A flash point emerges between the US and Israel amid reports of intense violence in the West Bank. The Biden administration is slated to impose sanctions against the IDF's Netzah Yehuda Battalion for alleged human rights abuses directed towards the Palestinians in the West Bank. Watch in for more details!

Israel war: US to impose sanctions on IDF unit for violations in West Bank

With no signs of de-escalation in the Israel Gaza War protesters in New York and the Yemeni capital of Sanaa took to the streets to display solidarity with Gaza. Watch in for more details!

Israel war: Pro Gaza protests staged in New York & Sanaa

West Asia continues to simmer. According to reports an explosion occurred at a military base in Iraq early on Saturday causing a large fire. Watch in for more details!

Blasts in Iraq after explosions heard near major Iranian base

On the 13th of April, Iran attacked Israel. On the 19th of April, as widely reported - an Israeli missile hit Iran. But Tehran is downplaying the reported Israeli attack. What will happen next? The incident comes after weeks of soaring tensions between the two regional rivals. While details about the latest strike are still unclear, we dig deeper to understand the big picture. On #WionWideAngle this week, we find out how Israel and Iran have become archenemies and how the increasing uncertainty in the Middle East is turning out to be the biggest test for Biden and his team.

Iran vs Israel attacks: Test for Biden | WION Wideangle

Iran has said Israeli involvement in Friday's attack is still to be established and dismissed the drones used as like children's toys. Israel hasn't commented but is widely believed to be behind the strike targeting an airbase and nuclear site near Isfahan. Watch in for more details!

Iran-Israel Tensions: Iran foreign minister playS down apparent Israeli strike

Iran-Israel Tensions: Iran plays down reported Israeli attacks, signals no further retaliation

n the 13th of April, Iran attacked Israel. On the 19th of April, as widely reported - an Israeli missile hit Iran. But Tehran is downplaying the reported Israeli attack. What will happen next? The incident comes after weeks of soaring tensions between the two regional rivals. While details about the latest strike are still unclear, we dig deeper to understand the big picture. On #WionWideAngle this week, we find out how Israel and Iran have become archenemies and how the increasing uncertainty in the Middle East is turning out to be the biggest test for Biden and his team.

With no signs of de-escalation in the Israel-Gaza War protesters in New York and the Yemeni capital of Sanaa took to the streets to display solidarity with Gaza. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Gaza War: Thousands of pro-Gazans demonstrate in New York and Sanaa

<p>After the purported Israeli counterattack&nbsp;against Iran's strikes, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian played it down saying it was not a strike but resembled "toys our children play with, not drones."</p>

<p>This reaction came during the minister's interview with NBC News after Israel on early Friday struck a military airfield near the Iranian city of Isfahan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>With Israel's first attack on Iran in the wake of the April 1 strikes on the Iranian consulate in the Syrian capital of Damascus and subsequent counterstrikes by Iran on Israel, there had been heightened concerns. However, Iranian media outlets said that nuclear facilities were not hit, and reports also suggested that there were no casualties as well.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/west-asia-crisis-us-deploys-champ-missile-that-can-fry-iranian-nuclear-equipment-713342">West Asia crisis: US deploys ‘CHAMP’ missile that can FRY Iranian nuclear equipment</a></p>

<p>There has been a lack of progress in the hostage negotiations that is casting a shadow on any potential resolution to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war and the tensions between Israel and Iran.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While blaming Netanyahu for no headway in the talks, the Iranian FM said, "It has not been able to destroy Hamas or to arrest the leaders inside Gaza, has not been able to disarm Hamas, has not been able to destroy the weapons and equipment."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/benny-gantz-leads-in-preference-for-israeli-pm-netanyahu-not-far-behind-survey-713346">Benny Gantz leads in preference for Israeli PM, Netanyahu not far behind: Survey</a></p>

<p>Amirabdollahian added, "Therefore it had to resort to killing women and children... and now at the negotiating table, they are trying to get what they could not get on the ground."</p>

<p>Media outlets quoting experts and analysts have also pointed out that the muted response to the said Israeli strike on an Iranian city could mean that both parties are seeking to de-escalate tensions.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/blast-rocks-military-base-used-by-iraqi-security-force-713350">Blast rocks military base used by Iraqi security force</a></strong></p>

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<p>This development is noteworthy because Israeli officials had previously indicated a near readiness to initiate broad strikes on Iran. However, the war cabinet later deferred the decision after assessing that the damage incurred was limited.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Hostage situation&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>With about 100 hostages still in Hamas' captivity, Iranian FM said that the militant group is "ready to go ahead with the release of the prisoners within the format of a humanitarian political package encompassing everything."</p>

<p>"I think now is a good time," he said adding, "There is a good chance for this."</p>

<p>(With inputs from agencies)</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>


After the purported Israeli counterattack against Iran's strikes, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian played it down saying it was not a strike but resembled "toys our children play with, not drones.

After the purported Israeli counterattack against Iran's strikes, Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian played it down saying it was not a strike but resembled "toys our children play with, not drones." This reaction came during the minister's interview with NBC News after Israel on early Friday struck a military airfield near the Iranian city of Isfahan. With Israel's first attack on Iran in the wake of the April 1 strikes on the Iranian consulate in the Syrian capital of Damascus and subsequent counterstrikes by Iran on Israel, there had been heightened concerns. However, Iranian media outlets said that nuclear facilities were not hit, and reports also suggested that there were no casualties as well. Also Read | West Asia crisis: US deploys ‘CHAMP’ missile that can FRY Iranian nuclear equipment There has been a lack of progress in the hostage negotiations that is casting a shadow on any potential resolution to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war and the tensions between Israel and Iran. While blaming Netanyahu for no headway in the talks, the Iranian FM said, "It has not been able to destroy Hamas or to arrest the leaders inside Gaza, has not been able to disarm Hamas, has not been able to destroy the weapons and equipment." Also Read | Benny Gantz leads in preference for Israeli PM, Netanyahu not far behind: Survey Amirabdollahian added, "Therefore it had to resort to killing women and children... and now at the negotiating table, they are trying to get what they could not get on the ground." Media outlets quoting experts and analysts have also pointed out that the muted response to the said Israeli strike on an Iranian city could mean that both parties are seeking to de-escalate tensions. Watch | Blast rocks military base used by Iraqi security force × This development is noteworthy because Israeli officials had previously indicated a near readiness to initiate broad strikes on Iran. However, the war cabinet later deferred the decision after assessing that the damage incurred was limited. Hostage situation With about 100 hostages still in Hamas' captivity, Iranian FM said that the militant group is "ready to go ahead with the release of the prisoners within the format of a humanitarian political package encompassing everything." "I think now is a good time," he said adding, "There is a good chance for this." (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.

'Toys our children play with': Iranian foreign minister reacts on Israeli strikes

Iran-Israel Tensions: Iranian foreign minister downplays Israeli attack

Several Palestinian gunmen were killed during a counter-terrorism raid in the West Bank’s Nur Shams refugee camp, close to Tulkarem, the Israeli military said. The IDF said its troops and Border Police officers raided Nur Shams overnight, during which several wanted Palestinians were detained. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hamas War: Israeli army raids Nur Shams camp in the West Bank

<p>Iraq's security services said on Saturday (April 20) there were no warplanes or drones in the air during overnight explosions that rocked Iraq’s military base housing a coalition of pro-Iranian armed groups.</p>

<p>An explosion occurred overnight at an Iraqi military base housing a coalition of pro-Iranian armed groups. It was an airstrike at the military base in Babylon province south of Baghdad, where Iraq's Popular Mobiliation Forces, or Hashed al-Shaabi, is stationed, according to officials.</p>

<p>An Iraqi security forces media unit said in a statement that air defence command reported "no drones or combat aircraft in the airspace of Babylon province before or during the explosion".&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:</strong>&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/blinken-says-us-not-involved-in-any-offensive-operation-713037">Israel vs Iran: Blinken says US ‘not involved in any offensive operation’</a></p>

<p>One PMF fighter was killed and six were wounded, two sources at a hospital in the nearby city of Hilla said.</p>

<p>"The blast has caused material damage and injuries," PMF said in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While earlier, the ministry of interior official said the aerial bombing had killed one person and wounded eight others, the military source further reported three Iraqi military personnel had been wounded in a strike.</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;</strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-vetoes-palestinian-request-for-full-statehood-at-united-nations-712748">US vetoes Palestinian request for full statehood at United Nations</a></p>

<p>However there were no immediate claims of responsibility. But shortly after the explosion, the US military said its forces were not behind the reported strike in Iraq.</p>

<p>"The United States has not conducted air strikes in Iraq today," US Central Command (CENTCOM) posted on social media platform X, adding that reports that American forces had carried out a strike were "not true."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">We are aware of reports claiming that the United States conducted airstrikes in Iraq today. Those reports are not true. The United States has not conducted air strikes in Iraq today.</p>
— U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) <a href="https://twitter.com/CENTCOM/status/1781474064478966238?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 20, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Earlier on Friday, Israel carried out an attack on Iranian territory&nbsp;days after Iran struck Israel with a barrage of drones and missiles.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Israeli officials made no public comment on Friday's attack and Iranian officials have played down its significance.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Iraq's security services said on Saturday (April 20) there were no warplanes or drones in the air during overnight explosions that rocked Iraq’s military base housing a coalition of pro-Iranian armed groups.

Iraq's security services said on Saturday (April 20) there were no warplanes or drones in the air during overnight explosions that rocked Iraq’s military base housing a coalition of pro-Iranian armed groups. An explosion occurred overnight at an Iraqi military base housing a coalition of pro-Iranian armed groups. It was an airstrike at the military base in Babylon province south of Baghdad, where Iraq's Popular Mobiliation Forces, or Hashed al-Shaabi, is stationed, according to officials. An Iraqi security forces media unit said in a statement that air defence command reported "no drones or combat aircraft in the airspace of Babylon province before or during the explosion". Also read: Israel vs Iran: Blinken says US ‘not involved in any offensive operation’ One PMF fighter was killed and six were wounded, two sources at a hospital in the nearby city of Hilla said. "The blast has caused material damage and injuries," PMF said in a statement. While earlier, the ministry of interior official said the aerial bombing had killed one person and wounded eight others, the military source further reported three Iraqi military personnel had been wounded in a strike. Also read: US vetoes Palestinian request for full statehood at United Nations However there were no immediate claims of responsibility. But shortly after the explosion, the US military said its forces were not behind the reported strike in Iraq. "The United States has not conducted air strikes in Iraq today," US Central Command (CENTCOM) posted on social media platform X, adding that reports that American forces had carried out a strike were "not true." We are aware of reports claiming that the United States conducted airstrikes in Iraq today. Those reports are not true. The United States has not conducted air strikes in Iraq today. — U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) April 20, 2024 × Earlier on Friday, Israel carried out an attack on Iranian territory days after Iran struck Israel with a barrage of drones and missiles. Israeli officials made no public comment on Friday's attack and Iranian officials have played down its significance. (With inputs from agencies)

No drones or planes in Iraqi airspace during military base blast, says Iraq

The tensions between West Asia's two regional powerhouses Israel and Iran are at an all time high. This month's dramatic escalation kicked off with an Israeli strike on Iran's Consulate in Damascus followed by a largely foiled Iranian attack of over 300 Airborne weapons on Israel. Let's take a look at the costs of defence of both the countries.

Iran-Israel Tensions | Iran, Israel: Asymmetry in attack and defence costs

The tensions between West Asia's two regional powerhouses Israel and Iran are at an all time high. This month's dramatic escalation kicked off with an Israeli strike on Iran's Consulate in Damascus followed by a largely foiled Iranian attack of over 300 Airborne weapons on Israel...Let's take a look at the costs of defence of both the countries...! Watch in for more details!

Iran-Israel Tensions: Israel's costly defence vs Iran's cheap attack | Sizing up the costs of war

As Israel's military offensive continues in Gaza the Violence by Israeli troops in West Bank has also seen an optic. In the latest at least five Palestinians have been killed during Israeli military raid in West Bank City of Tulkarem. Watch in for more details!

Israel war: Israeli forces raid Nur Shams camp in West Bank, 5 Palestinians killed in raid

Israel war: Thousands of Pro-Gazans demonstrate in Yemeni capital

Israel war: Israeli army raids Nur Shams camp in the West Bank

<p>A day after Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel will 'make its own decisions' when responding to Iran's weekend airstrikes, an explosion was reportedly heard near the Iranian city of Isfahan, state media reported. The cause is currently unknown but airspace over several Iranian cities was closed shortly after the reported explosion.</p>

<p>Iran subsequently said that it shot down several drones and that there had been "no missile attack for now".</p>

<p>Several drones "have been successfully shot down by the country's air defence, there are no reports of a missile attack for now", Iran's space agency spokesman Hossein Dalirian said on X.</p>

<p>"Flights over Isfahan, Shiraz and Tehran cities have been suspended," state media reported.&nbsp;Officials at Tehran's Khomeini International Airport&nbsp;urged all passengers to evacuate the airport due to the cancellation of all flights, a video shared by Iranian media showed.</p>

<p data-reactid=".1alnosbbed8.0.2.0.0.1.0.$lx-commentary.$lx-commentary.2.0.1.1.1:$post-6621d81e8d515b3cbbd01e3f.0.6.0.0:$post_1">The province of Isfahan is home to a large air base, a major missile production complex and reportedly several nuclear sites.</p>

<p data-reactid=".1alnosbbed8.0.2.0.0.1.0.$lx-commentary.$lx-commentary.2.0.1.1.1:$post-6621d81e8d515b3cbbd01e3f.0.6.0.0:$post_1"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-attacks-israel-in-numbers-what-makes-it-most-sophisticated-attack-on-israel-since-oct-7-711108">Iran attacks Israel: In numbers, what makes it most sophisticated attack on Israel since Oct 7</a></strong></p>

<p data-reactid=".1alnosbbed8.0.2.0.0.1.0.$lx-commentary.$lx-commentary.2.0.1.1.1:$post-6621d81e8d515b3cbbd01e3f.0.6.0.0:$post_3">The explosion comes after Iran's unprecedented missile-and-drone attack on Israel last weekend.</p>

<p>There were also near-simultaneous reports of blasts in Iraq and southern Syria.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Iran attacks Israel: Iran warns it may review its 'nuclear doctrine'</strong></p>

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<p>A number of Western publications, including the BBC and ABC News reported that US officials have confirmed that an Israeli missile has struck Iran, a claim that could not be immediately verified at the time of filing this report.</p>

<h2><strong>What does it mean?</strong></h2>

<p>Earlier, Iranian foreign minister&nbsp;Hossein Amir-Abdollahian warned Israel on Thursday (April 18)&nbsp;against taking any military action against Iran.</p>

<p>"In case the Israeli regime embarks on adventurism again and takes action against the interests of Iran, the next response from us will be immediate and at a maximum level," Amir-Abdollahian told CNN.</p>

<p>The Iranian leader&nbsp;said Iran sincerely hoped Israel would not repeat "the previous egregious error," in a purported reference to an alleged Israeli strike on Iran's embassy complex in Damascus, Syria.</p>

<p>"We have announced to the White House, sent a message to the White House and Washington DC, the administration in which we've reiterated that if the Israeli regime commits the great error once again our response will be decisive, definitive and regretful for them," Amir-Abdollahian said from the Iranian Permanent Mission to United Nations.</p>

<p>Meanwhile, Iran's local media said that nuclear facilities in Isfahan were "completely secure" after the explosions.</p>

<p>"Nuclear facilities in Isfahan province are completely secure," Tasnim news agency reported quoting "reliable sources".</p>


A day after Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel will 'make its own decisions' when responding to Iran's weekend airstrikes, an explosion was reportedly heard near the Iranian city of Isfahan, state media reported.

A day after Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel will 'make its own decisions' when responding to Iran's weekend airstrikes, an explosion was reportedly heard near the Iranian city of Isfahan, state media reported. The cause is currently unknown but airspace over several Iranian cities was closed shortly after the reported explosion. Iran subsequently said that it shot down several drones and that there had been "no missile attack for now". Several drones "have been successfully shot down by the country's air defence, there are no reports of a missile attack for now", Iran's space agency spokesman Hossein Dalirian said on X. "Flights over Isfahan, Shiraz and Tehran cities have been suspended," state media reported. Officials at Tehran's Khomeini International Airport urged all passengers to evacuate the airport due to the cancellation of all flights, a video shared by Iranian media showed. The province of Isfahan is home to a large air base, a major missile production complex and reportedly several nuclear sites. Also read | Iran attacks Israel: In numbers, what makes it most sophisticated attack on Israel since Oct 7 The explosion comes after Iran's unprecedented missile-and-drone attack on Israel last weekend. There were also near-simultaneous reports of blasts in Iraq and southern Syria. Also watch | Iran attacks Israel: Iran warns it may review its 'nuclear doctrine' × A number of Western publications, including the BBC and ABC News reported that US officials have confirmed that an Israeli missile has struck Iran, a claim that could not be immediately verified at the time of filing this report. What does it mean? Earlier, Iranian foreign minister Hossein Amir-Abdollahian warned Israel on Thursday (April 18) against taking any military action against Iran. "In case the Israeli regime embarks on adventurism again and takes action against the interests of Iran, the next response from us will be immediate and at a maximum level," Amir-Abdollahian told CNN. The Iranian leader said Iran sincerely hoped Israel would not repeat "the previous egregious error," in a purported reference to an alleged Israeli strike on Iran's embassy complex in Damascus, Syria. "We have announced to the White House, sent a message to the White House and Washington DC, the administration in which we've reiterated that if the Israeli regime commits the great error once again our response will be decisive, definitive and regretful for them," Amir-Abdollahian said from the Iranian Permanent Mission to United Nations. Meanwhile, Iran's local media said that nuclear facilities in Isfahan were "completely secure" after the explosions. "Nuclear facilities in Isfahan province are completely secure," Tasnim news agency reported quoting "reliable sources".

Iran says 'no missile attack for now' amid reports of strike by Israel in its territory

While speaking to Iran Ambassador Iraj Elahi on Israel-Iran tensions, he said 'Israel directly targeted Iranian consulate which means that it has targeted Iranian territory. The miscalculation has consequences and anyone who did that will have to pay for it.'

Iran Ambassador Iraj Elahi on Israel-Iran tensions: Any military action will be responded strongly'

Watch in top headlines of the hour: - Israel missiles hit Iran, says US media - India's massive election kicks off - Phase 1: 166 mn voters, 1625 candidates & 102 seats - Pakistan: Suicide attack in Karachi - Tehran airport resumes flights - Blasts at Isfahan, nuclear plants safe

Israel missiles hit Iran, says US media | Tehran airport resumes flights

A day after Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel will 'make its own decisions' when responding to Iran's weekend airstrikes, an explosion was reportedly heard near the Iranian city of Isfahan, state media reported. The cause is currently unknown but airspace over several Iranian cities was closed shortly after the reported explosion.

Israel-Iran tensions simmer: PM Netanyahu speaks to Mossad officials, heads of Shin Bet

Australia has urged its citizens in Israel to depart if it is safe to do so amidst the Israel-Iran tensions. There is a high threat of military reprisals and terrorist attacks against Israel and Israeli interest across the region.

Israel-Iran tensions: Australia urges citizens to leave Israel | Explosions heard in Central Iran

The UNSC is set to vote on the Palestinian bid for full UN membership, a move that Israel ally the United States is expected to block because it would effectively recognize a Palestinian state.

Palestinian bid for UN membership set for Security Council vote

In response to growing fears that Tehran’s unprecedented strike on Israel may spark a larger Middle East conflict, the United States and the United Kingdom imposed more sanctions on Iran on Thursday.

US, UK impose sanctions on Iran in response to its strike on Israel

Israel has retaliated against Iran with reports of explosions heard and airspace closed around the city of Isfahan. Watch in for more details!

Israel strikes Iran as explosions heard and airspace closed

West Asia in vortex of Iran & Israel tension; Iran suspends flights over Isfahan, Tehran & Shifaz

Three drones were shot down over the Iranian city of Isfahan. This was after Iran warned that even the slightest act of retaliation by Israel will lead to 'painful response'. All eyes are now on Tehran. Will Iran retaliate?

Gravitas | Iran vs Israel: West Asia on nuclear knife edge

With thousands of demonstrators coming to the streets demanding Israeli PM Netanyahu's resignation and prosecutors pushing ahead with a corruption trial against him, many question how long the longest-serving Israeli PM can remain in power. Watch to know more.

Massive protests across Israel against Netanyahu govt

Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani said that Israel warned the US about a drone attack on Iran Friday apparently targeting an air base and a nuclear site in central Iran. Watch in for more details!

Israel warned US about drone strike on Iran, says Italy

Italy says Israel warned US about drone attack on Iran

Israel-Hamas war: Netanyahu faces pressure to resign

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