The police in the United Kingdom (UK) on Sunday (Jan 14) arrested six pro-Palestinian activists over a plot to disrupt the London Stock Exchange. In a statement, the Metropolitan Police said activists from the Palestine Action group were intending to target the stock exchange on Monday morning, "causing damage and ‘locking on’ in an effort to prevent the building opening for trading.

The police in the United Kingdom (UK) on Sunday (Jan 14) arrested six pro-Palestinian activists over a plot to disrupt the London Stock Exchange. In a statement, the Metropolitan Police said activists from the Palestine Action group were intending to target the stock exchange on Monday morning, "causing damage and ‘locking on’ in an effort to prevent the building opening for trading." "In the early hours of Sunday, 14 January Met officers working alongside colleagues from Merseyside Police arrested a 31-year-old man in Liverpool on suspicion of conspiracy to cause criminal damage," the statement said. The Metropolitan Police added that five more people, all believed to be part of the same plot, were arrested. 'Group was ready to carry disruptive stunt' Reacting to the arrests, Detective Superintendent Sian Thomas said on Sunday that Palestine Action was ready to carry out a disruptive and damaging stunt which could have had serious implications had it been carried out successfully. Click here to follow all updates on the Israel-Hamas war “I’m grateful to the Express for their willingness to provide the information gleaned from their own investigation. It was instrumental in helping us intervene successfully," Detective Superintendent Thomas said. “Mindful of the suggestion that this was one part of a planned week of action, we are in contact with the City of London Police as well as other forces across the UK to ensure that appropriate resources are in place to deal with any disruption in the coming days,” he added. Also watch | Israel-Hamas war: Timeline of major events from the first 100 days × Since the conflict between Israel and Hamas started on Oct 7 last year, multiple pro-Palestinian and pro-Israeli protests have been held in the UK. On Saturday (January 14), thousands of people marched through central London to show solidarity with Palestine and to reiterate calls for a ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. According to a report by The Guardian on Sunday, the protest was organised by the Palestine Solidarity Campaign. Protesters met on Queen Victoria Street before making their way along Fleet Street towards Parliament Square. (With inputs from agencies)

UK: Police arrest 6 pro-Palestinian activists over plot to disrupt London Stock Exchange

Taiwan's outgoing President Tsai Ing-wen said on Monday (Jan 15) that a visit by the unofficial delegation from the United States highlighted “the close and staunch partnership" between Taipei and Washington. The visit of the US delegation comes days after Tsai's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) won the Jan 13 election, with Lai Ching-te set to be the island's next president.

We are tracking live updates on the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas. At the time of writing the morning brief, in the latest available update from the conflict, a video was shared by Hamas on Sunday showing three Israeli hostages it is holding in the Gaza Strip in which they urged the Netanyahu government to stop the offensive against the Palestinian militant group.&nbsp;

In other news from around the world, North Korea said on Monday it had tested a new solid-fuel immediate-range hypersonic missile. This test comes a day after South Korea said that Pyongyang had fired an unidentified ballistic missile towards the East Sea.&nbsp;

Click on the headlines to read more:

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/taiwans-tsai-meets-us-delegation-after-key-election-calls-visit-show-of-close-and-staunch-partnership-680001">Taiwan's Tsai meets US delegation after key election, calls visit show of 'close and staunch partnership'</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/01/15/405741-wion-images-2024-01-15t083050385.png?imwidth=3840" />

Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen, on Monday (Jan 15) said that a visit by the unofficial delegation from the United States highlights “the close and staunch partnership between Taiwan and the US”. The visit comes days after the self-ruled island elected a pro-sovereignty candidate who China said would bring war.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-live-hamas-says-many-hostages-likely-killed-blames-israel-china-calls-for-large-scale-peace-conference-679985">Israel-Hamas war LIVE: Hamas says many hostages likely killed, blames Israel; releases video of 3 hostages</a>

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Hamas, on Sunday, released a video&nbsp;showing three Israeli hostages it is holding in Gaza in which they urged their Israeli government to stop the offensive against the Palestinian militant group and secure&nbsp;their release.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-day-after-seouls-claims-n-korea-says-it-fired-solid-fuel-hypersonic-missile-679982">A day after Seoul's claims, N Korea says it fired solid-fuel hypersonic missile</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/04/13/345013-untitled-design-63.jpg?imwidth=3840" />

North Korea on Monday (Jan 15) announced it had tested a new solid-fuel immediate-range hypersonic missile, according to state news agency KCNA, a day after South Korea said its arch-rival had fired an unidentified ballistic missile towards the East Sea.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-4-dead-1-severely-injured-in-hot-air-balloon-crash-in-arizona-desert-679988">US: 4 dead, 1 severely injured in hot-air balloon crash in Arizona desert</a>

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As many as four people were killed while another was severely injured after a hot-air balloon crashed in the Arizona desert on Sunday (Jan 14), according to the local police.&nbsp;The fatal crash took place near Eloy just before 8 in the morning.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Ukraine 10-point peace formula continues to take centre stage, 83 delegations to attend Davos talks

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Taiwan's outgoing President Tsai Ing-wen said on Monday (Jan 15) that a visit by the unofficial delegation from the United States highlighted “the close and staunch partnership" between Taipei and Washington.

Taiwan's outgoing President Tsai Ing-wen said on Monday (Jan 15) that a visit by the unofficial delegation from the United States highlighted “the close and staunch partnership" between Taipei and Washington. The visit of the US delegation comes days after Tsai's Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) won the Jan 13 election, with Lai Ching-te set to be the island's next president. We are tracking live updates on the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas. At the time of writing the morning brief, in the latest available update from the conflict, a video was shared by Hamas on Sunday showing three Israeli hostages it is holding in the Gaza Strip in which they urged the Netanyahu government to stop the offensive against the Palestinian militant group. In other news from around the world, North Korea said on Monday it had tested a new solid-fuel immediate-range hypersonic missile. This test comes a day after South Korea said that Pyongyang had fired an unidentified ballistic missile towards the East Sea. Click on the headlines to read more: Taiwan's Tsai meets US delegation after key election, calls visit show of 'close and staunch partnership' Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen, on Monday (Jan 15) said that a visit by the unofficial delegation from the United States highlights “the close and staunch partnership between Taiwan and the US”. The visit comes days after the self-ruled island elected a pro-sovereignty candidate who China said would bring war. Israel-Hamas war LIVE: Hamas says many hostages likely killed, blames Israel; releases video of 3 hostages Hamas, on Sunday, released a video showing three Israeli hostages it is holding in Gaza in which they urged their Israeli government to stop the offensive against the Palestinian militant group and secure their release. A day after Seoul's claims, N Korea says it fired solid-fuel hypersonic missile North Korea on Monday (Jan 15) announced it had tested a new solid-fuel immediate-range hypersonic missile, according to state news agency KCNA, a day after South Korea said its arch-rival had fired an unidentified ballistic missile towards the East Sea. US: 4 dead, 1 severely injured in hot-air balloon crash in Arizona desert As many as four people were killed while another was severely injured after a hot-air balloon crashed in the Arizona desert on Sunday (Jan 14), according to the local police. The fatal crash took place near Eloy just before 8 in the morning. Watch | Ukraine 10-point peace formula continues to take centre stage, 83 delegations to attend Davos talks ×

Morning brief: Taiwan's Tsai meets US delegation, Israel-Hamas war updates, and more

A new opinion poll published earlier this week showed that 67 per cent of the Arab world said that Hamas' attack against Israel on Oct 7 was legitimate. According to a report by The Jerusalem Post on Saturday (Jan 13), the poll was carried out by the Arab Centre for Research and Policy Studies on Wednesday.

A new opinion poll published earlier this week showed that 67 per cent of the Arab world said that Hamas' attack against Israel on Oct 7 was legitimate. According to a report by The Jerusalem Post on Saturday (Jan 13), the poll was carried out by the Arab Centre for Research and Policy Studies on Wednesday. The poll collected data from 8,000 Arab respondents from 16 countries. Sixty-seven per cent of the respondents perceived the Oct 7 attack as a legitimate resistance operation. The poll results clarified that 19 per cent of the respondents answered the attack was legitimate but “flawed,” three per cent said it was legitimate but “involved heinous or criminal acts” and only five per cent called the attack “illegitimate.” Click here to follow all updates on the Israel-Hamas war Respondents' opinions on why Hamas launched the attack On being asked why Hamas launched the attack against Israel last year, 35 per cent respondents in the poll said the number one reason behind the attack was “the ongoing Israeli occupation of Palestinian land.” Twenty-four per cent of the respondents said the reason behind the attack was “defending al-Aqsa Mosque against attacks,” The Jerusalem Post reported. Only two per cent of the respondents agreed Hamas' attack on Israel as a proxy war for Iran. Also read | Israel ‘genocide’ case: Western countries reject S. Africa’s charges; Turkey to provide documents Meanwhile, eight per cent of respondents felt the ongoing blockade of the Gaza Strip was the main reason for the attack. Conflict enters 100th day The war between Israel has Hamas has entered its 100th day with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowing that "no one will stop us" from destroying the Palestinian militant group. "No one will stop us -- not The Hague, not the Axis of Evil and no one else," Prime Minister Netanyahu said on Saturday referring to the Iran-aligned "axis of resistance" groups in Lebanon, Syria, Iraq, and Yemen "It is possible and necessary to continue until victory and we will do it," he added, saying most Hamas battalions in Gaza had been 'eliminated'. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel-Hamas war: 67% of Arab world says Hamas’ Oct 7 attack was legitimate, poll shows

US President Joe Biden&nbsp;has come under fire for carrying out strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen. The strikes, which were carried out without congressional approval, have earned the ire of Biden's fellow democrats who said that the action was "unconstitutional" and that he "needs to come to Congress" before launching a strike.

The American President was also slammed on social media as people dug out an old post he made on Twitter, now known as X, in which he promised to use "military power responsibly".

<h2>Biden Administration defends move</h2>

The strike, which were made in collaboration with the United Kingdom comes&nbsp;after a series of Houthi drone and missile strikes on commercial ships in the Red Sea.

Calling the strikes a "defensive action" Biden, as per AFP, said he "will not hesitate" to order further military action if needed.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-and-uk-launch-massive-strike-against-houthi-rebels-in-yemen-679159">US and UK launch massive strikes against Houthi rebels, 5 killed</a>

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak too called the strikes "necessary and proportionate" and said that the Houthis' breach of international law merited a "strong signal" in response.

"People can't act like this with impunity," said Sunak, adding the Houthi attacks were "disrupting the global economy"

<h2>Democrats criticise Biden</h2>

Indian American lawmaker Ro Khanna in a post on X slammed Biden and said: "The President needs to come to Congress before launching a strike against the Houthis in Yemen and involving us in another Middle East conflict. That is Article I of the Constitution. I will stand up for that regardless of whether a Democrat or Republican is in the White House."

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The President needs to come to Congress before launching a strike against the Houthis in Yemen and involving us in another middle east conflict. That is Article I of the Constitution. I will stand up for that regardless of whether a Democrat or Republican is in the White House.
— Ro Khanna (@RoKhanna) <a href="https://twitter.com/RoKhanna/status/1745590169493745693?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2024</a></blockquote>
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"Section 2C of the War Powers Act is clear: POTUS may only introduce the U.S. into hostilities after Congressional authorization or in a national emergency when the U.S. is under imminent attack. Reporting is not a substitute. This is a retaliatory, offensive strike," he added in another post.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-external-affairs-minister-jaishankar-to-visit-iran-on-jan-15-679396">India's External Affairs Minister Jaishankar to visit Iran on Jan 15</a>

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The President needs to come to Congress before launching a strike against the Houthis in Yemen and involving us in another middle east conflict. That is Article I of the Constitution. I will stand up for that regardless of whether a Democrat or Republican is in the White House.
— Ro Khanna (@RoKhanna) <a href="https://twitter.com/RoKhanna/status/1745590169493745693?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 11, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Echoing Khanna's sentiments, Justin Amash, a member of the Libertarian part said: "If President Biden had enough time to form a multinational coalition to plan and conduct strikes in Yemen, then he had enough time to seek and obtain an authorization from Congress as our Constitution requires."

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If President Biden had enough time to form a multinational coalition to plan and conduct strikes in Yemen, then he had enough time to seek and obtain an authorization from Congress as our Constitution requires. 
 
Without this authorization, any nondefensive military action is…
— Justin Amash (@justinamash) <a href="https://twitter.com/justinamash/status/1745633418946240640?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2>Netizens troll Biden</h2>

Meanwhile, X users&nbsp;trolled Biden over a post he made&nbsp;during the 2020 Presidential campaign. Biden during the campaign had&nbsp;said,&nbsp;"As President, I will use military power responsibly and as a last resort. We will not go back to forever wars in the Middle East."

Digging up the old post, users poked fun at the US president. One user commented, "Well the lie detector determined that was a lie".

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Well the lie detector determined that was a lie
— The Big Nachoski (@BigNachoski) <a href="https://twitter.com/BigNachoski/status/1745632578206658930?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2024</a></blockquote>
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"Dementia?" questioned another, while a third user labelled it "a joke".

Watch |&nbsp;Biden: UK, US successfully struck Houthi targets in Yemen

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"This didn’t age well," pointed out another user, "We don’t owe Israel anything," said&nbsp;another X user.

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Then please stop giving my tax dollars to Israel! You are funding a forever war against Palestine. WWII ended in 1945. Haven’t we worked through our American guilt for not taking Jewish refugees during the war? We don’t owe Israel anything. Sanctions, not cash, for them.
— Meidas Cathy 🕊️🇺🇦🇵🇸 (@OldGinger) <a href="https://twitter.com/OldGinger/status/1745628318462833022?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 12, 2024</a></blockquote>
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(With inputs from agencies)

US President Joe Biden has come under fire for carrying out strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen. The strikes, which were carried out without congressional approval, have earned the ire of Biden's fellow democrats who said that the action was "unconstitutional" and that he "needs to come to Congress" before launching a strike.

US President Joe Biden has come under fire for carrying out strikes against Houthi targets in Yemen. The strikes, which were carried out without congressional approval, have earned the ire of Biden's fellow democrats who said that the action was "unconstitutional" and that he "needs to come to Congress" before launching a strike. The American President was also slammed on social media as people dug out an old post he made on Twitter, now known as X, in which he promised to use "military power responsibly". Biden Administration defends move The strike, which were made in collaboration with the United Kingdom comes after a series of Houthi drone and missile strikes on commercial ships in the Red Sea. Calling the strikes a "defensive action" Biden, as per AFP, said he "will not hesitate" to order further military action if needed. Also read | US and UK launch massive strikes against Houthi rebels, 5 killed UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak too called the strikes "necessary and proportionate" and said that the Houthis' breach of international law merited a "strong signal" in response. "People can't act like this with impunity," said Sunak, adding the Houthi attacks were "disrupting the global economy" Democrats criticise Biden Indian American lawmaker Ro Khanna in a post on X slammed Biden and said: "The President needs to come to Congress before launching a strike against the Houthis in Yemen and involving us in another Middle East conflict. That is Article I of the Constitution. I will stand up for that regardless of whether a Democrat or Republican is in the White House." The President needs to come to Congress before launching a strike against the Houthis in Yemen and involving us in another middle east conflict. That is Article I of the Constitution. I will stand up for that regardless of whether a Democrat or Republican is in the White House. — Ro Khanna (@RoKhanna) January 11, 2024 × "Section 2C of the War Powers Act is clear: POTUS may only introduce the U.S. into hostilities after Congressional authorization or in a national emergency when the U.S. is under imminent attack. Reporting is not a substitute. This is a retaliatory, offensive strike," he added in another post. Also read | India's External Affairs Minister Jaishankar to visit Iran on Jan 15 The President needs to come to Congress before launching a strike against the Houthis in Yemen and involving us in another middle east conflict. That is Article I of the Constitution. I will stand up for that regardless of whether a Democrat or Republican is in the White House. — Ro Khanna (@RoKhanna) January 11, 2024 × Echoing Khanna's sentiments, Justin Amash, a member of the Libertarian part said: "If President Biden had enough time to form a multinational coalition to plan and conduct strikes in Yemen, then he had enough time to seek and obtain an authorization from Congress as our Constitution requires." If President Biden had enough time to form a multinational coalition to plan and conduct strikes in Yemen, then he had enough time to seek and obtain an authorization from Congress as our Constitution requires. Without this authorization, any nondefensive military action is… — Justin Amash (@justinamash) January 12, 2024 × Netizens troll Biden Meanwhile, X users trolled Biden over a post he made during the 2020 Presidential campaign. Biden during the campaign had said, "As President, I will use military power responsibly and as a last resort. We will not go back to forever wars in the Middle East." Digging up the old post, users poked fun at the US president. One user commented, "Well the lie detector determined that was a lie". Well the lie detector determined that was a lie — The Big Nachoski (@BigNachoski) January 12, 2024 × "Dementia?" questioned another, while a third user labelled it "a joke". Watch | Biden: UK, US successfully struck Houthi targets in Yemen "This didn’t age well," pointed out another user, "We don’t owe Israel anything," said another X user. Then please stop giving my tax dollars to Israel! You are funding a forever war against Palestine. WWII ended in 1945. Haven’t we worked through our American guilt for not taking Jewish refugees during the war? We don’t owe Israel anything. Sanctions, not cash, for them. — Meidas Cathy 🕊️🇺🇦🇵🇸 (@OldGinger) January 12, 2024 × (With inputs from agencies)

Biden's 'defensive action' against Houthis in Yemen earns him Democratic ire and trolling on X

India at the United Nations General Assembly strongly condemned the rising civilian casualties of the Israel-Hamas war and said that the alarming humanitarian crisis was "clearly unacceptable".

Speaking at the UNGA meeting on Tuesday, India's permanent representative to the United Nations, Ruchira Kamboj said, "The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has led to a large-scale loss of civilian lives, especially women and children, and has resulted in an alarming humanitarian crisis."

"This is clearly unacceptable, and we have strongly condemned the deaths of civilians," added the Indian envoy.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-thwarts-24-missiles-and-drones-launched-by-houthi-rebels-from-yemen-678400">US thwarts 24 missiles and drones launched by Houthi rebels from Yemen</a>

She also acknowledged that the "immediate trigger" for Israel's strikes on Gaza "were the terror attacks in Israel on October 7, which were shocking and deserve our unequivocal condemnation."&nbsp;

"India has a zero-tolerance approach to terrorism," added Kamboj, as reported by PTI.

<h2>India calls for immediate release of hostages</h2>

Calling for the immediate release of hostages, Kamboj said the leadership of India is in constant touch with the region's leaders — including Palestine and Israel.&nbsp;Addressing the 193-member UNGA, Kamboj also highlighted her nation's continuous efforts to de-escalate the situation and extend humanitarian aid to Gaza.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-blinken-tells-netanyahu-to-avoid-further-civilian-harm-in-gaza-678383">Israel-Hamas war: Blinken tells Netanyahu to avoid 'further civilian harm' in Gaza</a>

"India has so far provided 70 tonnes of humanitarian aid, including 16.5 tonnes of medicine and medical supplies in two tranches, to the people of Palestine. We've also provided us dollars 5 million, including the USD 2.5 million we provided in end December 2023 to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine refugees in the Near east, which will go to support the agency's core programs and services, including education, health care, relief and social services provided to Palestinian refugees,"&nbsp;said India's permanent envoy to the UN.

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India has provided 70 tons of humanitarian aid including 16.5 tons of medicines to people of Palestine says Indian Envoy to UN <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiaUNNewYork?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndiaUNNewYork</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/ruchirakamboj?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ruchirakamboj</a>; Points,'Its important to prevent escalation..' <a href="https://t.co/xPfcOmZ8Ow">pic.twitter.com/xPfcOmZ8Ow</a>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1744913577650401440?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 10, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2>Two-state solution has India's support</h2>

Voicing India's support for the two-state solution, Kamboj said it can only be achieved "through direct and meaningful negotiations between both sides."

"The message that India has conveyed since the start of this conflict is clear and consistent. It is important to prevent escalation, to ensure continued delivery of humanitarian aid, and to work towards an early restoration of peace and stability. A peaceful resolution of the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy is the only way forward," she said.

"By reaffirming India's firm commitment to achieving a just, peaceful and lasting solution to the Israel-Palestine issue. We firmly believe that only a two-state solution achieved through direct and meaningful negotiations between both sides on final status issues, will deliver an enduring peace that the people of Israel and Palestine desire and deserve. For this, we urge the parties to de-escalate, eschew violence and work towards creating conditions for an early resumption of direct peace negotiations," added Kamboj.

(With inputs from agencies)

India at the United Nations General Assembly strongly condemned the rising civilian casualties of the Israel-Hamas war and said that the alarming humanitarian crisis was "clearly unacceptable".

India at the United Nations General Assembly strongly condemned the rising civilian casualties of the Israel-Hamas war and said that the alarming humanitarian crisis was "clearly unacceptable". Speaking at the UNGA meeting on Tuesday, India's permanent representative to the United Nations, Ruchira Kamboj said, "The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has led to a large-scale loss of civilian lives, especially women and children, and has resulted in an alarming humanitarian crisis." "This is clearly unacceptable, and we have strongly condemned the deaths of civilians," added the Indian envoy. Also read | US thwarts 24 missiles and drones launched by Houthi rebels from Yemen She also acknowledged that the "immediate trigger" for Israel's strikes on Gaza "were the terror attacks in Israel on October 7, which were shocking and deserve our unequivocal condemnation." "India has a zero-tolerance approach to terrorism," added Kamboj, as reported by PTI. India calls for immediate release of hostages Calling for the immediate release of hostages, Kamboj said the leadership of India is in constant touch with the region's leaders — including Palestine and Israel. Addressing the 193-member UNGA, Kamboj also highlighted her nation's continuous efforts to de-escalate the situation and extend humanitarian aid to Gaza. Also read | Israel-Hamas war: Blinken tells Netanyahu to avoid 'further civilian harm' in Gaza "India has so far provided 70 tonnes of humanitarian aid, including 16.5 tonnes of medicine and medical supplies in two tranches, to the people of Palestine. We've also provided us dollars 5 million, including the USD 2.5 million we provided in end December 2023 to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine refugees in the Near east, which will go to support the agency's core programs and services, including education, health care, relief and social services provided to Palestinian refugees," said India's permanent envoy to the UN. India has provided 70 tons of humanitarian aid including 16.5 tons of medicines to people of Palestine says Indian Envoy to UN @IndiaUNNewYork @ruchirakamboj; Points,'Its important to prevent escalation..' pic.twitter.com/xPfcOmZ8Ow — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) January 10, 2024 × Two-state solution has India's support Voicing India's support for the two-state solution, Kamboj said it can only be achieved "through direct and meaningful negotiations between both sides." "The message that India has conveyed since the start of this conflict is clear and consistent. It is important to prevent escalation, to ensure continued delivery of humanitarian aid, and to work towards an early restoration of peace and stability. A peaceful resolution of the conflict through dialogue and diplomacy is the only way forward," she said. "By reaffirming India's firm commitment to achieving a just, peaceful and lasting solution to the Israel-Palestine issue. We firmly believe that only a two-state solution achieved through direct and meaningful negotiations between both sides on final status issues, will deliver an enduring peace that the people of Israel and Palestine desire and deserve. For this, we urge the parties to de-escalate, eschew violence and work towards creating conditions for an early resumption of direct peace negotiations," added Kamboj. (With inputs from agencies)

'Clearly unacceptable': India condemns Israel-Hamas war's rising civilian death toll, calls for de-escalation

The US and the UK on Tuesday (Jan 9)&nbsp;shot down 21 missiles and drones launched by Houthi rebels from Yemen. The attack, as per reports, was one of the largest Houthi attacks to take place in the Red Sea in recent months.

Quoting two US defence officials,&nbsp;CNN had reported that the attack consisted of 24 missiles and drones. It also said that initial assessments indicate no harm to ships and no injuries or casualties resulting from the extensive drone and missile barrage.

As per a US Central Command (CENTCOM) statement "Iranian-backed Houthis launched a complex attack of Iranian designed one-way attack UAVs..., anti-ship cruise missiles, and an anti-ship ballistic missile from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen into the Southern Red Sea."

It further said that the drones and missiles were downed by a combination of F/A-18 warplanes operating from the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower aircraft carrier and one British and three American destroyers.

<h2>How the US carried out the strike</h2>

The US deployed three destroyers to counter and eliminate the imminent threats, said one official.&nbsp;

"We can confirm a Houthi attack occurred today near the southern Red Sea. We’ll provide additional details when they’re available," said a third official, as quoted by CNN.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-blinken-tells-netanyahu-to-avoid-further-civilian-harm-in-gaza-678383">Israel-Hamas war: Blinken tells Netanyahu to avoid 'further civilian harm' in Gaza</a>

As a key participant in Operation Prosperity Guardian, the United States has a number of ships in the Red Sea. The operation, a multinational endeavour, has more than 20 nations collaborating to safeguard shipping in one of the world's most critical waterways.&nbsp;

This incident unfolds against the backdrop of US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's diplomatic mission to the Middle East, where he is actively engaging&nbsp;in de-escalation efforts related to the Gaza conflict.

In Israel on Tuesday, Blinken told officials that Palestinians in Gaza must be allowed to return to their homes "as soon as conditions allow."

<h2>Act of solidarity?</h2>

The Houthi rebels, aligning themselves with Iran, have said that their missile and drone launches are symbolic acts of solidarity with the Palestinian people. Initial attacks, soon after the start of the Israel-Hamas war, targeted vessels with connections to Israel. However, since then, as per Vice Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of the US Naval Central Command, most of the last dozen attacks had no connection to Israel at all.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/watch-biden-interrupted-by-pro-palestinian-supporters-calling-for-ceasefire-in-gaza-678170">WATCH | Biden's speech interrupted by pro-Palestinian protesters calling for ceasefire in Gaza</a>

"The impact of these attacks spreads across the globe, and as we’ve said, this is an international problem that requires an international solution," he said.

According to the US assessment, around 55 nations have direct connections to the attacked vessels.

(With inputs from agencies)

The US and the UK on Tuesday (Jan 9) shot down 21 missiles and drones launched by Houthi rebels from Yemen. The attack, as per reports, was one of the largest Houthi attacks to take place in the Red Sea in recent months.

The US and the UK on Tuesday (Jan 9) shot down 21 missiles and drones launched by Houthi rebels from Yemen. The attack, as per reports, was one of the largest Houthi attacks to take place in the Red Sea in recent months. Quoting two US defence officials, CNN had reported that the attack consisted of 24 missiles and drones. It also said that initial assessments indicate no harm to ships and no injuries or casualties resulting from the extensive drone and missile barrage. As per a US Central Command (CENTCOM) statement "Iranian-backed Houthis launched a complex attack of Iranian designed one-way attack UAVs..., anti-ship cruise missiles, and an anti-ship ballistic missile from Houthi-controlled areas of Yemen into the Southern Red Sea." It further said that the drones and missiles were downed by a combination of F/A-18 warplanes operating from the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower aircraft carrier and one British and three American destroyers. How the US carried out the strike The US deployed three destroyers to counter and eliminate the imminent threats, said one official. "We can confirm a Houthi attack occurred today near the southern Red Sea. We’ll provide additional details when they’re available," said a third official, as quoted by CNN. Also read | Israel-Hamas war: Blinken tells Netanyahu to avoid 'further civilian harm' in Gaza As a key participant in Operation Prosperity Guardian, the United States has a number of ships in the Red Sea. The operation, a multinational endeavour, has more than 20 nations collaborating to safeguard shipping in one of the world's most critical waterways. This incident unfolds against the backdrop of US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's diplomatic mission to the Middle East, where he is actively engaging in de-escalation efforts related to the Gaza conflict. In Israel on Tuesday, Blinken told officials that Palestinians in Gaza must be allowed to return to their homes "as soon as conditions allow." Act of solidarity? The Houthi rebels, aligning themselves with Iran, have said that their missile and drone launches are symbolic acts of solidarity with the Palestinian people. Initial attacks, soon after the start of the Israel-Hamas war, targeted vessels with connections to Israel. However, since then, as per Vice Adm. Brad Cooper, commander of the US Naval Central Command, most of the last dozen attacks had no connection to Israel at all. Also read | WATCH | Biden's speech interrupted by pro-Palestinian protesters calling for ceasefire in Gaza "The impact of these attacks spreads across the globe, and as we’ve said, this is an international problem that requires an international solution," he said. According to the US assessment, around 55 nations have direct connections to the attacked vessels. (With inputs from agencies)

US and UK thwart 21 missiles and drones launched by Houthi rebels from Yemen

Palestinian militant group Islamic Jihad on Monday (Jan 8) released video footage which it claimed showed an Israeli hostage alive in its custody in Gaza after being held hostage during Hamas' Oct 7 assault against Israel.

The man in the video, who spoke in English and Hebrew languages, pleaded for his release and also paid tribute to another hostage Tamir Adar, who was announced dead in early January by his kibbutz community in southern Israel, according to news agency AFP reports.

The location, from where the video was shot, is not yet known.

The family of the hostage, who hails from Nir Oz kibbutz, reportedly urged the media to not broadcast the footage.

The hostage is one out of the 75 people seized by Palestinian militants from Nir Oz during the unprecedented Oct 7 attack launched by Hamas against Israel, as per the Israeli community near the border with the Gaza Strip.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-hamas-war-strike-on-lebanon-kills-senior-commander-in-elite-hezbollah-unit-677882">Israeli-Hamas war: Strike on Lebanon kills senior commander in elite Hezbollah unit</a>

Earlier in December, the Al Quds Brigades, which is the armed wing of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad movement, released a video of two male Israeli hostages on its Telegram account, pleading for their release.

The two men, who identified themselves as Gadi Moses and Elad Katzir, in the video called for the efforts to be intensified so that they could reunite with their families.

"We are dying every moment. We are in an unbearable situation," said Moses, looking at the camera against a plain background. The two men were both unshaven and appeared to have lost weight.

Hamas had also released a short video which showed three other elderly Israeli hostages whom the Islamist group had held during the rampage when it took around 240 people hostage.&nbsp;

Israel denounced the footage as a "criminal, terrorist video."

Hamas, during its rampage, seized nearly 253 hostages from southern Israel, out of which 132 still remain in captivity, according to Israeli officials.

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Palestinian militant group Islamic Jihad on Monday (Jan 8) released video footage which it claimed showed an Israeli hostage alive in its custody in Gaza after being held hostage during Hamas' Oct 7 assault against Israel.

Palestinian militant group Islamic Jihad on Monday (Jan 8) released video footage which it claimed showed an Israeli hostage alive in its custody in Gaza after being held hostage during Hamas' Oct 7 assault against Israel. The man in the video, who spoke in English and Hebrew languages, pleaded for his release and also paid tribute to another hostage Tamir Adar, who was announced dead in early January by his kibbutz community in southern Israel, according to news agency AFP reports. The location, from where the video was shot, is not yet known. The family of the hostage, who hails from Nir Oz kibbutz, reportedly urged the media to not broadcast the footage. The hostage is one out of the 75 people seized by Palestinian militants from Nir Oz during the unprecedented Oct 7 attack launched by Hamas against Israel, as per the Israeli community near the border with the Gaza Strip. Also read: Israeli-Hamas war: Strike on Lebanon kills senior commander in elite Hezbollah unit Earlier in December, the Al Quds Brigades, which is the armed wing of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad movement, released a video of two male Israeli hostages on its Telegram account, pleading for their release. The two men, who identified themselves as Gadi Moses and Elad Katzir, in the video called for the efforts to be intensified so that they could reunite with their families. "We are dying every moment. We are in an unbearable situation," said Moses, looking at the camera against a plain background. The two men were both unshaven and appeared to have lost weight. Hamas had also released a short video which showed three other elderly Israeli hostages whom the Islamist group had held during the rampage when it took around 240 people hostage. Israel denounced the footage as a "criminal, terrorist video." Hamas, during its rampage, seized nearly 253 hostages from southern Israel, out of which 132 still remain in captivity, according to Israeli officials. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel-Hamas war: Islamic Jihad releases video showing Gaza hostage alive

The Israeli military on Monday (Jan 8) showed journalists a cluster of weapons factories and tunnels used by Hamas in the Gaza Strip to manufacture rockets, the news agency AFP reported.

The Israeli military on Monday (Jan 8) showed journalists a cluster of weapons factories and tunnels used by Hamas in the Gaza Strip to manufacture rockets, the news agency AFP reported. During a media tour in Gaza's Bureij, Israeli soldiers said that what looked like cement factories and other industrial facilities were in fact used to make missiles and shells stored in deep shafts. At the site, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson Daniel Hagari held what he said were detonators for rockets capable of hitting targets 100 kilometres away- a range covering much of central and southern Israel. Hagari told reporters that the factory had been built around Salah al-Din Road, a major north-south route also used to transport humanitarian aid into the besieged territory. 'Largest weapons production site found since war began' In a statement, the Israeli army said the factory (around the Salah al-Din Road), was the largest weapons production site found since the beginning of the war on Oct 7 last year. Click here to follow all updates on the Israel-Hamas war Before the conflict started, Bureij was home to tens of thousands of people. However, many people fled the region after the war, and the areas shown to journalists during the army tour looked abandoned with no Palestinians in sight, AFP reported. Israel faces genocide case at ICJ In other latest news from the conflict, Israel is facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). The case was brought by South Africa which accused Israel of "genocidal acts" in Gaza. This week, the ICJ will hold hearings on the case. In an 84-page submission to the ICJ, South Africa urged judges to order Israel to "immediately suspend its military operations" in Gaza. "The acts are all attributable to Israel, which has failed to prevent genocide and is committing genocide in manifest violation of the Genocide Convention," the filing said. Also read: WHO reflects on obstacles in Gaza, says cancelled planned mission in hospital for the 4th time Hitting back at the accusations, Israel vowed to fight the South African case it described as "absurd blood libel". "How tragic that the rainbow nation that prides itself on fighting racism will be fighting pro bono for anti-Jewish racists," government spokesperson Eylon Levy said. (With inputs from agencies)

Israeli military shows cluster of weapons factories of Hamas in Gaza

Al Jazeera said Sunday (Jan 7) two of its Palestinian journalists in the Gaza Strip were killed in an Israeli strike on their car, in what the Qatar-based media network claimed was a "targeted killing".

Al Jazeera said Sunday (Jan 7) two of its Palestinian journalists in the Gaza Strip were killed in an Israeli strike on their car, in what the Qatar-based media network claimed was a "targeted killing". Hamza Wael Dahdouh and Mustafa Thuria, who also worked as a video stringer for AFP and other news organisations, were killed while they were "on their way to carry out their duty" for the channel in the Gaza Strip, the network said. A third freelance journalist travelling with them, Hazem Rajab, was seriously injured. The health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza also confirmed the deaths and blamed an Israeli strike. Witnesses told AFP that two rockets were fired at the car. While one hit the front of the vehicle, the other hit Hamza who was sitting next to the driver. "We later found the body parts (of those in the car). The ambulance then came and carried those who were in the car," a witness, who declined to give his name for security reasons, told AFP. The Israeli army told AFP that it had "struck a terrorist who operated an aircraft that posed a threat to IDF troops", adding that it was "aware of the reports that during the strike, two other suspects who were in the same vehicle as the terrorist were also hit". US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the journalists' deaths were an "unimaginable tragedy". "And that's also been the case for far too many innocent Palestinian men, women and children," he said in Doha during a regional tour. AFP video footage showed a crowd of people inspecting the car's mangled remains, while pools of blood lay on the road. No other damage was visible in the area. Al Jazeera said in a statement it "strongly condemns the Israeli occupation forces' targeting of the Palestinian journalists' car", accusing Israel of "targeting" journalists and "violating the principles of freedom of the press". Hamza's father Wael al-Dahdouh is Al Jazeera's Gaza bureau chief and was recently wounded in a strike himself after his wife and two other children were killed in Israeli bombardment in the initial weeks of the war. "Hamza was everything for me ... while we are full of humanity they (Israel) are full of murder and hatred," Dahdouh said on Al Jazeera television. Watch | Israel-Hamas war: 2 more Gaza Journalists killed in alleged strike × 'What did my family do?' AFP's global news director Phil Chetwynd said the agency was "shocked" by Mustafa's death and its thoughts were with his family. "We vigorously condemn all attacks against journalists doing their jobs and it is essential we have a clear explanation as to what happened," Chetwynd added. Crowds of people gathered later Sunday at the funeral where a tearful Dahdouh was seen kissing the hand of his dead son. "The world should see with two eyes, not with an Israeli eye. They should see everything happening to the Palestinian people," Dahdouh said. Also read | Israel-Hamas war LIVE: Blinken to visit Saudi Arabia, UAE in next leg of Mideast tour "What did Hamza do to them (Israelis)? What did my family do to them? What did the civilians do to them? They did nothing to them, but the world closes its eyes to what's happening in the Gaza Strip." Wael Dahdouh was wounded in an Israeli strike in December that also killed Al Jazeera cameraman Samer Abu Daqqa. The Qatar-based channel has lost three journalists since the start of the Israel-Hamas war on October 7. Thuria, in his 30s, had worked with AFP since 2019 and had also worked with other international media outlets. Thuria and Hamza Wael Dahdouh had been tasked with filming the aftermath of a strike on a house in Rafah and their car was hit while they were on their way back, AFP correspondents said. The war in Gaza erupted when Hamas militants stormed across Gaza's border into Israel in an unprecedented attack which left some 1,140 people dead, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures. Israel has vowed to eradicate Hamas, denounced as a terrorist group by the US and EU, and has kept up a relentless bombing of Gaza, which the Hamas-run health ministry says has killed 22,835 people, mostly civilians. "We are in shock," Christophe Deloire of the media advocacy group Reporters Without Borders wrote Sunday on X, formerly Twitter, calling the situation a "never-ending slaughter". The Committee to Protect Journalists says at least 79 journalists and media professionals, the vast majority Palestinian, have been killed since the start of the war. In May 2022, Shireen Abu Akleh, a veteran Palestinian journalist working for Al Jazeera, was killed while covering an Israeli raid on the Jenin refugee camp in the occupied West Bank. The Israeli army later admitted one of its soldiers probably shot the reporter -- who was wearing a helmet and a bulletproof vest marked "press" -- having mistaken her for a militant.

Two Al Jazeera journalists killed in Israeli air strike in Gaza

The health ministry in the Gaza Strip said on Sunday (Jan 7) that two journalists were killed in an Israeli air strike in the war-torn region as the conflict between Israel and Hamas escalates.

The health ministry in the Gaza Strip said on Sunday (Jan 7) that two journalists were killed in an Israeli air strike in the war-torn region as the conflict between Israel and Hamas escalates. According to the health ministry and medics, Mustafa Thuria, a video stringer for AFP news agency, and Hamza Wael Dahdouh, a journalist with Al Jazeera television network, were killed while they were travelling in a car. Hamza's father Wael al-Dahdouh is Al Jazeera's bureau chief in the Gaza Strip and was also recently wounded in a strike, AFP reported. He was wounded after his wife and two children were killed by a separate Israeli strike in the initial weeks of the war which started on Oct 7 last year. Thuria, meanwhile, joined AFP in 2019. In a statement, Hamas' media office condemned the killings. "We condemn this heinous crime committed by the Israeli occupation army in a bid to intimidate and prevent media coverage," it said. 77 journalists killed since the war started According to the New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists, by Dec 31 last year, at least 77 journalists and media workers had been killed since the war started on Oct 7. Among the 77 killed, 70 were Palestinians, four Israelis, and three Lebanese. The death toll in Gaza Strip has climbed to 22,835 with 113 people killed in the last 24 hours, the health ministry claimed on Sunday. A total of 58,416 people had been wounded during the three months of fighting. Also read: Israel says it ‘dismantled’ Hamas command structure in north Gaza; at least 7 killed in West Bank raid On Saturday, the Israeli army said that it "dismantled" Hamas' military leadership in northern Gaza, adding its forces killed more "terrorists" in central Gaza, including in a drone strike in the Bureij refugee camp, a built-up urban area. An early morning Israeli strike in Jenin killed six Palestinians, while an Israeli border police officer died when a roadside bomb hit her vehicle Sunday, AFP reported. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel-Hamas war: Health ministry in Gaza says two journalists killed in Israeli strike

The war between Israel and Hamas will enter the third month on Sunday (Jan 7). The conflict is intensifying in the Gaza Strip and the United Nations (UN) warned on Saturday that the besieged Palestinian territory has simply become "uninhabitable.

The war between Israel and Hamas will enter the third month on Sunday (Jan 7). The conflict is intensifying in the Gaza Strip and the United Nations (UN) warned on Saturday that the besieged Palestinian territory has simply become "uninhabitable." The Palestinian health ministry said that at least 22,722 people have been killed in Gaza since the war started on Oct 7 last year. A total of 58,166 people have been injured so far. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is on a week-long tour to the Middle East, continuing Washington's diplomacy over the war. Blinken's visit comes amid heightened concerns that the conflict is spilling over. Blinken already visited Turkey and Greece and is left to make stops in Jordan, Qatar, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, and Egypt. Here's a look at the latest updates from the war: > US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Istanbul on Saturday. In a post on X, Blinken said that he and Erdogan "discussed the conflict in Gaza, shared security priorities as NATO Allies, and desire to expand our bilateral trade and investment." > Following his meeting with Erdogan, Blinken arrived in Greece to meet Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and address Greece's concerns about the looming sale of US fighter jets to Turkey. According to Greek Foreign Minister Giorgos Gerapetritis, the talks between Blinken and Mitsotakis would focus on international developments regarding the war in Gaza and Ukraine, and bilateral relations, especially on energy and defence cooperation issues, including the supply of F-35s. > As Blinken left for the Middle East, Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh called on the US Secretary of State to use his week-long tour to end Israel's "aggression" as the conflict escalated in Gaza. > Lebanon's Iran-backed Hezbollah group said on Saturday that it fired more than 60 rockets at an Israeli military base in response to the killing in Beirut of Hamas's deputy leader. "As part of the initial response to the crime of assassinating the great leader Sheikh Saleh al-Aruri... the Islamic resistance (Hezbollah) targeted the Meron air control base with 62 missiles of various types," Hezbollah said in a statement, the news agency AFP reported. Also read: Pregnant women in Gaza face medical uncertainty with dozens of hospitals closed > Josep Borrell, the European Union foreign policy chief, said on Saturday it was absolutely necessary that Lebanon was not dragged into the conflict. "It is imperative to avoid regional escalation in the Middle East. It is absolutely necessary to avoid Lebanon being dragged into a regional conflict," Josep Borrell said during a press conference in Beirut with Lebanon's Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib. > The US military shot down a drone early Saturday over the Red Sea in international waters near several commercial vessels. "An unmanned aerial vehicle launched from Iranian-backed Huthi-controlled areas of Yemen was shot down in self-defence" by the USS Laboon, the US Central Command said in a social media post. > This incident came days after a 12-nation group led by the US warned Houthi rebels in Yemen against continuing their attacks on Red Sea shipping. Since the conflict started, Houthi rebels launched more than 100 drone and missile strikes toward targets in the Red Sea. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel-Hamas war: Blinken meets Erdogan; UN warns Gaza 'uninhabitable'

India's first solar mission Aditya-L1 reached its destination within the anticipated four-month timeframe. Launched on Sept 2 last year, the spacecraft positioned itself at Lagrange Point 1, from where it will undertake a comprehensive study of the sun. "India creates yet another landmark. It is a testament to the relentless dedication of our scientists in realizing among the most complex and intricate space missions," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a post on X.

North Korea on Saturday fired over 60 artillery rounds near the Yeonpyeong Island in South Korea. This comes a day after both countries conducted live-fire drills near their maritime border.

In the latest news from the Israel-Hamas war, Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh called on US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to use his current tour to the Middle East to end Israel's aggression as the war in the Gaza Strip rages on. Blinken is on a week-long visit to the Middle East, his fourth such tour since the conflict started on Oct 7 last year.

Click on the headlines to read more:

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/aditya-l1-isros-first-solar-mission-enters-final-orbit-for-uninterrupted-sun-observation-677176">Aditya-L1: India’s first solar mission successfully enters final orbit for uninterrupted sun observation</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/07/28/369966-adital1.jpg?imwidth=3840" />

Aditya-L1, the inaugural mission by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) aimed at solar study, successfully reached&nbsp;its designated orbit on Saturday (Jan 6), concluding its ambitious journey that commenced over four months ago from ISRO's Sriharikota launchpad.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-fires-over-60-artillery-rounds-near-souths-yeonpyeong-island-677249">North Korea fires over 60 artillery rounds near South's Yeonpyeong Island</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/01/06/404068-succession-2024-01-06t203606432.jpg?imwidth=3840" />

North Korea fired over 60 artillery rounds on Saturday (Jan 6) near Yeonpyeong Island, said Seoul's army, a day after both the sides, North and South, conducted live-fire drills near their maritime border.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-focus-on-ending-israeli-aggression-hamas-chief-tells-antony-blinken-677218">Israel-Hamas war: Focus on ending Israeli aggression, Hamas chief tells Antony Blinken</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/01/06/404049-hamas-chief-ismail-haniyeh-on-friday-jan-5-called-on-us-secretary-of-state-antony-blinken-to-use-his-current-tour-to-the-middle-east-to-end-israels-aggression-as-the-war-in-the-gaza-strip-rages-1.png?imwidth=3840" />

Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh on Friday (Jan 5) called on US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to use his current tour to the Middle East to end Israel's aggression as the war in the Gaza Strip rages on.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/death-toll-in-japan-earthquake-reaches-126-as-harsh-weather-conditions-hamper-rescue-efforts-677209">Death toll in Japan earthquake reaches 126 as harsh weather conditions hamper rescue efforts</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/01/06/404043-succession-2024-01-06t183144174.jpg?imwidth=3840" />

The death toll from the major earthquake, that rocked Japan on Monday (Jan 1), reached 126 on Saturday (Jan 6) as the rescuers combed through debris to recover trapped bodies.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/apple-watch-credited-for-saving-us-womans-life-during-carbon-monoxide-leak-677221">Apple watch credited for saving US woman’s life during carbon monoxide leak</a>

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Natalie Nasatka, a resident of Delaware, narrowly escaped a potentially fatal incident, all thanks to her quick thinking and the intervention of her Apple Watch's SOS feature.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ram-mandir-indian-marathoner-from-launches-1008km-run-toward-ayodhya-for-consecration-ceremony-677233">Ram mandir: Indian marathoner starts 1,008 km run to reach Ayodhya for consecration ceremony</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/12/28/402158-untitled-design-2023-12-28t140650018.png?imwidth=3840" />

In a testament of devotion and endurance, 22-year-old ultra marathoner Karthik Joshi from India has embarked on a 1,008 km run from Indore in Madhya Pradesh to Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh. His mission is&nbsp;to reach for the consecration ceremony of the Ram temple on January 22.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mexican-president-asks-us-billions-in-funding-to-combat-illegal-migration-677217">Mexican president seeks billions in funding from US to combat illegal migration</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/01/10/324236-untitled-design-2023-01-10t081114707.png?imwidth=3840" />

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has urged the United States to allocate $20 billion to tackle the escalating issue of illegal immigration.&nbsp;Obrador's comment comes in the wake of a significant rise in illegal border crossings.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-royal-navy-turns-to-social-media-for-top-job-recruitment-submariner-says-utterly-shameful-677172">UK: Royal Navy turns to social media for top job recruitment, submariner says 'utterly shameful'</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/11/20/394306-sub.jpg?imwidth=3840" />

Royal Navy, in an unprecedented move, has resorted to advertising a high-ranking position on social media. The £150,000-a-year rear-admiral role was posted on LinkedIn in December. This comes as the Navy struggled to find a suitable candidate, leaving one former senior submariner to dub the situation as "utterly shameful."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pat-cummins-to-avoid-batting-reshuffle-after-warners-retirement-says-im-pretty-happy-with-smith-at-no-4-677198">Pat Cummins to avoid batting reshuffle after Warner’s retirement, says ‘I’m pretty happy with Smith at No 4’</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/01/06/404028-1-2024-01-06t164207623.png?imwidth=3840" />

Australia skipper Pat Cummins is determined not to reshuffle his batting line-up as Australia search for a new opener in the team. Saturday’s (Jan 6) win against Pakistan at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG)&nbsp;was the last dance for veteran batter David Warner as he bid farewell to the red-ball format.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/sriram-raghavan-on-making-merry-christmas-in-two-different-versions-ill-not-do-this-again-677252">Sriram Raghavan on making Merry Christmas in two different versions: I’ll not do this again</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2022/12/24/320656-merry-christmas.png?imwidth=3840" />

Director Sriram Raghavan's fourthcoming movie&nbsp;Merry Christmas&nbsp;starring two stalwarts Katrina Kaif and Vijay Sethupati, is all set to hit the screens on January 12. The romantic thriller will be released in two versions: Hindi and Tamil, and both versions will be different from each other. 
&nbsp;

India's first solar mission Aditya-L1 reached its destination within the anticipated four-month timeframe. Launched on Sept 2 last year, the spacecraft positioned itself at Lagrange Point 1, from where it will undertake a comprehensive study of the sun.

India's first solar mission Aditya-L1 reached its destination within the anticipated four-month timeframe. Launched on Sept 2 last year, the spacecraft positioned itself at Lagrange Point 1, from where it will undertake a comprehensive study of the sun. "India creates yet another landmark. It is a testament to the relentless dedication of our scientists in realizing among the most complex and intricate space missions," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a post on X. North Korea on Saturday fired over 60 artillery rounds near the Yeonpyeong Island in South Korea. This comes a day after both countries conducted live-fire drills near their maritime border. In the latest news from the Israel-Hamas war, Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh called on US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to use his current tour to the Middle East to end Israel's aggression as the war in the Gaza Strip rages on. Blinken is on a week-long visit to the Middle East, his fourth such tour since the conflict started on Oct 7 last year. Click on the headlines to read more: Aditya-L1: India’s first solar mission successfully enters final orbit for uninterrupted sun observation Aditya-L1, the inaugural mission by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) aimed at solar study, successfully reached its designated orbit on Saturday (Jan 6), concluding its ambitious journey that commenced over four months ago from ISRO's Sriharikota launchpad. North Korea fires over 60 artillery rounds near South's Yeonpyeong Island North Korea fired over 60 artillery rounds on Saturday (Jan 6) near Yeonpyeong Island, said Seoul's army, a day after both the sides, North and South, conducted live-fire drills near their maritime border. Israel-Hamas war: Focus on ending Israeli aggression, Hamas chief tells Antony Blinken Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh on Friday (Jan 5) called on US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to use his current tour to the Middle East to end Israel's aggression as the war in the Gaza Strip rages on. Death toll in Japan earthquake reaches 126 as harsh weather conditions hamper rescue efforts The death toll from the major earthquake, that rocked Japan on Monday (Jan 1), reached 126 on Saturday (Jan 6) as the rescuers combed through debris to recover trapped bodies. Apple watch credited for saving US woman’s life during carbon monoxide leak Natalie Nasatka, a resident of Delaware, narrowly escaped a potentially fatal incident, all thanks to her quick thinking and the intervention of her Apple Watch's SOS feature. Ram mandir: Indian marathoner starts 1,008 km run to reach Ayodhya for consecration ceremony In a testament of devotion and endurance, 22-year-old ultra marathoner Karthik Joshi from India has embarked on a 1,008 km run from Indore in Madhya Pradesh to Ayodhya in Uttar Pradesh. His mission is to reach for the consecration ceremony of the Ram temple on January 22. Mexican president seeks billions in funding from US to combat illegal migration Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador has urged the United States to allocate $20 billion to tackle the escalating issue of illegal immigration. Obrador's comment comes in the wake of a significant rise in illegal border crossings. UK: Royal Navy turns to social media for top job recruitment, submariner says 'utterly shameful' Royal Navy, in an unprecedented move, has resorted to advertising a high-ranking position on social media. The £150,000-a-year rear-admiral role was posted on LinkedIn in December. This comes as the Navy struggled to find a suitable candidate, leaving one former senior submariner to dub the situation as "utterly shameful." Pat Cummins to avoid batting reshuffle after Warner’s retirement, says ‘I’m pretty happy with Smith at No 4’ Australia skipper Pat Cummins is determined not to reshuffle his batting line-up as Australia search for a new opener in the team. Saturday’s (Jan 6) win against Pakistan at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) was the last dance for veteran batter David Warner as he bid farewell to the red-ball format. Sriram Raghavan on making Merry Christmas in two different versions: I’ll not do this again Director Sriram Raghavan's fourthcoming movie Merry Christmas starring two stalwarts Katrina Kaif and Vijay Sethupati, is all set to hit the screens on January 12. The romantic thriller will be released in two versions: Hindi and Tamil, and both versions will be different from each other.

Top 10 world news: India's Aditya-L1 successfully enters final orbit, and more

Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh on Friday (Jan 5) called on US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to use his current tour to the Middle East to end Israel's aggression as the war in the Gaza Strip rages on.

Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh on Friday (Jan 5) called on US Secretary of State Antony Blinken to use his current tour to the Middle East to end Israel's aggression as the war in the Gaza Strip rages on. In a televised statement, Haniyeh said he hoped Blinken learned the lessons of the last three months during which Israel has relentlessly bombarded Gaza to destroy Hamas. Haniyeh said that Washington's support for the Israeli military campaign "caused unprecedented massacres and war crimes against our people in Gaza." Click here to follow LIVE updates on the Israel-Hamas war "We... hope that he will be more focussed this time on ending the aggression" as well as "the occupation of all Palestinian lands", the Hamas chief added and urged regional leaders to meet Blinken to tell him that stability in the Middle East was "closely linked to our Palestinian cause". Blinken in Middle East This is Antony Blinken's fourth trip to the Middle East since Hamas launched an unprecedented attack against Israel on Oct 7 last year. Blinken arrived in Turkey's Istanbul on Friday to begin his week of diplomacy around the Middle East. The US Secretary of State will visit Israel, the Palestinian Authority base in the West Bank, and five Arab countries -- Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates, according to the State Department. "We don't expect every conversation on this trip to be easy. There are obviously tough issues facing the region and difficult choices ahead," State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller told reporters. "But the secretary believes it is the responsibility of the United States of America to lead diplomatic efforts to tackle those challenges head-on," he added. Also read: Pregnant women in Gaza face medical uncertainty with dozens of hospitals closed On Saturday, Blinken met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan for talks expected to focus on the war in Gaza and Ankara's request for US fighter jets. This meeting comes after Blinken held a two-hour meeting with Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan. The Turkish foreign ministry said that both Blinken and Fidan talked about "the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Sweden's NATO accession process, bilateral and regional issues." Death toll in Gaza over 22,700 The death toll in the Gaza Strip has now climbed to 22,722 since the conflict started. The Hamas-run Palestinian health ministry claimed on Saturday that 122 people in the war-torn region died in the last 24 hours. On the other hand, a total of 58,166 people have been wounded so far. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel-Hamas war: Focus on ending Israeli aggression, Hamas chief tells Antony Blinken

Pregnant women in the Gaza Strip are facing medical uncertainty as dozens of hospitals and health centres are closed due to the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas.

Pregnant women in the Gaza Strip are facing medical uncertainty as dozens of hospitals and health centres are closed due to the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas. According to a report by the news agency Reuters on Friday (Jan 5), 29-year-old Iman Al-Masry recently gave birth to quadruplets via a c-section at the Al-Awda Hospital in the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza. Her fourth child was still in the hospital's nursery. Weeks ago, Al-Masry, together with her husband Ammar Yasser, and their three children, fled from the severe Israeli bombing on the Jabalia refugee camp in northern Gaza. The family was staying inside the Rufaida school in Deir al-Balah. Click here to follow all updates on the Israel-Hamas war Speaking to Reuters, Yaseer said, "I had to evacuate our home because of my fear for the newborns, and my wife was very ill. Unfortunately, we had to separate from my family. My father stayed at home when I was displaced. I cannot bear being separated from my father and leaving him there after we were displaced. It is a difficult and painful feeling." 'Suffered a lot during my pregnancy' Al-Masry was six months pregnant at the time and walked five kilometres from her home until she found a car to Deir al-Balah. This led to premature delivery. During the first week of her eighth month of pregnancy, doctors decided to induce labour, and the quadruplets were born on Dec 18. "I suffered a lot during my pregnancy due to displacement from place to place and moving on the roads in dangerous situations. This caused me great fatigue and led to premature birth in the eighth month by caesarean section and one of the children remaining in the nursery for care," she told Reuters. Also read: Israel spy agency Mossad's chief says all Oct 7 attackers will be tracked down As the war intensified, hospitals were overcrowded, and the 29-year-old did not have time to recover from the C-section. She was forced to leave her fourth child, a boy, who needed medical supervision, in the nursery. Reuters reported that another woman- 30-year-old Sabreen Abu Warda, and her 15-day-old daughter suffered due to the war. After the girl was born, doctors operated on her oesophagus. But since then, there has been no improvement in the infant's condition because of a lack of medicines and doctor follow-up. War threatening nutritional status of infants Last month, a statement by the Global Nutrition Cluster (GNC) said that the Israel-Hamas war was threatening "the nutritional status of infants, young children, pregnant and breastfeeding mothers, and other vulnerable groups, due to shock, stress and deprivation of food, water and other essential lifesaving services." "About 50,000 pregnant women in Gaza – 5,500 of whom are expected to deliver in the next month – are unable to obtain basic health and nutrition services. There are also an additional 105,800 breastfeeding mothers who are struggling to feed themselves and their babies," the statement said. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel-Hamas war: Pregnant women in Gaza face medical uncertainty with dozens of hospitals closed

Trigger warning: Some readers may find details of this report disturbing. Discretion is advised. An Islamic Jihad militant who was captured in the Gaza Strip had admitted that his squad committed rape and murdered victims during Hamas' October 7 terror attack, claimed a report by The Jerusalem Post on Friday (Dec 29) citing KAN, an Israeli state-owned publication.

Trigger warning: Some readers may find details of this report disturbing. Discretion is advised. An Islamic Jihad militant who was captured in the Gaza Strip had admitted that his squad committed rape and murdered victims during Hamas' October 7 terror attack, claimed a report by The Jerusalem Post on Friday (Dec 29) citing KAN, an Israeli state-owned publication. Since the war between Israel and Hamas started, there have been allegations that Hamas and other Palestinian militant groups used rape as a weapon of war. Some of the captured militants, who were investigated, said they received permission to abuse corpses to create fear in Israeli societies, the report further claimed. Israel's top national police unit Lahav 433 collected evidence of dozens of cases of sexual offences and sexual abuse from the investigations and survivor testimonies. Click here to follow all updates on the Israel-Hamas war A survivor of the Oct 7 attack testified to the police about a rape she saw. Her testimony was verified by another survivor, the report claimed. 'A pattern of extreme brutality against women' The above revelations come as a report by The New York Times (NYT) said that attacks against women were not isolated events but part of a broader pattern of gender-based violence on Oct 7. The NYT relied on videos, photographs, interviews with over 150 people including witnesses, medical personnel, soldiers and rape counsellors. The publication identified at least seven locations where Israeli females appeared to have been sexually abused or mutilated. Speaking to The NYT, four witnesses described in graphic detail seeing women raped and murdered at two different places along Route 232. In this same place, Gal Abdush, an Israeli woman, was found dead. Abdush was found lying on her back, clothes torn, legs spread and vagina exposed, the report said. Her face was beyond recognition. The Israeli police said they believed that the woman was raped. Also read: Israeli soldiers mistook hostages' cries for help as 'ambush': Probe report Since the conflict started, Hamas has denied the accusations of rape and sexual violence. The report further said that the Lahav 433 police unit had been steadily gathering evidence but did not provide a number of how many women were raped, saying that most were dead. The Israeli police, meanwhile, said that during the shock and confusion of the Oct 7 attack, they did not focus on collecting semen samples from women's bodies, requesting autopsies, or closely examining crime scenes. Authorities told the publication that at that moment, the police were intent on repelling Hamas militants and identifying the dead. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Israel war: Captured Islamic Jihad militant admitted committing rape, murder on Oct 7, claims report

As unrelenting bombardment continues to rock Gaza, an Israeli Army spokesperson has warned that the war against Hamas which is nearing its three-month mark will continue throughout 2024.

Even as international calls for ceasefire continue, Israeli military spokesperson Daniel Hagari on Monday, said the army was preparing for "prolonged fighting" that is expected to last "throughout this year".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/war-in-gaza-us-carrier-heads-home-amid-israel-troop-pullback-what-does-it-indicate-675699">Israel likely shifting to lower-intensity operations following troop pullback from Gaza</a>

Hagari also said the army was "adapting the planning of the force deployment in Gaza". This, as per AFP, is also true for&nbsp;reserve soldiers, who, as the fighting continues, "will still be required," said the army spokesperson.

As per AFP, he later said that some of the 300,000 Israeli reserve soldiers will be "gradually" released.

<h2>Relentless bombardment&nbsp;</h2>

On Monday night and into Tuesday morning,&nbsp;eyewitnesses reported Israeli missiles flying towards Rafah city and shelling around a major refugee camp, Jabalia.&nbsp;

Talking to AFP, a Gaza resident identified as Sami Hamouda said, "It's the worst year of our lives."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israels-top-court-strikes-down-key-govt-legal-reform-675672">Israel’s top court strikes down government’s controversial judicial overhaul</a>

On Monday, as per the Hamas-controlled Health Ministry, 15 dead bodies from the same family were recovered from the rubble of a bombed house in Jabalia in northern Gaza.

"Every new day is like the previous one: bombings, death and mass killings," added Hamouda.

Across the length of the territory in Gaza, heavy artillery fire and air strikes were reported. &nbsp;

Meanwhile&nbsp;in Israel, Defence Minister Yoav Gallant assured that the residents of some towns and villages near the Gaza border "will soon be able to return home" — many of whom&nbsp;were evacuated since Hamas' initial attacks.

On October 7, Hamas militants launched an unprecedented attack on Israel, killing around 1,140 people, as per Israel's tally. The nation has vowed to destroy Hamas, and its retaliatory attack has claimed more than 22,000 lives, as per the health ministry in the Hamas-controlled Gaza —most of them women and children.

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos, and videos. 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

As unrelenting bombardment continues to rock Gaza, an Israeli Army spokesperson has warned that the war against Hamas which is nearing its three-month mark will continue throughout 2024.

As unrelenting bombardment continues to rock Gaza, an Israeli Army spokesperson has warned that the war against Hamas which is nearing its three-month mark will continue throughout 2024. Even as international calls for ceasefire continue, Israeli military spokesperson Daniel Hagari on Monday, said the army was preparing for "prolonged fighting" that is expected to last "throughout this year". Also read | Israel likely shifting to lower-intensity operations following troop pullback from Gaza Hagari also said the army was "adapting the planning of the force deployment in Gaza". This, as per AFP, is also true for reserve soldiers, who, as the fighting continues, "will still be required," said the army spokesperson. As per AFP, he later said that some of the 300,000 Israeli reserve soldiers will be "gradually" released. Relentless bombardment On Monday night and into Tuesday morning, eyewitnesses reported Israeli missiles flying towards Rafah city and shelling around a major refugee camp, Jabalia. Talking to AFP, a Gaza resident identified as Sami Hamouda said, "It's the worst year of our lives." Also read | Israel’s top court strikes down government’s controversial judicial overhaul On Monday, as per the Hamas-controlled Health Ministry, 15 dead bodies from the same family were recovered from the rubble of a bombed house in Jabalia in northern Gaza. "Every new day is like the previous one: bombings, death and mass killings," added Hamouda. Across the length of the territory in Gaza, heavy artillery fire and air strikes were reported. Meanwhile in Israel, Defence Minister Yoav Gallant assured that the residents of some towns and villages near the Gaza border "will soon be able to return home" — many of whom were evacuated since Hamas' initial attacks. On October 7, Hamas militants launched an unprecedented attack on Israel, killing around 1,140 people, as per Israel's tally. The nation has vowed to destroy Hamas, and its retaliatory attack has claimed more than 22,000 lives, as per the health ministry in the Hamas-controlled Gaza —most of them women and children. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos, and videos.

Israel-Hamas war to continue 'throughout' 2024, says Israeli Army spokesperson

Trigger warning: Some readers may find the details of this report disturbing. Discretion is advised

Mia Schem, a 21-year-old French tattoo artist who was among the people abducted by Hamas militants during the Oct 7 attack, has revealed the "only reason" she wasn't raped during her captivity.

Speaking during an interview recently released on Israeli TV, the woman who spent 54 days in captivity said that the only reason she wasn't raped was because her captor's family was right outside the door.

"His wife was outside the room with the children," she said, adding, "That was the only reason he didn’t rape me."

<h2>A harrowing experience</h2>

Talking about her harrowing experience as a captive, Schem said that her tormentor kept her "closed in a dark room, not allowed to talk, not allowed to be seen, to be heard, hidden" for most of her captivity in Gaza.&nbsp;

She claims that she was starved and taunted by the captor's family.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-to-continue-throughout-2024-says-israeli-army-spokesperson-675757">Israel-Hamas war to continue 'throughout' 2024, says Israeli army spokesperson</a>

"There is fear of being raped, there is fear of dying," she said, recounting the ordeal.&nbsp;

"His wife hated the fact that he and I were in the same room. You feel like you want a hug, you know, woman to woman, to break down a bit," she said, adding "But she (the captor's wife) was so mean, she had such mean eyes."

You can watch the full interview here:

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The full 30 minute interview with former Hamas hostage Mia Schem is out with English subtitles. 
 
Just watched the entire thing. 
 
She is a survivor in every sense of the word. A very string woman. 
 
Via <a href="https://twitter.com/YaariCohen?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@YaariCohen</a> <a href="https://t.co/UDjVFa3QKl">pic.twitter.com/UDjVFa3QKl</a>
— Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) <a href="https://twitter.com/visegrad24/status/1741858382070399035?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2024</a></blockquote>
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Mia Schem is one of the hostages who were released during a brief ceasefire in November 2023.&nbsp;

Comparing her ordeal to the "holocaust",&nbsp;she said that the reason for her speaking out is that "it was important to me to relay the truth about the nature of the people who live in Gaza, who they are truly are and what I experienced there."

"I went through a holocaust," said Schem. "Everyone over there is a terrorist… there are no innocent civilians, not one."

"They're families controlled by Hamas. They're children who, from the moment they are born, they teach them that Israel is Palestine and just to hate Jews," she added.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/war-in-gaza-us-carrier-heads-home-amid-israel-troop-pullback-what-does-it-indicate-675699">Israel likely shifting to lower-intensity operations following troop pullback from Gaza</a>

As per The Times Of Israel, she also said that her captors would taunt her and lie to her about her release, only to dash hopes and tell her "you're like Gilad Schalit, a year, two years, three years." Schalit, an IDF soldier, was captured in 2006 and released five years later&nbsp;in 2011.

Previously, a video of her went viral on social media, where, as she was getting released, Schem said that she was treated "good" in Gaza. However, in another interview later, she said that the statement was made under duress, they "stuck a camera in my face and said 'Say that we treated you nicely, that people in Gaza are nice and good.' What else was I supposed to do?"

(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.

Trigger warning: Some readers may find the details of this report disturbing. Discretion is advised Mia Schem, a 21-year-old French tattoo artist who was among the people abducted by Hamas militants during the Oct 7 attack, has revealed the "only reason" she wasn't raped during her captivity.

Trigger warning: Some readers may find the details of this report disturbing. Discretion is advised Mia Schem, a 21-year-old French tattoo artist who was among the people abducted by Hamas militants during the Oct 7 attack, has revealed the "only reason" she wasn't raped during her captivity. Speaking during an interview recently released on Israeli TV, the woman who spent 54 days in captivity said that the only reason she wasn't raped was because her captor's family was right outside the door. "His wife was outside the room with the children," she said, adding, "That was the only reason he didn’t rape me." A harrowing experience Talking about her harrowing experience as a captive, Schem said that her tormentor kept her "closed in a dark room, not allowed to talk, not allowed to be seen, to be heard, hidden" for most of her captivity in Gaza. She claims that she was starved and taunted by the captor's family. Also read | Israel-Hamas war to continue 'throughout' 2024, says Israeli army spokesperson "There is fear of being raped, there is fear of dying," she said, recounting the ordeal. "His wife hated the fact that he and I were in the same room. You feel like you want a hug, you know, woman to woman, to break down a bit," she said, adding "But she (the captor's wife) was so mean, she had such mean eyes." You can watch the full interview here: The full 30 minute interview with former Hamas hostage Mia Schem is out with English subtitles. Just watched the entire thing. She is a survivor in every sense of the word. A very string woman. Via @YaariCohen pic.twitter.com/UDjVFa3QKl — Visegrád 24 (@visegrad24) January 1, 2024 × Mia Schem is one of the hostages who were released during a brief ceasefire in November 2023. Comparing her ordeal to the "holocaust", she said that the reason for her speaking out is that "it was important to me to relay the truth about the nature of the people who live in Gaza, who they are truly are and what I experienced there." "I went through a holocaust," said Schem. "Everyone over there is a terrorist… there are no innocent civilians, not one." "They're families controlled by Hamas. They're children who, from the moment they are born, they teach them that Israel is Palestine and just to hate Jews," she added. Also read | Israel likely shifting to lower-intensity operations following troop pullback from Gaza As per The Times Of Israel, she also said that her captors would taunt her and lie to her about her release, only to dash hopes and tell her "you're like Gilad Schalit, a year, two years, three years." Schalit, an IDF soldier, was captured in 2006 and released five years later in 2011. Previously, a video of her went viral on social media, where, as she was getting released, Schem said that she was treated "good" in Gaza. However, in another interview later, she said that the statement was made under duress, they "stuck a camera in my face and said 'Say that we treated you nicely, that people in Gaza are nice and good.' What else was I supposed to do?" (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.

Released Hamas hostage Mia Schem reveals the 'only reason' she wasn't raped

Amid the horrors of war in Gaza, a woman pregnant with quadruplets had to walk five kilometres in search of shelter for her unborn babies. The Gazan woman, 28-year-old Iman al-Masry, has now given birth to her premature children, one of whom was too weak to leave the hospital.

<h2>Simply exhausted</h2>

Talking to news agency AFP, the mother said she is simply exhausted after giving birth to the quadruplets in a hospital in Southern Gaza.&nbsp;

Al-Masry, at six months pregnant, had to flee her family home in Beit Hanun on foot, along with her three other children, seeking safety.&nbsp;

The family had to walk five kilometres (around three miles) to the Jabalia refugee camp. "The distance was too long,"&nbsp;the young woman told AFP.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-several-killed-in-strike-near-south-gaza-hospital-un-asks-israel-to-end-unlawful-killings-674387">Israel-Hamas war: Several killed in strike near south Gaza hospital; UN asks Israel to ‘end unlawful killings’</a>

"It affected my pregnancy," she added. On December 18, she gave birth by C-section to daughters Tia and Lynn and sons Yasser and Mohammed.&nbsp;

Of the four, Mohammed was too fragile to leave the hospital. However, to make space for other patients of war, Iman and her other newborns had to leave the medical facility.&nbsp;

"Mohammed weighs only one kilogram (2.2 pounds). He cannot survive," said Iman, talking about the child she had to leave behind at a hospital in the Nuseirat refugee camp.

The mother and her other three newborns are now living in a cramped schoolroom turned shelter in Deir al-Balah along with around 50 other members of their extended family.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/son-of-hamas-deputy-commander-marwan-issa-killed-in-israeli-airstrike-reports-674444">Son of Hamas Deputy Commander Marwan Issa killed in Israeli airstrike: Reports</a>

Talking to AFP, she recounted her journey from "hell",&nbsp;and said: "When I left home, I had only some summer clothes for the children. I thought the war would last a week or two and that afterwards we would go back home."

Now, more than 11 weeks later, her hope of going&nbsp;home has shattered.

<h2>The human cost of war</h2>

Iman is not alone. Thousands of Gazans have been rendered homeless by the war that began on Oct 7, with Hamas launching an attack on Israel. In the first attack, as per Israeli figures, 1,140 Israelis lost their lives. Another 250 were taken hostage by the Hamas militants, and 129 of them still remain in captivity.

The retaliatory attack by Israel, according to the latest toll issued by Gaza's health ministry, has killed at least 21,110 people — about two-thirds of them women and children.

Amid the horrors of war in Gaza, a woman pregnant with quadruplets had to walk five kilometres in search of shelter for her unborn babies. The Gazan woman, 28-year-old Iman al-Masry, has now given birth to her premature children, one of whom was too weak to leave the hospital.

Amid the horrors of war in Gaza, a woman pregnant with quadruplets had to walk five kilometres in search of shelter for her unborn babies. The Gazan woman, 28-year-old Iman al-Masry, has now given birth to her premature children, one of whom was too weak to leave the hospital. Simply exhausted Talking to news agency AFP, the mother said she is simply exhausted after giving birth to the quadruplets in a hospital in Southern Gaza. Al-Masry, at six months pregnant, had to flee her family home in Beit Hanun on foot, along with her three other children, seeking safety. The family had to walk five kilometres (around three miles) to the Jabalia refugee camp. "The distance was too long," the young woman told AFP. Also read | Israel-Hamas war: Several killed in strike near south Gaza hospital; UN asks Israel to ‘end unlawful killings’ "It affected my pregnancy," she added. On December 18, she gave birth by C-section to daughters Tia and Lynn and sons Yasser and Mohammed. Of the four, Mohammed was too fragile to leave the hospital. However, to make space for other patients of war, Iman and her other newborns had to leave the medical facility. "Mohammed weighs only one kilogram (2.2 pounds). He cannot survive," said Iman, talking about the child she had to leave behind at a hospital in the Nuseirat refugee camp. The mother and her other three newborns are now living in a cramped schoolroom turned shelter in Deir al-Balah along with around 50 other members of their extended family. Also read | Son of Hamas Deputy Commander Marwan Issa killed in Israeli airstrike: Reports Talking to AFP, she recounted her journey from "hell", and said: "When I left home, I had only some summer clothes for the children. I thought the war would last a week or two and that afterwards we would go back home." Now, more than 11 weeks later, her hope of going home has shattered. The human cost of war Iman is not alone. Thousands of Gazans have been rendered homeless by the war that began on Oct 7, with Hamas launching an attack on Israel. In the first attack, as per Israeli figures, 1,140 Israelis lost their lives. Another 250 were taken hostage by the Hamas militants, and 129 of them still remain in captivity. The retaliatory attack by Israel, according to the latest toll issued by Gaza's health ministry, has killed at least 21,110 people — about two-thirds of them women and children.

Heavily pregnant Gaza woman forced to walk 5km seeking shelter, gives birth to quadruplets

As the Israel-Hamas war nears the three-month mark, a new controversy behind the 'real' reason for Hamas's&nbsp;attack on Israel has started brewing.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps,&nbsp;a multi-service primary branch of the Iranian Armed Forces,&nbsp;on Wednesday (Dec 27) claimed that the attack was retribution for the assassination of Qassem Soleimani.&nbsp;However, denying this, the militant group Hamas reiterated its previous claims that the October 7 attack was a response to what it called the "occupation" and "ongoing aggression against our people and the holy places".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-deaths-soar-as-israel-says-war-to-last-many-more-months-674161">Gaza deaths soar as Israel says war to last 'many more months'</a>

These narratives come amid a climbing death toll in Gaza&nbsp;and international pressure for a ceasefire. On Wednesday, French President Emmanuel Macron also demanded a "lasting ceasefire" in Gaza. As per Macron's office, the leader made this demand during a call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

"France will work in the coming days in cooperation with Jordan to carry out humanitarian operations in Gaza," said the French presidency in a statement.

<h2>Is Soleimani's&nbsp;killing the reason?</h2>

In his remarks regarding the Monday (Dec 25) killing of Brig. Gen. Razi Mousavi by an Israeli airstrike in Syria, IRGC spokesman Ramazan Sharif made the connection between Hamas' attack and the killing of Soleimani.

He said that the October attack was "one of the revenge" for the slaying, as reported by The Times of Israel.

Sharif also said that the IRGC was 'well aware' of the reasons behind the recent killing of Mousavi. However, the IRGC spokesperson stressed that the killing would not affect the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps campaign "against the Zionist entity".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uaes-sharjah-bans-new-years-eve-celebrations-in-solidarity-with-gaza-674059">Sharjah in UAE bans New Year’s Eve celebrations in solidarity with Gaza</a>

"We will respond accordingly, directly or indirectly, through the resistance axis," he added.

Calling the killing an "act of terror", the organisation also vowed that the revenge "will be decisive at the right time and place". Previously, Iranian officials, including President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, have also vowed revenge for Mousavi’s death.

<h2>Hamas denies IRGC claims</h2>

Swiftly denying Iran's claims, the Palestinian militant group&nbsp;Hamas reiterated that "all Palestinian resistance actions" were in response to the "occupation and its ongoing aggression against our people and the holy places."

On October 7, Hamas military commander Muhammad Deif said in a recorded message that the attack dubbed "Operation Al-Aqsa Deluge" was launched in retaliation for Israel's "desecration" of the Al-Aqsa Mosque. He had also claimed that the action was a follow-up of previous warnings by the group.

<h2>Who was Soleimani?</h2>

In 2020, IRGC Quds Force head Qassem Soleimani was killed in a US drone strike near the Baghdad International Airport in Iraq. At the time of his death, he was considered the second-most powerful person in Iran, only subordinate to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei.&nbsp;Razi Mousavi was one of his close associates.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

As the Israel-Hamas war nears the three-month mark, a new controversy behind the 'real' reason for Hamas's attack on Israel has started brewing. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, a multi-service primary branch of the Iranian Armed Forces, on Wednesday (Dec 27) claimed that the attack was retribution for the assassination of Qassem Soleimani.

As the Israel-Hamas war nears the three-month mark, a new controversy behind the 'real' reason for Hamas's attack on Israel has started brewing. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps, a multi-service primary branch of the Iranian Armed Forces, on Wednesday (Dec 27) claimed that the attack was retribution for the assassination of Qassem Soleimani. However, denying this, the militant group Hamas reiterated its previous claims that the October 7 attack was a response to what it called the "occupation" and "ongoing aggression against our people and the holy places". Also read | Gaza deaths soar as Israel says war to last 'many more months' These narratives come amid a climbing death toll in Gaza and international pressure for a ceasefire. On Wednesday, French President Emmanuel Macron also demanded a "lasting ceasefire" in Gaza. As per Macron's office, the leader made this demand during a call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. "France will work in the coming days in cooperation with Jordan to carry out humanitarian operations in Gaza," said the French presidency in a statement. Is Soleimani's killing the reason? In his remarks regarding the Monday (Dec 25) killing of Brig. Gen. Razi Mousavi by an Israeli airstrike in Syria, IRGC spokesman Ramazan Sharif made the connection between Hamas' attack and the killing of Soleimani. He said that the October attack was "one of the revenge" for the slaying, as reported by The Times of Israel. Sharif also said that the IRGC was 'well aware' of the reasons behind the recent killing of Mousavi. However, the IRGC spokesperson stressed that the killing would not affect the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps campaign "against the Zionist entity". Also read | Sharjah in UAE bans New Year’s Eve celebrations in solidarity with Gaza "We will respond accordingly, directly or indirectly, through the resistance axis," he added. Calling the killing an "act of terror", the organisation also vowed that the revenge "will be decisive at the right time and place". Previously, Iranian officials, including President Ebrahim Raisi and Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, have also vowed revenge for Mousavi’s death. Hamas denies IRGC claims Swiftly denying Iran's claims, the Palestinian militant group Hamas reiterated that "all Palestinian resistance actions" were in response to the "occupation and its ongoing aggression against our people and the holy places." On October 7, Hamas military commander Muhammad Deif said in a recorded message that the attack dubbed "Operation Al-Aqsa Deluge" was launched in retaliation for Israel's "desecration" of the Al-Aqsa Mosque. He had also claimed that the action was a follow-up of previous warnings by the group. Who was Soleimani? In 2020, IRGC Quds Force head Qassem Soleimani was killed in a US drone strike near the Baghdad International Airport in Iraq. At the time of his death, he was considered the second-most powerful person in Iran, only subordinate to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Razi Mousavi was one of his close associates. (With inputs from agencies)

Iran claims Hamas Oct 7 attack retribution for killing of Soleimani; Palestinian militant group says 'no'

The United States' two busiest airports on Wednesday became the sight of rallies, as pro-Palestinian protesters blocked morning traffic, engaging in violent skirmishes with the police.

Carrying signs that read "free Palestine" and "divest from genocide", among other things, protesters blocked roads around the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). The coast-to-coast demonstrations, as per Reuters, ended with dozens of arrests.

<h2>Unruly demonstrators</h2>

As per the Los Angeles Police Department, 36 people were taken into custody at LAX, where demonstrators became unruly.

In a statement, the police said, "Protesters threw a police officer to the ground, used construction debris, road signs, tree branches and blocks of concrete to obstruct" a road into the airport. The entrance was reopened within 45 minutes with "no impacts to fights," reported the Los Angeles City News Service.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-claims-hamas-oct-7-attack-retribution-for-killing-of-soleimani-palestinian-militant-group-says-no-674175">Iran claims Hamas Oct 7 attack retribution for killing of&nbsp;Soleimani; Palestinian militant group says 'no'</a>

They also attacked "uninvolved passersby in their vehicles," said the statement, adding that most of those arrested have been booked on rioting charges. One person has been detained on battery charges for assaulting a police officer. &nbsp;

In Queens, at the protest near the JFK Airport, 26 people were arrested for disorderly conduct and impeding vehicular traffic, reported the Port Authority Police Department of New York. The roadway was reopened after 20 minutes.

The protests come as the casualties in Gaza continue to increase, and as the UN Health Agency reported that thousands of people are trying to flee fighting. Since the war began nearly three months ago, more than 21,000 have been killed, and another 55,000 have been injured in Gaza, as per the Hamas-run health ministry.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-army-claims-to-have-destroyed-hamas-tunnels-under-gazas-rantisi-hospital-674235">Israeli army claims to have destroyed Hamas' tunnels under Gaza’s Rantisi hospital</a>

On Thursday, a report by the UN said the human rights situation in the occupied West Bank was rapidly deteriorating.&nbsp;

Urging Israel to "end unlawful killings" against the Palestinian population, UN rights chief Volker Turk said: "The use of military tactics and weapons in law enforcement contexts, the use of unnecessary or disproportionate force, and the enforcement of broad, arbitrary and discriminatory movement restrictions that affect Palestinians are extremely troubling."

(With inputs from agencies)

The United States' two busiest airports on Wednesday became the sight of rallies, as pro-Palestinian protesters blocked morning traffic, engaging in violent skirmishes with the police.

The United States' two busiest airports on Wednesday became the sight of rallies, as pro-Palestinian protesters blocked morning traffic, engaging in violent skirmishes with the police. Carrying signs that read "free Palestine" and "divest from genocide", among other things, protesters blocked roads around the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). The coast-to-coast demonstrations, as per Reuters, ended with dozens of arrests. Unruly demonstrators As per the Los Angeles Police Department, 36 people were taken into custody at LAX, where demonstrators became unruly. In a statement, the police said, "Protesters threw a police officer to the ground, used construction debris, road signs, tree branches and blocks of concrete to obstruct" a road into the airport. The entrance was reopened within 45 minutes with "no impacts to fights," reported the Los Angeles City News Service. Also read | Iran claims Hamas Oct 7 attack retribution for killing of Soleimani; Palestinian militant group says 'no' They also attacked "uninvolved passersby in their vehicles," said the statement, adding that most of those arrested have been booked on rioting charges. One person has been detained on battery charges for assaulting a police officer. In Queens, at the protest near the JFK Airport, 26 people were arrested for disorderly conduct and impeding vehicular traffic, reported the Port Authority Police Department of New York. The roadway was reopened after 20 minutes. The protests come as the casualties in Gaza continue to increase, and as the UN Health Agency reported that thousands of people are trying to flee fighting. Since the war began nearly three months ago, more than 21,000 have been killed, and another 55,000 have been injured in Gaza, as per the Hamas-run health ministry. Also read | Israeli army claims to have destroyed Hamas' tunnels under Gaza’s Rantisi hospital On Thursday, a report by the UN said the human rights situation in the occupied West Bank was rapidly deteriorating. Urging Israel to "end unlawful killings" against the Palestinian population, UN rights chief Volker Turk said: "The use of military tactics and weapons in law enforcement contexts, the use of unnecessary or disproportionate force, and the enforcement of broad, arbitrary and discriminatory movement restrictions that affect Palestinians are extremely troubling." (With inputs from agencies)

Pro-Palestine rallies in US block JFK and LAX airports, dozens arrested as protesters turn unruly

US&nbsp;President Joe Biden and Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani discussed on Tuesday the need to release hostages held in Gaza and efforts to boost humanitarian aid, the White House said.

Qatar and Egypt were mediators between Israel and the militant group Hamas in the late November truce. Current diplomatic efforts on a new truce have yielded little public progress so far.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-being-attacked-from-seven-sides-says-defence-minister-gallant-raises-fear-of-escalation-across-gulf-673851">Israel being attacked from seven sides, says Defence Minister Gallant, raises fear of escalation across Gulf</a>

"The two leaders discussed the urgent effort to secure the release of all remaining hostages held by Hamas, including American citizens," the White House readout said, adding they also talked about increasing access to aid.

The Qatari State News Agency said the emir received a phone call from Biden to discuss the latest developments and current joint mediation efforts for calming the situation in the besieged enclave to reach a permanent ceasefire.

US President Joe Biden and Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani discussed on Tuesday the need to release hostages held in Gaza and efforts to boost humanitarian aid, the White House said.

US President Joe Biden and Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani discussed on Tuesday the need to release hostages held in Gaza and efforts to boost humanitarian aid, the White House said. Qatar and Egypt were mediators between Israel and the militant group Hamas in the late November truce. Current diplomatic efforts on a new truce have yielded little public progress so far. Also read | Israel being attacked from seven sides, says Defence Minister Gallant, raises fear of escalation across Gulf "The two leaders discussed the urgent effort to secure the release of all remaining hostages held by Hamas, including American citizens," the White House readout said, adding they also talked about increasing access to aid. The Qatari State News Agency said the emir received a phone call from Biden to discuss the latest developments and current joint mediation efforts for calming the situation in the besieged enclave to reach a permanent ceasefire.

Biden, Qatar's Emir discuss Gaza hostages, boosting aid - White House

To show solidarity with the people of Gaza, Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has banned all New Year's Eve firework&nbsp;displays and celebrations. Sharjah Police issued the diktat on Tuesday (Dec 26), urging all members of the public and organisations to comply with the regulations.&nbsp;

The police in a statement released said the ban is a "sincere&nbsp;expression of solidarity and humanitarian cooperation with our siblings in the Gaza Strip".&nbsp;

Sharjah is the UAE’s third-largest emirate by size and population behind Abu Dhabi and Dubai. There are seven emirates. Fireworks are a major part of New Year's Eve&nbsp;celebrations across the UAE, especially in Sharjah where tourists flock to spend the end-of-year holidays

Since the war first started in October, a number of live events and concerts have been cancelled or postponed in the Emirates. The debut performance of American singer-songwriter Khalid, due to be held at Dubai's Coca-Cola Arena on October 27 was shelved.

Last month,&nbsp;Tanweer Sacred Hearts Festival in Sharjah, scheduled to be held from November 24 to 26 was also binned due to the same reason.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-hamas-war-why-are-houthi-rebels-attacking-vessels-in-red-sea-world-news-wion-671794">Watch |&nbsp;Israel-Hamas war: Why are Houthi rebels attacking vessels in Red Sea?</a>

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<h2>UAE calls for ceasefire</h2>

The UAE and Israeli bilateral relations were forged in 2020 after the signing of the Abraham Accords.&nbsp;As a result, since the beginning of the war, UAE has repeatedly urged Israel for a humanitarian ceasefire, whilst also condemning the terrorist attacks by Hamas and bombardment by Israeli forces.&nbsp;

UAE has also warned against a risk of regional spillover if the war between Israel-Hamas continues into the new year.

"As we continue working to stop this war, we cannot ignore the wider context and the necessity to turn down the regional temperature that is approaching a boiling point," said Noura Al Kaabi, a minister of state at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-informs-arab-states-it-wants-a-buffer-zone-in-gaza-post-war-report-665400">Also read |&nbsp;Israel informs Arab states it wants a buffer zone in Gaza post war: Report</a>

Despite the insistence by the Gulf&nbsp;regional power, Tel Aviv and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have made it clear that the war would only end with the elimination of Hamas.&nbsp;

"We won't stop fighting until we've achieved all the objectives we've set ourselves: the elimination of Hamas, the release of our hostages and the end of the threat from Gaza," Netanyahu said earlier this month.&nbsp;

Notably,&nbsp;Israel has informed several Arab states, including Egypt, Jordan and the UAE, that it&nbsp;wants a buffer zone in the Gaza Strip once its conflict with Hamas ends.

(With inputs from agencies)

To show solidarity with the people of Gaza, Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has banned all New Year's Eve firework displays and celebrations. Sharjah Police issued the diktat on Tuesday (Dec 26), urging all members of the public and organisations to comply with the regulations.

To show solidarity with the people of Gaza, Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has banned all New Year's Eve firework displays and celebrations. Sharjah Police issued the diktat on Tuesday (Dec 26), urging all members of the public and organisations to comply with the regulations. The police in a statement released said the ban is a "sincere expression of solidarity and humanitarian cooperation with our siblings in the Gaza Strip". Sharjah is the UAE’s third-largest emirate by size and population behind Abu Dhabi and Dubai. There are seven emirates. Fireworks are a major part of New Year's Eve celebrations across the UAE, especially in Sharjah where tourists flock to spend the end-of-year holidays Since the war first started in October, a number of live events and concerts have been cancelled or postponed in the Emirates. The debut performance of American singer-songwriter Khalid, due to be held at Dubai's Coca-Cola Arena on October 27 was shelved. Last month, Tanweer Sacred Hearts Festival in Sharjah, scheduled to be held from November 24 to 26 was also binned due to the same reason. Watch | Israel-Hamas war: Why are Houthi rebels attacking vessels in Red Sea? UAE calls for ceasefire The UAE and Israeli bilateral relations were forged in 2020 after the signing of the Abraham Accords. As a result, since the beginning of the war, UAE has repeatedly urged Israel for a humanitarian ceasefire, whilst also condemning the terrorist attacks by Hamas and bombardment by Israeli forces. UAE has also warned against a risk of regional spillover if the war between Israel-Hamas continues into the new year. "As we continue working to stop this war, we cannot ignore the wider context and the necessity to turn down the regional temperature that is approaching a boiling point," said Noura Al Kaabi, a minister of state at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Also read | Israel informs Arab states it wants a buffer zone in Gaza post war: Report Despite the insistence by the Gulf regional power, Tel Aviv and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have made it clear that the war would only end with the elimination of Hamas. "We won't stop fighting until we've achieved all the objectives we've set ourselves: the elimination of Hamas, the release of our hostages and the end of the threat from Gaza," Netanyahu said earlier this month. Notably, Israel has informed several Arab states, including Egypt, Jordan and the UAE, that it wants a buffer zone in the Gaza Strip once its conflict with Hamas ends. (With inputs from agencies)

Sharjah in UAE bans New Year’s Eve celebrations in solidarity with Gaza

Israel on Tuesday (Dec 26) returned&nbsp;the remains of 80 Palestinians who had lost their lives in Gaza. The bodies were taken from morgues and graves, and were put through careful scrutiny to ensure that there were no hostages among them.

News agency AFP, quoting unnamed sources within the territory's health ministry, reported that the bodies which had been transported to Israel were being returned through the Red Cross.&nbsp;

<h2>What will happen to the bodies?</h2>

The international organisation handed over the remains to Hamas authorities, who buried them in a mass grave, reports AFP. A photojournalist with the news agency reportedly witnessed blue body bags being lowered into a trench in Rafah, in the far south of Gaza.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/broken-pelvises-mutilated-bodiesdid-hamas-use-rape-as-weapon-of-war-666257">Explained: 'Broken pelvises, mutilated bodies'...Did Hamas use rape as weapon of war in Israel?</a>

After Israel carried out its inspection of the bodies, they were returned to the Red Cross, transported via the Kerem Shalom crossing—the vital link connecting Israel and the Gaza Strip.&nbsp;Following this, a truck carried the bodies to their final resting place in the mass grave.

<h2>Israeli hostages</h2>

The backdrop to this can be traced back to the unfortunate events of October 7 when Hamas militants launched an attack on southern Israel. There, they abducted approximately 200&nbsp;hostages and them to the Gaza Strip. Approximately 129 hostages still remain in Hamas captivity in Gaza.

Around 1,140 people lost their lives in the initial attack, as per Israel.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-being-attacked-from-seven-sides-says-defence-minister-gallant-raises-fear-of-escalation-across-gulf-673851">Israel being attacked from seven sides, says Defence Minister Gallant, raises fear of escalation across Gulf</a>

Since the beginning of the war, more than 20,900 have been killed in Israel's retaliatory attacks on Gaza—most of them women and children, reports the health ministry in the Hamas-controlled Gaza. Additionally, around 55,000 people have been wounded.

Israel has vowed to destroy the Palestinian militant organisation. Even as international calls for a ceasefire gain traction, Israel has repeatedly reiterated that the war will continue till Hamas is destroyed.

On Tuesday, in a televised statement, Israel's Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi said that the war would go on "for many months".

"There are no magic solutions, there are no shortcuts in dismantling a terrorist organisation, only determined and persistent fighting," he said, adding "We will reach Hamas' leadership too, whether it takes a week or if it takes months."

(With inputs from agencies)

Israel on Tuesday (Dec 26) returned the remains of 80 Palestinians who had lost their lives in Gaza. The bodies were taken from morgues and graves, and were put through careful scrutiny to ensure that there were no hostages among them.

Israel on Tuesday (Dec 26) returned the remains of 80 Palestinians who had lost their lives in Gaza. The bodies were taken from morgues and graves, and were put through careful scrutiny to ensure that there were no hostages among them. News agency AFP, quoting unnamed sources within the territory's health ministry, reported that the bodies which had been transported to Israel were being returned through the Red Cross. What will happen to the bodies? The international organisation handed over the remains to Hamas authorities, who buried them in a mass grave, reports AFP. A photojournalist with the news agency reportedly witnessed blue body bags being lowered into a trench in Rafah, in the far south of Gaza. Also read | Explained: 'Broken pelvises, mutilated bodies'...Did Hamas use rape as weapon of war in Israel? After Israel carried out its inspection of the bodies, they were returned to the Red Cross, transported via the Kerem Shalom crossing—the vital link connecting Israel and the Gaza Strip. Following this, a truck carried the bodies to their final resting place in the mass grave. Israeli hostages The backdrop to this can be traced back to the unfortunate events of October 7 when Hamas militants launched an attack on southern Israel. There, they abducted approximately 200 hostages and them to the Gaza Strip. Approximately 129 hostages still remain in Hamas captivity in Gaza. Around 1,140 people lost their lives in the initial attack, as per Israel. Also read | Israel being attacked from seven sides, says Defence Minister Gallant, raises fear of escalation across Gulf Since the beginning of the war, more than 20,900 have been killed in Israel's retaliatory attacks on Gaza—most of them women and children, reports the health ministry in the Hamas-controlled Gaza. Additionally, around 55,000 people have been wounded. Israel has vowed to destroy the Palestinian militant organisation. Even as international calls for a ceasefire gain traction, Israel has repeatedly reiterated that the war will continue till Hamas is destroyed. On Tuesday, in a televised statement, Israel's Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi said that the war would go on "for many months". "There are no magic solutions, there are no shortcuts in dismantling a terrorist organisation, only determined and persistent fighting," he said, adding "We will reach Hamas' leadership too, whether it takes a week or if it takes months." (With inputs from agencies)

Israel returns 80 bodies it took from morgues and graves in Gaza for 'examination'

As the Israel-Gaza war stretches to its three-month mark, reports of Palestinians facing torture at the hands of the Israeli army have come to light. On Sunday, recently freed detainees alleged that the Israeli forces were torturing Palestinian civilians in their custody in the Gaza Strip. A Gaza medic corroborated this narrative. However, the military has denied the charges.

<h2>Blows and beatings</h2>

As per an AFP report, the two men were among hundreds detained by Israeli forces over alleged links with armed group Hamas. These people have been detained as part of Israel's ongoing ground offensive in the besieged Hamas-run territory.

The narrative of torture was confirmed by a medic. Talking to AFP, Marwan al-Hams, hospital director of Rafah's Martyr Mohammed Yusuf al-Najjar Hospital revealed that about 20 men released from Israeli custody "have bruises and marks of blows on their bodies".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-at-least-68-killed-in-gaza-strip-following-israeli-strike-on-refugee-camp-673239">Israel-Hamas war: At least 68 killed in Gaza Strip following Israeli strike on refugee camp</a>

Hamas, as per the news agency, said that the freed Palestinians were admitted to Al-Najjar hospital, in the southern city of Rafah upon their release.

Nayef Ali, a 22-year-old, who claims to have been detained in Gaza City's eastern Zaitun suburb and later taken to an Israeli detention facility said: "They (Israeli troops) tied our hands behind our backs for two days."

To support his claims, he showed the news agency cuts on his wrists and other parts of his body.

"We were not allowed to eat or drink, neither were we allowed to use the toilet," he said, adding, "There were only beatings and beatings."

He also alleged that Palestinian detainees were held in a "freezing cold" area along the border with Israel.

"They threw cold water on us before transferring us to a prison, where it was again torture and beatings."

Another former detainee, 55-year-old Khamis al-Bardini, also alleged torture by Israeli soldiers, and said that during his detention there were "beatings during the day", while they poured "cold water on our heads through the night".

<h2>Israel rejects allegations</h2>

Rejecting the claim, the Israeli army said that all the detainees were "treated in accordance with international law".

In a statement to AFP, the Israeli forces said, "While detained, the suspects are given sufficient food and water and treated according to protocol."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-hopes-of-truce-revived-as-egypt-proposes-ambitious-peace-plan-673207">Israel-Hamas war: Hopes of truce revived as Egypt proposes ambitious peace plan</a>

Israel vowed to defeat Hamas after a deadly attack by the militants on October 7, launching a relentless military campaign in Gaza.

These allegations come as the Israeli army faced widespread international condemnation after a video of stripped-down detainees with their hands tied behind their backs went viral.

Additionally, reports of deaths of detainees in the military's custody have also come to light. To this, the Israeli army said it was investigating the deaths of "terrorists in military detention centres".

(With inputs from agencies)

As the Israel-Gaza war stretches to its three-month mark, reports of Palestinians facing torture at the hands of the Israeli army have come to light. On Sunday, recently freed detainees alleged that the Israeli forces were torturing Palestinian civilians in their custody in the Gaza Strip.

As the Israel-Gaza war stretches to its three-month mark, reports of Palestinians facing torture at the hands of the Israeli army have come to light. On Sunday, recently freed detainees alleged that the Israeli forces were torturing Palestinian civilians in their custody in the Gaza Strip. A Gaza medic corroborated this narrative. However, the military has denied the charges. Blows and beatings As per an AFP report, the two men were among hundreds detained by Israeli forces over alleged links with armed group Hamas. These people have been detained as part of Israel's ongoing ground offensive in the besieged Hamas-run territory. The narrative of torture was confirmed by a medic. Talking to AFP, Marwan al-Hams, hospital director of Rafah's Martyr Mohammed Yusuf al-Najjar Hospital revealed that about 20 men released from Israeli custody "have bruises and marks of blows on their bodies". Also read | Israel-Hamas war: At least 68 killed in Gaza Strip following Israeli strike on refugee camp Hamas, as per the news agency, said that the freed Palestinians were admitted to Al-Najjar hospital, in the southern city of Rafah upon their release. Nayef Ali, a 22-year-old, who claims to have been detained in Gaza City's eastern Zaitun suburb and later taken to an Israeli detention facility said: "They (Israeli troops) tied our hands behind our backs for two days." To support his claims, he showed the news agency cuts on his wrists and other parts of his body. "We were not allowed to eat or drink, neither were we allowed to use the toilet," he said, adding, "There were only beatings and beatings." He also alleged that Palestinian detainees were held in a "freezing cold" area along the border with Israel. "They threw cold water on us before transferring us to a prison, where it was again torture and beatings." Another former detainee, 55-year-old Khamis al-Bardini, also alleged torture by Israeli soldiers, and said that during his detention there were "beatings during the day", while they poured "cold water on our heads through the night". Israel rejects allegations Rejecting the claim, the Israeli army said that all the detainees were "treated in accordance with international law". In a statement to AFP, the Israeli forces said, "While detained, the suspects are given sufficient food and water and treated according to protocol." Also read | Israel-Hamas war: Hopes of truce revived as Egypt proposes ambitious peace plan Israel vowed to defeat Hamas after a deadly attack by the militants on October 7, launching a relentless military campaign in Gaza. These allegations come as the Israeli army faced widespread international condemnation after a video of stripped-down detainees with their hands tied behind their backs went viral. Additionally, reports of deaths of detainees in the military's custody have also come to light. To this, the Israeli army said it was investigating the deaths of "terrorists in military detention centres". (With inputs from agencies)

'There were only beatings': Freed Palestinian hostages allege torture at the hands of Israel army

At least 68 people were killed in an Israeli strike on a refugee camp in central Gaza as the war between Israel and Hamas soon enters its third month. According to a report by the news agency Associated Press on Sunday (Dec 24), the strike was on the Maghazi refugee camp east of Deir al-Balah.

At least 68 people were killed in an Israeli strike on a refugee camp in central Gaza as the war between Israel and Hamas soon enters its third month. According to a report by the news agency Associated Press on Sunday (Dec 24), the strike was on the Maghazi refugee camp east of Deir al-Balah. The deaths include at least 12 women and seven children. The Palestinian health ministry had earlier put the death toll at 70. The Israeli military has not commented on the development yet. The report said that the number of Israeli soldiers killed in combat over the weekend climbed to 15. 'No safe place in Gaza' Speaking to the news agency, Ahmad Turokmani, who lost several family members, including his daughter and grandson in the strike said, "We were all targeted. There is no safe place in Gaza anyway." Also read: Hopes of truce revived as Egypt proposes ambitious peace plan Last Friday, Israeli airstrikes on two houses in Gaza killed 90 Palestinians, including dozens from an extended family. A spokesperson for Gaza’s Civil Defense Department said that one of the houses, located in Gaza City, fell prey to one of the deadliest airstrikes in the war after 76 people from the al-Mughrabi family were killed. Meanwhile, an Israeli strike overnight hit a house in a refugee camp west of the city of Rafah, on Gaza’s border with Egypt, killing at least two men. Another Israeli missile struck a building in the Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza, killing two people and wounding six others. Gaza death toll hits 20,424 The total number of deaths in the Gaza Strip during the ongoing conflict has climbed to 20,424, the Palestinian health ministry said on Sunday. The toll included 166 deaths in the past 24 hours. Israel has been facing international criticism for the civilian death toll but it blames Hamas, citing the militants’ use of crowded residential areas and tunnels. Also read: Biden says didn’t talk about ceasefire during private conversation with Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu Israel also faces allegations of mistreating Palestinian men and teenage boys detained in homes, shelters, hospitals, and elsewhere during its offensive. It has denied abuse allegations and said those without links to militants are quickly released. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel-Hamas war: At least 68 killed in Gaza Strip following Israeli strike on refugee camp

The ongoing war between Israel and Hamas has destroyed the Gaza Strip, with the death toll crossing 20,000. According to a report by the news agency Associated Press last Friday (Dec 22), despite the conflict intensifying, major infrastructure projects funded by the US have largely remained unscathed.

The ongoing war between Israel and Hamas has destroyed the Gaza Strip, with the death toll crossing 20,000. According to a report by the news agency Associated Press last Friday (Dec 22), despite the conflict intensifying, major infrastructure projects funded by the US have largely remained unscathed. The report said that since early October, at least five US-funded community and youth projects appeared to be damaged or destroyed, likely by the Israeli military. Satellite images shared by Maxar Technologies on Dec 20 found that over a dozen major projects backed by Washington appeared to be intact. The Israel military has not commented on the damage to these projects and the exact cause of the damage, and the satellite images could not be determined by the photos alone, the report said. 'War is exacting a terrible toll' Speaking to the Associated Press, Sean Carroll, the president of Anera, a US contractor that has built dozens of infrastructure projects in Gaza, including a sports club that was recently damaged in the war, called its destruction “a terrible tragedy.” Also read: At least 68 killed in Gaza Strip following Israeli strike on refugee camp “This war is exacting a terrible toll - on human lives and the infrastructure of daily life - that will be felt for decades to come,” Carroll said. The Gaza YMCA library, which was renovated with $89,000 in American funds, escaped unscathed, while at least one city block next to it was entirely levelled. The report further said that the Rosary Sisters School, which teaches both Muslim and Christian children, sustained some damage in a recent airstrike. Satellite images show debris and damage strewn across the school’s courtyard. Last year, around $495,000 in US taxpayer funds was used to built new classrooms with smart boards, air conditioning, an elevator, and a new floor to have space for a high school. Also read: Israeli military releases video of huge Hamas tunnel where five hostages were found dead Images also showed two different centres serving children with disabilities appear to have been damaged or destroyed in recent days. Since the conflict began on Oct 7, Israel has blamed Hamas for the damage, saying that the Palestinian militant group used Gaza's civilian infrastructure as cover to launch attacks, hide militants and weapons, and build tunnels underground. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel-Hamas war: US-funded infrastructure projects in Gaza largely unscathed in conflict

The Israel-Hamas war will soon enter its third month, and there are fears that this ongoing conflict might spill over to the rest of the Middle East. The Iran-aligned Houthis of Yemen have been playing an escalating role in the war, attacking commercial ships at the southern end of the Red Sea, and also firing missiles at Israel.

The Israel-Hamas war will soon enter its third month, and there are fears that this ongoing conflict might spill over to the rest of the Middle East. The Iran-aligned Houthis of Yemen have been playing an escalating role in the war, attacking commercial ships at the southern end of the Red Sea, and also firing missiles at Israel. According to a report by the news agency Reuters on Wednesday (Dec 20), the attacks have raised the spectre of another bout of disruption to international commerce which was previously seen during the Covid pandemic. A United States-led international force has been dispatched to patrol waters near Yemen. The attacks in the Red Sea have also threatened sea lanes through which much of the world's oil is shipped. Several shipping companies along with some liquefied natural gas (LNG) tankers have decided to avoid the world's main East-West trade route following the attacks. The significance of the Red Sea The Red Sea is the only route to the Suez Canal, linking some of the world's biggest consumers of tradable goods in Europe with big suppliers in Asia, a report by The Straits Times on Saturday said. The report added that around 12 per cent of global trade passes through the canal and more than $1 trillion worth of goods per year. The attacks by Houthis have made reaching the Suez Canal more perilous. Reuters reported on Wednesday that 4-8 per cent of global LNG cargoes passed through the canal this year. Click here to follow all updates on the Israel-Hamas war Citing S&P Global Commodity Insights, the report said that in 2023, a total of 16.2 million metric tonnes (MMT), or 51% of LNG trade, has flowed from the Atlantic Basin east through the Suez Canal, while 15.7 MMT went through the canal from the Pacific Basin west. On the other hand, 8.2 million barrels per day (bpd) of crude oil and oil products traversed the Red Sea over January-November, as per analytics firm Vortexa. The main shippers through the Red Sea route The Suez Canal is one of the most important arteries of the global oil trade. Vortexa's head of intelligence and analysis for MENA Jay Maroo told Reuters that the northbound traffic (through the Red Sea route) is dominated by European imports, primarily of crude oil from Middle East producers and also of middle distillates from India and the Middle East. The southbound traffic comprises crude flows, mainly from Russia to Asian customers, and also refined products naphtha and fuel oil, he added. Three countries - Qatar, the US, and Russia are the most active shippers of LNG via the canal. Who guards the Red Sea? Some commercial ships in the Red Sea have armed security who can open fire on approaching vessels if they look hostile. However, the region is also protected by the Combined Maritime Forces- a 39-nation partnership including the navies of the United States, India, Australia, France, the United Kingdom (UK), Saudi Arabia and Yemen. On Tuesday, US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin announced the creation of a multinational operation to safeguard commerce in the Red Sea. “The lifeblood of a rules-based international order is actually seawater. All countries have the right to move freely and lawfully in international waters, but that foundational global right is under new threat today from the totally unacceptable attacks on merchant vessels by the Houthis in Yemen,” Austin said. Also read: Red Sea crisis weighs on already disrupted global supply chains “So, this morning we’ve launched Operation Prosperity Guardian, under the umbrella of combined maritime forces and under the leadership of taskforce 153. That operation is bringing together more than a dozen countries from around the world to conduct joint patrols in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden,” he added. The Pentagon said on Thursday that more than 20 countries agreed to participate in the coalition. "We've had over 20 nations now sign on to participate. We'll allow other countries, defer to them to talk about their participation," Pentagon Press Secretary Major General Patrick Ryder said. Have prices been impacted following the attacks? Reuters reported on Wednesday that Asian spot LNG prices were at $12.3 per million British thermal units (mmBtu) and remained throughout this range since the attacks by Houthis (at the Red Sea) started. Prices have fallen in recent weeks mounting demand concerns and growing indications that the world will go into the next year in a supply surplus. Tamas Varga of oil broker PVM told the news agency that the recent rise in oil prices was understandable "but the rally will not last unless oil supply is materially affected." Oil freight prices have already been impacted. According to Vortexa, Rates for booking a Suezmax to transport crude from the Middle East to Europe went up 25 per cent in a week. A shipping source told Reuters that insurance war risk premiums went up from $2,000 to $10,000. Meanwhile, crude and oil products market players said the extent of the impact will be determined by the duration of shipping disruptions as a result of the Houthi attacks. LNG market players have said that the gas trade is likely to be largely unaffected and any disruption would not have a massive impact on global supply. (With inputs from agencies)

Explained: How attacks on Red Sea by Houthis will affect oil and gas shipping?

The Human Rights Watch (HRW) on Monday (Dec 18) accused Israel of intentionally starving civilians in the Gaza Strip as a part of its ongoing offensive against Hamas in the besieged Palestinian territory.

The Human Rights Watch (HRW) on Monday (Dec 18) accused Israel of intentionally starving civilians in the Gaza Strip as a part of its ongoing offensive against Hamas in the besieged Palestinian territory. In a report, the HRW called starvation a war crime, and said, "Israeli forces are deliberately blocking the delivery of water, food, and fuel, while willfully impeding humanitarian assistance, apparently razing agricultural areas, and depriving the civilian population of objects indispensable to their survival." Omar Shakir, HRW's Israel and Palestine director, said that for more than two months, Israel had been depriving Gaza's population of food and water. "World leaders should be speaking out against this abhorrent war crime, which has devastating effects on Gaza’s population," Shakir added. 'A constant search for things needed to survive' Speaking to the HRW, 11 displaced Palestinians in Gaza described their profound hardships in securing necessities. "We had no food, no electricity, no internet, nothing at all. We don’t know how we survived,” one man who left northern Gaza told the New York-based rights group. Click here to follow all updates on Israel-Hamas war Another man from southern Gaza, who is a father of two kids, said, "You are on a constant search for things needed to survive." Gazans living in the southern part of the besieged Palestinian territory described the scarcity of potable water, the lack of food leading to empty shops and lengthy lines, and exorbitant prices. "In addition, Israel’s continuing blockade of Gaza, as well as its more than 16-year closure, amounts to collective punishment of the civilian population, a war crime. As the occupying power in Gaza under the Fourth Geneva Convention, Israel has the duty to ensure that the civilian population gets food and medical supplies," the HRW further said in its report. Israel hits back at HRW, calls it 'antisemitic organisation' The Israeli government on Monday slammed the HRW's report, calling the rights group an "antisemitic and anti-Israeli organisation." "Human Rights Watch ... did not condemn the attack on Israeli citizens and the massacre of October 7 and has no moral basis to talk about what's going on in Gaza if they turn a blind eye to the suffering and the human rights of Israelis," foreign ministry spokesman Lior Haiat told the news agency AFP. Also read: Israel knew about Hamas' financial network in 2018, but did nothing, says report Last Friday, Israel had approved "temporary" delivery of much-needed aid to Gaza via its Kerem Shalom crossing. According to an Egyptian Red Crescent official, a humanitarian aid convoy entered Gaza through the crossing on Sunday. On Monday, 79 trucks would be reaching the war-torn region, the official added. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel-Hamas war: Starvation used as a weapon of war in Gaza Strip, says HRW

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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