Hamas has laid out its demands. U.S. President Joe Biden says they are "over the top". What are these demands and will Israeli PM Netanyahu agree to them?

Gravitas | Will Netanyahu agree to Hamas' proposal?

Netanyahu has rejected Hamas' proposal for a truce. Top U.S. diplomat Blinken says there is hope for more negotiations. Amid all this Russian President Putin has said that Moscow is in talks with Hamas to release hostages. Will Putin broker a peace deal in Gaza?

Gravitas | Will Putin emerge as the winner in Gaza war?

A senior commander from an armed organization that supported Iran was killed by an American air strike in Iraq on Wednesday. The commander was involved in attacks against Washington's forces in the area, according to the US military.

US airstrikes Iraq: US Says It Killed Pro-Iran Commander In Iraq Strike

<p>Israel's reported ongoing destruction of all buildings along the border inside Gaza with the aim of creating a "buffer zone" is a war crime, the United Nations rights chief warned on Thursday.</p>

<p>In a statement, Volker Turk pointed to reports that the Israeli military is working inside the Gaza Strip to destroy all buildings within a kilometre of the border fence with Israel with the objective of creating a "buffer zone".</p>

<p>"I stress to the Israeli authorities that Article 53 of the Fourth Geneva Convention prohibits destruction by the occupying power of property belonging to private persons, except where such destruction is rendered absolutely necessary by military operations'," he said.</p>

<p>Turk warned that the objective of creating a buffer zone for general security purposes did "not appear consistent with the narrow 'military operations' exception set out in international humanitarian law".</p>

<p><strong>Watch | Israel-Hamas War: Israeli PM Netanyahu rejects Hamas' offer of ceasefire</strong></p>

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<p>He added that such "extensive destruction of property, not justified by military necessity and carried out unlawfully and wantonly, amounts to a grave breach of the Fourth Geneva Convention, and a war crime".</p>

<p>The war in Gaza followed Hamas's attack in Israel on October 7, which resulted in the deaths of about 1,140 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures.</p>

<p>Israel vowed to eliminate Hamas and launched relentless air strikes and a ground offensive that have killed at least 27,840 people, mostly women, adolescents and children, according to Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry.</p>

<h2><strong>'May constitute war crime'</strong></h2>

<p>The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said that since October his office had recorded "widespread destruction and demolition by the (Israeli military) of civilian and other infrastructure".</p>

<p>This included "residential buildings, schools and universities in areas in which fighting is not or no longer taking place", he said.</p>

<p>He said such demolitions had also been seen in Beit Hanoun and Gaza City in the north of the besieged Palestinian territory, and the Nuseirat camp in central Gaza, while numerous residential buildings had reportedly been demolished in Khan Younis in the south in recent weeks.</p>

<p><strong>Also Read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-netanyahu-orders-troops-to-prepare-to-enter-into-rafah-688179">Israel-Hamas war: Netanyahu orders troops to prepare to enter Rafah</a></strong></p>

<p>"Israel has not provided cogent reasons for such extensive destruction of civilian infrastructure," Turk said.</p>

<p>"Such destruction of homes and other essential civilian infrastructure also entrenches the displacement of communities that were living in these areas prior to the escalation in hostilities," he warned.</p>

<p>In fact, he said, they appeared "to be aimed at or (to have) the effect of rendering the return of civilians to these areas impossible".</p>

<p>"I remind the authorities that forcible transfer of civilians may constitute a war crime."</p>


Israel's reported ongoing destruction of all buildings along the border inside Gaza with the aim of creating a "buffer zone" is a war crime, the United Nations rights chief warned on Thursday.

Israel's reported ongoing destruction of all buildings along the border inside Gaza with the aim of creating a "buffer zone" is a war crime, the United Nations rights chief warned on Thursday. In a statement, Volker Turk pointed to reports that the Israeli military is working inside the Gaza Strip to destroy all buildings within a kilometre of the border fence with Israel with the objective of creating a "buffer zone". "I stress to the Israeli authorities that Article 53 of the Fourth Geneva Convention prohibits destruction by the occupying power of property belonging to private persons, except where such destruction is rendered absolutely necessary by military operations'," he said. Turk warned that the objective of creating a buffer zone for general security purposes did "not appear consistent with the narrow 'military operations' exception set out in international humanitarian law". Watch | Israel-Hamas War: Israeli PM Netanyahu rejects Hamas' offer of ceasefire × He added that such "extensive destruction of property, not justified by military necessity and carried out unlawfully and wantonly, amounts to a grave breach of the Fourth Geneva Convention, and a war crime". The war in Gaza followed Hamas's attack in Israel on October 7, which resulted in the deaths of about 1,140 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures. Israel vowed to eliminate Hamas and launched relentless air strikes and a ground offensive that have killed at least 27,840 people, mostly women, adolescents and children, according to Gaza's Hamas-run health ministry. 'May constitute war crime' The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights said that since October his office had recorded "widespread destruction and demolition by the (Israeli military) of civilian and other infrastructure". This included "residential buildings, schools and universities in areas in which fighting is not or no longer taking place", he said. He said such demolitions had also been seen in Beit Hanoun and Gaza City in the north of the besieged Palestinian territory, and the Nuseirat camp in central Gaza, while numerous residential buildings had reportedly been demolished in Khan Younis in the south in recent weeks. Also Read | Israel-Hamas war: Netanyahu orders troops to prepare to enter Rafah "Israel has not provided cogent reasons for such extensive destruction of civilian infrastructure," Turk said. "Such destruction of homes and other essential civilian infrastructure also entrenches the displacement of communities that were living in these areas prior to the escalation in hostilities," he warned. In fact, he said, they appeared "to be aimed at or (to have) the effect of rendering the return of civilians to these areas impossible". "I remind the authorities that forcible transfer of civilians may constitute a war crime."

Israeli destruction to make Gaza 'buffer zone' a 'war crime': UN

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday (February 7) rejected a proposal for a Gaza war truce by Hamas, saying victory was within reach and only total defeat of the movement that rules the blockaded strip would ensure Israel's security.

Blinken sees scope for progress even after Netanyahu rejects Hamas ceasefire proposal

The IDF uncovers a significant Hamas tunnel in Khan Younis, southern Gaza, that was once utilized by senior terrorists before being transformed into a facility for harboring hostages. The IDF claims that the "strategic" underground network was around a kilometer long. Troops from the 98th Division's elite Yahalom combat engineering unit, along with other special forces, raided it.

Israel-hamas war: IDF reveals tunnel in Khan Younis used by top Hamas brass

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Wednesday rejected Hamas' latest offer for a ceasefire and return of hostages held in the Gaza Strip, but U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said there was still room for negotiation toward an agreement.

Israel-hamas war: Netanyahu calls Hamas ceasefire proposal 'delusional'

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has dismissed Hamas's proposals for a ceasefire. Netanyahu ordered troops to prepare for moving onto the city of Rafah in Gaza's far south where more than 1 million Palestinians have sought Refuge. However, the US Secretary of State Blinken says he still sees space for an agreement to be reached.

Israel-Hamas War: Israeli PM Netanyahu rejects Hamas' offer of ceasefire

Benjamin Netanyahu has dismissed Hamas's proposals for a ceasefire. Netanyahu ordered troops to prepare for moving onto the city of Rafah in Gaza's far south where more than 1 million Palestinians have sought Refuge. However, the US Secretary of State Blinken says he still sees space for an agreement to be reached.

Israel-Hamas war | Israel PM Netanyahu dismisses Hamas' ceasefire demand

Palestinian Authority PM Mohammad Shtayyeh has called on rival group Hamas to join the PLO's political program. The PLO was forced out of Gaza by Hamas in 2007 and has since been restricted to ruling the West Bank while Hamas has ruled Gaza.

Israel-Palestine Conflict: Palestinian authority PM Shtayyeh invites Hamas to join PLO

The Israel Defense Forces revealed on Wednesday a barred cell area in a major Hamas tunnel in southern Gaza’s Khan Younis that it said was used by the terror group to hold hostages.

IDF reveals a major Hamas tunnel in Southern Gaza

Stirring the coffee cup of global economics, the Israel-Hamas conflict has brewed repercussions far beyond the war-torn West Asian region. This next report explains how the war is leaving a bitter aftertaste for some major players in the food and beverage industry.

What Israel-Hamas war means for your morning Cuppa

<p>The US House of Representatives on Tuesday (Feb 6) voted against a standalone $17.6 billion Israel aid bill brought by the Republicans. The bill was aimed at thwarting an all-encompassing Senate border security bill that would provide&nbsp;additional aid to both Ukraine and Israel as well as secure the southern border&nbsp;introduced over the weekend.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Although the House voted 250-180 in favour of the bill, it was short of the two-thirds majority needed to approve it under a&nbsp;fast-tracked legislative process. The failure of the bill to get through the House marked another embarrassment for Speaker Mike Johnson after the Homeland Security chief narrowly survived impeachment in the same chamber&nbsp;minutes ago.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Earlier on Monday&nbsp;(Feb 5), the Senate&nbsp;agreed on a bipartisan $118 billion deal that attempts to overhaul the immigration policy and provide foreign emergency aid to friendly nations&nbsp;currently in crisis.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Despite the bill receiving a rare bipartisan nod in the Senate, Johnson said it would be "dead on arrival" in the chamber.</p>

<p>While not being involved in the thick of things, former president Donald Trump has been pulling the strings from outside and egging his GOP lawmakers to dump the bill.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-hamas-war-us-house-proposes-176-billion-in-military-aid-to-israel-686867"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Israel-Hamas war: US House proposes $17.6 billion in military aid to Israel</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>Democrats against the standalone bill</strong></h2>

<p>The standalone bill was an attempt by the Republicans to move quickly to support Israel with the leaders insisting it was not a political stunt. However, the Democrats believe otherwise.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"This accomplishes nothing and delays aid getting out to our allies and providing humanitarian relief.&nbsp;Our allies are facing existential threats and our friends and foes around the globe are watching, waiting to see how America will respond," said Democrat leader&nbsp;Rosa DeLauro.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Even if the bill was passed in the House, experts believe the Senate would have not taken it up as President Joe Biden threatened to veto it on Monday, calling it a&nbsp;“cynical political manoeuvre”.</p>

<p>"The Administration strongly encourages both chambers of the Congress to reject this political ploy and instead quickly send the bipartisan Emergency National Security Supplemental Appropriations Act to the President’s desk," the White House Office of Management and Budget said in a statement.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/trump-stands-in-way-of-118bn-immigration-ukraine-and-israel-package-deal-passed-by-senate-687347"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Trump stands in way of $118bn immigration, Ukraine and Israel package deal, passed by Senate</strong></a></p>

<p>The Democrat-led bill earmarks $14 billion for Israel and $60 billion for Ukraine in foreign aid while diverting $20 billion to shore up the southern US borders. Republicans have batted against this bill saying it is "insufficient" on all counts.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The US House of Representatives on Tuesday (Feb 6) voted against a standalone $17.6 billion Israel aid bill brought by the Republicans. The bill was aimed at thwarting an all-encompassing Senate border security bill that would provide additional aid to both Ukraine and Israel as well as secure the southern border introduced over the weekend.

The US House of Representatives on Tuesday (Feb 6) voted against a standalone $17.6 billion Israel aid bill brought by the Republicans. The bill was aimed at thwarting an all-encompassing Senate border security bill that would provide additional aid to both Ukraine and Israel as well as secure the southern border introduced over the weekend. Although the House voted 250-180 in favour of the bill, it was short of the two-thirds majority needed to approve it under a fast-tracked legislative process. The failure of the bill to get through the House marked another embarrassment for Speaker Mike Johnson after the Homeland Security chief narrowly survived impeachment in the same chamber minutes ago. Earlier on Monday (Feb 5), the Senate agreed on a bipartisan $118 billion deal that attempts to overhaul the immigration policy and provide foreign emergency aid to friendly nations currently in crisis. Despite the bill receiving a rare bipartisan nod in the Senate, Johnson said it would be "dead on arrival" in the chamber. While not being involved in the thick of things, former president Donald Trump has been pulling the strings from outside and egging his GOP lawmakers to dump the bill. Watch | Israel-Hamas war: US House proposes $17.6 billion in military aid to Israel × Democrats against the standalone bill The standalone bill was an attempt by the Republicans to move quickly to support Israel with the leaders insisting it was not a political stunt. However, the Democrats believe otherwise. "This accomplishes nothing and delays aid getting out to our allies and providing humanitarian relief. Our allies are facing existential threats and our friends and foes around the globe are watching, waiting to see how America will respond," said Democrat leader Rosa DeLauro. Even if the bill was passed in the House, experts believe the Senate would have not taken it up as President Joe Biden threatened to veto it on Monday, calling it a “cynical political manoeuvre”. "The Administration strongly encourages both chambers of the Congress to reject this political ploy and instead quickly send the bipartisan Emergency National Security Supplemental Appropriations Act to the President’s desk," the White House Office of Management and Budget said in a statement. Also read | Trump stands in way of $118bn immigration, Ukraine and Israel package deal, passed by Senate The Democrat-led bill earmarks $14 billion for Israel and $60 billion for Ukraine in foreign aid while diverting $20 billion to shore up the southern US borders. Republicans have batted against this bill saying it is "insufficient" on all counts. (With inputs from agencies)

Republican-led $17.6 billion Israel-only aid bill rejected in US House

Hamas has now proposed a 135-day truce and hostage deal. This is in response to a US backed- Israel plan that reportedly included a six-week truce. The militant group has proposed a three-stage plan with each stage spanning over 45 days. Under the plan, the remaining hostages will be exchanged for around 1500 Palestinian prisoners. The deal also envisages flow of aid to Gaza, withdrawal of Israeli forces along with reconstruction of the besieged strip.

Antony Blinken discusses Hamas' truce deal with Israeli PM Netanyahu

Antony Blinken meets Israeli PM Netanyahu for talks on Gaza truce plan

Qatar's prime minister said on Tuesday Hamas had reacted positively to the latest plan for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages.

Israel-Hamas war: Ceasefire proposal gets 'positive' response from Hamas: Qatar PM

Saudi Arabia has told the United States it will not open diplomatic relations with Israel unless an independent Palestinian state is recognised on 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Saudi Arabia: No Israel ties without recognition of Palestinian state

Saudi Arabia: No ties with Israel unless Gaza war ends

The United States and several other countries have suspended aid to UNRWA, the main humanitarian agency in Gaza, since the 26th of January. The unprecedented funding crisis was precipitated by Israel's claim that 13 of UNRWA's 13,000 staff in Gaza were involved in the October 7th Hamas attacks on Israel which killed about 1200 people. Tel Aviv claims that as many as 190 UNRWA staff were militants. UNRWA, 150 of whose staff have been killed since October last year, shelters about a million Palestinians in its buildings, besides running several other essential services. If funding is not restored soon, the UN agency will have to end operations by the end of this month. As a course corrective measure, it promptly fired staff after being alerted to Israel's allegations. The UNRWA chief, Philippe Lazzarini, has dubbed the suspension "an additional collective punishment" for Palestinians. Mohammed Saleh brings you the details.

Israeli claims of UNRWA culpability remain unsubstantiated

The talks of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas aren't going anywhere. Hamas has demanded the release of Marwan Barghouti. He is a leading figure of the group's main political rival. He is also the highest-profile prisoner held by Israel. Will Israel release Barghouti?

Gravitas | The secret obstacle in the Gaza ceasefire: Marwan Barghouti

Spain has pledged to send the equivalent of $3.8 million in additional aid to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares told lawmakers on 5 February.

Spain increases funding for UNRWA in Gaza

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Saudi Arabia on Monday, his first stop in a Middle East tour as Washington tries to advance negotiations on a normalization deal between the kingdom and Israel, and make progress on talks for postwar Gaza governance.

Israel- Hamas war: Blinken meets Saudi crown prince amid heightened West Asia tensions

Israel threatened a new ground assault on Rafah, a small city on the southern border with Egypt where over half of Gaza's 2.3 million people are now living, mostly in makeshift tents.

Israel-Hamas war | Israel says it will expand operations in Rafah

French Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne will visit Israel and the West Bank tomorrow, the French Embassy announces.

French FM to visit Jordan Israel and Lebanon

Israel on Saturday (Feb 3) said that it had struck over 50 targets linked to the Iranian-backed Lebanese movement Hezbollah since the war broke out in the Gaza Strip on October 7, 2023.

Over 50 Hezbollah targets hit in Syria since Oct 7, says Israel

Former US president Donald Trump has again accused Israel of being a part of the plan to kill Iran's top Commander Qassem Soleimani back in early 2020. Qassem Soleimani was killed in a US drone strike in Iraq. Watch to know more!

Donald Trump: Israel was part of plan to kill Qassem Soleimani

The US is actively pursuing a second hostage deal as well as humanitarian assistance to Gaza. In the latest US Secy State Antony Blinken held a telephonic conversation with the Saudi counterpart about the Israel-Hamas war. Watch to know more!

Antony Blinken to press hostage release deal on New West Asia trip

France Foreign Minister Stephane Sejourne's West Asia tour, meets Egyptian counterpart

A Palestinian doctor working at al-Ahli al-Arab hospital in Gaza City was detained by Israeli forces during their takeover of the hospital.

Israel-Palestine war: Gaza doctor reveals disturbing details of detention under IDF

Israel was supposed to kill Soleimani with us, says former US President Donald Trump

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