Khan Yunis residents rushed back to their city after it was announced that Israeli forces have withdrawn from southern Gaza. The residents found a wasteland of destruction and rubble. Khan Yunis has come under intense Israeli bombardment in recent months. Watch in for more details!

Israel War: Gazans return to Khan Younis as Israel withdraws troops

The Israel Defense Forces withdrew all of its maneuvering ground forces from the Gaza the southern Gaza Strip, including Khan Younis, leaving just one brigade to secure a corridor splitting the Palestinian enclave.

Israel War: Israel withdraws ground troops from south Gaza

As per reports, the Israeli army has marked tens of thousands of Gazans as suspects for assassination, using an AI targeting system with little human oversight and a permissive policy for casualties. Watch in for more details!

Israel reportedly using Artificial Intelligence in Gaza war

As per Oxfam’s analysis, People in northern Gaza have been forced to survive on an average of 245 calories a day, less than a can of fava beans since January, as Israeli forces continue their military onslaught.

People in Gaza forced to survive on 245 calories per day, finds Oxfam

Oxfam: People in Gaza forced to survive on 245 calories per day

Israel war Cabinet member Benny Gantz has called for national elections in September. Prime Minister Netanyahu's government continues to face pressure at home and abroad over the war in Gaza.

Benny Gantz calls for early elections in Israel

Israel war Cabinet member Benny Gantz has called for national elections in September. Prime Minister Netanyahu's government continues to face pressure at home and abroad over the war in Gaza. Israel's unrelenting air ground and sea assault has killed more than 32,000 Palestinians and led to a humanitarian catastrophe. Watch in for more details!

Israeli war cabinet member Benny Gantz calls for early elections after protests in Israel

Israeli strikes on an aid convoy in the Gaza Strip that killed seven workers for the charity group World Central Kitchen set off international outrage and prompted an unusual apology from the wartime Israeli government. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hamas War: Israeli strike on aid convoy prompts global condemnation

Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh said on Wednesday that his Palestinian Islamist movement at war with Israel was sticking to its conditions for a ceasefire in Gaza, including an Israeli military withdrawal. Watch in for more details!

Israel War: Want Israel's complete withdrawal from Gaza, says Hamas Chief

An Israeli strike killed several people delivering food aid to the besieged Gaza Strip on Monday. The foreign nationals -- reported to be from Poland, Australia, Ireland and the United Kingdom.

Israel War: Israel under pressure over aid workers' deaths

The Israeli military has withdrawn from the Gaza Strip’s largest hospital after a two-week raid, leaving behind scenes of devastation. Watch in for more details!

Israeli forces withdraw from Al-Shifa hospital after two weeks

Tens of thousands of Israelis thronged central Jerusalem on Sunday in the largest anti-government protest since the country went to war in October. Protesters urged the government to reach a cease-fire deal to free dozens of hostages held in Gaza by Hamas militants and to hold early elections.

Israel War: Tens of thousands of Israelis rally against Netanyahu

Israeli forces withdraw from from Gaza's Al-Shifa hospital

Israel War: Israelis stage largest anti-government protest since start of Gaza war

Israel War: Tens of thousands take part in anti-government protests in Israel

Israel War: Israelis stage largest anti-government protest since Gaza war began

Life-saving aid has tragically taken the form of a new threat in Gaza. This week over a dozen people were killed trying to grab some of the floating or falling aid. Our report on how air drops are risky and why more land crossings are needed to avoid mass deaths by starvation.

Israel War: Air drops take a deadly turn in Gaza

October 7 changed a lot for West Asia. Especially Israel and Gaza. The war in Gaza is still continuing but across the border - people living in the then-attacked kibbutz are still scared of returning home.

Israelis long to return home

One of the Israeli airstrikes killed 11 people in Rafah, raising new fear among the more than a million people sheltering in the last refuge on the southern edge of the Gaza Strip that a long-threatened ground assault could be coming.

Israel War: At least 11 killed as Israel strikes Rafah

Israel's military spokesman says Hamas deputy military commander Marwan Issa was killed earlier this month in an Israeli attack on the Gaza Strip. Watch in for more details!

Israel War: Israel claims senior Hamas commander Marwan Issa killed in Gaza strike

<p>Palestinians are subjected to "colonialism and apartheid" under Israeli rule, their foreign minister Riyad Al-Maliki told the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Monday (Feb 19). Maliki asked the World Court to impose an immediate and unconditional end to Israel's occupation. &nbsp;</p>

<p>"The Palestinians have endured colonialism and apartheid... There are those who are enraged by these words. They should be enraged by the reality we are suffering," Al-Maliki said.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What is ICJ?</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>It is the only international court that adjudicates general disputes between nations. ICJ consists of a panel of 15 judges who give advisory opinions on international legal issues. The judges are elected by the UN General Assembly (UNGA) and Security Council for nine-year terms. It is one of the six organs of the United Nations and was established in 1945 and is based in The Hague, Netherlands.&nbsp;</p>

<p>People often get confused between the ICJ and the International Criminal Court (ICC). Both are different as the ICC probes and punishes people for genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazilian-president-lula-recalls-ambassador-to-israel-amid-diplomatic-row-691817">Brazilian President Lula recalls ambassador to Israel amid diplomatic row</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<h1><strong>Israel-Hamas war's case at world court</strong>&nbsp;</h1>

<p>The international court is holding hearings on the legal implications of Israel's occupation since 1967, with an unprecedented 52 countries, the United States and Russia&nbsp;expected to give evidence through February 26. The UNGA sought an advisory or non-binding, opinion on the occupation in 2022. Israel submitted a contribution dated July 24, 2023, and will not participate in the hearings.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The UNGA has asked the ICJ to consider two questions. Firstly, the court should examine the legal consequences of "the ongoing violation by Israel of the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination". Secondly, the ICJ should advise on how Israel's actions "affect the legal status of the occupation" and what are the consequences for the UN and other countries.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This is not the first time the UNGA asked the ICJ for an advisory opinion related to the region. In July 2004, ICJ found that Israel's separation wall in the West Bank violated international law and should be dismantled. However, it still stands to this day. While reacting to the probe, Israel once said the "prejudicial" and "tendentious" questions "represent a clear distortion of the history and present reality of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, these hearings are separate from a high-profile case brought by South Africa alleging that Israel is committing genocidal acts during its current Gaza offensive.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/middle-east-crisis-houthi-missile-attack-damages-belize-flagged-ship-crew-forced-to-abandon-vessel-691696">Middle East crisis: Houthi missile attack damages Belize-flagged ship, crew forced to abandon vessel</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<h2><strong>What did the Palestinians say?&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Riad Mansour, who is the Palestinian representative to the UN, said in a speech: "We call on you to confirm that Israel's presence in the occupied Palestinian territory is illegal."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"A finding from this distinguished court...would contribute to bringing (occupation) to an immediate end, paving a way to a just and lasting peace. A future in which no Palestinians and no Israelis are killed. A future in which two states live side by side in peace and security," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Israeli occupation and its history&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>David Ben-Gurion, the head of the Jewish Agency, proclaimed the establishment of the State of Israel on May 14, 1948, which was recognised by then-US President Harry S Truman on the same day.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The US on November 29, 1947, voted to partition British Mandatory Palestine into separate Jewish and Arab states, but the move was rejected by the Arab states. Their conflict led to a war with Israel after its creation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During the eight-month-long war, Israel expanded its territory allotted to it by the UN as more than 760,000 Palestinians fled. Jordan occupied the West Bank including east Jerusalem, while Egypt took the coastal Gaza Strip.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Israel captured the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem in a war in 1967 and has since built settlements in the West Bank and steadily expanded them. But the Palestinians want both regions for a state.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Israel government formally rejects recognition of Palestinian State&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<p>Meanwhile, Israeli leaders have argued that the territories are formally occupied on the basis that they were captured from Jordan and Egypt during a war rather than from a sovereign Palestine. In fact, recently also, the Israeli government formally rejected the recognition of a Palestinian state.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Since 1967, the UN has referred to the disputed territories as occupied by Israel. The world body also demanded that Israeli forces withdraw, saying it is the only way to secure peace. Notably, the occupation wasn't labelled specifically as illegal in the UN's resolution in 1967.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>ICJ ruling's impact on the ongoing Israel-Hamas war&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Analysts believe that the outcome in favour of Palestinians might put some political pressure on the war in Gaza, which has killed about 29,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health officials. The war started after Hamas militants launched unprecedented attacks in Israel on October 7, which led to retaliatory action by the Israeli government.&nbsp;</p>

<p>So far in the past, Israel has ignored legal opinions and it claims that it faces an existential threat by Hamas militants and other groups and is acting in self-defence.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But one must also consider the fact that the ICJ's judgements are binding although it has little means to enforce them. However, in this case, the opinion it issues will be non-binding although most advisory opinions are acted upon.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;</em></p>


Palestinians are subjected to "colonialism and apartheid" under Israeli rule, their foreign minister Riyad Al-Maliki told the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Monday (Feb 19).

Palestinians are subjected to "colonialism and apartheid" under Israeli rule, their foreign minister Riyad Al-Maliki told the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on Monday (Feb 19). Maliki asked the World Court to impose an immediate and unconditional end to Israel's occupation. "The Palestinians have endured colonialism and apartheid... There are those who are enraged by these words. They should be enraged by the reality we are suffering," Al-Maliki said. What is ICJ? It is the only international court that adjudicates general disputes between nations. ICJ consists of a panel of 15 judges who give advisory opinions on international legal issues. The judges are elected by the UN General Assembly (UNGA) and Security Council for nine-year terms. It is one of the six organs of the United Nations and was established in 1945 and is based in The Hague, Netherlands. People often get confused between the ICJ and the International Criminal Court (ICC). Both are different as the ICC probes and punishes people for genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes. Also read: Brazilian President Lula recalls ambassador to Israel amid diplomatic row Israel-Hamas war's case at world court The international court is holding hearings on the legal implications of Israel's occupation since 1967, with an unprecedented 52 countries, the United States and Russia expected to give evidence through February 26. The UNGA sought an advisory or non-binding, opinion on the occupation in 2022. Israel submitted a contribution dated July 24, 2023, and will not participate in the hearings. The UNGA has asked the ICJ to consider two questions. Firstly, the court should examine the legal consequences of "the ongoing violation by Israel of the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination". Secondly, the ICJ should advise on how Israel's actions "affect the legal status of the occupation" and what are the consequences for the UN and other countries. This is not the first time the UNGA asked the ICJ for an advisory opinion related to the region. In July 2004, ICJ found that Israel's separation wall in the West Bank violated international law and should be dismantled. However, it still stands to this day. While reacting to the probe, Israel once said the "prejudicial" and "tendentious" questions "represent a clear distortion of the history and present reality of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict." Notably, these hearings are separate from a high-profile case brought by South Africa alleging that Israel is committing genocidal acts during its current Gaza offensive. Also read: Middle East crisis: Houthi missile attack damages Belize-flagged ship, crew forced to abandon vessel What did the Palestinians say? Riad Mansour, who is the Palestinian representative to the UN, said in a speech: "We call on you to confirm that Israel's presence in the occupied Palestinian territory is illegal." "A finding from this distinguished court...would contribute to bringing (occupation) to an immediate end, paving a way to a just and lasting peace. A future in which no Palestinians and no Israelis are killed. A future in which two states live side by side in peace and security," he added. Israeli occupation and its history David Ben-Gurion, the head of the Jewish Agency, proclaimed the establishment of the State of Israel on May 14, 1948, which was recognised by then-US President Harry S Truman on the same day. The US on November 29, 1947, voted to partition British Mandatory Palestine into separate Jewish and Arab states, but the move was rejected by the Arab states. Their conflict led to a war with Israel after its creation. During the eight-month-long war, Israel expanded its territory allotted to it by the UN as more than 760,000 Palestinians fled. Jordan occupied the West Bank including east Jerusalem, while Egypt took the coastal Gaza Strip. Israel captured the West Bank, Gaza and East Jerusalem in a war in 1967 and has since built settlements in the West Bank and steadily expanded them. But the Palestinians want both regions for a state. Watch: Israel government formally rejects recognition of Palestinian State × Meanwhile, Israeli leaders have argued that the territories are formally occupied on the basis that they were captured from Jordan and Egypt during a war rather than from a sovereign Palestine. In fact, recently also, the Israeli government formally rejected the recognition of a Palestinian state. Since 1967, the UN has referred to the disputed territories as occupied by Israel. The world body also demanded that Israeli forces withdraw, saying it is the only way to secure peace. Notably, the occupation wasn't labelled specifically as illegal in the UN's resolution in 1967. ICJ ruling's impact on the ongoing Israel-Hamas war Analysts believe that the outcome in favour of Palestinians might put some political pressure on the war in Gaza, which has killed about 29,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health officials. The war started after Hamas militants launched unprecedented attacks in Israel on October 7, which led to retaliatory action by the Israeli government. So far in the past, Israel has ignored legal opinions and it claims that it faces an existential threat by Hamas militants and other groups and is acting in self-defence. But one must also consider the fact that the ICJ's judgements are binding although it has little means to enforce them. However, in this case, the opinion it issues will be non-binding although most advisory opinions are acted upon. (With inputs from agencies)

Explained: International Court of Justice and its role in the Israel-Palestine conflict

Israel vowed on Wednesday to press on with a "powerful" operation in war-torn Gaza's Rafah, even as calls mounted for it to hold off sending troops into the territory's overcrowded far-southern city.

Israel-Gaza War: Netanyahu vows 'powerful' Rafah operation, despite global opposition

Thousands protest in Israel demanding release of hostages, PM Netanyahu's resignation. PM Netanyahu says ICJ won't stop Israel fighting until victory in Gaza. Watch the video to know all updates related to Israel-Hamas War.

Israel at War: Protesters in Israel demands release of hostages, PM Netanyahu's resignation

The Israeli military says it has found evidence that hostages were present in an underground tunnel in the Gaza Strip city of Khan Younis, which has become the focus of Israel’s ground offensive.

Israel at War: Traces of hostages found in Khan Younis tunnel in Gaza, says IDF