With less than six months to go for Presidential elections in the United States, Joe Biden's Democratic vote bank is witnessing growing divide and at the heart of this divide is Gaza's war-induced humanitarian crisis and the nationwide US campus protests.

Race to the White House: Democrats divided over Gaza crisis | Can Gaza cost Biden a re-election?

While Israel is vowing to send more troops into Gaza's Rafah city, fears surrounding IDF's war objectives in Gaza, are growing by the hour. World leaders have united in their efforts to halt Israel's Rafah incursion.

US: Israel won't achieve 'total victory'

Israel has requested the International Court of Justice not to impose an emergency ruling requiring it to increase humanitarian aid to Gaza to confront what relief organizations warn is a looming famine, describing South Africa's motion as "morally repugnant." Watch to know more.

Israel slams South Africa's genocide claims at ICJ

<p>Two of the eight Thai hostages who were held captive by Hamas were confirmed to have been killed in the October 7 assault and their bodies are being held by the militant group, the Israel army said in a statement on Thursday (May 16).&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We informed the families of two kidnapped Thai citizens, who worked in agriculture in the plantations near Kibbutz Beeri, that they were murdered in the terrorist attack on October 7 and their bodies are being held by Hamas," said Israeli army spokesman Daniel Hagari, according to AFP news agency.</p>

<p>The same was confirmed by the Thailand government, which in a statement, said that the news was communicated to the country's foreign ministry by the&nbsp;Royal Thai Embassy in Tel Aviv. The Thai nationals were identified as Sonthaya Oakkharasri and Sudthisak Rinthalak.</p>

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<p>Thailand Ministry of Foreign Affairs was informed about the unfortunate development "upon consideration of the available evidence." This comes as the "Committee for Assessing the Conditions of the Hostages of the Israeli Government has concluded that two Thai nationals listed as hostages in Gaza" are deceased, since October 2023," as per the the Thailand government.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>Hagari in a press briefing said, “On October 7, Hamas terrorists brutally murdered 39 Thai nationals, and kidnapped 31 Thai nationals to Gaza.”</p>

<p>“Like them, other foreign nationals were abducted, including from Tanzania, Nepal, Mexico, the US, and France," he continued, adding, “The terrible cruelty of Hamas was used against anyone that stood in its way, without distinction of their origin."&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/new-caledonia-protest-france-sends-troop-to-diffuse-unrest-722266">New Caledonia protest: France sends troop to diffuse unrest</a></strong></p>

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<p>Notably, on the fateful day of October 7 last year, nearly 1,200 people were killed while about 252 were held hostages by the militant group.</p>

<h2><strong>30,000 Thai nationals were working in Israel on Hamas assault eve&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Media reports suggest that around 30,000 Thai nationals were working in Israel on the eve of the Hamas attack. Among these Thai nationals, the majority were fieldhands in agricultural regions near the Gaza border.&nbsp;</p>

<p><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.</strong></p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


Two of the eight Thai hostages who were held captive by Hamas were confirmed to have been killed in the October 7 assault and their bodies are being held by the militant group, the Israel army said in a statement on Thursday (May 16).

Two of the eight Thai hostages who were held captive by Hamas were confirmed to have been killed in the October 7 assault and their bodies are being held by the militant group, the Israel army said in a statement on Thursday (May 16). "We informed the families of two kidnapped Thai citizens, who worked in agriculture in the plantations near Kibbutz Beeri, that they were murdered in the terrorist attack on October 7 and their bodies are being held by Hamas," said Israeli army spokesman Daniel Hagari, according to AFP news agency. The same was confirmed by the Thailand government, which in a statement, said that the news was communicated to the country's foreign ministry by the Royal Thai Embassy in Tel Aviv. The Thai nationals were identified as Sonthaya Oakkharasri and Sudthisak Rinthalak. Also Read | In historic move, US moves to reclassify Marijuana as drug with less risk Thailand Ministry of Foreign Affairs was informed about the unfortunate development "upon consideration of the available evidence." This comes as the "Committee for Assessing the Conditions of the Hostages of the Israeli Government has concluded that two Thai nationals listed as hostages in Gaza" are deceased, since October 2023," as per the the Thailand government. Also Read | US blasts China after Putin-Xi meet, says 'you can't have it both ways' Hagari in a press briefing said, “On October 7, Hamas terrorists brutally murdered 39 Thai nationals, and kidnapped 31 Thai nationals to Gaza.” “Like them, other foreign nationals were abducted, including from Tanzania, Nepal, Mexico, the US, and France," he continued, adding, “The terrible cruelty of Hamas was used against anyone that stood in its way, without distinction of their origin." Watch | New Caledonia protest: France sends troop to diffuse unrest × Notably, on the fateful day of October 7 last year, nearly 1,200 people were killed while about 252 were held hostages by the militant group. 30,000 Thai nationals were working in Israel on Hamas assault eve Media reports suggest that around 30,000 Thai nationals were working in Israel on the eve of the Hamas attack. Among these Thai nationals, the majority were fieldhands in agricultural regions near the Gaza border. 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. (With inputs from agencies)

Two Thai nationals held hostage by Hamas in Gaza were killed on Oct 7

President Joe Biden said on Wednesday that Israeli soldiers have not yet launched their anticipated ground invasion of Rafah, a red line step that he earlier stated would halt the US supply of arms to Israel. However, as of Thursday, media reports and humanitarians indicate that a ground assault on Rafah has already commenced. Watch to know more.

Israel War: Gazans pushback on US aid route

The Israeli Prime Minister has for years, wanted to shut the agency down. Why does Netanyahu have a problem with UNRWA? Our next report breaks it down for you.

Does Israel want to shut down UN offices?

South Africa requests new emergency measures over Israel's attacks on Rafah from the International Court of Justice. The measures form part of an ongoing case South Africa filed at the ICJ in December last year accusing Israel of violating the Genocide Convention during its offensive against Palestinians in Gaza.

Israel war: South Africa warns of 'irreparable harm' over Israel's Rafah assault

Watch top headlines of the hour: - Putin, Xi seal 'new era' in strategic relations - Ready to hold peace talks: Putin - Air strike continues over Gaza - Israeli official heckled at World Court - First aid enters Gaza via US Pier - Swati Maliwal row: Cops at Delhi CM's house

Ready to hold peace talks: Putin | Air strike continues over Gaza

Israel war: World Court opens hearings on request to halt Rafah incursion

Watch top headlines of the hour: - Fresh Israel strikes hit Lebanon - Scuffle in Taiwan's Parliament - Thunderstorms pound Houtson in US - UN: Recieved only 12% funds for Sudan - Stop Israel's Rafah offensive: South Africa to ICJ - Rare Xi, Putin hug to sign deal

Rare Xi, Putin hug to sign deal | Fresh Israeli strikes hit Lebanon

Israel war: South Africa drags Israel to UN court, demands constraints on IDF actions

Watch top headlines of the hour: - Fresh Israel strikes hit Lebanon - Scuffle in Taiwan's Parliament - Thunderstorms pound Houtson in US - UN: Recieved only 12% funds for Sudan - Stop Israel's Rafah offensive: South Africa to ICJ

Fresh Israel strikes hit Lebanon | Scuffle in Taiwan's Parliament

The US military completed the installation of a temporary pier to facilitate the transportation of humanitarian aid into Gaza from the Mediterranean Sea. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hamas War: US military completes installation of Gaza floating pier for aid delivery

On Wednesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was openly questioned regarding post-war plans for the Gaza Strip by his own defense chief, who vowed to resist Israel's long-term military rule over the wrecked Palestinian enclave. Watch to know more.

Israel-Hamas War | Israeli troops mistakenly kill 5 of their own soldiers in Gaza Strip

Israeli forces are pressing from both the north and south as the Rafah operation continues. From the north, they intend to retake a territory from Hamas.

Israel War: Israel escalates attacks on Rafah as aid agencies warn of Gaza  on the brink of famine

Defence chief Gallant questions Netanyahu, questions over lack of post-war Gaza plan

On Wednesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was openly questioned regarding post-war plans for the Gaza Strip by his own Defense Chief, who vowed to resist Israel's long-term military rule over the wrecked Palestinian enclave. Watch to know more.

Israel war: Netanyahu fends off criticism at home and abroad

<p>Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, in a confrontation on Wednesday (May 15), rejected Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's strategy for the Gaza Strip following the war with Hamas, which has been going on since October 7 when the militant group led an assault on the Jewish nation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Gallant's televised statement highlighted a deepening rift within the Israeli leadership. "We must dismantle Hamas’ governing capabilities in Gaza. The key to this goal is military action, and the establishment of a governing alternative in Gaza," Gallant said, adding,&nbsp;"In the absence of such an alternative, only two negative options remain: Hamas' rule in Gaza or Israeli military rule in Gaza."</p>

<p>As per Gallant, he has been making efforts to promote his plan within the Israeli cabinet since October of a&nbsp;"non-hostile Palestinian governing alternative". However, there has been no response, he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Gallant has shown&nbsp;his opposition to any long-term military rule by Israel in the besieged territory.</p>

<p>While Netanyahu in a veiled statement and without mentioning defence minister directly, hinted at Gallant's remarks as being mere "excuses."</p>

<p>However, former general Benny Gantz supported&nbsp;Gallant's position and said that the defence minister "spoke the truth".&nbsp;</p>

<p>The defence minister's criticism echoed sentiments expressed by the United States that&nbsp;has been advocating for a role for the internationally supported Palestinian Authority (PA) in Gaza.</p>

<h2><strong>Israel's Rafah invasion&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The&nbsp;public dissent from within the Israeli leadership comes amid the ongoing bombardment of areas in Rafah and amid the dismissal by Netanyahu of US President Joe Biden's warnings to stop the supply of weapons to Israel</p>

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<p>Netanyahu's ruling coalition includes ultra-nationalist partners who oppose the PA and support new Jewish settlements in Gaza, leading to occasional policy disagreements within the government.</p>

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<p>Netanyahu has indicated that Israel will retain overall security control over Gaza post-war but stopped short of terming it an occupation.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>As Israeli ground forces reenter areas of northern Gaza, concerns mount over the lack of a clear post-Hamas strategy for the territory.</p>

<p>The World Food Programme (WFP) warned of a potential humanitarian catastrophe if Israel's incursion into Rafah City escalates further, with hundreds of thousands already displaced due to evacuation orders issued earlier in May.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, in a confrontation on Wednesday (May 15), rejected Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's strategy for the Gaza Strip following the war with Hamas, which has been going on since October 7 when the militant group led an assault on the Jewish nation.

Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, in a confrontation on Wednesday (May 15), rejected Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's strategy for the Gaza Strip following the war with Hamas, which has been going on since October 7 when the militant group led an assault on the Jewish nation. Gallant's televised statement highlighted a deepening rift within the Israeli leadership. "We must dismantle Hamas’ governing capabilities in Gaza. The key to this goal is military action, and the establishment of a governing alternative in Gaza," Gallant said, adding, "In the absence of such an alternative, only two negative options remain: Hamas' rule in Gaza or Israeli military rule in Gaza." As per Gallant, he has been making efforts to promote his plan within the Israeli cabinet since October of a "non-hostile Palestinian governing alternative". However, there has been no response, he added. Gallant has shown his opposition to any long-term military rule by Israel in the besieged territory. While Netanyahu in a veiled statement and without mentioning defence minister directly, hinted at Gallant's remarks as being mere "excuses." However, former general Benny Gantz supported Gallant's position and said that the defence minister "spoke the truth". The defence minister's criticism echoed sentiments expressed by the United States that has been advocating for a role for the internationally supported Palestinian Authority (PA) in Gaza. Israel's Rafah invasion The public dissent from within the Israeli leadership comes amid the ongoing bombardment of areas in Rafah and amid the dismissal by Netanyahu of US President Joe Biden's warnings to stop the supply of weapons to Israel Also Read | Slovak PM Robert Fico 'not in life-threatening situation': Dy PM gives update Netanyahu's ruling coalition includes ultra-nationalist partners who oppose the PA and support new Jewish settlements in Gaza, leading to occasional policy disagreements within the government. Also Read | French PM declares state of emergency in New Caledonia as four killed in riots Netanyahu has indicated that Israel will retain overall security control over Gaza post-war but stopped short of terming it an occupation. Watch | Slovak PM shooting: Slovakia president condemns attack × As Israeli ground forces reenter areas of northern Gaza, concerns mount over the lack of a clear post-Hamas strategy for the territory. The World Food Programme (WFP) warned of a potential humanitarian catastrophe if Israel's incursion into Rafah City escalates further, with hundreds of thousands already displaced due to evacuation orders issued earlier in May. (With inputs from agencies)

Israeli defence min opposes Bibi, endorses 'non-hostile Palestinian governing alternative' for Gaza post-war

A split had been festering in Israel's war cabinet. Now it has burst out into the open. Defence minister Yoav Gallant has challenged Prime Minister Netanyahu to come up with a post war plan for Gaza.

Gravitas | Split in Israel's war cabinet: Gallant challenges PM Netanyahu

On the anniversary of the Nakba, Palestinians mourn the tragic loss and continued struggle for justice. Watch to know more.

Israel-Hamas War: Israel declares independence 15,000 Palestinians killed:1948

Israel-Hamas War: Israel escalates attacks as aid agencies warn of Gaza being at the brink of famine

Israel-Hamas war: Defence chief questions Netanyahu, questions over lack of post-war Gaza plan

The military has completed its floating Pier along the Gaza Coast. US officials say the pier would be operational within days and start receiving humanitarian aid for civilians through a sea route.

Israel-Hamas War: How will the US set up the pier?

Israel war: Questions over lack of post-war Gaza plan

Israel Defence Minister Gallant questions PM Netanyahu over lack post-war Gaza plan

US' Blinken says Israel needs clear plan for post-war Gaza, Israel Defence Min questions Netanyahu

Israel War: Agencies warn of Gaza being on the brink of famine

Israel-Hamas war: Israeli defence chief challenges Benjamin Netanyahu over post-war Gaza plans

As the conflict between Israel and Hamas enters its seventh month a concerning shift in tactics by the Palestinian militant group has raised the spectre of prolonged and intractable conflict. Watch in to know about the Hamas' Guerrilla tactics.

Israel-Hamas War: Hamas adapts Guerrilla tactics to survive Israeli offensive

<p>The US is going forward with over $1 billion in new weapons deals for Israel. The latest weapons package includes the potential transfer of $700 million in tank ammunition, $500 million in tactical vehicles and $60 million in mortar shells.</p>

<p>In other news, the estranged attorney&nbsp;of former US president Donald Trump, Michael&nbsp;Cohen has been facing questions&nbsp;on the stand and speaking about how he repeatedly lied and also went to prison for protecting his former boss.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Click on the links to read more</strong></p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/biden-moves-forward-to-send-over-1-billion-in-new-arms-for-israel-reports-721502">Biden moves forward to send over $1 billion in new arms to Israel: Reports</a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/04/11/424313-wion-banners-prisha-46.jpg?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>The Joe Biden administration notified US Congress on Tuesday (May 14) that it was moving forward with over $1 billion in new weapons deals for Israel.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/zelensky-flags-washingtons-biggest-problem-to-blinken-as-russians-advance-in-kharkiv-721500">Zelensky flags 'biggest problem' to Blinken as Russians advance in Kharkiv</a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/05/15/431433-kyiv.png?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>The US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's arrival in Kyiv coincided with advancing Russian forces in the Kharkiv region. As Blinken asserted Washington's purported commitment to support Kyiv's war effort, Ukrainians faced their toughest battlefield scenario in months.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/xis-china-sends-45-aircraft-around-taiwan-ahead-of-new-presidents-inauguration-721504">China sends 45 aircraft around Taiwan ahead of new president's inauguration</a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/05/15/431434-taiwanaircraft.png?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>45 Chinese aircraft were detected around the self-ruled island in yet another violation of Taiwan's Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) by Chinese leader Xi Jinping's forces.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hush-money-trial-case-michael-cohen-says-will-like-to-see-trump-convicted-721522">Hush money trial case: Michael Cohen says will like to see Trump 'convicted'</a></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/05/15/431447-michael-cohen.png?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>In the hush money trial case, Michael Cohen was cross-examined on Tuesday (May 14). The case is centred around whether business records were falsified by Trump to cover up a hush money payment of $130,000 made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels in 2016.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hush-money-trial-case-michael-cohen-says-will-like-to-see-trump-convicted-721522">US-China trade tensions: US hikes tariffs on Chinese goods, sparks tensions</a></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

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The US is going forward with over $1 billion in new weapons deals for Israel. The latest weapons package includes the potential transfer of $700 million in tank ammunition, $500 million in tactical vehicles and $60 million in mortar shells.

The US is going forward with over $1 billion in new weapons deals for Israel. The latest weapons package includes the potential transfer of $700 million in tank ammunition, $500 million in tactical vehicles and $60 million in mortar shells. In other news, the estranged attorney of former US president Donald Trump, Michael Cohen has been facing questions on the stand and speaking about how he repeatedly lied and also went to prison for protecting his former boss. Click on the links to read more Biden moves forward to send over $1 billion in new arms to Israel: Reports The Joe Biden administration notified US Congress on Tuesday (May 14) that it was moving forward with over $1 billion in new weapons deals for Israel. Zelensky flags 'biggest problem' to Blinken as Russians advance in Kharkiv The US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's arrival in Kyiv coincided with advancing Russian forces in the Kharkiv region. As Blinken asserted Washington's purported commitment to support Kyiv's war effort, Ukrainians faced their toughest battlefield scenario in months. China sends 45 aircraft around Taiwan ahead of new president's inauguration 45 Chinese aircraft were detected around the self-ruled island in yet another violation of Taiwan's Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) by Chinese leader Xi Jinping's forces. Hush money trial case: Michael Cohen says will like to see Trump 'convicted' In the hush money trial case, Michael Cohen was cross-examined on Tuesday (May 14). The case is centred around whether business records were falsified by Trump to cover up a hush money payment of $130,000 made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels in 2016. US-China trade tensions: US hikes tariffs on Chinese goods, sparks tensions ×

Morning brief: US to send $1bn worth of weapons to Israel; Russia advances in Kharkiv; and more

Watch top headlines of the hour: - Blinken's 'keep rockin in the free world' - Rajasthan: 14 mine workers trapped - US rate cut suspense continues - Rafah crossing: Israel & Egypt lock horns - Caught on Cam: France Prison van attack

Rafah crossing: Israel & Egypt lock horns | Rajasthan: 14 mine workers trapped

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