Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has reiterated his call to the west to step up pressure on Israel to accept the latest Gaza ceasefire proposal. Watch in for more details!

Israel war: Erdogan urges West to step up pressure on Israel to accept truce

According to the latest reports, Hamas has accepted America's proposal to begin the release of Israeli hostages. There is renewed hope for a ceasefire in West Asia as Hamas has approved a US proposal for a phased ceasefire deal in Gaza dropping a key demand for a complete end to the war. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hamas war: Hamas accepts US talks proposal on Israeli hostages: Report

Thousands across Israel have been protesting daily this week demanding Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accept a ceasefire deal to bring back the remaining hostages inside Gaza.

Israel War: Thousands of Israelis protest against PM Netanyahu

There is renewed hope for a ceasefire in West Asia Hamas has approved a US proposal for a phased ceasefire deal in Gaza dropping a key demand for a complete end to the war. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hamas war: Hamas approves US proposal for phased ceasefire deal in Gaza

Attempts to secure a ceasefire and the release of hostages in Gaza gained traction, after Hamas presented a revised proposal outlining the terms of an agreement. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hamas War: Efforts to secure Gaza ceasefire and hostage release gain momentum

Israel's spy chief David Barnea negotiates in Qatar to free Gaza hostages from Hamas, mediated by the Qatari PM, with US backing for a six-week truce. Hezbollah's increased actions heighten tension. Israeli raids in Jenin killed 12.

Israel-Hamas War: Israeli team visits Qatar for talks

At least seven Palestinians have been killed in an Israeli military raid in the West Bank there comes on the same day as Israel's spy chief David Barnea reached Qatar for to resume ceasefire talks. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hamas War: At least 7 Palestinians killed in IDF strikes in Jenin

Israeli intelligence chief David Barnea is headed to Doha for talks on a truce and hostage release deal with Hamas, a source told a news agency

Israel-Hamas war: Israel spy chief to travel to Doha for talks

<p>A top&nbsp;Hamas&nbsp;official told AFP Friday the group expects a swift Israeli response -- "likely today or tomorrow morning" -- to its new "ideas" for halting the Gaza war and freeing hostages.</p>

<p>As an Israeli ended a first round of new talks with mediators in Qatar, Osama Hamdan also insisted that the group's military wing remains "in a good condition" to keep up the nine-month-old war.</p>

<p>Hamdan said there were no new concrete proposals in a document sent to Israel this week but "some ideas were proposed to overcome" Israeli reticence about a ceasefire.</p>

<p>"We are waiting to hear a response, likely today or tomorrow morning," he said. "If the response is positive, then we will discuss these ideas in detail because we will enter into the implementation discussion of these ideas, which... will not take long."</p>

<p>Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu agreed to send the head of the Mossad intelligence service, David Barnea, to Doha for talks with Qatari mediators and his delegation was expected to arrive on Friday.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-briefs-hezbollah-on-proposal-for-ceasefire-hezbollah-welcomes-step-sources-say-738349">Hamas briefs Hezbollah on proposal for ceasefire, Hezbollah welcomes step, sources say</a></p>

<p>Because of the devastation of the war, both sides face mounting international and domestic pressure to halt the conflict that started with the&nbsp;Hamas&nbsp;attacks in Israel on October 7.</p>

<p>The attack resulted in the deaths of 1,195 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli figures.&nbsp;Hamas&nbsp;also seized 251 hostages, 116 of whom remain in Gaza, including 42 the army says are dead.</p>

<p>Israel's retaliatory offensive has killed at least 38,011 people, also mostly civilians, according to the&nbsp;Hamas-run territory's health ministry.</p>

<p>"The goal of negotiations is to cease the aggression, withdraw forces and allow the Palestinian people to rebuild Gaza, including shelter, relief and other details," Hamdan said. "Ultimately, a fair and suitable prisoner exchange deal must be completed."</p>

<h2><strong>'Ball in Israel's court'&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Netanyahu has said there can be no halt to hostilities until all hostages are freed. He has also insisted that Israel will not stop its campaign to destroy&nbsp;Hamas's military and governance capabilities.</p>

<p>US President Joe Biden announced a pathway to a truce deal in May which he said had been proposed by Israel. This included a six-week truce to allow for talks, the release of hostages and eventually a programme to rebuild devastated Gaza.</p>

<p>Hamdan blamed Israel for the deadlock since Biden's announcement. "The Israeli side has made every effort to complicate matters and obstruct progress."</p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Israel-Hamas war: Hezbollah says, 'would stop fighting with Israel after Gaza ceasefire'</strong></p>

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<p>The&nbsp;Hamas&nbsp;leadership is "not talking about a new proposal nor something new," the official said. Talks would be on the existing proposals.</p>

<p>"There are some ideas that have pushed things forward, and that is what has been discussed." He said the ideas had been "conveyed by the mediators to the American side, which welcomed them and passed them on to the Israeli side. Now the ball is in the Israeli court."</p>

<p>He said the Doha talks "will be a test for the US administration to see if it is willing to pressure the Zionist entity to accept these proposed ideas."</p>

<p>The official said that if the talks fail,&nbsp;Hamas&nbsp;is ready to keep fighting. "I can say that, by the grace of God, the capabilities of the resistance remain in a good condition that allows it to continue."</p>

<p>In a separate statement,&nbsp;Hamas&nbsp;said it rejected any proposals "that support plans to bring foreign forces into the (Gaza) Strip under any name or justification."</p>

<p>It added that Palestinian people "will not allow guardianship or the imposition of any external solutions" to the conflict. There have been calls, including from the Arab League, for UN peacekeepers to be deployed to Gaza.</p>


A top Hamas official told AFP Friday the group expects a swift Israeli response -- "likely today or tomorrow morning" -- to its new "ideas" for halting the Gaza war and freeing hostages.

A top Hamas official told AFP Friday the group expects a swift Israeli response -- "likely today or tomorrow morning" -- to its new "ideas" for halting the Gaza war and freeing hostages. As an Israeli ended a first round of new talks with mediators in Qatar, Osama Hamdan also insisted that the group's military wing remains "in a good condition" to keep up the nine-month-old war. Hamdan said there were no new concrete proposals in a document sent to Israel this week but "some ideas were proposed to overcome" Israeli reticence about a ceasefire. "We are waiting to hear a response, likely today or tomorrow morning," he said. "If the response is positive, then we will discuss these ideas in detail because we will enter into the implementation discussion of these ideas, which... will not take long." Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu agreed to send the head of the Mossad intelligence service, David Barnea, to Doha for talks with Qatari mediators and his delegation was expected to arrive on Friday. Also Read: Hamas briefs Hezbollah on proposal for ceasefire, Hezbollah welcomes step, sources say Because of the devastation of the war, both sides face mounting international and domestic pressure to halt the conflict that started with the Hamas attacks in Israel on October 7. The attack resulted in the deaths of 1,195 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli figures. Hamas also seized 251 hostages, 116 of whom remain in Gaza, including 42 the army says are dead. Israel's retaliatory offensive has killed at least 38,011 people, also mostly civilians, according to the Hamas-run territory's health ministry. "The goal of negotiations is to cease the aggression, withdraw forces and allow the Palestinian people to rebuild Gaza, including shelter, relief and other details," Hamdan said. "Ultimately, a fair and suitable prisoner exchange deal must be completed." 'Ball in Israel's court' Netanyahu has said there can be no halt to hostilities until all hostages are freed. He has also insisted that Israel will not stop its campaign to destroy Hamas's military and governance capabilities. US President Joe Biden announced a pathway to a truce deal in May which he said had been proposed by Israel. This included a six-week truce to allow for talks, the release of hostages and eventually a programme to rebuild devastated Gaza. Hamdan blamed Israel for the deadlock since Biden's announcement. "The Israeli side has made every effort to complicate matters and obstruct progress." Watch: Israel-Hamas war: Hezbollah says, 'would stop fighting with Israel after Gaza ceasefire' The Hamas leadership is "not talking about a new proposal nor something new," the official said. Talks would be on the existing proposals. "There are some ideas that have pushed things forward, and that is what has been discussed." He said the ideas had been "conveyed by the mediators to the American side, which welcomed them and passed them on to the Israeli side. Now the ball is in the Israeli court." He said the Doha talks "will be a test for the US administration to see if it is willing to pressure the Zionist entity to accept these proposed ideas." The official said that if the talks fail, Hamas is ready to keep fighting. "I can say that, by the grace of God, the capabilities of the resistance remain in a good condition that allows it to continue." In a separate statement, Hamas said it rejected any proposals "that support plans to bring foreign forces into the (Gaza) Strip under any name or justification." It added that Palestinian people "will not allow guardianship or the imposition of any external solutions" to the conflict. There have been calls, including from the Arab League, for UN peacekeepers to be deployed to Gaza.

Hamas official says expects quick Israeli response to ceasefire ‘ideas’

Israel-Hamas war: Israel spy chief to travel to Qatar for Gaza ceasefire talks

Forced evacuations are taking Gaza's Khan Younis.What is the road ahead for Gaza's future? Take a look.

Renewed hopes for Gaza ceasefire | The West Asia Post

Reports say Israel's Finance Minister approved the biggest land grab near Jordan valley to prevent creation of a Palestinian state. What is happening in the West Bank?

Israel's biggest land grab in West Bank in over 30 years: Watchdog

Amid the ongoing atrocities and difficulties that Palestinians face, they are resilient. Palestinians rebuild solar panels in this refugee camp amid power outage.

Palestinians repair solar panels

Israeli military says it is ready to fight Hezbollah if the need arises. Hezbollah on the other hand says, the only path to de-escalation is truce in Gaza. We break down what is happening at Israel-Lebanon border.

Hezbollah fires over 200 rockets & suicide drones at Israel

Israeli intelligence chief David Barnea is headed to Doha for talks on a truce and hostage release deal with Hamas, a source told a news agency.

Israel-Hamas war: Israel spy chief headed to Doha for ceasefire talks

<p>Israel approved three wildcat settlement outposts in the occupied West Bank on Thursday, the Peace Now watchdog said, calling it a new stage in the "annexation" of the territory.</p>

<p>The Israeli agency which organises West Bank construction recognised outposts in Mahane Gadi, Givat Han and Kedem Arava on the edge of existing settlements, Peace Now said. It also approved 5,295 extra homes in dozens of existing settlements.</p>

<p>All of Israel's settlements in the West Bank, occupied since 1967, are considered illegal under international law, regardless of whether they have Israeli planning permission.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/vladimir-putin-believes-donald-trump-is-sincere-about-ending-ukraine-war-737958">Vladimir Putin believes Donald Trump is sincere about ending Ukraine war</a></p>

<p>Dozens of unauthorised settlements have sprung up in the territories -- ranging from a few tents grouped together to prefabricated huts that have been linked to public electricity and water supplies.</p>

<p>Excluding annexed east Jerusalem, some 490,000 Israeli settlers now live in the West Bank alongside some three million Palestinians. Far-right parties in Israel's governing coalition have pressed for an acceleration of settlement expansion.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/india-to-host-bimstec-foreign-ministers-meet-next-week-737959">India to host BIMSTEC Foreign Ministers' meet next week</a></p>

<p>The latest approvals "underscore the annexation occurring in the West Bank,"&nbsp;Peace Now said.</p>

<p>"Our government continues to change the rules of the game in the occupied West Bank, leading to irreversible harm," said the leading watchdog of events in the occupied territories.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/chinese-owned-leather-bag-supplier-of-dior-under-investigation-737938">Chinese-owned leather bag supplier of Dior under investigation</a></strong></p>

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<p>With tensions in the West Bank already heightened by the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, Peace Now said: "This annexationist government severely undermines the security and future of both Israelis and Palestinians, and the cost of this recklessness will be paid for generations to come."</p>

<p>Since the start of the Gaza war, violence between Palestinians and Israeli troops and settlers has intensified.</p>

<p>At least 561 Palestinians have been killed, according to an AFP tally. At least 16 Israelis, including soldiers, have been killed over the same period.</p>


Israel approved three wildcat settlement outposts in the occupied West Bank on Thursday, the Peace Now watchdog said, calling it a new stage in the "annexation" of the territory.

Israel approved three wildcat settlement outposts in the occupied West Bank on Thursday, the Peace Now watchdog said, calling it a new stage in the "annexation" of the territory. The Israeli agency which organises West Bank construction recognised outposts in Mahane Gadi, Givat Han and Kedem Arava on the edge of existing settlements, Peace Now said. It also approved 5,295 extra homes in dozens of existing settlements. All of Israel's settlements in the West Bank, occupied since 1967, are considered illegal under international law, regardless of whether they have Israeli planning permission. Also Read | Vladimir Putin believes Donald Trump is sincere about ending Ukraine war Dozens of unauthorised settlements have sprung up in the territories -- ranging from a few tents grouped together to prefabricated huts that have been linked to public electricity and water supplies. Excluding annexed east Jerusalem, some 490,000 Israeli settlers now live in the West Bank alongside some three million Palestinians. Far-right parties in Israel's governing coalition have pressed for an acceleration of settlement expansion. Also Read | India to host BIMSTEC Foreign Ministers' meet next week The latest approvals "underscore the annexation occurring in the West Bank," Peace Now said. "Our government continues to change the rules of the game in the occupied West Bank, leading to irreversible harm," said the leading watchdog of events in the occupied territories. Watch | Chinese-owned leather bag supplier of Dior under investigation × With tensions in the West Bank already heightened by the Israel-Hamas war in Gaza, Peace Now said: "This annexationist government severely undermines the security and future of both Israelis and Palestinians, and the cost of this recklessness will be paid for generations to come." Since the start of the Gaza war, violence between Palestinians and Israeli troops and settlers has intensified. At least 561 Palestinians have been killed, according to an AFP tally. At least 16 Israelis, including soldiers, have been killed over the same period.

Israel approves three wildcat settlement outposts in West Bank: Watchdog

Has Netanyahu been defeated? According to reports, a ceasefire in Gaza could be within reach. Hamas has delivered a truce proposal, which includes the release of hostages. Israel has responded saying they're studying the document. What does the revival of truce talks signal? Has Netanyahu realized this is as far as Israel goes before ending the nine-month-old war in Gaza? Has he accepted that Israel cannot win this war?

Gravitas: Has Netanyahu lost the war? Gaza ceasefire 'within reach' yet bombing continues

There are renewed hopes of a ceasefire in Gaza after Israel's Mossad spy agency said that Israel is studying Hamas's response to a proposal that would include a hostage release deal right a statement that was released by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office.

Israel-Hamas war: Hamas leader speaks to Qatar & Egypt

The state of Israel is demanding that the Israeli Defence Forces immediately begin drafting the ultra-orthodox students into the Army for compulsory military service.

Israel ultra-orthodox clash with cops over military draft order, vow to defy order

Lebanon’s Hezbollah says it launched more than 200 rockets and drones targeting Israeli military positions in response to a strike that killed a senior commander of the armed group. Watch in for more details!

Israel vs Hezbollah Conflict: Hezbollah fires over 200 rockets, explosive drones at Israel

There is renewed hope of a ceasefire in Gaza. Israel's Mossad spy agency said that Israel is studying Hamas' response to a proposal that would include a hostage release deal. Dr. Gilbert Doctorow, international affairs analyst, joins us to discuss.

Israel-Hamas war: Renewed hope for a ceasefire in Gaza

Israel-Hamas war: Hamas sends fresh proposal to mediators

<p>Lebanon-based and Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah claimed it fired more than 100 rockets at Israeli positions on Wednesday (July 3) in purported retaliation for a strike that killed a senior commander in Lebanon. The Hezbollah commander's killing is second of its kind in recent weeks.</p>

<p>Hezbollah has been continuously upping its ante with cross-border fire towards Israel after its Palestinian ally Hamas attacked southern Israel on October 7 last year that triggered larger war in Gaza.&nbsp;</p>

<p>But the potential of spillover of the conflict amid rampant trading of crossfire has raised fears of an all-out war.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/video-israel-releases-footage-of-airstrikes-on-hezbollah-targets-in-lebanon-736491">Video: Israel releases footage of airstrikes on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon</a></strong></p>

<p>"A Hezbollah commander responsible for one of three sectors in south Lebanon was killed" in an "Israeli strike on a car in Tyre", a source close to the group was quoted as saying by news agency AFP.</p>

<p>The Iran-backed group said that "commander Mohammed Naameh Nasser", also known as "Hajj Abu Naameh" had been killed, and also announced the death of a second fighter.</p>

<p>The Israeli army said in a statement that it "eliminated" Nasser, saying he was "the commander of the Hezbollah terrorist organisation's Aziz Unit which is responsible for firing from southwestern Lebanon at Israeli territory".</p>

<p>In a statement, Hezbollah said that "as part of the response to the attack and assassination that the enemy carried out" in south Lebanon's Tyre, its fighters attacked two positions in the Israeli-annexed Syrian Golan Heights "with 100 Katyusha rockets".</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Gravitas: Israeli invasion of Lebanon inevitable? Conflict with Hezbollah edging toward all-out war?</strong></p>

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<p>The militant group also claimed another retaliatory attack with "Falaq rockets" on a base in northern Israel.</p>

<p>An Israeli military spokesperson confirmed that about 100 rocket launches had been made towards Israel from Lebanon.</p>

<p>The Israeli army statement Wednesday said that Nasser and Abdallah "served as two of the most significant Hezbollah terrorists in southern Lebanon".</p>

<p>According to the AFP, the cross-border violence has killed at least 495 people in Lebanon, most of them the men affiliated to Hezbollah but the deceased also included 95 civilians. Israeli authorities say at least 15 soldiers and 11 civilians have been killed.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Lebanon-based and Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah claimed it fired more than 100 rockets at Israeli positions on Wednesday (July 3) in purported retaliation for a strike that killed a senior commander in Lebanon.

Lebanon-based and Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah claimed it fired more than 100 rockets at Israeli positions on Wednesday (July 3) in purported retaliation for a strike that killed a senior commander in Lebanon. The Hezbollah commander's killing is second of its kind in recent weeks. Hezbollah has been continuously upping its ante with cross-border fire towards Israel after its Palestinian ally Hamas attacked southern Israel on October 7 last year that triggered larger war in Gaza. But the potential of spillover of the conflict amid rampant trading of crossfire has raised fears of an all-out war. Also read | Video: Israel releases footage of airstrikes on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon "A Hezbollah commander responsible for one of three sectors in south Lebanon was killed" in an "Israeli strike on a car in Tyre", a source close to the group was quoted as saying by news agency AFP. The Iran-backed group said that "commander Mohammed Naameh Nasser", also known as "Hajj Abu Naameh" had been killed, and also announced the death of a second fighter. The Israeli army said in a statement that it "eliminated" Nasser, saying he was "the commander of the Hezbollah terrorist organisation's Aziz Unit which is responsible for firing from southwestern Lebanon at Israeli territory". In a statement, Hezbollah said that "as part of the response to the attack and assassination that the enemy carried out" in south Lebanon's Tyre, its fighters attacked two positions in the Israeli-annexed Syrian Golan Heights "with 100 Katyusha rockets". Also watch | Gravitas: Israeli invasion of Lebanon inevitable? Conflict with Hezbollah edging toward all-out war? × The militant group also claimed another retaliatory attack with "Falaq rockets" on a base in northern Israel. An Israeli military spokesperson confirmed that about 100 rocket launches had been made towards Israel from Lebanon. The Israeli army statement Wednesday said that Nasser and Abdallah "served as two of the most significant Hezbollah terrorists in southern Lebanon". According to the AFP, the cross-border violence has killed at least 495 people in Lebanon, most of them the men affiliated to Hezbollah but the deceased also included 95 civilians. Israeli authorities say at least 15 soldiers and 11 civilians have been killed. (With inputs from agencies)

Hezbollah launches massive rocket attack on Israel after its commander gets killed

The Israeli Army carried out a drone strike against what it claims was a terrorist cell in the Nur Shams camp near Tulkarm in West Bank. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hamas war: IDF hits West Bank 'terror cell'

Israel's far-right Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who also holds a ministerial position in the Defense Ministry, gave approval for demolition of the illegal West Bank outpost of Tzur Harel. Watch in for more details!

Israel's finance minister approved demolition in West Bank, says report

Israel-Hamas war: Four killed in Israeli strike on West Bank

<p>Israel has approved the largest land seizure in the occupied West Bank in more than 30 years, according to the anti-settlement watchdog group Peace Now. The decision is likely to escalate tensions amid the ongoing war in Gaza. The latest land seizure involves the appropriation of 12.7 square kilometres (nearly 5 square miles) of land in the Jordan Valley.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-oslo-accords-at-30-hope-struggle-and-the-quest-for-peace-635453">The Oslo Accords: A journey of hope, struggle, and quest for peace</a></strong></p>

<p>Peace Now reported that this recent appropriation is the largest since the 1993 Oslo accords. The decision, finalised late last month but only revealed on Wednesday (July 3), follows the seizure of 8 square kilometres (approximately 3 square miles) in March and 2.6 square kilometres (1 square mile) in February. The combined actions have made 2024 a peak year for Israeli land seizures in the West Bank.</p>

<h2><strong>What does it mean?</strong></h2>

<p>The appropriated land is contiguous and situated northeast of Ramallah, the administrative centre of the Palestinian Authority. By designating these lands as state property, the Israeli government has opened them up for leasing to Israelis and therefore prohibiting private Palestinian ownership.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Severe unrest in West bank amid Gaza war, Israeli raids in West Bank target Hamas funding | WION</strong></p>

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<p>The expansion of settlements in the occupied West Bank is viewed by Palestinians as the primary obstacle to a lasting peace agreement. Most of the international community also considers these settlements illegal or illegitimate. Israel captured the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem during the 1967 war, territories that Palestinians seek for a future state.</p>

<p>However, Israel's current government calls the West Bank as the historical and religious heartland of the Jewish people and opposes Palestinian statehood.</p>

<p>Israel has established over 100 settlements in the West Bank, home to more than 500,000 Jewish settlers with Israeli citizenship. In contrast, the 3 million Palestinians living in the West Bank remain under Israeli military rule.</p>

<p>Although the Palestinian Authority governs parts of the West Bank, it is restricted from operating in 60 per cent of the territory where the settlements are located.<br />
<br />
<em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Israel has approved the largest land seizure in the occupied West Bank in more than 30 years, according to the anti-settlement watchdog group Peace Now. The decision is likely to escalate tensions amid the ongoing war in Gaza.

Israel has approved the largest land seizure in the occupied West Bank in more than 30 years, according to the anti-settlement watchdog group Peace Now. The decision is likely to escalate tensions amid the ongoing war in Gaza. The latest land seizure involves the appropriation of 12.7 square kilometres (nearly 5 square miles) of land in the Jordan Valley. Also read | The Oslo Accords: A journey of hope, struggle, and quest for peace Peace Now reported that this recent appropriation is the largest since the 1993 Oslo accords. The decision, finalised late last month but only revealed on Wednesday (July 3), follows the seizure of 8 square kilometres (approximately 3 square miles) in March and 2.6 square kilometres (1 square mile) in February. The combined actions have made 2024 a peak year for Israeli land seizures in the West Bank. What does it mean? The appropriated land is contiguous and situated northeast of Ramallah, the administrative centre of the Palestinian Authority. By designating these lands as state property, the Israeli government has opened them up for leasing to Israelis and therefore prohibiting private Palestinian ownership. Also watch | Severe unrest in West bank amid Gaza war, Israeli raids in West Bank target Hamas funding | WION × The expansion of settlements in the occupied West Bank is viewed by Palestinians as the primary obstacle to a lasting peace agreement. Most of the international community also considers these settlements illegal or illegitimate. Israel captured the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and East Jerusalem during the 1967 war, territories that Palestinians seek for a future state. However, Israel's current government calls the West Bank as the historical and religious heartland of the Jewish people and opposes Palestinian statehood. Israel has established over 100 settlements in the West Bank, home to more than 500,000 Jewish settlers with Israeli citizenship. In contrast, the 3 million Palestinians living in the West Bank remain under Israeli military rule. Although the Palestinian Authority governs parts of the West Bank, it is restricted from operating in 60 per cent of the territory where the settlements are located. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel approves occupation of 12.7 sqkm of Palestinian land in West Bank, largest since 1993 Oslo accords

Amid the war in Gaza, more doubt is being raised about Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's ties with Qatar, which hosts Hamas leadership and was a mediator with the Jewish nation's truce negotiations with the Palestinian militant group. Reports this week have claimed that Israel and its leaders received millions of dollars in funds from the Arab nation, some of which went into helping administer Gaza, but eventually helped Hamas, according to critics.

Deep criminality around Netanyahu emerges, leaked papers say 'Doha funded Netanyahu's campaigns'

Israel war: 4 killed in Israeli strike on West Bank | Israel insists 'long campaign' ahead in Gaza

The military carried out a drone strike late Tuesday against a cell of terror operatives in the West Bank's Nur Shams, with the Palestinians reporting four killed in the attack. According to the Israel Defense Forces, the operatives were planting an explosive device when they were struck.

Israel-Hamas war: IDF drone hits cell 'planting roadside bomb' in West Bank

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