The emergency services battles wildfires in central Israel on Wednesday with high temperatures and strong winds advancing the flames towards the hills surrounding Jerusalem forcing the evacuation of several communities. Watch in for more details!

Wildfires rage in central Israel; PM Netanyahu visits emergency headquarters

Israeli settlers have renewed attacks in the occupied West Bank. Palestinian residents say Israelis attacked infrastructure and stole livestock in the West Bank. Watch in for more details!

Gaza war: Israelis damage homes, disperse Palestinians in West Bank's Sinjil

#GRAVITAS |  An Israeli strike on a school in Gaza City killed over 20 Palestinians. Local medics say the strike also torched tents and classrooms where displaced families took shelter.  In another incident, Israeli strikes targeted tents in the southern city of Khan Yunis. Watch this report to find out more.

Israeli strike on a school-turned-shelter in Gaza city kills 23

#Gravitas, the Israeli Air Force has conducted drills rehearsing for another round of Iranian missile attacks on Israeli airbases. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered a war rehearsal with Iran.

Netanyahu orders war 'rehearsal' with Iran

Israel Defence Forces (IDF) warned that they are planning a "serious and significant" response to Iran's ballistic missile attack, according to reports.

Drills aimed at boosting readiness if Iran-US nuclear talks fail

Israeli Air Force targets Iran threat in high-stakes drills

Israel's internal security chief Ronin Bar has accused the Israeli prime minister of demanding personal loyalty and ordering him to spy on anti-government protesters in Israel.

Israel: Ronen Bar says he was fired for refusing to pledge loyalty to PM

Israeli minister's bombshell comment on hostages has sparked outrage in the country.

Israel-Hamas war: Smotrich puts annihilating Hamas on top of rescuing hostages

#Gravitas An AI-generated video depicting the destruction of Islam’s third-holiest site, the Al-Aqsa Mosque in occupied Jerusalem has triggered massive anger and condemnation across the Arab states. Inflaming tensions in a region that is already boiling.

Arab States Threaten Israel Over Al-aqsa Destruction Video

#Gravitas Iran is making major strides in its space ambitions and it is doing so, with the help of Russia.

Iran Seeks Russian Help To Supercharge Space Program

Qatar has condemned the Israeli plans to bomb and demolish the Al Aqsa mosque and replace it with a temple, describing it as a dangerous provocation that could further escalate the violence in the region.

Israel-Hamas war: Qatar reaffirms the Palestinian cause, seeks protection of Al-Aqsa

At least 54 Palestinians have been killed in the last 24 hours as Israel steps up its military offensive in the Gaza Strip.

Israel-Hamas war: Israeli PM Netanyahu says surrendering to Hamas would 'embolden enemies'

Israel-Hamas war: Israeli PM Netanyahu says, war against Hamas at a crucial stage

US President Donald Trump has sent a handwritten note to Israel’s Western Wall, placed by newly appointed US envoy Mike Huckabee. The message, focused on peace, holds symbolic weight at one of Judaism’s holiest sites in Jerusalem. This echoes Trump’s 2017 visit, where he became the first sitting US President to pray at the Wall.

Trump sends peace message to Israel through note at Western Wall

No money no loyalty no control in a way Hamas is spiraling into crisis mode as Israel's relentless siege and military strikes choke off its cash flow leaving the fighters unpaid and there are rare protests inside Gaza.

Israel-Hamas war: Hamas fighters go unpaid as cash crisis deepens

#GRAVITAS |  The heads of 12 major aid organizations have now raised alarm that the humanitarian aid system in Gaza has been "facing total collapse" since Israel blocked aid supplies starting March 2. Watch this video to find out more

NGOs warn aid in Gaza is 'facing total collapse

Protests have erupted in Pakistan's US fast food chain KFC. The anti-US sentiment has given rise to multiple mob attacks; 10 have been reported so far.
KFC was in the line of fire over Israel-Hamas conflict in the past as well. Scores of people have been arrested in the South Asian country in the recent weeks.
Arrests have been made in Karachi, Lahore, and the capital, Islamabad. 11 such violent episodes of attacks and vandalism have been reported and at least 178 people were arrested.
The US chain has not issued any statement on the matter as yet.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/gen-asim-munir-speech-pakistan-hindu-muslim-what-is-two-nation-theory-separatism-terrorism-bangladesh-what-you-should-know-8975092">What is two-nation theory mentioned in Pakistan Gen Asim Munir's Hindu vs Muslim speech, and how successful is it? Origin, aftermath</a>
An official was quoted on condition of anonymity in the news agency Reuters, he said, one KFC employee was shot and killed this week in a store on the outskirts of Lahore by unknown gunmen. The official added there was no protest at the time and they were investigating whether the killing was motivated by political sentiment or some other reason.
While in Lahore, the police has beefed up security at 27 KFC outlets. The city has seen two attacks already and five others were averted.
Faisal Kamran, a senior Lahore police officer said, "We are investigating the role of different individuals and groups in these attacks."
He added that 11 people, including a member of the Islamist religious party Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), were arrested in the city. He added the protests were not officially organised by TLP.
TLP spokesman Rehan Mohsin Khan said, "(TLP) has urged Muslims to boycott Israeli products, but it has not given any call for protest outside KFC."
He added, "If any other person claiming to be a TLP leader or activist has indulged in such activity, it should be taken as his personal act which has nothing to do with the party&rsquo;s policy."

Protests have erupted in Pakistan's US fast food chain KFC. The anti-US sentiment has given rise to multiple mob attacks; 10 have been reported so far. World

Protests have erupted in Pakistan's US fast food chain KFC. The anti-US sentiment has given rise to multiple mob attacks; 10 have been reported so far. KFC was in the line of fire over Israel-Hamas conflict in the past as well. Scores of people have been arrested in the South Asian country in the recent weeks. Arrests have been made in Karachi, Lahore, and the capital, Islamabad. 11 such violent episodes of attacks and vandalism have been reported and at least 178 people were arrested. The US chain has not issued any statement on the matter as yet. Also read: What is two-nation theory mentioned in Pakistan Gen Asim Munir's Hindu vs Muslim speech, and how successful is it? Origin, aftermath An official was quoted on condition of anonymity in the news agency Reuters, he said, one KFC employee was shot and killed this week in a store on the outskirts of Lahore by unknown gunmen. The official added there was no protest at the time and they were investigating whether the killing was motivated by political sentiment or some other reason. While in Lahore, the police has beefed up security at 27 KFC outlets. The city has seen two attacks already and five others were averted. Faisal Kamran, a senior Lahore police officer said, "We are investigating the role of different individuals and groups in these attacks." He added that 11 people, including a member of the Islamist religious party Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), were arrested in the city. He added the protests were not officially organised by TLP. TLP spokesman Rehan Mohsin Khan said, "(TLP) has urged Muslims to boycott Israeli products, but it has not given any call for protest outside KFC." He added, "If any other person claiming to be a TLP leader or activist has indulged in such activity, it should be taken as his personal act which has nothing to do with the party’s policy."

KFC outlets vandalised in Pakistan over anti-US sentiment

Yemen is under intense attack, over 70 people have died in the overnight aerial attack in Yemen. Houthis say that more than 170 people have sustained injuries. The air strike sparked a massive explosion and fires. The Iran backed rebels say that paramedics and civilian workers at the port were killed in the attack as well.

Houthi conducts retaliatory strikes on U.S. carriers along with drone strikes on Israel

Yemen attacks Tel Aviv, Israel with projectile as sirens sound heard in Israel.
Israeli army confirms the attack. Air raid sirens were heard in Tel Aviv on Friday. Israeli army said a projectile was launched from Yemen.

Yemen attacks Tel Aviv with projectile confirms Israel army | Sirens sound over Tel Aviv I Originals

Hamas has officially rejected Israel’s latest truce proposal, insisting on a comprehensive ceasefire deal to end the 18-month-long war. While expressing readiness to release all remaining hostages, Hamas accused Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu of using partial deals for political gain. Qatar also criticized Israel for not honoring past truce commitments.

Israel-Hamas war: New Israeli air strikes kill at least 40 people: Gaza rescuers

Israel-Hamas war: Hamas rejects Israel truce plan, demands full Gaza war deal

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had planned a high-stakes military strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities beginning as early as next month.

Netanyahu’s plot too much for Trump?

Israel’s offensive in Gaza intensifies with deadly strikes in Khan Younis, as negotiations to free hostages continue. Officials warn Gaza’s food supply may last just a month, while over 500,000 Palestinians have been displaced. Watch this report to know more!

Israel-Hamas war: Israel steps up Gaza strikes as hostage talks intensify again

Israel announced Wednesday that it had converted 30 percent of Gaza's territory into a buffer zone as it pressed its unrelenting military offensive, vowing to maintain its blockade on humanitarian aid to the war-ravaged territory.
Israel resumed air and ground attacks across the Gaza Strip on March 18, ending a two-month ceasefire with Hamas that had largely halted hostilities, with rescuers on Wednesday saying at least 11 were killed in strikes across the Palestinian territory.
The UN said an estimated 500,000 Palestinians have been displaced since the end of the Gaza ceasefire, triggering what it described as one of the most severe humanitarian crises the territory has faced in more than 18 months of war.
The Israeli military on Wednesday said that as part of its resumed operations, it had "achieved full operational control over several key areas and routes throughout the Gaza Strip".
"Approximately 30 percent of the Gaza Strip's territory is now designated as an Operational Security Perimeter."
It added that Israeli air strikes had hit "approximately 1,200 terror targets" and that "more than 100 targeted eliminations have been carried out" since March 18.
Defence Minister Israel Katz had declared earlier this month that the military was seizing "large areas" of Gaza, leaving it "smaller and more isolated".
Top Israeli officials have repeatedly said that military pressure was the only way to force Hamas to release the 58 hostages still held in Gaza.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-lost-contact-with-group-holding-israeli-american-hostage-after-strike-on-gaza-was-it-israels-fault-8965813">'Israel purposely trying to kill him': Hamas 'lost contact' with group holding Israeli-American hostage after Gaza strike</a>
<h2><hl2>'No aid for Gaza'&nbsp;</hl2></h2>
On Wednesday, the Palestinian militant group Islamic Jihad released a video of an Israeli-German hostage, showing him alive and appealing to Israeli authorities and US President Donald Trump to secure his release.
His family and Israeli media identified him as Rom Braslavski from Jerusalem, who was abducted by militants from the Nova music festival during Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.
Katz announced that Israel would continue preventing aid from entering the besieged territory of 2.4 million people.
Israel had already halted the entry of aid into Gaza on March 2, exacerbating the severe humanitarian crisis in the war-battered territory.
"Israel's policy is clear: no humanitarian aid will enter Gaza, and blocking this aid is one of the main pressure levers preventing Hamas from using it as a tool with the population," Katz said.
Medical charity Doctors Without Borders (MSF) said Israeli military operations and the aid blockade had transformed Gaza into a graveyard for Palestinians and aid workers.
"Gaza has been turned into a mass grave of Palestinians and those coming to their assistance," said MSF coordinator Amande Bazerolle.
"With nowhere safe for Palestinians or those trying to help them, the humanitarian response is severely struggling under the weight of insecurity and critical supply shortages, leaving people with few, if any, options for accessing care," she said.
On Wednesday, the UN reported estimates that "about half a million people have been newly displaced or uprooted once more" in Gaza since March 18.
The world body had warned on Monday that Gaza was facing its most severe humanitarian crisis since the war began in October 2023.
"The humanitarian situation is now likely the worst it has been in the 18 months since the outbreak of hostilities," said the UN's Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
<h2><hl2>ICJ hearings</hl2></h2>
Israel controls the entry of all aid and supplies to Gaza.
On April 28, the International Court of Justice is set to open hearings on Israel's humanitarian obligations towards Palestinians.
The UN General Assembly approved a resolution in December requesting that The Hague-based top court give an advisory opinion on the matter.
It calls on the ICJ to clarify what Israel is required to do to "ensure and facilitate the unhindered provision of urgently needed supplies essential to the survival of the Palestinian civilian population".
Although ICJ decisions are legally binding, the court has no concrete way of enforcing them.
Israel continued to pound Gaza on Wednesday.
At least 11 people were killed in air strikes, 10 of them in an attack on Gaza City, the civil defence agency said.
The renewed assault has so far killed at least 1,652 people in Gaza, the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory reported, bringing to 51,025 the total toll since the war erupted in October 2023, most of them civilians.
Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack on Israel resulted in the deaths of 1,218 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures.
Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Israel said that as part of its resumed operations, it had "achieved full operational control over several key areas and routes throughout the Gaza Strip". WORLD

Israel announced Wednesday that it had converted 30 percent of Gaza's territory into a buffer zone as it pressed its unrelenting military offensive, vowing to maintain its blockade on humanitarian aid to the war-ravaged territory. Israel resumed air and ground attacks across the Gaza Strip on March 18, ending a two-month ceasefire with Hamas that had largely halted hostilities, with rescuers on Wednesday saying at least 11 were killed in strikes across the Palestinian territory. The UN said an estimated 500,000 Palestinians have been displaced since the end of the Gaza ceasefire, triggering what it described as one of the most severe humanitarian crises the territory has faced in more than 18 months of war. The Israeli military on Wednesday said that as part of its resumed operations, it had "achieved full operational control over several key areas and routes throughout the Gaza Strip". "Approximately 30 percent of the Gaza Strip's territory is now designated as an Operational Security Perimeter." It added that Israeli air strikes had hit "approximately 1,200 terror targets" and that "more than 100 targeted eliminations have been carried out" since March 18. Defence Minister Israel Katz had declared earlier this month that the military was seizing "large areas" of Gaza, leaving it "smaller and more isolated". Top Israeli officials have repeatedly said that military pressure was the only way to force Hamas to release the 58 hostages still held in Gaza. Also read: 'Israel purposely trying to kill him': Hamas 'lost contact' with group holding Israeli-American hostage after Gaza strike 'No aid for Gaza' On Wednesday, the Palestinian militant group Islamic Jihad released a video of an Israeli-German hostage, showing him alive and appealing to Israeli authorities and US President Donald Trump to secure his release. His family and Israeli media identified him as Rom Braslavski from Jerusalem, who was abducted by militants from the Nova music festival during Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. Katz announced that Israel would continue preventing aid from entering the besieged territory of 2.4 million people. Israel had already halted the entry of aid into Gaza on March 2, exacerbating the severe humanitarian crisis in the war-battered territory. "Israel's policy is clear: no humanitarian aid will enter Gaza, and blocking this aid is one of the main pressure levers preventing Hamas from using it as a tool with the population," Katz said. Medical charity Doctors Without Borders (MSF) said Israeli military operations and the aid blockade had transformed Gaza into a graveyard for Palestinians and aid workers. "Gaza has been turned into a mass grave of Palestinians and those coming to their assistance," said MSF coordinator Amande Bazerolle. "With nowhere safe for Palestinians or those trying to help them, the humanitarian response is severely struggling under the weight of insecurity and critical supply shortages, leaving people with few, if any, options for accessing care," she said. On Wednesday, the UN reported estimates that "about half a million people have been newly displaced or uprooted once more" in Gaza since March 18. The world body had warned on Monday that Gaza was facing its most severe humanitarian crisis since the war began in October 2023. "The humanitarian situation is now likely the worst it has been in the 18 months since the outbreak of hostilities," said the UN's Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. ICJ hearings Israel controls the entry of all aid and supplies to Gaza. On April 28, the International Court of Justice is set to open hearings on Israel's humanitarian obligations towards Palestinians. The UN General Assembly approved a resolution in December requesting that The Hague-based top court give an advisory opinion on the matter. It calls on the ICJ to clarify what Israel is required to do to "ensure and facilitate the unhindered provision of urgently needed supplies essential to the survival of the Palestinian civilian population". Although ICJ decisions are legally binding, the court has no concrete way of enforcing them. Israel continued to pound Gaza on Wednesday. At least 11 people were killed in air strikes, 10 of them in an attack on Gaza City, the civil defence agency said. The renewed assault has so far killed at least 1,652 people in Gaza, the health ministry in the Hamas-run territory reported, bringing to 51,025 the total toll since the war erupted in October 2023, most of them civilians. Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack on Israel resulted in the deaths of 1,218 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official Israeli figures. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Israel claims 30 percent of Gaza turned into buffer zone; vows to maintain blockade on humanitarian aid

There appears to be no end to the nightmare that's been inflicted on the people of the Gaza Strip. The violence continues to escalate. The humanitarian crisis is getting even more worse with hopes of any kind of peace repeatedly being shot down over and over again. The United Nations and the aid organizations have described the Gaza Strip as a mass grave of the Palestinians and those who are coming to their help. They've also warned of a potential collapse of the medical system in the Gaza Strip.

Israel-Hamas war: Gaza became 'mass grave' for Palestinians: MSF

The fresh Israeli attacks across the Gaza Strip have caused heavy civilian casualties among Palestinians. The United Nations Human Rights Office has reported that many of those killed in the Israeli bombings have been women and children.

Israel-Hamas war: Israel continues strikes in Gaza, 30 killed in last 24 hours

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu visited Northern Gaza and reiterated his demand for the release of hostages, including US-Israeli citizen Edan Alexander, amid escalating tensions. Hamas claims it has lost contact with the group holding Alexander. Watch this report for more details!

Israel-Hamas war: Hamas claims it has lost contact with group holding Edan Alexander

Israel-Hamas war: Netanyahu demands hostage release as Hamas rejects ceasefire proposal

As a war continues to rage in Gaza, Hamas say that it has lost contact with Israeli American hostage Eden Alexander. Hamas's armed wing say that they lost contact with a group holding Alexander hostage shortly after an Israeli strike on their location in Gaza.

Israel-Hamas war: Hamas rejects 45-day ceasefire deal in exchange for 10 hostages

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued a stern warning to Hamas he says that Israel will press on with its military offensive against Hamas to secure the release of hostages as he praised troops during a visit to northern Gaza.

Israeli PM says Hamas will suffer blow after blow; Iran-backed group rejects ceasefire proposal

Palestinian militant group Hamas on Tuesday (April 15) said it had "lost control" with the group holding Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander after Israel launched an air strike in Gaza.&nbsp;
Abu Obeida, spokesman for the Ezzedine Al-Qassam Brigades, announced this on Telegram, saying that they are trying to reach them at this moment.&nbsp;
"We announce that we have lost contact with the group holding soldier Edan Alexander following a direct strike on their location. We are still trying to reach them at this moment," Obeida said on Telegram Channel.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-releases-video-showing-israeli-american-hostage-alive-captive-slams-israeli-govt-for-failing-to-secure-his-release-8955838">Hamas releases video showing Israeli-American hostage alive; captive slams Israeli govt for failing to secure his release</a>
&ldquo;It seems that the occupation army is deliberately trying to kill him and hence relieve themselves from the pressure caused by the dual-citizen prisoners in order to continue its genocide against our people,&rdquo; Abu Obeida added. &nbsp;
The Brigades released a video on Saturday, showing Alexander alive, in which he criticised the Israeli government for failing to secure his release.&nbsp;
In the video, Alexander was speaking, while making frequent hand gestures as he criticised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-airstrike-targets-gazas-only-functioning-hospital-hamas-command-center-in-deir-al-balah-8957759">Israeli airstrike targets Gaza&rsquo;s only functioning hospital, Hamas command center in Deir al-Balah</a>
<h2>'Will suffer blow after blow'</h2>
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday warned Hamas that it will continue to suffer "blow after blow".&nbsp;
Netanyahu further insisted the Palestinian militant group to release the Israeli hostages.&nbsp;
"They are striking the enemy and Hamas will continue to suffer blow after blow. We insist that they release our hostages, and we insist on achieving all of our war objectives," Netanyahu told troops in Gaza, according to a statement from his office.
Israeli-American hostage Alexander was serving as a soldier in an elite infantry unit on the Gaza border when he was abducted by the Hamas group during the October 7 attack on Israel.&nbsp;
He was born in Israel and grew up in the US, and later, returned to Israel after high school to join the army.&nbsp;
Till date, Hamas has published two propaganda videos of Alexander, the latest on Saturday.
WATCH | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-hamas-war-israel-offers-45-day-gaza-truce-demands-hostage-release-disarmament-8964318">Israel-Hamas war: Israel offers 45-day Gaza truce, demands hostage release, disarmament</a>
The Israeli army said that they have not carried out strikes in areas where it suspects hostages may be held by Hamas.&nbsp;
Military officials have repeatedly noted that every strike on Gaza and the ground operations are carefully planned out in order not to endanger Israeli hostages.&nbsp;
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-publishes-video-of-israeli-american-hostage-pleading-for-trumps-help-in-securing-release-780558">Hamas publishes video of Israeli-American hostage pleading for Trump's help in securing release</a>
(With inputs from agencies)

World: Abu Obeida, spokesman for the Ezzedine Al-Qassam Brigades, announced this on Telegram, saying that they are trying to reach them at this moment.

Palestinian militant group Hamas on Tuesday (April 15) said it had "lost control" with the group holding Israeli-American hostage Edan Alexander after Israel launched an air strike in Gaza. Abu Obeida, spokesman for the Ezzedine Al-Qassam Brigades, announced this on Telegram, saying that they are trying to reach them at this moment. "We announce that we have lost contact with the group holding soldier Edan Alexander following a direct strike on their location. We are still trying to reach them at this moment," Obeida said on Telegram Channel. Also read: Hamas releases video showing Israeli-American hostage alive; captive slams Israeli govt for failing to secure his release “It seems that the occupation army is deliberately trying to kill him and hence relieve themselves from the pressure caused by the dual-citizen prisoners in order to continue its genocide against our people,” Abu Obeida added. The Brigades released a video on Saturday, showing Alexander alive, in which he criticised the Israeli government for failing to secure his release. In the video, Alexander was speaking, while making frequent hand gestures as he criticised Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government. Also read: Israeli airstrike targets Gaza’s only functioning hospital, Hamas command center in Deir al-Balah 'Will suffer blow after blow' Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday warned Hamas that it will continue to suffer "blow after blow". Netanyahu further insisted the Palestinian militant group to release the Israeli hostages. "They are striking the enemy and Hamas will continue to suffer blow after blow. We insist that they release our hostages, and we insist on achieving all of our war objectives," Netanyahu told troops in Gaza, according to a statement from his office. Israeli-American hostage Alexander was serving as a soldier in an elite infantry unit on the Gaza border when he was abducted by the Hamas group during the October 7 attack on Israel. He was born in Israel and grew up in the US, and later, returned to Israel after high school to join the army. Till date, Hamas has published two propaganda videos of Alexander, the latest on Saturday. WATCH | Israel-Hamas war: Israel offers 45-day Gaza truce, demands hostage release, disarmament The Israeli army said that they have not carried out strikes in areas where it suspects hostages may be held by Hamas. Military officials have repeatedly noted that every strike on Gaza and the ground operations are carefully planned out in order not to endanger Israeli hostages. Also read: Hamas publishes video of Israeli-American hostage pleading for Trump's help in securing release (With inputs from agencies)

'Israel purposely trying to kill him': Hamas 'lost contact' with group holding Israeli-American hostage after Gaza strike

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