WION reports from Be'eri, a Kibbutz near the border with Gaza, which was the hardest hit area in southern Israel when Hamas carried out a brutal attack on October 7. The deadliest attack on Israel's soil in 75 years of its history left over 100 dead in Be'eri.

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The war is raging between Israel and Hamas and attacks from both sides are intensifying. It's now many days since Israel declared war on Hamas after an unprecedented ground air and sea assault by the militants over the weekend. The death toll continues to mount on both sides.

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<p>Eylon Levy, the Israeli government spokesperson, has said that military action inside the Gaza strip will happen at the "time of our choosing" and focus of his country is to "totally destroy the military and governing capabilities" of Hamas.</p>

<p>The terror attack by Hamas on October 7 shocked the West Asian country and the world, during which 1400 Israelis were killed and over 200 taken as hostages.</p>

<p>Speaking to WION’s diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal,&nbsp;Levy said, "We are going to destroy Hamas, we are going to enter the Gaza Strip and totally demolish the entirety of its military terrorist and governing structure inside the Gaza Strip."</p>

<p>Since the attacks, Israel increased its air strikes in Gaza to deal with Hamas hideouts, but this has led to a humanitarian crisis as well.</p>

<p>The spokesperson explained, " Israel isn't targeting civilians, we are targeting Hamas. That's why we are asking civilians inside the Gaza Strip to step out of the way, out of the areas that are going to see very heavy fighting because we don't want them to get hurt as we proceed with our campaign to destroy Hamas's terror infrastructure".</p>

<p><strong>Here’s the full interview:&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong>WION: Will there be a ground offensive in Gaza, particularly northern Gaza in the next few days?</strong></p>

<p><strong>Eylon Levy:</strong> Israel remains united around one goal, victory, total victory against Hamas. Our goal is to totally destroy the military and governing capabilities of the brutal terror organization that perpetrated the October 7 massacre. This is the worst terrorist attack in world history since 9/11. Around 1400 Israelis were murdered, Hamas death squads went door-to-door and beheaded babies, burning whole families alive, committing brutal acts of rape, tying parents and children together and setting them on fire, mutilating them, &nbsp;torturing them before their deaths. About 5,000 people have been injured.</p>

<p>There are now more than 220 Israeli hostages , some babies as young as a few months old in captivity, hostages inside the Gaza Strip and we've decided in response to that, that we are going to totally defeat Hamas. Now&nbsp;Israel is going to use its force carefully and judiciously, we will act and proceed with the ground offensive at a time of our choosing , when it is right for our operational needs. But the world needs to understand that the situation now is different. The road ahead is going to be long.&nbsp;It is going to be difficult, but Hamas declared war on us on the seventh of October with that brutal attack against our people and we have no choice now but to win that war.&nbsp;And that war will end with the total defeat of Hamas in the Gaza Strip.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WION: The Israeli president claimed that Hamas used cyanide. Can you elaborate?</strong></p>

<p><strong>Eylon Levy:</strong> President Isaac Herzog said that Hamas fighters had in fact been carrying on their bodies instruction manuals from al-Qaeda, the terror organisation behind 911, showing that they had information in order to build cyanide, use chemical weapons against our people. This shows the connection between Hamas, al Qaeda and ISIS, and shows exactly why it's in the same league as the terror organisations all around the world who commit horrific crimes against humanity that they have perpetrated.</p>

<p>This is why we are going after Hamas with an intent to destroy it, not to deter it, not to degrade it, to destroy it, because Hamas has revealed itself as the face of sheer, pure , unadulterated evil that would do by the way, exactly the same as it did on October the seventh if given half a chance and murder as many people inside Israel as it could by burning them, by beheading them, using chemical weapons if it could, and that is why we are going to continue with our campaign to destroy Hamas.</p>

<p>And, we appreciate all the international support and solidarity that we've been receiving, including from the people of India, all around the world, people understanding that Israel not only has a right, it has a duty to defend itself against these barbarians, these terrorists in the wake of these atrocious, atrocious crimes against humanity.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WION: While Israel has been acting against Hamas, there has been a humanitarian challenge in Gaza. You have asked the people to move towards the south. So, what do you have to say about the humanitarian and the collateral loss which is happening in Gaza?</strong></p>

<p><strong>Eylon Levy:</strong> &nbsp;First and foremost, I would say that the humanitarian question is on the minds of Israelis around the country, and so is the fate and condition of the more than 220 Israeli hostages, inside the Gaza Strip. We're talking about babies some a few months old. Elderly people over the age of 80 without medication being kept in a brutal tunnel somewhere by a terrorist organization&nbsp;that tortured, murdered their families in Israel, not given access to the Red Cross.</p>

<p>Now it's the humanitarian question that is concerning everyone in Israel. But as for the civilians in Gaza, it's important to say&nbsp;Israel isn't targeting civilians, we are targeting Hamas. That's why we are asking civilians inside the Gaza Strip to step out of the way, out of the areas that are going to see very heavy fighting because we don't want them to get hurt as we proceed with our campaign to destroy Hamas's terror infrastructure.</p>

<p>Now, we've all been watching the same images on TV, the images coming out of the Gaza Strip are very difficult to watch. And I think the world is right to be outraged. But that outrage needs to be directed at the brutal terrorist organization that has subjugated the people of Gaza for the last 16 years subordinating them to its terrorist regime. It should be directed at the terror organization that has consistently stolen humanitarian aid , the terror organization that has embedded itself among civilian areas, under people's homes, under schools, under hospitals and the terror organization that is physically preventing people from escaping and as much as&nbsp;Israel is trying to do everything we're trying to do to keep civilians safe inside the Gaza Strip.&nbsp;By the way,&nbsp;Israel has also evacuated over 100,000 of our own people away from areas of combat because we don't want them to be hurt, but it's important to understand everything that happens inside the Gaza Strip. Any human suffering that happens there is solely and squarely the responsibility and fault of Hamas, the evil terrorist organization that perpetrated the October 7 massacre.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WION: Do you think that the situation is getting worse in the northern border? Do you expect Hezbollah to open another front which can be a worrisome factor for Israel?</strong></p>

<p>Eylon Levy: &nbsp;Israel is not interested in a war on two fronts, despite Hezbollah's efforts to escalate the situation in the north and step up its attacks against our people, our forces&nbsp;under the direction and guidance of Iran. Israel does not want to fight on two fronts. We are focusing at the moment on destroying Hamas in the Gaza Strip in response to the October 7 massacre. But it's important to understand that Israel is ready to fight that war. We are ready to defend our people and we will win that war. We hold the state of Lebanon responsible and accountable for any attacks emanating from its territory and as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the consequences for Lebanon will indeed be severe. If Hezbollah drags us into a full-scale war, we don't want that to happen, but if they do, we're ready to fight. We're ready to defend our people and we're ready to win.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WION: As you mentioned the hostage situation is a concerning situation as many of them are foreign nationals as well. What do you expect, any positive glimmer of hope? We saw two American hostages being released. So, when it comes to the fate of other hostages, what kind of conversations are happening?</strong></p>

<p><strong>Eylon Levy:</strong> First of all, we of course welcomed the release of the two hostages. There are now more than another 220 and we expect more international pressure to secure their release as well. Our demand is clear and unequivocal. We demand the immediate and unconditional release of every single one of those hostages, we demand that In the meanwhile, they be given access to the International Red Cross. That's a basic humanitarian condition. We want them back and Israel is going to do everything necessary in order to bring back our hostages from those babies to the elderly people and make sure that they are brought back to the loving embrace of their families because there is no excuse, &nbsp;there is absolutely zero excuse for ripping a baby, shooting its parents and taking it into captivity inside the Gaza Strip.&nbsp;No excuse in the whole world must be absolutely clear that what Hamas did was a war crime, that it's unforgivable. And we need our people back.</p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>WION: You talked about the ground offensive. Does that option remain on the table because there's a lot of anger in Israel over the terror attack by Hamas. So, is this an option that will be eventually exercised by the Israeli government?</strong></p>

<p><strong>Eylon Levy: </strong>&nbsp;The next stage in the campaign to destroy Hamas. I'm not going to speculate live on TV exactly when that will happen. But it will happen in accordance with our operational needs. Because the October 7 massacre showed us that we as a country simply can no longer live beside an ISIS style terror organisation. We can no longer leave it with the abilities to perpetrate such a massacre. Again, we will not accept a quick fix.</p>

<p>That takes us back to the situation at 6am on the morning of October 7. We are going to destroy Hamas, we are going to enter the Gaza Strip and totally demolish the entirety of its military terrorist and governing structure inside the Gaza Strip. We're going for complete victory and we're going to use our force carefully and judiciously as we pursue that goal.</p>

<p><strong>WATCH WION LIVE HERE</strong></p>

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Eylon Levy, the Israeli government spokesperson, has said that military action inside the Gaza strip will happen at the "time of our choosing" and focus of his country is to "totally destroy the military and governing capabilities" of Hamas.

Eylon Levy, the Israeli government spokesperson, has said that military action inside the Gaza strip will happen at the "time of our choosing" and focus of his country is to "totally destroy the military and governing capabilities" of Hamas. The terror attack by Hamas on October 7 shocked the West Asian country and the world, during which 1400 Israelis were killed and over 200 taken as hostages. Speaking to WION’s diplomatic correspondent Sidhant Sibal, Levy said, "We are going to destroy Hamas, we are going to enter the Gaza Strip and totally demolish the entirety of its military terrorist and governing structure inside the Gaza Strip." Since the attacks, Israel increased its air strikes in Gaza to deal with Hamas hideouts, but this has led to a humanitarian crisis as well. The spokesperson explained, " Israel isn't targeting civilians, we are targeting Hamas. That's why we are asking civilians inside the Gaza Strip to step out of the way, out of the areas that are going to see very heavy fighting because we don't want them to get hurt as we proceed with our campaign to destroy Hamas's terror infrastructure". Here’s the full interview: WION: Will there be a ground offensive in Gaza, particularly northern Gaza in the next few days? Eylon Levy: Israel remains united around one goal, victory, total victory against Hamas. Our goal is to totally destroy the military and governing capabilities of the brutal terror organization that perpetrated the October 7 massacre. This is the worst terrorist attack in world history since 9/11. Around 1400 Israelis were murdered, Hamas death squads went door-to-door and beheaded babies, burning whole families alive, committing brutal acts of rape, tying parents and children together and setting them on fire, mutilating them, torturing them before their deaths. About 5,000 people have been injured. There are now more than 220 Israeli hostages , some babies as young as a few months old in captivity, hostages inside the Gaza Strip and we've decided in response to that, that we are going to totally defeat Hamas. Now Israel is going to use its force carefully and judiciously, we will act and proceed with the ground offensive at a time of our choosing , when it is right for our operational needs. But the world needs to understand that the situation now is different. The road ahead is going to be long. It is going to be difficult, but Hamas declared war on us on the seventh of October with that brutal attack against our people and we have no choice now but to win that war. And that war will end with the total defeat of Hamas in the Gaza Strip. WION: The Israeli president claimed that Hamas used cyanide. Can you elaborate? Eylon Levy: President Isaac Herzog said that Hamas fighters had in fact been carrying on their bodies instruction manuals from al-Qaeda, the terror organisation behind 911, showing that they had information in order to build cyanide, use chemical weapons against our people. This shows the connection between Hamas, al Qaeda and ISIS, and shows exactly why it's in the same league as the terror organisations all around the world who commit horrific crimes against humanity that they have perpetrated. This is why we are going after Hamas with an intent to destroy it, not to deter it, not to degrade it, to destroy it, because Hamas has revealed itself as the face of sheer, pure , unadulterated evil that would do by the way, exactly the same as it did on October the seventh if given half a chance and murder as many people inside Israel as it could by burning them, by beheading them, using chemical weapons if it could, and that is why we are going to continue with our campaign to destroy Hamas. And, we appreciate all the international support and solidarity that we've been receiving, including from the people of India, all around the world, people understanding that Israel not only has a right, it has a duty to defend itself against these barbarians, these terrorists in the wake of these atrocious, atrocious crimes against humanity. WION: While Israel has been acting against Hamas, there has been a humanitarian challenge in Gaza. You have asked the people to move towards the south. So, what do you have to say about the humanitarian and the collateral loss which is happening in Gaza? Eylon Levy: First and foremost, I would say that the humanitarian question is on the minds of Israelis around the country, and so is the fate and condition of the more than 220 Israeli hostages, inside the Gaza Strip. We're talking about babies some a few months old. Elderly people over the age of 80 without medication being kept in a brutal tunnel somewhere by a terrorist organization that tortured, murdered their families in Israel, not given access to the Red Cross. Now it's the humanitarian question that is concerning everyone in Israel. But as for the civilians in Gaza, it's important to say Israel isn't targeting civilians, we are targeting Hamas. That's why we are asking civilians inside the Gaza Strip to step out of the way, out of the areas that are going to see very heavy fighting because we don't want them to get hurt as we proceed with our campaign to destroy Hamas's terror infrastructure. Now, we've all been watching the same images on TV, the images coming out of the Gaza Strip are very difficult to watch. And I think the world is right to be outraged. But that outrage needs to be directed at the brutal terrorist organization that has subjugated the people of Gaza for the last 16 years subordinating them to its terrorist regime. It should be directed at the terror organization that has consistently stolen humanitarian aid , the terror organization that has embedded itself among civilian areas, under people's homes, under schools, under hospitals and the terror organization that is physically preventing people from escaping and as much as Israel is trying to do everything we're trying to do to keep civilians safe inside the Gaza Strip. By the way, Israel has also evacuated over 100,000 of our own people away from areas of combat because we don't want them to be hurt, but it's important to understand everything that happens inside the Gaza Strip. Any human suffering that happens there is solely and squarely the responsibility and fault of Hamas, the evil terrorist organization that perpetrated the October 7 massacre. WION: Do you think that the situation is getting worse in the northern border? Do you expect Hezbollah to open another front which can be a worrisome factor for Israel? Eylon Levy: Israel is not interested in a war on two fronts, despite Hezbollah's efforts to escalate the situation in the north and step up its attacks against our people, our forces under the direction and guidance of Iran. Israel does not want to fight on two fronts. We are focusing at the moment on destroying Hamas in the Gaza Strip in response to the October 7 massacre. But it's important to understand that Israel is ready to fight that war. We are ready to defend our people and we will win that war. We hold the state of Lebanon responsible and accountable for any attacks emanating from its territory and as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the consequences for Lebanon will indeed be severe. If Hezbollah drags us into a full-scale war, we don't want that to happen, but if they do, we're ready to fight. We're ready to defend our people and we're ready to win. WION: As you mentioned the hostage situation is a concerning situation as many of them are foreign nationals as well. What do you expect, any positive glimmer of hope? We saw two American hostages being released. So, when it comes to the fate of other hostages, what kind of conversations are happening? Eylon Levy: First of all, we of course welcomed the release of the two hostages. There are now more than another 220 and we expect more international pressure to secure their release as well. Our demand is clear and unequivocal. We demand the immediate and unconditional release of every single one of those hostages, we demand that In the meanwhile, they be given access to the International Red Cross. That's a basic humanitarian condition. We want them back and Israel is going to do everything necessary in order to bring back our hostages from those babies to the elderly people and make sure that they are brought back to the loving embrace of their families because there is no excuse, there is absolutely zero excuse for ripping a baby, shooting its parents and taking it into captivity inside the Gaza Strip. No excuse in the whole world must be absolutely clear that what Hamas did was a war crime, that it's unforgivable. And we need our people back. WION: You talked about the ground offensive. Does that option remain on the table because there's a lot of anger in Israel over the terror attack by Hamas. So, is this an option that will be eventually exercised by the Israeli government? Eylon Levy: The next stage in the campaign to destroy Hamas. I'm not going to speculate live on TV exactly when that will happen. But it will happen in accordance with our operational needs. Because the October 7 massacre showed us that we as a country simply can no longer live beside an ISIS style terror organisation. We can no longer leave it with the abilities to perpetrate such a massacre. Again, we will not accept a quick fix. That takes us back to the situation at 6am on the morning of October 7. We are going to destroy Hamas, we are going to enter the Gaza Strip and totally demolish the entirety of its military terrorist and governing structure inside the Gaza Strip. We're going for complete victory and we're going to use our force carefully and judiciously as we pursue that goal. WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Ground offensive in Gaza at the time of our choosing, says Israel govt spokesperson Eylon Levy

Hossein Amir-Abdollahian, Iran's foreign minister, issued a dire warning: if Israel doesn't stop attacking Gaza, the Middle East may get out of control. He claimed that because the US supported Israel militarily, it was also "to blame".

Israel-Palestine war: Violence rages unchecked, Iran warns region may spiral 'out of control'

Israel-Palestine War: Hamas and Israeli forces clash in Gaza as airstrikes intensify.

Hamas and Israeli forces clash in Gaza as airstrikes intensify

Israel-Palestine war | Pro-Palestine rallies across the world

Israel President Isaac Herzog on Monday claimed that Hamas is preparing chemical weapons, citing documents allegedly recovered from Hamas terrorists who were killed in the October 7 attack on southern Israel.

Israel-Palestine war: Crossfire continues between Israel & Hezbollah

<p>As part of ongoing&nbsp;"Operation Ajay," the sixth flight carrying Indian nationals and two Nepalese citizens arrived in Delhi late Sunday (Oct 22) evening.</p>

<p>"6th #OperationAjay flight lands in New Delhi. 143 passengers including 2 Nepalese citizens arrived onboard the flight," MEA spox Arindam Bagchi wrote on X.&nbsp;The Indian Embassy in Israel confirmed the departure through a post on social media platform X, wishing all passengers a safe journey.&nbsp;Individuals were proudly holding the Indian tricolour during the evacuation from Israel amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.</p>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">6th <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/OperationAjay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#OperationAjay</a> flight lands in New Delhi.<br />
<br />
143 passengers including 2 Nepalese citizens arrived onboard the flight.<br />
<br />
Welcomed by MoS <a href="https://twitter.com/SteelMinIndia?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SteelMinIndia</a> &amp; <a href="https://twitter.com/MoRD_GoI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MoRD_GoI</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/fskulaste?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@fskulaste</a> at the airport. <a href="https://t.co/x5Ejj8mDqa">pic.twitter.com/x5Ejj8mDqa</a></p>
— Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1716146615482830957?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 22, 2023</a></blockquote>
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<p>External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, also shared an update on X. “#OperationAjay update Flight #6 departs from Tel Aviv,” the Indian foreign minister wrote.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Operation Ajay was launched by the Indian Armed Forces to rescue Indian citizens from Israel as the situation in the Middle East post the Hamas attack on October 7 remains sensitive with concerns of further escalation.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/invoked-diplomatic-parity-with-canada-because-jaishankar-on-withdrawal-of-canadian-diplomats-from-india-649985">We had discomfort with many Canadian diplomats: Jaishankar on India invoking diplomatic parity with Canada</a></p>

<p>Prior to this, the fifth flight, which transported 286 Indian nationals, including 18 citizens of Nepal, arrived in New Delhi.</p>

<p>Indian nationals returning from Israel expressed their gratitude to the Indian government and the embassy for their assistance during the evacuation process.</p>

<p>Vishal, one of the returnees, reportedly said,&nbsp;“I am coming from Haifa, Israel. We had to follow the safety protocols given by the university. The Indian government has helped us a lot, we are thankful to the embassy…”</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ripple-effects-of-israel-hamas-war-unclear-jaishankar-at-kautilya-economic-conclave-2023-649934">'Ripple effects' of Israel-Hamas war not entirely clear now: Jaishankar at Kautilya Economic Conclave 2023</a></p>

<p>The fourth flight under 'Operation Ajay' carrying 274 Indian passengers landed in New Delhi last Sunday (Oct 15).</p>

<h2><strong>Operation Ajay</strong></h2>

<p>"Operation Ajay" was launched with the aim of bringing back approximately 18,000 Indians from Israel.</p>

<p>Registration for Indian nationals in Israel to participate in the evacuation began earlier. Additionally, the Indian Embassy in Israel has been providing support to Indian companies and established a helpline for citizens in need of assistance.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-palestine-war-iran-has-so-far-refrained-from-joining-the-israel-hamas-war-650040">Israel-Palestine war: Iran has so far refrained from joining the Israel-Hamas war</a></strong></p>

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<p>It must be noted that the government is bearing the cost of the return of Indian nationals and no amount is being charged from the beneficiaries.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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<p>You can <strong>now write for wionews.com</strong> and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.</strong></p>
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As part of ongoing "Operation Ajay," the sixth flight carrying Indian nationals and two Nepalese citizens arrived in Delhi late Sunday (Oct 22) evening. "6th #OperationAjay flight lands in New Delhi.

As part of ongoing "Operation Ajay," the sixth flight carrying Indian nationals and two Nepalese citizens arrived in Delhi late Sunday (Oct 22) evening. "6th #OperationAjay flight lands in New Delhi. 143 passengers including 2 Nepalese citizens arrived onboard the flight," MEA spox Arindam Bagchi wrote on X. The Indian Embassy in Israel confirmed the departure through a post on social media platform X, wishing all passengers a safe journey. Individuals were proudly holding the Indian tricolour during the evacuation from Israel amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. 6th #OperationAjay flight lands in New Delhi. 143 passengers including 2 Nepalese citizens arrived onboard the flight. Welcomed by MoS @SteelMinIndia & @MoRD_GoI @fskulaste at the airport. pic.twitter.com/x5Ejj8mDqa — Arindam Bagchi (@MEAIndia) October 22, 2023 × External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, also shared an update on X. “#OperationAjay update Flight #6 departs from Tel Aviv,” the Indian foreign minister wrote. Operation Ajay was launched by the Indian Armed Forces to rescue Indian citizens from Israel as the situation in the Middle East post the Hamas attack on October 7 remains sensitive with concerns of further escalation. Also Read | We had discomfort with many Canadian diplomats: Jaishankar on India invoking diplomatic parity with Canada Prior to this, the fifth flight, which transported 286 Indian nationals, including 18 citizens of Nepal, arrived in New Delhi. Indian nationals returning from Israel expressed their gratitude to the Indian government and the embassy for their assistance during the evacuation process. Vishal, one of the returnees, reportedly said, “I am coming from Haifa, Israel. We had to follow the safety protocols given by the university. The Indian government has helped us a lot, we are thankful to the embassy…” Also Read | 'Ripple effects' of Israel-Hamas war not entirely clear now: Jaishankar at Kautilya Economic Conclave 2023 The fourth flight under 'Operation Ajay' carrying 274 Indian passengers landed in New Delhi last Sunday (Oct 15). Operation Ajay "Operation Ajay" was launched with the aim of bringing back approximately 18,000 Indians from Israel. Registration for Indian nationals in Israel to participate in the evacuation began earlier. Additionally, the Indian Embassy in Israel has been providing support to Indian companies and established a helpline for citizens in need of assistance. Watch | Israel-Palestine war: Iran has so far refrained from joining the Israel-Hamas war × It must be noted that the government is bearing the cost of the return of Indian nationals and no amount is being charged from the beneficiaries. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. ×

Operation Ajay: Sixth flight carrying 143 passengers arrives in Delhi

Israel-Palestine War: Israel continues its ground offensive as US urges it to slow down

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Iran to host six-nation meeting on Armenia-Azerbaijan peace process. Russian FM Lavrov to visit Tehran.

Iran to host six-nation meeting, Russian FM Lavrov to visit Tehran

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin issued a warning on Sunday, October 22, 2023, against any worsening of the Israeli-Hamas confrontation in the Middle East. According to Austin, the US is entitled to self-defense and will respond appropriately to any aggravation.

Israel-Palestine war: Israel continues to pound Gaza, West Bank

<p>The persistent war&nbsp;in Gaza, pitting Israel against the militant group Hamas, continues to escalate, with Israeli warplanes striking parts of Gaza and even extending their operations on Sunday (Oct 22) to two airports in Syria.</p>

<p>This marked a significant development just two weeks after Hamas launched a major attack on Israel, one of the most significant since the establishment of the Jewish state in 1948.</p>

<p>The ongoing turmoil is deeply entangled in regional rivalries and long-standing divides that shape the responses of various West Asian countries and actors.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>The Israel-Syria-Hezbollah triangle</strong></h2>

<p>The recent airstrikes on Syria can be better understood within the context of the intricate relationships between Israel, Hezbollah, and Syria.</p>

<h2><strong>Israel's concerns</strong></h2>

<p>The Israeli government has yet to provide explicit reasons for the recent attack on Syria. However, it is widely believed that these strikes are preemptive actions aimed at countering Hezbollah's threats to open a new front of attacks in the north, reported Reuters.</p>

<p>Israel's apprehensions are fuelled by the fact that Lebanon and Syria both share borders with Israel in the north. Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militant organisation based in Lebanon, has been engaged in sporadic exchanges of fire with Israel in recent weeks, although it has not formally entered the war.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-israel-hamas-war-spreading-al-qaeda-and-is-call-on-followers-to-attack-jewish-and-us-targets-650184">Also read |&nbsp;Amid horror of Israel-Hamas war, extremist groups call for global attack</a></p>

<h2><strong>Syria's historical stance on Israel</strong></h2>

<p>Syria has consistently been a staunch opponent of Israel since its formation in 1948, aligning itself with the overarching policy of Arab nations in the region.</p>

<p>The two nations have a history of wars, including the Six-Day War of 1967, which resulted in Israel's occupation of Syria's Golan Heights—a region that remains under Israeli control today.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-had-intentions-of-using-chemical-weapons-as-part-of-terror-attack-report-649949">Also read |&nbsp;Hamas had intentions of using 'chemical weapons' as part of 'terror attack': Report</a></p>

<h2><strong>The evolving relationship between Hezbollah and Syria</strong></h2>

<p>The relationship between Hezbollah and Syria has evolved over the years, shaped by external influences. While both parties share a common opposition to Israel and Western influences and have aligned with Russia, they have also experienced conflicting interests at times. Following the end of the Lebanese Civil War in 1990, Hezbollah had to accept the presence of Syrian groups in Lebanon. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, in power since 2000, has accommodated Iran and Hezbollah's Syrian Shia militias within his country.</p>

<h2><strong>How was Hezbollah formed?</strong></h2>

<p>In 1982, Iran's Revolutionary Guards established Hezbollah, also known as the "Party of God." Its primary objectives were to propagate Iran's Islamic Revolution and confront Israeli forces that had entered Lebanon during the Lebanese Civil War (1975-1990).</p>

<p>Israel's military operation aimed to remove the Palestinian Liberation Organisation (PLO) from Lebanon, resulting in the occupation of portions of southern Lebanon. This occupation mobilized Shiite communities in the south, who perceived themselves as resisting Israeli aggression. Hezbollah aligned with Tehran and recruited members from the Lebanese Shiite Muslim population.</p>

<p>After Israel's withdrawal in 2000 and the conclusion of the civil war, Hezbollah, with backing from Iran, became Israel's primary adversary in Lebanon.</p>

<p>Hezbollah's significant display of military power occurred in 2006 during a five-week conflict with Israel. This conflict was triggered when Hezbollah crossed into Israel, capturing two soldiers and causing casualties.</p>

<h2><strong>Syria's role in the current conflict</strong></h2>

<p>Syria has been drawn into the ongoing conflict, primarily through Israeli airstrikes targeting international airports in Damascus and Aleppo. These attacks have inflicted damage and disrupted the airports' operations, marking just one episode in a series of Israeli strikes on Syrian territory during the ongoing conflict. Additionally, Hezbollah has actively participated in the conflict by launching attacks on Israeli positions in the disputed Chebaa Farms, near the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights along the Syrian border.</p>

<h2><strong>Concerns and implications</strong></h2>

<p>The escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, along with Israel's strikes on Syria, give rise to significant concerns about the trajectory of the Gaza conflict. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued stern warnings to Hezbollah, underscoring the potentially catastrophic consequences of a war. Hezbollah, boasting a substantial military force and backing from sympathetic countries, remains a formidable actor in the region.</p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Dozens buried in a mass grave in Gaza city: UN</strong></div>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo">&nbsp;</div>

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<p>As the conflict enters its third week, there is growing apprehension about the potential for an Israeli ground invasion of Gaza and the risk of spillover into neighbouring countries. Hezbollah's actions, in particular, have the potential to expand the conflict's scope, affecting other nations in the volatile West Asian region.</p>

<p>The recent Israeli airstrikes on Syria amid the ongoing Gaza conflict have profound implications for the region, rooted in complex regional dynamics involving Israel, Hezbollah, and Syria. As the situation continues to evolve, the West Asian region remains at a crossroads, with the potential for further escalation and a widening scope of conflict that could engulf neighbouring nations.</p>

<p><em><strong>Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.&nbsp;</strong></em></p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The persistent war in Gaza, pitting Israel against the militant group Hamas, continues to escalate, with Israeli warplanes striking parts of Gaza and even extending their operations on Sunday (Oct 22) to two airports in Syria.

The persistent war in Gaza, pitting Israel against the militant group Hamas, continues to escalate, with Israeli warplanes striking parts of Gaza and even extending their operations on Sunday (Oct 22) to two airports in Syria. This marked a significant development just two weeks after Hamas launched a major attack on Israel, one of the most significant since the establishment of the Jewish state in 1948. The ongoing turmoil is deeply entangled in regional rivalries and long-standing divides that shape the responses of various West Asian countries and actors. The Israel-Syria-Hezbollah triangle The recent airstrikes on Syria can be better understood within the context of the intricate relationships between Israel, Hezbollah, and Syria. Israel's concerns The Israeli government has yet to provide explicit reasons for the recent attack on Syria. However, it is widely believed that these strikes are preemptive actions aimed at countering Hezbollah's threats to open a new front of attacks in the north, reported Reuters. Israel's apprehensions are fuelled by the fact that Lebanon and Syria both share borders with Israel in the north. Hezbollah, an Iran-backed militant organisation based in Lebanon, has been engaged in sporadic exchanges of fire with Israel in recent weeks, although it has not formally entered the war. Also read | Amid horror of Israel-Hamas war, extremist groups call for global attack Syria's historical stance on Israel Syria has consistently been a staunch opponent of Israel since its formation in 1948, aligning itself with the overarching policy of Arab nations in the region. The two nations have a history of wars, including the Six-Day War of 1967, which resulted in Israel's occupation of Syria's Golan Heights—a region that remains under Israeli control today. Also read | Hamas had intentions of using 'chemical weapons' as part of 'terror attack': Report The evolving relationship between Hezbollah and Syria The relationship between Hezbollah and Syria has evolved over the years, shaped by external influences. While both parties share a common opposition to Israel and Western influences and have aligned with Russia, they have also experienced conflicting interests at times. Following the end of the Lebanese Civil War in 1990, Hezbollah had to accept the presence of Syrian groups in Lebanon. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, in power since 2000, has accommodated Iran and Hezbollah's Syrian Shia militias within his country. How was Hezbollah formed? In 1982, Iran's Revolutionary Guards established Hezbollah, also known as the "Party of God." Its primary objectives were to propagate Iran's Islamic Revolution and confront Israeli forces that had entered Lebanon during the Lebanese Civil War (1975-1990). Israel's military operation aimed to remove the Palestinian Liberation Organisation (PLO) from Lebanon, resulting in the occupation of portions of southern Lebanon. This occupation mobilized Shiite communities in the south, who perceived themselves as resisting Israeli aggression. Hezbollah aligned with Tehran and recruited members from the Lebanese Shiite Muslim population. After Israel's withdrawal in 2000 and the conclusion of the civil war, Hezbollah, with backing from Iran, became Israel's primary adversary in Lebanon. Hezbollah's significant display of military power occurred in 2006 during a five-week conflict with Israel. This conflict was triggered when Hezbollah crossed into Israel, capturing two soldiers and causing casualties. Syria's role in the current conflict Syria has been drawn into the ongoing conflict, primarily through Israeli airstrikes targeting international airports in Damascus and Aleppo. These attacks have inflicted damage and disrupted the airports' operations, marking just one episode in a series of Israeli strikes on Syrian territory during the ongoing conflict. Additionally, Hezbollah has actively participated in the conflict by launching attacks on Israeli positions in the disputed Chebaa Farms, near the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights along the Syrian border. Concerns and implications The escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah, along with Israel's strikes on Syria, give rise to significant concerns about the trajectory of the Gaza conflict. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued stern warnings to Hezbollah, underscoring the potentially catastrophic consequences of a war. Hezbollah, boasting a substantial military force and backing from sympathetic countries, remains a formidable actor in the region. Also watch | Dozens buried in a mass grave in Gaza city: UN As the conflict enters its third week, there is growing apprehension about the potential for an Israeli ground invasion of Gaza and the risk of spillover into neighbouring countries. Hezbollah's actions, in particular, have the potential to expand the conflict's scope, affecting other nations in the volatile West Asian region. The recent Israeli airstrikes on Syria amid the ongoing Gaza conflict have profound implications for the region, rooted in complex regional dynamics involving Israel, Hezbollah, and Syria. As the situation continues to evolve, the West Asian region remains at a crossroads, with the potential for further escalation and a widening scope of conflict that could engulf neighbouring nations. 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) WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

Explained | Why did Israel bomb Syrian airports in the thick of its ongoing war with Hamas?

<p>Alain Robert, fondly called the "French Spiderman", urged&nbsp;for peace between Israel and the Palestine by scaling the 220-metre-high Hekla Tower in Paris' business district on Sunday (Oct 22).&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Today, I am climbing in support of peace. I'm trying not to pick a side, for Palestine or for Israel, but in my opinion, there is one urgent and important thing to do, which is to hear each other out and sign peace accords that are long-lasting, so that Palestine and Israel can both get what they want,” he told Reuters.</p>

<p>Robert said that the Israel-Palestine conflict, spanning for over 70 years, needs to stop, and a common ground must be established.&nbsp;He urged&nbsp;world leaders to sit down and chalk out&nbsp;peace agreements that benefit both countries, stressing that promoting violence and conflict leads to nothing positive.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

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<p>"They need to decide something once and for all. Otherwise, you know, we are on the verge of - and real this time - a World War Three, because if the Muslim countries start attacking Israel, it will be horrible,” he said.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-israel-hamas-war-spreading-al-qaeda-and-is-call-on-followers-to-attack-jewish-and-us-targets-650184">Also read |&nbsp;Amid horror of Israel-Hamas war, extremist groups call for global attack</a></p>

<p>Robert emphasises that the focus is not so much on establishing right or wrong, but rather on seeking peaceful resolutions.&nbsp;“There are countries sending billions of dollars for arming people to kill other people. So it just doesn't work this way,” he added.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What's happening on ground?</strong></h2>

<p>The conflict between Israel and Hamas, which began on October 7 after a surprise attack by the Palestinian group, has led to the death of over 6,100 people.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Israel-Hamas war: UN agency for Palestine refugees, 29 staffers killed</strong></p>

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<p>Concerns about the risk of the Israel-Hamas war catapulting&nbsp;into a wider Middle East conflict rose on Sunday (Oct 22)&nbsp;with the US&nbsp;sending more military help to the region as Israel pounded Gaza overnight and targeted Hamas supporters in Lebanon and Syria.</p>

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Alain Robert, fondly called the "French Spiderman", urged for peace between Israel and the Palestine by scaling the 220-metre-high Hekla Tower in Paris' business district on Sunday (Oct 22).

Alain Robert, fondly called the "French Spiderman", urged for peace between Israel and the Palestine by scaling the 220-metre-high Hekla Tower in Paris' business district on Sunday (Oct 22). "Today, I am climbing in support of peace. I'm trying not to pick a side, for Palestine or for Israel, but in my opinion, there is one urgent and important thing to do, which is to hear each other out and sign peace accords that are long-lasting, so that Palestine and Israel can both get what they want,” he told Reuters. Robert said that the Israel-Palestine conflict, spanning for over 70 years, needs to stop, and a common ground must be established. He urged world leaders to sit down and chalk out peace agreements that benefit both countries, stressing that promoting violence and conflict leads to nothing positive. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Alain Robert (@alainrobertofficial) × "They need to decide something once and for all. Otherwise, you know, we are on the verge of - and real this time - a World War Three, because if the Muslim countries start attacking Israel, it will be horrible,” he said. Also read | Amid horror of Israel-Hamas war, extremist groups call for global attack Robert emphasises that the focus is not so much on establishing right or wrong, but rather on seeking peaceful resolutions. “There are countries sending billions of dollars for arming people to kill other people. So it just doesn't work this way,” he added. What's happening on ground? The conflict between Israel and Hamas, which began on October 7 after a surprise attack by the Palestinian group, has led to the death of over 6,100 people. Also watch | Israel-Hamas war: UN agency for Palestine refugees, 29 staffers killed Concerns about the risk of the Israel-Hamas war catapulting into a wider Middle East conflict rose on Sunday (Oct 22) with the US sending more military help to the region as Israel pounded Gaza overnight and targeted Hamas supporters in Lebanon and Syria. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

French 'spiderman' climbs Paris Tower in peace plea amid Israel-Hamas war

Prince Turki Al Faisal criticised both Hamas and Israel. He said there are no heroes, only victims in the conflict. He compared the situation to India's independence movement in his speech at Rice University.

'Learn from India...' Saudi prince Turki Al Faisal's message to Hamas amid war

Israel-Palestine war: Scores buried in a mass grave in Gaza City: UN

Israel-Palestine war: Israeli PM meets Greek counterpart, says have to unite Hamas

Amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas War, Iran is set to host a six nation meeting with foreign ministers from Turkey and Russia in attendance.

Israel-Palestine war: Iran to host a six-nation meeting

U.S. officials are worried about more attacks on U.S. troops in the Middle East. Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin are also concerned about the threat.

Is there an increased threat to US troops in the Middle East?

<p>The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-live-israel-strikes-gaza-lebanon-overnight-650107">Israel-Hamas war</a> might spread to&nbsp;the West Asian region, or even in the far West, including nations like the United States and the United Kingdom, as al-Qaeda and Islamic State (IS) have asked their followers to strike Israeli, US and Jewish targets.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In the past two weeks, militant groups linked to al-Qaeda have congratulated the Palestine-based Hamas on its "invasion of Israel".&nbsp;</p>

<p>On Oct 7, Hamas militants launched unprecedented attacks on Israel, killing over 1,400 people and injuring hundreds. They also took around 200 people as hostages.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Israel, in retaliatory action, officially declared war on Hamas, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowing to reduce to "rubble" the group's hideouts in Gaza.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Massive destruction has been reported and hundreds of people have been killed on both sides, with tensions escalating each day.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-family-destroyed-16-year-old-british-teen-noiya-sharabi-confirmed-dead-in-tragic-hamas-attack-650157">A 16-year-old British teen Noiya Sharabi confirmed dead in tragic Hamas attack</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Al-Shabaab, which is al-Qaeda's powerful affiliate in Somalia, said in a statement that the conflict in West Asia was not just "the battle of the Islamic factions in the land of Palestine in particular, but rather the battle of the entire Muslim Ummah".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Muslims must gather and offer everything they can to support the mujahideen against the Jews and their hypocritical infidel allies. The strength of this nation lies in the strength of its jihadist fronts," it added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Some other groups which are affiliates of al-Qaeda and based in the Indian subcontinent, Yemen, and Syria also echoed al-Shabaab's calls.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Long War Journal, which is a US-based news website that reports on the war on terror, said that al-Qaeda branches in North and West Africa praised the Hamas attacks on Israel.&nbsp;</p>

<p>While hailing the Oct 7 attacks, the group said, "We congratulate your actions and urge you to continue, biting your teeth with patience on the path of jihad. They [the Palestinians] attacked the Jews … wanting to lift the sword of humiliation from their necks."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Such calls have raised the prospects of new terrorist violence across the world. It already seems to have spread, with reports of violent protests and violence in different parts of the world.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-fresh-explosions-rock-gaza-netanyahu-warns-hezbollah-top-updates-650097">Fresh explosions rock Gaza, Netanyahu warns Hezbollah</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Pro-Palestine rallies across the world&nbsp;</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>Hamas got instructions on how to make chemical weapons&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Israeli President Isaac Herzog claimed that Hamas fighters who attacked Israel were carrying instructions on how to make chemical weapons. During an interview with Sky News, President Herzog showed documents, complete with diagrams.&nbsp;</p>

<p>During the interview, Herzog said: "It's al-Qaeda material. Official al-Qaeda material. We are dealing with ISIS, al-Qaeda and Hamas. This is how shocking the situation is where we're looking at the instructions that are given on how to operate and how to create a kind of non-professional chemical weapon with cyanide."&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, there's no confirmation of whether or not the Hamas military was carrying the elements to make a bomb on them.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em><strong>Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.&nbsp;</strong></em></p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

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The Israel-Hamas war might spread to the West Asian region, or even in the far West, including nations like the United States and the United Kingdom, as al-Qaeda and Islamic State (IS) have asked their followers to strike Israeli, US and Jewish targets.

The Israel-Hamas war might spread to the West Asian region, or even in the far West, including nations like the United States and the United Kingdom, as al-Qaeda and Islamic State (IS) have asked their followers to strike Israeli, US and Jewish targets. In the past two weeks, militant groups linked to al-Qaeda have congratulated the Palestine-based Hamas on its "invasion of Israel". On Oct 7, Hamas militants launched unprecedented attacks on Israel, killing over 1,400 people and injuring hundreds. They also took around 200 people as hostages. Israel, in retaliatory action, officially declared war on Hamas, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowing to reduce to "rubble" the group's hideouts in Gaza. Massive destruction has been reported and hundreds of people have been killed on both sides, with tensions escalating each day. Also read: A 16-year-old British teen Noiya Sharabi confirmed dead in tragic Hamas attack Al-Shabaab, which is al-Qaeda's powerful affiliate in Somalia, said in a statement that the conflict in West Asia was not just "the battle of the Islamic factions in the land of Palestine in particular, but rather the battle of the entire Muslim Ummah". "Muslims must gather and offer everything they can to support the mujahideen against the Jews and their hypocritical infidel allies. The strength of this nation lies in the strength of its jihadist fronts," it added. Some other groups which are affiliates of al-Qaeda and based in the Indian subcontinent, Yemen, and Syria also echoed al-Shabaab's calls. The Long War Journal, which is a US-based news website that reports on the war on terror, said that al-Qaeda branches in North and West Africa praised the Hamas attacks on Israel. While hailing the Oct 7 attacks, the group said, "We congratulate your actions and urge you to continue, biting your teeth with patience on the path of jihad. They [the Palestinians] attacked the Jews … wanting to lift the sword of humiliation from their necks." Such calls have raised the prospects of new terrorist violence across the world. It already seems to have spread, with reports of violent protests and violence in different parts of the world. Also read: Fresh explosions rock Gaza, Netanyahu warns Hezbollah Watch: Pro-Palestine rallies across the world × Hamas got instructions on how to make chemical weapons Israeli President Isaac Herzog claimed that Hamas fighters who attacked Israel were carrying instructions on how to make chemical weapons. During an interview with Sky News, President Herzog showed documents, complete with diagrams. During the interview, Herzog said: "It's al-Qaeda material. Official al-Qaeda material. We are dealing with ISIS, al-Qaeda and Hamas. This is how shocking the situation is where we're looking at the instructions that are given on how to operate and how to create a kind of non-professional chemical weapon with cyanide." However, there's no confirmation of whether or not the Hamas military was carrying the elements to make a bomb on them. 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) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Amid horror of Israel-Hamas war, al-Qaeda, Islamic State call for global attacks

Israel-Palestine war: Dozens buried in a mass grave in Gaza city: UN

Israel-Palestine war: UN agency for Palestine refugees, 29 staffers killed

The most impacted group of people on the roadways as a result of the Israel-Palestine conflict are youngsters. Of the at least one hundred civilian deaths, the remains of forty infants and young children were removed on stretchers. The hospitals in Gaza are overrun by Israeli bombardment, with infants suffering the worst.

Israel-Palestine war: Israeli strikes overwhelm Gaza, babies in Gaza bear the burnt of war

<p>Israel Defence Forces (IDF) claimed that its aircraft struck two Hezbollah cells in Lebanon early on Monday (Oct 23), stating that they were planning to launch anti-tank missiles and rockets toward Israel.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As quoted by news agencies, the IDF said: "Our forces struck Hezbollah terrorist infrastructure in Lebanon, including a military compound and an observation post. 4 Hezbollah terrorist cells operating on the border with Lebanon were struck."&nbsp;</p>

<p>Lebanon's state-run news agency NNA reported an Israeli air strike on the southern outskirts of Aitaroun, in southern Lebanon, but didn't provide details.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Hezbollah claimed that one of its fighters was killed, a toll contradictory to IDF.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-israel-hamas-war-spreading-al-qaeda-and-is-call-on-followers-to-attack-jewish-and-us-targets-650184">Amid horror of Israel-Hamas war, extremist groups call for global attack</a></strong></p>

<p>The Israeli military released footage of the strikes as it said that one was on a cell adjacent to the Israeli town of Mattat, around 13km southwest of Aitaroun.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, the other one was further north in the Shebaa Farms area.&nbsp;</p>

<p>So far, it hasn't been established that the two sides were referring to the same set of incidents.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Later, Israel also claimed that it struck more Hezbollah targets, including a compound and an observation post.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-family-destroyed-16-year-old-british-teen-noiya-sharabi-confirmed-dead-in-tragic-hamas-attack-650157">A 16-year-old British teen Noiya Sharabi confirmed dead in tragic Hamas attack</a>&nbsp;</strong></p>

<p>Ever since Palestinian group Hamas carried out a shock attack on Israel on Oct 7, which killed at least 1,400 people in Israel, Iran-backed Hezbollah and Israel have reportedly been trading fire at the frontier with increasing frequency.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Israel has retaliated with relentless strikes on Hamas in the Gaza Strip that have killed more than 4,650 Palestinians, according to Gaza's health ministry.</p>

<p>While backing Palestine, Hezbollah launched a parallel attack across its northern border.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em><strong>Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media.</strong></em></p>

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<h2><strong>Netanyahu warns Hezbollah&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Hezbollah will make "the mistake of its life" if it starts a war with Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>On a visit to troops in northern Israel near the Lebanon border, he said that the Lebanese Islamist movement "will make the mistake of its life. We will strike it with a force it cannot even imagine, and the significance for it and the state of Lebanon will be devastating".&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><strong><em>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.</em></strong></p>

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Israel Defence Forces (IDF) claimed that its aircraft struck two Hezbollah cells in Lebanon early on Monday (Oct 23), stating that they were planning to launch anti-tank missiles and rockets toward Israel.

Israel Defence Forces (IDF) claimed that its aircraft struck two Hezbollah cells in Lebanon early on Monday (Oct 23), stating that they were planning to launch anti-tank missiles and rockets toward Israel. As quoted by news agencies, the IDF said: "Our forces struck Hezbollah terrorist infrastructure in Lebanon, including a military compound and an observation post. 4 Hezbollah terrorist cells operating on the border with Lebanon were struck." Lebanon's state-run news agency NNA reported an Israeli air strike on the southern outskirts of Aitaroun, in southern Lebanon, but didn't provide details. Hezbollah claimed that one of its fighters was killed, a toll contradictory to IDF. Also read: Amid horror of Israel-Hamas war, extremist groups call for global attack The Israeli military released footage of the strikes as it said that one was on a cell adjacent to the Israeli town of Mattat, around 13km southwest of Aitaroun. Meanwhile, the other one was further north in the Shebaa Farms area. So far, it hasn't been established that the two sides were referring to the same set of incidents. Later, Israel also claimed that it struck more Hezbollah targets, including a compound and an observation post. Also read: A 16-year-old British teen Noiya Sharabi confirmed dead in tragic Hamas attack Ever since Palestinian group Hamas carried out a shock attack on Israel on Oct 7, which killed at least 1,400 people in Israel, Iran-backed Hezbollah and Israel have reportedly been trading fire at the frontier with increasing frequency. Israel has retaliated with relentless strikes on Hamas in the Gaza Strip that have killed more than 4,650 Palestinians, according to Gaza's health ministry. While backing Palestine, Hezbollah launched a parallel attack across its northern border. Disclaimer: WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of photos and videos shared on social media. Watch the video here: × Netanyahu warns Hezbollah Hezbollah will make "the mistake of its life" if it starts a war with Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday. On a visit to troops in northern Israel near the Lebanon border, he said that the Lebanese Islamist movement "will make the mistake of its life. We will strike it with a force it cannot even imagine, and the significance for it and the state of Lebanon will be devastating". (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Israel strikes two Hezbollah cells: Video shows aerial footage of blasts in border areas of Israel and Lebanon

Israel-Palestine war: Israeli strikes overwhelm Gaza hospitals, infants worst sufferers

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