At least 33 people were killed and 85 others were injured in Israeli strikes that hit several houses on Friday (Oct 18) in Jabalia, the largest of Gaza's eight historic refugee camps, the news agency Reuters reported on Saturday citing medics.

At least 33 people were killed and 85 others were injured in Israeli strikes that hit several houses on Friday (Oct 18) in Jabalia, the largest of Gaza's eight historic refugee camps, the news agency Reuters reported on Saturday citing medics. According to the Hamas-run Gaza government media office, the death toll from the strikes could increase as some people were believed to be trapped under the rubble. The death toll also included children. The Israeli military has not commented on the strikes yet. 'Israeli army destroying dozens of houses daily' As per the Reuters report, Jabalia residents said that Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts. Also read | Skull damaged, fingers chopped off: Chilling details revealed in Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar’s autopsy They added the Israeli army was destroying dozens of houses daily, from the air and the ground, and by placing bombs in buildings then detonating them remotely. These strikes come after Israel declared that it killed Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar during an operation in the southern Gaza Strip. A new offensive in Jabalia On October 6, Israel launched a new offensive in northern Gaza, including around Jabalia, saying it was targeting Hamas fighters who were regrouping there. Since then, scores of people have been killed in the area, which had already been hit hard by fighting earlier in the year-long war. This attack in the refugee camp on Friday came a day after 14 people were killed in an Israeli strike on the Abu Hussein school, which has become a shelter in Jabalia. "A horrific massacre, most of the injured and wounded are lying on the ground at Kamal Adwan Hospital, and their condition is critical," an emergency service worker told the news agency AFP. "We are unable to manage these severe cases due to the shortage of medical supplies and specialised personnel, leading to an increase in the number of martyrs," the worker added. (With inputs from agencies)

Gaza war: Israeli strike kills 33 people, injures 85 others in Jabalia refugee camp

Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, who was the mastermind of the Palestinian militant group's October 7, 2023 attack against Israel, was killed by the Israeli military on Wednesday (Oct 16).

Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar, who was the mastermind of the Palestinian militant group's October 7, 2023 attack against Israel, was killed by the Israeli military on Wednesday (Oct 16). Sinwar was killed during an Israeli military operation in the southern Gaza Strip. Sinwar was chosen as the militant group's overall leader after his predecessor Ismail Haniyeh was killed in July in a suspected Israeli strike during a visit to Tehran. Israel has not confirmed its involvement in the strike (that killed Haniyeh). So, who will be the successor of Yahya Sinwar? Here's a look at the possible names: Mohammed Sinwar Yahya's brother Mohammed Sinwar is under consideration to be the next leader of Hamas. He is one of the most senior, veteran commanders of the armed wing of Hamas. Born on Sept. 15, 1975, he has rarely appeared in public or spoken to the media. Also read | Shocking video shows Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar's last moments Just like his late brother, Mohammed has been one of the top targets on Israel's wanted list and, according to Hamas sources, has survived several Israeli attempts on his life, including airstrikes and roadside bomb attacks, a report by the news agency Reuters said. Mahmoud al-Zahar A surgeon by profession, al-Zahar is among the top contenders to be the next leader of Hamas. Friends and enemies used to call him "General" for his hardline views towards Israel and other opponents of Hamas. Zahar, 79, has made no public statement or appearance since October 7 last year and his fate remains unknown. Reuters reported that he survived an Israeli assassination attempt in 2003. He served as the first Hamas-appointed minister of foreign affairs after the group assumed power in Gaza in 2007 in a brief civil war with the secular Palestinian Authority, a year after it swept a parliamentary election. Khalil al-Hayya Al-Hayya was Sinwar's deputy and had recently been leading the Hamas team in indirect ceasefire talks with Israel under the supervision of Ismail Haniyeh. Also watch | Biden says Sinwar's killing by Israel 'a good day for the world' × Hayya was in the same residence when Haniyeh was struck by a short-range projectile, according to Iran's Revolutionary Guards, in Tehran, but not in the same apartment at the time of the strike. Mohammad Shabana Shabana, better known as Abu Anas Shabana, is one of the remaining top and veteran armed commanders of Hamas, heading its battalion in Rafah in the south. Reuters reported that Shabana played a significant role in developing the network of tunnels in Rafah, which were used to attack Israeli troops along the border. (With inputs from agencies)

Gaza war: Who will be the next Hamas leader after Yahya Sinwar's killing?

Conflict-ravaged Gaza appears to be facing the worst restrictions on aid since the Israel-Hams war there began over a year ago, the UN said on Tuesday, lamenting the devastating impact,&nbsp;especially, on children.

"Day after day, the situation for children becomes worse than the day before," said James Elder, spokesman for the UN children's agency UNICEF.

Vast areas of Gaza have been devastated by Israel's retaliatory assault on the territory after the October 7 Hamas attack last year that sparked the war.

And Israel has been intensifying operations in the north of the besieged Palestinian territory, where the UN has warned hundreds of thousands of people are trapped.

Despite a desperate need to increase the amount of aid going in, Elder lamented that aid access was worsening.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/canada-to-impose-sanctions-on-india-experts-say-sick-man-shouldnt-punch-above-its-weight-767697">Canada looks to sanction India; experts say ‘sick man’ will shoot in the foot</a>

"August was the lowest amount of humanitarian aid that came into the Gaza Strip of any full month since the war broke out," he said, adding that there had been "several days in the last week (where) no commercial trucks whatsoever were allowed to come in".

"We see now what are probably the worst restrictions we've seen on humanitarian aid, ever."

Earlier in the year, amid warnings that the UN could declare a full-fledged famine in Gaza, Elder said there had been "a real push to have new routes and access point open".

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israels-air-defence-system-facing-shortage-of-munitions-as-war-drags-on-report-767726">Israel's air defence system facing shortage of munitions as war drags on</a>

But now, "we have seen an absolute reversal of that", he warned, adding that since May, "we've seen consistent entry points blocked".

Northern Gaza, meanwhile, "hasn't had food, any food aid at all coming in all of October", he added.

The dire lack of aid, coupled with the relentless strikes and the fact that around 85 per cent of the Gaza Strip has been hit with some form of evacuation order, has made the territory "essentially unlivable", Elder said.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Conflict-ravaged Gaza appears to be facing the worst restrictions on aid since the Israel-Hams war there began over a year ago, the UN said on Tuesday, lamenting the devastating impact, especially, on children.

Conflict-ravaged Gaza appears to be facing the worst restrictions on aid since the Israel-Hams war there began over a year ago, the UN said on Tuesday, lamenting the devastating impact, especially, on children. "Day after day, the situation for children becomes worse than the day before," said James Elder, spokesman for the UN children's agency UNICEF. Vast areas of Gaza have been devastated by Israel's retaliatory assault on the territory after the October 7 Hamas attack last year that sparked the war. And Israel has been intensifying operations in the north of the besieged Palestinian territory, where the UN has warned hundreds of thousands of people are trapped. Despite a desperate need to increase the amount of aid going in, Elder lamented that aid access was worsening. Also Read | Canada looks to sanction India; experts say ‘sick man’ will shoot in the foot "August was the lowest amount of humanitarian aid that came into the Gaza Strip of any full month since the war broke out," he said, adding that there had been "several days in the last week (where) no commercial trucks whatsoever were allowed to come in". "We see now what are probably the worst restrictions we've seen on humanitarian aid, ever." Earlier in the year, amid warnings that the UN could declare a full-fledged famine in Gaza, Elder said there had been "a real push to have new routes and access point open". Also Read | Israel's air defence system facing shortage of munitions as war drags on But now, "we have seen an absolute reversal of that", he warned, adding that since May, "we've seen consistent entry points blocked". Northern Gaza, meanwhile, "hasn't had food, any food aid at all coming in all of October", he added. The dire lack of aid, coupled with the relentless strikes and the fact that around 85 per cent of the Gaza Strip has been hit with some form of evacuation order, has made the territory "essentially unlivable", Elder said. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

‘Worst restrictions’ on Gaza aid since Israel-Hamas war began: UN

Gaza's civil defence agency said Israeli shelling late Sunday had killed at least 15 people at a&nbsp;school&nbsp;serving as a shelter for displaced Palestinians in central Gaza's Nuseirat camp.

The vast majority of the besieged Gaza Strip's 2.4 million people have been displaced at least once by the war, sparked by Hamas's October 7 attack on Israel, with many seeking shelter in&nbsp;school&nbsp;buildings.

"The Al-Mufti&nbsp;school&nbsp;was bombarded with a large volley of Israeli artillery, resulting in an initial death toll of 15 martyrs, including children, women and entire families, and 50 wounded," said Mahmud Bassal, spokesman for the agency.&nbsp;

"This&nbsp;school&nbsp;shelters hundreds of displaced people from different families, including some from Gaza, the south, and various parts of the Gaza Strip," he added.&nbsp;

The Israeli military said it was "looking into the reports".

The attack comes just days after an Israeli air strike on a&nbsp;school&nbsp;killed at least 28 people in Gaza's Deir el-Balah.

Israel's military regularly accuses Hamas of hiding in&nbsp;school&nbsp;buildings where thousands of Gazans have sought shelter -- a charge denied by the Palestinian militant group.

Civilians have borne much of the brunt of the Israeli onslaught, which according to Gaza's health ministry has killed at least 42,227 people over the past year, a majority of them civilians.

The United Nations acknowledges the figures to be reliable.

Hamas triggered the ongoing conflict in Gaza with the deadliest-ever attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. It resulted in the deaths of 1,206 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of official Israeli figures.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Gaza's civil defence agency said Israeli shelling late Sunday had killed at least 15 people at a school serving as a shelter for displaced Palestinians in central Gaza's Nuseirat camp.

Gaza's civil defence agency said Israeli shelling late Sunday had killed at least 15 people at a school serving as a shelter for displaced Palestinians in central Gaza's Nuseirat camp. The vast majority of the besieged Gaza Strip's 2.4 million people have been displaced at least once by the war, sparked by Hamas's October 7 attack on Israel, with many seeking shelter in school buildings. "The Al-Mufti school was bombarded with a large volley of Israeli artillery, resulting in an initial death toll of 15 martyrs, including children, women and entire families, and 50 wounded," said Mahmud Bassal, spokesman for the agency. "This school shelters hundreds of displaced people from different families, including some from Gaza, the south, and various parts of the Gaza Strip," he added. The Israeli military said it was "looking into the reports". The attack comes just days after an Israeli air strike on a school killed at least 28 people in Gaza's Deir el-Balah. Israel's military regularly accuses Hamas of hiding in school buildings where thousands of Gazans have sought shelter -- a charge denied by the Palestinian militant group. Civilians have borne much of the brunt of the Israeli onslaught, which according to Gaza's health ministry has killed at least 42,227 people over the past year, a majority of them civilians. The United Nations acknowledges the figures to be reliable. Hamas triggered the ongoing conflict in Gaza with the deadliest-ever attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. It resulted in the deaths of 1,206 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of official Israeli figures. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Gaza war: 15 killed in Israeli strike on school turned shelter

The Joe Biden-led United States (US) administration has approved the sale of billions of dollars in weapons to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). A report by Bloomberg said that this approval was a fresh support to Saudi Arabia and the UAE, who are crucial to the US pushback against Iran and its proxies as conflict escalates in West Asia.

The Joe Biden-led United States (US) administration has approved the sale of billions of dollars in weapons to Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). A report by Bloomberg said that this approval was a fresh support to Saudi Arabia and the UAE, who are crucial to the US pushback against Iran and its proxies as conflict escalates in West Asia. The US Congress was notified about the sale approval. The approvals to Saudi Arabia and the UAE The report said that the US State Department notified Congress it approved the sale of Hellfire and Sidewinder missiles, along with artillery, tank, and machine gun ammunition, to Saudi Arabia in a deal valued at more than $1 billion. The State Department also notified lawmakers that it has approved the potential sale of GMLRS guided-rocket systems, long-range ATACMS missiles, and training and support for both systems to the UAE in a deal valued at as much as $1.2 billion. Unless Congress moved to block the proposed sales, the contractors and receiving countries could begin negotiations on contracts, which might fall short of the maximums approved. In August this year, Washington lifted limits on the sale of offensive weapons to Saudi Arabia as a way to pressure Riyadh to wind down its war against Houthi rebels in Yemen. Since the Gaza war began in October last year, the Houthis have gone on the offensive, targeting commercial shipping in the Red Sea. 'Will not recognise Israel without Palestinian state' Last month, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman said that his country would not recognise Israel without a Palestinian state and strongly condemned the "crimes of the Israeli occupation" against the Palestinian people. "The kingdom will not stop its tireless work towards the establishment of an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as its capital, and we affirm that the kingdom will not establish diplomatic relations with Israel without that," Crown Prince Salman said on September 18. Following the eruption of the Gaza war, Saudi Arabia put on ice US-backed plans for the kingdom to normalise ties with Israel, two sources familiar with Riyadh's thinking told the news agency Reuters earlier this year. (With inputs from agencies)

US approves sale of weapons worth $2.2 billion to Saudi Arabia and UAE

Hamas tried to persuade its two allies, Iran and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, to join its October 7, 2023, attack against Israel or at least commit to a broader fight if the Palestinian militant group staged a surprise cross-border raid, The New York Times (NYT) reported on Saturday, citing the minutes of Hamas' secret meetings seized by the Israeli military.

Hamas tried to persuade its two allies, Iran and the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, to join its October 7, 2023, attack against Israel or at least commit to a broader fight if the Palestinian militant group staged a surprise cross-border raid, The New York Times (NYT) reported on Saturday, citing the minutes of Hamas' secret meetings seized by the Israeli military. The report said that the documents showed extensive efforts to deceive Israel about its intentions as Hamas laid the groundwork for a bold assault and a regional conflagration that Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar hoped would cause Israel to “collapse.” Also read | Thousands trapped in Gaza's Jabalia Camp as Israeli forces intensify assault; those trying to flee 'get shot' The documents consist of minutes from 10 secret planning meetings of a small group of Hamas political and military leaders in the run-up to the attack. Hamas planned to attack in fall of 2022 The documents showed that Hamas initially planned to carry out its attack on Israel in the fall of 2022 but delayed it as the Palestinian militant group was persuading Iran and Hezbollah to also participate in it. Hamas members said that the internal situation in Israel, an apparent reference to the turmoil over Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s controversial plans to overhaul the judiciary, was among the reasons they were “compelled to move toward a strategic battle”. The documents cited by The NYT further revealed that in July 2023, a top Hamas official visited Lebanon, where he met a senior Iranian commander and requested help with striking sensitive sites at the start of the assault. Also watch | Israeli PM warns Lebanon with 'Gaza-like destruction' × This Iranian commander told the Hamas official that Tehran and Hezbollah were supportive in principle but needed more time to prepare. Hamas planned to discuss attack with Hassan Nasrallah Hamas planned to discuss its attack with Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, who was recently assassinated by Israel. It was not known whether the discussion with Hezbollah happened. Hamas felt assured of its allies’ general support but concluded it might need to go ahead without their full involvement. The documents also highlighted that Hamas deliberately avoided confrontations with Israel for two years from 2021 so that it could maximise the surprise of the October 7 attack. The Gaza war Hamas militants attacked southern Israel (on October 7 last year), killing 1,200 people and taking about 250 others hostage, according to Israeli tallies. More than 100 hostages are reportedly still held by the Hamas. Israel's subsequent military assault on Gaza has killed more than 42,000 Palestinians, according to the Hamas-run Gaza's health ministry. (With inputs from agencies)

Gaza war: Hamas tried to persuade Iran and Hezbollah to join its October 7 attack on Israel, says report

Thousands of civilians are trapped in Gaza's Jabalia camp as Israeli forces intensify their assault, with Israel claiming the operation is aimed at stopping Hamas from regrouping. According to Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) those trying to leave are "getting shot".

On Friday, airstrikes killed at least 20 Palestinians in Jabalia, and nearby homes were damaged, medics reported. The day's overall death toll across Gaza, as per Reuters, reached 61, with nearly half of the casualties from Jabalia, one of Gaza's largest refugee camps.

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:150,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1840}">MSF staff trapped</h2>

Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) voiced urgent concern, describing the camp as a no-go zone where anyone attempting to leave faces being shot.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-army-warns-to-attack-ambulances-in-southern-lebanon-claims-hezbollah-misusing-them-766935">Israeli army warns to attack ambulances in southern Lebanon, claims Hezbollah misusing them</a>

On X, MSF project coordinator Sarah Vuylsteke said,&nbsp;"Nobody is allowed to get in or out; anyone who tries is getting shot."

Five MSF staff are among those trapped.&nbsp;

"I don't know what to do; at any moment we could die. People are starving," she quoted Haydar, an MSF driver who said he was "afraid to stay, and I am also afraid to leave".

The Israeli military has claimed that its strikes have reportedly killed dozens of militants in the area. However, questions remain about how many of them were civilians.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:492,&quot;w&quot;:710,&quot;h&quot;:24,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2182}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-bans-pagers-walkie-talkies-on-flights-after-attacks-in-lebanon-766923">Iran bans pagers, walkie-talkies on flights after attacks in Lebanon</a>

According to the report, at least 15 of the fatalities in Jabalia were due to Israeli strikes, including on a school where displaced individuals were sheltering, reported the official Palestinian news agency Wafa citing medical sources.

Gaza's Civil Defence said that multiple people were injured by drone fire.

Previously, the military has accused Hamas of using civilian shelters as cover, a charge the group denies.&nbsp;

Humanitarian groups have raised alarms over the growing crisis, as over 400,000 people are reportedly trapped in northern Gaza, with limited options for evacuation. United Nations officials have also expressed concern that Israel's offensive and the evacuation orders in Northern Gaza could disrupt the second phase of its crucial polio vaccination campaign.

(With inputs from agencies)

Thousands of civilians are trapped in Gaza's Jabalia camp as Israeli forces intensify their assault, with Israel claiming the operation is aimed at stopping Hamas from regrouping.

Thousands of civilians are trapped in Gaza's Jabalia camp as Israeli forces intensify their assault, with Israel claiming the operation is aimed at stopping Hamas from regrouping. According to Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) those trying to leave are "getting shot". On Friday, airstrikes killed at least 20 Palestinians in Jabalia, and nearby homes were damaged, medics reported. The day's overall death toll across Gaza, as per Reuters, reached 61, with nearly half of the casualties from Jabalia, one of Gaza's largest refugee camps. MSF staff trapped Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) voiced urgent concern, describing the camp as a no-go zone where anyone attempting to leave faces being shot. Also read | Israeli army warns to attack ambulances in southern Lebanon, claims Hezbollah misusing them On X, MSF project coordinator Sarah Vuylsteke said, "Nobody is allowed to get in or out; anyone who tries is getting shot." Five MSF staff are among those trapped. "I don't know what to do; at any moment we could die. People are starving," she quoted Haydar, an MSF driver who said he was "afraid to stay, and I am also afraid to leave". The Israeli military has claimed that its strikes have reportedly killed dozens of militants in the area. However, questions remain about how many of them were civilians. Also read | Iran bans pagers, walkie-talkies on flights after attacks in Lebanon According to the report, at least 15 of the fatalities in Jabalia were due to Israeli strikes, including on a school where displaced individuals were sheltering, reported the official Palestinian news agency Wafa citing medical sources. Gaza's Civil Defence said that multiple people were injured by drone fire. Previously, the military has accused Hamas of using civilian shelters as cover, a charge the group denies. Humanitarian groups have raised alarms over the growing crisis, as over 400,000 people are reportedly trapped in northern Gaza, with limited options for evacuation. United Nations officials have also expressed concern that Israel's offensive and the evacuation orders in Northern Gaza could disrupt the second phase of its crucial polio vaccination campaign. (With inputs from agencies)

Thousands trapped in Gaza's Jabalia Camp as Israeli forces intensify assault; those trying to flee 'get shot'

Israeli defence minister Yoav Gallant &nbsp;on Wednesday (Oct 9) warned that a retaliatory attack on Iran would be "lethal, precise and...surprising". During a speech to the country's troops, Galant vowed that Tehran will "pay a price".

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:67,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1827}">Iran to 'Pay a price'</h2>

Addressing his troops, Galant said that Israel's "strike will be lethal, precise and above all, surprising. They won't understand what happened and how. They will see the results."

"Whoever strikes us will be harmed and pay a price," vowed the Israeli defence minister, while describing the Oct 1 missile attack as a failure.

Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:88,&quot;y&quot;:209,&quot;w&quot;:638,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:121,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1969}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-netanyahu-hold-telephonic-conversation-for-1st-time-since-august-as-israeli-response-against-iran-looms-766053">Biden, Netanyahu speak for first time since August as Israeli response against Iran looms</a>&nbsp;

A video of his speech has been released by his office. Watch it here:

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Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant: 
 
🔻The Iranian attack was deadly but inaccurate. 
 
🔻Our response, however, will be deadly, precise, and surprising. They won't know what happened or how it happened. <a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:502,&quot;y&quot;:405,&quot;w&quot;:158,&quot;h&quot;:14,&quot;abs_x&quot;:535,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2165}" href="https://t.co/u7oIoPq7JQ">pic.twitter.com/u7oIoPq7JQ</a>
— Intelligence FRONT (@intelligencefnt) <a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:512,&quot;y&quot;:434,&quot;w&quot;:93,&quot;h&quot;:14,&quot;abs_x&quot;:545,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2194}" href="https://twitter.com/intelligencefnt/status/1844065278977810594?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 9, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Gallant also shared the info on X, reiterating his 'lethal' attack vow.

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יחד עם חיילי המודיעין ביחידה 9900 הצופים על המתרחש בכל רחבי המזרח התיכון באמצעות מודיעין חזותי. 
 
בשיחתי עם החיילים הדגשתי - התקיפה שלנו באיראן תהיה קטלנית, מדויקת ומפתיעה. 
 
מי שמנסה לפגוע במדינת ישראל ישלם מחיר. <a href="https://t.co/aj8WXbStWd">pic.twitter.com/aj8WXbStWd</a>
— יואב גלנט - Yoav Gallant (@yoavgallant) <a href="https://twitter.com/yoavgallant/status/1844077597925441576?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 9, 2024</a></blockquote>
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This strong statement comes as things continue to heat up between Israel and Iran. Recently, on Oct 1, Iran fired a barrage of missiles at Israel, which fended off the attack with the United States' help.

Even as Israel vows "lethal" retaliation, US President Joe Biden has said that he would not support a retaliatory strike on sites related to Iran's nuclear programme.

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:602,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2362}">Biden-Netanyahu call</h2>

Also on Wednesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Joe Biden connected over a call — their first since August.

Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:88,&quot;y&quot;:695,&quot;w&quot;:662,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:121,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2455}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-chief-sinwar-renewed-suicide-bombings-after-replacing-assassinated-haniyeh-report-765963">Hamas chief Sinwar revives ‘suicide bombings’ after replacing assassinated Haniyeh: Report</a>

The call, as per the White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, was "direct and very productive."

(With inputs from agencies)

Israeli defence minister Yoav Gallant on Wednesday (Oct 9) warned that a retaliatory attack on Iran would be "lethal, precise and...surprising". During a speech to the country's troops, Galant vowed that Tehran will "pay a price".

Israeli defence minister Yoav Gallant on Wednesday (Oct 9) warned that a retaliatory attack on Iran would be "lethal, precise and...surprising". During a speech to the country's troops, Galant vowed that Tehran will "pay a price". Iran to 'Pay a price' Addressing his troops, Galant said that Israel's "strike will be lethal, precise and above all, surprising. They won't understand what happened and how. They will see the results." "Whoever strikes us will be harmed and pay a price," vowed the Israeli defence minister, while describing the Oct 1 missile attack as a failure. Also read | Biden, Netanyahu speak for first time since August as Israeli response against Iran looms A video of his speech has been released by his office. Watch it here: Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant: 🔻The Iranian attack was deadly but inaccurate. 🔻Our response, however, will be deadly, precise, and surprising. They won't know what happened or how it happened. pic.twitter.com/u7oIoPq7JQ — Intelligence FRONT (@intelligencefnt) October 9, 2024 × Gallant also shared the info on X, reiterating his 'lethal' attack vow. יחד עם חיילי המודיעין ביחידה 9900 הצופים על המתרחש בכל רחבי המזרח התיכון באמצעות מודיעין חזותי. בשיחתי עם החיילים הדגשתי - התקיפה שלנו באיראן תהיה קטלנית, מדויקת ומפתיעה. מי שמנסה לפגוע במדינת ישראל ישלם מחיר. pic.twitter.com/aj8WXbStWd — יואב גלנט - Yoav Gallant (@yoavgallant) October 9, 2024 × This strong statement comes as things continue to heat up between Israel and Iran. Recently, on Oct 1, Iran fired a barrage of missiles at Israel, which fended off the attack with the United States' help. Even as Israel vows "lethal" retaliation, US President Joe Biden has said that he would not support a retaliatory strike on sites related to Iran's nuclear programme. Biden-Netanyahu call Also on Wednesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Joe Biden connected over a call — their first since August. Also read | Hamas chief Sinwar revives ‘suicide bombings’ after replacing assassinated Haniyeh: Report The call, as per the White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre, was "direct and very productive." (With inputs from agencies)

Israeli defence minister vows retaliatory strike against Iran will be 'lethal, precise and surprising'. Watch!

Former United States (US) president and current Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump said on Monday (Oct 7) that Americans should never forget Hamas' October 7 attack on Israel last year (which triggered the war in the Gaza Strip) as he paid tributes to the victims at a campaign event.

Former United States (US) president and current Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump said on Monday (Oct 7) that Americans should never forget Hamas' October 7 attack on Israel last year (which triggered the war in the Gaza Strip) as he paid tributes to the victims at a campaign event. Addressing a crowd at an event at his Trump National Doral Golf Club in southern Florida to commemorate the first anniversary of the attack, Trump said, "We can never forget the nightmare of that day." Trump claimed that the Hamas attack would have never happened if he was president. Trump hails Israel's offensive against Hamas During the campaign event on Monday, Trump hailed Israel's offensive against Hamas by saying that the "dawn of a new, more harmonious Middle East is finally within our reach." Also read | One year of Gaza war: What happened on October 7 and how Israel responded to deadly attacks Trump has spoken little about the recent escalation in tensions in West Asia since the Israel-Hamas war broke out on October 7 last year. Earlier this week, Trump issued a scathing statement, holding President Joe Biden and Vice President and current Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris responsible for the crisis. Biden, Harris mark first anniversary of Gaza war Apart from Biden, US President Biden and Vice President Harris also marked the first anniversary of the Gaza war. In a solemn Jewish ceremony of mourning at the White House, Biden lit a candle while a rabbi chanted a prayer for the victims, with the president calling for peace even as the region teeters on the edge of all-out war, the news agency AFP reported. In a statement, Biden said, "Far too many civilians have suffered far too much during this year of conflict." He lashed out at the "unspeakable brutality" of the attacks and said he and Harris were "fully committed" to Israel's security against Iran and its regional allies -- Hamas in Gaza, Hezbollah in Lebanon and the Huthis in Yemen. Also watch | World DNA: One year after Israel-Hamas war, Gazans long for return to normalcy × But he also described October 7 as a "dark day for the Palestinian people" and said he and Harris "will not stop working to achieve a ceasefire deal in Gaza." Meanwhile, Kamala Harris separately planted a memorial tree at her Washington residence. (With inputs from agencies)

Gaza war: Americans should never forget Hamas' Oct 7 attack on Israel, says Trump

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has proposed renaming his country's ongoing conflicts against Hamas and Iran's proxies as the "War of Revival," during a special cabinet meeting marking the first anniversary of the war. The conflict which completed one year on Oct 7 has hitherto been known by its military campaign name, the "Swords of Iron".

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:84,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1774}">Why change the name of the Israel war?</h2>

The Israeli Prime Minister, as per reports, believes the new name better reflects the nature of the conflict, which began on October 7, 2023.

"This is the war of our existence — the 'War of Revival,' said Netanyahu, according to a statement from his office.&nbsp;

"This is what I would like to officially call the war," he added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-praises-oct-7-attack-on-israel-says-it-shattered-illusions-the-enemy-had-created-for-itself-watch-765043">Hamas praises Oct 7 attack on Israel, says it shattered 'illusions the enemy had created for itself'. Watch!</a>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:245,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1935}">'Government of guilt'</h2>

The suggestion was not well-received. According to the Times of Israel, cabinet ministers objected to the name. While Gideon Sa’ar and Amichai Chikli said it was too similar to the Hebrew name for the 1948 War of Independence, Opposition Leader Yair Lapid said there "will be no revival until all the abducted and displaced people return to their homes".

"You can change as many names as you want; you will not change the fact that on your watch the most terrible disaster since the establishment of the country happened to the people of Israel," he wrote in a post on X.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/west-asia-crisis-hezbollahs-hq-commander-suhail-hussein-killed-in-beirut-strikes-claims-idf-765436">West Asia crisis: Hezbollah’s HQ commander Suhail Hussein killed in Beirut strikes, claims IDF</a>

"This government is not the government of revival, it is the government of guilt," he added.

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לא תהיה תקומה עד שלא כל החטופים והעקורים ישובו לביתם. אתם יכולים לשנות כמה שמות שאתם רוצים, לא תשנו את העובדה שבמשמרת שלכם קרה לעם ישראל האסון הנורא ביותר מאז קום המדינה. הממשלה הזו היא לא ממשלת התקומה, היא ממשלת האשמה. <a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:354,&quot;y&quot;:532,&quot;w&quot;:156,&quot;h&quot;:14,&quot;abs_x&quot;:387,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2222}" href="https://t.co/6jRwBIqYv0">pic.twitter.com/6jRwBIqYv0</a>
— יאיר לפיד - Yair Lapid (@yairlapid) <a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:496,&quot;y&quot;:561,&quot;w&quot;:93,&quot;h&quot;:14,&quot;abs_x&quot;:529,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2251}" href="https://twitter.com/yairlapid/status/1843256499432517945?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 7, 2024</a></blockquote>
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The ongoing conflict began with a devastating attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023, which left 1,200 people dead, even as over 250 people were taken hostage. In retaliation, Israel launched a military campaign to defeat Hamas, dismantle its rule in Gaza, and prevent future threats to Israeli security. Israeli military's ongoing retaliatory campaign, as per the latest figures by Gaza's health ministry, controlled by Hamas, has led to over 41,870 Palestinian deaths, mostly civilians. The UN has confirmed the reliability of these figures.

(With inputs from agencies)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has proposed renaming his country's ongoing conflicts against Hamas and Iran's proxies as the "War of Revival," during a special cabinet meeting marking the first anniversary of the war.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has proposed renaming his country's ongoing conflicts against Hamas and Iran's proxies as the "War of Revival," during a special cabinet meeting marking the first anniversary of the war. The conflict which completed one year on Oct 7 has hitherto been known by its military campaign name, the "Swords of Iron". Why change the name of the Israel war? The Israeli Prime Minister, as per reports, believes the new name better reflects the nature of the conflict, which began on October 7, 2023. "This is the war of our existence — the 'War of Revival,' said Netanyahu, according to a statement from his office. "This is what I would like to officially call the war," he added. Also read | Hamas praises Oct 7 attack on Israel, says it shattered 'illusions the enemy had created for itself'. Watch! 'Government of guilt' The suggestion was not well-received. According to the Times of Israel, cabinet ministers objected to the name. While Gideon Sa’ar and Amichai Chikli said it was too similar to the Hebrew name for the 1948 War of Independence, Opposition Leader Yair Lapid said there "will be no revival until all the abducted and displaced people return to their homes". "You can change as many names as you want; you will not change the fact that on your watch the most terrible disaster since the establishment of the country happened to the people of Israel," he wrote in a post on X. Also read | West Asia crisis: Hezbollah’s HQ commander Suhail Hussein killed in Beirut strikes, claims IDF "This government is not the government of revival, it is the government of guilt," he added. לא תהיה תקומה עד שלא כל החטופים והעקורים ישובו לביתם. אתם יכולים לשנות כמה שמות שאתם רוצים, לא תשנו את העובדה שבמשמרת שלכם קרה לעם ישראל האסון הנורא ביותר מאז קום המדינה. הממשלה הזו היא לא ממשלת התקומה, היא ממשלת האשמה. pic.twitter.com/6jRwBIqYv0 — יאיר לפיד - Yair Lapid (@yairlapid) October 7, 2024 × The ongoing conflict began with a devastating attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023, which left 1,200 people dead, even as over 250 people were taken hostage. In retaliation, Israel launched a military campaign to defeat Hamas, dismantle its rule in Gaza, and prevent future threats to Israeli security. Israeli military's ongoing retaliatory campaign, as per the latest figures by Gaza's health ministry, controlled by Hamas, has led to over 41,870 Palestinian deaths, mostly civilians. The UN has confirmed the reliability of these figures. (With inputs from agencies)

Netanyahu wants to rebrand Israel-Hamas conflict as 'War of Revival'; Lapid slams PM's 'government of guilt'

Far from the conflict in the Middle East, a church in northeastern&nbsp;Thailand fills with voices of blessing, chants rising on the eve of the war's anniversary. Amid these prayers, the Sriaoun family—one of six&nbsp;Thai&nbsp;families with loved ones believed to remain held in Gaza—gathers under the shadow of war.

Watchara Sriaoun is one of six&nbsp;Thais believed to be held captive by Hamas since the war began on October 7, 2023, according to a statement from the&nbsp;Thai&nbsp;Foreign Ministry in September. Since then, the Sriaoun family, along with the church community, has prayed every week, hoping for the return of their son.

“We can only pray to God,” said Wiwwaro Sriaoun, the mother of the remaining&nbsp;Thai&nbsp;hostage, as she waited endlessly, caught between hope and fear, uncertain whether her son was alive or gone.

“Asking people doesn’t give us answers, and even the village chief or headman cannot confirm anything,” she added.

Before the war, Watchara and his younger brother went to Israel in 2020, hoping to clear the family debt and earn money for their father's medical expenses. Together, they sent 50,000&nbsp;Thai&nbsp;Baht (1,500 USD) home each month to help pay off a debt of 300,000&nbsp;Thai&nbsp;Baht (9,000 USD) and renovate the house.

Since Watchara's capture, the family has faced financial hardship, with his younger brother returning home at their mother's request, afraid of losing another son. This has meant the Sriaoun family has had to work harder, relying on income from farming, rice cultivation, and rubber tapping, especially since Watchara's father's condition worsened after the war began.

Wiwwaro said that whenever she feels tired, she recalls her son's voice to keep her strong. “He told me, 'Mother, as long as I’m not dead, you don’t have to worry. I will provide everything for you.'”

“The debt I haven't yet paid off, I will do my best to repay. I won’t let myself struggle, and I won’t let my parents suffer, as long as I have the strength,” she added, recalling Watchara’s words from his time in Israel.

However, with part of the 3,000,000&nbsp;Thai&nbsp;Baht (approximately 90,000 USD) compensation received in July 2024 from the Israeli government for Watchara's capture, the family was able to pay off their debt and purchase the land that Watchara had promised to buy for his mother.

“Everyone still has hope that one day you will be standing here,” said Wiwwaro as she stood on the land that Watchara had promised to buy for her, hoping he would build a new house there to live with his daughter.

"I wish for this brutal war to end," Wiwwaro told Reuters. “Everyone has suffered enough, and I have suffered enough too, waiting for my son,” she said, tears welling in her eyes as she endured the uncertainty.

Wiwwaro has held onto her courage for the sake of her family, especially 9-year-old Irada Sriaoun, Watchara’s daughter, who lost her mother—Watchara's ex-wife—in August 2024.

Thailand’s Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, held discussions with Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian regarding efforts to negotiate the release of&nbsp;Thai&nbsp;hostages. During their talks, she requested additional support for the release of the remaining six&nbsp;Thai&nbsp;hostages on Thursday (October 3).

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Far from the conflict in the Middle East, a church in northeastern Thailand fills with voices of blessing, chants rising on the eve of the war's anniversary. Amid these prayers, the Sriaoun family—one of six Thai families with loved ones believed to remain held in Gaza—gathers under the shadow of war.

Far from the conflict in the Middle East, a church in northeastern Thailand fills with voices of blessing, chants rising on the eve of the war's anniversary. Amid these prayers, the Sriaoun family—one of six Thai families with loved ones believed to remain held in Gaza—gathers under the shadow of war. Watchara Sriaoun is one of six Thais believed to be held captive by Hamas since the war began on October 7, 2023, according to a statement from the Thai Foreign Ministry in September. Since then, the Sriaoun family, along with the church community, has prayed every week, hoping for the return of their son. “We can only pray to God,” said Wiwwaro Sriaoun, the mother of the remaining Thai hostage, as she waited endlessly, caught between hope and fear, uncertain whether her son was alive or gone. “Asking people doesn’t give us answers, and even the village chief or headman cannot confirm anything,” she added. Before the war, Watchara and his younger brother went to Israel in 2020, hoping to clear the family debt and earn money for their father's medical expenses. Together, they sent 50,000 Thai Baht (1,500 USD) home each month to help pay off a debt of 300,000 Thai Baht (9,000 USD) and renovate the house. Since Watchara's capture, the family has faced financial hardship, with his younger brother returning home at their mother's request, afraid of losing another son. This has meant the Sriaoun family has had to work harder, relying on income from farming, rice cultivation, and rubber tapping, especially since Watchara's father's condition worsened after the war began. Wiwwaro said that whenever she feels tired, she recalls her son's voice to keep her strong. “He told me, 'Mother, as long as I’m not dead, you don’t have to worry. I will provide everything for you.'” “The debt I haven't yet paid off, I will do my best to repay. I won’t let myself struggle, and I won’t let my parents suffer, as long as I have the strength,” she added, recalling Watchara’s words from his time in Israel. However, with part of the 3,000,000 Thai Baht (approximately 90,000 USD) compensation received in July 2024 from the Israeli government for Watchara's capture, the family was able to pay off their debt and purchase the land that Watchara had promised to buy for his mother. “Everyone still has hope that one day you will be standing here,” said Wiwwaro as she stood on the land that Watchara had promised to buy for her, hoping he would build a new house there to live with his daughter. "I wish for this brutal war to end," Wiwwaro told Reuters. “Everyone has suffered enough, and I have suffered enough too, waiting for my son,” she said, tears welling in her eyes as she endured the uncertainty. Wiwwaro has held onto her courage for the sake of her family, especially 9-year-old Irada Sriaoun, Watchara’s daughter, who lost her mother—Watchara's ex-wife—in August 2024. Thailand’s Prime Minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, held discussions with Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian regarding efforts to negotiate the release of Thai hostages. During their talks, she requested additional support for the release of the remaining six Thai hostages on Thursday (October 3). Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Gaza war: We can only pray to God, says mother of Thai hostage

With candles, prayers and music, commemorations for the October 7 attack began in Israel's Tel Aviv on Sunday at a ceremony to mark the first anniversary of the Hamas onslaught at the Nova music festival.

Picture of those killed appeared on a screen at the entrance to the ceremony, as hundreds gathered to light candles at a makeshift shrine, leave handwritten notes or simply embrace each other.

"Coming to this event one year after this terrible massacre that happened on October 7, it's very touching, it's very breathtaking," said one of the event's organisers Solly Laniado.

"Three days ago, we were not even going to hold the event at all," he said, citing the deluge of rocket warnings and last week's missile attack on Tel Aviv that have left many people on edge and large parts of the usually vibrant city empty.

The anniversary comes with Israel engaged in a fresh war in Lebanon against Hezbollah and preparing to retaliate against Tehran, raising fears of an even wider conflict.&nbsp;

Anticipation is building over how and when Israel will respond to Iran's missile barrage last week, with the uncertainty casting a shadow over the commemoration.

"It's a difficult day," said Omri Sasi, 35, one of the producers of last year's festival who survived the attack.

By his own estimate he lost roughly 50 friends that day, including an uncle, a pregnant cousin and her husband.

<h2>Onslaught of violence</h2>

The two-day festival in the fields around Kibbutz Reim was just beyond the&nbsp;Gaza&nbsp;border in southern Israel and attracted over 3,000 attendees from October 6 and 7.&nbsp;

At least 370 people were killed at the Nova rave in the Negev desert, making it the deadliest location during the October 7 attack.&nbsp;

Footage from the day filmed by Hamas showed the militants gunning down festival goers en masse as they attempted to flee and taking others hostages, with the heavily armed Hamas fighters moving through the area unopposed.&nbsp;

Following the attack, the festival location was left largely untouched with dozens of burnt-out vehicles and abandoned tents, sleeping bags and clothes strewn across the field.&nbsp;

The festival attack was part of an onslaught of violence unleashed by Palestinian Hamas militants that resulted in the deaths of 1,205 people on the Israeli side, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on the latest official Israeli figures.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Some 251 people were captured and taken as hostages to the&nbsp;Gaza&nbsp;Strip, of whom 97 are still held captive in the coastal territory, including 37 the Israeli military says are dead.

During a one-week truce in late November, 105 hostages were released in exchange for 240 Palestinian prisoners.&nbsp;

Hours after the October 7 attack, Israel launched a blistering military offensive on&nbsp;Gaza&nbsp;that has reduced large swaths of the territory to rubble, and displaced nearly all of its 2.4 million residents at least once amid an unrelenting humanitarian crisis.

In&nbsp;Gaza, at least 41,870 people have been killed since the start of the Israel offensive, a majority of them civilians, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run Palestinian territory.

The figures have been deemed to be reliable by the United Nations.

But as the anniversary arrives, for many it's just the latest marker in a year tarnished by trauma, loss and ongoing war.&nbsp;

"It's not easy to think a lot about it," said Sasi.&nbsp;

With candles, prayers and music, commemorations for the October 7 attack began in Israel's Tel Aviv on Sunday at a ceremony to mark the first anniversary of the Hamas onslaught at the Nova music festival.

With candles, prayers and music, commemorations for the October 7 attack began in Israel's Tel Aviv on Sunday at a ceremony to mark the first anniversary of the Hamas onslaught at the Nova music festival. Picture of those killed appeared on a screen at the entrance to the ceremony, as hundreds gathered to light candles at a makeshift shrine, leave handwritten notes or simply embrace each other. "Coming to this event one year after this terrible massacre that happened on October 7, it's very touching, it's very breathtaking," said one of the event's organisers Solly Laniado. "Three days ago, we were not even going to hold the event at all," he said, citing the deluge of rocket warnings and last week's missile attack on Tel Aviv that have left many people on edge and large parts of the usually vibrant city empty. The anniversary comes with Israel engaged in a fresh war in Lebanon against Hezbollah and preparing to retaliate against Tehran, raising fears of an even wider conflict. Anticipation is building over how and when Israel will respond to Iran's missile barrage last week, with the uncertainty casting a shadow over the commemoration. "It's a difficult day," said Omri Sasi, 35, one of the producers of last year's festival who survived the attack. By his own estimate he lost roughly 50 friends that day, including an uncle, a pregnant cousin and her husband. Onslaught of violence The two-day festival in the fields around Kibbutz Reim was just beyond the Gaza border in southern Israel and attracted over 3,000 attendees from October 6 and 7. At least 370 people were killed at the Nova rave in the Negev desert, making it the deadliest location during the October 7 attack. Footage from the day filmed by Hamas showed the militants gunning down festival goers en masse as they attempted to flee and taking others hostages, with the heavily armed Hamas fighters moving through the area unopposed. Following the attack, the festival location was left largely untouched with dozens of burnt-out vehicles and abandoned tents, sleeping bags and clothes strewn across the field. The festival attack was part of an onslaught of violence unleashed by Palestinian Hamas militants that resulted in the deaths of 1,205 people on the Israeli side, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on the latest official Israeli figures. Some 251 people were captured and taken as hostages to the Gaza Strip, of whom 97 are still held captive in the coastal territory, including 37 the Israeli military says are dead. During a one-week truce in late November, 105 hostages were released in exchange for 240 Palestinian prisoners. Hours after the October 7 attack, Israel launched a blistering military offensive on Gaza that has reduced large swaths of the territory to rubble, and displaced nearly all of its 2.4 million residents at least once amid an unrelenting humanitarian crisis. In Gaza, at least 41,870 people have been killed since the start of the Israel offensive, a majority of them civilians, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run Palestinian territory. The figures have been deemed to be reliable by the United Nations. But as the anniversary arrives, for many it's just the latest marker in a year tarnished by trauma, loss and ongoing war. "It's not easy to think a lot about it," said Sasi.

Commemorations for Hamas' Oct 7 attack begin in Israel's Tel Aviv

On Monday (Oct 7), Israel marked the first anniversary of the Gaza war. The war in Gaza was triggered when Palestinian Hamas militants attacked southern Israel (on October 7 last year), killing 1,200 people and taking about 250 as hostages, according to Israeli tallies.

On Monday (Oct 7), Israel marked the first anniversary of the Gaza war. The war in Gaza was triggered when Palestinian Hamas militants attacked southern Israel (on October 7 last year), killing 1,200 people and taking about 250 as hostages, according to Israeli tallies. More than 100 hostages remain held by Hamas. Israel's subsequent military assault on Gaza has killed more than 41,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza's health ministry. On Monday, the armed wing of Hamas claimed that it fired rockets into southern Israel. Later in the day, the Palestinian militant group said that it fired a barrage of rockets targeting Tel Aviv. Also read | One year of Hamas terror attack: What happened on October 7 and how Israel responded to deadly attacks The first anniversary of the war came as Israel is engaged in a conflict with Iran-aligned Lebanese militant group Hezbollah and is preparing to retaliate against Iran's massive missile attack last week. Here's a look at the latest updates from the first anniversary of the Gaza war: > Hamas' armed wing Ezzedine Al-Qassam said that it "struck deep into the occupation's territory, targeting the city of Tel Aviv with a barrage of M90 missiles as part of the ongoing war of attrition." > Hamas' ally Hezbollah has vowed to keep up the fight against Israeli “aggression.” Hezbollah called Israel a “cancerous gland that must be eliminated, no matter how long it takes.” > Israel's President Isaac Herzog on Monday said the world "must support Israel" to bring peace, as the country marked the first anniversary of the war. "The world has to realise and understand that in order to change the course of history and bring peace, a better future to the region, it must support Israel in its battle against its enemies," Herzog said in a statement. > An Israeli campaign group on Monday announced the death of a hostage held in Gaza. According to the Hostages and Missing Families Forum, Idan Shtivi, 28, was abducted from the site of the Nova festival and his "body is still held captive by Hamas." > Earlier in the day, thousands of Israelis converged on the Nova Music Festival location to commemorate the first anniversary of the Hamas attack. More than 300 people were killed and 44 were abducted when Hamas attacked the festival in 2023. > The playback of the last track of the Nova party followed by a minute of silence was observed before the memorial was commemorated with prayers and song. Also watch | New details emerge on Mossad's pager and walkie-talkie operations × > The Israeli military said it had also prevented an "immediate threat" from Hamas' intentions to fire rockets. > "The IAF (air force) struck Hamas launch posts and underground terrorist infrastructure throughout the Gaza Strip," the military said. "Furthermore, overnight, the IAF and IDF (Israeli army) artillery struck targets in the central Gaza Strip that posed a threat to IDF troops operating in the area," it added. > The first anniversary of the Gaza war was also commemorated in other countries. In France, President Emmanuel Macron paid tributes to the victims of the October 7 attack in Israel. > In Australia, people gathered for vigils to mark the first anniversary of the conflict. At Sydney's famed Bondi Beach, participants holding Israeli and Australian flags listened in silence to a reading of the names of Israel's 101 hostages still held by Hamas. (With inputs from agencies)

First anniversary of Gaza war: Hamas fires rocket barrage targeting Israel's Tel Aviv- Top updates

Hamas, in a video released on Sunday (Oct 6), ahead of the one-year anniversary of the attack that triggered the current war in Gaza, praised its October 7, 2023, attack on Israel.

Ahead of the first anniversary of the deadly storming of southern Israel, Khalil al-Hayya, a Qatar-based member of the Palestinian militant group Hamas, said that the operation had shattered Israel's sense of security and self-perceived superiority.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:88,&quot;y&quot;:130,&quot;w&quot;:470,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:121,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1820}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-one-year-of-gaza-war-israel-bombed-over-40000-hamas-targets-765036">In one year of Gaza war, Israel bombed over 40,000 Hamas targets</a>

"The crossing of the glorious 7th of October shattered the illusions the enemy had created for itself, convincing the world and the region of its supposed superiority and capabilities," said Al-Hayya.

Al-Hayya, who has emerged as the group's public face since the killing of former Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in July, stated that Gaza's residents have continued their resistance against displacement despite the intense bombardment, referring to what he called "genocide" and "daily massacres."&nbsp;

Gazans have remained "resilient to all attempts at displacement... despite the kinds of torture and terrorism you have endured, and the horrific genocide and daily massacre," he said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-suspends-flights-at-some-airports-anticipating-israeli-retaliatory-response-765013">Iran suspends all flights till Monday morning amid anticipation of Israeli reprisal over missile attack</a>

He also accused Israel of obstructing ceasefire efforts, reiterating that Hamas would not accept terms previously rejected in negotiations.

"What we rejected yesterday, we will not accept tomorrow, and what the occupation (Israel) failed to impose by force, it will not take at the negotiating table," he said.

Watch what he said here:

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Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya gives a speech on the occasion of the one year anniversary of Operation Al-Aqsa Flood. 
 
Translated by RNN <a href="https://t.co/SZjzEcCKbl">pic.twitter.com/SZjzEcCKbl</a>
— Moodz (@GoodMoodz08) <a href="https://twitter.com/GoodMoodz08/status/1843109910646849924?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 7, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2>Hamas's Oct 7 attack&nbsp;</h2>

Last year, on Oct 7, the Palestinian militant group stormed southern Israel. The assault resulted in the deaths of 1,205 people, most of whom were civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli reports, including those taken hostage.&nbsp;

Since then, the conflict has spiralled, with Gaza's health ministry, controlled by Hamas, reporting over 41,870 Palestinian deaths, mostly civilians, in the Israeli military's ongoing campaign. The UN has confirmed the reliability of these figures.

Efforts to broker peace, mediated by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, have largely failed, with the exception of a brief truce in November.

(With inputs from agencies)

Hamas, in a video released on Sunday (Oct 6), ahead of the one-year anniversary of the attack that triggered the current war in Gaza, praised its October 7, 2023, attack on Israel.

Hamas, in a video released on Sunday (Oct 6), ahead of the one-year anniversary of the attack that triggered the current war in Gaza, praised its October 7, 2023, attack on Israel. Ahead of the first anniversary of the deadly storming of southern Israel, Khalil al-Hayya, a Qatar-based member of the Palestinian militant group Hamas, said that the operation had shattered Israel's sense of security and self-perceived superiority. Also read | In one year of Gaza war, Israel bombed over 40,000 Hamas targets "The crossing of the glorious 7th of October shattered the illusions the enemy had created for itself, convincing the world and the region of its supposed superiority and capabilities," said Al-Hayya. Al-Hayya, who has emerged as the group's public face since the killing of former Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in July, stated that Gaza's residents have continued their resistance against displacement despite the intense bombardment, referring to what he called "genocide" and "daily massacres." Gazans have remained "resilient to all attempts at displacement... despite the kinds of torture and terrorism you have endured, and the horrific genocide and daily massacre," he said. Also read | Iran suspends all flights till Monday morning amid anticipation of Israeli reprisal over missile attack He also accused Israel of obstructing ceasefire efforts, reiterating that Hamas would not accept terms previously rejected in negotiations. "What we rejected yesterday, we will not accept tomorrow, and what the occupation (Israel) failed to impose by force, it will not take at the negotiating table," he said. Watch what he said here: Hamas leader Khalil al-Hayya gives a speech on the occasion of the one year anniversary of Operation Al-Aqsa Flood. Translated by RNN pic.twitter.com/SZjzEcCKbl — Moodz (@GoodMoodz08) October 7, 2024 × Hamas's Oct 7 attack Last year, on Oct 7, the Palestinian militant group stormed southern Israel. The assault resulted in the deaths of 1,205 people, most of whom were civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli reports, including those taken hostage. Since then, the conflict has spiralled, with Gaza's health ministry, controlled by Hamas, reporting over 41,870 Palestinian deaths, mostly civilians, in the Israeli military's ongoing campaign. The UN has confirmed the reliability of these figures. Efforts to broker peace, mediated by Egypt, Qatar, and the United States, have largely failed, with the exception of a brief truce in November. (With inputs from agencies)

Hamas praises Oct 7 attack on Israel, says it shattered 'illusions the enemy had created for itself'. Watch!

It has been exactly one year since the war between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip began on October 7. Within this period, the Israeli military bombed more than Hamas 40,000 targets, found 4,700 tunnel shafts and destroyed 1,000 rocket launcher sites.

It has been exactly one year since the war between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip began on October 7. Within this period, the Israeli military bombed more than Hamas 40,000 targets, found 4,700 tunnel shafts and destroyed 1,000 rocket launcher sites. On Monday (Oct 7), the military said 726 soldiers had been killed since October 7 last year. Of those, 380 died in Hamas' October 7 attacks and 346 in Gaza combat starting October 27, 2023. Injured troops numbered 4,576 since that date. Fifty-six soldiers died as a result of operational accidents, which the military did not define, a report by the news agency Reuters said. Hamas' attack and Israel's retaliation The war in Gaza was triggered when Palestinian Hamas militants attacked southern Israel (on Oct 7 last year), killing 1,200 people and taking about 250 as hostages, according to Israeli tallies. More than 100 hostages remain held by Hamas. Also read | Fearing for his life, Hamas chief Yahya Sinwar ceases contact with Qatari mediators Israel's subsequent military assault on Gaza has killed more than 41,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza's health ministry. On Monday, the Israeli military also said that it enlisted 300,000 reservists since the start of the war - 82 per cent men and 18 per cent women and nearly half of them aged 20 to 29. Tens of thousands of rockets fired into Israel Since the start of the conflict, 13,200 rockets were fired into Israel from Gaza. Another 12,400 were fired from Lebanon, while 60 came from Syria, 180 from Yemen and 400 from Iran, the military said. It said it killed more than 800 "terrorists" in Lebanon, where 4,900 targets had been struck from the air along with about 6,000 ground targets. Over the past year, Israel arrested more than 5,000 suspects in the West Bank and Jordan Valley. The military further said it killed eight Gaza militant brigade commanders, about 30 battalion commanders and 165 company commanders over the past year. October 7 commemorations begin With candles, prayers and music, commemorations for the October 7 attack began in Israel's Tel Aviv to mark the first anniversary of the war. Picture of those killed appeared on a screen at the entrance to the ceremony, as hundreds gathered to light candles at a makeshift shrine, leave handwritten notes or simply embrace each other, a report by the news agency AFP said. Also watch | How will Israel respond to Iran's missile attack? × "Coming to this event one year after this terrible massacre that happened on October 7, it's very touching, it's very breathtaking," one of the organisers of the event told AFP. The first anniversary of the war came as Israel is engaged in a conflict with Iran-aligned Lebanese militant group Hezbollah and is preparing to retaliate against Iran's massive missile attack last week, raising fears of an even wider conflict in West Asia. (With inputs from agencies)

In one year of Gaza war, Israel bombed over 40,000 Hamas targets

Hamas's multipronged attack on southern Israel on&nbsp;October&nbsp;7&nbsp;was unprecedented in scale. The panic and confusion it caused made many details of what was happening difficult to establish immediately.

Nearly one year later, the confirmed death toll, which includes hostages killed in captivity, now stands at 1,205.

Here is a blow-by-blow timeline of Israel's deadliest day.

<h2>Caught by surprise</h2>

At 6:29 am (0329 GMT), the Israeli army detected thousands of rockets being fired from the Gaza Strip towards Israeli border communities.

Palestinian militant group Hamas, which rules Gaza, said it had launched about 5,000 projectiles in an offensive dubbed "Operation Al-Aqsa Flood", a reference to the mosque in Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem that is Islam's third-holiest site.

Israel's Iron Dome missile defence system kicked in but was quickly overwhelmed by the amount of incoming fire.

At the same time, Hamas fighters -- the group would later say they numbered 1,200 -- stormed across the border on motorbikes, in pickup trucks and even in motorised paragliders.

They used explosives and bulldozers to break through the fence separating Gaza from Israel and attacked nearly 50 different sites, including kibbutzim communities, army bases and a music festival.

Militants killed festival-goers en masse and went door-to-door in farming communities, shooting residents dead in their homes.

In March, a United Nations report acknowledged there were "reasonable grounds to believe" that rapes were committed during the attack. It also found "clear and convincing information" that some hostages taken on that day had been raped.

<h2>Slow army response</h2>

By 8:30 am, the militants had stormed six military bases: Erez at the northern end of the Gaza Strip, Nahal Oz opposite Gaza City, two others near the Beeri kibbutz, one in Reim near central Gaza and two in the south close to the Egyptian border.

Residents of kibbutzim near Gaza were forced to fight the attackers on their own for hours, as the military was slow to come to their aid.

They would later describe cowering in safe rooms as militants tried to break down the doors, or taking whatever arms they had and rushing out to try to repel the assault.

At the Nova music festival, where nearly 3,000 people had gathered in fields and woods a few kilometres (miles) from central Gaza, militants went on an hour-long rampage that killed at least 370 people.

In kibbutz Beeri, one of the worst-hit communities, the first individual Israeli reinforcements came to help "from 13:30 onwards", an army report later said.

A full army division arrived at 4:15 pm to organise a coordinated evacuation of survivors and retake control of the kibbutz.

The military announced at around 6:00 pm that both soldiers and civilians had been seized by Hamas attackers and taken into Gaza.

<h2>Taken&nbsp;as hostages</h2>

A total of 251 people in Israel were taken hostage on&nbsp;October&nbsp;7, including 44 from the Nova festival and at least 74 from kibbutz Nir Oz.

Some, including soldiers, were already dead and their bodies were taken into Gaza, the army has said.

Some hostages may have fallen to friendly fire, including in kibbutz Beeri, where witnesses told Israeli media a tank fired at a house in which 14 people were being held by Hamas.

The order may have been an instance of the "Hannibal Directive", which Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported was applied at least three times that day.

This measure allows for the use of force to prevent soldiers from being captured.

<h2>We're at war</h2>

At 11:34 am, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered an almost unprecedented televised address on the rest day of Shabbat, declaring: "We are at war."

In the afternoon, the military called up 360,000 reservists to bolster an army that otherwise boasts 170,000 personnel, a mix of those performing mandatory service and career soldiers.

Israel quickly began a relentless bombardment of Gaza, the tiny Palestinian coastal territory home to 2.4 million people that has been ruled by Hamas since 2007.

An AFP journalist reported the first strike in Gaza at 10:39 am that day. Since then, the territory has been devastated by relentless air strikes.

Israel's retaliatory military offensive since&nbsp;October&nbsp;7&nbsp;has killed at least 41,788 people in Gaza, a majority of them civilians, according to data provided by the Hamas-run territory's health ministry. The UN has called the figures reliable.

As night fell on&nbsp;October&nbsp;7, the search continued for any gunmen still inside Israel, with terrified civilians locked inside their homes and many streets deserted.

On&nbsp;October&nbsp;10, the military said it had taken back control of all territory attacked by the militants.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience. 
&nbsp;

Hamas's multipronged attack on southern Israel on October 7 was unprecedented in scale. The panic and confusion it caused made many details of what was happening difficult to establish immediately.

Hamas's multipronged attack on southern Israel on October 7 was unprecedented in scale. The panic and confusion it caused made many details of what was happening difficult to establish immediately. Nearly one year later, the confirmed death toll, which includes hostages killed in captivity, now stands at 1,205. Here is a blow-by-blow timeline of Israel's deadliest day. Caught by surprise At 6:29 am (0329 GMT), the Israeli army detected thousands of rockets being fired from the Gaza Strip towards Israeli border communities. Palestinian militant group Hamas, which rules Gaza, said it had launched about 5,000 projectiles in an offensive dubbed "Operation Al-Aqsa Flood", a reference to the mosque in Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem that is Islam's third-holiest site. Israel's Iron Dome missile defence system kicked in but was quickly overwhelmed by the amount of incoming fire. At the same time, Hamas fighters -- the group would later say they numbered 1,200 -- stormed across the border on motorbikes, in pickup trucks and even in motorised paragliders. They used explosives and bulldozers to break through the fence separating Gaza from Israel and attacked nearly 50 different sites, including kibbutzim communities, army bases and a music festival. Militants killed festival-goers en masse and went door-to-door in farming communities, shooting residents dead in their homes. In March, a United Nations report acknowledged there were "reasonable grounds to believe" that rapes were committed during the attack. It also found "clear and convincing information" that some hostages taken on that day had been raped. Slow army response By 8:30 am, the militants had stormed six military bases: Erez at the northern end of the Gaza Strip, Nahal Oz opposite Gaza City, two others near the Beeri kibbutz, one in Reim near central Gaza and two in the south close to the Egyptian border. Residents of kibbutzim near Gaza were forced to fight the attackers on their own for hours, as the military was slow to come to their aid. They would later describe cowering in safe rooms as militants tried to break down the doors, or taking whatever arms they had and rushing out to try to repel the assault. At the Nova music festival, where nearly 3,000 people had gathered in fields and woods a few kilometres (miles) from central Gaza, militants went on an hour-long rampage that killed at least 370 people. In kibbutz Beeri, one of the worst-hit communities, the first individual Israeli reinforcements came to help "from 13:30 onwards", an army report later said. A full army division arrived at 4:15 pm to organise a coordinated evacuation of survivors and retake control of the kibbutz. The military announced at around 6:00 pm that both soldiers and civilians had been seized by Hamas attackers and taken into Gaza. Taken as hostages A total of 251 people in Israel were taken hostage on October 7, including 44 from the Nova festival and at least 74 from kibbutz Nir Oz. Some, including soldiers, were already dead and their bodies were taken into Gaza, the army has said. Some hostages may have fallen to friendly fire, including in kibbutz Beeri, where witnesses told Israeli media a tank fired at a house in which 14 people were being held by Hamas. The order may have been an instance of the "Hannibal Directive", which Israeli newspaper Haaretz reported was applied at least three times that day. This measure allows for the use of force to prevent soldiers from being captured. We're at war At 11:34 am, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu delivered an almost unprecedented televised address on the rest day of Shabbat, declaring: "We are at war." In the afternoon, the military called up 360,000 reservists to bolster an army that otherwise boasts 170,000 personnel, a mix of those performing mandatory service and career soldiers. Israel quickly began a relentless bombardment of Gaza, the tiny Palestinian coastal territory home to 2.4 million people that has been ruled by Hamas since 2007. An AFP journalist reported the first strike in Gaza at 10:39 am that day. Since then, the territory has been devastated by relentless air strikes. Israel's retaliatory military offensive since October 7 has killed at least 41,788 people in Gaza, a majority of them civilians, according to data provided by the Hamas-run territory's health ministry. The UN has called the figures reliable. As night fell on October 7, the search continued for any gunmen still inside Israel, with terrified civilians locked inside their homes and many streets deserted. On October 10, the military said it had taken back control of all territory attacked by the militants. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Israel-Hamas war: How October 7, 2023, became Israel's deadliest day

As the crisis in West Asia is intensifying, the number of international flights passing through Afghan airspace saw a record high this week after Iran launched a massive missile attack against Israel, according to a report by The Independent on Saturday (Oct 5).

As the crisis in West Asia is intensifying, the number of international flights passing through Afghan airspace saw a record high this week after Iran launched a massive missile attack against Israel, according to a report by The Independent on Saturday (Oct 5). The report said that on Thursday (Oct 3), a record 191 flights passed over Afghanistan, with airlines paying the country’s civil aviation ministry $700 per flight for the privilege. It added that these payments showed a growing revenue stream for the cash-strapped Taliban that rule Afghanistan. Which airlines have returned to Afghan airspace? The Independent report said that the international airlines which returned to Afghan airspace included British Airways, Lufthansa, and Swiss Air. Citing data from FlightRadar24, the publication reported that an average of 147 flights per day travelled through Afghan airspace between September 19 and 30, not including journeys that started or finished in Afghanistan itself. Also read | Gaza war: Israel places its forces on alert ahead of first anniversary of conflict The number went up to 171 on Tuesday when Iran launched 180 missiles against Israel. And on Friday, this number went up to 191, the report added. Speaking to the publication, FlightRadar24’s spokesperson Ian Petchenik said, "We’re seeing aircraft that would normally transit through Iran make use of Afghanistan airspace now." "As we start to see more and more airspace restrictions (in West Asia), airlines are making a trade-off or a calculated decision on risk – is this a safe method of operation? And is it safer than the alternative that still allows us to operate these flights?” Petchenik added. Afghan airspace largely avoided by international flights after Taliban takeover The Afghan airspace has been largely avoided by international flights since the Taliban took control of the country in August 2021. But the number of flights has steadily gone up since the Israel-Hamas war began on October 7 last year and the escalating conflict in the rest of West Asia. The aftermath of Iran's missile attack on Israel Following Iran's missile attack on Israel on Tuesday, Israel’s neighbours closed airspace and airline crews, with many looking for diversions. Also watch | World DNA: Netanyahu promises that response to Iranian attacks is coming × Speaking to the news agency Reuters, a spokesperson from FlightRadar24 said that international flights diverted “anywhere they could,” and a snapshot of traffic in the region showed flights spreading in wide arcs to the north and south, with many converging on Cairo and Istanbul. On Tuesday, about 80 flights, operated by the likes of Emirates, British Airways, Lufthansa, and Qatar Airways and bound for major Middle East hubs such as Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi, were diverted to places such as Cairo and European cities, its data showed. (With inputs from agencies)

Afghanistan sees record high number of international flights passing through its airspace. Here's why

Ahead of the first anniversary of the Israel-Hamas war on Monday (October 7), tens of thousands of protesters marched in cities around the world over the weekend, calling for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip as well as Lebanon.

Ahead of the first anniversary of the Israel-Hamas war on Monday (October 7), tens of thousands of protesters marched in cities around the world over the weekend, calling for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip as well as Lebanon. Israel is currently fighting Hamas, Iran, and the Iran-backed Lebanese militant group Hezbollah. Israel's retaliatory military offensive has killed more than 41,000 people in Gaza, many of them civilians, according to figures provided by the territory's Hamas-run health ministry, described as reliable by the United Nations. With Israel now mounting a ground operation in Lebanon and vowing to respond to a barrage of missiles fired by Iran this week, there are fears the conflict could spiral into a wider war. The calls for ceasefire A report by the news agency AFP on Sunday said that more than a thousand protesters demonstrated outside the White House in Washington, demanding the Joe Biden-led US administration to stop providing weapons and aid to Israel. Also read | Gaza war: Israel places its forces on alert ahead of first anniversary of conflict One man at the demonstrations succeeded in setting ablaze his left arm before bystanders and police extinguished the flames. Thousands of pro-Palestinian supporters gathered in cities across Europe, Africa, Australia and the Americas to demand an end to the Gaza war. In Rome, a pro-Palestinian protest that drew thousands of people turned violent, as dozens of young demonstrators threw bottles and firecrackers at police, who responded with tear gas and water cannons. From London to Cape Town, pro-Palestinian protesters took to the streets as the war in Gaza nears its first anniversary https://t.co/YhKozkVOOX pic.twitter.com/vdDU5X1mr7 — Reuters (@Reuters) October 5, 2024 × At least one policeman was wounded and two protesters were detained. In Berlin, police said they detained 26 people who shouted insults at a pro-Israeli commemoration attended by around 650 people. At the "National March for Palestine" in London, chants of "stop bombing civilians" were joined by shouts of "hands off Lebanon." Lebanon PM urges pressure on Israel for ceasefire On Sunday, Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati called for "pressure on Israel" for a ceasefire as a new wave of 'violent strikes' by Israel hit the capital's southern suburbs. Prime Minister Mikati said he backed US and French efforts for a truce. Also watch | WION Pulse: Decoding Hezbollah's political functions × His remarks came as a huge fireball lit up the night sky and plumes of smoke rose over south Beirut early Sunday as Israel unleashed intense air strikes targeting Hezbollah. Fresh Israeli strikes in Beirut were seen later in the day. (With inputs from agencies)

Ahead of Gaza war’s first anniversary, thousands march worldwide for ceasefire

As thousands marched in the United States demanding an immediate ceasefire to the war in Gaza, one protestor in Washington attempted to set himself on fire.

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:67,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1757}">Misinformation</h2>

The man, as per reports, succeeded in setting his arm ablaze before bystanders and police rushed to his aid and doused him with water. Some protestors extinguished his flames using their traditional Palestinian scarves — keffiyehs.

While lighting himself on fire, the man identified himself as a journalist.

Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:88,&quot;y&quot;:192,&quot;w&quot;:556,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:121,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1882}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-war-israel-places-its-forces-on-alert-ahead-of-first-anniversary-of-conflict-764854">Gaza war: Israel places its forces on alert ahead of first anniversary of conflict</a>

"I'm a CBS-affiliated journalist and we neglect it. We spread the misinformation," shouted the man, in between screams of pain as the fire on his arm was put out.

Watch the video here:

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Man claiming to be a CBS-affiliated journalist sets himself on fire saying, “We spread the misinformation,” at the Washington DC protest against 1 year of Israeli-U.S. war on Gaza. 
 
Graphic and shocking footage from a colleague. <a href="https://t.co/uIrbMT183M">pic.twitter.com/uIrbMT183M</a>
— Ramin Mazaheri (@RaminMazaheri2) <a href="https://twitter.com/RaminMazaheri2/status/1842741913213964466?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 6, 2024</a></blockquote>
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According to the police, the man had "non-life-threatening injuries".

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:309,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1999}">Anniversary of Gaza war</h2>

This comes just ahead of the one-year anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel and the subsequent devastating war in Gaza that has already claimed over 41,825 Palestinian lives and 1,205 Israeli lives.

Across the world, people took part in marches on a worldwide day of action against the war. In Washington, over one thousand protestors demonstrated outside the White House, demanding an end to US aid to America's strategic partner, Israel.&nbsp;

"The US government has really shown what side of history it is on," said Zaid Khatib, an organiser with the Palestinian Youth Movement, while talking to AFP.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/west-asia-crisis-israeli-strikes-some-of-them-very-violent-hit-south-beirut-says-reports-764864">West Asia crisis: Israeli strikes, some of them 'very violent', hit south Beirut, say report</a>

"The US government has performed and co-signed the most evil atrocities that we've seen of this century."

Meanwhile, in New York, thousands marched in Times Square. Some of the protestors were seen carrying pictures of people killed in the Israeli military offensive in Gaza.

Protestors spoke against their tax money being used to aid Israel.

"As an American, we're tired of our tax money going to Israel to bomb kids in Palestine and then Lebanon," said Daniel Perez, a New York resident.

In Los Angeles, protestors waved signs against the "genocide" in Gaza.

(With inputs from agencies)

As thousands marched in the United States demanding an immediate ceasefire to the war in Gaza, one protestor in Washington attempted to set himself on fire. Misinformation The man, as per reports, succeeded in setting his arm ablaze before bystanders and police rushed to his aid and doused him with water.

As thousands marched in the United States demanding an immediate ceasefire to the war in Gaza, one protestor in Washington attempted to set himself on fire. Misinformation The man, as per reports, succeeded in setting his arm ablaze before bystanders and police rushed to his aid and doused him with water. Some protestors extinguished his flames using their traditional Palestinian scarves — keffiyehs. While lighting himself on fire, the man identified himself as a journalist. Also read | Gaza war: Israel places its forces on alert ahead of first anniversary of conflict "I'm a CBS-affiliated journalist and we neglect it. We spread the misinformation," shouted the man, in between screams of pain as the fire on his arm was put out. Watch the video here: Man claiming to be a CBS-affiliated journalist sets himself on fire saying, “We spread the misinformation,” at the Washington DC protest against 1 year of Israeli-U.S. war on Gaza. Graphic and shocking footage from a colleague. pic.twitter.com/uIrbMT183M — Ramin Mazaheri (@RaminMazaheri2) October 6, 2024 × According to the police, the man had "non-life-threatening injuries". Anniversary of Gaza war This comes just ahead of the one-year anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel and the subsequent devastating war in Gaza that has already claimed over 41,825 Palestinian lives and 1,205 Israeli lives. Across the world, people took part in marches on a worldwide day of action against the war. In Washington, over one thousand protestors demonstrated outside the White House, demanding an end to US aid to America's strategic partner, Israel. "The US government has really shown what side of history it is on," said Zaid Khatib, an organiser with the Palestinian Youth Movement, while talking to AFP. Also read | West Asia crisis: Israeli strikes, some of them 'very violent', hit south Beirut, say report "The US government has performed and co-signed the most evil atrocities that we've seen of this century." Meanwhile, in New York, thousands marched in Times Square. Some of the protestors were seen carrying pictures of people killed in the Israeli military offensive in Gaza. Protestors spoke against their tax money being used to aid Israel. "As an American, we're tired of our tax money going to Israel to bomb kids in Palestine and then Lebanon," said Daniel Perez, a New York resident. In Los Angeles, protestors waved signs against the "genocide" in Gaza. (With inputs from agencies)

Journalist sets himself on fire at ceasefire protest in Washington as Gaza war nears first anniversary

Israel on Saturday (Oct 5) placed its forces on alert ahead of the first anniversary of Hamas' October 7 attack, after a military official said the country was preparing its retaliation for Iran's missile attack.

Israel on Saturday (Oct 5) placed its forces on alert ahead of the first anniversary of Hamas' October 7 attack, after a military official said the country was preparing its retaliation for Iran's missile attack. Ahead of the Monday anniversary, military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said at a televised briefing, "We are prepared with increased forces in anticipation for this day" when there could be "attacks on the home front." Meanwhile, Israeli President Issac Herzog said that his country's October 7 "wounds still cannot fully heal". The deaths on both sides in Gaza war The unprecedented October 7 attack on Israel by the Palestinian militant group resulted in the deaths of 1,205 people, mostly civilians. Israel struck back hard at the Gaza Strip, killing more than 41,000 people of which the majority were civilians. Also read | Israel-Hamas war: How October 7, 2023, became Israel's deadliest day Ahead of the October 7 anniversary, thousands joined pro-Palestinian rallies in London, Paris, Cape Town and other cities. US, Qatari and Egyptian mediators tried unsuccessfully for months to reach a Gaza truce and secure the release of 97 hostages still held in the Hamas-ruled territory. 18 killed in air strike on Gaza mosque In the latest news from the Gaza war, at least 18 people were killed and dozens of others wounded in an Israeli air strike on a Gaza mosque early on Sunday, the Palestinian news agency Wafa reported. The strike occurred near the Al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip. Also watch | Hamas commander Saeed Attallah killed in Israeli strike × Eyewitnesses said the number of casualties could rise as the mosque was being used to house displaced people. Meanwhile, The Israeli military said in a statement it "conducted a precise strike on Hamas terrorists who were operating within a command and control centre embedded in a structure that previously served as the 'Shuhada al-Aqsa' Mosque in the area of Deir al Balah." (With inputs from agencies)

Gaza war: Israel places its forces on alert ahead of first anniversary of conflict

Former United States (US) president and current Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump said on Friday (Oct 4) that he believed that Israel should strike Iran's nuclear facilities in response to the Islamic Republic's recent missile barrage.

Former United States (US) president and current Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump said on Friday (Oct 4) that he believed that Israel should strike Iran's nuclear facilities in response to the Islamic Republic's recent missile barrage. Speaking at a campaign event in North Carolina, Trump referred to a question posed to President Joe Biden this week about the possibility of Israel targeting Iran's nuclear program. "They asked him, what do you think about Iran, would you hit Iran? And he goes, 'As long as they don't hit the nuclear stuff.' That's the thing you want to hit, right?" Trump said. 'The answer is no' On Wednesday, Biden was asked whether he would support strikes against Iranian nuclear sites and the US president told reporters: "The answer is no." Two days later, Trump highlighted at his campaign event that nuclear weapons were the biggest risk. Also read | The high-stakes gamble: Can missile defence systems truly intercept nuclear warheads? "They asked him (President Biden) What do you think about, what do you think about Iran? Would you hit Iran? And he goes, 'As long as they don't hit the nuclear stuff.' That's the thing you want to hit, right? I said I think he's got that one wrong. Isn't that what you're supposed to hit? I mean, it's the biggest risk we have, nuclear weapons, the power of nuclear weapons, the power of weaponry," Trump said. "You know, I rebuilt the entire military jets, everything I built it including nuclear and I hated to build a nuclear but I got to know firsthand the power of that stuff. And I'll tell you what, we have to be totally prepared. We have to be absolutely prepared," he added. Trump has spoken little about the recent escalation in tensions in West Asia since the Israel-Hamas war broke out on October 7 last year. Earlier this week, Trump issued a scathing statement, holding Biden and Vice President and current Democratic candidate Kamala Harris responsible for the crisis. Democrats suspect Israeli PM of trying to interfere in US politics Meanwhile, leaders of the Democratic Party suspect Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu is trying to interfere in US politics by ignoring President Biden's calls to negotiate a peace deal in the Gaza Strip and by confronting Hezbollah and Iran weeks before the American presidential election on November 5. Also watch | How Israel could respond and what Iran might do next × Speaking to CNN earlier this week, Senator Chris Murphy said, "I certainly worry that Prime Minister Netanyahu is watching the American election as he makes decisions about his military campaigns in the north and in Gaza." “I hope this is not true but it is certainly a possibility that the Israeli government is not going to sign any diplomatic agreement prior to the American election as a means, potentially, to try to influence the result,” Murphy said, alluding to divisions among Democrats over the war. (With inputs from agencies)

West Asia crisis: Israel should strike Iran's nuclear facilities, says Trump

The Israeli military continues to intensify its offensive against Iran-back Lebanese militant group Hezbollah in Lebanon. On Saturday (Oct 5), the military said that it struck Hezbollah militants inside a south Lebanon mosque overnight.

The Israeli military continues to intensify its offensive against Iran-back Lebanese militant group Hezbollah in Lebanon. On Saturday (Oct 5), the military said that it struck Hezbollah militants inside a south Lebanon mosque overnight. In a statement, the military said, "Overnight, with the direction of IDF (army) intelligence, the IAF (air force) struck Hezbollah terrorists who were operating within a command centre that was located inside a mosque adjacent to the Salah Ghandour Hospital in southern Lebanon." This attack on the mosque came as an Israeli strike hit Lebanon's northern city of Tripoli for the first time. Also read | West Asia crisis: Israel should strike Iran's nuclear facilities, says Trump Hezbollah and Israel have been exchanging near-daily cross-border fire for almost a year, with the group saying it is acting in support of Palestinian ally Hamas over the Gaza war. Here's a look at the latest updates from the West Asia crisis: > A series of explosions were heard over Beirut's southern suburbs early Saturday after the Israeli army issued evacuation orders for parts of the area. > The strike on the mosque in southern Lebanon was the first such strike since the Israel-Hezbollah conflict began. > Hamas said on Saturday that an Israeli strike killed one of its commanders in a refugee camp in Tripoli. "Commander Saeed Attallah Ali, his wife and two daughters were killed in "Zionist bombardment of his house in the Beddawi camp," Hamas said in a statement. > Israel has repeatedly targeted Hamas officials in Lebanon since the Gaza war erupted almost a year ago. Hamas has announced the deaths of at least 18 of its militants in Lebanon since then. > Earlier this week, the Palestinian militant group said that an air strike on Monday killed its leader in Lebanon Fatah Sharif Abu al-Amine in his home in the Al-Bass camp in south Lebanon. Also watch | World Business Watch: West Asia tensions add to economic concerns × > Israel's killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah last week has escalated the crisis in West Asia. > Israel has been weighing options in its response to Iran's ballistic missile attack on Tuesday, which Tehran had carried out in response to Israel's military action in Lebanon. > On Friday, Iran threatened to respond to any direct attacks by Israel by striking the country’s energy and gas infrastructure. > “If the occupiers make such a mistake, we will target all their energy sources, installations and all refineries and gas fields,” said Ali Fadavi, deputy commander of Iran’s Revolutionary Guards (IRGC), said. > Fadavi's comments came soon after Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei made a rare sermon on Friday, describing Iran’s missile attack on Israel on Tuesday as a “legitimate” act. > Nations worldwide including the United States (US), the United Kingdom (UK), China, Australia, and Belgium have prepared contingency plans to evacuate citizens from Lebanon following the escalation of the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah. Thousands of Lebanese people have already fled to Syria to escape the Israeli raid. (With inputs from agencies)

West Asia crisis: Israeli military struck Hezbollah militants inside Lebanon mosque | Top updates

Officials in the United States (US) warned on Friday (Oct 4) that the upcoming first anniversary of the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip could serve as a motivator for acts of violence by extremists.

Officials in the United States (US) warned on Friday (Oct 4) that the upcoming first anniversary of the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip could serve as a motivator for acts of violence by extremists. The war in Gaza broke out on October 7 last year. In a joint statement, the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Department of Homeland Security said, "The FBI and DHS assess the first anniversary of October 7, 2023, attacks that initiated the ongoing Israel-HAMAS conflict, as well as any further significant escalations in the conflict, maybe a motivating factor for violent extremists and hate crime perpetrators to engage in violence or threaten public safety." Also read | West Asia crisis: Israel should strike Iran's nuclear facilities, says Trump The agencies said that over the past year, they have observed violent extremist activity and hate crimes in the US linked to the conflict. The potential threats "Jewish, Muslim, or Arab institutions — including synagogues, mosques/Islamic centres, and community centres — and large public gatherings, such as memorials, vigils, or other lawful demonstrations, present attractive targets for violent attacks or for hoax threats by a variety of threat actors, including violent extremists and hate crime perpetrators," the FBI and the DHS said. "Such actors may view the anniversary as an opportunity to conduct an attack or other high-profile, illegal activity," their statement added. The agencies also added that online messaging associated with FTOs (Foreign Terrorist Organisations) and other violent extremists highlighting the one-year anniversary of the October 7 attacks could motivate threat actors across ideologies, including those who espouse violent anti-Semitism and Islamophobia, to engage in violence. The precautions The joint statement advised people to call 911 to report emergencies, including imminent threats to life. "Be aware of your surroundings at all times and report suspicious activities to the authorities," the statement said. "The FBI and DHS encourage the public to promptly report information concerning suspicious activity to tips.fbi.gov or call 1-800-CALL-FBI (225-5324)," the statement added.

US agencies warn of threats on upcoming first anniversary of Gaza war

To understand the horrible mess in West Asia, look at it like a high school algebra student trying to solve three simultaneous equations, all equally bizarre.

Israel thinks offence is the best form of defence. Hamas thinks an impetuous attack is an exercise of Palestinian sovereignty. Hezbollah thinks Lebanon is a part of Iran.

As Iran rains missiles and Israel warns of consequences after sending its troops north of the occupied Gaza territory into southern Lebanon, the thing to look for in this madness is the method behind from both sides — or a lack of it.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-issues-travel-advisory-regarding-iran-warns-nations-to-avoid-non-essential-travel-763815">India issues travel advisory regarding Iran; warns nationals to avoid 'non-essential' travel</a>

From all indications, three undeniable truths might give us a clue about what might happen next.

First up, Israel's retaliation after the October 7 attacks by Palestinian extremist group Hamas into its territory has been strong on both intelligence and a ruthless, relentless military offensive, giving it an undeniable strategic advantage that for all practical purposes looks like victory.

It killed on July 31 Ismail Haniyeh, the political leader of Hamas, right in Teheran, showing Tel Aviv's penetration into the most unexpected quarters. Last week, it assassinated Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah right in its command headquarters in Beirut barely a week after booby-trapping Hezbollah pagers and hundreds of radios that did not alert the Iran-backed Shia militia group the way it should have. The attack eliminated half of Hezbollah's leadership council and ate into its military command.

In contrast, the attack by Hamas on the anniversary of the Arab-Israeli Yom Kippur war of 1973 last year and this week's rain of missiles by Iran show more desperation and bluster than clinical method.

To this asymmetry of military power, we might add a diplomatic situation that has never been as unfriendly to the aspiring state of Palestine as now.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/davids-sling-and-arrow-the-anti-missile-systems-protecting-israel-together-with-iron-dome-763737">David's Sling and Arrow, the anti-missile systems protecting Israel together with Iron Dome</a>

The United States is openly backing Israel's "right to defence" which is for all practical purposes a disproportionate act of offence turned into an opportunity for treating Hamas, Hezbollah, Palestinians and now, Lebanese citizens, as vermin that need to be just trodden upon. European nations, for all practical purposes, are busy treating an uneasy mix of domestic economic woes and immigration troubles. China has just begun reviving its sagging economy with a sharp interest rate cut and Russia&nbsp;has its arms full in Ukraine with a war of its own making. Some claps and cheers from American university students, UN General Assembly speeches critical of Israel and outraged posts on WhatsApp groups are not getting us anywhere.

If there is anything that appears to sound louder than the missiles and bombs flying between Iran and Israel across Gaza and Lebanon, it is the virtual sound of silence from the Islamic world that seems hardly aligned with Iran, Hezbollah or Hamas — while officially standing up for Palestine in elegant diplomatic postures.

Earlier this week, Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi called for an emergency meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in response to recent Israeli attacks, even before Tel Aviv's soldiers walked into Lebanon. Only a diplomatic agreement between the OIC, China, Russia and some other countries with an enough-is-enough approach can get West Asia somewhere near a ceasefire moment. However, none of these parties show any strong effort to put resources behind their apparent intent to help Palestine or other territories invaded by Israel.

&nbsp;

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The US is heading into a fiercely contested presidential election next month, and maybe, just maybe, there is a slim chance that the new administration, at least to save for Washington its supposed role as a superpower, does something to stop the madness in its Middle East by going beyond mumbled efforts to ask Tel Aviv for a ceasefire. But that seems unlikely for now since Washington has asked US forces to shoot down Iranian missiles targeting Israel. The US is now part of the war, more or less.

Iran and Hezbollah may vent their anger at Israel, but they seem to have little beyond that. Most of Teheran's missiles have been neutralised mid-air and there is no method in the retaliation apart from a tribalist and tokenist vow of revenge in a cycle of violence that goes back decades if not centuries.

But Israel may have reached its limits in crossing into Lebanon. Officially, Israel says its main objective is to eliminate the threat of an October 7-like incursion by Hezbollah into its northern areas. You can never be sure if the reasons are reasonable or were manufactured to justify an attack in a game in which propaganda or falsification of facts are as much a part of the ammunition as firearms and bombs.

There are those who believe that Netanyahu's far-right coalition allies are pressuring him to do something on the displacement of thousands of Israelis from the north linked to fears that they may face the kind of attacks faced by Hamas victims last October. If the Israeli leader's objective of doing something to please domestic lobbies has been achieved, we can hope for the beginning of something that looks like a ceasefire or withdrawal.

Only an international initiative in which Israel is encircled diplomatically can lead us to a de-escalation of violence and war. Tel Aviv might well respond, since most of its domestic and external objectives, political and military, seem to have been achieved. However, with Israel, Hezbollah, and Iran, you never know. They excel in violent urges driven by internal political pressures to show more aggression towards their adversaries, with no sense of proportion, peace, or balance.

Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer. 
&nbsp;

To understand the horrible mess in West Asia, look at it like a high school algebra student trying to solve three simultaneous equations, all equally bizarre. Israel thinks offence is the best form of defence.

To understand the horrible mess in West Asia, look at it like a high school algebra student trying to solve three simultaneous equations, all equally bizarre. Israel thinks offence is the best form of defence. Hamas thinks an impetuous attack is an exercise of Palestinian sovereignty. Hezbollah thinks Lebanon is a part of Iran. As Iran rains missiles and Israel warns of consequences after sending its troops north of the occupied Gaza territory into southern Lebanon, the thing to look for in this madness is the method behind from both sides — or a lack of it. Also read | India issues travel advisory regarding Iran; warns nationals to avoid 'non-essential' travel From all indications, three undeniable truths might give us a clue about what might happen next. First up, Israel's retaliation after the October 7 attacks by Palestinian extremist group Hamas into its territory has been strong on both intelligence and a ruthless, relentless military offensive, giving it an undeniable strategic advantage that for all practical purposes looks like victory. It killed on July 31 Ismail Haniyeh, the political leader of Hamas, right in Teheran, showing Tel Aviv's penetration into the most unexpected quarters. Last week, it assassinated Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah right in its command headquarters in Beirut barely a week after booby-trapping Hezbollah pagers and hundreds of radios that did not alert the Iran-backed Shia militia group the way it should have. The attack eliminated half of Hezbollah's leadership council and ate into its military command. In contrast, the attack by Hamas on the anniversary of the Arab-Israeli Yom Kippur war of 1973 last year and this week's rain of missiles by Iran show more desperation and bluster than clinical method. To this asymmetry of military power, we might add a diplomatic situation that has never been as unfriendly to the aspiring state of Palestine as now. Also read | David's Sling and Arrow, the anti-missile systems protecting Israel together with Iron Dome The United States is openly backing Israel's "right to defence" which is for all practical purposes a disproportionate act of offence turned into an opportunity for treating Hamas, Hezbollah, Palestinians and now, Lebanese citizens, as vermin that need to be just trodden upon. European nations, for all practical purposes, are busy treating an uneasy mix of domestic economic woes and immigration troubles. China has just begun reviving its sagging economy with a sharp interest rate cut and Russia has its arms full in Ukraine with a war of its own making. Some claps and cheers from American university students, UN General Assembly speeches critical of Israel and outraged posts on WhatsApp groups are not getting us anywhere. If there is anything that appears to sound louder than the missiles and bombs flying between Iran and Israel across Gaza and Lebanon, it is the virtual sound of silence from the Islamic world that seems hardly aligned with Iran, Hezbollah or Hamas — while officially standing up for Palestine in elegant diplomatic postures. Earlier this week, Iran's Foreign Minister Seyed Abbas Araghchi called for an emergency meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in response to recent Israeli attacks, even before Tel Aviv's soldiers walked into Lebanon. Only a diplomatic agreement between the OIC, China, Russia and some other countries with an enough-is-enough approach can get West Asia somewhere near a ceasefire moment. However, none of these parties show any strong effort to put resources behind their apparent intent to help Palestine or other territories invaded by Israel. The US is heading into a fiercely contested presidential election next month, and maybe, just maybe, there is a slim chance that the new administration, at least to save for Washington its supposed role as a superpower, does something to stop the madness in its Middle East by going beyond mumbled efforts to ask Tel Aviv for a ceasefire. But that seems unlikely for now since Washington has asked US forces to shoot down Iranian missiles targeting Israel. The US is now part of the war, more or less. Iran and Hezbollah may vent their anger at Israel, but they seem to have little beyond that. Most of Teheran's missiles have been neutralised mid-air and there is no method in the retaliation apart from a tribalist and tokenist vow of revenge in a cycle of violence that goes back decades if not centuries. But Israel may have reached its limits in crossing into Lebanon. Officially, Israel says its main objective is to eliminate the threat of an October 7-like incursion by Hezbollah into its northern areas. You can never be sure if the reasons are reasonable or were manufactured to justify an attack in a game in which propaganda or falsification of facts are as much a part of the ammunition as firearms and bombs. There are those who believe that Netanyahu's far-right coalition allies are pressuring him to do something on the displacement of thousands of Israelis from the north linked to fears that they may face the kind of attacks faced by Hamas victims last October. If the Israeli leader's objective of doing something to please domestic lobbies has been achieved, we can hope for the beginning of something that looks like a ceasefire or withdrawal. Only an international initiative in which Israel is encircled diplomatically can lead us to a de-escalation of violence and war. Tel Aviv might well respond, since most of its domestic and external objectives, political and military, seem to have been achieved. However, with Israel, Hezbollah, and Iran, you never know. They excel in violent urges driven by internal political pressures to show more aggression towards their adversaries, with no sense of proportion, peace, or balance. Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.

Only a multi-national peace initiative can arrest the spiralling West Asia crisis

Lebanon-based militant group Hezbollah on Saturday (Sep 28) confirmed that its leader Hassan Nasrallah was killed on Friday in Israeli strikes on Beirut. Nasrallah’s death has now raised questions about the future leadership of the Lebanon-based militant group. Now, it’s being speculated that Nasrallah’s cousin Hashem Safieddine may take the reins of the group, who has already been on the Hezbollah’s Jihad Council. Let’s know more about the prominent cleric of the militant group.

<h2>Who is Hashem Safieddine?</h2>

Hashem Safieddine has been involved for years in Hezbollah’s political affairs. He was also considered very close to now-dead former Quds Force commander Qassem Soleimani, whose daughter had married Safieddine’s son back in 2020.

Hashem Safieddine joined the group in 1994 and joined the Majlis Al Shura, the group’s highest decision-making body, within a year.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwju56yo7OWIAxVHd2wGHTDKOYgQxfQBKAB6BAgJEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-calls-hezbollah-chiefs-death-absolutely-fantastic-news-762807" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-calls-hezbollah-chiefs-death-absolutely-fantastic-news-762807&amp;ved=2ahUKEwju56yo7OWIAxVHd2wGHTDKOYgQxfQBKAB6BAgJEAE">Israelis call&nbsp;Hezbollah chief's death 'absolutely fantastic news'</a>

He is known for his black turban and as someone&nbsp;who touts himself as a close descendant of the Prophet Muhammad.

Safieddine&nbsp;is considered one of the top three leaders of the group, alongside Nasrallah and Naim Qassem.

<h2>Designated as terrorist by US in 2018</h2>

The US State Department had designated Hashem Safieddine as a terrorist in 2017 for his alleged involvement in Hezbollah’s strategic planning and financial operations for over three decades.

Since he is well-versed in the group’s functioning and has been closely associated with the group for the last 30 years, he is considered as the best choice for Hezbollah’s next leader.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwju56yo7OWIAxVHd2wGHTDKOYgQxfQBKAB6BAgMEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/west-asia-crisis-israel-says-hezbollah-leader-hassan-nasrallah-eliminated-in-beirut-strike-762745" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/west-asia-crisis-israel-says-hezbollah-leader-hassan-nasrallah-eliminated-in-beirut-strike-762745&amp;ved=2ahUKEwju56yo7OWIAxVHd2wGHTDKOYgQxfQBKAB6BAgMEAE">West Asia crisis: Hezbollah confirms leader Hassan Nasrallah's death in IDF strikes on Beirut</a>

Iran, which is Hezbollah’s primary backer, had reportedly promoted him as a potential future leader of the organisation in 2006 itself. In 2010, he was also appointed military commander of Southern Lebanon in 2010—a key region in Hezbollah’s long-standing conflict with Israel.

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq and non-state actors like Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Lebanon-based militant group Hezbollah on Saturday (Sep 28) confirmed that its leader Hassan Nasrallah was killed on Friday in Israeli strikes on Beirut. Nasrallah’s death has now raised questions about the future leadership of the Lebanon-based militant group.

Lebanon-based militant group Hezbollah on Saturday (Sep 28) confirmed that its leader Hassan Nasrallah was killed on Friday in Israeli strikes on Beirut. Nasrallah’s death has now raised questions about the future leadership of the Lebanon-based militant group. Now, it’s being speculated that Nasrallah’s cousin Hashem Safieddine may take the reins of the group, who has already been on the Hezbollah’s Jihad Council. Let’s know more about the prominent cleric of the militant group. Who is Hashem Safieddine? Hashem Safieddine has been involved for years in Hezbollah’s political affairs. He was also considered very close to now-dead former Quds Force commander Qassem Soleimani, whose daughter had married Safieddine’s son back in 2020. Hashem Safieddine joined the group in 1994 and joined the Majlis Al Shura, the group’s highest decision-making body, within a year. Also read: Israelis call Hezbollah chief's death 'absolutely fantastic news' He is known for his black turban and as someone who touts himself as a close descendant of the Prophet Muhammad. Safieddine is considered one of the top three leaders of the group, alongside Nasrallah and Naim Qassem. Designated as terrorist by US in 2018 The US State Department had designated Hashem Safieddine as a terrorist in 2017 for his alleged involvement in Hezbollah’s strategic planning and financial operations for over three decades. Since he is well-versed in the group’s functioning and has been closely associated with the group for the last 30 years, he is considered as the best choice for Hezbollah’s next leader. Also read: West Asia crisis: Hezbollah confirms leader Hassan Nasrallah's death in IDF strikes on Beirut Iran, which is Hezbollah’s primary backer, had reportedly promoted him as a potential future leader of the organisation in 2006 itself. In 2010, he was also appointed military commander of Southern Lebanon in 2010—a key region in Hezbollah’s long-standing conflict with Israel. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq and non-state actors like Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Who is Hashem Safieddine, second-in-command and potential successor of Hezbollah?

United States (US) President Joe Biden said on Sunday (Sep 1) that one of the six Israeli hostages found dead in the Gaza Strip tunnel was an Israeli-American. In a statement, President Biden said, "We have now confirmed that one of the hostages killed by these vicious Hamas terrorists was an American citizen, Hersh Goldberg-Polin.

United States (US) President Joe Biden said on Sunday (Sep 1) that one of the six Israeli hostages found dead in the Gaza Strip tunnel was an Israeli-American. In a statement, President Biden said, "We have now confirmed that one of the hostages killed by these vicious Hamas terrorists was an American citizen, Hersh Goldberg-Polin." "Hamas leaders will pay for these crimes. And we'll continue working towards a deal to secure the release of the remaining hostages," he added. The remaining five hostages were identified by the Israeli military as Carmel Gat, Eden Yerushalmi, Alexander Lobanov, Almog Sarusi and Ori Danino. Who was Hersh Goldberg-Polin? Hersh, 23, was a dual Israeli-American citizen. He immigrated to Israel with his family in 2008 at the age of seven, according to a statement from his family. According to President Biden, Hersh was attending the Nova Music Festival in Israel on October 7, 2023, when Hamas militants launched an unprecedented attack. Also read | Some of the six Israeli hostages found dead were approved for potential swap, says Hamas "He lost his arm helping friends and strangers during Hamas’ savage massacre," Biden said. "He had just turned 23. He planned to travel the world. I have gotten to know his parents, Jon and Rachel. They have been courageous, wise, and steadfast, even as they have endured the unimaginable," he added. "I have worked tirelessly to bring their beloved Hersh safely to them and am heartbroken by the news of his death. It is as tragic as it is reprehensible," the US president further said. Vice President Kamala Harris also condemned Hersh's death. "When I met with Jon and Rachel earlier this year, I told them: You are not alone. That remains true as they mourn this terrible loss," she said in a statement. 'Some of 6 hostages were approved for potential swap' The Israeli military claimed that the six hostages were murdered by Hamas. These hostages were among 250 who were captured during the Hamas-led shock incursion into southern Israel on October 7 last year that sparked the war in Gaza. Hamas, meanwhile, did not say anything about the circumstances in which these six hostages were found dead. However, the Palestinian militant group told the news agency AFP that some of these hostages had been "approved" for release in the event of a truce deal. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Israeli-American hostage Hersh Goldberg-Polin found dead besides 5 others. Who was he?

The conflict between Israel and Iran-aligned Lebanon-based militant group Hezbollah is escalating with each passing day. More than 700 people in Lebanon were killed in Israeli strikes over the past week.

The conflict between Israel and Iran-aligned Lebanon-based militant group Hezbollah is escalating with each passing day. More than 700 people in Lebanon were killed in Israeli strikes over the past week. On Saturday (Sep 28), a wave of airstrikes hit Beirut's southern suburbs as Israel stepped up attacks on Hezbollah. These strikes came a day after Israel knocked out six buildings in Beirut's southern suburb of Haret Hreik. The Israeli military said the strike, which killed and wounded dozens of people, hit the headquarters of Hezbollah in Beirut. On Saturday, the Israeli military said that Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah was eliminated during Friday's strikes. "Hassan Nasrallah will no longer be able to terrorize the world," the IDF said in a post on X. Hezbollah, on Saturday, confirmed that its leader Nasrallah was killed a day ago due to the Israeli strike. So, who was Hassan Nasrallah and how did he transform Hezbollah into one of the most powerful paramilitary groups in West Asia? Here's a look: A profile of Hassan Nasrallah Nasrallah, 64, was born in 1960 into a poor Shiite family in Beirut’s impoverished northern suburb of Sharshabouk. He studied theology and joined the Amal movement, a Shiite political and paramilitary organisation, before becoming one of Hezbollah’s founders. Also read | West Asia crisis: Israel says Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah 'eliminated' in Beirut strike Nasrallah has led the Lebanon-based militant group for the last three decades. He built a power base as Hezbollah became part of a cluster of Iranian-backed factions and governments known as the Axis of Resistance. Two days after its leader Sayyed Abbas Musawi, was killed in an Israeli helicopter gunship raid in south Lebanon, Hezbollah chose Nasrallah as its secretary-general in February 1992. In 1997, the United States (US) designated Hezbollah as a terrorist organisation. How Hezbollah transformed under Nasrallah Under his leadership, the Lebanese militant group has fought wars against Israel and taken part in the conflict in Syria, helping tip the balance of power in favour of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad Under Nasrallah, Hezbollah was credited with leading the war of attrition that led to the withdrawal of Israeli troops from south Lebanon in 2000. Following the Israeli withdrawal, Nasrallah rose to iconic status both within Lebanon and throughout the Arab world. Also watch | Race to Power: Is the Israel-Hezbollah conflict helping Netanyahu politically? × Nasrallah reshaped Hezbollah into an archenemy of Israel, cementing alliances with Shiite religious leaders in Iran and Palestinian militant groups such as Hamas, a report by the news agency Associated Press said. His role in current West Asia crisis A day after the Israel-Hamas war began on October 7, 2023, Hezbollah began attacking Israeli military posts along the border calling it a “backup front” for Gaza. In speeches throughout the conflict, the 64-year-old argued that Hezbollah’s cross-border strikes had pulled away Israeli forces that would otherwise be focused on the Palestinian militant group Hamas and insisted that Hezbollah would not halt its attacks on Israel until a ceasefire was reached in Gaza. Nasrallah maintained a defiant tone, even as tensions rose dramatically in recent weeks with Israel announcing a new phase in the conflict intended to push Hezbollah back from the border to allow thousands displaced from northern Israel to return, the Associated Press report said. (With inputs from agencies)

Hassan Nasrallah: What you should know about the Hezbollah leader Israel says it has killed

Many delegates started leaving the&nbsp;United Nations General Assembly (UNGA)&nbsp;as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin&nbsp;Netanyahu started addressing the world leaders&nbsp;on Friday (Sep 27). The audience started shouting 'shame shame', prompting&nbsp;the Jewish leader to start&nbsp;off&nbsp;by&nbsp;pledging to counter 'slander' at the world body.

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— Barak Ravid (@BarakRavid) <a href="https://twitter.com/BarakRavid/status/1839662296911528052?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 27, 2024</a></blockquote>
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"After I heard the lies and slanders leveled at my country by many of the speakers at this podium, I decided to come here and set the record straight," Netanyahu said.

The Israeli PM also warned Iran that if it dares to strike his country, "we will strike you back." He added that there was no place in Iran that Israeli agencies couldn't reach.

The leader slammed Gaza's Hamas and Lebanon-based Hezbollah, saying both militant groups had fired more than 8,000 rockets at Israel since the war began on October 7.&nbsp;

The Israeli PM&nbsp;said&nbsp;that "Hamas has got to go" and the militant group would have no role in the reconstruction of Gaza as he vowed to fight until "total victory."

"If Hamas stays in power, it will regroup... and attack Israel again and again and again... So Hamas has got to go," Netanyahu said to diplomats.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwi3o7fOseOIAxUl3TgGHYTiNacQxfQBKAB6BAgOEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-is-a-non-stop-nightmare-un-chief-guterres-tells-world-leaders-at-general-assembly-761675" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-is-a-non-stop-nightmare-un-chief-guterres-tells-world-leaders-at-general-assembly-761675&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi3o7fOseOIAxUl3TgGHYTiNacQxfQBKAB6BAgOEAE">'Gaza is a non-stop nightmare,' UN chief Guterres tells world leaders at General Assembly</a>

He also slammed the United Nations for&nbsp;its unfair treatment of his country, saying it had become a "contemptuous farce".

"I say to you, until Israel – until the Jewish state – is treated like other nations, until this anti-Semitic swamp is drained, the UN will be viewed by fair-minded people everywhere as nothing more than a contemptuous farce," he said.

Since Monday, Israel has shifted its focus from Gaza to its northern front with Lebanon where heavy bombing has reportedly killed 700 people and sparked an exodus of around 118,000 people.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwi3o7fOseOIAxUl3TgGHYTiNacQxfQBKAB6BAgQEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-war-half-of-hostages-held-by-hamas-since-oct-7-have-died-pm-netanyahu-tells-mps-760976" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-war-half-of-hostages-held-by-hamas-since-oct-7-have-died-pm-netanyahu-tells-mps-760976&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi3o7fOseOIAxUl3TgGHYTiNacQxfQBKAB6BAgQEAE">Gaza war: Half of hostages held by Hamas since Oct 7 have died, PM Netanyahu tells MPs</a>

Netanyahu said Israel would continue the strikes on Lebanon "until we meet our objectives."

The UN, on Friday, said that a "catastrophic" intensification of Israeli attacks targeting Hezbollah militants had left Lebanon facing its "deadliest period... in a generation."

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.

Many delegates started leaving the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu started addressing the world leaders on Friday (Sep 27).

Many delegates started leaving the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) as Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu started addressing the world leaders on Friday (Sep 27). The audience started shouting 'shame shame', prompting the Jewish leader to start off by pledging to counter 'slander' at the world body. עשרות דיפלומטים יוצאים מהאולם לאות מחאה כשנתניהו מתחיל לדבר pic.twitter.com/Jl7ahLZ0JW — Barak Ravid (@BarakRavid) September 27, 2024 × "After I heard the lies and slanders leveled at my country by many of the speakers at this podium, I decided to come here and set the record straight," Netanyahu said. The Israeli PM also warned Iran that if it dares to strike his country, "we will strike you back." He added that there was no place in Iran that Israeli agencies couldn't reach. The leader slammed Gaza's Hamas and Lebanon-based Hezbollah, saying both militant groups had fired more than 8,000 rockets at Israel since the war began on October 7. The Israeli PM said that "Hamas has got to go" and the militant group would have no role in the reconstruction of Gaza as he vowed to fight until "total victory." "If Hamas stays in power, it will regroup... and attack Israel again and again and again... So Hamas has got to go," Netanyahu said to diplomats. Also read: 'Gaza is a non-stop nightmare,' UN chief Guterres tells world leaders at General Assembly He also slammed the United Nations for its unfair treatment of his country, saying it had become a "contemptuous farce". "I say to you, until Israel – until the Jewish state – is treated like other nations, until this anti-Semitic swamp is drained, the UN will be viewed by fair-minded people everywhere as nothing more than a contemptuous farce," he said. Since Monday, Israel has shifted its focus from Gaza to its northern front with Lebanon where heavy bombing has reportedly killed 700 people and sparked an exodus of around 118,000 people. Also read: Gaza war: Half of hostages held by Hamas since Oct 7 have died, PM Netanyahu tells MPs Netanyahu said Israel would continue the strikes on Lebanon "until we meet our objectives." The UN, on Friday, said that a "catastrophic" intensification of Israeli attacks targeting Hezbollah militants had left Lebanon facing its "deadliest period... in a generation." (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.

Audience shouts 'shame', delegates walk out as Israel's Netanyahu addresses UNGA

US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin warned Thursday that an "all-out war" would be "devastating" for Israel and Lebanon, and that a ceasefire could buy time to stop the conflict.

"A full scale war between Hezbollah and Israel could be devastating for both parties," Austin said in London after meetings with his UK and Australian counterparts in the AUKUS military alliance.

Austin called on both sides to "choose a different path", saying that "despite the sharp escalation, a diplomatic solution is still viable".

Such an outcome is "the only way to ensure that displaced civilians on both sides of the border can finally go home," he said.

US President Joe Biden and other world leaders have called for an immediate&nbsp;21-day ceasefire in hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah. Israel's foreign minister rejected the proposal.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjah96XkeGIAxWDR2wGHWx9Fvo4ChDF9AEoAHoECBAQAQ" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-military-claims-it-hit-75-hezbollah-targets-in-lebanon-overnight-762162" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-military-claims-it-hit-75-hezbollah-targets-in-lebanon-overnight-762162&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjah96XkeGIAxWDR2wGHWx9Fvo4ChDF9AEoAHoECBAQAQ">Israeli military claims it hit 75 Hezbollah targets in Lebanon overnight</a>

A pause in hostilities would "provide time" for a deal to be struck that would allow Israel and Lebanese civilians to return home, Austin told a news conference after the talks of the trilateral defence partnership.

This time could also be used "to conclude and implement a deal to secure a ceasefire in Gaza and to bring all the hostages home," said Austin.

"We recognise that there's hard work to be done. We are committed to doing that work, and yes, I am optimistic," he added.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.

US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin warned Thursday that an "all-out war" would be "devastating" for Israel and Lebanon, and that a ceasefire could buy time to stop the conflict.

US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin warned Thursday that an "all-out war" would be "devastating" for Israel and Lebanon, and that a ceasefire could buy time to stop the conflict. "A full scale war between Hezbollah and Israel could be devastating for both parties," Austin said in London after meetings with his UK and Australian counterparts in the AUKUS military alliance. Austin called on both sides to "choose a different path", saying that "despite the sharp escalation, a diplomatic solution is still viable". Such an outcome is "the only way to ensure that displaced civilians on both sides of the border can finally go home," he said. US President Joe Biden and other world leaders have called for an immediate 21-day ceasefire in hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah. Israel's foreign minister rejected the proposal. Also read: Israeli military claims it hit 75 Hezbollah targets in Lebanon overnight A pause in hostilities would "provide time" for a deal to be struck that would allow Israel and Lebanese civilians to return home, Austin told a news conference after the talks of the trilateral defence partnership. This time could also be used "to conclude and implement a deal to secure a ceasefire in Gaza and to bring all the hostages home," said Austin. "We recognise that there's hard work to be done. We are committed to doing that work, and yes, I am optimistic," he added. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

US Defence Secretary warns of ‘devastating all-out war’ between Israel and Hezbollah

The Israeli military on Monday told people in Lebanon to move away from Hezbollah targets and vowed to carry out more "extensive and precise" strikes against the Iran-backed group.

It was the first such warning issued to Lebanese people by Israel's military since the war in Gaza erupted nearly a year ago. Lebanon's Hezbollah says its rocket and other fire into Israel is an act of support for Gaza's Palestinian Hamas militants.

"We advise civilians from Lebanese villages located in and next to buildings and areas used by Hezbollah for military purposes, such as those used to store weapons, to immediately move out of harm's way for their own safety," Israeli military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said in a media briefing.

"The IDF (military) will engage in (more) extensive and precise strikes against terror targets which have been embedded widely throughout Lebanon."

Hagari said the military had launched new strikes against Hezbollah sites since Monday morning.

"The strikes will go on for the near future," he said.

In a separate briefing to journalists, a military official emphasised that the appeal made to Lebanese people was the first of its kind.

"This the first time that we do this kind of warning in that way," said the official, who cannot be further identified under military rules.

"If you are in a house where there is a rocket or a cruise missile, get out immediately," the official said, adding that the military was "monitoring from the air" to gauge compliance.

"We are giving them an advance warning. Get out of the house. We are aiming only on the capabilities of the rockets, on the missiles, launchers, etc," he said.

The official also said the Israeli military was currently only focused on an "aerial campaign".

The first goal of the operation, he said, was to "degrade threats" from Hezbollah, while the second was to push Hezbollah back from the border and the third was to destroy infrastructure built near the border by Hezbollah's elite Radwan Force.

He said Israel's "pre-emptive" strikes had already hindered Hezbollah's ability to fire rockets.

"We've been doing it for already a long time, but we are doing it extensively in the last couple of days and also yesterday, and that's one of the reasons that the numbers (of rockets fired) are down," he added.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience. 
&nbsp;

The Israeli military on Monday told people in Lebanon to move away from Hezbollah targets and vowed to carry out more "extensive and precise" strikes against the Iran-backed group.

The Israeli military on Monday told people in Lebanon to move away from Hezbollah targets and vowed to carry out more "extensive and precise" strikes against the Iran-backed group. It was the first such warning issued to Lebanese people by Israel's military since the war in Gaza erupted nearly a year ago. Lebanon's Hezbollah says its rocket and other fire into Israel is an act of support for Gaza's Palestinian Hamas militants. "We advise civilians from Lebanese villages located in and next to buildings and areas used by Hezbollah for military purposes, such as those used to store weapons, to immediately move out of harm's way for their own safety," Israeli military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said in a media briefing. "The IDF (military) will engage in (more) extensive and precise strikes against terror targets which have been embedded widely throughout Lebanon." Hagari said the military had launched new strikes against Hezbollah sites since Monday morning. "The strikes will go on for the near future," he said. In a separate briefing to journalists, a military official emphasised that the appeal made to Lebanese people was the first of its kind. "This the first time that we do this kind of warning in that way," said the official, who cannot be further identified under military rules. "If you are in a house where there is a rocket or a cruise missile, get out immediately," the official said, adding that the military was "monitoring from the air" to gauge compliance. "We are giving them an advance warning. Get out of the house. We are aiming only on the capabilities of the rockets, on the missiles, launchers, etc," he said. The official also said the Israeli military was currently only focused on an "aerial campaign". The first goal of the operation, he said, was to "degrade threats" from Hezbollah, while the second was to push Hezbollah back from the border and the third was to destroy infrastructure built near the border by Hezbollah's elite Radwan Force. He said Israel's "pre-emptive" strikes had already hindered Hezbollah's ability to fire rockets. "We've been doing it for already a long time, but we are doing it extensively in the last couple of days and also yesterday, and that's one of the reasons that the numbers (of rockets fired) are down," he added. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Get out immediately: Israeli military tells people in Lebanon to move away from Hezbollah targets

Gaza's civil defence agency said an Israeli strike Saturday on a school-turned-shelter in the Palestinian territory's largest city killed 22&nbsp;people, while Israel's military said it targeted Hamas militants.

"Civil Defence crews recovered 22&nbsp;people, including 13 children and six women", one of whom was pregnant, said agency spokesman Mahmud Bassal.

There were "around 30 injured, including nine children (needing) limb amputations, as a result of an Israeli bombing on Al-Zaytoun School C" in Gaza City, he said.

The health ministry in the Hamas-run territory earlier said 21 people were killed.

Thousands of displaced people had sought shelter at the school, Bassal said.

Israel's military said in a statement the air force had "conducted a precise strike on terrorists who were operating inside a Hamas command and control centre in Gaza City".

It said the target was "embedded inside" the Al Falah School, adjacent to the Al-Zaytoun School buildings.

An AFP reporter at the scene confirmed that Al-Zaytoun School C had been hit.

Witnesses said that before the strike, orphans had gathered there because they were due to receive sponsorship from a local NGO for humanitarian assistance.

Israel's military did not provide a death toll but said "numerous steps were taken to mitigate the risk of harming civilians, including the use of precise munitions, aerial surveillance and additional intelligence".

It was the latest in a series of Israeli strikes on school buildings housing displaced people in Gaza.

A strike on the United Nations-run Al-Jawni School in central Gaza on September 11 drew international outcry after the UN agency for Palestinian refugees said six of its staffers were among the 18 reported fatalities.

The Israeli military accuses Hamas of hiding in school buildings where many thousands of Gazans have sought shelter -- a charge denied by the Palestinian militant group.

Hamas on Saturday condemned the strike on Al-Zaytoun School C, describing it in a statement as "a war crime under American cover", a reference to Washington being Israel's most important military backer.

"There has also been an increase in attacks on residential neighbourhoods and tents of displaced people," the Hamas statement said.

The vast majority of the Gaza Strip's 2.4 million people have been displaced at least once by the ongoing war, which was triggered by Hamas's October 7 attack on Israel.

<h2>'Health ministry staffers killed'&nbsp;</h2>

The war has badly battered Gaza's health sector, and the World Health Organization said earlier this month that only 17 of its 36 hospitals were partially functional.&nbsp;

Gaza's health ministry said on Saturday that in a separate incident, an Israeli air strike hit a warehouse in a "densely populated" area of southern Gaza, killing "three ministry of health personnel and a passer-by" and injuring six others.

"The warehouse was directly targeted with several missiles while doctors and staff were performing their duties, preparing to transport the medicines stored there to hospitals under the ministry of health that are facing severe shortages of medicines and supplies," a statement said.

Israel's military had no immediate comment on the warehouse strike.

Hamas's October 7 attack resulted in the deaths of 1,205 people on the Israeli side, most of them civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures, which includes hostages killed in captivity.

Out of 251 people taken hostage that day, 97 are still being held inside the Gaza Strip, including 33 who the Israeli military says are dead.

At least 41,391 Palestinians, a majority of them civilians, have been killed in Israel's military campaign in Gaza since the war began, according to data provided by the health ministry there.

The United Nations has acknowledged these figures as reliable.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience. 
&nbsp;

Gaza's civil defence agency said an Israeli strike Saturday on a school-turned-shelter in the Palestinian territory's largest city killed 22 people, while Israel's military said it targeted Hamas militants.

Gaza's civil defence agency said an Israeli strike Saturday on a school-turned-shelter in the Palestinian territory's largest city killed 22 people, while Israel's military said it targeted Hamas militants. "Civil Defence crews recovered 22 people, including 13 children and six women", one of whom was pregnant, said agency spokesman Mahmud Bassal. There were "around 30 injured, including nine children (needing) limb amputations, as a result of an Israeli bombing on Al-Zaytoun School C" in Gaza City, he said. The health ministry in the Hamas-run territory earlier said 21 people were killed. Thousands of displaced people had sought shelter at the school, Bassal said. Israel's military said in a statement the air force had "conducted a precise strike on terrorists who were operating inside a Hamas command and control centre in Gaza City". It said the target was "embedded inside" the Al Falah School, adjacent to the Al-Zaytoun School buildings. An AFP reporter at the scene confirmed that Al-Zaytoun School C had been hit. Witnesses said that before the strike, orphans had gathered there because they were due to receive sponsorship from a local NGO for humanitarian assistance. Israel's military did not provide a death toll but said "numerous steps were taken to mitigate the risk of harming civilians, including the use of precise munitions, aerial surveillance and additional intelligence". It was the latest in a series of Israeli strikes on school buildings housing displaced people in Gaza. A strike on the United Nations-run Al-Jawni School in central Gaza on September 11 drew international outcry after the UN agency for Palestinian refugees said six of its staffers were among the 18 reported fatalities. The Israeli military accuses Hamas of hiding in school buildings where many thousands of Gazans have sought shelter -- a charge denied by the Palestinian militant group. Hamas on Saturday condemned the strike on Al-Zaytoun School C, describing it in a statement as "a war crime under American cover", a reference to Washington being Israel's most important military backer. "There has also been an increase in attacks on residential neighbourhoods and tents of displaced people," the Hamas statement said. The vast majority of the Gaza Strip's 2.4 million people have been displaced at least once by the ongoing war, which was triggered by Hamas's October 7 attack on Israel. 'Health ministry staffers killed' The war has badly battered Gaza's health sector, and the World Health Organization said earlier this month that only 17 of its 36 hospitals were partially functional. Gaza's health ministry said on Saturday that in a separate incident, an Israeli air strike hit a warehouse in a "densely populated" area of southern Gaza, killing "three ministry of health personnel and a passer-by" and injuring six others. "The warehouse was directly targeted with several missiles while doctors and staff were performing their duties, preparing to transport the medicines stored there to hospitals under the ministry of health that are facing severe shortages of medicines and supplies," a statement said. Israel's military had no immediate comment on the warehouse strike. Hamas's October 7 attack resulted in the deaths of 1,205 people on the Israeli side, most of them civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures, which includes hostages killed in captivity. Out of 251 people taken hostage that day, 97 are still being held inside the Gaza Strip, including 33 who the Israeli military says are dead. At least 41,391 Palestinians, a majority of them civilians, have been killed in Israel's military campaign in Gaza since the war began, according to data provided by the health ministry there. The United Nations has acknowledged these figures as reliable. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Gaza war: 22 killed as IDF targets school-turned-shelter, Israel says it hit militants