<p>US intelligence agency FBI's Director Christopher Wray warned on Tuesday (Oct 31) that amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, the US is "in a dangerous period" and the threat of targeted attacks, including hate crimes not seen in about a decade, remains high.</p>

<p>The threat perception of international terrorism in the United States was deemed remarkably low in recent years, especially after the territorial gains of the so-called Islamic State terror group were liberated in Iraq and Syria.</p>

<p>But recent reports in the US media citing&nbsp;senior American officials say Hamas' deadly Oct&nbsp;7 attack on Israel is likely to have&nbsp;implications for individuals in and beyond the United States.</p>

<p>"The reality is that the terrorism threat has been elevated throughout 2023, but the ongoing war in the Middle East has raised the threat of an attack against Americans in the United States to a whole other level," Christopher Wray said in testimony before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee.</p>

<h2><strong>FBI director falls short of comparing Hamas with ISIS</strong></h2>

<p>The Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, have cited the brutalities committed by the men owing allegiance to Hamas to compare the group with ISIS.</p>

<p>"Hamas is ISIS" is a rallying cry of Israeli leaders amid the ongoing state of war in West Asia.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch | UN report blows lid off Al-Qaeda's plot to target India</strong></p>

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<p>Hamas' attack, which killed more than 1,400 people in Israel, "will serve as an inspiration the likes of which we haven't seen since ISIS launched its so-called caliphate years ago," Wray said.</p>

<h2><strong>Al-Qaeda rears its head against US after Hamas attacks</strong></h2>

<p>Wray said that&nbsp;while the FBI has no evidence of an imminent threat from a foreign terrorist group inside the United States, al-Qaeda has issued its most specific call for violence against the US after many&nbsp;years.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Besides, the Islamic State has urged its purported followers, often deemed as 'sleeper cells' by a number of intelligence agencies,&nbsp;to target Jewish people in the United States and Europe.</p>

<p>Christine Abizaid, the director of the National Counterterrorism Center said that the Israel-Hamas war has featured in al-Qaeda's propaganda since Oct&nbsp;7.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-says-taliban-is-helping-us-to-end-al-qaeda-610829">Taliban govt in Afghanistan is helping US to 'end' Al-Qaeda: President Joe Biden</a></strong></p>

<p>"We have seen it from al-Qaeda affiliates, almost every single one of them," she was quoted as saying by Newsweek.</p>

<p>"We have also seen it from ISIS, which isn't ideologically aligned with a group like Hamas but is still leveraging this current conflict to try to sow the kind of violence, bring adherence to its cause in a kind of exploitative way."</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the FBI director said that the most significant concern for the FBI is extremist acts of violence, which could potentially be committed by lone individuals inspired by the terrorist groups.</p>

<p>"We have seen that already with the individual we arrested last week in Houston, who'd been studying how to build bombs and posted online about his support for killing Jews," Wray said. "And with the tragic killing of a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-illinois-man-charged-with-a-hate-crime-for-stabbing-a-6-year-old-muslim-boy-to-death-647456">6-year-old Muslim boy in Illinois</a> in what we're investigating as a federal hate crime."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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US intelligence agency FBI's Director Christopher Wray warned on Tuesday (Oct 31) that amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, the US is "in a dangerous period" and the threat of targeted attacks, including hate crimes not seen in about a decade, remains high.

US intelligence agency FBI's Director Christopher Wray warned on Tuesday (Oct 31) that amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, the US is "in a dangerous period" and the threat of targeted attacks, including hate crimes not seen in about a decade, remains high. The threat perception of international terrorism in the United States was deemed remarkably low in recent years, especially after the territorial gains of the so-called Islamic State terror group were liberated in Iraq and Syria. But recent reports in the US media citing senior American officials say Hamas' deadly Oct 7 attack on Israel is likely to have implications for individuals in and beyond the United States. "The reality is that the terrorism threat has been elevated throughout 2023, but the ongoing war in the Middle East has raised the threat of an attack against Americans in the United States to a whole other level," Christopher Wray said in testimony before the Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee. FBI director falls short of comparing Hamas with ISIS The Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, have cited the brutalities committed by the men owing allegiance to Hamas to compare the group with ISIS. "Hamas is ISIS" is a rallying cry of Israeli leaders amid the ongoing state of war in West Asia. Also watch | UN report blows lid off Al-Qaeda's plot to target India × Hamas' attack, which killed more than 1,400 people in Israel, "will serve as an inspiration the likes of which we haven't seen since ISIS launched its so-called caliphate years ago," Wray said. Al-Qaeda rears its head against US after Hamas attacks Wray said that while the FBI has no evidence of an imminent threat from a foreign terrorist group inside the United States, al-Qaeda has issued its most specific call for violence against the US after many years. Besides, the Islamic State has urged its purported followers, often deemed as 'sleeper cells' by a number of intelligence agencies, to target Jewish people in the United States and Europe. Christine Abizaid, the director of the National Counterterrorism Center said that the Israel-Hamas war has featured in al-Qaeda's propaganda since Oct 7. Also read | Taliban govt in Afghanistan is helping US to 'end' Al-Qaeda: President Joe Biden "We have seen it from al-Qaeda affiliates, almost every single one of them," she was quoted as saying by Newsweek. "We have also seen it from ISIS, which isn't ideologically aligned with a group like Hamas but is still leveraging this current conflict to try to sow the kind of violence, bring adherence to its cause in a kind of exploitative way." Meanwhile, the FBI director said that the most significant concern for the FBI is extremist acts of violence, which could potentially be committed by lone individuals inspired by the terrorist groups. "We have seen that already with the individual we arrested last week in Houston, who'd been studying how to build bombs and posted online about his support for killing Jews," Wray said. "And with the tragic killing of a 6-year-old Muslim boy in Illinois in what we're investigating as a federal hate crime." (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Israel-Hamas war: FBI director cautions against al-Qaeda threat in the US

<p>With the Israel-Hamas war ongoing for weeks, an "Axis of Resistance" is seen raising concerns of a spillover in an extended West Asian region. How a number of militant groups and governments in West Asia make their moves will determine the future course of the conflict in the region that started on October 7 after Hamas terrorists launched an attack within the Israeli territory.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The term "Axis of Resistance" is&nbsp;a coalition of various Sunni and Shia Muslim groups and governments in the Middle East.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It includes Hezbollah in Lebanon, Shia militias in Syria, Houthi rebels in Yemen, Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad in Gaza, and other Iran-backed groups in Iraq.&nbsp;</p>

<p>These groups have varying levels of closeness to Iran and often share a common resistance to Western powers and Israel.</p>

<p>The ties shared by these groups are also dynamic in nature. For instance, the relationship between Hamas, a Sunni Islamist group, and Iran has been complex with their cooperation not always smooth.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Iran funds and provides weapons to the Hamas militant group, a move that Israel has been criticising for long.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/15-anti-israel-protesters-jailed-over-anti-israel-riot-at-russian-airport-653986">15 anti-Israel protesters jailed over anti-Israel riot at Russian airport</a></p>

<p>Tensions between Hamas and Iran arose when the Palestinian militant group supported protesters against Syria's President Bashar Assad.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It is worth noting that Iran already backs the Syrian government. However, despite these occasional differences between Hamas and Iran, both share anti-American and anti-Israeli sentiments.</p>

<p>Ghattas, who is also a distinguished fellow at the Columbia Institute of Global Politics reportedly said, "It is important to remember that Hamas is not a proxy of Iran in the way that Hezbollah is."</p>

<p>"Hezbollah has become an extension of [the] Iranian Revolutionary Guards Quds Force," Ghattas said. "Hamas keeps its own separate identity and it has other backers, aside from Iran," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/felt-like-end-of-world-survivors-share-tragic-story-as-israeli-strikes-rock-gaza-refugee-camp-653958">'Felt like end of world': Survivors share tragic story as Israeli strikes rock Gaza refugee camp</a></p>

<p>"Their agendas still align in an anti-American, anti-Israel worldview, and they come together again when necessary," Ghattas pointed out.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>'Unity of Fronts'</strong></h2>

<p>All the groups in the "Axis of Resistance" reportedly have increased coordination to present a united front against Israel, especially in the wake of the Israeli counterattack on Hamas targets in beseiged Gaza territory.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The leadership of Hamas and Hezbollah have been discussing the ensuing war in Israel. One such instance was when Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah reportedly met top Hamas officials in Beirut.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The meeting was followed by a statement that was about a shared goal between the groups. It was to achieve "a real victory for the resistance in Gaza and Palestine".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Calling the attack by Israel "treacherous and brutal," the statement also showed its support for "our oppressed and steadfast people in Gaza and the West Bank."</p>

<p>Hezbollah leader Nasrallah earlier also talked of what was dubbed a "unity of fronts." The vision behind these Iran-backed groups is reportedly to come under one umbrella and form a resistance group against Israel.&nbsp;</p>

<p>NPR while quoting experts is of the opinion that even when the Hezbollah leader did not speak of the "unity of front," they were already closer to forming a sort of coalition against Israel.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Mohanad Hage Ali, a Beirut-based senior fellow at the Carnegie Middle East Center, told NPR that the "unity of fronts" of Iranian-backed proxies is "a kind of NATO for militant groups" in the region.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-palestine-war-hope-rises-among-kin-of-hostages-649904">Israel-Palestine war: Hope rises among kin of hostages</a></strong></p>

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<p>"Over the past couple of years, Iran has been working to coordinate its proxies in what it describes as a 'unification of fronts,' surrounding Israel on all fronts," Ghattas said and added, "It is a more logistically coordinated operation, rather than each group doing its own thing."</p>

<p>According to Ghattas, the coordination is ongoing between Hezbollah and Hamas, Iran's proxies in Lebanon and Gaza.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Iranian-backed proxy groups are working together in terms of planning and training in a bid to challenge common adversaries, as per experts.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Paul Salem, president of the Middle East Institute in Washington, reportedly told NPR, "It's quite likely that Hezbollah knew of the preplanning [for the Oct. 7 attacks] and probably participated in training and planning with Hamas, and all of them sort of are part of this Iranian proxy force deployment that you have in Lebanon, in Syria, in Yemen, in Iraq and in Gaza as well."</p>

<p>The Iranian regime and its Quds Force are all included in the Axis of Resistance. Islamic Jihad in Palestine get most of its budget from Tehran. And, Iran-backed Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) in Iraq are also part of this resistance axis.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The origin of the "axis of resistance" reportedly came after former US President George W. Bush used the term "axis of evil". At the time, he was referring to Iran, Iraq, and North Korea, in his 2002 State of the Union address.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, there are debated reports about the origin of the term "Axis of Resistance" in relation to Iran and its proxies active across the Middle East.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


With the Israel-Hamas war ongoing for weeks, an "Axis of Resistance" is seen raising concerns of a spillover in an extended West Asian region. How a number of militant groups and governments in West Asia make their moves will determine the future course of the conflict in the region that started on October 7 after Hamas terrorists launched an attack within the Israeli territory.

With the Israel-Hamas war ongoing for weeks, an "Axis of Resistance" is seen raising concerns of a spillover in an extended West Asian region. How a number of militant groups and governments in West Asia make their moves will determine the future course of the conflict in the region that started on October 7 after Hamas terrorists launched an attack within the Israeli territory. The term "Axis of Resistance" is a coalition of various Sunni and Shia Muslim groups and governments in the Middle East. It includes Hezbollah in Lebanon, Shia militias in Syria, Houthi rebels in Yemen, Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad in Gaza, and other Iran-backed groups in Iraq. These groups have varying levels of closeness to Iran and often share a common resistance to Western powers and Israel. The ties shared by these groups are also dynamic in nature. For instance, the relationship between Hamas, a Sunni Islamist group, and Iran has been complex with their cooperation not always smooth. Iran funds and provides weapons to the Hamas militant group, a move that Israel has been criticising for long. Also Read | 15 anti-Israel protesters jailed over anti-Israel riot at Russian airport Tensions between Hamas and Iran arose when the Palestinian militant group supported protesters against Syria's President Bashar Assad. It is worth noting that Iran already backs the Syrian government. However, despite these occasional differences between Hamas and Iran, both share anti-American and anti-Israeli sentiments. Ghattas, who is also a distinguished fellow at the Columbia Institute of Global Politics reportedly said, "It is important to remember that Hamas is not a proxy of Iran in the way that Hezbollah is." "Hezbollah has become an extension of [the] Iranian Revolutionary Guards Quds Force," Ghattas said. "Hamas keeps its own separate identity and it has other backers, aside from Iran," he added. Also Read | 'Felt like end of world': Survivors share tragic story as Israeli strikes rock Gaza refugee camp "Their agendas still align in an anti-American, anti-Israel worldview, and they come together again when necessary," Ghattas pointed out. 'Unity of Fronts' All the groups in the "Axis of Resistance" reportedly have increased coordination to present a united front against Israel, especially in the wake of the Israeli counterattack on Hamas targets in beseiged Gaza territory. The leadership of Hamas and Hezbollah have been discussing the ensuing war in Israel. One such instance was when Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah reportedly met top Hamas officials in Beirut. The meeting was followed by a statement that was about a shared goal between the groups. It was to achieve "a real victory for the resistance in Gaza and Palestine". Calling the attack by Israel "treacherous and brutal," the statement also showed its support for "our oppressed and steadfast people in Gaza and the West Bank." Hezbollah leader Nasrallah earlier also talked of what was dubbed a "unity of fronts." The vision behind these Iran-backed groups is reportedly to come under one umbrella and form a resistance group against Israel. NPR while quoting experts is of the opinion that even when the Hezbollah leader did not speak of the "unity of front," they were already closer to forming a sort of coalition against Israel. Mohanad Hage Ali, a Beirut-based senior fellow at the Carnegie Middle East Center, told NPR that the "unity of fronts" of Iranian-backed proxies is "a kind of NATO for militant groups" in the region. Watch | Israel-Palestine war: Hope rises among kin of hostages × "Over the past couple of years, Iran has been working to coordinate its proxies in what it describes as a 'unification of fronts,' surrounding Israel on all fronts," Ghattas said and added, "It is a more logistically coordinated operation, rather than each group doing its own thing." According to Ghattas, the coordination is ongoing between Hezbollah and Hamas, Iran's proxies in Lebanon and Gaza. Iranian-backed proxy groups are working together in terms of planning and training in a bid to challenge common adversaries, as per experts. Paul Salem, president of the Middle East Institute in Washington, reportedly told NPR, "It's quite likely that Hezbollah knew of the preplanning [for the Oct. 7 attacks] and probably participated in training and planning with Hamas, and all of them sort of are part of this Iranian proxy force deployment that you have in Lebanon, in Syria, in Yemen, in Iraq and in Gaza as well." The Iranian regime and its Quds Force are all included in the Axis of Resistance. Islamic Jihad in Palestine get most of its budget from Tehran. And, Iran-backed Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) in Iraq are also part of this resistance axis. The origin of the "axis of resistance" reportedly came after former US President George W. Bush used the term "axis of evil". At the time, he was referring to Iran, Iraq, and North Korea, in his 2002 State of the Union address. However, there are debated reports about the origin of the term "Axis of Resistance" in relation to Iran and its proxies active across the Middle East. (With inputs from agencies)

Explained | What is 'Axis of Resistance' in West Asia, posing concerns of Israel-Hamas war spillover?

<p>Rafah border crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip&nbsp;has opened for the first time since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war. AFP has reported that the first foreign passport holders have left Gaza for Egypt through the border crossing.</p>

<p>Rafah border crossing is located in the southern part of the Gaza Strip. Trucks carrying much-needed humanitarian aid material have previously passed between Egypt and Gaza through the border crossing but people were not allowed to cross till now. It is expected that about 400 foreigners and dual nationals along with about 90 sick and wounded people will cross into Egypt on Wednesday.</p>

<p>Previous statements from countries across the world suggest that there were passport holders from 44 countries stuck in Gaza. In addition to this, 28 agencies, including UN bodies, have personnel on the ground.</p>

<p>After Hamas fighters crossed the border and attacked Israel from the Gaza Strip, Israel responded with an overwhelming military response that has seen the enclave being pounded by Israeli fighter planes which have carried out an unrelenting bombardment of the enclave.</p>

<p>A blockade meant that 2.4 million people in Gaza have been facing severe shortages of food, water and electricity. The Hamas-run health ministry in the Gaza Strip says that there have been more than 8,500 deaths in the enclave.</p>

<p>The decision to open the Rafah border crossing comes just hours after an Israeli air strike on the&nbsp;largest refugee camp in Gaza resulted in the death&nbsp;of at least 50 people.</p>

<p>Israel claimed that its fighter jets struck a "vast" tunnel complex which killed "many Hamas terrorists".</p>

<p>The Hamas-run health ministry called the incident "a heinous Israeli massacre".</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Rafah border crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip has opened for the first time since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war. AFP has reported that the first foreign passport holders have left Gaza for Egypt through the border crossing.

Rafah border crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip has opened for the first time since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war. AFP has reported that the first foreign passport holders have left Gaza for Egypt through the border crossing. Rafah border crossing is located in the southern part of the Gaza Strip. Trucks carrying much-needed humanitarian aid material have previously passed between Egypt and Gaza through the border crossing but people were not allowed to cross till now. It is expected that about 400 foreigners and dual nationals along with about 90 sick and wounded people will cross into Egypt on Wednesday. Previous statements from countries across the world suggest that there were passport holders from 44 countries stuck in Gaza. In addition to this, 28 agencies, including UN bodies, have personnel on the ground. After Hamas fighters crossed the border and attacked Israel from the Gaza Strip, Israel responded with an overwhelming military response that has seen the enclave being pounded by Israeli fighter planes which have carried out an unrelenting bombardment of the enclave. A blockade meant that 2.4 million people in Gaza have been facing severe shortages of food, water and electricity. The Hamas-run health ministry in the Gaza Strip says that there have been more than 8,500 deaths in the enclave. The decision to open the Rafah border crossing comes just hours after an Israeli air strike on the largest refugee camp in Gaza resulted in the death of at least 50 people. Israel claimed that its fighter jets struck a "vast" tunnel complex which killed "many Hamas terrorists". The Hamas-run health ministry called the incident "a heinous Israeli massacre". (With inputs from agencies)

Israel-Hamas conflict: Rafah border crossing opens for the first time since outbreak of war

<p>Russia has beefed up security in the Muslim-majority North Caucasus region after the massive anti-Semitic riots over the weakened.</p>

<p>The decision was taken following an emergency meeting held between President Vladimir Putin and top security officials on Monday evening.</p>

<p>The Kremlin did not provide additional details of the meeting, except saying that the deliberations focused on strengthening measures to counter external interference.</p>

<p>It did not disclose what those measures were, but Ramzan Kadyrov, the Kremlin-backed head of Chechnya, was reported to have issued an order to shoot and kill anyone trying to riot in his Muslim-majority republic, which borders Dagestan.</p>

<p>Later in a speech on TV, Putin blamed the Western agents for the riots, saying, “The events in Makhachkala last night were instigated through social networks, not least from Ukraine, by the hands of agents of Western special services.”</p>

<h2><strong>Sporadic protests caught authorities off-guard&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>On Sunday, swam of rioters in the southern Dagestan region stormed an airport on Sunday to "catch" Jewish passengers arriving on a flight from Tel Aviv.</p>

<p>The sporadic nature of the protests had caught the authorities off-guard as it took them hours to regain control of the airport in Makachkala</p>

<p>More than 20 people were injured and at least 80 were detained. The incident was condemned by Jewish leaders who equated the incident to Tsarist-era pogroms.</p>

<p>The attack came in the wake of the Israel-Hamas war which has left the Jewish and Muslim communities divided all over the world.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Israel has warned its citizens to leave the northern Caucasus in the wake of the riots.</p>

<p>Israel's Foreign Ministry and National Security Council warned its citizens to immediately leave the place and called on "all Israelis staying abroad to exercise vigilance, and stay away from demonstrations and protests, and obey the local security forces in case they get caught up in the incidents."</p>

<h2><strong>Prominent rabi's rare rebuke against Russian officials&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>It also raised its travel warning level to 4, the highest level, calling on citizens to avoid all travel to Dagestan and neighbouring regions, and for those who are there to leave as soon as possible.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-ministry-floats-idea-of-transferring-23mn-gazans-to-egypts-sinai-peninsula-653479">Israel floats idea of shifting 2.3mn Gazans to Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula</a></p>

<p>On Tuesday, a prominent rabbi in Russia, Boruch Gorin, slammed the Russian authorities over the antisemetic riots calling the incident an “eternal disgrace.”</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-jewish-students-at-cornell-university-receive-online-threats-police-deployed-for-safety-653515">Israel-Hamas war: Jewish students at Cornell University receive death threats, police deployed for safety</a></p>

<p>Gorin, a journalist, publisher and spokesperson for Russian Chief Rabbi Berel Lazar, said on Facebook, “Shocked [at what happened] at the international airport. Has the republic not yet been renamed Hamastan?”</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
<br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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Russia has beefed up security in the Muslim-majority North Caucasus region after the massive anti-Semitic riots over the weakened. The decision was taken following an emergency meeting held between President Vladimir Putin and top security officials on Monday evening.

Russia has beefed up security in the Muslim-majority North Caucasus region after the massive anti-Semitic riots over the weakened. The decision was taken following an emergency meeting held between President Vladimir Putin and top security officials on Monday evening. The Kremlin did not provide additional details of the meeting, except saying that the deliberations focused on strengthening measures to counter external interference. It did not disclose what those measures were, but Ramzan Kadyrov, the Kremlin-backed head of Chechnya, was reported to have issued an order to shoot and kill anyone trying to riot in his Muslim-majority republic, which borders Dagestan. Later in a speech on TV, Putin blamed the Western agents for the riots, saying, “The events in Makhachkala last night were instigated through social networks, not least from Ukraine, by the hands of agents of Western special services.” Sporadic protests caught authorities off-guard On Sunday, swam of rioters in the southern Dagestan region stormed an airport on Sunday to "catch" Jewish passengers arriving on a flight from Tel Aviv. The sporadic nature of the protests had caught the authorities off-guard as it took them hours to regain control of the airport in Makachkala More than 20 people were injured and at least 80 were detained. The incident was condemned by Jewish leaders who equated the incident to Tsarist-era pogroms. The attack came in the wake of the Israel-Hamas war which has left the Jewish and Muslim communities divided all over the world. Meanwhile, Israel has warned its citizens to leave the northern Caucasus in the wake of the riots. Israel's Foreign Ministry and National Security Council warned its citizens to immediately leave the place and called on "all Israelis staying abroad to exercise vigilance, and stay away from demonstrations and protests, and obey the local security forces in case they get caught up in the incidents." Prominent rabi's rare rebuke against Russian officials It also raised its travel warning level to 4, the highest level, calling on citizens to avoid all travel to Dagestan and neighbouring regions, and for those who are there to leave as soon as possible. Also read | Israel floats idea of shifting 2.3mn Gazans to Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula On Tuesday, a prominent rabbi in Russia, Boruch Gorin, slammed the Russian authorities over the antisemetic riots calling the incident an “eternal disgrace.” Also read | Israel-Hamas war: Jewish students at Cornell University receive death threats, police deployed for safety Gorin, a journalist, publisher and spokesperson for Russian Chief Rabbi Berel Lazar, said on Facebook, “Shocked [at what happened] at the international airport. Has the republic not yet been renamed Hamastan?” (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Russia beefs up security in Muslim-majority region after anti-Semetic riots, Israel asks citizens to leave

<p>The Israeli government in a draft proposal has floated the idea of transferring Gaza’s 2.3 million people to Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula. The proposal has already drawn condemnation and rejection from Palestinians.</p>

<p>Israel’s intelligence ministry on Oct 13 released the draft, offering three alternatives “to effect a significant change in the civilian reality in the Gaza Strip in light of the Hamas crimes that led to the Sword of Iron war.”</p>

<h2><strong>What’s the proposal?</strong></h2>

<p>As per the document, Gaza’s civilian population is to be shifted to tent cities in northern Sinai. Subsequently, they will be moved to permanent cities, while an undefined humanitarian corridor will also be established.</p>

<p>The document further proposes building a “security zone” inside Israel to prevent any Palestinian from entering the Jewish country.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>PM’s office downplays the document</strong></h2>

<p>PM Benjamin Netanyahu’s office downplayed the report as a hypothetical exercise — a “concept paper.”&nbsp;</p>

<p>Although no timeline has been laid out to implement the plan, the draft has already revived the worst memories of Palestinians—mass displacement from their homes due to widespread conflict in the region in the late 1940s.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Israel-Palestine war: Tanks and bulldozers take position on the southern fringes of Gaza city</strong></p>

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<p>Palestinians have already voiced their opposition to any such designs. “We are against transfer to any place, in any form, and we consider it a red line that we will not allow to be crossed,” Nabil Abu Rudeineh, spokesman for Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, said of the report. “What happened in 1948 will not be allowed to happen again,” he added.</p>

<h2><strong>Longstanding fears of Israel</strong></h2>

<p>Egypt has had longstanding concerns that Israel may aim to forcibly relocate Palestinians into its territory, similar to events during the conflict surrounding Israel's establishment.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Between 1948 and 1967, Egypt governed Gaza until Israel took control of the region, along with the West Bank and East Jerusalem. The majority of Gaza's population today consists of descendants of Palestinian refugees who were displaced from what is now Israel.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/hamas-israel-war-meet-americas-first-zionist-president-joe-biden-653265"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Hamas-Israel war: Meet America’s first Zionist president, Joe Biden</strong></a></p>

<p>Egypt's president, Abdel Fattah El-Sissi, has expressed that a large influx of refugees from Gaza could undermine the Palestinian nationalist cause. He also highlights the potential risk of militants entering Sinai and launching attacks on Israel, which could jeopardise the 1979 peace treaty between the two nations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As an alternative, he suggested that Israel could provide housing for Palestinians in its Negev Desert, which borders the Gaza Strip.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
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The Israeli government in a draft proposal has floated the idea of transferring Gaza’s 2.3 million people to Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula. The proposal has already drawn condemnation and rejection from Palestinians.

The Israeli government in a draft proposal has floated the idea of transferring Gaza’s 2.3 million people to Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula. The proposal has already drawn condemnation and rejection from Palestinians. Israel’s intelligence ministry on Oct 13 released the draft, offering three alternatives “to effect a significant change in the civilian reality in the Gaza Strip in light of the Hamas crimes that led to the Sword of Iron war.” What’s the proposal? As per the document, Gaza’s civilian population is to be shifted to tent cities in northern Sinai. Subsequently, they will be moved to permanent cities, while an undefined humanitarian corridor will also be established. The document further proposes building a “security zone” inside Israel to prevent any Palestinian from entering the Jewish country. PM’s office downplays the document PM Benjamin Netanyahu’s office downplayed the report as a hypothetical exercise — a “concept paper.” Although no timeline has been laid out to implement the plan, the draft has already revived the worst memories of Palestinians—mass displacement from their homes due to widespread conflict in the region in the late 1940s. Watch: Israel-Palestine war: Tanks and bulldozers take position on the southern fringes of Gaza city × Palestinians have already voiced their opposition to any such designs. “We are against transfer to any place, in any form, and we consider it a red line that we will not allow to be crossed,” Nabil Abu Rudeineh, spokesman for Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, said of the report. “What happened in 1948 will not be allowed to happen again,” he added. Longstanding fears of Israel Egypt has had longstanding concerns that Israel may aim to forcibly relocate Palestinians into its territory, similar to events during the conflict surrounding Israel's establishment. Between 1948 and 1967, Egypt governed Gaza until Israel took control of the region, along with the West Bank and East Jerusalem. The majority of Gaza's population today consists of descendants of Palestinian refugees who were displaced from what is now Israel. Also read: Hamas-Israel war: Meet America’s first Zionist president, Joe Biden Egypt's president, Abdel Fattah El-Sissi, has expressed that a large influx of refugees from Gaza could undermine the Palestinian nationalist cause. He also highlights the potential risk of militants entering Sinai and launching attacks on Israel, which could jeopardise the 1979 peace treaty between the two nations. As an alternative, he suggested that Israel could provide housing for Palestinians in its Negev Desert, which borders the Gaza Strip. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Israeli ministry floats idea of transferring 2.3 million Gazans to Egypt’s Sinai Peninsula

<p>The war between Israel and Hamas continues to rage on as Israel expanded its ground operations in Gaza and Hamas said they were engaged in "heavy fighting". Worldwide, leaders underlined the need for increasing aid to Gaza amid weeks of bombardment after the October 7 attacks by Hamas on Israel that left over 1,400 Israelis dead.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Men owing allegiance to Hamas&nbsp;infiltrated across the Gaza border on October 7 in the deadliest attack in Israel's history, killing more than 1,400 people, mostly civilians, and taking 226 people hostage.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Israel-Hamas war: Netanyahu warns Palestinians to evacuate Northern Gaza strip</strong></p>

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<p>The Hamas-controlled health ministry in Gaza says the retaliatory Israeli bombardment has killed more than 8,000 people, mainly civilians and half of them children.</p>

<h2><strong>Over 1.2 million people displaced in Gaza: UN</strong></h2>

<p>The United Nations said that more than half of Gaza's 2.4 million people are displaced amid the ongoing war and thousands of buildings are destroyed.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-pm-benjamin-netanyahu-blames-security-chiefs-over-hamas-attack-deletes-post-after-uproar-652696">Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu blames security chiefs over Hamas attack, deletes post after uproar</a></strong></p>

<p>Israel began its ground operations inside Gaza late Friday (Oct 27), which continued before being expanded over the weekend as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced a new stage of war.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Joe Biden dials Netanyahu, Egypt's president</strong></h2>

<p>On Sunday (Oct 29), US President Joe Biden dialled Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and, according to the White House,&nbsp;"underscored the need to immediately and significantly increase the flow of humanitarian assistance to meet the needs of civilians in Gaza".</p>

<p>In a separate call with President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi of Egypt, which borders Gaza to the south, the two leaders "committed to the significant acceleration and increase of assistance", the White House said.</p>

<p>UN chief Antonio Guterres said the situation was "growing more desperate by the hour" amid an ongoing state of war.</p>

<h2><strong>Civil order is starting to break down: United Nations</strong></h2>

<p>The UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, said "thousands of people" broke into several of its warehouses and distribution centres in Gaza, grabbing basic items like flour and hygiene supplies.</p>

<p>"This is a worrying sign that civil order is starting to break down," it said.</p>

<h2><strong>'All areas are dangerous'&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>On Sunday, Israel's Defense Forces (IDF)&nbsp;reportedly&nbsp;struck hundreds of Hamas targets and increased its ground forces in Gaza.</p>

<p>Communications were down in Gaza after Israel cut internet lines ahead of the intensification of its operations, although connectivity was gradually returning on Sunday.</p>

<p>The "burden" lies with Israel to distinguish between militants and innocent civilians in Gaza, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan told CNN television.</p>

<p>Hagari again urged Palestinian civilians to go south "to a safer area", but residents remained wary as airstrikes continued.</p>

<p>Ibrahim Shandoughli, a 53-year-old from Jabaliya in northern Gaza was cited as saying by news agency AFP he and his family didn't go anywhere.</p>

<p>"Where do you want us to evacuate to? All the areas are dangerous."</p>

<h2><strong>Fears of expansion of conflict into West Asia</strong></h2>

<p>The Israeli ground operations in Gaza&nbsp;have heightened fears of the expansion of the war, with Iran's friends in the region,&nbsp;Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and Yemen, declining to steer clear of&nbsp;the conflict.</p>

<p>Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi warned on X,&nbsp;that Israel's "crimes have crossed the red lines, which may force everyone to take action".</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></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>

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The war between Israel and Hamas continues to rage on as Israel expanded its ground operations in Gaza and Hamas said they were engaged in "heavy fighting". Worldwide, leaders underlined the need for increasing aid to Gaza amid weeks of bombardment after the October 7 attacks by Hamas on Israel that left over 1,400 Israelis dead.

The war between Israel and Hamas continues to rage on as Israel expanded its ground operations in Gaza and Hamas said they were engaged in "heavy fighting". Worldwide, leaders underlined the need for increasing aid to Gaza amid weeks of bombardment after the October 7 attacks by Hamas on Israel that left over 1,400 Israelis dead. Men owing allegiance to Hamas infiltrated across the Gaza border on October 7 in the deadliest attack in Israel's history, killing more than 1,400 people, mostly civilians, and taking 226 people hostage. Also watch | Israel-Hamas war: Netanyahu warns Palestinians to evacuate Northern Gaza strip × The Hamas-controlled health ministry in Gaza says the retaliatory Israeli bombardment has killed more than 8,000 people, mainly civilians and half of them children. Over 1.2 million people displaced in Gaza: UN The United Nations said that more than half of Gaza's 2.4 million people are displaced amid the ongoing war and thousands of buildings are destroyed. Also read | Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu blames security chiefs over Hamas attack, deletes post after uproar Israel began its ground operations inside Gaza late Friday (Oct 27), which continued before being expanded over the weekend as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced a new stage of war. Joe Biden dials Netanyahu, Egypt's president On Sunday (Oct 29), US President Joe Biden dialled Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and, according to the White House, "underscored the need to immediately and significantly increase the flow of humanitarian assistance to meet the needs of civilians in Gaza". In a separate call with President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi of Egypt, which borders Gaza to the south, the two leaders "committed to the significant acceleration and increase of assistance", the White House said. UN chief Antonio Guterres said the situation was "growing more desperate by the hour" amid an ongoing state of war. Civil order is starting to break down: United Nations The UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, said "thousands of people" broke into several of its warehouses and distribution centres in Gaza, grabbing basic items like flour and hygiene supplies. "This is a worrying sign that civil order is starting to break down," it said. 'All areas are dangerous' On Sunday, Israel's Defense Forces (IDF) reportedly struck hundreds of Hamas targets and increased its ground forces in Gaza. Communications were down in Gaza after Israel cut internet lines ahead of the intensification of its operations, although connectivity was gradually returning on Sunday. The "burden" lies with Israel to distinguish between militants and innocent civilians in Gaza, US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan told CNN television. Hagari again urged Palestinian civilians to go south "to a safer area", but residents remained wary as airstrikes continued. Ibrahim Shandoughli, a 53-year-old from Jabaliya in northern Gaza was cited as saying by news agency AFP he and his family didn't go anywhere. "Where do you want us to evacuate to? All the areas are dangerous." Fears of expansion of conflict into West Asia The Israeli ground operations in Gaza have heightened fears of the expansion of the war, with Iran's friends in the region, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and Yemen, declining to steer clear of the conflict. Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi warned on X, that Israel's "crimes have crossed the red lines, which may force everyone to take action". (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Israel-Hamas war: Gaza becomes battleground amid crisis of civil order | Top points

<p>Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu slammed what he terms a propaganda video released by the Hamas terror group which shows three hostages kidnapped by them criticising the government for the ongoing war.</p>

<p>The terror group had released a 76-second video which purportedly shows three Israeli ladies seated on plastic chairs and facing the camera.</p>

<p>The clip then shows one of the ladies, seated in the centre, accusing the Israeli government of leaving the people defenceless during the&nbsp;Hamas&nbsp;attack.</p>

<h2><strong>Hostages slam Israeli govt</strong></h2>

<p>“We are getting punished for your political, national neglect,” she says. “Nobody came. Nobody heard us.”</p>

<p>She further said that they had been in captivity for 23 days, suggesting that the video was filmed on Sunday (Oct 29) or Monday (Oct 30), over three weeks after Hamas launched an all-front assault on 7 October</p>

<p>Furthermore, she pleads for an exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails.</p>

<p>“Let their citizens go, let their prisoners go. Free us. Free all of us. Let us return to our families now!” she was heard as saying, reported the Guardian.</p>

<h2><strong>'Cruel psychological propaganda'</strong></h2>

<p>Meanwhile, Netanyahu slammed the video terming it as "cruel psychological propaganda".</p>

<p>In a statement, Netanyahu also named the hostages, saying: "I turn to Elena Trupanov, Daniel Aloni and Rimon Kirsht who were kidnapped by Hamas who commits war crimes. I hug you.".</p>

<p>Netanyahu also rejected an immediate swap and said the offensive in Gaza would put pressure on Hamas to make concessions.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/german-israeli-woman-paraded-by-hamas-after-oct-7-terror-attacks-found-dead-653122">Shani beheaded by Hamas after she was kidnapped: Israeli prez</a></p>

<p>Benjamin Mark Regev, senior adviser to Israeli Prime Minister, told BBC that he was glad that the women were alive and well, and the video showed proof of it.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-threatens-to-halt-rifle-exports-after-israeli-minister-found-handing-it-out-to-civilians-report-653157">US threatened to halt rifle exports to Israel: Report</a></p>

<p>"The only good thing about this video is we have visual proof these women are alive,"&nbsp;he said</p>

<p>Regev said he cannot imagine the pain the hostages are experiencing on a daily basis.</p>

<p>"We don’t believe that Hamas is going to release these hostages because suddenly Hamas is becoming boy scouts or a humanitarian organisation... Hamas is a brutal, ruthless, extreme, barbaric organisation... We've seen the sort of violence they're capable of first-hand," he added.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></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><br />
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu slammed what he terms a propaganda video released by the Hamas terror group which shows three hostages kidnapped by them criticising the government for the ongoing war.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu slammed what he terms a propaganda video released by the Hamas terror group which shows three hostages kidnapped by them criticising the government for the ongoing war. The terror group had released a 76-second video which purportedly shows three Israeli ladies seated on plastic chairs and facing the camera. The clip then shows one of the ladies, seated in the centre, accusing the Israeli government of leaving the people defenceless during the Hamas attack. Hostages slam Israeli govt “We are getting punished for your political, national neglect,” she says. “Nobody came. Nobody heard us.” She further said that they had been in captivity for 23 days, suggesting that the video was filmed on Sunday (Oct 29) or Monday (Oct 30), over three weeks after Hamas launched an all-front assault on 7 October Furthermore, she pleads for an exchange of hostages for Palestinian prisoners held in Israeli jails. “Let their citizens go, let their prisoners go. Free us. Free all of us. Let us return to our families now!” she was heard as saying, reported the Guardian. 'Cruel psychological propaganda' Meanwhile, Netanyahu slammed the video terming it as "cruel psychological propaganda". In a statement, Netanyahu also named the hostages, saying: "I turn to Elena Trupanov, Daniel Aloni and Rimon Kirsht who were kidnapped by Hamas who commits war crimes. I hug you.". Netanyahu also rejected an immediate swap and said the offensive in Gaza would put pressure on Hamas to make concessions. Also read | Shani beheaded by Hamas after she was kidnapped: Israeli prez Benjamin Mark Regev, senior adviser to Israeli Prime Minister, told BBC that he was glad that the women were alive and well, and the video showed proof of it. Also read | US threatened to halt rifle exports to Israel: Report "The only good thing about this video is we have visual proof these women are alive," he said Regev said he cannot imagine the pain the hostages are experiencing on a daily basis. "We don’t believe that Hamas is going to release these hostages because suddenly Hamas is becoming boy scouts or a humanitarian organisation... Hamas is a brutal, ruthless, extreme, barbaric organisation... We've seen the sort of violence they're capable of first-hand," he added. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

In hostage video released by Hamas, women slam Netanyahu, PM calls it ‘cruel propaganda’

<p>Elon Musk's X, formerly known as Twitter, is facing flak online as a post by a Pakistani senator praising German dictator Adolf Hitler for exterminating Jewish people continues to be on the platform. Pakistani senator Afnan Ullah Khan, a member of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) party, is a member of the Senate of Pakistan since March 2021.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On X, Khan posted an image of Adolf Hitler -- the German dictator who killed millions of Jews and other racial minorities of Europe at an industrial scale, especially during the period of World War II -- and wrote: "At least now the world know [sic], whe he did, what he did."</p>

<h2><strong>Pure unadulterated hate: X slammed for failing to take down antisemitic post</strong></h2>

<p>Michael Kugelman, South Asia Institute Director at The Wilson Center, described the post as "pure, unadulterated hate".</p>

<p>"This comment is pure, unadulterated hate. And it’s still up more than 24 hours after it was posted. It needs to be taken down. And the &nbsp;senator’s party-one of the biggest and most established in Pakistan, and a big part of the previous ruling coalition-should condemn it," Kugelman wrote.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This is what (is) emboldening anti-Jewish sentiments gets the world. A Pakistan senator posted this. Words matter. What's seen on the streets in the West has repercussions across the world," wrote another user on X.</p>

<p>"This is coming from a senator from Pakistan’s ruling party. Absolutely vile. He may not face any repercussions for this in Pakistan but X must delete the tweet and suspend his account," wrote a third user.</p>

<p>While Adolf Hitler did not invent the hatred of Jews, he went on to capitalise on antisemitic ideas that had been around for a long time.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Holocaust Remembrance Day: Remembering the 6 million Jews killed in the Holocaust</strong></p>

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<p>After Hitler's National Socialist German Workers' Party (German: Nationalsozialistische Deutsche Arbeiterpartei or NSDAP) or Nazi party came to power in Germany in 1932, the antisemitic measures against Jews, rose to an all-time high and culminated into holocaust during the second world war, killing six million European Jews as part of Hitler's project to project the purported racial superiority of the Aryan race. This came to be known as the Holocaust.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Who is Senator Afnan Ullah Khan?</strong></h2>

<p>Khan was elected as senator in Pakistan on 11 March 2021 and is currently a member of the Senate standing committees of IT &amp; Telecom, Science &amp; Tech, Aviation, Housing &amp; Works, and Petroleum. He is the chairman of the National Heritage &amp; Culture Committee of the Senate.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Khan was educated in the United Kingdom, having attended the universities of Oxford, York and Central London.</p>

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Elon Musk's X, formerly known as Twitter, is facing flak online as a post by a Pakistani senator praising German dictator Adolf Hitler for exterminating Jewish people continues to be on the platform.

Elon Musk's X, formerly known as Twitter, is facing flak online as a post by a Pakistani senator praising German dictator Adolf Hitler for exterminating Jewish people continues to be on the platform. Pakistani senator Afnan Ullah Khan, a member of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif's Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) party, is a member of the Senate of Pakistan since March 2021. On X, Khan posted an image of Adolf Hitler -- the German dictator who killed millions of Jews and other racial minorities of Europe at an industrial scale, especially during the period of World War II -- and wrote: "At least now the world know [sic], whe he did, what he did." Pure unadulterated hate: X slammed for failing to take down antisemitic post Michael Kugelman, South Asia Institute Director at The Wilson Center, described the post as "pure, unadulterated hate". "This comment is pure, unadulterated hate. And it’s still up more than 24 hours after it was posted. It needs to be taken down. And the senator’s party-one of the biggest and most established in Pakistan, and a big part of the previous ruling coalition-should condemn it," Kugelman wrote. "This is what (is) emboldening anti-Jewish sentiments gets the world. A Pakistan senator posted this. Words matter. What's seen on the streets in the West has repercussions across the world," wrote another user on X. "This is coming from a senator from Pakistan’s ruling party. Absolutely vile. He may not face any repercussions for this in Pakistan but X must delete the tweet and suspend his account," wrote a third user. While Adolf Hitler did not invent the hatred of Jews, he went on to capitalise on antisemitic ideas that had been around for a long time. Also watch | Holocaust Remembrance Day: Remembering the 6 million Jews killed in the Holocaust × After Hitler's National Socialist German Workers' Party (German: Nationalsozialistische Deutsche Arbeiterpartei or NSDAP) or Nazi party came to power in Germany in 1932, the antisemitic measures against Jews, rose to an all-time high and culminated into holocaust during the second world war, killing six million European Jews as part of Hitler's project to project the purported racial superiority of the Aryan race. This came to be known as the Holocaust. Who is Senator Afnan Ullah Khan? Khan was elected as senator in Pakistan on 11 March 2021 and is currently a member of the Senate standing committees of IT & Telecom, Science & Tech, Aviation, Housing & Works, and Petroleum. He is the chairman of the National Heritage & Culture Committee of the Senate. Khan was educated in the United Kingdom, having attended the universities of Oxford, York and Central London. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Elon Musk's X slammed after inaction over Pakistani senator's post praising Hitler

<p>US President Joe Biden, in his address from the Oval Office, slammed 'terrorists like Hamas and tyrants like Putin' and hailed the US as a 'beacon to the world', despite a chequered American interventionist record abroad that has left a trail of anarchy-fueled terrorism in West Asia and Afghanistan during the&nbsp;formative decades of the 21st century.</p>

<p>Biden's address came after his wartime visit to West Asia that was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spotlight-on-washingtons-waning-political-capital-after-gaza-hospital-blast-sinks-bidens-jordan-summit-648187">forced to be cut down to only Israel</a> after Jordan called off a four-way summit between the top leaders of Washington, Amman, Cairo and Ramallah—the de-facto administrative capital of Palestine Authority. The development emerged as a setback for the Biden administration which had deployed its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/shuttle-diplomacy-blinken-meets-jordanian-king-palestinian-president-abbas-in-amman-646310">Secretary of State Antony Blinken for engagements in the region</a> in the immediate days following the beginning of the war between Israel and the Hamas militant group.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Biden said that during his visit to Israel, he told the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that "we cannot give up on peace" while referring to the purported&nbsp;"mistakes" the US made in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. The "mistakes" that Biden referred to, include an invasion of Iraq under the false pretext of Weapons of Mass Destruction that left over 300,000 Iraqis dead, according to Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs.</p>

<p>This was preceded by an invasion of Afghanistan as a "war against terror" that concluded twenty years later in August 2021 following a devastating American withdrawal that reinstated hardliner Taliban as the country's rulers.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Biden hails India-Middle East-Europe economic corridor amid Israel-Hamas war</strong></h2>

<p>Biden, however, hailed the&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-middle-east-europe-economic-corridor-to-change-the-face-of-the-middle-east-israel-pm-634703">India-Middle East-Europe economic&nbsp;corridor</a>&nbsp;-- announced earlier this year at the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/the-capitals-delhi-delivers-as-the-voice-of-global-south-634649">New Delhi G20 summit</a> --&nbsp;as a project that is aimed at building a "better future for the Middle East", and the one that will make West Asia "more stable, better connected to its neighbours".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Biden said that with the "innovative projects such as India-Middle East-Europe economic&nbsp;corridor that we announced earlier this year in the summit of the world's biggest economies", the region will benefit with&nbsp;"predictable markets, more employment, less rage and less grievances."</p>

<p>"It benefits the people of the Middle East. It benefits us."</p>

<h2><strong>Russia and Hamas are out to 'annihilate' democracies: Biden</strong></h2>

<p>Biden on Thursday (October 19) claimed that&nbsp;Hamas and Russia are both out to "annihilate" democracies and made the case for assistance to Ukraine and Israel as a vital US interest.</p>

<p>Hamas and Russian President Vladimir Putin "represent different threats but they share this in common: they both want to completely annihilate a neighbouring democracy," Biden said.</p>

<p>Biden said that&nbsp;he would ask the US Congress&nbsp;to approve massive funding to help Ukraine and Israel, stating that it would become&nbsp;an investment that would strengthen the United States' future as a global leader.</p>

<p>"It is a smart investment that's going to pay dividends for American security for generations," Biden said.</p>

<p>"America is a beacon to the world. Still. Still," he said.</p>

<p>The White House is reportedly preparing a huge request to Congress for a $100 billion package that would include funding for Israel in its war against&nbsp;Hamas and also for Ukraine amid its war with Russia.</p>

<p>Right before the speech, Joe Biden spoke to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.</p>

<p><strong>Also read :&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-attacks-russian-targets-with-missile-system-covertly-given-by-the-us-648172">Ukraine attacks Russian targets with missile system secretly given by the US</a></strong></p>

<p>In Tel Aviv on Wednesday, Biden backed Israel's effort to dismantle Hamas&nbsp;after the October 7 attacks by the Palestinian group left more than 1,400 Israeli civilians dead.</p>

<p>Biden is credited with having brokered a deal to get limited aid through Egypt into the Gaza Strip, where Israeli bombing since has killed at least 3,785 Palestinians, most of them civilians, according to the Hamas-controlled health ministry.</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.&nbsp;</strong></em></p>

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US President Joe Biden, in his address from the Oval Office, slammed 'terrorists like Hamas and tyrants like Putin' and hailed the US as a 'beacon to the world', despite a chequered American interventionist record abroad that has left a trail of anarchy-fueled terrorism in West Asia and Afghanistan during the formative decades of the 21st century.

US President Joe Biden, in his address from the Oval Office, slammed 'terrorists like Hamas and tyrants like Putin' and hailed the US as a 'beacon to the world', despite a chequered American interventionist record abroad that has left a trail of anarchy-fueled terrorism in West Asia and Afghanistan during the formative decades of the 21st century. Biden's address came after his wartime visit to West Asia that was forced to be cut down to only Israel after Jordan called off a four-way summit between the top leaders of Washington, Amman, Cairo and Ramallah—the de-facto administrative capital of Palestine Authority. The development emerged as a setback for the Biden administration which had deployed its Secretary of State Antony Blinken for engagements in the region in the immediate days following the beginning of the war between Israel and the Hamas militant group. Biden said that during his visit to Israel, he told the Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that "we cannot give up on peace" while referring to the purported "mistakes" the US made in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks. The "mistakes" that Biden referred to, include an invasion of Iraq under the false pretext of Weapons of Mass Destruction that left over 300,000 Iraqis dead, according to Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs. This was preceded by an invasion of Afghanistan as a "war against terror" that concluded twenty years later in August 2021 following a devastating American withdrawal that reinstated hardliner Taliban as the country's rulers. Biden hails India-Middle East-Europe economic corridor amid Israel-Hamas war Biden, however, hailed the India-Middle East-Europe economic corridor -- announced earlier this year at the New Delhi G20 summit -- as a project that is aimed at building a "better future for the Middle East", and the one that will make West Asia "more stable, better connected to its neighbours". Biden said that with the "innovative projects such as India-Middle East-Europe economic corridor that we announced earlier this year in the summit of the world's biggest economies", the region will benefit with "predictable markets, more employment, less rage and less grievances." "It benefits the people of the Middle East. It benefits us." Russia and Hamas are out to 'annihilate' democracies: Biden Biden on Thursday (October 19) claimed that Hamas and Russia are both out to "annihilate" democracies and made the case for assistance to Ukraine and Israel as a vital US interest. Hamas and Russian President Vladimir Putin "represent different threats but they share this in common: they both want to completely annihilate a neighbouring democracy," Biden said. Biden said that he would ask the US Congress to approve massive funding to help Ukraine and Israel, stating that it would become an investment that would strengthen the United States' future as a global leader. "It is a smart investment that's going to pay dividends for American security for generations," Biden said. "America is a beacon to the world. Still. Still," he said. The White House is reportedly preparing a huge request to Congress for a $100 billion package that would include funding for Israel in its war against Hamas and also for Ukraine amid its war with Russia. Right before the speech, Joe Biden spoke to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. Also read : Ukraine attacks Russian targets with missile system secretly given by the US In Tel Aviv on Wednesday, Biden backed Israel's effort to dismantle Hamas after the October 7 attacks by the Palestinian group left more than 1,400 Israeli civilians dead. Biden is credited with having brokered a deal to get limited aid through Egypt into the Gaza Strip, where Israeli bombing since has killed at least 3,785 Palestinians, most of them civilians, according to the Hamas-controlled health ministry. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Israel-Hamas war: Joe Biden's wartime address hails India-Middle East-Europe corridor

<p>Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is facing massive heat over the apparent security lapse over the Oct 7 Hamas terror attack, on Sunday (Oct 29) shifted the blame at his intelligence chiefs saying that he was never warned of an all-front attack.</p>

<p>This comes after the heads of the military, the domestic spy agency Shin Bet and even the finance minister, all acknowledged their failures, except Netanyahu.</p>

<p>In a post on social media X, which has since been deleted, the PM, who is also referred to as Bibi by his supporters, said, “At no time and no stage was a warning given to Prime Minister Netanyahu regarding war intentions of Hamas. On the contrary, all security officials, including the head of army intelligence and the head of the Shin Bet, estimated that Hamas was deterred and interested in an arrangement."</p>

<p>He had posted on social media after a joint press conference with Defence Minister Yoav Gallant and Minister Benny Gantz.</p>

<h2><strong>Massive uproar&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>However, this post caused massive uproar among the political establishment and the public, and even among his cabinet, forcing Netanyahu to withdraw his statement and issue a rare apology hours later.</p>

<p>“I was wrong. The things I said following the press conference should not have been said and I apologize for that.”</p>

<p>“I give full backing to all the heads of the security services. I am sending strength to the [IDF] chief of staff and the commanders and soldiers of the IDF who are on the frontlines and fighting for our home.”</p>

<h2><strong>Cabinet minister, ex-Mossad chief&nbsp;criticise&nbsp;PM</strong></h2>

<p>The first rebuke came from Cabinet minister Gantz asking Netanyahu to retract his statement.</p>

<p>“On this morning in particular, I want to support and strengthen all the security forces and IDF soldiers, including the IDF chief of staff, the head of military intelligence, the head of the Shin Bet,” Gantz added. “When we are at war, leadership must display responsibility, make the correct decisions and strengthen the forces in a way that they will understand what we demand from them… the prime minister must retract his statement.”</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/flood-brooklyn-for-gaza-rally-held-by-thousands-in-support-of-palestinians-652606">'Flood Brooklyn for Gaza' rally held by thousands in support of Palestinians</a></p>

<p>Opposition Leader Yair Lapid, who has refused to join the emergency war government, tweeted that “Netanyahu crossed a red line tonight” and must apologise.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-snake-will-remain-a-snake-israeli-envoy-to-un-slams-erdogan-as-relations-with-turkey-plummet-652476">'A snake will remain a snake': Israeli envoy to UN slams Erdogan as relations with Turkey plummet</a></p>

<p>Former Mossad chief Yossi Cohen, considered a close Netanyahu ally, said on Sunday to Kan public radio, “Responsibility is something you take at the start of your job, not midway.” Cohen noted that when he led the Mossad, “Everything that happened in the agency, from top to bottom, was my responsibility.”</p>

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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is facing massive heat over the apparent security lapse over the Oct 7 Hamas terror attack, on Sunday (Oct 29) shifted the blame at his intelligence chiefs saying that he was never warned of an all-front attack.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is facing massive heat over the apparent security lapse over the Oct 7 Hamas terror attack, on Sunday (Oct 29) shifted the blame at his intelligence chiefs saying that he was never warned of an all-front attack. This comes after the heads of the military, the domestic spy agency Shin Bet and even the finance minister, all acknowledged their failures, except Netanyahu. In a post on social media X, which has since been deleted, the PM, who is also referred to as Bibi by his supporters, said, “At no time and no stage was a warning given to Prime Minister Netanyahu regarding war intentions of Hamas. On the contrary, all security officials, including the head of army intelligence and the head of the Shin Bet, estimated that Hamas was deterred and interested in an arrangement." He had posted on social media after a joint press conference with Defence Minister Yoav Gallant and Minister Benny Gantz. Massive uproar However, this post caused massive uproar among the political establishment and the public, and even among his cabinet, forcing Netanyahu to withdraw his statement and issue a rare apology hours later. “I was wrong. The things I said following the press conference should not have been said and I apologize for that.” “I give full backing to all the heads of the security services. I am sending strength to the [IDF] chief of staff and the commanders and soldiers of the IDF who are on the frontlines and fighting for our home.” Cabinet minister, ex-Mossad chief criticise PM The first rebuke came from Cabinet minister Gantz asking Netanyahu to retract his statement. “On this morning in particular, I want to support and strengthen all the security forces and IDF soldiers, including the IDF chief of staff, the head of military intelligence, the head of the Shin Bet,” Gantz added. “When we are at war, leadership must display responsibility, make the correct decisions and strengthen the forces in a way that they will understand what we demand from them… the prime minister must retract his statement.” Also read | 'Flood Brooklyn for Gaza' rally held by thousands in support of Palestinians Opposition Leader Yair Lapid, who has refused to join the emergency war government, tweeted that “Netanyahu crossed a red line tonight” and must apologise. Also read | 'A snake will remain a snake': Israeli envoy to UN slams Erdogan as relations with Turkey plummet Former Mossad chief Yossi Cohen, considered a close Netanyahu ally, said on Sunday to Kan public radio, “Responsibility is something you take at the start of your job, not midway.” Cohen noted that when he led the Mossad, “Everything that happened in the agency, from top to bottom, was my responsibility.” WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu blames security chiefs over Hamas attack, deletes post after uproar

<p>In an overnight operation, IDF fighter jets targeted and killed Asem Abu Rakaba, who served as the Head of Hamas' Aerial Array. Rakaba held responsibility for overseeing Hamas' UAVs, drones, paragliders, as well as aerial detection and defense systems, the Israeli Defense Forces said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He was also notably involved in planning the October 7 attack on Israel and commanded the group of terrorists who made incursion into Israel using paragliders.&nbsp;Additionally, he was responsible for coordinating drone attacks on IDF posts, the IDF said in the post.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/un-adopts-resolution-calling-for-humanitarian-truce-between-israel-and-hamas-heres-what-happened-652178">UN adopts resolution calling for ‘humanitarian truce’ between Israel and Hamas. Here's what happened</a></p>

<p>"Overnight, IDF fighter jets struck Asem Abu Rakaba, the Head of Hamas' Aerial Array. Abu Rakaba was responsible for Hamas' UAVs, drones, paragliders, aerial detection and defense. He took part in planning the October 7 massacre and commanded the terrorists who infiltrated Israel on paragliders and was responsible for the drone attacks on IDF posts," IDF said in a post on Saturday (Oct 28) morning.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Overnight, IDF fighter jets struck Asem Abu Rakaba, the Head of Hamas' Aerial Array.<br />
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Abu Rakaba was responsible for Hamas' UAVs, drones, paragliders, aerial detection and defense.<br />
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He took part in planning the October 7 massacre and commanded the terrorists who infiltrated…</p>
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) <a href="https://twitter.com/IDF/status/1718127571554947394?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 28, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Israel has escalated its ground offensive against Hamas militants in Gaza.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During a night of intense airstrikes in its war against Hamas, the Israeli military also released footage of fighter jets taking off on a mission to target 150 "underground targets" in northern Gaza from where IDF has asked the civilians to move towards southern parts of Gaza.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-defends-ties-with-russia-says-us-criticism-distorted-652161">North Korea defends ties with Russia, says US criticism 'distorted'</a></p>

<p>Earlier, releasing footage of what it claimed to be a safe haven for Hamas terrorists under the Shifa Hospital in Gaza, the IDF said that the largest medical facility in the region is alleged to be used for Hamas terror activities.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-strikes-syria-will-yemen-now-join-hamas-war-652180">Israel strikes Syria, will Yemen now join Hamas' war?</a></strong></p>

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<p>The IDF asserted that they will take action to uncover any potential terrorist infrastructure under the hospital.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The United Nations General Assembly, on October 27, overwhelmingly approved the Jordanian resolution, which called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. The resolution also sought for the unhindered supply of aid to Gaza and the protection of civilians.</p>

<p>In contrast, the resolution put forward by Canada, supported by 35 member states, including the United States, which aimed to condemn Hamas for its attacks on southern Israel on October 7, did not receive enough votes to pass.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></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>

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In an overnight operation, IDF fighter jets targeted and killed Asem Abu Rakaba, who served as the Head of Hamas' Aerial Array. Rakaba held responsibility for overseeing Hamas' UAVs, drones, paragliders, as well as aerial detection and defense systems, the Israeli Defense Forces said.

In an overnight operation, IDF fighter jets targeted and killed Asem Abu Rakaba, who served as the Head of Hamas' Aerial Array. Rakaba held responsibility for overseeing Hamas' UAVs, drones, paragliders, as well as aerial detection and defense systems, the Israeli Defense Forces said. He was also notably involved in planning the October 7 attack on Israel and commanded the group of terrorists who made incursion into Israel using paragliders. Additionally, he was responsible for coordinating drone attacks on IDF posts, the IDF said in the post. Also Read | UN adopts resolution calling for ‘humanitarian truce’ between Israel and Hamas. Here's what happened "Overnight, IDF fighter jets struck Asem Abu Rakaba, the Head of Hamas' Aerial Array. Abu Rakaba was responsible for Hamas' UAVs, drones, paragliders, aerial detection and defense. He took part in planning the October 7 massacre and commanded the terrorists who infiltrated Israel on paragliders and was responsible for the drone attacks on IDF posts," IDF said in a post on Saturday (Oct 28) morning. Overnight, IDF fighter jets struck Asem Abu Rakaba, the Head of Hamas' Aerial Array. Abu Rakaba was responsible for Hamas' UAVs, drones, paragliders, aerial detection and defense. He took part in planning the October 7 massacre and commanded the terrorists who infiltrated… — Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) October 28, 2023 × Israel has escalated its ground offensive against Hamas militants in Gaza. During a night of intense airstrikes in its war against Hamas, the Israeli military also released footage of fighter jets taking off on a mission to target 150 "underground targets" in northern Gaza from where IDF has asked the civilians to move towards southern parts of Gaza. Also Read | North Korea defends ties with Russia, says US criticism 'distorted' Earlier, releasing footage of what it claimed to be a safe haven for Hamas terrorists under the Shifa Hospital in Gaza, the IDF said that the largest medical facility in the region is alleged to be used for Hamas terror activities. Watch | Israel strikes Syria, will Yemen now join Hamas' war? × The IDF asserted that they will take action to uncover any potential terrorist infrastructure under the hospital. The United Nations General Assembly, on October 27, overwhelmingly approved the Jordanian resolution, which called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. The resolution also sought for the unhindered supply of aid to Gaza and the protection of civilians. In contrast, the resolution put forward by Canada, supported by 35 member states, including the United States, which aimed to condemn Hamas for its attacks on southern Israel on October 7, did not receive enough votes to pass. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

IDF fighter jets eliminate Hamas' air chief Abu Rakaba in Gaza, confirms Israel

<p>India abstained from voting in the UN General Assembly on Friday (Oct 27) on a Jordan-led resolution that had no mention of Hamas in it.&nbsp;The resolution sought a ceasefire in Gaza and "unhindered" humanitarian access to the war-ravaged region.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While explaining India's decision to abstain from voting, India's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations Yojna Patel said that there is no justification for terror and the country is shocked by the October 7 terror attack on Israel.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India also called for the release of hostages held captive in Gaza by the Hamas Islamist terror group and welcomed all the efforts of de-escalation of tensions terming the humanitarian crisis in Gaza concerning.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/new-eu-ambassador-herve-delphin-upbeat-on-ascending-ties-with-india-and-fta-talks-652065">New EU Ambassador Hervé Delphin upbeat on 'ascending' ties with India and FTA talks</a></p>

<p>The envoy also restated India's two-state solution for the long-standing Israel-Palestine conflict.&nbsp;Over 1,400 people were reportedly killed in Israel after the brutal onslaught by the Palestinian terror group Hamas.</p>

<p>To find a resolution to the ongoing Israel-Hams war, UNGA's 193 members met in the emergency special session to vote on a&nbsp;resolution moved by Jordan which had the backing of over 40 countries, including Bangladesh, Pakistan, Maldives, South Africa, and Russia.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Resolution adopted with 120 nations voting 'yes'&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The "Protection of civilians and upholding legal and humanitarian obligations" resolution was adopted with 120 nations voting 'Yes', 14 'No', and 45 abstaining.<br />
<br />
In addition to India, other countries including Australia, Germany, Canada, Japan, Ukraine and the UK also abstained from voting on the resolution. The US said that not mentioning Hamas in the resolution is equated to "omission of evil".</p>

<h2><strong>Canadian amendments to resolution</strong></h2>

<p>Prior to the voting, an amendment proposed by Canada and backed by the US was considered. India voted yes for the Canadian amendment to Jordanian proposal on Israel Palestine resolution that condemned the Hamas terror attack on Israel. However the resolution was not adopted since it did not get a 2/3rd vote in UNGA.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/tata-to-manufacture-iphones-for-domestic-and-global-markets-in-india-651976">India's Tata group to manufacture iPhones for domestic and global markets</a></p>

<p>At the UN, India abstained from the Jordanian resolution that did not explicitly condemn Hamas terror attacks on Israel but supported the Canadian amendment that did the same.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gaza-medical-facilities-overwhelmed-infants-suffer-due-to-lack-of-nutrition-necessities-wion-652113">Gaza medical facilities overwhelmed; infants suffer due to lack of nutrition &amp; necessities | WION</a></strong></p>

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<p>The amendment called for adding para to the resolution that says "unequivocally rejects and condemns the terrorist attacks by Hamas that took place in Israel starting on 7 October 2023 and the taking of hostages, demands the safety, well-being and humane treatment of the hostages in compliance with international law, and calls for their immediate and unconditional release".</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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India abstained from voting in the UN General Assembly on Friday (Oct 27) on a Jordan-led resolution that had no mention of Hamas in it. The resolution sought a ceasefire in Gaza and "unhindered" humanitarian access to the war-ravaged region.

India abstained from voting in the UN General Assembly on Friday (Oct 27) on a Jordan-led resolution that had no mention of Hamas in it. The resolution sought a ceasefire in Gaza and "unhindered" humanitarian access to the war-ravaged region. While explaining India's decision to abstain from voting, India's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations Yojna Patel said that there is no justification for terror and the country is shocked by the October 7 terror attack on Israel. India also called for the release of hostages held captive in Gaza by the Hamas Islamist terror group and welcomed all the efforts of de-escalation of tensions terming the humanitarian crisis in Gaza concerning. Also Read | New EU Ambassador Hervé Delphin upbeat on 'ascending' ties with India and FTA talks The envoy also restated India's two-state solution for the long-standing Israel-Palestine conflict. Over 1,400 people were reportedly killed in Israel after the brutal onslaught by the Palestinian terror group Hamas. To find a resolution to the ongoing Israel-Hams war, UNGA's 193 members met in the emergency special session to vote on a resolution moved by Jordan which had the backing of over 40 countries, including Bangladesh, Pakistan, Maldives, South Africa, and Russia. Resolution adopted with 120 nations voting 'yes' The "Protection of civilians and upholding legal and humanitarian obligations" resolution was adopted with 120 nations voting 'Yes', 14 'No', and 45 abstaining. In addition to India, other countries including Australia, Germany, Canada, Japan, Ukraine and the UK also abstained from voting on the resolution. The US said that not mentioning Hamas in the resolution is equated to "omission of evil". Canadian amendments to resolution Prior to the voting, an amendment proposed by Canada and backed by the US was considered. India voted yes for the Canadian amendment to Jordanian proposal on Israel Palestine resolution that condemned the Hamas terror attack on Israel. However the resolution was not adopted since it did not get a 2/3rd vote in UNGA. Also Read | India's Tata group to manufacture iPhones for domestic and global markets At the UN, India abstained from the Jordanian resolution that did not explicitly condemn Hamas terror attacks on Israel but supported the Canadian amendment that did the same. Watch | Gaza medical facilities overwhelmed; infants suffer due to lack of nutrition & necessities | WION × The amendment called for adding para to the resolution that says "unequivocally rejects and condemns the terrorist attacks by Hamas that took place in Israel starting on 7 October 2023 and the taking of hostages, demands the safety, well-being and humane treatment of the hostages in compliance with international law, and calls for their immediate and unconditional release". (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

India abstains from UNGA vote on Jordan-led truce resolution that didn't mention Hamas

<p>India abstained from voting in the UN General Assembly on Friday (Oct 27) on a Jordan-led resolution that had no mention of Hamas in it.&nbsp;The resolution sought a ceasefire in Gaza and "unhindered" humanitarian access to the war-ravaged region.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While explaining India's decision to abstain from voting, India's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations Yojna Patel said that there is no justification for terror and the country is shocked by the October 7 terror attack on Israel.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India also called for the release of hostages held captive in Gaza by the Hamas Islamist terror group and welcomed all the efforts of de-escalation of tensions terming the humanitarian crisis in Gaza concerning.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/new-eu-ambassador-herve-delphin-upbeat-on-ascending-ties-with-india-and-fta-talks-652065">New EU Ambassador Hervé Delphin upbeat on 'ascending' ties with India and FTA talks</a></p>

<p>The envoy also restated India's two-state solution for the long-standing Israel-Palestine conflict.&nbsp;Over 1,400 people were reportedly killed in Israel after the brutal onslaught by the Palestinian terror group Hamas.</p>

<p>To find a resolution to the ongoing Israel-Hams war, UNGA's 193 members met in the emergency special session to vote on a&nbsp;resolution moved by Jordan which had the backing of over 40 countries, including Bangladesh, Pakistan, Maldives, South Africa, and Russia.</p>

<h2><strong>Resolution adopted with 120 nations voting 'yes'&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The "Protection of civilians and upholding legal and humanitarian obligations" resolution was adopted with 120 nations voting yes, 14 No, and 45 abstaining.<br />
<br />
In addition to India, other countries including Australia, Germany, Canada, Japan, Ukraine and the UK also abstained from voting on the resolution. The US said that not mentioning Hamas in the resolution is equated to "omission of evil".</p>

<h2><strong>Canadian amendments to resolution</strong></h2>

<p>Prior to the voting, an amendment proposed by Canada and backed by the US was considered. India voted yes for the Canadian amendment to Jordanian proposal on Israel Palestine resolution that condemned the Hamas terror attack on Israel. However the resolution was not adopted since it did not get a 2/3rd vote in UNGA.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/tata-to-manufacture-iphones-for-domestic-and-global-markets-in-india-651976">India's Tata group to manufacture iPhones for domestic and global markets</a></p>

<p>At the UN, India abstained from the Jordanian resolution that did not explicitly condemn Hamas terror attacks on Israel but supported the Canadian amendment that did the same.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gaza-medical-facilities-overwhelmed-infants-suffer-due-to-lack-of-nutrition-necessities-wion-652113">Gaza medical facilities overwhelmed; infants suffer due to lack of nutrition &amp; necessities | WION</a></strong></p>

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<p>The amendment called for adding para to the resolution that says "unequivocally rejects and condemns the terrorist attacks by Hamas that took place in Israel starting on 7 October 2023 and the taking of hostages, demands the safety, well-being and humane treatment of the hostages in compliance with international law, and calls for their immediate and unconditional release".</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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India abstained from voting in the UN General Assembly on Friday (Oct 27) on a Jordan-led resolution that had no mention of Hamas in it. The resolution sought a ceasefire in Gaza and "unhindered" humanitarian access to the war-ravaged region. While explaining India's decision to abstain from voting, India's deputy permanent representative to the United Nations Yojna Patel said that there is no justification for terror and the country is shocked by the October 7 terror attack on Israel. India also called for the release of hostages held captive in Gaza by the Hamas Islamist terror group and welcomed all the efforts of de-escalation of tensions terming the humanitarian crisis in Gaza concerning. Also Read | New EU Ambassador Hervé Delphin upbeat on 'ascending' ties with India and FTA talks The envoy also restated India's two-state solution for the long-standing Israel-Palestine conflict. Over 1,400 people were reportedly killed in Israel after the brutal onslaught by the Palestinian terror group Hamas. To find a resolution to the ongoing Israel-Hams war, UNGA's 193 members met in the emergency special session to vote on a resolution moved by Jordan which had the backing of over 40 countries, including Bangladesh, Pakistan, Maldives, South Africa, and Russia. Resolution adopted with 120 nations voting 'yes' The "Protection of civilians and upholding legal and humanitarian obligations" resolution was adopted with 120 nations voting yes, 14 No, and 45 abstaining. In addition to India, other countries including Australia, Germany, Canada, Japan, Ukraine and the UK also abstained from voting on the resolution. The US said that not mentioning Hamas in the resolution is equated to "omission of evil". Canadian amendments to resolution Prior to the voting, an amendment proposed by Canada and backed by the US was considered. India voted yes for the Canadian amendment to Jordanian proposal on Israel Palestine resolution that condemned the Hamas terror attack on Israel. However the resolution was not adopted since it did not get a 2/3rd vote in UNGA. Also Read | India's Tata group to manufacture iPhones for domestic and global markets At the UN, India abstained from the Jordanian resolution that did not explicitly condemn Hamas terror attacks on Israel but supported the Canadian amendment that did the same. Watch | Gaza medical facilities overwhelmed; infants suffer due to lack of nutrition & necessities | WION × The amendment called for adding para to the resolution that says "unequivocally rejects and condemns the terrorist attacks by Hamas that took place in Israel starting on 7 October 2023 and the taking of hostages, demands the safety, well-being and humane treatment of the hostages in compliance with international law, and calls for their immediate and unconditional release". (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

India abstains from vote on Jordan-led UNGA resolution that didn't mention Hamas

<p>The state of war in Israel has cast its shadow on the ambitious India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), announced last month by the leaders of India, Saudi Arabia,&nbsp;United States, United Arab Emirates and Europe last month at New Delhi G20 summit.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Described by Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as the "largest cooperation project" in Israeli history and hailed by the US President Joe Biden as a transcontinental connectivity project that&nbsp;will make West Asia "more stable and better connected to its neighbours", the passage of IMEC has entered a moment of uncertainty, at least for now.</p>

<p>"Israel is at the focus of an unprecedented international project that will link infrastructure from Asia to Europe," Netanyahu had said on September 12, 2023.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor: Reading between the timeline</strong></h2>

<p>According to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on principles of IMEC signed during New Delhi G20 summit, the representatives of its signatories — India, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, France, Germany, European Union and the United States&nbsp;— were supposed to meet within 60 days after September 9, 2023 "to develop and commit to an action plan with relevant timetables".&nbsp;</p>

<p>The attack by Hamas on Israel on October 7 came right in the middle of this timeline, when the signatories of IMEC had to meet to roll out an action plan for the development of the economic corridor aimed to facilitate the transit of&nbsp;commerce, energy and data to, from and between India, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Israel and Europe.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The reignited pro-Palestine sentiment&nbsp;in West Asia, especially in Jordan —&nbsp;which on October 27 sponsored a&nbsp;UN General Assembly resolution&nbsp;for humanitarian truce in Gaza&nbsp;— may emerge as a&nbsp;cause which could delay the formalisation of IMEC in the immediate future. But officials say that the ongoing state of war has vindicated the need for economic stabilisers in the region.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">UN vote on West Asia Crisis:<br />
-Jordan proposal adopted, calls for humanitarian truce, condemns civilian killing on both side<br />
-120 yes, 14 against, 45 abstention. India abstained<br />
<br />
-Canada proposal to condemn Hamas terror attack fails<br />
-88 yes, 55 nos, 23 abstention. India votes yes</p>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1718119526255165597?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 28, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Over three years since the signing of Abraham Accords — a series of joint normalisation agreements initially between Israel, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain; and later Sudan and Morocco — and seven months since normalisation of ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia until October 7, 2023, there had been steady signs of de-escalation from prolonged tensions in the region.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The transcontinental connectivity project announced in Delhi stemmed from the signs of stability in the region and expectation of restoration of ties between Saudi Arabia and Israel. &nbsp;</p>

<p><img alt="A dove flies over the debris of houses destroyed in Israeli strikes, in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip October 11, 2023" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="ec2c74f1-bd1c-4330-aee9-861497d88fba" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-10-28T201447.874.png" /></p>

<p><em>A dove flies over the debris of houses destroyed in Israeli strikes, in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip October 11, 2023 | Reuters</em></p>

<p>But with Israel's retaliatory action on Hamas in the Gaza Strip that continues to kill thousands of civilians in the Palestinian region, the corridors of power in Riyadh and Amman have become vary of rapproachment with Israel.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Any attempt by Israel and the US to effect an Israeli-Saudi normalisation of relations is likely to be delayed, because the Saudi public is outraged by Israel's assault on Gaza, so the leadership will have to move with the utmost care," said Joost Hiltermann, Program Director, Middle East and North Africa at Crisis Group.</p>

<h2><strong>'We will carry on with IMEC': Why this connectivity project matters?</strong></h2>

<p>The US President Joe Biden has said that he believes one of the reason why Hamas attacked Israel is due to the progress made to formalise the India-Middle East-Europe Economic corridor.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I am convinced one of the reasons Hamas attacked when they did, and I have no proof of this, just my instinct tells me, is because of the progress we were making towards regional integration for Israel, and regional integration overall. We can’t leave that work behind," Biden said on October 26 while standing beside Australian Prime Minister Antony Albanese.</p>

<p>On October 20, in his wartime address after visit to Israel, Biden pitched the project as a stability factor in a region plagued with conflicts.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"With this (IMEC)", Biden said, the region will benefit with&nbsp;"predictable markets, more employment, less rage and less grievances."</p>

<p>"It benefits the people of the Middle East. It benefits us (the United States)."</p>

<p>Asked by WION's diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal if the ongoing developments in West Asia pose a challenge towards India-Middle East-Europe&nbsp;connectivity corridor,&nbsp;Europen Union Ambassador in New Delhi Hervé Delphin said that&nbsp;these developments in fact&nbsp;"vindicate the necessity to provide stabilisers for this region".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"All key stakeholders in the IMEC have the same message.&nbsp;We will carry on with this project," Delphin said.</p>

<p>"We should not consider that because there is a war, it has simply killed this project. I don't think it has. On the contrary, as I said, I think it simply shows the value of such a project," he added.</p>

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The state of war in Israel has cast its shadow on the ambitious India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), announced last month by the leaders of India, Saudi Arabia, United States, United Arab Emirates and Europe last month at New Delhi G20 summit.

The state of war in Israel has cast its shadow on the ambitious India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC), announced last month by the leaders of India, Saudi Arabia, United States, United Arab Emirates and Europe last month at New Delhi G20 summit. Described by Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as the "largest cooperation project" in Israeli history and hailed by the US President Joe Biden as a transcontinental connectivity project that will make West Asia "more stable and better connected to its neighbours", the passage of IMEC has entered a moment of uncertainty, at least for now. "Israel is at the focus of an unprecedented international project that will link infrastructure from Asia to Europe," Netanyahu had said on September 12, 2023. India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor: Reading between the timeline According to the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on principles of IMEC signed during New Delhi G20 summit, the representatives of its signatories — India, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, France, Germany, European Union and the United States — were supposed to meet within 60 days after September 9, 2023 "to develop and commit to an action plan with relevant timetables". The attack by Hamas on Israel on October 7 came right in the middle of this timeline, when the signatories of IMEC had to meet to roll out an action plan for the development of the economic corridor aimed to facilitate the transit of commerce, energy and data to, from and between India, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Israel and Europe. The reignited pro-Palestine sentiment in West Asia, especially in Jordan — which on October 27 sponsored a UN General Assembly resolution for humanitarian truce in Gaza — may emerge as a cause which could delay the formalisation of IMEC in the immediate future. But officials say that the ongoing state of war has vindicated the need for economic stabilisers in the region. UN vote on West Asia Crisis: -Jordan proposal adopted, calls for humanitarian truce, condemns civilian killing on both side -120 yes, 14 against, 45 abstention. India abstained -Canada proposal to condemn Hamas terror attack fails -88 yes, 55 nos, 23 abstention. India votes yes — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) October 28, 2023 × Over three years since the signing of Abraham Accords — a series of joint normalisation agreements initially between Israel, the United Arab Emirates, and Bahrain; and later Sudan and Morocco — and seven months since normalisation of ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia until October 7, 2023, there had been steady signs of de-escalation from prolonged tensions in the region. The transcontinental connectivity project announced in Delhi stemmed from the signs of stability in the region and expectation of restoration of ties between Saudi Arabia and Israel. A dove flies over the debris of houses destroyed in Israeli strikes, in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip October 11, 2023 | Reuters But with Israel's retaliatory action on Hamas in the Gaza Strip that continues to kill thousands of civilians in the Palestinian region, the corridors of power in Riyadh and Amman have become vary of rapproachment with Israel. "Any attempt by Israel and the US to effect an Israeli-Saudi normalisation of relations is likely to be delayed, because the Saudi public is outraged by Israel's assault on Gaza, so the leadership will have to move with the utmost care," said Joost Hiltermann, Program Director, Middle East and North Africa at Crisis Group. 'We will carry on with IMEC': Why this connectivity project matters? The US President Joe Biden has said that he believes one of the reason why Hamas attacked Israel is due to the progress made to formalise the India-Middle East-Europe Economic corridor. "I am convinced one of the reasons Hamas attacked when they did, and I have no proof of this, just my instinct tells me, is because of the progress we were making towards regional integration for Israel, and regional integration overall. We can’t leave that work behind," Biden said on October 26 while standing beside Australian Prime Minister Antony Albanese. On October 20, in his wartime address after visit to Israel, Biden pitched the project as a stability factor in a region plagued with conflicts. "With this (IMEC)", Biden said, the region will benefit with "predictable markets, more employment, less rage and less grievances." "It benefits the people of the Middle East. It benefits us (the United States)." Asked by WION's diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal if the ongoing developments in West Asia pose a challenge towards India-Middle East-Europe connectivity corridor, Europen Union Ambassador in New Delhi Hervé Delphin said that these developments in fact "vindicate the necessity to provide stabilisers for this region". "All key stakeholders in the IMEC have the same message. We will carry on with this project," Delphin said. "We should not consider that because there is a war, it has simply killed this project. I don't think it has. On the contrary, as I said, I think it simply shows the value of such a project," he added. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

How Israel-Hamas war is impacting state of India-Middle East-Europe corridor

<p>The United States has reportedly urged China to leverage its relationships in West Asia, particularly with Iran, to prevent the expansion of Israel-Hamas war in the&nbsp;region. The reported request comes days after US President Joe Biden's wartime Israel visit failed to even establish a leadership-to-leadership engagement with Arab leaders.</p>

<p>The diplomatic effort took place during what has been the first visit by a Chinese foreign minister to Washington since 2018.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Wang held extensive meetings with the US President Joe Biden, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan. Among the topics discussed was the possibility of a summit between Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in San Francisco the following month.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;China &amp; US need to resume comprehensive dialogue: China FM Wang Yi | World News | WION</strong></p>

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<p>"We pressed China to take a more constructive approach, and that would include of course their engagements with the Iranians to urge calm," a senior US official was quoted as saying by Financial Times after the meetings with Wang.</p>

<p>"China obviously has relations in the region . . . We think it should be using those connections to call for calm on all sides. And I think some of their comments publicly have focused in one particular direction."</p>

<h2><strong>Israel-Hamas war: What is Washington's primary concern?</strong></h2>

<p>The primary worry for the US is the potential for Iranian military support to Hamas or Hezbollah, which could escalate the conflict in the region.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The US officials have encouraged China to take a more constructive approach in its engagement with Iran, advocating for de-escalation.</p>

<h2><strong>Has Beijing's influence outgrown Washington's in West Asia?</strong></h2>

<p>In March 2023, China outfoxed the&nbsp;US-led West after it succeeded in brokering an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-saudi-arabia-restore-ties-as-china-brokered-deal-outfoxes-west-570766">Iran-Saudi Arabia deal to restore the bilateral&nbsp;ties</a> between Shia and Sunni powerhouses respectively.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Recently, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spotlight-on-washingtons-waning-political-capital-after-gaza-hospital-blast-sinks-bidens-jordan-summit-648187">Washington's waning political capital</a> in the region was in spotlight after a four-way leaders' summit between US President Joe Biden, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, Jordan's King Abdullah II, and Palestine Authority President&nbsp;Mahmoud Abbas was unilaterally cancelled by host Jordan after a deadly mass casualty at a Gaza hospital earlier this month, even though Israel presented evidence that it had no role and a rocket misfired from Gaza had led to the tragedy.</p>

<p>The unilateral cancellation of Biden's visit with Arab leaders occurred despite US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's shuttle diplomacy in the region when he established in-person contact with leaders in the region.<br />
<br />
On October 27, China issued an unprecedented statement saying it will "strongly oppose any external forces interfering in Iran's internal affairs", in a veiled reference to Washington's warnings to Iran against indulging in conflict between Israel and Hamas.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Thereby, Beijing appears to have an edge&nbsp;over Washington when it comes to securing a goal towards a semblance of stability in West Asia.</p>

<h2><b>Wang Yi China visit: What else is on the cards?</b></h2>

<p>The discussions reportedly touched upon regional concerns, including actions in the South China Sea and the need for peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait.</p>

<p>Furthermore, the US raised the issue of counter-narcotics with China, urging Beijing&nbsp;to crack down on the export of chemicals used in the production of Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid responsible for a significant number of deaths among the young Americans.</p>

<p>Another topic of importance in the discussions was the re-establishment of military-to-military channels.</p>

<p>The US expressed its desire to reopen these channels, which China had previously shut down after then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan the previous y</p>

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The United States has reportedly urged China to leverage its relationships in West Asia, particularly with Iran, to prevent the expansion of Israel-Hamas war in the region.

The United States has reportedly urged China to leverage its relationships in West Asia, particularly with Iran, to prevent the expansion of Israel-Hamas war in the region. The reported request comes days after US President Joe Biden's wartime Israel visit failed to even establish a leadership-to-leadership engagement with Arab leaders. The diplomatic effort took place during what has been the first visit by a Chinese foreign minister to Washington since 2018. Wang held extensive meetings with the US President Joe Biden, Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan. Among the topics discussed was the possibility of a summit between Biden and Chinese leader Xi Jinping at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in San Francisco the following month. Also watch | China & US need to resume comprehensive dialogue: China FM Wang Yi | World News | WION × "We pressed China to take a more constructive approach, and that would include of course their engagements with the Iranians to urge calm," a senior US official was quoted as saying by Financial Times after the meetings with Wang. "China obviously has relations in the region . . . We think it should be using those connections to call for calm on all sides. And I think some of their comments publicly have focused in one particular direction." Israel-Hamas war: What is Washington's primary concern? The primary worry for the US is the potential for Iranian military support to Hamas or Hezbollah, which could escalate the conflict in the region. The US officials have encouraged China to take a more constructive approach in its engagement with Iran, advocating for de-escalation. Has Beijing's influence outgrown Washington's in West Asia? In March 2023, China outfoxed the US-led West after it succeeded in brokering an Iran-Saudi Arabia deal to restore the bilateral ties between Shia and Sunni powerhouses respectively. Recently, Washington's waning political capital in the region was in spotlight after a four-way leaders' summit between US President Joe Biden, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, Jordan's King Abdullah II, and Palestine Authority President Mahmoud Abbas was unilaterally cancelled by host Jordan after a deadly mass casualty at a Gaza hospital earlier this month, even though Israel presented evidence that it had no role and a rocket misfired from Gaza had led to the tragedy. The unilateral cancellation of Biden's visit with Arab leaders occurred despite US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's shuttle diplomacy in the region when he established in-person contact with leaders in the region. On October 27, China issued an unprecedented statement saying it will "strongly oppose any external forces interfering in Iran's internal affairs", in a veiled reference to Washington's warnings to Iran against indulging in conflict between Israel and Hamas. Thereby, Beijing appears to have an edge over Washington when it comes to securing a goal towards a semblance of stability in West Asia. Wang Yi China visit: What else is on the cards? The discussions reportedly touched upon regional concerns, including actions in the South China Sea and the need for peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait. Furthermore, the US raised the issue of counter-narcotics with China, urging Beijing to crack down on the export of chemicals used in the production of Fentanyl, a synthetic opioid responsible for a significant number of deaths among the young Americans. Another topic of importance in the discussions was the re-establishment of military-to-military channels. The US expressed its desire to reopen these channels, which China had previously shut down after then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan the previous y WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

China outfoxing US in West Asia? Washington asks Beijing to pull Tehran away from Israel-Hamas war

<p>Israelis are descending upon gun stores and firearms training centres in record numbers since the October 7 onslaught by Hamas.</p>

<p>Some of them are frustrated with the slow military response while some are horrified by soul-stirring scenes of terror. Now they believe arming themselves might be the best way to ward off any similar terror threat in the future.</p>

<p>As a result, gun stores and shooting ranges are working overtime to keep up with the demand.</p>

<h2><strong>Record applications</strong></h2>

<p>According to local media reports, a record 150,000 applicants have applied for gun licenses within weeks since Hamas launched attacks on Israel. To put the spike into perspective, during the same period last year, just 42 applicants showed up.</p>

<p>In central Kfar Saba Shooting Range, they were holding just one training course per day, now they’re holding three to four daily. Some centres are hiring more staff to accommodate the massive demand.</p>

<h2><strong>Blessing from the government</strong></h2>

<p>The trend of buying personal firearms is further fuelled by a recent shift in government policy. So far, issuing gun licenses has been highly restricted in the country, involving an arduous application process which would often take months.</p>

<p>Now, it is a matter of some days, with most of the work done online. The Israeli minister for police, Itamar Ben-Gvir, believes private gun ownership is actually a good thing for internal stability.</p>

<p>Even Prime Minister Netanyahu himself has backed the idea.</p>

<p>The war against Hamas included “encouraging civilians and helping civilians to arm themselves for their self-defence,” he said in a televised speech on Wednesday (Oct 25).</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-ready-to-release-civilian-prisoners-but-on-one-condition-says-iran-652021"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;`Hamas ready to release civilian hostages but on one condition`, says Iran</strong></a></p>

<p>Personal accounts from some of the survivors of the Oct 7 attack have also led some people to buy firearms.</p>

<p>Some of the survivors said they were able to defend their homes only because they had a gun near to hand. They kept holding on until security forces arrived, after delays of several hours.</p>

<h2><strong>Words of caution</strong></h2>

<p>While Israelis demonstrate great enthusiasm for purchasing firearms, some anti-gun activists have raised concerns.</p>

<p>They believe making firearms too freely available raises the risk of accidental shootings, murder and suicide.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Israel-Palestine war: Can Mahmoud Abbas represent the voice of Palestinians?</strong></p>

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<p>“An untrained response in the event of a subjective sense of danger is liable to bring about the needless death of innocents,” said an Israeli advocate group called “Pistol on the Kitchen Table”.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Israelis are descending upon gun stores and firearms training centres in record numbers since the October 7 onslaught by Hamas. Some of them are frustrated with the slow military response while some are horrified by soul-stirring scenes of terror.

Israelis are descending upon gun stores and firearms training centres in record numbers since the October 7 onslaught by Hamas. Some of them are frustrated with the slow military response while some are horrified by soul-stirring scenes of terror. Now they believe arming themselves might be the best way to ward off any similar terror threat in the future. As a result, gun stores and shooting ranges are working overtime to keep up with the demand. Record applications According to local media reports, a record 150,000 applicants have applied for gun licenses within weeks since Hamas launched attacks on Israel. To put the spike into perspective, during the same period last year, just 42 applicants showed up. In central Kfar Saba Shooting Range, they were holding just one training course per day, now they’re holding three to four daily. Some centres are hiring more staff to accommodate the massive demand. Blessing from the government The trend of buying personal firearms is further fuelled by a recent shift in government policy. So far, issuing gun licenses has been highly restricted in the country, involving an arduous application process which would often take months. Now, it is a matter of some days, with most of the work done online. The Israeli minister for police, Itamar Ben-Gvir, believes private gun ownership is actually a good thing for internal stability. Even Prime Minister Netanyahu himself has backed the idea. The war against Hamas included “encouraging civilians and helping civilians to arm themselves for their self-defence,” he said in a televised speech on Wednesday (Oct 25). Also read: `Hamas ready to release civilian hostages but on one condition`, says Iran Personal accounts from some of the survivors of the Oct 7 attack have also led some people to buy firearms. Some of the survivors said they were able to defend their homes only because they had a gun near to hand. They kept holding on until security forces arrived, after delays of several hours. Words of caution While Israelis demonstrate great enthusiasm for purchasing firearms, some anti-gun activists have raised concerns. They believe making firearms too freely available raises the risk of accidental shootings, murder and suicide. Watch: Israel-Palestine war: Can Mahmoud Abbas represent the voice of Palestinians? × “An untrained response in the event of a subjective sense of danger is liable to bring about the needless death of innocents,” said an Israeli advocate group called “Pistol on the Kitchen Table”. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Israelis descending upon gun stores in large numbers after Oct 7 attack

<p>The Israeli military has unequivocally told some news organisations that it can’t guarantee the safety of their journalists currently reporting from Gaza.</p>

<p>The statement from the IDF came after news organisations Reuters and AFP demanded Israel not to target their journalists on the battlefield.</p>

<p>"The IDF is targeting all Hamas military activity throughout Gaza," the IDF statement said, adding that Hamas deliberately put military operations "in the vicinity of journalists and civilians".</p>

<p>"Under these circumstances, we cannot guarantee your employees' safety and strongly urge you to take all necessary measures for their safety," the IDF made clear.</p>

<h2><strong>Reuters and AFP concerned</strong></h2>

<p>Reacting to the IDF’s statement, Reuters said it would prevent the journalists on the ground from fulfilling their duties.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The situation on the ground is dire. The IDF’s unwillingness to give assurances about the safety of our staff threatens their ability to deliver the news about this conflict without fear of being injured or killed," a Reuters statement said.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Israeli military says Hamas hiding tunnels, operations centres in Gaza hospital</strong></p>

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<p>AFP Global News Director Phil Chetwynd said his news organisation had received the same letter.</p>

<p>"We are in an incredibly precarious position and it's important that the world understands that there is a large team of journalists working in extremely dangerous conditions," Chetwynd said.</p>

<h2><strong>Death of journalists</strong></h2>

<p>According to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), at least 29 journalists have lost their lives in the Israel-Hamas conflict so far, mostly inside the Gazan territory.</p>

<p>CPJ reported that at least eight journalists were reported injured and nine missing or detained.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-poll-finds-49-support-for-holding-off-on-gaza-invasion-652201"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Israeli poll finds 49% support for holding off on Gaza invasion</strong></a></p>

<p>“CPJ emphasizes that journalists are civilians doing important work during times of crisis and must not be targeted by warring parties,” said Sherif Mansour, CPJ’s Middle East and North Africa program coordinator.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Journalists across the region are making great sacrifices to cover this heartbreaking conflict. Those in Gaza, in particular, have paid, and continue to pay, an unprecedented toll and face exponential threats. Many have lost colleagues, families, and media facilities, and have fled seeking safety when there is no safe haven or exit,” he added.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The Israeli military has unequivocally told some news organisations that it can’t guarantee the safety of their journalists currently reporting from Gaza. The statement from the IDF came after news organisations Reuters and AFP demanded Israel not to target their journalists on the battlefield.

The Israeli military has unequivocally told some news organisations that it can’t guarantee the safety of their journalists currently reporting from Gaza. The statement from the IDF came after news organisations Reuters and AFP demanded Israel not to target their journalists on the battlefield. "The IDF is targeting all Hamas military activity throughout Gaza," the IDF statement said, adding that Hamas deliberately put military operations "in the vicinity of journalists and civilians". "Under these circumstances, we cannot guarantee your employees' safety and strongly urge you to take all necessary measures for their safety," the IDF made clear. Reuters and AFP concerned Reacting to the IDF’s statement, Reuters said it would prevent the journalists on the ground from fulfilling their duties. “The situation on the ground is dire. The IDF’s unwillingness to give assurances about the safety of our staff threatens their ability to deliver the news about this conflict without fear of being injured or killed," a Reuters statement said. Watch: Israeli military says Hamas hiding tunnels, operations centres in Gaza hospital × AFP Global News Director Phil Chetwynd said his news organisation had received the same letter. "We are in an incredibly precarious position and it's important that the world understands that there is a large team of journalists working in extremely dangerous conditions," Chetwynd said. Death of journalists According to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), at least 29 journalists have lost their lives in the Israel-Hamas conflict so far, mostly inside the Gazan territory. CPJ reported that at least eight journalists were reported injured and nine missing or detained. Also read: Israeli poll finds 49% support for holding off on Gaza invasion “CPJ emphasizes that journalists are civilians doing important work during times of crisis and must not be targeted by warring parties,” said Sherif Mansour, CPJ’s Middle East and North Africa program coordinator. “Journalists across the region are making great sacrifices to cover this heartbreaking conflict. Those in Gaza, in particular, have paid, and continue to pay, an unprecedented toll and face exponential threats. Many have lost colleagues, families, and media facilities, and have fled seeking safety when there is no safe haven or exit,” he added. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

IDF says can’t guarantee safety as 29 journalists die in Israel-Hamas war

<p>India is stepping up its drone surveillance system in border areas to ward&nbsp;off any Hamas-like attacks that took place on Israeli soil on Oct 7. Two weeks of devastation has left above 8,000 people dead in both Israel and Gaza Strip.&nbsp;</p>

<p>India has also battled similar surprise attacks by terror&nbsp;groups based in the neighbouring countries. Drawing lessons from the Israel-Hamas war, India doesn’t want to be caught off-guard if a similar situation arises at its own border.</p>

<p>According to a report by Bloomberg, India’s defence officials met six vendors of surveillance and reconnaissance drones over the last week. An order is expected to be placed very soon.</p>

<h2><strong>Significance for India</strong></h2>

<p>India needs a robust border defence system to ward&nbsp;off terror threats and foil the dangerous designs of its enemies. For instance, in 2008, terrorists from Pakistan armed with assault weapons and grenades infiltrated Mumbai by sea and managed to kill 166 people.</p>

<p>India is now acting with urgency on this matter. According to media reports, Indian forces are looking to have the drone defence system up and running by as early as May.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/former-indian-navy-officers-awarded-death-penalty-in-qatar-india-expresses-shock-651570"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Eight Indian nationals given death penalty in Qatar, `deeply shocked` India exploring all legal options</strong></a></p>

<p>Not just that, persistent border tensions with China in the Himalayas and Pakistan also warrant a well-equipped border drone defence infrastructure.</p>

<p>It must be noted that this system would be used not just to tackle security challenges but also the drug menace. Pakistan-based groups are believed to be using drones to smuggle drugs across the border.</p>

<p>According to reports, it might take India almost 18 months to cover the entire stretch of borders. The system will cost India $500 million annually.</p>

<h2><strong>How does this system work?</strong></h2>

<p>Solar-powered drones known as High-Altitude Pseudo Satellites (HAPS) will be deployed to support the drone infrastructure, capable of extended flight durations without requiring frequent landings.&nbsp;</p>

<p>These 24/7 high-altitude, long-endurance drones will also serve as backup for the conventional radar network along the country's borders, transmitting images directly to local command centres.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;India-Canada row: India-Canada airfares soar amid troubled ties</strong></p>

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<p>Both the drones and the accompanying software will be developed domestically, as the Indian military aims to enhance local production within the context of a $250 billion, 10-year military modernisation initiative.</p>

<p>Once operational, the entire 22,531-kilometre-long land and sea borders will be continuously monitored.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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India is stepping up its drone surveillance system in border areas to ward off any Hamas-like attacks that took place on Israeli soil on Oct 7. Two weeks of devastation has left above 8,000 people dead in both Israel and Gaza Strip.

India is stepping up its drone surveillance system in border areas to ward off any Hamas-like attacks that took place on Israeli soil on Oct 7. Two weeks of devastation has left above 8,000 people dead in both Israel and Gaza Strip. India has also battled similar surprise attacks by terror groups based in the neighbouring countries. Drawing lessons from the Israel-Hamas war, India doesn’t want to be caught off-guard if a similar situation arises at its own border. According to a report by Bloomberg, India’s defence officials met six vendors of surveillance and reconnaissance drones over the last week. An order is expected to be placed very soon. Significance for India India needs a robust border defence system to ward off terror threats and foil the dangerous designs of its enemies. For instance, in 2008, terrorists from Pakistan armed with assault weapons and grenades infiltrated Mumbai by sea and managed to kill 166 people. India is now acting with urgency on this matter. According to media reports, Indian forces are looking to have the drone defence system up and running by as early as May. Also read: Eight Indian nationals given death penalty in Qatar, `deeply shocked` India exploring all legal options Not just that, persistent border tensions with China in the Himalayas and Pakistan also warrant a well-equipped border drone defence infrastructure. It must be noted that this system would be used not just to tackle security challenges but also the drug menace. Pakistan-based groups are believed to be using drones to smuggle drugs across the border. According to reports, it might take India almost 18 months to cover the entire stretch of borders. The system will cost India $500 million annually. How does this system work? Solar-powered drones known as High-Altitude Pseudo Satellites (HAPS) will be deployed to support the drone infrastructure, capable of extended flight durations without requiring frequent landings. These 24/7 high-altitude, long-endurance drones will also serve as backup for the conventional radar network along the country's borders, transmitting images directly to local command centres. Watch: India-Canada row: India-Canada airfares soar amid troubled ties × Both the drones and the accompanying software will be developed domestically, as the Indian military aims to enhance local production within the context of a $250 billion, 10-year military modernisation initiative. Once operational, the entire 22,531-kilometre-long land and sea borders will be continuously monitored. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

India urgently building border drone defence system to ward off Hamas-like attacks

<p>A delegation from Hamas landed in Moscow on Thursday for talks with Russian officials on the release of Russian hostages and other foreign nationals who are currently held up in Gaza.</p>

<p>There are at least 220 Russian citizens held as hostages by Hamas, according to the Israeli government.</p>

<p>Mousa Abu Marzook, the founder and political leader of Hamas, was among the delegation of the militant group who met Russian deputy foreign minister Mikhail Bogdanov, state-run Tass news agency reported.</p>

<p>According to reports, Marzook, who lives in exile in Qatar, travelled to Moscow after an earlier meeting in Doha with Bogdanov and the Iranian deputy foreign minister, Ali Bagheri Kani.</p>

<p>“Abu Marzook, a member of the political bureau of the Islamic resistance movement Hamas, is in Moscow,” said the Russian foreign ministry in a statement.</p>

<p>“Contact with him took place in pursuit for the immediate release of foreign hostages held in the Gaza Strip, and issues related to ensuring the evacuation of Russian and other foreign citizens from the territory of the Palestinian enclave were discussed.”</p>

<p>Later, Hamas in its own statement praised Russia's President Vladimir Putin for his efforts to end "the crimes of Israel that are supported by the West", Russia's RIA news agency reported.</p>

<h2><strong>Russia-Hamas ties&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The meeting comes after the deputy minister expressed his desire to meet the terrorist organisation in Qatar to discuss the release of Israeli hostages.</p>

<p>&nbsp;“If they are willing, we always are in favour of contact,” Bogdanov told state media earlier this month.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/advancing-india-middle-east-europe-economic-corridor-potential-reason-behind-hamas-attack-biden-651583">Biden links Hamas attack to economic corridor put out in G20 summit</a></p>

<p>“Especially in this situation, [a meeting] would be useful for solving practical issues, including the freeing of hostages.”</p>

<h2><strong>Putin wants Gaza bombing to end&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The meeting reflects Russia’s unwavering support to the Palestinians who have been affected by the Israeli counter-operations launched against Hamas for the October 7 terror attack.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/meta-blocks-pro-palestine-account-on-instagram-due-to-security-reasons-651678">Meta blocks pro-Palestine account on Instagram, users accuse it of shadowbanning</a></p>

<p>Earlier this week, Vladimir Putin warned that an Israeli ground invasion of Gaza could lead to a broader regional conflict, saying that “our main task is to stop the bloodshed and violence … otherwise, further escalation of the crisis is fraught with grave and extremely dangerous and destructive consequences. And not only for the Middle East region. It could spill over far beyond the borders of the Middle East.”</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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A delegation from Hamas landed in Moscow on Thursday for talks with Russian officials on the release of Russian hostages and other foreign nationals who are currently held up in Gaza.

A delegation from Hamas landed in Moscow on Thursday for talks with Russian officials on the release of Russian hostages and other foreign nationals who are currently held up in Gaza. There are at least 220 Russian citizens held as hostages by Hamas, according to the Israeli government. Mousa Abu Marzook, the founder and political leader of Hamas, was among the delegation of the militant group who met Russian deputy foreign minister Mikhail Bogdanov, state-run Tass news agency reported. According to reports, Marzook, who lives in exile in Qatar, travelled to Moscow after an earlier meeting in Doha with Bogdanov and the Iranian deputy foreign minister, Ali Bagheri Kani. “Abu Marzook, a member of the political bureau of the Islamic resistance movement Hamas, is in Moscow,” said the Russian foreign ministry in a statement. “Contact with him took place in pursuit for the immediate release of foreign hostages held in the Gaza Strip, and issues related to ensuring the evacuation of Russian and other foreign citizens from the territory of the Palestinian enclave were discussed.” Later, Hamas in its own statement praised Russia's President Vladimir Putin for his efforts to end "the crimes of Israel that are supported by the West", Russia's RIA news agency reported. Russia-Hamas ties The meeting comes after the deputy minister expressed his desire to meet the terrorist organisation in Qatar to discuss the release of Israeli hostages. “If they are willing, we always are in favour of contact,” Bogdanov told state media earlier this month. Also read | Biden links Hamas attack to economic corridor put out in G20 summit “Especially in this situation, [a meeting] would be useful for solving practical issues, including the freeing of hostages.” Putin wants Gaza bombing to end The meeting reflects Russia’s unwavering support to the Palestinians who have been affected by the Israeli counter-operations launched against Hamas for the October 7 terror attack. Also read | Meta blocks pro-Palestine account on Instagram, users accuse it of shadowbanning Earlier this week, Vladimir Putin warned that an Israeli ground invasion of Gaza could lead to a broader regional conflict, saying that “our main task is to stop the bloodshed and violence … otherwise, further escalation of the crisis is fraught with grave and extremely dangerous and destructive consequences. And not only for the Middle East region. It could spill over far beyond the borders of the Middle East.” (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Hamas delegation visits Moscow to discuss release of hostages

<p>Iran’s Quds Force reportedly imparted specialised training to at least 500 Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad militants as recently as in September, reported Wall Street Journal on Wednesday (Oct 25).</p>

<p>IRGC’s elite forces trained the Jihadis in Iran up to a month before the deadly assault of October 7, which saw more than 1,000 Israelis and foreign nationals killed.</p>

<p>The report noted that several top Iranian and Hamas leaders attended the joint drills, including the Quds Force chief Esmail Qaani.</p>

<h2><strong>Iran’s role in Hamas’ assault</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier, the WSJ reported that Iranian security officials assisted Hamas in launching the deadly assault on the Jewish nation. In fact, the green light also came from Tehran during a meeting in Beirut just days before the attack.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/data-lab-18-days-of-israel-hamas-war-sees-more-palestinian-deaths-than-15-years-of-conflict-combined-651279"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Data Lab | 18 days of Israel-Hamas war sees more Palestinian deaths than 15 years of conflict combined</strong></a></p>

<p>“Details of the operation were refined during several meetings in Beirut attended by IRGC officers and representatives of four Iran-backed militant groups, including Hamas, which holds power in Gaza, and Hezbollah, a Shiite militant group and political faction in Lebanon,” WSJ reported citing members of Hamas and Hezbollah.</p>

<h2><strong>USA’s denial</strong></h2>

<p>Despite these reports hinting at the direct involvement of the Iranian regime in the Hamas’ assault, US officials maintain they don’t have enough evidence to believe Tehran had any role to play.</p>

<p>“We don’t have any information at this time to corroborate this account,” said a top US official.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Israel to flood Hamas' hostage tunnels</strong></p>

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<p>In an interview with CNN that aired previously, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said: “We have not yet seen evidence that Iran directed or was behind this particular attack, but there is certainly a long relationship.”</p>

<h2><strong>Statement by Hamas and Iran</strong></h2>

<p>Hamas claims it planned the attack on its own, without any support from a foreign player.</p>

<p>Mahmoud Mirdawi, a senior Hamas official, said, “This is a Palestinian and Hamas decision.”</p>

<p>Iran also made clear that it stood by Hamas’ actions but didn’t direct them.</p>

<p>“The decisions made by the Palestinian resistance are fiercely autonomous and unwaveringly aligned with the legitimate interests of the Palestinian people,” a spokesman for the Iranian mission at the UN said. “We are not involved in Palestine’s response, as it is taken solely by Palestine itself,” he added.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Iran’s Quds Force reportedly imparted specialised training to at least 500 Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad militants as recently as in September, reported Wall Street Journal on Wednesday (Oct 25).

Iran’s Quds Force reportedly imparted specialised training to at least 500 Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad militants as recently as in September, reported Wall Street Journal on Wednesday (Oct 25). IRGC’s elite forces trained the Jihadis in Iran up to a month before the deadly assault of October 7, which saw more than 1,000 Israelis and foreign nationals killed. The report noted that several top Iranian and Hamas leaders attended the joint drills, including the Quds Force chief Esmail Qaani. Iran’s role in Hamas’ assault Earlier, the WSJ reported that Iranian security officials assisted Hamas in launching the deadly assault on the Jewish nation. In fact, the green light also came from Tehran during a meeting in Beirut just days before the attack. Also read: Data Lab | 18 days of Israel-Hamas war sees more Palestinian deaths than 15 years of conflict combined “Details of the operation were refined during several meetings in Beirut attended by IRGC officers and representatives of four Iran-backed militant groups, including Hamas, which holds power in Gaza, and Hezbollah, a Shiite militant group and political faction in Lebanon,” WSJ reported citing members of Hamas and Hezbollah. USA’s denial Despite these reports hinting at the direct involvement of the Iranian regime in the Hamas’ assault, US officials maintain they don’t have enough evidence to believe Tehran had any role to play. “We don’t have any information at this time to corroborate this account,” said a top US official. Watch: Israel to flood Hamas' hostage tunnels × In an interview with CNN that aired previously, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said: “We have not yet seen evidence that Iran directed or was behind this particular attack, but there is certainly a long relationship.” Statement by Hamas and Iran Hamas claims it planned the attack on its own, without any support from a foreign player. Mahmoud Mirdawi, a senior Hamas official, said, “This is a Palestinian and Hamas decision.” Iran also made clear that it stood by Hamas’ actions but didn’t direct them. “The decisions made by the Palestinian resistance are fiercely autonomous and unwaveringly aligned with the legitimate interests of the Palestinian people,” a spokesman for the Iranian mission at the UN said. “We are not involved in Palestine’s response, as it is taken solely by Palestine itself,” he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Iran’s elite Quds Force trained 500 Hamas terrorists before Oct 7 attack: Report

<p>Senior officials of Hamas and Islamic Jihad, both Palestinian militants groups, have held talks with Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, said the Lebanese group on Wednesday (Oct 25). The statement from Hezbollah did not reveal on what day or where the meeting took place. It only said that Nasrallah met Hamas number two Saleh al-Aruri and Islamic Jihad leader Ziad Nakhaleh at an undisclosed location and that the talks revolved around achieving "real victory" in the conflict with Israel.</p>

<p>The meeting, as claimed by Hezbollah, took place just when Israeli forces are exchanging fire with the Lebanese group and its Palestinian ally across Lebanon-Israel border. The developments have raised the spectre of new front of conflict amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Israel PM Netanyahu visits Gaza border, meets IDF soldiers | IDF Chief says 'ready for invasion'</strong></p>

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<p>The groups are part of the so-called "axis of resistance" which comprises of Palestinian,&nbsp;Lebanese, Syrian and other Iran-backed groups opposed to Israel.</p>

<p>The statement from Hezbollah said that the participants in the meeting discussed what "the axis of resistance must do at this critical stage to achieve real victory... in Gaza and Palestine and stop&nbsp;Israel's brutal aggression".</p>

<p>Hezbollah said that they also discussed "recent events in the Gaza Strip since the start of Operation Al-Aqsa Flood," a reference to the October 7 Hamas attack against Israel.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/need-to-set-the-record-straight-un-chief-clarifies-his-hamas-remarks-after-enraging-israel-651217">‘Need to set the record straight’: UN chief clarifies his Hamas remarks after enraging Israel</a></strong></p>

<p>Gaza Strip is controlled by Hamas. The health ministry run by Hamas has reported that 5,791 deaths have taken place in the enclave in the Israeli offensive in response to the October 7 attack.</p>

<p>The statement from the Hezbollah added that Nasrallah and militant leaders from Palestine "agreed to keep coordinating and daily following up on developments."</p>

<p>Hamas and Hezbollah have for long co-ordinated with Quds Force, the foreign operations arm of Iranian Revolutionary Guards.</p>

<p>Hezbollah said that the meeting also touched upon the cross-border fire at Israel-Lebanon border.</p>

<p>AFP has reported that at least 52 people have been killed so far in Lebanon. These are mostly Hezbollah fighters but the tally also includes civilians. Reuters journalist Issam Abdallah is one such casualty.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Senior officials of Hamas and Islamic Jihad, both Palestinian militants groups, have held talks with Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, said the Lebanese group on Wednesday (Oct 25).

Senior officials of Hamas and Islamic Jihad, both Palestinian militants groups, have held talks with Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, said the Lebanese group on Wednesday (Oct 25). The statement from Hezbollah did not reveal on what day or where the meeting took place. It only said that Nasrallah met Hamas number two Saleh al-Aruri and Islamic Jihad leader Ziad Nakhaleh at an undisclosed location and that the talks revolved around achieving "real victory" in the conflict with Israel. The meeting, as claimed by Hezbollah, took place just when Israeli forces are exchanging fire with the Lebanese group and its Palestinian ally across Lebanon-Israel border. The developments have raised the spectre of new front of conflict amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. Watch | Israel PM Netanyahu visits Gaza border, meets IDF soldiers | IDF Chief says 'ready for invasion' × The groups are part of the so-called "axis of resistance" which comprises of Palestinian, Lebanese, Syrian and other Iran-backed groups opposed to Israel. The statement from Hezbollah said that the participants in the meeting discussed what "the axis of resistance must do at this critical stage to achieve real victory... in Gaza and Palestine and stop Israel's brutal aggression". Hezbollah said that they also discussed "recent events in the Gaza Strip since the start of Operation Al-Aqsa Flood," a reference to the October 7 Hamas attack against Israel. Also Read | ‘Need to set the record straight’: UN chief clarifies his Hamas remarks after enraging Israel Gaza Strip is controlled by Hamas. The health ministry run by Hamas has reported that 5,791 deaths have taken place in the enclave in the Israeli offensive in response to the October 7 attack. The statement from the Hezbollah added that Nasrallah and militant leaders from Palestine "agreed to keep coordinating and daily following up on developments." Hamas and Hezbollah have for long co-ordinated with Quds Force, the foreign operations arm of Iranian Revolutionary Guards. Hezbollah said that the meeting also touched upon the cross-border fire at Israel-Lebanon border. AFP has reported that at least 52 people have been killed so far in Lebanon. These are mostly Hezbollah fighters but the tally also includes civilians. Reuters journalist Issam Abdallah is one such casualty. (With inputs from agencies)

Hezbollah chief meets Hamas, Islamic Jihad leaders, says the Lebanese group

<p>Israel's military has shared a handwritten note which they claimed was found on the body of a Hamas militant, which appears to suggest the men owing allegiance to the Gaza-based group were encouraged to remove the heads, hearts and livers of their Israeli victims during the October 7 assault.</p>

<p>The note, according to Israel's Defense Forces (IDF) was&nbsp;recovered from the body of a Hamas militant who took part in the carnage of Israeli civilians. The note comes&nbsp;with purported&nbsp;instructions from Hamas&nbsp;commanders to behead Israelis.</p>

<p><img alt="Note allegedly found with a Hamas man | x/@idfonline" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="35255172-e2f0-45b0-bdc7-0aab6539f5e7" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/HamasNote.png" /></p>

<p><em>Note allegedly found with a Hamas man | x/@idfonline</em></p>

<p>Israel Defense Forces spokesperson Brig. Gen. Daniel Hagari made the claims regarding the letter to CBS News.</p>

<p>"You must sharpen the blades of your swords and be pure in your intentions before Allah. Know that the enemy is a disease that has no cure, except beheading and removing the hearts and livers. Attack them!" the note reads in Arabic, according to the Jerusalem Post.</p>

<p>Hagari reacted to the note by stating that Hamas must be defeated.</p>

<p>"The Oct 7 massacre is something that I haven’t seen through my life," he told CBS News.</p>

<p>"This is a war. We have to fight. There is only one goal: Defeat Hamas. Kill the leaders of terror and bring our people home."</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Israel-Hamas war: Shocking, gruesome images of babies killed during Hamas attack released</strong></p>

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<p>When asked about his message to Hamas, he said: "We have only one country. It’s Israel. It’s our democracy, it’s our country. We’re not going anywhere. We’re going to fight for our country and we’re going to use all the means we can."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-vs-hamas-claims-of-beheaded-israeli-babies-at-massacre-site-create-shockwaves-645154">Israel Vs Hamas: Reports of Israeli babies being massacred create shockwaves</a></strong></p>

<p>The past 18 days of Israel-Hamas war have led to more Palestinian deaths than 15 years of the Israel-Palestine conflict combined.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Gaza reported its highest single-day death toll of over 700 people in the ongoing war&nbsp;on Tuesday (Oct 25), according to the United Nations.</p>

<p>The war began on Oct 7 after men owing allegiance to Hamas infiltrated Israel and killed over 1,400 Israeli citizens, mostly civilians and took over 200 Israelis hostage into Gaza Strip.</p>

<p><strong><em>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.</em></strong></p>

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Israel's military has shared a handwritten note which they claimed was found on the body of a Hamas militant, which appears to suggest the men owing allegiance to the Gaza-based group were encouraged to remove the heads, hearts and livers of their Israeli victims during the October 7 assault.

Israel's military has shared a handwritten note which they claimed was found on the body of a Hamas militant, which appears to suggest the men owing allegiance to the Gaza-based group were encouraged to remove the heads, hearts and livers of their Israeli victims during the October 7 assault. The note, according to Israel's Defense Forces (IDF) was recovered from the body of a Hamas militant who took part in the carnage of Israeli civilians. The note comes with purported instructions from Hamas commanders to behead Israelis. Note allegedly found with a Hamas man | x/@idfonline Israel Defense Forces spokesperson Brig. Gen. Daniel Hagari made the claims regarding the letter to CBS News. "You must sharpen the blades of your swords and be pure in your intentions before Allah. Know that the enemy is a disease that has no cure, except beheading and removing the hearts and livers. Attack them!" the note reads in Arabic, according to the Jerusalem Post. Hagari reacted to the note by stating that Hamas must be defeated. "The Oct 7 massacre is something that I haven’t seen through my life," he told CBS News. "This is a war. We have to fight. There is only one goal: Defeat Hamas. Kill the leaders of terror and bring our people home." Also watch | Israel-Hamas war: Shocking, gruesome images of babies killed during Hamas attack released × When asked about his message to Hamas, he said: "We have only one country. It’s Israel. It’s our democracy, it’s our country. We’re not going anywhere. We’re going to fight for our country and we’re going to use all the means we can." Also read | Israel Vs Hamas: Reports of Israeli babies being massacred create shockwaves The past 18 days of Israel-Hamas war have led to more Palestinian deaths than 15 years of the Israel-Palestine conflict combined. Gaza reported its highest single-day death toll of over 700 people in the ongoing war on Tuesday (Oct 25), according to the United Nations. The war began on Oct 7 after men owing allegiance to Hamas infiltrated Israel and killed over 1,400 Israeli citizens, mostly civilians and took over 200 Israelis hostage into Gaza Strip. 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.

'Beheading, removing of hearts': Israel claims note found on Hamas man's body called to commit atrocities

<p>Israel has effectively stopped issuing visas to the officials of United Nations starting Wednesday (Oct 25), a day after the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres indicated that Hamas'&nbsp;assault on Israeli civilians on October 7 was prompted by Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories, which Guterres earlier on October 25 said was 'misreported'.</p>

<p>"The attacks by Hamas did not happen in a vacuum. Palestinians have been subjected to 56 years of suffocating occupation. But their grievances cannot justify the appalling attacks by Hamas. Those attacks cannot justify the collective punishment of the Palestinians," Guterres had said.</p>

<p>Later on October 25, Guterres clarified that his remarks were misrepresented.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Israel-Hamas war: UN Chief, Antonio Guterres remarks sparks row</strong></p>

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<p>"I am shocked by misrepresentations by some of my statement yesterday in the Security Council -- as if I was justifying acts of terror by Hamas," Guterres told reporters.</p>

<h2><strong>Uproar grows in Israel for Guterres to issue apology</strong></h2>

<p>Israeli officials have been railing against the UN chief and demands have erupted from inside Israel for an apology from the UN chief. The chairperson of Yad Vashem Holocaust museum in Jerusalem said that Guterres "failed the test" of the "Never again" call to prevent any event towards the extermination of Jewish population after the events of second world war.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-envoy-demands-immediate-resignation-of-un-chief-after-he-raises-concerns-over-violation-of-law-in-gaza-650832">Israeli envoy demands resignation of UN Chief over his ‘Hamas attacks not in a vacuum remark’</a></strong></p>

<p>Guterres’s comments drew widespread&nbsp;outrage in Israel.</p>

<p>Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations Gilad Erdan described them as "shocking" and demanded that the secretary general resign.</p>

<p>Foreign Minister Eli Cohen reportedly&nbsp;cancelled a meeting with Guterres, and Minister Benny Gantz labeled the UN chief a "terror apologist."</p>

<p>The strongly worded reactions continued on Wednesday morning.</p>

<p>Israel's foreign ministry wrote on X, that Guterres’s remarks "provoke anger and astonishment and tarnish both him and the organization he heads," and reflect "a biased and distorted attitude towards Israel on the part of the UN and especially on the part of the Secretary-General himself."</p>

<p>"The UN Secretary-General must retract his words, engage in deep personal soul-searching and apologize for his statement, which distressed millions of Israelis who are still experiencing the consequences of the murderous terrorist attack of October 7," the ministry added.</p>

<h2><strong>Israel's new visa policy towards UN officials</strong></h2>

<p>Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations Gilad Erdan, in an interview with Army Radio, vowed to teach the UN a lesson with a punishing visa policy.</p>

<p>"Due to his remarks, we will refuse to issue visas to UN representatives," Erdan said. "We have already refused a visa for Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Martin Griffiths. The time has come to teach them a lesson."</p>


Israel has effectively stopped issuing visas to the officials of United Nations starting Wednesday (Oct 25), a day after the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres indicated that Hamas' assault on Israeli civilians on October 7 was prompted by Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories, which Guterres earlier on October 25 said was 'misreported'.

Israel has effectively stopped issuing visas to the officials of United Nations starting Wednesday (Oct 25), a day after the UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres indicated that Hamas' assault on Israeli civilians on October 7 was prompted by Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories, which Guterres earlier on October 25 said was 'misreported'. "The attacks by Hamas did not happen in a vacuum. Palestinians have been subjected to 56 years of suffocating occupation. But their grievances cannot justify the appalling attacks by Hamas. Those attacks cannot justify the collective punishment of the Palestinians," Guterres had said. Later on October 25, Guterres clarified that his remarks were misrepresented. Also watch | Israel-Hamas war: UN Chief, Antonio Guterres remarks sparks row × "I am shocked by misrepresentations by some of my statement yesterday in the Security Council -- as if I was justifying acts of terror by Hamas," Guterres told reporters. Uproar grows in Israel for Guterres to issue apology Israeli officials have been railing against the UN chief and demands have erupted from inside Israel for an apology from the UN chief. The chairperson of Yad Vashem Holocaust museum in Jerusalem said that Guterres "failed the test" of the "Never again" call to prevent any event towards the extermination of Jewish population after the events of second world war. Also read | Israeli envoy demands resignation of UN Chief over his ‘Hamas attacks not in a vacuum remark’ Guterres’s comments drew widespread outrage in Israel. Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations Gilad Erdan described them as "shocking" and demanded that the secretary general resign. Foreign Minister Eli Cohen reportedly cancelled a meeting with Guterres, and Minister Benny Gantz labeled the UN chief a "terror apologist." The strongly worded reactions continued on Wednesday morning. Israel's foreign ministry wrote on X, that Guterres’s remarks "provoke anger and astonishment and tarnish both him and the organization he heads," and reflect "a biased and distorted attitude towards Israel on the part of the UN and especially on the part of the Secretary-General himself." "The UN Secretary-General must retract his words, engage in deep personal soul-searching and apologize for his statement, which distressed millions of Israelis who are still experiencing the consequences of the murderous terrorist attack of October 7," the ministry added. Israel's new visa policy towards UN officials Israel’s ambassador to the United Nations Gilad Erdan, in an interview with Army Radio, vowed to teach the UN a lesson with a punishing visa policy. "Due to his remarks, we will refuse to issue visas to UN representatives," Erdan said. "We have already refused a visa for Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Martin Griffiths. The time has come to teach them a lesson."

Israel stops UN staff visas after Antonio Guterres is branded 'terror apologist' for his Hamas remarks

<p>While expressing its deep concerns over the Israel-Hamas war, India at the UN Security Council meeting on Wednesday (Oct 25) vowed its continued support for the people of Palestine. This came as the UNSC held its first open debate on the Israel-Hamas war, a meeting where a majority of the members urged for an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian aid for Palestinians.</p>

<p>Until now, the 15-member council has failed to deliver a resolution amid air raids and relentless violence which has raised concerns of a further escalation.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>India’s Deputy Permanent Representative (DPR) to the United Nations, Ambassador R. Ravindra said that India is "deeply concerned about the deteriorating security situation and large-scale loss of civilian lives in the ongoing Israel-Hamas war."</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/australia-dispatches-significant-number-of-troops-jets-to-middle-east-650928">Australia dispatches 'significant' number of troops, jets to Middle East</a></p>

<p>"In these challenging times, India will continue to send humanitarian assistance to the people of Palestine...Every effort must be made to create conducive conditions for the resumption of these talks," the Ambassador said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Terming the October 7&nbsp;Hamas attack as "shocking,"&nbsp;India at the UNSC condemned it "unequivocally."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The UN representative for India said that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was "one of the first global leaders to have conveyed his condolences for the loss of lives and prayers for the innocent victims and their families."</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-vs-hamas-amid-upsurge-in-violence-us-begins-preparing-for-mass-evacuation-if-war-escalates-650898">Israel vs Hamas: Amid upsurge in violence, US begins preparing for mass evacuation if war escalates</a></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We stood in solidarity with Israel at their moment of crisis when they were facing these terror attacks...Our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured. Civilian casualties in the ongoing conflict are a matter of serious and continuing concern," he said.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Indian aid to Palestinians</strong></h2>

<p>After the unspeakable onslaught by Hamas, many Palestinians had to bear the brunt of the ensuing war. In the midst of the humanitarian crisis triggered by the unprecedented situation in the region, India stepped in to aid the Palestinians in their plight.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-secretary-of-state-antony-blinken-says-all-acts-of-terrorism-are-unlawful-whether-by-let-or-hamas-650941">US Secretary of State Antony Blinken says all acts of terrorism are unlawful whether by LET or Hamas</a></strong></p>

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<p>Ambassador R. Ravindra at the open debate said, "India has sent 38 tons of humanitarian goods, including medicines and equipment, to the people of Palestine. India has always negotiated a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine issue, leading to the establishment of a sovereign, independent, and viable state of Palestine, living within secure and recognized borders, side by side in peace with Israel, taking into account the legitimate security concerns of Israel... We also continue to support the Palestinian people through our bilateral development partnership, which covers a wide range of sectors including health, education, women's empowerment, entrepreneurship, and information technology."&nbsp;</p>

<p>He also reiterated India’s commitment to a "just, peaceful, and lasting solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict."&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong><em>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.</em></strong></p>

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While expressing its deep concerns over the Israel-Hamas war, India at the UN Security Council meeting on Wednesday (Oct 25) vowed its continued support for the people of Palestine.

While expressing its deep concerns over the Israel-Hamas war, India at the UN Security Council meeting on Wednesday (Oct 25) vowed its continued support for the people of Palestine. This came as the UNSC held its first open debate on the Israel-Hamas war, a meeting where a majority of the members urged for an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian aid for Palestinians. Until now, the 15-member council has failed to deliver a resolution amid air raids and relentless violence which has raised concerns of a further escalation. India’s Deputy Permanent Representative (DPR) to the United Nations, Ambassador R. Ravindra said that India is "deeply concerned about the deteriorating security situation and large-scale loss of civilian lives in the ongoing Israel-Hamas war." Also Read | Australia dispatches 'significant' number of troops, jets to Middle East "In these challenging times, India will continue to send humanitarian assistance to the people of Palestine...Every effort must be made to create conducive conditions for the resumption of these talks," the Ambassador said. Terming the October 7 Hamas attack as "shocking," India at the UNSC condemned it "unequivocally." The UN representative for India said that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi was "one of the first global leaders to have conveyed his condolences for the loss of lives and prayers for the innocent victims and their families." Also Read | Israel vs Hamas: Amid upsurge in violence, US begins preparing for mass evacuation if war escalates "We stood in solidarity with Israel at their moment of crisis when they were facing these terror attacks...Our heartfelt condolences to the families of the victims and prayers for the speedy recovery of the injured. Civilian casualties in the ongoing conflict are a matter of serious and continuing concern," he said. Indian aid to Palestinians After the unspeakable onslaught by Hamas, many Palestinians had to bear the brunt of the ensuing war. In the midst of the humanitarian crisis triggered by the unprecedented situation in the region, India stepped in to aid the Palestinians in their plight. Watch | US Secretary of State Antony Blinken says all acts of terrorism are unlawful whether by LET or Hamas × Ambassador R. Ravindra at the open debate said, "India has sent 38 tons of humanitarian goods, including medicines and equipment, to the people of Palestine. India has always negotiated a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestine issue, leading to the establishment of a sovereign, independent, and viable state of Palestine, living within secure and recognized borders, side by side in peace with Israel, taking into account the legitimate security concerns of Israel... We also continue to support the Palestinian people through our bilateral development partnership, which covers a wide range of sectors including health, education, women's empowerment, entrepreneurship, and information technology." He also reiterated India’s commitment to a "just, peaceful, and lasting solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict." (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

At UNSC, India vows continued humanitarian assistance for Palestinians

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