As a war in West Asia continues to widen with violent exchanges between the Israeli Defense Forces and Lebanon. Hezbollah escalating a new humanitarian crisis has begun to wear its ugly head after Gaza civilians in Northern Israel and Southern Lebanon caught in the crossfire are having to leave their homes.

IDF-Hezbollah Crossfire Displacing Civilians

During his address at the United Nations General Assembly, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas strongly condemned Israel's plan to establish buffer zones in Gaza amid the ongoing Israel-Gaza war. Abbas criticized the proposal as a violation of Palestinian sovereignty and an attempt to further displace Gaza's population. He called on the international community to reject Israel’s actions, emphasizing the need for a fair resolution to the conflict that upholds Palestinian rights. His remarks highlighted the deepening tensions and ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, urging global leaders to intervene and seek a peaceful solution.

Israel-Gaza War: Palestine President Slams Israel's Plan For Buffer Zones In Gaza | WION Breaking

As tensions in West Asia escalate, world leaders gathered in New York for the United Nations General Assembly and they have called for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and Lebanon. Watch to know more.

Israel-Hezbollah War: UN Chief Says Lebanon Cannot Become Another Gaza

Israel National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir on Thursday threatened to withdraw his party, Otzma Yehudit, from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government if he agrees to a ceasefire in Lebanon.&nbsp;

Gvir said that his party will not cooperate with the coalition in the Knesset.&nbsp;

The National Security Minister's statement comes at the conclusion of an "urgent" party meeting by Ben-Gvir after reports emerged that Netanyahu was considering a 21-day ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah.&nbsp;

He further stressed that if the temporary ceasefire becomes permanent, he will leave the government completely.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-rules-out-us-france-ceasefire-plan-asks-military-to-fight-with-full-force-762209">Also read:&nbsp;Israel rules out US-France ceasefire plan; asks military to fight with ‘full force’</a>

"The most basic and obvious thing is that when your enemy is on his knees, you do not enable him to recuperate, but act to defeat and rout him. And if you do not do so, you project weakness, endanger the security of your citizens, and prove that you have no intention to be victorious," Ben-Gvir said in a statement.

If a temporary ceasefire is signed, Otzma Yehudit would "relieve itself of any commitment to the coalition," including voting in the Knesset, attending government and security cabinet meetings, and any other "coalition activity."

And if it becomes permanent, Ben-Gvir said, "all ministers and MKs from Otzma Yehudit will resign from the government and coalition."&nbsp;

Watch | Israel-Hezbollah War: US President Biden Warns 'All Out War' Possible In West Asia

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The minister has used this tactic in the past too, recently in June, when he threatened to quit the government if Netanyahu agreed to a "reckless" hostage deal. This idea of him has been working since many times.&nbsp;

Israel's military on Thursday also said that they are carrying out strikes in the Lebanese capital, Beirut.&nbsp;

A security source told Reuters that Israel targeted a "senior Hezbollah leader" in a strike on Beirut's southern suburbs.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Israel National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir on Thursday threatened to withdraw his party, Otzma Yehudit, from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government if he agrees to a ceasefire in Lebanon.

Israel National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir on Thursday threatened to withdraw his party, Otzma Yehudit, from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government if he agrees to a ceasefire in Lebanon. Gvir said that his party will not cooperate with the coalition in the Knesset. The National Security Minister's statement comes at the conclusion of an "urgent" party meeting by Ben-Gvir after reports emerged that Netanyahu was considering a 21-day ceasefire agreement with Hezbollah. He further stressed that if the temporary ceasefire becomes permanent, he will leave the government completely. Also read: Israel rules out US-France ceasefire plan; asks military to fight with ‘full force’ "The most basic and obvious thing is that when your enemy is on his knees, you do not enable him to recuperate, but act to defeat and rout him. And if you do not do so, you project weakness, endanger the security of your citizens, and prove that you have no intention to be victorious," Ben-Gvir said in a statement. If a temporary ceasefire is signed, Otzma Yehudit would "relieve itself of any commitment to the coalition," including voting in the Knesset, attending government and security cabinet meetings, and any other "coalition activity." And if it becomes permanent, Ben-Gvir said, "all ministers and MKs from Otzma Yehudit will resign from the government and coalition." Watch | Israel-Hezbollah War: US President Biden Warns 'All Out War' Possible In West Asia × The minister has used this tactic in the past too, recently in June, when he threatened to quit the government if Netanyahu agreed to a "reckless" hostage deal. This idea of him has been working since many times. Israel's military on Thursday also said that they are carrying out strikes in the Lebanese capital, Beirut. A security source told Reuters that Israel targeted a "senior Hezbollah leader" in a strike on Beirut's southern suburbs. (With inputs from agencies)

Ben Gvir threatens to exit coalition if Netanyahu okays Lebanon ceasefire

As the Israel-Hamas war escalates, Egypt has been reluctant to accept Palestinian refugees. One major reason is security concerns, as Egypt fears that militant groups could infiltrate the refugee population, potentially destabilizing the country. Additionally, Egypt is wary of taking on the economic and social strain that a large influx of refugees could impose.

Israel-Hamas War: Why Does Egypt Not Want Palestinian Refugees? | WION

In an exclusive interview with WION, retired Ambassador and director of the Egyptian Council of Foreign Affairs, Ezzat Saad Elsayed, discusses his perspective on Hezbollah's actions, describing them as fighting a just war.

Israel-Hezbollah Conflict: Ezzat Saad Elsayed Discusses Current Developments \

Massive bombing in Lebanon creates panic and aggravates the humanitarian crisis in the country. In the face of the absolute humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, a regional escalation is taking place. On Monday 23 September, Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon killed 600 and injured 2,000 people in just one day, as reported by the Lebanese Ministry of Health.

Israel-Hezbollah War: Attacks Prompt Tens Of Thousands To Escape Border Settlements

WION's Principal Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal spoke to former Egyptian foreign minister Mohamed Al-Oraby in New Delhi on the situation in West Asia and if Israel can afford an all-out war in Lebanon. Watch to know more.

Israel-Hezbollah War: Israel Must Not Enter Another War In North, Says FMR Egypt FM Mohamed El Oraby

Hours after the US, France, and other allies called for an immediate 21-day ceasefire, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told the country's military to keep fighting with "full force", his office said.&nbsp;

The Israeli PM also did not respond to the ceasefire call, Netanyahu's office added.&nbsp;

His office further called the news about the ceasefire "not true".&nbsp;

"The news about a ceasefire - not true. This is an American-French proposal, to which the prime minister did not even respond. The news about the supposed directive to moderate the fighting in the north is also the opposite of the truth," it stated.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;Israel-Hezbollah War: France, US Propose 21-Day Lebanon Ceasefire

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According to the office's statement, Netanyahu instructed the IDF to continue the fighting with full force, and according to the plans presented to him.&nbsp;

"Also, the fighting in Gaza will continue until all the goals of the war are achieved," it stressed.&nbsp;

Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz&nbsp;said, "There will be no ceasefire in the north".

Israel "will continue to fight against the terrorist organisation Hezbollah with all our might until victory and the safe return of the residents of the north to their homes," Katz said in a statement on X.

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לא תהיה הפסקת אש בצפון. נמשיך להילחם נגד ארגון הטרור חיזבאללה בכל העוצמה עד לניצחון והשבת תושבי הצפון בביטחון לבתיהם.
— ישראל כ”ץ Israel Katz (@Israel_katz) <a href="https://twitter.com/Israel_katz/status/1839229451692872019?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 26, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2>US, UK and European Union calls for 'temporary ceasefire'</h2>

This comes after the US, UK, and EU called for a temporary ceasefire in Lebanon after the rising ongoing tensions between Israel and Hezbollah.&nbsp;

The 12-strong bloc proposed an immediate 21-day pause in fighting "to provide space for diplomacy towards the conclusion of a diplomatic settlement" and a ceasefire in Gaza.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-tells-idf-to-tone-down-lebanon-strikes-claims-report-as-allies-demand-21-day-ceasefire-762166">Also read:&nbsp;Netanyahu tells IDF to tone down Lebanon strikes, claims report as allies demand 21-day ceasefire</a>

They issued a joint statement, stressing that the hostilities were "intolerable" and presented an "unacceptable risk of a broader regional escalation".&nbsp;

<h2>Israel 'spreading terror and fear'</h2>

Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati, speaking at the emergency meeting at UN headquarters in New York, emphasised the need for "de-escalation"&nbsp;

He added that Israel’s aerial bombardment, attacks on electronic devices, and threatened ground invasion have spread “terror and fear among the Lebanese citizens in full view of the world”.

“I hope to come back to my country armed with your explicit stance calling for the cessation of this aggression and for the respect of the sovereignty and safety of my country,” Mikati told the 15 members of the UN’s most powerful body.

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) &nbsp;

Hours after the US, France, and other allies called for an immediate 21-day ceasefire, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told the country's military to keep fighting with "full force", his office said.

Hours after the US, France, and other allies called for an immediate 21-day ceasefire, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told the country's military to keep fighting with "full force", his office said. The Israeli PM also did not respond to the ceasefire call, Netanyahu's office added. His office further called the news about the ceasefire "not true". "The news about a ceasefire - not true. This is an American-French proposal, to which the prime minister did not even respond. The news about the supposed directive to moderate the fighting in the north is also the opposite of the truth," it stated. Watch | Israel-Hezbollah War: France, US Propose 21-Day Lebanon Ceasefire × According to the office's statement, Netanyahu instructed the IDF to continue the fighting with full force, and according to the plans presented to him. "Also, the fighting in Gaza will continue until all the goals of the war are achieved," it stressed. Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz said, "There will be no ceasefire in the north". Israel "will continue to fight against the terrorist organisation Hezbollah with all our might until victory and the safe return of the residents of the north to their homes," Katz said in a statement on X. לא תהיה הפסקת אש בצפון. נמשיך להילחם נגד ארגון הטרור חיזבאללה בכל העוצמה עד לניצחון והשבת תושבי הצפון בביטחון לבתיהם. — ישראל כ”ץ Israel Katz (@Israel_katz) September 26, 2024 × US, UK and European Union calls for 'temporary ceasefire' This comes after the US, UK, and EU called for a temporary ceasefire in Lebanon after the rising ongoing tensions between Israel and Hezbollah. The 12-strong bloc proposed an immediate 21-day pause in fighting "to provide space for diplomacy towards the conclusion of a diplomatic settlement" and a ceasefire in Gaza. Also read: Netanyahu tells IDF to tone down Lebanon strikes, claims report as allies demand 21-day ceasefire They issued a joint statement, stressing that the hostilities were "intolerable" and presented an "unacceptable risk of a broader regional escalation". Israel 'spreading terror and fear' Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati, speaking at the emergency meeting at UN headquarters in New York, emphasised the need for "de-escalation" He added that Israel’s aerial bombardment, attacks on electronic devices, and threatened ground invasion have spread “terror and fear among the Lebanese citizens in full view of the world”. “I hope to come back to my country armed with your explicit stance calling for the cessation of this aggression and for the respect of the sovereignty and safety of my country,” Mikati told the 15 members of the UN’s most powerful body. 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)

Israel rules out US-France ceasefire plan; asks military to fight with ‘full force’

Israeli Army Chief has told IDF troops to be prepared for a possible ground offensive in Lebanon well this is as Israel continues to intensify strikes on Hezbollah. Watch to know more.

Lebanon: Over 600 People Killed In Israeli Strikes in Three Days

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all the latest news and top headlines from all across the globe: US and allies call for 21-day ceasefire, Australia urges 15,000 people to leave Lebanon, Zelensky refusing to accept deal to end war: Trump

Discrimination Against Women in Afghanistan | Pope's Visit To 'Heart Of Europe'

The Israeli military said on Thursday it hit around 75 Hezbollah targets in Lebanon during the night, including ammunition depots of the Lebanese armed group.

 
"Overnight, the IDF (Israeli military)... struck approximately 75 terror targets" belonging to Hezbollah "in the area of Bekaa and in southern Lebanon, including weapons storage facilities, ready-to-fire launchers" as well as militants and other infrastructure, the military said in a statement.

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.

(This is a developing story. More to follow)

The Israeli military said on Thursday it hit around 75 Hezbollah targets in Lebanon during the night, including ammunition depots of the Lebanese armed group. "Overnight, the IDF (Israeli military).

The Israeli military said on Thursday it hit around 75 Hezbollah targets in Lebanon during the night, including ammunition depots of the Lebanese armed group. "Overnight, the IDF (Israeli military)... struck approximately 75 terror targets" belonging to Hezbollah "in the area of Bekaa and in southern Lebanon, including weapons storage facilities, ready-to-fire launchers" as well as militants and other infrastructure, the military said in a statement. 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. (This is a developing story. More to follow)

Israeli military claims it hit 75 Hezbollah targets in Lebanon overnight

Over 500 were killed and thousands injured in Israel’s latest deadly round of strikes in Lebanon. Hezbollah has been trading attacks across the Lebanese border with Israel for nearly a year. However, the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah goes back almost half a century. Watch to know more!

Israel-Hezbollah War: Timeline of conflict amid heightened escalations in Lebanon | WION Originals

Iranian MP Ahmad Bakhshayesh Ardestani links Ebrahim Raisi’s chopper crash to pager explosion. MP claims a pager blast led to the helicopter crash that led to the death of Raisi’s death. A resurfaced picture of the Former Iranian President shows a pager kept in background. Allegation comes as Tehran-backed Hezbollah reels from the pager and walkie-talkie blasts

Iranian MP links Ebrahim Ebrahim Raisi’s chopper crash to pager explosion | WION Originals

In a shocking escalation, Hezbollah fires a Qader-1 missile at Mossad HQ near Israel’s Tel Aviv. Israel’s army says it was the first time an attack from Lebanon reached central Israel. Israel alleges missile fired by Hezbollah was heading toward civilian area, not Mossad HQ. The surface-to-surface missile was intercepted by Israel's David's Sling defense system. Watch to know more!

Hezbollah Fires Ballistic Missile At Mossad HQ Near Israel’s Tel Aviv | WION Originals

Israel-Hezbollah War: Is Israel Preparing To Invade Lebanon ?

Amid escalating conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, the U.S. appears increasingly powerless. Despite President Biden's efforts to prevent the spread of war, the situation continues to worsen. Has the U.S. Become a Helpless Giant as Hezbollah Hits Tel Aviv?

Israel-Hezbollah Conflict: Has U.S. Become a Helpless Giant?

The Israeli army chief has told his troops that the ongoing strikes in Lebanon may serve as a precursor to "possible entry" of soldiers into the “enemy territory.”

"You hear the jets overhead; we have been striking all day," General Herzi Halevi told troops.

"This is both to prepare the ground for your possible entry and to continue degrading Hezbollah," he is believed to have told the military.

The Israeli army chief said that the motive of this operation would be to “safely return the residents of the north," as thousands of Israelis have been evacuated from border areas.

"To achieve that, we are preparing the process of a manoeuvre, which means your military boots, your manoeuvring boots, will enter enemy territory, enter villages that Hezbollah has prepared as large military outposts, with underground infrastructure, staging points, and launchpads into our territory and carry out attacks on Israeli civilians," Halevi said.

"You will go in, destroy the enemy there, and decisively destroy their infrastructure.”

This comes after the Israeli military on Wednesday mobilised reserve brigades to the northern border with Lebanon for "operational missions" in the area.

<h2>India issues advisory</h2>

India on Wednesday asked its citizens to leave Lebanon immediately in view of the recent developments and escalations.

"As a reiteration of the Advisory issued on 1 August 2024 and in view of the recent developments and escalations in the region, Indian nationals are strongly advised against travelling to Lebanon till further notice," the Indian embassy in Beirut&nbsp;said in a statement.

"All Indian nationals already in Lebanon are also strongly advised to leave Lebanon. Those who remain for any reason are advised to exercise extreme caution, restrict their movements and remain in contact with Embassy of India in Beirut through our email ID: cons.beirut@mea.gov.in or the emergency phone number +96176860128," the statement added.

<h2>Biden warns of all-out war</h2>

US President Joe Biden, on&nbsp;Wednesday, warned of the possibility of an "all-out war" in the Middle East but said he was hopeful a settlement was still achievable for the conflict-torn region.

"An all-out war is possible," Biden said when asked about the situation. "What I think is, also, the opportunity is still in play to have a settlement that could fundamentally change the whole region."

(With inputs from agencies)

The Israeli army chief has told his troops that the ongoing strikes in Lebanon may serve as a precursor to "possible entry" of soldiers into the “enemy territory.

The Israeli army chief has told his troops that the ongoing strikes in Lebanon may serve as a precursor to "possible entry" of soldiers into the “enemy territory.” "You hear the jets overhead; we have been striking all day," General Herzi Halevi told troops. "This is both to prepare the ground for your possible entry and to continue degrading Hezbollah," he is believed to have told the military. The Israeli army chief said that the motive of this operation would be to “safely return the residents of the north," as thousands of Israelis have been evacuated from border areas. "To achieve that, we are preparing the process of a manoeuvre, which means your military boots, your manoeuvring boots, will enter enemy territory, enter villages that Hezbollah has prepared as large military outposts, with underground infrastructure, staging points, and launchpads into our territory and carry out attacks on Israeli civilians," Halevi said. "You will go in, destroy the enemy there, and decisively destroy their infrastructure.” This comes after the Israeli military on Wednesday mobilised reserve brigades to the northern border with Lebanon for "operational missions" in the area. India issues advisory India on Wednesday asked its citizens to leave Lebanon immediately in view of the recent developments and escalations. "As a reiteration of the Advisory issued on 1 August 2024 and in view of the recent developments and escalations in the region, Indian nationals are strongly advised against travelling to Lebanon till further notice," the Indian embassy in Beirut said in a statement. "All Indian nationals already in Lebanon are also strongly advised to leave Lebanon. Those who remain for any reason are advised to exercise extreme caution, restrict their movements and remain in contact with Embassy of India in Beirut through our email ID: cons.beirut@mea.gov.in or the emergency phone number +96176860128," the statement added. Biden warns of all-out war US President Joe Biden, on Wednesday, warned of the possibility of an "all-out war" in the Middle East but said he was hopeful a settlement was still achievable for the conflict-torn region. "An all-out war is possible," Biden said when asked about the situation. "What I think is, also, the opportunity is still in play to have a settlement that could fundamentally change the whole region." (With inputs from agencies)

Israel prepares for ‘possible invasion’ of Lebanon; India issues advisory

Tensions are increasing and Lebanon is witnessing one of its deadliest days since the civil war. Watch to know more.

Israel-Hezbollah War: 50 Children Among Those Killed In Israeli Strikes

Iran is ready to end its nuclear standoff with the West, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian told the United Nations General Assembly on Tuesday, while calling for an end to Russia's war in Ukraine through dialogue. Iran's clerical establishment hopes to see an easing of U.S. sanctions that have crippled the country's economy.

Pezeshkian Addresses UNGA, Targets US And Israel In His Speech

A Hezbollah commander who was a key member of the organization's rocket division was killed by an Israeli airstrike on Tuesday in the southern suburbs of Beirut.

Hezbollah-Israel War: Top Hezbollah Commander Killed

As tensions escalate between Israel and Hezbollah, the Israel authorities have cancelled an event conducted by the Indian embassy every year to pay tribute to Indian soldiers. Watch to know more.

Israel-Hezbollah War: Israel Cancels Haifa Day Commemoration

With the ongoing Israel-Hezbollah War, the Israeli military has said that for the first time ever a missile fired by the Hezbollah reached the Tel Aviv area and was intercepted by Israel's defense system. Watch to know more.

Israel-Hezbollah War: Hezbollah Missile Triggers Sirens In Tel Aviv

Hezbollah fired a ballistic missile at Tel Aviv today, prompting Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon after intercepting the attack. This marks Hezbollah’s first claimed ballistic missile strike since the conflict with Israel began, following Hamas' October 7 assault. Hamas had repeatedly targeted Tel Aviv during the early months of the war.

Hezbollah Says It Fired Ballistic Missile Targeting Mossad HQ In Tel Aviv

Hezbollah launched an air attack with drones targeting Israel's Atlit naval base. Israel is striving for the campaign against Hezbollah to be as short as possible. Israel is striving for the campaign against Hezbollah to be as short as possible. An Israeli airstrike on Beirut killed a senior Hezbollah commander on Sept 24. Cross-border rocket attacks heightened fears of a full-fledged war in the Middle East and Lebanon. Watch in for more details!

Hezbollah launches air attack with drones targeting Israel's Atlit naval base south of Haifa

As International condemnation against the state of Israel's offensive in Lebanon continues to grow, the Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has vowed to target the homes where Hezbollah's weapons and missiles he claims are being stored. The IDF has warned the Lebanese citizens to flee from areas where Israel intends to carry out its bombings. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hezbollah War: Israel Eliminates Top Hezbollah Commander Ibrahim Kobeissi In Beirut

Israel-Hezbollah War: Israel Bombs Seaside Town Of Jiyeh, South Of Beirut

Pope Francis called Israeli strikes on Lebanon a "terrible escalation" of the Middle East conflict on Wednesday at the end of his weekly general audience at the Vatican, which went ahead two days after he cancelled meetings over mild flu.

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The pope said the attacks, in which Israel says it has been striking targets affiliated with the Iran-backed Hezbollah movement, were "unacceptable" and urged the international community to do everything possible to halt the fighting.

Francis did not specifically identify Israel, but said he was "saddened by news from Lebanon in recent days that bombardments have caused much destruction and many victims".

The 87-year-old pontiff, who has suffered bouts of ill health in recent years, appeared in good form through his audience although he coughed lightly a few times while speaking.

The Vatican has not provided details about the pope's health since announcing on Monday he had cancelled his meetings for that day. It said at the time the pontiff had made the decision as a precautionary measure in view of a trip to Luxembourg and Belgium, which starts on Thursday.

At the audience, the pope confirmed his plans to continue with the visit, and asked for prayers for its success.

The tour, his 46th foreign visit as pope, comes less than two weeks after he returned from a demanding 12-day, four-country excursion around Southeast Asia and Oceania.

The pope referred to the strikes in Lebanon in off-the-cuff remarks at the end of his hour-long audience.

Francis, pope since March 2013, now regularly uses a wheelchair due to knee and back pain. Earlier this year, he cancelled several appointments over what the Vatican variously described as a cold, bronchitis and influenza.

On the September&nbsp;2-13 trip to Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, East Timor and Singapore, Francis maintained a packed schedule, headlining more than 40 events, and travelling some 33,000 km (20,500 miles).

Francis started the general audience on Wednesday by taking a tour around the crowd in an open-air popemobile, waving to people as a band played orchestral versions of pop songs.

In his main messages to pilgrims, the pope focused on the dangers of temptation, including online pornography, which Catholic teaching forbids.

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.

Pope Francis called Israeli strikes on Lebanon a "terrible escalation" of the Middle East conflict on Wednesday at the end of his weekly general audience at the Vatican, which went ahead two days after he cancelled meetings over mild flu.

Pope Francis called Israeli strikes on Lebanon a "terrible escalation" of the Middle East conflict on Wednesday at the end of his weekly general audience at the Vatican, which went ahead two days after he cancelled meetings over mild flu. The pope said the attacks, in which Israel says it has been striking targets affiliated with the Iran-backed Hezbollah movement, were "unacceptable" and urged the international community to do everything possible to halt the fighting. Francis did not specifically identify Israel, but said he was "saddened by news from Lebanon in recent days that bombardments have caused much destruction and many victims". The 87-year-old pontiff, who has suffered bouts of ill health in recent years, appeared in good form through his audience although he coughed lightly a few times while speaking. The Vatican has not provided details about the pope's health since announcing on Monday he had cancelled his meetings for that day. It said at the time the pontiff had made the decision as a precautionary measure in view of a trip to Luxembourg and Belgium, which starts on Thursday. At the audience, the pope confirmed his plans to continue with the visit, and asked for prayers for its success. The tour, his 46th foreign visit as pope, comes less than two weeks after he returned from a demanding 12-day, four-country excursion around Southeast Asia and Oceania. The pope referred to the strikes in Lebanon in off-the-cuff remarks at the end of his hour-long audience. Francis, pope since March 2013, now regularly uses a wheelchair due to knee and back pain. Earlier this year, he cancelled several appointments over what the Vatican variously described as a cold, bronchitis and influenza. On the September 2-13 trip to Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, East Timor and Singapore, Francis maintained a packed schedule, headlining more than 40 events, and travelling some 33,000 km (20,500 miles). Francis started the general audience on Wednesday by taking a tour around the crowd in an open-air popemobile, waving to people as a band played orchestral versions of pop songs. In his main messages to pilgrims, the pope focused on the dangers of temptation, including online pornography, which Catholic teaching forbids. 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.

Pope Francis called Israel's attacks on Lebanon a 'terrible escalation' and urged to halt tensions 

Israel-Hezbollah War: Hezbollah Missile Reached Tel Aviv Area For the First Time

Here we bring you a quick round-up of all the latest news and top headlines from all across the globe: Protesters rally against Israeli Bombing of lebanon, Trump promises incentives and Tax breaks.

Protesters Rally Against Israeli Bombing of Lebanon | Trump Promises Tax Breaks

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