Iran's Guardian Council has approved the country's Hardline Parliament speaker and five others to contest the country's presidential elections on Sunday. This development comes following a helicopter crash that killed Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi. Former President Ahmadinejad was barred from running for polls.

Iran approves 6 candidates for Presidential race, Guardian council bars Former President Ahmadinejad

Centre-right leader Benny Gantz resigns from Israel's war cabinet, citing lack of "the day after" plans for Gaza by the current government. We speak to Helit Barel, former director, Israel's national security council- who says no one in Israel wants this war to stretch, we want a comprehensive deal on hostages, and the Gaza Strip to be governed by PLA or others but not the Hamas.

Israel war: Netanyahu 'preventing' true victory in Gaza, says Gantz as he exits war cabinet

Watch top headlines of the hour: - Far-right on top, Macron calls snap polls - PM Sunak to lose his own seat: Poll - Israel: Gadi Eisenkot quits post - Putin to visit North Korea, Vietnam - Germany warns against EU Tariffs - Missile boats join PL military drills

Putin to visit North Korea, Vietnam | PM Sunak to lose his own seat: Poll

Israeli war cabinet minister Benny Gantz announced on Sunday that he was quitting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s emergency unity government formed shortly after the Hamas Oct 7. attack on Israel.

Israel: Benny Gantz quits war cabinet; accuses Netanyahu of preventing 'true victory'

<p>Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is facing mounting pressure to agree to a ceasefire deal, has asked his war cabinet minister Gantz to not leave the emergency wartime government and "remain united."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Netanyahu's post on X on Saturday (June 8), when translated in English, read, "This is the time for unity and not for division. We must remain united within ourselves in the face of the great tasks before us. I call on Benny Gantz - do not leave the emergency government. Don't give up on unity."</p>

<p>Multiple Israeli media outlets reported that&nbsp;Gantz postponed the presser scheduled for Saturday where he was speculated to make an announcement of his resignation from Netanyahu's emergency government.</p>

<p>WION's correspondent in Israel confirmed that the presser by Gantz where he was due to make an announcement has now been canceled because of the hostages' rescue, a development which was a major sigh of relief for many Israelis who are demanding the prompt release of Israeli captives by Hamas.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Israeli forces successfully rescued four hostages from the Nuseirat refugee camp in Gaza on Saturday.</p>

<h2><strong>210 Palestinians killed amid rescue: Hamas&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The rescue operation, which took place amid intense conflict, left 210 Palestinians dead and hundreds injured, according to reports from the Hamas-run government.</p>

<p>The al Qassam Brigades, Hamas's military wing, confirmed the rescue in a Telegram post.</p>

<p>Spokesman Abu Ubaida stated, "The enemy was able, by committing horrific massacres, to free some of its prisoners, but at the same time it killed some of them during the operation."&nbsp;</p>

<p>He further warned that the operation could endanger remaining hostages, saying, "The operation will pose a great danger to the enemy prisoners and will have a devastating impact on their conditions and lives."</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-war-noa-argamani-and-other-rescued-hostages-fateful-encounter-with-hamas-on-oct-7-729997">Gaza war: Noa Argamani and other rescued hostages' fateful encounter with Hamas on Oct 7</a></p>

<p>The Israeli military reported that the four rescued hostages - Noa Argamani, 26, Almog Meir Jan, 22, Andrey Kozlov, 27, and Shlomi Ziv, 41 - were in good medical condition. They were taken during Hamas's attack on the Nova music festival&nbsp;on October 7, an event that triggered the ongoing war in Gaza.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-and-macron-celebrate-us-french-ties-show-support-for-ukraine-and-gaza-ceasefire-deal-729985">Biden and Macron celebrate US-French ties, show support for Ukraine and Gaza ceasefire deal</a></p>

<p>An Israel Defence Forces source told Sky News that the hostages were held in "residential buildings in the midst of civilian population." "As far as I know, they were all Hamas operatives. Sounds convenient for Hamas to say that they are not after the hostages were rescued," the said source revealed.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/french-president-macron-welcomes-us-president-biden-in-paris-729974">French President Macron welcomes US President Biden in Paris</a></strong></p>

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<p>Currently, 116 hostages remain in Gaza, including 41 that the Israeli army believes are dead.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is facing mounting pressure to agree to a ceasefire deal, has asked his war cabinet minister Gantz to not leave the emergency wartime government and "remain united.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is facing mounting pressure to agree to a ceasefire deal, has asked his war cabinet minister Gantz to not leave the emergency wartime government and "remain united." Netanyahu's post on X on Saturday (June 8), when translated in English, read, "This is the time for unity and not for division. We must remain united within ourselves in the face of the great tasks before us. I call on Benny Gantz - do not leave the emergency government. Don't give up on unity." Multiple Israeli media outlets reported that Gantz postponed the presser scheduled for Saturday where he was speculated to make an announcement of his resignation from Netanyahu's emergency government. WION's correspondent in Israel confirmed that the presser by Gantz where he was due to make an announcement has now been canceled because of the hostages' rescue, a development which was a major sigh of relief for many Israelis who are demanding the prompt release of Israeli captives by Hamas. Israeli forces successfully rescued four hostages from the Nuseirat refugee camp in Gaza on Saturday. 210 Palestinians killed amid rescue: Hamas The rescue operation, which took place amid intense conflict, left 210 Palestinians dead and hundreds injured, according to reports from the Hamas-run government. The al Qassam Brigades, Hamas's military wing, confirmed the rescue in a Telegram post. Spokesman Abu Ubaida stated, "The enemy was able, by committing horrific massacres, to free some of its prisoners, but at the same time it killed some of them during the operation." He further warned that the operation could endanger remaining hostages, saying, "The operation will pose a great danger to the enemy prisoners and will have a devastating impact on their conditions and lives." Also Read | Gaza war: Noa Argamani and other rescued hostages' fateful encounter with Hamas on Oct 7 The Israeli military reported that the four rescued hostages - Noa Argamani, 26, Almog Meir Jan, 22, Andrey Kozlov, 27, and Shlomi Ziv, 41 - were in good medical condition. They were taken during Hamas's attack on the Nova music festival on October 7, an event that triggered the ongoing war in Gaza. Also Read | Biden and Macron celebrate US-French ties, show support for Ukraine and Gaza ceasefire deal An Israel Defence Forces source told Sky News that the hostages were held in "residential buildings in the midst of civilian population." "As far as I know, they were all Hamas operatives. Sounds convenient for Hamas to say that they are not after the hostages were rescued," the said source revealed. Watch | French President Macron welcomes US President Biden in Paris × Currently, 116 hostages remain in Gaza, including 41 that the Israeli army believes are dead. (With inputs from agencies)

Netanyahu urges 'unity', calls on Gantz to stay in emergency wartime government

Israeli forces are continuing to pound Central and Southern parts of Gaza. The Palestine Red Crescent Society informed that an Israeli strike on a house in Central Gaza's Deir Al-Balah has wounded over 10 people.

Israel war: Israel continues to pound central Gaza

<p>Nine months after 26-year-old Noa Argamani was abducted by Hamas from a music festival-turned-killing field in southern Israel, she returned at a Tel Aviv hospital to see her terminally ill mother. One of the most recognised faces of the 'Bring Them Home' campaign, Argamani was among over 250 people taken captive by Hamas when the Palestinian militant group attacked Israel on last October 7. The consequent state of war in Gaza has led to an unprecedented humanitarian crisis with over 36,000 dead.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Argamani's footage of her being taken into Gaza on the back of a motorcycle while pleading for her life and reaching towards her boyfriend being marched along with her on foot went viral all over the world.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Argamani's boyfriend Avinatan Or is still in captivity.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-war-noa-argamani-and-other-rescued-hostages-fateful-encounter-with-hamas-on-oct-7-729997">Gaza war: Noa Argamani and other rescued hostages' fateful encounter with Hamas on Oct 7</a></strong></p>

<p>Argamani was rescued on Saturday (June 8), along with three other hostages, in an operation by Israeli special forces from an apartment building in central Gaza.&nbsp;Palestinian officials claimed that Israeli operation to rescue the hostages&nbsp;killed more than 200 people, a claim which could not be immediately verified.</p>

<p>The hostage rescue operation and an intense accompanying air assault took place in central Gaza's al-Nuseirat, a densely built-up and often embattled area in the conflict between Israel and Hamas.</p>

<h2><strong>'I am so happy': Noa Argamani after being rescued</strong></h2>

<p>"I'm so happy to be here," Noa said in a phone call with Israel's president upon her return, while surrounded by friends and family.</p>

<p>Noa was later met with cheers upon arrival at Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center where her mother, Liora, was being treated for terminal brain cancer.</p>

<p>In October, when her daughter was abducted, Liora, sitting in a wheelchair imagined her reunion with daughter.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"At least to be able to hug her," Liora had said.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Israel war: IDF rescues 4 hostages from Gaza</strong></p>

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<p>Liora, a cancer patient, is faced with&nbsp;a "complicated and tough" health condition.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"For the last eight months we are trying to keep her in a status that she can communicate," Tel Aviv hospital CEO,&nbsp;Gamzu, where Liora is being treated, said.</p>

<p>Argamani's father, Yaakov, first met her after a military helicopter carried her back to Israel.</p>

<p>"Today is my birthday, and a gift like this I never believed I would get," he said.</p>

<p>More than 360 people were killed during the rampage at the Nova dance festival, and another 40 were taken hostage by Hamas, according to Israeli records.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><em><strong>Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.&nbsp;</strong></em></p>


Nine months after 26-year-old Noa Argamani was abducted by Hamas from a music festival-turned-killing field in southern Israel, she returned at a Tel Aviv hospital to see her terminally ill mother.

Nine months after 26-year-old Noa Argamani was abducted by Hamas from a music festival-turned-killing field in southern Israel, she returned at a Tel Aviv hospital to see her terminally ill mother. One of the most recognised faces of the 'Bring Them Home' campaign, Argamani was among over 250 people taken captive by Hamas when the Palestinian militant group attacked Israel on last October 7. The consequent state of war in Gaza has led to an unprecedented humanitarian crisis with over 36,000 dead. Argamani's footage of her being taken into Gaza on the back of a motorcycle while pleading for her life and reaching towards her boyfriend being marched along with her on foot went viral all over the world. Argamani's boyfriend Avinatan Or is still in captivity. Also read | Gaza war: Noa Argamani and other rescued hostages' fateful encounter with Hamas on Oct 7 Argamani was rescued on Saturday (June 8), along with three other hostages, in an operation by Israeli special forces from an apartment building in central Gaza. Palestinian officials claimed that Israeli operation to rescue the hostages killed more than 200 people, a claim which could not be immediately verified. The hostage rescue operation and an intense accompanying air assault took place in central Gaza's al-Nuseirat, a densely built-up and often embattled area in the conflict between Israel and Hamas. 'I am so happy': Noa Argamani after being rescued "I'm so happy to be here," Noa said in a phone call with Israel's president upon her return, while surrounded by friends and family. Noa was later met with cheers upon arrival at Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center where her mother, Liora, was being treated for terminal brain cancer. In October, when her daughter was abducted, Liora, sitting in a wheelchair imagined her reunion with daughter. "At least to be able to hug her," Liora had said. Also watch | Israel war: IDF rescues 4 hostages from Gaza × Liora, a cancer patient, is faced with a "complicated and tough" health condition. "For the last eight months we are trying to keep her in a status that she can communicate," Tel Aviv hospital CEO, Gamzu, where Liora is being treated, said. Argamani's father, Yaakov, first met her after a military helicopter carried her back to Israel. "Today is my birthday, and a gift like this I never believed I would get," he said. More than 360 people were killed during the rampage at the Nova dance festival, and another 40 were taken hostage by Hamas, according to Israeli records. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.

Israeli hostage Noa Argamani rescued just in time to see her terminally ailing mother

Israeli Wartime Cabinet Minister Benny Gantz postponed his expected resignation announcement following a rescue operation in the Gaza Strip in which four Israeli hostages were released.

Israel-Hamas war: Israeli minister cancels resignation speech after hostages rescued from Gaza

Israelis celebrated Saturday the release of four hostages from Gaza in a military operation, cheering on beaches and gathering outside the hospital where the former captives underwent medical checks.

Israel-Hamas war: Israelis celebrate after four hostages taken from Nova festival rescued

Israel-Hamas war: Benny Gantz delays statement after hostage rescue

Israeli forces have rescued about four hostages from the Al-Nuseirat area of central Gaza the hostages include three men and one woman who remembered to have been taken hostage by Hamas Fighters.

Israel-Hamas war: Netanyahu meets and speaks to rescued hostages

Israel war: IDF rescues 4 hostages from Gaza

Israel war: Netanyahu meets and speaks to rescued hostages

The UN has decided to include Israel in the black list of countries and organizations that harm children in conflict zones. Watch to know more.

Israel-Hamas war: UN adds Israel to list of states committing violations against children

With a renewed ceasefire push in the eight-month-old Gaza war stalled, Israel bombarded central and southern areas again on Friday, killing at least 28 Palestinians, and tank forces advanced to the western edges of Rafah.

Israel-Hamas war: Israel forces batter central, South Gaza

Israel war: Israel rescues four hostages from Gaza

Benny Gantz, a key member of Israel’s war cabinet, might resign from the government by Saturday night, following his ultimatum to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on presenting a plan for the day after the Gaza war.

Israel-Hamas war: Israeli Minister Gantz's deadline ends today

<p>The United Nations has added Israel to the global list of states and armed groups who have committed violations against children in the past year, the country's UN envoy Gilad Erdan confirmed.</p>

<p>Erdan said he was "shocked and disgusted" by the "shameful" decision to include Israel on this year’s list. It's&nbsp;part of a report on children and armed conflict due to be presented to the UN security council next Friday.</p>

<p>"I am utterly shocked and disgusted by this shameful decision of the secretary-general," said Erdan.</p>

<p>"Israel’s army is the most moral army in the world, so this immoral decision will only aid the terrorists and reward Hamas."</p>

<p>Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a statement that the UN had "added itself to the black list of history when it joined those who support the Hamas murderers."</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Israel-Hamas war: UN adds Israel to list of states committing violations against children</strong></p>

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<p>Israel Katz, Israel’s foreign minister, also warned that the decision would have an impact on the country’s relations with the United Nations which are already very strained.</p>

<p>Israel is refusing to deal with the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), the main organisation channeling aid to Palestinian refugees in Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-army-hamas-in-list-of-offenders-committing-violations-against-children-729771">Israeli Army, Hamas in UN list of offenders committing violations against children</a></strong></p>

<p>There have been claims by UN staff that Israel had been left off the list of offenders in previous years after political pressure from Israeli officials.</p>

<h2><strong>What makes a nation child rights violator?</strong></h2>

<p>The United Nations considers six grave violations as the basis of adding nation-states into the list of such countries. They are:&nbsp;</p>

<p>- Killing and maiming of children;</p>

<p>- Recruitment or use of children as soldiers;</p>

<p>- Sexual violence against children;</p>

<p>- Abduction of children;</p>

<p>- Attacks against schools or hospitals;</p>

<p>- Denial of humanitarian access for children</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The United Nations has added Israel to the global list of states and armed groups who have committed violations against children in the past year, the country's UN envoy Gilad Erdan confirmed.

The United Nations has added Israel to the global list of states and armed groups who have committed violations against children in the past year, the country's UN envoy Gilad Erdan confirmed. Erdan said he was "shocked and disgusted" by the "shameful" decision to include Israel on this year’s list. It's part of a report on children and armed conflict due to be presented to the UN security council next Friday. "I am utterly shocked and disgusted by this shameful decision of the secretary-general," said Erdan. "Israel’s army is the most moral army in the world, so this immoral decision will only aid the terrorists and reward Hamas." Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a statement that the UN had "added itself to the black list of history when it joined those who support the Hamas murderers." Also watch | Israel-Hamas war: UN adds Israel to list of states committing violations against children × Israel Katz, Israel’s foreign minister, also warned that the decision would have an impact on the country’s relations with the United Nations which are already very strained. Israel is refusing to deal with the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), the main organisation channeling aid to Palestinian refugees in Gaza, the West Bank, Jordan, Lebanon and Syria. Also read | Israeli Army, Hamas in UN list of offenders committing violations against children There have been claims by UN staff that Israel had been left off the list of offenders in previous years after political pressure from Israeli officials. What makes a nation child rights violator? The United Nations considers six grave violations as the basis of adding nation-states into the list of such countries. They are: - Killing and maiming of children; - Recruitment or use of children as soldiers; - Sexual violence against children; - Abduction of children; - Attacks against schools or hospitals; - Denial of humanitarian access for children (With inputs from agencies)

Blacklist of history: Israel reacts sharply to inclusion in UN 'list of shame' for children's rights abuse

Israel-Hamas war: UN puts Israel on blacklist of countries harming children in conflict zones

Benjamin Netanyahu is all set to address a joint meeting of the US Congress on the 24th of July, During his address he will reportedly reveal the truth about the ongoing War. It's unclear at this point if Netanyahu would meet Biden during his visit this visit.

Netanyahu on US visit: Will reveal 'Truth about war with Hamas'

Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu is expected to address a joint meeting of Congress on July 24, setting the stage for what is expected to be a contentious speech at a crucial moment for the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. Watch to know more.

Israel-Hamas war | Netanyahu in US: What next for Israel? | Will Netanyahu meet Biden?

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned on Wednesday that Israel was prepared with an “extremely powerful” response to attacks from Hezbollah in Lebanon, which have escalated significantly in recent days.Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hamas war: Israel fighting multi-pronged war: Netanyahu

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

Hezbollah says it disabled Israel's iron dome

The US says Benjamin Netanyahu might be prolonging the Gaza war for political gains. Meanwhile, Israel carried out a targeted airstrike on the UNWRA school in central Gaza. Find out more in our next report.

IDF says Hamas was inside UNWRA premises

Watch top headlines of the hour: - Israeli forces batter central, south Gaza - Russia warns France of stoking tensions - India: BJP allies praise PM Modi - Israel steps up Rafah Bombing - Germany: Army to be ready for war - Starmer: Sunak to answer for leaving D-Day event early

WION Headlines | Israeli forces batter central, south Gaza | Russia warns France of stoking tensions

The proposed ceasefire agreement between US President Joe Biden and Gaza was described by a senior Hamas official as "just words" on Thursday, and the Palestinian organization has not received any formal pledges on a truce.

Israel-Hamas war: Hamas claims proposed Gaza ceasefire deal was 'just words'

Watch top headlines of the hour: - Modi: NDA most successful alliance - India: BJP allies praise PM Modi - Israel steps up Rafah Bombing - Germany: Army to be ready for war - Sunak: Sorry left D-Day event early

WION Headlines | India: BJP allies praise PM Modi | Israel steps up Rafah Bombing

Amid the ongoing ceasefire talks, the Israeli army has said that it has carried out a deadly strike on a UN in school in Central Gaza which it claims houses a Hamas compound.

Israel-war:  Strike on UN school kills 'dozens', Hamas calls strike 'horrific massacre'

Ambassador Daniel Shek, Head of diplomacy for the Hostages Forum shares insights with WION's correspondent Jodie Cohen during their conversation. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hamas war: Ex-Israeli envoy Daniel Shek says "better to have negotiations"

Israel hit a Gaza school on Thursday with what it described as a targeted airstrike on up to 30 Hamas fighters inside, while a Hamas official said 40 people including women and children were killed as they sheltered in the UN site.

Dozens reported killed in strike on Gaza school that Israel says targeted Hamas

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