Tel Aviv, Israel
Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz threatened to "crush Hezbollah's head" if the Lebanon-based militant group violates the ceasefire agreement. 
Katz was on a visit to an Israeli military position in southern Lebanon.
“We defanged the snake, and if Hezbollah does not withdraw beyond the Litani [River] and tries to violate the ceasefire, we will crush its head,” Katz said in the remarks shared by his office. 
He further said that we will not allow Hezbollah operatives to return to the southern villages. 
"We will not allow Hezbollah operatives to return to the southern villages and reestablish the terror infrastructure that will pose a threat to the northern communities,” he added.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/absurd-irans-supreme-leader-khamenei-denies-using-proxies-in-west-asia-785976">Also read: Iran's Khamenei says Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis act independently, rejects ‘proxy force’ accusations</a>
The minister stressed that Israel would make sure that the threat was removed. 
"We will ensure the removal of the threat and the restoration of security to allow the residents of the north to return safely to their homes,” Katz said.
<h2>Two Israelis charged for contact with Hezbollah </h2>
Two residents of Jerusalem were indicted for having contact with the Hezbollah group and providing them with information during the war. 
The two men, Abd al-Salam Qawasameh and Taar Asili, who are in their 30s, were in contact via a WhatsApp group with a woman using the name "Diana", who was a Hezbollah operative. 
According to the indictment, even after knowing that she was a member of Hezbollah, the two men continued to maintain contact with her and shared information about Israel. 
Qawasameh shared the handler photos from the coastal town for Caesarea. In Caesarea, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has a private residence. 
Watch | Israel-Hezbollah War: Why Is Hezbollah Targeting Haifa?
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Meanwhile, Asili sent her news articles about Israel and the security situation, the indictment read. 
The pair was also allegedly asked to speak with a senior Hezbollah intelligence officer. Asili bought a new SIM card to contact the officer but refused a request to take photos in the northern border town of Metula. 
The two have been charged with "contact with a foreign agent" and passing information to the enemy. 
Moreover, Qawasameh has also been charged with weapon offences after he took a photo with an assault rifle that belonged to a Palestinian gunman during a visit to the West Bank city of Jenin. 
The prosecution has appealed to the Jerusalem District Court to keep them in custody until the legal proceedings are concluded. 
Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.
(With inputs from agencies)

“We defanged the snake, and if Hezbollah does not withdraw beyond the Litani [River] and tries to violate the ceasefire, we will crush its head,” Katz said in the remarks shared by his office. 



Tel Aviv, Israel Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz threatened to "crush Hezbollah's head" if the Lebanon-based militant group violates the ceasefire agreement. Katz was on a visit to an Israeli military position in southern Lebanon. “We defanged the snake, and if Hezbollah does not withdraw beyond the Litani [River] and tries to violate the ceasefire, we will crush its head,” Katz said in the remarks shared by his office. He further said that we will not allow Hezbollah operatives to return to the southern villages. "We will not allow Hezbollah operatives to return to the southern villages and reestablish the terror infrastructure that will pose a threat to the northern communities,” he added. Also read: Iran's Khamenei says Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis act independently, rejects ‘proxy force’ accusations The minister stressed that Israel would make sure that the threat was removed. "We will ensure the removal of the threat and the restoration of security to allow the residents of the north to return safely to their homes,” Katz said. Two Israelis charged for contact with Hezbollah Two residents of Jerusalem were indicted for having contact with the Hezbollah group and providing them with information during the war. The two men, Abd al-Salam Qawasameh and Taar Asili, who are in their 30s, were in contact via a WhatsApp group with a woman using the name "Diana", who was a Hezbollah operative. According to the indictment, even after knowing that she was a member of Hezbollah, the two men continued to maintain contact with her and shared information about Israel. Qawasameh shared the handler photos from the coastal town for Caesarea. In Caesarea, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has a private residence. Watch | Israel-Hezbollah War: Why Is Hezbollah Targeting Haifa? × Meanwhile, Asili sent her news articles about Israel and the security situation, the indictment read. The pair was also allegedly asked to speak with a senior Hezbollah intelligence officer. Asili bought a new SIM card to contact the officer but refused a request to take photos in the northern border town of Metula. The two have been charged with "contact with a foreign agent" and passing information to the enemy. Moreover, Qawasameh has also been charged with weapon offences after he took a photo with an assault rifle that belonged to a Palestinian gunman during a visit to the West Bank city of Jenin. The prosecution has appealed to the Jerusalem District Court to keep them in custody until the legal proceedings are concluded. Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

Israeli minister Katz threatens to 'crush Hezbollah's head' if it violates ceasefire

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz threatened to "crush Hezbollah's head" if the Lebanon-based militant group violates the ceasefire agreement.&nbsp;

Katz was on a visit to an Israeli military position in southern Lebanon.

“We defanged the snake, and if Hezbollah does not withdraw beyond the Litani [River] and tries to violate the ceasefire, we will crush its head,” Katz said in the remarks shared by his office.&nbsp;

He further said that we will not allow Hezbollah operatives to return to the southern villages.&nbsp;

"We will not allow Hezbollah operatives to return to the southern villages and reestablish the terror infrastructure that will pose a threat to the northern communities,” he added.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/absurd-irans-supreme-leader-khamenei-denies-using-proxies-in-west-asia-785976">Also read:&nbsp;Iran's Khamenei says Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis act independently, rejects ‘proxy force’ accusations</a>

The minister stressed that Israel would make sure that the threat was removed.&nbsp;

"We will ensure the removal of the threat and the restoration of security to allow the residents of the north to return safely to their homes,” Katz said.

<h2>Two Israelis charged for contact with Hezbollah&nbsp;</h2>

Two residents of Jerusalem were indicted for having contact with the Hezbollah group and providing them with information during the war.&nbsp;

The two men, Abd al-Salam Qawasameh and Taar Asili, who are in their 30s, were in contact via a WhatsApp group with a woman using the name "Diana", who was a Hezbollah operative.&nbsp;

According to the indictment, even after knowing that she was a member of Hezbollah, the two men continued to maintain contact with her and shared information about Israel.&nbsp;

Qawasameh shared the handler photos from the coastal town for Caesarea. In Caesarea, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has a private residence.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Israel-Hezbollah War: Why Is Hezbollah Targeting Haifa?

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Meanwhile, Asili sent her news articles about Israel and the security situation, the indictment read.&nbsp;

The pair was also allegedly asked to speak with a senior Hezbollah intelligence officer. Asili bought a new SIM card to contact the officer but refused a request to take photos in the northern border town of Metula.&nbsp;

The two have been charged with "contact with a foreign agent" and passing information to the enemy.&nbsp;

Moreover, Qawasameh has also been charged with weapon offences after he took a photo with an assault rifle that belonged to a Palestinian gunman during a visit to the West Bank city of Jenin.&nbsp;

The prosecution has appealed to the Jerusalem District Court to keep them in custody until the legal proceedings are concluded.&nbsp;

Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.

(With inputs from agencies)

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz threatened to "crush Hezbollah's head" if the Lebanon-based militant group violates the ceasefire agreement. Katz was on a visit to an Israeli military position in southern Lebanon.

Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz threatened to "crush Hezbollah's head" if the Lebanon-based militant group violates the ceasefire agreement. Katz was on a visit to an Israeli military position in southern Lebanon. “We defanged the snake, and if Hezbollah does not withdraw beyond the Litani [River] and tries to violate the ceasefire, we will crush its head,” Katz said in the remarks shared by his office. He further said that we will not allow Hezbollah operatives to return to the southern villages. "We will not allow Hezbollah operatives to return to the southern villages and reestablish the terror infrastructure that will pose a threat to the northern communities,” he added. Also read: Iran's Khamenei says Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis act independently, rejects ‘proxy force’ accusations The minister stressed that Israel would make sure that the threat was removed. "We will ensure the removal of the threat and the restoration of security to allow the residents of the north to return safely to their homes,” Katz said. Two Israelis charged for contact with Hezbollah Two residents of Jerusalem were indicted for having contact with the Hezbollah group and providing them with information during the war. The two men, Abd al-Salam Qawasameh and Taar Asili, who are in their 30s, were in contact via a WhatsApp group with a woman using the name "Diana", who was a Hezbollah operative. According to the indictment, even after knowing that she was a member of Hezbollah, the two men continued to maintain contact with her and shared information about Israel. Qawasameh shared the handler photos from the coastal town for Caesarea. In Caesarea, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has a private residence. Watch | Israel-Hezbollah War: Why Is Hezbollah Targeting Haifa? × Meanwhile, Asili sent her news articles about Israel and the security situation, the indictment read. The pair was also allegedly asked to speak with a senior Hezbollah intelligence officer. Asili bought a new SIM card to contact the officer but refused a request to take photos in the northern border town of Metula. The two have been charged with "contact with a foreign agent" and passing information to the enemy. Moreover, Qawasameh has also been charged with weapon offences after he took a photo with an assault rifle that belonged to a Palestinian gunman during a visit to the West Bank city of Jenin. The prosecution has appealed to the Jerusalem District Court to keep them in custody until the legal proceedings are concluded. Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

Egypt
Palestinian militant group Hamas on Saturday (Dec 21) said that the possibility of reaching a ceasefire deal with Israel is "closer than ever" if the enemy stops setting new conditions. 
The delegation of leaders from Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine met on Friday in Cairo to discuss the ongoing negotiations for a ceasefire and hostage release deal. 
All these three groups have been holding hostages throughout Gaza. 
The Hamas statement read that the factions "stressed everyone's keenness to stop the aggression against our people", apparently referring to its demand for a permanent ceasefire. 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/idf-destroyed-gaza-tunnel-hamas-used-to-attack-soldiers-784724">Also read: Hamas concerned Trump would allow Israel to resume Gaza war after first phase of ceasefire: Report</a>
The key area of disagreement in the talks is the nature of the ceasefire deal, with Hamas demanding a permanent end to the fighting, while Israel is seeking a temporary pause during which some of the hostages would be released followed by a resumption of its fighting. 
This has been demanded in order to finish demolishing the Palestinian group's military and governing capabilities, an Arab diplomat told The Times of Israel. 
Israel has sought an agreement that "ends the military operation". Meanwhile, Hamas is insisting that the text states that the ceasefire will "end the war". 
The statement further read that all the sides appreciated the Egyptian effort to strike a reconciliation deal between the various Palestinian factions. 
Watch | Israel-Hamas War: 34 Hostages Could Be Released In First Phase, Says Hamas Official
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The delegation is scheduled to hold another meeting as soon as possible. 
Earlier this week, Hamas said that talks in Qatar's Doha aimed at a truce and hostage-prisoner exchange in Gaza were "serious and positive."
Israel and Hamas have been fighting a war in the Gaza Strip since October 7, 2023. Since the Gaza war began, Qatar, along with the United States (US) and Egypt, has been working for months to secure a truce and hostage release deal.
Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.
(With inputs from agencies)

The delegation of leaders from Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine met on Friday in Cairo to discuss the ongoing negotiations for a ceasefire and hostage release deal. 



Egypt Palestinian militant group Hamas on Saturday (Dec 21) said that the possibility of reaching a ceasefire deal with Israel is "closer than ever" if the enemy stops setting new conditions. The delegation of leaders from Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine met on Friday in Cairo to discuss the ongoing negotiations for a ceasefire and hostage release deal. All these three groups have been holding hostages throughout Gaza. The Hamas statement read that the factions "stressed everyone's keenness to stop the aggression against our people", apparently referring to its demand for a permanent ceasefire. Also read: Hamas concerned Trump would allow Israel to resume Gaza war after first phase of ceasefire: Report The key area of disagreement in the talks is the nature of the ceasefire deal, with Hamas demanding a permanent end to the fighting, while Israel is seeking a temporary pause during which some of the hostages would be released followed by a resumption of its fighting. This has been demanded in order to finish demolishing the Palestinian group's military and governing capabilities, an Arab diplomat told The Times of Israel. Israel has sought an agreement that "ends the military operation". Meanwhile, Hamas is insisting that the text states that the ceasefire will "end the war". The statement further read that all the sides appreciated the Egyptian effort to strike a reconciliation deal between the various Palestinian factions. Watch | Israel-Hamas War: 34 Hostages Could Be Released In First Phase, Says Hamas Official × The delegation is scheduled to hold another meeting as soon as possible. Earlier this week, Hamas said that talks in Qatar's Doha aimed at a truce and hostage-prisoner exchange in Gaza were "serious and positive." Israel and Hamas have been fighting a war in the Gaza Strip since October 7, 2023. Since the Gaza war began, Qatar, along with the United States (US) and Egypt, has been working for months to secure a truce and hostage release deal. Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

Possibility to reach a deal 'closer than ever' if Israel stops bringing new terms: Hamas

Tel Aviv, Israel 
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A missile fired from Yemen by Iran-backed Huthi rebels struck Israel's commercial hub Tel Aviv before dawn on Saturday, wounding 16 people in the second such attack in days.
The Israeli military said it failed to intercept the missile, forcing many residents to leave their homes in the early hours.
The Huthis claimed responsibility for the attack, saying it used a ballistic missile directed at "a military target of the Israeli enemy".
The rebels have repeatedly launched missiles against Israel in solidarity with the Palestinians since the war in Gaza began more than a year ago. Most of them have been intercepted.
In response, Israel has struck multiple targets in rebel-held areas of Yemen, including ports and energy facilities.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-10-killed-in-iran-as-bus-falls-into-ravine-state-tv-785851">At least 10 killed in Iran as bus falls into ravine: state TV</a>
"Following the sirens that sounded a short while ago in central Israel, one projectile launched from Yemen was identified and unsuccessful interception attempts were made," the Israeli military said on its Telegram channel.
In a later statement, the military called the missile strike "yet another clear example of Israeli civilians being deliberately targeted".
It stressed the country's "aerial defence is not hermetic" so Israelis should follow security instructions.
Israel's emergency medical service, Magen David Adom (MDA), said 16 people were slightly injured.
"I was at home and heard a loud explosion. I immediately went to the scene and saw significant blast damage to nearby buildings," medic Yosef Kourdi was quoted as saying in a statement released by MDA.
"MDA teams provided medical care to 16 individuals who were mildly injured by glass shards from shattered windows in nearby buildings due to the impact of the strike," the statement said.
<h2>'Very lucky' </h2>
Ido Barnea, an IT manager whose apartment was damaged, told AFP a missile alert had sounded just before 4:00 am.
"Then there was a big ball of fire in the sky," he said. "I didn't even manage to get up and get dressed to go out."
An AFP photographer reported that many residents in the vicinity of the strike had to leave their homes, carrying only the essentials.
AFP images showed a large crater where the missile hit, and debris in the bedroom of a nearby house that was damaged. 
Police swiftly cordoned off the neighbourhood.
Noa Mosseri, whose apartment was also damaged, told AFP she too heard the missile alert.
Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-22-die-in-bus-accident-in-southeastern-brazil-officials-785855">At Least 22 Die In Bus Accident In Southeastern Brazil: Officials</a>
"We were very lucky because we didn't have time to get to a safe place. Within seconds there was a boom. We managed to get out and so we were not hurt," she said.
In their statement on Saturday, the Huthi rebels pledged to continue their attacks against Israel "until the aggression stops and the siege on the Gaza Strip is lifted".
The strike came just two days after the rebels fired a missile that damaged an Israeli school.
The military said that the missile had been intercepted but only partially, and its warhead "exploded and damaged the school".
In response, Israel struck several Huthi targets in Yemen, including in Sanaa -- the first such strike on the rebel-held capital.
Rebel leader Abdul Malik al-Huthi said nine civilians were killed in the strikes.
<h2>Warning </h2>
Hours after the Huthi attack on Saturday, the Israeli military said it had intercepted a drone over southern Israel, which had approached from the east.
It did not specify the origin of the drone, but similar attacks have been claimed by the Islamic Resistance in Iraq group, also pro-Iran, since the Gaza war broke out.
Soon after retaliating for Thursday's attack by the Huthis, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned the rebels of severe repercussions if there was any repetition.
"After Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Assad regime in Syria, the Huthis are almost the last remaining arm of Iran's axis of evil," Netanyahu said.
"The Huthis are learning and will learn the hard way, that those who strike Israel will pay a very heavy price for it."
On December 9, a drone claimed by the Huthis exploded on the top floor of a residential building in the central Israel city of Yavne, causing no casualties.
And in July, a Huthi drone attack on Tel Aviv killed an Israeli civilian, prompting retaliatory strikes on the rebel-held port of Hodeida.
The Huthis have also repeatedly targeted merchant vessels in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden that they say are Israeli-linked, prompting retaliatory strikes on Huthi targets by the United States and Britain.

The rebels have repeatedly launched missiles against Israel in solidarity with the Palestinians since the war in Gaza began more than a year ago. Most of them have been intercepted.



Tel Aviv, Israel A missile fired from Yemen by Iran-backed Huthi rebels struck Israel's commercial hub Tel Aviv before dawn on Saturday, wounding 16 people in the second such attack in days. The Israeli military said it failed to intercept the missile, forcing many residents to leave their homes in the early hours. The Huthis claimed responsibility for the attack, saying it used a ballistic missile directed at "a military target of the Israeli enemy". The rebels have repeatedly launched missiles against Israel in solidarity with the Palestinians since the war in Gaza began more than a year ago. Most of them have been intercepted. In response, Israel has struck multiple targets in rebel-held areas of Yemen, including ports and energy facilities. Also read | At least 10 killed in Iran as bus falls into ravine: state TV "Following the sirens that sounded a short while ago in central Israel, one projectile launched from Yemen was identified and unsuccessful interception attempts were made," the Israeli military said on its Telegram channel. In a later statement, the military called the missile strike "yet another clear example of Israeli civilians being deliberately targeted". It stressed the country's "aerial defence is not hermetic" so Israelis should follow security instructions. Israel's emergency medical service, Magen David Adom (MDA), said 16 people were slightly injured. "I was at home and heard a loud explosion. I immediately went to the scene and saw significant blast damage to nearby buildings," medic Yosef Kourdi was quoted as saying in a statement released by MDA. "MDA teams provided medical care to 16 individuals who were mildly injured by glass shards from shattered windows in nearby buildings due to the impact of the strike," the statement said. 'Very lucky' Ido Barnea, an IT manager whose apartment was damaged, told AFP a missile alert had sounded just before 4:00 am. "Then there was a big ball of fire in the sky," he said. "I didn't even manage to get up and get dressed to go out." An AFP photographer reported that many residents in the vicinity of the strike had to leave their homes, carrying only the essentials. AFP images showed a large crater where the missile hit, and debris in the bedroom of a nearby house that was damaged. Police swiftly cordoned off the neighbourhood. Noa Mosseri, whose apartment was also damaged, told AFP she too heard the missile alert. Also read | At Least 22 Die In Bus Accident In Southeastern Brazil: Officials "We were very lucky because we didn't have time to get to a safe place. Within seconds there was a boom. We managed to get out and so we were not hurt," she said. In their statement on Saturday, the Huthi rebels pledged to continue their attacks against Israel "until the aggression stops and the siege on the Gaza Strip is lifted". The strike came just two days after the rebels fired a missile that damaged an Israeli school. The military said that the missile had been intercepted but only partially, and its warhead "exploded and damaged the school". In response, Israel struck several Huthi targets in Yemen, including in Sanaa -- the first such strike on the rebel-held capital. Rebel leader Abdul Malik al-Huthi said nine civilians were killed in the strikes. Warning Hours after the Huthi attack on Saturday, the Israeli military said it had intercepted a drone over southern Israel, which had approached from the east. It did not specify the origin of the drone, but similar attacks have been claimed by the Islamic Resistance in Iraq group, also pro-Iran, since the Gaza war broke out. Soon after retaliating for Thursday's attack by the Huthis, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned the rebels of severe repercussions if there was any repetition. "After Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Assad regime in Syria, the Huthis are almost the last remaining arm of Iran's axis of evil," Netanyahu said. "The Huthis are learning and will learn the hard way, that those who strike Israel will pay a very heavy price for it." On December 9, a drone claimed by the Huthis exploded on the top floor of a residential building in the central Israel city of Yavne, causing no casualties. And in July, a Huthi drone attack on Tel Aviv killed an Israeli civilian, prompting retaliatory strikes on the rebel-held port of Hodeida. The Huthis have also repeatedly targeted merchant vessels in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden that they say are Israeli-linked, prompting retaliatory strikes on Huthi targets by the United States and Britain.

Yemen rebels strike Israel's Tel Aviv in pre-dawn missile attack

Palestinian militant group Hamas on Saturday (Dec 21) said that the possibility of reaching a ceasefire deal with Israel is "closer than ever" if the enemy stops setting new conditions.&nbsp;

The delegation of leaders from Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine met on Friday in Cairo to discuss the ongoing negotiations for a ceasefire and hostage release deal.&nbsp;

All these three groups have been holding hostages throughout Gaza.&nbsp;

The Hamas statement read that the factions "stressed everyone's keenness to stop the aggression against our people", apparently referring to its demand for a permanent ceasefire.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/idf-destroyed-gaza-tunnel-hamas-used-to-attack-soldiers-784724">Also read:&nbsp;Hamas concerned Trump would allow Israel to resume Gaza war after first phase of ceasefire: Report</a>

The key area of disagreement in the talks is the nature of the ceasefire deal, with Hamas demanding a permanent end to the fighting, while Israel is seeking a temporary pause during which some of the hostages would be released followed by a resumption of its fighting.&nbsp;

This has been demanded in order to finish demolishing the Palestinian group's military and governing capabilities, an Arab diplomat told The Times of Israel.&nbsp;

Israel has sought an agreement that "ends the military operation". Meanwhile, Hamas is insisting that the text states that the ceasefire will "end the war".&nbsp;

The statement further read that all the sides appreciated the Egyptian effort to strike a reconciliation deal between the various Palestinian factions.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Israel-Hamas War: 34 Hostages Could Be Released In First Phase, Says Hamas Official

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The delegation is scheduled to hold another meeting as soon as possible.&nbsp;

Earlier this week, Hamas said that talks in Qatar's Doha aimed at a truce and hostage-prisoner exchange in Gaza were "serious and positive."

Israel and Hamas have been fighting a war in the Gaza Strip since October 7, 2023. Since the Gaza war began, Qatar, along with the United States (US) and Egypt, has been working for months to secure a truce and hostage release deal.

Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.

(With inputs from agencies)

Palestinian militant group Hamas on Saturday (Dec 21) said that the possibility of reaching a ceasefire deal with Israel is "closer than ever" if the enemy stops setting new conditions.

Palestinian militant group Hamas on Saturday (Dec 21) said that the possibility of reaching a ceasefire deal with Israel is "closer than ever" if the enemy stops setting new conditions. The delegation of leaders from Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad, and the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine met on Friday in Cairo to discuss the ongoing negotiations for a ceasefire and hostage release deal. All these three groups have been holding hostages throughout Gaza. The Hamas statement read that the factions "stressed everyone's keenness to stop the aggression against our people", apparently referring to its demand for a permanent ceasefire. Also read: Hamas concerned Trump would allow Israel to resume Gaza war after first phase of ceasefire: Report The key area of disagreement in the talks is the nature of the ceasefire deal, with Hamas demanding a permanent end to the fighting, while Israel is seeking a temporary pause during which some of the hostages would be released followed by a resumption of its fighting. This has been demanded in order to finish demolishing the Palestinian group's military and governing capabilities, an Arab diplomat told The Times of Israel. Israel has sought an agreement that "ends the military operation". Meanwhile, Hamas is insisting that the text states that the ceasefire will "end the war". The statement further read that all the sides appreciated the Egyptian effort to strike a reconciliation deal between the various Palestinian factions. Watch | Israel-Hamas War: 34 Hostages Could Be Released In First Phase, Says Hamas Official × The delegation is scheduled to hold another meeting as soon as possible. Earlier this week, Hamas said that talks in Qatar's Doha aimed at a truce and hostage-prisoner exchange in Gaza were "serious and positive." Israel and Hamas have been fighting a war in the Gaza Strip since October 7, 2023. Since the Gaza war began, Qatar, along with the United States (US) and Egypt, has been working for months to secure a truce and hostage release deal. Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

The Israel-Gaza conflict escalates as an IDF airstrike on central Gaza kills 7 people, including 4 children. The tragic event highlights the ongoing violence and the devastating toll it is taking on civilians in the region. International concern grows as the death toll continues to rise amidst the violence.

Israel-Gaza War: 7 Killed, Including 4 Children As IDF Strike In Central Gaza

The Israel-Gaza conflict escalates as an IDF airstrike on central Gaza kills 7 people, including 4 children. The tragic event highlights the ongoing violence and the devastating toll it is taking on civilians in the region. International concern grows as the death toll continues to rise amidst the violence.



A missile fired from Yemen by Iran-backed Huthi rebels struck Israel's commercial hub Tel Aviv before dawn on Saturday, wounding 16 people in the second such attack in days.

A missile fired from Yemen by Iran-backed Huthi rebels struck Israel's commercial hub Tel Aviv before dawn on Saturday, wounding 16 people in the second such attack in days. The Israeli military said it failed to intercept the missile, forcing many residents to leave their homes in the early hours. The Huthis claimed responsibility for the attack, saying it used a ballistic missile directed at "a military target of the Israeli enemy". The rebels have repeatedly launched missiles against Israel in solidarity with the Palestinians since the war in Gaza began more than a year ago. Most of them have been intercepted. In response, Israel has struck multiple targets in rebel-held areas of Yemen, including ports and energy facilities. Also read | At least 10 killed in Iran as bus falls into ravine: state TV "Following the sirens that sounded a short while ago in central Israel, one projectile launched from Yemen was identified and unsuccessful interception attempts were made," the Israeli military said on its Telegram channel. In a later statement, the military called the missile strike "yet another clear example of Israeli civilians being deliberately targeted". It stressed the country's "aerial defence is not hermetic" so Israelis should follow security instructions. Israel's emergency medical service, Magen David Adom (MDA), said 16 people were slightly injured. "I was at home and heard a loud explosion. I immediately went to the scene and saw significant blast damage to nearby buildings," medic Yosef Kourdi was quoted as saying in a statement released by MDA. "MDA teams provided medical care to 16 individuals who were mildly injured by glass shards from shattered windows in nearby buildings due to the impact of the strike," the statement said. 'Very lucky' Ido Barnea, an IT manager whose apartment was damaged, told AFP a missile alert had sounded just before 4:00 am. "Then there was a big ball of fire in the sky," he said. "I didn't even manage to get up and get dressed to go out." An AFP photographer reported that many residents in the vicinity of the strike had to leave their homes, carrying only the essentials. AFP images showed a large crater where the missile hit, and debris in the bedroom of a nearby house that was damaged. Police swiftly cordoned off the neighbourhood. Noa Mosseri, whose apartment was also damaged, told AFP she too heard the missile alert. Also read | At Least 22 Die In Bus Accident In Southeastern Brazil: Officials "We were very lucky because we didn't have time to get to a safe place. Within seconds there was a boom. We managed to get out and so we were not hurt," she said. In their statement on Saturday, the Huthi rebels pledged to continue their attacks against Israel "until the aggression stops and the siege on the Gaza Strip is lifted". The strike came just two days after the rebels fired a missile that damaged an Israeli school. The military said that the missile had been intercepted but only partially, and its warhead "exploded and damaged the school". In response, Israel struck several Huthi targets in Yemen, including in Sanaa -- the first such strike on the rebel-held capital. Rebel leader Abdul Malik al-Huthi said nine civilians were killed in the strikes. Warning Hours after the Huthi attack on Saturday, the Israeli military said it had intercepted a drone over southern Israel, which had approached from the east. It did not specify the origin of the drone, but similar attacks have been claimed by the Islamic Resistance in Iraq group, also pro-Iran, since the Gaza war broke out. Soon after retaliating for Thursday's attack by the Huthis, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned the rebels of severe repercussions if there was any repetition. "After Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Assad regime in Syria, the Huthis are almost the last remaining arm of Iran's axis of evil," Netanyahu said. "The Huthis are learning and will learn the hard way, that those who strike Israel will pay a very heavy price for it." On December 9, a drone claimed by the Huthis exploded on the top floor of a residential building in the central Israel city of Yavne, causing no casualties. And in July, a Huthi drone attack on Tel Aviv killed an Israeli civilian, prompting retaliatory strikes on the rebel-held port of Hodeida. The Huthis have also repeatedly targeted merchant vessels in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden that they say are Israeli-linked, prompting retaliatory strikes on Huthi targets by the United States and Britain.

As per Latest reports, Biden administration has increased its efforts for Gaza ceasefire in hopes of attaining a truce before Donald Trump's inauguration next year.

In our next report we ask, are Hamas and Israel inching closer to a ceasefire deal?

Biden Wants To Work Gaza Truce Before Trump Inauguration

Israeli prime minister benjamin netanyahu took the stand for a fourth day of testimony in his corruption trial. The israeli prime minister is on trial in three corruption cases. He faces charges of fraud and breach of trust. Watch to know more.

Netanyahu Charged With Three Cases | The West Asia Post | WION

Six Palestinians were killed by Israeli army fire on Thursday in the occupied West Bank. Watch this report for more details!

IDF Killed 6 Palestinians In Occupied West Bank

A major accident happened on India's Jaipur-Ajmer highway on Friday (Dec 20) when a goods truck and an LPG tanker collided, killing at least five people.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed support for French President Emmanuel Macron's idea of possibly sending Western troops to Ukraine.

Meanwhile, Luigi Mangione, the suspect in the shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, appeared in a Manhattan federal court facing charges that include murder and stalking.&nbsp;

Click on the headlines for more

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/video-five-dead-dozens-injured-in-jaipur-after-collision-between-truck-lng-tanker-785454">Video: Five dead, dozens injured in Jaipur after collision between truck, LNG tanker</a>

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At least five people were killed and dozens injured in Jaipur city of the northern Indian state of Rajasthan on Friday (Dec 20) following a collision between a goods truck and an LPG tanker. The incident happened on the Jaipur-Ajmer highway, causing a major fire incident at a fuel pump in the Bhankrota area.

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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday (Dec 19) voiced his support for French President Emmanuel Macron's idea to potentially deploy Western troops in Ukraine. However, he said that the initiative needed to be fleshed out.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/luigi-mangione-appears-in-new-york-court-faces-federal-murder-charges-in-unitedhealthcare-ceo-shooting-785426">Luigi Mangione appears in New York court, faces federal murder charges in UnitedHealthcare CEO shooting</a>

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Luigi Mangione, the suspect in the December 4 shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, appeared in a Manhattan federal court Thursday (Dec 20), facing charges that include murder, stalking, and firearms offences.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-house-rejects-republican-funding-bill-government-shutdown-looms-785424">US house rejects Trump-backed Republican funding bill, government shutdown looms</a>

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The US House of Representatives on Thursday (Dec 19) rejected a Republican-led funding bill with overwhelming numbers. This rejection increases the likelihood of a government shutdown as federal agencies run out of cash and begin closing down starting the weekend.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Israel War: 9 Civilians Killed in IDF Strike, Says Yemen's Houthi

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A major accident happened on India's Jaipur-Ajmer highway on Friday (Dec 20) when a goods truck and an LPG tanker collided, killing at least five people. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed support for French President Emmanuel Macron's idea of possibly sending Western troops to Ukraine.

A major accident happened on India's Jaipur-Ajmer highway on Friday (Dec 20) when a goods truck and an LPG tanker collided, killing at least five people. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed support for French President Emmanuel Macron's idea of possibly sending Western troops to Ukraine. Meanwhile, Luigi Mangione, the suspect in the shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, appeared in a Manhattan federal court facing charges that include murder and stalking. Click on the headlines for more Video: Five dead, dozens injured in Jaipur after collision between truck, LNG tanker At least five people were killed and dozens injured in Jaipur city of the northern Indian state of Rajasthan on Friday (Dec 20) following a collision between a goods truck and an LPG tanker. The incident happened on the Jaipur-Ajmer highway, causing a major fire incident at a fuel pump in the Bhankrota area. Zelensky voices support for western troop deployment in Ukraine, says we need 'effective mechanisms' Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday (Dec 19) voiced his support for French President Emmanuel Macron's idea to potentially deploy Western troops in Ukraine. However, he said that the initiative needed to be fleshed out. Luigi Mangione appears in New York court, faces federal murder charges in UnitedHealthcare CEO shooting Luigi Mangione, the suspect in the December 4 shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, appeared in a Manhattan federal court Thursday (Dec 20), facing charges that include murder, stalking, and firearms offences. US house rejects Trump-backed Republican funding bill, government shutdown looms The US House of Representatives on Thursday (Dec 19) rejected a Republican-led funding bill with overwhelming numbers. This rejection increases the likelihood of a government shutdown as federal agencies run out of cash and begin closing down starting the weekend. Watch | Israel War: 9 Civilians Killed in IDF Strike, Says Yemen's Houthi

Morning news brief: Jaipur truck collision kills five; Zelensky backs EU troop deployment idea, and more

New Delhi, India
A major accident happened on India's Jaipur-Ajmer highway on Friday (Dec 20) when a goods truck and an LPG tanker collided, killing at least five people.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed support for French President Emmanuel Macron's idea of possibly sending Western troops to Ukraine.
Meanwhile, Luigi Mangione, the suspect in the shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, appeared in a Manhattan federal court facing charges that include murder and stalking. 
Click on the headlines for more
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/video-five-dead-dozens-injured-in-jaipur-after-collision-between-truck-lng-tanker-785454">Video: Five dead, dozens injured in Jaipur after collision between truck, LNG tanker</a>
<img alt="main img" src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/post_attachments/files/2024/12/20/472198-wion-web-team-bugs-and-banners-2024-12-20t093346797.jpg"/>
At least five people were killed and dozens injured in Jaipur city of the northern Indian state of Rajasthan on Friday (Dec 20) following a collision between a goods truck and an LPG tanker. The incident happened on the Jaipur-Ajmer highway, causing a major fire incident at a fuel pump in the Bhankrota area.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com//world/zelensky-voices-support-for-western-troop-deployment-in-ukraine-says-we-need-effective-mechanisms-785458">Zelensky voices support for western troop deployment in Ukraine, says we need 'effective mechanisms'</a>
<img alt="main img" src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/post_attachments/files/2024/12/20/472203-new-wion-2024-12-20t094635373.jpg"/>
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday (Dec 19) voiced his support for French President Emmanuel Macron's idea to potentially deploy Western troops in Ukraine. However, he said that the initiative needed to be fleshed out.
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/luigi-mangione-appears-in-new-york-court-faces-federal-murder-charges-in-unitedhealthcare-ceo-shooting-785426">Luigi Mangione appears in New York court, faces federal murder charges in UnitedHealthcare CEO shooting</a>
<img alt="main img" src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/post_attachments/files/2024/12/20/472181-new-wion-2024-12-20t071205993.jpg"/>
Luigi Mangione, the suspect in the December 4 shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, appeared in a Manhattan federal court Thursday (Dec 20), facing charges that include murder, stalking, and firearms offences. 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-house-rejects-republican-funding-bill-government-shutdown-looms-785424">US house rejects Trump-backed Republican funding bill, government shutdown looms</a>
<img alt="main img" src="https://img-cdn.thepublive.com/filters:format(webp)/wion/media/post_attachments/files/2024/12/20/472178-new-wion-2024-12-20t054934913.jpg"/>
The US House of Representatives on Thursday (Dec 19) rejected a Republican-led funding bill with overwhelming numbers. This rejection increases the likelihood of a government shutdown as federal agencies run out of cash and begin closing down starting the weekend. 
Watch | Israel War: 9 Civilians Killed in IDF Strike, Says Yemen's Houthi
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Good morning! Start your day with WION's morning news brief.



New Delhi, India A major accident happened on India's Jaipur-Ajmer highway on Friday (Dec 20) when a goods truck and an LPG tanker collided, killing at least five people. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky expressed support for French President Emmanuel Macron's idea of possibly sending Western troops to Ukraine. Meanwhile, Luigi Mangione, the suspect in the shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, appeared in a Manhattan federal court facing charges that include murder and stalking. Click on the headlines for more Video: Five dead, dozens injured in Jaipur after collision between truck, LNG tanker At least five people were killed and dozens injured in Jaipur city of the northern Indian state of Rajasthan on Friday (Dec 20) following a collision between a goods truck and an LPG tanker. The incident happened on the Jaipur-Ajmer highway, causing a major fire incident at a fuel pump in the Bhankrota area. Zelensky voices support for western troop deployment in Ukraine, says we need 'effective mechanisms' Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Thursday (Dec 19) voiced his support for French President Emmanuel Macron's idea to potentially deploy Western troops in Ukraine. However, he said that the initiative needed to be fleshed out. Luigi Mangione appears in New York court, faces federal murder charges in UnitedHealthcare CEO shooting Luigi Mangione, the suspect in the December 4 shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, appeared in a Manhattan federal court Thursday (Dec 20), facing charges that include murder, stalking, and firearms offences. US house rejects Trump-backed Republican funding bill, government shutdown looms The US House of Representatives on Thursday (Dec 19) rejected a Republican-led funding bill with overwhelming numbers. This rejection increases the likelihood of a government shutdown as federal agencies run out of cash and begin closing down starting the weekend. Watch | Israel War: 9 Civilians Killed in IDF Strike, Says Yemen's Houthi

As per Latest reports, Biden administration has increased its efforts for Gaza ceasefire in hopes of attaining a truce before Donald Trump's inauguration next year. In our next report we ask, are Hamas and Israel inching closer to a ceasefire deal?

The Houthis have targeted Israel's Tel Aviv with two ballistic missiles. The Houthi attack comes after the Israeli bombings killed at least about nine people in the Yemen port city of Hodeida. The Houthis fired two hypersonic ballistic missiles, and according to the Houthis, this attack was carried out simultaneously with the Israeli bombings on Yemen. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Houthis War: IDF Confirms Intercepting Missiles Fired By Houthis

Israel strikes Houthi targets in Yemen after missile fired at Israel. Nine people were killed in airstrikes on a port and oil facility near the capital Sanaa. The strikes targeted power plants, a port and an oil facility in Hodeidah and Sanaa. The targets struck by the Israel Defence Forces were used by Houthi forces for military purposes. Israel's "long hand" will reach the Houthi leaders: Israeli Defence Minister Katz. Watch in for more details!

Israel Unleashing Airstrikes On Several Areas Of The Arab Country Overnight

A deal may be in sight, with Israel and Hamas moving ever closer to a ceasefire and hostage release in Gaza. Watch this report for more details!

Israel-Hamas War: 34 Hostages Could Be Released In First Phase, Says Hamas Official

Israel&nbsp;said Thursday it struck ports and energy infrastructure used by Houthi rebels in Yemen after intercepting a missile fired from the country, warning Huthi leaders it "will reach you too."

Houthi media said the strikes hit power stations, oil facilities and a port in Hodaidah, killing nine people and injuring others. The strikes came after the interception of a missile fired by Huthi rebels towards&nbsp;Israel. The group has regularly targeted&nbsp;Israel&nbsp;over its military operation in Gaza.

Israel's military said it "conducted precise strikes on Huthi military targets in Yemen -- including ports and energy infrastructure in Sanaa, which the Huthis have been using in ways that effectively contributed to their military actions."

"I warn the leaders of the Huthi terrorist organisation:&nbsp;Israel's long arm will reach you too," Israeli Defence Minister&nbsp;Israel&nbsp;Katz said. Al-Masira, a media channel belonging to the Huthis, said a series of "aggressive raids" were launched in the Yemeni capital of Sanaa and the port city of Hodeidah.&nbsp;

It reported raids that "targeted two central power plants" in and around Yemen's capital Sanaa, while in Hodeidah it said "the enemy launched four aggressive raids targeting the port... and two raids targeting" an oil facility.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-welcomes-ceasefire-agreement-between-israel-and-hezbollah-says-always-called-for-de-escalation-779632">India welcomes ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah, says 'always called for de-escalation'</a>

It said strikes on the Al-Saleef port had killed seven people, while two more were killed and other injured in the strike on the oil facility. The strikes came after&nbsp;Israel's military intercepted a missile from Yemen for the second time this week.

On Monday, the Houthis claimed a missile launch they said was aimed at "a military target of the Israeli enemy in the occupied area of Yaffa" -- a reference to&nbsp;Israel's Tel Aviv area.&nbsp; Also Monday, an Israeli navy missile boat intercepted a drone in the Mediterranean after it was launched from Yemen, the military said.&nbsp;

The Huthi rebels have said they are acting in solidarity with Palestinians and pledged Monday to continue operations "until the aggression on Gaza stops and the siege is lifted".&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Houthis Claim Hypersonic Missile Strike

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/houthis-claim-hypersonic-missile-strike-778945/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

On December 9, a drone claimed by Huthis exploded on the top floor of a residential building in the central&nbsp;Israel&nbsp;city of Yavne, causing no casualties. In July, a Huthi drone attack in Tel Aviv killed an Israeli civilian, prompting retaliatory strikes on the Yemeni port of Hodeidah.

The Huthis have also regularly targeted shipping in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, leading to retaliatory strikes on Huthi targets by United States and sometimes British forces.

Israeli military spokesman Daniel Hagari said the group had become a "global threat," pointing to Iran's support for the rebels. "We will continue to act against anyone, anyone in the Middle East, that threatens the state of&nbsp;Israel," he said.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.

Israel said Thursday it struck ports and energy infrastructure used by Houthi rebels in Yemen after intercepting a missile fired from the country, warning Huthi leaders it "will reach you too.

Israel said Thursday it struck ports and energy infrastructure used by Houthi rebels in Yemen after intercepting a missile fired from the country, warning Huthi leaders it "will reach you too." Houthi media said the strikes hit power stations, oil facilities and a port in Hodaidah, killing nine people and injuring others. The strikes came after the interception of a missile fired by Huthi rebels towards Israel. The group has regularly targeted Israel over its military operation in Gaza. Israel's military said it "conducted precise strikes on Huthi military targets in Yemen -- including ports and energy infrastructure in Sanaa, which the Huthis have been using in ways that effectively contributed to their military actions." "I warn the leaders of the Huthi terrorist organisation: Israel's long arm will reach you too," Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said. Al-Masira, a media channel belonging to the Huthis, said a series of "aggressive raids" were launched in the Yemeni capital of Sanaa and the port city of Hodeidah. It reported raids that "targeted two central power plants" in and around Yemen's capital Sanaa, while in Hodeidah it said "the enemy launched four aggressive raids targeting the port... and two raids targeting" an oil facility. Also Read: India welcomes ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah, says 'always called for de-escalation' It said strikes on the Al-Saleef port had killed seven people, while two more were killed and other injured in the strike on the oil facility. The strikes came after Israel's military intercepted a missile from Yemen for the second time this week. On Monday, the Houthis claimed a missile launch they said was aimed at "a military target of the Israeli enemy in the occupied area of Yaffa" -- a reference to Israel's Tel Aviv area. Also Monday, an Israeli navy missile boat intercepted a drone in the Mediterranean after it was launched from Yemen, the military said. The Huthi rebels have said they are acting in solidarity with Palestinians and pledged Monday to continue operations "until the aggression on Gaza stops and the siege is lifted". Watch: Houthis Claim Hypersonic Missile Strike On December 9, a drone claimed by Huthis exploded on the top floor of a residential building in the central Israel city of Yavne, causing no casualties. In July, a Huthi drone attack in Tel Aviv killed an Israeli civilian, prompting retaliatory strikes on the Yemeni port of Hodeidah. The Huthis have also regularly targeted shipping in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, leading to retaliatory strikes on Huthi targets by United States and sometimes British forces. Israeli military spokesman Daniel Hagari said the group had become a "global threat," pointing to Iran's support for the rebels. "We will continue to act against anyone, anyone in the Middle East, that threatens the state of Israel," he said. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Israel strikes Yemen port and energy sites after interception of missile

Jerusalem, Undefined
Israel said Thursday it struck ports and energy infrastructure used by Houthi rebels in Yemen after intercepting a missile fired from the country, warning Huthi leaders it "will reach you too."
Houthi media said the strikes hit power stations, oil facilities and a port in Hodaidah, killing nine people and injuring others. The strikes came after the interception of a missile fired by Huthi rebels towards Israel. The group has regularly targeted Israel over its military operation in Gaza.
Israel's military said it "conducted precise strikes on Huthi military targets in Yemen -- including ports and energy infrastructure in Sanaa, which the Huthis have been using in ways that effectively contributed to their military actions."
"I warn the leaders of the Huthi terrorist organisation: Israel's long arm will reach you too," Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said. Al-Masira, a media channel belonging to the Huthis, said a series of "aggressive raids" were launched in the Yemeni capital of Sanaa and the port city of Hodeidah. 
It reported raids that "targeted two central power plants" in and around Yemen's capital Sanaa, while in Hodeidah it said "the enemy launched four aggressive raids targeting the port... and two raids targeting" an oil facility.
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-welcomes-ceasefire-agreement-between-israel-and-hezbollah-says-always-called-for-de-escalation-779632">India welcomes ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah, says 'always called for de-escalation'</a>
It said strikes on the Al-Saleef port had killed seven people, while two more were killed and other injured in the strike on the oil facility. The strikes came after Israel's military intercepted a missile from Yemen for the second time this week.
On Monday, the Houthis claimed a missile launch they said was aimed at "a military target of the Israeli enemy in the occupied area of Yaffa" -- a reference to Israel's Tel Aviv area.  Also Monday, an Israeli navy missile boat intercepted a drone in the Mediterranean after it was launched from Yemen, the military said. 
The Huthi rebels have said they are acting in solidarity with Palestinians and pledged Monday to continue operations "until the aggression on Gaza stops and the siege is lifted". 
Watch: Houthis Claim Hypersonic Missile Strike
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://cdn.thepublive.com/wion/static/kaltura_player/wion_video_player_iframe.html?thumbnail=wion/media/post_attachments/files/2024/11/24/WEBCHUNK_2411_2230_YAMAN-1732471507-00000003.jpg&videourl=https://vodakm.zeenews.com/vod/WION/WEBCHUNK_2411_2230_YAMAN.mp4/index.m3u8&duration=162&tags=israel,Hamas,war" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
On December 9, a drone claimed by Huthis exploded on the top floor of a residential building in the central Israel city of Yavne, causing no casualties. In July, a Huthi drone attack in Tel Aviv killed an Israeli civilian, prompting retaliatory strikes on the Yemeni port of Hodeidah.
The Huthis have also regularly targeted shipping in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, leading to retaliatory strikes on Huthi targets by United States and sometimes British forces.
Israeli military spokesman Daniel Hagari said the group had become a "global threat," pointing to Iran's support for the rebels. "We will continue to act against anyone, anyone in the Middle East, that threatens the state of Israel," he said.
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Houthi media said the strikes hit power stations, oil facilities and a port in Hodaidah, killing nine people and injuring others. The strikes came after the interception of a missile fired by Huthi rebels towards Israel. The group has regularly targeted Israel over its military operation in Gaza



Jerusalem, Undefined Israel said Thursday it struck ports and energy infrastructure used by Houthi rebels in Yemen after intercepting a missile fired from the country, warning Huthi leaders it "will reach you too." Houthi media said the strikes hit power stations, oil facilities and a port in Hodaidah, killing nine people and injuring others. The strikes came after the interception of a missile fired by Huthi rebels towards Israel. The group has regularly targeted Israel over its military operation in Gaza. Israel's military said it "conducted precise strikes on Huthi military targets in Yemen -- including ports and energy infrastructure in Sanaa, which the Huthis have been using in ways that effectively contributed to their military actions." "I warn the leaders of the Huthi terrorist organisation: Israel's long arm will reach you too," Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz said. Al-Masira, a media channel belonging to the Huthis, said a series of "aggressive raids" were launched in the Yemeni capital of Sanaa and the port city of Hodeidah. It reported raids that "targeted two central power plants" in and around Yemen's capital Sanaa, while in Hodeidah it said "the enemy launched four aggressive raids targeting the port... and two raids targeting" an oil facility. Also Read: India welcomes ceasefire agreement between Israel and Hezbollah, says 'always called for de-escalation' It said strikes on the Al-Saleef port had killed seven people, while two more were killed and other injured in the strike on the oil facility. The strikes came after Israel's military intercepted a missile from Yemen for the second time this week. On Monday, the Houthis claimed a missile launch they said was aimed at "a military target of the Israeli enemy in the occupied area of Yaffa" -- a reference to Israel's Tel Aviv area. Also Monday, an Israeli navy missile boat intercepted a drone in the Mediterranean after it was launched from Yemen, the military said. The Huthi rebels have said they are acting in solidarity with Palestinians and pledged Monday to continue operations "until the aggression on Gaza stops and the siege is lifted". Watch: Houthis Claim Hypersonic Missile Strike On December 9, a drone claimed by Huthis exploded on the top floor of a residential building in the central Israel city of Yavne, causing no casualties. In July, a Huthi drone attack in Tel Aviv killed an Israeli civilian, prompting retaliatory strikes on the Yemeni port of Hodeidah. The Huthis have also regularly targeted shipping in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, leading to retaliatory strikes on Huthi targets by United States and sometimes British forces. Israeli military spokesman Daniel Hagari said the group had become a "global threat," pointing to Iran's support for the rebels. "We will continue to act against anyone, anyone in the Middle East, that threatens the state of Israel," he said. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Israel-Hamas War: Israel Seeks Release Of 34 Hostages, Says Report

#Gravitas | Hamas is concerned that U.S. President-elect Donald Trump will allow Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to resume fighting in Gaza. After the first phase of the three-stage ceasefire, currently in advanced negotiations. Watch in for more details!

GRAVITAS: Hamas Concerned Trump Will Allow Netanyahu To Revive War

The US has expressed cautious optimism on the prospects of reaching a ceasefire in Gaza. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said engagements with Hamas and Israel will continue and hoped they would get an agreement between the two parties. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hamas War: US Sees 'Cautious Optimism' On Gaza Ceasefire

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all the latest news and top headlines from all across the globe: 



- Netanyahu visits Mount Hermon, vows to protect Israel's security 

- Former hostages urge Israel to secure release of captives in Gaza

- US denies roll in Kirillov killing 

- Trump threatens India with reciprocal tariff

Netanyahu Visits Mount Hermon, Vows to Protect Israel's Security | WION Speed News

The United States expressed "cautious optimism" on Tuesday regarding the potential for a ceasefire in the 14-month conflict in Gaza. Watch this report for more details!

Israel-Hamas War: US Sees 'Cautious Optimism' on Gaza Ceasefire

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