Could Hezbollah's entry tilt the scales against Israel? The group has trained, battle-hardened fighters. Hezbollah is the world's most heavily-armed non-state actor. It is believed to have 130,000 missiles. How big of a challenge does Hezbollah pose to Israel? Listen in to Priyanka Sharma.

Gravitas: Israel vs Hamas: Could Hezbollah tilt the scales against Israel?

Is Israel prepared for a ground operation in Gaza? IDF has massed troops and tanks at the border. But analysts point at the number of conscripts and reservists in the ground force, they say, this may be a disadvantage, especially when going against Hamas operatives or Hezbollah fighters who train regularly. Priyanka Sharma tells you more.

Israel-Palestine war: Is Israel ready for a ground operation in Gaza? | Gravitas

On thursday, a US warship intercepted missiles fired by Houthi rebels apparently towards Israel. Does this action amount to America joining the war? Here's what Priyanka Sharma has to say.

Israel-Palestine war: Has America joined the Israel-Hamas war? | Gravitas

The global economy is facing tremendous uncertainty from the war between Hamas and Israel in the Middle East, on top of the ongoing war between Russia and Ukraine. Those conflicts don’t just threaten the regions where they’re unfolding; they may also fray the weakening interconnectedness that remains among the world’s largest economies.

Israel-Palestine war: War ramps up recession, credit risk for Israel's economy

Egypt has allowed Anti-Israel protests to take place. UAE has called an emergency UNSC meeting. Bahrain has sacked an Indian-origin doctor over an anti-Palestine post. Riyadh has put normalisation of ties with Israel on back burner. Priyanka Sharma asks: Is the Muslim world uniting?

Gravitas: Are Islamic nations uniting against Israel and the US?

A US official and a congressional aide said that the Pentagon plans to send the two iron dome missile defense systems it had previously purchased from Israel back to that country to defend itself against inbound missiles.

US delivers armoured jeeps, warships and supplies to Israel Army; more help en-route

World leaders in Israel douse war fire; from humanitarian groups to world leaders here's how top diplomats react to the Israel-Palestine war. While India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi expresses shock at the loss of lives in an attack on the Gaza hospital, US President Joe Biden assures aid into the Gaza enclave. Iran on the other hand warns, "with every drop of Palestinian blood spilled on the ground, the Zionist regime is one step closer to its fall."

World leaders seek to contain Israel-Palestine war | World News | WION

The Israeli shekel plummeted to its lowest point in almost eight years against the U.S. dollar on Monday, driven by escalating conflict in the Middle East.&nbsp;

Hamas militants launched an attack, resulting in the death of 700 Israelis and the abduction of dozens. In retaliation, Israeli airstrikes targeted housing blocks, tunnels, a mosque, and Hamas officials' homes in Gaza. These events have significantly impacted the Israeli shekel's value, with a decrease of over 3 per cent against the dollar, reaching a rate of 3.9581, Reuters reported.&nbsp;

A Times of India report said that The Bank of Israel has made its first-ever foreign exchange sale, intending to sell up to $30 billion of foreign currency in the open market. The move aims to maintain financial stability amid the ongoing conflict with Palestinian militants in Gaza.&nbsp;

The shekel has already weakened by 10 per cent in 2023 due to political instability, and with the anticipated duration of the conflict with Hamas in Gaza, further depreciation is expected.&nbsp;

Media reports quote Golan Benita, head of the Bank of Israel's markets department, as saying that the central bank aims to reduce market volatility and potential overreactions, ensuring regular market activity. Additionally, the bank also intends to provide liquidity through swap mechanisms in the market, with a commitment of up to $15 billion.&nbsp;

Israeli stock and bond markets faced a 7 per cent decline, but key Tel Aviv share indices rebounded by 1 per cent in afternoon trading on Monday, and government bond prices displayed mixed trends.&nbsp;

Israel has amassed substantial forex reserves, exceeding $200 billion, which is about 40 per cent of its GDP. These reserves were built up over the years to prevent the shekel from appreciating too sharply, particularly affecting exporters in the tech sector.&nbsp;

While the shekel is expected to remain weak in the medium term, Citi economists do not anticipate sustained periods of shekel weakness. Israel's robust position in emerging markets, with substantial reserves, allows it to meet various metrics comfortably.&nbsp;

In a sign of market confidence, Israel successfully sold 2 billion shekels ($508 million) of bonds locally on Monday, even amid these challenging times.&nbsp;

(With inputs from Reuters)&nbsp;

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The Israeli shekel plummeted to its lowest point in almost eight years against the U.S. dollar on Monday, driven by escalating conflict in the Middle East. Hamas militants launched an attack, resulting in the death of 700 Israelis and the abduction of dozens.

The Israeli shekel plummeted to its lowest point in almost eight years against the U.S. dollar on Monday, driven by escalating conflict in the Middle East. Hamas militants launched an attack, resulting in the death of 700 Israelis and the abduction of dozens. In retaliation, Israeli airstrikes targeted housing blocks, tunnels, a mosque, and Hamas officials' homes in Gaza. These events have significantly impacted the Israeli shekel's value, with a decrease of over 3 per cent against the dollar, reaching a rate of 3.9581, Reuters reported. A Times of India report said that The Bank of Israel has made its first-ever foreign exchange sale, intending to sell up to $30 billion of foreign currency in the open market. The move aims to maintain financial stability amid the ongoing conflict with Palestinian militants in Gaza. The shekel has already weakened by 10 per cent in 2023 due to political instability, and with the anticipated duration of the conflict with Hamas in Gaza, further depreciation is expected. Media reports quote Golan Benita, head of the Bank of Israel's markets department, as saying that the central bank aims to reduce market volatility and potential overreactions, ensuring regular market activity. Additionally, the bank also intends to provide liquidity through swap mechanisms in the market, with a commitment of up to $15 billion. Israeli stock and bond markets faced a 7 per cent decline, but key Tel Aviv share indices rebounded by 1 per cent in afternoon trading on Monday, and government bond prices displayed mixed trends. Israel has amassed substantial forex reserves, exceeding $200 billion, which is about 40 per cent of its GDP. These reserves were built up over the years to prevent the shekel from appreciating too sharply, particularly affecting exporters in the tech sector. While the shekel is expected to remain weak in the medium term, Citi economists do not anticipate sustained periods of shekel weakness. Israel's robust position in emerging markets, with substantial reserves, allows it to meet various metrics comfortably. In a sign of market confidence, Israel successfully sold 2 billion shekels ($508 million) of bonds locally on Monday, even amid these challenging times. (With inputs from Reuters) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Israeli shekel falls to 8-year low amid escalating conflict: Report  

For the past 10 years, Israel’s military has been promising to stop the use of White Phosphorous. Citing that they will be removed from active duty soon. This was in 2013. But over a decade now, and nothing seems to have changed. Mohammed Saleh gets you more details.

Human Rights Watch accuses Israel of using Phosphorus Bombs |World at War | World at War

Israel ready to fight 'on two fronts,' IDF warns Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Israel-Palestine war: US warship shoots down missiles, warships

The American troops stationed in Iraq and Syria have been attacked in recent days in the wake of regional tensions that erupted following the state of war in Israel that began October 7, the US officials said on Thursday (Oct 19).

The US has deployed its naval power in West Asia&nbsp;in the past two weeks, including two aircraft carriers, other warships and about 2,000 Marine personnel with the objective of bolstering Israel's maritime strength in the region.

<h2>How American troops are being targeted in Iraq and Syria?</h2>

On Wednesday (Oct 18), a drone hit US forces in Syria resulting in minor injuries, while another one was brought down.

During a false alarm at Al Asad airbase in Iraq, a civilian contractor died from a cardiac arrest, news agency AFP reported.

Earlier this week, the American troops reportedly&nbsp;thwarted multiple drones targeting troops in Iraq.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-foils-drone-attack-on-troops-in-iraq-hours-after-gaza-hospital-blast-648377">US foils drone attack on troops in Iraq, hours after Gaza hospital blast</a>

On Thursday, drones and rockets targeted the Ain al-Asad air base, which hosts the US and other international forces in western Iraq, and multiple blasts were heard inside the base, the AFP report added.

"While I'm not going to forecast any potential responses to these attacks, I will say that we will take all necessary actions to defend US&nbsp;and coalition forces against any threat," Pentagon spokesman Brigadier General Patrick Ryder told reporters on Thursday (Oct 19) during a routine conference with journalists.

Also watch |&nbsp;Turkey proposes own connectivity project with Iraq | Latest News | WION

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"Any response, should one occur, will come at a time in a manner of our choosing," Ryder said.

An American&nbsp;Navy warship travelling near Yemen on Thursday (Oct 19) intercepted missiles and several drones that were launched by what Ryder said was the Iran-aligned Houthi movement. But the missiles were 'potentially' heading towards Israel.&nbsp;

A destroyer intercepted the three&nbsp;"land-attack cruise missiles and several drones", said a spokesman, while speaking to the&nbsp;reporters. The attack was launched&nbsp;from Yemen and "potentially toward targets in Israel," he added.

The spokesman stated that the missiles were fired from Yemen were the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels have been fighting&nbsp;with a government backed by a Saudi-led coalition.

According to the spokesman, no US casualties were reported and "we cannot say for certain what these missiles were targeting, but they were launched from Yemen, heading north along the Red Sea."

"Our defensive response was one we would have taken for any similar threat in the region," he said.

"We have the capability to defend our broader interests in the region and to deter regional escalation and broader expansion of the conflict that began with Hamas' attack on Israeli civilians," he added.&nbsp;

Israel has called up a record 360,000 reservists and is intensifying its retaliatory action against Hamas in the thickly-populated Gaza Strip following a brutal attack by the militant group on Israeli civilians on October 7, which killed about 1,400 people, mostly Israeli civilians.

At least 3,785 Palestinians have been killed and 12,493 wounded in Israeli strikes on Gaza, the health ministry in Gaza said.

<h2>Potential link between Israel-Hamas war and attacks on US troops</h2>

Pentagon said he did not see a link between the rise in attacks and the conflict between Israel and Hamas.

"At this point, again, the information that we have does not show a direct connection to the Hamas attacks on October 7," Ryder said.

The United States has 2,500 troops in Iraq, and 900 more in neighboring Syria, on a mission to&nbsp;assist local forces in combating Islamic State.

Across the region, the scale of Israel's retaliatory action in Israel has stoked massive anti-Israel sentiment. In Iraq, the country's top Shi'ite Muslim cleric, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, last week&nbsp;called on the world to stand up to the "terrible brutality" in Gaza.

In past years, Iranian-backed militias in Iraq regularly targeted US forces in Iraq and the US embassy in Baghdad with rockets.

(With inputs from agencies)

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The American troops stationed in Iraq and Syria have been attacked in recent days in the wake of regional tensions that erupted following the state of war in Israel that began October 7, the US officials said on Thursday (Oct 19).

The American troops stationed in Iraq and Syria have been attacked in recent days in the wake of regional tensions that erupted following the state of war in Israel that began October 7, the US officials said on Thursday (Oct 19). The US has deployed its naval power in West Asia in the past two weeks, including two aircraft carriers, other warships and about 2,000 Marine personnel with the objective of bolstering Israel's maritime strength in the region. How American troops are being targeted in Iraq and Syria? On Wednesday (Oct 18), a drone hit US forces in Syria resulting in minor injuries, while another one was brought down. During a false alarm at Al Asad airbase in Iraq, a civilian contractor died from a cardiac arrest, news agency AFP reported. Earlier this week, the American troops reportedly thwarted multiple drones targeting troops in Iraq. Also read | US foils drone attack on troops in Iraq, hours after Gaza hospital blast On Thursday, drones and rockets targeted the Ain al-Asad air base, which hosts the US and other international forces in western Iraq, and multiple blasts were heard inside the base, the AFP report added. "While I'm not going to forecast any potential responses to these attacks, I will say that we will take all necessary actions to defend US and coalition forces against any threat," Pentagon spokesman Brigadier General Patrick Ryder told reporters on Thursday (Oct 19) during a routine conference with journalists. Also watch | Turkey proposes own connectivity project with Iraq | Latest News | WION × "Any response, should one occur, will come at a time in a manner of our choosing," Ryder said. An American Navy warship travelling near Yemen on Thursday (Oct 19) intercepted missiles and several drones that were launched by what Ryder said was the Iran-aligned Houthi movement. But the missiles were 'potentially' heading towards Israel. A destroyer intercepted the three "land-attack cruise missiles and several drones", said a spokesman, while speaking to the reporters. The attack was launched from Yemen and "potentially toward targets in Israel," he added. The spokesman stated that the missiles were fired from Yemen were the Iranian-backed Houthi rebels have been fighting with a government backed by a Saudi-led coalition. According to the spokesman, no US casualties were reported and "we cannot say for certain what these missiles were targeting, but they were launched from Yemen, heading north along the Red Sea." "Our defensive response was one we would have taken for any similar threat in the region," he said. "We have the capability to defend our broader interests in the region and to deter regional escalation and broader expansion of the conflict that began with Hamas' attack on Israeli civilians," he added. Israel has called up a record 360,000 reservists and is intensifying its retaliatory action against Hamas in the thickly-populated Gaza Strip following a brutal attack by the militant group on Israeli civilians on October 7, which killed about 1,400 people, mostly Israeli civilians. At least 3,785 Palestinians have been killed and 12,493 wounded in Israeli strikes on Gaza, the health ministry in Gaza said. Potential link between Israel-Hamas war and attacks on US troops Pentagon said he did not see a link between the rise in attacks and the conflict between Israel and Hamas. "At this point, again, the information that we have does not show a direct connection to the Hamas attacks on October 7," Ryder said. The United States has 2,500 troops in Iraq, and 900 more in neighboring Syria, on a mission to assist local forces in combating Islamic State. Across the region, the scale of Israel's retaliatory action in Israel has stoked massive anti-Israel sentiment. In Iraq, the country's top Shi'ite Muslim cleric, Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani, last week called on the world to stand up to the "terrible brutality" in Gaza. In past years, Iranian-backed militias in Iraq regularly targeted US forces in Iraq and the US embassy in Baghdad with rockets. (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.

US warship intercepts missiles headed towards Israel; Washington reports attacks on its bases in Iraq, Syria

The US Department of State has issued a rare worldwide caution travel advisory telling Americans to be on alert everywhere they go overseas. This due to increased tensions and potential for terror attacks as Israel's war with Hamas rages.

Is a war spillover imminent in West Asia?

A Greek Orthodox church was hit by an Israeli air strike. The church was sheltering hundreds of displaced Palestinians. The Israeli military said that a part of the church was damaged in a strike on a militant command center.

Israel-Palestine war: IDF bombs Greek Orthodox church

US advises Americans overseas to exercise increased caution | US issues worldwide travel advisory

A fortnight into the war that has left thousands dead, the drumbeat of war has only grown louder. Prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rallied frontline troops near Gaza. Decked in body armour, he pledged that troops would win with full force.

Israel-Palestine war: Israel to forces 'news of invasion will come soon'

In an impassioned speech to the nation, US President Joe Biden called on Americans to deepen their support for Ukraine and Israel. Biden said it was vital for US security.

Israel-Hamas war: US sends iron dome missile system, aircraft carrier, artillery

New video obtained from a dashcam shows heavily armed Hamas militants firing at the music festival. Watch the video to watch the visuals.

New Hamas gunmen dashcam footage released, shows Hamas militants arriving at festival | World DNA

US' assistance to Israel's military | US to send two Iron Dome Systems to Israel

We show you how lives of so many have been devastated on both sides of gaza border. While in the gaza strip, 2 million people displaced by the war await critical supplies of food, water and electricity. And search for their loved ones amid airstrikes by israel.there is an eery silence in the town of kibbutz in israel struck by hamas' terror.

Israel-Palestine War: The Horrors From Gaza, And Israel's Kibbutz

Israel-Palestine war: Orthodox church hit by Israeli Airstrike

It's been two days since the deadly explosion at a hospital in Gaza where hundreds of lives have been lost but the truth still remains obscured in a relentless blame game. This is the moment when the blast took place at Al Ahli hospital.

Israel-Palestine war: Who bombed the Al-Ahli hospital in Gaza? | World news | WION

Violent clashes erupted in West Bank which claimed at least eight lives in two separate incidents after the Gaza Hospital Attack that has resulted in hundred of casualties and anger is growing among people in Palestine.

Israel-Palestine war: Israel forces kill eight people in West Bank in two separate incidents | WION

With our rolling coverage of the Israel-Hamas conflict we bring you live visuals from the Gaza Strip which is under heavy bombing from the Israeli side. Israel has bombed more than 200 locations in Gaza after Israel announced a complete Siege of Gaza.

Israel-Palestine War: Israeli tanks near Gaza border ahead of expected ground offensive

Israel-Palestine War: Israeli army orders evacuation of Northern city after Lebanon clashes

Three ground assault cruise missiles and multiple drones fired by Houthi forces in Yemen were intercepted by the USS Carney, a Navy destroyer stationed in the northern Red Sea. It's possible that the Carney's move marked the beginning of the US military's defense of Israel in this crisis.

US orders heavily reinforced military presence

Gunmen from the Palestinian group Hamas took at least 200 hostages and killed about 1,400 people during an Oct. 7 dawn raid carried out from the Gaza Strip on communities and military bases in southern Israel.

Israel-Palestine war: Search operation underway to find hostages

US official advise citizens abroad to 'stay alert' as US issues worldwide travel advisory alert

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu encouraged soldiers from the IDF Golani Brigade 51st Battalion at an assembly point near Gaza, ahead of the expected battle with Hamas.

Israel-Palestine war: Netanyahu to soldiers 'fight like lions, win with force'

Israel's currency, the shekel, has plunged to an eight-year low, prompting swift action from the country's central bank. The Central Bank is likely to keep the benchmark interest rate unchanged. The Shekel's weakness is a growing concern among economists and traders, but the Central Bank's focus is clear: Stabilise the markets and provide maximum certainty to the economy and the public.

Israel-Palestine war: War's impact on monetary policy: Bank of Israel's wartime policy

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