<p>James Gunn's Superman has deliberately stirred up a political uproar. With opinion over the film's central conflict has drawn attention from fans online. The lead conflict of the film is around Boravia, ethnically white and Jarhanpur, ethnically non-white, where the former has occupied the latter, drawing a simile from real-world politics into the DC universe. Critics and social media posts have strongly drawn the parallel, but Gunn himself refused to give in to the controversy. Critics have praised the film, calling it ‘fresh’, and it sits at 85 per cent on the Tomatometer as of now.</p><p>In an interview with the Sunday Times, James Gunn said, “An immigrant that came from other places and populated the country, but for me it is mostly a story that says basic human kindness is a value and is something we have lost…and obviously there will be jerks out there who are just not kind and will take it as offensive just because it is about kindness. But screw them.”</p><h2><strong>How does Superman resemble the Israel-Palestine conflict?</strong></h2><p>Boravia is a militarised, technologically advanced state, powerful and well armed. Boravia invades and occupies Jarhanpur, a resource-scarce, impoverished country. Lex Luthor, who has powerful corporate/military interests, backs Boravia's invasion and manipulates the media narratives to frame Boravia as justified. Superman intervenes not as a weapon of war but with moral responsibility to end bloodshed.&nbsp;</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Several reactions are citing how the James Gunn Superman movie is promoting a whole host of left-wing issues and causes, including opposing President Trump, opposing Israel, opposing Elon Musk and opposing immigration enforcement. <a href="https://t.co/yl4b6s4ID7">pic.twitter.com/yl4b6s4ID7</a></p>&mdash; Jedi Jones (@JediJones77) <a href="https://twitter.com/JediJones77/status/1942472086540243203?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 8, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>There are certain visual metaphors and metastories which coincide or draw inspiration from the real world imagery, such as drones and missiles raining down on a desert cityscape, and children hiding in rubble. It echoed scenes at Gaza where civilians were caught in collapsing buildings while Superman shielded a family with his cape. The blue-and-grey drones resemble Israeli UAVs like Hermes 900. A massive wall separates the once shared territory and is heavily guarded by armed forces, similar to the Israeli walls at the West Bank. The protest scenes were similar to those of West Bank children throwing stones at the wall. Gunn includes “pocket-dimension prisons” reminiscent of ICE black sites. There was a silent moment where Superman looked at graffiti on a broken part of the wall reading: "Home is not a place. It’s a right."</p><p>Even though not a direct commentary on the conflict in the Middle East, but an evocative analogy. As one reviewer explains, “The crux of the film is an evil country in the Middle East filled with white people that has been a US ally for decades, trying to invade a neighbouring country to genocide its people and steal their land”.</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">SUPERMAN BY JAMES GUNN IS REALLY ANTI-ISRAEL FILM OMG, AND IT WAS REALLY GOOD😭😭😭😭 <a href="https://t.co/kJYCAaQJpF">pic.twitter.com/kJYCAaQJpF</a></p>&mdash; rezel* (@repxkomh13) <a href="https://twitter.com/repxkomh13/status/1942910932847591545?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 9, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>How did the US media react?</h2><p>Fox News presenter called the film a “moat of woke” and joked about the character having MS-13 branded on the cape instead of the iconic S. With MAGA supporters accusing it of pushing down liberal “ideology” with viewers.&nbsp;</p>

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Not. Good. Review coming soon <a href="https://t.co/Ax1gRaEvRl">pic.twitter.com/Ax1gRaEvRl</a></p>&mdash; Ben Shapiro (@benshapiro) <a href="https://twitter.com/benshapiro/status/1943494809689202700?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 11, 2025</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<p>Gunn has publicly denied that the Borovia plot is about the Middle East. Casting decisions like the comedian Bassem Yousuf, who had appeared on the Piers Morgan Uncensored, a vocal critic of the occupation, were changed from the film.&nbsp;</p><p>Still, the allegorical window remains open, people online poured “I loved Superman… Boravia = Israel, Jarhanpur = Palestine…” “powerful and clear commentary on the senseless genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.” &nbsp;</p><p>The irony is not lost, Superman was first created by Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster, two US children from Jewish immigrant parents. &nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>&nbsp;</p>

James Gunn's Superman, the sixth iteration of the superhero franchise from the DC universe, has sparked debate among fans and conservative media. Many are calling it a pro-Palestinan resurrection of Superman, while the Director himself has referred to the character as ‘immigrant’. 

James Gunn's Superman has deliberately stirred up a political uproar. With opinion over the film's central conflict has drawn attention from fans online. The lead conflict of the film is around Boravia, ethnically white and Jarhanpur, ethnically non-white, where the former has occupied the latter, drawing a simile from real-world politics into the DC universe. Critics and social media posts have strongly drawn the parallel, but Gunn himself refused to give in to the controversy. Critics have praised the film, calling it ‘fresh’, and it sits at 85 per cent on the Tomatometer as of now. In an interview with the Sunday Times, James Gunn said, “An immigrant that came from other places and populated the country, but for me it is mostly a story that says basic human kindness is a value and is something we have lost…and obviously there will be jerks out there who are just not kind and will take it as offensive just because it is about kindness. But screw them.” How does Superman resemble the Israel-Palestine conflict? Boravia is a militarised, technologically advanced state, powerful and well armed. Boravia invades and occupies Jarhanpur, a resource-scarce, impoverished country. Lex Luthor, who has powerful corporate/military interests, backs Boravia's invasion and manipulates the media narratives to frame Boravia as justified. Superman intervenes not as a weapon of war but with moral responsibility to end bloodshed.

<p>James Gunn's Superman, the sixth iteration of the superhero franchise from the DC universe, has sparked debate among fans and conservative media. Many are calling it a pro-Palestinan resurrection of Superman, while the Director himself has referred to the character as ‘immigrant’.&nbsp;</p>

SPOILER ALERT | Is James Gunn's Superman an allegory for Israel-Palestine conflict?

<p>Hamas’ top political leader Ismail Haniyeh has been killed in "a treacherous Zionist raid," according to Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard (IRGC). The news that broke Wednesday morning (Jul 31) is set to change the course of the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict in the Middle East.</p>

<p>The IRGC also confirmed the death of one of Haniyeh’s bodyguards who was also killed in the “raid”. But what does the IRGC have to do with Palestinian group Hamas’ leader, Haniyeh?&nbsp;</p>

<p>It is because Ismail Haniyeh was in Iran when the alleged assassination happened. He was in the capital Tehran on Tuesday, attending the inauguration ceremony of the country’s new president, Masoud Pezeskhian.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-faud-shukr-the-hezbollah-senior-terrorist-israel-claims-to-have-eliminated-in-beirut-745752">Who is Faud Shukr? The Hezbollah 'senior terrorist' Israel claims to have 'eliminated' in Beirut</a></p>

<p>"The residence of Ismail Haniyeh, head of the political office of Hamas Islamic Resistance, was hit in Tehran, and as a result of this incident, him and one of his bodyguards were martyred," said the IRGC Sepah news website.</p>

<p>Here is the video of Haniyeh moments before the attack in Iran, hugging the new Iranian president Pezeskhian, who&nbsp;succeeded&nbsp;Iran’s eighth president Ebrahim Raisi&nbsp;recently killed in a helicopter crash in May 2024.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">At the inauguration of Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian today, he embraced and exchanged kisses with Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh.<br />
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Meanwhile, regime apologists in Washington have spent months trying to convince us that Pezeshkian is a “reformer.”<a href="https://t.co/0ZLrMNNRiF">pic.twitter.com/0ZLrMNNRiF</a></p>
— Sarah Raviani (@sarahraviani) <a href="https://twitter.com/sarahraviani/status/1818356759876321372?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 30, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Haniyeh also met the Supreme Leader of Iran, Ali Khamenei at his official residence.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BREAKING?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BREAKING</a> | <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Hamas?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Hamas</a> chief <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IsmailHaniyeh?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IsmailHaniyeh</a>, who was killed in Tehran today, had met Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei hours before the attack <a href="https://t.co/jAqZu2R90q">pic.twitter.com/jAqZu2R90q</a></p>
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<p>The swearing-in ceremony was also attended by India, where Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari represented the country at the event.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Haniya &amp; Indian minister Gadkari shared the stage yesterday at the swearing-in ceremony of New Iran President Pezeshkian <a href="https://t.co/1ijcjHeRgX">https://t.co/1ijcjHeRgX</a> <a href="https://t.co/0oFvutVWkV">pic.twitter.com/0oFvutVWkV</a></p>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1818508854818156831?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 31, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Hamas has also confirmed the death of Haniyeh and said that an Israeli airstrike killed the Hamas leader, but Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard has said it was investigating the attack and did not say how it occurred.</p>

<p>Haniyeh was appointed to the Hamas top job in 2017, as per reports. He moved between Turkey and Qatar's capital Doha, escaping the travel curbs of the blockaded Gaza Strip, acting as a negotiator in ceasefire talks with Israel and participating in talks with Hamas' ally Iran.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-leader-ismail-haniyeh-killed-in-tehran-irgc-confirms-fatal-attack-on-his-residence-745761">Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh killed in a ' treacherous Zionist raid' in Tehran: IRGC confirms fatal attack</a></p>

<p>Haniyeh joined Hamas in 1987 when the group was founded amid the outbreak of the first Palestinian intifada, or uprising, against Israeli occupation, which lasted until 1993.</p>

<p>According to Hamas, as reported by Reuters, three of Haniyeh's sons—Hazem, Amir, and Mohammad—were killed on April 10 when an Israeli airstrike hit their car. Additionally, four of his grandchildren,&nbsp;three girls and one boy, also died in the attack.</p>

<p><em>More details are awaited.</em></p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Hamas’ top political leader Ismail Haniyeh has been killed in "a treacherous Zionist raid," according to Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard (IRGC). The news that broke Wednesday morning (Jul 31) is set to change the course of the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict in the Middle East.

Hamas’ top political leader Ismail Haniyeh has been killed in "a treacherous Zionist raid," according to Iran's paramilitary Revolutionary Guard (IRGC). The news that broke Wednesday morning (Jul 31) is set to change the course of the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict in the Middle East. The IRGC also confirmed the death of one of Haniyeh’s bodyguards who was also killed in the “raid”. But what does the IRGC have to do with Palestinian group Hamas’ leader, Haniyeh? It is because Ismail Haniyeh was in Iran when the alleged assassination happened. He was in the capital Tehran on Tuesday, attending the inauguration ceremony of the country’s new president, Masoud Pezeskhian. Also Read | Who is Faud Shukr? The Hezbollah 'senior terrorist' Israel claims to have 'eliminated' in Beirut "The residence of Ismail Haniyeh, head of the political office of Hamas Islamic Resistance, was hit in Tehran, and as a result of this incident, him and one of his bodyguards were martyred," said the IRGC Sepah news website. Here is the video of Haniyeh moments before the attack in Iran, hugging the new Iranian president Pezeskhian, who succeeded Iran’s eighth president Ebrahim Raisi recently killed in a helicopter crash in May 2024. At the inauguration of Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian today, he embraced and exchanged kisses with Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh. Meanwhile, regime apologists in Washington have spent months trying to convince us that Pezeshkian is a “reformer.”pic.twitter.com/0ZLrMNNRiF — Sarah Raviani (@sarahraviani) July 30, 2024 × Haniyeh also met the Supreme Leader of Iran, Ali Khamenei at his official residence. #BREAKING | #Hamas chief #IsmailHaniyeh, who was killed in Tehran today, had met Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei hours before the attack pic.twitter.com/jAqZu2R90q — WION (@WIONews) July 31, 2024 × The swearing-in ceremony was also attended by India, where Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari represented the country at the event. Haniya & Indian minister Gadkari shared the stage yesterday at the swearing-in ceremony of New Iran President Pezeshkian https://t.co/1ijcjHeRgX pic.twitter.com/0oFvutVWkV — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) July 31, 2024 × Hamas has also confirmed the death of Haniyeh and said that an Israeli airstrike killed the Hamas leader, but Iran’s paramilitary Revolutionary Guard has said it was investigating the attack and did not say how it occurred. Haniyeh was appointed to the Hamas top job in 2017, as per reports. He moved between Turkey and Qatar's capital Doha, escaping the travel curbs of the blockaded Gaza Strip, acting as a negotiator in ceasefire talks with Israel and participating in talks with Hamas' ally Iran. Also Read | Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh killed in a ' treacherous Zionist raid' in Tehran: IRGC confirms fatal attack Haniyeh joined Hamas in 1987 when the group was founded amid the outbreak of the first Palestinian intifada, or uprising, against Israeli occupation, which lasted until 1993. According to Hamas, as reported by Reuters, three of Haniyeh's sons—Hazem, Amir, and Mohammad—were killed on April 10 when an Israeli airstrike hit their car. Additionally, four of his grandchildren, three girls and one boy, also died in the attack. More details are awaited. (With inputs from agencies)

Moments before Hamas' top brass, Ismail Haniyeh was killed in Iran

<p>Cate Blanchett made heads turn in an elegant outfit at the red carpet premiere of her new film <em>The Apprentice</em> at the ongoing Cannes Film Festival 2024. The actress wore an off-shoulder, black-and-white ensemble by Jean Paul Gaultier. But that's not why Blanchett's choice of outfit is making headlines.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
The actress, with her stunning ensemble, made use of the red carpet to show her solidarity with&nbsp;Palestine.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
The dress had a special significance as it had a shade of green added in the inner layer of the skirt, the colours are all part of the Palestinian flag - if one includes the red from the red carpet as well.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
The actor shared the pictures on her official Instagram account.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
The Academy award-winning actress was styled by LA-based red carpet stylist Elizabeth Stewart.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
The star topped off her look with a necklace made from repurposed pearls and diamonds.<br />
<br />
<strong>Fans react to Cate Blanchett's outfit</strong><br />
<br />
Several fans raved about Blanchett's subtle show of solidarity for the people of Palestine amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas. Several celebrities have in the past expressed their support to Israel but Blanchett's way of communicating her views is being lauded for its uniqueness.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
"When I grow up I want to become Cate Blanchett, and have the subtlety to think the carpet is already red, so I can just wear a black &amp; white dress with green lining to make such a strong point. #cannes2024," a user wrote.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">When I grow up I want to become Cate Blanchett, and have the subtlety to think the carpet is already red, so I can just wear a black &amp; white dress with green lining to make such a strong point. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/cannes2024?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#cannes2024</a> <a href="https://t.co/5OiJRBOZ5D">pic.twitter.com/5OiJRBOZ5D</a></p>
— Dr Zahira Jaser (@ZahiraJaser) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZahiraJaser/status/1792802822742044676?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 21, 2024</a></blockquote>
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"Cate Blanchett aka Queen Hela showing solidarity with Palestine at Cannes Film Festival. We stan," wrote another. "Mother. Cate Blanchett. Viva Palestina 🇵🇸 #Cannes2024," wrote a third user.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Cate Blanchett aka Queen Hela showing solidarity with Palestine at Cannes Film Festival. We stan. <a href="https://t.co/Zw7hzfnltB">pic.twitter.com/Zw7hzfnltB</a></p>
— Ikhwan (@JatIkhwan) <a href="https://twitter.com/JatIkhwan/status/1792880648455139784?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 21, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">literally how does one recover from seeing cate blanchett look this good <a href="https://t.co/gjDnGRRC2y">pic.twitter.com/gjDnGRRC2y</a></p>
— Rina (@bbblanchett) <a href="https://twitter.com/bbblanchett/status/1792606541092429913?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 20, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="es">Mother. Cate Blanchett.<br />
Viva Palestina 🇵🇸 <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Cannes2024?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Cannes2024</a> <a href="https://t.co/4cnKIpY1er">pic.twitter.com/4cnKIpY1er</a></p>
— Andrea (@andrearendon__) <a href="https://twitter.com/andrearendon__/status/1792638131574821174?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 20, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p><br />
<strong>Blanchett's support for Palestine</strong><br />
<br />
This is not the first time that Blanchett has spoken in favour of Palestine. Back in November, a month after the breakout of the war, the actress and the goodwill ambassador of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) addressed the European Parliament, calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire.<br />
<br />
“I am not Syrian. I am not Ukrainian. I’m not Yemeni. I’m not Afghani. I’m not from South Sudan. I’m not from Israel or Palestine. I’m not a politician. I’m not even a pundit. But I am a witness,” she said.</p>

<p>"The conflict has cost and continues to cost the lives of thousands of innocent people," the actress had said.&nbsp;</p>


Cate Blanchett made heads turn in an elegant outfit at the red carpet premiere of her new film The Apprentice at the ongoing Cannes Film Festival 2024. The actress wore an off-shoulder, black-and-white ensemble by Jean Paul Gaultier.

Cate Blanchett made heads turn in an elegant outfit at the red carpet premiere of her new film The Apprentice at the ongoing Cannes Film Festival 2024. The actress wore an off-shoulder, black-and-white ensemble by Jean Paul Gaultier. But that's not why Blanchett's choice of outfit is making headlines. The actress, with her stunning ensemble, made use of the red carpet to show her solidarity with Palestine. The dress had a special significance as it had a shade of green added in the inner layer of the skirt, the colours are all part of the Palestinian flag - if one includes the red from the red carpet as well. The actor shared the pictures on her official Instagram account. The Academy award-winning actress was styled by LA-based red carpet stylist Elizabeth Stewart. The star topped off her look with a necklace made from repurposed pearls and diamonds. Fans react to Cate Blanchett's outfit Several fans raved about Blanchett's subtle show of solidarity for the people of Palestine amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas. Several celebrities have in the past expressed their support to Israel but Blanchett's way of communicating her views is being lauded for its uniqueness. "When I grow up I want to become Cate Blanchett, and have the subtlety to think the carpet is already red, so I can just wear a black & white dress with green lining to make such a strong point. #cannes2024," a user wrote. When I grow up I want to become Cate Blanchett, and have the subtlety to think the carpet is already red, so I can just wear a black & white dress with green lining to make such a strong point. #cannes2024 pic.twitter.com/5OiJRBOZ5D — Dr Zahira Jaser (@ZahiraJaser) May 21, 2024 × "Cate Blanchett aka Queen Hela showing solidarity with Palestine at Cannes Film Festival. We stan," wrote another. "Mother. Cate Blanchett. Viva Palestina 🇵🇸 #Cannes2024," wrote a third user. Cate Blanchett aka Queen Hela showing solidarity with Palestine at Cannes Film Festival. We stan. pic.twitter.com/Zw7hzfnltB — Ikhwan (@JatIkhwan) May 21, 2024 × literally how does one recover from seeing cate blanchett look this good pic.twitter.com/gjDnGRRC2y — Rina (@bbblanchett) May 20, 2024 × Mother. Cate Blanchett. Viva Palestina 🇵🇸 #Cannes2024 pic.twitter.com/4cnKIpY1er — Andrea (@andrearendon__) May 20, 2024 × Blanchett's support for Palestine This is not the first time that Blanchett has spoken in favour of Palestine. Back in November, a month after the breakout of the war, the actress and the goodwill ambassador of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) addressed the European Parliament, calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire. “I am not Syrian. I am not Ukrainian. I’m not Yemeni. I’m not Afghani. I’m not from South Sudan. I’m not from Israel or Palestine. I’m not a politician. I’m not even a pundit. But I am a witness,” she said. "The conflict has cost and continues to cost the lives of thousands of innocent people," the actress had said.

Cate Blanchett uses Cannes red carpet to make a political statement

The top diplomats of the US and China held tough talks in Beijing as the rival superpowers sought to clarify their growing differences on an array of bilateral and global issues. Watch in for more details!

Antony Blinken in China: Chinese FM urges US not to suppress China's development

UNRWA has released a report which says that the Palestinian employees were tortured into making confessions. Israel has earlier accused the UNRWA staff of having links with Hamas. Watch to know more!

UNRWA Row: UN releases report on Israeli accusations, accuses Israel of getting fake confessions

UNRWA has released a report which says that the Palestinian employees were tortured into making confessions. Israel has earlier accused the UNRWA staff of having links with Hamas.

UNRWA accuses Israel of getting fake self-incriminating statements | UNRWA Row

US President Joe Biden has said that a ceasefire and hostage deal in Gaza will hopefully come soon into effect (by Monday). Negotiations from Qatar, Egypt, US and France are working.

Israel-Hamas war | Gaza ceasefire soon? Egypt, Qatar, US negotiate another truce

The International Court of Justice (ICJ), concluded its historic proceedings on the legality of Israel's 57-year occupation of lands sought by Palestinians for a future state. The majority of voices at the hearing argued against the Israeli government's policies. Watch in for more details!

ICJ hears final arguments on Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories

The Israel-Hamas war cabinet decided on Thursday to send a delegation to Paris on Friday for crucial negotiations on a hostage agreement and related ceasefire in the Gaza conflict.

Israel-hamas war: PM Netanyahu sends Israeli team to Paris for hostage talks

As Israel prepares for an incursion in Rafah, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces growing international pressure to agree to a ceasefire. While displaced Palestinians only urge for safety and to return home. What is next? Where will the displaced go now?

Israel-Hamas war: Rafah refugees fear Israeli onslaught | WION's Ground Report from Southern Israel

Israel-Hamas war: Rafah's 1 million refugees fear Israeli onslaught

In an open letter, Berlinale workers call for an "immediate ceasefire and the release of all hostages" in Gaza and demand "stronger institutional leadership" from the Berlin Festival on the issue.

Berlin Film Festival 2024: Berlinale workers demand 'immediate ceasefire' in Gaza

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all the latest news and top headlines from all across the globe: The US is actively pursuing a second hostage deal as well as humanitarian assistance to Gaza. U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is heading to West Asia again on his new crisis tour of the region. Blinken seeks to push forward a proposal to halt the devastating conflict in return for the release of hostages. Watch to know more!

Blinken's fifth West Asia visit: Talks with Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Qatar, Israel lined up

A 26-year-old French suspect recorded a video pledging allegiance to the Islamic State before his knife and hammer attack. The French anti-terror prosecutor said that the suspect told the police that he was angry about the situation in Gaza.

Man arrested for killing German tourist in Paris, suspect tells 'was angry about situation in Gaza'

<p>For years, Hollywood has been a stronghold of progressive values, where the left-leaning Democratic Party finds resounding support. It's a place where liberal ideologies are championed, and where celebrities have used their platform to endorse causes like Black Lives Matter. This ideological alignment appeared almost unshakeable until the events of October 7, when an armed conflict erupted between Hamas-led Palestinian militant groups and the Israeli military.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The attack began with a coordinated surprise offensive by Hamas, codenamed "Al-Aqsa Flood." It involved a massive rocket barrage launched from the Gaza Strip into Israel and the breach of the Gaza-Israel barrier by Palestinian militants who attacked civilian communities and Israeli military bases. Israel formally declared war on Hamas after the offensive.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It launched airstrikes in the Gaza Strip, resulting in thousands of deaths. Concerns about a humanitarian crisis have escalated after Israel discontinued the provision of food, water, electricity, and fuel to Gaza.</p>

<p>The war has divided global public opinion, with several pro-Palestine rallies, anti-Semitic attacks and terrorist killings reported from different parts of the world. Hollywood has also not been left untouched. But in order to understand the Hollywood reaction, we need to dig into its past a bit.</p>

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<h2><strong>Exploring Hollywood's deep Jewish roots</strong></h2>

<p>From the very inception of Hollywood, Jews have played a key role in shaping the entertainment industry. Seeking refuge from anti-Semitism and discrimination in other industries, Jewish immigrants in the early 20th century became pioneers in the burgeoning film business. Paramount Pictures, Warner Bros, Universal Pictures – these major studios, founded by Jewish entrepreneurs, would go on to become the cornerstones of the industry.</p>

<p>Over the decades, Jews have ascended to prominence in various roles within the entertainment and media businesses. Figures like Barbra Streisand, Kirk Douglas, and Natalie Portman have achieved international acclaim as actors, while directors like Steven Spielberg and Mel Brooks have left indelible marks on cinema. Producers, including Carl Laemmle and Lew Wasserman, have played pivotal roles in shaping the industry's business landscape. The Jewish influence extends beyond the names and faces on the screen, touching upon the stories told, the themes explored, and the values championed.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-how-netanyahu-helped-grow-hamas-which-became-the-frankensteins-monster-for-him-651336">Explained | How Netanyahu helped turn Hamas into his Frankenstein's monster</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>The resounding silence</strong></h2>

<p>What's remarkable about the recent Hollywood divide is the notable silence that followed the Israel-Hamas conflict. Prominent celebrities, often vocal about global events on social media, remained surprisingly quiet. Major studios, typically quick to comment on socio-political issues worldwide, initially chose silence over action. This stands in stark contrast to the industry's unified opposition to Russia's Ukraine invasion in February 2022.</p>

<h2><strong>The Writers' Guild divide</strong></h2>

<p>The most evident division emerged within the Writers Guild of America (WGA), representing a significant portion of Hollywood's screenwriters. The WGA's decision not to condemn the attacks on Israel left many Jewish writers disenchanted. Some even contemplated severing ties with the union, while others, like Marc Guggenheim, a notable writer and producer, decided to withhold their dues. In contrast, an anonymous pro-Palestinian group known as WGA for Peace supported the union's stance, arguing that its members were apprehensive about being labelled as anti-Semitic.</p>

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<h2><strong>A broader ideological chasm</strong></h2>

<p>This divide isn't confined to Hollywood; it extends to the broader liberal landscape. The Israel-Palestine conflict has ignited passionate debates within political circles, among students on college campuses in prestigious universities like Harvard and Stanford, and within progressive activist groups and philanthropic organisations. On one side, there's fervent support for Israel, while on the other, an energised faction perceives the Palestinian cause as an extension of the broader social justice movements that gained momentum in the United States in 2020. Simultaneously, there are voices, including Jewish individuals, advocating for a ceasefire.</p>

<h2><strong>Letters to President Biden</strong></h2>

<p>Prominent figures, including well-known actors like Paul Rudd and Ben Stiller, expressed their gratitude to President Joe Biden for his diplomatic efforts in one letter. In contrast, another group, featuring notables like Ben Affleck and Tony Kushner, penned a separate letter, urging President Biden to call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and Israel.</p>

<h2><strong>Social media controversy</strong></h2>

<p>Differences in opinion also spilled over onto social media platforms. Notable agent Maha Dakhil at the Creative Artists Agency faced a backlash after characterising Israel's airstrikes in Gaza as "genocide" in an Instagram post. Dakhil, who represents high-profile stars like Natalie Portman and Reese Witherspoon, later issued an apology and stepped down from an internal leadership position at the agency. This incident led to the loss of a significant client, screenwriter and playwright Aaron Sorkin, who<strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-aaron-sorkin-leaves-talent-agency-caa-over-maha-dakhils-controversial-israel-hamas-post-651200"> opted to switch</a></strong> to a rival agency.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-explained-how-martin-scorsese-makes-movies-651192">Explained: How Martin Scorsese makes movies</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>Resurgence of anti-Semitism</strong></h2>

<p>While the division within the entertainment industry hasn't led to violence, there's growing concern among Jewish individuals as anti-Semitic incidents and hate crimes have surged in the United States since the start of the conflict. The Anti-Defamation League reported a 388 per cent increase in harassment, vandalism, and assault in the past three weeks compared to the same period the previous year.</p>

<p>Also Read |<strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/news-explained--osage-indian-murders-that-inspired-martin-scorseses-killers-of-the-flower-moon-592892">&nbsp;Explained | Osage Indian Murders that inspired Martin Scorsese's Killers of the Flower Moon</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>Is the complexity of the conflict to blame?</strong></h2>

<p>The divide that has emerged within Hollywood may, in large part, be attributed to the inherent complexity of the Israel-Palestine conflict. This multifaceted and deeply entrenched conflict defies simplistic solutions and has fueled a wide spectrum of opinions, even within the liberal bastion of Hollywood.</p>

<p>The conflict's long and turbulent history, marked by territorial disputes, historical grievances, and competing narratives, has generated passionate advocacy on both sides. Within the entertainment industry, where social and political issues are often under the spotlight, navigating this intricate landscape becomes challenging.</p>

<p>The conflict's nuances make it difficult for a one-size-fits-all approach to be embraced in a place like Hollywood, where diversity of thought and perspective is generally celebrated. This complexity has contributed to the divide within the industry, with individuals and organisations grappling with how to align their values and beliefs in a landscape marked by conflicting loyalties and deeply held convictions.</p>

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For years, Hollywood has been a stronghold of progressive values, where the left-leaning Democratic Party finds resounding support. It's a place where liberal ideologies are championed, and where celebrities have used their platform to endorse causes like Black Lives Matter.

For years, Hollywood has been a stronghold of progressive values, where the left-leaning Democratic Party finds resounding support. It's a place where liberal ideologies are championed, and where celebrities have used their platform to endorse causes like Black Lives Matter. This ideological alignment appeared almost unshakeable until the events of October 7, when an armed conflict erupted between Hamas-led Palestinian militant groups and the Israeli military. The attack began with a coordinated surprise offensive by Hamas, codenamed "Al-Aqsa Flood." It involved a massive rocket barrage launched from the Gaza Strip into Israel and the breach of the Gaza-Israel barrier by Palestinian militants who attacked civilian communities and Israeli military bases. Israel formally declared war on Hamas after the offensive. It launched airstrikes in the Gaza Strip, resulting in thousands of deaths. Concerns about a humanitarian crisis have escalated after Israel discontinued the provision of food, water, electricity, and fuel to Gaza. The war has divided global public opinion, with several pro-Palestine rallies, anti-Semitic attacks and terrorist killings reported from different parts of the world. Hollywood has also not been left untouched. But in order to understand the Hollywood reaction, we need to dig into its past a bit. Exploring Hollywood's deep Jewish roots From the very inception of Hollywood, Jews have played a key role in shaping the entertainment industry. Seeking refuge from anti-Semitism and discrimination in other industries, Jewish immigrants in the early 20th century became pioneers in the burgeoning film business. Paramount Pictures, Warner Bros, Universal Pictures – these major studios, founded by Jewish entrepreneurs, would go on to become the cornerstones of the industry. Over the decades, Jews have ascended to prominence in various roles within the entertainment and media businesses. Figures like Barbra Streisand, Kirk Douglas, and Natalie Portman have achieved international acclaim as actors, while directors like Steven Spielberg and Mel Brooks have left indelible marks on cinema. Producers, including Carl Laemmle and Lew Wasserman, have played pivotal roles in shaping the industry's business landscape. The Jewish influence extends beyond the names and faces on the screen, touching upon the stories told, the themes explored, and the values championed. Also Read | Explained | How Netanyahu helped turn Hamas into his Frankenstein's monster The resounding silence What's remarkable about the recent Hollywood divide is the notable silence that followed the Israel-Hamas conflict. Prominent celebrities, often vocal about global events on social media, remained surprisingly quiet. Major studios, typically quick to comment on socio-political issues worldwide, initially chose silence over action. This stands in stark contrast to the industry's unified opposition to Russia's Ukraine invasion in February 2022. The Writers' Guild divide The most evident division emerged within the Writers Guild of America (WGA), representing a significant portion of Hollywood's screenwriters. The WGA's decision not to condemn the attacks on Israel left many Jewish writers disenchanted. Some even contemplated severing ties with the union, while others, like Marc Guggenheim, a notable writer and producer, decided to withhold their dues. In contrast, an anonymous pro-Palestinian group known as WGA for Peace supported the union's stance, arguing that its members were apprehensive about being labelled as anti-Semitic. A broader ideological chasm This divide isn't confined to Hollywood; it extends to the broader liberal landscape. The Israel-Palestine conflict has ignited passionate debates within political circles, among students on college campuses in prestigious universities like Harvard and Stanford, and within progressive activist groups and philanthropic organisations. On one side, there's fervent support for Israel, while on the other, an energised faction perceives the Palestinian cause as an extension of the broader social justice movements that gained momentum in the United States in 2020. Simultaneously, there are voices, including Jewish individuals, advocating for a ceasefire. Letters to President Biden Prominent figures, including well-known actors like Paul Rudd and Ben Stiller, expressed their gratitude to President Joe Biden for his diplomatic efforts in one letter. In contrast, another group, featuring notables like Ben Affleck and Tony Kushner, penned a separate letter, urging President Biden to call for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and Israel. Social media controversy Differences in opinion also spilled over onto social media platforms. Notable agent Maha Dakhil at the Creative Artists Agency faced a backlash after characterising Israel's airstrikes in Gaza as "genocide" in an Instagram post. Dakhil, who represents high-profile stars like Natalie Portman and Reese Witherspoon, later issued an apology and stepped down from an internal leadership position at the agency. This incident led to the loss of a significant client, screenwriter and playwright Aaron Sorkin, who opted to switch to a rival agency. Also Read | Explained: How Martin Scorsese makes movies Resurgence of anti-Semitism While the division within the entertainment industry hasn't led to violence, there's growing concern among Jewish individuals as anti-Semitic incidents and hate crimes have surged in the United States since the start of the conflict. The Anti-Defamation League reported a 388 per cent increase in harassment, vandalism, and assault in the past three weeks compared to the same period the previous year. Also Read | Explained | Osage Indian Murders that inspired Martin Scorsese's Killers of the Flower Moon Is the complexity of the conflict to blame? The divide that has emerged within Hollywood may, in large part, be attributed to the inherent complexity of the Israel-Palestine conflict. This multifaceted and deeply entrenched conflict defies simplistic solutions and has fueled a wide spectrum of opinions, even within the liberal bastion of Hollywood. The conflict's long and turbulent history, marked by territorial disputes, historical grievances, and competing narratives, has generated passionate advocacy on both sides. Within the entertainment industry, where social and political issues are often under the spotlight, navigating this intricate landscape becomes challenging. The conflict's nuances make it difficult for a one-size-fits-all approach to be embraced in a place like Hollywood, where diversity of thought and perspective is generally celebrated. This complexity has contributed to the divide within the industry, with individuals and organisations grappling with how to align their values and beliefs in a landscape marked by conflicting loyalties and deeply held convictions. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Explained | How Israel-Hamas war is dividing Hollywood and celeb world

<p>Protests broke out in cities across West Asia after a deadly strike at a hospital in Gaza <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-500-killed-after-israeli-airstrikes-target-hospital-claims-gaza-health-ministry-648141">claimed hundreds of Palestinian lives</a>. The Hamas-administered Gazan authorities claimed more than 500 people died in the hospital airstrike allegedly committed by the Israeli side. Israel was quick to refute the claim and said that the blast occurred due to a 'misfired' missile that was aimed at Israel.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A report in CNN cited sources to claim that Israel has provided the US with intelligence it has gathered related to the deadly Gaza hospital explosion, to establish its purported innocence in what has been the deadliest civilian casualty toll in a single incidence during the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/video-israeli-airstrike-or-misfired-islamic-jihad-rocket-what-killed-hundreds-at-gaza-hospital-648159">Video: Israeli airstrike or 'misfired' Islamic Jihad rocket? What killed hundreds at Gaza hospital</a></strong></p>

<p>The hospital was reportedly sheltering thousands of displaced people who were evacuated from their homes, the Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza said in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Here's a look at protests erupting across West Asia following the mass casualty event that occurred at the Gaza hospital:</strong></p>

<p>In the Jordanian capital Amman, hundreds of protesters&nbsp;took to the streets&nbsp;as a group gathered near the Israeli embassy, a move deterred by the&nbsp;security forces stationed there.</p>

<p>Jordan's state-run Petra news agency also reported the protesters' attempts to reach the embassy and subsequent instances of arson in the area.</p>

<p>Videos on social media seen by WION showed security forces using tear gas to push protesters away from the embassy.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Israel-Hamas war | Israel to Hamas: Die or surrender</strong></p>

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<p>In an announcement that coincided with raging protests in Amman, Jordan cancelled a planned summit of the leaders of Egypt and Palestine with US President Joe Biden.</p>

<p>Biden's West Asia itinerary now includes only a visit to Israel.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><b>Gaza hospital strike: Protests break out in Lebanon, Iraq and Iran</b></h2>

<p>In Lebanon, hundreds of protesters took to the streets near the US embassy in the capital Beirut while attempting to to break through the security barriers.</p>

<p>In the Iraqi capital Baghdad, hundreds of people took to the streets to chant anti-Israel slogans.</p>

<p>Dozens of protesters reportedly&nbsp;attempted to cross a bridge that leads to Green Zone, CNN reported.&nbsp;But security forces prevented them from crossing it, the publication reported further.</p>

<p>Baghdad's Green Zone houses Iraqi government offices and foreign&nbsp;embassies.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the Iranian capital Tehran, protests also took place outside the French and British embassies. Anti-Israel protests also occurred&nbsp;in other cities such as Esfahan and Qom.</p>

<p>Israel's retaliation against Gaza Strip-based Hamas following the events of Oct 7-8&nbsp;— that&nbsp;killed over 1,400 Israeli citizens&nbsp;— has led to the death&nbsp;of nearly 3,000 Palestinian people in the thickly populated Gaza Strip.</p>

<p><em><strong>(Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.)</strong></em></p>

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Protests broke out in cities across West Asia after a deadly strike at a hospital in Gaza claimed hundreds of Palestinian lives. The Hamas-administered Gazan authorities claimed more than 500 people died in the hospital airstrike allegedly committed by the Israeli side.

Protests broke out in cities across West Asia after a deadly strike at a hospital in Gaza claimed hundreds of Palestinian lives. The Hamas-administered Gazan authorities claimed more than 500 people died in the hospital airstrike allegedly committed by the Israeli side. Israel was quick to refute the claim and said that the blast occurred due to a 'misfired' missile that was aimed at Israel. A report in CNN cited sources to claim that Israel has provided the US with intelligence it has gathered related to the deadly Gaza hospital explosion, to establish its purported innocence in what has been the deadliest civilian casualty toll in a single incidence during the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. Also read | Video: Israeli airstrike or 'misfired' Islamic Jihad rocket? What killed hundreds at Gaza hospital The hospital was reportedly sheltering thousands of displaced people who were evacuated from their homes, the Palestinian Health Ministry in Gaza said in a statement. Here's a look at protests erupting across West Asia following the mass casualty event that occurred at the Gaza hospital: In the Jordanian capital Amman, hundreds of protesters took to the streets as a group gathered near the Israeli embassy, a move deterred by the security forces stationed there. Jordan's state-run Petra news agency also reported the protesters' attempts to reach the embassy and subsequent instances of arson in the area. Videos on social media seen by WION showed security forces using tear gas to push protesters away from the embassy. Also watch | Israel-Hamas war | Israel to Hamas: Die or surrender × In an announcement that coincided with raging protests in Amman, Jordan cancelled a planned summit of the leaders of Egypt and Palestine with US President Joe Biden. Biden's West Asia itinerary now includes only a visit to Israel. Gaza hospital strike: Protests break out in Lebanon, Iraq and Iran In Lebanon, hundreds of protesters took to the streets near the US embassy in the capital Beirut while attempting to to break through the security barriers. In the Iraqi capital Baghdad, hundreds of people took to the streets to chant anti-Israel slogans. Dozens of protesters reportedly attempted to cross a bridge that leads to Green Zone, CNN reported. But security forces prevented them from crossing it, the publication reported further. Baghdad's Green Zone houses Iraqi government offices and foreign embassies. In the Iranian capital Tehran, protests also took place outside the French and British embassies. Anti-Israel protests also occurred in other cities such as Esfahan and Qom. Israel's retaliation against Gaza Strip-based Hamas following the events of Oct 7-8 — that killed over 1,400 Israeli citizens — has led to the death of nearly 3,000 Palestinian people in the thickly populated Gaza Strip. (Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

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

<p>Former US President Donald Trump slammed President Joe Biden's administration and claimed that "a weak president in the White House" is costing peace in West Asia amid the ongoing state of war in Israel as well as Iran's&nbsp;belligerence against purported American interests in the region.</p>

<p>In an opinion article written for Newsweek, Trump claimed that the United States must confront&nbsp;what he believed was "the absolute failure of the Biden administration".</p>

<p>"The only thing Biden is good at is the weaponisation of the justice system against his political opponents," Trump wrote while referring to over a dozen cases against him being pursued in the courts across the United States.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-slapped-with-gag-order-in-2020-election-subversion-case-647735">Trump slapped with gag order in 2020 election subversion case</a></strong></p>

<p>"Every step of the way, Joe Biden has empowered and emboldened America's enemies the world over—and clearly none more so than the terrorist group Hamas, and their bloodthirsty sponsor, the villainous regime in Iran," Trump wrote further.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Trump claimed that when he left the White House in 2020, Iran was "weak, broke and desperate to make a deal."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I hammered Iranian oil exports down to a record low," Trump wrote.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Iran-flagged tanker seized over suspected crude oil transfer</strong></p>

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<p>"But then Biden came in, loosened my sanctions, and today Iran is producing more than three million barrels a day. Iran went from making little money under me to raking in at least $80 billion a year under Biden," he wrote further.</p>

<p>But Trump's claim of Iran making "at least $80 billion a year" from its oil trade appears imprecise.</p>

<p>Iranian oil exports have been summed at $41 billion if they are sold at Brent prices, wrote Jeffrey J. Schott, a senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics and co-author of 'Economic Sanctions Reconsidered', in an article for Barrons publication.</p>

<p>Further, Trump recalled his decision to cut off hundreds of billions of dollars of American aid to the Palestinian Authority and went on to slam Biden for repealing his decision after he took office.</p>

<p>"When Biden took office, one of the first things he did was reverse this policy and ship $235 million American taxpayer dollars to the Palestinians—despite warnings from within his own government that this money would be used to fund Hamas'&nbsp;terror campaigns," he wrote.</p>

<p>Joe Biden's administration restored $235mn of aid to Palestinians in April 2021.</p>

<p>Two-thirds of this money went to the UN's agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, which had suffered a&nbsp;crisis since it lost $360mn of US funding in 2018 during Donald Trump's presidential tenure.</p>

<h2><strong>Trump accuses UNRWA of fueling Israel-Palestine conflict</strong></h2>

<p>Trump accused the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) of 'helping (to) fuel' the conflict between Israel and Palestine for decades.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We will once again cut off money for UNRWA," he added.</p>

<p>"We will restore the Trump Travel Ban on entry by people from terror-plagued countries, territories, and places," he said while referring to a similar ban briefly imposed during his presidential tenure.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We aren't bringing in anyone from Gaza or Syria or Somalia or Yemen, or Libya, or anywhere else that threatens our security," Trump wrote.</p>

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Former US President Donald Trump slammed President Joe Biden's administration and claimed that "a weak president in the White House" is costing peace in West Asia amid the ongoing state of war in Israel as well as Iran's belligerence against purported American interests in the region.

Former US President Donald Trump slammed President Joe Biden's administration and claimed that "a weak president in the White House" is costing peace in West Asia amid the ongoing state of war in Israel as well as Iran's belligerence against purported American interests in the region. In an opinion article written for Newsweek, Trump claimed that the United States must confront what he believed was "the absolute failure of the Biden administration". "The only thing Biden is good at is the weaponisation of the justice system against his political opponents," Trump wrote while referring to over a dozen cases against him being pursued in the courts across the United States. Also read | Trump slapped with gag order in 2020 election subversion case "Every step of the way, Joe Biden has empowered and emboldened America's enemies the world over—and clearly none more so than the terrorist group Hamas, and their bloodthirsty sponsor, the villainous regime in Iran," Trump wrote further. Trump claimed that when he left the White House in 2020, Iran was "weak, broke and desperate to make a deal." "I hammered Iranian oil exports down to a record low," Trump wrote. Also watch | Iran-flagged tanker seized over suspected crude oil transfer × "But then Biden came in, loosened my sanctions, and today Iran is producing more than three million barrels a day. Iran went from making little money under me to raking in at least $80 billion a year under Biden," he wrote further. But Trump's claim of Iran making "at least $80 billion a year" from its oil trade appears imprecise. Iranian oil exports have been summed at $41 billion if they are sold at Brent prices, wrote Jeffrey J. Schott, a senior fellow at the Peterson Institute for International Economics and co-author of 'Economic Sanctions Reconsidered', in an article for Barrons publication. Further, Trump recalled his decision to cut off hundreds of billions of dollars of American aid to the Palestinian Authority and went on to slam Biden for repealing his decision after he took office. "When Biden took office, one of the first things he did was reverse this policy and ship $235 million American taxpayer dollars to the Palestinians—despite warnings from within his own government that this money would be used to fund Hamas' terror campaigns," he wrote. Joe Biden's administration restored $235mn of aid to Palestinians in April 2021. Two-thirds of this money went to the UN's agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, which had suffered a crisis since it lost $360mn of US funding in 2018 during Donald Trump's presidential tenure. Trump accuses UNRWA of fueling Israel-Palestine conflict Trump accused the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) of 'helping (to) fuel' the conflict between Israel and Palestine for decades. "We will once again cut off money for UNRWA," he added. "We will restore the Trump Travel Ban on entry by people from terror-plagued countries, territories, and places," he said while referring to a similar ban briefly imposed during his presidential tenure. "We aren't bringing in anyone from Gaza or Syria or Somalia or Yemen, or Libya, or anywhere else that threatens our security," Trump wrote. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Donald Trump accuses Biden administration of funding 'Hamas' terror campaign'

<p>Amid the onslaught of stories of death, deception and brutalities by Hamas terrorists in Israel, this journalist texted one of the survivors of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-israelis-massacred-at-music-festival-644670">Re'im music festival massacre</a>. The event targeted by Hamas on October 7 was an open-air psychedelic trance festival, organised to celebrate the Jewish holiday of Sukkot, near the Re'im kibbutz area close to Gaza Strip.</p>

<p>According to eyewitnesses, the terrorists emerged from pickup trucks bearing Hamas military markings. Some landed on paragliders.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the indiscriminate shooting that followed, about 260 were killed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Young women were sexually assaulted. Several kidnapped.</p>

<p>In the visuals released online later by Hamas-affiliated social media accounts, one could see women paraded through streets, blood streaming down from between their legs.</p>

<p>"Hamas must be erased from this world. Since the end of Nazism, there was never a thing as evil as them," Guy Danon, one of the survivors of the music festival massacre, told me over Instagram.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Palestine deserves to live peacefully and free from Hamas," Danon added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Hours before texting Danon, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-teen-survives-hamas-gunfire-after-parents-die-shielding-him-with-their-bodies-645633">a story of Israeli musician parents killed while shielding their son from Hamas' onslaught</a>, was among the most read news items on the WION website.&nbsp;</p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/10/12/385678-untitled-design-2023-10-12t065244125.png?imwidth=1920" /></p>

<p><em>Shlomi Mathias (R) plays the guitar as his wife, Debbie ‘Shahar’ Mathias, laughs next to him. The two died while shielding their son Rotem (16) from Hamas' gunfire | AP</em><br />
<br />
They were the family of a music teacher father and singer-songwriter mother, who had plans to attend a Bruno Mars concert in Tel Aviv the following day. The 16-year-old Rotem Mathias survived as his parents' bodies acted as shields to keep him alive amid a barrage of gunfire from Hamas terrorists.</p>

<p>These stories of survival reflect how the legitimate cause of a sovereign Palestinian homeland is losing the perception battle, courtesy the indiscriminate onslaught by Hamas on innocent Israeli civilians, from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-vs-hamas-claims-of-beheaded-israeli-babies-at-massacre-site-create-shockwaves-645154">babies to youngsters</a> to the elderly.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-vs-hamas-claims-of-beheaded-israeli-babies-at-massacre-site-create-shockwaves-645154">Israel Vs Hamas: Reports of Israeli babies being massacred create shockwaves</a></strong></p>

<p>The retaliation from Israel has been deemed as disproportionate by many in and beyond West Asia, with scores of civilians in Gaza becoming nothing but collateral damage in hardliner Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's campaign to decimate Hamas.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As India has often said, albeit in a different context related to its persistent tensions with Pakistan, terror and talks cannot occur side by side. Hamas, after morphing itself from a quasi-militant-political outfit into a full-fledged terror machine, is simply settling the score of an ethno-religious rivalry with a territorially assertive Jewish state.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As an outgrowth of Muslim Brotherhood's Palestinian branch, Hamas has been the de-facto governing body in the Gaza Strip since 2007 when it ousted the Palestinian Authority from power. Since then, a total of seven reconciliation efforts have failed. Gaza faces blockade from both Israel and Egypt due to purported security concerns.</p>

<p>This is exactly why Palestinians should decouple the movement for homeland from terrorism perpetrated by the likes of Hamas.</p>

<p>For the state of Palestine to exist, the proxies of terror such as Hamas, Palestine Islamic Jihad and Hezbollah must be de-legitimised, dismantled and decimated.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The latter two actions -- dismantling and decimation -- may partly occur by the actions of its primary victim (which in this case is Israel) but the act of de-legitimising terror for the pursuance of territorial sovereignty must take place from the side of Palestinians themselves.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While the Arab Spring of 2010s inspired pro-democracy demonstrations in both the West Bank and Gaza by Palestinians fed up with the years-long strife between Hamas and Fatah factions, the latter was virtually expelled from Gaza after Hamas ousted them in 2007 in a virtual coup.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In March 2018, Hamas was accused by Palestinian Authority of leading an assassination attempt on the then-Palestinian Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With Hamas occupying the centre of Israel-Palestine conflict, the absence of a political process to achieve a viable two-state solution continues to be the biggest impediment to the peaceful settlement of the Palestine question.&nbsp;</p>

<p>For the scope of that settlement to emerge, Israel must win its war against terror in Gaza.</p>

<p>One may call Israel an occupying force, and list out all the occasions when its security forces targeted innocent Palestinian civilians. But all that amounted to nothing on a Saturday morning of mayhem, when visuals of youth running helter-skelter from the music festival amid the reign of terror shook the conscience of the world.</p>

<p>No Hamas, you don't attack a music festival to get support for your cause. You don't destroy unarmed families cowering in fear to legitimise your methods.</p>

<p><img alt="Israel Vs Hamas" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="dc3e419c-7427-4328-bb91-8a768e7dfb26" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202023-10-13T204713.864.png" /></p>

<p><em>Children watch as civil defence responders search for victims in the rubble of a building after an Israeli air strike in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip on October 13, 2023 | AFP</em></p>

<p>Because today's internet-mediated wars are not just about weapons. It's about perception.</p>

<p>And you, Hamas, have destroyed the aspirations of millions of Palestinians, and legitimised the ongoing counter-assault by Israel, giving it a free cheque in the eyes of international community, to avenge your blood-thirsty rampage.</p>

<p>October 7 was your miscalculation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It might end your history as a player in the Palestinian question.</p>

<p><em><strong>(Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.)&nbsp;</strong></em></p>

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Amid the onslaught of stories of death, deception and brutalities by Hamas terrorists in Israel, this journalist texted one of the survivors of the Re'im music festival massacre.

Amid the onslaught of stories of death, deception and brutalities by Hamas terrorists in Israel, this journalist texted one of the survivors of the Re'im music festival massacre. The event targeted by Hamas on October 7 was an open-air psychedelic trance festival, organised to celebrate the Jewish holiday of Sukkot, near the Re'im kibbutz area close to Gaza Strip. According to eyewitnesses, the terrorists emerged from pickup trucks bearing Hamas military markings. Some landed on paragliders. In the indiscriminate shooting that followed, about 260 were killed. Young women were sexually assaulted. Several kidnapped. In the visuals released online later by Hamas-affiliated social media accounts, one could see women paraded through streets, blood streaming down from between their legs. "Hamas must be erased from this world. Since the end of Nazism, there was never a thing as evil as them," Guy Danon, one of the survivors of the music festival massacre, told me over Instagram. "Palestine deserves to live peacefully and free from Hamas," Danon added. Hours before texting Danon, a story of Israeli musician parents killed while shielding their son from Hamas' onslaught, was among the most read news items on the WION website. Shlomi Mathias (R) plays the guitar as his wife, Debbie ‘Shahar’ Mathias, laughs next to him. The two died while shielding their son Rotem (16) from Hamas' gunfire | AP They were the family of a music teacher father and singer-songwriter mother, who had plans to attend a Bruno Mars concert in Tel Aviv the following day. The 16-year-old Rotem Mathias survived as his parents' bodies acted as shields to keep him alive amid a barrage of gunfire from Hamas terrorists. These stories of survival reflect how the legitimate cause of a sovereign Palestinian homeland is losing the perception battle, courtesy the indiscriminate onslaught by Hamas on innocent Israeli civilians, from babies to youngsters to the elderly. Also read | Israel Vs Hamas: Reports of Israeli babies being massacred create shockwaves The retaliation from Israel has been deemed as disproportionate by many in and beyond West Asia, with scores of civilians in Gaza becoming nothing but collateral damage in hardliner Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's campaign to decimate Hamas. As India has often said, albeit in a different context related to its persistent tensions with Pakistan, terror and talks cannot occur side by side. Hamas, after morphing itself from a quasi-militant-political outfit into a full-fledged terror machine, is simply settling the score of an ethno-religious rivalry with a territorially assertive Jewish state. As an outgrowth of Muslim Brotherhood's Palestinian branch, Hamas has been the de-facto governing body in the Gaza Strip since 2007 when it ousted the Palestinian Authority from power. Since then, a total of seven reconciliation efforts have failed. Gaza faces blockade from both Israel and Egypt due to purported security concerns. This is exactly why Palestinians should decouple the movement for homeland from terrorism perpetrated by the likes of Hamas. For the state of Palestine to exist, the proxies of terror such as Hamas, Palestine Islamic Jihad and Hezbollah must be de-legitimised, dismantled and decimated. The latter two actions -- dismantling and decimation -- may partly occur by the actions of its primary victim (which in this case is Israel) but the act of de-legitimising terror for the pursuance of territorial sovereignty must take place from the side of Palestinians themselves. While the Arab Spring of 2010s inspired pro-democracy demonstrations in both the West Bank and Gaza by Palestinians fed up with the years-long strife between Hamas and Fatah factions, the latter was virtually expelled from Gaza after Hamas ousted them in 2007 in a virtual coup. In March 2018, Hamas was accused by Palestinian Authority of leading an assassination attempt on the then-Palestinian Prime Minister Rami Hamdallah. With Hamas occupying the centre of Israel-Palestine conflict, the absence of a political process to achieve a viable two-state solution continues to be the biggest impediment to the peaceful settlement of the Palestine question. For the scope of that settlement to emerge, Israel must win its war against terror in Gaza. One may call Israel an occupying force, and list out all the occasions when its security forces targeted innocent Palestinian civilians. But all that amounted to nothing on a Saturday morning of mayhem, when visuals of youth running helter-skelter from the music festival amid the reign of terror shook the conscience of the world. No Hamas, you don't attack a music festival to get support for your cause. You don't destroy unarmed families cowering in fear to legitimise your methods. Children watch as civil defence responders search for victims in the rubble of a building after an Israeli air strike in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip on October 13, 2023 | AFP Because today's internet-mediated wars are not just about weapons. It's about perception. And you, Hamas, have destroyed the aspirations of millions of Palestinians, and legitimised the ongoing counter-assault by Israel, giving it a free cheque in the eyes of international community, to avenge your blood-thirsty rampage. October 7 was your miscalculation. It might end your history as a player in the Palestinian question. (Disclaimer: The views of the writer do not represent the views of WION or ZMCL. Nor does WION or ZMCL endorse the views of the writer.) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

No Hamas, you don't attack a music fest: Palestinians lost perception war with reign of terror

<p>US President Joe Biden said he saw "confirmed pictures of terrorists beheading children", appearing to corroborate&nbsp;reports of a deadly onslaught allegedly by Hamas militants who devastated Israel's Kibbutz Kfar Aza, located close to Gaza.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“It is important for Americans to see what is happening. I have been doing this for a long time. I never thought that I would see… have confirmed pictures of terrorists beheading children,” Biden said during remarks to US Jewish community leaders at a White House roundtable.</p>

<p>"Downplaying Hamas’s atrocities and blaming the Jewish people is unthinkable," Biden said further.</p>

<p>But later, a White House spokesperson told Washington Post that the US officials and Biden have not seen pictures or confirmed such reports independently.</p>

<p>Biden reportedly&nbsp;based his comments about the alleged atrocities on the claims from Netanyahu's spokesman and media reports from Israel, according to the White House.</p>

<p>A spokesperson for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that toddlers and babies were found in Kfar Aza, a 'kibbutz' or community in southern Israel, with their "heads decapitated" after Hamas' attack over the weekend, CNN reported.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-vs-hamas-claims-of-beheaded-israeli-babies-at-massacre-site-create-shockwaves-645154">Israel Vs Hamas: Reports of Israeli babies being massacred create shockwaves</a></strong></p>

<p>In an apparent reference to the United Arab Emirates, Bide noted that&nbsp;despite the trying times being faced by Israel and the Jewish community, “there are countries trying to help — including Arab nations."</p>

<p>Biden held a call with UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed and underscored Israel's right to defend itself right before the White House roundtable.</p>

<p>"The two leaders also discussed the importance of ensuring humanitarian assistance reaches those in need."</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Israel-Palestine war: Babies killed in war | Gravitas</strong></p>

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<p>Reports in the Israeli media state&nbsp;that Kfar Aza could emerge as the scene of the biggest massacre of the ongoing state of war -- mirroring the alleged Russian atrocities in Ukraine's Bucha more than a year ago -- in one of the most horrific losses of civilian life in modern Israel's history.</p>

<p>Days after Israel came under a deadly wave of attacks from Hamas militant group, which controls the thickly-populated Gaza strip, a total of 1,200 Israeli citizens have been confirmed dead. An overwhelming number of them are civilians, making it the single-biggest killing of Jewish people since the second World War. More than 2,700 Israelis are wounded.</p>

<p>The number of Palestinians left dead during the retaliatory attacks launched by Israel since last Saturday (Oct&nbsp;7) climbed to 1,100, while nearly 5,400 Palestinians are reported to be injured.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)<br />
<br />
(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></p>

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US President Joe Biden said he saw "confirmed pictures of terrorists beheading children", appearing to corroborate reports of a deadly onslaught allegedly by Hamas militants who devastated Israel's Kibbutz Kfar Aza, located close to Gaza.

US President Joe Biden said he saw "confirmed pictures of terrorists beheading children", appearing to corroborate reports of a deadly onslaught allegedly by Hamas militants who devastated Israel's Kibbutz Kfar Aza, located close to Gaza. “It is important for Americans to see what is happening. I have been doing this for a long time. I never thought that I would see… have confirmed pictures of terrorists beheading children,” Biden said during remarks to US Jewish community leaders at a White House roundtable. "Downplaying Hamas’s atrocities and blaming the Jewish people is unthinkable," Biden said further. But later, a White House spokesperson told Washington Post that the US officials and Biden have not seen pictures or confirmed such reports independently. Biden reportedly based his comments about the alleged atrocities on the claims from Netanyahu's spokesman and media reports from Israel, according to the White House. A spokesperson for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that toddlers and babies were found in Kfar Aza, a 'kibbutz' or community in southern Israel, with their "heads decapitated" after Hamas' attack over the weekend, CNN reported. Also read | Israel Vs Hamas: Reports of Israeli babies being massacred create shockwaves In an apparent reference to the United Arab Emirates, Bide noted that despite the trying times being faced by Israel and the Jewish community, “there are countries trying to help — including Arab nations." Biden held a call with UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed and underscored Israel's right to defend itself right before the White House roundtable. "The two leaders also discussed the importance of ensuring humanitarian assistance reaches those in need." Also watch | Israel-Palestine war: Babies killed in war | Gravitas × Reports in the Israeli media state that Kfar Aza could emerge as the scene of the biggest massacre of the ongoing state of war -- mirroring the alleged Russian atrocities in Ukraine's Bucha more than a year ago -- in one of the most horrific losses of civilian life in modern Israel's history. Days after Israel came under a deadly wave of attacks from Hamas militant group, which controls the thickly-populated Gaza strip, a total of 1,200 Israeli citizens have been confirmed dead. An overwhelming number of them are civilians, making it the single-biggest killing of Jewish people since the second World War. More than 2,700 Israelis are wounded. The number of Palestinians left dead during the retaliatory attacks launched by Israel since last Saturday (Oct 7) climbed to 1,100, while nearly 5,400 Palestinians are reported to be injured. (With inputs from agencies) (Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Biden says he saw evidence of Hamas 'beheading' Israeli children; White House clarifies

Jenin mourns and rebuilds as Israel concludes intense raid

<p>Russian Foreign Minister Sergei&nbsp;Lavrov said on Friday (April 7) that Moscow is in favour of resuming multilateral negotiations to find a solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict, which would involve the Quartet on the Middle East and the Arab League, according to a report by the TASS news agency. Speaking to reporters after holding talks with his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu, Lavrov said "We have long been advocating to resume the multilateral process for the Israeli-Palestinian settlement, as there is a universally recognized collective mediator, which is the Quartet comprising Russia, the United States, the European Union and the United Nations."</p>

<p>"It is in this very framework, with the mandatory involvement of the Arab League, that we can, in practice and with hope for some kind of result, search for agreements that should be based on the principles of the two-state solution, as they are formulated in documents," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-israeli-women-killed-one-seriously-injured-in-west-bank-shooting-report-580126">Two Israeli women killed, one seriously injured in West Bank shooting: Report</a></strong></p>

<p>The Russian foreign minister said the Quartet has not been convened for some time and its meetings are being blocked by the United States.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Lavrov further told reporters that regrettably, the UN Secretary-General, who is supposed to initiate such meetings, &nbsp;faded into the woodwork, as apparently, he is unwilling to irritate American colleagues, since Washington has outspokenly declared its course of handling this by itself and of getting the Palestinians and Israelis to reconcile, TASS reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The broadening of the Israel-Palestine conflict has drawn appeals for restraint from the international community. On Friday, two Israeli sisters were killed and their mother seriously wounded in a shooting in the occupied West Bank, hours after Israel bombarded Gaza Strip and Lebanon following rocket fire by Palestinian groups.</p>

<p>The Israeli army said it launched a manhunt for the perpetrators of the shooting, adding that the women were fired on in a car as they passed through Hamra junction, in the northern part of the Jordan Valley.</p>

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Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Friday (April 7) that Moscow is in favour of resuming multilateral negotiations to find a solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict, which would involve the Quartet on the Middle East and the Arab League, according to a report by the TASS news agency.

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov said on Friday (April 7) that Moscow is in favour of resuming multilateral negotiations to find a solution to the Israel-Palestine conflict, which would involve the Quartet on the Middle East and the Arab League, according to a report by the TASS news agency. Speaking to reporters after holding talks with his Turkish counterpart Mevlut Cavusoglu, Lavrov said "We have long been advocating to resume the multilateral process for the Israeli-Palestinian settlement, as there is a universally recognized collective mediator, which is the Quartet comprising Russia, the United States, the European Union and the United Nations." "It is in this very framework, with the mandatory involvement of the Arab League, that we can, in practice and with hope for some kind of result, search for agreements that should be based on the principles of the two-state solution, as they are formulated in documents," he added. ALSO READ | Two Israeli women killed, one seriously injured in West Bank shooting: Report The Russian foreign minister said the Quartet has not been convened for some time and its meetings are being blocked by the United States. Lavrov further told reporters that regrettably, the UN Secretary-General, who is supposed to initiate such meetings, faded into the woodwork, as apparently, he is unwilling to irritate American colleagues, since Washington has outspokenly declared its course of handling this by itself and of getting the Palestinians and Israelis to reconcile, TASS reported. The broadening of the Israel-Palestine conflict has drawn appeals for restraint from the international community. On Friday, two Israeli sisters were killed and their mother seriously wounded in a shooting in the occupied West Bank, hours after Israel bombarded Gaza Strip and Lebanon following rocket fire by Palestinian groups. The Israeli army said it launched a manhunt for the perpetrators of the shooting, adding that the women were fired on in a car as they passed through Hamra junction, in the northern part of the Jordan Valley. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Russia calls for multilateral negotiations to resolve Israel-Palestine conflict: Lavrov

Tensions have been flaring up between Israel and Palestine. The conflict has now spread to Lebanon, as it fired 34 missiles at Israel on Thursday. Molly Gambhir tells you.

Gravitas: Israel-Palestine conflict spreads to Lebanon

Israel's new Security Cabinet has approved steps to penalise Palestinians, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said on Friday. According to a statement from Netanyahu's office, the move is in retaliation for Palestinians pushing the UN's highest judicial body to give its opinion on the Israeli occupation.

New Israeli government approve steps to penalise Palestinians

<p>The United Nations General Assembly on Friday approved a resolution that asked the International Court of Justice to opine upon the Israel-Palestine conflict and the legal status of the territories administered by the two sides.&nbsp;The Israeli ambassador to the UN Gilad Erdan slammed the resolution calling it a "moral stain" on the multilateral body.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"No international body can decide that the Jewish people are ‘occupiers’ in their own homeland. Any decision from a judicial body which receives its mandate from the morally bankrupt and politicised UN is completely illegitimate," Erdan said in a Friday statement.</p>

<p>"The Palestinians have rejected every peace initiative while supporting and inciting terror. Instead of pushing the Palestinians to change, the UN is doing the opposite: helping them to harm the only vibrant democracy in the Middle East," Erdan added.</p>

<p>“The decision to hold a vote that deals with Israel on Shabbat is another example of the moral decay of the UN, which prevents Israel’s position from being heard in a vote whose results are predetermined,” he said.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH&nbsp;|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-palestine-conflict-at-united-nations-resolution-against-israel-at-icj-548238">Israel-Palestine conflict at United Nations, resolution against Israel at ICJ</a></strong></p>

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<p><br />
The resolution was&nbsp;titled "Israeli practices and settlement activities affecting the rights of the Palestinian people and other Arabs of the occupied territories" and called&nbsp;on the Hague-based ICJ to "render urgently an advisory opinion" on Israel’s "prolonged occupation, settlement and annexation of Palestinian territory."</p>

<p>The UNGA also called for an investigation into Israeli measures "aimed at altering the demographic composition, character and status of the Holy City of Jerusalem" and says Israel has adopted "discriminatory legislation and measures".</p>

<p>The Palestinian representative to the UN, Riyad Mansour, applauded the resolution after it passed.&nbsp;"This vote comes one day after the new Israeli government was formed pledging to accelerate colonial and racist policies against the Palestinian people," Mansour told the General Assembly.</p>

<p>China, Iran, Ireland, Poland, Portugal, Russia and Saudi Arabia were among the countries voting in favour, along with Muslim or Arab states with which Israel has relations including Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sudan and Azerbaijan.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/analysis-what-netanyahus-comeback-in-israel-means-for-india-531268">Netanyahu re-election: How Modi-Bibi at helm create 'certain magic' in India-Israel ties</a></strong></p>

<p>Israel, the US, the UK, Australia, Austria, Canada, Germany and Italy voted against Friday’s resolution. India, South Korea and Spain were among the countries that remained absent.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The International Court of Justice last issued an advisory opinion on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in 2004 when the General Assembly asked it to rule on the legality of the separation barrier.</p>

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The United Nations General Assembly on Friday approved a resolution that asked the International Court of Justice to opine upon the Israel-Palestine conflict and the legal status of the territories administered by the two sides.

The United Nations General Assembly on Friday approved a resolution that asked the International Court of Justice to opine upon the Israel-Palestine conflict and the legal status of the territories administered by the two sides. The Israeli ambassador to the UN Gilad Erdan slammed the resolution calling it a "moral stain" on the multilateral body. "No international body can decide that the Jewish people are ‘occupiers’ in their own homeland. Any decision from a judicial body which receives its mandate from the morally bankrupt and politicised UN is completely illegitimate," Erdan said in a Friday statement. "The Palestinians have rejected every peace initiative while supporting and inciting terror. Instead of pushing the Palestinians to change, the UN is doing the opposite: helping them to harm the only vibrant democracy in the Middle East," Erdan added. “The decision to hold a vote that deals with Israel on Shabbat is another example of the moral decay of the UN, which prevents Israel’s position from being heard in a vote whose results are predetermined,” he said. WATCH | Israel-Palestine conflict at United Nations, resolution against Israel at ICJ × The resolution was titled "Israeli practices and settlement activities affecting the rights of the Palestinian people and other Arabs of the occupied territories" and called on the Hague-based ICJ to "render urgently an advisory opinion" on Israel’s "prolonged occupation, settlement and annexation of Palestinian territory." The UNGA also called for an investigation into Israeli measures "aimed at altering the demographic composition, character and status of the Holy City of Jerusalem" and says Israel has adopted "discriminatory legislation and measures". The Palestinian representative to the UN, Riyad Mansour, applauded the resolution after it passed. "This vote comes one day after the new Israeli government was formed pledging to accelerate colonial and racist policies against the Palestinian people," Mansour told the General Assembly. China, Iran, Ireland, Poland, Portugal, Russia and Saudi Arabia were among the countries voting in favour, along with Muslim or Arab states with which Israel has relations including Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Sudan and Azerbaijan. ALSO READ | Netanyahu re-election: How Modi-Bibi at helm create 'certain magic' in India-Israel ties Israel, the US, the UK, Australia, Austria, Canada, Germany and Italy voted against Friday’s resolution. India, South Korea and Spain were among the countries that remained absent. The International Court of Justice last issued an advisory opinion on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in 2004 when the General Assembly asked it to rule on the legality of the separation barrier. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Israel slams latest UN vote on Palestine as ‘moral decay’ of the multilateral world body

<p>Israel Defense Forces announced on Wednesday the formation of a new co-ed light infantry battalion, which will be stationed along the West Bank security barrier. The barrier, also known as the 'seam line', aims to prevent Palestinians from illegally entering Israel.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The development comes&nbsp;a week after a terrorist bombing in Jerusalem claimed the lives of two Israeli citizens and months-long mounting tensions in the perilous West Bank.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ</strong> -&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/multiple-explosions-rock-jerusalem-at-least-13-injured-casualties-feared-536659"><strong>16-year-old boy killed, 22 injured in two explosions near bus stops in Jerusalem</strong></a></p>

<p>The IDF said the decision was made following a months-long operation in the West Bank, during which numerous reservist units were dispatched to the security barrier to prevent Palestinians from entering Israel. The 49th battalion, named Panther, will be part of the Border Defense Corps, which uses a desert yellow-brown camouflage pattern beret, <em>The Times of Israel</em> reported.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH -&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/the-full-context-israel-palestine-row-is-a-100-year-old-issue-496974">The Full Context: Israel-Palestine row is a 100-year old issue</a></strong></p>

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<p>“We have invested heavily in the planning of this battalion to ensure that the personnel recruited to it will have a significant military service that contributes to the operational goals of the IDF,” Brigadier-General Amit Yamin, the commanding officer of the Border Defense Corps, said while addressing a press conference.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The IDF said the unit would begin work sometime next year, with the first soldiers being drafted on Wednesday.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Tensions mount in West Bank</strong></p>

<p>On November 29, a Palestinian reportedly rammed his car into an Israeli soldier, seriously injuring her, following which he was shot dead by Israeli police in stationed in the West Bank. He was the fourth Palestinian killed in a series of violent incidents throughout the day.</p>

<p>Earlier this week, the United Nations envoy to the Middle East warned that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict was “reaching a boiling point,” due to surge in violence in the West Bank.</p>

<p>“High levels of violence in the occupied West Bank and Israel in recent months, including attacks against Israeli and Palestinian civilians, increased use of arms, and settler-related violence, have caused grave human suffering,” UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Tor Wennesland said on Monday.</p>

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Israel Defense Forces announced on Wednesday the formation of a new co-ed light infantry battalion, which will be stationed along the West Bank security barrier.

Israel Defense Forces announced on Wednesday the formation of a new co-ed light infantry battalion, which will be stationed along the West Bank security barrier. The barrier, also known as the 'seam line', aims to prevent Palestinians from illegally entering Israel. The development comes a week after a terrorist bombing in Jerusalem claimed the lives of two Israeli citizens and months-long mounting tensions in the perilous West Bank. ALSO READ - 16-year-old boy killed, 22 injured in two explosions near bus stops in Jerusalem The IDF said the decision was made following a months-long operation in the West Bank, during which numerous reservist units were dispatched to the security barrier to prevent Palestinians from entering Israel. The 49th battalion, named Panther, will be part of the Border Defense Corps, which uses a desert yellow-brown camouflage pattern beret, The Times of Israel reported. WATCH - The Full Context: Israel-Palestine row is a 100-year old issue × “We have invested heavily in the planning of this battalion to ensure that the personnel recruited to it will have a significant military service that contributes to the operational goals of the IDF,” Brigadier-General Amit Yamin, the commanding officer of the Border Defense Corps, said while addressing a press conference. The IDF said the unit would begin work sometime next year, with the first soldiers being drafted on Wednesday. Tensions mount in West Bank On November 29, a Palestinian reportedly rammed his car into an Israeli soldier, seriously injuring her, following which he was shot dead by Israeli police in stationed in the West Bank. He was the fourth Palestinian killed in a series of violent incidents throughout the day. Earlier this week, the United Nations envoy to the Middle East warned that the Israeli-Palestinian conflict was “reaching a boiling point,” due to surge in violence in the West Bank. “High levels of violence in the occupied West Bank and Israel in recent months, including attacks against Israeli and Palestinian civilians, increased use of arms, and settler-related violence, have caused grave human suffering,” UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Tor Wennesland said on Monday. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Palestine tensions: Israel drafts Panther battalion to secure West Bank seam line

<p>Multiple incidents in and around the occupied West Banks resulted in fatalities on Saturday. An Israeli female soldier was fatally shot at Shuafat checkpoint at the entrance to a Palestinian refugee camp on Jerusalem's outskirts near the West Bank. In a separate incident, Israeli forces killed two Palestinian teens in the West Bank city of Jenin.</p>

<p>As per Israeli police, a shooter opened fire at Israeli forces, while the female soldier was killed, another person a bodyguard was severely injured. Forces are now hunting for the assailants.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Palestinian shot dead by Israeli army in West Bank</strong></p>

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<p>Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid described the shooting as a "severe" attack and the force said it had deployed a helicopter and special forces as part of the manhunt for the shooter.</p>

<p>AFP reports quoting Israeli emergency medical services Magen David Adom (MADA) that a third person whose nationality is yet to be specified was also hit by shrapnel.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/two-palestinian-teens-shot-dead-in-another-israeli-west-bank-operation-523652">Two Palestinian teens shot dead in another Israeli West Bank operation</a></strong></p>

<p>In the other incident, Israeli military while on an operation to arrest an Islamic Jihad militant group gunman fired at Palestinians who allegedly shot at and threw explosives at them, reports&nbsp;Reuters. As per the Palestinian health ministry, this clash resulted in the death of two teens aged 16 and 18, while 11 other people were injured.</p>

<p>As Israel prepares for elections on November 1, the most recent of the near-daily incursions into Jenin, a militant bastion, has highlighted the tumultuous security situation in the West Bank.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/30-palestinian-prisoners-held-by-israel-go-on-open-ended-hunger-strike-519818">30 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel go on open-ended hunger strike</a></strong></p>

<p>Tor Wennesland, the UN envoy for the Middle East, expressed alarm over the violence and urged restraint.</p>

<p>Around 80 Palestinians, including militants and civilians, have been slain in the West Bank's recent spike in violence.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Multiple incidents in and around the occupied West Banks resulted in fatalities on Saturday. An Israeli female soldier was fatally shot at Shuafat checkpoint at the entrance to a Palestinian refugee camp on Jerusalem's outskirts near the West Bank.

Multiple incidents in and around the occupied West Banks resulted in fatalities on Saturday. An Israeli female soldier was fatally shot at Shuafat checkpoint at the entrance to a Palestinian refugee camp on Jerusalem's outskirts near the West Bank. In a separate incident, Israeli forces killed two Palestinian teens in the West Bank city of Jenin. As per Israeli police, a shooter opened fire at Israeli forces, while the female soldier was killed, another person a bodyguard was severely injured. Forces are now hunting for the assailants. Watch | Palestinian shot dead by Israeli army in West Bank Israeli Prime Minister Yair Lapid described the shooting as a "severe" attack and the force said it had deployed a helicopter and special forces as part of the manhunt for the shooter. AFP reports quoting Israeli emergency medical services Magen David Adom (MADA) that a third person whose nationality is yet to be specified was also hit by shrapnel. Also read | Two Palestinian teens shot dead in another Israeli West Bank operation In the other incident, Israeli military while on an operation to arrest an Islamic Jihad militant group gunman fired at Palestinians who allegedly shot at and threw explosives at them, reports Reuters. As per the Palestinian health ministry, this clash resulted in the death of two teens aged 16 and 18, while 11 other people were injured. As Israel prepares for elections on November 1, the most recent of the near-daily incursions into Jenin, a militant bastion, has highlighted the tumultuous security situation in the West Bank. Also read | 30 Palestinian prisoners held by Israel go on open-ended hunger strike Tor Wennesland, the UN envoy for the Middle East, expressed alarm over the violence and urged restraint. Around 80 Palestinians, including militants and civilians, have been slain in the West Bank's recent spike in violence. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Israeli female soldier dead, 2 injured in Jerusalem shooting, forces launch manhunt for assailant

Egypt-brokered ceasefire between Israel and the Gaza-based Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) militant organisation has come into force after three days of fighting.

Israel-Palestine Conflict: Truce takes effect between Israel and PIJ after 3 days of fighting

A ceasefire between Israel and the militant organisation Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) in the Gaza Strip came into force at Sunday midnight, after both sides agreed to it.

Israel-Palestine Conflict: Ceasefire in Gaza comes into force after 3 days of cross-border fighting

On the May 10 of last year, the first rockets from Gaza were fired towards Israel which lasted 11 days. WION's Jodie Cohen spoke exclusively to ambassador Danny Danon about the way forward and the way forward towards peace in a fraught region.

WION Exclusive: 'We should not allow radical leaders to promote hate', says Danny Danon

<p>Israel&nbsp;said it will close its only&nbsp;crossing&nbsp;from the Gaza Strip for workers on Sunday in response to overnight&nbsp;rocket&nbsp;fire, stopping short of conducting retaliatory strikes in an apparent bid to ease tensions.</p>

<p>The&nbsp;rocket&nbsp;attacks&nbsp;on Friday night and Saturday morning followed days of clashes at Jerusalem's flashpoint Al-Aqsa mosque compound and a month of deadly violence.</p>

<p>The unrest -- which comes as the Jewish festival of Passover overlaps with the holy Muslim fasting month of Ramadan -- has sparked international fears of a wider conflict, one year&nbsp;after&nbsp;similar violence led to an 11-day war between&nbsp;Israel&nbsp;and Gaza-based militants.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/after-months-of-peace-tensions-flare-up-between-israel-palestine-rockets-fired-472017">Israel-Palestine conflict: After rocket fire, Israel conducts airstrikes on Gaza</a></strong></p>

<p>"Following the rockets fired toward Israeli territory from the Gaza Strip last night, it was decided that crossings into&nbsp;Israel&nbsp;for Gazan merchants and workers through the Erez&nbsp;Crossing&nbsp;will not be permitted this upcoming Sunday," said COGAT, a unit of the Israeli defence ministry responsible for Palestinian civil affairs.</p>

<p>Two rockets were fired from Gaza at southern&nbsp;Israel&nbsp;on Friday night, one of them hitting the Jewish state and the other falling short and striking near a residential building in northern Gaza, Palestinian and Israeli sources said.</p>

<p>A third&nbsp;rocket&nbsp;was fired at&nbsp;Israel&nbsp;on Saturday morning, the army said, with no air raid sirens activated for any of the launches.</p>

<p>They followed&nbsp;rocket&nbsp;attacks&nbsp;on Wednesday and Thursday, and came as Israeli police clashed with Palestinian protesters at Al-Aqsa mosque, leaving at least one man hospitalised in serious condition.</p>

<p>Israel&nbsp;had retaliated against those&nbsp;attacks&nbsp;with air strikes, but in an apparent desire to prevent further violence, shifted its response this time to the painful economic measure of closing Erez, implying that further rockets would extend the penalty.</p>

<p>"The re-opening of the&nbsp;crossing&nbsp;will be decided in accordance with a security situational assessment," COGAT added.</p>

<p>Employment in&nbsp;Israel&nbsp;is a lifeline for people in Gaza, where according to a recent World Bank report nearly half of the 2.3 million population is unemployed.</p>

<p>There are currently 12,000&nbsp;Gazans&nbsp;with work permits in&nbsp;Israel, with the government recently announcing its intention to add another 8,000.</p>

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<p><strong>Incitement</strong></p>

<p>More than 200 people, mostly Palestinians, have been hurt in clashes in and around Al-Aqsa in the past week.</p>

<p>Palestinians have been outraged by massive Israeli police deployment and repeated visits by Jews to the holy site.</p>

<p>Early on Friday, the Palestinian Red Crescent said 57 people were wounded&nbsp;after&nbsp;police stormed the compound in Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem's Old City when Palestinians began hurling stones towards the Western Wall, the holiest site where Jews can pray.</p>

<p>And&nbsp;after&nbsp;midday prayers, some Muslim worshippers chanted "incitement" and tried to damage a police post, police said, using a drone to spray tear gas from the air, AFP reporters said.</p>

<p>Saturday morning prayers, however, passed without incident, with Israeli officials estimating that 16,000 Muslims participated.</p>

<p>Al-Aqsa is Islam's third-holiest site, and the most sacred site in Judaism where it is known as the Temple Mount.</p>

<p>By long-standing convention, Jews are allowed to visit under certain conditions but are not allowed to pray there.</p>

<p>The escalating unrest prompted concern at the United Nations, which on Thursday demanded a probe into the Israeli police actions.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/orphaned-palestinians-mourn-unarmed-mother-shot-by-israeli-soldier-472638">Orphaned Palestinians mourn unarmed mother shot by Israeli soldier</a></strong></p>

<p>"The use of force by Israeli police resulting in widespread injuries among worshippers and staff in and around the Al-Aqsa mosque compound must be promptly, impartially, independently and transparently investigated," said Ravina Shamdasani, spokeswoman for the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights.</p>

<p>Israel&nbsp;is braced for more violence, however.</p>

<p>The unrest in Jerusalem stirred emotions among&nbsp;Israel's Arab population, with hundreds marching in the Arab-Israeli city of Umm al-Fahm in support of Al-Aqsa mosque.</p>

<p>Skirmishes at the end of the march evoked images from last year's conflict with Gaza that saw rioting in Arab cities within&nbsp;Israel.</p>

<p>Police said on Saturday they had arrested four masked men in Umm al-Fahm who had "tried to block the entry to the city, fired flares, threw stones at forces and burnt tyres on the main road".</p>


Israel said it will close its only crossing from the Gaza Strip for workers on Sunday in response to overnight rocket fire, stopping short of conducting retaliatory strikes in an apparent bid to ease tensions.

Israel said it will close its only crossing from the Gaza Strip for workers on Sunday in response to overnight rocket fire, stopping short of conducting retaliatory strikes in an apparent bid to ease tensions. The rocket attacks on Friday night and Saturday morning followed days of clashes at Jerusalem's flashpoint Al-Aqsa mosque compound and a month of deadly violence. The unrest -- which comes as the Jewish festival of Passover overlaps with the holy Muslim fasting month of Ramadan -- has sparked international fears of a wider conflict, one year after similar violence led to an 11-day war between Israel and Gaza-based militants. Also read | Israel-Palestine conflict: After rocket fire, Israel conducts airstrikes on Gaza "Following the rockets fired toward Israeli territory from the Gaza Strip last night, it was decided that crossings into Israel for Gazan merchants and workers through the Erez Crossing will not be permitted this upcoming Sunday," said COGAT, a unit of the Israeli defence ministry responsible for Palestinian civil affairs. Two rockets were fired from Gaza at southern Israel on Friday night, one of them hitting the Jewish state and the other falling short and striking near a residential building in northern Gaza, Palestinian and Israeli sources said. A third rocket was fired at Israel on Saturday morning, the army said, with no air raid sirens activated for any of the launches. They followed rocket attacks on Wednesday and Thursday, and came as Israeli police clashed with Palestinian protesters at Al-Aqsa mosque, leaving at least one man hospitalised in serious condition. Israel had retaliated against those attacks with air strikes, but in an apparent desire to prevent further violence, shifted its response this time to the painful economic measure of closing Erez, implying that further rockets would extend the penalty. "The re-opening of the crossing will be decided in accordance with a security situational assessment," COGAT added. Employment in Israel is a lifeline for people in Gaza, where according to a recent World Bank report nearly half of the 2.3 million population is unemployed. There are currently 12,000 Gazans with work permits in Israel, with the government recently announcing its intention to add another 8,000. Incitement More than 200 people, mostly Palestinians, have been hurt in clashes in and around Al-Aqsa in the past week. Palestinians have been outraged by massive Israeli police deployment and repeated visits by Jews to the holy site. Early on Friday, the Palestinian Red Crescent said 57 people were wounded after police stormed the compound in Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem's Old City when Palestinians began hurling stones towards the Western Wall, the holiest site where Jews can pray. And after midday prayers, some Muslim worshippers chanted "incitement" and tried to damage a police post, police said, using a drone to spray tear gas from the air, AFP reporters said. Saturday morning prayers, however, passed without incident, with Israeli officials estimating that 16,000 Muslims participated. Al-Aqsa is Islam's third-holiest site, and the most sacred site in Judaism where it is known as the Temple Mount. By long-standing convention, Jews are allowed to visit under certain conditions but are not allowed to pray there. The escalating unrest prompted concern at the United Nations, which on Thursday demanded a probe into the Israeli police actions. Also read | Orphaned Palestinians mourn unarmed mother shot by Israeli soldier "The use of force by Israeli police resulting in widespread injuries among worshippers and staff in and around the Al-Aqsa mosque compound must be promptly, impartially, independently and transparently investigated," said Ravina Shamdasani, spokeswoman for the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. Israel is braced for more violence, however. The unrest in Jerusalem stirred emotions among Israel's Arab population, with hundreds marching in the Arab-Israeli city of Umm al-Fahm in support of Al-Aqsa mosque. Skirmishes at the end of the march evoked images from last year's conflict with Gaza that saw rioting in Arab cities within Israel. Police said on Saturday they had arrested four masked men in Umm al-Fahm who had "tried to block the entry to the city, fired flares, threw stones at forces and burnt tyres on the main road".

Israel closes crossing to Gazans after new rocket attacks

Former United Nations rights chief Navi Pillay will lead the UN’s open-ended inquiry into 'systematic' abuses in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories. Pillay will be leading a three-person investigation intended to examine abuses and their root causes in the decades-long Middle East conflict.

Former UN rights chief to lead open-ended inquiry into Israel-Gaza conflict

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