show angry commuters stepping out of their vehicles and trying to move the demonstrators from the road. ALSO READ | Australian mother wrongfully jailed for death of four babies has convictions overturned Some commuters were seen dragging and shoving the protesters. “You idiots are just hurting working people,” one person was heard saying in a video posted by a journalist on-scene. Content warning: The visuals may be disturbing to some users. It may contain some profanity as well. Viewer discretion is advised. WION is not responsible for the content of the video. More people on the freeway attack protesters - with one being thrown to the street - and CHP steps in: pic.twitter.com/yHW9IhP5Xh — Jon peltz (@JonnyPeltz) December 13, 2023 × “Is it over? I’m in support of a cease-fire but we’re late,” said a woman with her daughter in the backseat off the freeway, as quoted by the LA Times. As per the media report, the last demonstrator left at about 10:30 am (local time) and two lanes of the highway reopened. Since the beginning of the war between Israel and Hamas, the US in particular has witnessed a number of protests and rallies. The protest in LA also comes days after at least 50 people were arrested in Washington DC by the police after they held pro-Palestinian protests inside the Capitol building. (With inputs from agencies)

WATCH | Pro-Palestinian protesters block major highway in Los Angeles, at least 75 arrested

Yemen’s Houthi rebels fired two missiles at a commercial tanker carrying Indian-manufactured jet fuel near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, on Wednesday (Dec 13), reported the Associated Press citing an American official. The vessel was also attacked by a speedboat with armed men off the coast of Yemen’s Red Sea port of Hodeidah, said the British maritime security company.

The attack comes a day after a senior official from the Iran-backed group warned cargo ships in the Red Sea to avoid travelling toward Israel and claimed the attack on a Norwegian commercial tanker.&nbsp;

<h2>Missiles fired from rebel-held Yemen</h2>

A report by the AP citing an anonymous United States official said that an American warship in the region shot down a suspected Houthi drone flying in its direction during the incident.&nbsp;

The incident which involved a tanker, Ardmore Encounter, marks an escalation by the Houthis who have repeatedly attacked ships close to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait amid the ongoing war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Israel forces deploy 'Sa'ar 6' to counter Houthis as their attacks rise in Red Sea

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The Marshall Islands-flagged tanker was travelling north toward the Suez Canal in the Red Sea, reported AP citing satellite tracking data, adding that the vessel had left from the Indian city of Mangalore and had an armed security crew aboard it.

The guards apparently opened fire at the armed men on speedboats trying to board the vessel, said Ambrey, a British maritime security company.&nbsp;

Earlier, on Wednesday, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency said it had received reports of an incident in the vicinity of the Bab al-Mandab Strait, without giving more details.

Ambrey said a Marshall Islands-flagged chemical tanker reported an “exchange of fire” with a speedboat around 102 kilometres off Hodeidah, adding that the boat approached the tanker and initiated the gunfire at a distance of 300 metres.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/anti-ship-cruise-missile-from-houthi-controlled-yemen-strikes-tanker-causes-fire-us-military-668788">Anti-ship cruise missile from Houthi-controlled Yemen strikes tanker, causes fire: US military</a>

The British private intelligence firm also said that the tanker was hailed by an entity claiming to be the Yemeni Navy – both Yemen’s internationally recognised government and Houthi rebels self-identify as the Yemeni Navy – which asked the vessel to alter course but a “coalition” warship advised the ship to maintain it, reported Reuters.&nbsp;

It was not immediately clear which coalition Ambrey was referring to.&nbsp;

<h2>Shipping company confirms attack</h2>

Ardmore Shipping Corp, which owns and operates the ship, issued a statement to the AP acknowledging the attack and said that no one was injured and “all crew members are safe and accounted for,” adding that the vessel was also “fully operational with no loss of cargo or damage on board.”

“Ardmore is in close contact with the relevant authorities and military assistance is now in the area providing support as required,” said the shipping company.&nbsp;

The ship, carrying jet fuel from Shell MRPL Aviation Fuels &amp; Services Ltd and India’s national oil company was reportedly headed to either Rotterdam, Netherlands or Gavle, Sweden. &nbsp;

<h2>Houthis issue another warning&nbsp;</h2>

The recent incident came after an anti-ship cruise missile launched from Houthi-controlled Yemen, struck a Norwegian-flagged tanker STRINDA and caused a fire, according to the United States military.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/yemens-houthis-say-they-attacked-israeli-ships-in-red-sea-665844">Yemen's Houthis say they attacked Israeli ships in Red Sea</a>

The Iran-backed group had issued a warning on Saturday (Dec 9) that they would target all ships heading to Israel, regardless of their nationality, and warned international shipping companies against dealing in Israeli ports.&nbsp;

Mohamed Ali al-Houthi, head of Yemen’s Houthi supreme revolutionary committee took to X, on Tuesday (Dec 12) and reiterated the warning and asked ships that pass Yemen to keep radios turned on, and quickly respond to Houthi attempts at communication.&nbsp;

Al-Houthi also warned cargo ships against “falsifying their identity” or raising flags different from the country belonging to the cargo ship owner.

(With inputs from agencies)

Yemen’s Houthi rebels fired two missiles at a commercial tanker carrying Indian-manufactured jet fuel near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, on Wednesday (Dec 13), reported the Associated Press citing an American official.

Yemen’s Houthi rebels fired two missiles at a commercial tanker carrying Indian-manufactured jet fuel near the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, on Wednesday (Dec 13), reported the Associated Press citing an American official. The vessel was also attacked by a speedboat with armed men off the coast of Yemen’s Red Sea port of Hodeidah, said the British maritime security company. The attack comes a day after a senior official from the Iran-backed group warned cargo ships in the Red Sea to avoid travelling toward Israel and claimed the attack on a Norwegian commercial tanker. Missiles fired from rebel-held Yemen A report by the AP citing an anonymous United States official said that an American warship in the region shot down a suspected Houthi drone flying in its direction during the incident. The incident which involved a tanker, Ardmore Encounter, marks an escalation by the Houthis who have repeatedly attacked ships close to the Bab el-Mandeb Strait amid the ongoing war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza. WATCH | Israel forces deploy 'Sa'ar 6' to counter Houthis as their attacks rise in Red Sea The Marshall Islands-flagged tanker was travelling north toward the Suez Canal in the Red Sea, reported AP citing satellite tracking data, adding that the vessel had left from the Indian city of Mangalore and had an armed security crew aboard it. The guards apparently opened fire at the armed men on speedboats trying to board the vessel, said Ambrey, a British maritime security company. Earlier, on Wednesday, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency said it had received reports of an incident in the vicinity of the Bab al-Mandab Strait, without giving more details. Ambrey said a Marshall Islands-flagged chemical tanker reported an “exchange of fire” with a speedboat around 102 kilometres off Hodeidah, adding that the boat approached the tanker and initiated the gunfire at a distance of 300 metres. ALSO READ | Anti-ship cruise missile from Houthi-controlled Yemen strikes tanker, causes fire: US military The British private intelligence firm also said that the tanker was hailed by an entity claiming to be the Yemeni Navy – both Yemen’s internationally recognised government and Houthi rebels self-identify as the Yemeni Navy – which asked the vessel to alter course but a “coalition” warship advised the ship to maintain it, reported Reuters. It was not immediately clear which coalition Ambrey was referring to. Shipping company confirms attack Ardmore Shipping Corp, which owns and operates the ship, issued a statement to the AP acknowledging the attack and said that no one was injured and “all crew members are safe and accounted for,” adding that the vessel was also “fully operational with no loss of cargo or damage on board.” “Ardmore is in close contact with the relevant authorities and military assistance is now in the area providing support as required,” said the shipping company. The ship, carrying jet fuel from Shell MRPL Aviation Fuels & Services Ltd and India’s national oil company was reportedly headed to either Rotterdam, Netherlands or Gavle, Sweden. Houthis issue another warning The recent incident came after an anti-ship cruise missile launched from Houthi-controlled Yemen, struck a Norwegian-flagged tanker STRINDA and caused a fire, according to the United States military. ALSO READ | Yemen's Houthis say they attacked Israeli ships in Red Sea The Iran-backed group had issued a warning on Saturday (Dec 9) that they would target all ships heading to Israel, regardless of their nationality, and warned international shipping companies against dealing in Israeli ports. Mohamed Ali al-Houthi, head of Yemen’s Houthi supreme revolutionary committee took to X, on Tuesday (Dec 12) and reiterated the warning and asked ships that pass Yemen to keep radios turned on, and quickly respond to Houthi attempts at communication. Al-Houthi also warned cargo ships against “falsifying their identity” or raising flags different from the country belonging to the cargo ship owner. (With inputs from agencies)

Tanker carrying jet fuel from India hit by missiles from Houthi-controlled Yemen, gunmen on speedboats

United States President Joe Biden on Tuesday (Dec 12) issued a&nbsp;warning to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as he said that Israel is "starting to lose the support" of the international community because of the Gaza bombing, which has killed thousands of Palestinians.&nbsp;

"They're starting to lose that support," said Biden, further adding that Netanyahu needs to change his hardline government. With Biden's warning, the pressure on Netanyahu has increased. It intensified further after the UN General Assembly demanded an immediate ceasefire.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/volodymyr-zelensky-arrives-at-white-house-for-aid-talks-with-joe-biden-669060">Biden meets Zelensky, says he has signed $200m emergency aid drawdown</a>&nbsp;

The war, which is now in its third month, started after the Palestinian militant group Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, killing around 1,200 people and taking over 200 people as hostages back to Gaza, Israeli officials have said. Under a one-week truce deal, 105 hostages were released from Gaza in exchange for 240 Palestinians jailed by Israel.&nbsp;

In response to the October 7 attack, Israel launched a massive ground and air campaign, which has killed more than 18,400 people in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.&nbsp;

Biden also said that the Israeli government "doesn't want" a two-state solution. "Bibi's got a tough decision to make," Biden said, referring to Netanyahu and his hardline right-wing government.&nbsp;

"This is the most conservative government in Israel's history," he said, adding that the Israeli government "doesn't want a two-state solution."&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/passport-less-flight-mystery-russian-man-arrives-in-us-without-ticket-or-visa-fbi-digs-into-unusual-case-669031">Russian man arrives in US without ticket or visa, FBI investigates bizarre incident</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

Biden's remarks to donors to his re-election campaign in 2024 were his most critical of Netanyahu in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.&nbsp;

"Israel's security can rest on the United States, but right now it has more than the United States. It has the European Union, it has Europe, it has most of the world ... But they're starting to lose that support by indiscriminate bombing that takes place," Biden said.

Watch: Did Israel use white phosphorous in Gaza war?

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<h2>UN&nbsp;calls for&nbsp;humanitarian ceasefire&nbsp;</h2>

On the same day, the UN General Assembly overwhelmingly passed a resolution on Tuesday demanding an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza.&nbsp;

The body, which includes all 193 UN member nations, voted 153 in favour of the resolution, exceeding the 140 or so countries that have routinely backed resolutions condemning Russia for its invasion of Ukraine.&nbsp;

Ten countries, including the United States and Israel, voted against it, while 23 abstained.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Palestinian UN&nbsp;envoy Riyad Mansour&nbsp;said the US&nbsp;could not continue "to ignore this massive power" referring to the global protests in support of Palestine.&nbsp;He described the vote as a culmination of public sentiment.&nbsp;

"It is our collective duty to continue on this path until we see an end to this aggression against our people, to see this war stopping against our people. It is our duty to save lives," he told reporters.&nbsp;

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

(With inputs from agencies)

United States President Joe Biden on Tuesday (Dec 12) issued a warning to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as he said that Israel is "starting to lose the support" of the international community because of the Gaza bombing, which has killed thousands of Palestinians.

United States President Joe Biden on Tuesday (Dec 12) issued a warning to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as he said that Israel is "starting to lose the support" of the international community because of the Gaza bombing, which has killed thousands of Palestinians. "They're starting to lose that support," said Biden, further adding that Netanyahu needs to change his hardline government. With Biden's warning, the pressure on Netanyahu has increased. It intensified further after the UN General Assembly demanded an immediate ceasefire. Also read: Biden meets Zelensky, says he has signed $200m emergency aid drawdown The war, which is now in its third month, started after the Palestinian militant group Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, killing around 1,200 people and taking over 200 people as hostages back to Gaza, Israeli officials have said. Under a one-week truce deal, 105 hostages were released from Gaza in exchange for 240 Palestinians jailed by Israel. In response to the October 7 attack, Israel launched a massive ground and air campaign, which has killed more than 18,400 people in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. Biden also said that the Israeli government "doesn't want" a two-state solution. "Bibi's got a tough decision to make," Biden said, referring to Netanyahu and his hardline right-wing government. "This is the most conservative government in Israel's history," he said, adding that the Israeli government "doesn't want a two-state solution." Also read: Russian man arrives in US without ticket or visa, FBI investigates bizarre incident Biden's remarks to donors to his re-election campaign in 2024 were his most critical of Netanyahu in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. "Israel's security can rest on the United States, but right now it has more than the United States. It has the European Union, it has Europe, it has most of the world ... But they're starting to lose that support by indiscriminate bombing that takes place," Biden said. Watch: Did Israel use white phosphorous in Gaza war? × UN calls for humanitarian ceasefire On the same day, the UN General Assembly overwhelmingly passed a resolution on Tuesday demanding an immediate humanitarian ceasefire in Gaza. The body, which includes all 193 UN member nations, voted 153 in favour of the resolution, exceeding the 140 or so countries that have routinely backed resolutions condemning Russia for its invasion of Ukraine. Ten countries, including the United States and Israel, voted against it, while 23 abstained. Palestinian UN envoy Riyad Mansour said the US could not continue "to ignore this massive power" referring to the global protests in support of Palestine. He described the vote as a culmination of public sentiment. "It is our collective duty to continue on this path until we see an end to this aggression against our people, to see this war stopping against our people. It is our duty to save lives," he told reporters. 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)

Joe Biden warns Benjamin Netanyahu over Gaza bombing, UN demands Gaza ceasefire

Abu Ubaida, Hamas' masked spokesperson, reportedly injured in an attack by the IDF, returned to Palestinian and Israeli television screens with a chilling warning for Israel and the United States.

Abu Ubaida, Hamas' masked spokesperson, reportedly injured in an attack by the IDF, returned to Palestinian and Israeli television screens with a chilling warning for Israel and the United States. On Sunday, Hamas' armed wing said Israel will not be able to recover any of its hostages unless it engages in talks over conditional swap deals. Abu Ubaida, the voice for the Al-Qassam Brigades, the armed wing of the Hamas movement, warned Israel would not be able to recover the hostages by force, mentioning their failed operation to free one of them. Udaida also mentioned that Hamas fighters had partially or fully destroyed 180 Israeli personnel carriers, tanks and bulldozers in 10 days since the war resumed in Gaza. Abu Ubaida has been appearing on screens since October 7, after Mohammad Al-Deif, the commander of Al-Qassam, announced the Al-Aqsa Flood operation, one of the largest military confrontations in history between Israel and Palestinian movements. ALSO READ | Bethlehem, the birthplace of Jesus cancels Christmas in solidarity with Gaza During his interventions, he wears the green camouflage soldier's uniform, covering his face with a red keffiyeh. He never reveals his face, following the example of Al-Qassam's former leader, Imad Aqel, who died in an IDF attack in 1993. Since the beginning of the Israel-Hamas war in 2023, Abu Ubaida has appeared before or after every significant decision, presented the position of Al-Qassam and talked about developments in the war. His statements generally come every few days via recorded speech. Abu Ubaida first made headlines in 2002 as one of Al-Qassam's field officials. After Israel withdrew from Gaza in 2005, Al-Qassam officially appointed Abu Ubaidah as their spokesperson. Ubaida hails from Naalia, a town in Gaza occupied by Israel in 1948. According to some sources, he now lives in Jabalia, northeast of Gaza. Israel bombed his house several times in 2008, 2012, 2014, and in the current battle. In 2014, he kidnapped Israeli soldier Shaul Aron. Previously, Ubaida had Twitter (currently X) and Facebook accounts until they were closed. Now, he publishes his messages on the official website of Al-Qassam and uses the Telegram app and Al-Aqsa's channel affiliated with Hamas to broadcast his videos. Before the 2014 war, Abu Ubaida presented a master's thesis at the Islamic University from the Faculty of Fundamentals of Religion named "The Holy Land between Judaism, Christianity, and Islam." Israeli Army spokesperson Avichay Adraee claims to know his true identity. He said Ubaida was a masked person named Hudhayfah Kahlout. (With inputs from agencies)

Who is Abu Ubaida? Hamas' masked spokesperson resurfaces with chilling warning for Israel

US President Joe Biden on Monday told donors at a political fundraiser that opponent Donald Trump is a threat to US democracy. He also alleged that the former president had pledged to be a dictator for a day if elected to the White House in 2024. In another speech, the US President vowed that the US would help Israel till it gets rid of Hamas.

<h2>Anything is fair</h2>

Speaking at a campaign event in Philadelphia, Biden said: "He's saying it out loud."

"The other day he said he wants to be a dictator only on one day, wipe out the civil servants and a whole range of other things," said Biden.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-cannot-physically-make-it-through-another-term-trump-mocks-us-presidents-age-cognitive-function-666919">Biden cannot 'physically' make it through another term: Trump mocks US president's age, cognitive function</a>

"He (Trump) embraces political violence instead of rejecting it. We can’t let that happen," Biden told donors.

<h2>What did Trump say?</h2>

On Saturday, during a speech, Trump repeated a statement he made last week during a Fox News town hall. He said that he did not intend to become a dictator if he won the presidency again, except "on day one".

"I said I want to be a dictator for one day," he said during the New York Young Republican Club annual gala.

"And you know why I wanted to be a dictator? Because I want a wall, right? I want a wall and I want to drill, drill, drill." At the Fox town hall, he had spoken nearly identical words.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/major-setback-for-biden-as-poll-shows-trump-in-lead-for-2024-us-presidential-election-668191">Major setback for Biden as poll shows Trump in lead for 2024 US presidential election</a>

His comments prompted chants of "Build the Wall" from the gala crowd.

As per White House spokesperson Andrew Bates, Biden "has been working to protect American democracy and to unite people of all political views against these unprecedented threats".&nbsp;

Without mentioning Trump by name, he added, "And I want to say it is wrong to suspend the Constitution and abuse federal power to persecute critics and trample the First Amendment."

<h2>Biden on Israel</h2>

At a White House reception to mark Hanukkah, Biden pledged that the US will "continue to provide military assistance to Israel until they get rid of Hamas."

However, as per The Times of Israel, the US President&nbsp;cautioned, "We have to be careful — they have to be careful. The whole world's public opinion can shift overnight. We can't let that happen."

"As I said after the (Oct 7) attack, my commitment to the safety of the Jewish people, and the security of Israel, its right to exist as an independent Jewish state, is unshakeable."

"Were there no Israel, there wouldn’t be a Jew in the world who is safe," he said, prompting a loud applause.

"The warmth and connection I feel to the Jewish community is unquestionable," he said, adding, "I ran into trouble and criticism when I said a few years ago that you don't have to be Jewish to be a Zionist, and I am a Zionist."

(With inputs from agencies)

US President Joe Biden on Monday told donors at a political fundraiser that opponent Donald Trump is a threat to US democracy. He also alleged that the former president had pledged to be a dictator for a day if elected to the White House in 2024.

US President Joe Biden on Monday told donors at a political fundraiser that opponent Donald Trump is a threat to US democracy. He also alleged that the former president had pledged to be a dictator for a day if elected to the White House in 2024. In another speech, the US President vowed that the US would help Israel till it gets rid of Hamas. Anything is fair Speaking at a campaign event in Philadelphia, Biden said: "He's saying it out loud." "The other day he said he wants to be a dictator only on one day, wipe out the civil servants and a whole range of other things," said Biden. Also read | Biden cannot 'physically' make it through another term: Trump mocks US president's age, cognitive function "He (Trump) embraces political violence instead of rejecting it. We can’t let that happen," Biden told donors. What did Trump say? On Saturday, during a speech, Trump repeated a statement he made last week during a Fox News town hall. He said that he did not intend to become a dictator if he won the presidency again, except "on day one". "I said I want to be a dictator for one day," he said during the New York Young Republican Club annual gala. "And you know why I wanted to be a dictator? Because I want a wall, right? I want a wall and I want to drill, drill, drill." At the Fox town hall, he had spoken nearly identical words. Also read | Major setback for Biden as poll shows Trump in lead for 2024 US presidential election His comments prompted chants of "Build the Wall" from the gala crowd. As per White House spokesperson Andrew Bates, Biden "has been working to protect American democracy and to unite people of all political views against these unprecedented threats". Without mentioning Trump by name, he added, "And I want to say it is wrong to suspend the Constitution and abuse federal power to persecute critics and trample the First Amendment." Biden on Israel At a White House reception to mark Hanukkah, Biden pledged that the US will "continue to provide military assistance to Israel until they get rid of Hamas." However, as per The Times of Israel, the US President cautioned, "We have to be careful — they have to be careful. The whole world's public opinion can shift overnight. We can't let that happen." "As I said after the (Oct 7) attack, my commitment to the safety of the Jewish people, and the security of Israel, its right to exist as an independent Jewish state, is unshakeable." "Were there no Israel, there wouldn’t be a Jew in the world who is safe," he said, prompting a loud applause. "The warmth and connection I feel to the Jewish community is unquestionable," he said, adding, "I ran into trouble and criticism when I said a few years ago that you don't have to be Jewish to be a Zionist, and I am a Zionist." (With inputs from agencies)

'Dictator for a day': Biden labels Trump a threat to democracy; reaffirms commitment to Israel

The White House said on Monday (Dec 11) that the United States is "concerned" over new reports that Israel used US-supplied white phosphorus in a bombing attack in Lebanon. The attack reportedly injured civilians and burned down houses.&nbsp;

White House spokesperson John Kirby told the reporters on Air Force One: "We've seen the reports. Certainly concerned about that. We'll be asking questions to try to learn a little bit more."&nbsp;

Kirby said white phosphorus has a "legitimate military utility" for illumination and producing smoke to conceal movements.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zelensky-arrives-in-us-for-last-ditch-effort-for-more-aid-668663">Zelensky arrives in US for last-ditch effort for more aid</a>&nbsp;

White phosphorus is a waxy crystalline solid, which turns dark on exposure to light. This toxic substance comes in white to yellow transparent.&nbsp;

White phosphorus has a match-like or garlic-like, acrid odour, however, it is not feasible to depend on odour for its detection.&nbsp;

It is used by the military in the form of various types of ammunition as an incendiary agent because it spontaneously catches fire in the air when it comes in&nbsp;contact with oxygen.&nbsp;

White phosphorus allegedly puts civilians at risk of serious and long-term injury and is prohibited from use in residential areas.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-marks-75-years-of-human-rights-declaration-in-shadow-of-gaza-668644">UN marks 75 years of human rights declaration in shadow of Gaza war</a>&nbsp;

Israel has faced such allegations in the past, but it has always denied it.&nbsp;

He said, "Obviously any time that we provide items like white phosphorus to another military, it is with the full expectation that it will be used in keeping with those legitimate purposes... and in keeping with the law of armed conflict."&nbsp;

On being asked about the same, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said: "The IDF and the entire security establishment acts according to international law. That is how we have acted and how we will act."&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Netanyahu warns 'it's the beginning of the end of Hamas'&nbsp;

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<h2>Impact of the use of white phosphorus&nbsp;</h2>

White phosphorus munitions can cause severe harm as exposure to them leads to burn injuries and vapour inhalation.

It can be absorbed into the body when inhaled, ingested, or through skin contact. It sticks to many surfaces, including skin and clothing.

It can be released into indoor air as smoke and can contaminate water bodies, impacting millions of humans and animals.&nbsp;

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The White House said on Monday (Dec 11) that the United States is "concerned" over new reports that Israel used US-supplied white phosphorus in a bombing attack in Lebanon.

The White House said on Monday (Dec 11) that the United States is "concerned" over new reports that Israel used US-supplied white phosphorus in a bombing attack in Lebanon. The attack reportedly injured civilians and burned down houses. White House spokesperson John Kirby told the reporters on Air Force One: "We've seen the reports. Certainly concerned about that. We'll be asking questions to try to learn a little bit more." Kirby said white phosphorus has a "legitimate military utility" for illumination and producing smoke to conceal movements. Also read: Zelensky arrives in US for last-ditch effort for more aid White phosphorus is a waxy crystalline solid, which turns dark on exposure to light. This toxic substance comes in white to yellow transparent. White phosphorus has a match-like or garlic-like, acrid odour, however, it is not feasible to depend on odour for its detection. It is used by the military in the form of various types of ammunition as an incendiary agent because it spontaneously catches fire in the air when it comes in contact with oxygen. White phosphorus allegedly puts civilians at risk of serious and long-term injury and is prohibited from use in residential areas. Also read: UN marks 75 years of human rights declaration in shadow of Gaza war Israel has faced such allegations in the past, but it has always denied it. He said, "Obviously any time that we provide items like white phosphorus to another military, it is with the full expectation that it will be used in keeping with those legitimate purposes... and in keeping with the law of armed conflict." On being asked about the same, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said: "The IDF and the entire security establishment acts according to international law. That is how we have acted and how we will act." Watch: Netanyahu warns 'it's the beginning of the end of Hamas' × Impact of the use of white phosphorus White phosphorus munitions can cause severe harm as exposure to them leads to burn injuries and vapour inhalation. It can be absorbed into the body when inhaled, ingested, or through skin contact. It sticks to many surfaces, including skin and clothing. It can be released into indoor air as smoke and can contaminate water bodies, impacting millions of humans and animals. 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)

White House 'concerned' over reports that Israel used white phosphorus in Lebanon

A new report published by the World Food Programme (WFP) has revealed that 91 per cent of households in Gaza reported going to bed hungry while 63 per cent reported enduring entire days without food.

A new report published by the World Food Programme (WFP) has revealed that 91 per cent of households in Gaza reported going to bed hungry while 63 per cent reported enduring entire days without food. The rapid food security assessment was carried out during the humanitarian pause (November 24-30) and the findings were published last week. As the war between Israel and Hamas escalates, the agencies are having a tough time providing food and related assistance to the Palestinians in Gaza. Since the conflict started after the events of October 7, the Gaza Strip has remained under siege with only one border crossing open for humanitarian aid. The report stated that "42 per cent of the households in the Northern governorates (Gaza and North Gaza) and 35 per cent of households in the Southern governorates (Deir Al Balah, Khan Younis and Rafah) reported knowing of people who were compelled to consume wild or raw food to cope with hunger". The food scarcity situation is significantly worse in the north than in the south, according to the report. The aid is concentrated in the south of the strip where it is received through the border with Egypt at the Rafah crossing. However, since the second truce deal expired on December 1 and the fight intensified, the aid delivery has slowed down significantly. The acute shortage of cooking gas has also led to heavy dependence on less clean sources such as firewood, wood residues, and waste burning, raising the risk of respiratory diseases. Additionaly, the people in north Gaza have only 1.8 litre of clean water per person/per day while the volume comes down to 1.5 litre per person/per day in south Gaza. Watch | Israel-Hamas war: British team helping Palestinian authority prepare for governance UN agency staff feels abandoned While ordinary Palestinians are scurrying around for food, the agencies serving them are faring no better. United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) chief Philippe Lazzarini said the agency feels abandoned in Gaza after the US vetoed a resolution calling for an immediate ceasefire. “It's beyond disappointment. They feel abandoned by the international community,” Lazzarini told CNN. “They still cannot understand why, after 17,000 people have been killed, after the almost entire population has been displaced, we still cannot agree on a ceasefire.” Also read | US: Coffee shop fires three antisemitic staffers for blocking Jewish customer from using washroom “Too many people haven't eaten now for two, three days in the Gaza Strip,” Lazzarini continued. “The more [that] we will see breakdown of civil order, the more [UNRWA] will be at risk not to be able to operate anymore.” According to the Hamas-run Palestinian health ministry, nearly 18,000 people have been killed since Israel launched its retaliatory operations following the militant group’s attack on October 7 in southern Israel. 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)

Nearly 91% of households in Gaza go to bed hungry: UN report