The United States (US) Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Monday (Aug 19) that the ongoing negotiations for a ceasefire deal in the Israel-Hamas war were maybe the "last chance" to reach an agreement to end the war.

The United States (US) Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Monday (Aug 19) that the ongoing negotiations for a ceasefire deal in the Israel-Hamas war were maybe the "last chance" to reach an agreement to end the war. Blinken arrived in Israel's Tel Aviv on Sunday on another West Asia tour to push for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. This was Blinken's ninth trip to the region since the Israel-Hamas war began on October 7, 2023. "This is a decisive moment -- probably the best, maybe the last, opportunity to get the hostages home, to get a ceasefire and to put everyone on a better path to enduring peace and security," Blinken said as he met Israeli President Isaac Herzog. The US secretary of state also met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. 'Israel thwarting mediators' efforts' Hamas raised doubts about Blinken's latest Middle East visit as it accused Israel of undermining his efforts. Hamas said that it held Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu responsible for "thwarting the mediators' efforts", delaying an agreement and exposing Israeli hostages in Gaza to the same aggression faced by Palestinians. The mediating countries - Qatar, the United States and Egypt - have so far failed to narrow enough differences to reach an agreement in months of on-off negotiations, and violence continued unabated in the Gaza Strip on Sunday. Israeli strikes killed at least 21 people in Gaza on Sunday, Reuters reported citing Palestinian authorities. Truce talks to continue this week The talks towards the ceasefire would continue this week in Cairo, and Blinken would try to secure a breakthrough after the US put forward bridging proposals that the mediating countries believe would close gaps between the warring parties. There has been increased urgency to reach a ceasefire deal amid fears of escalation across the wider region. Iran has threatened to retaliate against Israel after the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran last month. Hamas has pushed for a ceasefire deal to end the war, while Israel has not been willing to agree to go beyond a temporary pause in the fighting. (With inputs from agencies)

Gaza war: Blinken meets Israel's Netanyahu amid ongoing truce talks

The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza reported a grim milestone on Sunday (Aug 18). It has claimed that the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has claimed the lives of at least 40,099 people in the Gaza Strip.

The ministry also reported that 92,609 individuals have been wounded since the war erupted following Hamas's deadly attack on Israel on October 7.

As the death toll in Gaza continues to rise, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu blamed the militant group Hamas on Sunday for blocking ceasefire negotiations.&nbsp;

His remarks come ahead of US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's arrival in Israel. Blinken, as per AFP, is expected to push for a ceasefire deal to prevent a broader regional conflict.&nbsp;On Monday, the US diplomat will meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, and President Isaac Herzog, according to a US official with Blinken.&nbsp;

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:265,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2205}">Netanyahu blames Hamas for ceasefire stalemate</h2>

Urging the international community to direct their pressure at Hamas, Netanyahu said, "Hamas, up to this moment, remains obstinate. It did not even send a representative to the talks in Doha".&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:359,&quot;w&quot;:588,&quot;h&quot;:33,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2299}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hezbollah-leader-fuad-shukr-was-lured-to-his-apartment-via-phone-call-minutes-before-deadly-israeli-strike-751100">Hezbollah leader Fuad Shukr was lured to his apartment via phone call, minutes before deadly Israeli strike</a>

"Therefore, the pressure should be directed at Hamas and (Yahya) Sinwar, not at the Israeli government," Netanyahu said during a cabinet meeting, referring to Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar.

"We are conducting negotiations, not a scenario in which we just give and give. There are things we can be flexible on and there are things that we cannot be flexible on, which we will insist on," he asserted.&nbsp;

Netanyahu emphasised that "strong military pressure and strong diplomatic pressure" are crucial in bringing Hamas to the negotiating table, and that "enormous efforts" were being made to bring home Israeli hostages.

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:592,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2532}">UN chief appeals for humanitarian pause amid Gaza polio outbreak</h2>

Amid the ongoing conflict, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on Friday (August 16) called for a humanitarian pause to allow for a polio vaccination campaign in Gaza.&nbsp;

Addressing reporters, Guterres highlighted the critical need for immediate assurances to facilitate the campaign, especially after the first confirmed polio case was detected in a 10-month-old child in Deir al-Balah.

Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:778,&quot;w&quot;:618,&quot;h&quot;:33,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2718}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/idf-chiefs-knew-about-october-7-attacks-in-advance-but-never-informed-top-officials-report-751012">IDF chiefs knew about October 7 attacks in advance but never informed top officials: Report</a>

"Let’s be clear: The ultimate vaccine for polio is peace and an immediate humanitarian ceasefire," Guterres stated.&nbsp;

He emphasised that a "polio pause is a must" is essential and that "It is impossible to conduct a polio vaccination campaign with war raging all over."

Guterres said that the UN was poised to vaccinate children under 10, but that "challenges are grave." To stop the spread of polio, at least 95 per cent coverage during each of the two rounds of the campaign will be needed.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza reported a grim milestone on Sunday (Aug 18). It has claimed that the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has claimed the lives of at least 40,099 people in the Gaza Strip.

The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza reported a grim milestone on Sunday (Aug 18). It has claimed that the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has claimed the lives of at least 40,099 people in the Gaza Strip. The ministry also reported that 92,609 individuals have been wounded since the war erupted following Hamas's deadly attack on Israel on October 7. As the death toll in Gaza continues to rise, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu blamed the militant group Hamas on Sunday for blocking ceasefire negotiations. His remarks come ahead of US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's arrival in Israel. Blinken, as per AFP, is expected to push for a ceasefire deal to prevent a broader regional conflict. On Monday, the US diplomat will meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, and President Isaac Herzog, according to a US official with Blinken. Netanyahu blames Hamas for ceasefire stalemate Urging the international community to direct their pressure at Hamas, Netanyahu said, "Hamas, up to this moment, remains obstinate. It did not even send a representative to the talks in Doha". Also read | Hezbollah leader Fuad Shukr was lured to his apartment via phone call, minutes before deadly Israeli strike "Therefore, the pressure should be directed at Hamas and (Yahya) Sinwar, not at the Israeli government," Netanyahu said during a cabinet meeting, referring to Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. "We are conducting negotiations, not a scenario in which we just give and give. There are things we can be flexible on and there are things that we cannot be flexible on, which we will insist on," he asserted. Netanyahu emphasised that "strong military pressure and strong diplomatic pressure" are crucial in bringing Hamas to the negotiating table, and that "enormous efforts" were being made to bring home Israeli hostages. UN chief appeals for humanitarian pause amid Gaza polio outbreak Amid the ongoing conflict, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on Friday (August 16) called for a humanitarian pause to allow for a polio vaccination campaign in Gaza. Addressing reporters, Guterres highlighted the critical need for immediate assurances to facilitate the campaign, especially after the first confirmed polio case was detected in a 10-month-old child in Deir al-Balah. Also read | IDF chiefs knew about October 7 attacks in advance but never informed top officials: Report "Let’s be clear: The ultimate vaccine for polio is peace and an immediate humanitarian ceasefire," Guterres stated. He emphasised that a "polio pause is a must" is essential and that "It is impossible to conduct a polio vaccination campaign with war raging all over." Guterres said that the UN was poised to vaccinate children under 10, but that "challenges are grave." To stop the spread of polio, at least 95 per cent coverage during each of the two rounds of the campaign will be needed. (With inputs from agencies)

Blinken arrives in Israel; Netanyahu blames Hamas for ceasefire stalemate

Israel Defense Forces (IDF) intelligence chiefs knew about Hamas' plans to conduct the October 7 attacks, more than a year in advance but never told the senior military and political leaders about it, a report in The Times of Israel, citing Channel 12&nbsp;has claimed.

Unit 8200 of IDF obtained a 40-page document that was written in October 2021 in Arabic and translated in April 2022, revealing Hamas' plans for what eventually proved to be the October 7 attacks. The document was seen by IDF intel chief Aharon Haliva, 8200 commander Yossi Sariel, Gaza division commander Avi Rosenfeld, and then IDF Southern Command chief Eliezer Toledano.

However, the top hierarchy, which included the IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi, deputy chief Amir Baram and&nbsp;Israel Air Force chief Tomer Brar among others, never saw the document. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defence Minister Yoav Gallant and other important leaders also remained oblivious to the documents, codenamed "Jericho Walls".

Watch:&nbsp;Israel-Hamas War: Yoav Gallant calls Netanyahu's victory plans as 'nonsense': Reports

<iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-hamas-war-yoav-gallant-calls-netanyahus-victory-plans-as-nonsense-reports-749830/embed" width="560"></iframe>

<h2>Severe lapses from Israeli forces</h2>

In the months leading up to the attack, the Israeli Air Force chief had cast aspersions over the lack of adequate intelligence on developments in Gaza. Bar held meetings, including with Unit 8200 about the ground situation to address his concerns. However,&nbsp;he was not informed about Hamas' battle plan documents.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Hours before the attack one of the intelligence officers noticed that dozens of Hamas terroriosts had activated Israel SIM cards in their phones, which was a tell-tale sign of something sinister brewing -- that was conveniently ignored by the higher officials.

The report is the latest in a long series of revelations that began emerging in the aftermath of the attacks. The Israeli intel and military agencies were caught napping at the wheel as Hamas pounced on the opportunity.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/idf-kills-27-in-separate-attacks-in-gaza-lebanon-hamas-dismisses-truce-claims-750987">Also read | IDF kills 27 in separate attacks in Gaza, Lebanon; Hamas dismisses truce claims</a>

Over 1,200 people were killed in Israel's southern region during the October 7 attacks while 251 were kidnapped as hostages. To this date, 111 still remain in Gaza, while the bodies of 39 are yet to be returned to Tel Aviv.

The hostage and truce talks are currently underway in Doha, Qatar having been at an impasse for months. US is mediating the negotiations but so far, no headway has been made.

(With inputs from agencies)

Israel Defense Forces (IDF) intelligence chiefs knew about Hamas' plans to conduct the October 7 attacks, more than a year in advance but never told the senior military and political leaders about it, a report in The Times of Israel, citing Channel 12 has claimed.

Israel Defense Forces (IDF) intelligence chiefs knew about Hamas' plans to conduct the October 7 attacks, more than a year in advance but never told the senior military and political leaders about it, a report in The Times of Israel, citing Channel 12 has claimed. Unit 8200 of IDF obtained a 40-page document that was written in October 2021 in Arabic and translated in April 2022, revealing Hamas' plans for what eventually proved to be the October 7 attacks. The document was seen by IDF intel chief Aharon Haliva, 8200 commander Yossi Sariel, Gaza division commander Avi Rosenfeld, and then IDF Southern Command chief Eliezer Toledano. However, the top hierarchy, which included the IDF Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi, deputy chief Amir Baram and Israel Air Force chief Tomer Brar among others, never saw the document. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defence Minister Yoav Gallant and other important leaders also remained oblivious to the documents, codenamed "Jericho Walls". Watch: Israel-Hamas War: Yoav Gallant calls Netanyahu's victory plans as 'nonsense': Reports Severe lapses from Israeli forces In the months leading up to the attack, the Israeli Air Force chief had cast aspersions over the lack of adequate intelligence on developments in Gaza. Bar held meetings, including with Unit 8200 about the ground situation to address his concerns. However, he was not informed about Hamas' battle plan documents. Hours before the attack one of the intelligence officers noticed that dozens of Hamas terroriosts had activated Israel SIM cards in their phones, which was a tell-tale sign of something sinister brewing -- that was conveniently ignored by the higher officials. The report is the latest in a long series of revelations that began emerging in the aftermath of the attacks. The Israeli intel and military agencies were caught napping at the wheel as Hamas pounced on the opportunity. Also read | IDF kills 27 in separate attacks in Gaza, Lebanon; Hamas dismisses truce claims Over 1,200 people were killed in Israel's southern region during the October 7 attacks while 251 were kidnapped as hostages. To this date, 111 still remain in Gaza, while the bodies of 39 are yet to be returned to Tel Aviv. The hostage and truce talks are currently underway in Doha, Qatar having been at an impasse for months. US is mediating the negotiations but so far, no headway has been made. (With inputs from agencies)

IDF chiefs knew about October 7 attacks in advance but never informed top officials: Report

United States President Joe Biden said on Friday (Aug 16) that he was optimistic about the prospects of reaching a ceasefire and hostage deal in the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip.

United States President Joe Biden said on Friday (Aug 16) that he was optimistic about the prospects of reaching a ceasefire and hostage deal in the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza Strip. Speaking to reporters in Hagerstown, Maryland, Biden was asked about the status of the ceasefire talks to which he said, "...it’s still in play. I’m optimistic, it’s far from over. Just a couple more issues, I think we’ve got a shot." Biden pointed out that he was more optimistic (about the deal) than he had been in the past few months. Truce talks paused, negotiators to meet again Biden's remarks came as truce talks in Doha, Qatar paused on Friday with negotiators to meet again next week. A report by the news agency Reuters said that in a joint statement, the US, Qatar and Egypt said Washington presented a new proposal. Also read | Gaza war: US, Qatar and Egypt put forward ‘bridging proposal’, Hamas rejects Israel’s conditions Meanwhile, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty demanded an immediate ceasefire deal. Foreign Minister Abdelatty made this remark as he was on a visit to Lebanon amid border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel turning into an all-out war. Speaking in a joint press conference with his Lebanese counterpart Abdallah Bou Habib at the end of his visit, Abdelatty said Egypt will continue its effort to reach a ceasefire deal. "A deal that leads to an immediate ceasefire, an end to the killing of civilians and an exchange of prisoners and hostages is the key to the beginning of the solution in this region, the beginning of a de-escalation, and the beginning to prevent the region from slipping into the furnace of a comprehensive war," he said. Death toll in Gaza Strip over 40,000 The latest bloodshed in the decades-old Israeli-Palestinian conflict was triggered on October 7, 2023, when Hamas attacked Israel, killing 1,200 people and taking about 250 hostages, according to Israeli tallies. Also watch | Gravitas: Is Israel's High Command on Iran’s, Hezbollah's hit list? × Israel's subsequent assault on the enclave has killed over 40,000 Palestinians, according to the local health ministry, and has displaced nearly the entire population of 2.3 million. Apart from Hamas, Hezbollah has also vowed to retaliate against Israel for the killing of a top commander, as has Iran, for the killing in Tehran of the Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh. (With inputs from agencies)

Gaza war: 'Optimistic about prospects of reaching truce deal', says Biden

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas told a special session of the Turkish parliament on Thursday (August 15) that he would travel to Gaza, while adding, "Our life is not more worthy than the life of a child."

Abbas said this as the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza reported that the death toll in the Israeli assaults so far has crossed 40,000.&nbsp;

<h2>I'll go to Gaza: Abbas</h2>

To thunderous applause from Turkish lawmakers, Abbas said, "I have decided to go to Gaza with other brothers from the Palestinian leadership."

He said he would do that "even if this would cost my life".

"Our life is not more worthy than the life of a child," he added.

Abbas, the leader of the Fatah Palestinian movement, a rival to Hamas as per AFP, is based in Ramallah in the West Bank.&nbsp;

The Gaza Strip is controlled by Hamas, who took power in 2007. Nobody apart from a handful of humanitarian workers is allowed to visit the Palestinian group-controlled territory.

Abbas, as per AFP, has not visited the Gaza Strip since 2007.

"Gaza is ours as a whole," stressed Abbas, adding, "We don't accept any solution that would divide our territories," he told the Turkish parliament he was addressing during a special session.&nbsp;

"There cannot be a Palestinian state without Gaza. Our people will not surrender," he promised.

<h2>Abbas prays for assassinated Hamas leader&nbsp;Haniyeh</h2>

Abbas also commemorated Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh, who was killed in Tehran, from the Turkish parliament floor.&nbsp;

He said prayers for the assassinated leader, whose picture, framed by red carnations, was seated in one of the front chairs in the parliament.

Ismail Haniyeh, as per the report, was a frequent visitor to Turkey and had close ties with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who has been a fierce critic of Israeli conduct in the war in Gaza. He has even labelled Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu "the butcher of Gaza".

Commending Erdogan's "courageous" stance, Abbas also slammed the international community for its silence on the massacres carried out by Israel.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas told a special session of the Turkish parliament on Thursday (August 15) that he would travel to Gaza, while adding, "Our life is not more worthy than the life of a child.

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas told a special session of the Turkish parliament on Thursday (August 15) that he would travel to Gaza, while adding, "Our life is not more worthy than the life of a child." Abbas said this as the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza reported that the death toll in the Israeli assaults so far has crossed 40,000. I'll go to Gaza: Abbas To thunderous applause from Turkish lawmakers, Abbas said, "I have decided to go to Gaza with other brothers from the Palestinian leadership." He said he would do that "even if this would cost my life". "Our life is not more worthy than the life of a child," he added. Abbas, the leader of the Fatah Palestinian movement, a rival to Hamas as per AFP, is based in Ramallah in the West Bank. The Gaza Strip is controlled by Hamas, who took power in 2007. Nobody apart from a handful of humanitarian workers is allowed to visit the Palestinian group-controlled territory. Abbas, as per AFP, has not visited the Gaza Strip since 2007. "Gaza is ours as a whole," stressed Abbas, adding, "We don't accept any solution that would divide our territories," he told the Turkish parliament he was addressing during a special session. "There cannot be a Palestinian state without Gaza. Our people will not surrender," he promised. Abbas prays for assassinated Hamas leader Haniyeh Abbas also commemorated Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh, who was killed in Tehran, from the Turkish parliament floor. He said prayers for the assassinated leader, whose picture, framed by red carnations, was seated in one of the front chairs in the parliament. Ismail Haniyeh, as per the report, was a frequent visitor to Turkey and had close ties with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who has been a fierce critic of Israeli conduct in the war in Gaza. He has even labelled Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu "the butcher of Gaza". Commending Erdogan's "courageous" stance, Abbas also slammed the international community for its silence on the massacres carried out by Israel. (With inputs from agencies)

Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas vows to visit Gaza, says ‘our life is not more worthy’ than a child’s

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Wednesday (August 14) condemned Israel for its "psychological warfare" aimed at forcing Tehran to reconsider retaliation for the assassination of Hamas' political leader Ismail Haniyeh in the country.

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:84,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1976}">Retreat will invite ‘divine wrath’</h2>

Slamming the "enemy psychological warfare," Iran's supreme leader Khamenei stressed that any "non-tactical retreat — be it military, political, or economic — invites 'divine wrath', as per the Holy Quran".

Khamenei's statement comes just weeks after Hamas leader Haniyeh was killed by a strike in Tehran after attending the inauguration of Iran's new president Masoud Pezeshkian.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:244,&quot;w&quot;:620,&quot;h&quot;:33,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2136}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/end-of-line-israeli-military-cant-do-anything-more-against-hamas-in-gaza-report-750293">'End of line': Israeli military can't do anything more against Hamas in Gaza - Report</a>

Iran has blamed Israel for the assassination and soon after the killing, the Supreme leader Khamenei issued an order to strike Israel.

Khamenei, in a public statement on July 31 — the day of the assassination — &nbsp;proclaimed "we see avenging his blood our duty," as the assassination&nbsp;happened on Iran's territory.

In his recent statement, Khamenei said, "Governments that yield to the demands of today's dominant powers, regardless of the size or strength of the nations they represent, could defy these pressures if they draw on the strength of their people and accurately assess their adversaries' true, unembellished capabilities," Khamenei said.

As per Iran International, he also criticised the longstanding habit of "exaggerating" enemy capabilities to instil fear as he pointed to what he described as US, British, and Israeli efforts since the 1979 Islamic revolution in Iran.

Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:88,&quot;y&quot;:539,&quot;w&quot;:488,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:121,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2431}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zelensky-approved-plans-to-sabotage-nord-stream-pipelines-report-750358">Zelensky approved plans to sabotage Nord Stream pipelines: Report</a>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:575,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2467}">When will Iran attack Israel?</h2>

Iran has been biding its time to retaliate against Israel. The nation has been leveraging psychological tactics, building suspense on when the retaliation might happen. Twice already, the US has given its estimate on when the strike may happen.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Iran contends that it has the "legal right" to respond to the assassination of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran last week.&nbsp;

"No one has the right to doubt Iran's legal right to punish the Zionist regime," Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanani had said during a regular news conference, in obvious reference to Israel.

However, even as he asserted Iran's right to retaliate, Nasser Kanani emphasised that Iran "does not seek to aggravate tensions in the region," which have been on the rise since the Israel-Hamas war erupted in early October and escalated further following the fatal attack on Haniyeh in Tehran.

(With inputs from agencies)

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Wednesday (August 14) condemned Israel for its "psychological warfare" aimed at forcing Tehran to reconsider retaliation for the assassination of Hamas' political leader Ismail Haniyeh in the country.

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei on Wednesday (August 14) condemned Israel for its "psychological warfare" aimed at forcing Tehran to reconsider retaliation for the assassination of Hamas' political leader Ismail Haniyeh in the country. Retreat will invite ‘divine wrath’ Slamming the "enemy psychological warfare," Iran's supreme leader Khamenei stressed that any "non-tactical retreat — be it military, political, or economic — invites 'divine wrath', as per the Holy Quran". Khamenei's statement comes just weeks after Hamas leader Haniyeh was killed by a strike in Tehran after attending the inauguration of Iran's new president Masoud Pezeshkian. Also read | 'End of line': Israeli military can't do anything more against Hamas in Gaza - Report Iran has blamed Israel for the assassination and soon after the killing, the Supreme leader Khamenei issued an order to strike Israel. Khamenei, in a public statement on July 31 — the day of the assassination — proclaimed "we see avenging his blood our duty," as the assassination happened on Iran's territory. In his recent statement, Khamenei said, "Governments that yield to the demands of today's dominant powers, regardless of the size or strength of the nations they represent, could defy these pressures if they draw on the strength of their people and accurately assess their adversaries' true, unembellished capabilities," Khamenei said. As per Iran International, he also criticised the longstanding habit of "exaggerating" enemy capabilities to instil fear as he pointed to what he described as US, British, and Israeli efforts since the 1979 Islamic revolution in Iran. Also read | Zelensky approved plans to sabotage Nord Stream pipelines: Report When will Iran attack Israel? Iran has been biding its time to retaliate against Israel. The nation has been leveraging psychological tactics, building suspense on when the retaliation might happen. Twice already, the US has given its estimate on when the strike may happen. Iran contends that it has the "legal right" to respond to the assassination of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran last week. "No one has the right to doubt Iran's legal right to punish the Zionist regime," Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanani had said during a regular news conference, in obvious reference to Israel. However, even as he asserted Iran's right to retaliate, Nasser Kanani emphasised that Iran "does not seek to aggravate tensions in the region," which have been on the rise since the Israel-Hamas war erupted in early October and escalated further following the fatal attack on Haniyeh in Tehran. (With inputs from agencies)

Backing down from retaliating against Israel would invite ‘divine wrath’: Iran supreme leader Khamenei

Israel has green-lit a new settlement on a UNESCO World Heritage Site near Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank, according to a Wednesday (August 14) announcement by Bezalel Smotrich, the far-right finance minister and head of civil affairs at the Israeli defence ministry.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Smotrich revealed that his office had "completed its work and published a plan for the new Nahal Heletz settlement in Gush Etzion," a bloc situated south of Jerusalem.

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:133,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1883}">Settlements, permissions and more</h2>

The move comes amidst ongoing international criticism of Israeli settlements in the West Bank, all&nbsp;deemed illegal under international law regardless of Israeli planning permissions.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-war-backlash-costing-starbucks-heres-what-we-know-750141">Gaza war backlash costing Starbucks? Here's what we know</a>

Smotrich, who resides in a settlement, took to social media platform X to defend the decision, declaring, "No anti-Israeli and anti-Zionist decision will stop the development of settlements."&nbsp;

<div bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:276,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:265,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2026}" class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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חיבור גוש עציון לירושלים - משימה לאומית! 
 
יישוב חדש בגוש עציון; פורסם קו כחול של 602 דונם להקמה של היישוב נחל חלץ. 
 
היום סיים המנהל האזרחי את עבודתו המקצועית ופרסם קו כחול חדש ליישוב נחל חלץ בגוש עציון. 
 
פרסום הקו הכחול מאפשר להניע את הליכי הקמת היישוב נחל חלץ, אחד מהיישובים… <a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:223,&quot;y&quot;:461,&quot;w&quot;:155,&quot;h&quot;:14,&quot;abs_x&quot;:256,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2211}" href="https://t.co/qK4sLwx1ik">pic.twitter.com/qK4sLwx1ik</a>
— בצלאל סמוטריץ' (@bezalelsm) <a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:399,&quot;y&quot;:489,&quot;w&quot;:94,&quot;h&quot;:14,&quot;abs_x&quot;:432,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2239}" href="https://twitter.com/bezalelsm/status/1823642987080957996?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 14, 2024</a></blockquote>
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"We will continue to fight against the dangerous project of creating a Palestinian state by creating facts on the ground," he added.

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:608,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2358}">Critics slam the settlement</h2>

The approval of the Nahal Heletz settlement has drawn sharp criticism from Israeli anti-settlement groups.&nbsp;

Peace Now condemned the plan as a "wholesale attack" on the region. Highlighting its historical and cultural significance, the group said that the area was "renowned for its ancient terraces and sophisticated irrigation systems, evidence of thousands of years of human activity".&nbsp;

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The World Heritage Site of Palestine, known as the Land of Olives and Vines – Cultural Landscape of Southern JLM, Battir, southwest of JLM, is under direct threat from ongoing &amp; planned Israeli settlement activities within the zone of the site, situated in Area C of the WB. <a href="https://t.co/OpCoirODNq">pic.twitter.com/OpCoirODNq</a>
— Peace Now (@peacenowisrael) <a href="https://twitter.com/peacenowisrael/status/1823028864358199489?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 12, 2024</a></blockquote>
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The settlement is set to encroach on the Palestinian village of Battir, reports AFP.

The approval of this settlement follows a controversial act by National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, who drew global condemnation by participating in prayers at the Al-Aqsa mosque compound in East Jerusalem, a site where Jewish prayers are prohibited.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/new-zealand-candy-laced-with-fatal-levels-of-meth-distributed-by-charity-400-candies-still-out-there-750107">New Zealand: Candy laced with fatal levels of meth distributed by charity; 400 candies still 'out there'</a>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:869,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2619}">Nahal Heletz</h2>

The Nahal Heletz settlement, which had received preliminary approval along with four other settlements in June, lies between Gush Etzion and Bethlehem.&nbsp;

Peace Now warns that this settlement threatens the Palestinian cultural and natural heritage in a region considered of "highest cultural value to humanity."&nbsp;

"These actions are not only fragmenting Palestinian space and depriving large communities of their natural and cultural heritage, they also pose an imminent threat to an area considered to be of the highest cultural value to humanity," said the organisation.

(With inputs from agencies)

Israel has green-lit a new settlement on a UNESCO World Heritage Site near Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank, according to a Wednesday (August 14) announcement by Bezalel Smotrich, the far-right finance minister and head of civil affairs at the Israeli defence ministry.

Israel has green-lit a new settlement on a UNESCO World Heritage Site near Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank, according to a Wednesday (August 14) announcement by Bezalel Smotrich, the far-right finance minister and head of civil affairs at the Israeli defence ministry. Smotrich revealed that his office had "completed its work and published a plan for the new Nahal Heletz settlement in Gush Etzion," a bloc situated south of Jerusalem. Settlements, permissions and more The move comes amidst ongoing international criticism of Israeli settlements in the West Bank, all deemed illegal under international law regardless of Israeli planning permissions. Also read | Gaza war backlash costing Starbucks? Here's what we know Smotrich, who resides in a settlement, took to social media platform X to defend the decision, declaring, "No anti-Israeli and anti-Zionist decision will stop the development of settlements." חיבור גוש עציון לירושלים - משימה לאומית! יישוב חדש בגוש עציון; פורסם קו כחול של 602 דונם להקמה של היישוב נחל חלץ. היום סיים המנהל האזרחי את עבודתו המקצועית ופרסם קו כחול חדש ליישוב נחל חלץ בגוש עציון. פרסום הקו הכחול מאפשר להניע את הליכי הקמת היישוב נחל חלץ, אחד מהיישובים… pic.twitter.com/qK4sLwx1ik — בצלאל סמוטריץ' (@bezalelsm) August 14, 2024 × "We will continue to fight against the dangerous project of creating a Palestinian state by creating facts on the ground," he added. Critics slam the settlement The approval of the Nahal Heletz settlement has drawn sharp criticism from Israeli anti-settlement groups. Peace Now condemned the plan as a "wholesale attack" on the region. Highlighting its historical and cultural significance, the group said that the area was "renowned for its ancient terraces and sophisticated irrigation systems, evidence of thousands of years of human activity". 1/12 The World Heritage Site of Palestine, known as the Land of Olives and Vines – Cultural Landscape of Southern JLM, Battir, southwest of JLM, is under direct threat from ongoing & planned Israeli settlement activities within the zone of the site, situated in Area C of the WB. pic.twitter.com/OpCoirODNq — Peace Now (@peacenowisrael) August 12, 2024 × The settlement is set to encroach on the Palestinian village of Battir, reports AFP. The approval of this settlement follows a controversial act by National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, who drew global condemnation by participating in prayers at the Al-Aqsa mosque compound in East Jerusalem, a site where Jewish prayers are prohibited. Also read | New Zealand: Candy laced with fatal levels of meth distributed by charity; 400 candies still 'out there' Nahal Heletz The Nahal Heletz settlement, which had received preliminary approval along with four other settlements in June, lies between Gush Etzion and Bethlehem. Peace Now warns that this settlement threatens the Palestinian cultural and natural heritage in a region considered of "highest cultural value to humanity." "These actions are not only fragmenting Palestinian space and depriving large communities of their natural and cultural heritage, they also pose an imminent threat to an area considered to be of the highest cultural value to humanity," said the organisation. (With inputs from agencies)

Historic UNESCO site threatened? Israel approves new settlement in West Bank near Bethlehem

The United States White House has warned that Iran could launch a "significant" attack on Israel this week. Briefing the press on Monday (August 12), National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said: "We have to be prepared for what could be a significant set of attacks."

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:85,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1771}">Concerns about escalation</h2>

Kirby said that the US shares "the same concerns and expectations that our Israeli counterparts have with respect to potential timing here."

Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:277,&quot;w&quot;:692,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2163}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-issues-notam-restrictions-as-global-community-awaits-possible-attack-on-israel-747396">Iranian attack on Israel looming? Tehran issues NOTAM, urges aircraft to change their routes</a>

"Could be this week," added Kirby.

The US National Security Council's comments came as the United States, in response to the escalating tensions, deployed an aircraft carrier strike group and a guided missile submarine to the region, in a show of support for Israel.&nbsp;

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:283,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1969}">Why will Iran attack Israel?</h2>

Iran's probable attack would be retaliation for the recent assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, an act that Israel is suspected of committing but has not officially claimed.&nbsp;

Tehran has previously expressed its determination to retaliate against Israel for Haniyeh's&nbsp;assassination.

Last week, during a G7 conference call on August 5, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, had warned of a potential coordinated attack by Iran and Hezbollah against Israel.

Reports from Barak Ravid on Axios, citing three US and Israeli officials, at the time, had supported this prediction, and suggested that the attack could take place that day.

An Israeli official, speaking to CBS News, had indicated that Israel anticipates a "more aggressive" assault compared to Iran's attack on April 13.

Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:88,&quot;y&quot;:558,&quot;w&quot;:591,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:121,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2244}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-asserts-legal-right-to-retaliate-to-hamas-leader-ismail-haniyehs-assassination-747345">Iran asserts 'legal right' to retaliate to Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh's assassination</a>

The same day, Iran had declared that it had the "legal right" to respond to the assassination of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran last week. The attack has been attributed to Israel amidst the ongoing Gaza conflict.

"No one has the right to doubt Iran's legal right to punish the Zionist regime," said Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanani during a regular news conference, in obvious reference to Israel.

While asserting its right to retaliate, Nasser Kanani emphasised that Iran "does not seek to aggravate tensions in the region," which have been on the rise since the Israel-Hamas war erupted in early October and escalated further following the Wednesday attack in Tehran.

"We believe the consolidation of stability and security in the region will be achieved by punishing the aggressor and creating a deterrent against the adventurous behaviour and extraterritorial terrors of the Zionist regime," he stated.

<h3 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:774,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2460}">Prez Biden speaks to other leaders&nbsp;</h3>

Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden spoke to leaders of France, Germany, Italy and the UK to discuss de-escalating tensions in the Middle East and a ceasefire in Gaza.

The leaders of all five countries expressed support for Israel against any Iranian threat, said a White House joint statement.

The leaders endorsed the call for renewal of talks for ceasefire to conclude a hostage-truce deal as soon as possible.

They “stressed there is no further time to lose,” the statement says.

&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The United States White House has warned that Iran could launch a "significant" attack on Israel this week. Briefing the press on Monday (August 12), National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said: "We have to be prepared for what could be a significant set of attacks.

The United States White House has warned that Iran could launch a "significant" attack on Israel this week. Briefing the press on Monday (August 12), National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said: "We have to be prepared for what could be a significant set of attacks." Concerns about escalation Kirby said that the US shares "the same concerns and expectations that our Israeli counterparts have with respect to potential timing here." Also read | Iranian attack on Israel looming? Tehran issues NOTAM, urges aircraft to change their routes "Could be this week," added Kirby. The US National Security Council's comments came as the United States, in response to the escalating tensions, deployed an aircraft carrier strike group and a guided missile submarine to the region, in a show of support for Israel. Why will Iran attack Israel? Iran's probable attack would be retaliation for the recent assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, an act that Israel is suspected of committing but has not officially claimed. Tehran has previously expressed its determination to retaliate against Israel for Haniyeh's assassination. Last week, during a G7 conference call on August 5, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, had warned of a potential coordinated attack by Iran and Hezbollah against Israel. Reports from Barak Ravid on Axios, citing three US and Israeli officials, at the time, had supported this prediction, and suggested that the attack could take place that day. An Israeli official, speaking to CBS News, had indicated that Israel anticipates a "more aggressive" assault compared to Iran's attack on April 13. Also read | Iran asserts 'legal right' to retaliate to Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh's assassination The same day, Iran had declared that it had the "legal right" to respond to the assassination of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran last week. The attack has been attributed to Israel amidst the ongoing Gaza conflict. "No one has the right to doubt Iran's legal right to punish the Zionist regime," said Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanani during a regular news conference, in obvious reference to Israel. While asserting its right to retaliate, Nasser Kanani emphasised that Iran "does not seek to aggravate tensions in the region," which have been on the rise since the Israel-Hamas war erupted in early October and escalated further following the Wednesday attack in Tehran. "We believe the consolidation of stability and security in the region will be achieved by punishing the aggressor and creating a deterrent against the adventurous behaviour and extraterritorial terrors of the Zionist regime," he stated. Prez Biden speaks to other leaders Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden spoke to leaders of France, Germany, Italy and the UK to discuss de-escalating tensions in the Middle East and a ceasefire in Gaza. The leaders of all five countries expressed support for Israel against any Iranian threat, said a White House joint statement. The leaders endorsed the call for renewal of talks for ceasefire to conclude a hostage-truce deal as soon as possible. They “stressed there is no further time to lose,” the statement says. (With inputs from agencies)

White House warns ‘significant’ Iranian attack on Israel can happen this week

Qatari and Egyptian mediators in the ongoing Gaza war told Israel that Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar wants a ceasefire deal, just three days ahead of a fresh round of truce talks, CNN reported on Sunday (Aug 11) citing an Israeli source.

Qatari and Egyptian mediators in the ongoing Gaza war told Israel that Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar wants a ceasefire deal, just three days ahead of a fresh round of truce talks, CNN reported on Sunday (Aug 11) citing an Israeli source. Whether Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wanted a ceasefire deal was uncertain. Earlier, two other Israeli sources told CNN that Prime Minister Netanyahu's allies told the media and government officials that "Bibi" (Netanyahu's nickname) was ready to make a deal, regardless of the impact on his governing coalition. Also read | Gaza war: Israel expands evacuation orders in Gaza Strip following school attack However, the Israeli security establishment remained considerably more skeptical about Netanyahu’s willingness to strike a deal given fierce opposition from far-right ministers in his coalition. One of the above two Israeli sources told the network that no one knew what Netanyahu wanted. Hamas doubtful of participating in Aug 15 truce talks Though the Qatari and Egyptian mediators said that Yahya Sinwar wanted a ceasefire deal, Hamas on Sunday cast doubt on its participation in the fresh round of talks on Thursday (Aug 15). In a statement, Hamas said it demanded the mediators to present a plan to implement what they presented to the movement and agreed upon on July 2, "based on United States (US) President Joe Biden's vision and the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolution, and to compel the occupation to do so, instead of going for further negotiation rounds or new proposals." Why this stance by Hamas? Citing officials, CNN reported that this stance of Hamas was influenced by an Israeli strike on the Al-Tabin school complex compound in the Gaza Strip that killed at least 100 people. Also watch | Is Lebanon in 'regional' war with Israel? × The school compound was housing displaced Palestinian families. The Israeli strike drew international condemnation. One of the above two Israeli sources further told the network that US officials made it clear to their Israeli counterparts that the time to reach a truce deal was now to avoid a wider regional war. (With inputs from agencies)

Gaza war | Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar wants ceasefire deal: Mediators tell Israel

Gaza's civil defence agency said on Saturday (Aug 10) that an Israeli air strike hit a school in Gaza City, killing 100 people. In a post on Telegram, the agency said that the bombing took place at Al-Tabin school in Al-Sahaba area in Gaza city.

Gaza's civil defence agency said on Saturday (Aug 10) that an Israeli air strike hit a school in Gaza City, killing 100 people. In a post on Telegram, the agency said that the bombing took place at Al-Tabin school in Al-Sahaba area in Gaza city. "The Israeli strikes targeted the displaced people while performing Fajr (dawn) prayers, a matter led to a rapid increase in the number of casualties," the Hamas-run Gaza government media office said in a statement. Defence agency spokesperson Mahmoud Basal described the incident as "a horrific massacre", with some bodies catching fire. "The crews are trying to control the fire to retrieve the bodies of the martyrs and rescue the wounded," he added. Israel confirms strike The Israeli military confirmed the strike. In a series of posts on X, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said that an air force aircraft attacked terrorists who were operating in a military headquarters located in the 'Al-Tabin' school complex near the mosque in the Darje Tafah area. Also read | Gaza war: Israel agrees to resume truce talks on Aug 15 at mediators' demand "The headquarters was used by the terrorists of the terrorist organization Hamas to hide and from there they planned and promoted terrorist operations against the IDF forces and the citizens of the State of Israel," the IDF said. המפקדה שימשה את מחבלי ארגון הטרור חמאס למסתור וממנה תיכננו וקידמו פעולות טרור נגד כוחות צה״ל ואזרחי מדינת ישראל. טרם התקיפה, ננקטו צעדים רבים בכדי לצמצם את הסיכוי לפגיעה באזרחים, לרבות שימוש בחימוש מדויק, אמצעי חוזי ומידע מודיעיני>> — צבא ההגנה לישראל (@idfonline) August 10, 2024 × "Before the attack, many measures were taken to reduce the chance of harming civilians, including the use of precision weaponry, contractual measures and intelligence information," it added. More schools attacked earlier On Thursday, Gaza's civil defence agency said that Israeli strikes had hit two schools in Gaza City, killing more than 18 people. The Israeli military said at the time it had struck Hamas command centres. The war (between Israel and Hamas) in Gaza started on October 7 last year. An unprecedented attack by Hamas on Israel killed 1,198 people. Israel struck back hard at the Gaza Strip, killing more than 39,000 people. Also watch | Israel's top enemy: Yahya Sinwar | The West Asia Post × Israel has vowed to destroy Hamas in retaliation for its October attack, but during 10 months of war across the Gaza Strip, the military has found itself returning to some areas to fight the militants again. Israel's military on Friday said that troops were operating around Khan Yunis, the southern Gaza city from which soldiers had withdrawn in April after months of fierce fighting with Hamas. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Israeli air strike on school in Gaza City kills 100, claims Hamas-run media office

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said on Thursday (Aug 8) that his government agreed to resume the Gaza war ceasefire talks on August 15 at the demand of US, Qatari, and Egyptian mediators.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said on Thursday (Aug 8) that his government agreed to resume the Gaza war ceasefire talks on August 15 at the demand of US, Qatari, and Egyptian mediators. Following a week-long ceasefire in November last year, mediators have endeavoured to secure a second truce in the 10-month-old war. In a joint statement, the US, Qatar, and Egypt invited the warring parties (Israel and Hamas) to resume talks on August 15 in Doha or Cairo "to close all remaining gaps and commence implementation of the deal without further delay." Also read | After resisting for months, Israeli PM Netanyahu finally ‘sorry’ for Oct 7 Hamas attack A framework agreement was "now on the table, with only the details of implementation" left to conclude, and the mediators were "prepared to present a final bridging proposal" to resolve remaining issues, the statement added. Israel to send a negotiating team On Thursday, Netanyahu's office said that Israel would be sending a negotiating team on August 15 to conclude the details of implementing a ceasefire deal. A report by the news agency AFP said that a prospective cessation of hostilities also involving the release of hostages held in the Gaza Strip and scaled-up aid deliveries has centred around a phased deal beginning with an initial truce. Recent discussions have focused on a framework outlined by US President Joe Biden in late May which he said had been proposed by Israel. "It's not like the agreement's going to be ready to sign on Thursday. There's still a significant amount of work to do," a senior Biden administration official said of the talks. This official said that Israel had been very receptive to the idea of the talks, rejecting suggestions that Netanyahu was stalling on a deal. Also watch | Israel agrees to resume Gaza truce talks on August 15 × Last week, Benjamin Netanyahu blamed Hamas for a long-stalled deal to end the war in Gaza and release Israeli hostages. "The simple truth is that until this moment, Hamas has not agreed to the most basic terms of the outline. While we have not added a single demand to the outline, Hamas is the one demanding to include tens of changes," he said. Netanyahu apologises for Oct 7 attack Also last week, Netanyahu apologised for the October 7 attack by Hamas happening on his watch and warned that Israel now faced a full-fledged Iranian axis. Speaking to Time magazine, the Israeli prime minister said, " ...I am sorry, deeply, that something like this happened. And you always look back and you say, ‘Could we have done things that would have prevented it?" "We’re facing not merely Hamas. We’re facing a full-fledged Iranian axis, and we understand that we have to organize ourselves for broader defence," he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Gaza war: Israel agrees to resume truce talks on Aug 15 at mediators' demand

Titled We Will Dance Again,&nbsp;a documentary on the fatal October 7 attack by Palestinian militant group&nbsp;Hamas on Israel&nbsp;is set for a theatrical release. This comes ahead of its exclusive streaming premiere on Paramount+ which is planned for later this year.&nbsp;

The documentary will take a look at what went behind the&nbsp;October 7 attack where music festival goers were attacked by Hamas militants.&nbsp;

<h2>Docu film on Hamas attack on Israel</h2>

The docu-film will get a two-day theatrical run across the United States&nbsp;in partnership with Iconic Events Releasing. Notably, it will first be released in Los Angeles for a week-long Oscar-qualifying run beginning on August 23. This will then be followed by screenings on August 29, and September 1, in select theatres across the country.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-when-kate-winslet-was-asked-to-sit-straight-and-hide-her-belly-rolls-748183">When Kate Winslet was asked to sit straight and hide her 'belly rolls'</a>

Directed by Yariv Mozer, the film will take a look at what was supposed to be a place to celebrate music but became one of the deadliest attacks in Israel’s history. The docu-film will include narratives from a dozen survivors, many of whom videotaped their experiences.

The film also weaves together eyewitness accounts from more than a dozen survivors along with footage captured by both the victims and Hamas.

We Will Dance Again is a co-production of See It Now Studios, SIPUR and factual producer Bitachon 365 in collaboration with MGM Television, a division of Amazon MGM Studios, and HSCC.&nbsp;

Titled We Will Dance Again, a documentary on the fatal October 7 attack by Palestinian militant group Hamas on Israel is set for a theatrical release. This comes ahead of its exclusive streaming premiere on Paramount+ which is planned for later this year.

Titled We Will Dance Again, a documentary on the fatal October 7 attack by Palestinian militant group Hamas on Israel is set for a theatrical release. This comes ahead of its exclusive streaming premiere on Paramount+ which is planned for later this year. The documentary will take a look at what went behind the October 7 attack where music festival goers were attacked by Hamas militants. Docu film on Hamas attack on Israel The docu-film will get a two-day theatrical run across the United States in partnership with Iconic Events Releasing. Notably, it will first be released in Los Angeles for a week-long Oscar-qualifying run beginning on August 23. This will then be followed by screenings on August 29, and September 1, in select theatres across the country. Also read: When Kate Winslet was asked to sit straight and hide her 'belly rolls' Directed by Yariv Mozer, the film will take a look at what was supposed to be a place to celebrate music but became one of the deadliest attacks in Israel’s history. The docu-film will include narratives from a dozen survivors, many of whom videotaped their experiences. The film also weaves together eyewitness accounts from more than a dozen survivors along with footage captured by both the victims and Hamas. We Will Dance Again is a co-production of See It Now Studios, SIPUR and factual producer Bitachon 365 in collaboration with MGM Television, a division of Amazon MGM Studios, and HSCC.

Hamas attack documentary to get two-day theatrical release to qualify for Oscars

Iran has announced its plans to attack Israel, revealed Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz on Monday (August 5).

As tensions escalate between the two nations, this information, as per Jerusalem Post, was relayed to the Israeli minister by Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó.&nbsp;

Szijjártó, in turn, received the details from acting Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri.

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:150,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1836}">'World should exact a price from Iran'</h2>

Revealing Iran's alleged plans to attack, Katz urged the international community to hold Iran accountable for any aggressive actions.

He warned that ignoring Iran's expanding aggression could destabilise the region further.

Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:277,&quot;w&quot;:692,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1963}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-issues-notam-restrictions-as-global-community-awaits-possible-attack-on-israel-747396">Iranian attack on Israel looming? Tehran issues NOTAM, urges aircraft to change their routes</a>

"Iran has informed us that it intends to attack Israel," said Katz, adding that "The world should exact a price from Iran for any aggressive action it carries out."

"Silence toward the expanding evil acts of the Zionist regime will be detrimental to the regional stability, adding that indifference to its recent moves is tantamount to giving the regime an incentive."

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:429,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2115}">Why is Iran attacking Israel?</h2>

Iran's probable attack would be retaliation for the recent assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, an act that Israel is suspected of but has not officially claimed.&nbsp;

Tehran has previously expressed its determination to retaliate against Israel for the assassination.

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:560,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2246}">US seeks to de-escalate the situation</h2>

According to the United States, the attack may happen within the next 48 hours. US President&nbsp;Joe Biden and his national security team are set to meet to discuss the escalating situation in West Asia.

US CENTCOM Commander Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla visited Israel to confer with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and IDF Chief of Staff Herzl Halevi.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-war-israels-finance-minister-orders-seizure-of-26-million-of-palestinian-tax-funds-747406">Gaza war: Israel's finance minister orders seizure of $26 million in Palestinian tax funds</a>

Gallant described the visit as "a direct translation of US support for Israel into action. The relationship between Israel and the United States is unshakeable."

"We discussed the coordination of defense activities and ways to expand the international coalition facing aggressive actions by Iran and its proxies," he said.

President Biden has also spoken with Jordan's King Abdullah about de-escalating tensions, including negotiations for a ceasefire and hostages' release.&nbsp;

"The President thanked His Majesty for his friendship, and affirmed unwavering US support for Jordan as a partner and ally in promoting regional peace and security," said the White House, describing the call.

Jordan, the US, and other allies had previously intervened in April to defend Israel from an Iranian attack.

(With inputs from agencies)

Iran has announced its plans to attack Israel, revealed Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz on Monday (August 5). As tensions escalate between the two nations, this information, as per Jerusalem Post, was relayed to the Israeli minister by Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó.

Iran has announced its plans to attack Israel, revealed Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz on Monday (August 5). As tensions escalate between the two nations, this information, as per Jerusalem Post, was relayed to the Israeli minister by Hungarian Foreign Minister Péter Szijjártó. Szijjártó, in turn, received the details from acting Iranian Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri. 'World should exact a price from Iran' Revealing Iran's alleged plans to attack, Katz urged the international community to hold Iran accountable for any aggressive actions. He warned that ignoring Iran's expanding aggression could destabilise the region further. Also read | Iranian attack on Israel looming? Tehran issues NOTAM, urges aircraft to change their routes "Iran has informed us that it intends to attack Israel," said Katz, adding that "The world should exact a price from Iran for any aggressive action it carries out." "Silence toward the expanding evil acts of the Zionist regime will be detrimental to the regional stability, adding that indifference to its recent moves is tantamount to giving the regime an incentive." Why is Iran attacking Israel? Iran's probable attack would be retaliation for the recent assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, an act that Israel is suspected of but has not officially claimed. Tehran has previously expressed its determination to retaliate against Israel for the assassination. US seeks to de-escalate the situation According to the United States, the attack may happen within the next 48 hours. US President Joe Biden and his national security team are set to meet to discuss the escalating situation in West Asia. US CENTCOM Commander Gen. Michael Erik Kurilla visited Israel to confer with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and IDF Chief of Staff Herzl Halevi. Also read | Gaza war: Israel's finance minister orders seizure of $26 million in Palestinian tax funds Gallant described the visit as "a direct translation of US support for Israel into action. The relationship between Israel and the United States is unshakeable." "We discussed the coordination of defense activities and ways to expand the international coalition facing aggressive actions by Iran and its proxies," he said. President Biden has also spoken with Jordan's King Abdullah about de-escalating tensions, including negotiations for a ceasefire and hostages' release. "The President thanked His Majesty for his friendship, and affirmed unwavering US support for Jordan as a partner and ally in promoting regional peace and security," said the White House, describing the call. Jordan, the US, and other allies had previously intervened in April to defend Israel from an Iranian attack. (With inputs from agencies)

Israeli FM Katz says Iran plans to attack Israel, conveyed warning via Hungary; seeks international action

The United Nations said Monday that nine employees of its agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) "may have been involved" in the October 7 attack on southern Israel by Hamas, which sparked war in Gaza, and have been fired.

"We have sufficient information in order to take the actions that we're taking -- which is to say, the termination of these nine individuals," UN spokesperson Farhan Haq said.

Haq said the organisation will need to evaluate any further steps to "fully corroborate."

Haq was speaking after the UN's oversight body completed its investigation into the allegations earlier this year by Israel that a total of 19 UNRWA employees may have been involved in the attack.&nbsp;

That prompted many governments, including top donor, the United States, to abruptly suspend funding to the agency, threatening its efforts to deliver aid in Gaza. Several countries have since resumed payments.

Israel has vowed to destroy Hamas in retaliation for the October 7 attack, which resulted in the deaths of 1,197 Israeli people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli official figures.

Militants also seized 251 hostages, 111 of whom are still held captive in Gaza, including 39 the military says are dead.

Israel's campaign against Hamas has killed at least 39,550 people in Gaza, according to the territory's Hamas-run health ministry, which does not give breakdown&nbsp;of civilian and militant deaths.

UNRWA, which has provided essential aid for Palestinian refugees since 1949, has long been criticised by Israel.&nbsp;

Earlier this year, UNRWA's chief Philippe Lazzarini called for Israel to "stop its campaign" against the organisation, citing "outrageous" attacks on its employees, facilities, and operations.&nbsp;

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience. 
&nbsp;

The United Nations said Monday that nine employees of its agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) "may have been involved" in the October 7 attack on southern Israel by Hamas, which sparked war in Gaza, and have been fired.

The United Nations said Monday that nine employees of its agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) "may have been involved" in the October 7 attack on southern Israel by Hamas, which sparked war in Gaza, and have been fired. "We have sufficient information in order to take the actions that we're taking -- which is to say, the termination of these nine individuals," UN spokesperson Farhan Haq said. Haq said the organisation will need to evaluate any further steps to "fully corroborate." Haq was speaking after the UN's oversight body completed its investigation into the allegations earlier this year by Israel that a total of 19 UNRWA employees may have been involved in the attack. That prompted many governments, including top donor, the United States, to abruptly suspend funding to the agency, threatening its efforts to deliver aid in Gaza. Several countries have since resumed payments. Israel has vowed to destroy Hamas in retaliation for the October 7 attack, which resulted in the deaths of 1,197 Israeli people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli official figures. Militants also seized 251 hostages, 111 of whom are still held captive in Gaza, including 39 the military says are dead. Israel's campaign against Hamas has killed at least 39,550 people in Gaza, according to the territory's Hamas-run health ministry, which does not give breakdown of civilian and militant deaths. UNRWA, which has provided essential aid for Palestinian refugees since 1949, has long been criticised by Israel. Earlier this year, UNRWA's chief Philippe Lazzarini called for Israel to "stop its campaign" against the organisation, citing "outrageous" attacks on its employees, facilities, and operations. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

UNRWA fires nine workers for involvement in October 7 Hamas attack

Iran on Monday (August 5) issued a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) diverting aircraft to alter their course as reports suggest that Tehran may strike Tel Aviv soon.

The notification, as per Jerusalem Post, has been put in place for the central, western, and northwestern regions of the country.&nbsp;

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:118,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1955}">What is NOTAM?</h2>

A Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) is a message that informs pilots and other aviation workers about important information related to flight safety. It gives them&nbsp;updates on anything that might affect flights, like temporary changes, hazards, runway closures and&nbsp;airspace restrictions due to events like military exercises.

Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:88,&quot;y&quot;:229,&quot;w&quot;:591,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:121,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2066}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-asserts-legal-right-to-retaliate-to-hamas-leader-ismail-haniyehs-assassination-747345">Iran asserts 'legal right' to retaliate to Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh's assassination</a>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:265,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2102}">Iran to attack Israel?</h2>

This precautionary measure comes amid escalating tensions and warnings of a possible attack on Israel.

Citing sources, the publication reports that the attack could occur as early as Monday.&nbsp;

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, during a G7 conference call on Monday, also warned of a potential coordinated attack by Iran and Hezbollah against Israel.

Reports from Barak Ravid on Axios, citing three US and Israeli officials, support this prediction, suggesting the attack could take place on Monday.&nbsp;

An Israeli official, speaking to CBS News, indicated that Israel anticipates a "more aggressive" assault compared to Iran's attack on April 13.

Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:88,&quot;y&quot;:524,&quot;w&quot;:493,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:121,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2361}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-may-attack-israel-on-monday-blinken-warns-g7-nations-report-747149">Iran could attack Israel on Monday, Blinken warns G7 nations: Report</a>

The situation remains highly volatile, with both sides preparing for possible escalations. Also on Monday, Iran declared that it had the "legal right" to respond to the assassination of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran last week. The attack has been attributed to Israel amidst the ongoing Gaza conflict.

"No one has the right to doubt Iran's legal right to punish the Zionist regime," said Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanani during a regular news conference, in obvious reference to Israel.

While asserting its right to retaliate, Nasser Kanani emphasised that Iran "does not seek to aggravate tensions in the region," which have been on the rise since the Israel-Hamas war erupted in early October and escalated further following the Wednesday attack in Tehran.

"We believe the consolidation of stability and security in the region will be achieved by punishing the aggressor and creating a deterrent against the adventurous behaviour and extraterritorial terrors of the Zionist regime," he stated.

(With inputs from agencies)

Iran on Monday (August 5) issued a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) diverting aircraft to alter their course as reports suggest that Tehran may strike Tel Aviv soon.

Iran on Monday (August 5) issued a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM) diverting aircraft to alter their course as reports suggest that Tehran may strike Tel Aviv soon. The notification, as per Jerusalem Post, has been put in place for the central, western, and northwestern regions of the country. What is NOTAM? A Notice to Airmen (NOTAM) is a message that informs pilots and other aviation workers about important information related to flight safety. It gives them updates on anything that might affect flights, like temporary changes, hazards, runway closures and airspace restrictions due to events like military exercises. Also read | Iran asserts 'legal right' to retaliate to Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh's assassination Iran to attack Israel? This precautionary measure comes amid escalating tensions and warnings of a possible attack on Israel. Citing sources, the publication reports that the attack could occur as early as Monday. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, during a G7 conference call on Monday, also warned of a potential coordinated attack by Iran and Hezbollah against Israel. Reports from Barak Ravid on Axios, citing three US and Israeli officials, support this prediction, suggesting the attack could take place on Monday. An Israeli official, speaking to CBS News, indicated that Israel anticipates a "more aggressive" assault compared to Iran's attack on April 13. Also read | Iran could attack Israel on Monday, Blinken warns G7 nations: Report The situation remains highly volatile, with both sides preparing for possible escalations. Also on Monday, Iran declared that it had the "legal right" to respond to the assassination of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran last week. The attack has been attributed to Israel amidst the ongoing Gaza conflict. "No one has the right to doubt Iran's legal right to punish the Zionist regime," said Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanani during a regular news conference, in obvious reference to Israel. While asserting its right to retaliate, Nasser Kanani emphasised that Iran "does not seek to aggravate tensions in the region," which have been on the rise since the Israel-Hamas war erupted in early October and escalated further following the Wednesday attack in Tehran. "We believe the consolidation of stability and security in the region will be achieved by punishing the aggressor and creating a deterrent against the adventurous behaviour and extraterritorial terrors of the Zionist regime," he stated. (With inputs from agencies)

Iranian attack on Israel looming? Tehran issues NOTAM, urges aircraft to change their routes

Israel's Finance Minister&nbsp;Bezalel Smotrich on Sunday (Aug 4) ordered the seizure of $26 million (100 million shekels) of tax funds intended for the Palestinian Authority, saying it would be used to pay for the Israeli victims of terrorism. The Palestinian Authority governs parts of the Israeli-occupied West Bank.

In a statement, the finance ministry said that the seizure of funds was part of the measures to combat terrorism, the news agency AFP reported.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-issues-notam-restrictions-as-global-community-awaits-possible-attack-on-israel-747396">Iran issues NOTAM restrictions as global community awaits possible attack on Israel</a>

Quoting Finance Minister Smotrich, the statement accused the Palestinian Authority of diverting funds to the families of the terrorists. The statement noted that it was the fifth time that the finance ministry withheld funds, which Israel collects on behalf of the Palestinian authority.

<h2>'Working on ground to remove threat'</h2>

In a post on X, Smotrich said on Monday that the withholding of the Palestinian funds was part of a broader strategy to prevent the creation of a Palestinian state to ensure security for Israelis, alongside increased settlement in the West Bank.

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המאבק בטרור איננו רק מאבק צבאי אלא מאבק משולב הכולל מלחמה בהסתה הפרועה של הרשות הפלסטינית ובכספי הטרור אותם היא מפנה מתקציבה למשפחות מחבלים. 
 
כפי שנהגתי מאז כניסתי לתפקיד, פסקי דין כנגד הרשות הפלסטינית מועברים לעיקול מיידי מהכספים המועברים לרשות הפלסטינית ומועברים לפיצוי משפחות… <a href="https://t.co/5NuekdS3vG">pic.twitter.com/5NuekdS3vG</a>
— בצלאל סמוטריץ' (@bezalelsm) <a href="https://twitter.com/bezalelsm/status/1820175016601768332?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 4, 2024</a></blockquote>
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"We are working on the ground to remove this threat (of a Palestinian state) ... by strengthening settlement through construction, ... fighting the terror funds of the Palestinian Authority and its leaders, and maintaining complete Israeli control over the area," the finance minister added.

<h2>Israeli criticism of the Palestinian Authority</h2>

Israeli politicians have regularly criticised the Palestinian Authority for granting financial support&nbsp;to the families of Palestinians killed or jailed for acts of violence against Israel.

Also read | Gaza war: Security chiefs, negotiators, US all blaming Netanyahu for tanking hostage talks

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Since the Israel-Hamas war began on October 7 last year, Israel has imposed economic curbs on the Palestinian Authority, often withholding tax revenues it collects on its behalf.

(With inputs from agencies)

Israel's Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich on Sunday (Aug 4) ordered the seizure of $26 million (100 million shekels) of tax funds intended for the Palestinian Authority, saying it would be used to pay for the Israeli victims of terrorism.

Israel's Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich on Sunday (Aug 4) ordered the seizure of $26 million (100 million shekels) of tax funds intended for the Palestinian Authority, saying it would be used to pay for the Israeli victims of terrorism. The Palestinian Authority governs parts of the Israeli-occupied West Bank. In a statement, the finance ministry said that the seizure of funds was part of the measures to combat terrorism, the news agency AFP reported. Also read | Iran issues NOTAM restrictions as global community awaits possible attack on Israel Quoting Finance Minister Smotrich, the statement accused the Palestinian Authority of diverting funds to the families of the terrorists. The statement noted that it was the fifth time that the finance ministry withheld funds, which Israel collects on behalf of the Palestinian authority. 'Working on ground to remove threat' In a post on X, Smotrich said on Monday that the withholding of the Palestinian funds was part of a broader strategy to prevent the creation of a Palestinian state to ensure security for Israelis, alongside increased settlement in the West Bank. המאבק בטרור איננו רק מאבק צבאי אלא מאבק משולב הכולל מלחמה בהסתה הפרועה של הרשות הפלסטינית ובכספי הטרור אותם היא מפנה מתקציבה למשפחות מחבלים. כפי שנהגתי מאז כניסתי לתפקיד, פסקי דין כנגד הרשות הפלסטינית מועברים לעיקול מיידי מהכספים המועברים לרשות הפלסטינית ומועברים לפיצוי משפחות… pic.twitter.com/5NuekdS3vG — בצלאל סמוטריץ' (@bezalelsm) August 4, 2024 × "We are working on the ground to remove this threat (of a Palestinian state) ... by strengthening settlement through construction, ... fighting the terror funds of the Palestinian Authority and its leaders, and maintaining complete Israeli control over the area," the finance minister added. Israeli criticism of the Palestinian Authority Israeli politicians have regularly criticised the Palestinian Authority for granting financial support to the families of Palestinians killed or jailed for acts of violence against Israel. Also read | Gaza war: Security chiefs, negotiators, US all blaming Netanyahu for tanking hostage talks × Since the Israel-Hamas war began on October 7 last year, Israel has imposed economic curbs on the Palestinian Authority, often withholding tax revenues it collects on its behalf. (With inputs from agencies)

Gaza war: Israel's finance minister orders seizure of $26 million in Palestinian tax funds

Anne Frank's statue in Netherlands' Amsterdam has been defaced with pro-Palestinian graffiti. Anne Frank, a German born Jewish girl killed by Nazis during the World War II, is known for her account of hiding from the Nazi occupiers.

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:67,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1756}">Statue defaced</h2>

As per images being widely shared on Elon Musk's social media platform X (formerly Twitter) show that Anne Frank's statue has been spray-painted with the slogan "Free Gaza". Additionally, using a red spray-paint, desecrators painted the statue's hands red, apparently to signify blood.

The local police, as per an AFP report, have opened an investigation into the latest incident of defacement, which happened sometime during Saturday night and Sunday morning. A suspect is yet to be identified.

Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:226,&quot;w&quot;:757,&quot;h&quot;:33,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1915}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-kyiv-orders-mandatory-evacuation-of-children-from-donetsk-over-enemy-bombing-concerns-747079">Russia-Ukraine war: Kyiv orders mandatory evacuation of children from Donetsk over 'enemy bombing' concerns</a>

AFP reports that this is the second time that the statue of Anne Frank — one of the world's most recognisable victims of the Holocaust — has been targeted by the pro-Palestine movement.

Previously, it was vandalized on July 9, following which the Amsterdam municipality called for increased protection of the site with video surveillance cameras and nighttime lighting.

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:377,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2066}">Who is Anne Frank?</h2>

Anne Frank, who's an icon of the Dutch Jewish community, died aged 16 in a Nazi concentration camp in 1945. Her diary is one of the most influential accounts of the Holocaust, in which tens of thousands of the country's 140,000 Jewish population were wiped by the Nazi German occupation.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mount-etna-erupts-puts-on-spectacular-lava-fountain-display-over-sicily-watch-747071">Mount Etna erupts, puts on spectacular ‘lava fountain’ display over Sicily. Watch!</a>

The statue that has been defaced is located in Merwedeplein, near the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam — now a museum dedicated to her story.&nbsp;

Frank, along with her family, took refuge at this house for two years before being captured by the Nazis in 1944. After being captured, the family was sent to the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp.

(With inputs from agencies)

Anne Frank's statue in Netherlands' Amsterdam has been defaced with pro-Palestinian graffiti. Anne Frank, a German born Jewish girl killed by Nazis during the World War II, is known for her account of hiding from the Nazi occupiers.

Anne Frank's statue in Netherlands' Amsterdam has been defaced with pro-Palestinian graffiti. Anne Frank, a German born Jewish girl killed by Nazis during the World War II, is known for her account of hiding from the Nazi occupiers. Statue defaced As per images being widely shared on Elon Musk's social media platform X (formerly Twitter) show that Anne Frank's statue has been spray-painted with the slogan "Free Gaza". Additionally, using a red spray-paint, desecrators painted the statue's hands red, apparently to signify blood. The local police, as per an AFP report, have opened an investigation into the latest incident of defacement, which happened sometime during Saturday night and Sunday morning. A suspect is yet to be identified. Also read | Russia-Ukraine war: Kyiv orders mandatory evacuation of children from Donetsk over 'enemy bombing' concerns AFP reports that this is the second time that the statue of Anne Frank — one of the world's most recognisable victims of the Holocaust — has been targeted by the pro-Palestine movement. Previously, it was vandalized on July 9, following which the Amsterdam municipality called for increased protection of the site with video surveillance cameras and nighttime lighting. Who is Anne Frank? Anne Frank, who's an icon of the Dutch Jewish community, died aged 16 in a Nazi concentration camp in 1945. Her diary is one of the most influential accounts of the Holocaust, in which tens of thousands of the country's 140,000 Jewish population were wiped by the Nazi German occupation. Also read | Mount Etna erupts, puts on spectacular ‘lava fountain’ display over Sicily. Watch! The statue that has been defaced is located in Merwedeplein, near the Anne Frank House in Amsterdam — now a museum dedicated to her story. Frank, along with her family, took refuge at this house for two years before being captured by the Nazis in 1944. After being captured, the family was sent to the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp. (With inputs from agencies)

Bloody hands and more: Vandals target Anne Frank statue in Amsterdam with 'Free Gaza' slogan

An Israeli drone strike killed five people in the occupied West Bank on Saturday, the Palestinian press agency Wafa and Palestinian sources reported, while the Israeli military said it struck a "terrorist cell" in the Tulkarem region.

The director of the Thabet Thabet Hospital in Tulkarem said in a statement that "five martyrs" had arrived at the facility after "an Israeli drone strike on a Palestinian vehicle close to the village of Zeita in Tulkarem".

According to Wafa, an Israeli military drone targeted a vehicle "with two missiles" which caught fire, killing five men.

At the scene of the strike a witness told AFP, "I live less than 50 metres (yards) from here. We came (after) the sound of an explosion and saw a vehicle on fire" on the road towards Zeita, to the north of Tulkarem.

Watch |&nbsp;Israel-Hamas war: IDF announces that Deif was killed on July 13

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&nbsp;

"Next to it, we saw a body lying on the road. Inside the vehicle, there were three charred bodies, from what we were able to see, completely burnt," added Nasser, who declined to have his last name published.&nbsp;

The Israeli military quickly sealed off the area, Wafa reported.&nbsp;

The Israeli military said it had carried out an airstrike against a militant cell around the West Bank city of Tulkarm. Hamas media said a vehicle carrying fighters had been struck and that one of the commanders of its Tulkarm brigades was killed.

Alongside the Israel-Hamas war that began last October in the Gaza Strip, violence has intensified in the West Bank.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israels-mossad-hired-iranian-agents-to-plant-bomb-in-hamas-chiefs-guesthouse-746755">Also read |&nbsp;Israel's Mossad hired Iranian agents to plant bomb in Hamas chief's guesthouse room: Report</a>

At least 594 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli troops and settlers in the West Bank since October 7, according to an AFP tally based on Palestinian health ministry figures.&nbsp;

At least 17 Israelis, including soldiers, have been killed by Palestinian attacks in the West Bank over the same period, according to official Israeli figures.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

An Israeli drone strike killed five people in the occupied West Bank on Saturday, the Palestinian press agency Wafa and Palestinian sources reported, while the Israeli military said it struck a "terrorist cell" in the Tulkarem region.

An Israeli drone strike killed five people in the occupied West Bank on Saturday, the Palestinian press agency Wafa and Palestinian sources reported, while the Israeli military said it struck a "terrorist cell" in the Tulkarem region. The director of the Thabet Thabet Hospital in Tulkarem said in a statement that "five martyrs" had arrived at the facility after "an Israeli drone strike on a Palestinian vehicle close to the village of Zeita in Tulkarem". According to Wafa, an Israeli military drone targeted a vehicle "with two missiles" which caught fire, killing five men. At the scene of the strike a witness told AFP, "I live less than 50 metres (yards) from here. We came (after) the sound of an explosion and saw a vehicle on fire" on the road towards Zeita, to the north of Tulkarem. Watch | Israel-Hamas war: IDF announces that Deif was killed on July 13 × "Next to it, we saw a body lying on the road. Inside the vehicle, there were three charred bodies, from what we were able to see, completely burnt," added Nasser, who declined to have his last name published. The Israeli military quickly sealed off the area, Wafa reported. The Israeli military said it had carried out an airstrike against a militant cell around the West Bank city of Tulkarm. Hamas media said a vehicle carrying fighters had been struck and that one of the commanders of its Tulkarm brigades was killed. Alongside the Israel-Hamas war that began last October in the Gaza Strip, violence has intensified in the West Bank. Also read | Israel's Mossad hired Iranian agents to plant bomb in Hamas chief's guesthouse room: Report At least 594 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli troops and settlers in the West Bank since October 7, according to an AFP tally based on Palestinian health ministry figures. At least 17 Israelis, including soldiers, have been killed by Palestinian attacks in the West Bank over the same period, according to official Israeli figures. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Israeli drone strike in West Bank kills 5, including Hamas commander

While world leaders are trying to avert an all-out war in West Asia. Palestinians are fighting their battles not only in Gaza, but also at the Olympics. Let's look at the key moments so far that highlight Palestinian resilience at the sporting event.

Palestinians' wider role at Olympics | The West Asia Post

Lebanon's Hezbollah militant group on Wednesday (Jul&nbsp;31) confirmed the death of its senior commander Fuad Shukr, who was killed in an Israeli airstrike on the outskirts of Beirut.&nbsp;

His body was found among the debris of a building in Beirut's southern suburbs, a Hezbollah stronghold, reported news agency Reuters citing Lebanese security sources.

Fuad Shukr's killing marks the most high-profile assassination of a Hezbollah figure in nearly ten months of ongoing conflict with Israel.

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:165,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1854}">The Golan Heights attack</h2>

The Israeli military, while announcing the killing late on Tuesday (Jul 30), labelled Shukr as Hezbollah's most senior commander, and accused him of orchestrating the July 27 attack that resulted in the deaths of 12 youngsters in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights.&nbsp;

Hezbollah has, however, denied any involvement in this incident.

Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:83,&quot;y&quot;:307,&quot;w&quot;:620,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:116,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1996}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-faud-shukr-the-hezbollah-senior-terrorist-israel-claims-to-have-eliminated-in-beirut-745752">Who is Faud Shukr? The Hezbollah 'senior terrorist' Israel claims to have 'eliminated' in Beirut</a>

Hezbollah stated that its Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah would address the nation during Shukr's funeral. Shukr was known to be an advisor to Nasrallah.

Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Galant justified the strike, asserting that Shukr was responsible for numerous Israeli deaths.

He "has the blood of many Israelis on his hands. Tonight, we have shown that the blood of our people has a price and that there is no place out of reach for our forces to this end," Gallant said.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-leaders-vow-ismail-haniyehs-death-will-not-go-unanswered-calls-it-a-heinous-terrorist-crime-745827">Global community reacts to Ismail Haniyeh's assassination, Hamas vows it 'will not go unanswered'</a>

The aftermath of the attack left the top corner of a multi-storey building demolished, with charred debris scattered across the vicinity. The strike also claimed the lives of at least two women and two children, according to medical and security sources.

Hezbollah parliamentarian Ali Ammar condemned the strike and vowed readiness for war.

"This enemy (Israel) demands war and we are up for it, God willing, we are up for it," he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Lebanon's Hezbollah militant group on Wednesday (Jul 31) confirmed the death of its senior commander Fuad Shukr, who was killed in an Israeli airstrike on the outskirts of Beirut.

Lebanon's Hezbollah militant group on Wednesday (Jul 31) confirmed the death of its senior commander Fuad Shukr, who was killed in an Israeli airstrike on the outskirts of Beirut. His body was found among the debris of a building in Beirut's southern suburbs, a Hezbollah stronghold, reported news agency Reuters citing Lebanese security sources. Fuad Shukr's killing marks the most high-profile assassination of a Hezbollah figure in nearly ten months of ongoing conflict with Israel. The Golan Heights attack The Israeli military, while announcing the killing late on Tuesday (Jul 30), labelled Shukr as Hezbollah's most senior commander, and accused him of orchestrating the July 27 attack that resulted in the deaths of 12 youngsters in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. Hezbollah has, however, denied any involvement in this incident. Also read | Who is Faud Shukr? The Hezbollah 'senior terrorist' Israel claims to have 'eliminated' in Beirut Hezbollah stated that its Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah would address the nation during Shukr's funeral. Shukr was known to be an advisor to Nasrallah. Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Galant justified the strike, asserting that Shukr was responsible for numerous Israeli deaths. He "has the blood of many Israelis on his hands. Tonight, we have shown that the blood of our people has a price and that there is no place out of reach for our forces to this end," Gallant said. Also read | Global community reacts to Ismail Haniyeh's assassination, Hamas vows it 'will not go unanswered' The aftermath of the attack left the top corner of a multi-storey building demolished, with charred debris scattered across the vicinity. The strike also claimed the lives of at least two women and two children, according to medical and security sources. Hezbollah parliamentarian Ali Ammar condemned the strike and vowed readiness for war. "This enemy (Israel) demands war and we are up for it, God willing, we are up for it," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Hezbollah confirms top commander's assassination; Faud Shukr's body found in Beirut building's rubble

Israel on Tuesday (Jul&nbsp;30) announced that it has "eliminated" Faud Shukr, an elusive Hezbollah military commander. Accusing Shukr of being behind the rocket strike on the annexed Golan strike, Israel said the military commander was killed using fighter jets in the Beirut area.

Earlier, reports suggested that while there were casualties due to the Israeli fighter jet attack, Faud Shukr had escaped. However, the Israeli military in a statement said,&nbsp;"Israeli air force fighter jets eliminated the Hezbollah terrorist organisation's most senior military commander and the head of its strategic unit, Fuad Shukr, in the area of Beirut."

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:150,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1990}">Who is Faud Shukr?</h2>

Faud Shukr, as per an AFP report citing an anonymous source close to Hezbollah, was the successor of the group's top commander Imad Mughniyeh — killed in a 2008 car bombing in Damascus that the Iran-backed group blames Israel for.

Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:88,&quot;y&quot;:243,&quot;w&quot;:624,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:121,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2083}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-army-says-it-carried-out-targeted-strike-in-beirut-745704">Israel says it struck Beirut, targeted Hezbollah commander behind Golan Heights attack</a>

A shadowy figure, Shukr went by the nom de guerre Hajj Mohsen Shukr, and "commands military operations in southern Lebanon".

He is wanted in the US for playing "a central role" in the deadly 1983 bombing of the US Marine Corps barracks in Beirut.

In 2017, describing him as "a senior adviser" to Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, the US Treasury offered a $5 million bounty for information on Shukr's whereabouts.

<img alt="Faud Shukr" bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:405,&quot;w&quot;:2047,&quot;h&quot;:1200,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2245}" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2ad8ddeb-2ebc-4703-8f71-b56a843aa1cd" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/21-July-Fuad-Shukr-English.jpg" />

As per&nbsp;Israeli military spokesperson&nbsp;Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, he was a "senior terrorist who has the blood of Israelis and many others on his hands".

In a video statement, Hagari blamed Shukr for the "Majdal Shams massacre," the Saturday (July 27) attack on Golan Heights that claimed the lives of a dozen children.

"Fuad Shukr was the commander responsible for the Majdal Shams massacre, in which 12 children were murdered after Hezbollah fired an Iranian Falaq-1 rocket directly at a soccer field in northern Israel on Saturday evening," said Hagari.

Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:1771,&quot;w&quot;:713,&quot;h&quot;:33,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:3611}" href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/facebook-targeting-trump-meta-calls-july-13-assassination-attempt-fictional-event-and-misinformation-745472">Facebook targeting Trump? Meta calls July 13 assassination attempt 'fictional event' and 'misinformation'</a>

He also claimed that the slain Hezbollah commander was the "right-hand man to Hassan Nasrallah, Hezbollah's leader, and his adviser in planning and directing attacks and operations."

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:1873,&quot;w&quot;:813,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:3713}">Responsible for Hezbollah attacks on Israel</h2>

The Israeli military alleged that Faud Shukr was behind most of the militant group's advanced weaponry. This, it said, includes precise-guided missiles, cruise missiles, anti-ship missiles, long-range rockets and UAVs.

Allegedly, he was also "directly involved" in the abduction of the bodies of three Israeli soldiers — Benyamin Avraham, Adi Avitan and Omar Sawaid. In the 1990s, the&nbsp;Israeli soldiers were killed by Hezbollah while patrolling the security fence adjacent to Har Dov, it added.

"Since then, he has planned and directed numerous terror attacks against innocent civilians," it said, as quoted by AFP.

(With inputs from agencies)

Israel on Tuesday (Jul 30) announced that it has "eliminated" Faud Shukr, an elusive Hezbollah military commander. Accusing Shukr of being behind the rocket strike on the annexed Golan strike, Israel said the military commander was killed using fighter jets in the Beirut area.

Israel on Tuesday (Jul 30) announced that it has "eliminated" Faud Shukr, an elusive Hezbollah military commander. Accusing Shukr of being behind the rocket strike on the annexed Golan strike, Israel said the military commander was killed using fighter jets in the Beirut area. Earlier, reports suggested that while there were casualties due to the Israeli fighter jet attack, Faud Shukr had escaped. However, the Israeli military in a statement said, "Israeli air force fighter jets eliminated the Hezbollah terrorist organisation's most senior military commander and the head of its strategic unit, Fuad Shukr, in the area of Beirut." Who is Faud Shukr? Faud Shukr, as per an AFP report citing an anonymous source close to Hezbollah, was the successor of the group's top commander Imad Mughniyeh — killed in a 2008 car bombing in Damascus that the Iran-backed group blames Israel for. Also read | Israel says it struck Beirut, targeted Hezbollah commander behind Golan Heights attack A shadowy figure, Shukr went by the nom de guerre Hajj Mohsen Shukr, and "commands military operations in southern Lebanon". He is wanted in the US for playing "a central role" in the deadly 1983 bombing of the US Marine Corps barracks in Beirut. In 2017, describing him as "a senior adviser" to Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, the US Treasury offered a $5 million bounty for information on Shukr's whereabouts. As per Israeli military spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, he was a "senior terrorist who has the blood of Israelis and many others on his hands". In a video statement, Hagari blamed Shukr for the "Majdal Shams massacre," the Saturday (July 27) attack on Golan Heights that claimed the lives of a dozen children. "Fuad Shukr was the commander responsible for the Majdal Shams massacre, in which 12 children were murdered after Hezbollah fired an Iranian Falaq-1 rocket directly at a soccer field in northern Israel on Saturday evening," said Hagari. Also read | Facebook targeting Trump? Meta calls July 13 assassination attempt 'fictional event' and 'misinformation' He also claimed that the slain Hezbollah commander was the "right-hand man to Hassan Nasrallah, Hezbollah's leader, and his adviser in planning and directing attacks and operations." Responsible for Hezbollah attacks on Israel The Israeli military alleged that Faud Shukr was behind most of the militant group's advanced weaponry. This, it said, includes precise-guided missiles, cruise missiles, anti-ship missiles, long-range rockets and UAVs. Allegedly, he was also "directly involved" in the abduction of the bodies of three Israeli soldiers — Benyamin Avraham, Adi Avitan and Omar Sawaid. In the 1990s, the Israeli soldiers were killed by Hezbollah while patrolling the security fence adjacent to Har Dov, it added. "Since then, he has planned and directed numerous terror attacks against innocent civilians," it said, as quoted by AFP. (With inputs from agencies)

Who is Faud Shukr? The Hezbollah 'senior terrorist' Israel claims to have 'eliminated' in Beirut

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the nation on Wednesday (Jul 31) following the targeted killing of a top Hezbollah commander in Beirut and&nbsp;the assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran.

The Jewish leader spoke of "challenging days ahead," stating Israel was "prepared for any scenario" amid concerns that the war in Gaza may expand.

Netanyahu asserted,&nbsp;"Israel will charge a very heavy price for any aggression from any arena."

The PM said that&nbsp;in recent days, Israel has landed “crushing blows” on its three main proxies — the Houthis, Hamas and Hezbollah.

Watch:&nbsp;Israel-Hamas war: Khamenei warns Israel of 'harsh punishment'

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He also mentioned the strike on Hamas military leader Muhammad Deif in Gaza several weeks ago, along with the recent strike on the Hodeida port in Yemen, and last night’s attack on Fuad Shukr, whom he referred to as “Hezbollah’s chief of staff.” However, he didn't say a word on Ismail Haniyeh, on which the Jewish nation has maintained a striking silence.

Netanyahu said Shukr was directly responsible for the murder of 12 children in Majdal Shams and for attacks across Israel’s northern border. He also accused Shukr of involvement in the 1983 attack on US Marines in Lebanon, and in maintaining ties between Iran and Hezbollah.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwj3jqjT6tGHAxVjhK8BHQayB6o4ChDF9AEoAHoECBIQAQ" href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-foreign-ministers-harsh-threat-turkeys-erdogan-will-end-like-saddam-hussain-745353" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-foreign-ministers-harsh-threat-turkeys-erdogan-will-end-like-saddam-hussain-745353&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj3jqjT6tGHAxVjhK8BHQayB6o4ChDF9AEoAHoECBIQAQ">Israel foreign minister's harsh threat: Turkey's Erdogan will end like Saddam Hussain</a>

He emphasised that Druze and Jews have a “covenant of life” that has been strengthened in recent days.

“We settled our score with [Hajj] Mohsin,” he said, referring to Shukr’s nom de guerre, “and we will settle our score with anyone who harms us. Everyone who takes aim at our children, everyone who murders our citizens, everyone who harms our country — their blood is on their own head.”

<h2>Security meet</h2>

Earlier, Netanyahu held a meeting of the&nbsp;Security Cabinet, which is responsible for defence-related decisions.

The panel, composed of senior ministers, gathered at the Kirya military headquarters in Tel Aviv.

(With inputs from agencies)

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the nation on Wednesday (Jul 31) following the targeted killing of a top Hezbollah commander in Beirut and the assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the nation on Wednesday (Jul 31) following the targeted killing of a top Hezbollah commander in Beirut and the assassination of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. The Jewish leader spoke of "challenging days ahead," stating Israel was "prepared for any scenario" amid concerns that the war in Gaza may expand. Netanyahu asserted, "Israel will charge a very heavy price for any aggression from any arena." The PM said that in recent days, Israel has landed “crushing blows” on its three main proxies — the Houthis, Hamas and Hezbollah. Watch: Israel-Hamas war: Khamenei warns Israel of 'harsh punishment' × He also mentioned the strike on Hamas military leader Muhammad Deif in Gaza several weeks ago, along with the recent strike on the Hodeida port in Yemen, and last night’s attack on Fuad Shukr, whom he referred to as “Hezbollah’s chief of staff.” However, he didn't say a word on Ismail Haniyeh, on which the Jewish nation has maintained a striking silence. Netanyahu said Shukr was directly responsible for the murder of 12 children in Majdal Shams and for attacks across Israel’s northern border. He also accused Shukr of involvement in the 1983 attack on US Marines in Lebanon, and in maintaining ties between Iran and Hezbollah. Also read: Israel foreign minister's harsh threat: Turkey's Erdogan will end like Saddam Hussain He emphasised that Druze and Jews have a “covenant of life” that has been strengthened in recent days. “We settled our score with [Hajj] Mohsin,” he said, referring to Shukr’s nom de guerre, “and we will settle our score with anyone who harms us. Everyone who takes aim at our children, everyone who murders our citizens, everyone who harms our country — their blood is on their own head.” Security meet Earlier, Netanyahu held a meeting of the Security Cabinet, which is responsible for defence-related decisions. The panel, composed of senior ministers, gathered at the Kirya military headquarters in Tel Aviv. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Challenging days ahead,’ Israeli PM addresses nation after landing ‘crushing blows to proxies’

Iran’s Islamic Paramilitary Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) confirmed in a statement early on July 31 that Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was killed in Tehran. They added that Haniyeh's residence in Tehran was “hit” early Wednesday morning, and he was killed along with a bodyguard.

Israel-Hamas war: Haniyeh targeted at his residence

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Sunday (Jul 28) that his country might enter Israel as it had done in the past in Libya and Nagorno-Karabakh, though he did not spell out what sort of intervention he was suggesting.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said on Sunday (Jul 28) that his country might enter Israel as it had done in the past in Libya and Nagorno-Karabakh, though he did not spell out what sort of intervention he was suggesting. President Erdogan has been a fierce critic of Israel's ongoing offensive in the Gaza Strip. He dubbed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu "the butcher of Gaza" and accused him of spreading the Israel-Hamas war across the wider Middle East. Also read | Turkey's Erdogan halts exports, imports from Israel amid war in Gaza According to a report by the news agency Reuters, Erdogan on Sunday was discussing the war during a speech praising the Turkish defence industry. 'Just like we entered Karabakh and Libya...' "We must be very strong so that Israel can't do these ridiculous things to Palestine. Just like we entered Karabakh, just like we entered Libya, we might do similar to them," Erdogan told a meeting of his ruling AK Party in his hometown of Rize. "There is no reason why we cannot do this ... We must be strong so that we can take these steps," he added. Israel did not comment on Erdogan's remarks. In 2020, Turkey sent military personnel to Libya in support of the United Nations-recognised Government of National Accord of Libya. Also watch | Israel-Hezbollah tensions: All about Falaq-1 rockets × Turkey has denied any direct role in Azerbaijan's military operations in Nagorno-Karabakh but said last year it was using "all means", including military training and modernisation, to support its close ally. Turkey slams claims of Ankara funding Hamas Erdogan's remarks on Sunday came a week after Turkey slammed Israeli claims that Ankara was arming and funding Hamas. Israel's Foreign Minister Israel Katz accused Erdogan of supplying arms and money to Hamas to kill Israelis. Turkey called Katz's remarks lies. In a statement, the Turkish foreign ministry said that Katz was "trying to conceal the crimes committed by Israel against the Palestinians behind a series of lies, slander and disrespect." "But Israel's dirty propaganda and psychological pressure aimed at our country and our president will remain ineffective," the ministry's statement added. (With inputs from agencies)

Gaza war: Turkey might enter Israel to help Palestinians, says Erdogan

A rocket attack on a football ground in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights killed 12 people including children on Saturday, Israeli authorities said, blaming Hezbollah and vowing to inflict a heavy price on the Iran-backed Lebanese group.

Israel-Hamas war: At least 12 killed in rocket attack in Golan Heights

At least 30 people have been killed in an Israeli airstrike on a school in Deir-al Balah, central Gaza, where thousands were sheltering, Palestinian officials said.

Israel-Hamas war: 30 killed in Israeli airstrike on Gaza school: Palestinian officials

At least 30 people have been killed and over 100 injured in an Israeli airstrike on a school in Deir-al Balah, central Gaza, where thousands were sheltering, Palestinian officials said.

Israel-Hamas war: 30 killed in Israeli airstrike on a school in Gaza: Palestinian officials

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Saturday (Jul 27) that his country won't stay silent after a rocket attack killed 12 people, including children, at a football pitch in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Saturday (Jul 27) that his country won't stay silent after a rocket attack killed 12 people, including children, at a football pitch in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. Israel blamed Hezbollah for the attack and vowed to respond against the Iran-backed Lebanese group. Hezbollah denied any responsibility (for the strike). Addressing Israeli citizens, Prime Minister Netanyahu said, "I was shocked to see the horrific photos in the wake of Hezbollah's murderous attack in Majdal Shams. Among those who were murdered are young children who were playing soccer, and others. All of our hearts are broken over these sights." Also read | Gaza war: IDF attack on school kills 31; Israel says it targeted Hamas hideout "We embrace the families and the entire Druze community in its difficult hour, which is also our difficult hour," he said, adding, "I can say that the State of Israel will not let this pass in silence. We will not overlook this." Attack injures 13 The rocket struck a football pitch in the Druze village of Majdal Shams in the Golan Heights. The Israeli ambulance service said 13 more people were wounded by the attack at the pitch which was filled at the time with children and teenagers. Footage posted on social media showed the moment the rocket hit. An air raid siren can be heard, followed by a big explosion and images of smoke rising. Speaking to the news agency Reuters, a witness said people were playing at the pitch and ran to a shelter as they heard sirens. "...it may take them like 15 seconds (to reach the shelter). But they couldn't reach the shelter because the rocket hit the site between the ground and the shelter," the witness added. Also watch | Rocket attack at football ground in Golan Heights kills 12 × This was the deadliest strike in Israel or Israeli-annexed territory since the start of the conflict in Gaza. In a statement, Hezbollah said, "The Islamic Resistance has absolutely nothing to do with the incident, and categorically denies all false allegations in this regard." The Israeli military said it "will prepare a response" against Hezbollah. 'A horrific attack' The United States (US), which has been leading diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalating the conflict across the Lebanese-Israeli border, condemned Saturday's strike by calling it a horrific attack. The US said its support for Israel's security was "iron-clad and unwavering against all Iranian-backed terrorist groups, including Lebanese Hezbollah." A White House spokesperson said that Washington continues to support efforts to end these terrible attacks along the Blue Line (the frontier between Lebanon and Israel), which must be a top priority. (With inputs from agencies)

Golan Heights rocket attack: Israeli PM Netanyahu says his country won't stay silent

United States&nbsp;Vice President Kamala Harris appeared to be taking a balanced stand on the Israel-Hamas war, which is unusual for the world's most powerful nation, when she met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

In a rare take, Kamala Harris held the Israeli government responsible for the death of “far too many” civilians in the Gaza Strip and said “I will not be silent” as she also pledged “unwavering” support for the right of existence of the Jewish state.

In her first remarks on the Israel-Hamas war after the country's presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, Harris on Thursday (July 25) said that “it is time for this war to end” and also argued that the war&nbsp;was not a “binary issue”.

“To everyone who has been calling for a ceasefire, and to everyone who yearns for peace, I see you and I hear you,” said the 59-year old Harris,&nbsp;just after Netanyahu departed the White House.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-arrives-at-white-house-for-high-stakes-first-meeting-with-biden-744233">Netanyahu visits White House, thanks Biden for ‘50 years of support for the state&nbsp;of&nbsp;Israel’</a>

“What has happened in Gaza over the past nine months is devastating — the images of dead children and desperate, hungry people fleeing for safety, sometimes displaced for the second, third or fourth time. We cannot look away in the face of these tragedies. We cannot allow ourselves to become numb to the suffering and I will not be silent," Harris said.

She said that she will "always" make sure that Israel is able to defend itself and added, “There has been hopeful movement in the talks to secure an agreement on this deal. And as I just told Prime Minister Netanyahu, it is time to get this deal done."

“Let’s get the deal done so we can get a cease-fire to end the war. Let’s bring the hostages home, and let’s provide much-needed relief to the Palestinian people. And ultimately, I remain committed to a path forward that can lead to a two-state solution," the country's vice president further said.

<h2>Kamala Harris says 'dire humanitarian situation in Gaza'</h2>

The presumptive Democratic presidential nominee slammed Hamas and said she will continue working for the US citizens held hostage in Gaza.

“On October 7, Hamas triggered this war when it massacred 1,200 Innocent people, including 44 Americans. Hamas has committed horrific acts of sexual violence and took 250 hostages,” Harris said.

“There are American citizens who remain captive in Gaza:&nbsp;Sagui Dekel-Chen,&nbsp;Hersch Goldberg-Polin, Edan Alexander. Keith Seigel, Omer Neutra,' she added.

Watch:&nbsp;US: Kamala Harris ready to debate Trump | Biden press Netanyahu for Gaza truce

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“I have met with the families of these American hostages multiple times now. And I’ve told them each time they are not alone, and I stand with them. And President Biden and I are working every day to bring them home," the vice president further said..

She elaborated further and said, “I told [Netanyahu] that I will always ensure that Israel is able to defend itself including from Iran and Iran-backed militias, such as Hamas and Hezbollah. From when I was a young girl, collecting funds to plant trees for Israel, to my time in the United States Senate and now at the White House, I’ve had an unwavering commitment to the existence of the State of Israel, to its security and to the people of Israel.”

“I also expressed with the prime minister my serious concern about the scale of human suffering in Gaza, including the death of far too many innocent civilians. And I made clear my serious concern about the dire humanitarian situation there with over 2 million people facing high levels of food insecurity and half a million people facing catastrophic levels of acute food insecurity," she added.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

United States Vice President Kamala Harris appeared to be taking a balanced stand on the Israel-Hamas war, which is unusual for the world's most powerful nation, when she met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

United States Vice President Kamala Harris appeared to be taking a balanced stand on the Israel-Hamas war, which is unusual for the world's most powerful nation, when she met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. In a rare take, Kamala Harris held the Israeli government responsible for the death of “far too many” civilians in the Gaza Strip and said “I will not be silent” as she also pledged “unwavering” support for the right of existence of the Jewish state. In her first remarks on the Israel-Hamas war after the country's presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, Harris on Thursday (July 25) said that “it is time for this war to end” and also argued that the war was not a “binary issue”. “To everyone who has been calling for a ceasefire, and to everyone who yearns for peace, I see you and I hear you,” said the 59-year old Harris, just after Netanyahu departed the White House. Also Read: Netanyahu visits White House, thanks Biden for ‘50 years of support for the state of Israel’ “What has happened in Gaza over the past nine months is devastating — the images of dead children and desperate, hungry people fleeing for safety, sometimes displaced for the second, third or fourth time. We cannot look away in the face of these tragedies. We cannot allow ourselves to become numb to the suffering and I will not be silent," Harris said. She said that she will "always" make sure that Israel is able to defend itself and added, “There has been hopeful movement in the talks to secure an agreement on this deal. And as I just told Prime Minister Netanyahu, it is time to get this deal done." “Let’s get the deal done so we can get a cease-fire to end the war. Let’s bring the hostages home, and let’s provide much-needed relief to the Palestinian people. And ultimately, I remain committed to a path forward that can lead to a two-state solution," the country's vice president further said. Kamala Harris says 'dire humanitarian situation in Gaza' The presumptive Democratic presidential nominee slammed Hamas and said she will continue working for the US citizens held hostage in Gaza. “On October 7, Hamas triggered this war when it massacred 1,200 Innocent people, including 44 Americans. Hamas has committed horrific acts of sexual violence and took 250 hostages,” Harris said. “There are American citizens who remain captive in Gaza: Sagui Dekel-Chen, Hersch Goldberg-Polin, Edan Alexander. Keith Seigel, Omer Neutra,' she added. Watch: US: Kamala Harris ready to debate Trump | Biden press Netanyahu for Gaza truce “I have met with the families of these American hostages multiple times now. And I’ve told them each time they are not alone, and I stand with them. And President Biden and I are working every day to bring them home," the vice president further said.. She elaborated further and said, “I told [Netanyahu] that I will always ensure that Israel is able to defend itself including from Iran and Iran-backed militias, such as Hamas and Hezbollah. From when I was a young girl, collecting funds to plant trees for Israel, to my time in the United States Senate and now at the White House, I’ve had an unwavering commitment to the existence of the State of Israel, to its security and to the people of Israel.” “I also expressed with the prime minister my serious concern about the scale of human suffering in Gaza, including the death of far too many innocent civilians. And I made clear my serious concern about the dire humanitarian situation there with over 2 million people facing high levels of food insecurity and half a million people facing catastrophic levels of acute food insecurity," she added. (With inputs from agencies)

Kamala Harris' double stand: US VP extends support to Israel, but calls for ceasefire, decries Gaza killings

Several rockets were launched on Thursday and Friday against bases hosting troops from the US-led anti-jihadist coalition in Iraq and Syria, security officials and a war monitor said.

Several rockets were launched on Thursday and Friday against bases hosting troops from the US-led anti-jihadist coalition in Iraq and Syria, security officials and a war monitor said. Such attacks were frequent early in the war between Israel and Hamas Palestinian militants in Gaza but since then have largely halted. "Four rockets fell in the vicinity" of Ain al-Assad base in Anbar province, an Iraqi security source said. Another security official said an attack occurred with "a drone and three rockets" that fell close to the base perimeter. A United States official said initial reports indicated that projectiles landed outside the base without causing injuries or damage to the base. All sources spoke on condition of anonymity because they are not authorised to speak to the media. At least one rocket also fell near a base of the coalition in the Conoco gas field in Deir Ezzor province of eastern Syria, according to the Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights war monitor. The Observatory said a blast was heard in the area but there were no immediate reports of casualties. The rocket was fired from "zones under the control of pro-Iranian militia" groups, said the monitor which relies on sources inside Syria. Watch | US urges Israel to think of a 'realistic truce plan', Hamas says 'Netanyahu stalling ceasefire deal' × There was no immediate claim of responsibility for either attack. Iran-backed armed groups in Iraq have largely halted similar attacks on US-backed troops in recent months. The latest attack come after a security meeting this week between Iraqi and US officials in Washington on the future of the international anti-jihadist coalition in Iraq. Iran-backed groups have demanded a withdrawal. The US Defense Department said Wednesday "the delegations reached an understanding on the concept for a new phase of the bilateral security relationship". This would include "cooperation through liaison officers, training, and traditional security cooperation programmes". On July 16, two drones were launched against Ain al-Assad base, with one exploding inside without causing injuries or damage. A senior security official in Baghdad said at the time he believed the attack was meant to "embarrass" the Iraqi government before the security meeting. For more than three months, as regional tensions soared over the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, United States troops were targeted by rockets and drones more than 175 times in the Middle East, mainly in Iraq and Syria. The Islamic Resistance of Iraq, a loose alliance of Iran-backed groups, claimed the majority of the attacks, saying they were in solidarity with Gaza Palestinians. Also read: Kamala Harris crashes RuPaul's Drag Race All Stars Finale to remind viewers to register to vote: Watch In January, a drone strike blamed on those groups killed three US soldiers in a base in Jordan. In retaliation, US forces launched dozens of strikes against Tehran-backed fighters. Since then, attacks against US troops have largely halted. Baghdad has sought to defuse tensions, engaging in talks with Washington on the future of the US-led coalition's mission in Iraq. The US military has around 2,500 troops in Iraq and 900 in Syria with the international coalition. The coalition was deployed to Iraq at the government's request in 2014 to help combat the Islamic State group, which had taken over vast swathes of Iraq and neighbouring Syria. IS remnants still carry out attacks and ambushes in both countries. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Rockets target US-led coalition bases in Iraq and Syria

Biden urged the Israeli leader to act quickly to finalize the deal and remove obstacles affecting the flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza. Watch to know more.

Israel-Hamas war: Biden, Harris push for truce deal