Israel will face dire consequences if it sends troops into the besieged Gazan city of Rafah, according to Ehud Olmert, a former prime minister.

Former Israeli PM Ehud Olmert issues stern warning to Netanyahu

More than 100 Palestinians have been killed and some 700 others wounded after Israeli troops opened fire on hundreds waiting for food aid southwest of Gaza city. The ministry said the attack was part of Israel’s ongoing “genocidal war”. It called on the international community to “urgently intervene” to forge a ceasefire as “the only way to protect civilians”.

Israel War: Gaza claims Israeli troops fire on crowd at food aid point

Israel War: Dozens killed by Israeli fire in Gaza while collecting food aid

Israeli journalist and film director Yuval Abraham said he is receiving death threats and has canceled his flight home from the Berlin International Film Festival amid backlash to an acceptance speech in which he decried the "situation of apartheid" and called for a ceasefire in Gaza.

Israeli Director Yuval Abraham receives death threats after calling for ceasefire in Gaza

<p>At least 103 people were killed in Gaza overnight as enclave’s Health Ministry claimed on Saturday (Feb 24) that the Israeli army targeted families and residential complexes. With this, the death toll in Gaza has risen to 29,600. Nearly 70,000 people have been injured since the conflict began on October 7.</p>

<h2><strong>Details of attack</strong></h2>

<p>The Gazan health ministry claimed&nbsp;at least 10 attacks in residential areas, including the residence of popular Palestinian comedian Mahmoud Za'tar. The attacks resulted in at least 160 injuries, and left several critical.</p>

<p>Israeli military helicopter reportedly fired towards the houses in Deir al-Balah area in central Gaza.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Israel-Hamas war: Palestinian leaders reject Israel's post-war Gaza plan</strong></p>

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<p>“I was against the idea of leaving Gaza, because I love Gaza and I don’t want to leave it, but they are forcing us to leave Gaza looking for safety,” Za'tar was quoted as saying by The National News.</p>

<p>The attack on Za'tar’s house was alone responsible for at least 22 casualties and 50 injuries, the Hamas-run ministry claimed.</p>

<h2><strong>Humanitarian crisis intensifies</strong></h2>

<p>The relentless pounding of the strip has worsened food and water supplies in the enclave.</p>

<p>On Friday (Feb 23), the UN humanitarian agency, Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), said: “Without adequate food and water supplies, as well as health and nutrition services, the elevated risk of famine in Gaza is projected to increase.”</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-jsarwt="1" data-usg="AOvVaw0nrhbMEzbr4XKbVKo13Z0Z" data-ved="2ahUKEwjX-YbC7MOEAxXPUGwGHay7CbkQxfQBKAB6BAgKEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-war-g20-has-consensus-for-two-state-solution-says-brazil-692909" jsname="YKoRaf">Israel war: G20 has consensus for two-state solution, says Brazil</a></strong></p>

<p>The UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, said Saturday that Gazans were “in extreme peril while the world watches on”.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-jsarwt="1" data-usg="AOvVaw3CsYCe8oTd-z_z-swT2yRy" data-ved="2ahUKEwjX-YbC7MOEAxXPUGwGHay7CbkQxfQBKAB6BAgPEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-israeli-settlements-in-west-bank-inconsistent-with-international-law-us-693300" jsname="YKoRaf">New Israeli settlements in West Bank `inconsistent` with international law: US</a></strong></p>

<p>“No one can claim “I did not know” as the images, footage and voices of unspeakable suffering continue,” the UNRWA said on X.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called for shutting down the UNRWA in a two-page document titled, The Day After Hamas, his vision for ‘future Gaza.’</p>

<h2><strong>Efforts underway to strike peace deal</strong></h2>

<p>The attacks came even as mediators met in Paris on Friday to discuss another potential truce between Israel and Hamas. Officials from the US, Egypt and Qatar gathered in Paris, along with Israel's spy chief.</p>

<p><em><strong>Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.</strong></em></p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


At least 103 people were killed in Gaza overnight as enclave’s Health Ministry claimed on Saturday (Feb 24) that the Israeli army targeted families and residential complexes.

At least 103 people were killed in Gaza overnight as enclave’s Health Ministry claimed on Saturday (Feb 24) that the Israeli army targeted families and residential complexes. With this, the death toll in Gaza has risen to 29,600. Nearly 70,000 people have been injured since the conflict began on October 7. Details of attack The Gazan health ministry claimed at least 10 attacks in residential areas, including the residence of popular Palestinian comedian Mahmoud Za'tar. The attacks resulted in at least 160 injuries, and left several critical. Israeli military helicopter reportedly fired towards the houses in Deir al-Balah area in central Gaza. Watch: Israel-Hamas war: Palestinian leaders reject Israel's post-war Gaza plan × “I was against the idea of leaving Gaza, because I love Gaza and I don’t want to leave it, but they are forcing us to leave Gaza looking for safety,” Za'tar was quoted as saying by The National News. The attack on Za'tar’s house was alone responsible for at least 22 casualties and 50 injuries, the Hamas-run ministry claimed. Humanitarian crisis intensifies The relentless pounding of the strip has worsened food and water supplies in the enclave. On Friday (Feb 23), the UN humanitarian agency, Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), said: “Without adequate food and water supplies, as well as health and nutrition services, the elevated risk of famine in Gaza is projected to increase.” Also read: Israel war: G20 has consensus for two-state solution, says Brazil The UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, said Saturday that Gazans were “in extreme peril while the world watches on”. Also read: New Israeli settlements in West Bank `inconsistent` with international law: US “No one can claim “I did not know” as the images, footage and voices of unspeakable suffering continue,” the UNRWA said on X. Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has called for shutting down the UNRWA in a two-page document titled, The Day After Hamas, his vision for ‘future Gaza.’ Efforts underway to strike peace deal The attacks came even as mediators met in Paris on Friday to discuss another potential truce between Israel and Hamas. Officials from the US, Egypt and Qatar gathered in Paris, along with Israel's spy chief. 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:100 ‘killed’ in overnight strikes on Gaza residences, claims its health ministry

Will Israel release Marwan Barghouti, the ‘Palestinian Mandela’? Hamas’s demand has cast Barghouti — back into the spotlight at a time when Western and Arab diplomats are debating how to revitalise the Palestinian leadership once the war between Israel and Hamas is over.

Hamas asks for Barghouti's release in hostage-prisoner swap

<p>"I'm of the view, as you know, &nbsp;that the conduct of the response in Gaza – the Gaza strip – has been over the top."</p>

<p>So said US President Joe Biden in early February as he described efforts to reduce the number of civilian casualties in Israel’s war against Hamas, the militant organisation whose fighters broke through the wall that divides Gaza and Israel and massacred around 1,200 Israelis on October 7 last year.</p>

<p>Israel, West Asia's military superpower, responded with a ferocious bombardment that laid waste to entire cities. Israel followed up air strikes with a ground invasion. By the time Biden made his "over-the-top" remark, the Palestinian death toll was nearing 30,000, mostly women and children.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Gaza was plunged into a humanitarian catastrophe, with famine and disease spreading and the medical system collapsed, as hospitals became targets of air strikes. &nbsp;As he ordered his forces into action the day after the Hamas massacre, Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said "we are fighting against animals and we act accordingly." &nbsp;</p>

<p>Despite the ferocity of the fighting, the Biden administration bypassed Congress twice to approve emergency weapons sales to Israel. One shipment covered fuses and primers for 155 mm artillery shells worth $147.5 million and the second emergency determination was for 14,000 rounds of tank ammunition worth $107mn.</p>

<p>America’s eagerness to bolster Israel’s fighting capability clashed with repeated statements from the administration on the need to "take every feasible step to prevent harm to civilians."</p>

<p>The perverse logic of the way the US and some of its allies handled the Gaza war did not go unnoticed.</p>

<p>In several interviews in February, the European Union’s foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, pointed out the contradictions in unambiguous language.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Referring to Biden’s "over-the-top" complaint, Borrell said at a press conference in Brussels: "Well, if you believe that too many people are being killed, maybe you should supply less arms in order to prevent so many people having been killed."</p>

<p>In the US, similar criticism came from Chris van Hollen, an influential Democratic senator. Washington was sending mixed signals, he said, by bypassing Congressional oversight to send Israel weapons while at the same time telling Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to reduce the number of civilian casualties.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The United States is not the only country to shrug off humanitarian concerns when it comes to boosting the arsenal of Israel.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On February 20, the British High Court dismissed a legal challenge to the sale of UK weapons to Israel brought by two human rights organisations. They wanted a judicial review of the government’s export licenses for the transfer of equipment Israel could use in its campaign in Gaza.</p>

<p>That covered a wide range of items including components for military radars and targeting equipment as well as parts for combat aircraft and naval vessels. Also in Europe, the government of Spain has come under criticism for selling ammunition to Israel.</p>

<p>On February 27, Biden expressed cautious optimism about the prospect of a ceasefire in Gaza next week after Israeli, Qatari, Egyptian and American negotiators worked on a deal in Paris last week. But a spokesman for Hamas played down suggestions that an agreement was close.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Israel-Hamas&nbsp;war | Gaza Ceasefire soon? Egypt, Qatar, US negotiate another truce</strong></p>

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<p>There is not much time left to avoid yet another bloodbath in Gaza. The Israeli Defense Force (IDF) has drawn up plans to attack the last stronghold of Hamas in Rafah, at the southern tip of the Gaza Strip, which is crowded with more than a million Palestinians who were herded from cities further north.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rafah is so densely packed that military operations avoiding huge civilian casualties are virtually impossible. The IDF has said that while negotiations are proceeding, it will hold back an assault on militants of Hamas in Rafah until March 10, when the Muslim holy month of Ramadan begins.</p>

<p>How the war in Gaza develops has major implications for Biden’s chance to win a second term in November’s presidential elections.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Anger with his handling of Israel is running deep in his Democratic Party and there have been dozens of demonstrations with young Democrats calling him “Genocide Joe” and vowing not to vote for him. In Michigan, home to more Americans of Arab descent than any other US state, thousands wrote in “uncommitted” instead of Biden on Democratic primary ballots on February 27.</p>

<p>In effect&nbsp; a Gaza-linked protest vote, the “uncommitted” campaign was led by Rashida Tlaib, the only Palestinian-American in Congress. She represents Dearborn, more than half of whose 110,000 inhabitants are of Arab descent, traditionally a solid bloc of Democratic support.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bidens-michigan-primary-win-soured-by-unexpected-uncommitted-votes-694634">Biden's Michigan primary win soured by tens of thousands of 'uncommitted' votes in protest over Gaza war</a></strong></p>

<p>Early results showed that in all of Michigan, more than 24,000 opted for “uncommitted”, a fraction of the 127,000 who stuck with Biden. Whether the Democratic critics of his Gaza handling will still cast protest votes in November’s presidential elections remains to be seen.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But with the margins in November expected to be razor-thin, they could make a painful difference for Biden.</p>


"I'm of the view, as you know, that the conduct of the response in Gaza – the Gaza strip – has been over the top." So said US President Joe Biden in early February as he described efforts to reduce the number of civilian casualties in Israel’s war against Hamas, the militant organisation whose fighters broke through the wall that divides Gaza and Israel and massacred around 1,200 Israelis on October 7 last year.

"I'm of the view, as you know, that the conduct of the response in Gaza – the Gaza strip – has been over the top." So said US President Joe Biden in early February as he described efforts to reduce the number of civilian casualties in Israel’s war against Hamas, the militant organisation whose fighters broke through the wall that divides Gaza and Israel and massacred around 1,200 Israelis on October 7 last year. Israel, West Asia's military superpower, responded with a ferocious bombardment that laid waste to entire cities. Israel followed up air strikes with a ground invasion. By the time Biden made his "over-the-top" remark, the Palestinian death toll was nearing 30,000, mostly women and children. Gaza was plunged into a humanitarian catastrophe, with famine and disease spreading and the medical system collapsed, as hospitals became targets of air strikes. As he ordered his forces into action the day after the Hamas massacre, Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said "we are fighting against animals and we act accordingly." Despite the ferocity of the fighting, the Biden administration bypassed Congress twice to approve emergency weapons sales to Israel. One shipment covered fuses and primers for 155 mm artillery shells worth $147.5 million and the second emergency determination was for 14,000 rounds of tank ammunition worth $107mn. America’s eagerness to bolster Israel’s fighting capability clashed with repeated statements from the administration on the need to "take every feasible step to prevent harm to civilians." The perverse logic of the way the US and some of its allies handled the Gaza war did not go unnoticed. In several interviews in February, the European Union’s foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, pointed out the contradictions in unambiguous language. Referring to Biden’s "over-the-top" complaint, Borrell said at a press conference in Brussels: "Well, if you believe that too many people are being killed, maybe you should supply less arms in order to prevent so many people having been killed." In the US, similar criticism came from Chris van Hollen, an influential Democratic senator. Washington was sending mixed signals, he said, by bypassing Congressional oversight to send Israel weapons while at the same time telling Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to reduce the number of civilian casualties. The United States is not the only country to shrug off humanitarian concerns when it comes to boosting the arsenal of Israel. On February 20, the British High Court dismissed a legal challenge to the sale of UK weapons to Israel brought by two human rights organisations. They wanted a judicial review of the government’s export licenses for the transfer of equipment Israel could use in its campaign in Gaza. That covered a wide range of items including components for military radars and targeting equipment as well as parts for combat aircraft and naval vessels. Also in Europe, the government of Spain has come under criticism for selling ammunition to Israel. On February 27, Biden expressed cautious optimism about the prospect of a ceasefire in Gaza next week after Israeli, Qatari, Egyptian and American negotiators worked on a deal in Paris last week. But a spokesman for Hamas played down suggestions that an agreement was close. Also watch | Israel-Hamas war | Gaza Ceasefire soon? Egypt, Qatar, US negotiate another truce × There is not much time left to avoid yet another bloodbath in Gaza. The Israeli Defense Force (IDF) has drawn up plans to attack the last stronghold of Hamas in Rafah, at the southern tip of the Gaza Strip, which is crowded with more than a million Palestinians who were herded from cities further north. Rafah is so densely packed that military operations avoiding huge civilian casualties are virtually impossible. The IDF has said that while negotiations are proceeding, it will hold back an assault on militants of Hamas in Rafah until March 10, when the Muslim holy month of Ramadan begins. How the war in Gaza develops has major implications for Biden’s chance to win a second term in November’s presidential elections. Anger with his handling of Israel is running deep in his Democratic Party and there have been dozens of demonstrations with young Democrats calling him “Genocide Joe” and vowing not to vote for him. In Michigan, home to more Americans of Arab descent than any other US state, thousands wrote in “uncommitted” instead of Biden on Democratic primary ballots on February 27. In effect a Gaza-linked protest vote, the “uncommitted” campaign was led by Rashida Tlaib, the only Palestinian-American in Congress. She represents Dearborn, more than half of whose 110,000 inhabitants are of Arab descent, traditionally a solid bloc of Democratic support. Also read | Biden's Michigan primary win soured by tens of thousands of 'uncommitted' votes in protest over Gaza war Early results showed that in all of Michigan, more than 24,000 opted for “uncommitted”, a fraction of the 127,000 who stuck with Biden. Whether the Democratic critics of his Gaza handling will still cast protest votes in November’s presidential elections remains to be seen. But with the margins in November expected to be razor-thin, they could make a painful difference for Biden.

Israel-Hamas war: To stop the Gaza bloodbath, stop sending Israel arms

<p>Palestinian militant group Hamas said Tuesday (Feb 27) it received the draft proposal hammered out by key mediators in Paris to materialise a ceasefire in war-torn Gaza. The draft includes a 40-day pause in the war and the release of 400 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for at least 40 Israeli hostages, Reuters reported citing a Hamas source.</p>

<p>The draft proposal also talks about repairing hospitals and bakeries in Gaza, along with the entry of 500 aid trucks into the besieged territory every day. Additionally, all those displaced and not having houses anymore will be provided with tents and caravans.</p>

<p>The proposal was prepared after marathon talks in Paris between officials from Israel, US, Egypt and Qatar.</p>

<h2><strong>Hamas warns against premature conclusion</strong></h2>

<p>Hamas, meanwhile, has warned that any speculation regarding a halt in the Gaza war is still ‘premature’.</p>

<p>Hamas’ statement came after US President Joe Biden on Monday expressed his hope that a ceasefire deal may be struck before Monday (Mar 4).</p>

<p>Speaking to reporters, Biden said, “We're close. We're not done yet. My hope is by next Monday we'll have a ceasefire." Biden also claimed Israel was willing to halt fighting if a deal is reached.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Israel-Hamas war: Joe Biden says, 'We'll have a ceasefire by Monday'</strong></p>

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<p>Hamas on Tuesday (Feb 27) termed Biden’s statement as “premature”, adding that there were still “big gaps that need to be bridged”. Reuters quoted a Hamas official as saying that the assessment by Joe Biden didn’t match the situation on the ground.</p>

<h2><strong>Hamas’ priority</strong></h2>

<p>Another Hamas official was quoted by BBC as saying that securing the release of prisoners was not their biggest priority right now, but the cessation of war was.</p>

<p>"It is not logical, after all this loss of life and property, to accept any offer that does not lead to a complete ceasefire, the return of the displaced, and the reconstruction of Gaza," the official said.</p>

<h2><strong>Netanyahu’s warning</strong></h2>

<p>Even as the negotiations continue, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday (Feb 25) said an invasion of Rafah will take place regardless of the outcome.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwj_m82BssuEAxV4a2wGHTglDxIQxfQBKAB6BAgREAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-biden-expresses-hope-says-a-ceasefire-may-happen-by-next-monday-694174" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-biden-expresses-hope-says-a-ceasefire-may-happen-by-next-monday-694174&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj_m82BssuEAxV4a2wGHTglDxIQxfQBKAB6BAgREAE">Israel-Hamas war: Biden expresses hope, says a ceasefire may happen `by next Monday`</a></strong></p>

<p>"If we have a deal, it'll be delayed somewhat," he added. "But it'll happen. If we don't have a deal, we'll do it anyway," he said in an interview.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Palestinian militant group Hamas said Tuesday (Feb 27) it received the draft proposal hammered out by key mediators in Paris to materialise a ceasefire in war-torn Gaza.

Palestinian militant group Hamas said Tuesday (Feb 27) it received the draft proposal hammered out by key mediators in Paris to materialise a ceasefire in war-torn Gaza. The draft includes a 40-day pause in the war and the release of 400 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for at least 40 Israeli hostages, Reuters reported citing a Hamas source. The draft proposal also talks about repairing hospitals and bakeries in Gaza, along with the entry of 500 aid trucks into the besieged territory every day. Additionally, all those displaced and not having houses anymore will be provided with tents and caravans. The proposal was prepared after marathon talks in Paris between officials from Israel, US, Egypt and Qatar. Hamas warns against premature conclusion Hamas, meanwhile, has warned that any speculation regarding a halt in the Gaza war is still ‘premature’. Hamas’ statement came after US President Joe Biden on Monday expressed his hope that a ceasefire deal may be struck before Monday (Mar 4). Speaking to reporters, Biden said, “We're close. We're not done yet. My hope is by next Monday we'll have a ceasefire." Biden also claimed Israel was willing to halt fighting if a deal is reached. Watch: Israel-Hamas war: Joe Biden says, 'We'll have a ceasefire by Monday' × Hamas on Tuesday (Feb 27) termed Biden’s statement as “premature”, adding that there were still “big gaps that need to be bridged”. Reuters quoted a Hamas official as saying that the assessment by Joe Biden didn’t match the situation on the ground. Hamas’ priority Another Hamas official was quoted by BBC as saying that securing the release of prisoners was not their biggest priority right now, but the cessation of war was. "It is not logical, after all this loss of life and property, to accept any offer that does not lead to a complete ceasefire, the return of the displaced, and the reconstruction of Gaza," the official said. Netanyahu’s warning Even as the negotiations continue, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Sunday (Feb 25) said an invasion of Rafah will take place regardless of the outcome. Also read: Israel-Hamas war: Biden expresses hope, says a ceasefire may happen `by next Monday` "If we have a deal, it'll be delayed somewhat," he added. "But it'll happen. If we don't have a deal, we'll do it anyway," he said in an interview. (With inputs from agencies)

Hamas says talk of Gaza truce still premature as ‘big gaps’ still need to be bridged

US President Joe Biden on Monday expressed hope for a ceasefire in Gaza, which he said may happen by the next Monday. This comes amidst escalating humanitarian concerns in the Palestinian territory.

Israel War: Joe Biden says he hopes for ceasefire by Monday

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that military operation into Gaza's Rafah would put Israel within weeks of total victory over Hamas. He also added that any deal wouldn't prevent Rafah assault. Watch in for more details!

Benjamin Netanyahu: Any deal wouldn't prevent Rafah assault

<p>Russia's full-fledged offensive&nbsp;against Ukraine entered its third year this week. Russian forces continued to slowly <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-enters-third-year-as-putin-defies-wests-support-for-zelensky-693480">inch forward</a> as the leaders of Italy, Canada, Belgium, and the European Union met in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-years-of-ukraine-war-world-leaders-visit-kyiv-zelensky-confident-of-victory-693497">Ukraine's capital Kyiv</a> while the demonstrators in London, Vienna,&nbsp;Dublin, Athens, Stockholm, and the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/europeans-rally-to-support-ukraine-as-war-with-russia-enters-third-year-693576">rest of Europe</a> marched in support of Ukraine's war effort in the face of the Russian offensive.&nbsp;<img alt="Russia Ukraine war" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e98022c0-fd5a-42d6-af04-c3a6ef8aaec7" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/RussiaUkraineWar%20%282%29.png" /></p>

<p><em>Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Belgium's Prime Minister Alexander De Croo speak to each other after a joint press conference following their meeting in Kyiv on February 24, 2024, on the second anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine | AFP</em></p>

<p>Ukraine's&nbsp;18 per cent internationally recognised territory is being controlled from Moscow.</p>

<p><img alt="Two years into its full-scale offensive, Russia has captured a little less than a fifth of Ukraine's internationally-recognised territories| AFO" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202024-02-24T162349.649.png" /></p>

<p><em>Two years into its full-scale offensive, Russia has captured a little less than a fifth of Ukraine's internationally-recognised territories | AFP</em></p>

<p>Let's put into context how huge the Russian losses in the over two-year-long war have been so far.&nbsp;With 45,000 Russians reportedly killed in action, Moscow has lost three times the Soviet Army's losses during its decade-long operations in Afghanistan.&nbsp;President Volodymyr Zelensky said 31,000 Ukrainian soldiers had been killed in the war, in a rare official statement on military losses sustained to date in the conflict.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Paris, France</strong></p>

<p>The intelligence chiefs of Israel, Egypt, and the United States met in the French capital this week. The meeting&nbsp;revived the hopes for a second truce in Gaza amid the Israel-Hamas war that began on October 7 last year when Hamas militants stormed into southern Israel, killed around 1,200 people, and took nearly 234 people captive. In the blockaded Palestinian enclave of Gaza, the retaliatory state of war by Israel has killed nearly 30,000 people with about 85 per cent of infrastructure completely or partially destroyed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In Paris, the secretive talks for a truce have yielded preliminary results. The de-facto leaders of Gaza and Israeli negotiators have "come to an understanding" and a basic "outline" for a truce has been agreed upon.</p>

<p>The Capitals <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-capitals-between-killed-and-killers-dohas-vital-role-for-peace-in-west-asia-660534#google_vignette">reported</a> in November 2023 about the vital role of Qatar in brokering&nbsp;peace between various warring sides in a volatile West Asia.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-capitals-between-killed-and-killers-dohas-vital-role-for-peace-in-west-asia-660534">The Capitals: Between killed and killers, Doha's vital role for peace in West Asia</a></strong></p>

<p>So on Sunday (Feb 25, 2024), from Paris, the truce talks resumed in the Qatari capital Doha.</p>

<p>Later over the weekend,&nbsp;negotiations for the truce resumed in Qatar's capital Doha between "experts from Egypt, Qatar, the United States and Israel", as well as Hamas representatives, state-linked Egyptian media reported.</p>

<p>The talks are a "continuation of what was discussed in Paris" and "will be followed by meetings in Cairo," reported Al-Qahera News.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A previous week-long truce in November saw more than 100 hostages and 240 Palestinian prisoners freed, with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-why-is-blinken-returning-to-west-asia-despite-a-failed-peace-bid-last-time-653921">shuttle diplomacy</a>, as well as Doha and Cairo, playing vital roles.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Israeli media has reported that a truce comprising the exchange of hostages with Palestinian security&nbsp;prisoners in Israel&nbsp;is likely to materialise before March 10, before the commencement of the Ramadan month.</p>

<h2><strong>London, United Kingdom</strong></h2>

<p><img alt="Patrick Sanders" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="370f634d-5437-496a-a63c-54a2b759735e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/RussiaUkraineWar%20%283%29.png" /></p>

<p>The head of the British Army, Gen Sir Patrick Sanders suggested that the country's under-funded army is at risk of becoming a "domestically-focused land force".</p>

<p>In a leaked letter, Gen Sir Patrick Sanders suggested that the Army’s ability to mount overseas campaigns was in jeopardy, meaning that the British Army could be at risk of failing to fulfil its NATO commitments.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The British Chief of the General Staff wrote: "For some time, we have asset-sweated the military, compounded by a mismatch between ambition and resource that has been robustly addressed by both National Audit Office and Defence Select Committee reporting."</p>

<p>"Our strategic resilience is at risk, and we might inadvertently reduce ourselves to a smaller, static and domestically-focused land force. I am not sure that this is either the Army the nation needs, or the one that policymakers want."</p>

<p>The British Army chief's comments&nbsp;come as the UK and the US continued with their campaign of strikes against Houthi militants in Yemen in a bid to "disrupt and degrade" the militia’s capabilities that have affected the Red Sea shipping route in recent weeks.</p>

<h2><strong>Cairo, Egypt</strong></h2>

<p>In another sign of progress through regional cooperation, Egypt on Friday (Feb 23) announced a deal with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) that would bring $35 billion of investments to the indebted country over the next two months.</p>

<p>Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly said that the&nbsp;development of the Ras El Hekma peninsula could eventually attract as much as $150 billion in investments.&nbsp;<img alt="Google Maps | Not to scale" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="71c9ebbc-a5dc-495c-a63a-2b4b3f6b27f5" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/RussiaUkraineWar%20%284%29.png" /></p>

<p><em>Google Maps | Not to scale</em></p>

<p>The deal has been signed with ADQ, the smallest of Abu Dhabi's three main sovereign investment funds.</p>

<p>The investment inflows would&nbsp;boost Egypt's crisis-stricken economy amid pressures linked to the war in Gaza and efforts for&nbsp;expansion of its current IMF support programme.</p>


Russia's full-fledged offensive against Ukraine entered its third year this week. Russian forces continued to slowly inch forward as the leaders of Italy, Canada, Belgium, and the European Union met in Ukraine's capital Kyiv while the demonstrators in London, Vienna, Dublin, Athens, Stockholm, and the rest of Europe marched in support of Ukraine's war effort in the face of the Russian offensive.

Russia's full-fledged offensive against Ukraine entered its third year this week. Russian forces continued to slowly inch forward as the leaders of Italy, Canada, Belgium, and the European Union met in Ukraine's capital Kyiv while the demonstrators in London, Vienna, Dublin, Athens, Stockholm, and the rest of Europe marched in support of Ukraine's war effort in the face of the Russian offensive. Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, Italy's Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and Belgium's Prime Minister Alexander De Croo speak to each other after a joint press conference following their meeting in Kyiv on February 24, 2024, on the second anniversary of the Russian invasion of Ukraine | AFP Ukraine's 18 per cent internationally recognised territory is being controlled from Moscow. Two years into its full-scale offensive, Russia has captured a little less than a fifth of Ukraine's internationally-recognised territories | AFP Let's put into context how huge the Russian losses in the over two-year-long war have been so far. With 45,000 Russians reportedly killed in action, Moscow has lost three times the Soviet Army's losses during its decade-long operations in Afghanistan. President Volodymyr Zelensky said 31,000 Ukrainian soldiers had been killed in the war, in a rare official statement on military losses sustained to date in the conflict. Paris, France The intelligence chiefs of Israel, Egypt, and the United States met in the French capital this week. The meeting revived the hopes for a second truce in Gaza amid the Israel-Hamas war that began on October 7 last year when Hamas militants stormed into southern Israel, killed around 1,200 people, and took nearly 234 people captive. In the blockaded Palestinian enclave of Gaza, the retaliatory state of war by Israel has killed nearly 30,000 people with about 85 per cent of infrastructure completely or partially destroyed. In Paris, the secretive talks for a truce have yielded preliminary results. The de-facto leaders of Gaza and Israeli negotiators have "come to an understanding" and a basic "outline" for a truce has been agreed upon. The Capitals reported in November 2023 about the vital role of Qatar in brokering peace between various warring sides in a volatile West Asia. Also read | The Capitals: Between killed and killers, Doha's vital role for peace in West Asia So on Sunday (Feb 25, 2024), from Paris, the truce talks resumed in the Qatari capital Doha. Later over the weekend, negotiations for the truce resumed in Qatar's capital Doha between "experts from Egypt, Qatar, the United States and Israel", as well as Hamas representatives, state-linked Egyptian media reported. The talks are a "continuation of what was discussed in Paris" and "will be followed by meetings in Cairo," reported Al-Qahera News. A previous week-long truce in November saw more than 100 hostages and 240 Palestinian prisoners freed, with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's shuttle diplomacy, as well as Doha and Cairo, playing vital roles. Israeli media has reported that a truce comprising the exchange of hostages with Palestinian security prisoners in Israel is likely to materialise before March 10, before the commencement of the Ramadan month. London, United Kingdom The head of the British Army, Gen Sir Patrick Sanders suggested that the country's under-funded army is at risk of becoming a "domestically-focused land force". In a leaked letter, Gen Sir Patrick Sanders suggested that the Army’s ability to mount overseas campaigns was in jeopardy, meaning that the British Army could be at risk of failing to fulfil its NATO commitments. The British Chief of the General Staff wrote: "For some time, we have asset-sweated the military, compounded by a mismatch between ambition and resource that has been robustly addressed by both National Audit Office and Defence Select Committee reporting." "Our strategic resilience is at risk, and we might inadvertently reduce ourselves to a smaller, static and domestically-focused land force. I am not sure that this is either the Army the nation needs, or the one that policymakers want." The British Army chief's comments come as the UK and the US continued with their campaign of strikes against Houthi militants in Yemen in a bid to "disrupt and degrade" the militia’s capabilities that have affected the Red Sea shipping route in recent weeks. Cairo, Egypt In another sign of progress through regional cooperation, Egypt on Friday (Feb 23) announced a deal with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) that would bring $35 billion of investments to the indebted country over the next two months. Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly said that the development of the Ras El Hekma peninsula could eventually attract as much as $150 billion in investments. Google Maps | Not to scale The deal has been signed with ADQ, the smallest of Abu Dhabi's three main sovereign investment funds. The investment inflows would boost Egypt's crisis-stricken economy amid pressures linked to the war in Gaza and efforts for expansion of its current IMF support programme.

The Capitals: Paris and Doha set frame for Ramadan Gaza truce, and more

The Israeli military cabinet was presented with a plan to evacuate Palestinians from the city of Rafah in Gaza and provide humanitarian aid to southern Gaza to prevent looting. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hamas War: Israeli military presents evacuation plan for Rafah

The health of infants, pregnant and breastfeeding mothers in the Gaza Strip is seriously threatened by a sharp increase in malnutrition, according to a thorough new analysis published by the Global Nutrition Cluster.

Israel-hamas war: Rising malnutrition threatens children's lives in the Gaza Strip

According to officials and local media, Israel's war cabinet decided on Saturday to send negotiators to Qatar to carry on negotiations toward achieving a ceasefire in the conflict with Hamas and the release of hostages detained in Gaza.

Israel-hamas war: Israeli negotiators sent to Qatar for more Hamas hostage talks

Gaza truce talks were underway in Paris , in what appears to be the most serious push for weeks to halt the fighting in the battered Palestinian enclave and see Israeli and foreign hostages released. But airstrikes on Rafah continues, 8 people are reported to be dead.

Israel-hamas war: Gaza ceasefire talks underway in Paris as air strikes continue

U.S. and British forces carried out a new round of strikes in Yemen, targeting a Houthi underground storage site as well as missile and surveillance capabilities used by the Iran-aligned group against Red Sea shipping, the Pentagon said.

Red Sea crisis: US and British forces carry out more strikes against Houthis in Yemen

Israeli leaders planned to convene on Saturday to hear of possible progress in mediated negotiations on a new Gaza truce to recover hostages held by Hamas, but Palestinians saw little change in polarised positions almost five months into the war.

Israel-hamas war: Israel signals progress in Gaza truce talks, Palestinians see little movement

Red Sea Crisis: US and British forces strike Houthis in Yemen again

U.S. and British forces carried out a new round of strikes on Monday in Yemen, targeting a Houthi underground storage site as well as missile and surveillance capabilities used by the Iran-aligned group against Red Sea shipping, the Pentagon said.

<p>The US said Sunday (Feb 25)&nbsp;that Paris talks&nbsp;came to an "understanding" on a potential ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas.</p>

<p>"Representatives of Israel, the United States, Egypt, and Qatar met in Paris and came to an understanding among the four of them about what the basic contours of a hostage deal for a temporary ceasefire would look like," White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan was quoted as saying by&nbsp;CNN.</p>

<p>Israeli media earlier reported that significant progress was made&nbsp;in marathon mediatory talks in Paris aimed at halting fighting between Israel and Hamas. According to media reports, Israel’s ‘war cabinet’ discussed the peace proposal late Saturday (Feb 24) and tacitly approved the deal. However, further negotiations will take place in Qatar. A ceasefire is likely to materialise before March 10, before the commencement of the Ramadan month, the reports said.</p>

<p>The Israel delegation, led by Chief of Mossad David Barnea and Director of Shin Bet, Ronen Bar, held discussions in Paris with officials from Cairo, the US, Qatar and Egypt.</p>

<h2><strong>Hamas ‘agrees to all demands’</strong></h2>

<p>According to Israeli defence ministry sources quoted by media reports, Hamas has agreed to all demands put forward by Israel, including releasing all hostages and handing over bodies of those who have died.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Israel-Hamas war: Rising malnutrition threatens children's lives in the Gaza Strip</strong></p>

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<p>Israel has reportedly warned that should the deal collapse, its defence forces will double down on the ongoing ground offensive. In return, Israel has agreed to facilitate the rehabilitation of the Palestinians who are displaced from northern Gaza.</p>

<h2><strong>Details of draft ceasefire deal</strong></h2>

<p>Associated Press quoted a senior Egyptian official as saying that up to 40 women and elderly hostages could be released in return for up to 300 Palestinian prisoners, mostly women, minors and older people.</p>

<p>The truce is likely to last for six weeks, and the period will see the entry of hundreds of trucks to bring desperately needed aid into Gaza every day.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-jsarwt="1" data-usg="AOvVaw2U8lI_3GsEuWiouncGoqym" data-ved="2ahUKEwiDv4f0q8aEAxVWcmwGHXsgAk0QxfQBKAB6BAgQEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-truce-hopes-revived-as-negotiators-in-paris-reach-outline-for-hostage-release-693563" jsname="YKoRaf">Israel-Hamas war: Truce hopes revived as negotiators in Paris reach ‘outline’ for hostage release</a></strong></p>

<p>Hamas maintains it will not release all hostages until the war in Gaza stops and Israeli forces withdraw from the territory. Hamas also wants several Palestinian prisoners, many of them militants, released, a demand vehemently rejected by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.</p>

<h2><strong>Hamas on latest peace proposal</strong></h2>

<p>The AP quoted Hamas as saying it was not involved in the latest proposal developed by the US, Egypt and Qatar. However, Hamas’ top political leader, Ismail Haniyeh, was in Cairo last week to discuss a ceasefire.</p>

<p>An earlier proposal from Hamas outlined an initial phase that resembles the reported draft agreement, which signals that the two warring sides might actually come to terms to stop the fighting.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The US said Sunday (Feb 25) that Paris talks came to an "understanding" on a potential ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas. "Representatives of Israel, the United States, Egypt, and Qatar met in Paris and came to an understanding among the four of them about what the basic contours of a hostage deal for a temporary ceasefire would look like," White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan was quoted as saying by CNN.

The US said Sunday (Feb 25) that Paris talks came to an "understanding" on a potential ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas. "Representatives of Israel, the United States, Egypt, and Qatar met in Paris and came to an understanding among the four of them about what the basic contours of a hostage deal for a temporary ceasefire would look like," White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan was quoted as saying by CNN. Israeli media earlier reported that significant progress was made in marathon mediatory talks in Paris aimed at halting fighting between Israel and Hamas. According to media reports, Israel’s ‘war cabinet’ discussed the peace proposal late Saturday (Feb 24) and tacitly approved the deal. However, further negotiations will take place in Qatar. A ceasefire is likely to materialise before March 10, before the commencement of the Ramadan month, the reports said. The Israel delegation, led by Chief of Mossad David Barnea and Director of Shin Bet, Ronen Bar, held discussions in Paris with officials from Cairo, the US, Qatar and Egypt. Hamas ‘agrees to all demands’ According to Israeli defence ministry sources quoted by media reports, Hamas has agreed to all demands put forward by Israel, including releasing all hostages and handing over bodies of those who have died. Watch: Israel-Hamas war: Rising malnutrition threatens children's lives in the Gaza Strip × Israel has reportedly warned that should the deal collapse, its defence forces will double down on the ongoing ground offensive. In return, Israel has agreed to facilitate the rehabilitation of the Palestinians who are displaced from northern Gaza. Details of draft ceasefire deal Associated Press quoted a senior Egyptian official as saying that up to 40 women and elderly hostages could be released in return for up to 300 Palestinian prisoners, mostly women, minors and older people. The truce is likely to last for six weeks, and the period will see the entry of hundreds of trucks to bring desperately needed aid into Gaza every day. Also read: Israel-Hamas war: Truce hopes revived as negotiators in Paris reach ‘outline’ for hostage release Hamas maintains it will not release all hostages until the war in Gaza stops and Israeli forces withdraw from the territory. Hamas also wants several Palestinian prisoners, many of them militants, released, a demand vehemently rejected by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Hamas on latest peace proposal The AP quoted Hamas as saying it was not involved in the latest proposal developed by the US, Egypt and Qatar. However, Hamas’ top political leader, Ismail Haniyeh, was in Cairo last week to discuss a ceasefire. An earlier proposal from Hamas outlined an initial phase that resembles the reported draft agreement, which signals that the two warring sides might actually come to terms to stop the fighting. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel-Hamas war: Paris talks came to 'understanding' on possible truce, says US

<p>An Israeli delegation that was in Paris returned to the country with noted optimism that a deal could be reached to temporarily pause the fighting in the Gaza Strip with the release of Israeli and foreign hostages.</p>

<p>An official cited by Israeli media said that an "outline of an agreement" was reached by the Israeli, American, Egyptian and Qatari representatives for a temporary ceasefire in the Gaza war sparked after October 7 when Hamas militants stormed into southern Israel and massacred around 1200 Israelis.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"There were good talks, there’s significant progress," Channel 12 quoted an official as saying. "We have a basis on which to build a plan and the negotiations."</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Israel-Hamas war: Over 10,000 children at risk of severe malnutrition: UNICEF</strong></p>

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<p>The<em> Haaretz</em> newspaper quoted informed sources saying that the progress at the Paris summit will ensure that the ball is now in Hamas' court.</p>

<p>"Continuing progress is now up to Hamas," it quoted an unnamed foreign diplomat as saying.</p>

<p>The Israeli source cited by the media in the country claimed that the outline will first be presented to Prime Minister Netanyahu-led war cabinet for approval.</p>

<h2><strong>What will be the next stage of talks?</strong></h2>

<p>The next stage of the talks between the warring sides, according to the Israeli source, will focus on the potential release of the&nbsp;hostages held in Gaza in exchange for the Palestinian security prisoners.</p>

<p>The next stage of peace talks will also specify the duration of the truce and the IDF’s deployment when&nbsp;it is enforced.</p>

<h2><b>What the Gaza truce will be like?</b></h2>

<p>A Hamas source cited by the AFP confirmed the plan proposed a six-week pause in the conflict and the release of between 200 and 300 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for 35 to 40 hostages still held by Hamas.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-hamas-war-israels-mossad-chief-in-paris-to-discuss-possible-truce-693515">Israel-Hamas war: Israel's Mossad chief in Paris to discuss possible truce</a></strong></p>

<p>Talks have also taken place in Egypt with Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh. He left Cairo on Thursday (Feb 22).</p>

<p>The talks reportedly focused in particular on an end to Israeli "aggression", the return of displaced people, and a prisoner exchange.</p>

<h2><strong>Netanyahu says Hamas demands are 'bizarre'</strong></h2>

<p>Hamas demands&nbsp;a complete ceasefire and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dismissed the demands as "bizarre".</p>

<p>Netanyahu said that&nbsp;his government is open to a pause in the fighting but has vowed to press on until "total victory" and the complete decimation of Hamas.</p>

<p>At least 29,606 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks in Gaza since October 7, most of the deceased include&nbsp;women and children.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


An Israeli delegation that was in Paris returned to the country with noted optimism that a deal could be reached to temporarily pause the fighting in the Gaza Strip with the release of Israeli and foreign hostages.

An Israeli delegation that was in Paris returned to the country with noted optimism that a deal could be reached to temporarily pause the fighting in the Gaza Strip with the release of Israeli and foreign hostages. An official cited by Israeli media said that an "outline of an agreement" was reached by the Israeli, American, Egyptian and Qatari representatives for a temporary ceasefire in the Gaza war sparked after October 7 when Hamas militants stormed into southern Israel and massacred around 1200 Israelis. "There were good talks, there’s significant progress," Channel 12 quoted an official as saying. "We have a basis on which to build a plan and the negotiations." Also watch | Israel-Hamas war: Over 10,000 children at risk of severe malnutrition: UNICEF × The Haaretz newspaper quoted informed sources saying that the progress at the Paris summit will ensure that the ball is now in Hamas' court. "Continuing progress is now up to Hamas," it quoted an unnamed foreign diplomat as saying. The Israeli source cited by the media in the country claimed that the outline will first be presented to Prime Minister Netanyahu-led war cabinet for approval. What will be the next stage of talks? The next stage of the talks between the warring sides, according to the Israeli source, will focus on the potential release of the hostages held in Gaza in exchange for the Palestinian security prisoners. The next stage of peace talks will also specify the duration of the truce and the IDF’s deployment when it is enforced. What the Gaza truce will be like? A Hamas source cited by the AFP confirmed the plan proposed a six-week pause in the conflict and the release of between 200 and 300 Palestinian prisoners in exchange for 35 to 40 hostages still held by Hamas. Also read | Israel-Hamas war: Israel's Mossad chief in Paris to discuss possible truce Talks have also taken place in Egypt with Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh. He left Cairo on Thursday (Feb 22). The talks reportedly focused in particular on an end to Israeli "aggression", the return of displaced people, and a prisoner exchange. Netanyahu says Hamas demands are 'bizarre' Hamas demands a complete ceasefire and the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dismissed the demands as "bizarre". Netanyahu said that his government is open to a pause in the fighting but has vowed to press on until "total victory" and the complete decimation of Hamas. At least 29,606 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks in Gaza since October 7, most of the deceased include women and children. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel-Hamas war: Truce hopes revived as negotiators in Paris reach ‘outline’ for hostage release

Israel has sent negotiators on Friday for truce talks in Paris, as Gazans hoped for a ceasefire that could hold off a full-blown Israeli assault on Rafah, after it endured one of its worst bombardments of the conflict.

Israel-Hamas war: Palestinian leaders reject Israel's post-war Gaza plan

<p>In yet another display of military readiness and valour, the Indian Navy on Thursday (Feb 22) provided critical assistance to a merchant vessel that reportedly suffered a drone/missile attack in the Gulf of Aden. Indian officials said Saturday (Feb 24) that the Palau-flagged vessel MV Islander came under attack, resulting in the injury of at least one crew member.</p>

<p>The vessel caught fire after the attack, prompting it to issue a distress call. Responding swiftly to the attack, the Indian Navy dispatched an explosive ordnance disposal team aboard a navy destroyer, which sanitised the victim ship for any residual risk and cleared it for further transit.</p>

<p>The attack on MV Islander came amid a slew of such attacks on merchant ships by Iran-backed and Yemen-based Houthi rebels in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-jsarwt="1" data-usg="AOvVaw3kztPjfShaz302EyxcyHH8" data-ved="2ahUKEwip3aXrhMSEAxXixTgGHTpjBYsQxfQBKAB6BAgJEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/red-sea-indian-navy-bolsters-presence-with-deployments-off-djibouti-gulf-of-aden-and-east-coast-of-somalia-686574" jsname="YKoRaf">Red Sea: Indian Navy bolsters presence with deployments off Djibouti, Gulf of Aden, and East Coast of Somalia</a></strong></p>

<p>"Relentless efforts by Indian Naval ships reaffirms the Indian Navy's steadfast commitment towards safety and security of merchant shipping and seafarers," Indian Navy spokesperson Commander Vivek Madhwal said.</p>

<h2><strong>Indian Navy flexes muscles amid West Asia crisis</strong></h2>

<p>The ongoing shipping crisis in West Asia has offered the Indian Navy an opportunity to flex its muscles.</p>

<p>In the last few weeks, the Indian Navy extended assistance to a number of merchant vessels in the Western Indian Ocean following attacks on them.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a data-jsarwt="1" data-usg="AOvVaw3hXx40XaJmmyWveS4tLmQ-" data-ved="2ahUKEwip3aXrhMSEAxXixTgGHTpjBYsQxfQBKAB6BAgIEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/remnants-of-indo-pak-war-indian-navy-finds-wreckage-of-pakistani-submarine-which-sunk-in-1971-692936" jsname="YKoRaf">Remnants of Indo-Pak war: Indian Navy finds wreckage of Pakistani submarine which sank in 1971</a></strong></p>

<p>Earlier this month, Indian naval forces foiled a piracy attempt on an Iranian-flagged fishing vessel off Somalia that carried 11 Iranian and eight Pakistani nationals. In January, an Indian warship rescued 19 Pakistani crew members aboard an Iranian-flagged fishing vessel as it was targeted by pirates.</p>

<p>The Indian Navy on January 5 foiled a hijacking attempt of Liberian-flagged vessel MV Lila Norfolk and rescued all crew members.</p>

<h2><strong>Deployment beefed up</strong></h2>

<p>In the backdrop of the increased tensions in the region, the Indian Navy has deployed frontline ships and surveillance aircraft for maritime security operations.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Indian Navy to host 'Milan 2024' mega naval exercise in Visakhapatnam</strong></p>

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<p>This not only elevates India’s role as the net security provider in the region but also helps guard critical shipping routes vital for the country’s trade and energy security.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In yet another display of military readiness and valour, the Indian Navy on Thursday (Feb 22) provided critical assistance to a merchant vessel that reportedly suffered a drone/missile attack in the Gulf of Aden.

In yet another display of military readiness and valour, the Indian Navy on Thursday (Feb 22) provided critical assistance to a merchant vessel that reportedly suffered a drone/missile attack in the Gulf of Aden. Indian officials said Saturday (Feb 24) that the Palau-flagged vessel MV Islander came under attack, resulting in the injury of at least one crew member. The vessel caught fire after the attack, prompting it to issue a distress call. Responding swiftly to the attack, the Indian Navy dispatched an explosive ordnance disposal team aboard a navy destroyer, which sanitised the victim ship for any residual risk and cleared it for further transit. The attack on MV Islander came amid a slew of such attacks on merchant ships by Iran-backed and Yemen-based Houthi rebels in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. Also read: Red Sea: Indian Navy bolsters presence with deployments off Djibouti, Gulf of Aden, and East Coast of Somalia "Relentless efforts by Indian Naval ships reaffirms the Indian Navy's steadfast commitment towards safety and security of merchant shipping and seafarers," Indian Navy spokesperson Commander Vivek Madhwal said. Indian Navy flexes muscles amid West Asia crisis The ongoing shipping crisis in West Asia has offered the Indian Navy an opportunity to flex its muscles. In the last few weeks, the Indian Navy extended assistance to a number of merchant vessels in the Western Indian Ocean following attacks on them. Also read: Remnants of Indo-Pak war: Indian Navy finds wreckage of Pakistani submarine which sank in 1971 Earlier this month, Indian naval forces foiled a piracy attempt on an Iranian-flagged fishing vessel off Somalia that carried 11 Iranian and eight Pakistani nationals. In January, an Indian warship rescued 19 Pakistani crew members aboard an Iranian-flagged fishing vessel as it was targeted by pirates. The Indian Navy on January 5 foiled a hijacking attempt of Liberian-flagged vessel MV Lila Norfolk and rescued all crew members. Deployment beefed up In the backdrop of the increased tensions in the region, the Indian Navy has deployed frontline ships and surveillance aircraft for maritime security operations. Watch: Indian Navy to host 'Milan 2024' mega naval exercise in Visakhapatnam × This not only elevates India’s role as the net security provider in the region but also helps guard critical shipping routes vital for the country’s trade and energy security. (With inputs from agencies)

Middle East crisis: Indian Navy provides medical assistance to vessel attacked in Gulf of Aden

The war council decides to send a mission to Paris for high-level negotiations on a hostage agreement and related ceasefire in the Gaza conflict between Israel and Hamas. The decision, which is said to have the war cabinet's unanimous support, has not yet been officially confirmed by the government.

Israel-hamas war: War cabinet dispatches delegation for hostage talks in Paris | World DNA

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Israel-hamas war: War cabinet dispatches delegation for hostage talks in Paris | World DNA