<p>Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, on Saturday (Oct 21), said that the international community must sidestep an intensification of the conflict between Israel and Hamas and develop a roadmap towards the two-state solution.</p>

<p>She made the remarks during her address at the Cairo International Summit for Peace in the Middle East.</p>

<p>"Although our starting points are far apart, our interests overlap perfectly: that what is happening in Gaza does not become a much wider conflict, a religious war, a clash of civilisations," Meloni said speaking in Italian.</p>

<p>"I have the impression that this was the real aim of the Hamas attack, not to defend the rights of the Palestinian people, but an attack that would create an unbridgeable gap between the Palestinians and the Israelis, meaning that the target is all of us, and we cannot fall into this trap, which would be very stupid."</p>

<p>The Italian prime minister met Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Cairo and travelled to Tel Aviv to meet her Israeli counterpart&nbsp;Benjamin Netanyahu.</p>

<p>During her conversation with Abbas, the two leaders raised concerns about the need to make efforts for a de-escalation of the war between Israel and Hams and for a two-state solution, referring to the idea of establishing two separate and independent states, one for Israelis and one for Palestinians.</p>

<p>"I hope that there is a responsibility on the part of the whole international community, and it seems to me that there is, to speed up this process and provide a structural solution to the conflict," Meloni said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-joe-biden-dials-american-hostages-released-by-hamas-649777">US President Joe Biden dials American hostages released by Hamas</a></p>

<p>She further emphasised that a two-state solution must have an exact timeframe.</p>

<h2><strong>Guterres urges ceasefire</strong></h2>

<p>UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, while addressing a Cairo summit, urged for a "humanitarian ceasefire" in the ongoing conflict demanding "action to end this godawful nightmare".</p>

<p>He said that the Palestinian enclave of 2.4 million people was living through "a humanitarian catastrophe" with thousands dead and more than a million displaced.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We meet in the heart of a region that is reeling in pain and one step from the precipice," he told the meeting that included the leaders of Egypt, Iraq, Jordan and the United Arab Emirates as well as of Italy, Spain and Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, on Saturday (Oct 21), said that the international community must sidestep an intensification of the conflict between Israel and Hamas and develop a roadmap towards the two-state solution.

Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, on Saturday (Oct 21), said that the international community must sidestep an intensification of the conflict between Israel and Hamas and develop a roadmap towards the two-state solution. She made the remarks during her address at the Cairo International Summit for Peace in the Middle East. "Although our starting points are far apart, our interests overlap perfectly: that what is happening in Gaza does not become a much wider conflict, a religious war, a clash of civilisations," Meloni said speaking in Italian. "I have the impression that this was the real aim of the Hamas attack, not to defend the rights of the Palestinian people, but an attack that would create an unbridgeable gap between the Palestinians and the Israelis, meaning that the target is all of us, and we cannot fall into this trap, which would be very stupid." The Italian prime minister met Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in Cairo and travelled to Tel Aviv to meet her Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu. During her conversation with Abbas, the two leaders raised concerns about the need to make efforts for a de-escalation of the war between Israel and Hams and for a two-state solution, referring to the idea of establishing two separate and independent states, one for Israelis and one for Palestinians. "I hope that there is a responsibility on the part of the whole international community, and it seems to me that there is, to speed up this process and provide a structural solution to the conflict," Meloni said. Also read: US President Joe Biden dials American hostages released by Hamas She further emphasised that a two-state solution must have an exact timeframe. Guterres urges ceasefire UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, while addressing a Cairo summit, urged for a "humanitarian ceasefire" in the ongoing conflict demanding "action to end this godawful nightmare". He said that the Palestinian enclave of 2.4 million people was living through "a humanitarian catastrophe" with thousands dead and more than a million displaced. "We meet in the heart of a region that is reeling in pain and one step from the precipice," he told the meeting that included the leaders of Egypt, Iraq, Jordan and the United Arab Emirates as well as of Italy, Spain and Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Italian PM Giorgia Meloni urges international community to avoid escalation of Israel-Hamas war

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuid1IDm0cwtd6B1" /><meta charset="utf-8" />The Israeli military said on Saturday (Oct 21) that it will immediately step up its strikes in the Gaza Strip to increase pressure on Hamas. Speaking to reporters, military spokesperson Admiral Daniel Hagari said, "We have to enter the next phase of the war in the best conditions, not according to what anyone tells us. From today, we are increasing the strikes and minimising the danger."</p>

<p>Since Hamas launched an unprecedented attack against Israel on October 7, Israel struck back with devastating air and ground bombardments of Gaza.&nbsp;</p>

<p>More than 1,400 people have died in Israel, and 4,385 people have died in Gaza. Israel is now preparing for a widely anticipated ground invasion, amassing tens of thousands of troops and hundreds of tanks along the Gaza border.</p>

<p>The military's announcement comes just hours after the first international aid to reach Gaza since October 7 crossed the border from Egypt into the territory.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>'Israel army going into Gaza to destroy Hamas'</strong></h2>

<p>On Saturday, Israel's Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi told troops that the army would go into Gaza to destroy Hamas.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We are going to go into the Gaza Strip, we will embark on a professional operational mission to destroy Hamas operatives and Hamas infrastructure and we will have in our mind the memories of the images and those who fell on Saturday two weeks ago," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-chief-antonio-guterres-urges-ceasefire-to-end-gazas-godawful-nightmare-649724">UN chief Antonio Guterres urges ceasefire to end Gaza's 'godawful nightmare'</a></strong></p>

<p>A day back, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant told parliament's foreign affairs and defence committee that the initial and current phase of incessant strikes across the Palestinian territory would be followed by "neutralising terrorists and destroying Hamas infrastructure".</p>

<p>The military campaign will "put in place a new security reality for the citizens of Israel", Gallant added.</p>

<h2><strong>Turkey's Erdogan discusses Gaza with Hamas leader</strong></h2>

<p>Also on Saturday, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan held a telephone conversation with Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh. Erdogan told Haniyeh about Ankara's efforts for a ceasefire, for humanitarian aid to reach Gaza and possible treatment of the wounded in Turkey.</p>

<p>The Turkish president has called on Israel to stop its attacks on Gaza, which he said amounted to genocide, and urged governments worldwide to work for a humanitarian ceasefire in the region.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-fleeing-israel-strikes-lebanon-families-move-into-schools-649750">Israel-Hamas war: Lebanon families move into schools to take shelter from Israeli strikes</a></strong></p>

<p>"I repeat my call for the Israeli leadership to never expand the scope of its attacks on civilians and to immediately end its operations amounting to genocide," Erdogan said in a post on X on Friday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Turkey supports Palestinians, backs a two-state solution to the decades-old Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and hosts members of militant group Hamas.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


The Israeli military said on Saturday (Oct 21) that it will immediately step up its strikes in the Gaza Strip to increase pressure on Hamas. Speaking to reporters, military spokesperson Admiral Daniel Hagari said, "We have to enter the next phase of the war in the best conditions, not according to what anyone tells us.

The Israeli military said on Saturday (Oct 21) that it will immediately step up its strikes in the Gaza Strip to increase pressure on Hamas. Speaking to reporters, military spokesperson Admiral Daniel Hagari said, "We have to enter the next phase of the war in the best conditions, not according to what anyone tells us. From today, we are increasing the strikes and minimising the danger." Since Hamas launched an unprecedented attack against Israel on October 7, Israel struck back with devastating air and ground bombardments of Gaza. More than 1,400 people have died in Israel, and 4,385 people have died in Gaza. Israel is now preparing for a widely anticipated ground invasion, amassing tens of thousands of troops and hundreds of tanks along the Gaza border. The military's announcement comes just hours after the first international aid to reach Gaza since October 7 crossed the border from Egypt into the territory. 'Israel army going into Gaza to destroy Hamas' On Saturday, Israel's Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi told troops that the army would go into Gaza to destroy Hamas. "We are going to go into the Gaza Strip, we will embark on a professional operational mission to destroy Hamas operatives and Hamas infrastructure and we will have in our mind the memories of the images and those who fell on Saturday two weeks ago," he said. Also read: UN chief Antonio Guterres urges ceasefire to end Gaza's 'godawful nightmare' A day back, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant told parliament's foreign affairs and defence committee that the initial and current phase of incessant strikes across the Palestinian territory would be followed by "neutralising terrorists and destroying Hamas infrastructure". The military campaign will "put in place a new security reality for the citizens of Israel", Gallant added. Turkey's Erdogan discusses Gaza with Hamas leader Also on Saturday, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan held a telephone conversation with Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh. Erdogan told Haniyeh about Ankara's efforts for a ceasefire, for humanitarian aid to reach Gaza and possible treatment of the wounded in Turkey. The Turkish president has called on Israel to stop its attacks on Gaza, which he said amounted to genocide, and urged governments worldwide to work for a humanitarian ceasefire in the region. Also read: Israel-Hamas war: Lebanon families move into schools to take shelter from Israeli strikes "I repeat my call for the Israeli leadership to never expand the scope of its attacks on civilians and to immediately end its operations amounting to genocide," Erdogan said in a post on X on Friday. Turkey supports Palestinians, backs a two-state solution to the decades-old Israeli-Palestinian conflict, and hosts members of militant group Hamas. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Israel-Hamas war: Israeli military to step up its strikes in Gaza

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuid1IDm0cwtd6B1" /><meta charset="utf-8" /></p>

<p>Several families in southern Lebanon are moving to schools to take shelter from Israeli strikes as tensions of the ongoing Israel-Hamas war have spread to the Lebanese-Israeli border. According to a report by the news agency AFP on Saturday (Oct 21), nearly 4,000 people have fled flashpoint areas near the Israeli frontier and flocked to the southern city of Tyre.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Around half of these people are staying in three public schools that have been converted into makeshift shelters.Mustafa al-Sayyid, who lives barely six kilometres from the border, whisked his family to the closest shelter when Israeli strikes began.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-live-hostages-gaza-strip-palestine-death-toll-egypt-crossing-latest-news-updates-649415"><strong>Click here to follow LIVE updates on the Israel-Hamas war</strong></a></p>

<p>"If I wasn't afraid this would happen to us, I wouldn't have left my home," said Sayyid, who has two wives and 11 children, around half of whom are under 10. Sitting inside a classroom, Sayyid that in case of a war, it would be difficult to get his children out in one go as all of them are young.</p>

<p>"So I thought, better to leave now," he told AFP.</p>

<h2><strong>School shelters reach full capacity</strong></h2>

<p>On Saturday, Tyre Mayor Hassan Dbouk said that the three school shelters in the city have reached their full capacity, adding authorities are looking for a place to open a fourth one.</p>

<p>In the border village of Dhayra, farms and olive groves have been abandoned at the height of the harvest season, the report said. Lebanon is facing an economic crisis and the ongoing war (Israel vs Hamas) adds up to the problems.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-chief-antonio-guterres-urges-ceasefire-to-end-gazas-godawful-nightmare-649724">UN chief Antonio Guterres urges ceasefire to end Gaza's 'godawful nightmare'</a></strong></p>

<p>"Everyone in Dhayra relies on farming. We have nothing but God and agriculture," said Mussa Suwaid, 47, speaking outside a shelter where he has been staying for a week.</p>

<p>Authorities in Lebanon have not implemented an evacuation plan amid the intensifying Israel-Hamas war, and people are evacuating by strapping bags to motorcycles or hitching rides with neighbours.</p>

<h2><strong>23 killed so far in Lebanon</strong></h2>

<p>Since Hamas launched an attack against Israel on October 7, exchanges of fire across the Israel-Lebanon border have killed at least four people in Israel -- three soldiers and one civilian. In southern Lebanon, at least 23 people have been killed.</p>

<p>On Saturday, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant visited the northern border. Urging the troops to remain vigilant, Defence Minister Gallant said, "Hezbollah has decided to participate in the fighting, and is paying a price for it. We must be vigilant and prepare for every possible (scenario). Great challenges await us."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


Several families in southern Lebanon are moving to schools to take shelter from Israeli strikes as tensions of the ongoing Israel-Hamas war have spread to the Lebanese-Israeli border.

Several families in southern Lebanon are moving to schools to take shelter from Israeli strikes as tensions of the ongoing Israel-Hamas war have spread to the Lebanese-Israeli border. According to a report by the news agency AFP on Saturday (Oct 21), nearly 4,000 people have fled flashpoint areas near the Israeli frontier and flocked to the southern city of Tyre. Around half of these people are staying in three public schools that have been converted into makeshift shelters.Mustafa al-Sayyid, who lives barely six kilometres from the border, whisked his family to the closest shelter when Israeli strikes began. Click here to follow LIVE updates on the Israel-Hamas war "If I wasn't afraid this would happen to us, I wouldn't have left my home," said Sayyid, who has two wives and 11 children, around half of whom are under 10. Sitting inside a classroom, Sayyid that in case of a war, it would be difficult to get his children out in one go as all of them are young. "So I thought, better to leave now," he told AFP. School shelters reach full capacity On Saturday, Tyre Mayor Hassan Dbouk said that the three school shelters in the city have reached their full capacity, adding authorities are looking for a place to open a fourth one. In the border village of Dhayra, farms and olive groves have been abandoned at the height of the harvest season, the report said. Lebanon is facing an economic crisis and the ongoing war (Israel vs Hamas) adds up to the problems. Also read: UN chief Antonio Guterres urges ceasefire to end Gaza's 'godawful nightmare' "Everyone in Dhayra relies on farming. We have nothing but God and agriculture," said Mussa Suwaid, 47, speaking outside a shelter where he has been staying for a week. Authorities in Lebanon have not implemented an evacuation plan amid the intensifying Israel-Hamas war, and people are evacuating by strapping bags to motorcycles or hitching rides with neighbours. 23 killed so far in Lebanon Since Hamas launched an attack against Israel on October 7, exchanges of fire across the Israel-Lebanon border have killed at least four people in Israel -- three soldiers and one civilian. In southern Lebanon, at least 23 people have been killed. On Saturday, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant visited the northern border. Urging the troops to remain vigilant, Defence Minister Gallant said, "Hezbollah has decided to participate in the fighting, and is paying a price for it. We must be vigilant and prepare for every possible (scenario). Great challenges await us." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Israel-Hamas war: Lebanon families move into schools to take shelter from Israeli strikes

<p>United Nations chief Antonio Guterres, on Saturday (Oct 21), urged for a "humanitarian ceasefire" in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas that has ravaged most parts of Gaza, demanding "action to end this godawful nightmare".</p>

<p>Guterres, while addressing a Cairo summit, said that the Palestinian enclave of 2.4 million people was living through "a humanitarian catastrophe" with thousands dead and more than a million displaced.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We meet in the heart of a region that is reeling in pain and one step from the precipice," he told the meeting that included the leaders of Egypt, Iraq, Jordan and the United Arab Emirates as well as of Italy, Spain and Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas.</p>

<p>On Oct 7, Hamas took the world by surprise after it launched an unprecedented attack against Israel. The violence in the region has claimed the lives of at least 1,400 people, which includes mostly civilians.</p>

<p>Guterres said "the grievances of the Palestinian people are legitimate and long" after "56 years of occupation with no end in sight" but stressed that "nothing can justify the reprehensible assault by Hamas that terrorised Israeli civilians".&nbsp;</p>

<p>He then stressed that "those abhorrent attacks can never justify the collective punishment of the Palestinian people".</p>

<p>Jordan's King Abdullah II called for "an immediate end to the war on Gaza" and condemned what he labelled "global silence" on Palestinian death and suffering.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-cairo-peace-summit-palestinian-president-abbas-warns-of-any-attempts-to-displace-people-from-gaza-649661">At Cairo Peace Summit, Palestinian President Abbas warns of any attempts to displace people from Gaza</a></p>

<p>"The message the Arab world is hearing is loud and clear: Palestinian lives matter less than Israeli ones. Our lives matter less than other lives," he charged.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The application of international law is optional. And human rights have boundaries -- they stop at borders, they stop at races, and they stop at religions."</p>

<p>The summit comes on the day when a convoy of 20 trucks, carrying humanitarian aid, entered the Gaza Strip from Egypt through the Rafah crossing.</p>

<p>"The relief aid convoy that is supposed to enter [Gaza] today includes 20 trucks that carry medicine, medical supplies, and a limited amount of food supplies (canned goods)," said Hamas's media office, in a statement.</p>

<p>The UN has said that about 100 trucks per day are needed to meet worsening needs in Gaza.</p>

<p>The Palestinians need "a continuous delivery of aid to Gaza at the scale that is needed", the UN chief told the Cairo "Summit for Peace".</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


United Nations chief Antonio Guterres, on Saturday (Oct 21), urged for a "humanitarian ceasefire" in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas that has ravaged most parts of Gaza, demanding "action to end this godawful nightmare".

United Nations chief Antonio Guterres, on Saturday (Oct 21), urged for a "humanitarian ceasefire" in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas that has ravaged most parts of Gaza, demanding "action to end this godawful nightmare". Guterres, while addressing a Cairo summit, said that the Palestinian enclave of 2.4 million people was living through "a humanitarian catastrophe" with thousands dead and more than a million displaced. "We meet in the heart of a region that is reeling in pain and one step from the precipice," he told the meeting that included the leaders of Egypt, Iraq, Jordan and the United Arab Emirates as well as of Italy, Spain and Palestinian president Mahmud Abbas. On Oct 7, Hamas took the world by surprise after it launched an unprecedented attack against Israel. The violence in the region has claimed the lives of at least 1,400 people, which includes mostly civilians. Guterres said "the grievances of the Palestinian people are legitimate and long" after "56 years of occupation with no end in sight" but stressed that "nothing can justify the reprehensible assault by Hamas that terrorised Israeli civilians". He then stressed that "those abhorrent attacks can never justify the collective punishment of the Palestinian people". Jordan's King Abdullah II called for "an immediate end to the war on Gaza" and condemned what he labelled "global silence" on Palestinian death and suffering. Also read: At Cairo Peace Summit, Palestinian President Abbas warns of any attempts to displace people from Gaza "The message the Arab world is hearing is loud and clear: Palestinian lives matter less than Israeli ones. Our lives matter less than other lives," he charged. "The application of international law is optional. And human rights have boundaries -- they stop at borders, they stop at races, and they stop at religions." The summit comes on the day when a convoy of 20 trucks, carrying humanitarian aid, entered the Gaza Strip from Egypt through the Rafah crossing. "The relief aid convoy that is supposed to enter [Gaza] today includes 20 trucks that carry medicine, medical supplies, and a limited amount of food supplies (canned goods)," said Hamas's media office, in a statement. The UN has said that about 100 trucks per day are needed to meet worsening needs in Gaza. The Palestinians need "a continuous delivery of aid to Gaza at the scale that is needed", the UN chief told the Cairo "Summit for Peace". (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

UN chief Antonio Guterres urges ceasefire to end Gaza's 'godawful nightmare'

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidUUgbzmWXRbnO" /><meta charset="utf-8" /></p>

<p>Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Saturday (Oct 21) addressed the Cairo Peace Summit and warned of any attempts to displace people from the war-torn Gaza Strip, or any attempts to displace Palestinians from their homes or displacing them from Jerusalem or the West Bank. "...we will not accept displacement, and we will remain steadfast on our land no matter the challenges," President Abbas said.</p>

<p>"Ladies and gentlemen, we will not leave, we will not leave, we will not leave, and we will remain on our land," he added.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-live-hostages-gaza-strip-palestine-death-toll-egypt-crossing-latest-news-updates-649415"><strong>Click here to follow LIVE Updates on the Israel-Hamas war</strong></a></p>

<p>Leaders and top officials from more than a dozen countries including the United States (US), the United Kingdom (UK), Qatar, South Africa, and Italy are taking part in the Cairo Peace Summit to discuss ways to de-escalate the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Displacement of Palestinians should be a war crime: Jordan</strong></h2>

<p>Jordan's King Abdullah, who was a part of the summit, said in his opening speech that the forced or internal displacement of Palestinians would be a war crime.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“All civilian lives matter. My friends, I’m outraged and grieved by those acts of violence waged against innocent civilians in Gaza, in the West Bank and in Israel. The relentless bombing campaign underway in Gaza, as we speak, is cruel and unconscionable on every level. It is collective punishment on a besieged and helpless people, it is a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law, it is a war crime. Yet, the deeper the crisis cuts of cruelty, the less the world seems to care," King Abdullah said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trucks-filled-with-humanitarian-aid-enter-gaza-through-rafah-crossing-649566">Trucks, filled with humanitarian aid, enter Gaza through Rafah crossing</a></strong></p>

<p>He added that the top priorities were an immediate end to the war in Gaza, the protection of civilians, the adoption of a unified position that indiscriminately condemns the targeting of all civilians, sustained and uninterrupted delivery of human aid, fuel, and medicines to the Gaza Strip, and the unequivocal rejection of the forced displacement or internal displacement of the Palestinians.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Joint statement on war unlikely</strong></h2>

<p>The Cairo Peace Summit has been looking into ways to head off a wider regional war. However, a report by the news agency Reuters citing three diplomats said it was unlikely there would be a joint statement because of sensitivities around any calls for a ceasefire, and whether to include mention of Hamas's attack and Israel's right to defend itself.</p>

<p>The Summit coincides with continuing Israeli preparations for a ground assault on Gaza.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In his speech Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said his country opposed what he called the displacement of Palestinians into Egypt's largely desert Sinai region.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Egypt says the solution to the Palestinian issue is not displacement, its only solution is justice and the Palestinians’ access to legitimate rights and living in an independent state," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Saturday (Oct 21) addressed the Cairo Peace Summit and warned of any attempts to displace people from the war-torn Gaza Strip, or any attempts to displace Palestinians from their homes or displacing them from Jerusalem or the West Bank.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Saturday (Oct 21) addressed the Cairo Peace Summit and warned of any attempts to displace people from the war-torn Gaza Strip, or any attempts to displace Palestinians from their homes or displacing them from Jerusalem or the West Bank. "...we will not accept displacement, and we will remain steadfast on our land no matter the challenges," President Abbas said. "Ladies and gentlemen, we will not leave, we will not leave, we will not leave, and we will remain on our land," he added. Click here to follow LIVE Updates on the Israel-Hamas war Leaders and top officials from more than a dozen countries including the United States (US), the United Kingdom (UK), Qatar, South Africa, and Italy are taking part in the Cairo Peace Summit to discuss ways to de-escalate the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas. Displacement of Palestinians should be a war crime: Jordan Jordan's King Abdullah, who was a part of the summit, said in his opening speech that the forced or internal displacement of Palestinians would be a war crime. “All civilian lives matter. My friends, I’m outraged and grieved by those acts of violence waged against innocent civilians in Gaza, in the West Bank and in Israel. The relentless bombing campaign underway in Gaza, as we speak, is cruel and unconscionable on every level. It is collective punishment on a besieged and helpless people, it is a flagrant violation of international humanitarian law, it is a war crime. Yet, the deeper the crisis cuts of cruelty, the less the world seems to care," King Abdullah said. Also read: Trucks, filled with humanitarian aid, enter Gaza through Rafah crossing He added that the top priorities were an immediate end to the war in Gaza, the protection of civilians, the adoption of a unified position that indiscriminately condemns the targeting of all civilians, sustained and uninterrupted delivery of human aid, fuel, and medicines to the Gaza Strip, and the unequivocal rejection of the forced displacement or internal displacement of the Palestinians. Joint statement on war unlikely The Cairo Peace Summit has been looking into ways to head off a wider regional war. However, a report by the news agency Reuters citing three diplomats said it was unlikely there would be a joint statement because of sensitivities around any calls for a ceasefire, and whether to include mention of Hamas's attack and Israel's right to defend itself. The Summit coincides with continuing Israeli preparations for a ground assault on Gaza. In his speech Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi said his country opposed what he called the displacement of Palestinians into Egypt's largely desert Sinai region. "Egypt says the solution to the Palestinian issue is not displacement, its only solution is justice and the Palestinians’ access to legitimate rights and living in an independent state," he said. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

At Cairo Peace Summit, Palestinian President Abbas warns of any attempts to displace people from Gaza

<p>US President Joe Biden on Friday (October 20) said that it was possible that Hamas initiated the ongoing conflict with Israel as it wanted to disrupt warming up of ties between Saudi Arabia and Israel.</p>

<p>"One of the reasons why they acted like they did... why Hamas moved on Israel... (was) because they knew I was about to sit down with the Saudis," Biden told guests at a campaign fundraiser.</p>

<p>"The Saudis wanted to recognize Israel... unite the Middle East," he said.</p>

<p>The positive momentum towards normalisation of ties between Israel and Saudi Arabia, guardian of Islam's two holiest sites, was destroyed as Hamas terrorists&nbsp;attacked Israel on October 7.</p>

<p>Hamas fighters stormed into Israel from the Gaza Strip. They took more than 200 hostages and killed at least 1400 people, as per data with Israeli officials.</p>

<p>In the conflict this attack sparked, Israel has vowed to destroy Hamas. It has said that about 1500 of the group's fighters have been killed.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Israel-Palestine war | Trucks, filled with humanitarian aid, enter Gaza through Rafah crossing</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-palestine-war-trucks-filled-with-humanitarian-aid-enter-gaza-through-rafah-crossing-649581/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Israel retaliated with bombing campaign which has levelled entire city blocks in Gaza. So far, 4137 Palestinians have been killed. These are mostly civilians, says Hamas-run health ministry.</p>

<p>Saudi Arabia on October 14 announced that it had suspended talks with Israel on normalisation of relations. The announcement came during a visit to Riyadh by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken.</p>

<p>Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, had spoken of progress with Israel but also insisted on movement on the Palestinian cause.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-hospital-strike-french-intelligence-points-to-palestinian-rocket-for-blast-649615">Gaza hospital strike: French intelligence points to Palestinian rocket for blast</a></strong></p>

<p>Saudi Arabia has never recognised Israel. It did not join the 2020 Abraham Accords brokered by the US. The accords resulted in Bahrain, the UAE and Morocco establishing diplomatic ties with Israel.</p>

<p>The US government under President Joe Biden has pressed Saudi Arabia to join the accords. Riyadh has, in exchange demanded security guarantees from Washington and help in developing a civil nuclear programme.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trucks-filled-with-humanitarian-aid-enter-gaza-through-rafah-crossing-649566">Trucks, filled with humanitarian aid, enter Gaza through Rafah crossing</a></strong></p>

<p>Saudi Crown Prince and de-facto ruler Mohammed bin Salman told Fox News last month that he was "getting closer every day" to a normalisation agreement with Israel. He also emphasised importance of Palestinian question.</p>

<p>Hamas, the Palestinian movement in power in the Gaza Strip, opposes normalization agreements with Israel.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><em>You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form"><strong>here</strong></a>.</em></p>

<p><strong><em>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</em></strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


US President Joe Biden on Friday (October 20) said that it was possible that Hamas initiated the ongoing conflict with Israel as it wanted to disrupt warming up of ties between Saudi Arabia and Israel.

US President Joe Biden on Friday (October 20) said that it was possible that Hamas initiated the ongoing conflict with Israel as it wanted to disrupt warming up of ties between Saudi Arabia and Israel. "One of the reasons why they acted like they did... why Hamas moved on Israel... (was) because they knew I was about to sit down with the Saudis," Biden told guests at a campaign fundraiser. "The Saudis wanted to recognize Israel... unite the Middle East," he said. The positive momentum towards normalisation of ties between Israel and Saudi Arabia, guardian of Islam's two holiest sites, was destroyed as Hamas terrorists attacked Israel on October 7. Hamas fighters stormed into Israel from the Gaza Strip. They took more than 200 hostages and killed at least 1400 people, as per data with Israeli officials. In the conflict this attack sparked, Israel has vowed to destroy Hamas. It has said that about 1500 of the group's fighters have been killed. Watch | Israel-Palestine war | Trucks, filled with humanitarian aid, enter Gaza through Rafah crossing × Israel retaliated with bombing campaign which has levelled entire city blocks in Gaza. So far, 4137 Palestinians have been killed. These are mostly civilians, says Hamas-run health ministry. Saudi Arabia on October 14 announced that it had suspended talks with Israel on normalisation of relations. The announcement came during a visit to Riyadh by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Saudi Arabia's de facto ruler, Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, had spoken of progress with Israel but also insisted on movement on the Palestinian cause. Also Read | Gaza hospital strike: French intelligence points to Palestinian rocket for blast Saudi Arabia has never recognised Israel. It did not join the 2020 Abraham Accords brokered by the US. The accords resulted in Bahrain, the UAE and Morocco establishing diplomatic ties with Israel. The US government under President Joe Biden has pressed Saudi Arabia to join the accords. Riyadh has, in exchange demanded security guarantees from Washington and help in developing a civil nuclear programme. Also Read | Trucks, filled with humanitarian aid, enter Gaza through Rafah crossing Saudi Crown Prince and de-facto ruler Mohammed bin Salman told Fox News last month that he was "getting closer every day" to a normalisation agreement with Israel. He also emphasised importance of Palestinian question. Hamas, the Palestinian movement in power in the Gaza Strip, opposes normalization agreements with Israel. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Hamas attacked in order to derail Saudi-Israel normalisation: Joe Biden

<p>Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is in news again and not for right reason. The video of him visiting a mosque and getting booed by the assembled, and very angry crowd, is doing rounds on social media. The video has gone viral on a number of social media platforms.</p>

<p>Toronto Sun reported that Trudeau attended a mosque in Etobicoke area of the city on Friday (October 20). The PM's office reportedly did not inform the media in advance about the visit. However, it was reported that the Canadian PMO later said that the visit was to show support for those in Muslim community who were affected by the developments in the Middle East including the Israel-Hamas war.</p>

<p>A video posted by several social media accounts on X (formerly Twitter) appears to show a brief moment during Trudeau's visit when some people gathered at the mosque can be heard saying "shame" and even urging a facilitator to not allow Trudeau speak at the podium.</p>

<p>The video also shows Trudeau addressing the crowd and thanking those gathered for giving him the opportunity to "pray alongside" them in the "difficult time".</p>

<p>The video also depicts those gathered outside the mosque urging Trudeau to push for a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">PM Justin Trudeau embarrassed and rejected from Canada Mosque <a href="https://t.co/8NUhjYrzyr">pic.twitter.com/8NUhjYrzyr</a></p>
— Mohammed Hijab (@mohammed_hijab) <a href="https://twitter.com/mohammed_hijab/status/1715486143523721451?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 20, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Everyone is hurt and hurting; everyone is grieving; everyone is scared of what this means," Trudeau told reporters on Friday in Brampton, Ontario.</p>

<p>The Toronto Sun has also reported that Salma Zahid, the Toronto-area Liberal MP who is also the chair of the Canada-Palestine Parliamentary Friendship Group, has written to Trudeau demanding a call for a ceasfire. The letter also demands that Trudeau stand up for upholding of the international law. The letter has reportedly signed by 23 Liberal MPs, eight NDP MPs and two Green Party MPs.</p>

<p>"International law is clear that innocent civilians and all those not taking part in the fighting must on no account be attacked and must be spared and protected," says the letter.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-uk-support-canada-amid-row-with-india-over-diplomatic-presence-649485">US, UK support Canada amid row with India over diplomatic presence</a></strong></p>

<p>Hamas fighters attacked Israel from the Gaza Strip on October 7. The resulting conflict has caused thousands of deaths on both sides till now and there are no significant signs yet that the fighting will stop.</p>

<p>You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form"><strong>here</strong></a>.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is in news again and not for right reason. The video of him visiting a mosque and getting booed by the assembled, and very angry crowd, is doing rounds on social media.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is in news again and not for right reason. The video of him visiting a mosque and getting booed by the assembled, and very angry crowd, is doing rounds on social media. The video has gone viral on a number of social media platforms. Toronto Sun reported that Trudeau attended a mosque in Etobicoke area of the city on Friday (October 20). The PM's office reportedly did not inform the media in advance about the visit. However, it was reported that the Canadian PMO later said that the visit was to show support for those in Muslim community who were affected by the developments in the Middle East including the Israel-Hamas war. A video posted by several social media accounts on X (formerly Twitter) appears to show a brief moment during Trudeau's visit when some people gathered at the mosque can be heard saying "shame" and even urging a facilitator to not allow Trudeau speak at the podium. The video also shows Trudeau addressing the crowd and thanking those gathered for giving him the opportunity to "pray alongside" them in the "difficult time". The video also depicts those gathered outside the mosque urging Trudeau to push for a ceasefire in the ongoing conflict. PM Justin Trudeau embarrassed and rejected from Canada Mosque pic.twitter.com/8NUhjYrzyr — Mohammed Hijab (@mohammed_hijab) October 20, 2023 × "Everyone is hurt and hurting; everyone is grieving; everyone is scared of what this means," Trudeau told reporters on Friday in Brampton, Ontario. The Toronto Sun has also reported that Salma Zahid, the Toronto-area Liberal MP who is also the chair of the Canada-Palestine Parliamentary Friendship Group, has written to Trudeau demanding a call for a ceasfire. The letter also demands that Trudeau stand up for upholding of the international law. The letter has reportedly signed by 23 Liberal MPs, eight NDP MPs and two Green Party MPs. "International law is clear that innocent civilians and all those not taking part in the fighting must on no account be attacked and must be spared and protected," says the letter. Also Read | US, UK support Canada amid row with India over diplomatic presence Hamas fighters attacked Israel from the Gaza Strip on October 7. The resulting conflict has caused thousands of deaths on both sides till now and there are no significant signs yet that the fighting will stop. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Video: Trudeau booed over Israel-Hamas war while visiting mosque in Canada

<p>A group of influential actors, including Mark Ruffalo, Jessica Chastain, Cate Blanchett, Quinta Brunson, Rosario Dawson, Oscar Isaac, Joaquin Phoenix, Alyssa Milano, Jon Stewart, and many others, have penned an impassioned letter addressed to President Joe Biden, urging him to take swift action to secure an immediate ceasefire in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.</p>

<p>The letter, which includes signatures from prominent Jewish, Muslim, and Christian actors, reflects a shared humanitarian concern for the escalating violence and loss of life in the region. More than 5,000 people have lost their lives in the past week and a half, a toll that the signatories describe as catastrophic and morally unacceptable.</p>

<p>In the heartfelt letter, the actors call upon President Biden, as the leader of the United States, to use his authority to de-escalate the situation and facilitate a ceasefire without further delay. They emphasise that every life in the Holy Land is sacred, regardless of faith or ethnicity, and unequivocally condemn the killing of both Palestinian and Israeli civilians.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-collin-d%E2%80%99cunha-to-helm-hindi-remake-of-the-intouchables-backed-by-kjo-and-guneet-monga-kapoor-649526">Collin D’Cunha to helm Hindi remake of The Intouchables, backed by KJo and Guneet Monga Kapoor</a></strong></p>

<p>The letter not only appeals to President Biden but also implores all world leaders to join the efforts to stop the violence. The actors emphasise the urgency of ending the bombing of Gaza and ensuring the safe release of hostages.</p>

<p>The dire situation in Gaza is underscored by the fact that half of its two million residents are children, with over two-thirds being refugees and their descendants who have been displaced from their homes. The letter calls for immediate access to humanitarian aid to alleviate the suffering of the people in the region.</p>

<p>The actors express their belief in the United States' potential to play a pivotal diplomatic role in resolving the conflict and emphasise that saving lives is a moral imperative. They echo the sentiments of UNICEF and other humanitarian organisations by stressing the importance of compassion and adherence to international law.</p>

<p><strong>The full text of the letter is below.</strong></p>

<blockquote>
<p>Dear President Biden,</p>

<p>We come together as artists and advocates, but most importantly as human beings witnessing the devastating loss of lives and unfolding horrors in Israel and Palestine.</p>

<p>We ask that, as President of the United States, you call for an immediate de-escalation and ceasefire in Gaza and Israel before another life is lost. More than 5,000 people have been killed in the last week and a half – a number any person of conscience knows is catastrophic. We believe all life is sacred, no matter faith or ethnicity and we condemn the killing of Palestinian and Israeli civilians.</p>

<p>We urge your administration, and all world leaders, to honor all of the lives in the Holy Land and call for and facilitate a ceasefire without delay – an end to the bombing of Gaza, and the safe release of hostages. Half of Gaza’s two million residents are children, and more than two thirds are refugees and their descendants being forced to flee their homes. Humanitarian aid must be allowed to reach them.</p>

<p>We believe that the United States can play a vital diplomatic role in ending the suffering and we are adding our voices to those from the US Congress, UNICEF, Doctors without Borders, The International Committee of The Red Cross, and so many others. Saving lives is a moral imperative. To echo UNICEF, “Compassion — and international law — must prevail.”</p>

<p>As of this writing, more than 6,000 bombs have been dropped on Gaza in the last 12 days – resulting in one child being killed every 15 minutes.</p>

<p>Beyond our pain and mourning for all of the people there and their loved ones around the world we are motivated by an unbending will to stand for our common humanity. We stand for freedom, justice, dignity and peace for all people – and a deep desire to stop more bloodshed.</p>

<p>We refuse to tell future generations the story of our silence, that we stood by and did nothing. As Emergency Relief Chief Martin Griffiths told UN News, “History is watching.”</p>

<p>Signed:</p>

<p>Riz Ahmed<br />
Mahershala Ali<br />
Mo Amer<br />
Cate Blanchett<br />
Quinta Brunson<br />
Farah Bsaiso<br />
Jessica Chastain<br />
Margaret Cho<br />
David Cross<br />
Cherien Dabis<br />
Rosario Dawson<br />
Ayo Edebiri<br />
Fatima Farheen Mirza<br />
America Ferrera<br />
Dominique Fishback<br />
Andrew Garfield<br />
Ilana Glazer<br />
Oscar Isaac<br />
Shaka King<br />
Elvira Lind<br />
Aria Mia Loberti<br />
Macklemore<br />
Michael Malarkey<br />
Rooney Mara<br />
Darius Marder<br />
Vic Mensa&nbsp;<br />
Alyssa Milano<br />
Hasan Minhaj<br />
Indya Moore&nbsp;<br />
Sandra Oh<br />
Joaquin Phoenix<br />
Mark Ruffalo<br />
Hend Sabry<br />
Susan Sarandon<br />
James Schamus<br />
Amanda Seales<br />
Anoushka Shankar<br />
Alia Shawkat<br />
Wallace Shawn<br />
Sebastian Silva<br />
Jon Stewart<br />
Kristen Stewart<br />
Jeremy Strong<br />
Wanda Sykes<br />
Michael Stipe<br />
Amber Tamblyn<br />
Bassam Tariq<br />
Channing Tatum<br />
Dominique Thorne<br />
Michelle Wolf<br />
Shailene Woodley<br />
Ramy Youssef</p>
</blockquote>


A group of influential actors, including Mark Ruffalo, Jessica Chastain, Cate Blanchett, Quinta Brunson, Rosario Dawson, Oscar Isaac, Joaquin Phoenix, Alyssa Milano, Jon Stewart, and many others, have penned an impassioned letter addressed to President Joe Biden, urging him to take swift action to secure an immediate ceasefire in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.

A group of influential actors, including Mark Ruffalo, Jessica Chastain, Cate Blanchett, Quinta Brunson, Rosario Dawson, Oscar Isaac, Joaquin Phoenix, Alyssa Milano, Jon Stewart, and many others, have penned an impassioned letter addressed to President Joe Biden, urging him to take swift action to secure an immediate ceasefire in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. The letter, which includes signatures from prominent Jewish, Muslim, and Christian actors, reflects a shared humanitarian concern for the escalating violence and loss of life in the region. More than 5,000 people have lost their lives in the past week and a half, a toll that the signatories describe as catastrophic and morally unacceptable. In the heartfelt letter, the actors call upon President Biden, as the leader of the United States, to use his authority to de-escalate the situation and facilitate a ceasefire without further delay. They emphasise that every life in the Holy Land is sacred, regardless of faith or ethnicity, and unequivocally condemn the killing of both Palestinian and Israeli civilians. Also read: Collin D’Cunha to helm Hindi remake of The Intouchables, backed by KJo and Guneet Monga Kapoor The letter not only appeals to President Biden but also implores all world leaders to join the efforts to stop the violence. The actors emphasise the urgency of ending the bombing of Gaza and ensuring the safe release of hostages. The dire situation in Gaza is underscored by the fact that half of its two million residents are children, with over two-thirds being refugees and their descendants who have been displaced from their homes. The letter calls for immediate access to humanitarian aid to alleviate the suffering of the people in the region. The actors express their belief in the United States' potential to play a pivotal diplomatic role in resolving the conflict and emphasise that saving lives is a moral imperative. They echo the sentiments of UNICEF and other humanitarian organisations by stressing the importance of compassion and adherence to international law. The full text of the letter is below. Dear President Biden, We come together as artists and advocates, but most importantly as human beings witnessing the devastating loss of lives and unfolding horrors in Israel and Palestine. We ask that, as President of the United States, you call for an immediate de-escalation and ceasefire in Gaza and Israel before another life is lost. More than 5,000 people have been killed in the last week and a half – a number any person of conscience knows is catastrophic. We believe all life is sacred, no matter faith or ethnicity and we condemn the killing of Palestinian and Israeli civilians. We urge your administration, and all world leaders, to honor all of the lives in the Holy Land and call for and facilitate a ceasefire without delay – an end to the bombing of Gaza, and the safe release of hostages. Half of Gaza’s two million residents are children, and more than two thirds are refugees and their descendants being forced to flee their homes. Humanitarian aid must be allowed to reach them. We believe that the United States can play a vital diplomatic role in ending the suffering and we are adding our voices to those from the US Congress, UNICEF, Doctors without Borders, The International Committee of The Red Cross, and so many others. Saving lives is a moral imperative. To echo UNICEF, “Compassion — and international law — must prevail.” As of this writing, more than 6,000 bombs have been dropped on Gaza in the last 12 days – resulting in one child being killed every 15 minutes. Beyond our pain and mourning for all of the people there and their loved ones around the world we are motivated by an unbending will to stand for our common humanity. We stand for freedom, justice, dignity and peace for all people – and a deep desire to stop more bloodshed. We refuse to tell future generations the story of our silence, that we stood by and did nothing. As Emergency Relief Chief Martin Griffiths told UN News, “History is watching.” Signed: Riz Ahmed Mahershala Ali Mo Amer Cate Blanchett Quinta Brunson Farah Bsaiso Jessica Chastain Margaret Cho David Cross Cherien Dabis Rosario Dawson Ayo Edebiri Fatima Farheen Mirza America Ferrera Dominique Fishback Andrew Garfield Ilana Glazer Oscar Isaac Shaka King Elvira Lind Aria Mia Loberti Macklemore Michael Malarkey Rooney Mara Darius Marder Vic Mensa Alyssa Milano Hasan Minhaj Indya Moore Sandra Oh Joaquin Phoenix Mark Ruffalo Hend Sabry Susan Sarandon James Schamus Amanda Seales Anoushka Shankar Alia Shawkat Wallace Shawn Sebastian Silva Jon Stewart Kristen Stewart Jeremy Strong Wanda Sykes Michael Stipe Amber Tamblyn Bassam Tariq Channing Tatum Dominique Thorne Michelle Wolf Shailene Woodley Ramy Youssef

Hollywood actors urge President Joe Biden to propose ceasefire in Gaza and Israel

<p>Foes for centuries, Russia and its "dear friend" China have begun to find common ground with the Middle East countries that have voiced support for Palestine amid the Israel-Hamas war.</p>

<p>The counter-offensive by Israel has presented&nbsp;an opportunity for both Moscow and Beijing to come up as the champs of the developing world as Washington has fairly and squarely backed its ally Tel Aviv.</p>

<p>Though China has repeatedly called for restraint and a ceasefire, it has also strongly denounced Israel over its bombardment of the besieged Palestinian enclave.</p>

<p>"Israel's actions have gone beyond the scope of self-defence," Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said earlier this week, calling on it to stop its "collective punishment" of Gaza residents, Chinese state media reported.</p>

<p>Russia, amid the conflict, has expressed sympathy for the Palestinians while condemning the United States, stating that the upsurge of violence and tensions between Israel and Hamas showed the failure of the United States' Middle-East policy.</p>

<p>Russian President Vladimir Putin also stated that Washington sought to monopolise the international efforts aimed at forging peace in the region, further condemning the US for not seeking compromises acceptable to both sides.</p>

<p>"I think that many people will agree with me that this is a vivid example of the failure of United States policy in the Middle East," Putin had told Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani last week.</p>

<p>"The US tried to monopolise the solution (of the crisis between Israel and Palestinians), but, unfortunately, was not concerned with finding compromises acceptable to both sides, but, on the contrary, promoted its own ideas about how it should be done and put both sides under pressure. That's both sides, at one or another," he said.</p>

<p>Both Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping have strived to strengthen links to the global south, witnessing economic prospects and conceivably a way to negate the diplomatic influence of the United States and its allies. This strategy was on its full display earlier this week as China hosted a summit for Xi's Belt and Road Initiative, which has loaned hundreds of billions of dollars for infrastructure projects across the Middle East, Africa, Latin America and Asia.</p>

<p>Putin attended and met Xi for three hours of talks that included "an in-depth exchange of views on the Palestinian-Israeli situation", China said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-joe-biden-asks-congress-for-105-bln-security-package-includes-funds-for-ukraine-and-israel-649351">Biden asks Congress for $105 bln package, including funds for Ukraine, Israel</a></p>

<p>"China and Russia still see (the crisis) more in terms of the United States than in terms of either Palestine or Israel," said Jon Alterman, director of the Middle East Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington.</p>

<p>"If the United States can effectively rally the world, it's bad for them. If the US and its allies grow increasingly isolated, they see that as good for them."</p>

<h2><strong>China and Russia's support for Palestine</strong></h2>

<p>The way both Moscow and Beijing operate in the Middle East has a lot in common. Russia has been a staunch critic of the United States, however, China has mainly opted to bypass denouncing the US.</p>

<p>This year, China signalled its growing influence in the Middle East when it announced a deal on the restoration of ties between Saudi Arabia and Iran.</p>

<p>On the other hand, Russia too has been enhancing its relationship with Iran via its move to back Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and supplies of Iranian drones.</p>

<p>Both Moscow and Beijing have strongly voiced support for Palestinians and are critical of what they say is the stigmatisation of them by the United States.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"There's clearly a shared interest in emphasising the negative role of the US in the conflict," news agency Reuters quoted Jean-Loup Samaan, senior research fellow at the Middle East Institute of the National University of Singapore, as saying.</p>

<p>"And that fits within their broader narrative on the need to build an alternative world order to the US."</p>

<p>Earlier, Putin, accusing the West of not taking into consideration the fundamental interests of Palestinians, had stated that it was necessary to "implement the decisions of the UN Security Council on the creation of an independent sovereign Palestinian state."</p>

<p>Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov also echoed the same sentiment saying that the creation of a Palestinian state was the "most reliable" solution for peace in Israel.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Creation of a Palestinian state that would live side by side with Israel.. is the most reliable path to solve (the conflict). We cannot agree with those who say that security can only be ensured through a fight with terrorism," he said.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Chinese media covered the Hamas assault and since then has been carrying reports containing images of Palestinians suffering, with some even citing Palestinian sources as saying Israel was responsible for the violence.</p>

<p>"None of the reality that shocked much of the world on October 7 is in Chinese news. Instead, the news features Israeli bombing of Gaza without explaining that the target is only Hamas infrastructure," Reuters quoted Carice Witte, director of the SIGNAL Group, a Sino-Israel relations think tank based in Tel Aviv as saying.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


Foes for centuries, Russia and its "dear friend" China have begun to find common ground with the Middle East countries that have voiced support for Palestine amid the Israel-Hamas war.

Foes for centuries, Russia and its "dear friend" China have begun to find common ground with the Middle East countries that have voiced support for Palestine amid the Israel-Hamas war. The counter-offensive by Israel has presented an opportunity for both Moscow and Beijing to come up as the champs of the developing world as Washington has fairly and squarely backed its ally Tel Aviv. Though China has repeatedly called for restraint and a ceasefire, it has also strongly denounced Israel over its bombardment of the besieged Palestinian enclave. "Israel's actions have gone beyond the scope of self-defence," Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi said earlier this week, calling on it to stop its "collective punishment" of Gaza residents, Chinese state media reported. Russia, amid the conflict, has expressed sympathy for the Palestinians while condemning the United States, stating that the upsurge of violence and tensions between Israel and Hamas showed the failure of the United States' Middle-East policy. Russian President Vladimir Putin also stated that Washington sought to monopolise the international efforts aimed at forging peace in the region, further condemning the US for not seeking compromises acceptable to both sides. "I think that many people will agree with me that this is a vivid example of the failure of United States policy in the Middle East," Putin had told Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani last week. "The US tried to monopolise the solution (of the crisis between Israel and Palestinians), but, unfortunately, was not concerned with finding compromises acceptable to both sides, but, on the contrary, promoted its own ideas about how it should be done and put both sides under pressure. That's both sides, at one or another," he said. Both Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping have strived to strengthen links to the global south, witnessing economic prospects and conceivably a way to negate the diplomatic influence of the United States and its allies. This strategy was on its full display earlier this week as China hosted a summit for Xi's Belt and Road Initiative, which has loaned hundreds of billions of dollars for infrastructure projects across the Middle East, Africa, Latin America and Asia. Putin attended and met Xi for three hours of talks that included "an in-depth exchange of views on the Palestinian-Israeli situation", China said. Also read: Biden asks Congress for $105 bln package, including funds for Ukraine, Israel "China and Russia still see (the crisis) more in terms of the United States than in terms of either Palestine or Israel," said Jon Alterman, director of the Middle East Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington. "If the United States can effectively rally the world, it's bad for them. If the US and its allies grow increasingly isolated, they see that as good for them." China and Russia's support for Palestine The way both Moscow and Beijing operate in the Middle East has a lot in common. Russia has been a staunch critic of the United States, however, China has mainly opted to bypass denouncing the US. This year, China signalled its growing influence in the Middle East when it announced a deal on the restoration of ties between Saudi Arabia and Iran. On the other hand, Russia too has been enhancing its relationship with Iran via its move to back Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and supplies of Iranian drones. Both Moscow and Beijing have strongly voiced support for Palestinians and are critical of what they say is the stigmatisation of them by the United States. "There's clearly a shared interest in emphasising the negative role of the US in the conflict," news agency Reuters quoted Jean-Loup Samaan, senior research fellow at the Middle East Institute of the National University of Singapore, as saying. "And that fits within their broader narrative on the need to build an alternative world order to the US." Earlier, Putin, accusing the West of not taking into consideration the fundamental interests of Palestinians, had stated that it was necessary to "implement the decisions of the UN Security Council on the creation of an independent sovereign Palestinian state." Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov also echoed the same sentiment saying that the creation of a Palestinian state was the "most reliable" solution for peace in Israel. "Creation of a Palestinian state that would live side by side with Israel.. is the most reliable path to solve (the conflict). We cannot agree with those who say that security can only be ensured through a fight with terrorism," he said. Meanwhile, Chinese media covered the Hamas assault and since then has been carrying reports containing images of Palestinians suffering, with some even citing Palestinian sources as saying Israel was responsible for the violence. "None of the reality that shocked much of the world on October 7 is in Chinese news. Instead, the news features Israeli bombing of Gaza without explaining that the target is only Hamas infrastructure," Reuters quoted Carice Witte, director of the SIGNAL Group, a Sino-Israel relations think tank based in Tel Aviv as saying. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Explained | How Russia and China found common cause in conflict between Israel, Hamas

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidrtDCw9joBfPi" /><meta charset="utf-8" /></p>

<p>Israel Defense Forces (IDF) International Spokesperson Lt. Col. Peter Lerner has emphasised that they are currently awaiting the "green light" from the government for a ground offensive in Gaza. Since the October 7th terror attack by Hamas, which claimed the lives of 1,400 Israelis and led to numerous hostages, Israel has remained on high alert.</p>

<p>Speaking to WION's diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Tel Aviv, Lt. Col. Peter Lerner explained, "If the ground offensive is instructed and approved by the government, we will be prepared to mobilize. The reservists are now being equipped, trained, and given specific tasks in anticipation of that ground offensive."</p>

<p>In response to the situation in the Gaza Strip resulting from what Israel says are actions to deal with Hamas hideouts, Lerner noted, "We've instructed much of the population in the northern Gaza Strip to evacuate and move towards the south. I'm happy to report that we have seen a massive number of people who have actually followed our instructions, despite Hamas'&nbsp;efforts to prevent them."</p>

<p>The continuous Israeli military operations in the Gaza Strip have raised significant concerns about the humanitarian situation, with the United Nations and other world leaders expressing their worries. The IDF spokesperson also pointed out that Hamas is currently in a "state of disarray" adding, "They will definitely be in shock when we get to them."</p>

<p><strong>Here is the full interview:</strong></p>

<p><strong>WION</strong>: We know there is a buildup at Gaza so can we expect a ground offensive very soon?</p>

<p><strong>Lt. Col. Peter Lerner:</strong> The IDF is now on its 14th day of its offensive to destroy Hamas, to dismantle its capabilities to seek out pursue its leaders and terrorists. Indeed in the course of the last 14 days the IDF has recruited some 300,000 reservists. Their role if instructed to will be across the various services of the IDF and also including the ground offensive. If the ground offensive is instructed and approved by the government, we will be prepared to mobilize. The reservists are now being equipped and trained and given specific tasks in an anticipation for that ground offensive and that is what they are preparing for. Indeed, it does appear that that is the way forward. But we are as I said, waiting for the green light from the government in order to mobilize. Currently we are striking Hamas in its entirety, seeking out its leaders, destroying its operational capabilities, its command and control positions. And of course hunting down its leaders in the perpetrators of the atrocities of the seventh of October.</p>

<p><strong>WION</strong>: Sir, it has been over a week since the terror attack happened. How much have you been able to neutralise Hamas in Gaza strip?</p>

<p><strong>Lt. Col. Peter Lerner:</strong> We have struck and targeted hundreds of different targets, including leaders, including terrorists, including planners including operators including the cabinet of the Hamas's terrorist government. And indeed, we understand that they are in a state of disarray as an organization, as a governing body. But they are hiding they're hiding behind the people of Gaza. They are willing to sacrifice the people of Gaza because they have no regard for human life, Israeli or Palestinian. So our understanding is that they are in a state of disarray. They haven't got a clue what is going on above ground. They will definitely be in shock when we get to them. But we will, we are determined to defeat them. We did not open this war, but we will win it.</p>

<p><strong>WION</strong>: Right now we Hamas the Southern Front is open but we see Activities on the Northern Front as well with Hezbollah planning some kind of offensive or attack. How do you plan to deal with Hezbollah if it plans to open Northern front as well?</p>

<p><strong>Lt. Col. Peter Lerner: </strong>&nbsp;Absolutely, we've seen over the last 14 days, a constant increase in hostilities by Hezbollah and other terrorist organizations operating in Lebanon. We've seen anti tank guided missiles fired and as we've seen mortars, we've seen rockets, we've seen sniper fire and we've seen machine gun fire at our forces. We have taken the necessary precautions some of those reservists that have been called up have been sent to reinforce the northern border in order to be prepared for a potential flare up with Hezbollah as well. Their attacks still appear to be on the low scale, which indicates that they are trying to divert our attention from the South to the North. And we understand that Iran is actually behind this effort. We are a strong military. We have great capabilities. We have a professional military, and I would say we can fight on two fronts or multi fronts if required. We don't want to but we are prepared to if we if we are needed.</p>

<p><strong>WION</strong>: Coming back to your previous reply, IDF has been targetting Hamas in gaza strip and you talked about the Palestinians as well. What would you say about humanitarian aspects given that there's is an increased pounding of Hamas hideouts by israeli side that can lead to collateral damage as well?</p>

<p><strong>Lt. Col. Peter Lerner:</strong> &nbsp;So we operate basically, like the Indian military based on three core principles:<br />
1) the principle of distinction between civilians, non combatants and terrorists,<br />
2) the principle of military necessity what is the advantage of the specific strike? What abilities does it take from the enemy?<br />
3) And thirdly, proportionality<br />
And we're constantly balancing out those three components in order to be effective in our efforts in order to try and minimize and keep civilians out of harm's way. We've instructed much of the population in the northern Gaza Strip to evacuate and go towards the south. I'm happy to report that we have seen a huge massive amount of people that have actually listened to us. And that is despite Hamas'&nbsp;efforts to prevent them. Hamas put out public announcements telling people not to evacuate. When people went, when they saw that people weren't listening to them, they erected checkpoints, physical checkpoints with terrorists that are trying to prevent them. Even that wasn't successful. So I'm happy to say that people listen to us because they understand that what happened on the seventh of October is unacceptable on any decent human beings understanding. So the people, the decent people of Gaza, have listened to Israel and have head South. Indeed Hamas have no regard for human life, and they will jeopardize the civilian population of Gaza. And our job is to differentiate between those analysis, specifically what we're doing. We've designated a humanitarian zone in the southwest of the Gaza strip in Al-Mawasi area. And our operations, when we need to strike in the Gaza Strip are much more precision intelligence based against specific targets in order to eliminate specific threats. So I would say that when we look at the operation, and when we look at what we're doing, to defeat and destroy us, we are doing it in a way that sends a clear message to the people of Gaza. You are not our enemy. Hamas is our enemy. And that is what we're doing.</p>

<p><br />
<strong>WION</strong>: How much IDF casualities have&nbsp;been there since the attacks?</p>

<p><strong>Lt. Col. Peter Lerner:</strong> So, we have, I think the last number is 304 in&nbsp;IDF fatalities in this attack. Of course, there are 203 hostages being held by Hamas. We still have over 100 people that are unaccounted for. So that number might go up and of course, Hamas butchered, murdered and massacred over 1400 people, Israelis, men, women, children, the elderly, they have no regard for anybody. And they just came on the mass mass mass murder of anybody that they found. In that time, they have also fired some 7000 rockets at Israel and jeopardised Israeli security, safety and the safety of the people from Haifa although in the north all the way down to the south. And they're continuing their attacks against us, and we are continuing our strikes against them. We have I can say that we are every time we meet a terrorist on the grounds, the terrorist is killed in the exchange. That is what we are doing. We are restoring safety and security. I can say even yesterday we still found a Palestinian terrorists in Israel's territory 13 days after the initial attack. So we are constantly securing the border, closing the breaches that they penetrated through, preventing terrorists from escaping back to the Gaza Strip, and preventing further infiltration from the Gaza strip into Israeli communities.</p>

<p><strong>WION</strong>: One thing we have noticed that Hamas is attacking even though Iron Dome is working well. How come Hamas still has the capability to attack....</p>

<p><strong>Lt. Col. Peter Lerner:</strong> &nbsp;Well of course the Iron Dome isn't foolproof, but it is a very effective mechanism in order to safeguard and save civilians. Hamas has accumulated a huge amount of rockets, and they are continuing to....; and I think the basic working assumption is even when ground offensive takes place. They will continue to try and launch rockets. What we have seen as a decline in the amount of rockets that they're firing daily, which suggests that they are being pursued and have not got the comfort to launch them as freely as before. But yes, indeed they still have this arsenal. They will try and challenge us at each age period. This is the reason or one of the reasons or another part of the equation, why we need to change the paradigm so that this organization cannot fire rockets on us and not butcher our babies, can never adopt us again, and this is why we need to change the entire system.</p>

<p><strong>WION</strong>: &nbsp;When do you see hostages being released.....?</p>

<p><strong>Lt. Col. Peter Lerner:</strong> &nbsp;So unfortunately, I have nothing to report on this issue as I said the to the number of 203 is the number that could actually go up. The working assumption is that they're alive. And I would add that we expect Hamas to take care of their well being, they need to be released and be released now. Prime Minister Netanyahu has demanded that they have the International Committee of the Red Cross have access to the to the hostages. But I don't want to comment beyond that because I don't want to jeopardize them or the families of 203 people that are in despair and their life has been torn into pieces in the aftermath of this attack for the last 14 days. So I don't want to comment on that. And jeopardize anything we can actually bring them home.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Israel Defense Forces (IDF) International Spokesperson Lt. Col. Peter Lerner has emphasised that they are currently awaiting the "green light" from the government for a ground offensive in Gaza.

Israel Defense Forces (IDF) International Spokesperson Lt. Col. Peter Lerner has emphasised that they are currently awaiting the "green light" from the government for a ground offensive in Gaza. Since the October 7th terror attack by Hamas, which claimed the lives of 1,400 Israelis and led to numerous hostages, Israel has remained on high alert. Speaking to WION's diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal from Tel Aviv, Lt. Col. Peter Lerner explained, "If the ground offensive is instructed and approved by the government, we will be prepared to mobilize. The reservists are now being equipped, trained, and given specific tasks in anticipation of that ground offensive." In response to the situation in the Gaza Strip resulting from what Israel says are actions to deal with Hamas hideouts, Lerner noted, "We've instructed much of the population in the northern Gaza Strip to evacuate and move towards the south. I'm happy to report that we have seen a massive number of people who have actually followed our instructions, despite Hamas' efforts to prevent them." The continuous Israeli military operations in the Gaza Strip have raised significant concerns about the humanitarian situation, with the United Nations and other world leaders expressing their worries. The IDF spokesperson also pointed out that Hamas is currently in a "state of disarray" adding, "They will definitely be in shock when we get to them." Here is the full interview: WION: We know there is a buildup at Gaza so can we expect a ground offensive very soon? Lt. Col. Peter Lerner: The IDF is now on its 14th day of its offensive to destroy Hamas, to dismantle its capabilities to seek out pursue its leaders and terrorists. Indeed in the course of the last 14 days the IDF has recruited some 300,000 reservists. Their role if instructed to will be across the various services of the IDF and also including the ground offensive. If the ground offensive is instructed and approved by the government, we will be prepared to mobilize. The reservists are now being equipped and trained and given specific tasks in an anticipation for that ground offensive and that is what they are preparing for. Indeed, it does appear that that is the way forward. But we are as I said, waiting for the green light from the government in order to mobilize. Currently we are striking Hamas in its entirety, seeking out its leaders, destroying its operational capabilities, its command and control positions. And of course hunting down its leaders in the perpetrators of the atrocities of the seventh of October. WION: Sir, it has been over a week since the terror attack happened. How much have you been able to neutralise Hamas in Gaza strip? Lt. Col. Peter Lerner: We have struck and targeted hundreds of different targets, including leaders, including terrorists, including planners including operators including the cabinet of the Hamas's terrorist government. And indeed, we understand that they are in a state of disarray as an organization, as a governing body. But they are hiding they're hiding behind the people of Gaza. They are willing to sacrifice the people of Gaza because they have no regard for human life, Israeli or Palestinian. So our understanding is that they are in a state of disarray. They haven't got a clue what is going on above ground. They will definitely be in shock when we get to them. But we will, we are determined to defeat them. We did not open this war, but we will win it. WION: Right now we Hamas the Southern Front is open but we see Activities on the Northern Front as well with Hezbollah planning some kind of offensive or attack. How do you plan to deal with Hezbollah if it plans to open Northern front as well? Lt. Col. Peter Lerner: Absolutely, we've seen over the last 14 days, a constant increase in hostilities by Hezbollah and other terrorist organizations operating in Lebanon. We've seen anti tank guided missiles fired and as we've seen mortars, we've seen rockets, we've seen sniper fire and we've seen machine gun fire at our forces. We have taken the necessary precautions some of those reservists that have been called up have been sent to reinforce the northern border in order to be prepared for a potential flare up with Hezbollah as well. Their attacks still appear to be on the low scale, which indicates that they are trying to divert our attention from the South to the North. And we understand that Iran is actually behind this effort. We are a strong military. We have great capabilities. We have a professional military, and I would say we can fight on two fronts or multi fronts if required. We don't want to but we are prepared to if we if we are needed. WION: Coming back to your previous reply, IDF has been targetting Hamas in gaza strip and you talked about the Palestinians as well. What would you say about humanitarian aspects given that there's is an increased pounding of Hamas hideouts by israeli side that can lead to collateral damage as well? Lt. Col. Peter Lerner: So we operate basically, like the Indian military based on three core principles: 1) the principle of distinction between civilians, non combatants and terrorists, 2) the principle of military necessity what is the advantage of the specific strike? What abilities does it take from the enemy? 3) And thirdly, proportionality And we're constantly balancing out those three components in order to be effective in our efforts in order to try and minimize and keep civilians out of harm's way. We've instructed much of the population in the northern Gaza Strip to evacuate and go towards the south. I'm happy to report that we have seen a huge massive amount of people that have actually listened to us. And that is despite Hamas' efforts to prevent them. Hamas put out public announcements telling people not to evacuate. When people went, when they saw that people weren't listening to them, they erected checkpoints, physical checkpoints with terrorists that are trying to prevent them. Even that wasn't successful. So I'm happy to say that people listen to us because they understand that what happened on the seventh of October is unacceptable on any decent human beings understanding. So the people, the decent people of Gaza, have listened to Israel and have head South. Indeed Hamas have no regard for human life, and they will jeopardize the civilian population of Gaza. And our job is to differentiate between those analysis, specifically what we're doing. We've designated a humanitarian zone in the southwest of the Gaza strip in Al-Mawasi area. And our operations, when we need to strike in the Gaza Strip are much more precision intelligence based against specific targets in order to eliminate specific threats. So I would say that when we look at the operation, and when we look at what we're doing, to defeat and destroy us, we are doing it in a way that sends a clear message to the people of Gaza. You are not our enemy. Hamas is our enemy. And that is what we're doing. WION: How much IDF casualities have been there since the attacks? Lt. Col. Peter Lerner: So, we have, I think the last number is 304 in IDF fatalities in this attack. Of course, there are 203 hostages being held by Hamas. We still have over 100 people that are unaccounted for. So that number might go up and of course, Hamas butchered, murdered and massacred over 1400 people, Israelis, men, women, children, the elderly, they have no regard for anybody. And they just came on the mass mass mass murder of anybody that they found. In that time, they have also fired some 7000 rockets at Israel and jeopardised Israeli security, safety and the safety of the people from Haifa although in the north all the way down to the south. And they're continuing their attacks against us, and we are continuing our strikes against them. We have I can say that we are every time we meet a terrorist on the grounds, the terrorist is killed in the exchange. That is what we are doing. We are restoring safety and security. I can say even yesterday we still found a Palestinian terrorists in Israel's territory 13 days after the initial attack. So we are constantly securing the border, closing the breaches that they penetrated through, preventing terrorists from escaping back to the Gaza Strip, and preventing further infiltration from the Gaza strip into Israeli communities. WION: One thing we have noticed that Hamas is attacking even though Iron Dome is working well. How come Hamas still has the capability to attack.... Lt. Col. Peter Lerner: Well of course the Iron Dome isn't foolproof, but it is a very effective mechanism in order to safeguard and save civilians. Hamas has accumulated a huge amount of rockets, and they are continuing to....; and I think the basic working assumption is even when ground offensive takes place. They will continue to try and launch rockets. What we have seen as a decline in the amount of rockets that they're firing daily, which suggests that they are being pursued and have not got the comfort to launch them as freely as before. But yes, indeed they still have this arsenal. They will try and challenge us at each age period. This is the reason or one of the reasons or another part of the equation, why we need to change the paradigm so that this organization cannot fire rockets on us and not butcher our babies, can never adopt us again, and this is why we need to change the entire system. WION: When do you see hostages being released.....? Lt. Col. Peter Lerner: So unfortunately, I have nothing to report on this issue as I said the to the number of 203 is the number that could actually go up. The working assumption is that they're alive. And I would add that we expect Hamas to take care of their well being, they need to be released and be released now. Prime Minister Netanyahu has demanded that they have the International Committee of the Red Cross have access to the to the hostages. But I don't want to comment beyond that because I don't want to jeopardize them or the families of 203 people that are in despair and their life has been torn into pieces in the aftermath of this attack for the last 14 days. So I don't want to comment on that. And jeopardize anything we can actually bring them home. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Exclusive | IDF awaits approval for ground offensive; 300,000 reservists recruited, says spox Peter Lerner

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidAnqhy8mfGNb4" /><meta charset="utf-8" /></p>

<p>Lebanon's national carrier&nbsp;Middle East Airlines (MEA) said on Friday (Oct 20) that it was cutting over half of its flights as tensions along the border with Israel prompted more Western countries to warn against travel to Lebanon. MEA's Chairperson Mohammad El-Hout said that only eight of the airline's 22 aircraft would operate next week, with the rest of the fleet relocated to other airports.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a televised interview from Beirut's airport, El-Hout said, "More than half of the company's flights will be cancelled."</p>

<p>The decision came after changes to the airline's insurance coverage following the unprecedented attack launched by Hamas against Israel on October 7. Insurance companies began to worry two to three days after the Hamas attack, he added.</p>

<p>Several countries have advised their citizens to leave Lebanon or not to travel to the country amid fears of a war between Lebanon's Hezbollah and Israel. At least 22 people have been killed on the Lebanese side, including four civilians, sparking fears of a wider escalation.</p>

<h2><strong>Israel orders evacuation of Kiryat Shmona following Lebanon clashes</strong></h2>

<p>On Friday, the Israeli military announced plans to evacuate the northern city of Kiryat Shmona, following days of clashes with Hezbollah militants along the border with Lebanon.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a statement, the military said that Kiryat Shmona's mayor had been informed about the evacuation. "The plan will be managed by the local authority, the ministry of tourism and the ministry of defence," the statement said.</p>

<p>The military added that it was continuing to strike Hezbollah targets just across the border in Lebanon.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


Lebanon's national carrier Middle East Airlines (MEA) said on Friday (Oct 20) that it was cutting over half of its flights as tensions along the border with Israel prompted more Western countries to warn against travel to Lebanon.

Lebanon's national carrier Middle East Airlines (MEA) said on Friday (Oct 20) that it was cutting over half of its flights as tensions along the border with Israel prompted more Western countries to warn against travel to Lebanon. MEA's Chairperson Mohammad El-Hout said that only eight of the airline's 22 aircraft would operate next week, with the rest of the fleet relocated to other airports. In a televised interview from Beirut's airport, El-Hout said, "More than half of the company's flights will be cancelled." The decision came after changes to the airline's insurance coverage following the unprecedented attack launched by Hamas against Israel on October 7. Insurance companies began to worry two to three days after the Hamas attack, he added. Several countries have advised their citizens to leave Lebanon or not to travel to the country amid fears of a war between Lebanon's Hezbollah and Israel. At least 22 people have been killed on the Lebanese side, including four civilians, sparking fears of a wider escalation. Israel orders evacuation of Kiryat Shmona following Lebanon clashes On Friday, the Israeli military announced plans to evacuate the northern city of Kiryat Shmona, following days of clashes with Hezbollah militants along the border with Lebanon. In a statement, the military said that Kiryat Shmona's mayor had been informed about the evacuation. "The plan will be managed by the local authority, the ministry of tourism and the ministry of defence," the statement said. The military added that it was continuing to strike Hezbollah targets just across the border in Lebanon. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Israel-Hamas war: Lebanon's national carrier halves flights amid rising tensions

<p>At least 300 people were arrested after demonstrators from two progressive Jewish groups descended on the United States Capitol building in Washington DC, calling for a ceasefire in Gaza amid the ongoing war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas. This came after the rally in Washington drew thousands of people inside and outside the Capitol building on the day that President Joe Biden was in the midst of a visit to the war-torn nation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The war is nearing the two-week mark and has led to significant civilian casualties in both Israel and Gaza. More than 1,400 Israelis have been killed since Hamas’ attack on October 7 and thousands of others have been wounded.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, according to the Palestinian health ministry, the death toll in Gaza stood at 3,785 as of Thursday (Oct 19), with around 12,493 people injured.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>'Ceasefire now'</strong></h2>

<p>The rally which was organised by two progressive Jewish groups – Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP) and IfNotNow – according to organisers drew a total of 10,000 people inside and outside the Capitol and called for a ceasefire in Gaza.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, a group of around 400 people entered the rotunda of the Cannon House office building on Wednesday (Oct 18) afternoon inside Capitol Hill. The group was reportedly led by about 25 rabbis reading testimonials from Palestinians in Gaza and reciting prayers.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The demonstrators dressed in black T-shirts carried banners and placards which read “Jews say cease-fire now” and “Not in our name” while activists sat clapping and singing on the floor.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We shut down congress to draw mass attention to the U.S. complicity in Israel’s ongoing oppression of Palestinians,” said the Jewish Voice for Peace in a statement on X.</p>

<p>It added, “Just as we demand an end to genocide in Gaza, we must put the same effort into dismantling the systems of Zionism, apartheid, and colonialism that brought us to this moment.”<br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Jewish protesters chant “Palestinians have the right to live in freedom” and “Ceasefire now” in front of Capitol Hill today in the US history’s largest Jewish demonstration in support for Palestinians. <a href="https://t.co/iAxpxSOG9u">pic.twitter.com/iAxpxSOG9u</a></p>
— Isabel Bonnet Belloso (@ibonnetb) <a href="https://twitter.com/ibonnetb/status/1714707236512022569?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 18, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Massive action today, showing widespread demands from Jewish community members for a <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CeasefireNOW?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CeasefireNOW</a><br />
<br />
Capitol police arrested 150 Jewish activist &amp; ally’s for protesting US funding for Israel’s war crime <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PalestineGenocide?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PalestineGenocide</a> &amp; siege on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gaza?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gaza</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/jvplive?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@jvplive</a> <a href="https://t.co/WNHrCyExJq">pic.twitter.com/WNHrCyExJq</a></p>
— Jesse Franzblau (@JFranzblau) <a href="https://twitter.com/JFranzblau/status/1714837465440067820?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 19, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>About 300 detained</strong></h2>

<p>Subsequently, the Capitol police began detaining the protesters as demonstrations are not permitted in congressional buildings.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to American media reports citing the organisers, about 300 people have been arrested so far. The Capitol police in a statement on X said three were charged with assault on a police officer.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Images and videos of the incident show protesters being restrained with zip ties and led into police vans. However, the number of those detained may rise as they continue processing arrests.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The rally on Wednesday afternoon also follows a smaller protest near the White House on Monday (Oct 16) which, according to JVP, drew at least 5,000 people. In a series of posts on X, IfNotNow said, “American Jews and allies have now blocked 4+ doors to the White House.”</p>

<p>It added, “We’re prepared to put our bodies in the way of more slaughter – we’re ready to stay here until Biden forces a ceasefire.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>The demonstration led to more than 30 arrests, according to media reports and has been attributed to either breaching safety barriers or obstructing entrances in the vicinity of the White House.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
<br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


At least 300 people were arrested after demonstrators from two progressive Jewish groups descended on the United States Capitol building in Washington DC, calling for a ceasefire in Gaza amid the ongoing war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas.

At least 300 people were arrested after demonstrators from two progressive Jewish groups descended on the United States Capitol building in Washington DC, calling for a ceasefire in Gaza amid the ongoing war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas. This came after the rally in Washington drew thousands of people inside and outside the Capitol building on the day that President Joe Biden was in the midst of a visit to the war-torn nation. The war is nearing the two-week mark and has led to significant civilian casualties in both Israel and Gaza. More than 1,400 Israelis have been killed since Hamas’ attack on October 7 and thousands of others have been wounded. Meanwhile, according to the Palestinian health ministry, the death toll in Gaza stood at 3,785 as of Thursday (Oct 19), with around 12,493 people injured. 'Ceasefire now' The rally which was organised by two progressive Jewish groups – Jewish Voice for Peace (JVP) and IfNotNow – according to organisers drew a total of 10,000 people inside and outside the Capitol and called for a ceasefire in Gaza. However, a group of around 400 people entered the rotunda of the Cannon House office building on Wednesday (Oct 18) afternoon inside Capitol Hill. The group was reportedly led by about 25 rabbis reading testimonials from Palestinians in Gaza and reciting prayers. The demonstrators dressed in black T-shirts carried banners and placards which read “Jews say cease-fire now” and “Not in our name” while activists sat clapping and singing on the floor. “We shut down congress to draw mass attention to the U.S. complicity in Israel’s ongoing oppression of Palestinians,” said the Jewish Voice for Peace in a statement on X. It added, “Just as we demand an end to genocide in Gaza, we must put the same effort into dismantling the systems of Zionism, apartheid, and colonialism that brought us to this moment.” Jewish protesters chant “Palestinians have the right to live in freedom” and “Ceasefire now” in front of Capitol Hill today in the US history’s largest Jewish demonstration in support for Palestinians. pic.twitter.com/iAxpxSOG9u — Isabel Bonnet Belloso (@ibonnetb) October 18, 2023 × Massive action today, showing widespread demands from Jewish community members for a #CeasefireNOW Capitol police arrested 150 Jewish activist & ally’s for protesting US funding for Israel’s war crime #PalestineGenocide & siege on #Gaza @jvplive pic.twitter.com/WNHrCyExJq — Jesse Franzblau (@JFranzblau) October 19, 2023 × About 300 detained Subsequently, the Capitol police began detaining the protesters as demonstrations are not permitted in congressional buildings. According to American media reports citing the organisers, about 300 people have been arrested so far. The Capitol police in a statement on X said three were charged with assault on a police officer. Images and videos of the incident show protesters being restrained with zip ties and led into police vans. However, the number of those detained may rise as they continue processing arrests. The rally on Wednesday afternoon also follows a smaller protest near the White House on Monday (Oct 16) which, according to JVP, drew at least 5,000 people. In a series of posts on X, IfNotNow said, “American Jews and allies have now blocked 4+ doors to the White House.” It added, “We’re prepared to put our bodies in the way of more slaughter – we’re ready to stay here until Biden forces a ceasefire.” The demonstration led to more than 30 arrests, according to media reports and has been attributed to either breaching safety barriers or obstructing entrances in the vicinity of the White House. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Watch | Israel-Hamas war: Protesters storm US Capitol demanding ceasefire in Gaza; around 300 arrested

<p>The White House faced criticism after it shared an image of President Joe Biden meeting with US troops in Israel as the photo revealed the identities of the soldiers who were helping with the hostage situation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The image showed Biden shaking hands with a soldier of the Delta Force, which is the US Army's elite counter-terrorism unit.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The post was deleted just an hour after it was posted and since then, the photo received more than 6,100 likes, and screenshots of the same were shared online.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It revealed the faces of three other Delta Force members and also showed a distinctive tattoo on the arm of a soldier, who was greeting Biden.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-rapidly-expanding-nuclear-arsenal-to-have-1000-warheads-by-2030-pentagon-649090">China rapidly expanding nuclear arsenal, to have 1,000 warheads by 2030: Pentagon</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>The caption of the now-deleted post read: "In Israel, President Biden met with first responders to thank them for their bravery and the work they're doing in response to the Hamas terrorist attacks."</p>

<p>Social media users accused the Biden administration of "compromising" the troops’ identities.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Sharing an edited picture, a US-based journalist claimed on X that the White House shared the image without obscuring the faces of what appeared to be special forces on Wednesday night.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The journalist wrote, "The Whitehouse media team shared this picture last night (I added the black boxes) without blurring or censoring the faces of the 'Delta Force' (CAG) operator's faces."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"They deleted it an hour later after hundreds of thousands had already viewed it. This is a massive failure on the Biden admin," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canadian-visa-services-to-face-delays-after-new-delhi-kicks-out-41-diplomats-649134">Canadian visa services to face delays after New Delhi kicks out 41 diplomats</a></strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The Whitehouse media team shared this picture last night (I added the black boxes) without blurring or censoring the faces of the “Delta Force” (CAG) operator’s faces. They deleted it an hour later after hundreds of thousands had already viewed it.<br />
<br />
This is a massive failure on… <a href="https://t.co/ROegvYWzit">pic.twitter.com/ROegvYWzit</a></p>
— Sam Shoemate (@samosaur) <a href="https://twitter.com/samosaur/status/1714962125980901873?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 19, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Hamas hostages: What we know so far</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hamas-hostages-what-we-know-so-far-649112/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<h2><strong>White House issues apology&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Responding to the tricky situation, a White House spokesperson said, "We regret the error and any issues this may have caused."&nbsp;</p>

<p>When Hamas militants launched a surprise attack on Israel on Oct 7, they killed over 1,000 people and also took around 200 hostages.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The US and other Israeli allies are now helping to tackle the hostage situation as soon as possible.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


The White House faced criticism after it shared an image of President Joe Biden meeting with US troops in Israel as the photo revealed the identities of the soldiers who were helping with the hostage situation.

The White House faced criticism after it shared an image of President Joe Biden meeting with US troops in Israel as the photo revealed the identities of the soldiers who were helping with the hostage situation. The image showed Biden shaking hands with a soldier of the Delta Force, which is the US Army's elite counter-terrorism unit. The post was deleted just an hour after it was posted and since then, the photo received more than 6,100 likes, and screenshots of the same were shared online. It revealed the faces of three other Delta Force members and also showed a distinctive tattoo on the arm of a soldier, who was greeting Biden. Also read: China rapidly expanding nuclear arsenal, to have 1,000 warheads by 2030: Pentagon The caption of the now-deleted post read: "In Israel, President Biden met with first responders to thank them for their bravery and the work they're doing in response to the Hamas terrorist attacks." Social media users accused the Biden administration of "compromising" the troops’ identities. Sharing an edited picture, a US-based journalist claimed on X that the White House shared the image without obscuring the faces of what appeared to be special forces on Wednesday night. The journalist wrote, "The Whitehouse media team shared this picture last night (I added the black boxes) without blurring or censoring the faces of the 'Delta Force' (CAG) operator's faces." "They deleted it an hour later after hundreds of thousands had already viewed it. This is a massive failure on the Biden admin," he added. Also read: Canadian visa services to face delays after New Delhi kicks out 41 diplomats The Whitehouse media team shared this picture last night (I added the black boxes) without blurring or censoring the faces of the “Delta Force” (CAG) operator’s faces. They deleted it an hour later after hundreds of thousands had already viewed it. This is a massive failure on… pic.twitter.com/ROegvYWzit — Sam Shoemate (@samosaur) October 19, 2023 × Watch: Hamas hostages: What we know so far × White House issues apology Responding to the tricky situation, a White House spokesperson said, "We regret the error and any issues this may have caused." When Hamas militants launched a surprise attack on Israel on Oct 7, they killed over 1,000 people and also took around 200 hostages. The US and other Israeli allies are now helping to tackle the hostage situation as soon as possible. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

White House faces backlash for accidentally revealing identities of US troops in Israel

<p>Up to six Chinese warships have been operating in West Asia over the past week, South China Morning Post reported on Thursday (Oct 19), citing reports. The naval presence was reported amid an escalating situation in West Asia due to the Israel-Hamas war.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Chinese Defence Ministry website said that the 44th Naval Escort Task Force has been involved in routine operations in the area since May.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Last week, it spent several days on a visit to Oman, and it also took part in a joint exercise with the country's navy. Chinese state media reported that the task force left the capital Muscat on Saturday, and was en route to an unspecified destination.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-historical-conflict-between-israel-palestine-amid-unprovoked-escalation-by-hamas-644471">Revisiting Israel-Palestine historical conflict amid new escalation by Hamas</a></strong></p>

<p>The report mentioned that the task force is from the People's Liberation Army Eastern Theatre, which includes the Zibo, a Type 052D guided-missile destroyer, and also the frigate Jingzhou. It also has the integrated supply ship Qiandaohu.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The new convoy is led by the PLA's Northern Theatre command and includes another Type 052 destroyer, the Urumqi, as well as the frigate Linyi and the supply ship Dongpinghu.</p>

<p>Notably, the US sent its most advanced carrier, the USS Gerald R Ford, and its battle group to the eastern Mediterranean amid the ongoing war. The Dwight D Eisenhower carrier strike group is also on its way to the region.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The current status of these warships is not known.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Several killed in Israeli strike at Gaza church, Hamas claims</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-palestine-war-several-killed-in-israeli-strike-at-gaza-church-hamas-claims-649073/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<h2><strong>Xi on Israel-Hamas war&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>This report coincided with Chinese leader Xi Jinping's call for a ceasefire and humanitarian corridors for Gaza. His comment came in a meeting with Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly on the sidelines of the Belt and Road Forum in Beijing.&nbsp;</p>

<p>State media quoted Xi as telling Madbouly that China supports Egypt's efforts to let in humanitarian aid to Gaza.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-gaza-strip-and-the-struggle-for-survival-for-millions-of-its-residents-645290">Gaza Strip and the struggle for survival for millions of its residents</a></strong></p>

<p>The Chinese president's words are among the first he has made regarding the conflict, which erupted on October 7 after Hamas launched an attack on Israel, sparking a huge military assault on Gaza.</p>

<p>Egypt and the US agreed on Wednesday to bring humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip "in a sustainable manner" through Egypt's Sinai Peninsula.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Separately, Xi also said China was willing to work with Egypt to strengthen cooperation in infrastructure, agricultural technology, and renewable energy, adding that he will also encourage capable Chinese enterprises to invest there.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><em><strong>Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.</strong></em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


Up to six Chinese warships have been operating in West Asia over the past week, South China Morning Post reported on Thursday (Oct 19), citing reports. The naval presence was reported amid an escalating situation in West Asia due to the Israel-Hamas war.

Up to six Chinese warships have been operating in West Asia over the past week, South China Morning Post reported on Thursday (Oct 19), citing reports. The naval presence was reported amid an escalating situation in West Asia due to the Israel-Hamas war. The Chinese Defence Ministry website said that the 44th Naval Escort Task Force has been involved in routine operations in the area since May. Last week, it spent several days on a visit to Oman, and it also took part in a joint exercise with the country's navy. Chinese state media reported that the task force left the capital Muscat on Saturday, and was en route to an unspecified destination. Also read: Revisiting Israel-Palestine historical conflict amid new escalation by Hamas The report mentioned that the task force is from the People's Liberation Army Eastern Theatre, which includes the Zibo, a Type 052D guided-missile destroyer, and also the frigate Jingzhou. It also has the integrated supply ship Qiandaohu. The new convoy is led by the PLA's Northern Theatre command and includes another Type 052 destroyer, the Urumqi, as well as the frigate Linyi and the supply ship Dongpinghu. Notably, the US sent its most advanced carrier, the USS Gerald R Ford, and its battle group to the eastern Mediterranean amid the ongoing war. The Dwight D Eisenhower carrier strike group is also on its way to the region. The current status of these warships is not known. Watch: Several killed in Israeli strike at Gaza church, Hamas claims × Xi on Israel-Hamas war This report coincided with Chinese leader Xi Jinping's call for a ceasefire and humanitarian corridors for Gaza. His comment came in a meeting with Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly on the sidelines of the Belt and Road Forum in Beijing. State media quoted Xi as telling Madbouly that China supports Egypt's efforts to let in humanitarian aid to Gaza. Also read: Gaza Strip and the struggle for survival for millions of its residents The Chinese president's words are among the first he has made regarding the conflict, which erupted on October 7 after Hamas launched an attack on Israel, sparking a huge military assault on Gaza. Egypt and the US agreed on Wednesday to bring humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip "in a sustainable manner" through Egypt's Sinai Peninsula. Separately, Xi also said China was willing to work with Egypt to strengthen cooperation in infrastructure, agricultural technology, and renewable energy, adding that he will also encourage capable Chinese enterprises to invest there. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Six Chinese warships were operating in West Asia amid Israel-Hamas tensions

In pics | Israel-Hamas war: Around 300 arrested after protesters storm US Capitol demanding ceasefire in Gaza

<p>A rocket strike on Gaza's Al-Ahli hospital killed hundreds of people and injured several more on Tuesday (Oct 17). A Palestinian statement said that around 500 people had died, but some reports claimed the toll was around 200.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The health ministry in Gaza claimed that an Israeli air strike had hit the Christian-run Ahli Arab hospital in central Gaza City. Israel denied it was responsible, pinning the blame on the Palestinian militant group Islamic Jihad for hitting the hospital from inside Gaza.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Islamic Jihad has said that Israel was trying to evade responsibility for the deaths. "We therefore affirm that the accusations put forward by the enemy are false and baseless," the group said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-hospital-blast-israel-releases-evidence-to-blame-militants-for-misfired-rocket-648371">Gaza hospital blast: Israel releases 'evidence' to blame terrorists for 'misfired' rocket</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong><img alt="gaza" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="b33da350-8bca-49d3-9b79-68530991dbb2" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_33YL2AW.jpg" /></strong></p>

<p><em>This handout satellite picture courtesy of Maxar Technologies taken on October 18, 2023, shows the aftermath of a strike on Al-Ahli Hospital and the surrounding area in Gaza City, on October 17, 2023. Credit: AFP.&nbsp;</em></p>

<p><em><img alt="gaza" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="4a9e2554-de10-4b02-a902-18733da9dac8" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/000_33YH672.jpg" /></em></p>

<p><em>This handout satellite picture courtesy of Maxar Technologies taken on October 18, 2023, shows the aftermath of a strike on Al-Ahli Hospital and the surrounding area in Gaza City, on October 17, 2023.&nbsp;Credit: AFP.&nbsp;</em></p>

<p>Now, satellite images show the before and after status of the hospital, which tells the impact of the blast and the extent of the destruction. The news agency Reuters verified the images and their date and location.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Palestinian officials blame an Israeli air strike for the explosion that turned into a fireball.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Israel says the blast was caused by a failed rocket launch by the Islamic Jihad militant group, which denies the claim.&nbsp;</p>

<p>US President Joe Biden has since backed Israel's account that it is not behind the strike which led to global condemnation and street protests across Arab nations.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/video-israeli-airstrike-or-misfired-islamic-jihad-rocket-what-killed-hundreds-at-gaza-hospital-648159">Israeli airstrike or 'misfired' Islamic Jihad rocket? What killed at least 500 at Gaza hospital?</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong>Watch this report:&nbsp;</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-palestine-war-israel-blames-another-group-of-gaza-hospital-bombing-648600/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Images of the hospital after the strike published by the Maxar satellite monitoring group show the hospital buildings mainly appeared to be intact.</p>

<p>Maxar said their images reveal "a probable discoloured blast area in the main parking area of the hospital compound" with no "significant structural damage to the adjacent buildings".&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Israel-Hamas conflict started when Hamas militants on October 7 stormed out of Gaza and across the border into southern Israel, killing more than 1,400 people, mostly civilians.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Israel then waged a war, calling it retaliatory action against Hamas. At least 3,478 people have been killed so far in Gaza.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong><em>Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.&nbsp;</em></strong></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


A rocket strike on Gaza's Al-Ahli hospital killed hundreds of people and injured several more on Tuesday (Oct 17). A Palestinian statement said that around 500 people had died, but some reports claimed the toll was around 200.

A rocket strike on Gaza's Al-Ahli hospital killed hundreds of people and injured several more on Tuesday (Oct 17). A Palestinian statement said that around 500 people had died, but some reports claimed the toll was around 200. The health ministry in Gaza claimed that an Israeli air strike had hit the Christian-run Ahli Arab hospital in central Gaza City. Israel denied it was responsible, pinning the blame on the Palestinian militant group Islamic Jihad for hitting the hospital from inside Gaza. Islamic Jihad has said that Israel was trying to evade responsibility for the deaths. "We therefore affirm that the accusations put forward by the enemy are false and baseless," the group said. Also read: Gaza hospital blast: Israel releases 'evidence' to blame terrorists for 'misfired' rocket This handout satellite picture courtesy of Maxar Technologies taken on October 18, 2023, shows the aftermath of a strike on Al-Ahli Hospital and the surrounding area in Gaza City, on October 17, 2023. Credit: AFP. This handout satellite picture courtesy of Maxar Technologies taken on October 18, 2023, shows the aftermath of a strike on Al-Ahli Hospital and the surrounding area in Gaza City, on October 17, 2023. Credit: AFP. Now, satellite images show the before and after status of the hospital, which tells the impact of the blast and the extent of the destruction. The news agency Reuters verified the images and their date and location. Palestinian officials blame an Israeli air strike for the explosion that turned into a fireball. Meanwhile, Israel says the blast was caused by a failed rocket launch by the Islamic Jihad militant group, which denies the claim. US President Joe Biden has since backed Israel's account that it is not behind the strike which led to global condemnation and street protests across Arab nations. Also read: Israeli airstrike or 'misfired' Islamic Jihad rocket? What killed at least 500 at Gaza hospital? Watch this report: × Images of the hospital after the strike published by the Maxar satellite monitoring group show the hospital buildings mainly appeared to be intact. Maxar said their images reveal "a probable discoloured blast area in the main parking area of the hospital compound" with no "significant structural damage to the adjacent buildings". The Israel-Hamas conflict started when Hamas militants on October 7 stormed out of Gaza and across the border into southern Israel, killing more than 1,400 people, mostly civilians. Israel then waged a war, calling it retaliatory action against Hamas. At least 3,478 people have been killed so far in Gaza. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Satellite images show Gaza's Al-Ahli hospital before and after rocket strike

<p>The US presidential hopeful Nikki Haley made a strong point when she asked the Islamic countries why they are not opening up their gates for Palestinian civilians from Gaza who want to flee their homes amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We should care about the Palestinian citizens, especially the innocent ones because they didn't ask for this. But where are the Arab countries? Where are they? Where is Qatar? Where is Lebanon? Where is Jordan? Where is Egypt? Do you know we give Egypt over a billion dollars a year? Why aren't they opening the gates? Why aren't they taking the Palestinians?" Haley told CNN in an interview.</p>

<p>She claimed that the Arab nations are not allowing the Palestinians because they know they "can't vet them" and they don't want "Hamas in their neighbourhood," asserting that "if Arab nations don't want them, then why would Israel? "</p>

<p>Haley also said that Hamas is going to do "everything they can" to not let Palestinians leave, because "they want them all to die". She alleged that "one, they want to use them as human shields, but, two, they want to blame Israel and show images of dead children and say, look at what Israel did".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Those who are stuck in Gaza are currently in a dire state, in the absence of basic needs such as food, clean water, electricity, and medicines. So, what's the way ahead?&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/israel-vs-hamas-war-a-look-at-firepower-in-israeli-arsenal-645024">Israel vs Hamas war | A look at firepower in Israeli arsenal</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>What are the options if Palestinians leave Gaza?</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Ever since the conflict began, the future of the 2.3 million Gaza residents became uncertain. They have fled their homes, while still staying inside Gaza, a small piece of land wedged between Israel, Egypt and the Mediterranean Sea.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Egypt is the only Arab state to share a border with Gaza, and Jordan is next to the West Bank - but both nations have warned against Palestinians being forced off their land.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Now the world is talking about the fate of Palestinian refugees as it has become one of the thorniest issues in the decades-long conflict.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But the neighbours are not ready. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi recently said that the current war is also an "attempt to push the civilian inhabitants to... migrate to Egypt".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Jordan's King Abdullah II gave a similar message, as he said, "No refugees in Jordan, no refugees in Egypt."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Jordanian King also warned "against any attempt to forcibly displace Palestinians from all Palestinian territories or cause their internal displacement," calling for preventing a spillover of the crisis into neighbouring countries and the exacerbation of the refugee issue.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-historical-conflict-between-israel-palestine-amid-unprovoked-escalation-by-hamas-644471">Revisiting Israel-Palestine historical conflict amid new escalation by Hamas</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>Fear of permanent displacement&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The issue underlines the fears that the conflict in Gaza could result in a new wave of permanent displacement from the land where Palestinians hope to establish a future state.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Some 700,000 Palestinians, almost half the Arab population of what was British-ruled Palestine, were dispossessed and displaced in the 1948 war around Israel's creation. Palestinians refer to the event as the Nakba, Arabic for "catastrophe".&nbsp;</p>

<p>El-Sissi even said "this is the cause of all causes, the cause of all Arabs. It is important that the (Palestinian) people remain steadfast and present on their land."&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the 1967 Mideast war, when Israel seized the West Bank and Gaza Strip, 300,000 more Palestinians fled, mostly into Jordan.</p>

<p>Many entered the neighbouring Arab states where they or many of their descendants remain. However, many still live in refugee camps.</p>

<p>After the fighting in the 1948 war stopped, Israel refused to allow refugees to return home.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Since then, Israel has refused Palestinian demands for the return of refugees as part of a peace deal, claiming that it would threaten Israel's Jewish majority.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Now, Arab nations fear that the situation will happen again and that a large Palestinian refugee population from Gaza will end up staying for good.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/how-israel-was-formed-a-nation-whose-history-can-be-traced-back-to-iron-age-647305">How was Israel formed? The nation's history can be traced back to the Iron Age</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Will Israel invade Gaza? Egypt allows aid, but 'no refugees'</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-palestine-war-will-israel-invade-gaza-egypt-allows-aid-but-no-refugees-648875/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<h2><strong>The Hamas worry</strong></h2>

<p>Another burning issue is Hamas, the Palestinian militant group which is designated as a terror organisation by many countries. The ongoing conflict began when Hamas launched a surprise attack on Oct 7, killing over 1,000 people and taking around 200 as hostages.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Egypt says a mass exodus from Gaza would bring Hamas or other Palestinian militants onto its soil. That might be destabilising in Sinai, where Egypt’s military fought for years against Islamic militants and at one point accused Hamas of backing them.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Since Hamas took control of Gaza in 2007, Egypt has helped maintain a blockade of the strip, largely sealing off its border and imposing tight controls over the passage of goods and people through Rafah.&nbsp;</p>

<p>El-Sissi even warned about the wrecking of Egypt and Israel's 1979 peace deal. He said that with the presence of Palestinian militants, Sinai "would become a base for attacks on Israel. Israel would have the right to defend itself ... and would strike Egyptian territory".&nbsp;</p>

<p>He added that "the peace which we have achieved would vanish from our hands" and "all for the sake of the idea of eliminating the Palestinian cause".&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong><em>Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.&nbsp;</em></strong></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


The US presidential hopeful Nikki Haley made a strong point when she asked the Islamic countries why they are not opening up their gates for Palestinian civilians from Gaza who want to flee their homes amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas.

The US presidential hopeful Nikki Haley made a strong point when she asked the Islamic countries why they are not opening up their gates for Palestinian civilians from Gaza who want to flee their homes amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas. "We should care about the Palestinian citizens, especially the innocent ones because they didn't ask for this. But where are the Arab countries? Where are they? Where is Qatar? Where is Lebanon? Where is Jordan? Where is Egypt? Do you know we give Egypt over a billion dollars a year? Why aren't they opening the gates? Why aren't they taking the Palestinians?" Haley told CNN in an interview. She claimed that the Arab nations are not allowing the Palestinians because they know they "can't vet them" and they don't want "Hamas in their neighbourhood," asserting that "if Arab nations don't want them, then why would Israel? " Haley also said that Hamas is going to do "everything they can" to not let Palestinians leave, because "they want them all to die". She alleged that "one, they want to use them as human shields, but, two, they want to blame Israel and show images of dead children and say, look at what Israel did". Those who are stuck in Gaza are currently in a dire state, in the absence of basic needs such as food, clean water, electricity, and medicines. So, what's the way ahead? Also read: Israel vs Hamas war | A look at firepower in Israeli arsenal What are the options if Palestinians leave Gaza? Ever since the conflict began, the future of the 2.3 million Gaza residents became uncertain. They have fled their homes, while still staying inside Gaza, a small piece of land wedged between Israel, Egypt and the Mediterranean Sea. Egypt is the only Arab state to share a border with Gaza, and Jordan is next to the West Bank - but both nations have warned against Palestinians being forced off their land. Now the world is talking about the fate of Palestinian refugees as it has become one of the thorniest issues in the decades-long conflict. But the neighbours are not ready. Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi recently said that the current war is also an "attempt to push the civilian inhabitants to... migrate to Egypt". Jordan's King Abdullah II gave a similar message, as he said, "No refugees in Jordan, no refugees in Egypt." Jordanian King also warned "against any attempt to forcibly displace Palestinians from all Palestinian territories or cause their internal displacement," calling for preventing a spillover of the crisis into neighbouring countries and the exacerbation of the refugee issue. Also read: Revisiting Israel-Palestine historical conflict amid new escalation by Hamas Fear of permanent displacement The issue underlines the fears that the conflict in Gaza could result in a new wave of permanent displacement from the land where Palestinians hope to establish a future state. Some 700,000 Palestinians, almost half the Arab population of what was British-ruled Palestine, were dispossessed and displaced in the 1948 war around Israel's creation. Palestinians refer to the event as the Nakba, Arabic for "catastrophe". El-Sissi even said "this is the cause of all causes, the cause of all Arabs. It is important that the (Palestinian) people remain steadfast and present on their land." In the 1967 Mideast war, when Israel seized the West Bank and Gaza Strip, 300,000 more Palestinians fled, mostly into Jordan. Many entered the neighbouring Arab states where they or many of their descendants remain. However, many still live in refugee camps. After the fighting in the 1948 war stopped, Israel refused to allow refugees to return home. Since then, Israel has refused Palestinian demands for the return of refugees as part of a peace deal, claiming that it would threaten Israel's Jewish majority. Now, Arab nations fear that the situation will happen again and that a large Palestinian refugee population from Gaza will end up staying for good. Also read: How was Israel formed? The nation's history can be traced back to the Iron Age Watch: Will Israel invade Gaza? Egypt allows aid, but 'no refugees' × The Hamas worry Another burning issue is Hamas, the Palestinian militant group which is designated as a terror organisation by many countries. The ongoing conflict began when Hamas launched a surprise attack on Oct 7, killing over 1,000 people and taking around 200 as hostages. Egypt says a mass exodus from Gaza would bring Hamas or other Palestinian militants onto its soil. That might be destabilising in Sinai, where Egypt’s military fought for years against Islamic militants and at one point accused Hamas of backing them. Since Hamas took control of Gaza in 2007, Egypt has helped maintain a blockade of the strip, largely sealing off its border and imposing tight controls over the passage of goods and people through Rafah. El-Sissi even warned about the wrecking of Egypt and Israel's 1979 peace deal. He said that with the presence of Palestinian militants, Sinai "would become a base for attacks on Israel. Israel would have the right to defend itself ... and would strike Egyptian territory". He added that "the peace which we have achieved would vanish from our hands" and "all for the sake of the idea of eliminating the Palestinian cause". (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Explained: Why Arab nations don't want to take in Palestinian refugees from Gaza

<p>A US State Department official tendered his resignation over the Biden administration’s decision to boost military aid to Israel which is currently fighting Hamas in the besieged Gaza City.</p>

<p>Josh Paul, a director in the State Department’s Bureau of Political-Military Affairs which handles arms transfers, in his dissent note published online on Wednesday (Oct 18) called the administration’s response “an impulsive reaction” based on “intellectual bankruptcy.”</p>

<p>“The response Israel is taking, and with it the American support both for that response and for the status quo of the occupation, will only lead to more and deeper suffering for both the Israeli and the Palestinian people,” he wrote.</p>

<p>“I fear we are repeating the same mistakes we have made these past decades, and I decline to be a part of it for longer,” he said.</p>

<p>Paul’s note of dissent marks a rare display of internal conflict over Biden’s foreign policy which has openly sided with Israel and endorsed its retaliatory attacks on Gaza in its pursuit of wiping out Hamas.</p>

<p>While not official yet, US media reported that the Biden administration is earmarking at least $40 billion of military aid to Israel.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-used-north-korea-made-weapons-in-its-attack-against-israel-report-648786">Hamas used North Korea-made weapons in its attack against Israel: Report</a></p>

<h2><strong>‘US blindly supporting one side’</strong></h2>

<p>He further said that Washington’s “blind support for one side” was leading to policy decisions that were “shortsighted, destructive, unjust and contradictory to the very values we publicly espouse”.</p>

<p>Paul equally condemned Hamas’ surprise attack on Israel as “a monstrosity of monstrosities”, but also pointed out that Israeli&nbsp;military’s response “will only lead to more and deeper suffering for both the Israeli and the Palestinian people – and is not in the long term American interest”.</p>

<p>The official, who spent more than 11 years in his role, claimed that the US sending military aid to Israel will give the country a free hand to run amok in Gaza, regardless of the civilian toll.</p>

<h2>Biden calls for calm</h2>

<p>It comes hours after US President Joe Biden, in his visit to Tel Aviv, appealed for calm and asked Israelis to not “repeat the mistakes the US made post 9/11”.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the toll in the Israel-Hamas war continued to grow on Thursday with at least&nbsp;3,785 Palestinians losing their lives in the Israeli retaliatory attacks, the&nbsp;Palestinian health ministry said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/satellite-images-show-gazas-al-ahli-hospital-before-and-after-rocket-strike-648618">Satellite images show Gaza's Al-Ahli hospital before and after rocket strike</a></p>

<p>According to the health ministry, among those&nbsp;killed, 1,524 were children, 1,000 women, and 120 elderly. Around&nbsp;12,493 people have also been injured, the officials added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While Israel recorded over 1,200 deaths in the Hamas terror attack.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>


A US State Department official tendered his resignation over the Biden administration’s decision to boost military aid to Israel which is currently fighting Hamas in the besieged Gaza City.

A US State Department official tendered his resignation over the Biden administration’s decision to boost military aid to Israel which is currently fighting Hamas in the besieged Gaza City. Josh Paul, a director in the State Department’s Bureau of Political-Military Affairs which handles arms transfers, in his dissent note published online on Wednesday (Oct 18) called the administration’s response “an impulsive reaction” based on “intellectual bankruptcy.” “The response Israel is taking, and with it the American support both for that response and for the status quo of the occupation, will only lead to more and deeper suffering for both the Israeli and the Palestinian people,” he wrote. “I fear we are repeating the same mistakes we have made these past decades, and I decline to be a part of it for longer,” he said. Paul’s note of dissent marks a rare display of internal conflict over Biden’s foreign policy which has openly sided with Israel and endorsed its retaliatory attacks on Gaza in its pursuit of wiping out Hamas. While not official yet, US media reported that the Biden administration is earmarking at least $40 billion of military aid to Israel. Also read | Hamas used North Korea-made weapons in its attack against Israel: Report ‘US blindly supporting one side’ He further said that Washington’s “blind support for one side” was leading to policy decisions that were “shortsighted, destructive, unjust and contradictory to the very values we publicly espouse”. Paul equally condemned Hamas’ surprise attack on Israel as “a monstrosity of monstrosities”, but also pointed out that Israeli military’s response “will only lead to more and deeper suffering for both the Israeli and the Palestinian people – and is not in the long term American interest”. The official, who spent more than 11 years in his role, claimed that the US sending military aid to Israel will give the country a free hand to run amok in Gaza, regardless of the civilian toll. Biden calls for calm It comes hours after US President Joe Biden, in his visit to Tel Aviv, appealed for calm and asked Israelis to not “repeat the mistakes the US made post 9/11”. Meanwhile, the toll in the Israel-Hamas war continued to grow on Thursday with at least 3,785 Palestinians losing their lives in the Israeli retaliatory attacks, the Palestinian health ministry said. Also read | Satellite images show Gaza's Al-Ahli hospital before and after rocket strike According to the health ministry, among those killed, 1,524 were children, 1,000 women, and 120 elderly. Around 12,493 people have also been injured, the officials added. While Israel recorded over 1,200 deaths in the Hamas terror attack. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Israel-Hamas war: US State Department official resigns over Biden’s ‘one-sided support’ of Israel

<p>At least seven Palestinians were killed by Israeli forces across the West Bank on Thursday (Oct 19), according to the Palestinian health ministry. This comes after Israeli police said they were clashing with Palestinian gunmen in the Nur Shams refugee camp near the city of Tulkarem, amid an arrest raid.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said at least 10 of their officers have been wounded, one of whom is said to be in serious condition.</p>

<p>The Israeli Army has also arrested around 524 wanted Palestinians across the West Bank and claimed that among those, more than 330 are affiliated with Hamas.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>West Bank clashes: What we know</strong></h2>

<p>The Palestinian health ministry has reported the death of four people in the West Bank refugee camp amid an Israeli raid, on Thursday. Separately, the health ministry also reported the death of three Palestinians across the West Bank, raising the total death toll since the beginning of the war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas to at least 76.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-at-least-44-palestinians-killed-in-west-bank-more-than-200-arrested-since-saturday-646456">Israel-Hamas war: At least 44 Palestinians killed in West Bank, more than 200 arrested, since Saturday</a></strong></p>

<p>A report by Al Jazeera citing witnesses also said Israeli forces broke into the camp and confrontations began and described the situation as “very tense” amid fears that the death toll may rise.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the IDF said 10 officers were injured after a bomb blast in the Nur Shams refugee camp, earlier on Thursday, during the arrest raid. In a statement, the police said that the Israeli Border Police came under fire and IEDs were hurled at them.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Palestinian media outlets also reported gunmen shooting at the Israeli forces and setting off explosive devices in the area. &nbsp;</p>

<p>The IDF also released a video showing a drone strike against a group of Palestinian gunmen in Nur Shams. “The security forces under the direction of the Shin Bet have been operating since the night hours in a divisional operation to counter terrorism in the Nur al-Shams refugee camp…” said the Israeli Air Force on X.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/palestinian-killed-amid-settler-violence-in-west-bank-over-50-injured-after-clashes-with-israeli-military-643488">Palestinian killed amid settler violence in West Bank; over 50 injured after clashes with Israeli military</a></strong></p>

<p>“The forces work to arrest wanted persons, thwart terrorist infrastructures and confiscate weapons. An Air Force aircraft located and attacked an armed terrorist squad that endangered our forces in the area,” the statement added.</p>

<p>According to Palestinian officials, a 32-year-old was fatally shot in the town of Budrus; a 17-year-old was shot dead in the Dheisheh refugee camp; and a 16-year-old was killed after being shot in the head in Tulkarem.</p>

<h2><strong>Over 520 Palestinians&nbsp;arrested: IDF</strong></h2>

<p>The IDF has also arrested 524 wanted Palestinians across the West Bank since October 7 and arrested 80, over the past day, out of which 63 are said to be Hamas members.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pizzeria-in-west-bank-demolished-over-controversial-holocaust-survivor-ad-647062">Pizzeria in West Bank demolished over controversial Holocaust survivor ad</a></strong></p>

<p>The Israeli military confirmed the demolition of a supposed Hamas fighter who killed a soldier in the West Bank in July during an overnight operation in the village of Qibya.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><em><strong>Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.</strong></em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


At least seven Palestinians were killed by Israeli forces across the West Bank on Thursday (Oct 19), according to the Palestinian health ministry. This comes after Israeli police said they were clashing with Palestinian gunmen in the Nur Shams refugee camp near the city of Tulkarem, amid an arrest raid.

At least seven Palestinians were killed by Israeli forces across the West Bank on Thursday (Oct 19), according to the Palestinian health ministry. This comes after Israeli police said they were clashing with Palestinian gunmen in the Nur Shams refugee camp near the city of Tulkarem, amid an arrest raid. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said at least 10 of their officers have been wounded, one of whom is said to be in serious condition. The Israeli Army has also arrested around 524 wanted Palestinians across the West Bank and claimed that among those, more than 330 are affiliated with Hamas. West Bank clashes: What we know The Palestinian health ministry has reported the death of four people in the West Bank refugee camp amid an Israeli raid, on Thursday. Separately, the health ministry also reported the death of three Palestinians across the West Bank, raising the total death toll since the beginning of the war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas to at least 76. ALSO READ | Israel-Hamas war: At least 44 Palestinians killed in West Bank, more than 200 arrested, since Saturday A report by Al Jazeera citing witnesses also said Israeli forces broke into the camp and confrontations began and described the situation as “very tense” amid fears that the death toll may rise. Meanwhile, the IDF said 10 officers were injured after a bomb blast in the Nur Shams refugee camp, earlier on Thursday, during the arrest raid. In a statement, the police said that the Israeli Border Police came under fire and IEDs were hurled at them. The Palestinian media outlets also reported gunmen shooting at the Israeli forces and setting off explosive devices in the area. The IDF also released a video showing a drone strike against a group of Palestinian gunmen in Nur Shams. “The security forces under the direction of the Shin Bet have been operating since the night hours in a divisional operation to counter terrorism in the Nur al-Shams refugee camp…” said the Israeli Air Force on X. ALSO READ | Palestinian killed amid settler violence in West Bank; over 50 injured after clashes with Israeli military “The forces work to arrest wanted persons, thwart terrorist infrastructures and confiscate weapons. An Air Force aircraft located and attacked an armed terrorist squad that endangered our forces in the area,” the statement added. According to Palestinian officials, a 32-year-old was fatally shot in the town of Budrus; a 17-year-old was shot dead in the Dheisheh refugee camp; and a 16-year-old was killed after being shot in the head in Tulkarem. Over 520 Palestinians arrested: IDF The IDF has also arrested 524 wanted Palestinians across the West Bank since October 7 and arrested 80, over the past day, out of which 63 are said to be Hamas members. ALSO READ | Pizzeria in West Bank demolished over controversial Holocaust survivor ad The Israeli military confirmed the demolition of a supposed Hamas fighter who killed a soldier in the West Bank in July during an overnight operation in the village of Qibya. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Israel-Hamas war: At least 7 Palestinians killed across West Bank; 10 Israeli officers injured amid clashes

<p>Israel's Ambassador to India, Naor Gilon, spoke about India-Israeli ties amid the ongoing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-live-news-gaza-netanyahu-biden-hospital-strike-egypt-aid-latest-updates-648576">war in West Asia</a>. He also discussed how New Delhi can help to free hostages taken by Hamas, a Palestine-based militant group which has been designated a terrorist organisation by many countries including the United States and the United Kingdom.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Hamas launched unprecedented attacks on Israel on Oct 7, killing hundreds of people. Israel waged a war, calling it a retaliatory action. Massive destruction has been reported and hundreds of people have been killed on both sides.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/leave-immediately-saudi-arabia-urges-citizens-to-depart-lebanon-amid-hezbollah-threats-648638">'Leave immediately,'&nbsp;Saudi Arabia urges citizens to depart Lebanon amid Hezbollah threats</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>While speaking to Indian Express, Gilon weighed in on Israel's expectations from India, an old ally, in the war against Hamas. He said that Israel was "moved that the first reaction from Prime Minister Narendra Modi came on the same afternoon, even before the full picture was out".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Gilon added PM Modi again "expressed solidarity" after speaking to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a few days later. He said, "Not just the Indian PM, we have got a show of support from all levels here — officials, ministers, civil society, and even people on social media."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-to-work-with-good-friend-egypt-to-bring-peace-to-west-asia-says-xi-648667">China to work with ‘good friend’ Egypt to bring peace to West Asia, says Xi</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Gilon also stated that Israel would welcome any help from India for the release of over 200 Israeli hostages, including several foreign nationals. When Hamas attacked Israel on Oct 7, they also took many people as hostages, who are still being held by the Hamas militants.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Indian PM Modi condemned the terrorist attack and expressed his support for Israel during a call with his Israeli counterpart. Taking to social media platform X, Modi said that India stands "firmly with Israel in this difficult hour".&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Hamas hostages' kin speaks to WION | Family members share pain, await return&nbsp;</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-palestine-war-hamas-hostages-kin-speaks-to-wion-family-members-share-pain-await-return-648734/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<h2><strong>PM Modi on Gaza hospital strike</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>PM Modi condemned the blast on a hospital in Gaza, which according to Palestinian authority killed around 500 people. The &nbsp;Indian prime minister said that he was "deeply shocked" and added that the perpetrators must face justice.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Civilian casualties in the ongoing conflict are a matter of serious and continuing concern. Those involved should be held responsible," Modi wrote on X, formerly Twitter.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


Israel's Ambassador to India, Naor Gilon, spoke about India-Israeli ties amid the ongoing war in West Asia. He also discussed how New Delhi can help to free hostages taken by Hamas, a Palestine-based militant group which has been designated a terrorist organisation by many countries including the United States and the United Kingdom.

Israel's Ambassador to India, Naor Gilon, spoke about India-Israeli ties amid the ongoing war in West Asia. He also discussed how New Delhi can help to free hostages taken by Hamas, a Palestine-based militant group which has been designated a terrorist organisation by many countries including the United States and the United Kingdom. Hamas launched unprecedented attacks on Israel on Oct 7, killing hundreds of people. Israel waged a war, calling it a retaliatory action. Massive destruction has been reported and hundreds of people have been killed on both sides. Also read: 'Leave immediately,' Saudi Arabia urges citizens to depart Lebanon amid Hezbollah threats While speaking to Indian Express, Gilon weighed in on Israel's expectations from India, an old ally, in the war against Hamas. He said that Israel was "moved that the first reaction from Prime Minister Narendra Modi came on the same afternoon, even before the full picture was out". Gilon added PM Modi again "expressed solidarity" after speaking to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a few days later. He said, "Not just the Indian PM, we have got a show of support from all levels here — officials, ministers, civil society, and even people on social media." Also read: China to work with ‘good friend’ Egypt to bring peace to West Asia, says Xi Gilon also stated that Israel would welcome any help from India for the release of over 200 Israeli hostages, including several foreign nationals. When Hamas attacked Israel on Oct 7, they also took many people as hostages, who are still being held by the Hamas militants. Indian PM Modi condemned the terrorist attack and expressed his support for Israel during a call with his Israeli counterpart. Taking to social media platform X, Modi said that India stands "firmly with Israel in this difficult hour". Watch: Hamas hostages' kin speaks to WION | Family members share pain, await return × PM Modi on Gaza hospital strike PM Modi condemned the blast on a hospital in Gaza, which according to Palestinian authority killed around 500 people. The Indian prime minister said that he was "deeply shocked" and added that the perpetrators must face justice. "Civilian casualties in the ongoing conflict are a matter of serious and continuing concern. Those involved should be held responsible," Modi wrote on X, formerly Twitter. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'Any help from New Delhi is welcome' for release of over 200 hostages, says Israel envoy to India

<p>The world is still in shock after the killing of hundreds of people following&nbsp;a blast at the al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza. Meanwhile, another hospital in the&nbsp;Gaza Strip is suffering a slow, quieter but equally urgent crisis.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Gaza's only oncology hospital is suffering under the Israeli-imposed "total blockade," and is running out of fuel, water and medicines.</p>

<h2><strong>A 'total blockade'</strong></h2>

<p>Two days into the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, Israel imposed a total blockade on the Gaza Strip. This effectively barred essential supplies — including fuel and medicines, from entering the region.</p>

<p>"We are trying to keep the essential services," Dr Subhi&nbsp;Sukeyk, the director of the Turkish-Palestinian Friendship Hospital, told Al Jazeera, adding that services like radiology had already ground to a halt.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/satellite-images-show-gazas-al-ahli-hospital-before-and-after-rocket-strike-648618">Satellite images show Gaza's Al-Ahli hospital before and after rocket strike</a></strong></p>

<p>As per Sukeyk, the facility was running perilously low on the fuel needed to keep the hospital's essential services running. She also said that the hospital was running low on medicines needed for chemotherapy treatment.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Gaza's electricity, which is partially reliant on Israeli power lines, had been severed. Furthermore, the local power plant, which is dependent on Israeli fuel imports, was shut down over a week ago due to the siege following the October 7 attack by Hamas, which has already claimed over 1,400 lives.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On the Gazan side, the relentless Israeli airstrikes have further claimed over 3,300 lives — a third of this, as per Al Jazeera, are children.</p>

<h2><strong>Why is the cancer hospital important?</strong></h2>

<p>With the potential closure of the sole cancer hospital, a different kind of devastation is gripping Gaza.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The enclave, as per the Al Jazeera report citing Gaza health ministry data, houses over 9,000 cancer patients.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Operational solely on a local generator, the Turkish-Palestinian Friendship Hospital now teeters on the brink of closure. The high number of patients makes the continuity of the hospital's operations a matter of life and death.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/palestinian-envoy-calls-netanyahu-a-liar-claims-to-have-proof-of-israels-involvement-in-hospital-attack-648272">Gaza hospital attack: Palestinian envoy calls Netanyahu a liar, claims to have proof of Israel involvement</a></strong></p>

<p>"The intensive care unit needs a lot of electricity to operate, and so do the oxygen machines," stressed Sukeyk, highlighting the critical need to keep the facility operational.</p>

<p>A shutdown would jeopardize the lives of countless patients reliant on the hospital for timely and indispensable cancer treatments.</p>

<p>"Some patients' chemotherapy had to be delayed. But they are due, they must have this treatment to prevent the tumour from spreading to their bodies, and organs," added Sukeyk.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


The world is still in shock after the killing of hundreds of people following a blast at the al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza. Meanwhile, another hospital in the Gaza Strip is suffering a slow, quieter but equally urgent crisis.

The world is still in shock after the killing of hundreds of people following a blast at the al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza. Meanwhile, another hospital in the Gaza Strip is suffering a slow, quieter but equally urgent crisis. Gaza's only oncology hospital is suffering under the Israeli-imposed "total blockade," and is running out of fuel, water and medicines. A 'total blockade' Two days into the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, Israel imposed a total blockade on the Gaza Strip. This effectively barred essential supplies — including fuel and medicines, from entering the region. "We are trying to keep the essential services," Dr Subhi Sukeyk, the director of the Turkish-Palestinian Friendship Hospital, told Al Jazeera, adding that services like radiology had already ground to a halt. Also read | Satellite images show Gaza's Al-Ahli hospital before and after rocket strike As per Sukeyk, the facility was running perilously low on the fuel needed to keep the hospital's essential services running. She also said that the hospital was running low on medicines needed for chemotherapy treatment. Gaza's electricity, which is partially reliant on Israeli power lines, had been severed. Furthermore, the local power plant, which is dependent on Israeli fuel imports, was shut down over a week ago due to the siege following the October 7 attack by Hamas, which has already claimed over 1,400 lives. On the Gazan side, the relentless Israeli airstrikes have further claimed over 3,300 lives — a third of this, as per Al Jazeera, are children. Why is the cancer hospital important? With the potential closure of the sole cancer hospital, a different kind of devastation is gripping Gaza. The enclave, as per the Al Jazeera report citing Gaza health ministry data, houses over 9,000 cancer patients. Operational solely on a local generator, the Turkish-Palestinian Friendship Hospital now teeters on the brink of closure. The high number of patients makes the continuity of the hospital's operations a matter of life and death. Also read | Gaza hospital attack: Palestinian envoy calls Netanyahu a liar, claims to have proof of Israel involvement "The intensive care unit needs a lot of electricity to operate, and so do the oxygen machines," stressed Sukeyk, highlighting the critical need to keep the facility operational. A shutdown would jeopardize the lives of countless patients reliant on the hospital for timely and indispensable cancer treatments. "Some patients' chemotherapy had to be delayed. But they are due, they must have this treatment to prevent the tumour from spreading to their bodies, and organs," added Sukeyk. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Fuel and medicines dwindle as Gaza's only cancer hospital bears the brunt of Israeli blockade: Report

Israel vs Hamas | Blast at Gaza hospital sparks protests worldwide

<p>Israel would allow aid into Gaza through Egypt, announced Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office on Wednesday (Oct 18). The statement said that only items like "food, water and medicine" would be permitted into the besieged Palestinian enclave.</p>

<p>"In light of (US) President (Joe) Biden's demand, Israel would not foil the supply of humanitarian aid via Egypt," the prime minister's office said, announcing a cabinet decision.</p>

<p>The statement by the PM's office further noted that aid to civilians in the southern Gaza Strip would be allowed "so long as these supplies do not reach Hamas" which rules Gaza.</p>

<p>"Israel will not allow any humanitarian aid from its territory to the Gaza Strip as long as our hostages are not returned," it added.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jordan-and-egypt-refuse-to-accept-palestinian-refugees-as-israel-continues-retaliatory-strikes-648436">Jordan, Egypt refuse to accept Palestinian refugees as Israel ramps up strikes</a></p>

<p>It is pertinent to note that while Israel said that it would allow aid via Egypt, it also claimed that supplies would not come from its own territory until Hamas released the hostages it took in an unprecedented attack on Oct 7, which meandered into a war.</p>

<p>"Israel demands Red Cross visits with our captives and is working to mobilise broad international support for this demand," the statement added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>US President Joe Biden had urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to allow aid for Gaza during his visit to Tel Aviv.</p>

<h2><strong>Seeking 'unprecedented' aid for Israel this week, says Biden</strong></h2>

<p>Biden, during a press briefing in Tel Aviv on Wednesday (Oct 18), said that he would ask Congress for "unprecedented" aid for Israel.</p>

<p>The US president said that he was committed to the promise made by his country over a decade ago to make sure his ally has a "qualitative edge" over foes on the battleground.</p>

<p>"We're going to make sure you have what you need to protect your people, to defend your nation," Biden said as he closed a brief solidarity visit.</p>

<p>"Later this week, I'm going to ask the United States Congress for an unprecedented support package for Israel's defence," he said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


Israel would allow aid into Gaza through Egypt, announced Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office on Wednesday (Oct 18). The statement said that only items like "food, water and medicine" would be permitted into the besieged Palestinian enclave.

Israel would allow aid into Gaza through Egypt, announced Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office on Wednesday (Oct 18). The statement said that only items like "food, water and medicine" would be permitted into the besieged Palestinian enclave. "In light of (US) President (Joe) Biden's demand, Israel would not foil the supply of humanitarian aid via Egypt," the prime minister's office said, announcing a cabinet decision. The statement by the PM's office further noted that aid to civilians in the southern Gaza Strip would be allowed "so long as these supplies do not reach Hamas" which rules Gaza. "Israel will not allow any humanitarian aid from its territory to the Gaza Strip as long as our hostages are not returned," it added. Also read: Jordan, Egypt refuse to accept Palestinian refugees as Israel ramps up strikes It is pertinent to note that while Israel said that it would allow aid via Egypt, it also claimed that supplies would not come from its own territory until Hamas released the hostages it took in an unprecedented attack on Oct 7, which meandered into a war. "Israel demands Red Cross visits with our captives and is working to mobilise broad international support for this demand," the statement added. US President Joe Biden had urged Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to allow aid for Gaza during his visit to Tel Aviv. Seeking 'unprecedented' aid for Israel this week, says Biden Biden, during a press briefing in Tel Aviv on Wednesday (Oct 18), said that he would ask Congress for "unprecedented" aid for Israel. The US president said that he was committed to the promise made by his country over a decade ago to make sure his ally has a "qualitative edge" over foes on the battleground. "We're going to make sure you have what you need to protect your people, to defend your nation," Biden said as he closed a brief solidarity visit. "Later this week, I'm going to ask the United States Congress for an unprecedented support package for Israel's defence," he said. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Israel to let aid into Gaza via Egypt, announces Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu

After the European Union, the United States became the latest country to pull up various social media platforms for their failure to curve fake news and disinformation. US Senator Michael Benett has written a letter to Major Tech Giants such as Meta X TikTok and Google. The question is what these Tech Giants are doing to stop the spread of false and misleading content about the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Michael Benett: Social media platforms amplifying misinformation

<p>The Israel-Hamas conflict has had several disturbing spillovers throughout the world. One of them is the rising prejudices against Muslims and Jews. In one such incident, some students of New York University (NYU) were seen tearing down posters of Israeli children taken hostage by Hamas.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Another incident, an alleged hate crime, involves a student from Columbia University. The student, as per reports, attacked a Jewish classmate with a broomstick.</p>

<h2><strong>Video goes viral&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>A video of the NYU students tearing down posters has gone viral on social media. The students, as per Daily Mail, are yet to be named publicly. Additionally, the university hasn't confirmed whether the young people seen in the video are currently enrolled.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hate-crime-in-us-man-stabs-6-year-old-muslim-child-over-ongoing-israel-hamas-war-tensions-647335">Hate crime in US: Man stabs to death 6-year-old Muslim child over ongoing Israel-Hamas war</a></strong></p>

<p>The video was filmed on Monday (Oct 16) at Tisch Hall in Manhattan's Greenwich Village by Students Supporting Israel, a campus organisation. In it, some youngsters&nbsp;can be seen stripping a wall bare of posters featuring the faces of some children taken hostage by Hamas militants.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Today, we witnessed 2 NYU students violently tearing down posters of kidnapped babies, mothers, and grandmothers hanging outside of NYU Buildings. This was done in a laughing manner, exhibiting complete disregard for Jewish lives and Jewish safety.<br />
<br />
HERE ARE THE PICTURES. <a href="https://t.co/VfEkkQ06sR">pic.twitter.com/VfEkkQ06sR</a></p>
— SSI_NYU (@ssi_nyu) <a href="https://twitter.com/ssi_nyu/status/1714052725686600169?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 16, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>You can watch the video here:</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Here is the video of them taking it down. Heartbreaking. <a href="https://t.co/X4ZgMK5khh">pic.twitter.com/X4ZgMK5khh</a></p>
— SSI_NYU (@ssi_nyu) <a href="https://twitter.com/ssi_nyu/status/1714055430777774230?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 16, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><em><strong>Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos, and videos.</strong></em></p>

<p>The campus organisation Students Supporting Israel is demanding the students seen tearing down posters be kicked out of the university.</p>

<h2><strong>Hate crime&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The second incident involves students from Columbia University. A 19-year-old student has been hit with hate crime, assault and harassment charges for attacking a Jewish classmate. The attacker has been identified by Daily Mail as Maxwell Friedman.</p>

<p>Friedman, who uses female pronouns as per police, attacked a 24-year-old male classmate, fracturing his finger. The victim who has not been identified, was putting up posters of young children taken hostage by Hamas militants when the hate crime happened.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mom-im-fine-family-reveal-6-year-old-hate-crime-victims-heartbreaking-last-words-647816">'Mom, I'm fine': 6-year-old Muslim boy's heartbreaking last words before dying in hate crime</a></strong></p>

<p>These two incidents are the latest in a string of cases in the US that have happened as a consequence of the Israel-Hamas war.</p>

<p>Some Jewish students, as per Daily Mail, have also spoken out, saying that they no longer feel safe on campus due to their fellow students'&nbsp;lack of sympathy for Israel.</p>

<p>These incidents are not just limited to college and university campuses. Recently, in Illinois, US, a 71-year-old landlord made the headlines for fatally stabbing the 6-year-old child of his Palestine-American tenants.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


The Israel-Hamas conflict has had several disturbing spillovers throughout the world. One of them is the rising prejudices against Muslims and Jews. In one such incident, some students of New York University (NYU) were seen tearing down posters of Israeli children taken hostage by Hamas.

The Israel-Hamas conflict has had several disturbing spillovers throughout the world. One of them is the rising prejudices against Muslims and Jews. In one such incident, some students of New York University (NYU) were seen tearing down posters of Israeli children taken hostage by Hamas. Another incident, an alleged hate crime, involves a student from Columbia University. The student, as per reports, attacked a Jewish classmate with a broomstick. Video goes viral A video of the NYU students tearing down posters has gone viral on social media. The students, as per Daily Mail, are yet to be named publicly. Additionally, the university hasn't confirmed whether the young people seen in the video are currently enrolled. Also read | Hate crime in US: Man stabs to death 6-year-old Muslim child over ongoing Israel-Hamas war The video was filmed on Monday (Oct 16) at Tisch Hall in Manhattan's Greenwich Village by Students Supporting Israel, a campus organisation. In it, some youngsters can be seen stripping a wall bare of posters featuring the faces of some children taken hostage by Hamas militants. Today, we witnessed 2 NYU students violently tearing down posters of kidnapped babies, mothers, and grandmothers hanging outside of NYU Buildings. This was done in a laughing manner, exhibiting complete disregard for Jewish lives and Jewish safety. HERE ARE THE PICTURES. pic.twitter.com/VfEkkQ06sR — SSI_NYU (@ssi_nyu) October 16, 2023 × You can watch the video here: Here is the video of them taking it down. Heartbreaking. pic.twitter.com/X4ZgMK5khh — SSI_NYU (@ssi_nyu) October 16, 2023 × 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. The campus organisation Students Supporting Israel is demanding the students seen tearing down posters be kicked out of the university. Hate crime The second incident involves students from Columbia University. A 19-year-old student has been hit with hate crime, assault and harassment charges for attacking a Jewish classmate. The attacker has been identified by Daily Mail as Maxwell Friedman. Friedman, who uses female pronouns as per police, attacked a 24-year-old male classmate, fracturing his finger. The victim who has not been identified, was putting up posters of young children taken hostage by Hamas militants when the hate crime happened. Also read | 'Mom, I'm fine': 6-year-old Muslim boy's heartbreaking last words before dying in hate crime These two incidents are the latest in a string of cases in the US that have happened as a consequence of the Israel-Hamas war. Some Jewish students, as per Daily Mail, have also spoken out, saying that they no longer feel safe on campus due to their fellow students' lack of sympathy for Israel. These incidents are not just limited to college and university campuses. Recently, in Illinois, US, a 71-year-old landlord made the headlines for fatally stabbing the 6-year-old child of his Palestine-American tenants. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

NYU students seen tearing down posters of young Israeli children kidnapped by Hamas. Watch!

<p>The Israeli army on Wednesday (Oct 17) said it had credible "evidence" that terrorists in Gaza Strip were responsible for the blast at a hospital. The blast which allegedly killed hundreds triggered global condemnation and sparked protests across the Middle East.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) released the findings of a detailed probe into the&nbsp;alleged attack, claiming&nbsp;that the strike was not carried out by them.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Citing the aerial footage analysis, the IDF further alleged that the number of casualties has been inflated.</p>

<p>The Israel Army showed before and after footage&nbsp;and said nearby buildings suffered no structural damage or cratering which would have been seen in case of any aerial munition.&nbsp;</p>

<p>To support their claims of misfiring, IDF released an audio recording of Hamas operatives who were apparently talking about a misfired rocket causing the hospital blast.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/video-israeli-airstrike-or-misfired-islamic-jihad-rocket-what-killed-hundreds-at-gaza-hospital-648159">Israeli airstrike or 'misfired' Islamic Jihad rocket? What killed at least 500 at Gaza hospital?</a></strong></p>

<p><strong><em>Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media.&nbsp;</em></strong></p>

<p><strong>Watch this video:&nbsp;</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">A failed rocket launch by the Islamic Jihad terrorist organization hit the Al Ahli hospital in Gaza City.<br />
<br />
IAF footage from the area around the hospital before and after the failed rocket launch by the Islamic Jihad terrorist organization: <a href="https://t.co/AvCAkQULAf">pic.twitter.com/AvCAkQULAf</a></p>
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) <a href="https://twitter.com/IDF/status/1714513625598021868?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 18, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Islamic Jihad struck a Hospital in Gaza—the IDF did not.<br />
<br />
Listen to the terrorists as they realize this themselves: <a href="https://t.co/u7WyU8Rxwz">pic.twitter.com/u7WyU8Rxwz</a></p>
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) <a href="https://twitter.com/IDF/status/1714548529538953637?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 18, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>US President Joe Biden, who is visiting Israel, echoed what Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claimed on the blast that, according to Palestinian officials, killed around 500 people and injured many as claimed by Hamas health ministry. Notably, the death toll is not confirmed yet.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Israeli military spokesman Daniel Hagari told a press conference in Tel Aviv, "The evidence — which we are sharing with you all — confirms that the explosion at the hospital in Gaza was caused by an Islamic Jihad rocket that misfired."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Hagari said, "There was no IDF (Israeli army) fire by land, sea or air that hit the hospital."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Our radar system tracked missiles fired by terrorists in Gaza at the time of the explosion and the trajectory analysis of the rockets shows the rockets were fired in close proximity to the hospital," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/its-a-massacre-gaza-hospital-horror-unveiled-648290">It's a massacre: Gaza hospital horror unveiled</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>The strike led to claims and counterclaims as the Palestinian militant group Hamas, which runs the territory, blamed Israel.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Hamas fired back at Israel's latest comments about the strike, saying "its outrageous lies do not deceive anyone".&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a statement, Hamas said that Israel "is directly responsible for this horrific massacre which was carried out... with American weapons only the occupation possesses".&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Biden-Netanyahu meet&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>After landing in Tel Aviv, Biden met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying that Hamas had brought "only suffering". Interestingly, he also blamed the hospital attack on the "other team", meaning the Palestinian militants.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I was deeply saddened and outraged by the explosion at the hospital in Gaza yesterday. And based on what I've seen, it appears as though it was done by the other team, not you," Biden said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"But there's a lot of people out there not sure so we have to overcome a lot of things," Biden added.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong><em>Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.</em></strong></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


The Israeli army on Wednesday (Oct 17) said it had credible "evidence" that terrorists in Gaza Strip were responsible for the blast at a hospital. The blast which allegedly killed hundreds triggered global condemnation and sparked protests across the Middle East.

The Israeli army on Wednesday (Oct 17) said it had credible "evidence" that terrorists in Gaza Strip were responsible for the blast at a hospital. The blast which allegedly killed hundreds triggered global condemnation and sparked protests across the Middle East. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) released the findings of a detailed probe into the alleged attack, claiming that the strike was not carried out by them. Citing the aerial footage analysis, the IDF further alleged that the number of casualties has been inflated. The Israel Army showed before and after footage and said nearby buildings suffered no structural damage or cratering which would have been seen in case of any aerial munition. To support their claims of misfiring, IDF released an audio recording of Hamas operatives who were apparently talking about a misfired rocket causing the hospital blast. Also read: Israeli airstrike or 'misfired' Islamic Jihad rocket? What killed at least 500 at Gaza hospital? Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media. Watch this video: A failed rocket launch by the Islamic Jihad terrorist organization hit the Al Ahli hospital in Gaza City. IAF footage from the area around the hospital before and after the failed rocket launch by the Islamic Jihad terrorist organization: pic.twitter.com/AvCAkQULAf — Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) October 18, 2023 × Islamic Jihad struck a Hospital in Gaza—the IDF did not. Listen to the terrorists as they realize this themselves: pic.twitter.com/u7WyU8Rxwz — Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) October 18, 2023 × US President Joe Biden, who is visiting Israel, echoed what Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claimed on the blast that, according to Palestinian officials, killed around 500 people and injured many as claimed by Hamas health ministry. Notably, the death toll is not confirmed yet. Israeli military spokesman Daniel Hagari told a press conference in Tel Aviv, "The evidence — which we are sharing with you all — confirms that the explosion at the hospital in Gaza was caused by an Islamic Jihad rocket that misfired." Hagari said, "There was no IDF (Israeli army) fire by land, sea or air that hit the hospital." "Our radar system tracked missiles fired by terrorists in Gaza at the time of the explosion and the trajectory analysis of the rockets shows the rockets were fired in close proximity to the hospital," he added. Also read: It's a massacre: Gaza hospital horror unveiled The strike led to claims and counterclaims as the Palestinian militant group Hamas, which runs the territory, blamed Israel. Hamas fired back at Israel's latest comments about the strike, saying "its outrageous lies do not deceive anyone". In a statement, Hamas said that Israel "is directly responsible for this horrific massacre which was carried out... with American weapons only the occupation possesses". Biden-Netanyahu meet After landing in Tel Aviv, Biden met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying that Hamas had brought "only suffering". Interestingly, he also blamed the hospital attack on the "other team", meaning the Palestinian militants. "I was deeply saddened and outraged by the explosion at the hospital in Gaza yesterday. And based on what I've seen, it appears as though it was done by the other team, not you," Biden said. "But there's a lot of people out there not sure so we have to overcome a lot of things," Biden added. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Gaza hospital blast: Israel releases 'evidence' to blame terrorists for 'misfired' rocket

<p>Palestine, on Wednesday, called out Israel on its denial of involvement in the tragic Gaza hospital blast. Riyad Mansour, the Palestinian Ambassador to the UN, called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a "liar" and countered his claims that Hamas was behind the attack.</p>

<p>The Palestinian envoy claimed that Israeli forces were behind the strike and said that they had proof, a deleted X (formerly Twitter) post made by Israel.</p>

<h2><strong>What proof does Palestine have?</strong></h2>

<p>Hitting out at the Israeli PM, Mansour said, "He is a liar."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The diplomat claimed that they have a copy of a now-deleted post made by Israel in which the nation allegedly admitted that they hit a Hamas base in the area.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/israel-vs-hamas-blast-at-gaza-hospital-sparks-protests-worldwide-648223">Israel vs Hamas | Blast at Gaza hospital sparks protests worldwide</a></strong></p>

<p>He said that Netanyahu's "digital spokesperson tweeted that Israel did the hit thinking that there was a base for Hamas around this hospital, and then he deleted that tweet. We have a copy of that tweet."</p>

<p>"Now they changed the story to try to blame the Palestinians," he alleged, adding, "The Israeli spokesperson of the Army made a statement in which he said evacuate the hospitals... Their intention is to evacuate or hospitals will be hit and they are responsible for that crime and they cannot fabricate stories to deal with it."</p>

<p>As per news agency ANI, Mansour in his statement also demanded for immediate ceasefire.</p>

<p>"We as an Arab Group demand immediately a ceasefire because the continuation of the war, it means killing more Palestinians every moment."</p>

<h2><strong>Exchanging blames</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier, in a statement, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu said that intelligence from several sources revealed that "Islamic Jihad terrorists" were responsible for the strike, which was an unsuccessful rocket launch.</p>

<p>Taking to social media platform X, he said: "An analysis of IDF operational systems indicates that a barrage of rockets was fired by terrorists in Gaza, passing in close proximity to the Al Ahli hospital in Gaza at the time it was hit."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hate-crime-nyu-students-seen-tearing-down-posters-of-young-israeli-children-kidnapped-by-hamas-watch-648203">NYU students seen tearing down posters of young Israeli children kidnapped by Hamas. Watch!</a></strong></p>

<p>"Intelligence from multiple sources we have in our hands indicates that Islamic Jihad is responsible for the failed rocket launch which hit the hospital in Gaza," he added.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">An analysis of IDF operational systems indicates that a barrage of rockets was fired by terrorists in Gaza, passing in close proximity to the Al Ahli hospital in Gaza at the time it was hit.<br />
<br />
Intelligence from multiple sources we have in our hands indicates that Islamic Jihad is…</p>
— Benjamin Netanyahu - בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) <a href="https://twitter.com/netanyahu/status/1714371254617022641?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 17, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>In another post, he remarked that the "entire world should know: It was barbaric terrorists in Gaza that attacked the hospital in Gaza, and not the IDF."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Those who brutally murdered our children also murder their own children," added the Israeli PM.</p>

<p>On Tuesday, Tal Heinrich, a spokesperson for Netanyahu, told CNN that IDF "does not target hospitals," adding "we only target Hamas strongholds, arms depots, and terror targets."</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The entire world should know: It was barbaric terrorists in Gaza that attacked the hospital in Gaza, and not the IDF.<br />
<br />
Those who brutally murdered our children also murder their own children.</p>
— Benjamin Netanyahu - בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) <a href="https://twitter.com/netanyahu/status/1714377902991528174?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 17, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The Israel Defense Forces, as per AFP, also attributed the blast to a misfired rocket by Hamas.</p>

<p>In a statement, IDF said: "The hospital was hit as a result of a failed rocket launched by the Islamic Jihad terrorist organisation."&nbsp;Hamas has labelled these accusations "lies".</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><em>Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos, and videos.</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


Palestine, on Wednesday, called out Israel on its denial of involvement in the tragic Gaza hospital blast. Riyad Mansour, the Palestinian Ambassador to the UN, called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a "liar" and countered his claims that Hamas was behind the attack.

Palestine, on Wednesday, called out Israel on its denial of involvement in the tragic Gaza hospital blast. Riyad Mansour, the Palestinian Ambassador to the UN, called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a "liar" and countered his claims that Hamas was behind the attack. The Palestinian envoy claimed that Israeli forces were behind the strike and said that they had proof, a deleted X (formerly Twitter) post made by Israel. What proof does Palestine have? Hitting out at the Israeli PM, Mansour said, "He is a liar." The diplomat claimed that they have a copy of a now-deleted post made by Israel in which the nation allegedly admitted that they hit a Hamas base in the area. Also read | Israel vs Hamas | Blast at Gaza hospital sparks protests worldwide He said that Netanyahu's "digital spokesperson tweeted that Israel did the hit thinking that there was a base for Hamas around this hospital, and then he deleted that tweet. We have a copy of that tweet." "Now they changed the story to try to blame the Palestinians," he alleged, adding, "The Israeli spokesperson of the Army made a statement in which he said evacuate the hospitals... Their intention is to evacuate or hospitals will be hit and they are responsible for that crime and they cannot fabricate stories to deal with it." As per news agency ANI, Mansour in his statement also demanded for immediate ceasefire. "We as an Arab Group demand immediately a ceasefire because the continuation of the war, it means killing more Palestinians every moment." Exchanging blames Earlier, in a statement, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu said that intelligence from several sources revealed that "Islamic Jihad terrorists" were responsible for the strike, which was an unsuccessful rocket launch. Taking to social media platform X, he said: "An analysis of IDF operational systems indicates that a barrage of rockets was fired by terrorists in Gaza, passing in close proximity to the Al Ahli hospital in Gaza at the time it was hit." Also read | NYU students seen tearing down posters of young Israeli children kidnapped by Hamas. Watch! "Intelligence from multiple sources we have in our hands indicates that Islamic Jihad is responsible for the failed rocket launch which hit the hospital in Gaza," he added. An analysis of IDF operational systems indicates that a barrage of rockets was fired by terrorists in Gaza, passing in close proximity to the Al Ahli hospital in Gaza at the time it was hit. Intelligence from multiple sources we have in our hands indicates that Islamic Jihad is… — Benjamin Netanyahu - בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) October 17, 2023 × In another post, he remarked that the "entire world should know: It was barbaric terrorists in Gaza that attacked the hospital in Gaza, and not the IDF." "Those who brutally murdered our children also murder their own children," added the Israeli PM. On Tuesday, Tal Heinrich, a spokesperson for Netanyahu, told CNN that IDF "does not target hospitals," adding "we only target Hamas strongholds, arms depots, and terror targets." The entire world should know: It was barbaric terrorists in Gaza that attacked the hospital in Gaza, and not the IDF. Those who brutally murdered our children also murder their own children. — Benjamin Netanyahu - בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) October 17, 2023 × The Israel Defense Forces, as per AFP, also attributed the blast to a misfired rocket by Hamas. In a statement, IDF said: "The hospital was hit as a result of a failed rocket launched by the Islamic Jihad terrorist organisation." Hamas has labelled these accusations "lies". (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos, and videos. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Gaza hospital attack: Palestinian envoy calls Netanyahu a liar, claims to have proof of Israel involvement

<p>Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday (Oct 18) condemned the blast on a hospital in Gaza, which reportedly killed more than 500 people. PM Modi said that he was "deeply shocked" and added that the perpetrators must face justice.</p>

<p>"Civilian casualties in the ongoing conflict are a matter of serious and continuing concern. Those involved should be held responsible," Modi wrote on X, formerly Twitter.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Hundreds died and many sustained serious injuries after a strike was launched on the Al-Ahli al-Arabi hospital in Gaza. There are claims and counterclaims in the aftermath as Israel says the blast was caused by a Palestinian rocket that fell short.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Hamas denies that, with Palestinian officials claiming that the blast was caused by an Israeli air strike. Not just Hamas and Palestine, the Arab world is also blaming Israel for the strike.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/its-a-massacre-gaza-hospital-horror-unveiled-648290">It's a massacre: Gaza hospital horror unveiled</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Some nations, which even established ties with Israel in the Abraham Accords of 2020, such as the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, condemned the "Israeli" attack.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The United Arab Emirates strongly condemns the Israeli attack... resulting in the death and injury of hundreds of people," the UAE's official WAM news agency said early on Wednesday.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Deeply shocked at the tragic loss of lives at the Al Ahli Hospital in Gaza. Our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, and prayers for speedy recovery of those injured.<br />
<br />
Civilian casualties in the ongoing conflict are a matter of serious and continuing concern.…</p>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1714551508535296439?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 18, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/video-israeli-airstrike-or-misfired-islamic-jihad-rocket-what-killed-hundreds-at-gaza-hospital-648159">Israeli airstrike or 'misfired' Islamic Jihad rocket? What killed at least 500 at Gaza hospital?</a></strong></p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Palestinian security forces clash with protesters in Ramallah</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-palestine-war-palestinian-security-forces-clash-with-protesters-in-ramallah-648331/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<h2><strong>Biden in Israel&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Just hours after the horrific hospital strike,&nbsp;United States President Joe Biden landed in Israel on a solidarity visit.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He backed what Israel had to say about the hospital strike and that the Palestinian militants were responsible for it. He also added that Hamas had brought "only suffering"&nbsp;to the Palestinians.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I was deeply saddened and outraged by the explosion at the hospital in Gaza yesterday. And based on what I've seen, it appears as though it was done by the other team, not you," Biden said as he opened a meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Tel Aviv.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"But there's a lot of people out there not sure, so we have to overcome a lot of things," Biden said.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong><em>Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.</em></strong></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday (Oct 18) condemned the blast on a hospital in Gaza, which reportedly killed more than 500 people. PM Modi said that he was "deeply shocked" and added that the perpetrators must face justice.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday (Oct 18) condemned the blast on a hospital in Gaza, which reportedly killed more than 500 people. PM Modi said that he was "deeply shocked" and added that the perpetrators must face justice. "Civilian casualties in the ongoing conflict are a matter of serious and continuing concern. Those involved should be held responsible," Modi wrote on X, formerly Twitter. Hundreds died and many sustained serious injuries after a strike was launched on the Al-Ahli al-Arabi hospital in Gaza. There are claims and counterclaims in the aftermath as Israel says the blast was caused by a Palestinian rocket that fell short. Hamas denies that, with Palestinian officials claiming that the blast was caused by an Israeli air strike. Not just Hamas and Palestine, the Arab world is also blaming Israel for the strike. Also read: It's a massacre: Gaza hospital horror unveiled Some nations, which even established ties with Israel in the Abraham Accords of 2020, such as the United Arab Emirates and Bahrain, condemned the "Israeli" attack. "The United Arab Emirates strongly condemns the Israeli attack... resulting in the death and injury of hundreds of people," the UAE's official WAM news agency said early on Wednesday. Deeply shocked at the tragic loss of lives at the Al Ahli Hospital in Gaza. Our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims, and prayers for speedy recovery of those injured. Civilian casualties in the ongoing conflict are a matter of serious and continuing concern.… — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) October 18, 2023 × Also read: Israeli airstrike or 'misfired' Islamic Jihad rocket? What killed at least 500 at Gaza hospital? Watch: Palestinian security forces clash with protesters in Ramallah × Biden in Israel Just hours after the horrific hospital strike, United States President Joe Biden landed in Israel on a solidarity visit. He backed what Israel had to say about the hospital strike and that the Palestinian militants were responsible for it. He also added that Hamas had brought "only suffering" to the Palestinians. "I was deeply saddened and outraged by the explosion at the hospital in Gaza yesterday. And based on what I've seen, it appears as though it was done by the other team, not you," Biden said as he opened a meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Tel Aviv. "But there's a lot of people out there not sure, so we have to overcome a lot of things," Biden said. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

PM Modi 'deeply shocked' by Gaza hospital blast, says perpetrators must be brought to justice

<p>Hamas is an albatross around Netanyahu's neck. A monster he helped create in naivety to undermine the dominant Palestinian Authority is now a multi-headed hydra which Israel wants to crush. But blood for blood only leads to more bloodletting. Hamas is a devil on the shoulder of every Palestinian and every Israeli strike is only fuelling the hate &amp; fury of Palestinians on which the militant group thrives.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A crowded hospital was obliterated in the blink of an eye in Gaza, in the deadliest strike in the 12-day-old war between Israel and Hamas. The toll is staggering, with at least 500 souls perishing in a single blow.</p>

<p>Hamas categorically labels this a war crime, squarely pointing fingers at the Israeli Air Force for raining devastation upon the hospital. Israel counters, insisting that it was an errant rocket launched by the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) armed group. The PIJ, for its part, denies these allegations.</p>

<p>The Al-Ahri Arabi Hospital, a place of healing, refuge, and hope, is now reduced to a pile of rubble. This single incident ranks as the deadliest in the ongoing West Asia conflict.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/video-israeli-airstrike-or-misfired-islamic-jihad-rocket-what-killed-hundreds-at-gaza-hospital-648159">Israeli airstrike or 'misfired' Islamic Jihad rocket? What killed at least 500 at Gaza hospital?</a></strong></p>

<p>While the world was previously aghast at the carnage inflicted by Hamas militants on Israeli soil, a new horror, one that curdles the blood, has emerged. Most of the images are too gruesome for television, and too distressing for publication, with lifeless bodies, blood-soaked scenes, and the macabre sight of human body parts scattered.</p>

<p>The immediate aftermath reveals a scene of devastation: ambulances racing to Gaza City's Al-Shifa Hospital, only 1.5 kilometres away from Al-Ahri Arabi Hospital. Reports indicate that among the casualties are women and children. Hamas asserts that the explosion primarily claimed the lives of displaced people.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Palestinian Authority’s health minister, Mai Alkaila, points an accusatory finger at Israel, condemning it for carrying out "a massacre" on the hapless victims.</p>

<p>Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on the other hand, lays blame on "barbaric terrorists" in Gaza, asserting that the hospital assault wasn't Israel's doing. Yet, hardly anyone is buying into the Israeli argument. The world is appalled at the horrors witnessed at the hospital.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/palestinian-envoy-calls-netanyahu-a-liar-claims-to-have-proof-of-israels-involvement-in-hospital-attack-648272">Palestinian envoy calls Netanyahu a 'liar', claims to have proof of Israel's involvement in hospital attack</a></strong></p>

<p>Iran, known for its firm stance, bluntly holds the United States and other nations supporting Israel responsible for the hospital tragedy. The Saudi government joins the chorus, denouncing Israel for violating international laws and norms.</p>

<p>Russia and the United Arab Emirates call for a U.N. Security Council meeting. Meanwhile, the West Bank erupts in clashes as anger and sorrow reverberate through the region.</p>

<p>From Tripoli to Tehran there was a furious response across the Muslim world. Protestors in Jordan -- home to millions of Palestinian refugees tried to storm the Israeli embassy. In Lebanon, demonstrators clashed with security forces outside the US embassy. Stones were hurled and a building was set on fire.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Police use tear gas as protestors express outrage in&nbsp;Jordan</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-palestine-war-jordan-police-use-tear-gas-as-protestors-express-outrage-648244/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<h2><strong>Precision strike or rocket attack?</strong></h2>

<p>Experts point out a troubling puzzle in the midst of this tragedy. They argue that the rockets in the arsenal of the PIJ or Hamas, while destructive, can cause damage to buildings but typically can't bring them down. Israel, on the other hand, possesses formidable bombing capabilities and precision missiles.</p>

<p>This raises questions about the nature of the attack on the Al-Ahri Arabi Hospital. How did an errant rocket cause such catastrophic devastation, leaving the hospital in ruins?</p>

<p>In the midst of these accusations and counter-accusations, the Palestinian Ambassador said, “The Israeli spokesperson of the Army made a statement in which he said evacuate the hospitals...Their intention is to evacuate or hospitals will be hit and they are responsible for that crime and they cannot fabricate stories to deal with it.” Clearly, the finger-pointing continues and in the middle of a war independent verification of facts is extremely difficult.</p>

<p>For 11 days, Israel has launched withering strikes on Hamas-controlled Gaza in retaliation for the killing of 1,400 Israelis who were shot, mutilated and burned on October 7 cross-border raids.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Tear gas fired at protesters near US embassy in Lebanon</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-palestine-war-tear-gas-fired-at-protesters-near-us-embassy-in-lebanon-648245/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The horror of events at the Al-Ahri Arabi Hospital and the swift backlash threatened to derail Biden's high-stakes visit to West Asia. A four-way summit in Amman with Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas, Jordanian King Abdullah II and Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi was cancelled.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The suffering of the Gazans is immeasurable. The land that has witnessed so much death and destruction longs for respite. And now, with Joe Biden's visit hanging in the balance, the quest for a semblance of peace grows ever more elusive.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


Hamas is an albatross around Netanyahu's neck. A monster he helped create in naivety to undermine the dominant Palestinian Authority is now a multi-headed hydra which Israel wants to crush.

Hamas is an albatross around Netanyahu's neck. A monster he helped create in naivety to undermine the dominant Palestinian Authority is now a multi-headed hydra which Israel wants to crush. But blood for blood only leads to more bloodletting. Hamas is a devil on the shoulder of every Palestinian and every Israeli strike is only fuelling the hate & fury of Palestinians on which the militant group thrives. A crowded hospital was obliterated in the blink of an eye in Gaza, in the deadliest strike in the 12-day-old war between Israel and Hamas. The toll is staggering, with at least 500 souls perishing in a single blow. Hamas categorically labels this a war crime, squarely pointing fingers at the Israeli Air Force for raining devastation upon the hospital. Israel counters, insisting that it was an errant rocket launched by the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) armed group. The PIJ, for its part, denies these allegations. The Al-Ahri Arabi Hospital, a place of healing, refuge, and hope, is now reduced to a pile of rubble. This single incident ranks as the deadliest in the ongoing West Asia conflict. Also read: Israeli airstrike or 'misfired' Islamic Jihad rocket? What killed at least 500 at Gaza hospital? While the world was previously aghast at the carnage inflicted by Hamas militants on Israeli soil, a new horror, one that curdles the blood, has emerged. Most of the images are too gruesome for television, and too distressing for publication, with lifeless bodies, blood-soaked scenes, and the macabre sight of human body parts scattered. The immediate aftermath reveals a scene of devastation: ambulances racing to Gaza City's Al-Shifa Hospital, only 1.5 kilometres away from Al-Ahri Arabi Hospital. Reports indicate that among the casualties are women and children. Hamas asserts that the explosion primarily claimed the lives of displaced people. The Palestinian Authority’s health minister, Mai Alkaila, points an accusatory finger at Israel, condemning it for carrying out "a massacre" on the hapless victims. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, on the other hand, lays blame on "barbaric terrorists" in Gaza, asserting that the hospital assault wasn't Israel's doing. Yet, hardly anyone is buying into the Israeli argument. The world is appalled at the horrors witnessed at the hospital. Also read: Palestinian envoy calls Netanyahu a 'liar', claims to have proof of Israel's involvement in hospital attack Iran, known for its firm stance, bluntly holds the United States and other nations supporting Israel responsible for the hospital tragedy. The Saudi government joins the chorus, denouncing Israel for violating international laws and norms. Russia and the United Arab Emirates call for a U.N. Security Council meeting. Meanwhile, the West Bank erupts in clashes as anger and sorrow reverberate through the region. From Tripoli to Tehran there was a furious response across the Muslim world. Protestors in Jordan -- home to millions of Palestinian refugees tried to storm the Israeli embassy. In Lebanon, demonstrators clashed with security forces outside the US embassy. Stones were hurled and a building was set on fire. Watch: Police use tear gas as protestors express outrage in Jordan × Precision strike or rocket attack? Experts point out a troubling puzzle in the midst of this tragedy. They argue that the rockets in the arsenal of the PIJ or Hamas, while destructive, can cause damage to buildings but typically can't bring them down. Israel, on the other hand, possesses formidable bombing capabilities and precision missiles. This raises questions about the nature of the attack on the Al-Ahri Arabi Hospital. How did an errant rocket cause such catastrophic devastation, leaving the hospital in ruins? In the midst of these accusations and counter-accusations, the Palestinian Ambassador said, “The Israeli spokesperson of the Army made a statement in which he said evacuate the hospitals...Their intention is to evacuate or hospitals will be hit and they are responsible for that crime and they cannot fabricate stories to deal with it.” Clearly, the finger-pointing continues and in the middle of a war independent verification of facts is extremely difficult. For 11 days, Israel has launched withering strikes on Hamas-controlled Gaza in retaliation for the killing of 1,400 Israelis who were shot, mutilated and burned on October 7 cross-border raids. Watch: Tear gas fired at protesters near US embassy in Lebanon × The horror of events at the Al-Ahri Arabi Hospital and the swift backlash threatened to derail Biden's high-stakes visit to West Asia. A four-way summit in Amman with Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas, Jordanian King Abdullah II and Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi was cancelled. The suffering of the Gazans is immeasurable. The land that has witnessed so much death and destruction longs for respite. And now, with Joe Biden's visit hanging in the balance, the quest for a semblance of peace grows ever more elusive. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

It's a massacre: Gaza hospital horror unveiled

<p>The fate of convoy trucks carrying humanitarian aid at the Gaza border with Egypt and evacuation of foreign citizens via the Rafah crossing hangs in balance after both Israel and Hamas denied reports of a temporary ceasefire on Monday (Oct 16). This comes after a Reuters report citing Egyptian sources said a temporary truce was struck but Israel and Hamas have said no deal was in place.</p>

<p>The report emerged following US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s visit to Cairo and talks with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. During his visit, Washington’s top diplomat said that the border crossing between Gaza and Egypt “will be open” to send aid into the Palestinian enclave.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We’re putting in place with the United Nations, with Egypt, with Israel, with others, the mechanism by which to get the assistance and to get it to people who need it,” said Washington’s top diplomat in Cairo.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Israel, Hamas deny reports</strong></h2>

<p>A report by news agency Reuters citing two Egyptian security sources said that a ceasefire which will last for several hours had been agreed to begin at 0600 GMT on Monday to allow for the entrance of aid, as well as limited evacuations of foreign passport holders from Gaza.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-blinken-arrives-in-cairo-egypt-steps-up-efforts-to-break-impasse-over-gaza-aid-647237">&nbsp;Israel-Hamas war: Blinken visits Cairo; Egypt steps up efforts to break impasse over Gaza aid</a></strong></p>

<p>However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office as well as Hamas official Izzat El-Reshiq have since denied these reports. “At the moment there is no ceasefire for humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip and the exit of foreigners,” said Netanyahu’s office.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Hamas official Izzat El-Reshiq also told Reuters there was no truth to media reports that Rafah was reopening or that there was a ceasefire.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Egyptian security sources told the news agency that they were perplexed by the Israeli denial after having received confirmations previously.</p>

<h2>Israel&nbsp;not cooperating, says Egypt</h2>

<p>Egypt&nbsp;Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry said Israel is not&nbsp;cooperating with the delivery of aid into Gaza and evacuation&nbsp;of foreign passport holders via the Rafah crossing.</p>

<p>"There is an urgent need to alleviate the suffering of Palestinian civilians in Gaza,"&nbsp;Shoukry told reporters, adding that talks with Israel had not been fruitful and that the Israeli government "has not taken a position on opening the Rafah crossing from the Gaza side."<br />
<br />
During a speech in the Israeli parliament, Netanyahu said that Israel would allow&nbsp;allow aid to reach Gaza, without giving a timeline of when that might happen.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Situation at Rafah crossing</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Hundreds of tonnes of aid from NGOs and several countries were lined up near the Rafah crossing – the only passage in and out of the Gaza Strip not controlled by Israel – which has been closed since Tuesday (Oct 10).&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/data-lab-a-heath-disaster-unfolds-amid-israel-hamas-war-647518">Data Lab: A 'health disaster' unfolds amid Israel-Hamas war</a></strong></p>

<p>On Sunday, witnesses told AFP that concrete blocks installed by the Egyptians to fortify the border following Israel’s bombings were still in place indicating that no passage was being considered any time soon.</p>

<p>Egypt has said that the crossing was open but has been made “inoperable” by Israeli strikes on the Palestinian side.&nbsp;The Egyptian presidency, on Sunday, said that it is ramping up efforts to deliver aid to Gaza which has been stuck at the country’s Sinai peninsula.</p>

<h2><strong>UN aid chief heads to Middle East</strong></h2>

<p>UN aid chief Martin Griffiths said on Monday he would be travelling to the Middle East to support negotiations on getting aid to Gaza. He and his office were in “deep discussions” with Israel, Egypt and others over the issue, said the UN official.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-is-the-rafah-border-crossing-the-last-hope-for-gaza-palestinians-647401">Explained: Is the Rafah border crossing the last hope for Gaza Palestinians?</a></strong></p>

<p>“I shall be going myself tomorrow to the region to try to help in the negotiations, to try to bear witness and to express solidarity with the extraordinary courage of the many thousands of aid workers who have stayed the course and who are still there helping the people in Gaza and in the West Bank,” Griffiths said in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A spokesperson for the UN humanitarian office said Griffiths was planning to be in Cairo on Tuesday (Oct 17) and would travel to other locations in the region over the next few days.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
<br />
<em><strong>Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.</strong></em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


The fate of convoy trucks carrying humanitarian aid at the Gaza border with Egypt and evacuation of foreign citizens via the Rafah crossing hangs in balance after both Israel and Hamas denied reports of a temporary ceasefire on Monday (Oct 16).

The fate of convoy trucks carrying humanitarian aid at the Gaza border with Egypt and evacuation of foreign citizens via the Rafah crossing hangs in balance after both Israel and Hamas denied reports of a temporary ceasefire on Monday (Oct 16). This comes after a Reuters report citing Egyptian sources said a temporary truce was struck but Israel and Hamas have said no deal was in place. The report emerged following US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s visit to Cairo and talks with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi. During his visit, Washington’s top diplomat said that the border crossing between Gaza and Egypt “will be open” to send aid into the Palestinian enclave. “We’re putting in place with the United Nations, with Egypt, with Israel, with others, the mechanism by which to get the assistance and to get it to people who need it,” said Washington’s top diplomat in Cairo. Israel, Hamas deny reports A report by news agency Reuters citing two Egyptian security sources said that a ceasefire which will last for several hours had been agreed to begin at 0600 GMT on Monday to allow for the entrance of aid, as well as limited evacuations of foreign passport holders from Gaza. ALSO READ | Israel-Hamas war: Blinken visits Cairo; Egypt steps up efforts to break impasse over Gaza aid However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office as well as Hamas official Izzat El-Reshiq have since denied these reports. “At the moment there is no ceasefire for humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip and the exit of foreigners,” said Netanyahu’s office. Hamas official Izzat El-Reshiq also told Reuters there was no truth to media reports that Rafah was reopening or that there was a ceasefire. The Egyptian security sources told the news agency that they were perplexed by the Israeli denial after having received confirmations previously. Israel not cooperating, says Egypt Egypt Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry said Israel is not cooperating with the delivery of aid into Gaza and evacuation of foreign passport holders via the Rafah crossing. "There is an urgent need to alleviate the suffering of Palestinian civilians in Gaza," Shoukry told reporters, adding that talks with Israel had not been fruitful and that the Israeli government "has not taken a position on opening the Rafah crossing from the Gaza side." During a speech in the Israeli parliament, Netanyahu said that Israel would allow allow aid to reach Gaza, without giving a timeline of when that might happen. Situation at Rafah crossing Hundreds of tonnes of aid from NGOs and several countries were lined up near the Rafah crossing – the only passage in and out of the Gaza Strip not controlled by Israel – which has been closed since Tuesday (Oct 10). ALSO READ | Data Lab: A 'health disaster' unfolds amid Israel-Hamas war On Sunday, witnesses told AFP that concrete blocks installed by the Egyptians to fortify the border following Israel’s bombings were still in place indicating that no passage was being considered any time soon. Egypt has said that the crossing was open but has been made “inoperable” by Israeli strikes on the Palestinian side. The Egyptian presidency, on Sunday, said that it is ramping up efforts to deliver aid to Gaza which has been stuck at the country’s Sinai peninsula. UN aid chief heads to Middle East UN aid chief Martin Griffiths said on Monday he would be travelling to the Middle East to support negotiations on getting aid to Gaza. He and his office were in “deep discussions” with Israel, Egypt and others over the issue, said the UN official. ALSO READ | Explained: Is the Rafah border crossing the last hope for Gaza Palestinians? “I shall be going myself tomorrow to the region to try to help in the negotiations, to try to bear witness and to express solidarity with the extraordinary courage of the many thousands of aid workers who have stayed the course and who are still there helping the people in Gaza and in the West Bank,” Griffiths said in a statement. A spokesperson for the UN humanitarian office said Griffiths was planning to be in Cairo on Tuesday (Oct 17) and would travel to other locations in the region over the next few days. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Israel, Hamas deny reports of border ceasefire to open Rafah crossing for aid, foreigners’ exit

<p>Amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, actor Riz Ahmed has spoken out. In an emotional plea, the British actor urged to stop the violence.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the message posted on his social media handle, Ahmed wrote, ''As storytellers we put ourselves in other people’s shoes and ask audiences to go on that journey with us. The reason this works is because underneath our differences, we feel the same fear, joy, grief, and hope.”</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-hollywood-writers-slam-wga-for-not-issuing-statement-on-israel-hamas-conflict-647426">Hollywood writers slam WGA for not issuing statement on Israel-Hamas conflict</a></p>

<p>Riz further wrote that there are no two sides in the war, but only one side and that is ''humanity.''<br />
<br />
“We are told there are two sides to what is happening in Israel and Palestine. But in my heart, I know there is only one — the side of our humanity,” the Oscar-nominated actor wrote.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="instagram-media" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/p/CydOOfoMP3r/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14" style=" background:#FFF; border:0; border-radius:3px; box-shadow:0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width:540px; min-width:326px; padding:0; width:99.375%; width:-webkit-calc(100% - 2px); width:calc(100% - 2px);">
<div style="padding:16px;">
<div style=" display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;">
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 19% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display:block; height:50px; margin:0 auto 12px; width:50px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CydOOfoMP3r/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank"><svg height="50px" version="1.1" viewbox="0 0 60 60" width="50px" xmlns="https://www.w3.org/2000/svg" xmlns:xlink="https://www.w3.org/1999/xlink"><g fill="none" fill-rule="evenodd" stroke="none" stroke-width="1"><g fill="#000000" transform="translate(-511.000000, -20.000000)"><g><path d="M556.869,30.41 C554.814,30.41 553.148,32.076 553.148,34.131 C553.148,36.186 554.814,37.852 556.869,37.852 C558.924,37.852 560.59,36.186 560.59,34.131 C560.59,32.076 558.924,30.41 556.869,30.41 M541,60.657 C535.114,60.657 530.342,55.887 530.342,50 C530.342,44.114 535.114,39.342 541,39.342 C546.887,39.342 551.658,44.114 551.658,50 C551.658,55.887 546.887,60.657 541,60.657 M541,33.886 C532.1,33.886 524.886,41.1 524.886,50 C524.886,58.899 532.1,66.113 541,66.113 C549.9,66.113 557.115,58.899 557.115,50 C557.115,41.1 549.9,33.886 541,33.886 M565.378,62.101 C565.244,65.022 564.756,66.606 564.346,67.663 C563.803,69.06 563.154,70.057 562.106,71.106 C561.058,72.155 560.06,72.803 558.662,73.347 C557.607,73.757 556.021,74.244 553.102,74.378 C549.944,74.521 548.997,74.552 541,74.552 C533.003,74.552 532.056,74.521 528.898,74.378 C525.979,74.244 524.393,73.757 523.338,73.347 C521.94,72.803 520.942,72.155 519.894,71.106 C518.846,70.057 518.197,69.06 517.654,67.663 C517.244,66.606 516.755,65.022 516.623,62.101 C516.479,58.943 516.448,57.996 516.448,50 C516.448,42.003 516.479,41.056 516.623,37.899 C516.755,34.978 517.244,33.391 517.654,32.338 C518.197,30.938 518.846,29.942 519.894,28.894 C520.942,27.846 521.94,27.196 523.338,26.654 C524.393,26.244 525.979,25.756 528.898,25.623 C532.057,25.479 533.004,25.448 541,25.448 C548.997,25.448 549.943,25.479 553.102,25.623 C556.021,25.756 557.607,26.244 558.662,26.654 C560.06,27.196 561.058,27.846 562.106,28.894 C563.154,29.942 563.803,30.938 564.346,32.338 C564.756,33.391 565.244,34.978 565.378,37.899 C565.522,41.056 565.552,42.003 565.552,50 C565.552,57.996 565.522,58.943 565.378,62.101 M570.82,37.631 C570.674,34.438 570.167,32.258 569.425,30.349 C568.659,28.377 567.633,26.702 565.965,25.035 C564.297,23.368 562.623,22.342 560.652,21.575 C558.743,20.834 556.562,20.326 553.369,20.18 C550.169,20.033 549.148,20 541,20 C532.853,20 531.831,20.033 528.631,20.18 C525.438,20.326 523.257,20.834 521.349,21.575 C519.376,22.342 517.703,23.368 516.035,25.035 C514.368,26.702 513.342,28.377 512.574,30.349 C511.834,32.258 511.326,34.438 511.181,37.631 C511.035,40.831 511,41.851 511,50 C511,58.147 511.035,59.17 511.181,62.369 C511.326,65.562 511.834,67.743 512.574,69.651 C513.342,71.625 514.368,73.296 516.035,74.965 C517.703,76.634 519.376,77.658 521.349,78.425 C523.257,79.167 525.438,79.673 528.631,79.82 C531.831,79.965 532.853,80.001 541,80.001 C549.148,80.001 550.169,79.965 553.369,79.82 C556.562,79.673 558.743,79.167 560.652,78.425 C562.623,77.658 564.297,76.634 565.965,74.965 C567.633,73.296 568.659,71.625 569.425,69.651 C570.167,67.743 570.674,65.562 570.82,62.369 C570.966,59.17 571,58.147 571,50 C571,41.851 570.966,40.831 570.82,37.631"></path></g></g></g></svg></a></div>

<div style="padding-top: 8px;">
<div style=" color:#3897f0; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:550; line-height:18px;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CydOOfoMP3r/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" background:#FFFFFF; line-height:0; padding:0 0; text-align:center; text-decoration:none; width:100%;" target="_blank">View this post on Instagram</a></div>
</div>

<div style="padding: 12.5% 0;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;">
<div>
<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style="background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: 8px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg)">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<div style="margin-left: auto;">
<div style=" width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);">&nbsp;</div>
</div>
</div>

<div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;">
<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;">&nbsp;</div>

<div style=" background-color: #F4F4F4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;">&nbsp;</div>
</div>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CydOOfoMP3r/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Riz Ahmed (@rizahmed)</a></p>
</div>
</blockquote>
<script async src="//www.instagram.com/embed.js"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>“What happened in Israel last week was horrific and wrong. The pain and fear so many are feeling is deep and real. What’s happening in Gaza now, and has been happening in Palestine under the Occupation for decades, is horrific and wrong. The depth and reality of this suffering cannot be ignored.”</p>

<p>In retaliation to the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas' shocking attack, Israel has launched a full-fledged war, which has reportedly killed thousands of Palestinians. Speaking on Israel's counter-attack and the dire situation in Gaza, Ahmed said, “If we look only in one direction, we will go even deeper into darkness. But that is exactly what is happening right now.”&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/fauda-actor-rona-lee-shimon-condemns-hamas-attack-says-will-do-everything-for-israel-647608">Fauda actor Rona-Lee Shimon condemns Hamas' attack, says 'will do everything' for Israel</a></p>

<p>He added, “We are being asked to look away while the civilians of Gaza, half of them children, are running out of time. If we are on the side of humanity we must urgently speak up to try and avert the loss of innocent life. This means calling for an end to the indiscriminate bombing of Gaza’s civilians and vital infrastructure, the denial of food, water and electricity, the forced displacement of people from their homes. These are morally indefensible war crimes.”</p>

<p>Since Hamas' surprise attack on Israel, and the situation continues to be tense on both sides of the border. As the war continues, hundreds of people have lost their lives, and the horrific photos and videos of innocent Israeli and Palestinian people continue to emerge online.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, actor Riz Ahmed has spoken out. In an emotional plea, the British actor urged to stop the violence. In the message posted on his social media handle, Ahmed wrote, ''As storytellers we put ourselves in other people’s shoes and ask audiences to go on that journey with us.

Amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, actor Riz Ahmed has spoken out. In an emotional plea, the British actor urged to stop the violence. In the message posted on his social media handle, Ahmed wrote, ''As storytellers we put ourselves in other people’s shoes and ask audiences to go on that journey with us. The reason this works is because underneath our differences, we feel the same fear, joy, grief, and hope.” Hollywood writers slam WGA for not issuing statement on Israel-Hamas conflict Riz further wrote that there are no two sides in the war, but only one side and that is ''humanity.'' “We are told there are two sides to what is happening in Israel and Palestine. But in my heart, I know there is only one — the side of our humanity,” the Oscar-nominated actor wrote. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Riz Ahmed (@rizahmed) × “What happened in Israel last week was horrific and wrong. The pain and fear so many are feeling is deep and real. What’s happening in Gaza now, and has been happening in Palestine under the Occupation for decades, is horrific and wrong. The depth and reality of this suffering cannot be ignored.” In retaliation to the Palestinian terrorist group Hamas' shocking attack, Israel has launched a full-fledged war, which has reportedly killed thousands of Palestinians. Speaking on Israel's counter-attack and the dire situation in Gaza, Ahmed said, “If we look only in one direction, we will go even deeper into darkness. But that is exactly what is happening right now.” Fauda actor Rona-Lee Shimon condemns Hamas' attack, says 'will do everything' for Israel He added, “We are being asked to look away while the civilians of Gaza, half of them children, are running out of time. If we are on the side of humanity we must urgently speak up to try and avert the loss of innocent life. This means calling for an end to the indiscriminate bombing of Gaza’s civilians and vital infrastructure, the denial of food, water and electricity, the forced displacement of people from their homes. These are morally indefensible war crimes.” Since Hamas' surprise attack on Israel, and the situation continues to be tense on both sides of the border. As the war continues, hundreds of people have lost their lives, and the horrific photos and videos of innocent Israeli and Palestinian people continue to emerge online. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Riz Ahmed reacts to Israel-Hamas conflict, calls to end ‘indiscriminate bombing of Gaza’s civilians’