In a rare and unprecedented move, United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres invoked Article 99 of the UN Charter on Wednesday (Dec 6). This decision is aimed at formally warning the UN Security Council about the global threat emanating from Israel's ongoing military operations in Gaza.

UN chief Guterres speaks on the situation in Gaza

Israeli media has published reports suggesting that the IDF not only knew about the Hamas' attack on the Super Nova Music Festival but also held emergency meetings. However, they chose to not inform the festival organisers in advance. The dismissed information proved fatal to 360 party-goers just hours later whereas an additional 40 were also taken hostage.

Israel-Hamas war: IDF didn't inform festival organisers: Report

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Hezbollah not to initiate a third Lebanon war with Israel, hours after the Iranian proxy group guided missile attack killed a 60-year-old Israeli man in northern Israel.

Netanyahu says Israel will turn Beirut into Gaza if Hezbollah starts war

The US dismisses reports its asked Israel to wrap up the Gaza invasion by Jan. Secretary of State Antony Binken however adds, America has asked the Netanyahu govt to do much more to protect civilian lives.

Israel-Hamas war | Blinken: Gap between Israel's intent to protect civilians & casualties

The ongoing war in Gaza has given the world new reasons to help Egypt. Egypt appeared to be in serious danger of going bankrupt two months ago. There are now compelling new reasons for the world to step in and help.

Israel-Hamas war: Egypt rises amid war in Gaza

Founded in the chaos of the fifteen-year Lebanese civil war, Hezbollah is driven by its opposition to Israel and its resistance to Western influence in West Asia. So far, Israel and Hezbollah have stopped short of reviving the full-scale war they fought in 2006. A repeat of the 2006 scenario will force Israel's military to fight on two fronts, stretching its forces thin. Hamas and other Palestinian groups in the Gaza Strip have a variety of homemade or smuggled rockets at their disposal to use against Israel. Hezbollah can rain fire on targets throughout Israel, including with far more advanced and hard-hitting weaponry than what Hamas has been able to muster. In 2016, estimates put its arsenal at around 150-thousand rockets, a tenfold increase over the roughly 15-thousand that were said to be available ahead of the 2006 Lebanon war. That number has since grown even larger. Hezbollah also possesses short-range ballistic missiles, drones, and anti-ship missiles.

Israeli PM issues strong warning to Hezbollah

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu traveled to Gaza for the first time since the start of the Israel-Hamas conflict on October 7. Reports state that Israeli soldiers were informed by Prime Minister Netanyahu during the visit that Israel would not give up until it prevails.

Israel-Hamas war: UK may increase its team's capacity to help Palestinian authority

Hollywood celebrities are paying the price for taking sides in the Gaza war -- plastering their social media accounts with slogans such as "Free Palestine" or&nbsp;"I stand with Israel".

Israeli actress Gal Gadot, best known for starring in Wonder Woman, has expressed unyielding support for her country since October 7, when Hamas fighters burst out of Gaza, killing about 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking around 240 hostage, according to Israeli officials.

"I stand with Israel, you should too," she declared to her 109 million Instagram followers.

She has continued to regularly publish or share posts demanding that Hamas release the civilians it is holding -- earning her both approval and criticism.

"While you're at it, can you use your platform to share all the missing and killed innocent Palestinians too?" a user on X, formerly Twitter, wrote in response to one of her posts.

In reprisal for the October 7 attacks, Israel has pounded the Gaza Strip and launched a ground invasion, killing more than 17,000 people, mostly women and children, according to Gaza's Hamas government.

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The Instagram account of American model Gigi Hadid, who is of Palestinian descent and followed by 79 million, has spent less attention on fashion in recent weeks.

She cited the "systemic mistreatment of the Palestinian people by the government of Israel".

"Stop spreading lies. You and your sisters are antisemitic," said one comment, with many others expressing similar views.

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Famous stars can generate equally strong admiration and repulsion from the public, especially if they comment on divisive issues.

Well before social media, boxer Muhammad Ali, the actor Jane Fonda and singer Bob Dylan were adored or hated over their opposition to the Vietnam War.

More recently the actors Ben Stiller, Angelina Jolie and Sean Penn showed their support for Ukraine by visiting the country, in moves that were approved by most of their Western fans.

- Insults -

But the Israel-Palestinian issue is more divisive than most, exposing celebrities to even fiercer backlashes.

Kylie Jenner, the half-sister of socialite Kim Kardashian, shared a pro-Israeli post with her 399 million Instagram followers shortly after October 7, which according to US media she deleted an hour later after being hit with insults.

The Oscar-winning actor Susan Sarandon was dropped by her talent agency in November for comments she made at a pro-Palestinian rally, for which she later apologised.

Melissa Barrera, star of the fifth and sixth instalments of the "Scream" franchise, was cut from the cast of the seventh by the producers, who said they had "zero tolerance for anti-Semitism and incitement to hatred".

The Mexican had denounced what she called "ethnic cleansing" in Gaza.

Celebrities who take sides in the conflict have "a lot to lose and little to gain", said&nbsp;Nicolas Vanderbiest, founder of the public relations firm Saper Vedere in Brussels.

Producers and sponsors have little appetite for mixing geopolitics and business, he said.

In this issue, two "extremely organised" communities are on the lookout, creating a "herd affect", Vanderbiest added.

Tom Cruise prevented his own agent from losing her job after she had referred to "genocide" on her Instagram account, according to the cinema trade press.

Celebrities could just stay quiet, but with this conflict there is "pressure to pronounce" and no immunity from criticism, said&nbsp;Jamil Jean-Marc Dakhlia, a professor of information and communication at Sorbonne Nouvelle University in Paris.

"Silence is seen as taking a position," Dakhlia said. "So we are in a situation where you are forced to take sides, and not necessarily with much nuance."

American singer and actor Selena Gomez, with 429 million Instagram followers, has been criticised for not taking a stronger stance on the issue.

Along with hundreds of others, including Hadid, singer Jennifer Lopez and actor Joaquin Phoenix, she took a middle road, signing a petition&nbsp;calling for a ceasefire and the safe release of hostages.

Earlier, hundreds of celebrities, including Gadot, had signed an open letter thanking US President Joe Biden for supporting "the Jewish people" and calling for the release of all hostages held by Hamas.&nbsp;

Very few signed both.

Hollywood celebrities are paying the price for taking sides in the Gaza war -- plastering their social media accounts with slogans such as "Free Palestine" or "I stand with Israel".

Hollywood celebrities are paying the price for taking sides in the Gaza war -- plastering their social media accounts with slogans such as "Free Palestine" or "I stand with Israel". Israeli actress Gal Gadot, best known for starring in Wonder Woman, has expressed unyielding support for her country since October 7, when Hamas fighters burst out of Gaza, killing about 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking around 240 hostage, according to Israeli officials. "I stand with Israel, you should too," she declared to her 109 million Instagram followers. She has continued to regularly publish or share posts demanding that Hamas release the civilians it is holding -- earning her both approval and criticism. "While you're at it, can you use your platform to share all the missing and killed innocent Palestinians too?" a user on X, formerly Twitter, wrote in response to one of her posts. In reprisal for the October 7 attacks, Israel has pounded the Gaza Strip and launched a ground invasion, killing more than 17,000 people, mostly women and children, according to Gaza's Hamas government. Elon Musk goes after Bob Iger again, wants him sacked from Disney The Instagram account of American model Gigi Hadid, who is of Palestinian descent and followed by 79 million, has spent less attention on fashion in recent weeks. She cited the "systemic mistreatment of the Palestinian people by the government of Israel". "Stop spreading lies. You and your sisters are antisemitic," said one comment, with many others expressing similar views. 50 Cent working on documentary on Sean Combs rape allegations Famous stars can generate equally strong admiration and repulsion from the public, especially if they comment on divisive issues. Well before social media, boxer Muhammad Ali, the actor Jane Fonda and singer Bob Dylan were adored or hated over their opposition to the Vietnam War. More recently the actors Ben Stiller, Angelina Jolie and Sean Penn showed their support for Ukraine by visiting the country, in moves that were approved by most of their Western fans. - Insults - But the Israel-Palestinian issue is more divisive than most, exposing celebrities to even fiercer backlashes. Kylie Jenner, the half-sister of socialite Kim Kardashian, shared a pro-Israeli post with her 399 million Instagram followers shortly after October 7, which according to US media she deleted an hour later after being hit with insults. The Oscar-winning actor Susan Sarandon was dropped by her talent agency in November for comments she made at a pro-Palestinian rally, for which she later apologised. Melissa Barrera, star of the fifth and sixth instalments of the "Scream" franchise, was cut from the cast of the seventh by the producers, who said they had "zero tolerance for anti-Semitism and incitement to hatred". The Mexican had denounced what she called "ethnic cleansing" in Gaza. Celebrities who take sides in the conflict have "a lot to lose and little to gain", said Nicolas Vanderbiest, founder of the public relations firm Saper Vedere in Brussels. Producers and sponsors have little appetite for mixing geopolitics and business, he said. In this issue, two "extremely organised" communities are on the lookout, creating a "herd affect", Vanderbiest added. Tom Cruise prevented his own agent from losing her job after she had referred to "genocide" on her Instagram account, according to the cinema trade press. Celebrities could just stay quiet, but with this conflict there is "pressure to pronounce" and no immunity from criticism, said Jamil Jean-Marc Dakhlia, a professor of information and communication at Sorbonne Nouvelle University in Paris. "Silence is seen as taking a position," Dakhlia said. "So we are in a situation where you are forced to take sides, and not necessarily with much nuance." American singer and actor Selena Gomez, with 429 million Instagram followers, has been criticised for not taking a stronger stance on the issue. Along with hundreds of others, including Hadid, singer Jennifer Lopez and actor Joaquin Phoenix, she took a middle road, signing a petition calling for a ceasefire and the safe release of hostages. Earlier, hundreds of celebrities, including Gadot, had signed an open letter thanking US President Joe Biden for supporting "the Jewish people" and calling for the release of all hostages held by Hamas. Very few signed both.

Gaza and Instagram make an explosive mix in Hollywood

Britain is assisting West Bank leaders in governing Gaza amid the Israel Hamas War. A British military team in West Bank is helping the Palestinian Authority to take over governance of the Gaza Strip.

Israel-Hamas war: British team helping Palestinian authority prepare for governance

The son of Israel's former army chief Gadi Eisenkot, who is currently a minister in the country's war cabinet, has been killed in Gaza, the military says.

Israel-Hamas war: Israel war cabinet minister's son killed in Gaza fighting

A Health Ministry representative tells the Knesset Health Committee that the hostages freed from Hamas captivity were given tranquilizer pills before being handed over to the Red Cross for transfer to Israel. The drugging would have aimed to make the hostages appear calm, happy and upbeat after suffering physical abuse, deprivation and psychological terror for more than 50 days in Gaza.

Israel-Hamas war: Israel claims captives were tranquilised and drugged to appear happy

Yemen's Houthis group reportedly has now become a bit of a serious problem for the commercial sea route of the Red Sea as it continues to target commercial ships in the strategic waters. But the Israeli Defense Forces claimed that the Houthis and a continuously firing ballistic missiles and drones towards Israel.

Yemen's Houthis claim attacks on two Israeli ships in Red Sea

Speaking to Wion, Eylon Levy, Israeli Government Spokesman, says that Hamas bears full responsibility for the civilian deaths. We asked how the IDF differentiates between civilians and Hamas in Gaza, watch how the Israeli government spokesperson says it is very difficult to make the distinction.

WION presses Israeli govt spokesperson on civilian deaths | WION Pulse

Speaking to Wion, an Israeli govt spokesperson says that it is tragic that civilians are being killed, but asserts that Hamas is hiding behind civilians and using them as shields. Eylon Levy, the Israeli Government Spokesman says that Hamas declared war on Israel and the country is fighting it. Listen to the answers to some straight questions.

Israel-Hamas war: Watch what Israel has to say on civilian deaths

The Senate has blocked a supplemental funding bill that included financial aid for Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan as well as provisions aimed at bolstering border security.

US Senate Republicans block Ukraine and Israel aid bill

Israel has ordered an evacuation of a large area of land in southern Gaza, as it stepped up an aerial bombardment of the enclave that has killed hundreds of people in the three days since a truce with Hamas broke down.

Israel pounds southern Gaza after US warning on civilian deaths

A fierce battle is raging on in Gaza as Israeli Defense Forces say they have breached Hamas strongholds in southern Gaza are pushing back the Hamas. Israel says it is in its third phase of ground operations in the strip forcing thousands to flee on foot towards the Rafah Crossing with Egypt.

Israel-Hamas war: Israeli army breaks through Hamas' defensive line in Gaza

In the ongoing Israel-Hamas war, Israel now says that it is now in the third phase of ground operations in Gaza. The country has once again stressed that de-militarisation is the top priority at the moment.

Israel PM Netanyahu claims Israel military encircling house of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar

Israel-Hamas war: Israel's third phase of operation in Gaza

Here, we bring you the news that is trending across WION's social media platforms- Images released by the Israeli Army show their military operations in Gaza. Israeli troops, tanks, armoured personnel carriers and bulldozers have rolled into Khan Younis, Gaza's second-largest city.

Israel-Hamas war: Israeli army releases footage of its operations in Gaza

Israeli forces continue to battle Hamas militants across Gaza expanding their ground offensive to Gaza's second-largest city further shrinking the area where the Palestinians can seek safety.

Israel-Hamas war: IDF expands ground offensive to Gaza's second largest city

Israel-Hamas war | Israeli media: IDF dismissed leads on Oct 7 music festival attack

Israel's security services received enough indicators in the hours leading up to Hamas' terror attack on October 7 to be ready, at least in part, for the likelihood that terrorists would try to enter Israel through Gaza.

Despite Israeli intelligence warnings about Hamas attack, army didn’t evacuate the Nova Festival

The Israeli military has released footage that it said showed forces from the 98th Division operating in Khan Younis, Gaza’s second-largest city, in its pursuit to wipe out the territory’s Hamas rulers.

Israel-Hamas war: Israel releases video of troops in Khan Younis

If reports are to be believed,&nbsp;Israel's spies and military commanders held late-night meetings to discuss a likely attack by Hamas and the threat being faced by the Supernova music festival, just hours before the assault was carried out on October 7.&nbsp;

As per the Israeli newspaper Haaretz, the first meeting was held close to midnight and the second around 3 am (local time). However, those who attended the meetings concluded that a training exercise was being held by Hamas on the Gaza border and that they were not preparing for a terror attack.&nbsp;

The warnings weren't taken as seriously and the Israeli troops were asked to increase drone surveillance flights and a unit known as “Team Tequila” - &nbsp;which was trained specifically to prevent abductions - was deployed to Nahal Oz, a kibbutz close to the border with Gaza. The officials also alerted two commando teams about the possibility of an incursion.

However, no warnings were given to the organisers of the Supernova festival which was being held near Kibbutz Re’im, just three miles from Gaza, where eventually 360 people were killed and around 40 were taken hostage.

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-approves-minimal-increase-in-fuel-supply-to-gaza-to-prevent-humanitarian-collapse-667004">&nbsp;Israel approves 'minimal' increase in fuel supply to Gaza to prevent 'humanitarian collapse'</a>

The organisers said that if the warning was given to them even an hour before the attack took place, they would have been able to carry out the evacuation of the site.

The festival was organised in close cooperation with the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) and was approved by the northern brigade of the Gaza division.

<h2>'Fend for yourselves', IDF told festival organisers&nbsp;</h2>

The army units on duty were not aware of the festival which was being held near the border.

When the organisers of the event called the IDF on the morning of the massacre, they were asked to fend for themselves, according to the report.&nbsp;

The IDF reached the site of the festival by around 3 pm (local time) and by then, the surviving festivalgoers had fled or played dead for hours.

Watch:&nbsp;Israel pounds southern Gaza after US warning on civilian deaths

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-pounds-southern-gaza-after-us-warning-on-civilian-deaths-667046/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The festival will be among the most highly-scrutinised parts of an inquiry being held into the October 7 attacks, an exercise which the IDF and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu both maintained can only take place once the Gaza war ends.

“The military understands that the Re’im festival will be at the centre of the inquiry commissions that will be established at the end of the war,” said an unnamed IDF source, while speaking to Haaretz.

“This massacre should have been prevented," he added.

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) &nbsp;

If reports are to be believed, Israel's spies and military commanders held late-night meetings to discuss a likely attack by Hamas and the threat being faced by the Supernova music festival, just hours before the assault was carried out on October 7.

If reports are to be believed, Israel's spies and military commanders held late-night meetings to discuss a likely attack by Hamas and the threat being faced by the Supernova music festival, just hours before the assault was carried out on October 7. As per the Israeli newspaper Haaretz, the first meeting was held close to midnight and the second around 3 am (local time). However, those who attended the meetings concluded that a training exercise was being held by Hamas on the Gaza border and that they were not preparing for a terror attack. The warnings weren't taken as seriously and the Israeli troops were asked to increase drone surveillance flights and a unit known as “Team Tequila” - which was trained specifically to prevent abductions - was deployed to Nahal Oz, a kibbutz close to the border with Gaza. The officials also alerted two commando teams about the possibility of an incursion. However, no warnings were given to the organisers of the Supernova festival which was being held near Kibbutz Re’im, just three miles from Gaza, where eventually 360 people were killed and around 40 were taken hostage. Also read: Israel approves 'minimal' increase in fuel supply to Gaza to prevent 'humanitarian collapse' The organisers said that if the warning was given to them even an hour before the attack took place, they would have been able to carry out the evacuation of the site. The festival was organised in close cooperation with the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) and was approved by the northern brigade of the Gaza division. 'Fend for yourselves', IDF told festival organisers The army units on duty were not aware of the festival which was being held near the border. When the organisers of the event called the IDF on the morning of the massacre, they were asked to fend for themselves, according to the report. The IDF reached the site of the festival by around 3 pm (local time) and by then, the surviving festivalgoers had fled or played dead for hours. Watch: Israel pounds southern Gaza after US warning on civilian deaths The festival will be among the most highly-scrutinised parts of an inquiry being held into the October 7 attacks, an exercise which the IDF and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu both maintained can only take place once the Gaza war ends. “The military understands that the Re’im festival will be at the centre of the inquiry commissions that will be established at the end of the war,” said an unnamed IDF source, while speaking to Haaretz. “This massacre should have been prevented," he added. 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)

Israeli intelligence agency was aware of Hamas attack, failed to warn Supernova fest organisers: Reports

The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has invoked Article 99 of the UN Charter, urging the UN Security Council to act on the war in Gaza.

Israel-Hamas war: UN Chief Antonio Guterres writes to UN Security Council for ceasefire | WION

The war between Israel and Hamas has long troubled international experts. According to the current estimate by the Israeli army, two Gazans were killed for every Hamas militant. Keep watching this interview with Eylon Levy who is the spokesperson for the Israeli government.

Israel-Hamas war: Two Palestinians killed for every Hamas fighter | Latest News

The war between Israel and Hamas has long troubled international experts. According to the current estimate by the Israeli army, two Gazans were killed for every Hamas militant. Keep watching to know more.

Israel-Hamas war: Over 16,200 killed in Gaza

Israel is preparing to flood the Hamas tunnel network in Gaza. Some US officials expressed concern about the plan while others support it. The tunnels beneath the Gaza strip are thought to stretch for hundreds of miles and Israel alleges they are being used by Hamas fighters. But flooding them could risk the lives of any hostages being held underground.

Israel-Hamas war: Israelis plan to flood Hamas tunnels with seawater

Israel is preparing to flood the Hamas tunnel network in Gaza. Some US officials expressed concern about the plan while others support it. The tunnels beneath the Gaza Strip are thought to stretch for hundreds of miles and Israel alleges they are being used by Hamas fighters. But flooding them could risk the lives of any hostages being held underground. To know more watch this interview with the former deputy Prime Minister of Israel Natan Sharansky.

Israel-Hamas war: Will IDF flood the Gaza tunnels?

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