<p>Gaza has recorded its first polio case in 25 years, the Palestinian health ministry said on Friday, after UN chief Antonio Guterres called for pauses in the Israel-Hamas war to vaccinate hundreds of thousands of children.</p>

<p>Tests in Jordan confirmed the disease in an unvaccinated 10-month-old from the central Gaza Strip, the health ministry in Ramallah said.</p>

<p>According to the United Nations, Gaza, now in its 11th month of war, has not registered a polio case for 25 years, although type 2 poliovirus was detected in samples collected from the territory's wastewater in June.</p>

<p>"Doctors suspected the presence of symptoms consistent with polio," the health ministry said. "After conducting the necessary tests in the Jordanian capital, Amman, the infection was confirmed."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-war-antony-blinken-arrives-in-middle-east-to-push-for-truce-deal-top-updates-751198">Gaza war | Ongoing ceasefire negotiations maybe 'last chance' to...: Blinken</a></strong></p>

<p>The case emerged shortly after Guterres called for two seven-day breaks in the Gaza war to vaccinate more than 640,000 children.</p>

<p>Poliovirus, most often spread through sewage and contaminated water, is highly infectious. It can cause deformities and paralysis, and is potentially fatal. It mainly affects children under the age of five.</p>

<p>The UN health and children's agencies said they had made detailed plans to reach children across the besieged Palestinian territory and could start this month.</p>

<p>But that would require pauses in the 10-month old war between Israel and Hamas, they said.</p>

<p>"Preventing and containing the spread of polio will take a massive, coordinated and urgent effort," Guterres told reporters at UN headquarters in New York.</p>

<p>"I am appealing to all parties to provide concrete assurances right away guaranteeing humanitarian pauses for the campaign."</p>

<p>The World Health Organization and UN children's fund UNICEF said they were planning two seven-day vaccination drives across the Gaza Strip, starting in late August, against type 2 poliovirus (cVDPV2).</p>

<p>Last month, it was announced that type 2 poliovirus had been detected in samples collected in Gaza on June 23.</p>

<p>"These pauses in fighting would allow children and families to safely reach health facilities and community outreach workers to get to children who cannot access health facilities for polio vaccination," the agencies said in a statement said.</p>

<h2><strong>Regional public health issue</strong></h2>

<p>After 25 years without polio, its re-emergence in the Gaza Strip would threaten neighbouring countries, it added.</p>

<p>"A ceasefire is the only way to ensure public health security in the Gaza Strip and the region."</p>

<p>During each round of the campaign, the health ministry in Gaza, alongside UN agencies, would provide "two drops of novel oral polio vaccine type 2 (nOPV2) to more than 640,000 children under 10 years of age".</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Israel-Hamas war: Israel negotiators voice 'cautious optimism' over Gaza deal</strong></p>

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<p>More than 1.6 million doses of nOPV2 were expected to transit through Israel's Ben Gurion Airport "by the end of August", the statement added.</p>

<p>The war was triggered by Hamas's unprecedented October 7 attack on Israel which resulted in the deaths of 1,198 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of Israeli official figures.</p>

<p>On Thursday, the toll from Israel's retaliatory military campaign in Gaza passed 40,000, according to the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza, which does not provide a breakdown of civilian and militant casualties.</p>

<p><em>Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.</em></p>


Gaza has recorded its first polio case in 25 years, the Palestinian health ministry said on Friday, after UN chief Antonio Guterres called for pauses in the Israel-Hamas war to vaccinate hundreds of thousands of children.

Gaza has recorded its first polio case in 25 years, the Palestinian health ministry said on Friday, after UN chief Antonio Guterres called for pauses in the Israel-Hamas war to vaccinate hundreds of thousands of children. Tests in Jordan confirmed the disease in an unvaccinated 10-month-old from the central Gaza Strip, the health ministry in Ramallah said. According to the United Nations, Gaza, now in its 11th month of war, has not registered a polio case for 25 years, although type 2 poliovirus was detected in samples collected from the territory's wastewater in June. "Doctors suspected the presence of symptoms consistent with polio," the health ministry said. "After conducting the necessary tests in the Jordanian capital, Amman, the infection was confirmed." Also read | Gaza war | Ongoing ceasefire negotiations maybe 'last chance' to...: Blinken The case emerged shortly after Guterres called for two seven-day breaks in the Gaza war to vaccinate more than 640,000 children. Poliovirus, most often spread through sewage and contaminated water, is highly infectious. It can cause deformities and paralysis, and is potentially fatal. It mainly affects children under the age of five. The UN health and children's agencies said they had made detailed plans to reach children across the besieged Palestinian territory and could start this month. But that would require pauses in the 10-month old war between Israel and Hamas, they said. "Preventing and containing the spread of polio will take a massive, coordinated and urgent effort," Guterres told reporters at UN headquarters in New York. "I am appealing to all parties to provide concrete assurances right away guaranteeing humanitarian pauses for the campaign." The World Health Organization and UN children's fund UNICEF said they were planning two seven-day vaccination drives across the Gaza Strip, starting in late August, against type 2 poliovirus (cVDPV2). Last month, it was announced that type 2 poliovirus had been detected in samples collected in Gaza on June 23. "These pauses in fighting would allow children and families to safely reach health facilities and community outreach workers to get to children who cannot access health facilities for polio vaccination," the agencies said in a statement said. Regional public health issue After 25 years without polio, its re-emergence in the Gaza Strip would threaten neighbouring countries, it added. "A ceasefire is the only way to ensure public health security in the Gaza Strip and the region." During each round of the campaign, the health ministry in Gaza, alongside UN agencies, would provide "two drops of novel oral polio vaccine type 2 (nOPV2) to more than 640,000 children under 10 years of age". Also watch | Israel-Hamas war: Israel negotiators voice 'cautious optimism' over Gaza deal × More than 1.6 million doses of nOPV2 were expected to transit through Israel's Ben Gurion Airport "by the end of August", the statement added. The war was triggered by Hamas's unprecedented October 7 attack on Israel which resulted in the deaths of 1,198 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally of Israeli official figures. On Thursday, the toll from Israel's retaliatory military campaign in Gaza passed 40,000, according to the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza, which does not provide a breakdown of civilian and militant casualties. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Gaza records first polio case in 25 years amid raging state of war

<p>As West Asia continues to be on edge days after Israel allegedly targeted former Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said&nbsp;on Thursday (August 15) that the US does not know if and when an Iran retaliatory attack against Israel might occur.</p>

<p>But Washington said it does have information that it could come with little or no notice.</p>

<p>"We have information… that an attack could come with little or no warning, and certainly could come in coming days, and we have to be ready for it," Kirby said in a phone briefing.</p>

<p>"I can’t sit here and tell you for sure that there’s been a decision [by Iran] to change their mind [about attacking Israel], and I can’t tell you for sure, if they attack, what that is going to look like, or even when it would occur," Kirby added.</p>

<p>"We know that Iran has made some preparations. We believe that should they choose to attack, they could do it with little or no notice… We don’t want it to come to that," Kirby said.</p>

<p>Earlier this week, the Biden administration said it was preparing for a potential attack on Israel by Iran and its proxies as soon as this week in retaliation for the recent assassinations of top leaders of Hamas and Hezbollah.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Israel-Iran conflict: Israeli Defence Forces on peak alert for Iran, Hezbollah attacks</strong></p>

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<p>"We have to be prepared for what could be a significant set of attacks, which is why, again, we have increased our force posture and capabilities in the region even in just the last few days," John Kirby had said on Monday (Aug 12).</p>

<p>The Biden administration has been bracing for an attack ever since Iran publicly blamed Israel for back-to-back assassinations of top leaders of Hamas and Hezbollah at the end of July.</p>

<p>Israel claimed responsibility for killing Fouad Shukr, a top Hezbollah commander, in Lebanon, but did not confirm&nbsp;any involvement in the death of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh, who was killed while visiting Tehran on July 31.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


As West Asia continues to be on edge days after Israel allegedly targeted former Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said on Thursday (August 15) that the US does not know if and when an Iran retaliatory attack against Israel might occur.

As West Asia continues to be on edge days after Israel allegedly targeted former Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, White House National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said on Thursday (August 15) that the US does not know if and when an Iran retaliatory attack against Israel might occur. But Washington said it does have information that it could come with little or no notice. "We have information… that an attack could come with little or no warning, and certainly could come in coming days, and we have to be ready for it," Kirby said in a phone briefing. "I can’t sit here and tell you for sure that there’s been a decision [by Iran] to change their mind [about attacking Israel], and I can’t tell you for sure, if they attack, what that is going to look like, or even when it would occur," Kirby added. "We know that Iran has made some preparations. We believe that should they choose to attack, they could do it with little or no notice… We don’t want it to come to that," Kirby said. Earlier this week, the Biden administration said it was preparing for a potential attack on Israel by Iran and its proxies as soon as this week in retaliation for the recent assassinations of top leaders of Hamas and Hezbollah. Also read | Israel-Iran conflict: Israeli Defence Forces on peak alert for Iran, Hezbollah attacks × "We have to be prepared for what could be a significant set of attacks, which is why, again, we have increased our force posture and capabilities in the region even in just the last few days," John Kirby had said on Monday (Aug 12). The Biden administration has been bracing for an attack ever since Iran publicly blamed Israel for back-to-back assassinations of top leaders of Hamas and Hezbollah at the end of July. Israel claimed responsibility for killing Fouad Shukr, a top Hezbollah commander, in Lebanon, but did not confirm any involvement in the death of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh, who was killed while visiting Tehran on July 31. (With inputs from agencies)

Iran attack may come soon and with no warning, US warns

<p>Israel's army chief&nbsp;on Wednesday (Aug 7) vowed&nbsp;to hunt down and eliminate Yahya Sinwar after he was named the new leader of Hamas, following the death of his predecessor in Tehran last week.</p>

<p>"We will strive to find him, attack him, and have them replace the head of the political bureau again," Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi told soldiers.</p>

<p>"We have carried out very important operations in recent weeks, we've killed the most senior commanders of our most dangerous enemies, and we are not stopping," he added, according to a statement issued by his spokesman.</p>

<p>As Tehran and Lebanon-based Iran-backed militant group&nbsp;Hezbollah vow to retaliate, world leaders are calling for restraint to prevent a regional war.</p>

<h2><strong>Iran calls for emergency meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation</strong></h2>

<p>An emergency meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) was held on Wednesday in Saudi Arabia at Iran's request. The meeting reportedly discussed the alleged Israeli killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran last week, as the world waits for Iran’s response.</p>

<h2><strong>Egypt urges airlines to avoid Iranian&nbsp;airspace for three hours on Thursday</strong></h2>

<p>Due to the fears of rising tensions in the Middle East, Egypt ordered its airlines to avoid Iranian airspace for three hours early Thursday amid the tension between Israel and Iran.</p>

<p>A safety advisory known as a NOTAM was issued to pilots, stating that the instruction would be active from 0100 to 0400 GMT.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bangladesh-209-inmates-flee-during-violent-protest-at-kashimpur-jail-6-killed-748149">Bangladesh crisis: 209 inmates flee from high-security central jail during violent protest, 6 killed</a></strong></p>

<p>The notice read, "All Egyptian carriers shall avoid overflying Tehran (Flight Information Region) FIR. No flight plan will be accepted overflying such territory," referring to the specified three-hour timeframe.</p>

<p>Many airlines are following this suit and changing their schedules to avoid Iranian and Lebanese airspace and are also cancelling flights to Israel and Lebanon.</p>

<h2><strong>Turkey seeks to join South Africa’s genocide lawsuit against Israel</strong></h2>

<p>Turkey filed a request at the International Court of Justice to join South Africa’s lawsuit against Israel.</p>

<p>“We have just submitted our application to the International Court of Justice to intervene in the genocide case filed against Israel. Emboldened by the impunity for its crimes, Israel is killing more and more innocent Palestinians every day,” Turkey's&nbsp;Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan wrote on X</p>

<p>“The international community must do its part to stop the genocide; it must put the necessary pressure on Israel and its supporters,” he said. “Turkey will make every effort to do so.”</p>

<h2><strong>Medics report 13 Palestinians killed in Gaza City and near Khan Younis</strong></h2>

<p>Media reports citing medics&nbsp;said&nbsp;that 13 Palestinians were killed in Gaza City and near Khan Younis.</p>

<p>According to a report by Reuters, an airstrike hit a house in Gaza City's Al-Tuffah neighbourhood on Wednesday (Aug 7), killing three Palestinians. Additionally, 10 more Palestinians were reportedly killed in two separate Israeli airstrikes in Khan Younis, southern Gaza.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)<br />
<br />
<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>


Israel's army chief on Wednesday (Aug 7) vowed to hunt down and eliminate Yahya Sinwar after he was named the new leader of Hamas, following the death of his predecessor in Tehran last week.

Israel's army chief on Wednesday (Aug 7) vowed to hunt down and eliminate Yahya Sinwar after he was named the new leader of Hamas, following the death of his predecessor in Tehran last week. "We will strive to find him, attack him, and have them replace the head of the political bureau again," Lieutenant General Herzi Halevi told soldiers. "We have carried out very important operations in recent weeks, we've killed the most senior commanders of our most dangerous enemies, and we are not stopping," he added, according to a statement issued by his spokesman. As Tehran and Lebanon-based Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah vow to retaliate, world leaders are calling for restraint to prevent a regional war. Iran calls for emergency meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation An emergency meeting of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) was held on Wednesday in Saudi Arabia at Iran's request. The meeting reportedly discussed the alleged Israeli killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran last week, as the world waits for Iran’s response. Egypt urges airlines to avoid Iranian airspace for three hours on Thursday Due to the fears of rising tensions in the Middle East, Egypt ordered its airlines to avoid Iranian airspace for three hours early Thursday amid the tension between Israel and Iran. A safety advisory known as a NOTAM was issued to pilots, stating that the instruction would be active from 0100 to 0400 GMT. Also read: Bangladesh crisis: 209 inmates flee from high-security central jail during violent protest, 6 killed The notice read, "All Egyptian carriers shall avoid overflying Tehran (Flight Information Region) FIR. No flight plan will be accepted overflying such territory," referring to the specified three-hour timeframe. Many airlines are following this suit and changing their schedules to avoid Iranian and Lebanese airspace and are also cancelling flights to Israel and Lebanon. Turkey seeks to join South Africa’s genocide lawsuit against Israel Turkey filed a request at the International Court of Justice to join South Africa’s lawsuit against Israel. “We have just submitted our application to the International Court of Justice to intervene in the genocide case filed against Israel. Emboldened by the impunity for its crimes, Israel is killing more and more innocent Palestinians every day,” Turkey's Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan wrote on X “The international community must do its part to stop the genocide; it must put the necessary pressure on Israel and its supporters,” he said. “Turkey will make every effort to do so.” Medics report 13 Palestinians killed in Gaza City and near Khan Younis Media reports citing medics said that 13 Palestinians were killed in Gaza City and near Khan Younis. According to a report by Reuters, an airstrike hit a house in Gaza City's Al-Tuffah neighbourhood on Wednesday (Aug 7), killing three Palestinians. Additionally, 10 more Palestinians were reportedly killed in two separate Israeli airstrikes in Khan Younis, southern Gaza. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Israel’s army chief promises to hunt down new Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar

<p>Amid ongoing tensions between Iran and Israel, Britain and Egypt have told their airlines to avoid Iranian and Lebanese airspace for three hours on Thursday morning. Reportedly, this directive came after Tehran sent a cautionary notice asking Egypt to avoid its airspace from 4:30 am to 7:30 am (local time) on Thursday.</p>

<p>Egypt's NOTAM, a safety notice provided to pilots, said the instruction would be in effect from 0100 to 0400 GMT.</p>

<p>"All Egyptian carriers shall avoid overflying Tehran (Flight Information Region). No flight plan will be accepted overflying such territory," the notice said.</p>

<p>Tensions in the Middle East have been escalating ever since Hamas’ political leader Ismail Haniyeh was killed in Tehran. Later, top Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr was also killed in the Lebanese capital, Beirut. There are fears of violence and a broader conflict in the region, because of which British and Egyptian flights have been asked to avoid the airspace of these countries.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Egypt was the first to issue the directive to its airlines, followed by Britain for safety reasons.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Commercial flights have been shot down in the past</h2>

<p>Fears of airplanes being targeted stem from past incidents where commercial flights were mistakenly shot down during tense times. Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 was shot down over Ukraine by Russian-backed forces in 2014 killing all 298 people on board. It was flying from&nbsp;Amsterdam&nbsp;to&nbsp;Kuala Lumpur and was hit by a&nbsp;Buk 9M38&nbsp;surface-to-air missile. During this time,&nbsp;a&nbsp;war was going on in Donbas&nbsp;over territory controlled by&nbsp;Russian separatist forces</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-foreign-minister-katz-reveals-irans-plan-to-launch-attack-on-israel-urges-international-action-747507">Israeli FM Katz says Iran plans to attack Israel, conveyed warning via Hungary</a></p>

<p>In 2020, Iranian air defence units admitted to mistakenly shooting down Ukrainian International Airlines flight PS752. All 176 people on board died after the flight was shot down shortly after taking off from Tehran airport. Iran was on heightened alert at the time because of increased tensions with the United States.</p>

<h2>Notice to airlines by Egypt</h2>

<p>On Wednesday, Egypt's civil aviation ministry confirmed that the notice was intended to reduce flight safety risks due to a notification it received from Iranian authorities.</p>

<p>"Military exercises will be conducted over Iranian airspace on Aug. 7 from 11:30 to 14:30 and from 4:30 to 7:30 on Aug. 8 Tehran time," the statement said.</p>

<p>The press statement released by Egypt's ministry mentioned an unnamed source quoted by the state-affiliated Al Qahera News TV as saying that Iranian authorities had said to avoid flying in the country's airspace because of "military exercises."</p>

<p>As per the Iranian foreign ministry's website, Iran's Acting Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani spoke over the phone with the Egyptian foreign minister about the matter.&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Airlines change schedules</h2>

<p>In light of the notice, schedules have been changed to avoid flying over Iranian and Lebanese airspaces. Most airlines have also cancelled flights to Israel and Lebanon. Flight tracking website Flightradar24 shows that British carriers are not flying to Lebanon.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Mark Zee, founder of OPSGROUP - a membership-based organisation that shares flight risk, said that Egyptian airlines have already been avoiding the Iranian airspace. Similarly, Singapore Airlines (OTC: SINGY) stopped flying through Iranian airspace last Friday.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH:&nbsp;US, Israel brace for Iran's retaliation: US working round the clock to prevent escalation, says Biden</strong></p>

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<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Amid ongoing tensions between Iran and Israel, Britain and Egypt have told their airlines to avoid Iranian and Lebanese airspace for three hours on Thursday morning.

Amid ongoing tensions between Iran and Israel, Britain and Egypt have told their airlines to avoid Iranian and Lebanese airspace for three hours on Thursday morning. Reportedly, this directive came after Tehran sent a cautionary notice asking Egypt to avoid its airspace from 4:30 am to 7:30 am (local time) on Thursday. Egypt's NOTAM, a safety notice provided to pilots, said the instruction would be in effect from 0100 to 0400 GMT. "All Egyptian carriers shall avoid overflying Tehran (Flight Information Region). No flight plan will be accepted overflying such territory," the notice said. Tensions in the Middle East have been escalating ever since Hamas’ political leader Ismail Haniyeh was killed in Tehran. Later, top Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr was also killed in the Lebanese capital, Beirut. There are fears of violence and a broader conflict in the region, because of which British and Egyptian flights have been asked to avoid the airspace of these countries. Egypt was the first to issue the directive to its airlines, followed by Britain for safety reasons. Commercial flights have been shot down in the past Fears of airplanes being targeted stem from past incidents where commercial flights were mistakenly shot down during tense times. Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 was shot down over Ukraine by Russian-backed forces in 2014 killing all 298 people on board. It was flying from Amsterdam to Kuala Lumpur and was hit by a Buk 9M38 surface-to-air missile. During this time, a war was going on in Donbas over territory controlled by Russian separatist forces Also Read: Israeli FM Katz says Iran plans to attack Israel, conveyed warning via Hungary In 2020, Iranian air defence units admitted to mistakenly shooting down Ukrainian International Airlines flight PS752. All 176 people on board died after the flight was shot down shortly after taking off from Tehran airport. Iran was on heightened alert at the time because of increased tensions with the United States. Notice to airlines by Egypt On Wednesday, Egypt's civil aviation ministry confirmed that the notice was intended to reduce flight safety risks due to a notification it received from Iranian authorities. "Military exercises will be conducted over Iranian airspace on Aug. 7 from 11:30 to 14:30 and from 4:30 to 7:30 on Aug. 8 Tehran time," the statement said. The press statement released by Egypt's ministry mentioned an unnamed source quoted by the state-affiliated Al Qahera News TV as saying that Iranian authorities had said to avoid flying in the country's airspace because of "military exercises." As per the Iranian foreign ministry's website, Iran's Acting Foreign Minister Ali Bagheri Kani spoke over the phone with the Egyptian foreign minister about the matter. Airlines change schedules In light of the notice, schedules have been changed to avoid flying over Iranian and Lebanese airspaces. Most airlines have also cancelled flights to Israel and Lebanon. Flight tracking website Flightradar24 shows that British carriers are not flying to Lebanon. Mark Zee, founder of OPSGROUP - a membership-based organisation that shares flight risk, said that Egyptian airlines have already been avoiding the Iranian airspace. Similarly, Singapore Airlines (OTC: SINGY) stopped flying through Iranian airspace last Friday. WATCH: US, Israel brace for Iran's retaliation: US working round the clock to prevent escalation, says Biden × (With inputs from agencies)

Two airplanes were shot down amid regional conflicts in the past. Airlines are playing safe now

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<p>Following the death of Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran last week, Hamas formally declared that Yahya Sinwar will take over as the terror group's new politburo chief.</p>

<p>Sinwar, the leader of Hamas in Gaza, is often seen as the mastermind behind the October 7 attack that ignited the current conflict in Gaza.</p>

<p>Earlier, Saudi media reported that&nbsp;Hamas has named a new chief to lead the militant group until elections can be held next year to replace its assassinated leader Ismail Haniyeh.</p>

<p>Following the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh in a bombing in Tehran last week, Mohamed Ismail Darwish, the man in charge of Hamas' Shura Council, has been named as the organisation's acting leader, according to the Saudi-based Al Arabiya news.</p>

<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hezbollah-targets-israeli-military-sites-in-major-drone-attack-but-full-retaliation-yet-to-come-747745" target="_blank">Hezbollah targets Israeli military sites in major drone attack, IDF flies jets over Beirut</a></strong></p>

<p>Till the terror group's elections in 2025, Darwish, also known as Abu Omer Hassan, will be in charge of communicating with the leaders of the organisation in Gaza, the West Bank, the diaspora, and Israeli prisons.</p>

<p>Since the IDF assassinated his senior, Osama Mazini, in October, Darwish has been leading the Shura Council.</p>

<p>Mazini led the 2011 hostage swap, where Hamas released IDF soldier Gilad Shalit in return for 1,027 Palestinian prisoners, among them current Gaza leader and October 7 planner Yahya Sinwar.</p>

<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/dozens-of-ultra-orthodox-jews-break-into-israels-tel-hashomer-army-base-to-protest-against-conscription-747807" target="_blank">Dozens of ultra-orthodox Jews break into Israel's Tel Hashomer army base to protest against conscription</a></strong></p>

<p>The Shura Council is Hamas' second most significant political entity, made up of elected representatives from four regions, including key figures such as Sinwar and diaspora leader Khaled Meshaal.</p>

<p>The council's members are kept confidential, and they choose the 15 members of Hamas' Politburo, the main body that makes governmental decisions and selects the group's leader.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Following the death of Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran last week, Hamas formally declared that Yahya Sinwar will take over as the terror group's new politburo chief. Sinwar, the leader of Hamas in Gaza, is often seen as the mastermind behind the October 7 attack that ignited the current conflict in Gaza.

Following the death of Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran last week, Hamas formally declared that Yahya Sinwar will take over as the terror group's new politburo chief. Sinwar, the leader of Hamas in Gaza, is often seen as the mastermind behind the October 7 attack that ignited the current conflict in Gaza. Earlier, Saudi media reported that Hamas has named a new chief to lead the militant group until elections can be held next year to replace its assassinated leader Ismail Haniyeh. Following the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh in a bombing in Tehran last week, Mohamed Ismail Darwish, the man in charge of Hamas' Shura Council, has been named as the organisation's acting leader, according to the Saudi-based Al Arabiya news. Also read: Hezbollah targets Israeli military sites in major drone attack, IDF flies jets over Beirut Till the terror group's elections in 2025, Darwish, also known as Abu Omer Hassan, will be in charge of communicating with the leaders of the organisation in Gaza, the West Bank, the diaspora, and Israeli prisons. Since the IDF assassinated his senior, Osama Mazini, in October, Darwish has been leading the Shura Council. Mazini led the 2011 hostage swap, where Hamas released IDF soldier Gilad Shalit in return for 1,027 Palestinian prisoners, among them current Gaza leader and October 7 planner Yahya Sinwar. Also read: Dozens of ultra-orthodox Jews break into Israel's Tel Hashomer army base to protest against conscription The Shura Council is Hamas' second most significant political entity, made up of elected representatives from four regions, including key figures such as Sinwar and diaspora leader Khaled Meshaal. The council's members are kept confidential, and they choose the 15 members of Hamas' Politburo, the main body that makes governmental decisions and selects the group's leader. (With inputs from agencies)

Hamas names Yahya Sinwar as new leader after Ismail Haniyeh’s assassination

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<p>The military claimed that an Israeli attack had hit Hamas command centres, but Gaza's civil defence service said that the strike had struck two schools in Gaza City on Sunday, killing at least 30 people.</p>

<p>Based on a count of tolls previously provided by Hamas officials, these make up the total number of schools in Gaza that have been attacked since July 6 at least 11, killing around 150 people.</p>

<p>"The number of martyrs in the massacre of the Hassan Salameh and Al-Nasr schools' bombing has risen to 30. Dozens were also wounded," civil defence spokesman Mahmud Bassal told AFP.</p>

<p>According to a civil defence spokesman, women and children made up the majority of the wounded and deceased. He stated that the schools housed Palestinians who had been displaced as a result of the continuing conflict between Israel and Hamas terrorists. The two schools were the target of an attack that was verified by the Israeli military.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Security chiefs accuse Israeli PM Netanyahu of sabotaging hostage talks, says report</strong></p>

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<p>The Israeli military said in a statement, "The schools were used by Hamas' Al-Furqan Battalion as a hiding place for its terrorist operatives and as command centres."</p>

<p>According to the civil defence agency, a similar Israeli attack happened on Saturday in Gaza City, hitting another school compound and killing at least 17 people.</p>

<p>Hamas has been accused by the Israeli military on many occasions of hiding its commanders and militants and utilising civilian buildings as command and control centres. Hamas refutes these accusations</p>

<p>According to an AFP count based on official Israeli data, 1,197 people, mostly civilians, lost their lives in the October 7 attack by Hamas militants in Israel, which marked the start of the Gaza War.</p>

<p>Militants also abducted 251 persons, 111 of whom are still hostages in Gaza, including 39 who the IDF claims are dead. The health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza, claims that Israel's retaliation has killed at least 39,583 people.</p>

<h2><strong>Nations advise citizens to leave Lebanon as war fears surge</strong></h2>

<p>On Sunday, the urgency for foreign nationals to leave Lebanon intensified, with France warning of a tense situation as Iran and its allies prepared to react to high-profile killings attributed to Israel.</p>

<p>Saudi Arabia, along with France, Canada, and Jordan, urged their citizens to leave Lebanon. The United States and Britain issued similar warnings.</p>

<p>France also advised its nationals in Iran to "temporarily leave," citing potential closures of Iranian airspace and airports.</p>

<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/west-asia-crisis-several-nations-advise-citizens-to-leave-lebanon-amid-escalating-tensions-747048" target="_blank">West Asia crisis: Several nations advise citizens to leave Lebanon</a></strong></p>

<p>Several Western airlines have halted flights to Lebanon and other regional airports. Qatar Airways announced on Sunday that its Doha-Beirut route would "operate exclusively during daylight hours" at least until Monday.</p>

<p>Hezbollah, Lebanon's Iran-backed militant group, which has been engaging in almost daily skirmishes with Israeli forces since the Gaza conflict started in October, declared that its fighters launched a new rocket barrage at northern Israel overnight into Sunday.</p>

<h2><strong>US says it's prepared for 'every possibility' as Middle East tensions rise</strong></h2>

<p>After the Pentagon announced an increased US military presence in the Middle East, White House Deputy National Security Adviser Jon Finer affirmed, "We are preparing for every possibility."</p>

<p>Speaking on ABC News, Finer added, "The Pentagon is moving significant assets to the region, to prepare for what may be another need to defend Israel from an attack, while simultaneously we are working very hard to deescalate this situation diplomatically because we do not believe that a regional war is in anyone's interest in the current moment."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The military claimed that an Israeli attack had hit Hamas command centres, but Gaza's civil defence service said that the strike had struck two schools in Gaza City on Sunday, killing at least 30 people.

The military claimed that an Israeli attack had hit Hamas command centres, but Gaza's civil defence service said that the strike had struck two schools in Gaza City on Sunday, killing at least 30 people. Based on a count of tolls previously provided by Hamas officials, these make up the total number of schools in Gaza that have been attacked since July 6 at least 11, killing around 150 people. "The number of martyrs in the massacre of the Hassan Salameh and Al-Nasr schools' bombing has risen to 30. Dozens were also wounded," civil defence spokesman Mahmud Bassal told AFP. According to a civil defence spokesman, women and children made up the majority of the wounded and deceased. He stated that the schools housed Palestinians who had been displaced as a result of the continuing conflict between Israel and Hamas terrorists. The two schools were the target of an attack that was verified by the Israeli military. Watch | Security chiefs accuse Israeli PM Netanyahu of sabotaging hostage talks, says report × The Israeli military said in a statement, "The schools were used by Hamas' Al-Furqan Battalion as a hiding place for its terrorist operatives and as command centres." According to the civil defence agency, a similar Israeli attack happened on Saturday in Gaza City, hitting another school compound and killing at least 17 people. Hamas has been accused by the Israeli military on many occasions of hiding its commanders and militants and utilising civilian buildings as command and control centres. Hamas refutes these accusations According to an AFP count based on official Israeli data, 1,197 people, mostly civilians, lost their lives in the October 7 attack by Hamas militants in Israel, which marked the start of the Gaza War. Militants also abducted 251 persons, 111 of whom are still hostages in Gaza, including 39 who the IDF claims are dead. The health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza, claims that Israel's retaliation has killed at least 39,583 people. Nations advise citizens to leave Lebanon as war fears surge On Sunday, the urgency for foreign nationals to leave Lebanon intensified, with France warning of a tense situation as Iran and its allies prepared to react to high-profile killings attributed to Israel. Saudi Arabia, along with France, Canada, and Jordan, urged their citizens to leave Lebanon. The United States and Britain issued similar warnings. France also advised its nationals in Iran to "temporarily leave," citing potential closures of Iranian airspace and airports. Also read: West Asia crisis: Several nations advise citizens to leave Lebanon Several Western airlines have halted flights to Lebanon and other regional airports. Qatar Airways announced on Sunday that its Doha-Beirut route would "operate exclusively during daylight hours" at least until Monday. Hezbollah, Lebanon's Iran-backed militant group, which has been engaging in almost daily skirmishes with Israeli forces since the Gaza conflict started in October, declared that its fighters launched a new rocket barrage at northern Israel overnight into Sunday. US says it's prepared for 'every possibility' as Middle East tensions rise After the Pentagon announced an increased US military presence in the Middle East, White House Deputy National Security Adviser Jon Finer affirmed, "We are preparing for every possibility." Speaking on ABC News, Finer added, "The Pentagon is moving significant assets to the region, to prepare for what may be another need to defend Israel from an attack, while simultaneously we are working very hard to deescalate this situation diplomatically because we do not believe that a regional war is in anyone's interest in the current moment." (With inputs from agencies)

Israel Hamas war: Israeli strikes hit Gaza schools, hospital; nations advise citizens to leave Lebanon

<p>Iran-backed and Lebanon-based militant group Hezbollah on Sunday (Aug&nbsp;4) fired over 50 projectiles inside Israel amid the raging war in Gaza that has kept West Asia on edge for months. The latest barrage from Hezbollah activated Israel's Iron Dome air defence system and according to initial reports most of the projectiles launched by Hezbollah overnight were destroyed in the air.</p>

<p>Hezbollah said its attack on Beit Hillel in northern Israel, about 230 km north of Jerusalem, was in retaliation for Israeli strikes on Kfar Kela and Deir Siriane in Lebanon, which it claimed injured civilians.</p>

<p>Hezbollah's latest spree of offence towards Israel comes after two targeted assassinations that Israelis have allegedly done in recent days, notably that of Fuad Shukr in Beirut and Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Interestingly, Israel has neither confirmed nor denied its involvement in the assassinations of Shukr and Haniyeh. The Israeli outlook follows a pattern of ambiguity that the country has kept since launching the retaliatory state of war on Gaza after October 7 last year.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Interceptions of rockets in northern Israel. <a href="https://t.co/mCNYxkFLPD">pic.twitter.com/mCNYxkFLPD</a></p>
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<p>It was reported earlier this week that Iran's Supreme Leader has approved 'retaliation' for Israel's attack on Tehran which killed Ismail Haniyeh, the Hamas chief who had been part of truce talks being brokered by Qatar and Egypt.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>The current state of war: How the world is reacting?</strong></h2>

<p>India was among the world's first countries that asked its citizens to leave Lebanon on August 1.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The United States and the United Kingdom followed suit on August 3 when they asked their citizens to leave the country with any available ticket.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-asks-its-citizens-to-leave-lebanon-amid-deep-west-asia-turmoil-746266">India asks its citizens to leave Lebanon amid deep West Asia turmoil</a></strong></p>

<p>Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden hoped that Tehran would not retaliate for the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, stating, "I hope so. I don't know."</p>

<p>Gaza health officials claim that at least 39,550 Palestinians have been killed in the Israeli military campaign in Gaza, which was triggered by a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, resulting in 1,200 deaths and 250 abductions.<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Iran-backed and Lebanon-based militant group Hezbollah on Sunday (Aug 4) fired over 50 projectiles inside Israel amid the raging war in Gaza that has kept West Asia on edge for months.

Iran-backed and Lebanon-based militant group Hezbollah on Sunday (Aug 4) fired over 50 projectiles inside Israel amid the raging war in Gaza that has kept West Asia on edge for months. The latest barrage from Hezbollah activated Israel's Iron Dome air defence system and according to initial reports most of the projectiles launched by Hezbollah overnight were destroyed in the air. Hezbollah said its attack on Beit Hillel in northern Israel, about 230 km north of Jerusalem, was in retaliation for Israeli strikes on Kfar Kela and Deir Siriane in Lebanon, which it claimed injured civilians. Hezbollah's latest spree of offence towards Israel comes after two targeted assassinations that Israelis have allegedly done in recent days, notably that of Fuad Shukr in Beirut and Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran. Interestingly, Israel has neither confirmed nor denied its involvement in the assassinations of Shukr and Haniyeh. The Israeli outlook follows a pattern of ambiguity that the country has kept since launching the retaliatory state of war on Gaza after October 7 last year. Interceptions of rockets in northern Israel. pic.twitter.com/mCNYxkFLPD — Israel War Room (@IsraelWarRoom) August 3, 2024 × It was reported earlier this week that Iran's Supreme Leader has approved 'retaliation' for Israel's attack on Tehran which killed Ismail Haniyeh, the Hamas chief who had been part of truce talks being brokered by Qatar and Egypt. The current state of war: How the world is reacting? India was among the world's first countries that asked its citizens to leave Lebanon on August 1. The United States and the United Kingdom followed suit on August 3 when they asked their citizens to leave the country with any available ticket. Also read | India asks its citizens to leave Lebanon amid deep West Asia turmoil Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden hoped that Tehran would not retaliate for the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, stating, "I hope so. I don't know." Gaza health officials claim that at least 39,550 Palestinians have been killed in the Israeli military campaign in Gaza, which was triggered by a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, resulting in 1,200 deaths and 250 abductions. (With inputs from agencies)

Video: Hezbollah's latest missile barrage activates Israel's Iron Dome

<p>General Michael Kurilla, the commander of US&nbsp;Central Command (CENTCOM), arrived in Israel on Saturday (Aug&nbsp;3) amid escalating threats of significant Iranian retaliation against Israel, following a series of targeted killings, according to an Axios report.</p>

<p>The report, citing two US officials, suggests that Kurilla's visit aims to bring along Washington's allies in West Asia to thwart any potential attack from Iran, similar to the one on Israel on April 13. But the expected retaliation is likely to be on a much larger scale.</p>

<p>The Biden administration is reportedly concerned about the difficulty in garnering support from West Asia's capitals due to Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh's killing.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/video-hezbollahs-latest-missile-barrage-activates-israels-iron-dome-746940">Video: Hezbollah's latest missile barrage activates Israel's Iron Dome</a></strong></p>

<p>The assassination is viewed in the broader scope of the internal conflict between Israel and Hamas.</p>

<p>Israeli and US officials have warned that an attack could occur as early as Monday (Aug&nbsp;5).</p>

<p>Although Kurilla's trip was planned before the assassinations of Hezbollah’s Fuad Shukr in Lebanon and Hamas'&nbsp;Ismail Haniyeh in Iran, he is leveraging the visit to strengthen regional defences for Israel.</p>

<p>During his visit, Kurilla is also expected to travel to Jordan and several Gulf countries.</p>

<p>Following the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, Iranian officials have vowed severe retaliation. Israel remains on high alert for a possible attack while the United States is deploying additional forces to the region.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Haniyeh's killing: Security breach in focus</strong></p>

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<p>Meanwhile, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps declared on Saturday (Aug&nbsp;3) that their revenge would be "severe and at an appropriate time, place, and manner."</p>

<p>Besides, the Permanent Mission of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations told CBS News in an interview on Friday (Aug&nbsp;2) that Hezbollah intends to start targeting Israeli civilians deliberately, a tactic it claims to have refrained from until today.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;US CENTCOM chief arrives in West Asia as Israel prepares for possible Iranian attack?</strong></p>

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<p>"Until now, Hezbollah and the [Zionist] regime have, in an unwritten understanding, practically adhered to certain limits in their military operations, meaning that confining their actions to border areas and shallow zones, targeting primarily military objectives,” a spokesperson from the delegation told CBS News.</p>

<p>"However, the regime’s attack on Dahieh in Beirut and the targeting of a residential building marked a deviation from these boundaries," the spokesperson said. "We anticipate that, in its response, Hezbollah will choose both broader and deeper targets, and will not restrict itself solely to military targets and means."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


General Michael Kurilla, the commander of US Central Command (CENTCOM), arrived in Israel on Saturday (Aug 3) amid escalating threats of significant Iranian retaliation against Israel, following a series of targeted killings, according to an Axios report.

General Michael Kurilla, the commander of US Central Command (CENTCOM), arrived in Israel on Saturday (Aug 3) amid escalating threats of significant Iranian retaliation against Israel, following a series of targeted killings, according to an Axios report. The report, citing two US officials, suggests that Kurilla's visit aims to bring along Washington's allies in West Asia to thwart any potential attack from Iran, similar to the one on Israel on April 13. But the expected retaliation is likely to be on a much larger scale. The Biden administration is reportedly concerned about the difficulty in garnering support from West Asia's capitals due to Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh's killing. Also read | Video: Hezbollah's latest missile barrage activates Israel's Iron Dome The assassination is viewed in the broader scope of the internal conflict between Israel and Hamas. Israeli and US officials have warned that an attack could occur as early as Monday (Aug 5). Although Kurilla's trip was planned before the assassinations of Hezbollah’s Fuad Shukr in Lebanon and Hamas' Ismail Haniyeh in Iran, he is leveraging the visit to strengthen regional defences for Israel. During his visit, Kurilla is also expected to travel to Jordan and several Gulf countries. Following the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, Iranian officials have vowed severe retaliation. Israel remains on high alert for a possible attack while the United States is deploying additional forces to the region. Also watch | Haniyeh's killing: Security breach in focus × Meanwhile, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps declared on Saturday (Aug 3) that their revenge would be "severe and at an appropriate time, place, and manner." Besides, the Permanent Mission of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations told CBS News in an interview on Friday (Aug 2) that Hezbollah intends to start targeting Israeli civilians deliberately, a tactic it claims to have refrained from until today. Also watch | US CENTCOM chief arrives in West Asia as Israel prepares for possible Iranian attack? × "Until now, Hezbollah and the [Zionist] regime have, in an unwritten understanding, practically adhered to certain limits in their military operations, meaning that confining their actions to border areas and shallow zones, targeting primarily military objectives,” a spokesperson from the delegation told CBS News. "However, the regime’s attack on Dahieh in Beirut and the targeting of a residential building marked a deviation from these boundaries," the spokesperson said. "We anticipate that, in its response, Hezbollah will choose both broader and deeper targets, and will not restrict itself solely to military targets and means." (With inputs from agencies)

Top US security official in Israel as Iran's retaliation threat keeps West Asia on edge

<p>Amid raging war in Gaza between Israel and armed Palestinian groups, including Hamas, an increasing number of Israeli parents are requesting sperm extraction from their deceased sons who were casualties of the ongoing war, according to a BBC report.</p>

<p>Since the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel and the subsequent Israeli retaliation, over 400 Israeli troops have been killed in the line of duty, according to official figures.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Israeli health ministry reports that sperm has been extracted from approximately 170 men, both civilians and soldiers, marking a fifteen-fold increase compared to previous years.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-war-turkey-might-enter-israel-to-help-palestinians-says-erdogan-745100">Gaza war: Turkey might enter Israel to help Palestinians, says Erdogan</a></strong></p>

<p>The procedure involves making a small incision in the testicle to obtain tissue, from which live sperm cells can be extracted and frozen. This process is most effective within 24 hours after death, though sperm cells can survive up to 72 hours in the body.</p>

<p>To support the affected IDF (Israel Defense Forces) families, some procedural rules have been relaxed, yet many of them&nbsp;remain frustrated by the lengthy legal processes involved.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Last year in October, the Israeli health ministry eliminated the need for a court order to extract sperm. However, widows or parents wishing to use the sperm for conception must still prove in court that the deceased intended to have children, a process that can take years.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Israel-Hamas war: Prisoners from Gaza war being subjected to brutal torture?</strong></p>

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<p>The precedent for this practice was set in 2002, when an Israeli couple used their deceased soldier son's sperm after he was killed by a Palestinian sniper in Gaza. Their granddaughter is now 10 years old.</p>

<p>Experts point to the significant emotional value this process holds for bereaved families but also highlight the complications arising for single men.</p>

<p>In response to the rising number of casualties in the ongoing conflict, Israeli lawmakers are working on drafting legislation to establish clearer guidelines for sperm retrieval and use.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Amid raging war in Gaza between Israel and armed Palestinian groups, including Hamas, an increasing number of Israeli parents are requesting sperm extraction from their deceased sons who were casualties of the ongoing war, according to a BBC report.

Amid raging war in Gaza between Israel and armed Palestinian groups, including Hamas, an increasing number of Israeli parents are requesting sperm extraction from their deceased sons who were casualties of the ongoing war, according to a BBC report. Since the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel and the subsequent Israeli retaliation, over 400 Israeli troops have been killed in the line of duty, according to official figures. The Israeli health ministry reports that sperm has been extracted from approximately 170 men, both civilians and soldiers, marking a fifteen-fold increase compared to previous years. Also read | Gaza war: Turkey might enter Israel to help Palestinians, says Erdogan The procedure involves making a small incision in the testicle to obtain tissue, from which live sperm cells can be extracted and frozen. This process is most effective within 24 hours after death, though sperm cells can survive up to 72 hours in the body. To support the affected IDF (Israel Defense Forces) families, some procedural rules have been relaxed, yet many of them remain frustrated by the lengthy legal processes involved. Last year in October, the Israeli health ministry eliminated the need for a court order to extract sperm. However, widows or parents wishing to use the sperm for conception must still prove in court that the deceased intended to have children, a process that can take years. Also read | Israel-Hamas war: Prisoners from Gaza war being subjected to brutal torture? × The precedent for this practice was set in 2002, when an Israeli couple used their deceased soldier son's sperm after he was killed by a Palestinian sniper in Gaza. Their granddaughter is now 10 years old. Experts point to the significant emotional value this process holds for bereaved families but also highlight the complications arising for single men. In response to the rising number of casualties in the ongoing conflict, Israeli lawmakers are working on drafting legislation to establish clearer guidelines for sperm retrieval and use. (With inputs from agencies)

Families of Israeli soldiers killed in Gaza war harbour grandkids’ hope through sperm extraction

<p>Ismail Haniyeh, the political leader of the Palestinian militant group Hamas, was killed on July 31 in Tehran in a raid that Iran has accused Israel of carrying out, pushing West Asia further on edge amid the raging war in Gaza.</p>

<p>The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) is currently investigating the attack that killed the 62-year-old Haniyeh who&nbsp;was in Tehran to attend the inauguration ceremony of Iran's new president, Masud Pezeshkian, on July 30.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Hamas, which is designated as a terrorist organisation by the United States and the European Union, confirmed Haniyeh’s death via its Telegram channel, stating he was killed in an "air strike on his residence in Tehran".&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/middle-east/between-iran-and-gaza-how-israel-pushed-forward-to-decimate-hamas-before-haniyehs-killing-745966">Between Iran and Gaza: How Israel pushed forward to decimate Hamas before Haniyeh's killing</a></strong></p>

<p>An Israeli government spokesperson declined to comment on Haniyeh's death.</p>

<p>"We are not commenting on that particular incident," spokesperson David Mencer told a briefing with journalists.</p>

<p>Earlier in the day, a photo of Haniyeh with the word "Eliminated" stamped on his forehead appeared on the Government Press Office's Facebook page before being deleted without explanation. The post did not explicitly claim responsibility but mentioned Haniyeh was "killed in a precise strike in Tehran."</p>

<h2><strong>Haniyeh's death and larger conflict in West Asia</strong></h2>

<p>Haniyeh's death coincides with a US military strike in Iraq as tensions in the region remain heightened amid deepening concerns about a potential all-out war in West Asia. The US strike targeted a base south of Baghdad used by Iraq's Popular Mobilization Forces, killing four members and wounding four others. Washington described the strike as an act of self-defence.</p>

<p>In a statement less than 24 hours after his inauguration, President Pezeshkian asserted that Iran "will defend its territorial integrity" following the attack. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei also vowed revenge against Israel.</p>

<p>Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas condemned Haniyeh's killing, calling it a “cowardly act and dangerous development,” according to the Palestinian state news agency WAFA.</p>

<p>Several countries have denounced the attack. Russia labeled it an "unacceptable political assassination," while Turkey warned it could escalate the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza.</p>

<p>The assassination of Haniyeh comes as the United States pushes for a temporary ceasefire and a deal to release hostages held in Gaza. Senior officials from the US, Israel, Qatar, and Egypt are engaged in talks to secure such a deal.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;2 children and a woman killed; at least 74 people injured during the Israeli strike in Beirut</strong></p>

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<p>US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that Washington was "not aware of or involved in" Haniyeh’s assassination and refrained from speculating on its regional impact.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier on July 30, Israel announced it had "eliminated" Fuad Shukr, a Hizbollah militant commander allegedly behind a recent rocket attack at Golan Heights, in Beirut. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claimed Shukr directed Hizbollah attacks but received no immediate response from the group.</p>

<p>Israel has vowed to eliminate Hamas leaders following the group's October 7 attack that killed 1,200 people and resulted in around 250 hostages, some of whom have since been released.</p>

<p>Haniyeh, who became Hamas's political chief in 2017, was living in exile in Qatar since 2019. He was a prominent figure during the recent Gaza conflict, shuttling between countries in West Asia to participate in international negotiations.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Ismail Haniyeh, the political leader of the Palestinian militant group Hamas, was killed on July 31 in Tehran in a raid that Iran has accused Israel of carrying out, pushing West Asia further on edge amid the raging war in Gaza.

Ismail Haniyeh, the political leader of the Palestinian militant group Hamas, was killed on July 31 in Tehran in a raid that Iran has accused Israel of carrying out, pushing West Asia further on edge amid the raging war in Gaza. The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) is currently investigating the attack that killed the 62-year-old Haniyeh who was in Tehran to attend the inauguration ceremony of Iran's new president, Masud Pezeshkian, on July 30. Hamas, which is designated as a terrorist organisation by the United States and the European Union, confirmed Haniyeh’s death via its Telegram channel, stating he was killed in an "air strike on his residence in Tehran". Also read | Between Iran and Gaza: How Israel pushed forward to decimate Hamas before Haniyeh's killing An Israeli government spokesperson declined to comment on Haniyeh's death. "We are not commenting on that particular incident," spokesperson David Mencer told a briefing with journalists. Earlier in the day, a photo of Haniyeh with the word "Eliminated" stamped on his forehead appeared on the Government Press Office's Facebook page before being deleted without explanation. The post did not explicitly claim responsibility but mentioned Haniyeh was "killed in a precise strike in Tehran." Haniyeh's death and larger conflict in West Asia Haniyeh's death coincides with a US military strike in Iraq as tensions in the region remain heightened amid deepening concerns about a potential all-out war in West Asia. The US strike targeted a base south of Baghdad used by Iraq's Popular Mobilization Forces, killing four members and wounding four others. Washington described the strike as an act of self-defence. In a statement less than 24 hours after his inauguration, President Pezeshkian asserted that Iran "will defend its territorial integrity" following the attack. Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei also vowed revenge against Israel. Palestinian President Mahmud Abbas condemned Haniyeh's killing, calling it a “cowardly act and dangerous development,” according to the Palestinian state news agency WAFA. Several countries have denounced the attack. Russia labeled it an "unacceptable political assassination," while Turkey warned it could escalate the conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. The assassination of Haniyeh comes as the United States pushes for a temporary ceasefire and a deal to release hostages held in Gaza. Senior officials from the US, Israel, Qatar, and Egypt are engaged in talks to secure such a deal. Also watch | 2 children and a woman killed; at least 74 people injured during the Israeli strike in Beirut × US Secretary of State Antony Blinken stated that Washington was "not aware of or involved in" Haniyeh’s assassination and refrained from speculating on its regional impact. Earlier on July 30, Israel announced it had "eliminated" Fuad Shukr, a Hizbollah militant commander allegedly behind a recent rocket attack at Golan Heights, in Beirut. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claimed Shukr directed Hizbollah attacks but received no immediate response from the group. Israel has vowed to eliminate Hamas leaders following the group's October 7 attack that killed 1,200 people and resulted in around 250 hostages, some of whom have since been released. Haniyeh, who became Hamas's political chief in 2017, was living in exile in Qatar since 2019. He was a prominent figure during the recent Gaza conflict, shuttling between countries in West Asia to participate in international negotiations. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel says ‘no comments’, US claims no role in Hamas chief Haniyeh’s assassination

<p>Israeli army on Tuesday (July 3) said they carried out a targeted strike in Lebanon's capital Beirut, days after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government blamed Lebanon-based and Iran-backed&nbsp;group Hezbollah for a bomb strike in the Golan Heights that killed 12 children.</p>

<p>A Hezbollah source cited by the news agency AFP said that "two people were killed in the Israeli strike" but later added that the commander who was targeted by Israel had survived. Hours later, it emerged that Fuad Shukr, alias Hajj Mohsin, the commander targeted by Israel, perished in the attack.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-war-cabinet-approves-reprisal-for-golan-heights-attack-745238">Israel war cabinet approves reprisal for Golan Heights attack</a></strong></p>

<p>The television footage from&nbsp;Lebanon showed plumes of smoke in Beirut's Haret Hreik, widely seen as an area with substantial support for Hezbollah. The state media of the country stated that a drone fired three rockets at Beirut's suburbs.</p>

<p>Israel's Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said that Hezbollah had "crossed the red line".</p>

<p>"Hezbollah crossed the red line," Gallant wrote on X, minutes after the Israeli military said it had carried out Beirut strike.</p>

<p>After Israel Defense Forces said that they struck the Lebanese capital, a source close to Hezbollah told news agency AFP that a senior commander was targeted in an Israeli strike on its south Beirut stronghold.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Israel-Hezbollah tensions | All About Golan Heights: Key area at forefront of Hezbollah-IDF fires</strong></p>

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<p>"A leading commander has been targeted" in the strike near Hezbollah's Shura Council, the powerful Lebanese group's decision-making body.</p>

<h2><strong>Who is Hezbollah commander targeted by IDF's Beirut strike?</strong></h2>

<p>The Hezbollah commander targeted in the IDF strike has been named as Fuad Shukr, alias Hajj Mohsin, a senior adviser to Hezbollah's top leader, Hassan Nasrallah.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Shukr was named by the IDF several years ago as the commander of Hezbollah’s precision missile project, <em>The Times of Israel&nbsp;</em>has reported.</p>

<p>Shukr is also wanted by the United States for his role in the 1983 bombing of a US Marines barracks in Beirut.<img alt="Fuad Shukr" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="c40703a7-48dd-440a-8c90-f6d8ec7e66d9" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/HezbollahAttack.png" /></p>

<p>At the time of filing this report, Fuad is reported to have perished in&nbsp;the strike.</p>

<p><strong><em>Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.</em></strong></p>


Israeli army on Tuesday (July 3) said they carried out a targeted strike in Lebanon's capital Beirut, days after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government blamed Lebanon-based and Iran-backed group Hezbollah for a bomb strike in the Golan Heights that killed 12 children.

Israeli army on Tuesday (July 3) said they carried out a targeted strike in Lebanon's capital Beirut, days after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government blamed Lebanon-based and Iran-backed group Hezbollah for a bomb strike in the Golan Heights that killed 12 children. A Hezbollah source cited by the news agency AFP said that "two people were killed in the Israeli strike" but later added that the commander who was targeted by Israel had survived. Hours later, it emerged that Fuad Shukr, alias Hajj Mohsin, the commander targeted by Israel, perished in the attack. Also read | Israel war cabinet approves reprisal for Golan Heights attack The television footage from Lebanon showed plumes of smoke in Beirut's Haret Hreik, widely seen as an area with substantial support for Hezbollah. The state media of the country stated that a drone fired three rockets at Beirut's suburbs. Israel's Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said that Hezbollah had "crossed the red line". "Hezbollah crossed the red line," Gallant wrote on X, minutes after the Israeli military said it had carried out Beirut strike. After Israel Defense Forces said that they struck the Lebanese capital, a source close to Hezbollah told news agency AFP that a senior commander was targeted in an Israeli strike on its south Beirut stronghold. Also watch | Israel-Hezbollah tensions | All About Golan Heights: Key area at forefront of Hezbollah-IDF fires × "A leading commander has been targeted" in the strike near Hezbollah's Shura Council, the powerful Lebanese group's decision-making body. Who is Hezbollah commander targeted by IDF's Beirut strike? The Hezbollah commander targeted in the IDF strike has been named as Fuad Shukr, alias Hajj Mohsin, a senior adviser to Hezbollah's top leader, Hassan Nasrallah. Shukr was named by the IDF several years ago as the commander of Hezbollah’s precision missile project, The Times of Israel has reported. Shukr is also wanted by the United States for his role in the 1983 bombing of a US Marines barracks in Beirut. At the time of filing this report, Fuad is reported to have perished in the strike. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Israel says it struck Beirut, targeted Hezbollah commander behind Golan Heights attack

<p>Israeli war cabinet on Monday (July 29) gave Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant their approval to determine the "manner and timing" of a response to a rocket strike in the Golan Heights that killed 12 people, mostly children and teenagers. The attack by the Lebanese terror group Hezbollah by both Israel and the United States has heightened tensions in West Asia.<img alt="Disputed territory of Golan Heights | WION" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f1f1ee05-f5ed-458f-b15c-1afe32ce714e" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/IsraelWar.png" /></p>

<p><em>Disputed territory of Golan Heights | WION</em></p>

<p>After Hezbollah's strike in the Golan Heights, the Israeli jets targeted locations in southern Lebanon on Sunday (July 28), with additional shelling reported just after midnight on Monday (July 29). Netanyahu, who cut short his US trip to return to Israel, convened the security cabinet to formulate a response.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also see |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-hezbollah-tensions-all-about-golan-heights-key-area-at-forefront-of-hezbollah-idf-fires-745076">Israel-Hezbollah tensions | All About Golan Heights: Key area at forefront of Hezbollah-IDF fires</a></strong></p>

<p>The attack occurred on a soccer field near a bomb shelter against a backdrop of 10 months of nearly daily rocket attacks on northern Israel and retaliatory strikes by the Israeli forces in southern Lebanon.</p>

<p>After Hezbollah's Golan Heights strike, Netanyahu and Gallant convened a high-level security cabinet meeting Sunday night to discuss Israel’s course of action. During the four-hour meeting, the cabinet granted Netanyahu and Gallant the authority to decide on the scale and timing of Israel’s response.</p>

<h2><strong>Netanyahu's war cabinet approves reprisal</strong></h2>

<p>Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, both known for advocating more severe retaliatory measures, abstained from the vote. Reports in the Israeli media indicate that the ministers were allowed ample time to voice their opinions during the meeting, following complaints about the brief approval process for a previous strike on Yemen.</p>

<p>The ministers also touched on ongoing hostage negotiations with Hamas, which could reportedly be influenced by Israel's response to the Golan Heights attack. Another meeting on the hostage situation is planned.</p>

<h2><strong>Hezbollah's shifting stance on the Golan Heights attack</strong></h2>

<p>Hezbollah initially claimed responsibility for launching a Falaq rocket at an IDF base near Majdal Shams but later denied involvement following reports of civilian casualties. However, Israeli authorities insist the rocket was an Iranian-made missile fired from southern Lebanon by Hezbollah.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Golan Heights strike: What would be Netanyahu's next move?</strong></p>

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<p>The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) presented evidence linking shrapnel from the soccer field to an Iranian-made Falaq-1 rocket used exclusively by Hezbollah in Lebanon. The IDF detailed the rocket’s flight path, showing it was launched from the Chebaa area in southern Lebanon.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Israeli war cabinet on Monday (July 29) gave Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant their approval to determine the "manner and timing" of a response to a rocket strike in the Golan Heights that killed 12 people, mostly children and teenagers.

Israeli war cabinet on Monday (July 29) gave Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant their approval to determine the "manner and timing" of a response to a rocket strike in the Golan Heights that killed 12 people, mostly children and teenagers. The attack by the Lebanese terror group Hezbollah by both Israel and the United States has heightened tensions in West Asia. Disputed territory of Golan Heights | WION After Hezbollah's strike in the Golan Heights, the Israeli jets targeted locations in southern Lebanon on Sunday (July 28), with additional shelling reported just after midnight on Monday (July 29). Netanyahu, who cut short his US trip to return to Israel, convened the security cabinet to formulate a response. Also see | Israel-Hezbollah tensions | All About Golan Heights: Key area at forefront of Hezbollah-IDF fires The attack occurred on a soccer field near a bomb shelter against a backdrop of 10 months of nearly daily rocket attacks on northern Israel and retaliatory strikes by the Israeli forces in southern Lebanon. After Hezbollah's Golan Heights strike, Netanyahu and Gallant convened a high-level security cabinet meeting Sunday night to discuss Israel’s course of action. During the four-hour meeting, the cabinet granted Netanyahu and Gallant the authority to decide on the scale and timing of Israel’s response. Netanyahu's war cabinet approves reprisal Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, both known for advocating more severe retaliatory measures, abstained from the vote. Reports in the Israeli media indicate that the ministers were allowed ample time to voice their opinions during the meeting, following complaints about the brief approval process for a previous strike on Yemen. The ministers also touched on ongoing hostage negotiations with Hamas, which could reportedly be influenced by Israel's response to the Golan Heights attack. Another meeting on the hostage situation is planned. Hezbollah's shifting stance on the Golan Heights attack Hezbollah initially claimed responsibility for launching a Falaq rocket at an IDF base near Majdal Shams but later denied involvement following reports of civilian casualties. However, Israeli authorities insist the rocket was an Iranian-made missile fired from southern Lebanon by Hezbollah. Also watch | Golan Heights strike: What would be Netanyahu's next move? × The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) presented evidence linking shrapnel from the soccer field to an Iranian-made Falaq-1 rocket used exclusively by Hezbollah in Lebanon. The IDF detailed the rocket’s flight path, showing it was launched from the Chebaa area in southern Lebanon. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel war cabinet approves reprisal for Golan Heights attack

<p>The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claimed on Sunday (July 14) the death of Rafa'a Salameh, the commander of the Khan Younis Brigade of Hamas, in a targeted airstrike in southern Gaza.</p>

<p>"Acting upon information from the Military Intelligence Directorate and the Shin Bet, fighter jets attacked in the Khan Younis area and killed Rafa’a Salameh, the commander of the Khan Younis Brigade of the Hamas terrorist organization," the IDF announced on X.</p>

<p>Salameh was known to be a close associate of Mohammed Deif, the head of Hamas's military wing who Israel says is one of the masterminds behind the October 7 massacre in southern Israel and&nbsp;was also targeted in the airstrikes on Saturday.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-airstrike-targeting-hamas-military-leaders-kills-90-civilian-refugees-in-gaza-humanitarian-area-740722">Netanyahu uncertain if Hamas commander Dief was killed in Israeli airstrike that took 90 civilian lives</a></strong></p>

<p>The IDF claims Salameh was involved in attacks against Israel, including the kidnapping of IDF soldier Gilad Shalit in 2006 and the construction of extensive tunnel networks in the blockaded Palestinian enclave.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Salameh’s death constitutes significant damage to the military capabilities of the Hamas terrorist organization," the IDF stated.</p>

<h2><strong>IDF strike that killed Rafa'a Salameh</strong></h2>

<p>The targeted strike took place near the Al-Mawasi humanitarian zone and Khan Younis</p>

<p>Hamas sources cited by multiple media platforms confirmed Salameh's death but did not say much about Deif’s status.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A top Hamas official, meanwhile, told AFP on Sunday that Deif was "fine" and continued to oversee the group's armed wing despite the attack.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Israel-Hamas war: Israel targets aimed at Hamas military chief hit tent housing in Khan Younis</strong></p>

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<p>Israeli media reported mixed assessments of Deif's condition.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Kan News indicated that security officials believe Deif was wounded, while Ynet cited IDF intelligence suggesting that "dozens" of bodies were taken to Deir al-Balah’s Al Aqsa Hospital following the strike.</p>

<p>Mohammed Deif, aged 58, holds a significant position in Hamas as the head of its armed wing, the Qassam Brigades, and is second only to Yahya Sinwar in Gaza.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to Israel, both men were key in the planning and execution of the October 7 attack that resulted in over a thousand Israeli casualties.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The strike marks a continued effort by Israel to dismantle the leadership of Hamas and curb its military capabilities.</p>

<p>IDF's Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi said&nbsp;it was too early to determine whether Deif was killed in the airstrike in southern Gaza, but added that the Hamas terror group is attempting to hide the results of the attack, reported the Times of Israel.</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.&nbsp;</strong></em></p>


The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claimed on Sunday (July 14) the death of Rafa'a Salameh, the commander of the Khan Younis Brigade of Hamas, in a targeted airstrike in southern Gaza.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) claimed on Sunday (July 14) the death of Rafa'a Salameh, the commander of the Khan Younis Brigade of Hamas, in a targeted airstrike in southern Gaza. "Acting upon information from the Military Intelligence Directorate and the Shin Bet, fighter jets attacked in the Khan Younis area and killed Rafa’a Salameh, the commander of the Khan Younis Brigade of the Hamas terrorist organization," the IDF announced on X. Salameh was known to be a close associate of Mohammed Deif, the head of Hamas's military wing who Israel says is one of the masterminds behind the October 7 massacre in southern Israel and was also targeted in the airstrikes on Saturday. Also read | Netanyahu uncertain if Hamas commander Dief was killed in Israeli airstrike that took 90 civilian lives The IDF claims Salameh was involved in attacks against Israel, including the kidnapping of IDF soldier Gilad Shalit in 2006 and the construction of extensive tunnel networks in the blockaded Palestinian enclave. "Salameh’s death constitutes significant damage to the military capabilities of the Hamas terrorist organization," the IDF stated. IDF strike that killed Rafa'a Salameh The targeted strike took place near the Al-Mawasi humanitarian zone and Khan Younis Hamas sources cited by multiple media platforms confirmed Salameh's death but did not say much about Deif’s status. A top Hamas official, meanwhile, told AFP on Sunday that Deif was "fine" and continued to oversee the group's armed wing despite the attack. Also watch | Israel-Hamas war: Israel targets aimed at Hamas military chief hit tent housing in Khan Younis × Israeli media reported mixed assessments of Deif's condition. Kan News indicated that security officials believe Deif was wounded, while Ynet cited IDF intelligence suggesting that "dozens" of bodies were taken to Deir al-Balah’s Al Aqsa Hospital following the strike. Mohammed Deif, aged 58, holds a significant position in Hamas as the head of its armed wing, the Qassam Brigades, and is second only to Yahya Sinwar in Gaza. According to Israel, both men were key in the planning and execution of the October 7 attack that resulted in over a thousand Israeli casualties. The strike marks a continued effort by Israel to dismantle the leadership of Hamas and curb its military capabilities. IDF's Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Herzi Halevi said it was too early to determine whether Deif was killed in the airstrike in southern Gaza, but added that the Hamas terror group is attempting to hide the results of the attack, reported the Times of Israel. (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.

Hamas commander Salameh killed in Israeli airstrike that took 90 lives, IDF claims

<p>The Israeli military has directed all residents of Gaza City to move southwards to the central Gaza Strip as operations intensify in the north. Aircraft on Wednesday (July 10) dropped leaflets instructing "everyone in Gaza City" to leave the area and described the populated area in the blockaded Palestinian enclave as a "dangerous combat zone."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Israel asked Gaza City residents to leave via designated safe routes leading to shelters in Deir al-Balah and al-Zawaida.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-war-al-shifa-hospital-chief-released-by-israel-faced-torture-during-detention-736844">Gaza war: Al Shifa hospital chief released, Israel ministers trade blame with Shin Bet</a></strong></p>

<p>The United Nations has expressed deep concern over Israel's latest evacuation orders. They mark the second time since the conflict began that a full evacuation of Gaza City has been called.</p>

<h2><strong>War in Gaza: What's happening?</strong></h2>

<p>Over the past two weeks, Israeli forces have re-entered several districts in Gaza City where the military believes Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) fighters had regrouped since the start of the year.</p>

<p>Hamas has stated that Israel’s renewed military activity jeopardises ongoing negotiations for a potential ceasefire and hostage release deal, which resumed in Qatar on Wednesday (July 10).&nbsp;</p>

<p>These talks include the intelligence chiefs of Egypt, the US, and Israel, as well as Qatar’s prime minister.</p>

<p>There are still an estimated 250,000 people living in Gaza City. The Palestinian Red Crescent reported receiving calls from residents unable to leave their homes due to intense bombing.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Israel war: Residents flee districts in Gaza amid heavy fighting, death toll continues to mount</strong></p>

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<p>"The information coming from Gaza City shows residents are living through tragic conditions. [Israeli] occupation forces continue to hit residential districts, displacing people from their homes and refuge shelters," the Red Crescent stated.</p>

<p>The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced earlier on Wednesday that its troops had conducted a "counterterrorism operation" overnight against Hamas and PIJ fighters operating from a UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) headquarters in Gaza City. The IDF stated that a “defined corridor” had been opened to facilitate civilian evacuation before troops entered the structure and "eliminated terrorists in close-quarters combat."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Israeli military has directed all residents of Gaza City to move southwards to the central Gaza Strip as operations intensify in the north. Aircraft on Wednesday (July 10) dropped leaflets instructing "everyone in Gaza City" to leave the area and described the populated area in the blockaded Palestinian enclave as a "dangerous combat zone.

The Israeli military has directed all residents of Gaza City to move southwards to the central Gaza Strip as operations intensify in the north. Aircraft on Wednesday (July 10) dropped leaflets instructing "everyone in Gaza City" to leave the area and described the populated area in the blockaded Palestinian enclave as a "dangerous combat zone." Israel asked Gaza City residents to leave via designated safe routes leading to shelters in Deir al-Balah and al-Zawaida. Also read | Gaza war: Al Shifa hospital chief released, Israel ministers trade blame with Shin Bet The United Nations has expressed deep concern over Israel's latest evacuation orders. They mark the second time since the conflict began that a full evacuation of Gaza City has been called. War in Gaza: What's happening? Over the past two weeks, Israeli forces have re-entered several districts in Gaza City where the military believes Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) fighters had regrouped since the start of the year. Hamas has stated that Israel’s renewed military activity jeopardises ongoing negotiations for a potential ceasefire and hostage release deal, which resumed in Qatar on Wednesday (July 10). These talks include the intelligence chiefs of Egypt, the US, and Israel, as well as Qatar’s prime minister. There are still an estimated 250,000 people living in Gaza City. The Palestinian Red Crescent reported receiving calls from residents unable to leave their homes due to intense bombing. Also watch | Israel war: Residents flee districts in Gaza amid heavy fighting, death toll continues to mount × "The information coming from Gaza City shows residents are living through tragic conditions. [Israeli] occupation forces continue to hit residential districts, displacing people from their homes and refuge shelters," the Red Crescent stated. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced earlier on Wednesday that its troops had conducted a "counterterrorism operation" overnight against Hamas and PIJ fighters operating from a UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) headquarters in Gaza City. The IDF stated that a “defined corridor” had been opened to facilitate civilian evacuation before troops entered the structure and "eliminated terrorists in close-quarters combat." (With inputs from agencies)

Israel military orders Gaza City residents to leave as it intensifies operations

<p>Lebanon-based and Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah claimed it fired more than 100 rockets at Israeli positions on Wednesday (July 3) in purported retaliation for a strike that killed a senior commander in Lebanon. The Hezbollah commander's killing is second of its kind in recent weeks.</p>

<p>Hezbollah has been continuously upping its ante with cross-border fire towards Israel after its Palestinian ally Hamas attacked southern Israel on October 7 last year that triggered larger war in Gaza.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But the potential of spillover of the conflict amid rampant trading of crossfire has raised fears of an all-out war.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/video-israel-releases-footage-of-airstrikes-on-hezbollah-targets-in-lebanon-736491">Video: Israel releases footage of airstrikes on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon</a></strong></p>

<p>"A Hezbollah commander responsible for one of three sectors in south Lebanon was killed" in an "Israeli strike on a car in Tyre", a source close to the group was quoted as saying by news agency AFP.</p>

<p>The Iran-backed group said that "commander Mohammed Naameh Nasser", also known as "Hajj Abu Naameh" had been killed, and also announced the death of a second fighter.</p>

<p>The Israeli army said in a statement that it "eliminated" Nasser, saying he was "the commander of the Hezbollah terrorist organisation's Aziz Unit which is responsible for firing from southwestern Lebanon at Israeli territory".</p>

<p>In a statement, Hezbollah said that "as part of the response to the attack and assassination that the enemy carried out" in south Lebanon's Tyre, its fighters attacked two positions in the Israeli-annexed Syrian Golan Heights "with 100 Katyusha rockets".</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Israeli invasion of Lebanon inevitable? Conflict with Hezbollah edging toward all-out war?</strong></p>

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<p>The militant group also claimed another retaliatory attack with "Falaq rockets" on a base in northern Israel.</p>

<p>An Israeli military spokesperson confirmed that about 100 rocket launches had been made towards Israel from Lebanon.</p>

<p>The Israeli army statement Wednesday said that Nasser and Abdallah "served as two of the most significant Hezbollah terrorists in southern Lebanon".</p>

<p>According to the AFP, the cross-border violence has killed at least 495 people in Lebanon, most of them the men affiliated to Hezbollah but the deceased also included 95 civilians. Israeli authorities say at least 15 soldiers and 11 civilians have been killed.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Lebanon-based and Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah claimed it fired more than 100 rockets at Israeli positions on Wednesday (July 3) in purported retaliation for a strike that killed a senior commander in Lebanon.

Lebanon-based and Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah claimed it fired more than 100 rockets at Israeli positions on Wednesday (July 3) in purported retaliation for a strike that killed a senior commander in Lebanon. The Hezbollah commander's killing is second of its kind in recent weeks. Hezbollah has been continuously upping its ante with cross-border fire towards Israel after its Palestinian ally Hamas attacked southern Israel on October 7 last year that triggered larger war in Gaza. But the potential of spillover of the conflict amid rampant trading of crossfire has raised fears of an all-out war. Also read | Video: Israel releases footage of airstrikes on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon "A Hezbollah commander responsible for one of three sectors in south Lebanon was killed" in an "Israeli strike on a car in Tyre", a source close to the group was quoted as saying by news agency AFP. The Iran-backed group said that "commander Mohammed Naameh Nasser", also known as "Hajj Abu Naameh" had been killed, and also announced the death of a second fighter. The Israeli army said in a statement that it "eliminated" Nasser, saying he was "the commander of the Hezbollah terrorist organisation's Aziz Unit which is responsible for firing from southwestern Lebanon at Israeli territory". In a statement, Hezbollah said that "as part of the response to the attack and assassination that the enemy carried out" in south Lebanon's Tyre, its fighters attacked two positions in the Israeli-annexed Syrian Golan Heights "with 100 Katyusha rockets". Also watch | Gravitas: Israeli invasion of Lebanon inevitable? Conflict with Hezbollah edging toward all-out war? × The militant group also claimed another retaliatory attack with "Falaq rockets" on a base in northern Israel. An Israeli military spokesperson confirmed that about 100 rocket launches had been made towards Israel from Lebanon. The Israeli army statement Wednesday said that Nasser and Abdallah "served as two of the most significant Hezbollah terrorists in southern Lebanon". According to the AFP, the cross-border violence has killed at least 495 people in Lebanon, most of them the men affiliated to Hezbollah but the deceased also included 95 civilians. Israeli authorities say at least 15 soldiers and 11 civilians have been killed. (With inputs from agencies)

Hezbollah launches massive rocket attack on Israel after its commander gets killed

<p>Israeli military claimed that they struck a site in southern Lebanon that was used by Hezbollah operatives on Sunday (June 30). In one incident, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) said that a Hezbollah member was seen entering a building in the town of Houla that was struck by an Israeli airstrike shortly after other operatives gathered.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The IDF added that in a separate attack, a Hezbollah operative was spotted inside a building used by Hezbollah in Kafr Kila, which too was struck.</p>

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<p dir="rtl" lang="iw">כוחות חטיבת האש של אוגדה 91 זיהו מוקדם יותר היום מחבל נכנס למבנה צבאי בו שהו מחבלים נוספים, במרחב חולא שבדרום לבנון. זמן קצר לאחר הזיהוי, מטוסי קרב של חיל האוויר תקפו את המבנה בו שהו המחבלים&gt;&gt; <a href="https://t.co/QwqN3UCchp">pic.twitter.com/QwqN3UCchp</a></p>
— צבא ההגנה לישראל (@idfonline) <a href="https://twitter.com/idfonline/status/1807333697701499022?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 30, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Earlier, Iran-backed Hezbollah said it fired 'dozens'&nbsp;of rockets on Thursday (June 27) at a military base in northern Israel in retaliation for Israeli strikes on Lebanon.</p>

<p>Fears of an all-out war between Israel and Hezbollah have gone up in recent weeks amid intensifying threats between the two sides who trade regular cross-border fire since Hamas attacked Israel on October 7 that consequently sparked an all-out war in the Gaza Strip.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Israel-Hamas war: US and Europe tell Hezbollah to back off</strong></p>

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<p>Hamas ally Hezbollah said that "in response to the enemy attacks that targeted the city of Nabatiyeh and village of Sohmor", its fighters bombed "the main air and missile defence base of the (Israeli) northern area command... with dozens of Katyusha rockets".</p>

<p>The Israeli military had said in a statement that "approximately 35 launches were identified crossing from Lebanon".&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-backed-hezbollah-releases-video-of-sensitive-israeli-targets-report-734302">Iran-backed Hezbollah releases video of sensitive Israeli targets: Report</a></strong></p>

<p>Air defences "successfully intercepted most of the launches. No injuries were reported," it added.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Iran on Saturday (June 29) warned that "all Resistance Fronts", a grouping of Iran and its regional allies, would confront Israel if it attacks Lebanon.</p>

<p>In a post on social media platform X, the Iranian mission said it "deems as psychological warfare the Zionist regime's propaganda about intending to attack Lebanon".</p>

<p>But, it added, "Should it embark on full-scale military aggression, an obliterating war will ensue. All options, incl. the full involvement of all Resistance Fronts, are on the table."</p>

<p>Iran, which backs Hamas, has praised the Oct 7 attack as a success but has denied any involvement.</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.&nbsp;</strong></em></p>


Israeli military claimed that they struck a site in southern Lebanon that was used by Hezbollah operatives on Sunday (June 30). In one incident, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) said that a Hezbollah member was seen entering a building in the town of Houla that was struck by an Israeli airstrike shortly after other operatives gathered.

Israeli military claimed that they struck a site in southern Lebanon that was used by Hezbollah operatives on Sunday (June 30). In one incident, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) said that a Hezbollah member was seen entering a building in the town of Houla that was struck by an Israeli airstrike shortly after other operatives gathered. The IDF added that in a separate attack, a Hezbollah operative was spotted inside a building used by Hezbollah in Kafr Kila, which too was struck. כוחות חטיבת האש של אוגדה 91 זיהו מוקדם יותר היום מחבל נכנס למבנה צבאי בו שהו מחבלים נוספים, במרחב חולא שבדרום לבנון. זמן קצר לאחר הזיהוי, מטוסי קרב של חיל האוויר תקפו את המבנה בו שהו המחבלים>> pic.twitter.com/QwqN3UCchp — צבא ההגנה לישראל (@idfonline) June 30, 2024 × Earlier, Iran-backed Hezbollah said it fired 'dozens' of rockets on Thursday (June 27) at a military base in northern Israel in retaliation for Israeli strikes on Lebanon. Fears of an all-out war between Israel and Hezbollah have gone up in recent weeks amid intensifying threats between the two sides who trade regular cross-border fire since Hamas attacked Israel on October 7 that consequently sparked an all-out war in the Gaza Strip. Also watch | Israel-Hamas war: US and Europe tell Hezbollah to back off × Hamas ally Hezbollah said that "in response to the enemy attacks that targeted the city of Nabatiyeh and village of Sohmor", its fighters bombed "the main air and missile defence base of the (Israeli) northern area command... with dozens of Katyusha rockets". The Israeli military had said in a statement that "approximately 35 launches were identified crossing from Lebanon". Also read | Iran-backed Hezbollah releases video of sensitive Israeli targets: Report Air defences "successfully intercepted most of the launches. No injuries were reported," it added. Meanwhile, Iran on Saturday (June 29) warned that "all Resistance Fronts", a grouping of Iran and its regional allies, would confront Israel if it attacks Lebanon. In a post on social media platform X, the Iranian mission said it "deems as psychological warfare the Zionist regime's propaganda about intending to attack Lebanon". But, it added, "Should it embark on full-scale military aggression, an obliterating war will ensue. All options, incl. the full involvement of all Resistance Fronts, are on the table." Iran, which backs Hamas, has praised the Oct 7 attack as a success but has denied any involvement. (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.

Video: Israel releases footage of airstrikes on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon

<p>Latest Israeli attacks in parts of Gaza city in the north of the blockaded Palestinian enclave killed at least 42 people on June 22, the director of the Hamas-run government media office said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the news agency Reuters, one Israeli strike on houses in Al-Shati killed 24 people. Another 18 Palestinians were killed in a strike on houses in the Al-Tuffah neighborhood.</p>

<p>“A short while ago, IDF fighter jets struck two Hamas military infrastructure sites in the area of Gaza City," the Israeli military said in a brief statement.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-reacts-after-inclusion-in-un-list-of-shame-for-childrens-rights-abuse-729778">Blacklist of history: Israel reacts sharply to inclusion in UN 'list of shame' for children's rights abuse</a></strong></p>

<p>While Hamas in a statement said that the attacks targeted the civilian population and vowed in a statement "the occupation and its Nazi leaders will pay the price for their violations against our people."</p>

<p>The war in Gaza began after Hamas militants stormed into southern Israel and killed around 1200 people and took more than 250 hostages on&nbsp;October 7 last year.</p>

<p>Israel's offensive has left Gaza in ruins, killed more than 37,400 people, of whom 101 were killed in the past 24 hours, according to Palestinian health authorities.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Israel war: Biden threatens Israel of weapons &amp; artillery shells supply cut</strong></p>

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<p>More than eight months into the war, Israel’s advance is now focused on the two last areas its forces had yet to seize: Rafah on Gaza’s southern edge and the area surrounding Deir al-Balah in the centre.</p>

<p>Reports say that the Israeli tanks have deepened their offensive into western and northern Rafah areas in recent days. On June 22 Israeli forces bombed several areas from air and the ground.</p>

<p>On June 21, the Gaza Health Ministry said at least 25 Palestinians were killed in Mawasi in western Rafah and 50 wounded.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A tank shell hit a tent housing displacing&nbsp;families, it was reported.</p>

<p>The Israeli military said that the incident was under review. "An initial inquiry conducted suggests that there is no indication that a strike was carried out by the IDF in the humanitarian area in Al-Mawasi," it said.</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.&nbsp;</strong></em></p>


Latest Israeli attacks in parts of Gaza city in the north of the blockaded Palestinian enclave killed at least 42 people on June 22, the director of the Hamas-run government media office said.

Latest Israeli attacks in parts of Gaza city in the north of the blockaded Palestinian enclave killed at least 42 people on June 22, the director of the Hamas-run government media office said. According to the news agency Reuters, one Israeli strike on houses in Al-Shati killed 24 people. Another 18 Palestinians were killed in a strike on houses in the Al-Tuffah neighborhood. “A short while ago, IDF fighter jets struck two Hamas military infrastructure sites in the area of Gaza City," the Israeli military said in a brief statement. Also read | Blacklist of history: Israel reacts sharply to inclusion in UN 'list of shame' for children's rights abuse While Hamas in a statement said that the attacks targeted the civilian population and vowed in a statement "the occupation and its Nazi leaders will pay the price for their violations against our people." The war in Gaza began after Hamas militants stormed into southern Israel and killed around 1200 people and took more than 250 hostages on October 7 last year. Israel's offensive has left Gaza in ruins, killed more than 37,400 people, of whom 101 were killed in the past 24 hours, according to Palestinian health authorities. Also watch | Israel war: Biden threatens Israel of weapons & artillery shells supply cut × More than eight months into the war, Israel’s advance is now focused on the two last areas its forces had yet to seize: Rafah on Gaza’s southern edge and the area surrounding Deir al-Balah in the centre. Reports say that the Israeli tanks have deepened their offensive into western and northern Rafah areas in recent days. On June 22 Israeli forces bombed several areas from air and the ground. On June 21, the Gaza Health Ministry said at least 25 Palestinians were killed in Mawasi in western Rafah and 50 wounded. A tank shell hit a tent housing displacing families, it was reported. The Israeli military said that the incident was under review. "An initial inquiry conducted suggests that there is no indication that a strike was carried out by the IDF in the humanitarian area in Al-Mawasi," it said. (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.

Israeli strikes kill at least 42 Palestinians in Gaza refugee camp: Hamas

<p>Israel has been&nbsp;reportedly working to modernise its nuclear weapons systems in recent months and has also upgraded its production facilities in southern Israel amid raging war in Gaza which began after October 7 Hamas attack last year, an event Israel widely described as the biggest existential threat to Jewish people since World War II.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), Israel is believed to have around 90 nuclear weapons in its arsenal. The SIPRI annual report assessed the state of global armament and security to examine developments throughout 2023 and until January 2024.</p>

<p>Additionally, SIPRI examined the nuclear arsenals of the eight other states – the US, UK, Russia, France, China, India, Pakistan and North Korea.</p>

<p>As of January 2024, there are an estimated 12,121 nuclear warheads held worldwide, of which some 9,585 are kept in military stockpiles for potential use.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The United States and Russia possess a combined 90 per cent of all nuclear weapons.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indias-nuclear-arsenal-now-larger-than-pakistans-china-far-ahead-report-732744">India's nuclear arsenal now larger than Pakistan's, China far ahead: Report</a></strong></p>

<p>SIPRI claimed that there was evidence Israel was in the process of upgrading its nuclear reactor in the southern town of Dimona.</p>

<p>"Israel which does not publicly acknowledge possessing nuclear weapons — is also believed to be modernising its nuclear arsenal and appears to be upgrading its plutonium production reactor site at Dimona," the report added.</p>

<p>The SIPRI report suggests that any work done between the US and Iran to de-escalate tensions was undone by Israel-Hamas war and the subsequent proxy attacks on US targets by Iran-backed proxy forces in Iraq and Syria.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;India's nuclear stockpile tops Pak's for the first time in 25 years</strong></p>

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<p>The SIPRI report coincided with a new report from the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) that found that in 2023 alone, nuclear weapons spending globally increased by $10.8 billion from a year earlier. The United States accounts for 80 per cent of entire spending.</p>

<p>The US share of total spending, $51.5 billion, “is more than all the other nuclear-armed countries put together,” said ICAN. The next biggest spender was China, at $11.8 billion, followed by Russia, spending $8.3 billion.</p>


Israel has been reportedly working to modernise its nuclear weapons systems in recent months and has also upgraded its production facilities in southern Israel amid raging war in Gaza which began after October 7 Hamas attack last year, an event Israel widely described as the biggest existential threat to Jewish people since World War II.

Israel has been reportedly working to modernise its nuclear weapons systems in recent months and has also upgraded its production facilities in southern Israel amid raging war in Gaza which began after October 7 Hamas attack last year, an event Israel widely described as the biggest existential threat to Jewish people since World War II. According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), Israel is believed to have around 90 nuclear weapons in its arsenal. The SIPRI annual report assessed the state of global armament and security to examine developments throughout 2023 and until January 2024. Additionally, SIPRI examined the nuclear arsenals of the eight other states – the US, UK, Russia, France, China, India, Pakistan and North Korea. As of January 2024, there are an estimated 12,121 nuclear warheads held worldwide, of which some 9,585 are kept in military stockpiles for potential use. The United States and Russia possess a combined 90 per cent of all nuclear weapons. Also read | India's nuclear arsenal now larger than Pakistan's, China far ahead: Report SIPRI claimed that there was evidence Israel was in the process of upgrading its nuclear reactor in the southern town of Dimona. "Israel which does not publicly acknowledge possessing nuclear weapons — is also believed to be modernising its nuclear arsenal and appears to be upgrading its plutonium production reactor site at Dimona," the report added. The SIPRI report suggests that any work done between the US and Iran to de-escalate tensions was undone by Israel-Hamas war and the subsequent proxy attacks on US targets by Iran-backed proxy forces in Iraq and Syria. Also watch | India's nuclear stockpile tops Pak's for the first time in 25 years × The SIPRI report coincided with a new report from the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons (ICAN) that found that in 2023 alone, nuclear weapons spending globally increased by $10.8 billion from a year earlier. The United States accounts for 80 per cent of entire spending. The US share of total spending, $51.5 billion, “is more than all the other nuclear-armed countries put together,” said ICAN. The next biggest spender was China, at $11.8 billion, followed by Russia, spending $8.3 billion.

Gaza war: Israel upgraded its Dimona nuclear facility in recent months, says SIPRI report

<p>Nine months after 26-year-old Noa Argamani was abducted by Hamas from a music festival-turned-killing field in southern Israel, she returned at a Tel Aviv hospital to see her terminally ill mother. One of the most recognised faces of the 'Bring Them Home' campaign, Argamani was among over 250 people taken captive by Hamas when the Palestinian militant group attacked Israel on last October 7. The consequent state of war in Gaza has led to an unprecedented humanitarian crisis with over 36,000 dead.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Argamani's footage of her being taken into Gaza on the back of a motorcycle while pleading for her life and reaching towards her boyfriend being marched along with her on foot went viral all over the world.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Argamani's boyfriend Avinatan Or is still in captivity.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-war-noa-argamani-and-other-rescued-hostages-fateful-encounter-with-hamas-on-oct-7-729997">Gaza war: Noa Argamani and other rescued hostages' fateful encounter with Hamas on Oct 7</a></strong></p>

<p>Argamani was rescued on Saturday (June 8), along with three other hostages, in an operation by Israeli special forces from an apartment building in central Gaza.&nbsp;Palestinian officials claimed that Israeli operation to rescue the hostages&nbsp;killed more than 200 people, a claim which could not be immediately verified.</p>

<p>The hostage rescue operation and an intense accompanying air assault took place in central Gaza's al-Nuseirat, a densely built-up and often embattled area in the conflict between Israel and Hamas.</p>

<h2><strong>'I am so happy': Noa Argamani after being rescued</strong></h2>

<p>"I'm so happy to be here," Noa said in a phone call with Israel's president upon her return, while surrounded by friends and family.</p>

<p>Noa was later met with cheers upon arrival at Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center where her mother, Liora, was being treated for terminal brain cancer.</p>

<p>In October, when her daughter was abducted, Liora, sitting in a wheelchair imagined her reunion with daughter.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"At least to be able to hug her," Liora had said.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Israel war: IDF rescues 4 hostages from Gaza</strong></p>

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<p>Liora, a cancer patient, is faced with&nbsp;a "complicated and tough" health condition.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"For the last eight months we are trying to keep her in a status that she can communicate," Tel Aviv hospital CEO,&nbsp;Gamzu, where Liora is being treated, said.</p>

<p>Argamani's father, Yaakov, first met her after a military helicopter carried her back to Israel.</p>

<p>"Today is my birthday, and a gift like this I never believed I would get," he said.</p>

<p>More than 360 people were killed during the rampage at the Nova dance festival, and another 40 were taken hostage by Hamas, according to Israeli records.</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.&nbsp;</strong></em></p>


Nine months after 26-year-old Noa Argamani was abducted by Hamas from a music festival-turned-killing field in southern Israel, she returned at a Tel Aviv hospital to see her terminally ill mother.

Nine months after 26-year-old Noa Argamani was abducted by Hamas from a music festival-turned-killing field in southern Israel, she returned at a Tel Aviv hospital to see her terminally ill mother. One of the most recognised faces of the 'Bring Them Home' campaign, Argamani was among over 250 people taken captive by Hamas when the Palestinian militant group attacked Israel on last October 7. The consequent state of war in Gaza has led to an unprecedented humanitarian crisis with over 36,000 dead. Argamani's footage of her being taken into Gaza on the back of a motorcycle while pleading for her life and reaching towards her boyfriend being marched along with her on foot went viral all over the world. Argamani's boyfriend Avinatan Or is still in captivity. Also read | Gaza war: Noa Argamani and other rescued hostages' fateful encounter with Hamas on Oct 7 Argamani was rescued on Saturday (June 8), along with three other hostages, in an operation by Israeli special forces from an apartment building in central Gaza. Palestinian officials claimed that Israeli operation to rescue the hostages killed more than 200 people, a claim which could not be immediately verified. The hostage rescue operation and an intense accompanying air assault took place in central Gaza's al-Nuseirat, a densely built-up and often embattled area in the conflict between Israel and Hamas. 'I am so happy': Noa Argamani after being rescued "I'm so happy to be here," Noa said in a phone call with Israel's president upon her return, while surrounded by friends and family. Noa was later met with cheers upon arrival at Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center where her mother, Liora, was being treated for terminal brain cancer. In October, when her daughter was abducted, Liora, sitting in a wheelchair imagined her reunion with daughter. "At least to be able to hug her," Liora had said. Also watch | Israel war: IDF rescues 4 hostages from Gaza × Liora, a cancer patient, is faced with a "complicated and tough" health condition. "For the last eight months we are trying to keep her in a status that she can communicate," Tel Aviv hospital CEO, Gamzu, where Liora is being treated, said. Argamani's father, Yaakov, first met her after a military helicopter carried her back to Israel. "Today is my birthday, and a gift like this I never believed I would get," he said. More than 360 people were killed during the rampage at the Nova dance festival, and another 40 were taken hostage by Hamas, according to Israeli records. (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.

Israeli hostage Noa Argamani rescued just in time to see her terminally ailing mother

<p>Firefighters on Tuesday (June 4) battled blazes across northern Israel that continued to rage after being ignited the previous day by rockets and drones launched by Hezbollah from Lebanon.</p>

<p>The Israel Fire and Rescue Services statement said, “over 30 firefighting crews were working to put out the fires"&nbsp;which led to the closure of several major roads in the Galilee area.</p>

<p>In Kiryat Shmona, firefighters dispersed throughout the mostly evacuated city to control the flames and prevent them from reaching homes. The fire service earlier reported that several yards, pergolas, and the roof of at least one home were on fire.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-confirms-death-of-four-hostages-held-by-hamas-since-october-728467">Israel confirms death of four hostages held by Hamas since October</a></p>

<p>In Kibbutz Kfar GIladi, a video shared on social media showed a local security team battling flames encroaching on the community.</p>

<p>Notably, the fire service said the blazes had raged for over 13 hours, while noting the intense heatwave blanketing the affected areas.</p>

<p>According to the Israel Defense Forces, it was assisting in the firefighting efforts, adding that six reservists lightly hurt from smoke inhalation were taken to a hospital.</p>

<p>Five citizens who were slightly hurt from smoke inhalation, were treated at Ziv Medical Center in Safed.</p>

<p>Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office released a statement saying&nbsp;the premier held a&nbsp;review with senior security officials “about the developments in northern Israel” and was updated about the firefighting efforts.</p>

<p>The fires erupted amid escalating cross-border skirmishes between Israel and Hezbollah, with the Iran-backed militant group launching numerous barrages at the Galilee and Golan Heights in recent days.</p>

<p>According to the Israel Nature and Parks Authority, a series of rocket and drone attacks on Sunday sparked bushfires that consumed 10,000 dunams (over 2,470 acres) of foliage in open areas, including nature reserves.</p>

<p><strong>Also read</strong>:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-deems-bidens-gaza-proposal-partial-but-says-plan-can-kick-off-without-full-agreement-728394">Netanyahu deems Biden’s Gaza proposal ‘partial’ but says plan can kick off without full agreement</a></p>

<p>It is worth mentioning here that&nbsp;since October 8, Hezbollah-led forces have attacked Israel along the border on a near-daily basis, with the group saying it is doing so to support Gaza amid the war there.</p>

<p>So far, the fight on the border has&nbsp;resulted in 10 civilian deaths on the Israeli side, as well as the deaths of 14 IDF soldiers and reservists. There have also been several attacks from Syria, without any injuries.</p>

<p>However, Hezbollah has named 328 members who have been killed by Israel during the ongoing conflict. In Lebanon, another 62 operatives from other terror groups, a Lebanese soldier, and dozens of civilians have been killed.</p>

<p>Israel has expressed willingness to pursue a diplomatic solution to the conflict, but has warned of the possibility of going to war against Hezbollah to restore security in the north, where tens of thousands of civilians are currently displaced.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Firefighters on Tuesday (June 4) battled blazes across northern Israel that continued to rage after being ignited the previous day by rockets and drones launched by Hezbollah from Lebanon.

Firefighters on Tuesday (June 4) battled blazes across northern Israel that continued to rage after being ignited the previous day by rockets and drones launched by Hezbollah from Lebanon. The Israel Fire and Rescue Services statement said, “over 30 firefighting crews were working to put out the fires" which led to the closure of several major roads in the Galilee area. In Kiryat Shmona, firefighters dispersed throughout the mostly evacuated city to control the flames and prevent them from reaching homes. The fire service earlier reported that several yards, pergolas, and the roof of at least one home were on fire. Also read: Israel confirms death of four hostages held by Hamas since October In Kibbutz Kfar GIladi, a video shared on social media showed a local security team battling flames encroaching on the community. Notably, the fire service said the blazes had raged for over 13 hours, while noting the intense heatwave blanketing the affected areas. According to the Israel Defense Forces, it was assisting in the firefighting efforts, adding that six reservists lightly hurt from smoke inhalation were taken to a hospital. Five citizens who were slightly hurt from smoke inhalation, were treated at Ziv Medical Center in Safed. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office released a statement saying the premier held a review with senior security officials “about the developments in northern Israel” and was updated about the firefighting efforts. The fires erupted amid escalating cross-border skirmishes between Israel and Hezbollah, with the Iran-backed militant group launching numerous barrages at the Galilee and Golan Heights in recent days. According to the Israel Nature and Parks Authority, a series of rocket and drone attacks on Sunday sparked bushfires that consumed 10,000 dunams (over 2,470 acres) of foliage in open areas, including nature reserves. Also read: Netanyahu deems Biden’s Gaza proposal ‘partial’ but says plan can kick off without full agreement It is worth mentioning here that since October 8, Hezbollah-led forces have attacked Israel along the border on a near-daily basis, with the group saying it is doing so to support Gaza amid the war there. So far, the fight on the border has resulted in 10 civilian deaths on the Israeli side, as well as the deaths of 14 IDF soldiers and reservists. There have also been several attacks from Syria, without any injuries. However, Hezbollah has named 328 members who have been killed by Israel during the ongoing conflict. In Lebanon, another 62 operatives from other terror groups, a Lebanese soldier, and dozens of civilians have been killed. Israel has expressed willingness to pursue a diplomatic solution to the conflict, but has warned of the possibility of going to war against Hezbollah to restore security in the north, where tens of thousands of civilians are currently displaced. (With inputs from agencies)

Northern Israel battles fires sparked by Hezbollah attacks

The United States has halted the delivery of bombs to Israel due to concerns that it was planning to launch a full-scale attack on the southern Gaza city of Rafah.

Israel-Hamas war: US halts bomb shipment to Israel, move comes amid Israeli strikes on Rafah

<p>Lebanon-based and Iran-backed Hezbollah said on Saturday (April 27) that they targeted locations in northern Israel with drones and guided missiles in response to the cross-border Israeli strikes that killed three people, including two of its members. Israeli army in a statement confirmed that its fighter jets "struck a Hezbollah military structure in the area of Qouzah in southern Lebanon" but did not specify the loss of lives claimed by Hezbollah.</p>

<p>A statement from the group said it "launched a complex attack using explosive drones and guided missiles on the headquarters of the Al Manara military command and a gathering of forces from the 51st Battalion of the Golani Brigade".</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/middle-east/iran-backed-hezbollah-fires-dozens-of-missiles-towards-northern-israel-710671">Iran-backed Hezbollah fires dozens of missiles towards Northern Israel</a></strong></p>

<p>The Israel Defense Forces said that the country's Iron Dome air-defence system "successfully intercepted a suspicious aerial target that crossed from Lebanon into the area of Manara in northern Israel".</p>

<p>The army also "struck the sources of fire" of several anti-tank missiles launched from Lebanon into the Manara border area, it added.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Israel and Hezbollah: Fears of escalation after spate of attacks</strong></p>

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<p>Later on Saturday (April 27), Lebanon's national news agency reported that an Israeli air strike on a house in Srebbine village had wounded 11 people, one seriously.</p>

<p>The eleven wounded include two Syrian refugees, reports said.</p>

<h2><strong>What makes these strikes different?</strong></h2>

<p>While Israel and Hezbollah are striking each other since the beginning of war in Gaza about seven months ago, the latest strikes targeted Israel's&nbsp;Meron air base and its surroundings.</p>

<h2><strong>Israel-Lebanon tensions</strong></h2>

<p>The border between Lebanon and Israel has seen near-daily exchanges of fire since the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza began nearly seven months ago after Hamas militants stormed into southern Israel and killed around 1200 people. The consequent retaliatory state of war in Gaza has killed over 34,000 people amid an unprecedented humanitarian crisis that has created famine like conditions in the blockaded Palestinian enclave.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In two separate statements earlier Saturday, Hezbollah mourned the deaths of two fighters from the villages of Kafr Kila and Khiam.</p>

<p>It said they had been "martyred on the road to Jerusalem", a euphemism used when it uses to refer to members killed by Israeli fire.</p>

<p>Hezbollah has intensified its targeting of military sites in Israel since tensions soared between Israel and Iran over the bombing of Tehran's Damascus consulate on April 1.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Lebanon-based and Iran-backed Hezbollah said on Saturday (April 27) that they targeted locations in northern Israel with drones and guided missiles in response to the cross-border Israeli strikes that killed three people, including two of its members.

Lebanon-based and Iran-backed Hezbollah said on Saturday (April 27) that they targeted locations in northern Israel with drones and guided missiles in response to the cross-border Israeli strikes that killed three people, including two of its members. Israeli army in a statement confirmed that its fighter jets "struck a Hezbollah military structure in the area of Qouzah in southern Lebanon" but did not specify the loss of lives claimed by Hezbollah. A statement from the group said it "launched a complex attack using explosive drones and guided missiles on the headquarters of the Al Manara military command and a gathering of forces from the 51st Battalion of the Golani Brigade". Also read | Iran-backed Hezbollah fires dozens of missiles towards Northern Israel The Israel Defense Forces said that the country's Iron Dome air-defence system "successfully intercepted a suspicious aerial target that crossed from Lebanon into the area of Manara in northern Israel". The army also "struck the sources of fire" of several anti-tank missiles launched from Lebanon into the Manara border area, it added. Also watch | Israel and Hezbollah: Fears of escalation after spate of attacks × Later on Saturday (April 27), Lebanon's national news agency reported that an Israeli air strike on a house in Srebbine village had wounded 11 people, one seriously. The eleven wounded include two Syrian refugees, reports said. What makes these strikes different? While Israel and Hezbollah are striking each other since the beginning of war in Gaza about seven months ago, the latest strikes targeted Israel's Meron air base and its surroundings. Israel-Lebanon tensions The border between Lebanon and Israel has seen near-daily exchanges of fire since the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza began nearly seven months ago after Hamas militants stormed into southern Israel and killed around 1200 people. The consequent retaliatory state of war in Gaza has killed over 34,000 people amid an unprecedented humanitarian crisis that has created famine like conditions in the blockaded Palestinian enclave. In two separate statements earlier Saturday, Hezbollah mourned the deaths of two fighters from the villages of Kafr Kila and Khiam. It said they had been "martyred on the road to Jerusalem", a euphemism used when it uses to refer to members killed by Israeli fire. Hezbollah has intensified its targeting of military sites in Israel since tensions soared between Israel and Iran over the bombing of Tehran's Damascus consulate on April 1. (With inputs from agencies)

Hezbollah says it fired drones, guided missiles at Israel in retaliatory strike

The US Congress this week passed the long awaited $95 billion legistation providing aid to Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan. But, reports are now emerging that 80% of the this aid package will be spent by the United States or by its military. Watch in for more details!

US using aid package to boost its economy? | Understanding arc of US military aid support

<p>Hours before Iran launched more than 300 projectiles on Israel&nbsp;during Saturday (April 13) through early hours of Sunday (April 14), an Israel-linked cargo with 17 Indian onboard was seized by Iran in the Strait of Hormuz. WION first reported that New Delhi is in touch with Tehran to ensure the release&nbsp;of Indian nationals on the seized vessel.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irans-irgc-seizes-israeli-affiliated-vessel-with-indian-nationals-onboard-710873">India in touch with Iranian authorities to ensure release of 17 Indian nationals aboard seized vessel: Sources</a></strong></p>

<p>The Indian Ministry of External Affairs on Sunday (April 14)&nbsp;expressed serious concern at the escalation of hostilities between Israel and Iran. "We are seriously concerned at the escalation of hostilities between Israel and Iran which threatens the peace and security in the region. We call for immediate de-escalation, exercise of restraint, stepping back from violence and return to the path of diplomacy. We are closely monitoring the evolving situation. Our embassies in the region are in close touch with Indian community," it said in an official readout.</p>

<p>However, it is not just 17 Indians aboard that ship that are at risk, but&nbsp;thousands of Indian nationals in Iran and Israel could be at the risk of being trapped in a conflict zone. While Israel has not yet responded to Iranian attack on its soil, a military response inside Iran cannot be&nbsp;ruled out.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Indian interests in the region</strong></h2>

<p>There are about 10,000 Indian nationals in Iran while about 18,000 Indians live in Israel. New Delhi shares cordial to warm ties with both Iran and Israel.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While Israel said that it destroyed "99 per cent" of projectiles launched by Iran inside its territory, it remains unclear if Tehran would continue such attacks inside Israel to purportedly avenge April 1 strikes on Iran's consulate in the Syrian capital Damascus.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Iran attacks Israel: US Navy dispatches nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Eisenhower</strong></p>

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<p>But a potential spillover of war in the region could become a major reason of worry for New Delhi given the presence of massive diaspora, including blue collared workers spread out in the vast expanse of industrial-oil complex that powers the region's economy.</p>

<p>But New Delhi's stakes in the region go much deeper than this.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The focus of Delhi-Tehran ties in the past few years has been the development of Chabahar port, located just 200 km away from China-funded Gwadar port in Pakistan. Just in January this year, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar visited Tehran and the two sides committed a "long-term cooperation framework" for the Chabahar port.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
<strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-capitals-new-delhi-achieves-crucial-strategic-breakthrough-with-tehran-outreach-682114">The Capitals: New Delhi achieves crucial strategic breakthrough with Tehran outreach</a></strong></p>

<p>Besides, India's trade boom with Russia as well as the strategic interests in Chabahar Port have brought International North South Transport Corridor (INSTC) — a Russia to India trade route via Iran — back into focus.&nbsp;<img alt="Iran is at the center of International North South Transport Corridor (INSTC)" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a7177c15-9298-4b69-85e4-02d8350d5e4f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/INSTC.png" /></p>

<p><em>Iran is at the center of International North South Transport Corridor (INSTC) | WION</em></p>

<p>The studies have found the INSTC route is more cost and time effective than the Suez Canal route for the trade of goods between India, Russia, Iran and the countries in central Asia.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A conflict in Iran and Israel could impact New Delhi's growing stakes in the region in-line with its credentials as the world's fastest growing major economy.&nbsp;</p>


Hours before Iran launched more than 300 projectiles on Israel during Saturday (April 13) through early hours of Sunday (April 14), an Israel-linked cargo with 17 Indian onboard was seized by Iran in the Strait of Hormuz.

Hours before Iran launched more than 300 projectiles on Israel during Saturday (April 13) through early hours of Sunday (April 14), an Israel-linked cargo with 17 Indian onboard was seized by Iran in the Strait of Hormuz. WION first reported that New Delhi is in touch with Tehran to ensure the release of Indian nationals on the seized vessel. Also read | India in touch with Iranian authorities to ensure release of 17 Indian nationals aboard seized vessel: Sources The Indian Ministry of External Affairs on Sunday (April 14) expressed serious concern at the escalation of hostilities between Israel and Iran. "We are seriously concerned at the escalation of hostilities between Israel and Iran which threatens the peace and security in the region. We call for immediate de-escalation, exercise of restraint, stepping back from violence and return to the path of diplomacy. We are closely monitoring the evolving situation. Our embassies in the region are in close touch with Indian community," it said in an official readout. However, it is not just 17 Indians aboard that ship that are at risk, but thousands of Indian nationals in Iran and Israel could be at the risk of being trapped in a conflict zone. While Israel has not yet responded to Iranian attack on its soil, a military response inside Iran cannot be ruled out. Indian interests in the region There are about 10,000 Indian nationals in Iran while about 18,000 Indians live in Israel. New Delhi shares cordial to warm ties with both Iran and Israel. While Israel said that it destroyed "99 per cent" of projectiles launched by Iran inside its territory, it remains unclear if Tehran would continue such attacks inside Israel to purportedly avenge April 1 strikes on Iran's consulate in the Syrian capital Damascus. Also watch | Iran attacks Israel: US Navy dispatches nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Eisenhower × But a potential spillover of war in the region could become a major reason of worry for New Delhi given the presence of massive diaspora, including blue collared workers spread out in the vast expanse of industrial-oil complex that powers the region's economy. But New Delhi's stakes in the region go much deeper than this. The focus of Delhi-Tehran ties in the past few years has been the development of Chabahar port, located just 200 km away from China-funded Gwadar port in Pakistan. Just in January this year, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar visited Tehran and the two sides committed a "long-term cooperation framework" for the Chabahar port. Also read | The Capitals: New Delhi achieves crucial strategic breakthrough with Tehran outreach Besides, India's trade boom with Russia as well as the strategic interests in Chabahar Port have brought International North South Transport Corridor (INSTC) — a Russia to India trade route via Iran — back into focus. Iran is at the center of International North South Transport Corridor (INSTC) | WION The studies have found the INSTC route is more cost and time effective than the Suez Canal route for the trade of goods between India, Russia, Iran and the countries in central Asia. A conflict in Iran and Israel could impact New Delhi's growing stakes in the region in-line with its credentials as the world's fastest growing major economy.

Iran-Israel conflict: What it means for India's stakes in the region

<p>US Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer defended his call for early elections in Israel to potentially replace Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a meeting with executives from major American-Jewish organisations.</p>

<p>"There was a fundamental question of whether he would backpedal or defend himself, and he very clearly defended himself," one of the executives on the call Schumer held with the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, was quoted as saying by the Times of Israel.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-told-us-not-trying-to-push-him-out-amid-tensions-over-rafah-assault-plan-702081">Biden assures Netanyahu US not trying to push him out amid tensions over Rafah assault plan</a></strong></p>

<p>Schumer is the highest-ranking Jewish member of Congress in US history and has been a pro-Israel face in Washington's corridors of power.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Schumer told the <em>New York Times</em> in an interview that he considered calling on the Israeli PM to step down in his speech last week but did not eventually do it because he did not want to be seen as interfering in Israeli affairs.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Israel war: Chuck Schumer says Netanyahu is an obstacle to peace in the region</strong></p>

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<p>"I said to myself, 'This may hurt me politically; this may help me politically.' I couldn’t look myself in the mirror if I didn't do it," Schumer was quoted as saying by the New York Times.</p>

<p>He said the main purpose of the speech "was to say you can still love Israel and feel strongly about Israel and disagree with Bibi Netanyahu and the policies of Israel."</p>

<p>"Bibi could prevent any election until 2026," he said.</p>

<p>"I worry under his leadership, Israel would become such a pariah in the world and even in the United States because I look at the numbers and they are rapidly decreasing. I had to speak out before it erodes," Schumer continued, adding that Israel’s "future could well be over" without US support.</p>

<p>Schumer claimed that he spent two months and ten drafts preparing for the speech and informed the White House a day before to purportedly ensure that it would not interfere with negotiations to free the hostages held in Gaza.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


US Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer defended his call for early elections in Israel to potentially replace Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a meeting with executives from major American-Jewish organisations.

US Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer defended his call for early elections in Israel to potentially replace Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a meeting with executives from major American-Jewish organisations. "There was a fundamental question of whether he would backpedal or defend himself, and he very clearly defended himself," one of the executives on the call Schumer held with the Conference of Presidents of Major American Jewish Organizations, was quoted as saying by the Times of Israel. Also read | Biden assures Netanyahu US not trying to push him out amid tensions over Rafah assault plan Schumer is the highest-ranking Jewish member of Congress in US history and has been a pro-Israel face in Washington's corridors of power. Schumer told the New York Times in an interview that he considered calling on the Israeli PM to step down in his speech last week but did not eventually do it because he did not want to be seen as interfering in Israeli affairs. Also watch | Israel war: Chuck Schumer says Netanyahu is an obstacle to peace in the region × "I said to myself, 'This may hurt me politically; this may help me politically.' I couldn’t look myself in the mirror if I didn't do it," Schumer was quoted as saying by the New York Times. He said the main purpose of the speech "was to say you can still love Israel and feel strongly about Israel and disagree with Bibi Netanyahu and the policies of Israel." "Bibi could prevent any election until 2026," he said. "I worry under his leadership, Israel would become such a pariah in the world and even in the United States because I look at the numbers and they are rapidly decreasing. I had to speak out before it erodes," Schumer continued, adding that Israel’s "future could well be over" without US support. Schumer claimed that he spent two months and ten drafts preparing for the speech and informed the White House a day before to purportedly ensure that it would not interfere with negotiations to free the hostages held in Gaza. (With inputs from agencies)

Chuck Schumer, top-ranked Jewish face of US Congress, repeats call for early elections in Israel

The Islamic revolutionary Guard Corps IRGC of Iran claimed it fired two long range ballistic missiles from Shahid Mahdavi warship in the Gulf of Oman, the missiles with a claimed range of at least 1700 km hit targets in a desert in central Iran. The exercise was intended to be a simulated test strike against an Israeli base. Watch to know more!

Iran claims test simulated strike on Israeli base

South Africa's genocide case against Israel sets up high-stakes legal battle at UN's top court. Indonesia and Malaysia come in support of South Africa's case, while the united states terms genocide charge 'meritless'.

Israel: Prepared to appear before the international court of justice

<p>Israel on Monday (Dec 25) found itself grappling with widespread power outages and internet blackouts after at least two production units of a major power company collapsed.</p>

<p>The blackout fueled speculations that it might have something to do with the ongoing war in Gaza and a potential cyberattack by Iran.</p>

<p>However, Meir Spiegler, the CEO of Israel Electric Corporation (IEC) rubbished these claims, without providing any cause for the collapse of the units.</p>

<p>Spiegler instead said the cause of the blackout is not known yet.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Power outages in Israel.<br />
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Some are suggesting this maybe the result of an Iranian cyber attack in retaliation for killing a general. <a href="https://t.co/ArloGc0c5Z">pic.twitter.com/ArloGc0c5Z</a></p>
— Zagonel (@Zagonel85) <a href="https://twitter.com/Zagonel85/status/1739400744174756116?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 25, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Israel’s Channel 11 reported that the initial outage hit 150,000 people throughout the country; however, most of them were reconnected with power grids within hours, with just 34,000 people remaining disconnected.</p>

<h2><strong>What caused the blackout?</strong></h2>

<p>According to local media reports, the IEC said that alternative units were put into operation as soon as the two units collapsed.</p>

<p>"This break caused loadshedding that caused power outages in a number of locations across the country. Alternative production units went into operation and electricity returned to most of the outages," the IEC stated.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-israeli-hacking-group-disrupts-70-of-irans-petrol-pumps-670865"><strong>Also read:&nbsp;Israel-Hamas war: Israeli hacking group disrupts 70% of Iran’s petrol pumps</strong></a></p>

<p>"The faults reported by consumers across the country are not the result of a cyber attack , but a fault in a production unit that supplies 250 megawatts. The system carried out 'load shedding’ and now new production units are being brought into operation in order to overcome the fault. In some places the electricity has already," it added.</p>

<h2><strong>Investigation launched</strong></h2>

<p>Israeli authorities are now on high alert, and an investigation has already been launched to detect the causes of the blackout.</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Israel says five Gaza hostages found dead in tunnel</strong></p>

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<p>However, if a cyberattack link is confirmed by the authorities, it could mark a serious escalation in the ongoing conflict which has already involved Iran and its proxies.</p>

<h2><strong>Previous reports of cyberattack in Iran</strong></h2>

<p>The power outage in Israel comes a week&nbsp;after Iran experienced a nationwide shutdown of fuel distribution services.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A hacking group that Iran accuses of having links to Israel claimed it carried out the attack which disrupted services at petrol stations across the country on Dec 18, Iranian state TV and Israeli local media reported.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Israel on Monday (Dec 25) found itself grappling with widespread power outages and internet blackouts after at least two production units of a major power company collapsed.

Israel on Monday (Dec 25) found itself grappling with widespread power outages and internet blackouts after at least two production units of a major power company collapsed. The blackout fueled speculations that it might have something to do with the ongoing war in Gaza and a potential cyberattack by Iran. However, Meir Spiegler, the CEO of Israel Electric Corporation (IEC) rubbished these claims, without providing any cause for the collapse of the units. Spiegler instead said the cause of the blackout is not known yet. Power outages in Israel. Some are suggesting this maybe the result of an Iranian cyber attack in retaliation for killing a general. pic.twitter.com/ArloGc0c5Z — Zagonel (@Zagonel85) December 25, 2023 × Israel’s Channel 11 reported that the initial outage hit 150,000 people throughout the country; however, most of them were reconnected with power grids within hours, with just 34,000 people remaining disconnected. What caused the blackout? According to local media reports, the IEC said that alternative units were put into operation as soon as the two units collapsed. "This break caused loadshedding that caused power outages in a number of locations across the country. Alternative production units went into operation and electricity returned to most of the outages," the IEC stated. Also read: Israel-Hamas war: Israeli hacking group disrupts 70% of Iran’s petrol pumps "The faults reported by consumers across the country are not the result of a cyber attack , but a fault in a production unit that supplies 250 megawatts. The system carried out 'load shedding’ and now new production units are being brought into operation in order to overcome the fault. In some places the electricity has already," it added. Investigation launched Israeli authorities are now on high alert, and an investigation has already been launched to detect the causes of the blackout. Watch: Israel says five Gaza hostages found dead in tunnel × However, if a cyberattack link is confirmed by the authorities, it could mark a serious escalation in the ongoing conflict which has already involved Iran and its proxies. Previous reports of cyberattack in Iran The power outage in Israel comes a week after Iran experienced a nationwide shutdown of fuel distribution services. A hacking group that Iran accuses of having links to Israel claimed it carried out the attack which disrupted services at petrol stations across the country on Dec 18, Iranian state TV and Israeli local media reported. (With inputs from agencies)

Israeli power firm denies cyberattack claims after reports of major blackout

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s trial on corruption charges, which was suspended along with all other non-urgent cases after October 7, resumes today in the Jerusalem District Court. An emergency order that Justice Minister Yariv Levin put in place for the courts when the war with Hamas began expired last week, and most courts have been ordered to resume normal operations.

Netanyahu's corruption trial resumes amid ongoing Israel-Hamas war

<p>Billionaire business magnate Elon Musk received a symbolic dog tag from the father of an Israeli citizen held captive by Hamas in Gaza. Musk has promised to wear the purported dog tag till all the hostages are free.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Musk's visit to Israel comes amid a fragile truce in place between the two warring sides - Israel and Hamas, the latter designated a terrorist group by the US, UK, European Union and Australia. Musk was also recently assailed for an anti-Jewish post on his social media platform X.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Elon Musk visits Israel amid four-day truce in Gaza war</strong></p>

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<p>"Our hearts are hostage in Gaza," read the metal tag he received from Malki Shem-Tov, the father of hostage Omer Shem-Tov, in a video of Musk's visit, issued on Monday by the office of Israeli President Isaac Herzog.</p>

<p>Musk placed it around his neck. Later on Monday, he wrote on X: "I will wear it every day until your loved ones are released."&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Dog tag in Israel amid war with Hamas</strong></h2>

<p>The dog tags, prevalent throughout Israel, mark the October&nbsp;7 killing spree by Hamas. On October 7, around 240 people were taken hostage by Hamas and Palestine Islamic Jihad. On Tuesday (Nov 28), Qatar, one of the two chief mediators -- the other being Egypt -- brokering a truce between Israel and Hamas, claimed that at least 40 hostages have gone missing from the captivity of Hamas. Of these, 30 are now reportedly being held by the Palestine Islamic Jihad group.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-delays-dilemmas-and-setbacks-a-look-inside-israel-hamas-hostage-deal-661420">Explained: Delays, dilemmas and setbacks — A look inside Israel-Hamas hostage deal</a></strong>&nbsp;</p>

<p>On November&nbsp;15, Musk posted on X his agreement with a post that falsely claimed Jewish people were stoking hatred against white people, saying the user who referenced the "Great Replacement" conspiracy theory was speaking "the actual truth".&nbsp;</p>

<p>After the post on X, top US companies including Walt Disney, Warner Bros Discovery and NBCUniversal parent Comcast suspended their advertisements on X, formerly known as Twitter.</p>

<p>The White House also slammed Musk for what it&nbsp;described as an "abhorrent promotion of antisemitic and racist hate" that "runs against our core values as Americans".</p>

<p>(<em>With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Billionaire business magnate Elon Musk received a symbolic dog tag from the father of an Israeli citizen held captive by Hamas in Gaza. Musk has promised to wear the purported dog tag till all the hostages are free.

Billionaire business magnate Elon Musk received a symbolic dog tag from the father of an Israeli citizen held captive by Hamas in Gaza. Musk has promised to wear the purported dog tag till all the hostages are free. Musk's visit to Israel comes amid a fragile truce in place between the two warring sides - Israel and Hamas, the latter designated a terrorist group by the US, UK, European Union and Australia. Musk was also recently assailed for an anti-Jewish post on his social media platform X. Also watch | Elon Musk visits Israel amid four-day truce in Gaza war × "Our hearts are hostage in Gaza," read the metal tag he received from Malki Shem-Tov, the father of hostage Omer Shem-Tov, in a video of Musk's visit, issued on Monday by the office of Israeli President Isaac Herzog. Musk placed it around his neck. Later on Monday, he wrote on X: "I will wear it every day until your loved ones are released." Dog tag in Israel amid war with Hamas The dog tags, prevalent throughout Israel, mark the October 7 killing spree by Hamas. On October 7, around 240 people were taken hostage by Hamas and Palestine Islamic Jihad. On Tuesday (Nov 28), Qatar, one of the two chief mediators -- the other being Egypt -- brokering a truce between Israel and Hamas, claimed that at least 40 hostages have gone missing from the captivity of Hamas. Of these, 30 are now reportedly being held by the Palestine Islamic Jihad group. Also read | Explained: Delays, dilemmas and setbacks — A look inside Israel-Hamas hostage deal On November 15, Musk posted on X his agreement with a post that falsely claimed Jewish people were stoking hatred against white people, saying the user who referenced the "Great Replacement" conspiracy theory was speaking "the actual truth". After the post on X, top US companies including Walt Disney, Warner Bros Discovery and NBCUniversal parent Comcast suspended their advertisements on X, formerly known as Twitter. The White House also slammed Musk for what it described as an "abhorrent promotion of antisemitic and racist hate" that "runs against our core values as Americans". (With inputs from agencies)

Elon Musk vows to wear Israeli 'dog tag' until all hostages are freed by Hamas

<p>Israel approved a hostage deal with Palestinian militant-political group Hamas on Wednesday (Nov 22) that was reportedly brokered by Qatar and had been more than a month in the making.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As per latest reports, Hamas would exchange 50 Israeli hostages&nbsp;with Israel for about 150 Palestinian prisoners currently held in custody. Earlier reports had put the number of Israeli hostages to be exchanged as high as 80.</p>

<p>Israel would now commence a four-day pause in fighting in Gaza with the first exchange of hostages likely to take place as early as Thursday (Nov 23), according to the US officials.</p>

<p>Israel would also stop drone overflights for six hours a day. After those days, the pause could be extended a day with each additional 10 hostages Hamas releases.</p>

<p>The Israeli side would also allow the passage to some 300 trucks of aid into Gaza during the days of pause.</p>

<p><strong>Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-capitals-between-killed-and-killers-dohas-vital-role-for-peace-in-west-asia-660534#google_vignette">The Capitals: Between killed and killers, Doha's vital role for peace in West Asia</a></strong></p>

<p>The United States acknowledged the role played by Doha as well as Cairo in finalising the hostage deal and the planned pause in fighting.&nbsp;</p>

<p>President Joe Biden wrote on X, formerly Twitter: "I thank Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani of Qatar and President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi of Egypt for their critical partnership in reaching this deal. And I appreciate Prime Minister Netanyahu's commitment in supporting an extended pause to ensure this deal can be fully carried out."</p>

<h2><strong>Israel-Hamas hostage deal: Why it took 45 days for a deal to be finalised</strong></h2>

<p>The negotiations for the deal began even before Israel began its ground operations in Gaza. The return of hostages was part of US State Secretary Antony Blinken's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/shuttle-diplomacy-blinken-meets-jordanian-king-palestinian-president-abbas-in-amman-646310">shuttle diplomacy's agenda</a> as well.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But the explosion inside <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-500-killed-after-israeli-airstrikes-target-hospital-claims-gaza-health-ministry-648141">Ahli Baptist hospital</a> in Gaza&nbsp;on October 17&nbsp;— which according to initial reports killed hundreds (a claim later described as 'vastly exaggerated' by US intelligence) —&nbsp;emerged as the biggest initial impediment for the negotiations aimed at ensuring the return of hostages.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The same hospital explosion upended Biden's wartime visit&nbsp;to West Asia&nbsp;in addition to public antagonism across West Asian capitals against the US&nbsp;over Washington's expressed support for Israeli assault in Gaza.</p>

<p>In the aftermath of Gaza hospital explosion, the Jordanian kingdom cancelled a scheduled four-side summit between Biden, Jordan's King Abdullah II, Egypt's President&nbsp;Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, and the Palestinian Authority leader&nbsp;Mahmoud Abbas.</p>

<p>Thus, Biden could engage only with Israeli leaders during his wartime visit.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spotlight-on-washingtons-waning-political-capital-after-gaza-hospital-blast-sinks-bidens-jordan-summit-648187">Spotlight on Washington's waning political capital after Gaza hospital blast sinks Biden's Jordan summit</a></strong></p>

<p>The current deal, in its form and format, had been on table for about a month, according to the Guardian.</p>

<p>For weeks,&nbsp;Qatar, in coordination with the US was helping facilitate negotiations between Israel and Hamas over the deal that was finally announced on Wednesday.</p>

<p>Qatari capital Doha has been the hub&nbsp;of efforts to de-escalate the war in Gaza. Qatar occupies the position of a pivotal swing state in the West Asia.</p>

<p>The outline of a deal to free women and children held hostage by Hamas, has been&nbsp;put together during weeks of talks in Doha, according to the Washington Post.</p>

<h2><strong>Israel-Hamas hostage deal: What does it mean?</strong></h2>

<p>Bringing the hostages back has been one of the top priorities of Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's administration despite an unprecedented assault in Gaza aimed at "eliminating Hamas".</p>

<p>But there is a catch.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Hamas is expected to exploit the pause in fighting as an opportunity to regroup. The reported quid pro quo, the extension of pause for the release of each additional 10 hostages, could give&nbsp;Hamas's purported regrouping efforts an edge. It can aggravate the military challenge for Israeli troops operating on ground in Gaza.</p>

<p>Besides, since Israel has famously vowed to eliminate Hamas after equating&nbsp;it with Islamic State terrorist group, the survival of the Palestinian group would not represent a victory for Israel.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Israel-Hamas hostage deal: End of&nbsp;war in Gaza?</strong></h2>

<p>The deal simply means a pause in fighting for a period of time to facilitate the agreed-upon exchange of hostages and prisoners from either side. It is not a conventional ceasefire. The Israeli forces are still on the ground in Gaza and the deal does not entail anything about them returning to Israel.</p>

<p>Israel has not yet gained full control of northern Gaza where it says Hamas has fostered a web of tunnels to support its militant activities.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Israel-Hamas war: Israel hostage swap for Palestinian prisoners | World News | WION</strong></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-palestine-war-israel-hostage-swap-for-palestinian-prisoners-world-news-wion-661396/embed" width="560"></iframe></p>

<p><a href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></p>

<p>Besides, the United States has said that it will not support a ground offensive in Gaza's south unless Israels ensure better safeguards against civilian casualties.</p>

<p>Notably, Prime Minister Netanyahu has asserted that Israel&nbsp;"will not stop after the ceasefire" and indicated that the fighting will continue after the agreed-upon terms for hostage deal are conclusively honoured by the two warring sides.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><em>Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.</em></strong></p>


Israel approved a hostage deal with Palestinian militant-political group Hamas on Wednesday (Nov 22) that was reportedly brokered by Qatar and had been more than a month in the making.

Israel approved a hostage deal with Palestinian militant-political group Hamas on Wednesday (Nov 22) that was reportedly brokered by Qatar and had been more than a month in the making. As per latest reports, Hamas would exchange 50 Israeli hostages with Israel for about 150 Palestinian prisoners currently held in custody. Earlier reports had put the number of Israeli hostages to be exchanged as high as 80. Israel would now commence a four-day pause in fighting in Gaza with the first exchange of hostages likely to take place as early as Thursday (Nov 23), according to the US officials. Israel would also stop drone overflights for six hours a day. After those days, the pause could be extended a day with each additional 10 hostages Hamas releases. The Israeli side would also allow the passage to some 300 trucks of aid into Gaza during the days of pause. Also read | The Capitals: Between killed and killers, Doha's vital role for peace in West Asia The United States acknowledged the role played by Doha as well as Cairo in finalising the hostage deal and the planned pause in fighting. President Joe Biden wrote on X, formerly Twitter: "I thank Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani of Qatar and President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi of Egypt for their critical partnership in reaching this deal. And I appreciate Prime Minister Netanyahu's commitment in supporting an extended pause to ensure this deal can be fully carried out." Israel-Hamas hostage deal: Why it took 45 days for a deal to be finalised The negotiations for the deal began even before Israel began its ground operations in Gaza. The return of hostages was part of US State Secretary Antony Blinken's shuttle diplomacy's agenda as well. But the explosion inside Ahli Baptist hospital in Gaza on October 17 — which according to initial reports killed hundreds (a claim later described as 'vastly exaggerated' by US intelligence) — emerged as the biggest initial impediment for the negotiations aimed at ensuring the return of hostages. The same hospital explosion upended Biden's wartime visit to West Asia in addition to public antagonism across West Asian capitals against the US over Washington's expressed support for Israeli assault in Gaza. In the aftermath of Gaza hospital explosion, the Jordanian kingdom cancelled a scheduled four-side summit between Biden, Jordan's King Abdullah II, Egypt's President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, and the Palestinian Authority leader Mahmoud Abbas. Thus, Biden could engage only with Israeli leaders during his wartime visit. Also read | Spotlight on Washington's waning political capital after Gaza hospital blast sinks Biden's Jordan summit The current deal, in its form and format, had been on table for about a month, according to the Guardian. For weeks, Qatar, in coordination with the US was helping facilitate negotiations between Israel and Hamas over the deal that was finally announced on Wednesday. Qatari capital Doha has been the hub of efforts to de-escalate the war in Gaza. Qatar occupies the position of a pivotal swing state in the West Asia. The outline of a deal to free women and children held hostage by Hamas, has been put together during weeks of talks in Doha, according to the Washington Post. Israel-Hamas hostage deal: What does it mean? Bringing the hostages back has been one of the top priorities of Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's administration despite an unprecedented assault in Gaza aimed at "eliminating Hamas". But there is a catch. Hamas is expected to exploit the pause in fighting as an opportunity to regroup. The reported quid pro quo, the extension of pause for the release of each additional 10 hostages, could give Hamas's purported regrouping efforts an edge. It can aggravate the military challenge for Israeli troops operating on ground in Gaza. Besides, since Israel has famously vowed to eliminate Hamas after equating it with Islamic State terrorist group, the survival of the Palestinian group would not represent a victory for Israel. Israel-Hamas hostage deal: End of war in Gaza? The deal simply means a pause in fighting for a period of time to facilitate the agreed-upon exchange of hostages and prisoners from either side. It is not a conventional ceasefire. The Israeli forces are still on the ground in Gaza and the deal does not entail anything about them returning to Israel. Israel has not yet gained full control of northern Gaza where it says Hamas has fostered a web of tunnels to support its militant activities. Also watch | Israel-Hamas war: Israel hostage swap for Palestinian prisoners | World News | WION × Besides, the United States has said that it will not support a ground offensive in Gaza's south unless Israels ensure better safeguards against civilian casualties. Notably, Prime Minister Netanyahu has asserted that Israel "will not stop after the ceasefire" and indicated that the fighting will continue after the agreed-upon terms for hostage deal are conclusively honoured by the two warring sides. (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.

Explained: Delays, dilemmas and setbacks — A look inside Israel-Hamas hostage deal

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