<p>Human Rights Watch has accused Israel of using white phosphorus munitions during its military operations in Gaza and Lebanon.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The human rights organisation emphasised that Israel's deployment of such weapons poses a severe threat to the safety of civilians, and can potentially cause significant and long-lasting injuries.</p>

<h2>White phosphorus&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Human Rights Watch, as per a Reuters report, claimed to have verified the authenticity of videos captured in Lebanon on October 10 and in Gaza on October 11. These videos reportedly depict "multiple airbursts of artillery-fired white phosphorus over the Gaza City port and two rural locations along the Israel-Lebanon border."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-denies-weapon-supply-to-hamas-accuses-us-the-empire-of-evil-of-blame-shifting-646120">North Korea denies weapon supply to Hamas, accuses US 'the empire of evil' of blame-shifting</a></strong></p>

<p>The organisation further shared links to two videos that were circulated on social media platforms, asserting that they showcase the use of "155mm white phosphorus artillery projectiles, seemingly for the purpose of creating smokescreens, marking, or signalling." Both videos show scenes near the border shared by Israel and Lebanon, said Human Rights Watch.</p>

<p>However, as per Reuters, the group did not provide links to videos showing their alleged use in Gaza.</p>

<h2><strong>Israel denies accusation</strong></h2>

<p>Reuters reports that when asked for comments on the Human Rights Watch's accusations, the Israeli military said it was "currently not aware of the use of weapons containing white phosphorus in Gaza."</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Israel-Palestine War: Israel accused of using White Phosphorus in Gaza</strong></p>

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<p>However, the military made no mention of the allegations of the weapon's use in Lebanon.</p>

<h2><strong>What are white phosphorus munitions?</strong></h2>

<p>White phosphorus refers to weaponised phosphorus, which, as per Reuters, is used to incinerate enemy positions.</p>

<p>Its use on the battlefield is legal for the purposes of making smoke screens, generating illumination, marking targets or burning bunkers and buildings.</p>

<p>Because of its legal uses, international conventions don't ban its use as a chemical weapon. However, white phosphorus is known to cause serious burns and spark fires.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/horrible-horrible-images-war-correspondent-stands-by-report-of-beheadings-of-israeli-babies-645754">I wish that it wasn't true: War correspondent stands by report of beheadings of Israeli babies</a></strong></p>

<p>It is considered an incendiary weapon under Protocol III of the Convention on the Prohibition of Use of Certain Conventional Weapons, which prohibits its use against military targets located among civilians. However, Israel has not signed this protocol and is not bound by its provisions.</p>

<p>Previously, in 2013, Israel's military announced plans to phase out the use of white phosphorus smokescreen munitions. It had used the munitions during the 2008-2009 offensive in Gaza, this had drawn allegations of war crimes from several rights organisations.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong><em>Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos, and videos.</em></strong></p>

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Human Rights Watch has accused Israel of using white phosphorus munitions during its military operations in Gaza and Lebanon. The human rights organisation emphasised that Israel's deployment of such weapons poses a severe threat to the safety of civilians, and can potentially cause significant and long-lasting injuries.

Human Rights Watch has accused Israel of using white phosphorus munitions during its military operations in Gaza and Lebanon. The human rights organisation emphasised that Israel's deployment of such weapons poses a severe threat to the safety of civilians, and can potentially cause significant and long-lasting injuries. White phosphorus Human Rights Watch, as per a Reuters report, claimed to have verified the authenticity of videos captured in Lebanon on October 10 and in Gaza on October 11. These videos reportedly depict "multiple airbursts of artillery-fired white phosphorus over the Gaza City port and two rural locations along the Israel-Lebanon border." Also read | North Korea denies weapon supply to Hamas, accuses US 'the empire of evil' of blame-shifting The organisation further shared links to two videos that were circulated on social media platforms, asserting that they showcase the use of "155mm white phosphorus artillery projectiles, seemingly for the purpose of creating smokescreens, marking, or signalling." Both videos show scenes near the border shared by Israel and Lebanon, said Human Rights Watch. However, as per Reuters, the group did not provide links to videos showing their alleged use in Gaza. Israel denies accusation Reuters reports that when asked for comments on the Human Rights Watch's accusations, the Israeli military said it was "currently not aware of the use of weapons containing white phosphorus in Gaza." Watch | Israel-Palestine War: Israel accused of using White Phosphorus in Gaza However, the military made no mention of the allegations of the weapon's use in Lebanon. What are white phosphorus munitions? White phosphorus refers to weaponised phosphorus, which, as per Reuters, is used to incinerate enemy positions. Its use on the battlefield is legal for the purposes of making smoke screens, generating illumination, marking targets or burning bunkers and buildings. Because of its legal uses, international conventions don't ban its use as a chemical weapon. However, white phosphorus is known to cause serious burns and spark fires. Also read | I wish that it wasn't true: War correspondent stands by report of beheadings of Israeli babies It is considered an incendiary weapon under Protocol III of the Convention on the Prohibition of Use of Certain Conventional Weapons, which prohibits its use against military targets located among civilians. However, Israel has not signed this protocol and is not bound by its provisions. Previously, in 2013, Israel's military announced plans to phase out the use of white phosphorus smokescreen munitions. It had used the munitions during the 2008-2009 offensive in Gaza, this had drawn allegations of war crimes from several rights organisations. (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.

Human Rights Watch accuses Israel of using white phosphorus in Gaza and Lebanon

<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

<p>An Israeli-American teenager managed to survive a harrowing attack on his family's home by Hamas militants after&nbsp;his parents shielded him from gunfire with their bodies and died in the process.</p>

<p>The Mathias family resided on a kibbutz in southern Israel near the Gaza border and had only a brief moment to seek shelter after being alerted to the impending attack, Associated Press reported.</p>

<p>The area has emerged as the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-vs-hamas-claims-of-beheaded-israeli-babies-at-massacre-site-create-shockwaves-645154">site of one of the deadliest massacres</a> in the ongoing war.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What happened?</strong></h2>

<p>As the chaos ensued on Saturday (Oct 7), the family (16-year-old Rotem and his parents Shlomi Mathias and Debbie Mathias)&nbsp;huddled in a bomb shelter in their home, a small&nbsp;room designed to protect against rocket attacks.</p>

<p>Shlomi Mathias, the father, had his arm severed while trying to fend off the attackers.</p>

<p>During the assault, Debbie Mathias, the mother, directed her son, Rotem, to take cover. Tragically, she was fatally shot, with the bullet passing through her and injuring Rotem.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-says-he-saw-evidence-of-hamas-beheading-israeli-children-645631">Biden says he saw evidence of Hamas 'beheading' Israeli children</a></strong></p>

<p>Rotem, 16,&nbsp;played dead beneath his mother for nearly half an hour before finding refuge under a bed and later under a blanket in an adjacent laundry room.</p>

<p>He managed to escape the attackers twice, some of whom were even laughing, before being rescued by Israeli soldiers, Associated Press report added.</p>

<p>The family's ordeal unfolded through a group chat, with the couple initially reporting the sounds of voices in Arabic, breaking glass, and gunfire. They later went silent for 20 minutes before Rotem sent a message to state his&nbsp;parents had been killed.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;The Mastermind of Hamas attack Mohammed Deif | Gravitas</strong></p>

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<p>Relatives, including Deborah Mathias' brother-in-law Eran Shani, his wife, and daughters, provided support to Rotem during the next 10 hours, Associated Press reported.</p>

<h2><b>It was a family of musicians</b></h2>

<p>The attack occurred after the family had gathered for a joyous evening with music, as both of their parents were musicians.</p>

<p>Shlomi Mathias was a music teacher, and Debbie Mathias was a singer and songwriter. They had fondly reminisced about how they had met.</p>

<p>The family had returned to the kibbutz, with plans to attend a Bruno Mars concert in Tel Aviv the following day.</p>

<p>Within hours, their lives were shattered by a deadly attack by Hamas militants.</p>

<p><br />
"The last thing my dad said is he lost his arm. Then my mom died on top of me," Rotem Mathias told ABC News.</p>

<p>"I just stopped my breathing. I lowered it down as much as I possibly could. I didn’t move and was terrified," he said. "I didn’t make any noise. I prayed for any god. I didn’t really care which god. I just prayed for a god that they won’t find me."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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An Israeli-American teenager managed to survive a harrowing attack on his family's home by Hamas militants after his parents shielded him from gunfire with their bodies and died in the process.

An Israeli-American teenager managed to survive a harrowing attack on his family's home by Hamas militants after his parents shielded him from gunfire with their bodies and died in the process. The Mathias family resided on a kibbutz in southern Israel near the Gaza border and had only a brief moment to seek shelter after being alerted to the impending attack, Associated Press reported. The area has emerged as the site of one of the deadliest massacres in the ongoing war. What happened? As the chaos ensued on Saturday (Oct 7), the family (16-year-old Rotem and his parents Shlomi Mathias and Debbie Mathias) huddled in a bomb shelter in their home, a small room designed to protect against rocket attacks. Shlomi Mathias, the father, had his arm severed while trying to fend off the attackers. During the assault, Debbie Mathias, the mother, directed her son, Rotem, to take cover. Tragically, she was fatally shot, with the bullet passing through her and injuring Rotem. Also read | Biden says he saw evidence of Hamas 'beheading' Israeli children Rotem, 16, played dead beneath his mother for nearly half an hour before finding refuge under a bed and later under a blanket in an adjacent laundry room. He managed to escape the attackers twice, some of whom were even laughing, before being rescued by Israeli soldiers, Associated Press report added. The family's ordeal unfolded through a group chat, with the couple initially reporting the sounds of voices in Arabic, breaking glass, and gunfire. They later went silent for 20 minutes before Rotem sent a message to state his parents had been killed. Also watch | The Mastermind of Hamas attack Mohammed Deif | Gravitas × Relatives, including Deborah Mathias' brother-in-law Eran Shani, his wife, and daughters, provided support to Rotem during the next 10 hours, Associated Press reported. It was a family of musicians The attack occurred after the family had gathered for a joyous evening with music, as both of their parents were musicians. Shlomi Mathias was a music teacher, and Debbie Mathias was a singer and songwriter. They had fondly reminisced about how they had met. The family had returned to the kibbutz, with plans to attend a Bruno Mars concert in Tel Aviv the following day. Within hours, their lives were shattered by a deadly attack by Hamas militants. "The last thing my dad said is he lost his arm. Then my mom died on top of me," Rotem Mathias told ABC News. "I just stopped my breathing. I lowered it down as much as I possibly could. I didn’t move and was terrified," he said. "I didn’t make any noise. I prayed for any god. I didn’t really care which god. I just prayed for a god that they won’t find me." (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 musicians killed while shielding teen son from Hamas gunfire

<p>An Israeli legislator's recent calls for the use of a "doomsday" weapon against Hamas and Palestine have once again put the spotlight on&nbsp;nuclear weapons in West Asia, particularly the Jericho missile system.</p>

<p>Revital "Tally" Gotliv, an Israeli lawyer and member of the Knesset representing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud Party, made several posts on X, formerly known as Twitter, stating that&nbsp;Israel must consider&nbsp;nuclear warfare as an alternative to deploying large ground forces.</p>

<p>"Jericho Missile! Jericho Missile! Strategic alert. before considering the introduction of forces. Doomsday weapon! This is my opinion. May God preserve all our strength," Gotliv wrote on X.</p>

<h2><strong>What is Jericho ballistic missile program?</strong></h2>

<p>Gotliv specifically mentioned "Jericho," referring to Israel's original ballistic missile programme, initiated in the 1960s and named after the biblical city located in West Bank.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-prime-minister-benjamin-netanyahu-says-country-on-cusp-of-normalizing-ties-with-saudi-arabia-638668">Netanyahu issues 'nuclear' threat to Iran, then retracts; says Israel on 'cusp' of normalising ties with Saudi</a></strong></p>

<p>This programme was initially a collaboration with the French aerospace company Dassault, but when France withdrew in 1969, Israel continued its development. The&nbsp;Jericho-1 model, which was operational during the Yom Kippur War in 1973, came out as an accomplishment of the said programme.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Jericho-1, which was retired in the 1990s, had a weight of 6.5 tonnes, a length of 13.4 metres, and a diameter of 0.8 metres, according to the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), Newsweek reported.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;WION Fineprint: Israel says it's ready to share nuclear technology with Abraham Accords partners</strong></p>

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<p>It had a range of 500 kilometres (approximately 310.6 miles) and could carry a 1,000-kilogramme (about 2,205-pound) payload, though it had a 50 per cent chance of hitting within a 1,000-metre radius of its target.</p>

<p>Israel later developed the Jericho-2, a longer-range missile in the late 1980s, with a length of 15 metres and a diameter of 1.35 metres, while maintaining the same payload capacity. It had a range between 1,500 and 3,500 kilometres (about 932 to 2,175 miles).</p>

<p>The Jericho-3, an intermediate-range system, was introduced years later and was reportedly tested in 2008, entering service in 2011. It featured improvements over the previous models, with a longer length than Jericho-2 and a larger diameter of 1.56 metres.</p>

<p>Its single warhead weighed approximately 750 kg (1,653 pounds) and had a range of 4,800 to 6,500 km (about 2,983 to 4,039 miles). The payload capacity extended to about 1,300 kgs (2,866 pounds).</p>

<p>It is yet not clear if Jericho-3 has been deployed by Israel during ongoing retaliatory offensive against Hamas in Gaza.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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An Israeli legislator's recent calls for the use of a "doomsday" weapon against Hamas and Palestine have once again put the spotlight on nuclear weapons in West Asia, particularly the Jericho missile system.

An Israeli legislator's recent calls for the use of a "doomsday" weapon against Hamas and Palestine have once again put the spotlight on nuclear weapons in West Asia, particularly the Jericho missile system. Revital "Tally" Gotliv, an Israeli lawyer and member of the Knesset representing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Likud Party, made several posts on X, formerly known as Twitter, stating that Israel must consider nuclear warfare as an alternative to deploying large ground forces. "Jericho Missile! Jericho Missile! Strategic alert. before considering the introduction of forces. Doomsday weapon! This is my opinion. May God preserve all our strength," Gotliv wrote on X. What is Jericho ballistic missile program? Gotliv specifically mentioned "Jericho," referring to Israel's original ballistic missile programme, initiated in the 1960s and named after the biblical city located in West Bank. Also read | Netanyahu issues 'nuclear' threat to Iran, then retracts; says Israel on 'cusp' of normalising ties with Saudi This programme was initially a collaboration with the French aerospace company Dassault, but when France withdrew in 1969, Israel continued its development. The Jericho-1 model, which was operational during the Yom Kippur War in 1973, came out as an accomplishment of the said programme. The Jericho-1, which was retired in the 1990s, had a weight of 6.5 tonnes, a length of 13.4 metres, and a diameter of 0.8 metres, according to the International Institute for Strategic Studies (IISS), Newsweek reported. Also watch | WION Fineprint: Israel says it's ready to share nuclear technology with Abraham Accords partners × It had a range of 500 kilometres (approximately 310.6 miles) and could carry a 1,000-kilogramme (about 2,205-pound) payload, though it had a 50 per cent chance of hitting within a 1,000-metre radius of its target. Israel later developed the Jericho-2, a longer-range missile in the late 1980s, with a length of 15 metres and a diameter of 1.35 metres, while maintaining the same payload capacity. It had a range between 1,500 and 3,500 kilometres (about 932 to 2,175 miles). The Jericho-3, an intermediate-range system, was introduced years later and was reportedly tested in 2008, entering service in 2011. It featured improvements over the previous models, with a longer length than Jericho-2 and a larger diameter of 1.56 metres. Its single warhead weighed approximately 750 kg (1,653 pounds) and had a range of 4,800 to 6,500 km (about 2,983 to 4,039 miles). The payload capacity extended to about 1,300 kgs (2,866 pounds). It is yet not clear if Jericho-3 has been deployed by Israel during ongoing retaliatory offensive against Hamas in Gaza. (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.

What is Jericho missile system? Israel's potential 'doomsday' nuclear option

<p>Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Iran's President, Ebrahim Raisi, held their first phone call since the landmark restoration of ties between the Sunni and Shia powerhouses of West Asia&nbsp;in March.</p>

<p>The two leaders reportedly discussed the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, and delved upon prevailing situation in Gaza following massive retaliation by Israel.</p>

<p>The Saudi Crown Prince also spoke by phone on Wednesday (Oct 11) with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, during which the 38-year-old he was "exerting unremitting efforts through regional and international communication to achieve coordination that pushes for a halt of the current escalation".</p>

<p>Iran-backed Hamas militant group launched a sudden attack on Israel last weekend which so far has claimed nearly 1,200 lives in Israel while more than 1,100 are reported to have been killed in Gaza.</p>

<h2><strong>Hostage crisis in spotlight</strong></h2>

<p>Concerns have grown regarding the fate of over 150 hostages, mainly Israelis, along with foreign and dual nationals, held by Hamas in Gaza. But in the first sign of ease of the hostage crisis, Hamas on October 11 said it had released an Israeli mother and two children who were held as captives by the militant groups.</p>

<p>The ongoing war has put pressure on the potential normalisation deal between Saudi Arabia and Israel, which has been driven by the US President Joe Biden's administration.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-saudi-arabia-restore-ties-as-china-brokered-deal-outfoxes-west-570766">Iran, Saudi Arabia restore ties as China-brokered deal outfoxes West</a></strong></p>

<p>The deal includes security guarantees and assistance in developing a civilian nuclear programme in exchange for Saudi support.</p>

<p>Saudi Arabia and Iran restored diplomatic ties in March, ending a seven-year thaw, with China playing a pivotal role in brokering the deal.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Hamas' off-the-shelf drone damages Israel's high-tech infrastructure</strong></p>

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<p>During his conversation with Erdogan, the Crown Prince reportedly underscored the need for talks between parties concerned through regional and international channels in order to&nbsp;halt the ongoing escalation of the state of war in and beyond Israel.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Iran's President, Ebrahim Raisi, held their first phone call since the landmark restoration of ties between the Sunni and Shia powerhouses of West Asia in March.

Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman and Iran's President, Ebrahim Raisi, held their first phone call since the landmark restoration of ties between the Sunni and Shia powerhouses of West Asia in March. The two leaders reportedly discussed the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, and delved upon prevailing situation in Gaza following massive retaliation by Israel. The Saudi Crown Prince also spoke by phone on Wednesday (Oct 11) with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, during which the 38-year-old he was "exerting unremitting efforts through regional and international communication to achieve coordination that pushes for a halt of the current escalation". Iran-backed Hamas militant group launched a sudden attack on Israel last weekend which so far has claimed nearly 1,200 lives in Israel while more than 1,100 are reported to have been killed in Gaza. Hostage crisis in spotlight Concerns have grown regarding the fate of over 150 hostages, mainly Israelis, along with foreign and dual nationals, held by Hamas in Gaza. But in the first sign of ease of the hostage crisis, Hamas on October 11 said it had released an Israeli mother and two children who were held as captives by the militant groups. The ongoing war has put pressure on the potential normalisation deal between Saudi Arabia and Israel, which has been driven by the US President Joe Biden's administration. Also read | Iran, Saudi Arabia restore ties as China-brokered deal outfoxes West The deal includes security guarantees and assistance in developing a civilian nuclear programme in exchange for Saudi support. Saudi Arabia and Iran restored diplomatic ties in March, ending a seven-year thaw, with China playing a pivotal role in brokering the deal. Also watch | Hamas' off-the-shelf drone damages Israel's high-tech infrastructure × During his conversation with Erdogan, the Crown Prince reportedly underscored the need for talks between parties concerned through regional and international channels in order to halt the ongoing escalation of the state of war in and beyond Israel. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Israel vs Hamas: Iran's President Raisi dials Saudi Crown Prince to address the crisis

<p>The United States is urging its international partners to make use of their influence with Hamas and its supporters in Iran. The nation is encouraging global partners to do this to get the militants to stand down their assault on Israel, said a senior US official, as reported by AFP.</p>

<p>This comes as US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday headed to Israel on a Middle East Mission, showing his nation's solidarity with the war-torn nation.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-vs-hamas-irans-president-raisi-dials-saudi-crown-prince-to-address-the-crisis-645636">Israel vs Hamas: Iran's President Raisi dials Saudi Crown Prince to address the crisis</a></strong></p>

<p>Speaking to press during a refuelling stop in Ireland, an official accompanying Blinken said: "Frankly, we're asking all of our partners to engage with Hamas, Hezbollah or Iran — with any of that trifecta — with whom they have any channels or relations or what have you, to get Hamas to stand down from its attacks, to release those hostages, and to keep Hezbollah out, and to keep Iran out of the fray."</p>

<h2><strong>Blinken in Israel</strong></h2>

<p>Blinken as per Reuters is due to meet senior Israeli officials, including the nation's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.&nbsp;</p>

<p>US further boosting military support to Israel will feature among the topics of discussion.</p>

<p>Before boarding a plane for Israel, he told reporters: "I'm going with a very simple and clear message ... that the United States has Israel's back."</p>

<p>A top objective for Blinken during this visit will be to deliver a message, largely directed at Iran and Iran-backed groups like Lebanon's Hezbollah, to stand down and stop an escalation of the conflict.</p>

<p>Also on the agenda is a visit to Jordan and other countries in the region. However, as per Reuters, it seems like a visit to West Bank is not on the cards.</p>

<h2><strong>Biden warns Iran</strong></h2>

<p>US President Joe Biden has warned Iran against getting involved in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-says-he-saw-evidence-of-hamas-beheading-israeli-children-645631">Biden says he saw evidence of Hamas 'beheading' Israeli children</a></strong></p>

<p>Speaking to a roundtable of Jewish community leaders in Washington, the US President stressed that US' deployment of military ships and aircraft closer to Israel should be seen as a signal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We made it clear to the Iranians: Be careful," said Biden.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The United States is urging its international partners to make use of their influence with Hamas and its supporters in Iran. The nation is encouraging global partners to do this to get the militants to stand down their assault on Israel, said a senior US official, as reported by AFP.

The United States is urging its international partners to make use of their influence with Hamas and its supporters in Iran. The nation is encouraging global partners to do this to get the militants to stand down their assault on Israel, said a senior US official, as reported by AFP. This comes as US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Thursday headed to Israel on a Middle East Mission, showing his nation's solidarity with the war-torn nation. Also read | Israel vs Hamas: Iran's President Raisi dials Saudi Crown Prince to address the crisis Speaking to press during a refuelling stop in Ireland, an official accompanying Blinken said: "Frankly, we're asking all of our partners to engage with Hamas, Hezbollah or Iran — with any of that trifecta — with whom they have any channels or relations or what have you, to get Hamas to stand down from its attacks, to release those hostages, and to keep Hezbollah out, and to keep Iran out of the fray." Blinken in Israel Blinken as per Reuters is due to meet senior Israeli officials, including the nation's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. US further boosting military support to Israel will feature among the topics of discussion. Before boarding a plane for Israel, he told reporters: "I'm going with a very simple and clear message ... that the United States has Israel's back." A top objective for Blinken during this visit will be to deliver a message, largely directed at Iran and Iran-backed groups like Lebanon's Hezbollah, to stand down and stop an escalation of the conflict. Also on the agenda is a visit to Jordan and other countries in the region. However, as per Reuters, it seems like a visit to West Bank is not on the cards. Biden warns Iran US President Joe Biden has warned Iran against getting involved in the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict. Also read | Biden says he saw evidence of Hamas 'beheading' Israeli children Speaking to a roundtable of Jewish community leaders in Washington, the US President stressed that US' deployment of military ships and aircraft closer to Israel should be seen as a signal. "We made it clear to the Iranians: Be careful," said Biden. (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.

As Blinken heads to Israel, US urges nations to use influence to get Hamas to stand down 

<p>Taiwan, claimed by China as its own territory, has set up a task force to draw lessons from the surprise attack by Hamas on Israel.</p>

<p>Talking to media on Thursday, Defence Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng said that intelligence is key to preventing a war.</p>

<h2><strong>Chinese threat</strong></h2>

<p>Hamas' surprise attack on Israel and the resulting conflict has focused attention on the possibility of a Chinese attack on Taiwan.</p>

<p>The island nation faces constant pressure from Beijing. Since August 2022, it has seen two major sets of Chinese war games near its territory.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-blinken-heads-to-israel-us-urges-nations-to-use-influence-to-get-hamas-to-stand-down-645640">As Blinken heads to Israel, US urges nations to use influence to get Hamas to stand down&nbsp;</a></strong></p>

<p>When asked by reporters about the lessons Taiwan has learnt from Israel-Hamas conflict, the Taiwanese defence minister said, "the initial (lesson) is that intelligence work is very important. With intelligence, many countermeasures can be made. A war can even be avoided."</p>

<p>"It is everyone's shared expectations to avoid a war," said Chiu, as reported by Reuters.</p>

<p>Even as the island works to counter China's military threats, the Taiwan minister said that even as Taiwan's military works to boost its combat readiness, it will not initiate a conflict. He stated that the ongoing conflict demonstrated the horror of war.</p>

<h3><strong>Constant threat</strong></h3>

<p>During a forum in Taipei on Wednesday, former Australian prime minister Scott Morrison voiced his support for Taiwan's strengthening of its defences.</p>

<p>He said that in light of China's threats against the island nation, it is essential for Taiwan to strengthen its resilience. He also said that Taiwan needs to show "urgency" and do more.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-says-he-saw-evidence-of-hamas-beheading-israeli-children-645631">Biden says he saw evidence of Hamas 'beheading' Israeli children; White House clarifies</a></strong></p>

<p>Addressing an audience that included Taiwan Foreign Minister Joseph Wu, Morrison said: "Such urgency must also be demonstrated by Taiwan itself. Israel is an even smaller nation than Taiwan and likewise lives under constant threat."<br />
&nbsp;<br />
"But they spend considerably more proportionally on its defence than here in Taiwan," he added.</p>

<p>Taiwan's government has proposed designating around 2.5 per cent of the country's overall GDP to defence next year. In comparison, as per Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, Israel's defence budget this year amounted to 4.5 per cent of its GDP.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Taiwan, claimed by China as its own territory, has set up a task force to draw lessons from the surprise attack by Hamas on Israel. Talking to media on Thursday, Defence Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng said that intelligence is key to preventing a war.

Taiwan, claimed by China as its own territory, has set up a task force to draw lessons from the surprise attack by Hamas on Israel. Talking to media on Thursday, Defence Minister Chiu Kuo-cheng said that intelligence is key to preventing a war. Chinese threat Hamas' surprise attack on Israel and the resulting conflict has focused attention on the possibility of a Chinese attack on Taiwan. The island nation faces constant pressure from Beijing. Since August 2022, it has seen two major sets of Chinese war games near its territory. Also read | As Blinken heads to Israel, US urges nations to use influence to get Hamas to stand down When asked by reporters about the lessons Taiwan has learnt from Israel-Hamas conflict, the Taiwanese defence minister said, "the initial (lesson) is that intelligence work is very important. With intelligence, many countermeasures can be made. A war can even be avoided." "It is everyone's shared expectations to avoid a war," said Chiu, as reported by Reuters. Even as the island works to counter China's military threats, the Taiwan minister said that even as Taiwan's military works to boost its combat readiness, it will not initiate a conflict. He stated that the ongoing conflict demonstrated the horror of war. Constant threat During a forum in Taipei on Wednesday, former Australian prime minister Scott Morrison voiced his support for Taiwan's strengthening of its defences. He said that in light of China's threats against the island nation, it is essential for Taiwan to strengthen its resilience. He also said that Taiwan needs to show "urgency" and do more. Also read | Biden says he saw evidence of Hamas 'beheading' Israeli children; White House clarifies Addressing an audience that included Taiwan Foreign Minister Joseph Wu, Morrison said: "Such urgency must also be demonstrated by Taiwan itself. Israel is an even smaller nation than Taiwan and likewise lives under constant threat." "But they spend considerably more proportionally on its defence than here in Taiwan," he added. Taiwan's government has proposed designating around 2.5 per cent of the country's overall GDP to defence next year. In comparison, as per Stockholm International Peace Research Institute, Israel's defence budget this year amounted to 4.5 per cent of its GDP. (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.

Taiwan studies Israel-Hamas war to learn lessons, avoid similar conflict with China

<p><strong><em>(Trigger warning: Some readers may find details of this report disturbing. Discretion is advised)</em></strong></p>

<p>The international war correspondent who initially broke the story of Hamas' alleged beheading of Israeli children is standing by her reporting.</p>

<p>Despite doubts circulating on social media, i24News reporter Nicole Zedeck strongly defended her account and said, "I wish that it wasn't true."</p>

<p>She had reported that on Tuesday, at a kibbutz near the Gaza border, 40 infants and young children were brutally murdered, with some decapitated.</p>

<h2><strong>'Apocalyptic scene'</strong></h2>

<p>Appearing on "The Clay Travis &amp; Buck Sexton Show," Zedeck recalled the gruesome scenes she witnessed while walking through a community near the Gaza border.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-blinken-heads-to-israel-us-urges-nations-to-use-influence-to-get-hamas-to-stand-down-645640">As Blinken heads to Israel, US urges nations to use influence to get Hamas to stand down&nbsp;</a></strong></p>

<p>"I witnessed some of those scenes with my own eyes as we were walking through this community that may be a quarter of a mile from the Gaza border. The atrocities that were still left behind, children, cribs, baby cribs overturned on their side, splattered with blood... Horrible, horrible images," she said.</p>

<p>Calling the bloodshed witnessed by Israeli soldiers as an "apocalyptic scene," she said that there were no "words to describe what they've seen."</p>

<p>"Babies' heads cut off. That's what they encountered when they came there."</p>

<p>"So as horrible as it is, and I wish that it wasn't true. And I see how those images and those words are hard to comprehend because it's hard to comprehend how anyone could commit such heinous, heinous crimes. But that's exactly what happened in just one of the kibbutz communities," she added.</p>

<h2><strong>'Why aren’t you showing the babies?'</strong></h2>

<p>When a commentator's sound bite doubting her report was played, she slammed the nay-sayers and said, "You know, it's sickening, really, that people are asking, 'Where are the babies? Why aren’t you showing the babies?'".</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>She asked, "Is that something that anyone would want to see the first thing with their own eyes? Because after the graphic images that I saw of just children's beds covered in blood, I don't think I would be able to stomach those atrocities as well."</p>

<p>"I didn’t know anyone was capable of committing something like that, so that’s the only way I could report it by speaking to these soldiers, these commanders, who witnessed it first hand," said the war correspondent.</p>

<p>Zedeck also credited Israeli soldiers for undertaking the agonising task of transporting the children's lifeless bodies into ambulances.</p>

<h2><strong>Reports of 'beheaded' babies</strong></h2>

<p>A spokesperson for Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday confirmed reports of babies and toddlers found with their "heads decapitated," in southern Israel.</p>

<p>US President Joe Biden, too, claimed to have seen photos corroborating claims of decapitated bodies.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-says-he-saw-evidence-of-hamas-beheading-israeli-children-645631">Biden says he saw evidence of Hamas 'beheading' Israeli children; White House clarifies</a></strong></p>

<p>"I never really thought that I would see and have confirmed pictures of terrorists beheading children," he said. However, his claims were later clarified by the White House, who said that neither the president nor US officials had viewed images or independently confirmed such reports. They also said that the statement was based on claims made by a spokesperson for Israel's prime minister and media reports.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><em>Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos, and videos.</em></p>

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(Trigger warning: Some readers may find details of this report disturbing. Discretion is advised) The international war correspondent who initially broke the story of Hamas' alleged beheading of Israeli children is standing by her reporting.

(Trigger warning: Some readers may find details of this report disturbing. Discretion is advised) The international war correspondent who initially broke the story of Hamas' alleged beheading of Israeli children is standing by her reporting. Despite doubts circulating on social media, i24News reporter Nicole Zedeck strongly defended her account and said, "I wish that it wasn't true." She had reported that on Tuesday, at a kibbutz near the Gaza border, 40 infants and young children were brutally murdered, with some decapitated. 'Apocalyptic scene' Appearing on "The Clay Travis & Buck Sexton Show," Zedeck recalled the gruesome scenes she witnessed while walking through a community near the Gaza border. Also read | As Blinken heads to Israel, US urges nations to use influence to get Hamas to stand down "I witnessed some of those scenes with my own eyes as we were walking through this community that may be a quarter of a mile from the Gaza border. The atrocities that were still left behind, children, cribs, baby cribs overturned on their side, splattered with blood... Horrible, horrible images," she said. Calling the bloodshed witnessed by Israeli soldiers as an "apocalyptic scene," she said that there were no "words to describe what they've seen." "Babies' heads cut off. That's what they encountered when they came there." "So as horrible as it is, and I wish that it wasn't true. And I see how those images and those words are hard to comprehend because it's hard to comprehend how anyone could commit such heinous, heinous crimes. But that's exactly what happened in just one of the kibbutz communities," she added. 'Why aren’t you showing the babies?' When a commentator's sound bite doubting her report was played, she slammed the nay-sayers and said, "You know, it's sickening, really, that people are asking, 'Where are the babies? Why aren’t you showing the babies?'". Also read | Israel Vs Hamas: Reports of Israeli babies being massacred create shockwaves She asked, "Is that something that anyone would want to see the first thing with their own eyes? Because after the graphic images that I saw of just children's beds covered in blood, I don't think I would be able to stomach those atrocities as well." "I didn’t know anyone was capable of committing something like that, so that’s the only way I could report it by speaking to these soldiers, these commanders, who witnessed it first hand," said the war correspondent. Zedeck also credited Israeli soldiers for undertaking the agonising task of transporting the children's lifeless bodies into ambulances. Reports of 'beheaded' babies A spokesperson for Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday confirmed reports of babies and toddlers found with their "heads decapitated," in southern Israel. US President Joe Biden, too, claimed to have seen photos corroborating claims of decapitated bodies. Also read | Biden says he saw evidence of Hamas 'beheading' Israeli children; White House clarifies "I never really thought that I would see and have confirmed pictures of terrorists beheading children," he said. However, his claims were later clarified by the White House, who said that neither the president nor US officials had viewed images or independently confirmed such reports. They also said that the statement was based on claims made by a spokesperson for Israel's prime minister and media reports. (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.

I wish that it wasn't true: War correspondent stands by report of beheadings of Israeli babies

<p>Israel Defense Forces (IDF) took a group of international journalists through the aftermath of a purported site of a massacre by Hamas militants. The journalists examined the devastated Kibbutz Kfar Aza, located close to the Gaza Strip, where the remains of the deceased and the 'stench of dead' could be seen and smelt near homes scarred by fire.</p>

<p>A reporter from i24 News shared that an IDF commander had informed her about the discovery of around 40 infants' bodies, with some bearing signs of horrific violence.</p>

<p>As reports of the horrific killings of babies, including some being beheaded, by Hamas militants&nbsp;spread on&nbsp;social media, people in Israel and the rest of the world were taken aback&nbsp;by the sheer scale of barbarity.</p>

<p>But later,&nbsp;Turkey's Anadolu Agency reported that the Israeli army said that they had no information to confirm reports that babies were massacred so brutally. Anadolu's report implies that the Israeli army has neither confirmed nor denied the reports.</p>

<h2><strong>Israel's action in Kibbutz Kfar Aza mirror that of Ukraine in Bucha</strong></h2>

<p>Israel has not arranged a similar tour for its own journalists, underscoring the nation's focus on shaping global perceptions. The approach draws parallels from the alleged Russian actions in Ukraine in April 2022 when the suburb of Bucha was retaken from Russian forces, following which journalist tours shed light on alleged Russian war crimes against local residents.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/satellite-images-show-civilian-deaths-in-ukraines-bucha-street-468514">Satellite images show civilian deaths in Ukraine's Bucha street</a></strong></p>

<p>Earlier on Tuesday (Oct 10), the IDF announced that it had regained control of the border with the Gaza Strip, a few days after an offensive launched by Hamas killed over 1,000 Israelis.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As more bodies emerged from the site, it appeared that Kfar Aza would turn out to be the scene of the biggest massacre of this war -- mirroring alleged Russian atrocities in Bucha more than a year ago -- to become&nbsp;one of the most tragic&nbsp;losses of civilian life in modern Israel's history.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Israel at war: Horrific videos of human suffering emerge</strong></p>

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<p>The alleged massacre&nbsp;was reportedly part of Hamas’s assault on more than 15 communities, kibbutzim and towns on Saturday morning, The Times reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p>More than 1,000 Israelis were killed and scores more, including women, elderly people and young children, were abducted after Hamas launched its deadliest offensive against Israel last weekend.</p>

<p><em>(Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.)</em></p>

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Israel Defense Forces (IDF) took a group of international journalists through the aftermath of a purported site of a massacre by Hamas militants. The journalists examined the devastated Kibbutz Kfar Aza, located close to the Gaza Strip, where the remains of the deceased and the 'stench of dead' could be seen and smelt near homes scarred by fire.

Israel Defense Forces (IDF) took a group of international journalists through the aftermath of a purported site of a massacre by Hamas militants. The journalists examined the devastated Kibbutz Kfar Aza, located close to the Gaza Strip, where the remains of the deceased and the 'stench of dead' could be seen and smelt near homes scarred by fire. A reporter from i24 News shared that an IDF commander had informed her about the discovery of around 40 infants' bodies, with some bearing signs of horrific violence. As reports of the horrific killings of babies, including some being beheaded, by Hamas militants spread on social media, people in Israel and the rest of the world were taken aback by the sheer scale of barbarity. But later, Turkey's Anadolu Agency reported that the Israeli army said that they had no information to confirm reports that babies were massacred so brutally. Anadolu's report implies that the Israeli army has neither confirmed nor denied the reports. Israel's action in Kibbutz Kfar Aza mirror that of Ukraine in Bucha Israel has not arranged a similar tour for its own journalists, underscoring the nation's focus on shaping global perceptions. The approach draws parallels from the alleged Russian actions in Ukraine in April 2022 when the suburb of Bucha was retaken from Russian forces, following which journalist tours shed light on alleged Russian war crimes against local residents. Also read | Satellite images show civilian deaths in Ukraine's Bucha street Earlier on Tuesday (Oct 10), the IDF announced that it had regained control of the border with the Gaza Strip, a few days after an offensive launched by Hamas killed over 1,000 Israelis. As more bodies emerged from the site, it appeared that Kfar Aza would turn out to be the scene of the biggest massacre of this war -- mirroring alleged Russian atrocities in Bucha more than a year ago -- to become one of the most tragic losses of civilian life in modern Israel's history. Also watch | Gravitas: Israel at war: Horrific videos of human suffering emerge × The alleged massacre was reportedly part of Hamas’s assault on more than 15 communities, kibbutzim and towns on Saturday morning, The Times reported. More than 1,000 Israelis were killed and scores more, including women, elderly people and young children, were abducted after Hamas launched its deadliest offensive against Israel last weekend. (Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Israel Vs Hamas: Reports of Israeli babies being massacred create shockwaves

<p>The words 'Holocaust' and 'Shoah' (Hebrew for catastrophe) gained&nbsp;traction on social media in Israel during the course of Oct 9 and Oct 10 after hundreds of Israeli citizens, mostly Jews, were killed in a wave of deadly attacks by Hamas militants from the Gaza Strip.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Holocaust is a reference to the genocide of over 6 million European Jews during the Second World War committed by the Nazis who owed allegiance to the German dictator Adolf Hitler.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In its modern-day independent existence since 1948, Israel was initially almost completely constituted of Holocaust survivors. They were the people who survived the death camps or managed to stay put during a period of visceral hatred against Jewish people in Europe during the Second World War.&nbsp;</p>

<p>At least until 1972, radio broadcasts in Tel Aviv would routinely announce the names of "missing people" who survived the Holocaust and were looking for their relatives in the hope of finding them alive in Israel: "the promised land".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Most present-day inhabitants of Israel are descendants of the Jewish people who survived persecution in one form or another during the Second World War or the periods and centuries preceding it when waves of antisemitism led to the massacre&nbsp;of Jewish people.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/holocaust-remembrance-day-a-look-at-israels-hidden-memorial-193167/#chamber-of-the-holocaust-193151">Holocaust Remembrance Day: A look at Israel's hidden memorial</a></strong></p>

<p>For these same reasons, the Holocaust is an integral part of the Israeli social fabric, where memorials are held regularly to commemorate major moments of persecution, and museums such as Yad Vashem stand witness to the phases of atrocities faced by the world's first Abrahamic community through centuries.</p>

<h2><strong>How Holocaust's generational trauma has resurfaced in Israel after Hamas attack?</strong></h2>

<p>So far, at least 900 Israeli people, most of them Jews, have been killed by a wave of armed attacks launched by Hamas from inside the Gaza Strip. According to Israel's President Isaac Herzog, "not since the Holocaust have so many Jews been killed on one day." Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid termed it the "worst day since Holocaust".</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Not since the Holocaust have so many Jews been killed on one day.<br />
<br />
As President of the State of Israel, I speak to you now from our capital city Jerusalem, under the dark shadow of war, as my nation continues to endure a savage attack from a cruel and inhumane enemy &gt;&gt; <a href="https://t.co/1EU8fZYhIS">pic.twitter.com/1EU8fZYhIS</a></p>
— יצחק הרצוג Isaac Herzog (@Isaac_Herzog) <a href="https://twitter.com/Isaac_Herzog/status/1711434363349438548?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 9, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>Besides, among the people killed during the ongoing onslaught by Palestinian militants are the elderly individuals who survived Hitler's death camps. Hamas members were seen on a killing spree in people's homes, massacring hundreds of young people at an outdoor music festival, kidnapping scores of women, children and elderly, even Holocaust survivors.&nbsp;</p>

<p>US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said one of the people forcibly taken after Hamas militants launched an attack on Israel over the weekend was a Holocaust survivor who uses a wheelchair.</p>

<p>At the same time, many demonstrations across the world showing support for the Palestinians have turned into a show of antisemitism.&nbsp;</p>

<p>At a rally near Sydney's Opera House, a crowd of hundreds was heard chanting in a video, "Gas the Jews", in a reference to the gas chambers in concentration camps where millions were suffocated to death.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Israel Vs Hamas: Is this the most number of Jews killed since Holocaust?</strong></h2>

<p>According to the Times of Israel, the claim appears to be accurate. There have been days of violence and similar bloodshed in Israel’s history and for Jews around the world since 1945, but none has had a civilian death toll this high.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While there have been higher casualty tolls, these many civilians have not been murdered in a single day.</p>

<p>Between the last few months of 1947 into 1949, 6,000 citizens of Israel died during its war of independence. But that is considered the death toll in its entirety for a period of nearly two years. Besides, most casualties were soldiers, not civilians.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Remembering the 6 million Jews killed in the Holocaust</strong></p>

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<p>At the same time, comparisons have been made with the Yom Kippur War of 1973 -- an armed conflict fought between Israel and a coalition of Arab states led by Egypt and Syria -- in which Israel emerged victorious.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But while more than 2,000 soldiers died over the course of more than two weeks in 1973, the war had a very low Israeli civilian death toll, The Times of Israel reported.</p>

<p>Approximately 1,000 people died in the terror attacks of the Second Intifada, a period between 2000 to mid-2005.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Similarly, big-scale killings of the Jewish people have occurred outside Israel as well.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In India, during the 26/11 Mumbai attack, Pakistani terrorists took captives in the Nariman House, designated as a Chabad house, a five-storey landmark in the Colaba area of South Mumbai, which was home to a Chabad house, a Jewish outreach centre. A total of six people were killed in Chabad House, including the Rabbi and his wife.</p>

<p>In 1946, a pogrom in Kielce, Poland, killed at least 42 Jews. The bombing of the AMIA Jewish Center in the Argentinian capital Buenos Aires in 1994, which the American Jewish Committee reportedly called "the deadliest antisemitic attack outside Israel since the Holocaust," killed 85 people.</p>

<p>By contrast, while the figures are still being tallied, it remains accurate that the death toll of Israeli civilians due to Hamas attacks is the highest on a single day since the Second World War.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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The words 'Holocaust' and 'Shoah' (Hebrew for catastrophe) gained traction on social media in Israel during the course of Oct 9 and Oct 10 after hundreds of Israeli citizens, mostly Jews, were killed in a wave of deadly attacks by Hamas militants from the Gaza Strip.

The words 'Holocaust' and 'Shoah' (Hebrew for catastrophe) gained traction on social media in Israel during the course of Oct 9 and Oct 10 after hundreds of Israeli citizens, mostly Jews, were killed in a wave of deadly attacks by Hamas militants from the Gaza Strip. Holocaust is a reference to the genocide of over 6 million European Jews during the Second World War committed by the Nazis who owed allegiance to the German dictator Adolf Hitler. In its modern-day independent existence since 1948, Israel was initially almost completely constituted of Holocaust survivors. They were the people who survived the death camps or managed to stay put during a period of visceral hatred against Jewish people in Europe during the Second World War. At least until 1972, radio broadcasts in Tel Aviv would routinely announce the names of "missing people" who survived the Holocaust and were looking for their relatives in the hope of finding them alive in Israel: "the promised land". Most present-day inhabitants of Israel are descendants of the Jewish people who survived persecution in one form or another during the Second World War or the periods and centuries preceding it when waves of antisemitism led to the massacre of Jewish people. Also read | Holocaust Remembrance Day: A look at Israel's hidden memorial For these same reasons, the Holocaust is an integral part of the Israeli social fabric, where memorials are held regularly to commemorate major moments of persecution, and museums such as Yad Vashem stand witness to the phases of atrocities faced by the world's first Abrahamic community through centuries. How Holocaust's generational trauma has resurfaced in Israel after Hamas attack? So far, at least 900 Israeli people, most of them Jews, have been killed by a wave of armed attacks launched by Hamas from inside the Gaza Strip. According to Israel's President Isaac Herzog, "not since the Holocaust have so many Jews been killed on one day." Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid termed it the "worst day since Holocaust". Not since the Holocaust have so many Jews been killed on one day. As President of the State of Israel, I speak to you now from our capital city Jerusalem, under the dark shadow of war, as my nation continues to endure a savage attack from a cruel and inhumane enemy >> pic.twitter.com/1EU8fZYhIS — יצחק הרצוג Isaac Herzog (@Isaac_Herzog) October 9, 2023 × Besides, among the people killed during the ongoing onslaught by Palestinian militants are the elderly individuals who survived Hitler's death camps. Hamas members were seen on a killing spree in people's homes, massacring hundreds of young people at an outdoor music festival, kidnapping scores of women, children and elderly, even Holocaust survivors. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said one of the people forcibly taken after Hamas militants launched an attack on Israel over the weekend was a Holocaust survivor who uses a wheelchair. At the same time, many demonstrations across the world showing support for the Palestinians have turned into a show of antisemitism. At a rally near Sydney's Opera House, a crowd of hundreds was heard chanting in a video, "Gas the Jews", in a reference to the gas chambers in concentration camps where millions were suffocated to death. Israel Vs Hamas: Is this the most number of Jews killed since Holocaust? According to the Times of Israel, the claim appears to be accurate. There have been days of violence and similar bloodshed in Israel’s history and for Jews around the world since 1945, but none has had a civilian death toll this high. While there have been higher casualty tolls, these many civilians have not been murdered in a single day. Between the last few months of 1947 into 1949, 6,000 citizens of Israel died during its war of independence. But that is considered the death toll in its entirety for a period of nearly two years. Besides, most casualties were soldiers, not civilians. Also watch | Remembering the 6 million Jews killed in the Holocaust × At the same time, comparisons have been made with the Yom Kippur War of 1973 -- an armed conflict fought between Israel and a coalition of Arab states led by Egypt and Syria -- in which Israel emerged victorious. But while more than 2,000 soldiers died over the course of more than two weeks in 1973, the war had a very low Israeli civilian death toll, The Times of Israel reported. Approximately 1,000 people died in the terror attacks of the Second Intifada, a period between 2000 to mid-2005. Similarly, big-scale killings of the Jewish people have occurred outside Israel as well. In India, during the 26/11 Mumbai attack, Pakistani terrorists took captives in the Nariman House, designated as a Chabad house, a five-storey landmark in the Colaba area of South Mumbai, which was home to a Chabad house, a Jewish outreach centre. A total of six people were killed in Chabad House, including the Rabbi and his wife. In 1946, a pogrom in Kielce, Poland, killed at least 42 Jews. The bombing of the AMIA Jewish Center in the Argentinian capital Buenos Aires in 1994, which the American Jewish Committee reportedly called "the deadliest antisemitic attack outside Israel since the Holocaust," killed 85 people. By contrast, while the figures are still being tallied, it remains accurate that the death toll of Israeli civilians due to Hamas attacks is the highest on a single day since the Second World War. 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 Hamas attack has revived wounds of Holocaust for Israeli Jews

<p>The popular band U2 honoured the people of Israel as he added “Pride (In the Name of Love)” to the set while performing in Las Vegas. Several got killed at a music festival in Israel as Hamas launched an attack against Israel over the weekend. The popular band rewrote some lyrics in the song to peg it like a tribute. He referred to the people who lost their lives as “stars of David”.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While performing, Bono sang, “Sing for our brothers and sisters — who they themselves were singing at the Supernova Sukkot festival in Israel. We sing for those. Our people, our kind of people, music people. Playful, experimental people. Our kind of people. We sing for them.”</p>

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<p>He continued, “In the light of what’s happened in Israel and Gaza, a song about non-violence seems somewhat ridiculous, even laughable, but our prayers have always been for peace and for non-violence… But our hearts and our anger, you know where that’s pointed. So sing with us… and those beautiful kids at that music festival.”</p>

<p>As the first verse of “Pride” kicked in, Bono changed the first verse to refer to the Israel incident and sang, “Early morning, Oct. 7, the sun is rising in the desert sky. Stars of David, they took your life but they could not take your pride.” He repeated the “Could not take your pride” line three times before leading the band into the anthemic chorus.</p>

<h2><strong>What is happening between Israel and Hamas?</strong></h2>

<p>Hamas launched a full-blown attack on music fans who were attending the Supernova festival. The festival is held in the desert in southern Israel in conjunction with the Jewish festival of Sukkot. According to witnesses, rocket attacks were followed by close-range gunfire and sniper shots from dozens of Hamas men invading the festival grounds. After the attack, more than 260 bodies were recovered. About 3,500 people attended the concert, about three miles from the border of the Gaza Strip.</p>

<p>The death toll in Gaza, following a continuous retaliation by Israeli forces since last weekend, neared the mark of 700 while over 2500 people are reported to be wounded in the Palestinian territories.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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The popular band U2 honoured the people of Israel as he added “Pride (In the Name of Love)” to the set while performing in Las Vegas. Several got killed at a music festival in Israel as Hamas launched an attack against Israel over the weekend.

The popular band U2 honoured the people of Israel as he added “Pride (In the Name of Love)” to the set while performing in Las Vegas. Several got killed at a music festival in Israel as Hamas launched an attack against Israel over the weekend. The popular band rewrote some lyrics in the song to peg it like a tribute. He referred to the people who lost their lives as “stars of David”. While performing, Bono sang, “Sing for our brothers and sisters — who they themselves were singing at the Supernova Sukkot festival in Israel. We sing for those. Our people, our kind of people, music people. Playful, experimental people. Our kind of people. We sing for them.” View this post on Instagram A post shared by U2 (@u2) × He continued, “In the light of what’s happened in Israel and Gaza, a song about non-violence seems somewhat ridiculous, even laughable, but our prayers have always been for peace and for non-violence… But our hearts and our anger, you know where that’s pointed. So sing with us… and those beautiful kids at that music festival.” As the first verse of “Pride” kicked in, Bono changed the first verse to refer to the Israel incident and sang, “Early morning, Oct. 7, the sun is rising in the desert sky. Stars of David, they took your life but they could not take your pride.” He repeated the “Could not take your pride” line three times before leading the band into the anthemic chorus. What is happening between Israel and Hamas? Hamas launched a full-blown attack on music fans who were attending the Supernova festival. The festival is held in the desert in southern Israel in conjunction with the Jewish festival of Sukkot. According to witnesses, rocket attacks were followed by close-range gunfire and sniper shots from dozens of Hamas men invading the festival grounds. After the attack, more than 260 bodies were recovered. About 3,500 people attended the concert, about three miles from the border of the Gaza Strip. The death toll in Gaza, following a continuous retaliation by Israeli forces since last weekend, neared the mark of 700 while over 2500 people are reported to be wounded in the Palestinian territories. 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.

U2 changes lyrics of Pride song to honour music fans who lost their lives in Israel during music festival

Tombs were unearthed in Gaza. Archaeologists working on a 2,000-year-old Roman cemetery have found at least 125 tombs.

At least 125 tombs discovered at Roman-era cemetery in Gaza

<p>Israeli forces killed two Palestinian militants on Friday (July 7) in a firefight that erupted during raid on the occupied West Bank of Nablus, according to Israeli and Palestinian officials.</p>

<p>The Palestinian health ministry announced &nbsp;"two martyrs and three injured as a result of the occupation (Israeli) aggression on Nablus".</p>

<p>The Israeli army reported there were "no injuries" among the forces.</p>

<p>The army said that it had entered Nablus to arrest two individuals. These individuals, said the army, were wanted over a shooting at Israeli police in West Bank settlement. The shooting took place earlier this month and had resulted in no casualties.</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Tensions rise in West Bank: Palestinian gunman kills Israeli, takes revenge of Jenin Operation</strong></p>

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<p>The two militants who died on Friday were identified by the Palestinian health ministry as Khairi Shaheen, 34, and Hamza Maqbul, 32.</p>

<h2><strong>Killed after 'exchange of fire'</strong></h2>

<p>The army said that the two "were killed following an exchange of fire with security forces."</p>

<p>"During the activity, weapons which were used by the terrorists were confiscated," the army added.</p>

<p>AFP reported citing witnesses that Israeli troops had entered Nablus on Friday morning and surrounded a house in the Old City and asked those inside to surrender. Nablus is a stronghold of armed Palestinian groups in the northern West Bank.</p>

<p>The Abu Ali Mustapha Brigades, the armed wing of the leftist Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), claimed Shaheen and Maqbul as its members.</p>

<p>The raid on Friday came days after Israel launched its largest operation in years in West Bank. Israel is in occupation of the West Bank since 1967. Twelve Palestinians and one Israeli soldier were killed during the large-scale raid on Jenin refugee camp which lasted more than 48 hours and ended Wednesday.</p>

<p>The Israel-Palestine conflict has seen deaths of 192 Palestinians, 27 Israelis, one Ukrainian and one Italian, said AFP according to its tally which it said was compiled from official sources from both sides.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/rockets-launched-at-israel-from-lebanon-idf-strikes-the-area-612691">Rockets fired at Israel from Lebanon, IDF retaliates with counter strikes</a></strong></p>

<p>They include, on the Palestinian side, combatants and civilians, and on the Israeli side, mostly civilians and three members of the Arab minority.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Israeli forces killed two Palestinian militants on Friday (July 7) in a firefight that erupted during raid on the occupied West Bank of Nablus, according to Israeli and Palestinian officials.

Israeli forces killed two Palestinian militants on Friday (July 7) in a firefight that erupted during raid on the occupied West Bank of Nablus, according to Israeli and Palestinian officials. The Palestinian health ministry announced "two martyrs and three injured as a result of the occupation (Israeli) aggression on Nablus". The Israeli army reported there were "no injuries" among the forces. The army said that it had entered Nablus to arrest two individuals. These individuals, said the army, were wanted over a shooting at Israeli police in West Bank settlement. The shooting took place earlier this month and had resulted in no casualties. Watch | Tensions rise in West Bank: Palestinian gunman kills Israeli, takes revenge of Jenin Operation × The two militants who died on Friday were identified by the Palestinian health ministry as Khairi Shaheen, 34, and Hamza Maqbul, 32. Killed after 'exchange of fire' The army said that the two "were killed following an exchange of fire with security forces." "During the activity, weapons which were used by the terrorists were confiscated," the army added. AFP reported citing witnesses that Israeli troops had entered Nablus on Friday morning and surrounded a house in the Old City and asked those inside to surrender. Nablus is a stronghold of armed Palestinian groups in the northern West Bank. The Abu Ali Mustapha Brigades, the armed wing of the leftist Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), claimed Shaheen and Maqbul as its members. The raid on Friday came days after Israel launched its largest operation in years in West Bank. Israel is in occupation of the West Bank since 1967. Twelve Palestinians and one Israeli soldier were killed during the large-scale raid on Jenin refugee camp which lasted more than 48 hours and ended Wednesday. The Israel-Palestine conflict has seen deaths of 192 Palestinians, 27 Israelis, one Ukrainian and one Italian, said AFP according to its tally which it said was compiled from official sources from both sides. Also Read | Rockets fired at Israel from Lebanon, IDF retaliates with counter strikes They include, on the Palestinian side, combatants and civilians, and on the Israeli side, mostly civilians and three members of the Arab minority. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

West Bank raid: Israel army kills two Palestinian gunmen

At least seven Palestinian men were killed in a fresh attack by the Israeli Army in West Bank's Jenin. It's being described as the biggest Israeli Army operation in the occupied West Bank in years. Just a few days ago three other Palestinians from Jenin lost their lives during a similar raid.

At least 7 Palestinians were killed in fresh raids in West Bank's Jenin

With the fresh unrest in the West Bank after a week of intense violence and tensions a Palestinian terrorist opened fire at the Israeli checkpoint at the occupied West Bank early on Saturday morning. The Israeli forces claimed the firefight claimed the life of an Israeli security guard at the scene. The shooter was identified as a 17-year-old boy who used an MI6 rifle for the onslaught at the calendar checkpoint.

Unrest in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, shooter identified as 17-year-old male

The US has criticized Israel's National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir's visit to Al-Aqsa mosque in Jerusalem stating that the holy site should not be used for political purposes. The US released a statement saying that it is concerned by Ben-Givr's visit calling it an act of provocation and asking Israel and Palestine to respect the holy site sanctity.

US condemns Ben-Gvir's visit to Al-Aqsa, calls it an 'act of provocation'

Gaza violates Israel-Palestine truce by accidentally firing a rocket into Israel after the two negotiated a ceasefire to end five days of hostilities. The Palestinian fighting groups have now claimed that the launch was a so-called unintentional technical error.

Israel-Palestine tensions: Gaza violates ceasefire, blames technical error for rocket launch

Israel's military has killed Ali Ghali who is the head of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) rocket launching force along with two other fighters in a pre-dawn air strike on an apartment in Gaza. Israeli military say that they have hit more than 130 Gaza targets including rocket launching sites.

Israel-Palestine clash: Airstrikes killed top rocket commander Ali Ghali

<p>Pope Francis presided over the Easter Mass on Sunday and called for peace amid the raging conflict in Ukraine and the recent escalation in violence between Israel and Palestine. The religious leader expressed "deep concern" over the recent flare-up in violence globally.</p>

<p>While addressing a crowd of some 100,000 people gathered in Saint Peter's Square in the Vatican City, he said that the renewed violence "threatens the desired climate of trust and mutual respect needed to resume dialogue."</p>

<p>"Help the beloved Ukrainian people on their journey towards peace, and shed the light of Easter upon the people of Russia," he said.</p>

<p>"Comfort the wounded and all those who have lost loved ones because of the war, and grant that prisoners may return safe and sound to their families."</p>

<p><strong>ALSO READ |</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-says-sex-is-one-of-the-most-beautiful-things-in-a-documentary-579652"><strong>Pope says sex is 'one of the most beautiful things' in a documentary</strong></a></p>

<p>He also drew attention to conflicts around the world, from Syria to the Democratic Republic of Congo, and offered prayers for victims of the earthquake in Turkey and Syria.</p>

<p>This week, as the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, the Jewish Passover and Christian Easter have coincided, a&nbsp;surge in violence and unrest between Israel and Palestinians dominated the news cycle worldwide.</p>

<p>The pope called for a resumption in dialogue to ensure peace "in the Holy City (of Jerusalem) and in the entire region."</p>

<p>On Wednesday, Israeli police stormed the prayer hall of Al-Aqsa mosque, Islam's third-holiest site, in a pre-dawn raid aimed at dislodging "law-breaking youths and masked agitators" they said had barricaded themselves inside.</p>

<p><strong>ALSO WATCH |&nbsp;Vatican: Pope Francis to be hospitalised for days for lung infection</strong></p>

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<p>The next day, more than 30 rockets were fired from Lebanese soil into Israel by Palestinian groups.</p>

<p>Israel then bombarded Gaza and southern Lebanon, targeting "terror infrastructures" that it said belonged to the Hamas.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The 86-year-old pope has returned to his duties in Vatican after a recent stay in hospital following a bout of bronchitis. On Saturday evening, he presided over the Vigil mass in Saint Peter's Basilica in the Vatican, a two-and-a-half-hour ceremony performed before 8,000 people.</p>

<p>On Friday evening however, he stayed away from the Good Friday "Way of the Cross" service as a precaution because of the intense cold, the Vatican said. It was for the first time that he missed the ceremony during his papacy.</p>

<p>(<em>With inputs from agencies</em>)</p>

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Pope Francis presided over the Easter Mass on Sunday and called for peace amid the raging conflict in Ukraine and the recent escalation in violence between Israel and Palestine.

Pope Francis presided over the Easter Mass on Sunday and called for peace amid the raging conflict in Ukraine and the recent escalation in violence between Israel and Palestine. The religious leader expressed "deep concern" over the recent flare-up in violence globally. While addressing a crowd of some 100,000 people gathered in Saint Peter's Square in the Vatican City, he said that the renewed violence "threatens the desired climate of trust and mutual respect needed to resume dialogue." "Help the beloved Ukrainian people on their journey towards peace, and shed the light of Easter upon the people of Russia," he said. "Comfort the wounded and all those who have lost loved ones because of the war, and grant that prisoners may return safe and sound to their families." ALSO READ | Pope says sex is 'one of the most beautiful things' in a documentary He also drew attention to conflicts around the world, from Syria to the Democratic Republic of Congo, and offered prayers for victims of the earthquake in Turkey and Syria. This week, as the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, the Jewish Passover and Christian Easter have coincided, a surge in violence and unrest between Israel and Palestinians dominated the news cycle worldwide. The pope called for a resumption in dialogue to ensure peace "in the Holy City (of Jerusalem) and in the entire region." On Wednesday, Israeli police stormed the prayer hall of Al-Aqsa mosque, Islam's third-holiest site, in a pre-dawn raid aimed at dislodging "law-breaking youths and masked agitators" they said had barricaded themselves inside. ALSO WATCH | Vatican: Pope Francis to be hospitalised for days for lung infection × The next day, more than 30 rockets were fired from Lebanese soil into Israel by Palestinian groups. Israel then bombarded Gaza and southern Lebanon, targeting "terror infrastructures" that it said belonged to the Hamas. The 86-year-old pope has returned to his duties in Vatican after a recent stay in hospital following a bout of bronchitis. On Saturday evening, he presided over the Vigil mass in Saint Peter's Basilica in the Vatican, a two-and-a-half-hour ceremony performed before 8,000 people. On Friday evening however, he stayed away from the Good Friday "Way of the Cross" service as a precaution because of the intense cold, the Vatican said. It was for the first time that he missed the ceremony during his papacy. (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.

Easter Mass 2023: Pope Francis calls for peace in Ukraine, Palestine amid raging conflicts

Israel-Palestine tensions have again flared up. Israel has raided a major West Bank area. At least 10 Palestinians have been killed. Watch this video for more details.

Israel-Palestine tensions: Israel raids major West Bank area

<p>The tensions between Israel and Palestine resumed to a new high on Friday after Jerusalem launched air strikes on Gaza after a militant rocket fire from disputed territory was launched at Israel. Over 13,000 km southeast of Israeli city of Tel Aviv, a moment of heartbreak short of a sporting glory came to the fore for the Indian Tennis fans, as Sania Mirza, country's flagbearer of professional Tennis for years lost Australian Open Mixed Doubles final alongside Mahesh Bhupati to a Brazilian pair.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Japan and the Netherlands are set to join the United States-led efforts in chip export controls on China.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Among other news, Egypt made another startling addition to its&nbsp;archaeological discoveries.</p>

<p><strong>Click on the headlines to read more:</strong></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/middle-east/israel-responds-with-air-strikes-on-gaza-following-overnight-rocket-fire-556373"><strong>Israel responds with air strikes on Gaza following overnight rocket fire</strong></a></p>

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<p>Israel launched air strikes on Gaza Friday following a militant rocket fire from the Gaza Strip towards southern Israel. The strikes came as tensions rose after seven gunmen and two civilians were killed by Israeli forces during a raid in the West Bank on Thursday. It was the deadliest army raid on the occupied West Bank in years.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/australia-open-sania-mirza-rohan-bopannas-dream-run-ends-with-heartbreak-in-final-556376"><strong>Australian Open: Sania Mirza-Rohan Bopanna's dream run ends in heartbreak in Mixed Doubles final</strong></a></p>

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<p>Sania Mirza-Rohan Bopanna lost to Brazilian duo of&nbsp;Luisa Stefani and Rafael Matos 6-7, 2-6 in the mixed doubles final of the Australian Open. Sania, who has been the flagbearer of Indian Tennis for years, had announced her retirement from the game last week. Fans had hoped for a fitting farewell for Sania Mirza, who had won her first Grand Slam in Australia itself in 2009 alongside Indian counterpart Mahesh Bhupati. While Indian pair had their moment, the Brazilians had the last say.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/with-us-efforts-the-netherlands-japan-close-to-limit-chip-exports-to-china-report-556371"><strong>With US efforts, The Netherlands, Japan close to limit chip exports to China: Report</strong></a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/01/27/328367-untitled-design-47.png?imwidth=1920" /></p>

<p>Japan and the Netherlands are set to join the United States-led efforts in chip export controls on China. The officials from the United States, Denmark and Japan are scheduled to conclude talks to set new limitations to what can be supplied to the Chinese companies, Bloomberg reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/archaeologists-make-dream-discovery-find-mummy-adorned-in-gold-leaf-556381"><strong>Archaeologists make 'dream discovery', find mummy adorned in gold leaf</strong></a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/01/27/328373-untitled-design-2023-01-27t090925396.png?imwidth=1920" /></p>

<p>In a bid to revive its tourism industry, Egypt in recent years has made many major archaeological discoveries. Archaeologists on Thursday have made what they are terming a "dream discovery." This is a mummy which was lain within a chamber undisturbed for thousands of years.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-bans-largest-independent-news-website-meduza-calls-it-a-security-threat-556351"><strong>Russia bans largest independent news website Meduza, calls it a 'security threat'</strong></a></p>

<p><img src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/01/27/328356-wmm2p4x7xbklxockferrzua3ey.jpg?imwidth=1920" /></p>

<p>One of the harshest acts of censorship since the&nbsp;Russian&nbsp; nvasion of Ukraine in February 2022 is&nbsp;the classification of Meduza, the largest Russian independent news site, as an "undesirable organisation." The parent company of Meduza, which is registered in Latvia, "threatens the foundations of constitutional order and the security of the Russian Federation," the prosecutor general of Russia claimed in a statement on Thursday (January 26), without providing any other information.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-military-kills-senior-islamic-state-figure-in-us-raid-in-somalia-us-official-556367"><strong>US military kills senior Islamic State figure in US raid in Somalia</strong></a></p>

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<p>Bilal al-Sudani, a significant regional commander for the Islamic State group, was killed in a US military raid in Somalia that was ordered by President Joe Biden, according to US authorities on Thursday (January 26).&nbsp;As per US sources, Sudani was killed during a gunfight when US forces entered a hilly labyrinth of caves in northern Somalia in an effort to arrest him, as reported by AFP.</p>

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The tensions between Israel and Palestine resumed to a new high on Friday after Jerusalem launched air strikes on Gaza after a militant rocket fire from disputed territory was launched at Israel.

The tensions between Israel and Palestine resumed to a new high on Friday after Jerusalem launched air strikes on Gaza after a militant rocket fire from disputed territory was launched at Israel. Over 13,000 km southeast of Israeli city of Tel Aviv, a moment of heartbreak short of a sporting glory came to the fore for the Indian Tennis fans, as Sania Mirza, country's flagbearer of professional Tennis for years lost Australian Open Mixed Doubles final alongside Mahesh Bhupati to a Brazilian pair. Meanwhile, Japan and the Netherlands are set to join the United States-led efforts in chip export controls on China. Among other news, Egypt made another startling addition to its archaeological discoveries. Click on the headlines to read more: Israel responds with air strikes on Gaza following overnight rocket fire Israel launched air strikes on Gaza Friday following a militant rocket fire from the Gaza Strip towards southern Israel. The strikes came as tensions rose after seven gunmen and two civilians were killed by Israeli forces during a raid in the West Bank on Thursday. It was the deadliest army raid on the occupied West Bank in years. Australian Open: Sania Mirza-Rohan Bopanna's dream run ends in heartbreak in Mixed Doubles final Sania Mirza-Rohan Bopanna lost to Brazilian duo of Luisa Stefani and Rafael Matos 6-7, 2-6 in the mixed doubles final of the Australian Open. Sania, who has been the flagbearer of Indian Tennis for years, had announced her retirement from the game last week. Fans had hoped for a fitting farewell for Sania Mirza, who had won her first Grand Slam in Australia itself in 2009 alongside Indian counterpart Mahesh Bhupati. While Indian pair had their moment, the Brazilians had the last say. With US efforts, The Netherlands, Japan close to limit chip exports to China: Report Japan and the Netherlands are set to join the United States-led efforts in chip export controls on China. The officials from the United States, Denmark and Japan are scheduled to conclude talks to set new limitations to what can be supplied to the Chinese companies, Bloomberg reported. Archaeologists make 'dream discovery', find mummy adorned in gold leaf In a bid to revive its tourism industry, Egypt in recent years has made many major archaeological discoveries. Archaeologists on Thursday have made what they are terming a "dream discovery." This is a mummy which was lain within a chamber undisturbed for thousands of years. Russia bans largest independent news website Meduza, calls it a 'security threat' One of the harshest acts of censorship since the Russian nvasion of Ukraine in February 2022 is the classification of Meduza, the largest Russian independent news site, as an "undesirable organisation." The parent company of Meduza, which is registered in Latvia, "threatens the foundations of constitutional order and the security of the Russian Federation," the prosecutor general of Russia claimed in a statement on Thursday (January 26), without providing any other information. US military kills senior Islamic State figure in US raid in Somalia Bilal al-Sudani, a significant regional commander for the Islamic State group, was killed in a US military raid in Somalia that was ordered by President Joe Biden, according to US authorities on Thursday (January 26). As per US sources, Sudani was killed during a gunfight when US forces entered a hilly labyrinth of caves in northern Somalia in an effort to arrest him, as reported by AFP. 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.

Morning news brief: Israel retaliates with airstrikes in Gaza, Sania Mirza's last Grand Slam final, and more

<p>There was exchange of fire from Israel&nbsp;and the Gaza Strip on Friday, raising fears of&nbsp;further escalation following one the deadliest army raids in the occupied West Bank in years on Thursday.&nbsp;Israel&nbsp;later said that it had "targeted an underground rocket manufacturing site" belonging to the Hamas and a north Gaza military base used by the group.</p>

<p>The strikes by Israeli forces on Thursday had led to the death of nine people during the raid on the crowded Jenin refugee camp.&nbsp;</p>

<p>AFP quoted security sources in Hamas Islamist-controlled Gaza as saying that there had been 15 strikes targeting militant sites, with no injuries reported.</p>

<p>The Israeli army said two rockets were fired from Gaza towards Israel around midnight.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/middle-east/nine-killed-20-injured-amid-israeli-troops-west-bank-raid-say-palestinians-556313">Nine killed, 20 injured amid Israeli troops' West Bank raid, say Palestinians</a></p>

<p>The overnight rocket strikes triggered sirens in Israeli communities near the border with Gaza, warning residents to take shelter. There were no reports of injuries.</p>

<p>Following retaliatory strikes by Israel, hours later&nbsp;three more rockets were fired from the Gaza Strip, the army said. Another round of air-raid sirens were then sounded in southern Israel.</p>

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<p>The army said that most of the Gaza rockets were intercepted by Israel's air defence system, adding that one landed in an open area and another fell inside Gaza. Footage of Israeli interceptor missiles being launched into the night sky above the city of Ashkelon was aired by an Israeli TV channel.</p>

<p>No group has claimed responsibility for firing the rockets. Earlier, after the attack in Jenin killed nine Palestinians, Hamas and Islamic Jihad had vowed to respond to it.</p>

<p>The Palestinian Authority announced that it was ending its security coordination with Israel. The arrangement was credited with helping to keep order in the West Bank and preventing attacks against Israel.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Responding to the situation, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel was not looking to escalate the matter, though he ordered security forces to be on alert.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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There was exchange of fire from Israel and the Gaza Strip on Friday, raising fears of further escalation following one the deadliest army raids in the occupied West Bank in years on Thursday.

There was exchange of fire from Israel and the Gaza Strip on Friday, raising fears of further escalation following one the deadliest army raids in the occupied West Bank in years on Thursday. Israel later said that it had "targeted an underground rocket manufacturing site" belonging to the Hamas and a north Gaza military base used by the group. The strikes by Israeli forces on Thursday had led to the death of nine people during the raid on the crowded Jenin refugee camp. AFP quoted security sources in Hamas Islamist-controlled Gaza as saying that there had been 15 strikes targeting militant sites, with no injuries reported. The Israeli army said two rockets were fired from Gaza towards Israel around midnight. Also Read | Nine killed, 20 injured amid Israeli troops' West Bank raid, say Palestinians The overnight rocket strikes triggered sirens in Israeli communities near the border with Gaza, warning residents to take shelter. There were no reports of injuries. Following retaliatory strikes by Israel, hours later three more rockets were fired from the Gaza Strip, the army said. Another round of air-raid sirens were then sounded in southern Israel. × The army said that most of the Gaza rockets were intercepted by Israel's air defence system, adding that one landed in an open area and another fell inside Gaza. Footage of Israeli interceptor missiles being launched into the night sky above the city of Ashkelon was aired by an Israeli TV channel. No group has claimed responsibility for firing the rockets. Earlier, after the attack in Jenin killed nine Palestinians, Hamas and Islamic Jihad had vowed to respond to it. The Palestinian Authority announced that it was ending its security coordination with Israel. The arrangement was credited with helping to keep order in the West Bank and preventing attacks against Israel. Responding to the situation, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Israel was not looking to escalate the matter, though he ordered security forces to be on alert. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Israel retaliates with air strikes on Gaza following overnight firing of rockets

<p>Israel's police has been instructed to remove Palestinian flags from public spaces by the country's new far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. The minister informed the media about the same on Sunday. Ben-Gvir heads an ultranationalist party in Benjamin Netanyahu's new government and as minister oversees the police.</p>

<p>Israeli law does not outlaw Palestinian flags but if the police and soldiers deem them a threat to public order, they have the right to remove them.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The latest decision follows the release last week of a long-serving Palestinian prisoner&nbsp;who waved a Palestinian flag in his village later. Convicted of kidnapping and killing an Israeli soldier in 1983, he received&nbsp;a hero's welcome in his village in northern Israel.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ben-gvirs-al-aqsa-visit-unleashes-a-wave-of-anger-in-the-arab-world-549597">Ben-Gvir's Al-Aqsa visit unleashes a wave of anger in the Arab world</a></p>

<p>Ben-Gvir, in a statement, said that waving the Palestinian flag is an act in support of terrorism.</p>

<p>"It cannot be that lawbreakers wave terrorist flags, incite and encourage terrorism, so I ordered the removal of flags supporting terrorism from the public space and to stop the incitement against Israel," Ben-Gvir said.</p>

<p>Arabs in Israel account for around a fifth of the population with most of them being descendants of Palestinians who remained within the newly founded state after its 1948 war of independence. They have been unclear of their place in Israel's politics and most of them identify themselves as or with the Palestinians.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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Israel's police has been instructed to remove Palestinian flags from public spaces by the country's new far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. The minister informed the media about the same on Sunday.

Israel's police has been instructed to remove Palestinian flags from public spaces by the country's new far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. The minister informed the media about the same on Sunday. Ben-Gvir heads an ultranationalist party in Benjamin Netanyahu's new government and as minister oversees the police. Israeli law does not outlaw Palestinian flags but if the police and soldiers deem them a threat to public order, they have the right to remove them. The latest decision follows the release last week of a long-serving Palestinian prisoner who waved a Palestinian flag in his village later. Convicted of kidnapping and killing an Israeli soldier in 1983, he received a hero's welcome in his village in northern Israel. Also Read | Ben-Gvir's Al-Aqsa visit unleashes a wave of anger in the Arab world Ben-Gvir, in a statement, said that waving the Palestinian flag is an act in support of terrorism. "It cannot be that lawbreakers wave terrorist flags, incite and encourage terrorism, so I ordered the removal of flags supporting terrorism from the public space and to stop the incitement against Israel," Ben-Gvir said. Arabs in Israel account for around a fifth of the population with most of them being descendants of Palestinians who remained within the newly founded state after its 1948 war of independence. They have been unclear of their place in Israel's politics and most of them identify themselves as or with the Palestinians. (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.

Ben-Gvir orders Israeli police to remove Palestinian flags from public spaces

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

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