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It is said that music brings peace and joy to our world but music in warzone brings much-needed healing. Rahaf Fadi Nasser, a medical student in Gaza is using a guitar she borrowed from a family friend to share music with her displaced kin on the streets.

Rahaf Fadi Nasser plays guitar on Gaza streets, shares music with displaced kin on streets

The Israeli army and the Lebanese armed group Hezbollah Claim they are ready for any conflict. Does the situation signal a full-blown Hezbollah-IDF war?

Hezbollah says it disabled Israel's iron dome

Earlier this week, Spain, Norway and Ireland formally recognised Palestinian statehood after a coordinated effort by the three Western European nations in what they said was an attempt to bring the focus back to finding a political solution amid the ongoing war between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas.&nbsp;

<h2>145 countries now recognise a Palestinian state</h2>

The three European countries joined 142 others out of the 193 members of the United Nations which have recognised a Palestinian state.

The group of now 145 countries includes a number of nations in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. However, the list does not include any major countries like the United States, Canada, most of western Europe, Australia, Japan and South Korea.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Spain, Norway &amp; Ireland formally recognise Palestinian state

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However, Spain, Ireland and Norway are hoping to change that. The three countries believe that by acting together other European countries will follow suit for a diplomatic push to help secure a ceasefire in Gaza as well as bring back the hostages.&nbsp;

The Hamas’ October 7 attack on southern Israel led to the killing of 1,200 people, and around 250 others were taken back to the Palestinian enclave as hostages, according to Israeli officials.&nbsp;

<h2>EU countries and Palestine</h2>

Before European Union countries, Ireland and Spain, joined the list only seven members of the 27-nation bloc had officially recognised a Palestinian state. Out of which, six had announced recognition back in 1988 prior to the creation of the bloc. In 2014, Sweden became the first EU nation to do so.&nbsp;

It also seems like the efforts by the three countries&nbsp;have worked as EU member Slovenia is set to recognise Palestinian statehood in June after Prime Minister Robert Golob said his government will forward its decision to parliament for final approval, on Thursday (May 30).&nbsp;

However, despite many European countries criticising Israel for its military operation in Gaza, the 27-nation bloc remains divided.&nbsp;

Some countries in the EU have sought to recognise a Palestinian state in hopes of eventually bringing peace in the Middle East, while other countries like Germany, Hungary, and the Netherlands staunchly support <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-how-netanyahu-helped-grow-hamas-which-became-the-frankensteins-monster-for-him-651336">Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu</a>’s government.

Finnish President Alexander Stubb, according to the state media, has also said that they would also recognise Palestine “at some stage in the future”.&nbsp;

France has previously indicated that it will not join other countries in recognising a Palestinian state, with Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne accusing fellow EU members of making the move as part of “political positioning,” instead of seeking a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

<h2>Three countries&nbsp;recognise&nbsp;Palestinian state</h2>

Spanish PM Pedro Sánchez, on Tuesday (May 28) announcing the move said that “this is a historic decision that has a single goal, and that is to help Israelis and Palestinians achieve peace.”

He also said that the decision is not against Israel whom Sánchez called a “friendly people whom we respect, whom we appreciate and with whom we want to have the best possible relationship.”

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spain-norway-recognise-palestinian-statehood-ireland-to-follow-suit-726323">Spain, Norway and Ireland formally recognise Palestinian statehood as Israel fumes</a>

Ireland and Norway soon joined Spain in formalising the decision which they had jointly announced a week prior and hoped their decision will accelerate efforts towards securing a ceasefire amid the way which is now in its eighth month.

The countries said that they recognised a Palestinian state based on borders established before the war in 1967, with Jerusalem as the capital of both Israel and Palestine.

However, they acknowledged that those borders might change if any eventual talks take place for a two-state solution to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-are-core-israel-palestine-issues-whats-the-future-of-peace-attempts-646716">Israeli-Palestinian conflict</a>.&nbsp;

On Tuesday, the Palestinian flag was raised in Dublin outside Leinster House, the seat of Ireland’s parliament.&nbsp;

“I hope (this) sends the Palestinian people a message of hope that – in this their darkest hour – Ireland stands with them,” Irish PM Simon Harris told lawmakers after his cabinet approved the decision.&nbsp;

Amid the ongoing war in Gaza, Ireland has time and time again voiced its support for Palestinians and condemned Israel for its military operation in the blockaded enclave which, according to the Hamas-run health ministry, has killed more than 36,000 people.&nbsp;

Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide, in a statement, said Oslo has been one of the “strongest advocates for a Palestinian state” and called it a “milestone in the relationship between Norway and Palestine.”&nbsp;

Ireland said it would appoint an ambassador and create a full embassy in the West Bank’s Ramallah. Meanwhile, Norway will upgrade its diplomatic office in the West Bank to an embassy.&nbsp;

Spain, for now, said it will maintain its consulate in Jerusalem. However, Israel said that the consulate won’t be allowed to attend to Palestinians.

US President Joe Biden has opposed “unilateral recognition” of a Palestinian state, saying that it “should be realised through direct negotiations between the parties.”&nbsp;

<h2>Israel’s reaction</h2>

As expected, the decision taken by the three countries left Israel fuming. After the announcement by the Spanish PM, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz quickly lashed out at Madrid saying that Sánchez’s government was “being complicit in inciting genocide against Jews and war crimes.”

Also Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/its-reward-for-terror-netanyahu-blasts-ireland-norway-spain-for-recognising-palestinian-state-724448">‘It’s reward for terror’: Netanyahu blasts Ireland, Norway, Spain for recognising Palestinian state</a>

Israeli officials also summoned the countries’ ambassadors in Tel Aviv to the foreign ministry where they were filmed while being shown videos of Hamas’ attacks and abductions on October 7.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Netanyahu called it a “reward for terror” saying that a sovereign State of Palestine would be a “terror state” that would “try to repeatedly carry out the massacre of October 7th”.&nbsp;

<h2>Will recognition make a difference?</h2>

While the decision by the three nations is mostly symbolic, since they aren’t recognising an existing state, just the possibility of one, it does help enhance the Palestinians’ international standing.&nbsp;

Palestinians have long sought an independent state which would be made up of Gaza, the West Bank and east Jerusalem, territories Israel captured in the 1967 Mideast war.&nbsp;

To make it happen, the idea of a land corridor linking Gaza and the West Bank through Israel was discussed in previous rounds of peace talks, but nothing came of them and negotiations have not been held in more than 15 years.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-accused-of-failing-miserably-as-war-cabinet-members-press-for-israel-elections-726873">Netanyahu accused of 'failing miserably' as war cabinet members press for Israel elections</a>

The recognition, particularly by Spain, Ireland and Norway, also makes Israel look more isolated on the international stage amid a wave of criticism against Israeli military operations in Gaza and Netanyahu and heaps more pressure on Israel to open negotiations on ending the war.

<h2>Countries that recognise Palestinian state</h2>

India was among the first countries to officially recognise an independent Palestinian state on November 15, 1988, during the first Palestinian intifada (uprising) when Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat unilaterally proclaimed an independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital.

Algeria became the first country to do so, and within a few weeks India, Turkey, most of Africa and several central and eastern European countries followed suit.

The next wave of recognition was in late 2010 and early 2011 with South American countries including Argentina, Brazil and Chile joining the list in response to Israel ending its temporary ban on Jewish settlement building in the occupied West Bank.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Earlier this week, Spain, Norway and Ireland formally recognised Palestinian statehood after a coordinated effort by the three Western European nations in what they said was an attempt to bring the focus back to finding a political solution amid the ongoing war between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas.

Earlier this week, Spain, Norway and Ireland formally recognised Palestinian statehood after a coordinated effort by the three Western European nations in what they said was an attempt to bring the focus back to finding a political solution amid the ongoing war between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas. 145 countries now recognise a Palestinian state The three European countries joined 142 others out of the 193 members of the United Nations which have recognised a Palestinian state. The group of now 145 countries includes a number of nations in the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. However, the list does not include any major countries like the United States, Canada, most of western Europe, Australia, Japan and South Korea. WATCH | Spain, Norway & Ireland formally recognise Palestinian state However, Spain, Ireland and Norway are hoping to change that. The three countries believe that by acting together other European countries will follow suit for a diplomatic push to help secure a ceasefire in Gaza as well as bring back the hostages. The Hamas’ October 7 attack on southern Israel led to the killing of 1,200 people, and around 250 others were taken back to the Palestinian enclave as hostages, according to Israeli officials. EU countries and Palestine Before European Union countries, Ireland and Spain, joined the list only seven members of the 27-nation bloc had officially recognised a Palestinian state. Out of which, six had announced recognition back in 1988 prior to the creation of the bloc. In 2014, Sweden became the first EU nation to do so. It also seems like the efforts by the three countries have worked as EU member Slovenia is set to recognise Palestinian statehood in June after Prime Minister Robert Golob said his government will forward its decision to parliament for final approval, on Thursday (May 30). However, despite many European countries criticising Israel for its military operation in Gaza, the 27-nation bloc remains divided. Some countries in the EU have sought to recognise a Palestinian state in hopes of eventually bringing peace in the Middle East, while other countries like Germany, Hungary, and the Netherlands staunchly support Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government. Finnish President Alexander Stubb, according to the state media, has also said that they would also recognise Palestine “at some stage in the future”. France has previously indicated that it will not join other countries in recognising a Palestinian state, with Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne accusing fellow EU members of making the move as part of “political positioning,” instead of seeking a solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Three countries recognise Palestinian state Spanish PM Pedro Sánchez, on Tuesday (May 28) announcing the move said that “this is a historic decision that has a single goal, and that is to help Israelis and Palestinians achieve peace.” He also said that the decision is not against Israel whom Sánchez called a “friendly people whom we respect, whom we appreciate and with whom we want to have the best possible relationship.” Also Read | Spain, Norway and Ireland formally recognise Palestinian statehood as Israel fumes Ireland and Norway soon joined Spain in formalising the decision which they had jointly announced a week prior and hoped their decision will accelerate efforts towards securing a ceasefire amid the way which is now in its eighth month. The countries said that they recognised a Palestinian state based on borders established before the war in 1967, with Jerusalem as the capital of both Israel and Palestine. However, they acknowledged that those borders might change if any eventual talks take place for a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. On Tuesday, the Palestinian flag was raised in Dublin outside Leinster House, the seat of Ireland’s parliament. “I hope (this) sends the Palestinian people a message of hope that – in this their darkest hour – Ireland stands with them,” Irish PM Simon Harris told lawmakers after his cabinet approved the decision. Amid the ongoing war in Gaza, Ireland has time and time again voiced its support for Palestinians and condemned Israel for its military operation in the blockaded enclave which, according to the Hamas-run health ministry, has killed more than 36,000 people. Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide, in a statement, said Oslo has been one of the “strongest advocates for a Palestinian state” and called it a “milestone in the relationship between Norway and Palestine.” Ireland said it would appoint an ambassador and create a full embassy in the West Bank’s Ramallah. Meanwhile, Norway will upgrade its diplomatic office in the West Bank to an embassy. Spain, for now, said it will maintain its consulate in Jerusalem. However, Israel said that the consulate won’t be allowed to attend to Palestinians. US President Joe Biden has opposed “unilateral recognition” of a Palestinian state, saying that it “should be realised through direct negotiations between the parties.” Israel’s reaction As expected, the decision taken by the three countries left Israel fuming. After the announcement by the Spanish PM, Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz quickly lashed out at Madrid saying that Sánchez’s government was “being complicit in inciting genocide against Jews and war crimes.” Also Watch | ‘It’s reward for terror’: Netanyahu blasts Ireland, Norway, Spain for recognising Palestinian state Israeli officials also summoned the countries’ ambassadors in Tel Aviv to the foreign ministry where they were filmed while being shown videos of Hamas’ attacks and abductions on October 7. Meanwhile, Netanyahu called it a “reward for terror” saying that a sovereign State of Palestine would be a “terror state” that would “try to repeatedly carry out the massacre of October 7th”. Will recognition make a difference? While the decision by the three nations is mostly symbolic, since they aren’t recognising an existing state, just the possibility of one, it does help enhance the Palestinians’ international standing. Palestinians have long sought an independent state which would be made up of Gaza, the West Bank and east Jerusalem, territories Israel captured in the 1967 Mideast war. To make it happen, the idea of a land corridor linking Gaza and the West Bank through Israel was discussed in previous rounds of peace talks, but nothing came of them and negotiations have not been held in more than 15 years. Also Read | Netanyahu accused of 'failing miserably' as war cabinet members press for Israel elections The recognition, particularly by Spain, Ireland and Norway, also makes Israel look more isolated on the international stage amid a wave of criticism against Israeli military operations in Gaza and Netanyahu and heaps more pressure on Israel to open negotiations on ending the war. Countries that recognise Palestinian state India was among the first countries to officially recognise an independent Palestinian state on November 15, 1988, during the first Palestinian intifada (uprising) when Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat unilaterally proclaimed an independent Palestinian state with Jerusalem as its capital. Algeria became the first country to do so, and within a few weeks India, Turkey, most of Africa and several central and eastern European countries followed suit. The next wave of recognition was in late 2010 and early 2011 with South American countries including Argentina, Brazil and Chile joining the list in response to Israel ending its temporary ban on Jewish settlement building in the occupied West Bank. (With inputs from agencies)

Explained: Spain, Ireland and Norway formally recognise Palestinian statehood. Here’s why it matters

Ireland Norway and Spain have announced their decision to formally recognize Palestine as a state amid the raging Israel Hamas war in Gaza and as a result of the decision Israel has now recalled its ambassadors to Ireland and Norway with immediate effect. Watch in for more details!

Norway, Ireland & Spain to recognise Palestine as state, countries push for Israel war solution

Israeli officials on Tuesday (May 21) confiscated a camera and broadcasting equipment of news agency The Associated Press (AP)&nbsp;citing&nbsp;a new media law. Israel accused the AP of providing images and videos from Gaza to Qatar-based news channel Al Jazeera.&nbsp; The&nbsp;country's&nbsp;Communication Ministry&nbsp;in&nbsp;a&nbsp;statement&nbsp;said it will do everything it can to restrict broadcasters from harming their national interests.

“In accordance with the government decision and the instruction of the communications minister, the Communications Ministry will continue to take whatever enforcement action is required to limit broadcasts that harm the security of the state,”&nbsp;the ministry said.

The seizure of the equipment led to the collapse of&nbsp;AP's&nbsp;live feed from Gaza. AP&nbsp;in&nbsp;a&nbsp;statement&nbsp;condemned&nbsp;Israel's&nbsp;decision and&nbsp;urged the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to&nbsp;reverse its decision.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjA1KqVj5-GAxXEzjgGHQj0D8oQxfQBKAB6BAgPEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bidens-clean-chit-to-israel-us-president-says-war-in-gaza-not-genocide-723694" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/bidens-clean-chit-to-israel-us-president-says-war-in-gaza-not-genocide-723694&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjA1KqVj5-GAxXEzjgGHQj0D8oQxfQBKAB6BAgPEAE">Biden`s clean chit to Israel? US president says war in Gaza `not genocide`</a>

“The Associated Press decries in the strongest terms the actions of the Israeli government to shut down our longstanding live feed showing a view into Gaza and seize AP equipment,”&nbsp; Lauren Easton, AP vice president of corporate communications, said in a statement.

“The shutdown was not based on the content of the feed but rather an abusive use by the Israeli government of the&nbsp;country’s&nbsp;new foreign broadcaster law,”&nbsp;Eaton continued.&nbsp;“We urge the Israeli authorities to return our equipment and enable us to reinstate our live feed immediately so we can continue to provide this important visual journalism to thousands of media outlets around the world.”

<h2>Israel's&nbsp;Foreign Broadcaster law</h2>

Israeli officials handed&nbsp;over&nbsp;AP staff a piece of paper signed by Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi and accused the agency of violating the&nbsp;country's&nbsp;foreign broadcaster law. The law allows the Israeli government to shut down any broadcast by foreign media that may&nbsp; 'threaten state security'.

<h2>AP had refused to comply with the May 16&nbsp;order</h2>

Earlier on Thursday (May 16), the AP received&nbsp;similar a&nbsp;diktat from the Israeli government&nbsp; but&nbsp;the US-based news agency refused to comply.&nbsp;

Watch: Israel War: Israelis protest for a Gaza hostage deal as truce talks stall

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Today,&nbsp;its equipment was seized&nbsp;altogether.

Doha-based news channel Al Jazeera has&nbsp;been banned&nbsp;from Israel since May 5.&nbsp;The government had seized its equipment, banned its broadcast in their country and blocked its website after accusing it of&nbsp;putting&nbsp;the&nbsp;country's&nbsp;national security&nbsp;at risk.

(With inputs from agencies)

Israeli officials on Tuesday (May 21) confiscated a camera and broadcasting equipment of news agency The Associated Press (AP) citing a new media law. Israel accused the AP of providing images and videos from Gaza to Qatar-based news channel Al Jazeera.

Israeli officials on Tuesday (May 21) confiscated a camera and broadcasting equipment of news agency The Associated Press (AP) citing a new media law. Israel accused the AP of providing images and videos from Gaza to Qatar-based news channel Al Jazeera. The country's Communication Ministry in a statement said it will do everything it can to restrict broadcasters from harming their national interests. “In accordance with the government decision and the instruction of the communications minister, the Communications Ministry will continue to take whatever enforcement action is required to limit broadcasts that harm the security of the state,” the ministry said. The seizure of the equipment led to the collapse of AP's live feed from Gaza. AP in a statement condemned Israel's decision and urged the government of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to reverse its decision. Also read: Biden`s clean chit to Israel? US president says war in Gaza `not genocide` “The Associated Press decries in the strongest terms the actions of the Israeli government to shut down our longstanding live feed showing a view into Gaza and seize AP equipment,” Lauren Easton, AP vice president of corporate communications, said in a statement. “The shutdown was not based on the content of the feed but rather an abusive use by the Israeli government of the country’s new foreign broadcaster law,” Eaton continued. “We urge the Israeli authorities to return our equipment and enable us to reinstate our live feed immediately so we can continue to provide this important visual journalism to thousands of media outlets around the world.” Israel's Foreign Broadcaster law Israeli officials handed over AP staff a piece of paper signed by Communications Minister Shlomo Karhi and accused the agency of violating the country's foreign broadcaster law. The law allows the Israeli government to shut down any broadcast by foreign media that may 'threaten state security'. AP had refused to comply with the May 16 order Earlier on Thursday (May 16), the AP received similar a diktat from the Israeli government but the US-based news agency refused to comply. Watch: Israel War: Israelis protest for a Gaza hostage deal as truce talks stall × Today, its equipment was seized altogether. Doha-based news channel Al Jazeera has been banned from Israel since May 5. The government had seized its equipment, banned its broadcast in their country and blocked its website after accusing it of putting the country's national security at risk. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel seizes news agency AP’s equipment, stops Gaza live feed for ‘threatening security’

Watch top headlines of the hour: - Taiwan lawmakers exchange blows - 3 killed in Israeli strikes in Lebanon - European body adopts first AI treaty - US: Deadly storm slams Houston

Taiwan lawmakers exchange blows | 3 killed in Israeli strikes in Lebanon

An Indian personnel working with the United Nations lost his life in Gaza after his vehicle was targeted in an attack in Rafah, making it the “first international" casualty for the organisation since the start of the Israel-Hamas conflict. Watch in for more details!

Israel war: First international UN staff member killed in Gaza attack, revises total death toll

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Putin reappoints Mishustin as PM | Rafah hospitals struggle amid bombings

Watch the top headlines of the hour: - US warns halting of arms supply to Israel - Hamas: Won't compromise further - Xi in Budapest for state visit to hungry - Rains interrupt rescue Ops in Brazil - Maldives Foreign Minister arrives in India

Xi in Budapest for state visit to Hungary | Hamas: Won't compromise further

Watch the top headlines of the hour: - Gaza truce talks resume in Cairo - Students protests spread to Europe - Patients and medics flee major Rafah hospital - Trump documents trial postponed - China appoints new envoy to India

Trump Documents trial postponed | China appoints new envoy to India

Watch the top headlines of the hour: - Israeli tanks seen on Gazan side of Rafah - Tesla layoffs continue - Asian Markets gain - Israel delegation to discuss Hamas proposal - India votes in Phase 3 today - Boeing Starliner launch postponed - Hamas accepts Gaza truce proposal

Jordan King asks Biden to stop Rafah 'massacre' | Indian markets trade lower

On Sunday the Hezbollah staged its biggest attack so far on Israel firing more than 60 rockets at Northern Israel. Watch in for more details!

Hezbollah stages its biggest attack, IDF strikes back after attack | WION Newspoint

Watch the top headlines of the hour: - Israeli strikes on Rafah kill at least 22 - Xi Jinping arrives in France - Russia holds rehearsal for victory day parade - No pressure can stop US, says Israel PM Netanyahu - Brazil flooding kills at least 28

Xi Jinping arrives in France | No pressure can stop US, says Israel PM Netanyahu

Tensions flared between pro-Palestinian student protesters and school administrators at several US universities on Monday, as in-person classes were cancelled and demonstrators arrested. Watch in for more details!

US campus clashes: Hundreds arrested at UCLA & other schools, police break into protest encampments

Even if the ongoing war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza&nbsp;was to end today, it would take until 2040 to rebuild all the homes that have been destroyed so far, said the United Nations in a report, on Thursday (May 2).&nbsp;

<h2>Around 16 years to rebuild&nbsp;homes in Gaza: UN</h2>

With nearly seven months of Israel’s bombardment and ground offensives in Gaza, images and videos show most of the Palestinian enclave turned to rubble. The&nbsp;rebuilding of Gaza would also cost around $30 billion to $40 billion and require an effort on a scale the world has not seen since World War II, said a UN official.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Over 16,000 academics condemn Israel's scholasticide in Gaza

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The report by the UN Development Programme (UNDP) and Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) details the damage to Gaza’s infrastructure and the socio-economic impact since the beginning of the war triggered by Hamas’ October 7 attack on southern Israel.&nbsp;

It also estimates the impact of the war at six months, with estimates of what would happen if the war were to continue. “Every additional day that this war continues is exacting huge and compounding costs to Gazans and all Palestinians,” said UNDP administrator Achim Steiner.

According to the report at least 370,000 housing units in Gaza have been damaged, including 79,000 destroyed completely. The rate of housing after the previous Israel-Hamas conflicts was 992 units per year.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bogota-severs-diplomatic-ties-with-israel-over-genocidal-gaza-campaign-israel-dubs-move-anti-semitic-717189">Bogota severs diplomatic ties with Israel over 'genocidal' Gaza campaign</a>

The report noted that even if Israel allows a five-fold increase of construction material to enter the blockaded Palestinian enclave, it would take until 2040 to rebuild destroyed houses, without fixing the damaged ones.

<h2>Cost of rebuilding and impact on economy</h2>

The UNDP estimates the cost of reconstruction of Gaza to surpass $30 billion and could reach up to $40 billion, said UN Assistant Secretary-General Abdallah al-Dardari, as per AFP.&nbsp;

“The scale of the destruction is huge and unprecedented...this is a mission that the global community has not dealt with since World War II,” he added.&nbsp;

According to the UNDP report, the Israeli offensive has virtually shut down the economy in Gaza which around 81 per cent in the last quarter of 2023. The “productive basis of the economy has been destroyed,” with sectors experiencing losses of more than 90 per cent, the report noted.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/us-unleashes-wave-of-sanctions-targets-russian-circumvention-via-china-717249">US unleashes wave of sanctions, targets Russian circumvention via Chinese companies</a>

If the war were to continue for nine months, according to the UNDP projections, the poverty is estimated to more than double with over&nbsp;1.86 million being pushed into poverty.

In 2024, the Palestinian economy – which includes both Gaza and the West Bank – contracted nearly 26 per cent and if the war continues until July, that number would reach 29 per cent with the estimated losses of $7.6 billion, according to the report.&nbsp;

“Unprecedented levels of human losses, capital destruction, and the steep rise in poverty in such a short period of time will precipitate a serious development crisis that jeopardizes the future of generations to come,” said Steiner.&nbsp;

Gaza, which is home to around 2.3 million people, has been blockaded by Israel and Egypt since Hamas’ 2007 takeover with strict control on what enters and exits the territory.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Even if the ongoing war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza was to end today, it would take until 2040 to rebuild all the homes that have been destroyed so far, said the United Nations in a report, on Thursday (May 2).

Even if the ongoing war between Israel and the Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza was to end today, it would take until 2040 to rebuild all the homes that have been destroyed so far, said the United Nations in a report, on Thursday (May 2). Around 16 years to rebuild homes in Gaza: UN With nearly seven months of Israel’s bombardment and ground offensives in Gaza, images and videos show most of the Palestinian enclave turned to rubble. The rebuilding of Gaza would also cost around $30 billion to $40 billion and require an effort on a scale the world has not seen since World War II, said a UN official. WATCH | Over 16,000 academics condemn Israel's scholasticide in Gaza The report by the UN Development Programme (UNDP) and Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia (ESCWA) details the damage to Gaza’s infrastructure and the socio-economic impact since the beginning of the war triggered by Hamas’ October 7 attack on southern Israel. It also estimates the impact of the war at six months, with estimates of what would happen if the war were to continue. “Every additional day that this war continues is exacting huge and compounding costs to Gazans and all Palestinians,” said UNDP administrator Achim Steiner. According to the report at least 370,000 housing units in Gaza have been damaged, including 79,000 destroyed completely. The rate of housing after the previous Israel-Hamas conflicts was 992 units per year. Also Read | Bogota severs diplomatic ties with Israel over 'genocidal' Gaza campaign The report noted that even if Israel allows a five-fold increase of construction material to enter the blockaded Palestinian enclave, it would take until 2040 to rebuild destroyed houses, without fixing the damaged ones. Cost of rebuilding and impact on economy The UNDP estimates the cost of reconstruction of Gaza to surpass $30 billion and could reach up to $40 billion, said UN Assistant Secretary-General Abdallah al-Dardari, as per AFP. “The scale of the destruction is huge and unprecedented...this is a mission that the global community has not dealt with since World War II,” he added. According to the UNDP report, the Israeli offensive has virtually shut down the economy in Gaza which around 81 per cent in the last quarter of 2023. The “productive basis of the economy has been destroyed,” with sectors experiencing losses of more than 90 per cent, the report noted. Also Read | US unleashes wave of sanctions, targets Russian circumvention via Chinese companies If the war were to continue for nine months, according to the UNDP projections, the poverty is estimated to more than double with over 1.86 million being pushed into poverty. In 2024, the Palestinian economy – which includes both Gaza and the West Bank – contracted nearly 26 per cent and if the war continues until July, that number would reach 29 per cent with the estimated losses of $7.6 billion, according to the report. “Unprecedented levels of human losses, capital destruction, and the steep rise in poverty in such a short period of time will precipitate a serious development crisis that jeopardizes the future of generations to come,” said Steiner. Gaza, which is home to around 2.3 million people, has been blockaded by Israel and Egypt since Hamas’ 2007 takeover with strict control on what enters and exits the territory. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel-Hamas war: Rebuilding all homes destroyed in Gaza would take at least 16 years, says UN

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged Hamas to swiftly accept an Israeli proposal for a truce in the Gaza war and the release of Israeli hostages held.

Israel war: Blinken in Israel to push for truce, says 'will press Netanyahu on Gaza aid'

Student protests against Israel’s war on Gaza have popped up on an increasing number of college campuses following last week’s arrest of more than 100 demonstrators at Columbia University. Meanwhile protests are erupting across Israel, as demonstrators are demanding release of hostages, Watch in for more details!

Israel war: Israelis call for release of hostages | US campus protesters demand ceasefire

US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken has arrived in Jordan the top American Diplomat will discuss ways to boost Aid deliveries into Gaza. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hamas war: US Secy of State Blinken to Hamas: Take 'Generous offer' by Israel

Watch the top headlines of the hour: - Blinken to visit Israel, Jordan - Russia makes gains in East of Ukraine - Biden, Netanyahu review hostage -release talks - Blinken in Saudi to discuss Gaza issue - FIR over 'doctored' Amit Shah video

Amit Shah fake video row | Blinken in Saudi to discuss Gaza issue

The US President Joe Biden has spoken with the Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on a phone call. The White House said Biden and reviewed talks designed to secure the release of some of the Israeli hostages coupled with an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. Watch in for more details!

Israel war: Biden-Netanyahu discuss Rafah, hostage deal on call

While leaders are trying to achieve a breakthrough deal as they push for a ceasefire in Gaza but amidst the talks the plight of hostages remain uncertain. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hamas War: Hostage deal will defer Rafah offensive: Israeli Foreign Minister

The US Sells itself as a global hero that upholds democracy and liberty. But beneath the facade lurks a dark truth. For years, the US Has profited from foreign misery. Wars abroad, fueled by billions in military aid, line the pockets of a privileged few. Conflicts in Europe and Asia are just the latest cases. This next report sheds light on how the American war machine turns human suffering into profit. Watch in for more details!

Peace vs Profits: How conflicts help the US economy grow?

An Egyptian delegation is in Israel to broker a ceasefire deal between Tel Aviv and Hamas in Gaza. The envoys warned that Israeli ground offensive in Gaza's Rafah City will have catastrophic consequences for regional stability.

Israel-Hamas war: Egypt's Intelligence office director leads delegation in Israel for Gaza ceasefire

In a heartbreaking development, the premature Palestinian baby who had been saved from her mother’s womb shortly after the woman was killed in an Israeli airstrike amid the ongoing war in Gaza, has died, the doctor who was caring for her told Reuters, on Friday (Apr 26).&nbsp;

<h2>Baby saved from dead mother’s womb dies</h2>

The baby’s mother, Sabreen Al-Sakani had suffered extensive injuries after an Israeli strike hit the family home in southern Gaza’s Rafah.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Premature baby rescued from dead mother’s womb in Gaza dies

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-hamas-war-baby-rescued-from-dead-mothers-womb-in-gaza-dies-715351/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

At the time, Sabreen, along with her husband and their other daughter – three-year-old Malak – were asleep. The explosion reportedly took place an hour before midnight on April 20.&nbsp;

The baby, who had been named Rouh, meaning soul died on Thursday (Apr 25) reported Reuters citing Doctor Mohammad Salama, head of the emergency neonatal unit at Emirati Hospital, who had been caring for her. &nbsp;

“I and other doctors tried to save her, but she died. For me personally, it was a very difficult and painful day,” he told the news agency by phone.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-hostage-says-hamas-captor-proposed-her-for-marriage-he-gave-me-a-ring-715371">Israeli hostage says Hamas captor proposed her for marriage; 'he gave me a ring'</a>

The doctor also said that the baby suffered respiratory problems and had a “very weak” immune system “that is what led to her death. She joined her family as a martyr,” Dr Salama said.&nbsp;

<h2>About the Israeli airstrike</h2>

Sabreen, who had carried her child through seven-and-a-half months of pregnancy, sustained extensive injuries while her husband and Malak were killed in an Israel airstrike. However, the baby was still alive in her mother’s womb when rescue workers reached the site.&nbsp;

Sabreen was rushed to the Emirati hospital in Rafah where she eventually succumbed to her wounds, but amid the chaos, doctors performed an emergency C-section and were able to save the baby.&nbsp;

In response to the airstrike, an&nbsp;Israeli military spokesperson told&nbsp;Reuters&nbsp;that different militant targets were hit in Gaza which included military compounds, launch posts and armed people.

Rouh weighed just 1.4 kilogrammes at birth and survived. At the time, the doctor wrote the words “the baby of the martyr Sabreen al-Sakani” on a piece of tape and attached it to the baby’s body before she was placed in an incubator.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/miracle-in-doomed-gaza-baby-delivered-alive-from-dead-body-of-mother-killed-in-attack-713713">Miracle in doomed Gaza: Baby delivered alive from dead body of mother killed in attack</a>

The baby’s uncle Rami al-Sheikh told the Associated Press that she was buried next to her father on Thursday. “My brother’s family is completely wiped out. It’s been deleted from the civil registry. There is no trace of him left behind.”

At least 34,356 people have been killed in Gaza amid the ongoing war between Hamas and Israel, said the health ministry run by the Palestinian militant group in an update on Friday.&nbsp;

The tally includes at least 51 deaths in the past 24 hours, the Hamas-run ministry said in the statement, adding that 77,368 people have been wounded in the Gaza Strip since the war began when Hamas militants attacked Israel on October 7.

(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.

In a heartbreaking development, the premature Palestinian baby who had been saved from her mother’s womb shortly after the woman was killed in an Israeli airstrike amid the ongoing war in Gaza, has died, the doctor who was caring for her told Reuters, on Friday (Apr 26).

In a heartbreaking development, the premature Palestinian baby who had been saved from her mother’s womb shortly after the woman was killed in an Israeli airstrike amid the ongoing war in Gaza, has died, the doctor who was caring for her told Reuters, on Friday (Apr 26). Baby saved from dead mother’s womb dies The baby’s mother, Sabreen Al-Sakani had suffered extensive injuries after an Israeli strike hit the family home in southern Gaza’s Rafah. WATCH | Premature baby rescued from dead mother’s womb in Gaza dies At the time, Sabreen, along with her husband and their other daughter – three-year-old Malak – were asleep. The explosion reportedly took place an hour before midnight on April 20. The baby, who had been named Rouh, meaning soul died on Thursday (Apr 25) reported Reuters citing Doctor Mohammad Salama, head of the emergency neonatal unit at Emirati Hospital, who had been caring for her. “I and other doctors tried to save her, but she died. For me personally, it was a very difficult and painful day,” he told the news agency by phone. Also Read | Israeli hostage says Hamas captor proposed her for marriage; 'he gave me a ring' The doctor also said that the baby suffered respiratory problems and had a “very weak” immune system “that is what led to her death. She joined her family as a martyr,” Dr Salama said. About the Israeli airstrike Sabreen, who had carried her child through seven-and-a-half months of pregnancy, sustained extensive injuries while her husband and Malak were killed in an Israel airstrike. However, the baby was still alive in her mother’s womb when rescue workers reached the site. Sabreen was rushed to the Emirati hospital in Rafah where she eventually succumbed to her wounds, but amid the chaos, doctors performed an emergency C-section and were able to save the baby. In response to the airstrike, an Israeli military spokesperson told Reuters that different militant targets were hit in Gaza which included military compounds, launch posts and armed people. Rouh weighed just 1.4 kilogrammes at birth and survived. At the time, the doctor wrote the words “the baby of the martyr Sabreen al-Sakani” on a piece of tape and attached it to the baby’s body before she was placed in an incubator. Also Read | Miracle in doomed Gaza: Baby delivered alive from dead body of mother killed in attack The baby’s uncle Rami al-Sheikh told the Associated Press that she was buried next to her father on Thursday. “My brother’s family is completely wiped out. It’s been deleted from the civil registry. There is no trace of him left behind.” At least 34,356 people have been killed in Gaza amid the ongoing war between Hamas and Israel, said the health ministry run by the Palestinian militant group in an update on Friday. The tally includes at least 51 deaths in the past 24 hours, the Hamas-run ministry said in the statement, adding that 77,368 people have been wounded in the Gaza Strip since the war began when Hamas militants attacked Israel on October 7. (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.

Premature baby rescued from dead mother’s womb in Gaza dies

Israel says it is ready for a Rafah offensive which it claims is the last stronghold of the Hamas militant group. Watch in for more details!

Israel war: Cross border exchange flares up between IDF & Hezbollah

Pro-Palestine Protest at US universities: Hundreds of students arrested across campuses in US

An army unit of the Israel Defence forces is expected to face US sanctions. It is a battalion called “Netzah Yehuda”. Reports say the united states will impose the sanctions on the unit over its treatment of Palestinians in the West Bank. Watch to know more.

Israel war: Army unit of Israel Defence forces expected to face US sanctions

If reports of US mulling sanctions on IDF units were not enough trouble for Israel to deal with. Local media agencies have revealed that fresh tensions have erupted during a recent War cabinet session. This after the PM Netanyahu accused the security minister Yoav Gallant of security leaks.

Israel war: PM Netanyahu accuses Defence Minister Yoav Gallant of 'security leaks'

Watch Headlines of the hour: - 2 Japanese Defence choppers crash - US 'poised' to sanction IDF unit - Israel to summon Pro-Palestine envoys - Maldives Elections 2024: Voting underway - US house passes $95 billion aid bill - Kyiv praises, Moscow condemns aid move

2 Japanese Defence choppers crash | Israel to summon Pro-Palestine envoys

Thousands of demonstrators came to the streets demanding Israeli PM Netanyahu's resignation in Tel Aviv. Watch to know more.

Israel War: People take to the streets of Tel Aviv calling for elections

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