<p>The live traffic conditions in Israel and Gaza Strip have been disabled by Alphabet-owned Google, reportedly at the request of Israeli military. The development occurs ahead of a much-anticipated potential Israeli ground offensive into Gaza for a purported goal to "dismantle Hamas", the Gaza-based ground that launched a deadly wave of attacks on Israeli civilians on October 7 and left over 1,400 Israelis, mostly&nbsp;civilians, dead.</p>

<p>"As we have done previously in conflict situations and in response to the evolving situation in the region, we have temporarily disabled the ability to see live traffic conditions and busyness information out of consideration for the safety of local communities," a Google spokesperson said in a statement.</p>

<h2><strong>What does it mean?</strong></h2>

<p>Live traffic information can potentially reveal the troop movements, posing a threat to the potential Israeli troop movements in Gaza.</p>

<p>Earlier in February 2022, shortly after Russian President Vladimir Putin launched an all-out Russian offensive in Ukraine, Google had disabled real-time road traffic data in Ukraine as well, which partly remains in place ever since.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/google-temporarily-disables-google-maps-live-traffic-data-in-ukraine-457341">Google temporarily disables Google Maps live traffic data in Ukraine</a></strong></p>

<p>However, it doesn't mean that the drivers and people on road won't be able to use the navigation system. They still will be able to see estimated times of arrival based on the live conditions, according to an official Google statement.</p>

<h2><strong>After Google, Apple also disables real-time traffic on Maps</strong></h2>

<p>According to a report in Israeli technology website GeekTime, Apple-owned Maps app has also complied to a similar request by the Israeli army.</p>

<p>Israel is expected to launch a ground offensive into Gaza Strip, with reports in the western media claiming that the Israel's Defense Forces would begin by attempts to dismantle underground tunnels from where Hamas allegedly operates.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Family sues Google maps for allegedly directing man off collapsed bridge</strong></p>

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<p>Israel has called up more than 300,000 IDF reservists after October 7 attacks by Hamas.</p>

<p>The country’s purported plan for a ground offensive of Gaza has been criticised over the risk of civilian casualties.</p>


The live traffic conditions in Israel and Gaza Strip have been disabled by Alphabet-owned Google, reportedly at the request of Israeli military. The development occurs ahead of a much-anticipated potential Israeli ground offensive into Gaza for a purported goal to "dismantle Hamas", the Gaza-based ground that launched a deadly wave of attacks on Israeli civilians on October 7 and left over 1,400 Israelis, mostly civilians, dead.

The live traffic conditions in Israel and Gaza Strip have been disabled by Alphabet-owned Google, reportedly at the request of Israeli military. The development occurs ahead of a much-anticipated potential Israeli ground offensive into Gaza for a purported goal to "dismantle Hamas", the Gaza-based ground that launched a deadly wave of attacks on Israeli civilians on October 7 and left over 1,400 Israelis, mostly civilians, dead. "As we have done previously in conflict situations and in response to the evolving situation in the region, we have temporarily disabled the ability to see live traffic conditions and busyness information out of consideration for the safety of local communities," a Google spokesperson said in a statement. What does it mean? Live traffic information can potentially reveal the troop movements, posing a threat to the potential Israeli troop movements in Gaza. Earlier in February 2022, shortly after Russian President Vladimir Putin launched an all-out Russian offensive in Ukraine, Google had disabled real-time road traffic data in Ukraine as well, which partly remains in place ever since. Also read | Google temporarily disables Google Maps live traffic data in Ukraine However, it doesn't mean that the drivers and people on road won't be able to use the navigation system. They still will be able to see estimated times of arrival based on the live conditions, according to an official Google statement. After Google, Apple also disables real-time traffic on Maps According to a report in Israeli technology website GeekTime, Apple-owned Maps app has also complied to a similar request by the Israeli army. Israel is expected to launch a ground offensive into Gaza Strip, with reports in the western media claiming that the Israel's Defense Forces would begin by attempts to dismantle underground tunnels from where Hamas allegedly operates. Also watch | Gravitas: Family sues Google maps for allegedly directing man off collapsed bridge × Israel has called up more than 300,000 IDF reservists after October 7 attacks by Hamas. The country’s purported plan for a ground offensive of Gaza has been criticised over the risk of civilian casualties.

Israel-Hamas war: Ground invasion looming? Israel asks Google to disable live traffic maps in Gaza

<p>Noah Schnapp best known for playing Will Byers in <em>Stranger Things </em>has spoken out in support of Israel amid the country's ongoing war with Hamas. Noha took to Instagram to write a long note and said he wants peace for both Palestinians and Israelis. He also talked about the "silence in social media like never seen before" adding that the Jewish people "won't forget it"</p>

<p>“As a Jewish American, I am afraid. Afraid for my brothers and sisters in Israel, who have been senselessly attacked by Hamas. I am truly heartbroken to see the brutal murders of innocent children, women and soldiers fighting to defend themselves. I, like others, want peace for both Palestinians and Israelis. Let’s stop the rhetoric and choosing sides. Instead, we must recognize that we are all on the side of the fight against terrorism. Choose humanity over violence,” Noah wrote.</p>

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<p style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; line-height:17px; margin-bottom:0; margin-top:8px; overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/CyQ9eq7snwx/?utm_source=ig_embed&amp;utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Noah Schnapp (@noahschnapp)</a></p>
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<p><strong>Noah received death threats</strong><br />
<br />
He added, “I just reposted a beautiful picture of a young innocent girl whose life was taken by Hamas at a music festival. I was met with comments reading ‘no one cares about free Palestine’ and ‘she deserves that, and every Israeli terrorist deserves that – Free Palestine.’ I am outraged by the justification and celebration of the death of a young girl's life. Have people lost their minds??? STOP! This is one example of many posts, rallies, and petitions being signed attempting to justify the brutality against these innocent Israeli people. You don’t have to be Jewish, you don’t have to be Israeli, you just have to have empathy and common sense to know that THIS is wrong.”</p>

<p><strong>Silence on social media platforms</strong><br />
<br />
Noah also said, “I have also noticed a silence in social media like never seen before. The same people who love to jump on fashionable causes like supporting Ukraine and combating climate change have been chillingly quiet. The Jewish people are seeing your silence and we won't forget it.”</p>

<p>The actor also condemned Hamas for brutally killing babies. "40 babies were beheaded and burned alive in front of their parents by Hamas. I hope we can agree that Hamas are a recognized terrorist organization: they don't represent the Palestinian people when they value murdering Israelis more than protecting their own. You either stand with Israel or you stand with terrorism. It shouldn't be a difficult choice. Shame on you," wrote the actor.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>'We will pray for Palestine’</strong><br />
<br />
He added, “While you justify the murders and torture of our loved ones, we will hope and pray for safety, justice, liberation, and self-determination in Palestine. While you chant 'Gas the Jews', we will say a Jewish prayer for peace for all Israelis and Palestinians. A reminder that we, the Jewish people, with our love for each other and others, are stronger than your hatred."</p>


Noah Schnapp best known for playing Will Byers in Stranger Things has spoken out in support of Israel amid the country's ongoing war with Hamas. Noha took to Instagram to write a long note and said he wants peace for both Palestinians and Israelis.

Noah Schnapp best known for playing Will Byers in Stranger Things has spoken out in support of Israel amid the country's ongoing war with Hamas. Noha took to Instagram to write a long note and said he wants peace for both Palestinians and Israelis. He also talked about the "silence in social media like never seen before" adding that the Jewish people "won't forget it" “As a Jewish American, I am afraid. Afraid for my brothers and sisters in Israel, who have been senselessly attacked by Hamas. I am truly heartbroken to see the brutal murders of innocent children, women and soldiers fighting to defend themselves. I, like others, want peace for both Palestinians and Israelis. Let’s stop the rhetoric and choosing sides. Instead, we must recognize that we are all on the side of the fight against terrorism. Choose humanity over violence,” Noah wrote. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Noah Schnapp (@noahschnapp) × Noah received death threats He added, “I just reposted a beautiful picture of a young innocent girl whose life was taken by Hamas at a music festival. I was met with comments reading ‘no one cares about free Palestine’ and ‘she deserves that, and every Israeli terrorist deserves that – Free Palestine.’ I am outraged by the justification and celebration of the death of a young girl's life. Have people lost their minds??? STOP! This is one example of many posts, rallies, and petitions being signed attempting to justify the brutality against these innocent Israeli people. You don’t have to be Jewish, you don’t have to be Israeli, you just have to have empathy and common sense to know that THIS is wrong.” Silence on social media platforms Noah also said, “I have also noticed a silence in social media like never seen before. The same people who love to jump on fashionable causes like supporting Ukraine and combating climate change have been chillingly quiet. The Jewish people are seeing your silence and we won't forget it.” The actor also condemned Hamas for brutally killing babies. "40 babies were beheaded and burned alive in front of their parents by Hamas. I hope we can agree that Hamas are a recognized terrorist organization: they don't represent the Palestinian people when they value murdering Israelis more than protecting their own. You either stand with Israel or you stand with terrorism. It shouldn't be a difficult choice. Shame on you," wrote the actor. 'We will pray for Palestine’ He added, “While you justify the murders and torture of our loved ones, we will hope and pray for safety, justice, liberation, and self-determination in Palestine. While you chant 'Gas the Jews', we will say a Jewish prayer for peace for all Israelis and Palestinians. A reminder that we, the Jewish people, with our love for each other and others, are stronger than your hatred."

Stranger Things star Noah Schnapp slams pro-Hamas supporters on social media

<p>Baby Kai was just 9 days old when Hamas terrorists broke into his home in Kibbutz Nirim and set it ablaze. The infant’s fate hung in the balance, and the family had to take the risk of placing him away from lethal smoke in a spot where any terrorist could see him should they return.</p>

<p>The horror lasted for six hours and eventually, the nightmare turned into an amazing tale of miraculous survival.</p>

<p>The story was shared on X by a user Aviva Klompas. The mother of the infant also shared the horrifying experience with Channel 12, a TV channel in Israel.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;US readies plans for mass evacuations if Gaza war escalates</strong></p>

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<p>"My mom who was with us grabbed Kai and he started crying. She put a finger in his mouth to shut him up as quickly as possible," mother Amy told Channel 12.</p>

<p>She along with her husband Uriel held the doorknob up even as the terrorists tried to enter the house. The family rushed to the “safe room,” beyond the reach of the gunmen.</p>

<p>“We began to see an orange light, thick flames and smoke,” she said, adding their house was set ablaze.</p>

<p>“The smoke still managed to get into the room,” she said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/at-unsc-india-vows-continued-humanitarian-assistance-for-palestinians-650959"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;At UNSC, India vows continued humanitarian assistance for Palestinians</strong></a></p>

<p>Father Uriel sent out an SOS call to the community’s Whatsapp group.</p>

<p>"My house is on fire, we're locked in the shelter, please save us," he wrote.</p>

<p>“When we placed our little one on the windowsill, it was one of the hardest decisions we had to make. On the one hand, if we left him in the safe room, we thought he would probably inhale a lethal amount of smoke, but on the other hand, if we put him on the windowsill, the terrorists could have attacked him,” Uriel described the experience.</p>

<p>“We thought the worst, but we looked each other in the eye and said I love you, and that helped," he concluded.</p>

<p>The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) eventually came to their rescue, leading them and their neighbours to a nearby shelter.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>


Baby Kai was just 9 days old when Hamas terrorists broke into his home in Kibbutz Nirim and set it ablaze. The infant’s fate hung in the balance, and the family had to take the risk of placing him away from lethal smoke in a spot where any terrorist could see him should they return.

Baby Kai was just 9 days old when Hamas terrorists broke into his home in Kibbutz Nirim and set it ablaze. The infant’s fate hung in the balance, and the family had to take the risk of placing him away from lethal smoke in a spot where any terrorist could see him should they return. The horror lasted for six hours and eventually, the nightmare turned into an amazing tale of miraculous survival. The story was shared on X by a user Aviva Klompas. The mother of the infant also shared the horrifying experience with Channel 12, a TV channel in Israel. Watch: US readies plans for mass evacuations if Gaza war escalates × "My mom who was with us grabbed Kai and he started crying. She put a finger in his mouth to shut him up as quickly as possible," mother Amy told Channel 12. She along with her husband Uriel held the doorknob up even as the terrorists tried to enter the house. The family rushed to the “safe room,” beyond the reach of the gunmen. “We began to see an orange light, thick flames and smoke,” she said, adding their house was set ablaze. “The smoke still managed to get into the room,” she said. Also read: At UNSC, India vows continued humanitarian assistance for Palestinians Father Uriel sent out an SOS call to the community’s Whatsapp group. "My house is on fire, we're locked in the shelter, please save us," he wrote. “When we placed our little one on the windowsill, it was one of the hardest decisions we had to make. On the one hand, if we left him in the safe room, we thought he would probably inhale a lethal amount of smoke, but on the other hand, if we put him on the windowsill, the terrorists could have attacked him,” Uriel described the experience. “We thought the worst, but we looked each other in the eye and said I love you, and that helped," he concluded. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) eventually came to their rescue, leading them and their neighbours to a nearby shelter. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Israel vs Hamas: Soul-stirring survival story of a 9-day-old whose house was set on fire by terrorists

<p>While Joe Biden-led US has emerged as the strongest backer of embattled Israel, it might really end up hurting the reelection bid of the incumbent president in the 2024 elections.</p>

<p>Many Arab and Muslim Americans are voicing anger against what they call Biden’s failure to prevent a humanitarian crisis in Gaza following the Israeli retaliation, which has resulted in the death of more than 5,500 Palestinians so far, as per claims of Gaza officials.</p>

<p>In US, academics, community members, activists and even pro-Palestine administration officials are joining forces to send a loud and clear message to Joe Biden: Israeli actions against Gazans must stop.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Experts believe that Biden’s open support to Israeli actions could cost him Muslim votes in key states, including Michigan and Pennsylvania.</p>

<h2><strong>Impact on Biden’s re-election bid</strong></h2>

<p>Arab and Muslim voters wield great electoral influence in some key states. In Michigan, they account for 5 per cent of the votes. In other battleground states Pennsylvania and Ohio, they are between 1.7 per cent and 2 per cent.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Israel-Palestine war: Half a million Israeli displace | WION Ground report</strong></p>

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<p>It must be noted that Biden won these states in 2020 with a very thin margin. In Michigan, Biden got 50.6 per cent of the votes ahead of Trump’s 47.8 per cent. In Pennsylvania, Biden got 50.01 per cent of the votes, with Trump just falling short of 81,000 votes.</p>

<p>While Muslims are unlikely to vote for Donald Trump, in the event of a possible re-match, they will not vote for Biden either, dimming Biden’s prospects of getting back to the White House.</p>

<h2><strong>Reactions from US Muslims</strong></h2>

<p>CAIR, the largest Muslim civil rights group in the US, alleged that their government was responsible for “ethnic cleansing” in Gaza.</p>

<p>Israel’s bombing of Gaza is "now in the realm of genocide targeting the entire Palestinian population," it said, adding, “Government officials will be complicit in the ethnic cleansing of Gaza" unless they intervene.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trigger-warning-israel-shares-footage-of-oct-7-hamas-attack-to-counter-claims-of-atrocities-650582"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Israel shares unedited footage Oct 7 attack; Hamas militant boasts to parents `killed 10 Jews`</strong></a></p>

<p>Some also criticised Biden’s vow to give $14 billion in aid to Israel amidst the war.</p>

<p>"If you look at his rhetoric, it's unbelievable, and now they are trying to pump billions and billions of dollars militarily into Israel, with some $100 million in humanitarian aid for the Palestinians," said Sa'ed Atshan, a Quaker Palestinian American who teaches peace and conflict studies at Pennsylvania's Swarthmore College.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


While Joe Biden-led US has emerged as the strongest backer of embattled Israel, it might really end up hurting the reelection bid of the incumbent president in the 2024 elections.

While Joe Biden-led US has emerged as the strongest backer of embattled Israel, it might really end up hurting the reelection bid of the incumbent president in the 2024 elections. Many Arab and Muslim Americans are voicing anger against what they call Biden’s failure to prevent a humanitarian crisis in Gaza following the Israeli retaliation, which has resulted in the death of more than 5,500 Palestinians so far, as per claims of Gaza officials. In US, academics, community members, activists and even pro-Palestine administration officials are joining forces to send a loud and clear message to Joe Biden: Israeli actions against Gazans must stop. Experts believe that Biden’s open support to Israeli actions could cost him Muslim votes in key states, including Michigan and Pennsylvania. Impact on Biden’s re-election bid Arab and Muslim voters wield great electoral influence in some key states. In Michigan, they account for 5 per cent of the votes. In other battleground states Pennsylvania and Ohio, they are between 1.7 per cent and 2 per cent. Watch: Israel-Palestine war: Half a million Israeli displace | WION Ground report × It must be noted that Biden won these states in 2020 with a very thin margin. In Michigan, Biden got 50.6 per cent of the votes ahead of Trump’s 47.8 per cent. In Pennsylvania, Biden got 50.01 per cent of the votes, with Trump just falling short of 81,000 votes. While Muslims are unlikely to vote for Donald Trump, in the event of a possible re-match, they will not vote for Biden either, dimming Biden’s prospects of getting back to the White House. Reactions from US Muslims CAIR, the largest Muslim civil rights group in the US, alleged that their government was responsible for “ethnic cleansing” in Gaza. Israel’s bombing of Gaza is "now in the realm of genocide targeting the entire Palestinian population," it said, adding, “Government officials will be complicit in the ethnic cleansing of Gaza" unless they intervene. Also read: Israel shares unedited footage Oct 7 attack; Hamas militant boasts to parents `killed 10 Jews` Some also criticised Biden’s vow to give $14 billion in aid to Israel amidst the war. "If you look at his rhetoric, it's unbelievable, and now they are trying to pump billions and billions of dollars militarily into Israel, with some $100 million in humanitarian aid for the Palestinians," said Sa'ed Atshan, a Quaker Palestinian American who teaches peace and conflict studies at Pennsylvania's Swarthmore College. (With inputs from agencies)

Biden’s 2024 campaign may take hit as Arab, Muslim Americans criticise US support to Israel

<p>Israeli military leadership is considering inundating the underground tunnels of Hamas before launching a ground invasion into Gaza, a renowned US journalist has reported.</p>

<p>Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Seymour Hersh wrote in his report that the Israeli leadership was even willing to sacrifice those who might currently be held hostages in these tunnels.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Israel is now in the process of turning Gaza City into rubble, via constant bombing, and is also planning to begin a ground invasion in the near future," the journalist said citing a senior US official.</p>

<p>He also added that flooding the tunnels would mean that “Israel was prepared to write off the hostages still in jeopardy."</p>

<h2><strong>‘Israel to turn Gaza into Hiroshima’</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier, the journalist claimed that Israel was about to turn Gaza into Hiroshima, just without using a nuclear bomb.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Israel-Palestine war: Israel continues ground offensive as US urges it to slowdown</strong></p>

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<p>He also claimed that Israel was fully backed by the US in its efforts to completely dismantle the underground tunnel infrastructure created by Hamas.</p>

<h2><strong>IDF not yet ready for ground offensive, says US</strong></h2>

<p>Meanwhile, top US officials have said that the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) was not ready to initiate a ground invasion of Gaza as they lack achievable military goals.</p>

<p>It was anticipated shortly after the Oct 7 assault by Hamas that the IDF may launch a ground offensive. However, the campaign has been delayed, with some experts blaming USA’s pressure on the Jewish nation.</p>

<h2><strong>US dispatching its own army officials to advise the IDF</strong></h2>

<p>Meanwhile, the White House has said the US Army was willing to cooperate with the IDF in its war against Hamas. White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby told reporters that several senior US Army officers who have experience in “the sorts of operations that Israel is conducting and may conduct in the future” have been dispatched to advise the IDF.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-vs-hamas-amid-upsurge-in-violence-us-begins-preparing-for-mass-evacuation-if-war-escalates-650898"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Israel vs Hamas: Amid upsurge in violence, US begins preparing for mass evacuation if war escalates</strong></a></p>

<p>“We have asked several officials with relevant experience simply to help Israeli officials think through the difficult questions ahead and explore their options. The IDF will, as always, make its own decisions,” a Pentagon spokesperson added.</p>

<p><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></p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Israeli military leadership is considering inundating the underground tunnels of Hamas before launching a ground invasion into Gaza, a renowned US journalist has reported.

Israeli military leadership is considering inundating the underground tunnels of Hamas before launching a ground invasion into Gaza, a renowned US journalist has reported. Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Seymour Hersh wrote in his report that the Israeli leadership was even willing to sacrifice those who might currently be held hostages in these tunnels. "Israel is now in the process of turning Gaza City into rubble, via constant bombing, and is also planning to begin a ground invasion in the near future," the journalist said citing a senior US official. He also added that flooding the tunnels would mean that “Israel was prepared to write off the hostages still in jeopardy." ‘Israel to turn Gaza into Hiroshima’ Earlier, the journalist claimed that Israel was about to turn Gaza into Hiroshima, just without using a nuclear bomb. Watch: Israel-Palestine war: Israel continues ground offensive as US urges it to slowdown × He also claimed that Israel was fully backed by the US in its efforts to completely dismantle the underground tunnel infrastructure created by Hamas. IDF not yet ready for ground offensive, says US Meanwhile, top US officials have said that the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) was not ready to initiate a ground invasion of Gaza as they lack achievable military goals. It was anticipated shortly after the Oct 7 assault by Hamas that the IDF may launch a ground offensive. However, the campaign has been delayed, with some experts blaming USA’s pressure on the Jewish nation. US dispatching its own army officials to advise the IDF Meanwhile, the White House has said the US Army was willing to cooperate with the IDF in its war against Hamas. White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby told reporters that several senior US Army officers who have experience in “the sorts of operations that Israel is conducting and may conduct in the future” have been dispatched to advise the IDF. Also read: Israel vs Hamas: Amid upsurge in violence, US begins preparing for mass evacuation if war escalates “We have asked several officials with relevant experience simply to help Israeli officials think through the difficult questions ahead and explore their options. The IDF will, as always, make its own decisions,” a Pentagon spokesperson added. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Israel considering flooding Hamas tunnels before ground invasion, claims famed scribe

<p>The latest war in the Middle East triggered by the Hamas Islamist group has seen a massive retaliation by Israel. Israeli air strikes have taken out many Hamas commanders and pounded their targets. It also boasted of an air, ground, and sea invasion of Gaza. But, the country has so far not started&nbsp;a full-fledged ground invasion.</p>

<p>Given Israel's military might, why is the country shying away from taking this move?</p>

<p>As per an AFP report that quoted experts, there are a multitude of factors at play, including global pressure, divisions between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF), and rising concerns for the safety of people held captive by the Hamas militant group.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Israeli journalist Nahum Barnea in a daily Yedioth Ahronoth pointed at the ongoing friction between Netanyahu and IDF and attributed this to the cautious moves made by Israel and its decision to put the Gaza ground invasion on a back burner.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-considering-inundating-hamas-underground-tunnels-before-ground-invasion-report-651029">Israel considering inundating Hamas’ underground tunnels before ground invasion: Report</a></p>

<p>"There's a crisis of confidence between (Israeli Prime Minister) Benjamin Netanyahu and the IDF (army)," Barnea wrote, adding, "The government is having difficulties taking decisions that everyone agrees on about the top issues."&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Does Netanyahu blame IDF generals for Oct 7 Hamas attack?&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Israel's much-touted Iron Dome missile system failed to protect innocent Israelis after about 5,000 surprise air strikes by Hamas. Barnea, while citing government and military sources in the report, said, "Netanyahu is angry at the generals and blames them for what happened."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Another Israeli journalist Amos Harel in Haaretz Daily wrote, "Disputes over these operations are creating tensions, especially between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant."&nbsp;</p>

<p>What is noteworthy is that this political-military divide does not play out in public. In public appearances and official statements, Netanyahu and IDF leadership seem to be in consonance with each other.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/greta-thunberg-kicked-out-of-israeli-textbooks-after-stand-with-gaza-row-651005">Greta Thunberg kicked out of Israeli textbooks after 'stand with Gaza' row</a></p>

<p>It was reflected in a communique on Tuesday (Oct 24) from the Israeli government. "The prime minister, the defence minister and the IDF chief of staff are working in close and full cooperation, around the clock, to lead the State of Israel to a decisive victory over Hamas," the communique read.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"There is total and mutual trust between the prime minister, the defence minister and the IDF chief of staff; the unity of the goal is clear," it added. So is this a tacit agreement between Netanyahu and IDF to put up a good face for the world?&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Complex situation in Gaza Strip&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>While&nbsp;Hamas continues to hold captive many Israelis and foreign nationals, the situation remains complex and any reckless move by Israel could lead to further deterioration of the situation.</p>

<p>Gunmen who made an incursion into Israel took over 200 people hostages, including foreign nationals, and hence the situation remains sensitive.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Patrick Bettane, an intelligence specialist at Israel's International Institute for Counter-Terrorism (ICT) think tank, explained that as far as a ground offensive is concerned there remains a "disagreement".</p>

<p>"But the fact that there are hostages being held in the Gaza Strip complicates everything," he reportedly said, adding, "Israel is waiting to see how this problem can be resolved before it acts."</p>

<p>Akiva Eldar, an expert on Israeli politics, reportedly said that "after the emotions (were) aroused by this terrible massacre, Bibi (Netanyahu) and the generals are starting to think differently".</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>There is international pressure at play as well, especially with the hostage situation.</p>

<p>Many nations including the US, China and Australia have made their military presence felt in the Middle East due to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Army chief Herzi Halevi asserted, "We are well prepared for the ground operations in the south." There have been calls by the Israeli PM to fully root out the Hamas Islamist group.</p>

<p>Israel also warned the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, with Israeli army spokesman Jonathan Conricus saying, "Hezbollah... is dragging Lebanon into a war that it will gain nothing from, but stands to lose a lot."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We will strike it with a force it cannot even imagine, and the significance for it and the state of Lebanon will be devastating," warned Netanyahu.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Political analyst Daniel Bensimon said, "Disagreement or not, it's a fact that Americans and the Europeans are coming to Israel to caress it with honeyed words with the aim of preventing a ground offensive."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The international community fears a ground operation would spark a chain reaction that could engulf the whole region, and maybe even further afield," he said, adding, "But in the end, they want to stop Israel from going into Gaza and prevent Iran from becoming involved through the Shiite Hezbollah movement, its proxy in Lebanon."&nbsp;</p>

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The latest war in the Middle East triggered by the Hamas Islamist group has seen a massive retaliation by Israel. Israeli air strikes have taken out many Hamas commanders and pounded their targets.

The latest war in the Middle East triggered by the Hamas Islamist group has seen a massive retaliation by Israel. Israeli air strikes have taken out many Hamas commanders and pounded their targets. It also boasted of an air, ground, and sea invasion of Gaza. But, the country has so far not started a full-fledged ground invasion. Given Israel's military might, why is the country shying away from taking this move? As per an AFP report that quoted experts, there are a multitude of factors at play, including global pressure, divisions between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF), and rising concerns for the safety of people held captive by the Hamas militant group. Israeli journalist Nahum Barnea in a daily Yedioth Ahronoth pointed at the ongoing friction between Netanyahu and IDF and attributed this to the cautious moves made by Israel and its decision to put the Gaza ground invasion on a back burner. Also Read | Israel considering inundating Hamas’ underground tunnels before ground invasion: Report "There's a crisis of confidence between (Israeli Prime Minister) Benjamin Netanyahu and the IDF (army)," Barnea wrote, adding, "The government is having difficulties taking decisions that everyone agrees on about the top issues." Does Netanyahu blame IDF generals for Oct 7 Hamas attack? Israel's much-touted Iron Dome missile system failed to protect innocent Israelis after about 5,000 surprise air strikes by Hamas. Barnea, while citing government and military sources in the report, said, "Netanyahu is angry at the generals and blames them for what happened." Another Israeli journalist Amos Harel in Haaretz Daily wrote, "Disputes over these operations are creating tensions, especially between Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant." What is noteworthy is that this political-military divide does not play out in public. In public appearances and official statements, Netanyahu and IDF leadership seem to be in consonance with each other. Also Read | Greta Thunberg kicked out of Israeli textbooks after 'stand with Gaza' row It was reflected in a communique on Tuesday (Oct 24) from the Israeli government. "The prime minister, the defence minister and the IDF chief of staff are working in close and full cooperation, around the clock, to lead the State of Israel to a decisive victory over Hamas," the communique read. "There is total and mutual trust between the prime minister, the defence minister and the IDF chief of staff; the unity of the goal is clear," it added. So is this a tacit agreement between Netanyahu and IDF to put up a good face for the world? Complex situation in Gaza Strip While Hamas continues to hold captive many Israelis and foreign nationals, the situation remains complex and any reckless move by Israel could lead to further deterioration of the situation. Gunmen who made an incursion into Israel took over 200 people hostages, including foreign nationals, and hence the situation remains sensitive. Patrick Bettane, an intelligence specialist at Israel's International Institute for Counter-Terrorism (ICT) think tank, explained that as far as a ground offensive is concerned there remains a "disagreement". "But the fact that there are hostages being held in the Gaza Strip complicates everything," he reportedly said, adding, "Israel is waiting to see how this problem can be resolved before it acts." Akiva Eldar, an expert on Israeli politics, reportedly said that "after the emotions (were) aroused by this terrible massacre, Bibi (Netanyahu) and the generals are starting to think differently". Watch | Israel-Palestine war: Hope rises among kin of hostages × There is international pressure at play as well, especially with the hostage situation. Many nations including the US, China and Australia have made their military presence felt in the Middle East due to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. Army chief Herzi Halevi asserted, "We are well prepared for the ground operations in the south." There have been calls by the Israeli PM to fully root out the Hamas Islamist group. Israel also warned the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, with Israeli army spokesman Jonathan Conricus saying, "Hezbollah... is dragging Lebanon into a war that it will gain nothing from, but stands to lose a lot." "We will strike it with a force it cannot even imagine, and the significance for it and the state of Lebanon will be devastating," warned Netanyahu. Political analyst Daniel Bensimon said, "Disagreement or not, it's a fact that Americans and the Europeans are coming to Israel to caress it with honeyed words with the aim of preventing a ground offensive." "The international community fears a ground operation would spark a chain reaction that could engulf the whole region, and maybe even further afield," he said, adding, "But in the end, they want to stop Israel from going into Gaza and prevent Iran from becoming involved through the Shiite Hezbollah movement, its proxy in Lebanon." WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Explained: Why is Israel putting Gaza's ground invasion on the back-burner?

<p>The government of Israel has warned the people living in the north of Gaza to move to the south or risk being seen as ‘terrorists’. Since Sunni Hamas took control of Gaza in 2007 the Middle East has been sitting on a political volcano.</p>

<p>For decades they have been brainwashing and preparing populations they hold politically ransom for one agenda: the annihilation of the state of Israel and the genocide of the Jewish population.</p>

<p>What the world witnessed on October 7, 2023, was conducted as a surprise attack. The question, however, is why Hamas chose the month of October when Israel was celebrating the 50th anniversary of their victory in the Yom Kippur War (October 6-25); the fourth Arab-Israel war of 1973.</p>

<p>Why was such a brutal attack conducted against Israel when it was breaking peace deals in the Middle East left, right and centre?</p>

<p>It was former US President Jimmy Carter who managed to broker a peace agreement titled ‘Framework for Peace in the Middle East’ known as the Camp David Accord between Egypt, and Israel on September 17, 1978.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/hamas-israel-war-rare-dissent-over-us-arms-for-israel-raises-troubling-questions-650540">Opinion | Hamas-Israel war: Rare dissent over US arms for Israel raises troubling questions</a></p>

<p>On October 26, 1993, Israel accomplished a peace deal with Jordan and signed the ‘Jordan-Israel peace Treaty’ thereby extending peace to a second Arab country.</p>

<p>Any further breakthrough would have to wait until 2020 before Israel could agree for another Arab country to join Israel’s enterprise to establish peace in the region. This time it was the Persian Gulf nation of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) that signed the ‘Abraham Accord’.</p>

<p>Another Arab nation, Bahrain, followed the UAE by signing a peace deal with Israel, which then led to the normalisation of relations between Morocco and Israel.</p>

<p>By February 2023 Sudan also had made peace with Israel by officially founding diplomatic relations with the State of Israel.</p>

<p>In recent months, expectations that Saudi Arabia and Israel were at the ‘cusp’ of making a peace deal and establishing full diplomatic relations began to show signs of a possible diplomatic paradigm shift in Middle East politics.</p>

<p>The bottom line is that if Saudi Arabia establishes full trade and diplomatic relations with the State of Israel then many Sunni Muslim states are bound to follow suit.</p>

<p>In a speech delivered to the United Nations General Assembly on September 22, 2023, the prime minister of Israel Benyamin Netanyahu said the following, “I believe that we are at the cusp of an even more dramatic breakthrough: a historic peace with Saudi Arabia.”</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-assault-may-have-destroyed-deep-rooted-beliefs-about-israel-and-palestinians-650579">Opinion | Hamas assault may have destroyed deep-rooted beliefs about Israel and Palestinians</a></p>

<p>But then there is another aspect that needs our attention while considering the purpose of Hamas’s genocidal attack on October 7.</p>

<p>The G-20 (September 2023) summit held in New Delhi India witnessed Saudi Arabia and Israel joining hands with India in an endeavour to establish the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) connecting Asia, the Middle East and Europe thereby creating a new economic passage.</p>

<p>Since its inception on May 14, 1948, the State of Israel has set itself the primary goal to bring peace in a post-colonial, poor and war-torn Middle East.</p>

<p>Therefore, it is safe to conclude that the surprise attack conducted on October 7 on the sovereign State of Israel by Hamas has nothing to do with the desire to establish a Palestinian state alongside Israel but everything to do with sabotaging the efforts to bring peace and prosperity to the region.</p>

<p>Who is benefiting from the violence of Hamas? What purpose does war in the Middle East and West Asia serve?</p>

<p>Firstly, it serves the purpose of bringing peace efforts between Israel and Saudi Arabia to an abrupt halt.</p>

<p>Secondly, it benefits China. The IMEC is now in jeopardy leaving the Middle East vulnerable to the Chinese economic expansionist project called the Belt and Road Initiative.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-palestine-war-holocaust-survivors-struggle-with-israel-war-650967">Israel-Palestine War: Holocaust survivors struggle with Israel war</a></strong></p>

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<p>The ‘Belt and Road Initiative’ (BRI) of China which is a maritime Silk Road project connecting China, Southeast Asia, Africa and Europe is in actuality designed to trick poor Asian, African and Middle Eastern countries into the Chinese debt trap and usurping their ports and strategic locations with the sole purpose of hegemonising trade routes.</p>

<p>An alternate shipping route will be created if IMEC is established connecting Mumbai and Gujarat with UAE while a rail network will connect UAE, Saudi Arabia and Jordan with the port of Haifa in Israel therefore reaching the shores of the Mediterranean sea and from there onward to Europe.</p>

<p>Turkey was the first country to oppose this ambitious plan. Why?</p>

<p>Because, Erdogan proposes an alternate route called the ‘Iraq Development Project’ that would connect the Persian Gulf with Europe through a network of railways, highways, and via ports in the UAE, Qatar, and Iraq.</p>

<p>Another Persian Gulf country that is hybrid in its opposition to IMEC is Iran. It is proposing an economic connectivity route for countries bordering the Caspian Sea.</p>

<p>On October 6, during the Second Caspian Sea Forum held in Moscow, Iranian first vice president Mohammed Mokhber came up with the idea of a ‘Green Corridor’ with simplified customs procedures.</p>

<p>Another country with an empire-building desire is Russia. Its government proposes that Russia, Iran, and Azerbaijan work on a joint project that would use the Caspian Sea as a trading outpost for markets in Europe and beyond. This economic corridor would include Russia, Iran, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Turkmenistan, which are oil and gas-rich countries.</p>

<p>2008 saw the period of economic growth, credited to the age of globalisation, coming to an abrupt end. The reorganisation of markets in a post-globalisation era led to protectionism.</p>

<p>After undergoing a painful post-2008 protectionist economic period now we have a world that is once again trying to evolve toward a free, open, and integrated global economy by strengthening regional trade alliances for which expansion of spheres of political influence is crucial.</p>

<p>Today, the reorganisation of new economic alliances is manifesting itself through regional wars, be it Ukraine or the Middle East. These conflicts are in fact the birth pangs of a new world order that has yet to be born.</p>

<p>The main challenge, we as global citizens face, is how to make the transition from (national) protectionism towards regional and finally global economic integration, a peaceful process.</p>

<p>One thing seems to be certain.</p>

<p>In order to make the world a better place, evil regimes such as the one harbouring in Iran, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and China and their proxies such as Hamas, Hezbollah, Lashkar-e-Taiba, Hizb-ul-Mujahideen, and various others need to be brought down.</p>

<p>As Hamas revealed its evil intentions against innocent civilians in the cities and towns of Ofakim, Sderot, Yad Mordechai, Kfar Aza, Yated and Kissufim killing hundreds of innocent civilians including women and children, burning them alive, beheading them as well as taking 200 of Israeli men and women and foreign nationals hostage, the world cannot remain a silent spectator.</p>

<p>The time has come when once and for all the menace of Islamic Jihadi terrorism has to be flushed out of Gaza and the rest of the Middle East. And that is the sole purpose of Israeli defence forces’ decision to launch a ground invasion of the Gaza Strip.</p>

<p>In order to have minimum civilian causalities Israel is asking the population of northern Gaza to move to the southern part. If Hamas does not allow this to happen and uses the civilian population as human shields it will only add to the gruesome war crimes Hamas has been inflicting upon the people of both Israel and Gaza.</p>

<p><em><strong>(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)</strong></em></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>


The government of Israel has warned the people living in the north of Gaza to move to the south or risk being seen as ‘terrorists’. Since Sunni Hamas took control of Gaza in 2007 the Middle East has been sitting on a political volcano.

The government of Israel has warned the people living in the north of Gaza to move to the south or risk being seen as ‘terrorists’. Since Sunni Hamas took control of Gaza in 2007 the Middle East has been sitting on a political volcano. For decades they have been brainwashing and preparing populations they hold politically ransom for one agenda: the annihilation of the state of Israel and the genocide of the Jewish population. What the world witnessed on October 7, 2023, was conducted as a surprise attack. The question, however, is why Hamas chose the month of October when Israel was celebrating the 50th anniversary of their victory in the Yom Kippur War (October 6-25); the fourth Arab-Israel war of 1973. Why was such a brutal attack conducted against Israel when it was breaking peace deals in the Middle East left, right and centre? It was former US President Jimmy Carter who managed to broker a peace agreement titled ‘Framework for Peace in the Middle East’ known as the Camp David Accord between Egypt, and Israel on September 17, 1978. Also Read | Opinion | Hamas-Israel war: Rare dissent over US arms for Israel raises troubling questions On October 26, 1993, Israel accomplished a peace deal with Jordan and signed the ‘Jordan-Israel peace Treaty’ thereby extending peace to a second Arab country. Any further breakthrough would have to wait until 2020 before Israel could agree for another Arab country to join Israel’s enterprise to establish peace in the region. This time it was the Persian Gulf nation of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) that signed the ‘Abraham Accord’. Another Arab nation, Bahrain, followed the UAE by signing a peace deal with Israel, which then led to the normalisation of relations between Morocco and Israel. By February 2023 Sudan also had made peace with Israel by officially founding diplomatic relations with the State of Israel. In recent months, expectations that Saudi Arabia and Israel were at the ‘cusp’ of making a peace deal and establishing full diplomatic relations began to show signs of a possible diplomatic paradigm shift in Middle East politics. The bottom line is that if Saudi Arabia establishes full trade and diplomatic relations with the State of Israel then many Sunni Muslim states are bound to follow suit. In a speech delivered to the United Nations General Assembly on September 22, 2023, the prime minister of Israel Benyamin Netanyahu said the following, “I believe that we are at the cusp of an even more dramatic breakthrough: a historic peace with Saudi Arabia.” Also Read | Opinion | Hamas assault may have destroyed deep-rooted beliefs about Israel and Palestinians But then there is another aspect that needs our attention while considering the purpose of Hamas’s genocidal attack on October 7. The G-20 (September 2023) summit held in New Delhi India witnessed Saudi Arabia and Israel joining hands with India in an endeavour to establish the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor (IMEC) connecting Asia, the Middle East and Europe thereby creating a new economic passage. Since its inception on May 14, 1948, the State of Israel has set itself the primary goal to bring peace in a post-colonial, poor and war-torn Middle East. Therefore, it is safe to conclude that the surprise attack conducted on October 7 on the sovereign State of Israel by Hamas has nothing to do with the desire to establish a Palestinian state alongside Israel but everything to do with sabotaging the efforts to bring peace and prosperity to the region. Who is benefiting from the violence of Hamas? What purpose does war in the Middle East and West Asia serve? Firstly, it serves the purpose of bringing peace efforts between Israel and Saudi Arabia to an abrupt halt. Secondly, it benefits China. The IMEC is now in jeopardy leaving the Middle East vulnerable to the Chinese economic expansionist project called the Belt and Road Initiative. Watch | Israel-Palestine War: Holocaust survivors struggle with Israel war × The ‘Belt and Road Initiative’ (BRI) of China which is a maritime Silk Road project connecting China, Southeast Asia, Africa and Europe is in actuality designed to trick poor Asian, African and Middle Eastern countries into the Chinese debt trap and usurping their ports and strategic locations with the sole purpose of hegemonising trade routes. An alternate shipping route will be created if IMEC is established connecting Mumbai and Gujarat with UAE while a rail network will connect UAE, Saudi Arabia and Jordan with the port of Haifa in Israel therefore reaching the shores of the Mediterranean sea and from there onward to Europe. Turkey was the first country to oppose this ambitious plan. Why? Because, Erdogan proposes an alternate route called the ‘Iraq Development Project’ that would connect the Persian Gulf with Europe through a network of railways, highways, and via ports in the UAE, Qatar, and Iraq. Another Persian Gulf country that is hybrid in its opposition to IMEC is Iran. It is proposing an economic connectivity route for countries bordering the Caspian Sea. On October 6, during the Second Caspian Sea Forum held in Moscow, Iranian first vice president Mohammed Mokhber came up with the idea of a ‘Green Corridor’ with simplified customs procedures. Another country with an empire-building desire is Russia. Its government proposes that Russia, Iran, and Azerbaijan work on a joint project that would use the Caspian Sea as a trading outpost for markets in Europe and beyond. This economic corridor would include Russia, Iran, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Turkmenistan, which are oil and gas-rich countries. 2008 saw the period of economic growth, credited to the age of globalisation, coming to an abrupt end. The reorganisation of markets in a post-globalisation era led to protectionism. After undergoing a painful post-2008 protectionist economic period now we have a world that is once again trying to evolve toward a free, open, and integrated global economy by strengthening regional trade alliances for which expansion of spheres of political influence is crucial. Today, the reorganisation of new economic alliances is manifesting itself through regional wars, be it Ukraine or the Middle East. These conflicts are in fact the birth pangs of a new world order that has yet to be born. The main challenge, we as global citizens face, is how to make the transition from (national) protectionism towards regional and finally global economic integration, a peaceful process. One thing seems to be certain. In order to make the world a better place, evil regimes such as the one harbouring in Iran, Pakistan, Afghanistan, and China and their proxies such as Hamas, Hezbollah, Lashkar-e-Taiba, Hizb-ul-Mujahideen, and various others need to be brought down. As Hamas revealed its evil intentions against innocent civilians in the cities and towns of Ofakim, Sderot, Yad Mordechai, Kfar Aza, Yated and Kissufim killing hundreds of innocent civilians including women and children, burning them alive, beheading them as well as taking 200 of Israeli men and women and foreign nationals hostage, the world cannot remain a silent spectator. The time has come when once and for all the menace of Islamic Jihadi terrorism has to be flushed out of Gaza and the rest of the Middle East. And that is the sole purpose of Israeli defence forces’ decision to launch a ground invasion of the Gaza Strip. In order to have minimum civilian causalities Israel is asking the population of northern Gaza to move to the southern part. If Hamas does not allow this to happen and uses the civilian population as human shields it will only add to the gruesome war crimes Hamas has been inflicting upon the people of both Israel and Gaza. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Israel gives final warning: Leave or be treated as terrorists

<p>A German diplomat who previously served as the European Union envoy to Gaza is being slammed by people who claim that a clip of him paragliding over Gaza in July inspired Hamas to carry out similar attacks against Israel.</p>

<p>In July, Sven Kühn von Burgsdorff was filmed conducting “the first Gaza paragliding flight in history” as he soared over Gaza’s coast while shouting, “Free Palestine!”</p>

<p>The then EU envoy had told Palestinians in the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/shorts/OhsokI3wUwY">clip</a> that once they are free, “You can do exactly the same thing.”</p>

<h2><strong>Video goes viral&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The video went viral around two days ago, following the Isael-Hamas war, as it reminded many of the October 7 assault when the militants first began their coordinated attack by paragliding into a music festival in Israel.</p>

<p>Hundreds of people were killed when militants opened fire on the festival-goers, with many taken hostage in Gaza.</p>

<p>But what riled up many was when von Burgsdorff in a recent radio interview, criticised Israel for what he said was an "unjustified" attack on Gaza in response to the Hamas attack. The remarks prompted netizens to dig out his old video to claim that his&nbsp;recreational stunt inspired Hamas to launch the terrorist attack.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Thank you Sven Kühn von Burgsdorff for introducing Gazans to paragliding! Job well done, really!<br />
I know you meant well but the road to hell is paved with good intentions. And hell it was for many people thanks to <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HamasTerrorists?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HamasTerrorists</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FreeGazaFromHamas?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FreeGazaFromHamas</a> <a href="https://t.co/WcrGv1Srky">pic.twitter.com/WcrGv1Srky</a></p>
— Benny, #MTBing in Israel (@omadawnx) <a href="https://twitter.com/omadawnx/status/1716172406031634725?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 22, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<h2><strong>Envoy slams Israel&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>“It cannot be that Israel has carte blanche because terrible acts, cruel and shocking acts happened to 1,000 or even 1,200 Israelis,” von Burgsdorff said during a recent radio interview.</p>

<p>“This is not the excuse you can use to flatten Gaza,” he added, the New York Post reported.</p>

<p>“It cannot be that Israel is threatening to bomb corridors and shipments carrying humanitarian equipment. It cannot be. It is another war crime if it happens,” he said.</p>

<p>The remarks were criticised by Israel’s foreign ministry calling the show “provocative” propaganda that only served to bolster Hamas.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ground-offensive-in-gaza-at-the-time-of-our-choosing-says-israel-govt-spokesperson-eylon-levy-650423">Ground offensive in Gaza at the time of our choosing, says Israel govt spokesperson&nbsp;Eylon Levy</a></p>

<p>“The European diplomat forgot a long time ago that he represents the European Union and its member states,” the ministry said in a statement.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-why-israel-bombed-syrian-airports-in-the-thick-of-its-ongoing-war-with-hamas-650322">Explained | Why did Israel bomb Syrian airports in the thick of its ongoing war with Hamas?</a></p>

<p>Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described Israel’s ongoing war with Hamas as an existential battle against the “forces of darkness".</p>

<p>He equated the fight against Hamas to a struggle between the “forces of light” representing humanity and the “forces of darkness” embodying animalism, The Times of Israel reported. He emphasised that the main objective was to secure victory over Hamas.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>


A German diplomat who previously served as the European Union envoy to Gaza is being slammed by people who claim that a clip of him paragliding over Gaza in July inspired Hamas to carry out similar attacks against Israel.

A German diplomat who previously served as the European Union envoy to Gaza is being slammed by people who claim that a clip of him paragliding over Gaza in July inspired Hamas to carry out similar attacks against Israel. In July, Sven Kühn von Burgsdorff was filmed conducting “the first Gaza paragliding flight in history” as he soared over Gaza’s coast while shouting, “Free Palestine!” The then EU envoy had told Palestinians in the clip that once they are free, “You can do exactly the same thing.” Video goes viral The video went viral around two days ago, following the Isael-Hamas war, as it reminded many of the October 7 assault when the militants first began their coordinated attack by paragliding into a music festival in Israel. Hundreds of people were killed when militants opened fire on the festival-goers, with many taken hostage in Gaza. But what riled up many was when von Burgsdorff in a recent radio interview, criticised Israel for what he said was an "unjustified" attack on Gaza in response to the Hamas attack. The remarks prompted netizens to dig out his old video to claim that his recreational stunt inspired Hamas to launch the terrorist attack. Thank you Sven Kühn von Burgsdorff for introducing Gazans to paragliding! Job well done, really! I know you meant well but the road to hell is paved with good intentions. And hell it was for many people thanks to #HamasTerrorists #FreeGazaFromHamas pic.twitter.com/WcrGv1Srky — Benny, #MTBing in Israel (@omadawnx) October 22, 2023 × Envoy slams Israel “It cannot be that Israel has carte blanche because terrible acts, cruel and shocking acts happened to 1,000 or even 1,200 Israelis,” von Burgsdorff said during a recent radio interview. “This is not the excuse you can use to flatten Gaza,” he added, the New York Post reported. “It cannot be that Israel is threatening to bomb corridors and shipments carrying humanitarian equipment. It cannot be. It is another war crime if it happens,” he said. The remarks were criticised by Israel’s foreign ministry calling the show “provocative” propaganda that only served to bolster Hamas. Also read | Ground offensive in Gaza at the time of our choosing, says Israel govt spokesperson Eylon Levy “The European diplomat forgot a long time ago that he represents the European Union and its member states,” the ministry said in a statement. Also read | Explained | Why did Israel bomb Syrian airports in the thick of its ongoing war with Hamas? Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described Israel’s ongoing war with Hamas as an existential battle against the “forces of darkness". He equated the fight against Hamas to a struggle between the “forces of light” representing humanity and the “forces of darkness” embodying animalism, The Times of Israel reported. He emphasised that the main objective was to secure victory over Hamas. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

German diplomat slammed for ‘inspiring’ Hamas to launch paragliding-style attack against Israel

<p>Eylon Levy, the Israeli government spokesperson, has said that military action inside the Gaza strip will happen at the "time of our choosing" and focus of his country is to "totally destroy the military and governing capabilities" of Hamas.</p>

<p>The terror attack by Hamas on October 7 shocked the West Asian country and the world, during which 1400 Israelis were killed and over 200 taken as hostages.</p>

<p>Speaking to WION’s diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal,&nbsp;Levy said, "We are going to destroy Hamas, we are going to enter the Gaza Strip and totally demolish the entirety of its military terrorist and governing structure inside the Gaza Strip."</p>

<p>Since the attacks, Israel increased its air strikes in Gaza to deal with Hamas hideouts, but this has led to a humanitarian crisis as well.</p>

<p>The spokesperson explained, " Israel isn't targeting civilians, we are targeting Hamas. That's why we are asking civilians inside the Gaza Strip to step out of the way, out of the areas that are going to see very heavy fighting because we don't want them to get hurt as we proceed with our campaign to destroy Hamas's terror infrastructure".</p>

<p><strong>Here’s the full interview:&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong>WION: Will there be a ground offensive in Gaza, particularly northern Gaza in the next few days?</strong></p>

<p><strong>Eylon Levy:</strong> Israel remains united around one goal, victory, total victory against Hamas. Our goal is to totally destroy the military and governing capabilities of the brutal terror organization that perpetrated the October 7 massacre. This is the worst terrorist attack in world history since 9/11. Around 1400 Israelis were murdered, Hamas death squads went door-to-door and beheaded babies, burning whole families alive, committing brutal acts of rape, tying parents and children together and setting them on fire, mutilating them, &nbsp;torturing them before their deaths. About 5,000 people have been injured.</p>

<p>There are now more than 220 Israeli hostages , some babies as young as a few months old in captivity, hostages inside the Gaza Strip and we've decided in response to that, that we are going to totally defeat Hamas. Now&nbsp;Israel is going to use its force carefully and judiciously, we will act and proceed with the ground offensive at a time of our choosing , when it is right for our operational needs. But the world needs to understand that the situation now is different. The road ahead is going to be long.&nbsp;It is going to be difficult, but Hamas declared war on us on the seventh of October with that brutal attack against our people and we have no choice now but to win that war.&nbsp;And that war will end with the total defeat of Hamas in the Gaza Strip.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WION: The Israeli president claimed that Hamas used cyanide. Can you elaborate?</strong></p>

<p><strong>Eylon Levy:</strong> President Isaac Herzog said that Hamas fighters had in fact been carrying on their bodies instruction manuals from al-Qaeda, the terror organisation behind 911, showing that they had information in order to build cyanide, use chemical weapons against our people. This shows the connection between Hamas, al Qaeda and ISIS, and shows exactly why it's in the same league as the terror organisations all around the world who commit horrific crimes against humanity that they have perpetrated.</p>

<p>This is why we are going after Hamas with an intent to destroy it, not to deter it, not to degrade it, to destroy it, because Hamas has revealed itself as the face of sheer, pure , unadulterated evil that would do by the way, exactly the same as it did on October the seventh if given half a chance and murder as many people inside Israel as it could by burning them, by beheading them, using chemical weapons if it could, and that is why we are going to continue with our campaign to destroy Hamas.</p>

<p>And, we appreciate all the international support and solidarity that we've been receiving, including from the people of India, all around the world, people understanding that Israel not only has a right, it has a duty to defend itself against these barbarians, these terrorists in the wake of these atrocious, atrocious crimes against humanity.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WION: While Israel has been acting against Hamas, there has been a humanitarian challenge in Gaza. You have asked the people to move towards the south. So, what do you have to say about the humanitarian and the collateral loss which is happening in Gaza?</strong></p>

<p><strong>Eylon Levy:</strong> &nbsp;First and foremost, I would say that the humanitarian question is on the minds of Israelis around the country, and so is the fate and condition of the more than 220 Israeli hostages, inside the Gaza Strip. We're talking about babies some a few months old. Elderly people over the age of 80 without medication being kept in a brutal tunnel somewhere by a terrorist organization&nbsp;that tortured, murdered their families in Israel, not given access to the Red Cross.</p>

<p>Now it's the humanitarian question that is concerning everyone in Israel. But as for the civilians in Gaza, it's important to say&nbsp;Israel isn't targeting civilians, we are targeting Hamas. That's why we are asking civilians inside the Gaza Strip to step out of the way, out of the areas that are going to see very heavy fighting because we don't want them to get hurt as we proceed with our campaign to destroy Hamas's terror infrastructure.</p>

<p>Now, we've all been watching the same images on TV, the images coming out of the Gaza Strip are very difficult to watch. And I think the world is right to be outraged. But that outrage needs to be directed at the brutal terrorist organization that has subjugated the people of Gaza for the last 16 years subordinating them to its terrorist regime. It should be directed at the terror organization that has consistently stolen humanitarian aid , the terror organization that has embedded itself among civilian areas, under people's homes, under schools, under hospitals and the terror organization that is physically preventing people from escaping and as much as&nbsp;Israel is trying to do everything we're trying to do to keep civilians safe inside the Gaza Strip.&nbsp;By the way,&nbsp;Israel has also evacuated over 100,000 of our own people away from areas of combat because we don't want them to be hurt, but it's important to understand everything that happens inside the Gaza Strip. Any human suffering that happens there is solely and squarely the responsibility and fault of Hamas, the evil terrorist organization that perpetrated the October 7 massacre.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WION: Do you think that the situation is getting worse in the northern border? Do you expect Hezbollah to open another front which can be a worrisome factor for Israel?</strong></p>

<p>Eylon Levy: &nbsp;Israel is not interested in a war on two fronts, despite Hezbollah's efforts to escalate the situation in the north and step up its attacks against our people, our forces&nbsp;under the direction and guidance of Iran. Israel does not want to fight on two fronts. We are focusing at the moment on destroying Hamas in the Gaza Strip in response to the October 7 massacre. But it's important to understand that Israel is ready to fight that war. We are ready to defend our people and we will win that war. We hold the state of Lebanon responsible and accountable for any attacks emanating from its territory and as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the consequences for Lebanon will indeed be severe. If Hezbollah drags us into a full-scale war, we don't want that to happen, but if they do, we're ready to fight. We're ready to defend our people and we're ready to win.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WION: As you mentioned the hostage situation is a concerning situation as many of them are foreign nationals as well. What do you expect, any positive glimmer of hope? We saw two American hostages being released. So, when it comes to the fate of other hostages, what kind of conversations are happening?</strong></p>

<p><strong>Eylon Levy:</strong> First of all, we of course welcomed the release of the two hostages. There are now more than another 220 and we expect more international pressure to secure their release as well. Our demand is clear and unequivocal. We demand the immediate and unconditional release of every single one of those hostages, we demand that In the meanwhile, they be given access to the International Red Cross. That's a basic humanitarian condition. We want them back and Israel is going to do everything necessary in order to bring back our hostages from those babies to the elderly people and make sure that they are brought back to the loving embrace of their families because there is no excuse, &nbsp;there is absolutely zero excuse for ripping a baby, shooting its parents and taking it into captivity inside the Gaza Strip.&nbsp;No excuse in the whole world must be absolutely clear that what Hamas did was a war crime, that it's unforgivable. And we need our people back.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WION: You talked about the ground offensive. Does that option remain on the table because there's a lot of anger in Israel over the terror attack by Hamas. So, is this an option that will be eventually exercised by the Israeli government?</strong></p>

<p><strong>Eylon Levy: </strong>&nbsp;The next stage in the campaign to destroy Hamas. I'm not going to speculate live on TV exactly when that will happen. But it will happen in accordance with our operational needs. Because the October 7 massacre showed us that we as a country simply can no longer live beside an ISIS style terror organisation. We can no longer leave it with the abilities to perpetrate such a massacre. Again, we will not accept a quick fix.</p>

<p>That takes us back to the situation at 6am on the morning of October 7. We are going to destroy Hamas, we are going to enter the Gaza Strip and totally demolish the entirety of its military terrorist and governing structure inside the Gaza Strip. We're going for complete victory and we're going to use our force carefully and judiciously as we pursue that goal.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<p><iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>


Eylon Levy, the Israeli government spokesperson, has said that military action inside the Gaza strip will happen at the "time of our choosing" and focus of his country is to "totally destroy the military and governing capabilities" of Hamas.

Eylon Levy, the Israeli government spokesperson, has said that military action inside the Gaza strip will happen at the "time of our choosing" and focus of his country is to "totally destroy the military and governing capabilities" of Hamas. The terror attack by Hamas on October 7 shocked the West Asian country and the world, during which 1400 Israelis were killed and over 200 taken as hostages. Speaking to WION’s diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Levy said, "We are going to destroy Hamas, we are going to enter the Gaza Strip and totally demolish the entirety of its military terrorist and governing structure inside the Gaza Strip." Since the attacks, Israel increased its air strikes in Gaza to deal with Hamas hideouts, but this has led to a humanitarian crisis as well. The spokesperson explained, " Israel isn't targeting civilians, we are targeting Hamas. That's why we are asking civilians inside the Gaza Strip to step out of the way, out of the areas that are going to see very heavy fighting because we don't want them to get hurt as we proceed with our campaign to destroy Hamas's terror infrastructure". Here’s the full interview: WION: Will there be a ground offensive in Gaza, particularly northern Gaza in the next few days? Eylon Levy: Israel remains united around one goal, victory, total victory against Hamas. Our goal is to totally destroy the military and governing capabilities of the brutal terror organization that perpetrated the October 7 massacre. This is the worst terrorist attack in world history since 9/11. Around 1400 Israelis were murdered, Hamas death squads went door-to-door and beheaded babies, burning whole families alive, committing brutal acts of rape, tying parents and children together and setting them on fire, mutilating them, torturing them before their deaths. About 5,000 people have been injured. There are now more than 220 Israeli hostages , some babies as young as a few months old in captivity, hostages inside the Gaza Strip and we've decided in response to that, that we are going to totally defeat Hamas. Now Israel is going to use its force carefully and judiciously, we will act and proceed with the ground offensive at a time of our choosing , when it is right for our operational needs. But the world needs to understand that the situation now is different. The road ahead is going to be long. It is going to be difficult, but Hamas declared war on us on the seventh of October with that brutal attack against our people and we have no choice now but to win that war. And that war will end with the total defeat of Hamas in the Gaza Strip. WION: The Israeli president claimed that Hamas used cyanide. Can you elaborate? Eylon Levy: President Isaac Herzog said that Hamas fighters had in fact been carrying on their bodies instruction manuals from al-Qaeda, the terror organisation behind 911, showing that they had information in order to build cyanide, use chemical weapons against our people. This shows the connection between Hamas, al Qaeda and ISIS, and shows exactly why it's in the same league as the terror organisations all around the world who commit horrific crimes against humanity that they have perpetrated. This is why we are going after Hamas with an intent to destroy it, not to deter it, not to degrade it, to destroy it, because Hamas has revealed itself as the face of sheer, pure , unadulterated evil that would do by the way, exactly the same as it did on October the seventh if given half a chance and murder as many people inside Israel as it could by burning them, by beheading them, using chemical weapons if it could, and that is why we are going to continue with our campaign to destroy Hamas. And, we appreciate all the international support and solidarity that we've been receiving, including from the people of India, all around the world, people understanding that Israel not only has a right, it has a duty to defend itself against these barbarians, these terrorists in the wake of these atrocious, atrocious crimes against humanity. WION: While Israel has been acting against Hamas, there has been a humanitarian challenge in Gaza. You have asked the people to move towards the south. So, what do you have to say about the humanitarian and the collateral loss which is happening in Gaza? Eylon Levy: First and foremost, I would say that the humanitarian question is on the minds of Israelis around the country, and so is the fate and condition of the more than 220 Israeli hostages, inside the Gaza Strip. We're talking about babies some a few months old. Elderly people over the age of 80 without medication being kept in a brutal tunnel somewhere by a terrorist organization that tortured, murdered their families in Israel, not given access to the Red Cross. Now it's the humanitarian question that is concerning everyone in Israel. But as for the civilians in Gaza, it's important to say Israel isn't targeting civilians, we are targeting Hamas. That's why we are asking civilians inside the Gaza Strip to step out of the way, out of the areas that are going to see very heavy fighting because we don't want them to get hurt as we proceed with our campaign to destroy Hamas's terror infrastructure. Now, we've all been watching the same images on TV, the images coming out of the Gaza Strip are very difficult to watch. And I think the world is right to be outraged. But that outrage needs to be directed at the brutal terrorist organization that has subjugated the people of Gaza for the last 16 years subordinating them to its terrorist regime. It should be directed at the terror organization that has consistently stolen humanitarian aid , the terror organization that has embedded itself among civilian areas, under people's homes, under schools, under hospitals and the terror organization that is physically preventing people from escaping and as much as Israel is trying to do everything we're trying to do to keep civilians safe inside the Gaza Strip. By the way, Israel has also evacuated over 100,000 of our own people away from areas of combat because we don't want them to be hurt, but it's important to understand everything that happens inside the Gaza Strip. Any human suffering that happens there is solely and squarely the responsibility and fault of Hamas, the evil terrorist organization that perpetrated the October 7 massacre. WION: Do you think that the situation is getting worse in the northern border? Do you expect Hezbollah to open another front which can be a worrisome factor for Israel? Eylon Levy: Israel is not interested in a war on two fronts, despite Hezbollah's efforts to escalate the situation in the north and step up its attacks against our people, our forces under the direction and guidance of Iran. Israel does not want to fight on two fronts. We are focusing at the moment on destroying Hamas in the Gaza Strip in response to the October 7 massacre. But it's important to understand that Israel is ready to fight that war. We are ready to defend our people and we will win that war. We hold the state of Lebanon responsible and accountable for any attacks emanating from its territory and as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the consequences for Lebanon will indeed be severe. If Hezbollah drags us into a full-scale war, we don't want that to happen, but if they do, we're ready to fight. We're ready to defend our people and we're ready to win. WION: As you mentioned the hostage situation is a concerning situation as many of them are foreign nationals as well. What do you expect, any positive glimmer of hope? We saw two American hostages being released. So, when it comes to the fate of other hostages, what kind of conversations are happening? Eylon Levy: First of all, we of course welcomed the release of the two hostages. There are now more than another 220 and we expect more international pressure to secure their release as well. Our demand is clear and unequivocal. We demand the immediate and unconditional release of every single one of those hostages, we demand that In the meanwhile, they be given access to the International Red Cross. That's a basic humanitarian condition. We want them back and Israel is going to do everything necessary in order to bring back our hostages from those babies to the elderly people and make sure that they are brought back to the loving embrace of their families because there is no excuse, there is absolutely zero excuse for ripping a baby, shooting its parents and taking it into captivity inside the Gaza Strip. No excuse in the whole world must be absolutely clear that what Hamas did was a war crime, that it's unforgivable. And we need our people back. WION: You talked about the ground offensive. Does that option remain on the table because there's a lot of anger in Israel over the terror attack by Hamas. So, is this an option that will be eventually exercised by the Israeli government? Eylon Levy: The next stage in the campaign to destroy Hamas. I'm not going to speculate live on TV exactly when that will happen. But it will happen in accordance with our operational needs. Because the October 7 massacre showed us that we as a country simply can no longer live beside an ISIS style terror organisation. We can no longer leave it with the abilities to perpetrate such a massacre. Again, we will not accept a quick fix. That takes us back to the situation at 6am on the morning of October 7. We are going to destroy Hamas, we are going to enter the Gaza Strip and totally demolish the entirety of its military terrorist and governing structure inside the Gaza Strip. We're going for complete victory and we're going to use our force carefully and judiciously as we pursue that goal. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Ground offensive in Gaza at the time of our choosing, says Israel govt spokesperson Eylon Levy

<p>The United Nations World Food Programme distributed canned fish and other food supplies in war-torn Gaza on Monday (Oct 23) as the Israel-Hamas rages on for more than two weeks. So far, three convoys of aid trucks have entered Gaza through Rafah crossing.</p>

<p>At least 17 people have been killed and over after two trains collided in Bangladesh 100 are injured after two trains collided in Bangladesh's Bhairab. Officials said that the death toll will rise, with rescuers reporting they could still see bodies crushed and trapped under overturned coaches.</p>

<p>In other news, Maldives President-elect Mohamed Muizzu, who is known for his strong China leanings, has reportedly told India to remove its army troops from the country.</p>

<p><strong>Click on the headlines to read more:</strong></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-live-israel-strikes-gaza-lebanon-overnight-650107"><strong>Israel-Hamas war LIVE: UN distributes humanitarian aid in Gaza</strong></a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/10/23/388489-untitled-design-61.png?imwidth=1920" /></p>

<p>The United Nations World Food Programme distributed canned fish and other food supplies in war-torn Gaza&nbsp;on Monday (October 23) as a third convoy of aid trucks entered the Rafah crossing. The Israel-Hamas war has been going on for nearly 17 days now.</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/bangladesh-at-least-eight-killed-in-train-collision-at-bhairab-death-toll-expected-to-rise-650323">Bangladesh: Passenger and freight trains collide; 17 dead, over 100 injured, toll likely to go up</a></strong></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/10/23/388486-bangladesh-train-accident.jpeg?imwidth=1920" /></p>

<p>At least 17 people have been killed and more than 100 have been injured after two trains collided in Bangladesh on Monday (Oct 23). The crash in the eastern city of Bhairab saw a freight train smash into a passenger train travelling in the opposite direction, derailing two passenger carriages.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/told-india-to-remove-military-troops-from-maldives-president-elect-mohamed-muizzu-650390"><strong>Told India to remove military troops from Maldives: President-elect Mohamed Muizzu</strong></a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/10/03/383527-mald.jpg?imwidth=1920" /></p>

<p>Maldives President-elect Mohamed Muizzu, who is known for his strong China leanings, has reportedly told India to remove its army troops from the country.&nbsp;Muizzu has repeatedly claimed that under Solih’s administration, Maldives’ sovereignty was threatened by the Indian military personnel on the island—a rallying point of the party's yearslong “India out” strategy.</p>

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<p>President Recep Tayyip Erdogan officially submitted Sweden's NATO membership application to the Turkish parliament on Monday, his office said, bringing closer the possible end of a 17-month standoff.</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/study-finds-98-per-cent-population-in-world-experienced-effects-of-global-warming-650334">Study finds 98 per cent population in world experienced effects of global warming</a></strong></p>

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<p>A new report has shown that 98 per cent of Earth's population experienced higher temperatures from June to August. This was caused by effects of Global Warming made more than twice likely by greenhouse gases caused by human activities. The peer-reviewed research was reported by Euronews. The research was reportedly published last week.</p>

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<p>Ukrainians are preparing firewood and candles to brace for a winter of Russian strikes on the energy grid. According to a report by the news agency Associated Press on Monday (Oct 23), people have been purchasing candles, batteries, flashlights, and portable lanterns and stocking up on compact gas canisters.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/get-it-over-with-most-americans-are-fed-up-of-drama-over-us-house-of-representatives-speaker-says-survey-650257"><strong>Get it over with: Most Americans are fed up of drama over US House speaker, says survey</strong></a></p>

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<p>Americans are fed up with the political drama in the US House of Representatives which is still struggling to elect a House Speaker. A poll conducted by USA TODAY/Suffolk University has revealed that 67 per cent of the respondents&nbsp;want American politicians across party lines to see to it that the political drama is over soon.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uk-pm-rishi-sunaks-old-mobile-number-voicemail-recording-leaked-online-650378"><strong>UK: PM Rishi Sunak's old mobile number, voicemail recording leaked online</strong></a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/02/05/330295-britainsunak100days98648.jpg?imwidth=1920" /></p>

<p>UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's old personal phone number has been leaked online, causing concerns about the security and privacy of government officials.&nbsp;The breach came to light when pranksters on social media shared audio recordings of Sunak's phone ringing and the Prime Minister's message response.,&nbsp;Express.co.uk&nbsp;reported.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/like-this-rohit-sharma-because-india-are-winning-more-convincingly-in-cwc-23-says-sanjay-manjrekar-650365"><strong>Like this Rohit Sharma because India are winning more convincingly in CWC '23, says Sanjay Manjrekar</strong></a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/10/23/388494-collage-maker-23-oct-2023-06-42-pm-548.jpg?imwidth=1920" /></p>

<p>Rohit Sharma-led India continued their winning run when they locked horns with New Zealand in match 21 of the ICC ODI World Cup, at home, on Sunday (Oct 22) in Dharamsala. Both sides met each other being unbeaten in the ten-team tournament and produced an intense battle, where India eventually went past the Kiwis by four wickets in pursuit of 274.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/bollywood/news-i%E2%80%99ll-always-have-your-back-arjun-kapoor-pens-down-heartfelt-post-for-malaika-arora-on-her-50th-bday-650397"><strong>I’ll always have your back! Arjun Kapoor pens down heartfelt post for Malaika Arora on her 50th b'day</strong></a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/10/23/388512-happy-30th-birthday-2023-10-23t212319551.png?imwidth=1920" /></p>

<p>Malaika Arora turned 50 today (Oct 23). On the big day, her beau, Arjun Kapoor, extended the loveliest wish one could ever imagine.The actor wishes his girlfriend a sweet picture and a heartwarming caption that will definitely make you go aww!</p>


The United Nations World Food Programme distributed canned fish and other food supplies in war-torn Gaza on Monday (Oct 23) as the Israel-Hamas rages on for more than two weeks.

The United Nations World Food Programme distributed canned fish and other food supplies in war-torn Gaza on Monday (Oct 23) as the Israel-Hamas rages on for more than two weeks. So far, three convoys of aid trucks have entered Gaza through Rafah crossing. At least 17 people have been killed and over after two trains collided in Bangladesh 100 are injured after two trains collided in Bangladesh's Bhairab. Officials said that the death toll will rise, with rescuers reporting they could still see bodies crushed and trapped under overturned coaches. In other news, Maldives President-elect Mohamed Muizzu, who is known for his strong China leanings, has reportedly told India to remove its army troops from the country. Click on the headlines to read more: Israel-Hamas war LIVE: UN distributes humanitarian aid in Gaza The United Nations World Food Programme distributed canned fish and other food supplies in war-torn Gaza on Monday (October 23) as a third convoy of aid trucks entered the Rafah crossing. The Israel-Hamas war has been going on for nearly 17 days now. Bangladesh: Passenger and freight trains collide; 17 dead, over 100 injured, toll likely to go up At least 17 people have been killed and more than 100 have been injured after two trains collided in Bangladesh on Monday (Oct 23). The crash in the eastern city of Bhairab saw a freight train smash into a passenger train travelling in the opposite direction, derailing two passenger carriages. Told India to remove military troops from Maldives: President-elect Mohamed Muizzu Maldives President-elect Mohamed Muizzu, who is known for his strong China leanings, has reportedly told India to remove its army troops from the country. Muizzu has repeatedly claimed that under Solih’s administration, Maldives’ sovereignty was threatened by the Indian military personnel on the island—a rallying point of the party's yearslong “India out” strategy. Turkey: Erdogan signs Sweden's NATO membership application, sends to parliament President Recep Tayyip Erdogan officially submitted Sweden's NATO membership application to the Turkish parliament on Monday, his office said, bringing closer the possible end of a 17-month standoff. Study finds 98 per cent population in world experienced effects of global warming A new report has shown that 98 per cent of Earth's population experienced higher temperatures from June to August. This was caused by effects of Global Warming made more than twice likely by greenhouse gases caused by human activities. The peer-reviewed research was reported by Euronews. The research was reportedly published last week. Ukraine war: Ukrainians to brace for winter of Russian strikes on energy grid Ukrainians are preparing firewood and candles to brace for a winter of Russian strikes on the energy grid. According to a report by the news agency Associated Press on Monday (Oct 23), people have been purchasing candles, batteries, flashlights, and portable lanterns and stocking up on compact gas canisters. Get it over with: Most Americans are fed up of drama over US House speaker, says survey Americans are fed up with the political drama in the US House of Representatives which is still struggling to elect a House Speaker. A poll conducted by USA TODAY/Suffolk University has revealed that 67 per cent of the respondents want American politicians across party lines to see to it that the political drama is over soon. UK: PM Rishi Sunak's old mobile number, voicemail recording leaked online UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak's old personal phone number has been leaked online, causing concerns about the security and privacy of government officials. The breach came to light when pranksters on social media shared audio recordings of Sunak's phone ringing and the Prime Minister's message response., Express.co.uk reported. Like this Rohit Sharma because India are winning more convincingly in CWC '23, says Sanjay Manjrekar Rohit Sharma-led India continued their winning run when they locked horns with New Zealand in match 21 of the ICC ODI World Cup, at home, on Sunday (Oct 22) in Dharamsala. Both sides met each other being unbeaten in the ten-team tournament and produced an intense battle, where India eventually went past the Kiwis by four wickets in pursuit of 274. I’ll always have your back! Arjun Kapoor pens down heartfelt post for Malaika Arora on her 50th b'day Malaika Arora turned 50 today (Oct 23). On the big day, her beau, Arjun Kapoor, extended the loveliest wish one could ever imagine.The actor wishes his girlfriend a sweet picture and a heartwarming caption that will definitely make you go aww!

Top 10 world news: UN distributes aid in Gaza, 17 killed in Bangladesh train collision, & more

<p>The visuals of two Israeli-American women being brought into Israel, nearly two weeks after they were taken hostage and were being held captive&nbsp;by Hamas, has stoked reactions of hope for more such releases. So far, the total number of individuals held hostage by Hamas is numbered up to 203, with the final number likely to rise, according to Israel's Defense Forces (IDF).</p>

<p>Judith Tai Raanan and her daughter Natalie Shoshana Raanan were back in Israel late Friday, the Israeli government said.</p>

<p>The two women were at the Nahal Oz kibbutz, less than two kilometres from Gaza, when Hamas&nbsp;members broke through a border fence on 7 October, and slaughtered over 1,400 people, mostly civilians, and abducted&nbsp;more than 200 others to hold them hostage in Gaza.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-live-gaza-hospital-palestine-death-toll-yemen-netanyahu-latest-news-updates-648997">Israel-Hamas war: Gaza's Hamas says two US hostages released</a></strong></p>

<p>US President Joe Biden&nbsp;said he was "overjoyed" at the news of the release of hostages. While Hamas said that it was working with Qatar and Egypt to free its "civilian" hostages, a sign that more releases could follow.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The photo released after Judith and Natalie Raanan finally made it to safety showed the two women looking exhausted and pale, a reflection of the appalling&nbsp;ordeal faced by the two.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Israel-Palestine War: The Hostage Crisis | What is Israel's plan?</strong></p>

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<p>The development was also described positively by aid organisations. Mirjana Spoljaric, the president of&nbsp;International Committee of the Red Cross President said that the release of hostages&nbsp;provided a "sliver of hope" for the families of other hostages as Spoljaric called upon all sides in the conflict to show "a minimum of humanity".</p>

<h2><strong>Hostage crisis in Israel-Hamas war: What next?</strong></h2>

<p>In the immediate future, Qatar, which also hosts two top Hamas leaders, is expected to engage with both Israel and Hamas for the release of hostages. While Israel has called for the immediate and unconditional release of the hostages, a Qatari foreign ministry spokesperson said that their efforts are aimed to ensure "the release of all civilian hostages from every nationality, with the ultimate aim of de-escalating the&nbsp;current&nbsp;crisis and restoring peace".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Asked by WION's Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, the IDF spokesperson&nbsp; Lt. Col. Peter Lerner said that the number of people held hostage by Hamas may well go above 203.</p>

<p>"The working assumption is that they're alive. And I would add that we expect Hamas to take care of their well being, they need to be released and be released now," Lerner told WION.<br />
<br />
"Prime Minister Netanyahu has demanded that the International Committee of the Red Cross have access to the hostages."<br />
<br />
"But I don't want to comment beyond that because I don't want to jeopardise them or the families of 203 people that are in despair and their life has been torn into pieces in the aftermath of this attack for the last 14 days," he added.</p>

<h2><strong>Is aid into Gaza dependent on release of Israeli hostages?</strong></h2>

<p>Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a statement released on Wednesday evening, had indicated the interconnected nature of the three demands he put out to the US President Joe Biden during latter's wartime visit to Israel.</p>

<p>"First, I demanded the return of our captives, and we are working together for their return in every possible way,"&nbsp;Netanyahu said. "Second, until their return, we demand Red Cross visits for our captives. Third, we will not allow humanitarian assistance in the form of food and medicines from our territory to the Gaza Strip."</p>

<p>Netanyahu, however, had added that&nbsp;it would "not prevent humanitarian assistance from Egypt as long as it is only food, water and medicine for the civilian population located in the southern Gaza Strip." It had further added that such aid would be allowed "as long as these supplies do not reach Hamas. Any supplies that reach Hamas will be prevented."</p>

<p>At the time of filing this report, the impasse over supply of aid into Gaza, even through Egypt's Rafah crossing, has turned into a deadlock. This is even after a wartime visit to Israel by Joe Biden and his Secretary of State Antony Blinken's week-long West Asia trip had humanitarian access to Gaza as one of the top foreign policy objectives.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>


The visuals of two Israeli-American women being brought into Israel, nearly two weeks after they were taken hostage and were being held captive by Hamas, has stoked reactions of hope for more such releases.

The visuals of two Israeli-American women being brought into Israel, nearly two weeks after they were taken hostage and were being held captive by Hamas, has stoked reactions of hope for more such releases. So far, the total number of individuals held hostage by Hamas is numbered up to 203, with the final number likely to rise, according to Israel's Defense Forces (IDF). Judith Tai Raanan and her daughter Natalie Shoshana Raanan were back in Israel late Friday, the Israeli government said. The two women were at the Nahal Oz kibbutz, less than two kilometres from Gaza, when Hamas members broke through a border fence on 7 October, and slaughtered over 1,400 people, mostly civilians, and abducted more than 200 others to hold them hostage in Gaza. Also read | Israel-Hamas war: Gaza's Hamas says two US hostages released US President Joe Biden said he was "overjoyed" at the news of the release of hostages. While Hamas said that it was working with Qatar and Egypt to free its "civilian" hostages, a sign that more releases could follow. The photo released after Judith and Natalie Raanan finally made it to safety showed the two women looking exhausted and pale, a reflection of the appalling ordeal faced by the two. Also watch | Israel-Palestine War: The Hostage Crisis | What is Israel's plan? × The development was also described positively by aid organisations. Mirjana Spoljaric, the president of International Committee of the Red Cross President said that the release of hostages provided a "sliver of hope" for the families of other hostages as Spoljaric called upon all sides in the conflict to show "a minimum of humanity". Hostage crisis in Israel-Hamas war: What next? In the immediate future, Qatar, which also hosts two top Hamas leaders, is expected to engage with both Israel and Hamas for the release of hostages. While Israel has called for the immediate and unconditional release of the hostages, a Qatari foreign ministry spokesperson said that their efforts are aimed to ensure "the release of all civilian hostages from every nationality, with the ultimate aim of de-escalating the current crisis and restoring peace". Asked by WION's Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal, the IDF spokesperson Lt. Col. Peter Lerner said that the number of people held hostage by Hamas may well go above 203. "The working assumption is that they're alive. And I would add that we expect Hamas to take care of their well being, they need to be released and be released now," Lerner told WION. "Prime Minister Netanyahu has demanded that the International Committee of the Red Cross have access to the hostages." "But I don't want to comment beyond that because I don't want to jeopardise them or the families of 203 people that are in despair and their life has been torn into pieces in the aftermath of this attack for the last 14 days," he added. Is aid into Gaza dependent on release of Israeli hostages? Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a statement released on Wednesday evening, had indicated the interconnected nature of the three demands he put out to the US President Joe Biden during latter's wartime visit to Israel. "First, I demanded the return of our captives, and we are working together for their return in every possible way," Netanyahu said. "Second, until their return, we demand Red Cross visits for our captives. Third, we will not allow humanitarian assistance in the form of food and medicines from our territory to the Gaza Strip." Netanyahu, however, had added that it would "not prevent humanitarian assistance from Egypt as long as it is only food, water and medicine for the civilian population located in the southern Gaza Strip." It had further added that such aid would be allowed "as long as these supplies do not reach Hamas. Any supplies that reach Hamas will be prevented." At the time of filing this report, the impasse over supply of aid into Gaza, even through Egypt's Rafah crossing, has turned into a deadlock. This is even after a wartime visit to Israel by Joe Biden and his Secretary of State Antony Blinken's week-long West Asia trip had humanitarian access to Gaza as one of the top foreign policy objectives. 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: What lies beyond the 'sliver of hope' after release of two hostages by Hamas

<p>Palestinian militant group Hamas, on Friday (Oct 20), released a statement saying that it had released two American hostages out of the 200 captives it kidnapped following an unprecedented attack against Israel.</p>

<p>"In response to Qatari efforts, (Ezzedine) al-Qassam Brigades released two American citizens (a mother and her daughter) for humanitarian reasons," Hamas said in a statement posted on Telegram.</p>

<p>The militant group did not share details on how and when the hostages were released.</p>

<p>Earlier on Friday, the Israeli military said that most of the hostages abducted to Gaza were still alive.</p>

<p>"The majority of the hostages are alive. There were also dead bodies that were taken... to the Gaza Strip," an army statement said.</p>

<p>The army said that more than 20 hostages were minors, while between 10 and 20 were over the age of 60.</p>

<p>The Israeli military has carried out air raids on thousands of Hamas targets in Gaza, said the spokesman.</p>

<p>"They include quality targets such as drone facilities, they include naval facilities, they include command and control facilities, they include all of the rocket facilities," Lerner said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-president-joe-biden-asks-congress-for-105-bln-security-package-includes-funds-for-ukraine-and-israel-649351">Biden asks Congress for $105 bln package, including funds for Ukraine, Israel</a></p>

<p>"Our assessment suggests that at this time Hamas are in a state of disarray, they have no idea what the situation is above ground, they have escaped into the tunnels."</p>

<h2><strong>'Any help from New Delhi is welcome' for release of hostages, says Israel envoy to India</strong></h2>

<p>Israel's Ambassador to India, Naor Gilon, while speaking to Indian Express, stated that Israel would welcome any help from India for the release of over 200 Israeli hostages, including several foreign nationals.&nbsp;</p>

<p>He further said that Israel was "moved that the first reaction from Prime Minister Narendra Modi came on the same afternoon, even before the full picture was out".</p>

<p>Gilon added that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi again "expressed solidarity" after speaking to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a few days later. He said, "Not just the Indian PM, we have got a show of support from all levels here — officials, ministers, civil society, and even people on social media."&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>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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Palestinian militant group Hamas, on Friday (Oct 20), released a statement saying that it had released two American hostages out of the 200 captives it kidnapped following an unprecedented attack against Israel.

Palestinian militant group Hamas, on Friday (Oct 20), released a statement saying that it had released two American hostages out of the 200 captives it kidnapped following an unprecedented attack against Israel. "In response to Qatari efforts, (Ezzedine) al-Qassam Brigades released two American citizens (a mother and her daughter) for humanitarian reasons," Hamas said in a statement posted on Telegram. The militant group did not share details on how and when the hostages were released. Earlier on Friday, the Israeli military said that most of the hostages abducted to Gaza were still alive. "The majority of the hostages are alive. There were also dead bodies that were taken... to the Gaza Strip," an army statement said. The army said that more than 20 hostages were minors, while between 10 and 20 were over the age of 60. The Israeli military has carried out air raids on thousands of Hamas targets in Gaza, said the spokesman. "They include quality targets such as drone facilities, they include naval facilities, they include command and control facilities, they include all of the rocket facilities," Lerner said. Also read: Biden asks Congress for $105 bln package, including funds for Ukraine, Israel "Our assessment suggests that at this time Hamas are in a state of disarray, they have no idea what the situation is above ground, they have escaped into the tunnels." 'Any help from New Delhi is welcome' for release of hostages, says Israel envoy to India Israel's Ambassador to India, Naor Gilon, while speaking to Indian Express, stated that Israel would welcome any help from India for the release of over 200 Israeli hostages, including several foreign nationals. He further said that Israel was "moved that the first reaction from Prime Minister Narendra Modi came on the same afternoon, even before the full picture was out". Gilon added that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi again "expressed solidarity" after speaking to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a few days later. He said, "Not just the Indian PM, we have got a show of support from all levels here — officials, ministers, civil society, and even people on social media." (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.

Hamas releases two American hostages from Gaza

<p>Tech heavyweights are boycotting Web Summit, Europe’s biggest technology event, after its CEO criticised Western support of Israel following deadly terrorist attacks by Hamas on October 7.</p>

<p>Intel and Siemens Thursday joined a growing list of companies and tech executives saying they won’t attend the event in solidarity with Israel. Intel said in a statement that it was “withdrawing from Web Summit.”</p>

<p>Siemens, which is a German engineering and manufacturing company, also echoed the same stance after having “reviewed the situation.”</p>

<p>So far, Y Combinator’s Garry Tan, Sequoia Capital’s Ravi Gupta and other prominent venture capitalists have also pulled out of the conference in support of Israel.</p>

<h2><strong>Israel boycotts the summit as well</strong></h2>

<p>Top leaders from Israel’s massive tech industry, which contributes to one-fifth of the country’s economic output, have also announced a boycott.</p>

<p>Ori Goshen, the co-founder and co-CEO of Tel Aviv-based AI21 Labs, took to LinkedIn to announce that he won’t “give the keynote” at the event because he “cannot be part of such indecency and moral bankruptcy.”</p>

<p>Dor Shapira, the ambassador of Israel to Portugal, wrote to the mayor of Lisbon informing him that Israel will not participate in the event, an update he shared on LinkedIn on Oct 16.</p>

<h2><strong>Controversial statement from Web Summit CEO</strong></h2>

<p>Nearly a week after the Oct 7 assault by Hamas on Israel, Web Summit CEO Paddy Cosgrave expressed “shock” at the support Israel was getting from the West. He also rapped the West for not denouncing the Jewish nation for its “war crimes.”</p>

<p>However, after he saw his summit being jeopardised, he seemed to be staging a balancing act on Oct 17 when he issued a detailed apology for his statement.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Israel-Hamas war: Hamas hostages' kin speaks to WION, shares agony</strong></p>

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<p>“I understand that what I said, the timing of what I said, and the way it has been presented has caused profound hurt to many. To anyone who was hurt by my words, I apologise deeply,” Cosgrave wrote.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“What is needed at this time is compassion, and I did not convey that. Web Summit has a long history of partnership with Israel and its tech firms, and I am deeply regretful that those friends were hurt by any of what I said,” his statement read further.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-joe-bidens-wartime-address-hails-india-middle-east-europe-corridor-649015"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Israel-Hamas war: Joe Biden`s wartime address hails India-Middle East-Europe corridor</strong></a></p>

<p>But it seems like damage has already been done.</p>

<p>The summit, a 70,000-person flagship event, will take place in Lisbon next month.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Tech heavyweights are boycotting Web Summit, Europe’s biggest technology event, after its CEO criticised Western support of Israel following deadly terrorist attacks by Hamas on October 7.

Tech heavyweights are boycotting Web Summit, Europe’s biggest technology event, after its CEO criticised Western support of Israel following deadly terrorist attacks by Hamas on October 7. Intel and Siemens Thursday joined a growing list of companies and tech executives saying they won’t attend the event in solidarity with Israel. Intel said in a statement that it was “withdrawing from Web Summit.” Siemens, which is a German engineering and manufacturing company, also echoed the same stance after having “reviewed the situation.” So far, Y Combinator’s Garry Tan, Sequoia Capital’s Ravi Gupta and other prominent venture capitalists have also pulled out of the conference in support of Israel. Israel boycotts the summit as well Top leaders from Israel’s massive tech industry, which contributes to one-fifth of the country’s economic output, have also announced a boycott. Ori Goshen, the co-founder and co-CEO of Tel Aviv-based AI21 Labs, took to LinkedIn to announce that he won’t “give the keynote” at the event because he “cannot be part of such indecency and moral bankruptcy.” Dor Shapira, the ambassador of Israel to Portugal, wrote to the mayor of Lisbon informing him that Israel will not participate in the event, an update he shared on LinkedIn on Oct 16. Controversial statement from Web Summit CEO Nearly a week after the Oct 7 assault by Hamas on Israel, Web Summit CEO Paddy Cosgrave expressed “shock” at the support Israel was getting from the West. He also rapped the West for not denouncing the Jewish nation for its “war crimes.” However, after he saw his summit being jeopardised, he seemed to be staging a balancing act on Oct 17 when he issued a detailed apology for his statement. Also read: Israel-Hamas war: Hamas hostages' kin speaks to WION, shares agony × “I understand that what I said, the timing of what I said, and the way it has been presented has caused profound hurt to many. To anyone who was hurt by my words, I apologise deeply,” Cosgrave wrote. “What is needed at this time is compassion, and I did not convey that. Web Summit has a long history of partnership with Israel and its tech firms, and I am deeply regretful that those friends were hurt by any of what I said,” his statement read further. Also read: Israel-Hamas war: Joe Biden`s wartime address hails India-Middle East-Europe corridor But it seems like damage has already been done. The summit, a 70,000-person flagship event, will take place in Lisbon next month. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Anti-Israel remarks by CEO put Web Summit 2023 in jeopardy as tech giants pull out

<p>Russia on Friday (Oct 20) advised its citizens against travelling to Israel, Lebanon, Jordan and Palestinian territories amid the intensifying conflict between Israel and Hamas. Russia's foreign ministry said, "The situation in the Middle East is heating up. The number of casualties and injuries is rising. Mass protests are taking place around the world."</p>

<p>"We strongly recommend that Russian citizens refrain from travelling to the region, especially to Israel, Lebanon, Jordan and the Palestinian territories," the ministry added.<br />
This development in Russia a day after Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that there was a serious possibility that the Israel-Hamas war would become regional.</p>

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<p>&nbsp;"A real mechanism (of de-escalation in the Middle East) could be a decision by the (UN) Security Council calling on all parties to immediately stop any violent military actions and ensure a solution to humanitarian problems, taking into account the true catastrophe that threatens the Gaza Strip and the millions of people living there," Foreign Minister Lavrov told reporters in North Korea's Pyongyang.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"As for the Gaza Strip, the risk of this crisis escalating into a regional conflict is quite serious. I have already mentioned that the United States vetoed a resolution that called for a stop to any hostilities and to begin to resolve humanitarian issues," he added.</p>

<p>Lavrov also said that the US apparently showed that it was not ready for a truce, a ceasefire. "And if this is so, then they will probably believe the conflict may grow," the foreign minister further said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Since Hamas launched an unprecedented attack against Israel on October 7, scores of foreigners have been killed, wounded or taken hostage. According to a report by the news agency AFP, the Russian embassy in Israel said that Nineteen Russian-Israeli citizens have been confirmed dead.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Two Russian-Israeli citizens are hostages and seven Russian nationals are missing, the embassy added.&nbsp;</p>

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Russia on Friday (Oct 20) advised its citizens against travelling to Israel, Lebanon, Jordan and Palestinian territories amid the intensifying conflict between Israel and Hamas.

Russia on Friday (Oct 20) advised its citizens against travelling to Israel, Lebanon, Jordan and Palestinian territories amid the intensifying conflict between Israel and Hamas. Russia's foreign ministry said, "The situation in the Middle East is heating up. The number of casualties and injuries is rising. Mass protests are taking place around the world." "We strongly recommend that Russian citizens refrain from travelling to the region, especially to Israel, Lebanon, Jordan and the Palestinian territories," the ministry added. This development in Russia a day after Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that there was a serious possibility that the Israel-Hamas war would become regional. Click here to follow LIVE updates on the Israel-Hamas war "A real mechanism (of de-escalation in the Middle East) could be a decision by the (UN) Security Council calling on all parties to immediately stop any violent military actions and ensure a solution to humanitarian problems, taking into account the true catastrophe that threatens the Gaza Strip and the millions of people living there," Foreign Minister Lavrov told reporters in North Korea's Pyongyang. "As for the Gaza Strip, the risk of this crisis escalating into a regional conflict is quite serious. I have already mentioned that the United States vetoed a resolution that called for a stop to any hostilities and to begin to resolve humanitarian issues," he added. Lavrov also said that the US apparently showed that it was not ready for a truce, a ceasefire. "And if this is so, then they will probably believe the conflict may grow," the foreign minister further said. Since Hamas launched an unprecedented attack against Israel on October 7, scores of foreigners have been killed, wounded or taken hostage. According to a report by the news agency AFP, the Russian embassy in Israel said that Nineteen Russian-Israeli citizens have been confirmed dead. Two Russian-Israeli citizens are hostages and seven Russian nationals are missing, the embassy added. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Israel-Hamas war: Russia advises citizens against travelling to Israel, 2 other countries

<p>An explosion was reported at a building on the premises of the Saint Porphyrius Greek Orthodox Church campus in Gaza City on Thursday (Oct 19) night. The church is one of the oldest in the world.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A person seeking refuge at the church told the Wall Street Journal that about 500 people were sheltering on the church campus, including 80 in the church council where the explosion reportedly occurred.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/video-israeli-airstrike-or-misfired-islamic-jihad-rocket-what-killed-hundreds-at-gaza-hospital-648159">Video: Israeli airstrike or 'misfired' Islamic Jihad rocket? What killed at least hundreds at Gaza hospital?</a></strong></p>

<p>The rescuers were reportedly pulling people out of the rubble, many of whom were critically injured.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the Hamas-controlled interior ministry said that several displaced people who had taken shelter at a church compound were killed and injured after an Israeli strike late Thursday.</p>

<p>The Israeli military told media agencies that it was looking into the incident.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Israel-Hamas war: New details emerge on Gaza hospital blast | Gravitas</strong></p>

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<p>The strike left a "large number of martyrs and injured" at the compound of a Greek Orthodox church, the Hamas-controlled interior ministry said.</p>

<p>Witnesses cited by the AFP said that the strike appeared to have been aimed at a target close to the place of worship where many Gaza residents had taken refuge.</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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An explosion was reported at a building on the premises of the Saint Porphyrius Greek Orthodox Church campus in Gaza City on Thursday (Oct 19) night. The church is one of the oldest in the world.

An explosion was reported at a building on the premises of the Saint Porphyrius Greek Orthodox Church campus in Gaza City on Thursday (Oct 19) night. The church is one of the oldest in the world. A person seeking refuge at the church told the Wall Street Journal that about 500 people were sheltering on the church campus, including 80 in the church council where the explosion reportedly occurred. Also read | Video: Israeli airstrike or 'misfired' Islamic Jihad rocket? What killed at least hundreds at Gaza hospital? The rescuers were reportedly pulling people out of the rubble, many of whom were critically injured. Meanwhile, the Hamas-controlled interior ministry said that several displaced people who had taken shelter at a church compound were killed and injured after an Israeli strike late Thursday. The Israeli military told media agencies that it was looking into the incident. Also watch | Israel-Hamas war: New details emerge on Gaza hospital blast | Gravitas × The strike left a "large number of martyrs and injured" at the compound of a Greek Orthodox church, the Hamas-controlled interior ministry said. Witnesses cited by the AFP said that the strike appeared to have been aimed at a target close to the place of worship where many Gaza residents had taken refuge. (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: Many feared dead after explosion rocks one of world's oldest churches in Gaza city

<p>While flagging a "potential for terrorist attacks," the United States has urged for a "worldwide caution" for its citizens overseas, an official statement read. In a post on X, the US said, "Worldwide Caution: Due to increased tensions in various locations around the world, the potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations or violent actions against US citizens and interests, the Department of State."&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Israel-Hamas war is in its second week of chaos with casualties reported from both sides. This development comes after the heads of the FBI, along with British spy agency MI5, showed concerns that the ongoing war could lead to an increasing risk of domestic terrorist attacks. They cited potential dangers posed to Jewish communities, organisations, and other groups within the United Kingdom and the United States.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rafah-border-crossing-to-open-on-friday-as-pressure-for-aid-to-reach-besieged-civilians-mounts-648904">Rafah border crossing to open on Friday as pressure for aid to reach besieged civilians mounts</a></p>

<p>FBI Director Christopher Wray said, “We cannot and do not discount the possibility that Hamas or other foreign terrorist organisations could exploit the conflict to call on their supporters to conduct attacks on our own soil”.</p>

<p>Protests have erupted worldwide in the wake of Hamas' attack on Israel. US Capitol police apprehended many protestors who joined in stage demonstrations at the building. A sea of protestors, primarily Jewish, gathered at the Capitol urging the Biden administration to seek a ceasefire in Gaza.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science-technology/early-step-in-long-journey-google-to-manufacture-pixel-phones-in-india-648891">'Early step in long journey': Google to manufacture Pixel phones in India</a></p>

<p>A number of bomb threats have also been reported since the war broke out between Israel and Hamas. As many as 13 hostages held in Gaza by Hamas are believed to be Americans.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A 20-year-old, Mohammed Moguchkov, killed a school teacher in France last Friday (Oct 13). As per reports citing a sources, he was acting for the Islamic State (IS). The source reportedly said that Moguchkov also made a "very marginal" reference to the October 7 attack by Hamas on Israel in the video prior to stabbing 57-year-old Dominique Bernard of the Lycee Gambetta High School in Arras.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-palestine-war-israel-bombards-gaza-from-all-sides-but-what-happens-next-648923">Israel-Palestine War: Israel bombards Gaza from all sides, but what happens next?</a></strong></p>

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<p>World leaders are carrying out diplomatic visits to Arab nations, involved in negotiations with Hamas, and Israel to bring an end to the war. UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak became the latest world leader to visit Israel in the wake of its war with Hamas.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em><strong>(With inputs from agencies)</strong></em></p>

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While flagging a "potential for terrorist attacks," the United States has urged for a "worldwide caution" for its citizens overseas, an official statement read. In a post on X, the US said, "Worldwide Caution: Due to increased tensions in various locations around the world, the potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations or violent actions against US citizens and interests, the Department of State.

While flagging a "potential for terrorist attacks," the United States has urged for a "worldwide caution" for its citizens overseas, an official statement read. In a post on X, the US said, "Worldwide Caution: Due to increased tensions in various locations around the world, the potential for terrorist attacks, demonstrations or violent actions against US citizens and interests, the Department of State." The Israel-Hamas war is in its second week of chaos with casualties reported from both sides. This development comes after the heads of the FBI, along with British spy agency MI5, showed concerns that the ongoing war could lead to an increasing risk of domestic terrorist attacks. They cited potential dangers posed to Jewish communities, organisations, and other groups within the United Kingdom and the United States. Also Read | Rafah border crossing to open on Friday as pressure for aid to reach besieged civilians mounts FBI Director Christopher Wray said, “We cannot and do not discount the possibility that Hamas or other foreign terrorist organisations could exploit the conflict to call on their supporters to conduct attacks on our own soil”. Protests have erupted worldwide in the wake of Hamas' attack on Israel. US Capitol police apprehended many protestors who joined in stage demonstrations at the building. A sea of protestors, primarily Jewish, gathered at the Capitol urging the Biden administration to seek a ceasefire in Gaza. Also Read |'Early step in long journey': Google to manufacture Pixel phones in India A number of bomb threats have also been reported since the war broke out between Israel and Hamas. As many as 13 hostages held in Gaza by Hamas are believed to be Americans. A 20-year-old, Mohammed Moguchkov, killed a school teacher in France last Friday (Oct 13). As per reports citing a sources, he was acting for the Islamic State (IS). The source reportedly said that Moguchkov also made a "very marginal" reference to the October 7 attack by Hamas on Israel in the video prior to stabbing 57-year-old Dominique Bernard of the Lycee Gambetta High School in Arras. Watch | Israel-Palestine War: Israel bombards Gaza from all sides, but what happens next? × World leaders are carrying out diplomatic visits to Arab nations, involved in negotiations with Hamas, and Israel to bring an end to the war. UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak became the latest world leader to visit Israel in the wake of its war with Hamas. (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. ×

US urges 'worldwide caution' for Americans overseas, warns of potential 'terrorist attacks'

<p>Iran warned Israel Wednesday (Oct 18) that time was “running out” for the Jewish nation after a strike at a Gaza hospital left hundreds dead, as per a claim by the Gazan authorities that holds Israel responsible for it.</p>

<p>The warning came from Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, who posted the threatening message on X.</p>

<p>"After the terrible crime of the Zionist regime in the bombing and massacre of more than 1,000 innocent women and children in the hospital, the time has come for the global unity of humanity against this fake regime more hated than ISIS and its killing machine," Amir-Abdollahian wrote in his post.</p>

<p>He added: "Time is OVER!"</p>

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<p dir="rtl" lang="fa">پس از جنایت هولناک رژیم صهیونیستی در بمباران و قتل‌عام بیش از هزار نفر از زنان و کودکان بی‌گناه در بیمارستان <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/%D8%A7%D9%84%D9%85%D8%B9%D9%85%D8%AF%D8%A7%D9%86%DB%8C?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#المعمدانی</a> زمان برای اتحاد جهانی بشریت علیه این رژیم جعلی منفورتر از داعش و ماشین کشتارش فرارسیده است.<br />
!Time is OVER</p>
— H.Amirabdollahian امیرعبداللهیان (@Amirabdolahian) <a href="https://twitter.com/Amirabdolahian/status/1714420294532681997?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 17, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Earlier, he made similar remarks in a TV interview. “Time is running out very fast. If the war crimes against the Palestinians are not immediately stopped, other multiple fronts will open and this is inevitable," he had said.</p>

<p>Israel responded with a meme.</p>

<p>The Israeli embassy to the US posted this Matrix meme to mock the Iranian bellicose warning.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="qme"><a href="https://t.co/iIRCs4rmDV">pic.twitter.com/iIRCs4rmDV</a></p>
— Embassy of Israel to the USA | #IsraelUSA75 (@IsraelinUSA) <a href="https://twitter.com/IsraelinUSA/status/1714612188374011915?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 18, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>IDF denies its role</strong></h2>

<p>The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), meanwhile, has denied having any hand in the strike on the hospital. After an investigation, it claimed Wednesday that the explosion was caused by a rocket misfire by the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, an armed group affiliated with Hamas.</p>

<p>President Biden of the US, who landed in Israel on Wednesday, also denied Israel's involvement in the hospital blast.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-hospital-blast-israel-releases-evidence-to-blame-militants-for-misfired-rocket-648371"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Gaza hospital blast: Israel releases `evidence` to blame terrorists for `misfired` rocket</strong></a></p>

<p>Biden said he reviewed evidence that “strongly suggested” that the other team was involved in the explosion.</p>

<p>"I was outraged by the bombing of the hospital yesterday. Based on what I’ve seen, it was done by the other team. Not you," Biden said to Netanyahu. "But there’s a lot of people out there who are not sure," he added.</p>

<h2><strong>IDF releases audio recording</strong></h2>

<p>IDF also shared an audio recording of what it claimed were "Hamas terrorists discussing a rocket misfiring by Islamic Jihad".</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Israel-Palestine war: IDF claims rocket that hit Gaza hospital was fired by terrorists</strong></p>

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<p>In an English-language briefing, an Israeli military spokesperson said an investigation had "confirmed that there was no IDF (Israel Defence Forces) fire from the land, sea or air that hit the hospital".</p>

<p><em><strong>Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.</strong></em></p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Iran warned Israel Wednesday (Oct 18) that time was “running out” for the Jewish nation after a strike at a Gaza hospital left hundreds dead, as per a claim by the Gazan authorities that holds Israel responsible for it.

Iran warned Israel Wednesday (Oct 18) that time was “running out” for the Jewish nation after a strike at a Gaza hospital left hundreds dead, as per a claim by the Gazan authorities that holds Israel responsible for it. The warning came from Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, who posted the threatening message on X. "After the terrible crime of the Zionist regime in the bombing and massacre of more than 1,000 innocent women and children in the hospital, the time has come for the global unity of humanity against this fake regime more hated than ISIS and its killing machine," Amir-Abdollahian wrote in his post. He added: "Time is OVER!" پس از جنایت هولناک رژیم صهیونیستی در بمباران و قتل‌عام بیش از هزار نفر از زنان و کودکان بی‌گناه در بیمارستان #المعمدانی زمان برای اتحاد جهانی بشریت علیه این رژیم جعلی منفورتر از داعش و ماشین کشتارش فرارسیده است. !Time is OVER — H.Amirabdollahian امیرعبداللهیان (@Amirabdolahian) October 17, 2023 × Earlier, he made similar remarks in a TV interview. “Time is running out very fast. If the war crimes against the Palestinians are not immediately stopped, other multiple fronts will open and this is inevitable," he had said. Israel responded with a meme. The Israeli embassy to the US posted this Matrix meme to mock the Iranian bellicose warning. pic.twitter.com/iIRCs4rmDV — Embassy of Israel to the USA | #IsraelUSA75 (@IsraelinUSA) October 18, 2023 × IDF denies its role The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), meanwhile, has denied having any hand in the strike on the hospital. After an investigation, it claimed Wednesday that the explosion was caused by a rocket misfire by the Palestinian Islamic Jihad, an armed group affiliated with Hamas. President Biden of the US, who landed in Israel on Wednesday, also denied Israel's involvement in the hospital blast. Also read: Gaza hospital blast: Israel releases `evidence` to blame terrorists for `misfired` rocket Biden said he reviewed evidence that “strongly suggested” that the other team was involved in the explosion. "I was outraged by the bombing of the hospital yesterday. Based on what I’ve seen, it was done by the other team. Not you," Biden said to Netanyahu. "But there’s a lot of people out there who are not sure," he added. IDF releases audio recording IDF also shared an audio recording of what it claimed were "Hamas terrorists discussing a rocket misfiring by Islamic Jihad". Watch: Israel-Palestine war: IDF claims rocket that hit Gaza hospital was fired by terrorists × In an English-language briefing, an Israeli military spokesperson said an investigation had "confirmed that there was no IDF (Israel Defence Forces) fire from the land, sea or air that hit the hospital". Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

‘Time is OVER,’ Iran warns Israel after deadly Gaza hospital strike

<p>Former US President Donald Trump said Thursday (Oct 19) that he ‘may’ visit Israel to show support amidst its ongoing war against Hamas in the Gaza strip.</p>

<p>His comments came hot on the heels of a trip by President Joe Biden to West Asia, during which the US leader showered unequivocal support for&nbsp;the Jewish nation.</p>

<p>"I may, I may go, I may go, my daughters did (visited). But I believe in letting them do what they have to do. They have to straighten it out. What's happening in Israel is all of those people dead would have never happened, ever, not even a chance. Even the Democrats admit that if I were president. Thank you very much," Trump said while responding to a reporter.</p>

<h2><strong>Trump’s unequivocal support to Israel</strong></h2>

<p>After Hamas’ initial assault on Israel on Oct 7, Trump openly announced he stood with Israel, on his platform ‘Truth Social.’</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Donald Trump: This is a witch-hunt by a radical lunatic</strong></p>

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<p>In another post, he wrote, “There was no better friend or ally of Israel than President Donald J. Trump”. He also praised Israeli soldiers for fighting Hamas.</p>

<h2><strong>Trump’s criticism of Netanyahu</strong></h2>

<p>While Trump has strongly backed Israel against Hamas from day one, he has pulled no punches against PM Netanyahu for allegedly backtracking from assisting the US in killing Iran’s top security and intelligence commander, Maj. Gen. Qassim Suleimani in 2020, who was eventually killed in a targeted assassination.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-let-us-down-donald-trump-blasts-israeli-pm-amidst-war-with-hamas-645712"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;‘Netanyahu let us down,’ Donald Trump blasts Israeli PM amid war with Hamas</strong></a></p>

<p>Trump claimed he received a call shortly beforehand to let him know that Israel would not take part in the drone strike but the US proceeded anyway. “But I’ll never forget,” Trump said, adding, “I’ll never forget that Bibi Netanyahu let us down. That was a very terrible thing.”</p>

<p>Donald Trump also pointed fingers at Israeli intelligence, criticising it for failing to stop Hamas from executing such a large-scale and devastating attack. “They’ve got to straighten it out,” Trump said.</p>

<h2><strong>World leaders rally behind Israel</strong></h2>

<p>Israel has already seen high-profile visits by world leaders since Hamas imposed a war on the Jewish nation, including US President Joe Biden, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and EU Chief Ursula von der Leyen.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Former US President Donald Trump said Thursday (Oct 19) that he ‘may’ visit Israel to show support amidst its ongoing war against Hamas in the Gaza strip. His comments came hot on the heels of a trip by President Joe Biden to West Asia, during which the US leader showered unequivocal support for the Jewish nation.

Former US President Donald Trump said Thursday (Oct 19) that he ‘may’ visit Israel to show support amidst its ongoing war against Hamas in the Gaza strip. His comments came hot on the heels of a trip by President Joe Biden to West Asia, during which the US leader showered unequivocal support for the Jewish nation. "I may, I may go, I may go, my daughters did (visited). But I believe in letting them do what they have to do. They have to straighten it out. What's happening in Israel is all of those people dead would have never happened, ever, not even a chance. Even the Democrats admit that if I were president. Thank you very much," Trump said while responding to a reporter. Trump’s unequivocal support to Israel After Hamas’ initial assault on Israel on Oct 7, Trump openly announced he stood with Israel, on his platform ‘Truth Social.’ Watch: Donald Trump: This is a witch-hunt by a radical lunatic × In another post, he wrote, “There was no better friend or ally of Israel than President Donald J. Trump”. He also praised Israeli soldiers for fighting Hamas. Trump’s criticism of Netanyahu While Trump has strongly backed Israel against Hamas from day one, he has pulled no punches against PM Netanyahu for allegedly backtracking from assisting the US in killing Iran’s top security and intelligence commander, Maj. Gen. Qassim Suleimani in 2020, who was eventually killed in a targeted assassination. Also read: ‘Netanyahu let us down,’ Donald Trump blasts Israeli PM amid war with Hamas Trump claimed he received a call shortly beforehand to let him know that Israel would not take part in the drone strike but the US proceeded anyway. “But I’ll never forget,” Trump said, adding, “I’ll never forget that Bibi Netanyahu let us down. That was a very terrible thing.” Donald Trump also pointed fingers at Israeli intelligence, criticising it for failing to stop Hamas from executing such a large-scale and devastating attack. “They’ve got to straighten it out,” Trump said. World leaders rally behind Israel Israel has already seen high-profile visits by world leaders since Hamas imposed a war on the Jewish nation, including US President Joe Biden, UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and EU Chief Ursula von der Leyen. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

I may go: Former US president Trump mulls visiting Israel amid war against Hamas

<p>UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak became the latest world leader to visit Israel in&nbsp;the wake of its war with Hamas. Sunak met his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu in a staunch show of support for the war-ravaged nation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The situation in the West Asian region remains unpredictable and the death toll continues to rise, with the latest being 3,780 killed in Gaza, which includes over a thousand children, as per reports.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The talks between Sunak and Netanyahu were wide-ranging with the UK backing Israel's right to defend itself, a renewed support for Palestinians, unlocking humanitarian routes for Gazan aid, a rebuke for the Hamas attack, and his deepest condolences for the lives taken in the war. &nbsp;</p>

<p>Britain increased aid for Palestinians by 10 million pounds ($12.18 million). This came as Sunak also supported Israel in its decision to "go after Hamas" calling the Palestinian militant group the new "Nazis".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-us-state-department-official-resigns-over-bidens-one-sided-support-648825">Israel vs Hamas: US official resigns over Biden’s ‘one-sided' support</a></p>

<p>Sunak welcomed Israel's decision to let the aid flow into Gaza and said, "I'm proud to stand here with you. In Israel's darkest hour as your friend. We will stand with you in solidarity. We will stand with your people and we also want you to win."</p>

<p>The British leader also urged Israel to make sure civilians do not bear the brunt of the tragedy that is unfolding after the Hamas attack.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I know that you are taking every precaution to avoid harming civilians in direct contrast to the terrorists of Hamas which seeks to put civilians in harm's way," Sunak said following a meeting with Netanyahu in Jerusalem. He called the turn of events as “darkest hour" after the brutal attack by the militant group and the fallout at the Gaza hospital.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-used-north-korea-made-weapons-in-its-attack-against-israel-report-648786">Hamas used North Korea-made weapons in its attack against Israel: Report</a></p>

<p>During a joint press conference, Sunak said the UK “absolutely supports Israel's right to defend itself in line with international law."&nbsp;But he did not fall short of addressing the rights of Palestinians saying they are also “victims of the Hamas".</p>

<p>“I am sorry to be here in such terrible circumstances. In the last two weeks, this country has gone through something that no country, no people should have to endure, least of all Israel...I want to share the deep condolences of the British people and stress that we absolutely support Israel's right to defend itself in line with international law, to go after Hamas," Sunak said.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-palestine-war-vladimir-putin-slams-washingtons-hypocrisy-648826">Israel-Palestine war | Vladimir Putin slams Washington's Hypocrisy</a></strong></p>

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<p>"We mourn the loss of every innocent life," Sunak said.</p>

<p>This comes as US President Joe Biden also held a meeting with the Israeli prime minister and backed Israel in its fight against the terror attack. In one of the significant developments, Biden had noted that the missile attack on the Gaza hospital was done by the “other team" and not Israel. This continues to be a subject of debate.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em><strong>(With inputs from agencies)</strong></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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UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak became the latest world leader to visit Israel in the wake of its war with Hamas. Sunak met his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu in a staunch show of support for the war-ravaged nation.

UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak became the latest world leader to visit Israel in the wake of its war with Hamas. Sunak met his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu in a staunch show of support for the war-ravaged nation. The situation in the West Asian region remains unpredictable and the death toll continues to rise, with the latest being 3,780 killed in Gaza, which includes over a thousand children, as per reports. The talks between Sunak and Netanyahu were wide-ranging with the UK backing Israel's right to defend itself, a renewed support for Palestinians, unlocking humanitarian routes for Gazan aid, a rebuke for the Hamas attack, and his deepest condolences for the lives taken in the war. Britain increased aid for Palestinians by 10 million pounds ($12.18 million). This came as Sunak also supported Israel in its decision to "go after Hamas" calling the Palestinian militant group the new "Nazis". Also Read | Israel vs Hamas: US official resigns over Biden’s ‘one-sided' support Sunak welcomed Israel's decision to let the aid flow into Gaza and said, "I'm proud to stand here with you. In Israel's darkest hour as your friend. We will stand with you in solidarity. We will stand with your people and we also want you to win." The British leader also urged Israel to make sure civilians do not bear the brunt of the tragedy that is unfolding after the Hamas attack. "I know that you are taking every precaution to avoid harming civilians in direct contrast to the terrorists of Hamas which seeks to put civilians in harm's way," Sunak said following a meeting with Netanyahu in Jerusalem. He called the turn of events as “darkest hour" after the brutal attack by the militant group and the fallout at the Gaza hospital. Also Read | Hamas used North Korea-made weapons in its attack against Israel: Report During a joint press conference, Sunak said the UK “absolutely supports Israel's right to defend itself in line with international law." But he did not fall short of addressing the rights of Palestinians saying they are also “victims of the Hamas". “I am sorry to be here in such terrible circumstances. In the last two weeks, this country has gone through something that no country, no people should have to endure, least of all Israel...I want to share the deep condolences of the British people and stress that we absolutely support Israel's right to defend itself in line with international law, to go after Hamas," Sunak said. Watch | Israel-Palestine war | Vladimir Putin slams Washington's Hypocrisy × "We mourn the loss of every innocent life," Sunak said. This comes as US President Joe Biden also held a meeting with the Israeli prime minister and backed Israel in its fight against the terror attack. In one of the significant developments, Biden had noted that the missile attack on the Gaza hospital was done by the “other team" and not Israel. This continues to be a subject of debate. (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. ×

Sunak wants Israel to 'win', condemns 'Nazi' Hamas while increasing aid for Palestinians

<p>The United Nations Security Council on Monday (Oct 16) rejected a Russian resolution that called for "an immediate ceasefire" in Gaza. The fifteen-member Security Council rejected Russia's resolution with six abstentions, four votes against the resolution and five votes in favour.</p>

<p>The countries against the resolution cited Russia's failure to condemn the acts of terror by Hamas and Moscow's refusal to single out the Gaza-based group for its attack on Israel that has killed at least 1,400 people.</p>

<h2><strong>Sequence of events</strong></h2>

<p>The UN Security Council convened to discuss 'Situation in Middle East, including the Palestinian question'. Prior to the UNSC meet, the Russian mission in the United Nations had distributed the draft resolution copies whose text called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. The resolution&nbsp;condemned "all acts of terror", but did not mention Hamas.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-ambassador-to-un-highlights-indias-exclusion-from-global-decision-making-calls-for-unsc-reforms-585988">Indian ambassador to UN highlights India's exclusion from global decision-making, calls for UNSC reforms</a></strong></p>

<p>Brazil, the president of UN Security Council this month, had put into discussion another draft resolution that condemned "shameful terrorist acts by Hamas".&nbsp;</p>

<p>But shortly after the council convened on Monday, the United Arab Emirates — also a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8MaAsrvQ70s">signatory of Abraham Accords</a> with Israel — intervened to prevent a potential showdown between two resolutions. The Council reconvened after closed-door consultations, following which Russia presented its resolution.</p>

<p>According to the council proceedings seen by WION, the second resolution proposed by Brazil that condemned Hamas appeared to have broader support as reflected in the post-vote statements of the member states. It, however,&nbsp;did not go to vote.</p>

<h2><strong>How Russian resolution for ceasefire failed to get through?</strong></h2>

<p>The Russian representative Vassily Nebenzia presented the resolution by stating that Moscow "condemns the deaths of Israeli civilians as well as the civilians in the Gaza strip. We condemn all violence and all terrorist attacks."<br />
<br />
The vote by show of hands in the Council resulted in the rejection of the Russian resolution.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Five countries, including China, voted in favour of the resolution.</p>

<p>Four countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates and France, voted against the resolution. There were six abstentions in total.</p>

<p>The United States representative Linda Thomas-Greenfield claimed that Russia brought up the resolution without due consultations with the member states. "By failing to condemn Hamas, Russia is giving cover to a terrorist group that brutalises innocent civilians."</p>

<p>The United Kingdom&nbsp;representative Barbara Woodward said that the Russian resolution failed because it did not condemn "terrorist attacks by Hamas".</p>

<p>The representative of the United Arab Emirates Lana Nusseibeh, who supported Russian resolution, called out "unjustifiable Hamas attacks on 7th October" but said that Israel's demand for over a million Gazans to shift from north to south is "unjustifiable and unmetable."</p>

<h2><strong>Ceasefire resolution leads to Israel-Palestine showdown in UNSC</strong></h2>

<p>Israel's Gilad Erdan said the Security Council, which has not adopted a resolution on the situation in Israel and the Palestinian territories since 2016, stood at "one of its most pivotal crossroads" since its founding.</p>

<p>"Will the council support the fight for civilisation? or will it incentivise the genocide of Jihadists who aim to murder all the infidels?," he said.</p>

<p>"For a body dedicated to security, this shouldn't even be a question."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The first step this council must take before any calls for aid, calm or restraint is to designate Hamas as the murderous terror organisation that it is."</p>

<p>Israeli representative described Hamas' stated goals against Israel as "Hitler's Mein Kampf on steroids".</p>

<p>Palestinian ambassador Riyad Mansour said the council had a moral duty to act in a bid to restrain an Israeli assault on the Gaza Strip he said was claiming 12 lives every hour.</p>

<p>"What is happening in Gaza is not a military operation. It is a full scale assault against our people. It is massacre&nbsp;against innocent civilians."</p>

<p>Israel has cut off supplies of water and power to the isolated Gaza strip, and warned more than a million people to leave the north of the densely populated landlocked region.</p>

<p>The UN has warned that the&nbsp;Gaza Strip faces an "unprecedented human catastrophe" if water and other vital supplies are not restored.</p>

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The United Nations Security Council on Monday (Oct 16) rejected a Russian resolution that called for "an immediate ceasefire" in Gaza. The fifteen-member Security Council rejected Russia's resolution with six abstentions, four votes against the resolution and five votes in favour.

The United Nations Security Council on Monday (Oct 16) rejected a Russian resolution that called for "an immediate ceasefire" in Gaza. The fifteen-member Security Council rejected Russia's resolution with six abstentions, four votes against the resolution and five votes in favour. The countries against the resolution cited Russia's failure to condemn the acts of terror by Hamas and Moscow's refusal to single out the Gaza-based group for its attack on Israel that has killed at least 1,400 people. Sequence of events The UN Security Council convened to discuss 'Situation in Middle East, including the Palestinian question'. Prior to the UNSC meet, the Russian mission in the United Nations had distributed the draft resolution copies whose text called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. The resolution condemned "all acts of terror", but did not mention Hamas. Also read | Indian ambassador to UN highlights India's exclusion from global decision-making, calls for UNSC reforms Brazil, the president of UN Security Council this month, had put into discussion another draft resolution that condemned "shameful terrorist acts by Hamas". But shortly after the council convened on Monday, the United Arab Emirates — also a signatory of Abraham Accords with Israel — intervened to prevent a potential showdown between two resolutions. The Council reconvened after closed-door consultations, following which Russia presented its resolution. According to the council proceedings seen by WION, the second resolution proposed by Brazil that condemned Hamas appeared to have broader support as reflected in the post-vote statements of the member states. It, however, did not go to vote. How Russian resolution for ceasefire failed to get through? The Russian representative Vassily Nebenzia presented the resolution by stating that Moscow "condemns the deaths of Israeli civilians as well as the civilians in the Gaza strip. We condemn all violence and all terrorist attacks." The vote by show of hands in the Council resulted in the rejection of the Russian resolution. Five countries, including China, voted in favour of the resolution. Four countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, United Arab Emirates and France, voted against the resolution. There were six abstentions in total. The United States representative Linda Thomas-Greenfield claimed that Russia brought up the resolution without due consultations with the member states. "By failing to condemn Hamas, Russia is giving cover to a terrorist group that brutalises innocent civilians." The United Kingdom representative Barbara Woodward said that the Russian resolution failed because it did not condemn "terrorist attacks by Hamas". The representative of the United Arab Emirates Lana Nusseibeh, who supported Russian resolution, called out "unjustifiable Hamas attacks on 7th October" but said that Israel's demand for over a million Gazans to shift from north to south is "unjustifiable and unmetable." Ceasefire resolution leads to Israel-Palestine showdown in UNSC Israel's Gilad Erdan said the Security Council, which has not adopted a resolution on the situation in Israel and the Palestinian territories since 2016, stood at "one of its most pivotal crossroads" since its founding. "Will the council support the fight for civilisation? or will it incentivise the genocide of Jihadists who aim to murder all the infidels?," he said. "For a body dedicated to security, this shouldn't even be a question." "The first step this council must take before any calls for aid, calm or restraint is to designate Hamas as the murderous terror organisation that it is." Israeli representative described Hamas' stated goals against Israel as "Hitler's Mein Kampf on steroids". Palestinian ambassador Riyad Mansour said the council had a moral duty to act in a bid to restrain an Israeli assault on the Gaza Strip he said was claiming 12 lives every hour. "What is happening in Gaza is not a military operation. It is a full scale assault against our people. It is massacre against innocent civilians." Israel has cut off supplies of water and power to the isolated Gaza strip, and warned more than a million people to leave the north of the densely populated landlocked region. The UN has warned that the Gaza Strip faces an "unprecedented human catastrophe" if water and other vital supplies are not restored. 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: Inside UN Security Council meet that rejected Russia's resolution for ceasefire

<p>US President Joe Biden's wartime visit&nbsp;to West Asia has been upended by a deadly strike at a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-500-killed-after-israeli-airstrikes-target-hospital-claims-gaza-health-ministry-648141">Gaza hospital that killed hundreds of Palestinians</a>, in the deadliest civilian casualty event of the ongoing Israel-Hamas war so far. On October 17, when&nbsp;Biden's&nbsp;Air Force One took off from Joint Base Andrews to Tel Aviv, protesters halfway across the world in the Jordanian capital of Amman attempted to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pro-palestine-protests-break-out-across-west-asia-after-gaza-hospital-strike-648170">breach security barriers</a> placed close to the Israeli embassy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As Biden's plane was still inside the US air space, the announcement came from Amman's foreign ministry.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Jordanian kingdom cancelled a scheduled four-war summit between Joe Biden, Jordan's King Abdullah II, Egypt's President&nbsp;Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, and the Palestinian Authority leader&nbsp;Mahmoud Abbas.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The summit will be held "when the decision to stop the war and put an end to these massacres has been taken", Jordan's Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi said.<br />
<br />
Biden's West Asia visit comes after days of shuttle diplomacy led by State Secretary Antony Blinken, who covered ten stops during the course of five days and extended his wartime visit in the region to six days against the original schedule of just two days.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/shuttle-diplomacy-blinken-meets-jordanian-king-palestinian-president-abbas-in-amman-646310">Shuttle diplomacy: Blinken meets Jordanian King, Palestinian President Abbas in Amman</a></strong></p>

<p>Blinken visited&nbsp;Egypt, Bahrain, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, with two stops each in Israel, Jordan and Saudi Arabia.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Today, at our request, the United States and Israel have agreed to develop a plan that will enable humanitarian aid from donor nations and multilateral organizations to reach civilians in Gaza, including the possibility of creating areas to help keep civilians out of harm’s way.</p>
— Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) <a href="https://twitter.com/SecBlinken/status/1714076759963136319?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 17, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>"The Jordanian government’s cancellation of President Biden’s trip serves as a glaring indicator of the United States’ waning political capital in the Middle East," Raed Jarrar, Advocacy Director at Washington-based Democracy For The Arab World Now (DAWN) non-profit, told WION.<img alt="Raed Jarrar is an Arab-American political advocate based in Washington, DC" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="182b467d-0b72-4516-a0b4-32f6913ea710" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-10-18T082240.139.png" /></p>

<p><em>Raed Jarrar is an Arab-American political advocate based in Washington, DC</em></p>

<p>"President Biden's statements, which perpetuate a 'blank check' policy towards Israel, are driving a wedge between the US and other nations in the region," added Jarrar.</p>

<p>The term 'blank check' policy in reference to the US policies in West Asia came into vogue after the Trump administration was accused of turning a blind eye towards&nbsp;Saudi Arabia — given its longstanding partnership with the oil-rich kingdom —&nbsp;after the murder of dissident Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Jarrar believes that the Biden administration is also pursuing a 'blank check' policy&nbsp;with Israel amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Israel-Hamas war: US President Biden's Israel visit with 'strategic importance'</strong></p>

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<p>"The time has come for the United States to shift its approach from blank-check support to serving as a broker for peace," Jarrar said.</p>

<p>"President Biden should urgently call for a ceasefire, rather than continue to tacitly support the deeply troubling and devastating Israeli actions in Gaza," he added.</p>

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US President Joe Biden's wartime visit to West Asia has been upended by a deadly strike at a Gaza hospital that killed hundreds of Palestinians, in the deadliest civilian casualty event of the ongoing Israel-Hamas war so far.

US President Joe Biden's wartime visit to West Asia has been upended by a deadly strike at a Gaza hospital that killed hundreds of Palestinians, in the deadliest civilian casualty event of the ongoing Israel-Hamas war so far. On October 17, when Biden's Air Force One took off from Joint Base Andrews to Tel Aviv, protesters halfway across the world in the Jordanian capital of Amman attempted to breach security barriers placed close to the Israeli embassy. As Biden's plane was still inside the US air space, the announcement came from Amman's foreign ministry. The Jordanian kingdom cancelled a scheduled four-war summit between Joe Biden, Jordan's King Abdullah II, Egypt's President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, and the Palestinian Authority leader Mahmoud Abbas. The summit will be held "when the decision to stop the war and put an end to these massacres has been taken", Jordan's Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi said. Biden's West Asia visit comes after days of shuttle diplomacy led by State Secretary Antony Blinken, who covered ten stops during the course of five days and extended his wartime visit in the region to six days against the original schedule of just two days. Also read | Shuttle diplomacy: Blinken meets Jordanian King, Palestinian President Abbas in Amman Blinken visited Egypt, Bahrain, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, with two stops each in Israel, Jordan and Saudi Arabia. Today, at our request, the United States and Israel have agreed to develop a plan that will enable humanitarian aid from donor nations and multilateral organizations to reach civilians in Gaza, including the possibility of creating areas to help keep civilians out of harm’s way. — Secretary Antony Blinken (@SecBlinken) October 17, 2023 × "The Jordanian government’s cancellation of President Biden’s trip serves as a glaring indicator of the United States’ waning political capital in the Middle East," Raed Jarrar, Advocacy Director at Washington-based Democracy For The Arab World Now (DAWN) non-profit, told WION. Raed Jarrar is an Arab-American political advocate based in Washington, DC "President Biden's statements, which perpetuate a 'blank check' policy towards Israel, are driving a wedge between the US and other nations in the region," added Jarrar. The term 'blank check' policy in reference to the US policies in West Asia came into vogue after the Trump administration was accused of turning a blind eye towards Saudi Arabia — given its longstanding partnership with the oil-rich kingdom — after the murder of dissident Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. Jarrar believes that the Biden administration is also pursuing a 'blank check' policy with Israel amid the ongoing humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip. Also watch | Israel-Hamas war: US President Biden's Israel visit with 'strategic importance' × "The time has come for the United States to shift its approach from blank-check support to serving as a broker for peace," Jarrar said. "President Biden should urgently call for a ceasefire, rather than continue to tacitly support the deeply troubling and devastating Israeli actions in Gaza," 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.

Spotlight on Washington's waning political capital after Gaza hospital blast sinks Biden's Jordan summit

<p>Renowned Hollywood director Quentin Tarantino visited an Israeli army base recently. The filmmaker was snapped at the base and the photo was shared on X by the Israel War Room.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
"#BREAKING: Legendary filmmaker Quentin Tarantino visits an Israeli base in southern Israel to boost IDF (Israel Defense Forces) morale," the post read. The director was also seen interacting with fans in videos shared on social media and by the Times of Israel.<br />
Israel has been at war with Hamas - a Palestinian militant group that controls Gaza. The group launched a surprise attack in southern Israel on October 7. The ambush left hundreds dead and around 250 were taken as hostages.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<strong>Tarantino and his connection with Israel</strong><br />
<br />
The Oscar-winning screenwriter filmmaker has a personal connection to Israel. He has been living in Tel Aviv with his wife Daniella Pick. The two met in Israel in 2009 while he was promoting his film <em>Inglourious Basterds</em>.<br />
<br />
Daniella is an Israeli singer who began her career in the early 2000s as a duo with her sister Sharona before going solo. Her father, Tzvika Pick, was also a renowned Israeli singer in the 1970s.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
The couple got engaged in 2017 and wed in November 2018. They welcomed their son Leo in February 2020 and announced the birth of their daughter in July 2022.<br />
&nbsp;</p>

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Renowned Hollywood director Quentin Tarantino visited an Israeli army base recently. The filmmaker was snapped at the base and the photo was shared on X by the Israel War Room.

Renowned Hollywood director Quentin Tarantino visited an Israeli army base recently. The filmmaker was snapped at the base and the photo was shared on X by the Israel War Room. "#BREAKING: Legendary filmmaker Quentin Tarantino visits an Israeli base in southern Israel to boost IDF (Israel Defense Forces) morale," the post read. The director was also seen interacting with fans in videos shared on social media and by the Times of Israel. Israel has been at war with Hamas - a Palestinian militant group that controls Gaza. The group launched a surprise attack in southern Israel on October 7. The ambush left hundreds dead and around 250 were taken as hostages. Tarantino and his connection with Israel The Oscar-winning screenwriter filmmaker has a personal connection to Israel. He has been living in Tel Aviv with his wife Daniella Pick. The two met in Israel in 2009 while he was promoting his film Inglourious Basterds. Daniella is an Israeli singer who began her career in the early 2000s as a duo with her sister Sharona before going solo. Her father, Tzvika Pick, was also a renowned Israeli singer in the 1970s. The couple got engaged in 2017 and wed in November 2018. They welcomed their son Leo in February 2020 and announced the birth of their daughter in July 2022. 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.

Filmmaker Quentin Tarantino visits Israeli army base to 'boost morale of forces'

<p>The US Treasury on Wednesday (October 18) slapped sanctions on 10 Hamas members, operatives and financial facilitators as the militant group continues to fight Israeli forces. The fresh sanctions target individuals based in Gaza as well in countries like Sudan, Algeria and Qatar.</p>

<p>"The United States is taking swift and decisive action to target Hamas'&nbsp;financiers and facilitators following its brutal and unconscionable massacre of Israeli civilians, including children," said Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen.</p>

<p>The sanctions came as US President Joe Biden visited Tel Aviv in a show of support to Israel and also to talk with Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Israel-Hamas war: Protests erupt after attack on Gaza Hospital</strong></p>

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<p>US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a separate statement that those who were sanctioned helped Hamas to "carry out acts like the vicious attack on Israel."</p>

<p>"Today's actions are directed at Hamas terrorists and their support network, not Palestinians," he added, calling for a release of hostages in its custody.</p>

<p>Treasury Secretary Yellen said that the US will "continue to take all steps necessary" in order to deny Hamas capability to raise money to carry out "atrocities".</p>

<p>Deputy Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo said said that the US is &nbsp;"committed to imposing more sanctions alone, and in coordination with our partners."</p>

<p>The US already considers Hamas a terrorist organization.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jordan-and-egypt-refuse-to-accept-palestinian-refugees-as-israel-continues-retaliatory-strikes-648436">Jordan and Egypt refuse to accept Palestinian refugees as Israel continues retaliatory strikes</a></strong></p>

<p>The Treasury said that till date, it had targetted nearly 1000 individuals, entities connected to terrorism and terrorist financing by the Iranian regime and proxies including Hamas and Hezbollah.</p>

<p>"In addition to the funds Hamas receives from Iran, its global portfolio of investments generates vast sums of revenue through its assets, estimated to be worth hundreds of millions of dollars," the Treasury said.</p>

<h2><strong>The 'secret' portfolio</strong></h2>

<p>Six of those who faced sanctions on Wednesday were associated with a Hamas "secret investment portfolio."</p>

<p>These include Musa Muhammad Salim Dudin, who is a member of Hamas' Political Bureau, and also Abdelbasit Hamza Elhassan Mohamed Khair, a Sudan-based Hamas financier.</p>

<p>The US Treasury said that two "senior Hamas officials" were also targetted: Muhammad Ahmad 'Abd Al-Dayim Nasrallah, who is based in Qatar and Ayman Nofal, who was allegedly killed in an airstrike on Tuesday.</p>

<p>The department has also targetted Gaza-based virtual currency exchange. The Treasury has noted that Hamas has relied on virtual currency as well.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-supports-israels-report-on-gaza-hospital-strike-condemns-hamas-648337">Gaza hospital strike 'done by other team', says Biden during Israel trip</a></strong></p>

<p>The sanctions will result in US property of designated individuals getting blocked and reported and would also result in other restrictions.</p>

<p>"We're cutting them off from access to their money," said a Treasury official as quoted by AFP. The official added that senior officials will also be traveling to coordinate with allies.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The US Treasury on Wednesday (October 18) slapped sanctions on 10 Hamas members, operatives and financial facilitators as the militant group continues to fight Israeli forces.

The US Treasury on Wednesday (October 18) slapped sanctions on 10 Hamas members, operatives and financial facilitators as the militant group continues to fight Israeli forces. The fresh sanctions target individuals based in Gaza as well in countries like Sudan, Algeria and Qatar. "The United States is taking swift and decisive action to target Hamas' financiers and facilitators following its brutal and unconscionable massacre of Israeli civilians, including children," said Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen. The sanctions came as US President Joe Biden visited Tel Aviv in a show of support to Israel and also to talk with Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Watch | Israel-Hamas war: Protests erupt after attack on Gaza Hospital × US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said in a separate statement that those who were sanctioned helped Hamas to "carry out acts like the vicious attack on Israel." "Today's actions are directed at Hamas terrorists and their support network, not Palestinians," he added, calling for a release of hostages in its custody. Treasury Secretary Yellen said that the US will "continue to take all steps necessary" in order to deny Hamas capability to raise money to carry out "atrocities". Deputy Treasury Secretary Wally Adeyemo said said that the US is "committed to imposing more sanctions alone, and in coordination with our partners." The US already considers Hamas a terrorist organization. Also Read | Jordan and Egypt refuse to accept Palestinian refugees as Israel continues retaliatory strikes The Treasury said that till date, it had targetted nearly 1000 individuals, entities connected to terrorism and terrorist financing by the Iranian regime and proxies including Hamas and Hezbollah. "In addition to the funds Hamas receives from Iran, its global portfolio of investments generates vast sums of revenue through its assets, estimated to be worth hundreds of millions of dollars," the Treasury said. The 'secret' portfolio Six of those who faced sanctions on Wednesday were associated with a Hamas "secret investment portfolio." These include Musa Muhammad Salim Dudin, who is a member of Hamas' Political Bureau, and also Abdelbasit Hamza Elhassan Mohamed Khair, a Sudan-based Hamas financier. The US Treasury said that two "senior Hamas officials" were also targetted: Muhammad Ahmad 'Abd Al-Dayim Nasrallah, who is based in Qatar and Ayman Nofal, who was allegedly killed in an airstrike on Tuesday. The department has also targetted Gaza-based virtual currency exchange. The Treasury has noted that Hamas has relied on virtual currency as well. Also Read | Gaza hospital strike 'done by other team', says Biden during Israel trip The sanctions will result in US property of designated individuals getting blocked and reported and would also result in other restrictions. "We're cutting them off from access to their money," said a Treasury official as quoted by AFP. The official added that senior officials will also be traveling to coordinate with allies. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

US Treasury sanctions 10 Hamas members, some connected to group's 'secret portfolio'

<p>Protests broke out in cities across West Asia after a deadly strike at a hospital in Gaza <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-500-killed-after-israeli-airstrikes-target-hospital-claims-gaza-health-ministry-648141">claimed hundreds of Palestinian lives</a>. The Hamas-administered Gazan authorities claimed more than 500 people died in the hospital airstrike allegedly committed by the Israeli side. Israel was quick to refute the claim and said that the blast occurred due to a 'misfired' missile that was aimed at Israel.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A report in CNN cited sources to claim that Israel has provided the US with intelligence it has gathered related to the deadly Gaza hospital explosion, to establish its purported innocence in what has been the deadliest civilian casualty toll in a single incidence during the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/video-israeli-airstrike-or-misfired-islamic-jihad-rocket-what-killed-hundreds-at-gaza-hospital-648159">Video: Israeli airstrike or 'misfired' Islamic Jihad rocket? What killed hundreds at Gaza hospital</a></strong></p>

<p>The hospital was reportedly sheltering thousands of displaced people who were evacuated from their homes, the Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza said in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Here's a look at protests erupting across West Asia following the mass casualty event that occurred at the Gaza hospital:</strong></p>

<p>In the Jordanian capital Amman, hundreds of protesters&nbsp;took to the streets&nbsp;as a group gathered near the Israeli embassy, a move deterred by the&nbsp;security forces stationed there.</p>

<p>Jordan's state-run Petra news agency also reported the protesters' attempts to reach the embassy and subsequent instances of arson in the area.</p>

<p>Videos on social media seen by WION showed security forces using tear gas to push protesters away from the embassy.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Israel-Hamas war | Israel to Hamas: Die or surrender</strong></p>

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<p>In an announcement that coincided with raging protests in Amman, Jordan cancelled a planned summit of the leaders of Egypt and Palestine with US President Joe Biden.</p>

<p>Biden's West Asia itinerary now includes only a visit to Israel.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><b>Gaza hospital strike: Protests break out in Lebanon, Iraq and Iran</b></h2>

<p>In Lebanon, hundreds of protesters took to the streets near the US embassy in the capital Beirut while attempting to to break through the security barriers.</p>

<p>In the Iraqi capital Baghdad, hundreds of people took to the streets to chant anti-Israel slogans.</p>

<p>Dozens of protesters reportedly&nbsp;attempted to cross a bridge that leads to Green Zone, CNN reported.&nbsp;But security forces prevented them from crossing it, the publication reported further.</p>

<p>Baghdad's Green Zone houses Iraqi government offices and foreign&nbsp;embassies.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the Iranian capital Tehran, protests also took place outside the French and British embassies. Anti-Israel protests also occurred&nbsp;in other cities such as Esfahan and Qom.</p>

<p>Israel's retaliation against Gaza Strip-based Hamas following the events of Oct 7-8&nbsp;— that&nbsp;killed over 1,400 Israeli citizens&nbsp;— has led to the death&nbsp;of nearly 3,000 Palestinian people in the thickly populated Gaza Strip.</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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Protests broke out in cities across West Asia after a deadly strike at a hospital in Gaza claimed hundreds of Palestinian lives. The Hamas-administered Gazan authorities claimed more than 500 people died in the hospital airstrike allegedly committed by the Israeli side.

Protests broke out in cities across West Asia after a deadly strike at a hospital in Gaza claimed hundreds of Palestinian lives. The Hamas-administered Gazan authorities claimed more than 500 people died in the hospital airstrike allegedly committed by the Israeli side. Israel was quick to refute the claim and said that the blast occurred due to a 'misfired' missile that was aimed at Israel. A report in CNN cited sources to claim that Israel has provided the US with intelligence it has gathered related to the deadly Gaza hospital explosion, to establish its purported innocence in what has been the deadliest civilian casualty toll in a single incidence during the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. Also read | Video: Israeli airstrike or 'misfired' Islamic Jihad rocket? What killed hundreds at Gaza hospital The hospital was reportedly sheltering thousands of displaced people who were evacuated from their homes, the Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza said in a statement. Here's a look at protests erupting across West Asia following the mass casualty event that occurred at the Gaza hospital: In the Jordanian capital Amman, hundreds of protesters took to the streets as a group gathered near the Israeli embassy, a move deterred by the security forces stationed there. Jordan's state-run Petra news agency also reported the protesters' attempts to reach the embassy and subsequent instances of arson in the area. Videos on social media seen by WION showed security forces using tear gas to push protesters away from the embassy. Also watch | Israel-Hamas war | Israel to Hamas: Die or surrender × In an announcement that coincided with raging protests in Amman, Jordan cancelled a planned summit of the leaders of Egypt and Palestine with US President Joe Biden. Biden's West Asia itinerary now includes only a visit to Israel. Gaza hospital strike: Protests break out in Lebanon, Iraq and Iran In Lebanon, hundreds of protesters took to the streets near the US embassy in the capital Beirut while attempting to to break through the security barriers. In the Iraqi capital Baghdad, hundreds of people took to the streets to chant anti-Israel slogans. Dozens of protesters reportedly attempted to cross a bridge that leads to Green Zone, CNN reported. But security forces prevented them from crossing it, the publication reported further. Baghdad's Green Zone houses Iraqi government offices and foreign embassies. In the Iranian capital Tehran, protests also took place outside the French and British embassies. Anti-Israel protests also occurred in other cities such as Esfahan and Qom. Israel's retaliation against Gaza Strip-based Hamas following the events of Oct 7-8 — that killed over 1,400 Israeli citizens — has led to the death of nearly 3,000 Palestinian people in the thickly populated 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.) 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.

Pro-Palestine protests break out across West Asia after Gaza hospital strike

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