<p>The Gaza health ministry has claimed that at least 500 Palestinians were killed after Israeli airstrikes attacked a hospital in the city.</p>

<p>On Tuesday (Oct 17), the Gaza health ministry claimed that Israeli warplanes bombed the Ahli Baptist Hospital which was treating hundreds of wounded and sheltering other Palestinians, AP news agency reported.&nbsp;The hospital is run by the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem.</p>

<p>"Hundreds of victims are still under the rubble," a statement said, calling it a "war crime".</p>

<p>The Israeli military said that it was looking into the claims. "We will look into it... the strike happened just a short while ago," Israeli military spokesman Daniel Hagari told a televised press briefing.</p>

<p>Later, the Israel&nbsp;Defense Forces (IDF)&nbsp;clarified that a&nbsp;rocket barrage was fired at Israel&nbsp;from the vicinity of the hospital&nbsp;at the time it was hit. "According to intelligence information, the Islamic Jihad sent the failed rocket such that it hit their own hospital," the IDF spokesperson said.</p>

<p>Earlier, Israel-based i24News outlet also claimed that an initial investigation done by the Israeli Defense Force found that the explosion at the&nbsp;hospital in Gaza was caused by a failed Hamas rocket launch. However, an official confirmation is awaited.</p>

<p>The incident occurred hours after the United Nations agency supporting Palestinian refugees claimed that six people were killed when one of its schools sheltering displaced families was hit during Israeli air strikes.</p>

<p>UNRWA commissioner-general Philippe Lazzarini called the bombing at Al-Maghazi refugee camp, also in central Gaza, "outrageous" and warned the death count would likely rise.</p>

<p>"It again shows a flagrant disregard for the lives of civilians. No place is safe in Gaza anymore, not even UNRWA facilities," he added.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="und">Israeli warplanes bombed Al-Ahli Arab hospital (Baptist Hospital) in the center of Gaza City, resulting in the martyrdom of hundreds of Palestinians, including children and women.<br />
<br />
الطائرات الحربية الإسرائيلية تقصف المستشفى الأهلي العربي (المستشفى المعمداني) وسط مدينة غزة، ما أدى… <a href="https://t.co/ioVAyWRfvn">pic.twitter.com/ioVAyWRfvn</a></p>
— State of Palestine - MFA 🇵🇸🇵🇸 (@pmofa) <a href="https://twitter.com/pmofa/status/1714340122420756889?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 17, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<h2><strong>Palestine president declares three-day mourning&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Describing the attack&nbsp;as a "hospital massacre",&nbsp;Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas declared three days of mourning and said that flags would be flown at half-mast for "the martyrs of the Baptist hospital massacre and all our people's martyrs", the official Palestinian news agency&nbsp;Wafa&nbsp;said.</p>

<p>The attacks come on the eve of US President Joe Biden's visit to Israel on Tuesday (Oct 17) evening where he is expected to meet Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for talks amidst escalating conflict with Hamas.</p>

<h2><strong>Egypt blames Israel&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Egypt’s foreign ministry strongly condemned&nbsp;the incident saying that it considers this “deliberate bombing of civilians to be a serious violation of international, humanitarian law and of the most basic values of humanity.”</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-vs-hamas-us-military-readies-2000-troops-for-potential-middle-east-deployment-as-war-escalates-648105">Israel-Hamas war: US military readies 2,000 troops for Middle East deployment</a></p>

<p>Cairo further held Israel responsible for the bombing of the Ahli Baptist Hospital in Gaza City that killed at least 500 people.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-senior-hamas-commander-ayman-nofal-killed-in-air-strike-in-gaza-648110">Israel-Hamas war: Senior Hamas commander Ayman Nofal killed in Gaza air strike</a></p>

<p>“Egypt called on Israel to immediately stop its policies of collective punishment against the people in the Gaza Strip,” the Egyptian foreign ministry statement adds.</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><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>


The Gaza health ministry has claimed that at least 500 Palestinians were killed after Israeli airstrikes attacked a hospital in the city. On Tuesday (Oct 17), the Gaza health ministry claimed that Israeli warplanes bombed the Ahli Baptist Hospital which was treating hundreds of wounded and sheltering other Palestinians, AP news agency reported.

The Gaza health ministry has claimed that at least 500 Palestinians were killed after Israeli airstrikes attacked a hospital in the city. On Tuesday (Oct 17), the Gaza health ministry claimed that Israeli warplanes bombed the Ahli Baptist Hospital which was treating hundreds of wounded and sheltering other Palestinians, AP news agency reported. The hospital is run by the Episcopal Diocese of Jerusalem. "Hundreds of victims are still under the rubble," a statement said, calling it a "war crime". The Israeli military said that it was looking into the claims. "We will look into it... the strike happened just a short while ago," Israeli military spokesman Daniel Hagari told a televised press briefing. Later, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) clarified that a rocket barrage was fired at Israel from the vicinity of the hospital at the time it was hit. "According to intelligence information, the Islamic Jihad sent the failed rocket such that it hit their own hospital," the IDF spokesperson said. Earlier, Israel-based i24News outlet also claimed that an initial investigation done by the Israeli Defense Force found that the explosion at the hospital in Gaza was caused by a failed Hamas rocket launch. However, an official confirmation is awaited. The incident occurred hours after the United Nations agency supporting Palestinian refugees claimed that six people were killed when one of its schools sheltering displaced families was hit during Israeli air strikes. UNRWA commissioner-general Philippe Lazzarini called the bombing at Al-Maghazi refugee camp, also in central Gaza, "outrageous" and warned the death count would likely rise. "It again shows a flagrant disregard for the lives of civilians. No place is safe in Gaza anymore, not even UNRWA facilities," he added. Israeli warplanes bombed Al-Ahli Arab hospital (Baptist Hospital) in the center of Gaza City, resulting in the martyrdom of hundreds of Palestinians, including children and women. الطائرات الحربية الإسرائيلية تقصف المستشفى الأهلي العربي (المستشفى المعمداني) وسط مدينة غزة، ما أدى… pic.twitter.com/ioVAyWRfvn — State of Palestine - MFA 🇵🇸🇵🇸 (@pmofa) October 17, 2023 × Palestine president declares three-day mourning Describing the attack as a "hospital massacre", Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas declared three days of mourning and said that flags would be flown at half-mast for "the martyrs of the Baptist hospital massacre and all our people's martyrs", the official Palestinian news agency Wafa said. The attacks come on the eve of US President Joe Biden's visit to Israel on Tuesday (Oct 17) evening where he is expected to meet Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for talks amidst escalating conflict with Hamas. Egypt blames Israel Egypt’s foreign ministry strongly condemned the incident saying that it considers this “deliberate bombing of civilians to be a serious violation of international, humanitarian law and of the most basic values of humanity.” Also read | Israel-Hamas war: US military readies 2,000 troops for Middle East deployment Cairo further held Israel responsible for the bombing of the Ahli Baptist Hospital in Gaza City that killed at least 500 people. Also read | Israel-Hamas war: Senior Hamas commander Ayman Nofal killed in Gaza air strike “Egypt called on Israel to immediately stop its policies of collective punishment against the people in the Gaza Strip,” the Egyptian foreign ministry statement adds. 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

Israel-Hamas war: At least 500 killed after deadly explosion at Gaza hospital, Israel denies role

<p>France on Tuesday (Oct 17) joined several Western countries including the United States (US), the United Kingdom (UK), and Germany in warning its citizens to avoid travel to Lebanon as the security situation remains tense amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas. In a statement, the French foreign ministry said, "Given security tensions in the region and particularly on Lebanon's southern border, French travellers planning a trip to Lebanon are not advised to go there."</p>

<p>The warning comes a day after France warned Lebanese officials to avert war with Israel.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Since Hamas launched an unprecedented attack against Israel on October 7, the Lebanese-Israel border has seen near-daily tit-for-tat incidents involving Lebanon's Hezbollah or Palestinian groups.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Hezbollah, an ally of Hamas, has so far limited its cross-border attacks but analysts say the Iran-backed group with a powerful arsenal could open a front with Israel if it invades the Gaza Strip, the news agency AFP reported.</p>

<p>The US has urged Hezbollah to stay out of the Israel-Hamas war. On October 9, the US issued a broad "regional security alert" warning citizens to "take caution".</p>

<p>On Monday, Britain issued a travel advisory that said, "Events in Lebanon are fast-moving. The situation has the potential to deteriorate quickly and with no warning."</p>

<p>Britain also added that the British Embassy in Lebanon had temporarily withdrawn family members of staff. It advised "against all travel to some parts of Lebanon", including border areas and "against all but essential travel to the rest of Lebanon".</p>

<p>Canada has warned its citizens to "avoid non-essential travel to Lebanon", citing "an unpredictable security situation" and the "armed conflict with Israel".</p>

<p>Germany, meanwhile, urged its nationals not to travel to Lebanon because of "an escalation of violence" following the Hamas attacks on Israel. The travel warning is at the highest level given by the German government.&nbsp;</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>

<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>


France on Tuesday (Oct 17) joined several Western countries including the United States (US), the United Kingdom (UK), and Germany in warning its citizens to avoid travel to Lebanon as the security situation remains tense amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas.

France on Tuesday (Oct 17) joined several Western countries including the United States (US), the United Kingdom (UK), and Germany in warning its citizens to avoid travel to Lebanon as the security situation remains tense amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas. In a statement, the French foreign ministry said, "Given security tensions in the region and particularly on Lebanon's southern border, French travellers planning a trip to Lebanon are not advised to go there." The warning comes a day after France warned Lebanese officials to avert war with Israel. Since Hamas launched an unprecedented attack against Israel on October 7, the Lebanese-Israel border has seen near-daily tit-for-tat incidents involving Lebanon's Hezbollah or Palestinian groups. Hezbollah, an ally of Hamas, has so far limited its cross-border attacks but analysts say the Iran-backed group with a powerful arsenal could open a front with Israel if it invades the Gaza Strip, the news agency AFP reported. The US has urged Hezbollah to stay out of the Israel-Hamas war. On October 9, the US issued a broad "regional security alert" warning citizens to "take caution". On Monday, Britain issued a travel advisory that said, "Events in Lebanon are fast-moving. The situation has the potential to deteriorate quickly and with no warning." Britain also added that the British Embassy in Lebanon had temporarily withdrawn family members of staff. It advised "against all travel to some parts of Lebanon", including border areas and "against all but essential travel to the rest of Lebanon". Canada has warned its citizens to "avoid non-essential travel to Lebanon", citing "an unpredictable security situation" and the "armed conflict with Israel". Germany, meanwhile, urged its nationals not to travel to Lebanon because of "an escalation of violence" following the Hamas attacks on Israel. The travel warning is at the highest level given by the German government. 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: France warns citizens against Lebanon travel, becomes latest Western nation to do so

<p>Nearly 500 Palestinians were reported dead in an explosion&nbsp;at a hospital in the northern part of the Gaza Strip, making it the deadliest mass casualty event so far during the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas that began on October 7 after the latter launched an unprecedented attack on Israeli civilians.</p>

<p>The Hamas-controlled Gaza health ministry claimed that Israeli warplanes bombed the Ahli Baptist hospital in northern Gaza. World Health Organization, while reacting to the mass casualty event at the hospital, later said that the hospital was&nbsp;operational with patients, health and caregivers, and internally displaced people sheltering there.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The hospital was one of 20 in the north of the Gaza Strip facing evacuation orders from the Israeli military," WHO statement added.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Gaza Ahli Baptist hospital explosion: Israel's response</strong></h2>

<p>The Israel Defense Forces claimed that the Palestinian Islamic Jihad group was responsible for the "failed rocket launch" that struck Gaza's Ahli Baptist hospital.</p>

<p>The IDF said a barrage of rockets fired from Gaza towards Israel passed near the Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital in Gaza when it was hit.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-500-killed-after-israeli-airstrikes-target-hospital-claims-gaza-health-ministry-648141">Israel-Hamas war: Hundreds killed after deadly explosion at Gaza hospital, Israel denies role</a></strong></p>

<p>"An analysis of IDF operational systems indicates that a barrage of rockets was fired by terrorists in Gaza, passing in close proximity to the Al Ahli hospital in Gaza at the time it was hit," IDF posted on its official&nbsp;Telegram account.</p>

<p>"Intelligence from multiple sources we have in our hands indicates that Islamic Jihad is responsible for the failed rocket launch which hit the hospital in Gaza," it added.</p>

<p>Later, Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu blamed&nbsp;the "barbaric terrorists in Gaza" for "attacking" the Ahli Baptist Hospital.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"So that the whole world knows: the barbaric terrorists in Gaza are the ones who attacked the hospital in Gaza, not the IDF,” Netanyahu said in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Whoever brutally murdered our children is also murdering their children," he added.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
An Israel-affiliated account on X shared the footage of an explosion seen from inside the Israeli side of the fence, which it said showed the blast at Gaza's Ahli Baptist hospital that killed hundreds.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Another angle from the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Israeli?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Israeli</a> side, showing the failed Islamic Jihad rocket launch which killed hundreds in a <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Gaza?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Gaza</a> hospital <a href="https://t.co/6M19Z7Hkp2">pic.twitter.com/6M19Z7Hkp2</a></p>
— StandWithUs (@StandWithUs) <a href="https://twitter.com/StandWithUs/status/1714387845949936078?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 17, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Another video shared by Israel-affiliated official social media accounts&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/Israel/status/1714378880713203844?s=20">showed a TV&nbsp;broadcast</a> of the purported launch of a rocket in Gaza, which they said hit the said hospital.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>Later, Israel Defense Forces released the raw footage of a rocket aimed at Israel that reportedly misfired and exploded at 18:59 (local time) -- "the same moment a hospital was hit in Gaza."</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">RAW FOOTAGE: A rocket aimed at Israel misfired and exploded at 18:59—the same moment a hospital was hit in Gaza. <a href="https://t.co/Kf5xJazSap">pic.twitter.com/Kf5xJazSap</a></p>
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) <a href="https://twitter.com/IDF/status/1714403025136017784?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 17, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<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>&nbsp;</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>

<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>


Nearly 500 Palestinians were reported dead in an explosion at a hospital in the northern part of the Gaza Strip, making it the deadliest mass casualty event so far during the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas that began on October 7 after the latter launched an unprecedented attack on Israeli civilians.

Nearly 500 Palestinians were reported dead in an explosion at a hospital in the northern part of the Gaza Strip, making it the deadliest mass casualty event so far during the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas that began on October 7 after the latter launched an unprecedented attack on Israeli civilians. The Hamas-controlled Gaza health ministry claimed that Israeli warplanes bombed the Ahli Baptist hospital in northern Gaza. World Health Organization, while reacting to the mass casualty event at the hospital, later said that the hospital was operational with patients, health and caregivers, and internally displaced people sheltering there. "The hospital was one of 20 in the north of the Gaza Strip facing evacuation orders from the Israeli military," WHO statement added. Gaza Ahli Baptist hospital explosion: Israel's response The Israel Defense Forces claimed that the Palestinian Islamic Jihad group was responsible for the "failed rocket launch" that struck Gaza's Ahli Baptist hospital. The IDF said a barrage of rockets fired from Gaza towards Israel passed near the Al-Ahli Baptist Hospital in Gaza when it was hit. Also read | Israel-Hamas war: Hundreds killed after deadly explosion at Gaza hospital, Israel denies role "An analysis of IDF operational systems indicates that a barrage of rockets was fired by terrorists in Gaza, passing in close proximity to the Al Ahli hospital in Gaza at the time it was hit," IDF posted on its official Telegram account. "Intelligence from multiple sources we have in our hands indicates that Islamic Jihad is responsible for the failed rocket launch which hit the hospital in Gaza," it added. Later, Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu blamed the "barbaric terrorists in Gaza" for "attacking" the Ahli Baptist Hospital. "So that the whole world knows: the barbaric terrorists in Gaza are the ones who attacked the hospital in Gaza, not the IDF,” Netanyahu said in a statement. "Whoever brutally murdered our children is also murdering their children," he added. An Israel-affiliated account on X shared the footage of an explosion seen from inside the Israeli side of the fence, which it said showed the blast at Gaza's Ahli Baptist hospital that killed hundreds. Another angle from the #Israeli side, showing the failed Islamic Jihad rocket launch which killed hundreds in a #Gaza hospital pic.twitter.com/6M19Z7Hkp2 — StandWithUs (@StandWithUs) October 17, 2023 × Another video shared by Israel-affiliated official social media accounts showed a TV broadcast of the purported launch of a rocket in Gaza, which they said hit the said hospital. Later, Israel Defense Forces released the raw footage of a rocket aimed at Israel that reportedly misfired and exploded at 18:59 (local time) -- "the same moment a hospital was hit in Gaza." RAW FOOTAGE: A rocket aimed at Israel misfired and exploded at 18:59—the same moment a hospital was hit in Gaza. pic.twitter.com/Kf5xJazSap — Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) October 17, 2023 × (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.

Video: Israeli airstrike or 'misfired' Islamic Jihad rocket? What killed at least 500 at Gaza hospital?

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidijkmTGWKL5Uo" /><meta charset="utf-8" /></p>

<p>Militant group Hamas said on Tuesday (Oct 17) that one of its senior commanders of the armed wing was killed in an Israel air strike in the Gaza Strip. "Ayman Nofal, 'Abu Ahmad', a member of the general military council and commander of the central command in Al-Qassam Brigades, was killed" in an Israeli strike on the central Gaza Strip, Hamas said in a statement, referring to its military wing.</p>

<p>The Israeli military confirmed Nofal's killing and said that he was one of the most dominant figures in Hamas. An army statement described Nofal as the group's former head of military intelligence, who has been involved in manufacturing weapons and directing rockets fired at Israel.</p>

<h2><strong>Nofal among many Hamas commanders killed in war</strong></h2>

<p>The army also said that Nofal was "involved in planning the abduction of Gilad Shalit", a soldier released in 2011 after being held for more than five years. Nofal is among the many Hamas commanders killed by Israeli forces since Hamas launched an unprecedented attack on Israel on October 7.</p>

<p>A funeral was held for the now-deceased Hamas commander in the Bureji camp for Palestinian refugees in central Gaza.</p>

<p>Earlier in the day, the Israeli military also said that it killed another top Hamas militant -- Osama Mazini. However, Hamas has not commented on this yet.&nbsp;</p>

<p>More than 1,400 people have been killed in Israel and around 3,000 in Gaza since the conflict erupted on October 7, according to tolls by officials on both sides.</p>

<p>In the latest news from the intensifying conflict, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday called for broad international support in his country's war against Hamas.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The world must stand united behind Israel to defeat Hamas," Prime Minister Netanyahu said alongside visiting German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.</p>

<p>"The savagery that we witnessed perpetrated by the Hamas murderers coming out of Gaza were the worst crimes committed against Jews since the Holocaust," Netanyahu added.</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>

<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>


Militant group Hamas said on Tuesday (Oct 17) that one of its senior commanders of the armed wing was killed in an Israel air strike in the Gaza Strip. "Ayman Nofal, 'Abu Ahmad', a member of the general military council and commander of the central command in Al-Qassam Brigades, was killed" in an Israeli strike on the central Gaza Strip, Hamas said in a statement, referring to its military wing.

Militant group Hamas said on Tuesday (Oct 17) that one of its senior commanders of the armed wing was killed in an Israel air strike in the Gaza Strip. "Ayman Nofal, 'Abu Ahmad', a member of the general military council and commander of the central command in Al-Qassam Brigades, was killed" in an Israeli strike on the central Gaza Strip, Hamas said in a statement, referring to its military wing. The Israeli military confirmed Nofal's killing and said that he was one of the most dominant figures in Hamas. An army statement described Nofal as the group's former head of military intelligence, who has been involved in manufacturing weapons and directing rockets fired at Israel. Nofal among many Hamas commanders killed in war The army also said that Nofal was "involved in planning the abduction of Gilad Shalit", a soldier released in 2011 after being held for more than five years. Nofal is among the many Hamas commanders killed by Israeli forces since Hamas launched an unprecedented attack on Israel on October 7. A funeral was held for the now-deceased Hamas commander in the Bureji camp for Palestinian refugees in central Gaza. Earlier in the day, the Israeli military also said that it killed another top Hamas militant -- Osama Mazini. However, Hamas has not commented on this yet. More than 1,400 people have been killed in Israel and around 3,000 in Gaza since the conflict erupted on October 7, according to tolls by officials on both sides. In the latest news from the intensifying conflict, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday called for broad international support in his country's war against Hamas. "The world must stand united behind Israel to defeat Hamas," Prime Minister Netanyahu said alongside visiting German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. "The savagery that we witnessed perpetrated by the Hamas murderers coming out of Gaza were the worst crimes committed against Jews since the Holocaust," Netanyahu 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: Senior Hamas commander Ayman Nofal killed in Gaza air strike

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidtRz1FoUEeCBv" /><meta charset="utf-8" />A well-known singer from Palestine was arrested by Israeli forces on Monday night (Oct 16) amid allegations of promoting hate speech and public incitement through social media, the Jerusalem Post reported on Tuesday citing the Israeli Police. According to officials, singer Dalal Abu Amneh leveraged her influence through her social media platforms where she frequently published posts and engaged in activities perceived as hostile to Israeli interests.</p>

<p>The singer, who was born in Nazareth, is also a trained neuroscientist and is known for her patriotic songs about Palestine, including Ehne Flestinia. The report said that following her arrest, Amneh underwent intensive interrogation at the police station. Her case will be presented to the Nazareth Magistrate court later on Tuesday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Her arrest comes as Israeli security forces intensify their security campaign against Palestinians living in the occupied West Bank and parts of Israel after Hamas launched a surprise attack into southern Israel.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Dozens of Palestinians in Israel have either been arrested or are under investigation for social media posts and activism in support of the residents of Gaza. More than 1,400 people have been killed in Israel and around 3,000 in Gaza since the conflict erupted on October 7, according to tolls by officials on both sides.</p>

<h2><strong>Hamas top commander killed in Israeli air strike</strong></h2>

<p>On Tuesday, Hamas said that one of its senior commanders of the <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-senior-hamas-commander-ayman-nofal-killed-in-air-strike-in-gaza-648110">armed wing was killed in an Israel air strike</a></strong> in the Gaza Strip. "Ayman Nofal, 'Abu Ahmad', a member of the general military council and commander of the central command in Al-Qassam Brigades, was killed" in an Israeli strike on the central Gaza Strip, Hamas said in a statement, referring to its military wing.</p>

<p>The Israeli military confirmed Nofal's killing and said that he was one of the most dominant figures in Hamas. An army statement described Nofal as the group's former head of military intelligence, who has been involved in manufacturing weapons and directing rockets fired at Israel.</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>

<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>


A well-known singer from Palestine was arrested by Israeli forces on Monday night (Oct 16) amid allegations of promoting hate speech and public incitement through social media, the Jerusalem Post reported on Tuesday citing the Israeli Police.

A well-known singer from Palestine was arrested by Israeli forces on Monday night (Oct 16) amid allegations of promoting hate speech and public incitement through social media, the Jerusalem Post reported on Tuesday citing the Israeli Police. According to officials, singer Dalal Abu Amneh leveraged her influence through her social media platforms where she frequently published posts and engaged in activities perceived as hostile to Israeli interests. The singer, who was born in Nazareth, is also a trained neuroscientist and is known for her patriotic songs about Palestine, including Ehne Flestinia. The report said that following her arrest, Amneh underwent intensive interrogation at the police station. Her case will be presented to the Nazareth Magistrate court later on Tuesday. Her arrest comes as Israeli security forces intensify their security campaign against Palestinians living in the occupied West Bank and parts of Israel after Hamas launched a surprise attack into southern Israel. Dozens of Palestinians in Israel have either been arrested or are under investigation for social media posts and activism in support of the residents of Gaza. More than 1,400 people have been killed in Israel and around 3,000 in Gaza since the conflict erupted on October 7, according to tolls by officials on both sides. Hamas top commander killed in Israeli air strike On Tuesday, Hamas said that one of its senior commanders of the armed wing was killed in an Israel air strike in the Gaza Strip. "Ayman Nofal, 'Abu Ahmad', a member of the general military council and commander of the central command in Al-Qassam Brigades, was killed" in an Israeli strike on the central Gaza Strip, Hamas said in a statement, referring to its military wing. The Israeli military confirmed Nofal's killing and said that he was one of the most dominant figures in Hamas. An army statement described Nofal as the group's former head of military intelligence, who has been involved in manufacturing weapons and directing rockets fired at Israel. 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: Palestinian singer Dalal Amneh arrested over allegations of promoting hate speech

<p>As the world grieves the loss of lives of people who attended the Supernova Music Festival in the deadly attack by Hamas terrorists, an Israeli production company SIPUR is currently putting together a documentary that will recount the tragedy. The deadly attack took place on October 7 as Hamas terrorists attacked those attending the music festival. The group was responsible for the deaths of at least 260 festival-goers at the Supernova electronic dance music festival celebrating the Jewish holiday of Sukkot.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The production company has now begun work on the documentary which will tell the story with assistance from award-winning director Yariv Mozer.</p>

<p>The documentary will source exclusive content from family members of those who attended the festival and authorities like police and first responders. The film will honour the lives of the victims using interviews with investigators, soldiers and journalists, as well as unseen footage gathered from those who survived the attacks. It will be released in Israel and globally over the coming year.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-gigi-hadids-israel-hamas-war-instagram-post-upsets-state-of-israel-647786">Gigi Hadid's Israel-Hamas war Instagram post upsets Israel</a></p>

<p>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/israel-hamas-war-security-guard-with-taylor-swifts-eras-tour-team-joins-israel-army-647777">Israel-Hamas war: Security guard with Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour team joins Israel Army</a></p>

<p>The filmmaker said, “I have seen things in my life. I have lived through wars; I have fought in wars and I have even filmed during a war. But nothing prepared me for the harsh images I have seen in the remains of the massacre that took place at the Nova music festival. I see it as my duty as a documentary filmmaker to bring to the world the testimonies and horrific stories of the survivors of this slaughter. Young women and men whose only sin was their desire for music, and the passion to celebrate free love, spirit and freedom.”</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" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>

<p>You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here.</a></p>


As the world grieves the loss of lives of people who attended the Supernova Music Festival in the deadly attack by Hamas terrorists, an Israeli production company SIPUR is currently putting together a documentary that will recount the tragedy.

As the world grieves the loss of lives of people who attended the Supernova Music Festival in the deadly attack by Hamas terrorists, an Israeli production company SIPUR is currently putting together a documentary that will recount the tragedy. The deadly attack took place on October 7 as Hamas terrorists attacked those attending the music festival. The group was responsible for the deaths of at least 260 festival-goers at the Supernova electronic dance music festival celebrating the Jewish holiday of Sukkot. The production company has now begun work on the documentary which will tell the story with assistance from award-winning director Yariv Mozer. The documentary will source exclusive content from family members of those who attended the festival and authorities like police and first responders. The film will honour the lives of the victims using interviews with investigators, soldiers and journalists, as well as unseen footage gathered from those who survived the attacks. It will be released in Israel and globally over the coming year. Gigi Hadid's Israel-Hamas war Instagram post upsets Israel Also read: Israel-Hamas war: Security guard with Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour team joins Israel Army The filmmaker said, “I have seen things in my life. I have lived through wars; I have fought in wars and I have even filmed during a war. But nothing prepared me for the harsh images I have seen in the remains of the massacre that took place at the Nova music festival. I see it as my duty as a documentary filmmaker to bring to the world the testimonies and horrific stories of the survivors of this slaughter. Young women and men whose only sin was their desire for music, and the passion to celebrate free love, spirit and freedom.” 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.

Documentary film on Supernova Music Festival Hamas attack in works

<p>US President Joe Biden will pay a solidarity visit to Israel on Wednesday (Oct 18)&nbsp;following the Hamas attacks, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who is currently in Israel himself,&nbsp;announced on October 17.</p>

<p>"The president will reaffirm United States solidarity with Israel and our ironclad commitment to its security," Blinken said early Tuesday after overnight talks in Tel Aviv with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/video-hamas-releases-chilling-footage-of-hurt-and-scared-hostage-647745">Video: Hamas releases chilling footage of 'hurt and scared' hostage</a></strong></p>

<p>Biden's scheduled visit coincides with a&nbsp;deepening humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip and Israel's preparations for a potential ground assault against Hamas.</p>

<p>This assault has been described&nbsp;by the American and Israeli officials in and beyond Washington and Tel Aviv&nbsp;as the most devastating attack on Jews since the Holocaust.</p>

<h2><strong>What does it mean?</strong></h2>

<p>President Biden's primary objective is to convey unequivocal support for Israel amid its ongoing state of war with Hamas.</p>

<p>His Democratic administration has committed to supplying military aid, including deploying US carriers and delivering assistance to the region.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Israel-Hamas war: Gaza's spiralling humanitarian crisis</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-palestine-war-gazas-spiralling-humanitarian-crisis-647676/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>They have expressed their intent to seek over $2 billion in additional aid from the US Congress, designated initially just for Ukraine (amid its ongoing war with Russia).</p>

<h2><strong>Biden's expected visit to include interactions with leaders from across West Asia</strong></h2>

<p>Blinken's announcement followed a marathon of discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other prominent Israeli officials.</p>

<p>Additionally, it was announced in Washington that President Biden would extend his travels to Jordan for meetings with King Abdullah, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi, and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas.</p>

<p>President Biden had initially slated a visit to Pueblo, Colorado, for Monday, the Associated Press reported.</p>

<p>Biden instead&nbsp;opted to postpone the trip to engage in consultations with his advisors and engage in discussions with fellow global leaders regarding the evolving situation in West Asia.</p>

<p>After more than 1,300 Israelis were killed in an unprecedented attack by Hamas during the Oct 7-8 weekend, the retaliatory action from Israel has claimed the lives of over 2,800 Palestinians,&nbsp;an overwhelming of them in the Gaza Strip from where Hamas operates.</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>

<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>


US President Joe Biden will pay a solidarity visit to Israel on Wednesday (Oct 18) following the Hamas attacks, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who is currently in Israel himself, announced on October 17.

US President Joe Biden will pay a solidarity visit to Israel on Wednesday (Oct 18) following the Hamas attacks, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who is currently in Israel himself, announced on October 17. "The president will reaffirm United States solidarity with Israel and our ironclad commitment to its security," Blinken said early Tuesday after overnight talks in Tel Aviv with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Also read | Video: Hamas releases chilling footage of 'hurt and scared' hostage Biden's scheduled visit coincides with a deepening humanitarian crisis in the Gaza Strip and Israel's preparations for a potential ground assault against Hamas. This assault has been described by the American and Israeli officials in and beyond Washington and Tel Aviv as the most devastating attack on Jews since the Holocaust. What does it mean? President Biden's primary objective is to convey unequivocal support for Israel amid its ongoing state of war with Hamas. His Democratic administration has committed to supplying military aid, including deploying US carriers and delivering assistance to the region. Also watch | Israel-Hamas war: Gaza's spiralling humanitarian crisis × They have expressed their intent to seek over $2 billion in additional aid from the US Congress, designated initially just for Ukraine (amid its ongoing war with Russia). Biden's expected visit to include interactions with leaders from across West Asia Blinken's announcement followed a marathon of discussions with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other prominent Israeli officials. Additionally, it was announced in Washington that President Biden would extend his travels to Jordan for meetings with King Abdullah, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi, and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. President Biden had initially slated a visit to Pueblo, Colorado, for Monday, the Associated Press reported. Biden instead opted to postpone the trip to engage in consultations with his advisors and engage in discussions with fellow global leaders regarding the evolving situation in West Asia. After more than 1,300 Israelis were killed in an unprecedented attack by Hamas during the Oct 7-8 weekend, the retaliatory action from Israel has claimed the lives of over 2,800 Palestinians, an overwhelming of them in the Gaza Strip from where Hamas operates. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Israel-Hamas war: US President Biden to visit Israel on Wednesday, says Secy of State Blinken

<p>The Pakistani government announced on Monday (Oct 14) that it would dispatch humanitarian aid to Gaza as the Israel-Hamas war rages on. "In view of the human tragedy unfolding in Gaza, the Government of Pakistan has decided to immediately dispatch humanitarian relief assistance to Gaza," an official statement said. "Government is coordinating with the Palestinian Red Crescent Society, relevant UN agencies, and the Government of Egypt," the statement added.</p>

<p>Earlier in the day, Pakistan's Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani said that he spoke to his counterparts in Iran, Turkey and Egypt to discuss the ongoing conflict.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/live-israel-hamas-war-biden-says-israeli-occupation-of-gaza-would-be-big-mistake-647308"><strong>Click here to follow LIVE updates on the Israel-Hamas war</strong></a></p>

<p>Two days back, Foreign Minister Jilani spoke to the foreign minister of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) where they discussed the "urgent need for cessation of hostilities and protection of civilians. A coordinated response was emphasised."</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">🔊: PR NO. 1️⃣9️⃣6️⃣/2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣3️⃣<br />
<br />
Dispatch of Humanitarian Assistance to Gaza <a href="https://t.co/O2OB0BOAEL">pic.twitter.com/O2OB0BOAEL</a></p>
— Spokesperson 🇵🇰 MoFA (@ForeignOfficePk) <a href="https://twitter.com/ForeignOfficePk/status/1713944201162039748?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 16, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>A day back, the Pakistani foreign minister termed Israel's ongoing actions against Palestinians as genocide. Speaking to reporters, Jilani said, "Certainly, Palestine is a very, very, important issue for us. We will certainly discuss the ongoing situation. There is absolutely no doubt that Israel has committed aggression."</p>

<p>Jilani added Pakistan's position was that Israel must respect UN resolutions which recognised the right of self-determination.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In Pakistan, thousands of people have taken to the streets to show support for the Palestinian people. Rallies are being held under the "Palestine Solidarity Week" from Oct&nbsp;9 to 15 organized by Jamat-e-Islami, Pakistan's prominent religious political party.</p>

<p>So far, protests have erupted across the country under the week-long activity, all in response to the Israeli strikes on the Gaza Strip after the conflict erupted one week ago.&nbsp;Demonstrators prominently featured images of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and Hamas leaders on banners and placards.</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>

<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 Pakistani government announced on Monday (Oct 14) that it would dispatch humanitarian aid to Gaza as the Israel-Hamas war rages on. "In view of the human tragedy unfolding in Gaza, the Government of Pakistan has decided to immediately dispatch humanitarian relief assistance to Gaza," an official statement said.

The Pakistani government announced on Monday (Oct 14) that it would dispatch humanitarian aid to Gaza as the Israel-Hamas war rages on. "In view of the human tragedy unfolding in Gaza, the Government of Pakistan has decided to immediately dispatch humanitarian relief assistance to Gaza," an official statement said. "Government is coordinating with the Palestinian Red Crescent Society, relevant UN agencies, and the Government of Egypt," the statement added. Earlier in the day, Pakistan's Foreign Minister Jalil Abbas Jilani said that he spoke to his counterparts in Iran, Turkey and Egypt to discuss the ongoing conflict. Click here to follow LIVE updates on the Israel-Hamas war Two days back, Foreign Minister Jilani spoke to the foreign minister of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) where they discussed the "urgent need for cessation of hostilities and protection of civilians. A coordinated response was emphasised." 🔊: PR NO. 1️⃣9️⃣6️⃣/2️⃣0️⃣2️⃣3️⃣ Dispatch of Humanitarian Assistance to Gaza pic.twitter.com/O2OB0BOAEL — Spokesperson 🇵🇰 MoFA (@ForeignOfficePk) October 16, 2023 × A day back, the Pakistani foreign minister termed Israel's ongoing actions against Palestinians as genocide. Speaking to reporters, Jilani said, "Certainly, Palestine is a very, very, important issue for us. We will certainly discuss the ongoing situation. There is absolutely no doubt that Israel has committed aggression." Jilani added Pakistan's position was that Israel must respect UN resolutions which recognised the right of self-determination. In Pakistan, thousands of people have taken to the streets to show support for the Palestinian people. Rallies are being held under the "Palestine Solidarity Week" from Oct 9 to 15 organized by Jamat-e-Islami, Pakistan's prominent religious political party. So far, protests have erupted across the country under the week-long activity, all in response to the Israeli strikes on the Gaza Strip after the conflict erupted one week ago. Demonstrators prominently featured images of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and Hamas leaders on banners and placards. 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: Pakistan to dispatch humanitarian aid to Gaza

<p>The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, commonly known as the UNRWA, shared a post on X on Monday (Oct 16) accusing Hamas militants of stealing food and medical equipment from its premises in Gaza City. However, the UNRWA deleted the post. And now the agency has refuted the claim.</p>

<p>"With regards to reports on social media of looting of an UNRWA warehouse. UNRWA would like to confirm that no looting has taken place in any of its warehouses in the Gaza Strip," the UNRWA said in a latest post on X.</p>

<p>"The images circulating on social media were of a movement of basic medical supplies from the UNRWA warehouse to health partners," it added.</p>

<h2><strong>What were the deleted posts?</strong></h2>

<p>The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) shared screenshots of the deleted posts on X.</p>

<p>"UNRWA received reports that yesterday a group of people with trucks purporting to be from the Ministry of Health of the de facto authorities in Gaza, removed fuel and medical equipment from the agency's compound in Gaza City," one of the deleted posts read.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/live-israel-hamas-war-biden-says-israeli-occupation-of-gaza-would-be-big-mistake-647308">Click here to follow LIVE updates on the Israel-Hamas war&nbsp;</a></strong></p>

<p>"Our staff were compelled to evacuate UNRWA headquarters in Gaza City on a few hours notice during the night of Friday October 13. Since then, UNRWA has had no access to the compound and no additional details about the removal of the assets," another such post read.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Hamas stole fuel and medical equipment from <a href="https://twitter.com/UNRWA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UNRWA</a> in Gaza.<br />
<br />
The amount of fuel stolen is enough to power Gaza’s water desalination facilities for six days.<br />
<br />
Hamas does not care about the people of Gaza.<br />
<br />
This remains true even if UNRWA deletes its tweets. <a href="https://t.co/iHF2P0CFjE">pic.twitter.com/iHF2P0CFjE</a></p>
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) <a href="https://twitter.com/IDF/status/1713927599028576530?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 16, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The IDF said that Hamas does not care about Gaza's people, and the fact remained true even after the UNRWA deleted its posts.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Before IDF, Israel's Energy Minister Israel Katz shared the deleted posts on X and said, "Hamas is robbing the "humanitarian aid" to the Palestinian people. There's no reason to give them anything until we eliminate Nazi Hamas."</p>

<p>Monday has marked the 10th day of relentless Israeli air strikes on targets in the Palestinian enclave, in retaliation for an October 7 attack by Hamas. Around 1,400 Israelis have been killed so far. On the other hand, Hamas-controlled health ministry in Gaza said around 2,750 people have been killed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Speaking to the news agency AFP, a top official of the World Health Organization said that the Gaza Strip has only 24 hours of water, electricity and fuel left.</p>

<p>"If aid is not allowed into the besieged territory, doctors will have to "prepare death certificates for their patients," WHO regional director for the eastern Mediterranean, Ahmed al-Mandhari said.</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>

<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 United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, commonly known as the UNRWA, shared a post on X on Monday (Oct 16) accusing Hamas militants of stealing food and medical equipment from its premises in Gaza City.

The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, commonly known as the UNRWA, shared a post on X on Monday (Oct 16) accusing Hamas militants of stealing food and medical equipment from its premises in Gaza City. However, the UNRWA deleted the post. And now the agency has refuted the claim. "With regards to reports on social media of looting of an UNRWA warehouse. UNRWA would like to confirm that no looting has taken place in any of its warehouses in the Gaza Strip," the UNRWA said in a latest post on X. "The images circulating on social media were of a movement of basic medical supplies from the UNRWA warehouse to health partners," it added. What were the deleted posts? The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) shared screenshots of the deleted posts on X. "UNRWA received reports that yesterday a group of people with trucks purporting to be from the Ministry of Health of the de facto authorities in Gaza, removed fuel and medical equipment from the agency's compound in Gaza City," one of the deleted posts read. Click here to follow LIVE updates on the Israel-Hamas war "Our staff were compelled to evacuate UNRWA headquarters in Gaza City on a few hours notice during the night of Friday October 13. Since then, UNRWA has had no access to the compound and no additional details about the removal of the assets," another such post read. Hamas stole fuel and medical equipment from @UNRWA in Gaza. The amount of fuel stolen is enough to power Gaza’s water desalination facilities for six days. Hamas does not care about the people of Gaza. This remains true even if UNRWA deletes its tweets. pic.twitter.com/iHF2P0CFjE — Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) October 16, 2023 × The IDF said that Hamas does not care about Gaza's people, and the fact remained true even after the UNRWA deleted its posts. Before IDF, Israel's Energy Minister Israel Katz shared the deleted posts on X and said, "Hamas is robbing the "humanitarian aid" to the Palestinian people. There's no reason to give them anything until we eliminate Nazi Hamas." Monday has marked the 10th day of relentless Israeli air strikes on targets in the Palestinian enclave, in retaliation for an October 7 attack by Hamas. Around 1,400 Israelis have been killed so far. On the other hand, Hamas-controlled health ministry in Gaza said around 2,750 people have been killed. Speaking to the news agency AFP, a top official of the World Health Organization said that the Gaza Strip has only 24 hours of water, electricity and fuel left. "If aid is not allowed into the besieged territory, doctors will have to "prepare death certificates for their patients," WHO regional director for the eastern Mediterranean, Ahmed al-Mandhari said. 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.

UN agency in Palestine blames Hamas of stealing Gaza aid, then deletes post on X and refutes claim

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidN8AekGuoEETj" /><meta charset="utf-8" /></p>

<p>Israel's Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said on Sunday (Oct 15) that the government was taking responsibility for last week's unprecedented attack by Hamas which killed 1,400 Israeli citizens. Addressing a press conference, Finance Minister Smotrich said, "We have to admit honestly, painfully and with a bowed head - we, the state leadership and the security establishment, have failed in maintaining the security of our citizens."</p>

<p>"We failed to implement the unwritten contract, the first of its kind between a state and its citizens. A contract that was written in blood and is now stained with blood," he added.</p>

<h2><strong>Israel admits intelligence failure</strong></h2>

<p>The minister's remarks come just a day after a senior Israeli official admitted intelligence mistakes in failing to predict the October 7 attack by Hamas. "It's my mistake, and it reflects the mistakes of all those making (intelligence) assessments," National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi told a press briefing on Saturday when asked about his recent remarks predicting no Hamas aggression.</p>

<p>"We really believed that Hamas learned the lesson from" its last major war with Israel in 2021, Hanegbi added.</p>

<p>Hanegbi also rejected negotiations towards any prisoner swap deal with Hamas and said there was no way to negotiate with an enemy Israel sworn to obliterate.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The total deaths in the conflict have crossed 4,000 with 1,400 killed on the Israeli side and 2,670 killed in the Gaza Strip. On Sunday, the military said that it had confirmed 155 people were being held hostage by Hamas since last week.</p>

<p>Families of "155 hostages" have been contacted by the authorities, military spokesman Daniel Hagari said, updating an earlier figure confirming 126 hostages.</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>

<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>


Israel's Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said on Sunday (Oct 15) that the government was taking responsibility for last week's unprecedented attack by Hamas which killed 1,400 Israeli citizens.

Israel's Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said on Sunday (Oct 15) that the government was taking responsibility for last week's unprecedented attack by Hamas which killed 1,400 Israeli citizens. Addressing a press conference, Finance Minister Smotrich said, "We have to admit honestly, painfully and with a bowed head - we, the state leadership and the security establishment, have failed in maintaining the security of our citizens." "We failed to implement the unwritten contract, the first of its kind between a state and its citizens. A contract that was written in blood and is now stained with blood," he added. Israel admits intelligence failure The minister's remarks come just a day after a senior Israeli official admitted intelligence mistakes in failing to predict the October 7 attack by Hamas. "It's my mistake, and it reflects the mistakes of all those making (intelligence) assessments," National Security Adviser Tzachi Hanegbi told a press briefing on Saturday when asked about his recent remarks predicting no Hamas aggression. "We really believed that Hamas learned the lesson from" its last major war with Israel in 2021, Hanegbi added. Hanegbi also rejected negotiations towards any prisoner swap deal with Hamas and said there was no way to negotiate with an enemy Israel sworn to obliterate. The total deaths in the conflict have crossed 4,000 with 1,400 killed on the Israeli side and 2,670 killed in the Gaza Strip. On Sunday, the military said that it had confirmed 155 people were being held hostage by Hamas since last week. Families of "155 hostages" have been contacted by the authorities, military spokesman Daniel Hagari said, updating an earlier figure confirming 126 hostages. 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: Israeli minister says govt failed to protect citizens

<p>The Indian Army is closely observing the ongoing Israel-Hamas war to draw lessons in order to enhance India's defence, said a report in The Hindu. The report, citing defence sources, said that use of power gliders by Hamas militants to cross over to the Israeli side is in particular focus.</p>

<p>“The aerial attacks, especially the use of power gliders, is of particular concern for us. The idea of the study is to quickly draw the lessons relevant to our context,” the publication quoted a source as saying.</p>

<p>Use of power gliders was one of the tactics used by Hamas militants during their initial attack on October 7. The gliders enhanced the element of surprise in the Hamas attack as its fighters were able to bypass physical barriers on ground and make their way into Israeli territory unobstructed.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Israel-Palestine war: Israelis slam authorities for intel failure</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-palestine-war-israelis-slam-authorities-for-intel-failure-646647/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>India has for decades combated terrorist threat, particularly cross-border terrorism from Pakistan. Indian security services have had to constantly find ways to thwart terrorist infiltration by keeping up with unorthodox ways often employed by terrorists.</p>

<p>In this light, the Israel-Hamas war is being closely studied by Indian security apparatus.</p>

<p>Another technique used by Hamas in the ongoing war is the use of inexpensive drones to counter costly, conventional military weapons. In one of the videos of&nbsp;Hamas attack, a drone was seen dropping a bomb on Israel's Merkawa tank and destroying it. The tank reportedly costs USD 3 million. Tanks are highly armoured from all sides but are relatively vulnerable from the top.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-arabia-puts-normalisation-with-israel-on-ice-report-646613">Saudi Arabia puts normalisation with Israel on ice: Report</a></strong></p>

<p>The report says that Indian Army is observing developments in Israel-Hamas war and also in Ukraine war to procure hardware like counter-drone systems to be ready for a new form of warfare seen rapidly emerging in hotspots across the world.</p>

<p>You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form"><strong>here</strong></a>.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false"><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></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


The Indian Army is closely observing the ongoing Israel-Hamas war to draw lessons in order to enhance India's defence, said a report in The Hindu. The report, citing defence sources, said that use of power gliders by Hamas militants to cross over to the Israeli side is in particular focus.

The Indian Army is closely observing the ongoing Israel-Hamas war to draw lessons in order to enhance India's defence, said a report in The Hindu. The report, citing defence sources, said that use of power gliders by Hamas militants to cross over to the Israeli side is in particular focus. “The aerial attacks, especially the use of power gliders, is of particular concern for us. The idea of the study is to quickly draw the lessons relevant to our context,” the publication quoted a source as saying. Use of power gliders was one of the tactics used by Hamas militants during their initial attack on October 7. The gliders enhanced the element of surprise in the Hamas attack as its fighters were able to bypass physical barriers on ground and make their way into Israeli territory unobstructed. Watch | Israel-Palestine war: Israelis slam authorities for intel failure × India has for decades combated terrorist threat, particularly cross-border terrorism from Pakistan. Indian security services have had to constantly find ways to thwart terrorist infiltration by keeping up with unorthodox ways often employed by terrorists. In this light, the Israel-Hamas war is being closely studied by Indian security apparatus. Another technique used by Hamas in the ongoing war is the use of inexpensive drones to counter costly, conventional military weapons. In one of the videos of Hamas attack, a drone was seen dropping a bomb on Israel's Merkawa tank and destroying it. The tank reportedly costs USD 3 million. Tanks are highly armoured from all sides but are relatively vulnerable from the top. Also Read | Saudi Arabia puts normalisation with Israel on ice: Report The report says that Indian Army is observing developments in Israel-Hamas war and also in Ukraine war to procure hardware like counter-drone systems to be ready for a new form of warfare seen rapidly emerging in hotspots across the world. 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 ×

Indian Army studying Israel-Hamas war to draw lessons, upgrade strategy: Report

<p>Israel's Ambassador to the United Nations Gilad Erdan on Sunday (Oct 15) slammed some of its officials on X, and "severed ties" with those who shook hands with an Iranian minister.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The United Nations was accused by him of "living under a rock" and having "blood on its hands". "The UN's support for and legitimisation of genocidal terrorists is a threat to civilization!," Ambassador Erdan wrote in one of his posts.</p>

<p>The ambassador was apparently miffed by a post shared by Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Co-ordinator Martin Griffiths. "The specter of death is hanging over #Gaza. With no water, no power, no food and no medicine, thousands will die. Plain and simple," Griffiths had posted.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Thousands of Israelis were murdered and maimed in the Hamas Nazi’s barbaric terror attack. And tens of thousands more will be massacred in the future if this savage terror group is not obliterated.<br />
<br />
Have you been living under a rock? Your double standards truly know no bounds…… <a href="https://t.co/JQWQ34qv1I">https://t.co/JQWQ34qv1I</a></p>
— Ambassador Gilad Erdan גלעד ארדן (@giladerdan1) <a href="https://twitter.com/giladerdan1/status/1713574018354118684?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 15, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>The comment reflected the stance of the United Nations on a warning issued by Israel to the people living in North Gaza, asking them to move south ahead of an expected ground attack by the Israeli forces.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/israel-vs-hamas-war-a-look-at-firepower-in-israeli-arsenal-645024">Israel vs Hamas war | A look at firepower in Israeli arsenal</a></strong></p>

<p>"Have you been living under a rock? Your double standards truly know no bounds," wrote Ambassador Erdan, in his post.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Where was your outcry when Hamas funnelled all UN funds to dig terror tunnels and manufacture rockets targeting Israeli civilians? When Hamas diverted every resource -- water, energy, civilian infrastructure -- from the Gazan population, to their terror capabilities? Why have you never condemned this publicly?!" he stated.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/TWennesland?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Twennesland</a>, don’t forget to wash the blood of Israeli babies off your hands after that handshake.<br />
<br />
Today (!!!), senior UN official, Tor Wennesland not only met with the Iranian regime’s FM, but didn’t even bother condemning Iran for its role in the massacre of Israeli women and… <a href="https://t.co/EiFRcEZuLJ">pic.twitter.com/EiFRcEZuLJ</a></p>
— Ambassador Gilad Erdan גלעד ארדן (@giladerdan1) <a href="https://twitter.com/giladerdan1/status/1713240953354330152?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 14, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>"Your voluntary blindness to the facts played a pivotal role in the creation of the terror machine that Gaza is today. UN officials have zero credibility or legitimacy to reprimand the country at the forefront of the war on terror! While we try to rescue the hostages. Shame on you!," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>UN officials shake hands with Iran's finance minister&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The ambassador then responded to a photo of United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Tor Wennesland, who was clicked shaking hands with Iran's finance minister.</p>

<p>In a withering comment, Ambassador Erdan said that Wennesland should not "forget to wash the blood of Israeli babies off your hands after that handshake".</p>

<p><strong>WATCH |&nbsp;Israel-Palestine War stumps Palestinian tech sector</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-palestine-war-stumps-palestinian-tech-sector-647522/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>"Today (!!!), senior UN official, Tor Wennesland not only met with the Iranian regime's FM, but didn't even bother condemning Iran for its role in the massacre of Israeli women and children," posted Ambassador Erdan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It's no secret that Hamas terrorists are openly praising Iran for funding, arming, and training them. At the VERY SAME TIME, Iran's leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, openly called on the Muslim world to expand the attack on Israel," he stated. The United Nations officials are yet to respond.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>You can&nbsp;<strong>now write for wionews.com</strong>&nbsp;and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></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" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe></p>


Israel's Ambassador to the United Nations Gilad Erdan on Sunday (Oct 15) slammed some of its officials on X, and "severed ties" with those who shook hands with an Iranian minister.

Israel's Ambassador to the United Nations Gilad Erdan on Sunday (Oct 15) slammed some of its officials on X, and "severed ties" with those who shook hands with an Iranian minister. The United Nations was accused by him of "living under a rock" and having "blood on its hands". "The UN's support for and legitimisation of genocidal terrorists is a threat to civilization!," Ambassador Erdan wrote in one of his posts. The ambassador was apparently miffed by a post shared by Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Co-ordinator Martin Griffiths. "The specter of death is hanging over #Gaza. With no water, no power, no food and no medicine, thousands will die. Plain and simple," Griffiths had posted. Thousands of Israelis were murdered and maimed in the Hamas Nazi’s barbaric terror attack. And tens of thousands more will be massacred in the future if this savage terror group is not obliterated. Have you been living under a rock? Your double standards truly know no bounds…… https://t.co/JQWQ34qv1I — Ambassador Gilad Erdan גלעד ארדן (@giladerdan1) October 15, 2023 × The comment reflected the stance of the United Nations on a warning issued by Israel to the people living in North Gaza, asking them to move south ahead of an expected ground attack by the Israeli forces. Also read: Israel vs Hamas war | A look at firepower in Israeli arsenal "Have you been living under a rock? Your double standards truly know no bounds," wrote Ambassador Erdan, in his post. "Where was your outcry when Hamas funnelled all UN funds to dig terror tunnels and manufacture rockets targeting Israeli civilians? When Hamas diverted every resource -- water, energy, civilian infrastructure -- from the Gazan population, to their terror capabilities? Why have you never condemned this publicly?!" he stated. @Twennesland, don’t forget to wash the blood of Israeli babies off your hands after that handshake. Today (!!!), senior UN official, Tor Wennesland not only met with the Iranian regime’s FM, but didn’t even bother condemning Iran for its role in the massacre of Israeli women and… pic.twitter.com/EiFRcEZuLJ — Ambassador Gilad Erdan גלעד ארדן (@giladerdan1) October 14, 2023 × "Your voluntary blindness to the facts played a pivotal role in the creation of the terror machine that Gaza is today. UN officials have zero credibility or legitimacy to reprimand the country at the forefront of the war on terror! While we try to rescue the hostages. Shame on you!," he added. UN officials shake hands with Iran's finance minister The ambassador then responded to a photo of United Nations Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Tor Wennesland, who was clicked shaking hands with Iran's finance minister. In a withering comment, Ambassador Erdan said that Wennesland should not "forget to wash the blood of Israeli babies off your hands after that handshake". WATCH | Israel-Palestine War stumps Palestinian tech sector "Today (!!!), senior UN official, Tor Wennesland not only met with the Iranian regime's FM, but didn't even bother condemning Iran for its role in the massacre of Israeli women and children," posted Ambassador Erdan. "It's no secret that Hamas terrorists are openly praising Iran for funding, arming, and training them. At the VERY SAME TIME, Iran's leader, Ayatollah Khamenei, openly called on the Muslim world to expand the attack on Israel," he stated. The United Nations officials are yet to respond. (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

Israel envoy accuses UN of having 'blood on its hands' over Iran minister handshake

<p>Israeli forces, who are responding to Hamas leadership for its barbaric actions on October 7, killed Billal Al Kedra responsible for the tragic Kibbutz Nirim incident in Israel. "Following ISA intelligence, IAF fighter jets operated in the Gaza Strip and killed Billal Al Kedra last night, the Nukhba commander of the forces in southern Khan Yunis, who was responsible for the Kibbutz Nirim massacre. Hamas and Islamic Jihad terror operatives were also killed," Israel Air Force said in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"As part of the extensive IDF strikes of senior operatives and terror infrastructure in the Gaza Strip, the IDF and ISA killed the Nukhba commander of the forces in southern Khan Yunis, who was responsible for the Kibbutz Nirim massacre," it added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tesla-driver-outruns-hamas-gunmen-in-wild-chase-elon-musk-reacts-647113">Tesla driver outruns Hamas gunmen in wild chase, Elon Musk reacts</a></p>

<p>Khan Yunis is a city located in the southern part of the Gaza Strip. The Israeli forces, as per a statement, also struck over one hundred military targets located in Zaytun, Khan Yunis, and west Jabaliya. "These strikes impacted the capabilities of the Hamas terrorist organisation, by targeting its operational command centers, and military compounds," the Air Force noted.&nbsp;</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">As part of the extensive IDF strikes of senior operatives and terror infrastructure in the Gaza Strip, the IDF and ISA killed the Nukhba commander of the forces in southern Khan Yunis, who was responsible for the Kibbutz Nirim massacre <a href="https://t.co/7QJE1LWQXf">pic.twitter.com/7QJE1LWQXf</a></p>
— Israeli Air Force (@IAFsite) <a href="https://twitter.com/IAFsite/status/1713417874130211153?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 15, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>Nirim is less than a mile from the border with Gaza. A day prior to the Hamas attack, the residents reportedly spent Friday (October 6) celebrating the anniversary of the kibbutz’s founding. A few of the residents reportedly revealed the terror which unfolded a day after the celebrations were marked. They could not believe the horrors they woke up to the next morning.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/butcher-of-khan-yunis-yahya-sinwar-is-our-osama-bin-laden-israel-647098">'Butcher of Khan yunis' Yahya Sinwar is our Osama bin Laden: Israel</a></p>

<p>It is worth noting that almost all the houses in the kibbutz have shelters. They are meant to provide safety to civilians from rockets. But, there is no security one can find in these shelters from armed intruders.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-palestine-war-world-leaders-visit-israel-to-express-solidarity-647118">Israel-Hamas war: World leaders visit Israel to express solidarity</a></strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-palestine-war-world-leaders-visit-israel-to-express-solidarity-647118/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>“It’s impossible to lock from the inside. No one imagined there will be terrorists inside the kibbutz,” a Nirim resident reportedly said. He spent the subsequent few hours holding the door with his hand and a knife in his pocket.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><em><strong>Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.</strong></em></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<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>

<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>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Israeli forces, who are responding to Hamas leadership for its barbaric actions on October 7, killed Billal Al Kedra responsible for the tragic Kibbutz Nirim incident in Israel.

Israeli forces, who are responding to Hamas leadership for its barbaric actions on October 7, killed Billal Al Kedra responsible for the tragic Kibbutz Nirim incident in Israel. "Following ISA intelligence, IAF fighter jets operated in the Gaza Strip and killed Billal Al Kedra last night, the Nukhba commander of the forces in southern Khan Yunis, who was responsible for the Kibbutz Nirim massacre. Hamas and Islamic Jihad terror operatives were also killed," Israel Air Force said in a statement. "As part of the extensive IDF strikes of senior operatives and terror infrastructure in the Gaza Strip, the IDF and ISA killed the Nukhba commander of the forces in southern Khan Yunis, who was responsible for the Kibbutz Nirim massacre," it added. Also Read | Tesla driver outruns Hamas gunmen in wild chase, Elon Musk reacts Khan Yunis is a city located in the southern part of the Gaza Strip. The Israeli forces, as per a statement, also struck over one hundred military targets located in Zaytun, Khan Yunis, and west Jabaliya. "These strikes impacted the capabilities of the Hamas terrorist organisation, by targeting its operational command centers, and military compounds," the Air Force noted. As part of the extensive IDF strikes of senior operatives and terror infrastructure in the Gaza Strip, the IDF and ISA killed the Nukhba commander of the forces in southern Khan Yunis, who was responsible for the Kibbutz Nirim massacre pic.twitter.com/7QJE1LWQXf — Israeli Air Force (@IAFsite) October 15, 2023 × Nirim is less than a mile from the border with Gaza. A day prior to the Hamas attack, the residents reportedly spent Friday (October 6) celebrating the anniversary of the kibbutz’s founding. A few of the residents reportedly revealed the terror which unfolded a day after the celebrations were marked. They could not believe the horrors they woke up to the next morning. Also Read | 'Butcher of Khan yunis' Yahya Sinwar is our Osama bin Laden: Israel It is worth noting that almost all the houses in the kibbutz have shelters. They are meant to provide safety to civilians from rockets. But, there is no security one can find in these shelters from armed intruders. Watch | Israel-Hamas war: World leaders visit Israel to express solidarity × “It’s impossible to lock from the inside. No one imagined there will be terrorists inside the kibbutz,” a Nirim resident reportedly said. He spent the subsequent few hours holding the door with his hand and a knife in his pocket. (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. ×

Key Hamas leader Billal Al Kedra, man behind Kibbutz Nirim massacre, killed by Israel

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidKR3hhChFQyPV" /><meta charset="utf-8" /></p>

<p>The United States National Security Adviser (NSA) Jake Sullivan said on Sunday (Oct 15) that Israel told him it has turned the water supply on in southern Gaza. Speaking to CNN, NSA Sullivan said, "I have been in touch with my Israeli counterparts just within the last hour who reported to me that they have, in fact, turned the water pipe back on in southern Gaza."</p>

<p>Since the war broke out last week, Israel cut off the water as part of its siege of the Hamas-ruled territory. Fuel and food supplies to Gaza were also cut off for the duration of the conflict.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Lack of water worsens conditions in Gaza</strong></h2>

<p>Gaza's population of 2.3 million people has not had access to clean running water after Israel cut off the supplies. According to a report by the news agency Associated Press early Sunday, residents that when does trickle from pipes, the meagre flow lasts no more than 30 minutes each day and is so contaminated with sewage and seawater that it’s undrinkable.</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/middle-east/israel-hamas-war-live-idf-strikes-hamas-targets-in-gaza-strip-readies-troops-for-ground-invasion-646990">Click here to follow LIVE updates on the Israel-Hamas war</a></strong></p>

<p>Earlier, the United Nations Palestinian refugee agency called the water crisis a “matter of life or death.” As per the World Health Organization (WHO), 50 to 100 litres per day per person are needed to ensure proper hydration and sanitation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>People in Gaza have been buying dwindling jugs from municipal sanitation stations, scouring for bottles in supermarkets, or drinking whatever fetid liquid may dribble out of their pipes.</p>

<p>The residents have also said that water along Gaza’s coast tastes like salt, which can lead to even more dehydration.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>US NSA says conflict could escalate</strong></h2>

<p>Meanwhile, US NSA Sullivan also said on Sunday that the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict could escalate, and said Washington was focused on making sure the civilian population leaving Gaza has access to food, water and shelter, and that they can make it into safe areas.</p>

<p>"There is a risk of an escalation of this conflict, the opening of a second front in the north and, of course, Iran's involvement," Sullivan told CBS. The US remained concerned about proxy forces and Lebanon's Hezbollah, he added.</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>

<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 United States National Security Adviser (NSA) Jake Sullivan said on Sunday (Oct 15) that Israel told him it has turned the water supply on in southern Gaza. Speaking to CNN, NSA Sullivan said, "I have been in touch with my Israeli counterparts just within the last hour who reported to me that they have, in fact, turned the water pipe back on in southern Gaza.

The United States National Security Adviser (NSA) Jake Sullivan said on Sunday (Oct 15) that Israel told him it has turned the water supply on in southern Gaza. Speaking to CNN, NSA Sullivan said, "I have been in touch with my Israeli counterparts just within the last hour who reported to me that they have, in fact, turned the water pipe back on in southern Gaza." Since the war broke out last week, Israel cut off the water as part of its siege of the Hamas-ruled territory. Fuel and food supplies to Gaza were also cut off for the duration of the conflict. Lack of water worsens conditions in Gaza Gaza's population of 2.3 million people has not had access to clean running water after Israel cut off the supplies. According to a report by the news agency Associated Press early Sunday, residents that when does trickle from pipes, the meagre flow lasts no more than 30 minutes each day and is so contaminated with sewage and seawater that it’s undrinkable. Click here to follow LIVE updates on the Israel-Hamas war Earlier, the United Nations Palestinian refugee agency called the water crisis a “matter of life or death.” As per the World Health Organization (WHO), 50 to 100 litres per day per person are needed to ensure proper hydration and sanitation. People in Gaza have been buying dwindling jugs from municipal sanitation stations, scouring for bottles in supermarkets, or drinking whatever fetid liquid may dribble out of their pipes. The residents have also said that water along Gaza’s coast tastes like salt, which can lead to even more dehydration. US NSA says conflict could escalate Meanwhile, US NSA Sullivan also said on Sunday that the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict could escalate, and said Washington was focused on making sure the civilian population leaving Gaza has access to food, water and shelter, and that they can make it into safe areas. "There is a risk of an escalation of this conflict, the opening of a second front in the north and, of course, Iran's involvement," Sullivan told CBS. The US remained concerned about proxy forces and Lebanon's Hezbollah, he added. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Israel-Hamas war: Water supply back on in southern Gaza, Israel tells US

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidKR3hhChFQyPV" /><meta charset="utf-8" /></p>

<p>Russia on Saturday (Oct 14) asked the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to vote Monday on a draft resolution on the Israel-Hamas war that calls for a humanitarian ceasefire and condemns violence against civilians and all acts of terrorism. Russia's Deputy UN Ambassador Dmitry Polyanskiy said that no changes had been made to the text since it was given to the 15-member body on Friday and that he expected the vote to be scheduled for Monday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The resolution calls for the release of hostages, humanitarian aid access, and the safe evacuation of civilians in need. It refers to Israel and the Palestinians but does not directly name Hamas.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/middle-east/israel-hamas-war-live-idf-strikes-hamas-targets-in-gaza-strip-readies-troops-for-ground-invasion-646990"><strong>Click here to follow LIVE updates on the Israel-Hamas war</strong></a></p>

<p>The resolution would need at least nine votes in favour and no vetoes by the United States, the United Kingdom (UK), France, China, or Russia.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Russia's UN envoy slams Israel's evacuation orders</strong></h2>

<p>On Friday, Russia's Permanent Representative to the UN Vassily Nebenzia called for an immediate ceasefire in the ongoing war and slammed Israel's evacuation orders on Gazans.</p>

<p>"Israel's actions of collective punishment on Gaza citizens, as well as its demands to evacuate more than one million civilians in 24 hours and concentrate them in a de facto ghetto in the south of the sector, are also unacceptable and can lead to irreversible catastrophic consequences, regionally and globally," Nebenzia told reporters following a UN consultation on the Israel war.</p>

<p>Nebenzia urged the UNSC to immediate action to restart peace talks to conclude&nbsp;a solution to the conflict. He also said that it was the actions of the US in the Middle East over the past decades that have caused the Palestinian-Israeli issue to remain unresolved for a long time.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It is Washington that recklessly and selfishly blocked the work of the Middle East Quartet of international mediators, in an effort to monopolize the peace process and limit it to imposing an economic peace with Israel and the Palestinians and other Arab countries without solving the Palestinian question. We consistently warned against this, saying it would be back for one day, so it did," said Nebenzia.</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>

<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>


Russia on Saturday (Oct 14) asked the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to vote Monday on a draft resolution on the Israel-Hamas war that calls for a humanitarian ceasefire and condemns violence against civilians and all acts of terrorism.

Russia on Saturday (Oct 14) asked the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to vote Monday on a draft resolution on the Israel-Hamas war that calls for a humanitarian ceasefire and condemns violence against civilians and all acts of terrorism. Russia's Deputy UN Ambassador Dmitry Polyanskiy said that no changes had been made to the text since it was given to the 15-member body on Friday and that he expected the vote to be scheduled for Monday. The resolution calls for the release of hostages, humanitarian aid access, and the safe evacuation of civilians in need. It refers to Israel and the Palestinians but does not directly name Hamas. Click here to follow LIVE updates on the Israel-Hamas war The resolution would need at least nine votes in favour and no vetoes by the United States, the United Kingdom (UK), France, China, or Russia. Russia's UN envoy slams Israel's evacuation orders On Friday, Russia's Permanent Representative to the UN Vassily Nebenzia called for an immediate ceasefire in the ongoing war and slammed Israel's evacuation orders on Gazans. "Israel's actions of collective punishment on Gaza citizens, as well as its demands to evacuate more than one million civilians in 24 hours and concentrate them in a de facto ghetto in the south of the sector, are also unacceptable and can lead to irreversible catastrophic consequences, regionally and globally," Nebenzia told reporters following a UN consultation on the Israel war. Nebenzia urged the UNSC to immediate action to restart peace talks to conclude a solution to the conflict. He also said that it was the actions of the US in the Middle East over the past decades that have caused the Palestinian-Israeli issue to remain unresolved for a long time. "It is Washington that recklessly and selfishly blocked the work of the Middle East Quartet of international mediators, in an effort to monopolize the peace process and limit it to imposing an economic peace with Israel and the Palestinians and other Arab countries without solving the Palestinian question. We consistently warned against this, saying it would be back for one day, so it did," said Nebenzia. 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.

Russia asks UNSC to vote on draft resolution for Israel-Hamas war ceasefire

<p>The Israeli Defence Force (IDF) has given Gaza citizens three hours to evacuate the northern region as it prepares for an all-out coordinated attack against Hamas terrorists.</p>

<p>In a post on X on Sunday (Oct 15), the IDF said that no military activity would occur from 10 am&nbsp;to 1 pm (local time) and asked 1.1 million people living in Northern Gaza to use the time to evacuate.</p>

<p>"Residents of Gaza City and northern Gaza, in the past days, we've urged you to relocate to the southern area for your safety. We want to inform you that the IDF will not carry out any operations along this route from 10 pm to 1 pm," the Israeli military said.</p>

<p>"During this window, please take the opportunity to move southward from northern Gaza," it said.</p>

<p>The announcement comes a day after Israel pummelled northern Gaza with fresh air strikes on Saturday.</p>

<h2><strong>Gaza besieged </strong></h2>

<p>Israel had already blocked northern Gaza, cutting off food, water, electricity, medical supplies and other essentials including electricity.</p>

<p>UN chief Antonio Guterres has “been in&nbsp;constant contact with Israeli authorities urging them to avert a humanitarian catastrophe,” a spokesperson for Guterres, Stephen Dujarric told AP.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier in the day, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited troops on the border front line, raising expectations of an imminent invasion.</p>

<p>"Are you ready for what is coming? More is coming," he was heard telling several soldiers on a video released by his office, according to AFP news agency.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the United States has deployed a second aircraft carrier near Israel to "deter hostile actions against Israel", Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin said.</p>

<p>On Saturday. the World Health Organisation said that forcing thousands of hospital patients to evacuate to already overflowing hospitals in the southern Gaza Strip could be "tantamount to a death sentence".</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/butcher-of-khan-yunis-yahya-sinwar-is-our-osama-bin-laden-israel-647098">'Butcher of Khan yunis' Yahya Sinwar is our Osama bin Laden: Israel</a></p>

<p>Exiled Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh accused Israel on Saturday of committing "war crimes" in Gaza but he ruled out any "displacement" of Gazans, including to Egypt.</p>

<h2><strong>Biden’s call</strong></h2>

<p>In a call Saturday, US President Joe Biden told Netanyahu the United States was working with the United Nations, Egypt, Jordan and others in the region "to ensure innocent civilians have access to water, food, and medical care".</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-sends-second-aircraft-carrier-to-support-israel-647006">US deploys second aircraft carrier USS Eisenhower to deter ‘hostile’ nations</a></p>

<p>Biden also spoke with Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas and pledged "full support" to the Palestinian Authority in its efforts to bring humanitarian assistance to Palestinians, "particularly in Gaza," according to the White House.</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>


The Israeli Defence Force (IDF) has given Gaza citizens three hours to evacuate the northern region as it prepares for an all-out coordinated attack against Hamas terrorists.

The Israeli Defence Force (IDF) has given Gaza citizens three hours to evacuate the northern region as it prepares for an all-out coordinated attack against Hamas terrorists. In a post on X on Sunday (Oct 15), the IDF said that no military activity would occur from 10 am to 1 pm (local time) and asked 1.1 million people living in Northern Gaza to use the time to evacuate. "Residents of Gaza City and northern Gaza, in the past days, we've urged you to relocate to the southern area for your safety. We want to inform you that the IDF will not carry out any operations along this route from 10 pm to 1 pm," the Israeli military said. "During this window, please take the opportunity to move southward from northern Gaza," it said. The announcement comes a day after Israel pummelled northern Gaza with fresh air strikes on Saturday. Gaza besieged Israel had already blocked northern Gaza, cutting off food, water, electricity, medical supplies and other essentials including electricity. UN chief Antonio Guterres has “been in constant contact with Israeli authorities urging them to avert a humanitarian catastrophe,” a spokesperson for Guterres, Stephen Dujarric told AP. Earlier in the day, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited troops on the border front line, raising expectations of an imminent invasion. "Are you ready for what is coming? More is coming," he was heard telling several soldiers on a video released by his office, according to AFP news agency. Meanwhile, the United States has deployed a second aircraft carrier near Israel to "deter hostile actions against Israel", Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin said. On Saturday. the World Health Organisation said that forcing thousands of hospital patients to evacuate to already overflowing hospitals in the southern Gaza Strip could be "tantamount to a death sentence". Also read | 'Butcher of Khan yunis' Yahya Sinwar is our Osama bin Laden: Israel Exiled Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh accused Israel on Saturday of committing "war crimes" in Gaza but he ruled out any "displacement" of Gazans, including to Egypt. Biden’s call In a call Saturday, US President Joe Biden told Netanyahu the United States was working with the United Nations, Egypt, Jordan and others in the region "to ensure innocent civilians have access to water, food, and medical care". Also read | US deploys second aircraft carrier USS Eisenhower to deter ‘hostile’ nations Biden also spoke with Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas and pledged "full support" to the Palestinian Authority in its efforts to bring humanitarian assistance to Palestinians, "particularly in Gaza," according to the White House. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Israel's military gives civilians three-hour deadline to evacuate northern Gaza amidst impending attack

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidKR3hhChFQyPV" /><meta charset="utf-8" /></p>

<p>China said on Saturday (Oct 14) that Israel's actions in Gaza have gone beyond the scope of self-defence and that the Benjamin Netanyahu government must cease its collective punishment of the people of Gaza. This remark was made by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi during a call with his Saudi Arabian counterpart Prince Faisal bin Farhan.</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/middle-east/israel-hamas-war-live-idf-strikes-hamas-targets-in-gaza-strip-readies-troops-for-ground-invasion-646990">Click here to follow LIVE updates on the Israel-Hamas war</a></strong></p>

<p>According to a foreign ministry readout published on Sunday, Wang said that Israel should listen earnestly to the calls of the international community and the UN secretary general, and cease its collective punishment of the people of Gaza. Wang also told Prince Faisal that&nbsp;"all parties should not take any action to escalate the situation and should return to the negotiating table as soon as possible."&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Chinese foreign minister speaks to Blinken</strong></h2>

<p>Also on Saturday, the Chinese foreign minister held a telephonic conversation with the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken where he said that Washington should "play a constructive and responsible role" in the conflict. Wang also urged the convening of an international peace meeting as soon as possible to promote the reaching of a broad consensus.</p>

<h2><strong>China criticised for not naming Hamas in condemnation of war</strong></h2>

<p>Since Hamas launched deadly attacks on Israel on October 7, China has not specifically named the militant group in its official statements condemning the violence. According to a report by the news agency AFP, this has led to criticism from some Western officials who said Beijing's statements were too weak.</p>

<p>Local media, meanwhile, reported that China's special envoy Zhai Jun will visit the Middle East next week to push for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war and promote peace talks.</p>

<p>On Friday, Zhai met with Arab League's representatives in China and said Beijing supported the regional group "in playing an important role on the Palestine issue", according to a foreign ministry statement. He told the bloc that China would make unremitting efforts to get the Middle East peace process back on track.&nbsp;</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>

<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>


China said on Saturday (Oct 14) that Israel's actions in Gaza have gone beyond the scope of self-defence and that the Benjamin Netanyahu government must cease its collective punishment of the people of Gaza.

China said on Saturday (Oct 14) that Israel's actions in Gaza have gone beyond the scope of self-defence and that the Benjamin Netanyahu government must cease its collective punishment of the people of Gaza. This remark was made by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi during a call with his Saudi Arabian counterpart Prince Faisal bin Farhan. Click here to follow LIVE updates on the Israel-Hamas war According to a foreign ministry readout published on Sunday, Wang said that Israel should listen earnestly to the calls of the international community and the UN secretary general, and cease its collective punishment of the people of Gaza. Wang also told Prince Faisal that "all parties should not take any action to escalate the situation and should return to the negotiating table as soon as possible." Chinese foreign minister speaks to Blinken Also on Saturday, the Chinese foreign minister held a telephonic conversation with the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken where he said that Washington should "play a constructive and responsible role" in the conflict. Wang also urged the convening of an international peace meeting as soon as possible to promote the reaching of a broad consensus. China criticised for not naming Hamas in condemnation of war Since Hamas launched deadly attacks on Israel on October 7, China has not specifically named the militant group in its official statements condemning the violence. According to a report by the news agency AFP, this has led to criticism from some Western officials who said Beijing's statements were too weak. Local media, meanwhile, reported that China's special envoy Zhai Jun will visit the Middle East next week to push for a ceasefire in the Israel-Hamas war and promote peace talks. On Friday, Zhai met with Arab League's representatives in China and said Beijing supported the regional group "in playing an important role on the Palestine issue", according to a foreign ministry statement. He told the bloc that China would make unremitting efforts to get the Middle East peace process back on track. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Israel-Hamas war: China says Israel's actions in Gaza have gone beyond scope of self-defence

<p>Renowned singer and songwriter Ciara has joined the chorus of voices speaking out about the ongoing crisis in Israel and Palestine, a situation that has deeply shaken the world. The crisis was ignited when the militant group Hamas launched a devastating "surprise" attack on Israeli civilians at a music festival on October 7, resulting in the tragic loss of hundreds of lives. In response, Israel initiated retaliatory airstrikes in Gaza and declared a "state of war", comparing the attack to 9/11.</p>

<p>On Saturday, October 14, Ciara took to X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, to express her thoughts on the dire situation. Her heartfelt post shed light on the pain and anguish she felt, echoing the sentiments of countless individuals around the globe.</p>

<p>"As I laid my head down on my pillow to go to sleep last night, I had a heavy heart and tears filled my eyes. Seeing what’s happening in Israel is truly heartbreaking," Ciara wrote. "I will never understand someone maliciously attacking innocent people."</p>

<p>Ciara's message continued, conveying her deep empathy for the families and parents who are suffering unimaginable losses: "I can’t imagine the feeling of families or parents that are losing their loved ones. My heart goes out to everyone that’s being impacted by what’s happening. I am with you, and all the other innocent lives that are being impacted by such cruel-hearted people."</p>

<p>Her statement highlights the emotional toll that the crisis in Israel and Palestine has taken on individuals worldwide and calls for empathy, compassion, and unity during these trying times.</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="qme">❤️🙏🏽 <a href="https://t.co/xPKZNNiPlX">pic.twitter.com/xPKZNNiPlX</a></p>
— Ciara (@ciara) <a href="https://twitter.com/ciara/status/1713358528692580798?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 15, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/kehlani-shows-support-for-palestine-amid-israel-hamas-conflict-calls-out-other-celebs-for-remaining-silent-646800">Singer Kehlani supports Palestine amid Israel-Hamas conflict; calls out other celebs for remaining silent</a></strong></p>

<p>In recent days, it is worth noting that several prominent Hollywood figures, including Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, and Jamie Lee Curtis, have signed an open letter expressing their support for Israel.&nbsp;The letter,&nbsp;created by a nonprofit organisation called Creative Community for Peace, condemns Hamas‘ surprise assault on Israel and calls for the return of hostages.&nbsp;The letter also called on the entertainment industry to refrain from sharing misinformation about the conflict.</p>

<p>The death toll in the Israel-Hamas conflict has risen to 3,500, with Israel accounting for 1,300 and Gaza accounting for at least 2,215 deaths, according to CBS.</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>

<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>


Renowned singer and songwriter Ciara has joined the chorus of voices speaking out about the ongoing crisis in Israel and Palestine, a situation that has deeply shaken the world.

Renowned singer and songwriter Ciara has joined the chorus of voices speaking out about the ongoing crisis in Israel and Palestine, a situation that has deeply shaken the world. The crisis was ignited when the militant group Hamas launched a devastating "surprise" attack on Israeli civilians at a music festival on October 7, resulting in the tragic loss of hundreds of lives. In response, Israel initiated retaliatory airstrikes in Gaza and declared a "state of war", comparing the attack to 9/11. On Saturday, October 14, Ciara took to X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, to express her thoughts on the dire situation. Her heartfelt post shed light on the pain and anguish she felt, echoing the sentiments of countless individuals around the globe. "As I laid my head down on my pillow to go to sleep last night, I had a heavy heart and tears filled my eyes. Seeing what’s happening in Israel is truly heartbreaking," Ciara wrote. "I will never understand someone maliciously attacking innocent people." Ciara's message continued, conveying her deep empathy for the families and parents who are suffering unimaginable losses: "I can’t imagine the feeling of families or parents that are losing their loved ones. My heart goes out to everyone that’s being impacted by what’s happening. I am with you, and all the other innocent lives that are being impacted by such cruel-hearted people." Her statement highlights the emotional toll that the crisis in Israel and Palestine has taken on individuals worldwide and calls for empathy, compassion, and unity during these trying times. ❤️🙏🏽 pic.twitter.com/xPKZNNiPlX — Ciara (@ciara) October 15, 2023 Also read: Singer Kehlani supports Palestine amid Israel-Hamas conflict; calls out other celebs for remaining silent In recent days, it is worth noting that several prominent Hollywood figures, including Gal Gadot, Chris Pine, and Jamie Lee Curtis, have signed an open letter expressing their support for Israel. The letter, created by a nonprofit organisation called Creative Community for Peace, condemns Hamas‘ surprise assault on Israel and calls for the return of hostages. The letter also called on the entertainment industry to refrain from sharing misinformation about the conflict. The death toll in the Israel-Hamas conflict has risen to 3,500, with Israel accounting for 1,300 and Gaza accounting for at least 2,215 deaths, according to CBS. 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.

Ciara pens heartfelt note honouring lives lost in Israel following Hamas' surprise attack

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuid6soMOFFwHvgO" /><meta charset="utf-8" /></p>

<p>Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday (Oct 14) visited Kibbutz Be’eri and Kibbutz Kfar Azza — two of the worst hit areas in last week's assault launched by Hamas militants. In a post on X, Prime Minister Netanyahu said, "With our fighters in the Gaza Strip, on the front line. We are all ready." Citing an official statement, a report by The Times of Israel said that Netanyahu walked between the ruins of the houses where these terrible massacres took place.</p>

<p><strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-palestine-hamas-gaza-idf-netanyahu-death-toll-latest-news-live-updates-646548">Click here to follow LIVE updates on the Israel-Hamas conflict</a></strong></p>

<p>He was briefed by officers of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in the areas. This was the prime minister's first visit to the scene. He had earlier faced criticism for not visiting the affected areas, and visiting the injured.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="rtl" lang="iw">עם הלוחמים שלנו בעוטף עזה, בקו החזית. כולנו מוכנים.<br />
<br />
(צילום: אבי אוחיון, לע״מ) <a href="https://t.co/TiGzHcWhPK">pic.twitter.com/TiGzHcWhPK</a></p>
— Benjamin Netanyahu - בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) <a href="https://twitter.com/netanyahu/status/1713202021078094240?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 14, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>More than 1,300 people have been killed on the Israeli side. Gaza authorities, meanwhile, have said that 2,200 people have been killed, a quarter of them children. Thousands of people have been injured on both sides.</p>

<h2><strong>Israel's retaliation only the beginning: Netanyahu</strong></h2>

<p>On Friday, Israeli PM Netanyahu said that his government's week-old retaliation for the Hamas assault from Gaza was "only the beginning," though he did not elaborate on what might follow or for how long.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch: War crimes in Israel-Hamas conflict | Dark World</strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The Israel-Hamas war is on for nearly a week, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has alleged that Hamas militants are beheading soldiers and raping women.<br />
<br />
His concerns have been echoed by Israeli media and think tanks which said Hamas is using rape as a weapon of war.… <a href="https://t.co/9uneqh0WBd">pic.twitter.com/9uneqh0WBd</a></p>
— WION (@WIONews) <a href="https://twitter.com/WIONews/status/1712815751869178093?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 13, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p>"We are striking our enemies with unprecedented might," Netanyahu said in a brief statement which, unusually, was televised after the Jewish sabbath had begun. "I emphasise that this is only the beginning," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Netanyahu's remarks come two days after he forged an emergency government on Wednesday to direct war against Hamas. In a joint statement, Netanyahu and former defence chief and centrist opposition party leader Benny Gantz said they had agreed to form an emergency government comprising the two leaders and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant.</p>

<h2><strong>Hamas chief accuses Israel of war crimes</strong></h2>

<p>Meanwhile, Hamas Chief Ismail Haniyeh wrote a letter to United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres where he accused Israel of war crimes in Gaza. "Israeli atrocities amount to war crimes," Haniyeh said in the letter and condemned the "barbaric Israeli siege" in which "the Israeli occupation is banning entry of humanitarian aid and medical supplies to the Gaza Strip".</p>

<p>He urged Guterres to pressure Israel into allowing humanitarian aid to enter into Gaza.</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>

<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>


Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday (Oct 14) visited Kibbutz Be’eri and Kibbutz Kfar Azza — two of the worst hit areas in last week's assault launched by Hamas militants.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Saturday (Oct 14) visited Kibbutz Be’eri and Kibbutz Kfar Azza — two of the worst hit areas in last week's assault launched by Hamas militants. In a post on X, Prime Minister Netanyahu said, "With our fighters in the Gaza Strip, on the front line. We are all ready." Citing an official statement, a report by The Times of Israel said that Netanyahu walked between the ruins of the houses where these terrible massacres took place. Click here to follow LIVE updates on the Israel-Hamas conflict He was briefed by officers of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in the areas. This was the prime minister's first visit to the scene. He had earlier faced criticism for not visiting the affected areas, and visiting the injured. עם הלוחמים שלנו בעוטף עזה, בקו החזית. כולנו מוכנים. (צילום: אבי אוחיון, לע״מ) pic.twitter.com/TiGzHcWhPK — Benjamin Netanyahu - בנימין נתניהו (@netanyahu) October 14, 2023 × More than 1,300 people have been killed on the Israeli side. Gaza authorities, meanwhile, have said that 2,200 people have been killed, a quarter of them children. Thousands of people have been injured on both sides. Israel's retaliation only the beginning: Netanyahu On Friday, Israeli PM Netanyahu said that his government's week-old retaliation for the Hamas assault from Gaza was "only the beginning," though he did not elaborate on what might follow or for how long. Also watch: War crimes in Israel-Hamas conflict | Dark World The Israel-Hamas war is on for nearly a week, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has alleged that Hamas militants are beheading soldiers and raping women. His concerns have been echoed by Israeli media and think tanks which said Hamas is using rape as a weapon of war.… pic.twitter.com/9uneqh0WBd — WION (@WIONews) October 13, 2023 × "We are striking our enemies with unprecedented might," Netanyahu said in a brief statement which, unusually, was televised after the Jewish sabbath had begun. "I emphasise that this is only the beginning," he added. Netanyahu's remarks come two days after he forged an emergency government on Wednesday to direct war against Hamas. In a joint statement, Netanyahu and former defence chief and centrist opposition party leader Benny Gantz said they had agreed to form an emergency government comprising the two leaders and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant. Hamas chief accuses Israel of war crimes Meanwhile, Hamas Chief Ismail Haniyeh wrote a letter to United Nations (UN) Secretary-General Antonio Guterres where he accused Israel of war crimes in Gaza. "Israeli atrocities amount to war crimes," Haniyeh said in the letter and condemned the "barbaric Israeli siege" in which "the Israeli occupation is banning entry of humanitarian aid and medical supplies to the Gaza Strip". He urged Guterres to pressure Israel into allowing humanitarian aid to enter into Gaza. 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.

'We are all ready': Israeli PM Netanyahu visits areas of Hamas assault for the first time

<p>Iran on Saturday (Oct 14) issued a fresh warning to Israel calling it to halt its offensives against Gaza before it is "too late".</p>

<p>Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, during his visit to the Lebanese capital Beirut, said that there was still a political opportunity to avert a widespread crisis in the region but "in the next few hours, it will be too late".</p>

<p>"There is still a political opportunity to prevent a widespread crisis in the region," Amir-Abdollahian told a press conference in Beirut after stops in Baghdad and Damascus.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But "maybe, in the next few hours, it will be too late," he said, warning that pro-Iran militants "have designed all the scenarios and are prepared, and their finger is on the trigger to shoot."</p>

<p>Although Tehran has voiced support for Hamas, Iranian Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei denied his country's involvement in the unprecedented attacks launched by the militant group on Israel.</p>

<p>"The supporters of the Zionist regime (Israel) and some people in the usurping regime (a reference to USA) have been spreading rumours over the past two or three days, including that Islamic Iran was behind this action. They are wrong," Khamenei said.</p>

<p>"This destructive earthquake (Hamas' attack) has destroyed some critical structures (in Israel) which will not be repaired easily ... The Zionist regime's own actions are to blame for this disaster," he said.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-are-all-ready-israeli-pm-netanyahu-visits-areas-of-hamas-assault-for-first-time-646890">'We're all ready': Israeli PM visits areas of Hamas assault for first time</a></p>

<p>"We defend Palestine, we defend the struggles."</p>

<p>“We kiss the foreheads and arms of the resourceful and intelligent designers [of the operation] and the Palestinian youth,” he added.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Hezbollah warns it is 'fully prepared' to join Hamas</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier on Friday (Oct 13), Hezbollah warned Israel that it is "fully prepared" to join militant group Hamas in the war when the time is right.</p>

<p>"We, as Hezbollah, are contributing to the confrontation and will (continue) to contribute to it within our vision and plan," Hezbollah deputy chief Naim Qassem told a pro-Palestinian rally in Beirut's southern suburbs.</p>

<p>"We are fully prepared, and when the time comes for action, we will take it," he said.</p>

<p>"The behind-the-scenes calls with us by great powers, Arab countries, envoys of the United Nations, directly and indirectly telling us not to interfere will have no effect,", he said adding, "Hezbollah knows its duties perfectly well.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</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>

<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>


Iran on Saturday (Oct 14) issued a fresh warning to Israel calling it to halt its offensives against Gaza before it is "too late". Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, during his visit to the Lebanese capital Beirut, said that there was still a political opportunity to avert a widespread crisis in the region but "in the next few hours, it will be too late".

Iran on Saturday (Oct 14) issued a fresh warning to Israel calling it to halt its offensives against Gaza before it is "too late". Foreign Minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, during his visit to the Lebanese capital Beirut, said that there was still a political opportunity to avert a widespread crisis in the region but "in the next few hours, it will be too late". "There is still a political opportunity to prevent a widespread crisis in the region," Amir-Abdollahian told a press conference in Beirut after stops in Baghdad and Damascus. But "maybe, in the next few hours, it will be too late," he said, warning that pro-Iran militants "have designed all the scenarios and are prepared, and their finger is on the trigger to shoot." Although Tehran has voiced support for Hamas, Iranian Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei denied his country's involvement in the unprecedented attacks launched by the militant group on Israel. "The supporters of the Zionist regime (Israel) and some people in the usurping regime (a reference to USA) have been spreading rumours over the past two or three days, including that Islamic Iran was behind this action. They are wrong," Khamenei said. "This destructive earthquake (Hamas' attack) has destroyed some critical structures (in Israel) which will not be repaired easily ... The Zionist regime's own actions are to blame for this disaster," he said. Also read: 'We're all ready': Israeli PM visits areas of Hamas assault for first time "We defend Palestine, we defend the struggles." “We kiss the foreheads and arms of the resourceful and intelligent designers [of the operation] and the Palestinian youth,” he added. Hezbollah warns it is 'fully prepared' to join Hamas Earlier on Friday (Oct 13), Hezbollah warned Israel that it is "fully prepared" to join militant group Hamas in the war when the time is right. "We, as Hezbollah, are contributing to the confrontation and will (continue) to contribute to it within our vision and plan," Hezbollah deputy chief Naim Qassem told a pro-Palestinian rally in Beirut's southern suburbs. "We are fully prepared, and when the time comes for action, we will take it," he said. "The behind-the-scenes calls with us by great powers, Arab countries, envoys of the United Nations, directly and indirectly telling us not to interfere will have no effect,", he said adding, "Hezbollah knows its duties perfectly well. (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.

Iran warns Israel to halt its offensives against Gaza before 'it is too late'

<p>A heartwarming video which purportedly shows a Palestinian journalist playing with a child amid Israeli airstrikes on Gaza is making rounds on social media and has since garnered millions of views. The video surfaced as the war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas rages on with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/soul-shattering-images-from-israel-and-palestine-show-chilling-reality-of-war-644814">soul-shattering visuals</a> emerging from Israel and Gaza.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<strong>Watch the video here:<br />
<br />
<em>Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos, videos and information shared on social media.</em></strong></p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Palestinian journalist plays with a little baby boy who survived an lsraeli airstrike, Gaza. <a href="https://t.co/SaQpZd70yH">pic.twitter.com/SaQpZd70yH</a></p>
— TIMES OF GAZA (@Timesofgaza) <a href="https://twitter.com/Timesofgaza/status/1712517531292877163?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 12, 2023</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<h2><br />
<strong>Situation in Gaza</strong></h2>

<p>Hamas launched a surprise attack on Saturday (Oct 7) which led to the death of 1,300 Israelis, mainly citizens and wounded thousands of others, while the Palestinian militant group also captured hundreds of people from southern Israel.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gazans-must-not-delay-evacuation-before-expected-offensive-starts-israel-646851"><strong>Gazans must not delay evacuation before expected offensive starts: Israel</strong></a><br />
<br />
Meanwhile, in Gaza, Israeli strikes have killed at least 324 people in the past 24 hours alone, including 126 children, claimed the Hamas-controlled health ministry, on Saturday. The total death toll has risen to 2,215, including 724 children.</p>

<p>The Israeli military dropped pamphlets across northern Gaza, on Friday (Oct 13) warning the densely populated region’s 1.1 million people to evacuate and move towards the south.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A report by Al Jazeera citing the ministry of health in Gaza said at least 28 medical staff have been killed and 15 hospitals have been damaged by Israeli shelling and air raids.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/middle-east/wion-exclusive-israeli-survivor-recounts-terror-at-music-festival-646688">'There were THOUSANDS...': Israeli survivor recounts terror at music festival to WION</a></strong></p>

<p>According to the UN’s humanitarian agency OCHA, more than 1,300 buildings and 5,540 “housing units” in the Gaza Strip have been destroyed. Additionally, around 3,750 more homes were so badly damaged they were uninhabitable, said the UN agency.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Israel accused of ‘war crimes’</strong></h2>

<p>In a letter addressed to United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh on Saturday (Oct 14) accused Israel of committing war crimes and preventing humanitarian aid from entering the blockaded enclave.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/true-humanitarian-crisis-gazans-walk-30-km-south-many-sheltering-at-al-shifa-hospital-reluctant-to-move-646463">Gaza student speaks to WION: People walking 30km to flee Israel stikes, many camping at hospital</a></strong></p>

<p>“Israeli atrocities amount to war crimes,” said the letter posted on the Palestinian group’s website, according to news agency AFP.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
<br />
<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><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>

<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>


A heartwarming video which purportedly shows a Palestinian journalist playing with a child amid Israeli airstrikes on Gaza is making rounds on social media and has since garnered millions of views.

A heartwarming video which purportedly shows a Palestinian journalist playing with a child amid Israeli airstrikes on Gaza is making rounds on social media and has since garnered millions of views. The video surfaced as the war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas rages on with soul-shattering visuals emerging from Israel and Gaza. Watch the video here: Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos, videos and information shared on social media. Palestinian journalist plays with a little baby boy who survived an lsraeli airstrike, Gaza. pic.twitter.com/SaQpZd70yH — TIMES OF GAZA (@Timesofgaza) October 12, 2023 × Situation in Gaza Hamas launched a surprise attack on Saturday (Oct 7) which led to the death of 1,300 Israelis, mainly citizens and wounded thousands of others, while the Palestinian militant group also captured hundreds of people from southern Israel. ALSO READ | Gazans must not delay evacuation before expected offensive starts: Israel Meanwhile, in Gaza, Israeli strikes have killed at least 324 people in the past 24 hours alone, including 126 children, claimed the Hamas-controlled health ministry, on Saturday. The total death toll has risen to 2,215, including 724 children. The Israeli military dropped pamphlets across northern Gaza, on Friday (Oct 13) warning the densely populated region’s 1.1 million people to evacuate and move towards the south. A report by Al Jazeera citing the ministry of health in Gaza said at least 28 medical staff have been killed and 15 hospitals have been damaged by Israeli shelling and air raids. ALSO READ | 'There were THOUSANDS...': Israeli survivor recounts terror at music festival to WION According to the UN’s humanitarian agency OCHA, more than 1,300 buildings and 5,540 “housing units” in the Gaza Strip have been destroyed. Additionally, around 3,750 more homes were so badly damaged they were uninhabitable, said the UN agency. Israel accused of ‘war crimes’ In a letter addressed to United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh on Saturday (Oct 14) accused Israel of committing war crimes and preventing humanitarian aid from entering the blockaded enclave. ALSO READ | Gaza student speaks to WION: People walking 30km to flee Israel stikes, many camping at hospital “Israeli atrocities amount to war crimes,” said the letter posted on the Palestinian group’s website, according to news agency AFP. (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.

Watch | Heartwarming video shows Palestinian journalist playing with child amid Israeli airstrikes on Gaza

<p>Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Saturday (Oct 14) warned Israel of demanding mass evacuation amid its intensifying war with Hamas militants. During a meeting of his Socialist Party in Merida, Prime Minister Sanchez said, "Israel has the right to defend itself but always within the limits of international humanitarian law, which does not authorise the evacuation of Palestinians from Gaza, as the United Nations says."</p>

<p>Sanchez had previously said that Madrid condemns Hamas' attack in Israel and also the deaths of Israelis, and we demand the urgent release of all Israeli hostages and captives. The Spanish prime minister has lamented that the latest violence has caused "such anxiety and instability in the region and in the world," and urged a solution involving the creation of a Palestinian state.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/we-are-all-ready-israeli-pm-netanyahu-visits-areas-of-hamas-assault-for-first-time-646890">Israeli PM Netanyahu visits areas of Hamas assault for first time</a></strong></p>

<p>Earlier on Saturday, thousands of Palestinians fled north of the Gaza Strip ahead of an expected Israeli ground assault. Israel had given Gazans until Saturday morning to move south. It later said it would guarantee the safety of Palestinians fleeing on two main roads until 4:00 pm (1300 GMT).&nbsp;</p>

<p>As the deadline passed, Israeli troops were massing around the Gaza Strip. Hamas told people not to leave and said the roads out were unsafe. It claimed that dozens of people had been killed in strikes on cars and trucks carrying refugees on Friday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Following Israel's order, a million people in Gaza fled their homes in the past week, according to the UN's Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Israeli government has said that the evacuation order is a humanitarian gesture to protect residents from harm while it roots out Hamas fighters. The United Nations says so many people cannot be safely moved inside the besieged enclave without causing a humanitarian disaster.</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>

<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>


Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Saturday (Oct 14) warned Israel of demanding mass evacuation amid its intensifying war with Hamas militants. During a meeting of his Socialist Party in Merida, Prime Minister Sanchez said, "Israel has the right to defend itself but always within the limits of international humanitarian law, which does not authorise the evacuation of Palestinians from Gaza, as the United Nations says.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez on Saturday (Oct 14) warned Israel of demanding mass evacuation amid its intensifying war with Hamas militants. During a meeting of his Socialist Party in Merida, Prime Minister Sanchez said, "Israel has the right to defend itself but always within the limits of international humanitarian law, which does not authorise the evacuation of Palestinians from Gaza, as the United Nations says." Sanchez had previously said that Madrid condemns Hamas' attack in Israel and also the deaths of Israelis, and we demand the urgent release of all Israeli hostages and captives. The Spanish prime minister has lamented that the latest violence has caused "such anxiety and instability in the region and in the world," and urged a solution involving the creation of a Palestinian state. Also read: Israeli PM Netanyahu visits areas of Hamas assault for first time Earlier on Saturday, thousands of Palestinians fled north of the Gaza Strip ahead of an expected Israeli ground assault. Israel had given Gazans until Saturday morning to move south. It later said it would guarantee the safety of Palestinians fleeing on two main roads until 4:00 pm (1300 GMT). As the deadline passed, Israeli troops were massing around the Gaza Strip. Hamas told people not to leave and said the roads out were unsafe. It claimed that dozens of people had been killed in strikes on cars and trucks carrying refugees on Friday. Following Israel's order, a million people in Gaza fled their homes in the past week, according to the UN's Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA. The Israeli government has said that the evacuation order is a humanitarian gesture to protect residents from harm while it roots out Hamas fighters. The United Nations says so many people cannot be safely moved inside the besieged enclave without causing a humanitarian disaster. 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 | Spain warns Israel on mass evacuation demand: 'Have right to defend yourself but...'

<p>The BBC has found itself mired in a controversy over alleged impartiality after some of its Middle East-based journalists appeared to justify the killing of Israeli civilians by Hamas in their social media posts, reported the Telegraph. The charges of bias come&nbsp;as a result of social media activity by several of the network's journalists in the Middle East that seemed to celebrate the attack by Hamas which left around 1,300 Israeli people dead.<br />
<br />
The report also mentions that the "corporation is 'urgently investigating' anti-Israel bias displayed by several of its taxpayer-funded journalists in the Middle East."</p>

<p>The controversy was sparked after several social media posts by BBC News Arabic reporters appeared to endorse&nbsp;comments that likened Hamas, a designated terrorist group, to freedom fighters. The journalists also referred to the Hamas attack on October 7 as a "morning of hope," reported the Telegraph.</p>

<p>One senior correspondent posted comments making fun of Israeli relatives of a grandmother who was abducted by Hamas. Another journalist tweeted that "Israel's prestige is crying in the corner."</p>

<p>Additionally, BBC Arabic has faced complaints about bias and inaccuracy in its output, particularly regarding its terminology in reference to towns within Israel's internationally recognised territory. The network has used terms like "settlements" and "settlers" for these areas and their residents, which some believe "whitewashes" the targeting of Jewish civilians.</p>

<p><img alt="picture" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="70a65338-7107-434e-9f88-007f1436a36a" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/The%20battle%20for%20Kyiv%20-%202023-10-15T145645.080.jpg" /></p>

<p><em><strong>Image: Screenshot of the BBC Arabic homepage used by the Telegraph in its report. Courtesy: Telegraph</strong></em></p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/butchered-limbs-mutilated-raped-israeli-forensic-teams-describe-hamas-atrocities-647016">'Butchered, limbs mutilated, raped': Israeli forensic teams describe Hamas atrocities</a></p>

<h2><strong>The BBC's impartiality guidelines</strong></h2>

<p>The BBC is required to maintain "due impartiality" in all its content, as stated in its editorial guidelines. These guidelines also emphasise that news journalists, in particular, bear a "particular responsibility" to uphold this principle, even on social media.</p>

<p>There is a growing call for the BBC to refer to Hamas as terrorists rather than simply a "militant group."</p>

<p>The broadcaster's established <a href="https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-67083432">editorial stance</a> is to exercise caution when employing the term "terrorist," as per its editorial guidelines, recognising that this wording may hinder rather than facilitate comprehension.</p>

<h2><strong>BBC Arabic in focus</strong></h2>

<p>A review by the Committee for Accuracy in Middle East Reporting and Analysis focused on the Arabic department of the BBC. It looked into the social media activity by six BBC journalists and one affiliated freelancer that suggested an anti-Israel bias.</p>

<p>Some of the journalists questioned the designation of Israeli non-combatants as civilians, despite evidence of indiscriminate attacks on women, children, and the elderly by Hamas. Some even suggested that young Israelis were essentially combatants.</p>

<p>In response to these allegations, the Telegraph has stated in its&nbsp;report that the BBC&nbsp;is "urgently investigating" the matter.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Israel-Hamas war: 'We will get to that man': Israel vows to kill top Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-palestine-war-we-will-get-to-that-man-israel-vows-to-kill-top-hamas-leader-yahya-sinwar-647121/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">&nbsp;</div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">&nbsp;</div>

<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><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:</strong></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></p>


The BBC has found itself mired in a controversy over alleged impartiality after some of its Middle East-based journalists appeared to justify the killing of Israeli civilians by Hamas in their social media posts, reported the Telegraph.

The BBC has found itself mired in a controversy over alleged impartiality after some of its Middle East-based journalists appeared to justify the killing of Israeli civilians by Hamas in their social media posts, reported the Telegraph. The charges of bias come as a result of social media activity by several of the network's journalists in the Middle East that seemed to celebrate the attack by Hamas which left around 1,300 Israeli people dead. The report also mentions that the "corporation is 'urgently investigating' anti-Israel bias displayed by several of its taxpayer-funded journalists in the Middle East." The controversy was sparked after several social media posts by BBC News Arabic reporters appeared to endorse comments that likened Hamas, a designated terrorist group, to freedom fighters. The journalists also referred to the Hamas attack on October 7 as a "morning of hope," reported the Telegraph. One senior correspondent posted comments making fun of Israeli relatives of a grandmother who was abducted by Hamas. Another journalist tweeted that "Israel's prestige is crying in the corner." Additionally, BBC Arabic has faced complaints about bias and inaccuracy in its output, particularly regarding its terminology in reference to towns within Israel's internationally recognised territory. The network has used terms like "settlements" and "settlers" for these areas and their residents, which some believe "whitewashes" the targeting of Jewish civilians. Image: Screenshot of the BBC Arabic homepage used by the Telegraph in its report. Courtesy: Telegraph Also read | 'Butchered, limbs mutilated, raped': Israeli forensic teams describe Hamas atrocities The BBC's impartiality guidelines The BBC is required to maintain "due impartiality" in all its content, as stated in its editorial guidelines. These guidelines also emphasise that news journalists, in particular, bear a "particular responsibility" to uphold this principle, even on social media. There is a growing call for the BBC to refer to Hamas as terrorists rather than simply a "militant group." The broadcaster's established editorial stance is to exercise caution when employing the term "terrorist," as per its editorial guidelines, recognising that this wording may hinder rather than facilitate comprehension. BBC Arabic in focus A review by the Committee for Accuracy in Middle East Reporting and Analysis focused on the Arabic department of the BBC. It looked into the social media activity by six BBC journalists and one affiliated freelancer that suggested an anti-Israel bias. Some of the journalists questioned the designation of Israeli non-combatants as civilians, despite evidence of indiscriminate attacks on women, children, and the elderly by Hamas. Some even suggested that young Israelis were essentially combatants. In response to these allegations, the Telegraph has stated in its report that the BBC is "urgently investigating" the matter. Also watch | Israel-Hamas war: 'We will get to that man': Israel vows to kill top Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar 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:

BBC Middle East journalists’ social media posts on Hamas attack spark ‘bias’ concerns

<p>In the aftermath of the devastating Hamas attack on communities around the Gaza Strip, military forensic teams in Israel have conducted examinations on the bodies of victims, uncovering disturbing evidence of torture, rape, and other heinous acts. This&nbsp;comes as a profound shock, as around 1,300 bodies have been transported to an army base in Ramla, central Israel, where specialist teams work diligently to determine the identity of the deceased and the circumstances of their deaths, reported Reuters.</p>

<h2><strong>Identification progress and shocking discoveries</strong></h2>

<p>Rabbi Israel Weiss, a former army chief rabbi, and one of the officials overseeing the identification process, told Reuters that approximately 90 per cent&nbsp;of military casualties have been identified. Additionally, efforts are underway to identify civilians. Many of the bodies displayed harrowing signs of torture and rape. Among the discoveries are dismembered bodies, beheadings, including a child.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Reserve warrant officer Avigayil, who spoke to reporters, said&nbsp;that multiple cases of rape were confirmed through forensic examinations, with the bodies carefully stored in refrigerated containers.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-sends-second-aircraft-carrier-to-support-israel-647006">US sends second aircraft carrier to support Israel</a></p>

<p>Captain Maayan, a military dentist involved in the identification process, highlighted the severity of the abuses witnessed to Reuters.&nbsp;The bodies show signs of gunshot wounds and other indications of torture. However, no forensic evidence in the form of pictures or medical records was presented by the military personnel overseeing the identification.</p>

<p>Hamas, the Islamist group in control of the Gaza Strip, has&nbsp;denied the allegations of abuse, despite the deeply disturbing discoveries.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-admits-intelligence-failure-in-predicting-hamas-attacks-646967">Israel admits intelligence failure in predicting Hamas attacks</a></p>

<h2><strong>The horrific attack and its aftermath</strong></h2>

<p>The revelations stem from a brutal assault on October 7, when hundreds of Hamas gunmen, some on motorcycles, breached barriers around Gaza and rampaged through nearby communities.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Hamas: Nine hostages killed in Israeli strikes</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-palestine-war-hamas-nine-hostages-killed-in-israeli-strikes-647005/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>They targeted an outdoor dance party, as well as homes and military bases, abducting more than 120 Israelis and foreigners. The scale of the attack, with a staggering number of casualties in a single day and horrifying images emerging from the affected areas, left Israel reeling.</p>

<p>In response to the attack, Israeli jets and artillery have relentlessly pounded the Gaza Strip, resulting in the deaths of over 2,200 Palestinians and the destruction of thousands of buildings. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu drew parallels between Hamas and the notorious Islamic State, known for its gruesome public beheadings in countries such as Syria and Iraq.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><em><strong>Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.</strong></em></p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE:</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


In the aftermath of the devastating Hamas attack on communities around the Gaza Strip, military forensic teams in Israel have conducted examinations on the bodies of victims, uncovering disturbing evidence of torture, rape, and other heinous acts.

In the aftermath of the devastating Hamas attack on communities around the Gaza Strip, military forensic teams in Israel have conducted examinations on the bodies of victims, uncovering disturbing evidence of torture, rape, and other heinous acts. This comes as a profound shock, as around 1,300 bodies have been transported to an army base in Ramla, central Israel, where specialist teams work diligently to determine the identity of the deceased and the circumstances of their deaths, reported Reuters. Identification progress and shocking discoveries Rabbi Israel Weiss, a former army chief rabbi, and one of the officials overseeing the identification process, told Reuters that approximately 90 per cent of military casualties have been identified. Additionally, efforts are underway to identify civilians. Many of the bodies displayed harrowing signs of torture and rape. Among the discoveries are dismembered bodies, beheadings, including a child. Reserve warrant officer Avigayil, who spoke to reporters, said that multiple cases of rape were confirmed through forensic examinations, with the bodies carefully stored in refrigerated containers. Also read | US sends second aircraft carrier to support Israel Captain Maayan, a military dentist involved in the identification process, highlighted the severity of the abuses witnessed to Reuters. The bodies show signs of gunshot wounds and other indications of torture. However, no forensic evidence in the form of pictures or medical records was presented by the military personnel overseeing the identification. Hamas, the Islamist group in control of the Gaza Strip, has denied the allegations of abuse, despite the deeply disturbing discoveries. Also read | Israel admits intelligence failure in predicting Hamas attacks The horrific attack and its aftermath The revelations stem from a brutal assault on October 7, when hundreds of Hamas gunmen, some on motorcycles, breached barriers around Gaza and rampaged through nearby communities. Also watch | Hamas: Nine hostages killed in Israeli strikes They targeted an outdoor dance party, as well as homes and military bases, abducting more than 120 Israelis and foreigners. The scale of the attack, with a staggering number of casualties in a single day and horrifying images emerging from the affected areas, left Israel reeling. In response to the attack, Israeli jets and artillery have relentlessly pounded the Gaza Strip, resulting in the deaths of over 2,200 Palestinians and the destruction of thousands of buildings. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu drew parallels between Hamas and the notorious Islamic State, known for its gruesome public beheadings in countries such as Syria and Iraq. (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:

'Butchered, limbs mutilated, raped': Israeli forensic teams describe Hamas atrocities

israel-hamas-war

Israel Hamas War, News on Israel Hamas War, stories on Israel Hamas War, articles on Israel Hamas War, Israel Hamas War stories at Wion, Israel Hamas War news, Israel Hamas War latest news

israel hamas-war