International Court of Justice rejects South Africa's request for 'urgent measures' in Gaza. South Africa had demanded action to stop Israeli offensive in Rafah. US President Biden says, 'Have asked Israel for temporary truce.' WION tells you about the measures in detail.

Israel-Hamas war: Israel to comply with decreasing civilian losses, says UN top court

The Iran-backed Hezbollah signalled on Friday it would escalate attacks on Israel in response to the deaths of 10 Lebanese civilians killed in Israeli attacks this week, while Israel said it would remove Hezbollah from the border if diplomacy failed.

Israel-Hamas War: Israel urges removal of Hezbollah fighters from border

Israel carried out&nbsp;attacks on two major gas pipelines in Iran on February 14, which&nbsp;led to disruption of&nbsp;supplies, reported The New York Times. 
 
The report, which cited Western officials as well as military strategists who are affiliated with Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Corps, claimed that the attacks caused disruption in the flow of cooking gas and heat to provinces where millions of people lived. 
 
Speaking to the Iranian media regarding the attack, the country's Oil Minister Javad Owji said, "The enemy’s plan was to completely disrupt the flow of gas in winter to several main cities and provinces in our country."

Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iranian-pipelines-hit-in-act-of-terrorism-and-sabotage-gas-supply-disrupted-690236">Iranian pipelines hit in act of ‘terrorism and sabotage’, gas supply disrupted</a>

However, the minister did not blame Israel publicly, even though he has called such incidents&nbsp;"sabotage and terrorist attacks" on earlier occasions.

<h2 lang="en-US">Iran vs&nbsp;Israel</h2>

Even though such attacks rarely happen in Iran,&nbsp;terrorists in the country had claimed in 2017 that two pipelines were blown by them in co-ordinated attacks which were carried out in western Khuzestan province of Iran. 
 
Five people, who were accused of having links with Israel's Mossad intelligence service, were executed by Iran in December as part of a decades-long shadow war in which Tehran has accused Israel of carrying out attacks on its nuclear and missile efforts. 
 
As per reports, Israel has been targeting Iran's military and nuclear sites for a long time and has also carried out the assassination of Iranian nuclear scientists and commanders. 
 
Cyberattacks have also been waged by Israel to disable servers which belong to the oil ministry and create chaos at gas stations nationwide.

Watch:&nbsp;Tehran: Gas pipeline exploded in an 'act of sabotage'

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Iran has stated that it does not wish to indulge in a direct war with the United States and has also denied its direct involvement in either the October 7 terrorist attacks against Israel or the attacks carried out on American and Israeli targets since the war started. 
 
However, Iran faces the accusation of supporting a network of proxy militias which have been fighting actively against Israel and the United States, including Hezbollah in Lebanon, Houthis in Yemen, and terrorists in Iraq and Syria. 
 
Iran also faces the accusation of providing arms and training to Hamas and other Palestinian fighters.

(With inputs from agencies)

Israel carried out attacks on two major gas pipelines in Iran on February 14, which led to disruption of supplies, reported The New York Times. The report, which cited Western officials as well as military strategists who are affiliated with Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Corps, claimed that the attacks caused disruption in the flow of cooking gas and heat to provinces where millions of people lived.

Israel carried out attacks on two major gas pipelines in Iran on February 14, which led to disruption of supplies, reported The New York Times. The report, which cited Western officials as well as military strategists who are affiliated with Iran’s Revolutionary Guards Corps, claimed that the attacks caused disruption in the flow of cooking gas and heat to provinces where millions of people lived. Speaking to the Iranian media regarding the attack, the country's Oil Minister Javad Owji said, "The enemy’s plan was to completely disrupt the flow of gas in winter to several main cities and provinces in our country." Also Read: Iranian pipelines hit in act of ‘terrorism and sabotage’, gas supply disrupted However, the minister did not blame Israel publicly, even though he has called such incidents "sabotage and terrorist attacks" on earlier occasions. Iran vs Israel Even though such attacks rarely happen in Iran, terrorists in the country had claimed in 2017 that two pipelines were blown by them in co-ordinated attacks which were carried out in western Khuzestan province of Iran. Five people, who were accused of having links with Israel's Mossad intelligence service, were executed by Iran in December as part of a decades-long shadow war in which Tehran has accused Israel of carrying out attacks on its nuclear and missile efforts. As per reports, Israel has been targeting Iran's military and nuclear sites for a long time and has also carried out the assassination of Iranian nuclear scientists and commanders. Cyberattacks have also been waged by Israel to disable servers which belong to the oil ministry and create chaos at gas stations nationwide. Watch: Tehran: Gas pipeline exploded in an 'act of sabotage' Iran has stated that it does not wish to indulge in a direct war with the United States and has also denied its direct involvement in either the October 7 terrorist attacks against Israel or the attacks carried out on American and Israeli targets since the war started. However, Iran faces the accusation of supporting a network of proxy militias which have been fighting actively against Israel and the United States, including Hezbollah in Lebanon, Houthis in Yemen, and terrorists in Iraq and Syria. Iran also faces the accusation of providing arms and training to Hamas and other Palestinian fighters. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel attacked two major Iranian pipelines, disrupted supply: Report

Israel-Hamas War: Hezbollah warns that Israel will pay ‘in blood’ for killing civilians

Israel can compete in this year's Eurovision Song Contest, organisers confirmed on Thursday, again rejecting calls for it to be excluded over the Gaza war like Russia was after invading Ukraine.

On Wednesday, a group of 400 celebrities including British actress Helen Mirren, British singer Boy George and former Kiss frontman Gene Simmons published an open letter supporting Eurovision's decision to maintain Israel's participation.&nbsp;

The letter was issued in response to petitions calling for Israel to be kicked out of the world's biggest live music event, which is being held in Malmo, Sweden, in May.

Approached by AFP, the European Broadcasting Union said it had conducted a review and decided late last year that Israel could participate in the kitsch annual pop extravaganza.

"The Eurovision Song Contest is a non-political music event and a competition between public service broadcasters who are members of the EBU. It is not a contest between governments," EBU director general Noel Curran said, reiterating a statement made in January.

Israel is to take part in the second semi-final on May 9, from which 10 of the 16 contenders will progress to the grand final on May 11.

Eden Golan, 20, who grew up in Russia, will represent Israel after winning a domestic contest. Her song has yet to be announced by broadcaster KAN, which handles Israel's participation in Eurovision.

Israel has qualified for every grand final since 2015.

The war in Gaza was triggered by Hamas's October 7 attack on Israel, which resulted in the deaths of around 1,160 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures.

After the attack, Israel launched a relentless military offensive that has killed at least 28,600 people in Gaza, mostly women and children, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run Palestinian territory.

- Russia situation 'fundamentally different' -

Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022. The following day, the EBU said that including a Russian entry in that year's contest "would bring the competition into disrepute".

The decision was "based on the rules of the event and the values of the EBU", it said.

Curran said it was not the EBU's place to make comparisons between wars, and that in the case of Russia, it was the Russian broadcasters themselves who were suspended from the EBU "due to their persistent breaches of membership obligations and the violation of public service values".&nbsp;

In their open letter, the artists led by Mirren said they had been "disappointed to see some members of the entertainment community calling for Israel to be banished from the Contest for responding to the greatest massacre of Jews since the Holocaust".&nbsp;

"We believe that unifying events such as singing competitions are crucial to help bridge our cultural divides and unite people of all backgrounds through their shared love of music," said the letter, which makes no mention of the massive civilian casualties in Gaza.

Founded in 1950, the Geneva-based EBU is the world's biggest public service media alliance. It has 112 member organisations in 56 countries.

Curran said the EBU was acting in line with other international organisations, such as sports federations, which have kept Israel in their competitions.

In 1998, Israel's Dana International became the first openly transgender singer to win Eurovision.

After also winning in 1978 and 1979, Israel won Eurovision for a fourth time in 2018.

Malmo is hosting the 68th edition after Swedish singer Loreen won the 2023 contest in Liverpool, England with the song Tattoo, watched by some 162 million viewers.

The 2024 event coincides with the 50th anniversary of ABBA's Eurovision victory -- Sweden's first -- with their breakthrough hit "Waterloo".

Israel can compete in this year's Eurovision Song Contest, organisers confirmed on Thursday, again rejecting calls for it to be excluded over the Gaza war like Russia was after invading Ukraine.

Israel can compete in this year's Eurovision Song Contest, organisers confirmed on Thursday, again rejecting calls for it to be excluded over the Gaza war like Russia was after invading Ukraine. On Wednesday, a group of 400 celebrities including British actress Helen Mirren, British singer Boy George and former Kiss frontman Gene Simmons published an open letter supporting Eurovision's decision to maintain Israel's participation. The letter was issued in response to petitions calling for Israel to be kicked out of the world's biggest live music event, which is being held in Malmo, Sweden, in May. Approached by AFP, the European Broadcasting Union said it had conducted a review and decided late last year that Israel could participate in the kitsch annual pop extravaganza. "The Eurovision Song Contest is a non-political music event and a competition between public service broadcasters who are members of the EBU. It is not a contest between governments," EBU director general Noel Curran said, reiterating a statement made in January. Israel is to take part in the second semi-final on May 9, from which 10 of the 16 contenders will progress to the grand final on May 11. Eden Golan, 20, who grew up in Russia, will represent Israel after winning a domestic contest. Her song has yet to be announced by broadcaster KAN, which handles Israel's participation in Eurovision. Israel has qualified for every grand final since 2015. The war in Gaza was triggered by Hamas's October 7 attack on Israel, which resulted in the deaths of around 1,160 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures. After the attack, Israel launched a relentless military offensive that has killed at least 28,600 people in Gaza, mostly women and children, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run Palestinian territory. - Russia situation 'fundamentally different' - Russia launched a full-scale invasion of Ukraine on February 24, 2022. The following day, the EBU said that including a Russian entry in that year's contest "would bring the competition into disrepute". The decision was "based on the rules of the event and the values of the EBU", it said. Curran said it was not the EBU's place to make comparisons between wars, and that in the case of Russia, it was the Russian broadcasters themselves who were suspended from the EBU "due to their persistent breaches of membership obligations and the violation of public service values". In their open letter, the artists led by Mirren said they had been "disappointed to see some members of the entertainment community calling for Israel to be banished from the Contest for responding to the greatest massacre of Jews since the Holocaust". "We believe that unifying events such as singing competitions are crucial to help bridge our cultural divides and unite people of all backgrounds through their shared love of music," said the letter, which makes no mention of the massive civilian casualties in Gaza. Founded in 1950, the Geneva-based EBU is the world's biggest public service media alliance. It has 112 member organisations in 56 countries. Curran said the EBU was acting in line with other international organisations, such as sports federations, which have kept Israel in their competitions. In 1998, Israel's Dana International became the first openly transgender singer to win Eurovision. After also winning in 1978 and 1979, Israel won Eurovision for a fourth time in 2018. Malmo is hosting the 68th edition after Swedish singer Loreen won the 2023 contest in Liverpool, England with the song Tattoo, watched by some 162 million viewers. The 2024 event coincides with the 50th anniversary of ABBA's Eurovision victory -- Sweden's first -- with their breakthrough hit "Waterloo".

Eurovision confirms Israel can compete despite boycott calls over Gaza

Israeli troops launch raid on Nasser hospital in southern Gaza. Staff say one person killed and eight injured in attack as un aid chief warns Rafah offensive could cause refugee exodus into Egypt.

Israel-Hamas war | Egypt constructing wall near its border with Gaza strip

Israeli air raids in southern Lebanon have killed at least 10 civilians, including children, and three Hezbollah fighters, in the deadliest attack in more than four months of cross-border exchanges.

Israel-Hamas war: Israeli attack kills ten in Nabatieh

The raid came after days of intense fighting between troops and Hamas militants around the Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis -- one of the largest medical sites in southern Gaza, and one of the territory's few hospitals that are still operational.

Israel sends troops into 'besieged' hospital

Israeli hostages have filed a complaint against Hamas at the international criminal court. What are the charges against Hamas? Ghadi Francis explains.

Families of hostages urge ICJ to arrest Hamas leaders

Israel’s military operations in Gaza have taken an unprecedented turn. Netanyahu’s eyes are now on Rafah – and millions of Palestinian refugees at risk. What is Israel’s operation Rafah, and why is the UN raising an alarm over a potential slaughter? Ghadi Francis gets you more.

Israel-Hamas war | Israeli PM: Rafah offensive critical to eliminate Hamas

Israeli Special Forces enter largest functioning, Nasser hospital, in Gaza

In this special segment, we delve into the latest developments in West Asia, including the escalating situation in Gaza, ongoing ceasefire talks in Cairo, and the shifting dynamics of global south alliances. We also explore the significance of the Indian diaspora in maintaining relations between india and arab nations, and the growing importance of india as an investment destination for countries like Saudi Arabia, UAE, and Qatar. Watch this interview with our comprehensive update on the region's geopolitics and economic landscape.

Afshin Molavi, Senior Fellow, Johns Hopkins SAIS talks on latest developments unfolding in West Asia

The Israeli military said that its fighter jets "began a series of strikes in Lebanon". Hezbollah and the Israeli military had been exchanging fire for over four months when the Lebanese armed group fired rockets across the disputed border in support of Hamas.

Israel begins a series of strikes in Lebanon; at least one killed and eight injured

The United States is reviewing reports that Israel has harmed civilians in its war against Hamas in Gaza under a set of guidelines aimed at ensuring countries receiving US arms conduct military operations in line with international humanitarian law, State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said Tuesday.

Gaza suffering persists, casualties mount

As Israel intensifies its attacks on Rafah, what will happen to millions of displaced Gazans trapped in the southern city? Will Egypt suspend its peace treaty with Israel? Pressure mounts on Israel for Ceasefire Watch Rafah The New Flashpoint on WION Wideangle

Israel-Hamas war: Rafah the new flashpoint

Israel-Hamas war | Israeli special forces enter largest functioning hospital in Gaza

Israel-Hamas war: IDF claims ‘credible intelligence’ on hostages in Nasser hospital

Israeli troops launch raid on Nasser hospital in southern Gaza. Staff say one person killed and eight injured in attack as un aid chief warns Rafah offensive could cause refugee exodus into Egypt. To know more watch this interview with the Senior fellow of National Security Institute, Morgan Lorraine Vina.

Israel-Hamas war: Israel claims Nasser hospital being used by Hamas militants

The Israeli military said on Wednesday (Feb 14) that its fighter jets "began a series of strikes in Lebanon". Meanwhile, a Lebanese security source said on the same day that Israeli strikes in south Lebanon killed four civilians, including two children, and wounded several others.&nbsp;

As quoted by the Reuters news agency, the sources said that a woman and her two children were killed in the strike in the village of al-Sawana. Lebanon's powerful armed group Hezbollah said a strike on a separate town killed one of its fighters.&nbsp;

Hezbollah and the Israeli military had been exchanging fire for over four months when the Lebanese armed group fired rockets across the disputed border in support of Hamas, which launched a deadly attack on Israel on October 7.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-ukraine-war-kyiv-claims-it-destroyed-russian-warship-in-black-sea-690162">VIDEO: Ukraine claims it destroyed another Russian warship in Black Sea</a>&nbsp;

This becomes a major concern as chances of war between Israel and Lebanon appear to have increased after months of cross-border fire as before the Israeli strikes, reports said that fire from Lebanon wounded multiple people in northern Israel, according to medics.&nbsp;

As reported by the news agencies, the Magen David Adom emergency service said that seven people were wounded, five of them in the town of Safed.&nbsp;

Although Hezbollah did not announce any operations on Wednesday, the head of its executive council said that Israel's attacks "cannot pass without a response".&nbsp;

But Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah said on Tuesday (Feb 13) that fire from southern Lebanon will end "when the attack on Gaza stops and there is a ceasefire" between Hamas and Israel.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iranian-pipelines-hit-in-act-of-terrorism-and-sabotage-gas-supply-disrupted-690236">Iranian pipelines hit in act of ‘terrorism and sabotage’, gas supply disrupted</a>&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Ilana Stein, who is an Israeli government spokesperson, told journalists that "numerous launches" were identified as coming from Lebanon on Wednesday morning. The strikes allegedly left one Israeli, a woman, dead and eight others hospitalised.&nbsp;

"As we have made clear time and time again, Israel is not interested in a war on two fronts. But if provoked, we will respond forcefully," she said.&nbsp;

"The current reality, where tens of thousands of Israelis are displaced and cannot return to their homes, is unbearable. They must be able to return home and live in peace and security," she said, further adding that the military responded to cross-border rocket fire from Lebanon.&nbsp;

Watch:&nbsp;Why is Israel planning a Rafah offensive and what would it mean?

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After meeting with commanders along the Lebanon-Israel border, Israeli army chief Herzi Halevi stated that Israel's "next campaign will be very much on the offensive, and we will use all the tools and all capabilities".&nbsp;

"We are intensifying the strikes all the time, and Hezbollah are paying an increasingly heavy price," he said in a statement as reported by new agencies.&nbsp;

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;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

The Israeli military said on Wednesday (Feb 14) that its fighter jets "began a series of strikes in Lebanon". Meanwhile, a Lebanese security source said on the same day that Israeli strikes in south Lebanon killed four civilians, including two children, and wounded several others.

The Israeli military said on Wednesday (Feb 14) that its fighter jets "began a series of strikes in Lebanon". Meanwhile, a Lebanese security source said on the same day that Israeli strikes in south Lebanon killed four civilians, including two children, and wounded several others. As quoted by the Reuters news agency, the sources said that a woman and her two children were killed in the strike in the village of al-Sawana. Lebanon's powerful armed group Hezbollah said a strike on a separate town killed one of its fighters. Hezbollah and the Israeli military had been exchanging fire for over four months when the Lebanese armed group fired rockets across the disputed border in support of Hamas, which launched a deadly attack on Israel on October 7. Also read: VIDEO: Ukraine claims it destroyed another Russian warship in Black Sea This becomes a major concern as chances of war between Israel and Lebanon appear to have increased after months of cross-border fire as before the Israeli strikes, reports said that fire from Lebanon wounded multiple people in northern Israel, according to medics. As reported by the news agencies, the Magen David Adom emergency service said that seven people were wounded, five of them in the town of Safed. Although Hezbollah did not announce any operations on Wednesday, the head of its executive council said that Israel's attacks "cannot pass without a response". But Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah said on Tuesday (Feb 13) that fire from southern Lebanon will end "when the attack on Gaza stops and there is a ceasefire" between Hamas and Israel. Also read: Iranian pipelines hit in act of ‘terrorism and sabotage’, gas supply disrupted Meanwhile, Ilana Stein, who is an Israeli government spokesperson, told journalists that "numerous launches" were identified as coming from Lebanon on Wednesday morning. The strikes allegedly left one Israeli, a woman, dead and eight others hospitalised. "As we have made clear time and time again, Israel is not interested in a war on two fronts. But if provoked, we will respond forcefully," she said. "The current reality, where tens of thousands of Israelis are displaced and cannot return to their homes, is unbearable. They must be able to return home and live in peace and security," she said, further adding that the military responded to cross-border rocket fire from Lebanon. Watch: Why is Israel planning a Rafah offensive and what would it mean? × After meeting with commanders along the Lebanon-Israel border, Israeli army chief Herzi Halevi stated that Israel's "next campaign will be very much on the offensive, and we will use all the tools and all capabilities". "We are intensifying the strikes all the time, and Hezbollah are paying an increasingly heavy price," he said in a statement as reported by new 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. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel ‘begins series of strikes’ in Lebanon amid concerns over cross-border escalation

Israel vowed on Wednesday to press on with a "powerful" operation in war-torn Gaza's Rafah, even as calls mounted for it to hold off sending troops into the territory's overcrowded far-southern city.

Israel-Gaza War: Netanyahu vows 'powerful' Rafah operation, despite global opposition

Israel-Gaza War: Israel vows to press ahead with 'powerful' Rafah operation

Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to press on with a powerful operation in Gaza's Rafah even as calls mounted for him to hold off sending troops into the territories' overcrowded city. Netanyahu has insisted Hamas battalions must be eliminated in the city as Egyptian and Qatari mediators in Cairo are hoping to secure a ceasefire that would see more of the roughly 130 hostages still in Gaza released in another swap.

Israel-Hamas war | Drop delusional demands, Israeli Prime Minister tells Hamas

Israel war: Gaza suffering persists, casualties mount | Reports of civilian harm by Israel forces

The US ratings agency&nbsp;Moody's downgraded Israel's credit rating Friday due to the impact of its ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza, lowering it by one notch from A1 to A2.

In a statement,&nbsp;Moody's said it had done so after assessing that "the ongoing military conflict with Hamas, its aftermath and wider consequences materially raise political risk for Israel as well as weaken its executive and legislative institutions and its fiscal strength, for the foreseeable future."

It was the first time Israel has been downgraded, Bloomberg reported.&nbsp;

Moody's also lowered its outlook for Israel's debt to "negative" due to "the risk of an escalation" with the far more powerful Lebanese militant group Hezbollah that operates along its northern border.&nbsp;

Hamas's unprecedented October 7 attack resulted in the deaths of about 1,160 people in Israel, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures.

In response, Israel launched air strikes and a ground offensive that have killed at least 27,947 people in Gaza, mostly women and children, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory.

Following the attack, S&amp;P Global Ratings lowered Israel's credit outlook from stable to negative on risks that the Israel-Hamas conflict could broaden.

Fitch -- which is the last of the big three US ratings agencies -- placed Israel on negative watch over risks from the conflict.

"The weakened security environment implies higher social risk and indicates weaker executive and legislative institutions than&nbsp;Moody's previously assessed," the ratings agency said Friday in the statement explaining its decision.&nbsp;

"At the same time, Israel's public finances are deteriorating and the previously projected downward trend in the public debt ratio has now reversed," it continued. &nbsp;

"Moody's expects that Israel's debt burden will be materially higher than projected before the conflict," it added.

The US ratings agency Moody's downgraded Israel's credit rating Friday due to the impact of its ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza, lowering it by one notch from A1 to A2.

The US ratings agency Moody's downgraded Israel's credit rating Friday due to the impact of its ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza, lowering it by one notch from A1 to A2. In a statement, Moody's said it had done so after assessing that "the ongoing military conflict with Hamas, its aftermath and wider consequences materially raise political risk for Israel as well as weaken its executive and legislative institutions and its fiscal strength, for the foreseeable future." It was the first time Israel has been downgraded, Bloomberg reported. Moody's also lowered its outlook for Israel's debt to "negative" due to "the risk of an escalation" with the far more powerful Lebanese militant group Hezbollah that operates along its northern border. Hamas's unprecedented October 7 attack resulted in the deaths of about 1,160 people in Israel, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures. In response, Israel launched air strikes and a ground offensive that have killed at least 27,947 people in Gaza, mostly women and children, according to the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory. Following the attack, S&P Global Ratings lowered Israel's credit outlook from stable to negative on risks that the Israel-Hamas conflict could broaden. Fitch -- which is the last of the big three US ratings agencies -- placed Israel on negative watch over risks from the conflict. "The weakened security environment implies higher social risk and indicates weaker executive and legislative institutions than Moody's previously assessed," the ratings agency said Friday in the statement explaining its decision. "At the same time, Israel's public finances are deteriorating and the previously projected downward trend in the public debt ratio has now reversed," it continued. "Moody's expects that Israel's debt burden will be materially higher than projected before the conflict," it added.

Moody's downgrades Israel's credit rating in wake of Gaza war with Hamas

As Israel prepares for an incursion in Rafah, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces growing international pressure to agree to a ceasefire. While displaced Palestinians only urge for safety and to return home. What is next? Where will the displaced go now?

Israel-Hamas war: Rafah refugees fear Israeli onslaught | WION's Ground Report from Southern Israel

The Syrian air defences, as per state media reports&nbsp;on Friday responded to an attack near the capital. According to&nbsp;the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reports, a military airport west of Damascus came under attack. The war monitor said that "the area of the Mazzeh military airport west of the capital Damascus was targeted".&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-attacks-disrupt-red-sea-shipping-houthi-leader-claims-real-victory-688428">As attacks disrupt Red Sea shipping, Houthi leader claims 'real victory'</a>

"Positions belonging to Lebanon's Hezbollah and other pro-Iran groups are present" it added.

<h2>Is Israel to blame?</h2>

The Defence Ministry, as per AFP, said that drones entered the Syrian airspace from the direction of the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights.

A statement from the defence ministry meanwhile said that "two drones violated Syrian air space from the direction of the occupied Syrian Golan". It said that the attack happened around 2:10 pm (1110 GMT).

"Air defence systems confronted them, and they were shot down west of Damascus," added the statement.

While the source of the attack was not immediately specified, Syria's official news agency, SANA (Syrian Arab News Agency)&nbsp;blamed&nbsp;Israel in its initial reports for "hostile" strikes.

Since the onset of the civil war in 2011, Israel has conducted hundreds of airstrikes on Syria. But after&nbsp;Hamas' attack on October 7, Israel&nbsp;has intensified its efforts against Iran-backed forces in Syria, according to AFP.

Israel typically refrains from commenting on individual strikes in Syria but has consistently stated its opposition to Iran's expanding presence in the region.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Syrian air defences, as per state media reports on Friday responded to an attack near the capital. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reports, a military airport west of Damascus came under attack.

The Syrian air defences, as per state media reports on Friday responded to an attack near the capital. According to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights reports, a military airport west of Damascus came under attack. The war monitor said that "the area of the Mazzeh military airport west of the capital Damascus was targeted". Also read | As attacks disrupt Red Sea shipping, Houthi leader claims 'real victory' "Positions belonging to Lebanon's Hezbollah and other pro-Iran groups are present" it added. Is Israel to blame? The Defence Ministry, as per AFP, said that drones entered the Syrian airspace from the direction of the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. A statement from the defence ministry meanwhile said that "two drones violated Syrian air space from the direction of the occupied Syrian Golan". It said that the attack happened around 2:10 pm (1110 GMT). "Air defence systems confronted them, and they were shot down west of Damascus," added the statement. While the source of the attack was not immediately specified, Syria's official news agency, SANA (Syrian Arab News Agency) blamed Israel in its initial reports for "hostile" strikes. Since the onset of the civil war in 2011, Israel has conducted hundreds of airstrikes on Syria. But after Hamas' attack on October 7, Israel has intensified its efforts against Iran-backed forces in Syria, according to AFP. Israel typically refrains from commenting on individual strikes in Syria but has consistently stated its opposition to Iran's expanding presence in the region. (With inputs from agencies)

Syrian air defences 'engage hostile targets' near Damascus, source of attack unclear

Israeli strikes deepen panic in Rafah as un aid chief warns a ground offensive could result in ‘slaughter’. Israeli officials have requested un aid agencies to help with efforts to evacuate civilians from Gaza war zones.

Military operations in Gaza can lead to slaughter, says UN

‘We lived in terror,’ say Palestinians in Rafah

As Israel prepares for an incursion in Rafah, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces growing international pressure to agree to a ceasefire. While displaced palestinians only urge for safety and to return home. What is next? Where will the displaced go now?

Displaced residents in Rafah ask: Where to now? Where is home?

The Islamic revolutionary Guard Corps IRGC of Iran claimed it fired two long range ballistic missiles from Shahid Mahdavi warship in the Gulf of Oman, the missiles with a claimed range of at least 1700 km hit targets in a desert in central Iran. The exercise was intended to be a simulated test strike against an Israeli base. Watch to know more!

Iran claims test simulated strike on Israeli base

France has announced sanctions against 28 Israeli settlers whom it accused of committing human rights abuses against Palestinian civilians in the occupied West Bank. Watch in for more details!

France cracks down against 28 extremist Israeli settlers over West Bank violence

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