The US intelligence community is believed to have briefed President Joe Biden about the imminent violence between Hamas and Israel in the weeks ahead of the October 7 terrorist attacks, a CNN report has revealed.

One update came on September 28, backed by multiple intelligence inputs that indicated Hamas was planning a massive rocket attack on Israel. The second assessment was produced on October 5, when the country’s Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) warned of the increasing possibility of violence by Hamas.

On October 6, the day before Hamas’ assault, US officials reportedly circulated inputs that came directly from Israel. All of this heralded a massive Gazan attack on Israel.

It was unclear whether or not the US intelligence assessments were shared with the Israeli administration.

While the intelligence hinted at the possibility of violence, none of the inputs gave details or indicated the sheer scale and brutality of the attack.

<h2>Intelligence failure?</h2>

Since Israel-Hamas tensions are so frequent and prevalent, it is sometimes an arduous task for intelligence experts to predict or assess the gravity of the situation.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;A week of Israel-Hamas fighting: Tales of horror

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“The problem is that none of this is new,” said one of the sources familiar with the intelligence. “This is something that has historically been the norm between Hamas and Israel. I think what happened is everyone saw these reports and were like, ‘Yeah of course. But we know what this will look like,’” the source added.

<h2>Warning also came from a Middle Eastern ally</h2>

The evaluations were part of a series of stern alerts conveyed to the Biden administration by its own intelligence agencies and allies in the Middle East over the past year, prompting doubts about whether the United States and Israel were adequately prepared for the potential risks.

A senior representative from a Middle Eastern nation in the area indicated that their country had consistently expressed concerns to American and Israeli authorities regarding the escalating Palestinian tensions, yet, as the official put it, "They never listened every time we warned them.”

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-live-israel-closes-on-for-ground-assault-in-gaza-with-right-to-defend-stance-646094">Also read:&nbsp;Israel-Hamas war: Top developments Oct 13 | Israel`s infantry, tanks enter Gaza, and more</a>

Furthermore, a Middle Eastern diplomat stationed in Washington, DC, was quoted by CNN as saying that their government had repeatedly cautioned the White House and American intelligence officials about the mounting stockpile of Hamas weaponry and the rising anger within the Palestinian population, which was on the verge of eruption.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The US intelligence community is believed to have briefed President Joe Biden about the imminent violence between Hamas and Israel in the weeks ahead of the October 7 terrorist attacks, a CNN report has revealed.

The US intelligence community is believed to have briefed President Joe Biden about the imminent violence between Hamas and Israel in the weeks ahead of the October 7 terrorist attacks, a CNN report has revealed. One update came on September 28, backed by multiple intelligence inputs that indicated Hamas was planning a massive rocket attack on Israel. The second assessment was produced on October 5, when the country’s Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) warned of the increasing possibility of violence by Hamas. On October 6, the day before Hamas’ assault, US officials reportedly circulated inputs that came directly from Israel. All of this heralded a massive Gazan attack on Israel. It was unclear whether or not the US intelligence assessments were shared with the Israeli administration. While the intelligence hinted at the possibility of violence, none of the inputs gave details or indicated the sheer scale and brutality of the attack. Intelligence failure? Since Israel-Hamas tensions are so frequent and prevalent, it is sometimes an arduous task for intelligence experts to predict or assess the gravity of the situation. Watch: A week of Israel-Hamas fighting: Tales of horror × “The problem is that none of this is new,” said one of the sources familiar with the intelligence. “This is something that has historically been the norm between Hamas and Israel. I think what happened is everyone saw these reports and were like, ‘Yeah of course. But we know what this will look like,’” the source added. Warning also came from a Middle Eastern ally The evaluations were part of a series of stern alerts conveyed to the Biden administration by its own intelligence agencies and allies in the Middle East over the past year, prompting doubts about whether the United States and Israel were adequately prepared for the potential risks. A senior representative from a Middle Eastern nation in the area indicated that their country had consistently expressed concerns to American and Israeli authorities regarding the escalating Palestinian tensions, yet, as the official put it, "They never listened every time we warned them.” Also read: Israel-Hamas war: Top developments Oct 13 | Israel`s infantry, tanks enter Gaza, and more Furthermore, a Middle Eastern diplomat stationed in Washington, DC, was quoted by CNN as saying that their government had repeatedly cautioned the White House and American intelligence officials about the mounting stockpile of Hamas weaponry and the rising anger within the Palestinian population, which was on the verge of eruption. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

US intelligence warned of violence by Hamas in weeks ahead of Oct 7 assault: Report

Israel's military has issued an order for the evacuation&nbsp;of all civilians residing in Gaza City and the northern region of the Gaza Strip in anticipation of a potential ground offensive in the besieged enclave.

This directive was issued on Friday (Oct 13) following a warning received by the United Nations from Israel, instructing the evacuation of 1.1 million people living in the north of Gaza within a 24-hour period.

The order, which comes on the seventh day of an ongoing war&nbsp;and a declared "total blockade" by Israel, instructs the residents of Gaza City to relocate further south within the Gaza Strip, a narrow coastal area with a population of around 2.3 million.

As per the flyer accessed by WION which the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) dropped from planes into Gaza, the IDF has urged civilians to move to the south of Gaza, and not return to their homes until further notice.&nbsp;

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Image: Flyers dropped by the IDF asking Gazans to move to the south Credit: WION

<h2>What's happening on the ground?</h2>

As the news began to circulate, anxious residents became increasingly fearful and confused.

A Gazan student (who chose to stay anonymous), told WION, "The situation is now extremely dire. Many people have left their homes on foot, covering a distance of 33 kilometres. It's a painful scene with a huge number of families leaving the city, carrying their belongings, mattresses, and suitcases".

"Simultaneously, Israeli airplanes have blocked the main routes, making it difficult for people to move from the north to the south of Gaza. A dozen neighbourhoods have been devastated.&nbsp;The current situation is a true humanitarian crisis," he said.

"Many people are taking shelter at the&nbsp;Al-Shifa Hospital, and are reluctant to move the south." he added.&nbsp;

The largest medical facility in the Gaza Strip, Al Shifa Hospital, is presently overwhelmed with injured patients. The hospital is operating significantly beyond its designated 500-bed capacity and has sufficient fuel to keep its generators running for an additional four days, as per the New York Times report.

Also read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/middle-east/explained-the-tragedy-of-palestinians-and-their-search-for-a-homeland-646418">&nbsp;Explained: The tragedy of Palestinians and their search for a homeland</a>

As per the Israeli army, this evacuation is motivated by concerns that Hamas fighters are hiding&nbsp;in tunnels beneath Gaza City.

They say that this evacuation is for the safety of the civilians in Gaza City. They also caution against approaching the security fence with Israel and pledge to make substantial efforts to avoid harming civilians during their operations in Gaza City in the coming days.

Hamas, the governing body in Gaza, dismisses the Israeli army's evacuation warning as "fake propaganda." The Hamas Authority for Refugee Affairs urges residents in the north to stay in their homes and resist what they describe as a psychological war by the occupying forces.

The United Nations has expressed deep concern about the broad evacuation order encompassing Gaza's north, which also affects UN staff and the hundreds of thousands of people who have sought shelter in UN facilities since Israel initiated round-the-clock airstrikes.

&nbsp;

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Israel's military has issued an order for the evacuation of all civilians residing in Gaza City and the northern region of the Gaza Strip in anticipation of a potential ground offensive in the besieged enclave.

Israel's military has issued an order for the evacuation of all civilians residing in Gaza City and the northern region of the Gaza Strip in anticipation of a potential ground offensive in the besieged enclave. This directive was issued on Friday (Oct 13) following a warning received by the United Nations from Israel, instructing the evacuation of 1.1 million people living in the north of Gaza within a 24-hour period. The order, which comes on the seventh day of an ongoing war and a declared "total blockade" by Israel, instructs the residents of Gaza City to relocate further south within the Gaza Strip, a narrow coastal area with a population of around 2.3 million. As per the flyer accessed by WION which the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) dropped from planes into Gaza, the IDF has urged civilians to move to the south of Gaza, and not return to their homes until further notice. Image: Flyers dropped by the IDF asking Gazans to move to the south Credit: WION What's happening on the ground? As the news began to circulate, anxious residents became increasingly fearful and confused. A Gazan student (who chose to stay anonymous), told WION, "The situation is now extremely dire. Many people have left their homes on foot, covering a distance of 33 kilometres. It's a painful scene with a huge number of families leaving the city, carrying their belongings, mattresses, and suitcases". "Simultaneously, Israeli airplanes have blocked the main routes, making it difficult for people to move from the north to the south of Gaza. A dozen neighbourhoods have been devastated. The current situation is a true humanitarian crisis," he said. "Many people are taking shelter at the Al-Shifa Hospital, and are reluctant to move the south." he added. The largest medical facility in the Gaza Strip, Al Shifa Hospital, is presently overwhelmed with injured patients. The hospital is operating significantly beyond its designated 500-bed capacity and has sufficient fuel to keep its generators running for an additional four days, as per the New York Times report. Also read | Explained: The tragedy of Palestinians and their search for a homeland As per the Israeli army, this evacuation is motivated by concerns that Hamas fighters are hiding in tunnels beneath Gaza City. They say that this evacuation is for the safety of the civilians in Gaza City. They also caution against approaching the security fence with Israel and pledge to make substantial efforts to avoid harming civilians during their operations in Gaza City in the coming days. Hamas, the governing body in Gaza, dismisses the Israeli army's evacuation warning as "fake propaganda." The Hamas Authority for Refugee Affairs urges residents in the north to stay in their homes and resist what they describe as a psychological war by the occupying forces. The United Nations has expressed deep concern about the broad evacuation order encompassing Gaza's north, which also affects UN staff and the hundreds of thousands of people who have sought shelter in UN facilities since Israel initiated round-the-clock airstrikes. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Gaza student speaks to WION: People walking 30km to flee Israel stikes, many camping at hospital

The Israel-Hamas war has become one of the biggest humanitarian crises of this era as the Palestinians who are living in the Gaza Strip are struggling for basic resources such as food and clean water, electricity, and medicines as Israeli forces continue their fight to finish Hamas terrorists after their barbaric attack in southern Israel.

The Israel-Hamas war has become one of the biggest humanitarian crises of this era as the Palestinians who are living in the Gaza Strip are struggling for basic resources such as food and clean water, electricity, and medicines as Israeli forces continue their fight to finish Hamas terrorists after their barbaric attack in southern Israel. The ongoing fighting between Israel and Hamas started in the first week of October after a surprise and unprecedented attack was launched by Hamas, but the war didn't happen overnight, it was building up over the years, keeping West Asia on the edge. What's the origin of conflict? The Partition Plan was agreed upon by the United Nations in 1947, which attempted to divide the British Mandate of Palestine into Arab and Jewish states. The State of Israel was established on May 14, 1948, igniting the first Arab-Israeli War. Although Israel won the war in 1949, 750,000 Palestinians were displaced, and the land was divided into three parts: the State of Israel, the West Bank, and the Gaza Strip. Also read: Who funds Hamas? How terror group gets money and military equipment What are the core issues of the conflict? The main issues include a two-state solution, Israeli settlements, the status of Jerusalem, and refugees. First, let's discuss the two-state solution, which is an agreement that would create a state for the Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip alongside Israel. However, the concept of the two-state solution has been rejected by Hamas. Meanwhile, Israel wants the Palestinian state to be demilitarised, so that it isn't a threat to Israel. There are also issues with the Israeli settlements as some nations consider Jewish settlements built on land taken by Israel in 1967 to be illegal, but Israel disagrees. It says it has historical and Biblical links to the area. The continuation of its expansion is one of the most controversial problems between Israel and the Palestinians. Another burning issue, Palestinians want East Jerusalem, which includes sites sacred to Muslims, Jews and Christians, to be the capital of their state. But Israel says Jerusalem should remain its "indivisible and eternal" capital. Israel's claim to the eastern part of Jerusalem is not recognised internationally. Former US president Donald Trump recognised Jerusalem as Israel's capital, without specifying the extent of its jurisdiction in the disputed city, and moved the US embassy there in 2018. The issue of refugees is also crucial to understanding the Israeli-Palestine conflict as today about 5.6 million Palestinian refugees, the majority are descendants of those who fled in 1948, live in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the West Bank and Gaza. The Palestinian foreign ministry says that about half of registered refugees remain stateless, many living in crowded camps. Also read: What are white phosphorus bombs that Israel reportedly used in Gaza? Is it illegal? What's the future of peace attempts? There have been several attempts to establish peace between the two, and also in West Asia. Egypt and Israel signed a peace pact in 1979, putting an end to 30 years of hostility. In 1993, Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and Palestinian Authority Chairman Yasser Arafat signed the Oslo Accords on limited Palestinian autonomy. Israel and Jordan signed a peace pact in 1994. Then US president Bill Clinton, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak and Arafat failed to reach a final peace deal with the Camp David summit of 2000. The summit took place between 11 and 25 July 2000 and was an effort to end the Israeli–Palestinian conflict, but ended without an agreement. In 2002, an Arab plan offered Israel normal ties with all Arab countries in return for a full withdrawal from the lands it took in the 1967 Middle East war, the creation of a Palestinian state and a "just solution" for Palestinian refugees. But the peace efforts have been stalled since 2014 when talks failed between Israelis and Palestinians in Washington. Palestinians also boycotted dealings with the Trump administration over their refusal to endorse the two-state solution. Watch: Hamas planned to target Israeli schools, 'kill as many people as possible,' says report × What's the future of peace attempts? With the latest outbreak of war, concerns have grown over the recent attempts by the US to break a deal as on the day Israel declared war, President Joe Biden made a strong statement in support of Israel. The October conflict threw the United States 2023 effort to help mediate a normalisation agreement between Israel and Saudi Arabia into disarray. This war is also a diplomatic challenge for Riyadh as well as for other Arab states, including some Gulf Arab states next to Saudi Arabia, that have signed peace deals with Israel. Also read: Revisiting Israel-Palestine historical conflict amid new escalation by Hamas Saudi Arabia has historically campaigned for the rights and safety of Israeli Arab Palestinians and a source told the news agency AFP on Oct 13 that Riyadh has suspended talks on potentially normalising ties with Israel amid raging war. The source familiar with the discussions told AFP that "Saudi Arabia has decided to pause discussion on possible normalisation and has informed US officials". (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Explained | What are core Israel-Palestine issues? What's the future of peace attempts?

Saudi Arabia is reportedly putting plans of normalisation of ties with Israel on the back burner in light of the latest conflict between Israel and Hamas, Reuters reported citing sources. This has signalled rapid rethinking of its foreign policy amid escalation of situation in the Middle East.

The conflict has pushed Saudi Arabia to engage more with Iran, its regional foe. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman spoke with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi with a view to prevent broader surge in violence which may span the entire Middle East.

A Saudi statement said the crown prince told Raisi "the kingdom is exerting maximum effort to engage with all international and regional parties to halt the ongoing escalation", underling Riyadh's move to contain the crisis.

Reuters said that there would now be delay in US-backed talks on normalisation of ties with Israel.

Until Hamas' attack on Israel on October 7, both Saudi Arabia and Israel had been saying that they were moving towards a normalisation deal. This had potential to reshape the geopolitical scenario in the Middle East.

Saudi Arabia is home to Islam's two holiest sites. The kingdom had reportedly indicated till recently that it would not allow its pursuit of a U.S. defence pact be derailed even if Israel did not offer significant concessions to the Palestinians in the their bid for statehood.

As the Israel-Hamas conflict completes a week, at least 1300 Israelis have been killed till now. On the Palestinian side, 1900 people have lost lives.

Watch | Israel-Palestine war: Israelis slam authorities for intel failure

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Reuters said that Saudi Arabia is not in a mood to continue normalisation talks with Israel for now and Israeli concessions for Palestinians may assume greater importance in the kingdom's calculus.

<h2>A 'taboo'</h2>

"Normalisation was already considered taboo (in the Arab world) ... this war only amplifies that," Saudi analyst Aziz Alghashian said as quoted by Reuters.

The US has been working for greater intergration of Israel with the Arab world that immediately surrounds it geohraphically. Washington has been keen to build on the Abraham Accords which saw normalisation of ties between Israel and some Gulf states, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-video-shows-fighters-with-captive-israeli-children-report-646586">Hamas video shows fighters with captive Israeli children: Report</a>

On its part, the US has maintained that normalisation process has not been abandoned.

US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said in a White House briefing earlier this week that normalisation effort was "not on hold" but also added that the focus was now on other immediate challenges, an apparent reference to Israel-Hamas war.

(With inputs from agencies)

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&nbsp;

Saudi Arabia is reportedly putting plans of normalisation of ties with Israel on the back burner in light of the latest conflict between Israel and Hamas, Reuters reported citing sources.

Saudi Arabia is reportedly putting plans of normalisation of ties with Israel on the back burner in light of the latest conflict between Israel and Hamas, Reuters reported citing sources. This has signalled rapid rethinking of its foreign policy amid escalation of situation in the Middle East. The conflict has pushed Saudi Arabia to engage more with Iran, its regional foe. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman spoke with Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi with a view to prevent broader surge in violence which may span the entire Middle East. A Saudi statement said the crown prince told Raisi "the kingdom is exerting maximum effort to engage with all international and regional parties to halt the ongoing escalation", underling Riyadh's move to contain the crisis. Reuters said that there would now be delay in US-backed talks on normalisation of ties with Israel. Until Hamas' attack on Israel on October 7, both Saudi Arabia and Israel had been saying that they were moving towards a normalisation deal. This had potential to reshape the geopolitical scenario in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia is home to Islam's two holiest sites. The kingdom had reportedly indicated till recently that it would not allow its pursuit of a U.S. defence pact be derailed even if Israel did not offer significant concessions to the Palestinians in the their bid for statehood. As the Israel-Hamas conflict completes a week, at least 1300 Israelis have been killed till now. On the Palestinian side, 1900 people have lost lives. Watch | Israel-Palestine war: Israelis slam authorities for intel failure × Reuters said that Saudi Arabia is not in a mood to continue normalisation talks with Israel for now and Israeli concessions for Palestinians may assume greater importance in the kingdom's calculus. A 'taboo' "Normalisation was already considered taboo (in the Arab world) ... this war only amplifies that," Saudi analyst Aziz Alghashian said as quoted by Reuters. The US has been working for greater intergration of Israel with the Arab world that immediately surrounds it geohraphically. Washington has been keen to build on the Abraham Accords which saw normalisation of ties between Israel and some Gulf states, including the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Also Read | Hamas video shows fighters with captive Israeli children: Report On its part, the US has maintained that normalisation process has not been abandoned. US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said in a White House briefing earlier this week that normalisation effort was "not on hold" but also added that the focus was now on other immediate challenges, an apparent reference to Israel-Hamas war. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Saudi Arabia puts normalisation of ties with Israel on hold: Report

A video released by Hamas on Friday (October 13), showed militants with Israeli children they had captured during the cross-border attack, said Reuters. Israel has been alleging that the Palestinians had slain children.

The video reportedly shows balaclava-clad militants who are bandaging the foot of an Israeli child while others can be seen carrying infants. A caption during the video says it was filmed at Holit. It is one of Israeli border communities stormed by Hamas killing hundreds of people.

"See the mercy in our hearts, here are the children, we did not kill them as you do,” an unnamed militant in the video said.

Holit, is a kibbutz or communal farm located just 2 kilometre (1.2 miles) from Gaza. It was one of the targets during Hamas' surprise attack on October 7.

Israeli Defense Forces (IDF)&nbsp; pounced on the video and underlined the 'cries' and 'fear' of the children. IDF posted a video on X (formerly Twitter) containing some of the same visuals from the Hamas video.

"You can see their injuries, hear their cries and feel them trembling from fear as these children are held hostage in their own homes by Hamas terrorists and their parents lie there dead in the next room. These are the terrorists that we are going to defeat," posted IDF.

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You can see their injuries, 
hear their cries 
and feel them trembling from fear as these children are held hostage in their own homes by Hamas terrorists and their parents lie there dead in the next room. 
 
These are the terrorists that we are going to defeat. <a href="https://t.co/myDsGnOzT1">pic.twitter.com/myDsGnOzT1</a>
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) <a href="https://twitter.com/IDF/status/1713026330692899324?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 14, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Till the morning of October 14, the death toll on the Israeli side had crossed the 1300-mark while at least 1900 people were killed on the Palestinian side.

Watch | Israel-Palestine war: Israelis slam authorities for intel failure

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Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office has also released on social media a picture of a dead infant in a pool of blood and the charred body of a child, part of an apparent effort to stoke global anger against the Gaza militants over the recent attack.

Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-puts-normalisation-with-israel-on-ice-report-646613">Saudi Arabia puts normalisation with Israel on ice: Report</a>

Since the surprise attack from Hamas, Israel has responded with most devastating air-strikes in its 75-year conflict with Palestinians. As of Saturday (Oct 14), at least 1300 people have been killed on Israeli side while at least 1800 deaths have occurred on Palestinian side.

(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.

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&nbsp;

A video released by Hamas on Friday (October 13), showed militants with Israeli children they had captured during the cross-border attack, said Reuters. Israel has been alleging that the Palestinians had slain children.

A video released by Hamas on Friday (October 13), showed militants with Israeli children they had captured during the cross-border attack, said Reuters. Israel has been alleging that the Palestinians had slain children. The video reportedly shows balaclava-clad militants who are bandaging the foot of an Israeli child while others can be seen carrying infants. A caption during the video says it was filmed at Holit. It is one of Israeli border communities stormed by Hamas killing hundreds of people. "See the mercy in our hearts, here are the children, we did not kill them as you do,” an unnamed militant in the video said. Holit, is a kibbutz or communal farm located just 2 kilometre (1.2 miles) from Gaza. It was one of the targets during Hamas' surprise attack on October 7. Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) pounced on the video and underlined the 'cries' and 'fear' of the children. IDF posted a video on X (formerly Twitter) containing some of the same visuals from the Hamas video. "You can see their injuries, hear their cries and feel them trembling from fear as these children are held hostage in their own homes by Hamas terrorists and their parents lie there dead in the next room. These are the terrorists that we are going to defeat," posted IDF. You can see their injuries, hear their cries and feel them trembling from fear as these children are held hostage in their own homes by Hamas terrorists and their parents lie there dead in the next room. These are the terrorists that we are going to defeat. pic.twitter.com/myDsGnOzT1 — Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) October 14, 2023 × Till the morning of October 14, the death toll on the Israeli side had crossed the 1300-mark while at least 1900 people were killed on the Palestinian side. Watch | Israel-Palestine war: Israelis slam authorities for intel failure × Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office has also released on social media a picture of a dead infant in a pool of blood and the charred body of a child, part of an apparent effort to stoke global anger against the Gaza militants over the recent attack. Also Read | Saudi Arabia puts normalisation with Israel on ice: Report Since the surprise attack from Hamas, Israel has responded with most devastating air-strikes in its 75-year conflict with Palestinians. As of Saturday (Oct 14), at least 1300 people have been killed on Israeli side while at least 1800 deaths have occurred on Palestinian side. (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. You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Hamas video shows fighters with captive Israeli children: Report

Amidst the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, a Stanford University lecturer has come under scrutiny for allegedly singling out Jewish and Israeli students during mandatory undergraduate classes on Tuesday (Oct 10), media reports said. This is yet another controversy that erupted days after Billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman asked Harvard to release the names of their 30 students who signed a letter blaming Israel solely for the terror attacks by Hamas that took place over last weekend.&nbsp;

Reports from Jewish student leaders at the California university revealed that this instructor identified students based on their backgrounds and identities during a class named "civil, liberal, and global education."

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-puts-normalisation-with-israel-on-ice-report-646613">Saudi Arabia puts normalisation with Israel on ice: Report</a>

According to Rabbi Dov Greenberg, director of the Chabad Stanford Jewish Center, who spoke to three of the 18 students present, the lecturer directed these students to stand apart and purportedly made the statement, "This is what Israel does to Palestinians," as relayed by students to Greenberg.

The situation further escalated when the instructor asked about the Holocaust's death toll.

When a student replied, "six million," the lecturer allegedly responded, "Yes. Only six million," and went on to assert, "Colonisers killed more than six million. Israel is a coloniser."

Leaders of Stanford's Israeli Student Association spoke with students who were in the classroom and collected additional details regarding the incident.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-fatal-stabbing-of-teacher-linked-to-israel-hamas-war-646608">France: Fatal stabbing of teacher ‘linked’ to Israel-Hamas war</a>

According to their accounts, the lecturer began by attributing blame for the conflict to Zionists and attempting to justify Hamas'&nbsp;actions as part of a legitimate resistance movement.

The lecturer downplayed the tragic loss of Jewish lives during the Holocaust by claiming that colonisation had caused more casualties than the Shoah&nbsp;(a Hebrew word that is often used to refer to the Holocaust).

Furthermore, it was reported that the instructor asked students to disclose their ancestral origins and labelled them as "colonisers" or "colonised" based on their responses.

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gaza-nowhere-to-go-as-humanitarian-crisis-reaches-dangerous-new-low-646637">Gaza: Nowhere to go, as humanitarian crisis reaches 'dangerous new low'</a>

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When a student stated they were from Israel, the lecturer purportedly retorted, "Oh, definitely a coloniser."&nbsp;

In response to the situation, Stanford President Richard Saller and Provost Jenny Martinez issued a statement acknowledging the "serious concern" raised by these reports.

He noted that the lecturer has been suspended from teaching duties pending an investigation and that academic freedom does not allow for the targeting of students based on their identities.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Amidst the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, a Stanford University lecturer has come under scrutiny for allegedly singling out Jewish and Israeli students during mandatory undergraduate classes on Tuesday (Oct 10), media reports said.

Amidst the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict, a Stanford University lecturer has come under scrutiny for allegedly singling out Jewish and Israeli students during mandatory undergraduate classes on Tuesday (Oct 10), media reports said. This is yet another controversy that erupted days after Billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman asked Harvard to release the names of their 30 students who signed a letter blaming Israel solely for the terror attacks by Hamas that took place over last weekend. Reports from Jewish student leaders at the California university revealed that this instructor identified students based on their backgrounds and identities during a class named "civil, liberal, and global education." Also Read | Saudi Arabia puts normalisation with Israel on ice: Report According to Rabbi Dov Greenberg, director of the Chabad Stanford Jewish Center, who spoke to three of the 18 students present, the lecturer directed these students to stand apart and purportedly made the statement, "This is what Israel does to Palestinians," as relayed by students to Greenberg. The situation further escalated when the instructor asked about the Holocaust's death toll. When a student replied, "six million," the lecturer allegedly responded, "Yes. Only six million," and went on to assert, "Colonisers killed more than six million. Israel is a coloniser." Leaders of Stanford's Israeli Student Association spoke with students who were in the classroom and collected additional details regarding the incident. Also Read | France: Fatal stabbing of teacher ‘linked’ to Israel-Hamas war According to their accounts, the lecturer began by attributing blame for the conflict to Zionists and attempting to justify Hamas' actions as part of a legitimate resistance movement. The lecturer downplayed the tragic loss of Jewish lives during the Holocaust by claiming that colonisation had caused more casualties than the Shoah (a Hebrew word that is often used to refer to the Holocaust). Furthermore, it was reported that the instructor asked students to disclose their ancestral origins and labelled them as "colonisers" or "colonised" based on their responses. Watch | Gaza: Nowhere to go, as humanitarian crisis reaches 'dangerous new low' × When a student stated they were from Israel, the lecturer purportedly retorted, "Oh, definitely a coloniser." In response to the situation, Stanford President Richard Saller and Provost Jenny Martinez issued a statement acknowledging the "serious concern" raised by these reports. He noted that the lecturer has been suspended from teaching duties pending an investigation and that academic freedom does not allow for the targeting of students based on their identities. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Stanford professor singles out Jewish students in classroom, asks Holocaust questions and then does THIS

A Reuters news videographer was killed when an Israeli shell landed on a group of journalists&nbsp;working in southern Lebanon. Six others were wounded in the incident, Associated Press reported.

The six injured journalists were from Reuters, AFP&nbsp;and Al Jazeera.&nbsp;

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that the death of Reuters journalist on frontline&nbsp;"demonstrates the enormous risk of spillover of this conflict, namely in relation to Lebanon".

"We are deeply saddened to learn that our videographer, Issam Abdallah, has been killed," the Reuters statement said.

"We are urgently seeking more information, working with authorities in the region, and supporting Issam’s family and colleagues," Reuters said.

<h2>What happened?</h2>

According to one of the two wounded AFP correspondents, a&nbsp;group of journalists from different media outlets were stationed near the village of Alma al-Shaab, close to the border with Israel, when they were caught in cross-border shelling.

Earlier, a Lebanese security source had told AFP that initial Israeli shelling followed an infiltration attempt by a Palestinian faction from the Lebanese side of the border.&nbsp;

AFP photographer Christina Assi and AFP video journalist Dylan Collins were working in the area. Both were taken to a hospital in Tyre city of Lebanon for treatment.

Two other Reuters reporters, "Thaer Al-Sudani and Maher Nazeh also sustained injuries and are seeking medical care," Reuters said, adding it was "urgently seeking more information".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/true-humanitarian-crisis-gazans-walk-30-km-south-many-sheltering-at-al-shifa-hospital-reluctant-to-move-646463">Gaza student speaks to WION: People walking 30km to escape Israel attack, many camping at hospital</a>

Al Jazeera said two of their reporters were among the wounded, blaming "Israeli bombing on their vehicle". 
 
They named them as Carmen Joukhadar and Elie Brakhya.

"We are deeply concerned that a group of journalists who were clearly identified have been killed and injured while doing their job," said AFP's global news director Phil Chetwynd.

"We send our deepest condolences to our friends at Reuters for the loss of Issam and we are all pulling for our injured colleagues in hospital."

<h2>World leaders react, Israel says will probe the incident</h2>

White House spokesperson Olivia Dalton told reporters on Friday (October 13) that the US President Joe Biden's prayers are with families of a Reuters news videographer who was killed while working in southern Lebanon.

"We know that the work that you all do is incredibly dangerous and today is reminder of that," Dalton said.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/true-humanitarian-crisis-gazans-walk-30-km-south-many-sheltering-at-al-shifa-hospital-reluctant-to-move-646463">Israel-Hamas war: As IDF tanks move towards Gaza, Netanyahu says 'it will take time' to defeat Hamas</a>

Actor George Clooney also&nbsp;reacted to the killing of Reuters journalist Issam Abdallah and described the situation in the region as "heartbreaking".

Meanwhile, Israel's UN Ambassador, Gilad Erdan, said that the country&nbsp;will investigate what happened in southern Lebanon

"We always try to mitigate and avoid civilian casualties. Obviously, we would never want to hit or kill or shoot any journalist that is doing its job," he said. "But you know, we're in a state of war, things might happen. We regret them. We feel sorry. And we will investigate it. Right now, it's too early to call what happened there."

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

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A Reuters news videographer was killed when an Israeli shell landed on a group of journalists working in southern Lebanon. Six others were wounded in the incident, Associated Press reported.

A Reuters news videographer was killed when an Israeli shell landed on a group of journalists working in southern Lebanon. Six others were wounded in the incident, Associated Press reported. The six injured journalists were from Reuters, AFP and Al Jazeera. United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that the death of Reuters journalist on frontline "demonstrates the enormous risk of spillover of this conflict, namely in relation to Lebanon". "We are deeply saddened to learn that our videographer, Issam Abdallah, has been killed," the Reuters statement said. "We are urgently seeking more information, working with authorities in the region, and supporting Issam’s family and colleagues," Reuters said. What happened? According to one of the two wounded AFP correspondents, a group of journalists from different media outlets were stationed near the village of Alma al-Shaab, close to the border with Israel, when they were caught in cross-border shelling. Earlier, a Lebanese security source had told AFP that initial Israeli shelling followed an infiltration attempt by a Palestinian faction from the Lebanese side of the border. AFP photographer Christina Assi and AFP video journalist Dylan Collins were working in the area. Both were taken to a hospital in Tyre city of Lebanon for treatment. Two other Reuters reporters, "Thaer Al-Sudani and Maher Nazeh also sustained injuries and are seeking medical care," Reuters said, adding it was "urgently seeking more information". Also read | Gaza student speaks to WION: People walking 30km to escape Israel attack, many camping at hospital Al Jazeera said two of their reporters were among the wounded, blaming "Israeli bombing on their vehicle". They named them as Carmen Joukhadar and Elie Brakhya. "We are deeply concerned that a group of journalists who were clearly identified have been killed and injured while doing their job," said AFP's global news director Phil Chetwynd. "We send our deepest condolences to our friends at Reuters for the loss of Issam and we are all pulling for our injured colleagues in hospital." World leaders react, Israel says will probe the incident White House spokesperson Olivia Dalton told reporters on Friday (October 13) that the US President Joe Biden's prayers are with families of a Reuters news videographer who was killed while working in southern Lebanon. "We know that the work that you all do is incredibly dangerous and today is reminder of that," Dalton said. Also read | Israel-Hamas war: As IDF tanks move towards Gaza, Netanyahu says 'it will take time' to defeat Hamas Actor George Clooney also reacted to the killing of Reuters journalist Issam Abdallah and described the situation in the region as "heartbreaking". Meanwhile, Israel's UN Ambassador, Gilad Erdan, said that the country will investigate what happened in southern Lebanon "We always try to mitigate and avoid civilian casualties. Obviously, we would never want to hit or kill or shoot any journalist that is doing its job," he said. "But you know, we're in a state of war, things might happen. We regret them. We feel sorry. And we will investigate it. Right now, it's too early to call what happened there." (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Israel-Hamas war: Journalist dead, six wounded in crossfire at frontline; Israel assures probe

Under India-launched Operation Ajay, the second batch of 235 Indian national stranded in Israel amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war arrived in the capital from Tel Aviv on Saturday (Oct 14). The flight landed at Delhi's IGI (Indira Gandhi International Airport) Terminal 3 from the war-hit West Asian nation at 6:31 am on Saturday morning.&nbsp;

Before the arrival,&nbsp;External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar shared an update on the Operation Ajay on X posting, "Flight #2 carrying 235 Indian nationals takes off from Tel Aviv."

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Flight #2 carrying 235 Indian nationals takes off from Tel Aviv. <a href="https://t.co/avrMHAJrT4">pic.twitter.com/avrMHAJrT4</a>
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The flight was also carrying two infants, media reports said. Earlier on Friday (Oct 13) morning, the arrival of the first charter flight took place which repatriated 212 Indian nationals from Israel to India.

The foreign minister announced the repatriation operation days after the Hamas terrorist organisation attacked Israel in a barbaric way, slaughtering men, women, and children of all ages.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-one-journalist-killed-six-wounded-in-shelling-along-lebanon-border-646544">Israel-Hamas war: Journalist dead, six wounded in crossfire at frontline; Israel assures probe</a>

Media reports said that a first-come, first-serve approach is being adopted to choose who will be taken back to India and when. Indian Embassy, has already shared helpline numbers with nationals in Israel as the country continues to reel under rocket attacks by Hamas.

The embassy asked Indians to register themselves in the mission's database. The cost of the repatriation is covered by the Indian government.&nbsp;Operation Ajay was launched on Thursday (Oct 12).&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-as-idf-tanks-move-into-gaza-netanyahu-says-it-will-take-time-to-defeat-hamas-646534">Israel-Hamas war: As IDF tanks move towards Gaza, Netanyahu says 'it will take time' to defeat Hamas</a>

The evacuation of Indian nationals is still ongoing and will continue till everyone who wants to return to India is brought back safely. India has pledged for the safety of its citizens.

Messages and emails are reportedly being sent to the stranded nationals for them to know about the flight information.

Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-palestine-war-what-is-the-source-of-funding-for-hamas-646542">Israel-Hamas war: What is the source of funding for Hamas?</a>

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PTI news agency while quoting a PhD student Suryakant Tiwari said, "I really want to thank the Government of India for evacuating us from the war situation in Israel... Our government has evacuated us from such a situation under 'Operation Ajay'."

Approximately 18,000 Indian nationals, including students, live in Israel.

(With inputs from agencies)

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&nbsp;

Under India-launched Operation Ajay, the second batch of 235 Indian national stranded in Israel amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war arrived in the capital from Tel Aviv on Saturday (Oct 14).

Under India-launched Operation Ajay, the second batch of 235 Indian national stranded in Israel amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war arrived in the capital from Tel Aviv on Saturday (Oct 14). The flight landed at Delhi's IGI (Indira Gandhi International Airport) Terminal 3 from the war-hit West Asian nation at 6:31 am on Saturday morning. Before the arrival, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar shared an update on the Operation Ajay on X posting, "Flight #2 carrying 235 Indian nationals takes off from Tel Aviv." #OperationAjay Flight #2 carrying 235 Indian nationals takes off from Tel Aviv. pic.twitter.com/avrMHAJrT4 — Dr. S. Jaishankar (@DrSJaishankar) October 13, 2023 × The flight was also carrying two infants, media reports said. Earlier on Friday (Oct 13) morning, the arrival of the first charter flight took place which repatriated 212 Indian nationals from Israel to India. The foreign minister announced the repatriation operation days after the Hamas terrorist organisation attacked Israel in a barbaric way, slaughtering men, women, and children of all ages. Also Read | Israel-Hamas war: Journalist dead, six wounded in crossfire at frontline; Israel assures probe Media reports said that a first-come, first-serve approach is being adopted to choose who will be taken back to India and when. Indian Embassy, has already shared helpline numbers with nationals in Israel as the country continues to reel under rocket attacks by Hamas. The embassy asked Indians to register themselves in the mission's database. The cost of the repatriation is covered by the Indian government. Operation Ajay was launched on Thursday (Oct 12). Also Read | Israel-Hamas war: As IDF tanks move towards Gaza, Netanyahu says 'it will take time' to defeat Hamas The evacuation of Indian nationals is still ongoing and will continue till everyone who wants to return to India is brought back safely. India has pledged for the safety of its citizens. Messages and emails are reportedly being sent to the stranded nationals for them to know about the flight information. Watch | Israel-Hamas war: What is the source of funding for Hamas? × PTI news agency while quoting a PhD student Suryakant Tiwari said, "I really want to thank the Government of India for evacuating us from the war situation in Israel... Our government has evacuated us from such a situation under 'Operation Ajay'." Approximately 18,000 Indian nationals, including students, live in Israel. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Israel-Hamas war: Second batch of 235 Indians arrives in India under Operation Ajay

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu in his latest address to the nation said: "We will eliminate Hamas, we will defeat Hamas. It will take time."

"This is just the beginning. Our enemies have only just begun to pay the price but I won't go into detail," said Netanyahu as the war between Hamas and Israel entered the seventh day on Saturday, October 14.&nbsp;

<h2>IDF are&nbsp;'fighting like lions': Netanyahu&nbsp;</h2>

Netanyahu described Israel's retaliatory response as 'fight for the homeland', adding that the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) are&nbsp;"fighting like lions.”

"Much more will be told of the heroism of our people in the dark days of deep pain of that cursed Shabbat — stories that will be etched into Israel’s identity," he said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/true-humanitarian-crisis-gazans-walk-30-km-south-many-sheltering-at-al-shifa-hospital-reluctant-to-move-646463">Gaza student speaks to WION: People walking 30km to escape Israel attack, many camping at hospital</a>

"We will never forget the atrocities that our enemies carried out," he says, "and we will never forgive. And we will never let the world, or anyone, forget these atrocities, [of a kind] that were not done to the Jewish people in many decades."

Reflecting on cumulative response of the West to&nbsp;the ongoing state of war in Israel, Netanyahu said that&nbsp;Israel is garnering "immense international support" in its fights against Hamas.&nbsp;

Also watch |&nbsp;Israelis transitioning from grief to action and resilience

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"We are ensuring the continuation of the war, with more ammunition and weaponry coming to Israel," he said.

"We will destroy Hamas, and we will win. It will take time," Netanyahu says, "but we will end this war stronger than ever."

<h2>Wartime fissures emerging in Israel's 'unity government'?</h2>

Shortly after Netanyahu's address, Opposition chairman Yair Lapid, who is also the part of Israel's 'unity government', slammed Netanyahu for the purported absence of substance in his&nbsp;primetime address.

"It is not unacceptable for the prime minister of Israel to send an entire country into a whirlwind of panic while waiting for his statement on Friday night during a time of emergency and then not say anything new either about the families of the abductees, not about the northern front, not about evacuation," Lapid wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter.

"Such statements must not made by a prime minister unless he has new information to bring to his people and the country," he added.

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Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu in his latest address to the nation said: "We will eliminate Hamas, we will defeat Hamas. It will take time." "This is just the beginning.

Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu in his latest address to the nation said: "We will eliminate Hamas, we will defeat Hamas. It will take time." "This is just the beginning. Our enemies have only just begun to pay the price but I won't go into detail," said Netanyahu as the war between Hamas and Israel entered the seventh day on Saturday, October 14. IDF are 'fighting like lions': Netanyahu Netanyahu described Israel's retaliatory response as 'fight for the homeland', adding that the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) are "fighting like lions.” "Much more will be told of the heroism of our people in the dark days of deep pain of that cursed Shabbat — stories that will be etched into Israel’s identity," he said. Also read | Gaza student speaks to WION: People walking 30km to escape Israel attack, many camping at hospital "We will never forget the atrocities that our enemies carried out," he says, "and we will never forgive. And we will never let the world, or anyone, forget these atrocities, [of a kind] that were not done to the Jewish people in many decades." Reflecting on cumulative response of the West to the ongoing state of war in Israel, Netanyahu said that Israel is garnering "immense international support" in its fights against Hamas. Also watch | Israelis transitioning from grief to action and resilience × "We are ensuring the continuation of the war, with more ammunition and weaponry coming to Israel," he said. "We will destroy Hamas, and we will win. It will take time," Netanyahu says, "but we will end this war stronger than ever." Wartime fissures emerging in Israel's 'unity government'? Shortly after Netanyahu's address, Opposition chairman Yair Lapid, who is also the part of Israel's 'unity government', slammed Netanyahu for the purported absence of substance in his primetime address. "It is not unacceptable for the prime minister of Israel to send an entire country into a whirlwind of panic while waiting for his statement on Friday night during a time of emergency and then not say anything new either about the families of the abductees, not about the northern front, not about evacuation," Lapid wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter. "Such statements must not made by a prime minister unless he has new information to bring to his people and the country," he added. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Israel-Hamas war: As IDF tanks move towards Gaza, Netanyahu says ‘it will take time’ to defeat Hamas

A ‘top secret’ document allegedly prepared by the terrorist group Hamas has revealed that it had a detailed plan ready to target elementary schools and a youth centre in the Israeli kibbutz of Kfar Sa'ad, and the plan involved killing “as many people as possible.”

The document, widely circulating in international media, was recovered from some of the bodies of slain terrorists by Israeli troops and first responders.&nbsp;

The document, which appears to be an attack plan labelled ‘top secret’ in Arabic, directed two trained units to surround and target villages and other civilian sites.

<h2>Details inside two-page attack plan</h2>

One page labelled “Top Secret” outlines a plan of attack for Kfar Sa’ad, saying “Combat unit 1” is directed to “contain the new Da’at school,” while “Combat unit 2” is to “collect hostages,” “search the Bnei Akiva youth centre” and “search the old Da’at school.”

Another page labelled “Top Secret Maneuver” describes a plan for a Hamas unit to secure the east side of Kfar Sa’ad while a second unit controls the west. It says “kills as many as possible” and “capture hostages”. Other orders include surrounding a dining hall and holding hostages in it.

Watch:&nbsp;Israel-Palestine war: Israel releases photos of babies allegedly murdered by Hamas

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Several documents are currently being examined by Israeli officials. It must be noted that surveillance footage captured on October 7 reveals tactics employed by Hamas militants actually aligned with those described in the ‘top secret’ document.

<h2>Documents contradict Hamas’ recent claims</h2>

This coordinated attack plan contradicts recent claims made by Hamas, denying responsibility for the death of children. A video released by Hamas on Friday showed armed terrorists feeding Israeli children who were taken hostage, including infants.

The Hamas documents, along with footage of the aftermath of the massacre and accounts from witnesses and first responders, paint a grim picture. Kibbutz Kfar Aza suffered severely in the unprecedented terrorist attack on the morning of Saturday, October 7.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/willing-to-fight-for-isreal-expat-indian-tells-wion-recounts-alarm-after-suspected-aerial-assault-646028">Also read:&nbsp;`Willing to fight for Israel`, expat Indian tells WION, recounts alarm after suspected `aerial assault`</a>

In response to these events, Israel's military has issued a warning to the 1.1 million residents of northern Gaza, urging them to evacuate their homes. This comes as a clear indication that Israel is preparing to intensify its retaliatory actions against Hamas.

So far, 1,300 people have been killed on the Israeli side. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is also worsening, with dire warnings of a potential famine, and the Palestinian health ministry reporting a death toll of at least 1,900 people in Gaza.

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

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&nbsp;

A ‘top secret’ document allegedly prepared by the terrorist group Hamas has revealed that it had a detailed plan ready to target elementary schools and a youth centre in the Israeli kibbutz of Kfar Sa'ad, and the plan involved killing “as many people as possible.

A ‘top secret’ document allegedly prepared by the terrorist group Hamas has revealed that it had a detailed plan ready to target elementary schools and a youth centre in the Israeli kibbutz of Kfar Sa'ad, and the plan involved killing “as many people as possible.” The document, widely circulating in international media, was recovered from some of the bodies of slain terrorists by Israeli troops and first responders. The document, which appears to be an attack plan labelled ‘top secret’ in Arabic, directed two trained units to surround and target villages and other civilian sites. Details inside two-page attack plan One page labelled “Top Secret” outlines a plan of attack for Kfar Sa’ad, saying “Combat unit 1” is directed to “contain the new Da’at school,” while “Combat unit 2” is to “collect hostages,” “search the Bnei Akiva youth centre” and “search the old Da’at school.” Another page labelled “Top Secret Maneuver” describes a plan for a Hamas unit to secure the east side of Kfar Sa’ad while a second unit controls the west. It says “kills as many as possible” and “capture hostages”. Other orders include surrounding a dining hall and holding hostages in it. Watch: Israel-Palestine war: Israel releases photos of babies allegedly murdered by Hamas × Several documents are currently being examined by Israeli officials. It must be noted that surveillance footage captured on October 7 reveals tactics employed by Hamas militants actually aligned with those described in the ‘top secret’ document. Documents contradict Hamas’ recent claims This coordinated attack plan contradicts recent claims made by Hamas, denying responsibility for the death of children. A video released by Hamas on Friday showed armed terrorists feeding Israeli children who were taken hostage, including infants. The Hamas documents, along with footage of the aftermath of the massacre and accounts from witnesses and first responders, paint a grim picture. Kibbutz Kfar Aza suffered severely in the unprecedented terrorist attack on the morning of Saturday, October 7. Also read: `Willing to fight for Israel`, expat Indian tells WION, recounts alarm after suspected `aerial assault` In response to these events, Israel's military has issued a warning to the 1.1 million residents of northern Gaza, urging them to evacuate their homes. This comes as a clear indication that Israel is preparing to intensify its retaliatory actions against Hamas. So far, 1,300 people have been killed on the Israeli side. The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is also worsening, with dire warnings of a potential famine, and the Palestinian health ministry reporting a death toll of at least 1,900 people in Gaza. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

‘Top secret’ document reveals Hamas’ sinister plan to target schools and children

In a seeming spread of violence due to Hamas’ surprise attack on Israel, as many as 44 Palestinians have been killed, since Saturday (Oct 7) according to the Palestinian health ministry, while more than 200 wanted Palestinians have been arrested across the West Bank, said the Israeli army.&nbsp;

<h2>Nine killed in West Bank due to Israeli fire: Palestinian health ministry</h2>

At least nine Palestinians were killed on Friday (Oct 13) by Israeli fire across several cities and towns in the occupied West Bank during rallies in solidarity with the war-battered Gaza Strip, reported news agency AFP.&nbsp;

According to AFP and security officials, clashes erupted in West Bank’s Ramallah, Nablus, Tulkarm, Hebron and other cities and towns nearly a week after Hamas launched a surprise attack against Israel, which later spiralled into an all-out war.

So far, Israel has reported the deaths of more than 1,300 people, including army personnel and civilians. Meanwhile, in Gaza, over 1799 Palestinians have been killed, according to the health ministry.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/palestinian-killed-amid-settler-violence-in-west-bank-over-50-injured-after-clashes-with-israeli-military-643488">Palestinian killed amid settler violence in West Bank; over 50 injured after clashes with Israeli military</a>

The Palestinian health ministry in Gaza has also reported the death of at least 44 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank since Saturday.&nbsp;

As of Friday (Oct 13) afternoon, the ministry reported “nine martyrs by occupation (Israeli) bullets in the West Bank” and some 130 wounded across multiple locations, some critically, according to AFP.&nbsp;

The news agency citing the Palestinian health ministry said that out of the nine deaths on Friday, at least three were reported in Tulkarm. A 14-year-old boy was also killed in Beit Furik, near Nablus, sources told AFP.&nbsp;

Deaths were also recorded in Beit Ula, Tammun, Bethlehem and Hebron, said the Palestinian health ministry in separate statements, as per AFP.&nbsp;

<h2>More than 200 people arrested in West Bank: IDF</h2>

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said that they have arrested 220 wanted Palestinians across the West Bank, including 130 affiliated with Hamas since the fighting began on Saturday, according to the Times of Israel.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/middle-east/nine-killed-20-injured-amid-israeli-troops-west-bank-raid-say-palestinians-556313">Nine killed, 20 injured amid Israeli troops' West Bank raid, say Palestinians</a>

On Thursday night, 32 Hamas members were arrested by the IDF, among them senior members detained in the southern West Bank city of Hebron.&nbsp;

There have been multiple reports of clashes erupting between the Israeli army and Palestinians in the West Bank in recent days, particularly since the fighting between Hamas and Israel began.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
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In a seeming spread of violence due to Hamas’ surprise attack on Israel, as many as 44 Palestinians have been killed, since Saturday (Oct 7) according to the Palestinian health ministry, while more than 200 wanted Palestinians have been arrested across the West Bank, said the Israeli army.

In a seeming spread of violence due to Hamas’ surprise attack on Israel, as many as 44 Palestinians have been killed, since Saturday (Oct 7) according to the Palestinian health ministry, while more than 200 wanted Palestinians have been arrested across the West Bank, said the Israeli army. Nine killed in West Bank due to Israeli fire: Palestinian health ministry At least nine Palestinians were killed on Friday (Oct 13) by Israeli fire across several cities and towns in the occupied West Bank during rallies in solidarity with the war-battered Gaza Strip, reported news agency AFP. According to AFP and security officials, clashes erupted in West Bank’s Ramallah, Nablus, Tulkarm, Hebron and other cities and towns nearly a week after Hamas launched a surprise attack against Israel, which later spiralled into an all-out war. So far, Israel has reported the deaths of more than 1,300 people, including army personnel and civilians. Meanwhile, in Gaza, over 1799 Palestinians have been killed, according to the health ministry. ALSO READ | Palestinian killed amid settler violence in West Bank; over 50 injured after clashes with Israeli military The Palestinian health ministry in Gaza has also reported the death of at least 44 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank since Saturday. As of Friday (Oct 13) afternoon, the ministry reported “nine martyrs by occupation (Israeli) bullets in the West Bank” and some 130 wounded across multiple locations, some critically, according to AFP. The news agency citing the Palestinian health ministry said that out of the nine deaths on Friday, at least three were reported in Tulkarm. A 14-year-old boy was also killed in Beit Furik, near Nablus, sources told AFP. Deaths were also recorded in Beit Ula, Tammun, Bethlehem and Hebron, said the Palestinian health ministry in separate statements, as per AFP. More than 200 people arrested in West Bank: IDF The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said that they have arrested 220 wanted Palestinians across the West Bank, including 130 affiliated with Hamas since the fighting began on Saturday, according to the Times of Israel. ALSO READ | Nine killed, 20 injured amid Israeli troops' West Bank raid, say Palestinians On Thursday night, 32 Hamas members were arrested by the IDF, among them senior members detained in the southern West Bank city of Hebron. There have been multiple reports of clashes erupting between the Israeli army and Palestinians in the West Bank in recent days, particularly since the fighting between Hamas and Israel began. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Israel-Hamas war: At least 44 Palestinians killed in West Bank, more than 200 arrested, since Saturday

The iShares MSCI Israel exchange-traded fund (ETF), the largest ETF with exposure to Israeli stocks, is experiencing substantial outflows as tensions between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas escalate, raising concerns about a broader conflict. The $116.92 million fund is on track for its worst weekly performance in a month, with net outflows of $4.94 million, according to Lipper data.

Aniket Ullal, head of ETF data and analytics at CFRA, an investment research firm, told Reuters that the fund has more domestic exposure due to its holdings in Mizrahi and other financial services companies. Financials constitute over a third of the fund's holdings as of September 30, with tech shares representing the second-largest sector.

The iShares fund dipped 1.1 per cent to $49.4 on Thursday, reaching its lowest point since May 2020. It has recorded a nearly 9 per cent decline this week, as Israeli and global markets experienced a sell-off in response to Hamas sending fighters into Israel over the weekend, resulting in casualties on both sides.

Israel's retaliatory air and artillery strikes have caused more than 1,400 Palestinian casualties and the destruction of entire neighbourhoods in the Gaza Strip.

On the other hand, the net flows for the other two ETFs exposed to Israeli stocks, the ARK Israel Innovative Technology ETF and the BlueStar Israel Technology, have remained negligible so far this week.

According to Reuters, Steven Schoenfeld, CEO of MarketVector Indexes, the creator of the ITEQ ETF, expressed confidence in Israeli technology companies with global exposure, suggesting they are likely to outperform domestically oriented Israeli firms during this period of war and regional tensions.

(With inputs from Reuters)

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The iShares MSCI Israel exchange-traded fund (ETF), the largest ETF with exposure to Israeli stocks, is experiencing substantial outflows as tensions between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas escalate, raising concerns about a broader conflict.

The iShares MSCI Israel exchange-traded fund (ETF), the largest ETF with exposure to Israeli stocks, is experiencing substantial outflows as tensions between Israel and the Palestinian group Hamas escalate, raising concerns about a broader conflict. The $116.92 million fund is on track for its worst weekly performance in a month, with net outflows of $4.94 million, according to Lipper data. Aniket Ullal, head of ETF data and analytics at CFRA, an investment research firm, told Reuters that the fund has more domestic exposure due to its holdings in Mizrahi and other financial services companies. Financials constitute over a third of the fund's holdings as of September 30, with tech shares representing the second-largest sector. The iShares fund dipped 1.1 per cent to $49.4 on Thursday, reaching its lowest point since May 2020. It has recorded a nearly 9 per cent decline this week, as Israeli and global markets experienced a sell-off in response to Hamas sending fighters into Israel over the weekend, resulting in casualties on both sides. Israel's retaliatory air and artillery strikes have caused more than 1,400 Palestinian casualties and the destruction of entire neighbourhoods in the Gaza Strip. On the other hand, the net flows for the other two ETFs exposed to Israeli stocks, the ARK Israel Innovative Technology ETF and the BlueStar Israel Technology, have remained negligible so far this week. According to Reuters, Steven Schoenfeld, CEO of MarketVector Indexes, the creator of the ITEQ ETF, expressed confidence in Israeli technology companies with global exposure, suggesting they are likely to outperform domestically oriented Israeli firms during this period of war and regional tensions. (With inputs from Reuters) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Israel-Hamas War: Largest Israel ETF sees significant outflows

Trigger warning: Some readers may find details of this report disturbing. Discretion is advised.

Hamas on Thursday "firmly" denied involvement in the killing and beheading of infants. Responding to the accusations, a spokesperson for the militant outfit said that allegations were "unethically and unprofessionally adopted by western media outlets."&nbsp;

<h2>Hamas allege media bias</h2>

In a video statement, Basim Naim, an official with Hamas' information office, as quoted by CNN, called on the media "to abide by the journalistic code of ethics".

"We firmly deny these allegations as we reject this media bias, and we call on media to abide by the journalistic code of ethics," said Naim.

Calling Hamas' recent large-scale surprise attack on Israel a "defensive" and "internally Palestinian" operation, the official said that it "targeted only the Israeli military bases and compounds."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/horrible-horrible-images-war-correspondent-stands-by-report-of-beheadings-of-israeli-babies-645754">I wish that it wasn't true: War correspondent stands by report of beheadings of Israeli babies</a>

Naim further stated that there were explicit directives "from the top commanders of Al Qassam Brigades (Hamas' military wing) to avoid targeting civilians or killing them."

The Hamas spokesperson also commented on the hostages held by the group and said that they will be treated "in accordance with our religious values and the rules of international humanitarian law".&nbsp;As per Israeli authorities, Hamas militants are currently holding as many as 150 people hostage in Gaza.

Naim also claimed that the group was "really worried" about their safety due to Israeli aggression.

"We are really worried that since the Israeli aggression is everywhere in Gaza, they might be the victims of the Israeli army bombardment just like our people," he claimed.

Watch |&nbsp;Israel-Palestine war: Israel releases photos of babies allegedly murdered by Hamas | Gravitas

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<h2>Israel releases&nbsp;horrifying photos</h2>

This statement by Hamas comes, as on Thursday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office released "horrifying images" of two babies, their bodies burned beyond recognition and one of an infant's bloodstained body.

Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media.

<img alt="Beheaded babies" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="52b025dc-882a-4de4-86e1-69b16316c4de" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/New%20wion%20-%202023-10-13T143641.114.jpg" />

Images blurred due to their sensitive nature.

These images were shared in an apparent attempt to stoke global anger against the militants who, on October 7th, launched an unprecedented surprise attack on Israel.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who on Thursday reached Israel in a show of solidarity, was shown these pictures.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trigger-warning-israel-pms-x-account-shares-photos-of-babies-allegedly-killed-by-hamas-646017">TRIGGER WARNING: Israel PM's X account shares photos of babies allegedly killed by Hamas</a>

Talking to the press, Blinken&nbsp;said he has seen photographs and videos of a baby riddled with bullets, soldiers beheaded and young people burned alive in their cars or hiding places.

Calling it "simply depravity in the worst imaginable way," the US Secretary of State stated that "Images are worth a thousand words," but that "these images may be worth a million."

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

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Trigger warning: Some readers may find details of this report disturbing. Discretion is advised. Hamas on Thursday "firmly" denied involvement in the killing and beheading of infants.

Trigger warning: Some readers may find details of this report disturbing. Discretion is advised. Hamas on Thursday "firmly" denied involvement in the killing and beheading of infants. Responding to the accusations, a spokesperson for the militant outfit said that allegations were "unethically and unprofessionally adopted by western media outlets." Hamas allege media bias In a video statement, Basim Naim, an official with Hamas' information office, as quoted by CNN, called on the media "to abide by the journalistic code of ethics". "We firmly deny these allegations as we reject this media bias, and we call on media to abide by the journalistic code of ethics," said Naim. Calling Hamas' recent large-scale surprise attack on Israel a "defensive" and "internally Palestinian" operation, the official said that it "targeted only the Israeli military bases and compounds." Also read | I wish that it wasn't true: War correspondent stands by report of beheadings of Israeli babies Naim further stated that there were explicit directives "from the top commanders of Al Qassam Brigades (Hamas' military wing) to avoid targeting civilians or killing them." The Hamas spokesperson also commented on the hostages held by the group and said that they will be treated "in accordance with our religious values and the rules of international humanitarian law". As per Israeli authorities, Hamas militants are currently holding as many as 150 people hostage in Gaza. Naim also claimed that the group was "really worried" about their safety due to Israeli aggression. "We are really worried that since the Israeli aggression is everywhere in Gaza, they might be the victims of the Israeli army bombardment just like our people," he claimed. Watch | Israel-Palestine war: Israel releases photos of babies allegedly murdered by Hamas | Gravitas Israel releases horrifying photos This statement by Hamas comes, as on Thursday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office released "horrifying images" of two babies, their bodies burned beyond recognition and one of an infant's bloodstained body. Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media. Images blurred due to their sensitive nature. These images were shared in an apparent attempt to stoke global anger against the militants who, on October 7th, launched an unprecedented surprise attack on Israel. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who on Thursday reached Israel in a show of solidarity, was shown these pictures. Also read | TRIGGER WARNING: Israel PM's X account shares photos of babies allegedly killed by Hamas Talking to the press, Blinken said he has seen photographs and videos of a baby riddled with bullets, soldiers beheaded and young people burned alive in their cars or hiding places. Calling it "simply depravity in the worst imaginable way," the US Secretary of State stated that "Images are worth a thousand words," but that "these images may be worth a million." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Hamas denies involvement in killing and beheading of babies, alleges 'media bias'

Amid the disheartening headlines of conflict-ridden regions in West Asia and Ukraine, a parallel battle is unfolding in the world of economics. Economists are diligently calculating the financial toll of these geopolitical fractures, and the numbers are far from reassuring.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has just released its latest World Economic Outlook, and one word echoes through its pages— "fragmentation." Mentioned 172 times in the report, it's a stark reminder of the growing divide in the world. A mere five years ago, this term appeared just once. The reason for this surge is clear: economists and investors alike are alarmed by the potential impact of strife on global growth. The disintegration of countries into exclusive trading blocs threatens to erode annual global GDP by up to 7%.

To underscore the gravity of the situation, the IMF's models are based on the voting blocs that formed after Russia's invasion of Ukraine—a world where China and Russia stand aligned against the West.

Companies aren't immune to this growing concern. A rise in the usage of keywords related to fragmentation, particularly in the commodities sector, has been noted.

The Bank for International Settlements (BIS) steps into this complex web with a unique bottom-up approach. Their exhaustive analysis of companies' financial data and their customer-supplier relationships reveals a shifting landscape. Global value chains are indeed undergoing a transformation, with a focus on building shorter, more resilient supplier relationships. Dependency on cross-border suppliers has decreased, especially in one-step sourcing from China for Western companies.

However, the result isn't the creation of Western-only regional trade networks but a reshuffling of supply chains. Supply chains are growing more complex, expanding the "distance" between raw materials and end users. This carries several implications. Western firms remain exposed to geopolitical uncertainties. Oversight challenges arise for corporate boards, and inflation becomes a real concern, as the "slowbalisation" phenomenon replaces globalization.

The message is clear: it's not just the threat of a cold war-style ban on trade between geopolitical blocs that should concern us. A more intricate web of supply chains will inevitably raise costs and potentially curb growth. As consumers, we might consider this a price worth paying for national security and corporate resilience. However, it heralds a markedly different world from what we've known in recent decades. Reshuffling, not merely reshoring, is the new watchword.

So, as the world grapples with conflicts, the financial ripples reach us all, altering the global economy and the way we, as consumers, experience it.

Amid the disheartening headlines of conflict-ridden regions in West Asia and Ukraine, a parallel battle is unfolding in the world of economics. Economists are diligently calculating the financial toll of these geopolitical fractures, and the numbers are far from reassuring.

Amid the disheartening headlines of conflict-ridden regions in West Asia and Ukraine, a parallel battle is unfolding in the world of economics. Economists are diligently calculating the financial toll of these geopolitical fractures, and the numbers are far from reassuring. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has just released its latest World Economic Outlook, and one word echoes through its pages— "fragmentation." Mentioned 172 times in the report, it's a stark reminder of the growing divide in the world. A mere five years ago, this term appeared just once. The reason for this surge is clear: economists and investors alike are alarmed by the potential impact of strife on global growth. The disintegration of countries into exclusive trading blocs threatens to erode annual global GDP by up to 7%. To underscore the gravity of the situation, the IMF's models are based on the voting blocs that formed after Russia's invasion of Ukraine—a world where China and Russia stand aligned against the West. Companies aren't immune to this growing concern. A rise in the usage of keywords related to fragmentation, particularly in the commodities sector, has been noted. The Bank for International Settlements (BIS) steps into this complex web with a unique bottom-up approach. Their exhaustive analysis of companies' financial data and their customer-supplier relationships reveals a shifting landscape. Global value chains are indeed undergoing a transformation, with a focus on building shorter, more resilient supplier relationships. Dependency on cross-border suppliers has decreased, especially in one-step sourcing from China for Western companies. However, the result isn't the creation of Western-only regional trade networks but a reshuffling of supply chains. Supply chains are growing more complex, expanding the "distance" between raw materials and end users. This carries several implications. Western firms remain exposed to geopolitical uncertainties. Oversight challenges arise for corporate boards, and inflation becomes a real concern, as the "slowbalisation" phenomenon replaces globalization. The message is clear: it's not just the threat of a cold war-style ban on trade between geopolitical blocs that should concern us. A more intricate web of supply chains will inevitably raise costs and potentially curb growth. As consumers, we might consider this a price worth paying for national security and corporate resilience. However, it heralds a markedly different world from what we've known in recent decades. Reshuffling, not merely reshoring, is the new watchword. So, as the world grapples with conflicts, the financial ripples reach us all, altering the global economy and the way we, as consumers, experience it.

Decoded: How conflicts affect the global consumer

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Friday (Oct 13) said that the Pentagon was ready to deploy more military aid to Israel and called the United States’ support for Israel “iron clad.” This comes as the Israeli army is in the midst of preparing for a likely ground invasion of Gaza in response to a devastating attack by the Palestinian militant group Hamas. &nbsp;

Austin, during a press conference with his Israeli counterpart Yoav Gallant also compared Hamas with the Islamic State jihadists saying that they took “evil to another level”.&nbsp;

<h2>Washington’s ‘iron clad’ support for Israel</h2>

“The U.S. Department of Defense stands fully ready to deploy additional assets if necessary,” said the US secretary of defence in Tel Aviv.&nbsp;

He also said that munitions, air defence capabilities and other equipment and resources were “rapidly flowing” to Washington’s closest ally in the Middle East and that they are “ready to deploy additional forces if necessary.”

He also reiterated Washington’s position and called US’ support for Israel “iron clad” and that they will continue to help Israel to have what it needs to secure its people.&nbsp;

“I am here in Israel to make crystal clear that US support for Israel is iron clad,” said Austin.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-live-israel-closes-on-for-ground-assault-in-gaza-with-right-to-defend-stance-646094">Israel-Hamas war LIVE: Israel supports safe areas for civilians in Gaza, says US</a>

The US intends to stand alongside Israel in its war against Hamas and at the same time will continue to support Ukraine in its fight against the Russian invasion, said Austin.&nbsp;

<h2>Austin compares Hamas to ISIS</h2>

During a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Tel Aviv Austin said he believes that in many ways the Hamas terror group is worse than ISIS.&nbsp;

“We’re with you, Mr. Prime Minister, and as the president said, we have your back,” Austin told Netanyahu, as quoted by Times of Israel.&nbsp;

The US defence secretary also told the Israeli PM, “as you know, I was the guy that initially put the ISIS campaign together and I know a lot about ISIS, and this is worse than what I saw with ISIS.”

“In encountering ISIS I felt as if we were staring evil in the eye – it was truly evil…And what we’ve seen from Hamas, takes that evil to another level,” Austin reiterated his remarks at the press conference, adding that the militant group “does not speak for the Palestinian people.”

There is “never any justification for terrorism and that’s especially true after this rampage by Hamas,” said the US defence secretary.&nbsp;

<h2>Gallant thanks US for support</h2>

During the press conference, the Israeli defence minister thanked the US for their support and that Israel would receive its “second aircraft carrying essential munitions” from Washington for the Israeli military.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-asks-11-million-palestinians-to-evacuate-gaza-city-within-24-hours-646191">Israel vs Hamas war: 1.1 million Palestinians told to vacate Gaza City in 24 hours, Hamas rejects order</a>

“US deployment of assets on land and in air and at sea sends a strong message to our partners and enemies in the region,” the Israeli defence minister said. He also called Hamas as part of an “axis of evil” with Iran.&nbsp;

When asked what he thought about Tehran’s role in the Hamas’ attack from Gaza Gallant said, “It doesn't matter...(because) the idea is an Iranian idea.” &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp; 
 
Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

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US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Friday (Oct 13) said that the Pentagon was ready to deploy more military aid to Israel and called the United States’ support for Israel “iron clad.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Friday (Oct 13) said that the Pentagon was ready to deploy more military aid to Israel and called the United States’ support for Israel “iron clad.” This comes as the Israeli army is in the midst of preparing for a likely ground invasion of Gaza in response to a devastating attack by the Palestinian militant group Hamas. Austin, during a press conference with his Israeli counterpart Yoav Gallant also compared Hamas with the Islamic State jihadists saying that they took “evil to another level”. Washington’s ‘iron clad’ support for Israel “The U.S. Department of Defense stands fully ready to deploy additional assets if necessary,” said the US secretary of defence in Tel Aviv. He also said that munitions, air defence capabilities and other equipment and resources were “rapidly flowing” to Washington’s closest ally in the Middle East and that they are “ready to deploy additional forces if necessary.” He also reiterated Washington’s position and called US’ support for Israel “iron clad” and that they will continue to help Israel to have what it needs to secure its people. “I am here in Israel to make crystal clear that US support for Israel is iron clad,” said Austin. ALSO READ | Israel-Hamas war LIVE: Israel supports safe areas for civilians in Gaza, says US The US intends to stand alongside Israel in its war against Hamas and at the same time will continue to support Ukraine in its fight against the Russian invasion, said Austin. Austin compares Hamas to ISIS During a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Tel Aviv Austin said he believes that in many ways the Hamas terror group is worse than ISIS. “We’re with you, Mr. Prime Minister, and as the president said, we have your back,” Austin told Netanyahu, as quoted by Times of Israel. The US defence secretary also told the Israeli PM, “as you know, I was the guy that initially put the ISIS campaign together and I know a lot about ISIS, and this is worse than what I saw with ISIS.” “In encountering ISIS I felt as if we were staring evil in the eye – it was truly evil…And what we’ve seen from Hamas, takes that evil to another level,” Austin reiterated his remarks at the press conference, adding that the militant group “does not speak for the Palestinian people.” There is “never any justification for terrorism and that’s especially true after this rampage by Hamas,” said the US defence secretary. Gallant thanks US for support During the press conference, the Israeli defence minister thanked the US for their support and that Israel would receive its “second aircraft carrying essential munitions” from Washington for the Israeli military. ALSO READ | Israel vs Hamas war: 1.1 million Palestinians told to vacate Gaza City in 24 hours, Hamas rejects order “US deployment of assets on land and in air and at sea sends a strong message to our partners and enemies in the region,” the Israeli defence minister said. He also called Hamas as part of an “axis of evil” with Iran. When asked what he thought about Tehran’s role in the Hamas’ attack from Gaza Gallant said, “It doesn't matter...(because) the idea is an Iranian idea.” (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Israel-Hamas war: US Defense Secretary Austin reiterates Washington’s support, calls Hamas 'worse than' ISIS

England and Wales Cricket Board on Thursday (Oct 12) released a statement on the ongoing Israel-Hamas as they called for peace in the war-prone region. The two nations have been at war since last Saturday when Hamas launched a barrage of missiles at Israel from Gaza. With hundreds of people losing their lives in the ongoing war, the ECB has now called for the piece while their national team is in India playing in the Cricket World Cup.

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ECB statement on recent events in Israel and Palestine. <a href="https://t.co/Z380Lh79Uy">pic.twitter.com/Z380Lh79Uy</a>
— England and Wales Cricket Board (@ECB_cricket) <a href="https://twitter.com/ECB_cricket/status/1712453066794947041?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 12, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<h2>ECB releases statement</h2>

“We deplore the appalling loss of innocent life following recent events in Israel and Palestine. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of all the innocent victims, and those who are still missing, as well as the communities who are affected,” the England and Wales Cricket Board said in a statement.

“While sport seems trivial compared to the harrowing scenes we have all watched, it is also an opportunity for people to come together and remind ourselves that there’s far more that brings us together, than divides us. We should now all unify in our hope for peace,” the statement added.

The war between the two nations has divided the world with countries like USA, India, and England supporting Israel while few countries have supported Palestine. On the cricketing ground, England all-rounder Moeen Ali waved his support to Palestinians having put up a post on his X handle.

Pakistan’s Mohammad Rizwan dedicated his hundred against Sri Lanka to the victims of Gaza when he posted on his X handle. He scored an unbeaten 134 against Sri Lanka in what was a record chase in the history of the World Cup.

The England Football Association (FA) will also keep a minute’s silence to mourn the death of people who lost their lives in the war. England are all set to play Australia in a friendly on Friday at Wembley Stadium before they prepare for the Euro qualifiers.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-kane-williamsons-comeback-on-cards-as-new-zealand-gear-up-for-bangladesh-tie-in-chennai-645866">World Cup: Kane Williamson’s comeback on cards as New Zealand gear up for Bangladesh tie in Chennai</a>

“On Friday evening, we will remember the innocent victims of the devastating events in Israel and Palestine.

“Our thoughts are with them, and their families and friends in England and Australia and with all the communities who are affected by this ongoing conflict. We stand for humanity and an end to death, violence, fear, and suffering.

“England and Australia players will wear black armbands during their match at Wembley Stadium and there will also be a period of silence held before kick-off.

“Following discussions with partners and external stakeholders, we will only permit flags, replica kits, and other representations of nationality for the competing nations inside Wembley Stadium for the upcoming matches against Australia and Italy.

“The British Red Cross have also launched an emergency appeal to support the people affected by the humanitarian crisis in the region, and we will promote this appeal within the stadium on Friday,” an FA statement read.

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England and Wales Cricket Board on Thursday (Oct 12) released a statement on the ongoing Israel-Hamas as they called for peace in the war-prone region. The two nations have been at war since last Saturday when Hamas launched a barrage of missiles at Israel from Gaza.

England and Wales Cricket Board on Thursday (Oct 12) released a statement on the ongoing Israel-Hamas as they called for peace in the war-prone region. The two nations have been at war since last Saturday when Hamas launched a barrage of missiles at Israel from Gaza. With hundreds of people losing their lives in the ongoing war, the ECB has now called for the piece while their national team is in India playing in the Cricket World Cup. ECB statement on recent events in Israel and Palestine. pic.twitter.com/Z380Lh79Uy — England and Wales Cricket Board (@ECB_cricket) October 12, 2023 × ECB releases statement “We deplore the appalling loss of innocent life following recent events in Israel and Palestine. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of all the innocent victims, and those who are still missing, as well as the communities who are affected,” the England and Wales Cricket Board said in a statement. “While sport seems trivial compared to the harrowing scenes we have all watched, it is also an opportunity for people to come together and remind ourselves that there’s far more that brings us together, than divides us. We should now all unify in our hope for peace,” the statement added. The war between the two nations has divided the world with countries like USA, India, and England supporting Israel while few countries have supported Palestine. On the cricketing ground, England all-rounder Moeen Ali waved his support to Palestinians having put up a post on his X handle. Pakistan’s Mohammad Rizwan dedicated his hundred against Sri Lanka to the victims of Gaza when he posted on his X handle. He scored an unbeaten 134 against Sri Lanka in what was a record chase in the history of the World Cup. The England Football Association (FA) will also keep a minute’s silence to mourn the death of people who lost their lives in the war. England are all set to play Australia in a friendly on Friday at Wembley Stadium before they prepare for the Euro qualifiers. ALSO READ | World Cup: Kane Williamson’s comeback on cards as New Zealand gear up for Bangladesh tie in Chennai “On Friday evening, we will remember the innocent victims of the devastating events in Israel and Palestine. “Our thoughts are with them, and their families and friends in England and Australia and with all the communities who are affected by this ongoing conflict. We stand for humanity and an end to death, violence, fear, and suffering. “England and Australia players will wear black armbands during their match at Wembley Stadium and there will also be a period of silence held before kick-off. “Following discussions with partners and external stakeholders, we will only permit flags, replica kits, and other representations of nationality for the competing nations inside Wembley Stadium for the upcoming matches against Australia and Italy. “The British Red Cross have also launched an emergency appeal to support the people affected by the humanitarian crisis in the region, and we will promote this appeal within the stadium on Friday,” an FA statement read. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

ECB releases statement on Israel-Hamas war; calls for peace amid escalating situation

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) on Friday (Oct 13) dropped leaflets from planes into Gaza, calling on residents to urgently leave their homes and move south, images accessed by WION showed. Earlier, IDF issued an order to around 1.1 million Gazans to flee from the north of the Palestinian territory within 24 hours.&nbsp;

The flyer was in Arabic, loosely translated to English as: "The terrorist organisation waged a war against Israel. Gaza City has turned into a battlefield. You have to leave your homes immediately and head south of Wadi Gaza. For your safety: Don't return to your homes until further notice from the Israeli Defence Forces."&nbsp;

The image of the flyer was shared with WION by&nbsp;a&nbsp;student from Gaza, who chose to stay anonymous.&nbsp;

On Friday, the United Nations announced that its agency for Palestinian refugees is moving operations and foreign staff to southern Gaza, but they also added that such an operation is not easy, within the given time frame.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-who-funds-hamas-how-does-the-organisation-amass-money-and-military-equipment-645976">Who funds Hamas? How terror group gets money and military equipment</a>&nbsp;

"The call from the Israeli Forces to move more than 1 million civilians living in northern Gaza within 24 hours is horrendous," Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), said in a statement.&nbsp;

As of Friday evening, more than 1,530 Gazans have been killed in less than a week of Israeli strikes, which were retaliation for cross-border raids by Hamas militants which claimed more than 1,200 lives in Israel.&nbsp;

The flyer mentioned three points, for the "security" and "safety" of the those residing in Gaza Strip. It read: "You should not come back to your homes until another announcement from the IDF".&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/israel-vs-hamas-war-a-look-at-firepower-in-israeli-arsenal-645024">Israel vs Hamas war | A look at firepower in Israeli arsenal</a>

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Image: Leaflets dropped from planes into Gaza. Credit: WION

It added, "You should leave the shelters like the UN schools and public places in Gaza City." It further said, "It is prohibited for you to move towards the Israel-Gaza border. Anyone who goes there is under risk."&nbsp;

"You have to evacuate your homes immediately and move to the south of Gaza," it said.&nbsp;

A senior US official said that Israel supports setting up "safe areas" for civilians in the Gaza Strip ahead of an expected major offensive.&nbsp;

A day after talks in Tel Aviv, the official said that the two sides discussed "the need to establish some safe areas where civilians could relocate, be safe from Israel's legitimate security operations".&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;US tells Qatar to deny Iran access to funds

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<h2>Israel tanks at Gaza border</h2>

Israel's military made the call as it amassed tanks for an expected ground invasion against Hamas, which poses a serious risk.&nbsp;

Hamas is threatening to kill its hostages and the possible Israeli invasion would also impact the people who are living in the narrow and densely populated Gaza Strip.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.&nbsp;

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The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) on Friday (Oct 13) dropped leaflets from planes into Gaza, calling on residents to urgently leave their homes and move south, images accessed by WION showed.

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) on Friday (Oct 13) dropped leaflets from planes into Gaza, calling on residents to urgently leave their homes and move south, images accessed by WION showed. Earlier, IDF issued an order to around 1.1 million Gazans to flee from the north of the Palestinian territory within 24 hours. The flyer was in Arabic, loosely translated to English as: "The terrorist organisation waged a war against Israel. Gaza City has turned into a battlefield. You have to leave your homes immediately and head south of Wadi Gaza. For your safety: Don't return to your homes until further notice from the Israeli Defence Forces." The image of the flyer was shared with WION by a student from Gaza, who chose to stay anonymous. On Friday, the United Nations announced that its agency for Palestinian refugees is moving operations and foreign staff to southern Gaza, but they also added that such an operation is not easy, within the given time frame. Also read: Who funds Hamas? How terror group gets money and military equipment "The call from the Israeli Forces to move more than 1 million civilians living in northern Gaza within 24 hours is horrendous," Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), said in a statement. As of Friday evening, more than 1,530 Gazans have been killed in less than a week of Israeli strikes, which were retaliation for cross-border raids by Hamas militants which claimed more than 1,200 lives in Israel. The flyer mentioned three points, for the "security" and "safety" of the those residing in Gaza Strip. It read: "You should not come back to your homes until another announcement from the IDF". Also read: Israel vs Hamas war | A look at firepower in Israeli arsenal Image: Leaflets dropped from planes into Gaza. Credit: WION It added, "You should leave the shelters like the UN schools and public places in Gaza City." It further said, "It is prohibited for you to move towards the Israel-Gaza border. Anyone who goes there is under risk." "You have to evacuate your homes immediately and move to the south of Gaza," it said. A senior US official said that Israel supports setting up "safe areas" for civilians in the Gaza Strip ahead of an expected major offensive. A day after talks in Tel Aviv, the official said that the two sides discussed "the need to establish some safe areas where civilians could relocate, be safe from Israel's legitimate security operations". Watch: US tells Qatar to deny Iran access to funds × Israel tanks at Gaza border Israel's military made the call as it amassed tanks for an expected ground invasion against Hamas, which poses a serious risk. Hamas is threatening to kill its hostages and the possible Israeli invasion would also impact the people who are living in the narrow and densely populated Gaza Strip. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

'Evacuate your homes': Israel army drops flyers, telling Gazans to flee 'immediately'

The World Health Organization (WHO) said on Friday (Oct 13) that local authorities in Gaza informed it that evacuating vulnerable patients from the northern part of the region was impossible after the Israeli military called for civilians to relocate south within 24 hours.

The World Health Organization (WHO) said on Friday (Oct 13) that local authorities in Gaza informed it that evacuating vulnerable patients from the northern part of the region was impossible after the Israeli military called for civilians to relocate south within 24 hours. According to a report by the news agency Reuters, WHO spokesperson Tarik Jasarevic said that there were severely ill people (in Gaza) whose injuries meant their only chances of survival were on life support, such as mechanical ventilators. "So moving those people is a death sentence. Asking health workers to do so is beyond cruel," Jasarevic said. He pointed out that hospitals have only a few hours of electricity per day as they have been forced to ration depleting fuel reserves and rely on generators to sustain the most critical functions. "And even those functions will have to cease in a few days when fuel stocks run out," the WHO spokesperson added. Click here to follow LIVE updates on the Israel-Hamas conflict He also said that time was running out to prevent a humanitarian catastrophe, if fuel, water, food and life-saving health and humanitarian supplies could not be urgently delivered to the Gaza Strip amidst the complete blockage. Hospitals in Gaza at a breaking point: WHO The WHO already warned that hospitals in the Gaza Strip were at a breaking point. Hospitals in the south of the Gaza Strip were overflowing, and two major hospitals in the north already exceeded their combined 760-bed capacity, the United Nations health agency said. The Gaza Strip is also experiencing a shortage of hospital blood banks and medicine, it added. Eleven medical personnel killed in Gaza since start of latest conflict: WHO As per the WHO, there have been 34 attacks on health facilities in Gaza since the beginning of last week's conflict, killing 11 medical personnel, injuring 16 others, and destroying 19 medical facilities and 20 ambulances. "Hospitals in Gaza simply cannot handle such a huge number of patients. The hospitals are exhausting medical resources to treat the wounded of air strikes," Ashraf Al-Qudra, spokesman of the Palestinian Ministry of Health, said on Friday. Gaza's medical resources are almost exhausted. Muhammad Ghoneim, an emergency doctor at Al-Shifa Hospital, said that many hospitals are expected to stop using ventilators and various surgeries, which will deal a fatal blow to the injured in hospital. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Israel-Hamas war: WHO says moving severely ill people in Gaza is a death sentence

Trigger warning: Some readers may find details of this report disturbing. Discretion is advised.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's account on social media platform X shared some gut-wrenching photos on Thursday (Oct 12) of babies, who were allegedly killed by the Hamas militants when they stormed Israel in one the deadliest attacks ever.&nbsp;

The photos, which we are sharing here after blurring them out due to their sensitivity, appear to show&nbsp;newborn babies charred to death or shot in the face, portraying the harsh reality of the ongoing war in Israel.&nbsp;

The caption of the post noted that Netanyahu showed those pictures to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who visited the warring nation on Thursday.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-who-funds-hamas-how-does-the-organisation-amass-money-and-military-equipment-645976">Who funds Hamas? How terror group gets money and military equipment</a>&nbsp;

The post read that "these are horrifying photos of babies murdered and burned by the Hamas monsters".&nbsp;

It also added that "Hamas is inhuman" and "Hamas is ISIS",&nbsp;referring to the Islamic State terror group.&nbsp;

Earlier, Netanyahu vowed to crush Hamas, urging the world to treat the Islamist militants the same way as the Islamic State group. He said, "Just as ISIS was crushed, so too will Hamas be crushed. And Hamas should be treated exactly the way ISIS was treated."&nbsp;

He also said that Israel will make sure that the militant group is completely destroyed. He said, "Every Hamas member is a dead man. We will crush them and destroy them as the world has destroyed Daesh."&nbsp;

Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media.

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<h2>Biden contradicted by White House on photos of babies</h2>

US President Joe Biden said he saw "confirmed pictures of terrorists beheading children", appearing to corroborate reports of a deadly onslaught allegedly by Hamas militants who devastated Israel's Kibbutz Kfar Aza, located close to Gaza.&nbsp;

“It is important for Americans to see what is happening. I have been doing this for a long time. I never thought that I would see… have confirmed pictures of terrorists beheading children,” Biden said during remarks to US Jewish community leaders at a White House roundtable.&nbsp;

He added, "Downplaying Hamas’s atrocities and blaming the Jewish people is unthinkable."&nbsp;

However, his comments were later clarified by a White House spokesperson, who told the Washington Post that the US officials and Biden had not seen pictures or confirmed such reports independently.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-are-white-phosphorus-bombs-that-israel-reportedly-launched-in-gaza-it-is-legal-to-use-645106">What are white phosphorus bombs that Israel reportedly used in Gaza? Is it illegal?</a>&nbsp;

<h2>Journo stands by report of beheadings of babies&nbsp;</h2>

The international war correspondent who initially broke the story of Hamas' alleged beheading of Israeli children is standing by her reporting.

Despite doubts circulating on social media, i24News reporter Nicole Zedeck strongly defended her account and said, "I wish that it wasn't true."

She had reported that on Tuesday, at a kibbutz near the Gaza border, 40 infants and young children were brutally murdered, with some decapitated.

Watch: Palestinians have legitimate aspirations&nbsp;

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<h2>Biden backs 'rules of war'&nbsp;</h2>

During the Hamas attack, a total of 1,200 people were killed in Israel, according to the forces, mostly civilians.

In Gaza, officials reported more than 1,000 people killed in Israel's sustained campaign of air and artillery strikes on the crowded Palestinian enclave.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, Biden said that Israel should abide by the rules of war in its fight against Hamas. Biden told Netanyahu "It is really important that Israel -- (with) all the anger and frustration... that they operate by the rules of war".&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

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Trigger warning: Some readers may find details of this report disturbing. Discretion is advised. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's account on social media platform X shared some gut-wrenching photos on Thursday (Oct 12) of babies, who were allegedly killed by the Hamas militants when they stormed Israel in one the deadliest attacks ever.

Trigger warning: Some readers may find details of this report disturbing. Discretion is advised. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's account on social media platform X shared some gut-wrenching photos on Thursday (Oct 12) of babies, who were allegedly killed by the Hamas militants when they stormed Israel in one the deadliest attacks ever. The photos, which we are sharing here after blurring them out due to their sensitivity, appear to show newborn babies charred to death or shot in the face, portraying the harsh reality of the ongoing war in Israel. The caption of the post noted that Netanyahu showed those pictures to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who visited the warring nation on Thursday. Also read: Who funds Hamas? How terror group gets money and military equipment The post read that "these are horrifying photos of babies murdered and burned by the Hamas monsters". It also added that "Hamas is inhuman" and "Hamas is ISIS", referring to the Islamic State terror group. Earlier, Netanyahu vowed to crush Hamas, urging the world to treat the Islamist militants the same way as the Islamic State group. He said, "Just as ISIS was crushed, so too will Hamas be crushed. And Hamas should be treated exactly the way ISIS was treated." He also said that Israel will make sure that the militant group is completely destroyed. He said, "Every Hamas member is a dead man. We will crush them and destroy them as the world has destroyed Daesh." Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media. Biden contradicted by White House on photos of babies US President Joe Biden said he saw "confirmed pictures of terrorists beheading children", appearing to corroborate reports of a deadly onslaught allegedly by Hamas militants who devastated Israel's Kibbutz Kfar Aza, located close to Gaza. “It is important for Americans to see what is happening. I have been doing this for a long time. I never thought that I would see… have confirmed pictures of terrorists beheading children,” Biden said during remarks to US Jewish community leaders at a White House roundtable. He added, "Downplaying Hamas’s atrocities and blaming the Jewish people is unthinkable." However, his comments were later clarified by a White House spokesperson, who told the Washington Post that the US officials and Biden had not seen pictures or confirmed such reports independently. Also read: What are white phosphorus bombs that Israel reportedly used in Gaza? Is it illegal? Journo stands by report of beheadings of babies The international war correspondent who initially broke the story of Hamas' alleged beheading of Israeli children is standing by her reporting. Despite doubts circulating on social media, i24News reporter Nicole Zedeck strongly defended her account and said, "I wish that it wasn't true." She had reported that on Tuesday, at a kibbutz near the Gaza border, 40 infants and young children were brutally murdered, with some decapitated. Watch: Palestinians have legitimate aspirations × Biden backs 'rules of war' During the Hamas attack, a total of 1,200 people were killed in Israel, according to the forces, mostly civilians. In Gaza, officials reported more than 1,000 people killed in Israel's sustained campaign of air and artillery strikes on the crowded Palestinian enclave. On Wednesday, Biden said that Israel should abide by the rules of war in its fight against Hamas. Biden told Netanyahu "It is really important that Israel -- (with) all the anger and frustration... that they operate by the rules of war". (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

TRIGGER WARNING: Israel PM's X account shares photos of babies allegedly killed by Hamas

A majority of the Israeli population, almost accounting&nbsp;for 56 per cent, believe that the country's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu must resign after the ongoing conflict with Hamas ends, reported the Jerusalem Post on Thursday (Oct 12). This perspective drew the support of 28 per cent of coalition voters, according to the poll released by the Dialog Centre.&nbsp;

The polls revealed that four out of five Jewish Israelis have been blaming Netanyahu and the government for the Operation Al-Aqsa Flood carried out by Hamas against Israel.

"An overwhelming majority of 86% of respondents, including 79% of coalition supporters, said the surprise attack from Gaza is a failure of the country's leadership, while a staggering 92% said the war is causing anxiety," it stated.&nbsp;

"Furthermore, almost all of the respondents (94%) believe the government has responsibility for the lack of security preparedness that led to the assault on the South, with over 75% saying the government holds most of the responsibility," as per the report.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-gaza-strip-and-the-struggle-for-survival-for-millions-of-its-residents-645290">Gaza Strip and the struggle for survival for millions of its residents</a>

<h2>52% in favour of Defence Minister Gallant's resignation&nbsp;</h2>

Meanwhile, 52 per cent of respondents feel that Israel's Defence Minister Yoav Gallant must submit his resignation.&nbsp;

A military campaign was launched by Israeli forces against Hamas, which has been controlling the Gaza Strip, in response to a military offensive suddenly launched by the terrorist organisation in Israeli territories.

The conflict started on Saturday when Operation Al-Aqsa Flood was initiated by Hamas which included the launch of a barrage of rockets and infiltrations into Israel through sea, land and air.&nbsp;

WATCH | Israel-Hamas war | Gaza: An 'open-air prison' with no escape

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Hamas had claimed that the operation was launched in retaliation to the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem and the growing violence of Israeli settlers against Palestinians.

Operation Swords of Iron was launched by the Israeli military against Hamas targets, which are in the Gaza Strip in response. Israeli Army further disrupted electricity and water supply to Gaza, which worsened the living conditions of people in the area.

(With inputs from agencies)

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A majority of the Israeli population, almost accounting for 56 per cent, believe that the country's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu must resign after the ongoing conflict with Hamas ends, reported the Jerusalem Post on Thursday (Oct 12).

A majority of the Israeli population, almost accounting for 56 per cent, believe that the country's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu must resign after the ongoing conflict with Hamas ends, reported the Jerusalem Post on Thursday (Oct 12). This perspective drew the support of 28 per cent of coalition voters, according to the poll released by the Dialog Centre. The polls revealed that four out of five Jewish Israelis have been blaming Netanyahu and the government for the Operation Al-Aqsa Flood carried out by Hamas against Israel. "An overwhelming majority of 86% of respondents, including 79% of coalition supporters, said the surprise attack from Gaza is a failure of the country's leadership, while a staggering 92% said the war is causing anxiety," it stated. "Furthermore, almost all of the respondents (94%) believe the government has responsibility for the lack of security preparedness that led to the assault on the South, with over 75% saying the government holds most of the responsibility," as per the report. Also read: Gaza Strip and the struggle for survival for millions of its residents 52% in favour of Defence Minister Gallant's resignation Meanwhile, 52 per cent of respondents feel that Israel's Defence Minister Yoav Gallant must submit his resignation. A military campaign was launched by Israeli forces against Hamas, which has been controlling the Gaza Strip, in response to a military offensive suddenly launched by the terrorist organisation in Israeli territories. The conflict started on Saturday when Operation Al-Aqsa Flood was initiated by Hamas which included the launch of a barrage of rockets and infiltrations into Israel through sea, land and air. WATCH | Israel-Hamas war | Gaza: An 'open-air prison' with no escape Hamas had claimed that the operation was launched in retaliation to the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied East Jerusalem and the growing violence of Israeli settlers against Palestinians. Operation Swords of Iron was launched by the Israeli military against Hamas targets, which are in the Gaza Strip in response. Israeli Army further disrupted electricity and water supply to Gaza, which worsened the living conditions of people in the area. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Many Israelis blame govt for Hamas attack, believe Netanyahu must resign: Poll

North Korea claimed that the media reports of its weapons being used by Hamas in its attack against Israel are false.&nbsp;

On Friday (Oct 13), the nation also alleged that the narratives have been planted by the United States in a bid to divert its blame to a third country.

<h2>Blame-shifting</h2>

North Korea's official news broadcaster KCNA on Friday called reports of the nation's weapons being in the hands of Hamas militants "groundless and false rumour(s)".

"The US administration's reptile press bodies and quasi-experts are spreading a groundless and false rumour that 'North Korea's weapons' seemed to be used for the attack on Israel," it said, as reported by Reuters.

As per the broadcaster, such reports were "a bid to shift the blame," by what it labelled "the empire of evil".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/horrible-horrible-images-war-correspondent-stands-by-report-of-beheadings-of-israeli-babies-645754">I wish that it wasn't true: War correspondent stands by report of beheadings of Israeli babies</a>

"It is nothing but a bid to shift the blame for the Middle East crisis caused by its wrong hegemonic policy onto a third country and thus evade the international criticism focused on the empire of evil."

KCNA said that in addition to the more than a year-long Ukraine-Russia crisis, the Israel-Hamas conflict has emerged as another "huge strategic burden" for Washington. It also remarked that the crises showed the limitations of the US strategy for hegemony and the nation's goal of becoming the global superpower.

Earlier this week, the North Korean state media had blamed Israel for causing bloodshed in Gaza.

<h2>North Korea weapons and the Hamas&nbsp;</h2>

Over the past few days, media reports have alleged that Hamas militants may have used North Korean weapons in their unprecedented surprise attack on Israel.&nbsp;

Radio Free Asia, a US-funded news service, earlier this week reported that footage of Palestinian fighters showed what appeared to be a rocket launcher suspected to be from North Korea.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwan-studies-israel-hamas-war-to-learn-lessons-avoid-similar-conflict-with-china-645683">Taiwan studies Israel-Hamas war to learn lessons, avoid similar conflict with China</a>

Another news service, the US government-owned Voice of America, also cited an intelligence expert to say that some weapons used by Hamas likely originated from North Korea.

<h2>Is there any proof of this?</h2>

Speaking to the press on Thursday, US National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said he could not confirm whether the reports about the origins of the rockets being used by Hamas were true.

Furthermore, he emphasised that the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict would not affect the United States' security strategy in the world, including the Korean peninsula.

(With inputs from agencies)

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North Korea claimed that the media reports of its weapons being used by Hamas in its attack against Israel are false. On Friday (Oct 13), the nation also alleged that the narratives have been planted by the United States in a bid to divert its blame to a third country.

North Korea claimed that the media reports of its weapons being used by Hamas in its attack against Israel are false. On Friday (Oct 13), the nation also alleged that the narratives have been planted by the United States in a bid to divert its blame to a third country. Blame-shifting North Korea's official news broadcaster KCNA on Friday called reports of the nation's weapons being in the hands of Hamas militants "groundless and false rumour(s)". "The US administration's reptile press bodies and quasi-experts are spreading a groundless and false rumour that 'North Korea's weapons' seemed to be used for the attack on Israel," it said, as reported by Reuters. As per the broadcaster, such reports were "a bid to shift the blame," by what it labelled "the empire of evil". Also read | I wish that it wasn't true: War correspondent stands by report of beheadings of Israeli babies "It is nothing but a bid to shift the blame for the Middle East crisis caused by its wrong hegemonic policy onto a third country and thus evade the international criticism focused on the empire of evil." KCNA said that in addition to the more than a year-long Ukraine-Russia crisis, the Israel-Hamas conflict has emerged as another "huge strategic burden" for Washington. It also remarked that the crises showed the limitations of the US strategy for hegemony and the nation's goal of becoming the global superpower. Earlier this week, the North Korean state media had blamed Israel for causing bloodshed in Gaza. North Korea weapons and the Hamas Over the past few days, media reports have alleged that Hamas militants may have used North Korean weapons in their unprecedented surprise attack on Israel. Radio Free Asia, a US-funded news service, earlier this week reported that footage of Palestinian fighters showed what appeared to be a rocket launcher suspected to be from North Korea. Also read | Taiwan studies Israel-Hamas war to learn lessons, avoid similar conflict with China Another news service, the US government-owned Voice of America, also cited an intelligence expert to say that some weapons used by Hamas likely originated from North Korea. Is there any proof of this? Speaking to the press on Thursday, US National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said he could not confirm whether the reports about the origins of the rockets being used by Hamas were true. Furthermore, he emphasised that the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict would not affect the United States' security strategy in the world, including the Korean peninsula. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

North Korea denies weapon supply to Hamas, calls US 'empire of evil' of blame-shifting

Human Rights Watch has accused Israel of using white phosphorus munitions during its military operations in Gaza and Lebanon.&nbsp;

The human rights organisation emphasised that Israel's deployment of such weapons poses a severe threat to the safety of civilians, and can potentially cause significant and long-lasting injuries.

<h2>White phosphorus&nbsp;</h2>

Human Rights Watch, as per a Reuters report, claimed to have verified the authenticity of videos captured in Lebanon on October 10 and in Gaza on October 11. These videos reportedly depict "multiple airbursts of artillery-fired white phosphorus over the Gaza City port and two rural locations along the Israel-Lebanon border."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-denies-weapon-supply-to-hamas-accuses-us-the-empire-of-evil-of-blame-shifting-646120">North Korea denies weapon supply to Hamas, accuses US 'the empire of evil' of blame-shifting</a>

The organisation further shared links to two videos that were circulated on social media platforms, asserting that they showcase the use of "155mm white phosphorus artillery projectiles, seemingly for the purpose of creating smokescreens, marking, or signalling." Both videos show scenes near the border shared by Israel and Lebanon, said Human Rights Watch.

However, as per Reuters, the group did not provide links to videos showing their alleged use in Gaza.

<h2>Israel denies accusation</h2>

Reuters reports that when asked for comments on the Human Rights Watch's accusations, the Israeli military said it was "currently not aware of the use of weapons containing white phosphorus in Gaza."

Watch |&nbsp;Israel-Palestine War: Israel accused of using White Phosphorus in Gaza

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However, the military made no mention of the allegations of the weapon's use in Lebanon.

<h2>What are white phosphorus munitions?</h2>

White phosphorus refers to weaponised phosphorus, which, as per Reuters, is used to incinerate enemy positions.

Its use on the battlefield is legal for the purposes of making smoke screens, generating illumination, marking targets or burning bunkers and buildings.

Because of its legal uses, international conventions don't ban its use as a chemical weapon. However, white phosphorus is known to cause serious burns and spark fires.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/horrible-horrible-images-war-correspondent-stands-by-report-of-beheadings-of-israeli-babies-645754">I wish that it wasn't true: War correspondent stands by report of beheadings of Israeli babies</a>

It is considered an incendiary weapon under Protocol III of the Convention on the Prohibition of Use of Certain Conventional Weapons, which prohibits its use against military targets located among civilians. However, Israel has not signed this protocol and is not bound by its provisions.

Previously, in 2013, Israel's military announced plans to phase out the use of white phosphorus smokescreen munitions. It had used the munitions during the 2008-2009 offensive in Gaza, this had drawn allegations of war crimes from several rights organisations.

(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.

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Human Rights Watch has accused Israel of using white phosphorus munitions during its military operations in Gaza and Lebanon. The human rights organisation emphasised that Israel's deployment of such weapons poses a severe threat to the safety of civilians, and can potentially cause significant and long-lasting injuries.

Human Rights Watch has accused Israel of using white phosphorus munitions during its military operations in Gaza and Lebanon. The human rights organisation emphasised that Israel's deployment of such weapons poses a severe threat to the safety of civilians, and can potentially cause significant and long-lasting injuries. White phosphorus Human Rights Watch, as per a Reuters report, claimed to have verified the authenticity of videos captured in Lebanon on October 10 and in Gaza on October 11. These videos reportedly depict "multiple airbursts of artillery-fired white phosphorus over the Gaza City port and two rural locations along the Israel-Lebanon border." Also read | North Korea denies weapon supply to Hamas, accuses US 'the empire of evil' of blame-shifting The organisation further shared links to two videos that were circulated on social media platforms, asserting that they showcase the use of "155mm white phosphorus artillery projectiles, seemingly for the purpose of creating smokescreens, marking, or signalling." Both videos show scenes near the border shared by Israel and Lebanon, said Human Rights Watch. However, as per Reuters, the group did not provide links to videos showing their alleged use in Gaza. Israel denies accusation Reuters reports that when asked for comments on the Human Rights Watch's accusations, the Israeli military said it was "currently not aware of the use of weapons containing white phosphorus in Gaza." Watch | Israel-Palestine War: Israel accused of using White Phosphorus in Gaza However, the military made no mention of the allegations of the weapon's use in Lebanon. What are white phosphorus munitions? White phosphorus refers to weaponised phosphorus, which, as per Reuters, is used to incinerate enemy positions. Its use on the battlefield is legal for the purposes of making smoke screens, generating illumination, marking targets or burning bunkers and buildings. Because of its legal uses, international conventions don't ban its use as a chemical weapon. However, white phosphorus is known to cause serious burns and spark fires. Also read | I wish that it wasn't true: War correspondent stands by report of beheadings of Israeli babies It is considered an incendiary weapon under Protocol III of the Convention on the Prohibition of Use of Certain Conventional Weapons, which prohibits its use against military targets located among civilians. However, Israel has not signed this protocol and is not bound by its provisions. Previously, in 2013, Israel's military announced plans to phase out the use of white phosphorus smokescreen munitions. It had used the munitions during the 2008-2009 offensive in Gaza, this had drawn allegations of war crimes from several rights organisations. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos, and videos. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Human Rights Watch accuses Israel of using white phosphorus in Gaza and Lebanon

As the war continues between the terrorist group Hamas and Israel, India's national capital has been placed on security alert amid fear of potential protests in the city, said police authorities.&nbsp;

Delhi Police personnel will be deployed on the streets of the nation's capital in heavy numbers ahead of the Friday prayers. Security has also been increased at the Israel Embassy and the Jewish religious establishments.&nbsp;

As per media reports, some other states and Union Territories of India have also been alerted by the security agencies to ensure that the Israelis residing in the country are safe.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-gaza-strip-and-the-struggle-for-survival-for-millions-of-its-residents-645290">Gaza Strip and the struggle for survival for millions of its residents</a>

The step has been taken after many countries, which include France, Germany, the US and the UK, increased the security around "potential Jewish targets" and "pro-Palestinian protesters" in the wake of escalating violence between Israel and Hamas.&nbsp;

State authorities in Himachal Pradesh, Goa and Maharashtra were asked to ensure the security of Israeli diplomats, staff and tourists, they stated.&nbsp;

<h2>Operation Ajay:&nbsp;First flight with Indian citizens arrives from Israel&nbsp;</h2>

On Friday morning, the first charter flight carrying the Indian citizens, who were evacuated from Israel, came back to the country under 'Operation Ajay'. The flight, which was carrying 211 adults and an infant who were living in the war-battered region, landed safely in New Delhi.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Israel took the vow to carry out an unprecedented offensive against the terrorist group Hamas, which controls Gaza, after its fighters broke through Israel's border fence and also stormed into the southern part of the country through air and sea on October 7.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Israel-Hamas war | Gaza: An 'open-air prison' with no escape

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The Israeli military, on the sixth day, confirmed that more than 1,300 people were killed in Israel, which included 222 soldiers. This is a staggering death toll which was not recorded since the 1973 war with Egypt and Syria, which lasted for weeks.

In the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip around 1,417 people, which included women and children, were killed, as per the local authorities.

(With inputs from agencies)

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As the war continues between the terrorist group Hamas and Israel, India's national capital has been placed on security alert amid fear of potential protests in the city, said police authorities.

As the war continues between the terrorist group Hamas and Israel, India's national capital has been placed on security alert amid fear of potential protests in the city, said police authorities. Delhi Police personnel will be deployed on the streets of the nation's capital in heavy numbers ahead of the Friday prayers. Security has also been increased at the Israel Embassy and the Jewish religious establishments. As per media reports, some other states and Union Territories of India have also been alerted by the security agencies to ensure that the Israelis residing in the country are safe. Also read: Gaza Strip and the struggle for survival for millions of its residents The step has been taken after many countries, which include France, Germany, the US and the UK, increased the security around "potential Jewish targets" and "pro-Palestinian protesters" in the wake of escalating violence between Israel and Hamas. State authorities in Himachal Pradesh, Goa and Maharashtra were asked to ensure the security of Israeli diplomats, staff and tourists, they stated. Operation Ajay: First flight with Indian citizens arrives from Israel On Friday morning, the first charter flight carrying the Indian citizens, who were evacuated from Israel, came back to the country under 'Operation Ajay'. The flight, which was carrying 211 adults and an infant who were living in the war-battered region, landed safely in New Delhi. Israel took the vow to carry out an unprecedented offensive against the terrorist group Hamas, which controls Gaza, after its fighters broke through Israel's border fence and also stormed into the southern part of the country through air and sea on October 7. WATCH | Israel-Hamas war | Gaza: An 'open-air prison' with no escape The Israeli military, on the sixth day, confirmed that more than 1,300 people were killed in Israel, which included 222 soldiers. This is a staggering death toll which was not recorded since the 1973 war with Egypt and Syria, which lasted for weeks. In the Hamas-controlled Gaza Strip around 1,417 people, which included women and children, were killed, as per the local authorities. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Amid raging Israel-Hamas war, India’s capital Delhi placed on security alert

Syrian state television reported on Thursday (Oct 12) that Israeli strikes targeted Syria's two main airports. It said that "Israeli aggression targets Damascus and Aleppo airports". &nbsp;

Syria's pro-government Sham FM radio said that the airport was damaged&nbsp; adding Syrian air defences were launched in response to the attacks.&nbsp;

It said there had been damage but no casualties at the Aleppo airport.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-are-white-phosphorus-bombs-that-israel-reportedly-launched-in-gaza-it-is-legal-to-use-645106">What are white phosphorus bombs that Israel reportedly used in Gaza? Is it illegal?</a>

The alleged strikes have repeatedly caused the grounding of flights at the airports in the capital Damascus and the northern city of Aleppo, both of which are controlled by the government of war-torn Syria.&nbsp;

Citing an unidentified military source, the state media said that the "simultaneous" strikes "damaged landing strips in the two airports, putting them out of service".&nbsp;

A few social media accounts claimed that the Iranian foreign minister was set to visit Damascus after Saudi Arabia and Iran's leadership had a call this morning about the situation in Gaza. There's no confirmation.&nbsp;

The military source cited by Syrian state media described the strikes as a "desperate attempt" by Israel to "divert attention" away from the conflict with Hamas in Gaza.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-gaza-strip-and-the-struggle-for-survival-for-millions-of-its-residents-645290">Gaza Strip and the struggle for survival for millions of its residents</a>&nbsp;

Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media.

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The latest strikes came as Hamas and Israel traded heavy fire for a sixth day after hundreds of Hamas gunmen stormed across the Gaza border into Israel on Saturday and killed 1,200 people, most of them civilians.&nbsp;

They also came as US Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited Israel, and hours after Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, in a telephone call with his Syrian counterpart Bashar al-Assad, called on Arab and Islamic countries to cooperate in confronting Israel.

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

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Syrian state television reported on Thursday (Oct 12) that Israeli strikes targeted Syria's two main airports. It said that "Israeli aggression targets Damascus and Aleppo airports".

Syrian state television reported on Thursday (Oct 12) that Israeli strikes targeted Syria's two main airports. It said that "Israeli aggression targets Damascus and Aleppo airports". Syria's pro-government Sham FM radio said that the airport was damaged adding Syrian air defences were launched in response to the attacks. It said there had been damage but no casualties at the Aleppo airport. Also read: What are white phosphorus bombs that Israel reportedly used in Gaza? Is it illegal? The alleged strikes have repeatedly caused the grounding of flights at the airports in the capital Damascus and the northern city of Aleppo, both of which are controlled by the government of war-torn Syria. Citing an unidentified military source, the state media said that the "simultaneous" strikes "damaged landing strips in the two airports, putting them out of service". A few social media accounts claimed that the Iranian foreign minister was set to visit Damascus after Saudi Arabia and Iran's leadership had a call this morning about the situation in Gaza. There's no confirmation. The military source cited by Syrian state media described the strikes as a "desperate attempt" by Israel to "divert attention" away from the conflict with Hamas in Gaza. Also read: Gaza Strip and the struggle for survival for millions of its residents Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media. 🔴Initial reports of a strike in the Syrian capital Damascus pic.twitter.com/YAJ4pj5vWX — i24NEWS English (@i24NEWS_EN) October 12, 2023 × The latest strikes came as Hamas and Israel traded heavy fire for a sixth day after hundreds of Hamas gunmen stormed across the Gaza border into Israel on Saturday and killed 1,200 people, most of them civilians. They also came as US Secretary of State Antony Blinken visited Israel, and hours after Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, in a telephone call with his Syrian counterpart Bashar al-Assad, called on Arab and Islamic countries to cooperate in confronting Israel. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Israel strikes airports of Damascus and Aleppo in Syria: Report

The Palestinian group Hamas launched an unprecedented terror attack from Gaza into Israel this past weekend. It was one of the most serious escalations since Israel's creation in 1948 as hundreds of people were killed on both sides.&nbsp;

More than 1,500 Hamas militants stormed through the Gaza security barrier on October 7 in a coordinated land, air and sea attack.

They used sophisticated weapons, despite the fact that the Hamas-ruled enclave of Gaza is a poor and densely populated area, with limited resources.&nbsp;

But the matter of concern here is that the advanced and precision weapons are becoming part of the arsenal of Hamas, a group that has been designated a terrorist organisation by dozens of countries.&nbsp;

<h2>Who funds Hamas?&nbsp;</h2>

Several nations including the US and the UK have designated Hamas as a terrorist organisation, while some countries label only their military wing as terrorists.&nbsp;

The terror designation means providing aid or material support to such organisations, including volunteering to join them is considered a criminal activity. Hence, it becomes difficult for the militants to ask for military aid.&nbsp;

But they are getting it.

Here at WION, we are decoding the routes of the financial help and arms supply.&nbsp;

For a better understanding of its financial sources, it is important to know about the two wings of Hamas — the social service wing, Dawah, and the military arm, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades.&nbsp;

The social service wing is an active part of collecting funds as it looks after providing education, healthcare, and social services to Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/israel-vs-hamas-war-a-look-at-firepower-in-israeli-arsenal-645024">Israel vs Hamas war | A look at firepower in Israeli arsenal</a>

The money trail 

Iran's name comes when the question arises on how is Hamas financed. Tehran accounts for roughly 70 per cent of the funding.&nbsp;

Palestinian expatriates and private donors across the world provided much of the funding to the Hamas movement.

Reports have claimed that they also received&nbsp;money through some Islamic charities in the West via Hamas-backed social service groups. This also led to the freezing of assets by the US Treasury as and when identified.&nbsp;

Besides Iran, Turkey has also supported Hamas, especially after President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's rise to power in 2002.&nbsp;

Turkey has been accused of funding the Hamas militants through aid diverted from the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency. But it says it only backs the political movement.&nbsp;

The military aid:&nbsp;

Not just money-wise, Iran also helps the militant group in the form of military assistance and necessary training. The West argues that the military aid has, more-or-less, remained despite a drop in financial contribution because of recent economic sanctions.&nbsp;

The West contends&nbsp;that the weapons are supplied to Hamas after arms smugglers drop them on the shore along the Mediterranean Sea despite the Israeli Navy's vigilance.

As an alternative route, the smugglers use tunnels for weapon supply. They delivered M-302 and Fajr-3, which is an Iranian-built unguided surface-to-surface artillery rocket.&nbsp;

CIA mentioned in its World Factbook that "Hamas acquires its weapons through smuggling or local construction and receives some military support from Iran". But a direct role of Iran is yet to be established.&nbsp;

As quoted by a news site, Bilal Saab, who is senior fellow and director of the Defense and Security Program at the Middle East Institute (MEI) in Washington, said: "Hamas' tunnel infrastructure is still massive despite Israel and Egypt regularly degrading it."&nbsp;

"Hamas has received arms from Iran smuggled into the (Gaza) Strip via tunnels. This often included longer-range systems," said Daniel Byman, who is a senior fellow with the Transnational Threats Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS).&nbsp;

Charles Lister, a senior fellow at the MEI said that "Iran has also been shipping Hamas its more advanced… ballistic missiles via sea, in components for construction in Gaza".&nbsp;

Iran has long financially and militarily backed Hamas but has insisted it had no involvement in the group's assault that erupted Saturday.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-are-white-phosphorus-bombs-that-israel-reportedly-launched-in-gaza-it-is-legal-to-use-645106">What are white phosphorus bombs that Israel reportedly used in Gaza? Is it illegal?</a>

<h2>What does the West say?&nbsp;</h2>

After the recent attack, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said that the Palestinian militant group Hamas would not have been able to launch its "unprecedented" attacks on Israel without having had Iranian support in recent years.&nbsp;

"So far, we have no tangible evidence that Iran gave concrete and operational support to this cowardly attack. But it is clear to all of us that without Iranian support over the last few years, Hamas would not have been able to carry out these unprecedented attacks on Israeli territory," Scholz said in an address to parliament.&nbsp;

US President Joe&nbsp;Biden warned Iran to "be careful". He said, "We made it clear to the Iranians: Be careful."&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-historical-conflict-between-israel-palestine-amid-unprovoked-escalation-by-hamas-644471">Revisiting Israel-Palestine historical conflict amid new escalation by Hamas</a>&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Netanyahu forms unity govt; can it find consensus?

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Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-gaza-strip-and-the-struggle-for-survival-for-millions-of-its-residents-645290">Gaza Strip and the struggle for survival for millions of its residents</a>

<h2>What exactly is Hamas?&nbsp;</h2>

Hamas is one of the two major political parties in Palestinian territories. It governs more than two million Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, however, it is more popular for its armed resistance to Israel.&nbsp;

Hamas was founded in 1987 during the first Palestinian Intifada (or uprising). It is backed by Shi'ite Iran and shares the Islamist ideology of the Muslim Brotherhood, which was established in Egypt in the 1920s.&nbsp;

Hamas has run the Gaza Strip since 2007, after a brief civil war with forces loyal to the Fatah movement led by President Mahmoud Abbas, who is based in the West Bank. He also heads the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO).&nbsp;

The Hamas takeover of Gaza followed its win in Palestinian parliamentary elections in 2006 – the last time they were held. Hamas accused Abbas of conspiring against it. Abbas described what happened as a coup.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

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The Palestinian group Hamas launched an unprecedented terror attack from Gaza into Israel this past weekend. It was one of the most serious escalations since Israel's creation in 1948 as hundreds of people were killed on both sides.

The Palestinian group Hamas launched an unprecedented terror attack from Gaza into Israel this past weekend. It was one of the most serious escalations since Israel's creation in 1948 as hundreds of people were killed on both sides. More than 1,500 Hamas militants stormed through the Gaza security barrier on October 7 in a coordinated land, air and sea attack. They used sophisticated weapons, despite the fact that the Hamas-ruled enclave of Gaza is a poor and densely populated area, with limited resources. But the matter of concern here is that the advanced and precision weapons are becoming part of the arsenal of Hamas, a group that has been designated a terrorist organisation by dozens of countries. Who funds Hamas? Several nations including the US and the UK have designated Hamas as a terrorist organisation, while some countries label only their military wing as terrorists. The terror designation means providing aid or material support to such organisations, including volunteering to join them is considered a criminal activity. Hence, it becomes difficult for the militants to ask for military aid. But they are getting it. Here at WION, we are decoding the routes of the financial help and arms supply. For a better understanding of its financial sources, it is important to know about the two wings of Hamas — the social service wing, Dawah, and the military arm, the Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades. The social service wing is an active part of collecting funds as it looks after providing education, healthcare, and social services to Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. Also read: Israel vs Hamas war | A look at firepower in Israeli arsenal The money trail Iran's name comes when the question arises on how is Hamas financed. Tehran accounts for roughly 70 per cent of the funding. Palestinian expatriates and private donors across the world provided much of the funding to the Hamas movement. Reports have claimed that they also received money through some Islamic charities in the West via Hamas-backed social service groups. This also led to the freezing of assets by the US Treasury as and when identified. Besides Iran, Turkey has also supported Hamas, especially after President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's rise to power in 2002. Turkey has been accused of funding the Hamas militants through aid diverted from the Turkish Cooperation and Coordination Agency. But it says it only backs the political movement. The military aid: Not just money-wise, Iran also helps the militant group in the form of military assistance and necessary training. The West argues that the military aid has, more-or-less, remained despite a drop in financial contribution because of recent economic sanctions. The West contends that the weapons are supplied to Hamas after arms smugglers drop them on the shore along the Mediterranean Sea despite the Israeli Navy's vigilance. As an alternative route, the smugglers use tunnels for weapon supply. They delivered M-302 and Fajr-3, which is an Iranian-built unguided surface-to-surface artillery rocket. CIA mentioned in its World Factbook that "Hamas acquires its weapons through smuggling or local construction and receives some military support from Iran". But a direct role of Iran is yet to be established. As quoted by a news site, Bilal Saab, who is senior fellow and director of the Defense and Security Program at the Middle East Institute (MEI) in Washington, said: "Hamas' tunnel infrastructure is still massive despite Israel and Egypt regularly degrading it." "Hamas has received arms from Iran smuggled into the (Gaza) Strip via tunnels. This often included longer-range systems," said Daniel Byman, who is a senior fellow with the Transnational Threats Project at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). Charles Lister, a senior fellow at the MEI said that "Iran has also been shipping Hamas its more advanced… ballistic missiles via sea, in components for construction in Gaza". Iran has long financially and militarily backed Hamas but has insisted it had no involvement in the group's assault that erupted Saturday. Also read: What are white phosphorus bombs that Israel reportedly used in Gaza? Is it illegal? What does the West say? After the recent attack, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said that the Palestinian militant group Hamas would not have been able to launch its "unprecedented" attacks on Israel without having had Iranian support in recent years. "So far, we have no tangible evidence that Iran gave concrete and operational support to this cowardly attack. But it is clear to all of us that without Iranian support over the last few years, Hamas would not have been able to carry out these unprecedented attacks on Israeli territory," Scholz said in an address to parliament. US President Joe Biden warned Iran to "be careful". He said, "We made it clear to the Iranians: Be careful." Also read: Revisiting Israel-Palestine historical conflict amid new escalation by Hamas Watch: Netanyahu forms unity govt; can it find consensus? × Also read: Gaza Strip and the struggle for survival for millions of its residents What exactly is Hamas? Hamas is one of the two major political parties in Palestinian territories. It governs more than two million Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, however, it is more popular for its armed resistance to Israel. Hamas was founded in 1987 during the first Palestinian Intifada (or uprising). It is backed by Shi'ite Iran and shares the Islamist ideology of the Muslim Brotherhood, which was established in Egypt in the 1920s. Hamas has run the Gaza Strip since 2007, after a brief civil war with forces loyal to the Fatah movement led by President Mahmoud Abbas, who is based in the West Bank. He also heads the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO). The Hamas takeover of Gaza followed its win in Palestinian parliamentary elections in 2006 – the last time they were held. Hamas accused Abbas of conspiring against it. Abbas described what happened as a coup. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Explained: Who funds Hamas? How terror group gets money and military equipment

The United States is urging its international partners to make use of their influence with Hamas and its supporters in Iran. The nation is encouraging global partners to do this to get the militants to stand down their assault on Israel, said a senior US official, as reported by AFP.

This comes as US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday headed to Israel on a Middle East Mission, showing his nation's solidarity with the war-torn nation.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-vs-hamas-irans-president-raisi-dials-saudi-crown-prince-to-address-the-crisis-645636">Israel vs Hamas: Iran's President Raisi dials Saudi Crown Prince to address the crisis</a>

Speaking to press during a refuelling stop in Ireland, an official accompanying Blinken said: "Frankly, we're asking all of our partners to engage with Hamas, Hezbollah or Iran — with any of that trifecta — with whom they have any channels or relations or what have you, to get Hamas to stand down from its attacks, to release those hostages, and to keep Hezbollah out, and to keep Iran out of the fray."

<h2>Blinken in Israel</h2>

Blinken as per Reuters is due to meet senior Israeli officials, including the nation's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.&nbsp;

US further boosting military support to Israel will feature among the topics of discussion.

Before boarding a plane for Israel, he told reporters: "I'm going with a very simple and clear message ... that the United States has Israel's back."

A top objective for Blinken during this visit will be to deliver a message, largely directed at Iran and Iran-backed groups like Lebanon's Hezbollah, to stand down and stop an escalation of the conflict.

Also on the agenda is a visit to Jordan and other countries in the region. However, as per Reuters, it seems like a visit to West Bank is not on the cards.

<h2>Biden warns Iran</h2>

US President Joe Biden has warned Iran against getting involved in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-says-he-saw-evidence-of-hamas-beheading-israeli-children-645631">Biden says he saw evidence of Hamas 'beheading' Israeli children</a>

Speaking to a roundtable of Jewish community leaders in Washington, the US President stressed that US' deployment of military ships and aircraft closer to Israel should be seen as a signal.&nbsp;

"We made it clear to the Iranians: Be careful," said Biden.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The United States is urging its international partners to make use of their influence with Hamas and its supporters in Iran. The nation is encouraging global partners to do this to get the militants to stand down their assault on Israel, said a senior US official, as reported by AFP.

The United States is urging its international partners to make use of their influence with Hamas and its supporters in Iran. The nation is encouraging global partners to do this to get the militants to stand down their assault on Israel, said a senior US official, as reported by AFP. This comes as US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday headed to Israel on a Middle East Mission, showing his nation's solidarity with the war-torn nation. Also read | Israel vs Hamas: Iran's President Raisi dials Saudi Crown Prince to address the crisis Speaking to press during a refuelling stop in Ireland, an official accompanying Blinken said: "Frankly, we're asking all of our partners to engage with Hamas, Hezbollah or Iran — with any of that trifecta — with whom they have any channels or relations or what have you, to get Hamas to stand down from its attacks, to release those hostages, and to keep Hezbollah out, and to keep Iran out of the fray." Blinken in Israel Blinken as per Reuters is due to meet senior Israeli officials, including the nation's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. US further boosting military support to Israel will feature among the topics of discussion. Before boarding a plane for Israel, he told reporters: "I'm going with a very simple and clear message ... that the United States has Israel's back." A top objective for Blinken during this visit will be to deliver a message, largely directed at Iran and Iran-backed groups like Lebanon's Hezbollah, to stand down and stop an escalation of the conflict. Also on the agenda is a visit to Jordan and other countries in the region. However, as per Reuters, it seems like a visit to West Bank is not on the cards. Biden warns Iran US President Joe Biden has warned Iran against getting involved in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. Also read | Biden says he saw evidence of Hamas 'beheading' Israeli children Speaking to a roundtable of Jewish community leaders in Washington, the US President stressed that US' deployment of military ships and aircraft closer to Israel should be seen as a signal. "We made it clear to the Iranians: Be careful," said Biden. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

As Blinken heads to Israel, US urges nations to use influence to get Hamas to stand down 

Taiwan, claimed by China as its own territory, has set up a task force to draw lessons from the surprise attack by Hamas on Israel.

Talking to media on Thursday, Defence Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng said that intelligence is key to preventing a war.

<h2>Chinese threat</h2>

Hamas' surprise attack on Israel and the resulting conflict has focused attention on the possibility of a Chinese attack on Taiwan.

The island nation faces constant pressure from Beijing. Since August 2022, it has seen two major sets of Chinese war games near its territory.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-blinken-heads-to-israel-us-urges-nations-to-use-influence-to-get-hamas-to-stand-down-645640">As Blinken heads to Israel, US urges nations to use influence to get Hamas to stand down&nbsp;</a>

When asked by reporters about the lessons Taiwan has learnt from Israel-Hamas conflict, the Taiwanese defence minister said, "the initial (lesson) is that intelligence work is very important. With intelligence, many countermeasures can be made. A war can even be avoided."

"It is everyone's shared expectations to avoid a war," said Chiu, as reported by Reuters.

Even as the island works to counter China's military threats, the Taiwan minister said that even as Taiwan's military works to boost its combat readiness, it will not initiate a conflict. He stated that the ongoing conflict demonstrated the horror of war.

<h3>Constant threat</h3>

During a forum in Taipei on Wednesday, former Australian prime minister Scott Morrison voiced his support for Taiwan's strengthening of its defences.

He said that in light of China's threats against the island nation, it is essential for Taiwan to strengthen its resilience. He also said that Taiwan needs to show "urgency" and do more.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-says-he-saw-evidence-of-hamas-beheading-israeli-children-645631">Biden says he saw evidence of Hamas 'beheading' Israeli children; White House clarifies</a>

Addressing an audience that included Taiwan Foreign Minister Joseph Wu, Morrison said: "Such urgency must also be demonstrated by Taiwan itself. Israel is an even smaller nation than Taiwan and likewise lives under constant threat." 
&nbsp; 
"But they spend considerably more proportionally on its defence than here in Taiwan," he added.

Taiwan's government has proposed designating around 2.5 per cent of the country's overall GDP to defence next year. In comparison, as per Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, Israel's defence budget this year amounted to 4.5 per cent of its GDP.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Taiwan, claimed by China as its own territory, has set up a task force to draw lessons from the surprise attack by Hamas on Israel. Talking to media on Thursday, Defence Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng said that intelligence is key to preventing a war.

Taiwan, claimed by China as its own territory, has set up a task force to draw lessons from the surprise attack by Hamas on Israel. Talking to media on Thursday, Defence Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng said that intelligence is key to preventing a war. Chinese threat Hamas' surprise attack on Israel and the resulting conflict has focused attention on the possibility of a Chinese attack on Taiwan. The island nation faces constant pressure from Beijing. Since August 2022, it has seen two major sets of Chinese war games near its territory. Also read | As Blinken heads to Israel, US urges nations to use influence to get Hamas to stand down When asked by reporters about the lessons Taiwan has learnt from Israel-Hamas conflict, the Taiwanese defence minister said, "the initial (lesson) is that intelligence work is very important. With intelligence, many countermeasures can be made. A war can even be avoided." "It is everyone's shared expectations to avoid a war," said Chiu, as reported by Reuters. Even as the island works to counter China's military threats, the Taiwan minister said that even as Taiwan's military works to boost its combat readiness, it will not initiate a conflict. He stated that the ongoing conflict demonstrated the horror of war. Constant threat During a forum in Taipei on Wednesday, former Australian prime minister Scott Morrison voiced his support for Taiwan's strengthening of its defences. He said that in light of China's threats against the island nation, it is essential for Taiwan to strengthen its resilience. He also said that Taiwan needs to show "urgency" and do more. Also read | Biden says he saw evidence of Hamas 'beheading' Israeli children; White House clarifies Addressing an audience that included Taiwan Foreign Minister Joseph Wu, Morrison said: "Such urgency must also be demonstrated by Taiwan itself. Israel is an even smaller nation than Taiwan and likewise lives under constant threat." "But they spend considerably more proportionally on its defence than here in Taiwan," he added. Taiwan's government has proposed designating around 2.5 per cent of the country's overall GDP to defence next year. In comparison, as per Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, Israel's defence budget this year amounted to 4.5 per cent of its GDP. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Taiwan studies Israel-Hamas war to learn lessons, avoid similar conflict with China

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defence chief and centrist opposition party leader Benny Gantz have agreed to form an emergency government, a joint statement said on Wednesday (Oct 11).

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defence chief and centrist opposition party leader Benny Gantz have agreed to form an emergency government, a joint statement said on Wednesday (Oct 11). The statement read, "Following a meeting... held today, the two agreed on establishing an emergency government and war cabinet." "Israel before anything else," Gantz wrote in a social media post while the National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir wrote that he "welcomes the unity, now we must win". Israel is at war as it faces the deadliest attack since its creation in 1948. In the first week of October, more than 1,500 Hamas militants stormed through the Gaza security barrier in the first weekend of October in their coordinated land, air and sea attack on the Jewish Sabbath. Also read: What are white phosphorus bombs that Israel reportedly used in Gaza? Is it illegal? Israel's 'war cabinet' In general, a war cabinet is a committee formed by a government in a time of war. The aim of such special cabinets is to efficiently and effectively conduct that war. It is quite common for a war cabinet to have the prime minister/president of the nation and senior military officers as a war cabinet is usually a subset of the full executive cabinet of ministers. It also has opposition politicians as members. Israel's three-member "war cabinet" would include Netanyahu, Gantz and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant. The statement said that Gadi Eisenkot, who is also a former army chief from Gantz's party, and Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer will serve as observers. A seat for the opposition leader Yair Lapid would be "reserved" in the war cabinet, but he has not joined his former ally, Gantz, the statement added. After the announcement, Justice Minister Yariv Levin said the agreement "is the right and necessary thing to do — from here, we work together". Economy Minister Nir Barkat wrote: "The State of Israel has a unity government. At a time like this, we must join forces, give support to IDF soldiers and work as one until there is a complete victory of the State of Israel over its enemy." Any impact on parties? The unity among political parties, which are normally deeply hostile to one another, shows the scale of the crisis that has unfolded across Israel, with an uncertain future. But the statement said that the overall, five members of Gantz's National Unity party would become ministers without portfolio. It also noted appointments for senior positions would be automatically extended during the war, with Israeli central bank governor Amir Yaron due to complete his five-year tenure at the end of the year. Also read: Gaza Strip and the struggle for survival for millions of its residents What will the 'war cabinet' do? Amid the escalating situation and Israel's raging fighting against Hamas militants, the emergency government will get broader national consensus to military action. The cabinet includes two strong people who are experts when it comes to military strategies. Gantz and Eisenkot are former Israeli military chiefs of staff. It has been agreed that no legislation in Knesset or government resolutions will be advanced during the war if they are not related to the management of the war. Watch: Is Israel preparing for a multi-front war? × Judicial overhaul frozen Israel has agreed also to freeze the government's judicial overhaul, which had triggered mass street protests since the start of the year, said to be the biggest in the country's history. Since the start of the year, huge weekly protests have been held by people who oppose the government's reform plans. Tens of thousands of people stormed the streets in towns and cities across the country as the scale of the protests grew gradually. In July, Israel's parliament passed the first part to overhaul the country's judiciary system. It is controversial as the legislation abolishes the "reasonableness doctrine," which the Supreme Court has employed to evaluate government policies. The war has given a break to all the government's plans. Also read: Israel vs Hamas war | A look at firepower in Israeli arsenal History of cabinet war rooms The concept of war cabinets, or war rooms, is old. It gained prominence during the World War II. One of the most famous in that period was British prime minister Winston Churchill's War Cabinet. Let's dive into its history: Plans were drafted as early as the 1920s to evacuate the prime minister, cabinet, and key personnel from London; however, concerns about the speed of the evacuation led to a search for an emergency shelter in central London. Not just evacuation, there were also concerns over the idea that Londoners would feel abandoned if the government and prime minister were in a safe place, away from the city. Hence, the New Public Offices building was selected in June 1938, which was near Parliament, with a strong steel frame and a large basement. History books have mentioned that the War Cabinet met in the basement during air attacks, and it also served as the location of a military information centre with a "Map Room" in its centre. This was where important data for Prime Minister Churchill, the armed forces, and King George VI was gathered. One week before Britain declared war on Germany, on August 27, 1939, the Cabinet War Rooms were completely operational. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Explained: Israel forms emergency 'war cabinet'. What is it? What will it do?

(Trigger warning: Some readers may find details of this report disturbing. Discretion is advised)

The international war correspondent who initially broke the story of Hamas' alleged beheading of Israeli children is standing by her reporting.

Despite doubts circulating on social media, i24News reporter Nicole Zedeck strongly defended her account and said, "I wish that it wasn't true."

She had reported that on Tuesday, at a kibbutz near the Gaza border, 40 infants and young children were brutally murdered, with some decapitated.

<h2>'Apocalyptic scene'</h2>

Appearing on "The Clay Travis &amp; Buck Sexton Show," Zedeck recalled the gruesome scenes she witnessed while walking through a community near the Gaza border.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-blinken-heads-to-israel-us-urges-nations-to-use-influence-to-get-hamas-to-stand-down-645640">As Blinken heads to Israel, US urges nations to use influence to get Hamas to stand down&nbsp;</a>

"I witnessed some of those scenes with my own eyes as we were walking through this community that may be a quarter of a mile from the Gaza border. The atrocities that were still left behind, children, cribs, baby cribs overturned on their side, splattered with blood... Horrible, horrible images," she said.

Calling the bloodshed witnessed by Israeli soldiers as an "apocalyptic scene," she said that there were no "words to describe what they've seen."

"Babies' heads cut off. That's what they encountered when they came there."

"So as horrible as it is, and I wish that it wasn't true. And I see how those images and those words are hard to comprehend because it's hard to comprehend how anyone could commit such heinous, heinous crimes. But that's exactly what happened in just one of the kibbutz communities," she added.

<h2>'Why aren’t you showing the babies?'</h2>

When a commentator's sound bite doubting her report was played, she slammed the nay-sayers and said, "You know, it's sickening, really, that people are asking, 'Where are the babies? Why aren’t you showing the babies?'".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-vs-hamas-claims-of-beheaded-israeli-babies-at-massacre-site-create-shockwaves-645154">Israel Vs Hamas: Reports of Israeli babies being massacred create shockwaves</a>

She asked, "Is that something that anyone would want to see the first thing with their own eyes? Because after the graphic images that I saw of just children's beds covered in blood, I don't think I would be able to stomach those atrocities as well."

"I didn’t know anyone was capable of committing something like that, so that’s the only way I could report it by speaking to these soldiers, these commanders, who witnessed it first hand," said the war correspondent.

Zedeck also credited Israeli soldiers for undertaking the agonising task of transporting the children's lifeless bodies into ambulances.

<h2>Reports of 'beheaded' babies</h2>

A spokesperson for Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday confirmed reports of babies and toddlers found with their "heads decapitated," in southern Israel.

US President Joe Biden, too, claimed to have seen photos corroborating claims of decapitated bodies.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-says-he-saw-evidence-of-hamas-beheading-israeli-children-645631">Biden says he saw evidence of Hamas 'beheading' Israeli children; White House clarifies</a>

"I never really thought that I would see and have confirmed pictures of terrorists beheading children," he said. However, his claims were later clarified by the White House, who said that neither the president nor US officials had viewed images or independently confirmed such reports. They also said that the statement was based on claims made by a spokesperson for Israel's prime minister and media reports.

(With inputs from agencies)

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(Trigger warning: Some readers may find details of this report disturbing. Discretion is advised) The international war correspondent who initially broke the story of Hamas' alleged beheading of Israeli children is standing by her reporting.

(Trigger warning: Some readers may find details of this report disturbing. Discretion is advised) The international war correspondent who initially broke the story of Hamas' alleged beheading of Israeli children is standing by her reporting. Despite doubts circulating on social media, i24News reporter Nicole Zedeck strongly defended her account and said, "I wish that it wasn't true." She had reported that on Tuesday, at a kibbutz near the Gaza border, 40 infants and young children were brutally murdered, with some decapitated. 'Apocalyptic scene' Appearing on "The Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show," Zedeck recalled the gruesome scenes she witnessed while walking through a community near the Gaza border. Also read | As Blinken heads to Israel, US urges nations to use influence to get Hamas to stand down "I witnessed some of those scenes with my own eyes as we were walking through this community that may be a quarter of a mile from the Gaza border. The atrocities that were still left behind, children, cribs, baby cribs overturned on their side, splattered with blood... Horrible, horrible images," she said. Calling the bloodshed witnessed by Israeli soldiers as an "apocalyptic scene," she said that there were no "words to describe what they've seen." "Babies' heads cut off. That's what they encountered when they came there." "So as horrible as it is, and I wish that it wasn't true. And I see how those images and those words are hard to comprehend because it's hard to comprehend how anyone could commit such heinous, heinous crimes. But that's exactly what happened in just one of the kibbutz communities," she added. 'Why aren’t you showing the babies?' When a commentator's sound bite doubting her report was played, she slammed the nay-sayers and said, "You know, it's sickening, really, that people are asking, 'Where are the babies? Why aren’t you showing the babies?'". Also read | Israel Vs Hamas: Reports of Israeli babies being massacred create shockwaves She asked, "Is that something that anyone would want to see the first thing with their own eyes? Because after the graphic images that I saw of just children's beds covered in blood, I don't think I would be able to stomach those atrocities as well." "I didn’t know anyone was capable of committing something like that, so that’s the only way I could report it by speaking to these soldiers, these commanders, who witnessed it first hand," said the war correspondent. Zedeck also credited Israeli soldiers for undertaking the agonising task of transporting the children's lifeless bodies into ambulances. Reports of 'beheaded' babies A spokesperson for Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday confirmed reports of babies and toddlers found with their "heads decapitated," in southern Israel. US President Joe Biden, too, claimed to have seen photos corroborating claims of decapitated bodies. Also read | Biden says he saw evidence of Hamas 'beheading' Israeli children; White House clarifies "I never really thought that I would see and have confirmed pictures of terrorists beheading children," he said. However, his claims were later clarified by the White House, who said that neither the president nor US officials had viewed images or independently confirmed such reports. They also said that the statement was based on claims made by a spokesperson for Israel's prime minister and media reports. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos, and videos. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

I wish that it wasn't true: War correspondent stands by report of beheadings of Israeli babies

Israel has launched incessant air strikes at Hamas targets in Gaza after members of the Palestinian militant group stormed Israeli towns in the first week of October in a surprise and unprecedented assault.&nbsp;

The attack by Hamas on Saturday (Oct 7) was launched from the Gaza enclave, killing over 1,000 Israelis, mostly civilians. Hamas militants&nbsp;also took dozens hostage, including from a famous music festival.

The subsequent armed conflict continues to escalate as hundreds of people have died on both sides and the toll is expected to rise further.&nbsp;

However, other concerns have been raised over the way&nbsp;this war is going forward. Experts have called out Israel after a video purportedly showed the alleged use of white phosphorus bombs in densely populated areas.

The matter is contested, but WION here decodes everything you need to know about the white phosphorus bombs.&nbsp;

<h2>What are white phosphorus bombs?&nbsp;</h2>

White phosphorus is a waxy crystalline solid, which turns dark on exposure to light. This toxic substance comes in white to yellow transparent. White phosphorus has a match-like or garlic-like, acrid odour, however, it is not feasible to depend on odour for its detection.&nbsp;

It is used by the military in the form of various types of ammunition as an incendiary agent because it spontaneously catches fire in the air when it comes into contact with oxygen.&nbsp;

The substance is also used by the militaries across the world as a smoke agent because it produces clouds of irritating white smoke.&nbsp;

The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, an intergovernmental implementing body for the Chemical Weapons Convention, has not listed White Phosphorous in any of the three Schedules of Chemical Weapons.&nbsp;

White phosphorus can ignite fast-burning and fast-spreading fires on the ground, and several reports have claimed it is extremely difficult to extinguish once ignited.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/israel-vs-hamas-war-a-look-at-firepower-in-israeli-arsenal-645024">Israel vs Hamas war: A look at firepower in Israeli arsenal</a>&nbsp;

<h2>How can white phosphorus be disseminated?&nbsp;</h2>

White phosphorus munitions can cause severe harm as exposure to them leads to burn injuries and vapour inhalation.

It can be absorbed into the body when inhaled, ingested, or through skin contact. It sticks to many surfaces, including skin and clothing.

It can be released into indoor air as smoke and can contaminate water bodies if contacted, which will impact millions — humans and animals.&nbsp;

A report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) mentioned that white phosphorus cannot be used to contaminate food. It added that if white phosphorus is released as smoke, it may not contaminate agricultural products. However, particles of white phosphorus that do not react with air may contaminate agricultural products.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media.

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This is a war crime: Israeli forces are using internationally prohibited white phosphorus on heavily populated districts in the north of Gaza. <a href="https://t.co/7VnteZsiFj">pic.twitter.com/7VnteZsiFj</a>
— PALESTINE ONLINE 🇵🇸 (@OnlinePalEng) <a href="https://twitter.com/OnlinePalEng/status/1711208028505043131?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 9, 2023</a></blockquote>
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Phosphorus bombs used by lsrael in my village! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gaza?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gaza</a> <a href="https://t.co/Dm21uPCDnU">pic.twitter.com/Dm21uPCDnU</a>
— Muhammad Smiry 🇵🇸 (@MuhammadSmiry) <a href="https://twitter.com/MuhammadSmiry/status/1711205055569760687?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 9, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<h2>Are white phosphorus bombs banned?&nbsp;</h2>

White phosphorus does not occur naturally as it is manufactured using phosphate rocks. As per international laws, the use of white phosphorus shells is prohibited in heavily populated civilian areas. However, the laws allow its usage in open spaces to be used as cover for troops.&nbsp;

White phosphorus weapons are not banned, but their use in civilian areas is considered a war crime.&nbsp;

Human Rights Watch has said that there have been documented civilian deaths from the use of white phosphorus in war zones in countries and areas such as Syria, Afghanistan, and Gaza.&nbsp;

<h2>What are other applications of white phosphorus?&nbsp;</h2>

White phosphorus is also used as a component in fertilisers, food additives and cleaning compounds.&nbsp;

It was initially used in pesticides and fireworks, but many countries have banned its use in several sectors.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-defense-forces-says-it-killed-two-top-hamas-men-during-air-strikes-645045">Israel Defense Forces says it killed two top Hamas men during air strike</a>&nbsp;

<h2>Has Israel used such bombs previously?&nbsp;</h2>

A report by Human Rights Watch claimed that Israel extensively used white phosphorus munitions in its 22-day military operation in Gaza called 'Operation Cast Lead' that lasted from December 27, 2008 to January 18, 2009. &nbsp;

The report clarified that white phosphorus munitions did not kill the most civilians in Gaza, as people died from missiles, bombs, heavy artillery, tank shells, and small arms fire.

However, it did argue that their use in densely populated neighbourhoods violated international humanitarian law, which requires taking precautions to avoid civilian harm.&nbsp;

<h2>Reports of other war crimes during the Israel-Hamas war&nbsp;</h2>

The ongoing UN investigation into alleged human rights violations in the Israeli-Hamas conflict said there was "already clear evidence that war crimes may have been committed".&nbsp;

"All those who have violated international law and targeted civilians must be held accountable for their crimes," said the Commission of Inquiry as quoted by the news agency AFP.&nbsp;

The COI, the highest-level investigation that can be ordered by the UN Human Rights Council, was set up in May 2021 to investigate all alleged violations of international humanitarian and human rights law.&nbsp;

The independent commission said it had been "collecting and preserving evidence of war crimes committed by all sides" in the current conflict.&nbsp;

"Taking civilian hostages and using civilians as human shields are war crimes," it said.

It is also "gravely concerned" by Israel's total siege on the Gaza Strip, "which will undoubtfully cost civilian lives and constitutes collective punishment".&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.&nbsp;

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Israel has launched incessant air strikes at Hamas targets in Gaza after members of the Palestinian militant group stormed Israeli towns in the first week of October in a surprise and unprecedented assault.

Israel has launched incessant air strikes at Hamas targets in Gaza after members of the Palestinian militant group stormed Israeli towns in the first week of October in a surprise and unprecedented assault. The attack by Hamas on Saturday (Oct 7) was launched from the Gaza enclave, killing over 1,000 Israelis, mostly civilians. Hamas militants also took dozens hostage, including from a famous music festival. The subsequent armed conflict continues to escalate as hundreds of people have died on both sides and the toll is expected to rise further. However, other concerns have been raised over the way this war is going forward. Experts have called out Israel after a video purportedly showed the alleged use of white phosphorus bombs in densely populated areas. The matter is contested, but WION here decodes everything you need to know about the white phosphorus bombs. What are white phosphorus bombs? White phosphorus is a waxy crystalline solid, which turns dark on exposure to light. This toxic substance comes in white to yellow transparent. White phosphorus has a match-like or garlic-like, acrid odour, however, it is not feasible to depend on odour for its detection. It is used by the military in the form of various types of ammunition as an incendiary agent because it spontaneously catches fire in the air when it comes into contact with oxygen. The substance is also used by the militaries across the world as a smoke agent because it produces clouds of irritating white smoke. The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons, an intergovernmental implementing body for the Chemical Weapons Convention, has not listed White Phosphorous in any of the three Schedules of Chemical Weapons. White phosphorus can ignite fast-burning and fast-spreading fires on the ground, and several reports have claimed it is extremely difficult to extinguish once ignited. Also read: Israel vs Hamas war: A look at firepower in Israeli arsenal How can white phosphorus be disseminated? White phosphorus munitions can cause severe harm as exposure to them leads to burn injuries and vapour inhalation. It can be absorbed into the body when inhaled, ingested, or through skin contact. It sticks to many surfaces, including skin and clothing. It can be released into indoor air as smoke and can contaminate water bodies if contacted, which will impact millions — humans and animals. A report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) mentioned that white phosphorus cannot be used to contaminate food. It added that if white phosphorus is released as smoke, it may not contaminate agricultural products. However, particles of white phosphorus that do not react with air may contaminate agricultural products. Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media. This is a war crime: Israeli forces are using internationally prohibited white phosphorus on heavily populated districts in the north of Gaza. pic.twitter.com/7VnteZsiFj — PALESTINE ONLINE 🇵🇸 (@OnlinePalEng) October 9, 2023 × Phosphorus bombs used by lsrael in my village! #Gaza pic.twitter.com/Dm21uPCDnU — Muhammad Smiry 🇵🇸 (@MuhammadSmiry) October 9, 2023 × Are white phosphorus bombs banned? White phosphorus does not occur naturally as it is manufactured using phosphate rocks. As per international laws, the use of white phosphorus shells is prohibited in heavily populated civilian areas. However, the laws allow its usage in open spaces to be used as cover for troops. White phosphorus weapons are not banned, but their use in civilian areas is considered a war crime. Human Rights Watch has said that there have been documented civilian deaths from the use of white phosphorus in war zones in countries and areas such as Syria, Afghanistan, and Gaza. What are other applications of white phosphorus? White phosphorus is also used as a component in fertilisers, food additives and cleaning compounds. It was initially used in pesticides and fireworks, but many countries have banned its use in several sectors. Also read: Israel Defense Forces says it killed two top Hamas men during air strike Has Israel used such bombs previously? A report by Human Rights Watch claimed that Israel extensively used white phosphorus munitions in its 22-day military operation in Gaza called 'Operation Cast Lead' that lasted from December 27, 2008 to January 18, 2009. The report clarified that white phosphorus munitions did not kill the most civilians in Gaza, as people died from missiles, bombs, heavy artillery, tank shells, and small arms fire. However, it did argue that their use in densely populated neighbourhoods violated international humanitarian law, which requires taking precautions to avoid civilian harm. Reports of other war crimes during the Israel-Hamas war The ongoing UN investigation into alleged human rights violations in the Israeli-Hamas conflict said there was "already clear evidence that war crimes may have been committed". "All those who have violated international law and targeted civilians must be held accountable for their crimes," said the Commission of Inquiry as quoted by the news agency AFP. The COI, the highest-level investigation that can be ordered by the UN Human Rights Council, was set up in May 2021 to investigate all alleged violations of international humanitarian and human rights law. The independent commission said it had been "collecting and preserving evidence of war crimes committed by all sides" in the current conflict. "Taking civilian hostages and using civilians as human shields are war crimes," it said. It is also "gravely concerned" by Israel's total siege on the Gaza Strip, "which will undoubtfully cost civilian lives and constitutes collective punishment". (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Explained I What are white phosphorus bombs that Israel reportedly used in Gaza? Is it illegal?

For decades the intelligence services of Israel and the United States shared an aura of invincibility, the best of the best. For America’s CIA, that ended on September 11, 2001. For Israel’s Mossad and Shin Bet, the myth ended on October 7, 2023.

That was the day militants of the Hamas group in Gaza launched a devastating assault by land, sea, and air on Israel, killing 800 people within the first few hours and kidnapping civilians who are now being held hostage in Gaza, their whereabouts unknown.

What al-Qaeda’s September 11 attacks on New York and Washington, and the cross-border raids on Israel have in common is that they required months of planning but came as complete surprises to intelligence services with vast resources, from electronic eavesdropping to sprawling networks of agents.

Relative to the population, the Hamas attack inflicted a greater toll of death and trauma on Israel than September 11 did on the United States. The population of the US was 285 million in 2001, Israel’s population now is nine million. The New York/Washington attacks killed just under 3,000. Israel’s equivalent would be more than 20,000.

What went wrong in detecting preparations for the Hamas attack will be a matter of months of investigations and might decide the fate of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The last time Israel was caught as flat-footed as today was 50 years ago when Egypt and Syria launched a surprise attack on Israel.

The then Israeli prime minister, Golda Meir, became the target of criticism for having failed to prevent the war and resigned six months after Israel’s resounding but painful victory -2,656 soldiers killed.

Egypt and Syria plotted their attack at a time when electronic surveillance was not nearly as advanced as it is now. Today, the border with Gaza bristles with security cameras. Drones are monitoring movement on the other side of the 60-kilometre border wall.

Hamas gunmen breached it at several points, including near a kibbutz where a music festival attended by young people was in progress. The infiltrators killed 260 and seized several to take them to Gaza. Video of the massacre showed people fleeing in fear, bullet-riddled cars abandoned, and a terrified young woman manhandled and dumped into a pickup truck.

The assault, which included gunmen using motorized hang-gliders and speedboats, shocked security officials in Israel and the US, whose CIA works closely with Mossad, the foreign spy agency, and Shin Bet, which handles internal security and is responsible for Gaza.

“No national intelligence agency is omniscient or flawless, but this is just a colossal failure,” said Bruce Hoffman, a senior counterterrorism expert at the Council on Foreign Relations. “It is just astonishing that this could occur.”

On Tuesday, US President Joe Biden confirmed that American citizens were among the hostages captured by Hamas and 14 had been killed.

“There’s no justification for terrorism. There’s no excuse,” Biden said. “Hamas does not stand for the Palestinian people’s right to dignity and self-determination. Their stated purpose is the annihilation of the state of Israel and the murder of Jewish people. They use Palestinian civilians as human shields.”

He did not dwell on the suffering of innocent civilians in densely populated Gaza as Israel retaliated to the Hamas operation with air strikes that killed at least 830 people, according to Palestinian authorities, and wounded more than 4,200.

US officials refrained from commenting on an announcement by Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant that “we are putting a complete siege on Gaza. No electricity, no food, no water, no gas,” he said in a video statement on Monday.

That this was no idle threat was obvious from the aerial video which showed Gaza, home to 2.3 million people in one of the most densely populated places in the world, in almost complete darkness.

In Geneva, UN&nbsp;Human Rights Chief Volker Turk said “sieges that endanger the lives of civilians by depriving them of goods essential for their survival is prohibited under international humanitarian law. This risks seriously compounding the already dire human rights and humanitarian situation in Gaza.”

As in previous military flare-ups in Gaza (2006, 2008, 2012, 2014, and 2021), events unfolded in similar ways: militants from Hamas, often small in numbers, attack Israel with rockets or mortars. Israel retaliates with air strikes that flatten entire neighbourhoods and regularly kill militants and civilians alike.

There is a simple phrase for this: collective punishment.

(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.)

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For decades the intelligence services of Israel and the United States shared an aura of invincibility, the best of the best. For America’s CIA, that ended on September 11, 2001.

For decades the intelligence services of Israel and the United States shared an aura of invincibility, the best of the best. For America’s CIA, that ended on September 11, 2001. For Israel’s Mossad and Shin Bet, the myth ended on October 7, 2023. That was the day militants of the Hamas group in Gaza launched a devastating assault by land, sea, and air on Israel, killing 800 people within the first few hours and kidnapping civilians who are now being held hostage in Gaza, their whereabouts unknown. What al-Qaeda’s September 11 attacks on New York and Washington, and the cross-border raids on Israel have in common is that they required months of planning but came as complete surprises to intelligence services with vast resources, from electronic eavesdropping to sprawling networks of agents. Relative to the population, the Hamas attack inflicted a greater toll of death and trauma on Israel than September 11 did on the United States. The population of the US was 285 million in 2001, Israel’s population now is nine million. The New York/Washington attacks killed just under 3,000. Israel’s equivalent would be more than 20,000. What went wrong in detecting preparations for the Hamas attack will be a matter of months of investigations and might decide the fate of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The last time Israel was caught as flat-footed as today was 50 years ago when Egypt and Syria launched a surprise attack on Israel. The then Israeli prime minister, Golda Meir, became the target of criticism for having failed to prevent the war and resigned six months after Israel’s resounding but painful victory -2,656 soldiers killed. Egypt and Syria plotted their attack at a time when electronic surveillance was not nearly as advanced as it is now. Today, the border with Gaza bristles with security cameras. Drones are monitoring movement on the other side of the 60-kilometre border wall. Hamas gunmen breached it at several points, including near a kibbutz where a music festival attended by young people was in progress. The infiltrators killed 260 and seized several to take them to Gaza. Video of the massacre showed people fleeing in fear, bullet-riddled cars abandoned, and a terrified young woman manhandled and dumped into a pickup truck. The assault, which included gunmen using motorized hang-gliders and speedboats, shocked security officials in Israel and the US, whose CIA works closely with Mossad, the foreign spy agency, and Shin Bet, which handles internal security and is responsible for Gaza. “No national intelligence agency is omniscient or flawless, but this is just a colossal failure,” said Bruce Hoffman, a senior counterterrorism expert at the Council on Foreign Relations. “It is just astonishing that this could occur.” On Tuesday, US President Joe Biden confirmed that American citizens were among the hostages captured by Hamas and 14 had been killed. “There’s no justification for terrorism. There’s no excuse,” Biden said. “Hamas does not stand for the Palestinian people’s right to dignity and self-determination. Their stated purpose is the annihilation of the state of Israel and the murder of Jewish people. They use Palestinian civilians as human shields.” He did not dwell on the suffering of innocent civilians in densely populated Gaza as Israel retaliated to the Hamas operation with air strikes that killed at least 830 people, according to Palestinian authorities, and wounded more than 4,200. US officials refrained from commenting on an announcement by Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant that “we are putting a complete siege on Gaza. No electricity, no food, no water, no gas,” he said in a video statement on Monday. That this was no idle threat was obvious from the aerial video which showed Gaza, home to 2.3 million people in one of the most densely populated places in the world, in almost complete darkness. In Geneva, UN Human Rights Chief Volker Turk said “sieges that endanger the lives of civilians by depriving them of goods essential for their survival is prohibited under international humanitarian law. This risks seriously compounding the already dire human rights and humanitarian situation in Gaza.” As in previous military flare-ups in Gaza (2006, 2008, 2012, 2014, and 2021), events unfolded in similar ways: militants from Hamas, often small in numbers, attack Israel with rockets or mortars. Israel retaliates with air strikes that flatten entire neighbourhoods and regularly kill militants and civilians alike. There is a simple phrase for this: collective punishment. (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.) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Israel-Hamas war: Shocking assault and intelligence failure