The US is losing its influence in West Asia now can America's rivals pounce on Washington's weakening Supremacy in the region. Watch to know more.

Who do West Asians prefer: Biden, Putin or Xi?

US President Joe Biden said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Gaza policy was a "mistake" and urged Israel to call for a ceasefire, in an interview aired Tuesday. Biden also stepped up pressure on Israel to let more aid into devastated Gaza. Watch in for more details!

Biden says Israel's Netanyahu making a 'mistake' on Gaza, as he urges for ceasefire

The already strained ties between Israel and Turkey are worsening. Israel retaliated quickly to Turkey's move to limit exports to the country. Turkey's decision came after the country's plan to drop aid over the Gaza strip was opposed by Israel.

Turkey, Israel swap trade threats on Gaza

The militarization of artificial intelligence has a profound implication for Global Security and warfare. As per an investigation Israel has employed an AI driven kill list to pick over 30,000 Targets in Gaza with minimal human input fueling civilian casualties. Watch to know more.

Israel-Hamas war | Israeli Govt: IDF doesn't use AI in it's targeting systems

Israel-Hamas war | Israel denies using AI against Hamas

David Mencer, spokesperson for Israel's PM talks to WION's Jodie Cohen. He said that Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu is determined to forge a hostage deal. He also added that Israel is dealing with a genocidal organisation. Listen in.

'We are dealing with a genocidal organisation', says Israeli PM's spokesperson David Mencer

The Israel-Iran shadow war is taking a dangerous turn with each passing day. After bombing Iran's diplomatic mission in Syria, Israel is reportedly preparing to target Iran's nuclear facilities and other key infrastructure. Will the conflict between the arch-nemesis take a nuclear turn?

Gravitas: Is Israel preparing to target Iran's nuclear facilities?

Israel's Central Bank chose not to cut interest rates to address rising inflation expectations caused by the ongoing war in Gaza and the accompanying increase in defence spending.

Gaza war shakes Israeli economy as defense spending surges

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin told a Senate panel on Tuesday that there is no proof that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza as part of its assault against Palestinian Islamist group Hamas. "We don't have evidence of that," Austin informed the Senate Armed Services Committee.

US has no evidence of unfolding genocide in Gaza: Pentagon chief

According to the government, the number of fatalities in Gaza since October 7 has reached 33,360, with 75,993 injuries. The missing number exceeds 7,000, with the assumption that they are buried beneath the rubble following six months of Israeli bombing. 9,560 women and almost 14,500 children are among the dead. Watch to know more.

Displaced Gazans return to rubble, over 33,000 killed 62 percent homes destroyed

Israel deploys C-Dome defence system for the first time. Officials intercept aerial target crossing into Israeli territory with ‘C-Dome’ naval defence system. Mounted on German-made warships, C-Dome uses the same interceptor as the iron Dome.

IDF deploys C-Dome after 'hostile aircraft' enters Eilat

An Israeli official has confirmed the purchase of 40,000 tents, hinting at&nbsp;preparations for the evacuation of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians from Rafah, Gaza's southernmost city. The move comes amid escalating tensions in the region.

Rafah holds strategic value&nbsp;as it is believed to house four battalions of Hamas, the terrorist&nbsp;group governing Gaza and responsible for the unprecedented October 7 attack on Israel last year. Israel says&nbsp;that achieving its war objectives hinges on an offensive in Rafah. Additionally, there are concerns that Hamas leaders, potentially holding Israeli hostages, may be hiding within the city.

The population of Rafah has swelled&nbsp;to over one million, constituting half of Gaza's total population, due to civilians fleeing the conflict between Israel and Hamas. The influx has raised international alarms, with the United States and others cautioning against actions that could jeopardise Palestinian civilians.

Also watch |&nbsp;Israel War: Gaza truce talks still deadlocked despite reports of progress, Hamas says

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<h2>Evacuation plans and tent procurement</h2>

Israel claims to have devised a plan to evacuate civilians before launching any offensive. To support this effort, the Defence Ministry recently issued a tender seeking tent suppliers. These tents are intended to facilitate the evacuation process and form part of the preparations for action in Rafah.

The United States, Israel's ally, has warned against a ground operation in Rafah, stressing on&nbsp;the need for a credible plan to safeguard civilians. Prime Minister Netanyahu's statement came as Israeli negotiators were in Cairo discussing international efforts to broker a cease-fire with the Palestinian militant group Hamas.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-calls-israels-withdrawal-from-south-gaza-a-rest-and-refit-plan-says-biden-govt-frustrated-708781">Also read |&nbsp;'Frustrated' Biden administration says Israel's withdrawal from south Gaza not indicative of new operations</a>

Gaza's Health Ministry reported over 33,200 Palestinian deaths and nearly 76,000 wounded in the war. Women and children constitute two-thirds of the casualties, according to the ministry, which doesn't distinguish between civilians and combatants.

The war started on October 7 when Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel, resulting in the deaths of about 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and the capture of around 250 hostages.

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report &nbsp;conflicts in West Asia involving &nbsp;Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq and non-state actors like Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline . WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

An Israeli official has confirmed the purchase of 40,000 tents, hinting at preparations for the evacuation of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians from Rafah, Gaza's southernmost city.

An Israeli official has confirmed the purchase of 40,000 tents, hinting at preparations for the evacuation of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians from Rafah, Gaza's southernmost city. The move comes amid escalating tensions in the region. Rafah holds strategic value as it is believed to house four battalions of Hamas, the terrorist group governing Gaza and responsible for the unprecedented October 7 attack on Israel last year. Israel says that achieving its war objectives hinges on an offensive in Rafah. Additionally, there are concerns that Hamas leaders, potentially holding Israeli hostages, may be hiding within the city. The population of Rafah has swelled to over one million, constituting half of Gaza's total population, due to civilians fleeing the conflict between Israel and Hamas. The influx has raised international alarms, with the United States and others cautioning against actions that could jeopardise Palestinian civilians. Also watch | Israel War: Gaza truce talks still deadlocked despite reports of progress, Hamas says Evacuation plans and tent procurement Israel claims to have devised a plan to evacuate civilians before launching any offensive. To support this effort, the Defence Ministry recently issued a tender seeking tent suppliers. These tents are intended to facilitate the evacuation process and form part of the preparations for action in Rafah. The United States, Israel's ally, has warned against a ground operation in Rafah, stressing on the need for a credible plan to safeguard civilians. Prime Minister Netanyahu's statement came as Israeli negotiators were in Cairo discussing international efforts to broker a cease-fire with the Palestinian militant group Hamas. Also read | 'Frustrated' Biden administration says Israel's withdrawal from south Gaza not indicative of new operations Gaza's Health Ministry reported over 33,200 Palestinian deaths and nearly 76,000 wounded in the war. Women and children constitute two-thirds of the casualties, according to the ministry, which doesn't distinguish between civilians and combatants. The war started on October 7 when Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel, resulting in the deaths of about 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and the capture of around 250 hostages. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq and non-state actors like Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline . WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

Israel to buy 40,000 tents for evacuating Palestinians from Rafah before launching ground offensive: Report

Mountain gazelles hold a special status as a protected species in Israel, where their numbers in the wild are precariously low, with only an estimated 5,000 remaining. Despite their dwindling population, these graceful creatures are not confined solely to Israel's borders. They traverse across the region, making their homes in the Palestinian territories, Turkey, and parts of Syria, Jordan, and Lebanon. Their presence serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the importance of conservation efforts beyond national boundaries.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/as-new-zealand-declares-whales-are-people-here-are-some-curious-cases-involving-animals-709389">As New Zealand declares 'whales are people,' here are some curious cases involving animals&nbsp;</a>

In a breathtaking twist of nature's design, a rare six-legged mountain gazelle has been sighted in the rugged landscapes of Israel. This extraordinary male gazelle possesses an additional pair of legs growing from its back, a spectacle that has stirred both fascination and curiosity among wildlife enthusiasts.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/intelligence-kindness-most-desired-traits-when-choosing-romantic-partners-study-709004">Intelligence, kindness most desired traits when choosing romantic partners: Study</a>&nbsp;&nbsp;

Israeli army reservist, Nir Leichter spotted the gazelle while taking a coffee break at the nature reserve. Spotting the gazelle with its peculiar feature, Leichter quickly captured the moment in a photograph and forwarded it to the Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel (SPNI), flagging the unusual sight on its back.

Upon receiving the photograph, Amir Balaban, Director of Urban Nature at SPNI, and the Gazelle Valley team in Jerusalem—a sanctuary for wild gazelles—launched an investigation into the unusual sighting.

Their inquiry soon unveiled the truth behind the mysterious growth—a pair of front legs, inexplicably growing from the gazelle's back. Balaban wasted no time in documenting this extraordinary sight firsthand, venturing into the heart of the Nahal HaBasor reserve, where the gazelle, born in the Kissufim area back in 2021, continued to roam. This astonishing discovery underscores the delicate balance of nature and serves as a poignant reminder of the interconnectedness of ecosystems. 
&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Mountain gazelles hold a special status as a protected species in Israel, where their numbers in the wild are precariously low, with only an estimated 5,000 remaining.

Mountain gazelles hold a special status as a protected species in Israel, where their numbers in the wild are precariously low, with only an estimated 5,000 remaining. Despite their dwindling population, these graceful creatures are not confined solely to Israel's borders. They traverse across the region, making their homes in the Palestinian territories, Turkey, and parts of Syria, Jordan, and Lebanon. Their presence serves as a reminder of the interconnectedness of ecosystems and the importance of conservation efforts beyond national boundaries. Also read| As New Zealand declares 'whales are people,' here are some curious cases involving animals In a breathtaking twist of nature's design, a rare six-legged mountain gazelle has been sighted in the rugged landscapes of Israel. This extraordinary male gazelle possesses an additional pair of legs growing from its back, a spectacle that has stirred both fascination and curiosity among wildlife enthusiasts. Also read| Intelligence, kindness most desired traits when choosing romantic partners: Study Israeli army reservist, Nir Leichter spotted the gazelle while taking a coffee break at the nature reserve. Spotting the gazelle with its peculiar feature, Leichter quickly captured the moment in a photograph and forwarded it to the Society for the Protection of Nature in Israel (SPNI), flagging the unusual sight on its back. Upon receiving the photograph, Amir Balaban, Director of Urban Nature at SPNI, and the Gazelle Valley team in Jerusalem—a sanctuary for wild gazelles—launched an investigation into the unusual sighting. Their inquiry soon unveiled the truth behind the mysterious growth—a pair of front legs, inexplicably growing from the gazelle's back. Balaban wasted no time in documenting this extraordinary sight firsthand, venturing into the heart of the Nahal HaBasor reserve, where the gazelle, born in the Kissufim area back in 2021, continued to roam. This astonishing discovery underscores the delicate balance of nature and serves as a poignant reminder of the interconnectedness of ecosystems. (With inputs from agencies)

Rare six-legged mountain gazelle spotted in Israel

A Hamas official said on Monday no progress was made at a new round of Gaza ceasefire talks in Cairo also attended by delegations from Israel, Qatar and the U.S., shortly after Egyptian sources said headway had been achieved on the agenda.

Israel War: Gaza ceasefire talks still deadlocked as Netanyahu sets date for Rafah offensive

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that a date has been set for an Israeli invasion of Rafah, Gaza's last refuge for displaced Palestinians, without disclosing that date as a new round of ceasefire talks take place in Cairo.

Israel War: Netanyahu vows to carry out rafah invasion, says 'there is a date'

Israeli attacks leave Gaza in ruins, over 33,000 killed 62 percent homes destroyed

International human rights organizations have denounced the United States for allegedly putting Israel at danger of involvement in its war crimes by giving it diplomatic and military backing. Biden encountered growing resistance from his own government to US backing for Israel. Watch to know more.

Explained: US military aid to Israel under scrutiny

Watch in top headlines of the hour: - Netanyahu vows Rafah offensive - US sends 'Iran weapons' to Kyiv - China: Support Russia-Ukraine talks - 'If India renames places in China...' says Rajnath Singh

Netanyahu vows Rafah offensive | US sends 'Iran weapons' to Kyiv

Netanyahu: Entry into Rafah 'will happen- there is a date'

Israel War: Gaza truce talks still deadlocked despite reports of progress, Hamas says

In response to last week's strike in Damascus amidst threats of retaliation from Iranian officials, Israel has allegedly indicated to strike targets within Iran.

Israel is conducting air force exercises, including preparations to target Iranian nuclear facilities and key infrastructure, stated an anonymous Western security official cited by the London-based Elaph News.

Unnamed US intelligence sources informed, that Iran is unlikely to attack Israel directly out of fear of American and Israeli retaliation and will urge its various proxies in the region to launch attacks on its behalf in the coming days.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-kills-senior-hezbollah-commander-in-strike-on-southern-lebanon-709053" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-kills-senior-hezbollah-commander-in-strike-on-southern-lebanon-709053&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj4q_Dvi7WFAxUci68BHb-DDrUQFnoECAkQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw1Xhjvpo6WcPwOPojKJAhV-&amp;arm=e" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-kills-senior-hezbollah-commander-in-strike-on-southern-lebanon-709053" target="_blank">Israel&nbsp;kills senior Hezbollah commander in strike on southern Lebanon</a>

Released on Monday night, the report raised doubts regarding the prior assessments made by both Washington and Jerusalem, suggesting that an attack by Iran was inevitable.

Notably, Israel has remained on high alert recently following threats of retaliation from Iranian officials, followed by Damascus airstrike that resulted in the death of their top commander in Syria, Mohammad Reza Zahedi, along with six other members of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and at least one member of the Iranian proxy group Hezbollah.

Israel has abstained from providing any official statements on the issue. Meanwhile, both Damascus and Tehran have accused Israel of being responsible for the attack that occurred last Monday. The New York Times cited four anonymous Israeli officials as confirming that the country was behind the strike.

During a security cabinet meeting last week, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made reference to the strike while asserting Israel's commitment to retaliate against any potential Iranian attack.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-israeli-militarys-use-of-ai-lavender-to-generate-kill-lists-707558" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-israeli-militarys-use-of-ai-lavender-to-generate-kill-lists-707558&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj4q_Dvi7WFAxUci68BHb-DDrUQFnoECAQQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw00D1PcV0DbrdfQNrocyky1&amp;arm=e" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/explained-israeli-militarys-use-of-ai-lavender-to-generate-kill-lists-707558" target="_blank">Explained:&nbsp;Israeli&nbsp;military's use of AI tool 'Lavender' to generate kill lists</a>

He stated, "Iran has been engaging in actions against us for years, both directly and through allies. As a result, Israel takes defensive and offensive measures against Iran and its proxies."

Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah said in a televised remarks last Friday that&nbsp;an Iranian response was coming. 
 
“Be certain, be sure, that the Iranian response to the targeting of the consulate in Damascus is definitely coming against Israel,” he said.

After a review on Sunday (April 7) with top army brass, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said that Israel was ready to respond to any attack by the Islamic Republic, and has completed preparations for a response against any scenario that would develop against Iran.”

Watch:&nbsp;Netanyahu vows to carry out Rafah invasion, says 'there is a date'

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Additionally, Israel is anticipating potential ballistic missile strikes directly from Iran, a threat it has not yet encountered.

Iran, on the other hand, has allegedly placed its military forces on high alert in anticipation of any forthcoming strikes.

(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

In response to last week's strike in Damascus amidst threats of retaliation from Iranian officials, Israel has allegedly indicated to strike targets within Iran.

In response to last week's strike in Damascus amidst threats of retaliation from Iranian officials, Israel has allegedly indicated to strike targets within Iran. Israel is conducting air force exercises, including preparations to target Iranian nuclear facilities and key infrastructure, stated an anonymous Western security official cited by the London-based Elaph News. Unnamed US intelligence sources informed, that Iran is unlikely to attack Israel directly out of fear of American and Israeli retaliation and will urge its various proxies in the region to launch attacks on its behalf in the coming days. Also read: Israel kills senior Hezbollah commander in strike on southern Lebanon Released on Monday night, the report raised doubts regarding the prior assessments made by both Washington and Jerusalem, suggesting that an attack by Iran was inevitable. Notably, Israel has remained on high alert recently following threats of retaliation from Iranian officials, followed by Damascus airstrike that resulted in the death of their top commander in Syria, Mohammad Reza Zahedi, along with six other members of Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and at least one member of the Iranian proxy group Hezbollah. Israel has abstained from providing any official statements on the issue. Meanwhile, both Damascus and Tehran have accused Israel of being responsible for the attack that occurred last Monday. The New York Times cited four anonymous Israeli officials as confirming that the country was behind the strike. During a security cabinet meeting last week, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu made reference to the strike while asserting Israel's commitment to retaliate against any potential Iranian attack. Also read: Explained: Israeli military's use of AI tool 'Lavender' to generate kill lists He stated, "Iran has been engaging in actions against us for years, both directly and through allies. As a result, Israel takes defensive and offensive measures against Iran and its proxies." Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah said in a televised remarks last Friday that an Iranian response was coming. “Be certain, be sure, that the Iranian response to the targeting of the consulate in Damascus is definitely coming against Israel,” he said. After a review on Sunday (April 7) with top army brass, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said that Israel was ready to respond to any attack by the Islamic Republic, and has completed preparations for a response against any scenario that would develop against Iran.” Watch: Netanyahu vows to carry out Rafah invasion, says 'there is a date' × Additionally, Israel is anticipating potential ballistic missile strikes directly from Iran, a threat it has not yet encountered. Iran, on the other hand, has allegedly placed its military forces on high alert in anticipation of any forthcoming strikes. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel ready to target Iranian nuclear sites in response to Tehran’s potential attack

Turkey to restrict exports to Israel, slams latter for blocking of airdrop to Gaza

Watch in top headlines of the hour: - Russia, China talk Eurasia cooperation - Israeli PM Netanyahu sets date for Rafah invasion - Pakistan issues visas to Sikh pilgrims - US: Another Indian student found dead - Putin-Xi meet on the cards

Israel's Naval version of Iron dome | Pakistan issues visas to Sikh pilgrims

Israel war: Turkey demands immediate Gaza ceasefire, deadlock continues over Gaza truce deal

Former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, a significant ally of Joe Biden, sent a letter to President Obama and Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Friday on behalf of dozens of congressional Democrats requesting an end to arms supplies to Israel. Watch to know more.

Nancy Pelosi urges Biden to stop sale of US weapons to Israel

Watch in top headlines of the hour: - Russia, China talk Eurasia cooperation - Israeli PM Netanyahu sets date for Rafah invasion - Sunak against children changing gender identity - US: Another Indian student found dead - Putin-Xi meet on the cards

Putin-Xi meet on the cards | Israel slams Turkey's export curbs

India's amb to UN Ruchira Kamboj at UNGA on Israel-Palestine: -Deeply troubled by the ongoing crisis in Gaza -India welcomes March UNSC resolution -Restates India's position, including condemning Oct 7 attack, release of hostages -Supports 2 state solution

India supports two-state solution at UNGA on Israel-Palestine conflict | WION Originals

Israel War: Netanyahu vows to carry out Rafah invasion, declares ‘there is a date’

The use of artificial intelligence (AI) in modern warfare has taken a very unsettling turn. New details have now emerged about Israel's deployment of AI powered systems during the Gaza conflict. Watch in for more details!

The evolution of warfare: A glimpse into the AI-driven future

Iran has delivered a warning to Israel through its news agency ISNA that ran an infographic showing off Iran's missiles. The infographic mentioned the range of 9 Iranian missiles, hinting at Iran's capacity to strike Israel. Is a war between the two countries inevitable?

Gravitas | Gaza War: Iran shows off its missiles, warns Israel

The Israel-Hamas war continues to rage on. The death toll is piling up in Gaza. Efforts are underway to establish peace. Meanwhile, the U.S. continues to support Israel. Watch this video for all details.

What military support does the US provide to Israel?

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