Gaza&rsquo;s civil defence agency has said that nine people, including several journalists, lost their lives in Israeli airstrikes on Saturday (March 15) in the northern town of Beit Lahia.
Mahmoud Bassal, spokesperson for the civil defence, told AFP, "Nine martyrs have been transferred (to hospital), including several journalists and a number of workers from the Al-Khair Charitable Organisation, as a result of the occupation targeting a vehicle with a drone in the town of Beit Lahia, coinciding with artillery shelling on the same area."
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The Israel Defense Forces (<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-strikes-gaza-9-killed-including-journalists-hamas-calls-attack-blatant-violation-of-ceasefire-8856513">IDF</a>) released a statement saying they had targeted individuals operating a drone that posed a threat to their troops in Beit Lahia. "Earlier today, two terrorists were identified who were operating a drone that posed a threat to IDF forces in the Beit Lahia area. The IDF attacked the terrorists. Subsequently, several additional terrorists collected the drone operating equipment in the attack area and entered the vehicle. The IDF attacked the terrorists," the statement read.
Hamas has condemned the Israeli strikes, calling them a "blatant violation" of the truce agreement.
Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/manipulation-psychological-warfare-netanyahu-slams-hamas-for-rejecting-witkoff-proposal-8853836">'Manipulation, psychological warfare': Netanyahu slams Hamas for rejecting 'Witkoff proposal'</a>
"The occupation (Israel) has committed a horrific massacre in the northern <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-respond-accordingly-white-house-accuses-hamas-of-making-very-bad-bet-on-gaza-talks-8854373">Gaza</a> Strip by targeting a group of journalists and humanitarian workers, in a blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement," Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem said in a statement.
Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq and non-state actors like Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.
(With inputs from agencies)

World: The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) released a statement saying they had targeted individuals operating a drone that posed a threat to their troops in Beit Lahia.

Gaza’s civil defence agency has said that nine people, including several journalists, lost their lives in Israeli airstrikes on Saturday (March 15) in the northern town of Beit Lahia. Mahmoud Bassal, spokesperson for the civil defence, told AFP, "Nine martyrs have been transferred (to hospital), including several journalists and a number of workers from the Al-Khair Charitable Organisation, as a result of the occupation targeting a vehicle with a drone in the town of Beit Lahia, coinciding with artillery shelling on the same area." Also read: Trump's 'beautiful area' for Gazans? US, Israel eyeing three 'poor' African nations to resettle Palestinians The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) released a statement saying they had targeted individuals operating a drone that posed a threat to their troops in Beit Lahia. "Earlier today, two terrorists were identified who were operating a drone that posed a threat to IDF forces in the Beit Lahia area. The IDF attacked the terrorists. Subsequently, several additional terrorists collected the drone operating equipment in the attack area and entered the vehicle. The IDF attacked the terrorists," the statement read. Hamas has condemned the Israeli strikes, calling them a "blatant violation" of the truce agreement. Also read: 'Manipulation, psychological warfare': Netanyahu slams Hamas for rejecting 'Witkoff proposal' "The occupation (Israel) has committed a horrific massacre in the northern Gaza Strip by targeting a group of journalists and humanitarian workers, in a blatant violation of the ceasefire agreement," Hamas spokesman Hazem Qassem said in a statement. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq and non-state actors like Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel strikes Gaza: 9 killed, including journalists; Hamas calls attack 'blatant violation' of ceasefire

At least 18 Palestinians were killed in Israeli airstrikes in Gaza on Saturday, medics said, while the Israeli military said it targeted gunmen operating from shelters and aid storages.

At least 18 Palestinians were killed in Israeli airstrikes in Gaza on Saturday, medics said, while the Israeli military said it targeted gunmen operating from shelters and aid storages. At least 10 people were killed in an airstrike near the municipality building in Deir Al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip where people gathered to receive aid, medics said. Casualties were being carried by foot, on rickshaws and private cars from the site of the attack to the hospital, medics said. The strike killed the head of the Hamas-run administrative committee in central Gaza, a Hamas source said. The Israeli military was looking into the report, a spokesperson said. Earlier, Israeli aircraft struck militants and weapon caches near an aid warehouse, the military said, after gunmen had fired rockets into Israel from there. Watch | Iranian Singer Faces Prison For Her Performance A separate strike in Gaza City on a former shelter housing displaced people targeted Hamas fighters, the military said. At least seven people were killed in that attack, Palestinian medics said, including a woman and her baby. It was unclear whether any of the other people killed were fighters. The military said it had taken precautions to reduce the risk of harm to civilians. A separate strike in Gaza City killed a local journalist, medics said. The military was looking into the report, a spokesperson said. The war in Gaza began when the Palestinian militant group Hamas stormed into Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1,200, mostly civilians, people and taking more than 250 hostages back to Gaza, according to Israeli authorities. Israel then launched an air, sea and land offensive that has killed at least 44,000 people, mostly civilians, according to authorities in the Hamas-run Gaza Strip, displaced nearly the entire population and left much of the enclave in ruins. A fresh bid by Egypt, Qatar and the United States to reach a truce has gained momentum in recent weeks. Also read | Five dead, dozens missing in Greece as migrant boat sinks Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi on Saturday discussed with visiting US officials efforts to reach a ceasefire in Gaza and a hostages-for-prisoners deal in the Palestinian enclave, Sisi's office said. 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.

At least 18 killed in Israeli Gaza strikes: Palestinian medics

Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh confirmed that three of his sons and a number of grandchildren had been killed in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza on Wednesday (Apr 10), in an interview. He also accused Israel of acting in “the spirit of revenge and murder.” 
 
Haniyeh, 61, who is based in Qatar, has 13 sons and daughters according to Hamas sources. He said in the interview that&nbsp;“the blood of my sons is not dearer than the blood of our people”.

Haniyeh, who was appointed to the top job of Hamas in 2017, travels between Turkey and Qatar’s capital Doha&nbsp;to avoid&nbsp;Israeli-imposed travel restrictions in Gaza and has been acting as a negotiator in the ceasefire negotiations as well as with Hamas’ main ally Iran.

<h2>Israeli strike in Gaza</h2>

The three sons – Hazem, Amir and Mohammad – of the Hamas leader were killed after the car they were travelling in was bombed in Gaza’s Al-Shati camp, the Palestinian militant group said, as per Reuters.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Israel-Hamas war: Netanyahu making a 'mistake': Joe Biden

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A report by Hamas media also said that two of Haniyeh’s grandchildren were also killed in the attack and a third was wounded.&nbsp;

In an interview with Al Jazeera Arabic, the Hamas leader confirmed the death of his sons saying that they were “martyred on the road to liberating Jerusalem and the Al-Aqsa Mosque.”

“Through the blood of the martyrs and the pain of the injured, we create hope, we create the future, we create independence and freedom for our people and our nation,” said Haniyeh.&nbsp;

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He also said around 60 members of his family, including nieces and nephews, have been killed since the beginning of the war.&nbsp;

“The enemy believes that by targeting the families of the leaders, it will push them to give up the demands of our people,” said Haniyeh, adding that “anyone who believes that targeting my sons will push Hamas to change its position is delusional.”

The Hamas leader currently lives in Qatar in exile and is originally from Shati. Notably, Haniyeh has been the tough-talking face of the Palestinian militant group’s international diplomacy amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. &nbsp;

The Hamas leader’s eldest son, Abdel-Salam Haniyeh, took to Facebook and confirmed the deaths of his three brothers. “Thanks to God who honoured us by the martyrdom of my brothers, Hazem, Amir and Mohammad and their children.”&nbsp;

<h2>Israeli military confirms deaths</h2>

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) spokesperson for the Arab media, Avichay Adraee, in a post on X, confirmed the killing of three sons of the Hamas leader.&nbsp;

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“The IDF and the General Security Service eliminated three members of the military wing of Hamas in the central Gaza Strip. The three members are the sons of Ismail Haniyeh, head of the Hamas political bureau,” said Adraee.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh confirmed that three of his sons and a number of grandchildren had been killed in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza on Wednesday (Apr 10), in an interview.

Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh confirmed that three of his sons and a number of grandchildren had been killed in an Israeli airstrike in Gaza on Wednesday (Apr 10), in an interview. He also accused Israel of acting in “the spirit of revenge and murder.” Haniyeh, 61, who is based in Qatar, has 13 sons and daughters according to Hamas sources. He said in the interview that “the blood of my sons is not dearer than the blood of our people”. Haniyeh, who was appointed to the top job of Hamas in 2017, travels between Turkey and Qatar’s capital Doha to avoid Israeli-imposed travel restrictions in Gaza and has been acting as a negotiator in the ceasefire negotiations as well as with Hamas’ main ally Iran. Israeli strike in Gaza The three sons – Hazem, Amir and Mohammad – of the Hamas leader were killed after the car they were travelling in was bombed in Gaza’s Al-Shati camp, the Palestinian militant group said, as per Reuters. WATCH | Israel-Hamas war: Netanyahu making a 'mistake': Joe Biden A report by Hamas media also said that two of Haniyeh’s grandchildren were also killed in the attack and a third was wounded. In an interview with Al Jazeera Arabic, the Hamas leader confirmed the death of his sons saying that they were “martyred on the road to liberating Jerusalem and the Al-Aqsa Mosque.” “Through the blood of the martyrs and the pain of the injured, we create hope, we create the future, we create independence and freedom for our people and our nation,” said Haniyeh. Also Read | Israel threatens to strike Iran directly if it launches attacks from its own territory He also said around 60 members of his family, including nieces and nephews, have been killed since the beginning of the war. “The enemy believes that by targeting the families of the leaders, it will push them to give up the demands of our people,” said Haniyeh, adding that “anyone who believes that targeting my sons will push Hamas to change its position is delusional.” The Hamas leader currently lives in Qatar in exile and is originally from Shati. Notably, Haniyeh has been the tough-talking face of the Palestinian militant group’s international diplomacy amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas in Gaza. The Hamas leader’s eldest son, Abdel-Salam Haniyeh, took to Facebook and confirmed the deaths of his three brothers. “Thanks to God who honoured us by the martyrdom of my brothers, Hazem, Amir and Mohammad and their children.” Israeli military confirms deaths The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) spokesperson for the Arab media, Avichay Adraee, in a post on X, confirmed the killing of three sons of the Hamas leader. Also Read | Hamas rejects USA’s peace proposal for Gaza, will now release its own plan “The IDF and the General Security Service eliminated three members of the military wing of Hamas in the central Gaza Strip. The three members are the sons of Ismail Haniyeh, head of the Hamas political bureau,” said Adraee. (With inputs from agencies)

Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh’s three sons, grandchildren killed in Israeli strike on Gaza

Gaza officials on Saturday (Dec 23) said that the Israeli strikes had claimed the lives of more than 200 people in 24 hours amidst an upsurge in attacks in the West Bank.

Israel continued with its counter-offensive aiming at the southern Gaza Strip, with clouds of grey and black smoke rising over Khan Yunis city, as per news agency AFP reports.

In the past 24 hours, at least 201 deaths were reported by the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza, taking the toll to 20,258 since the war broke out, and most of the victims were women and children as per claims by Hamas.

The fighting between the two sides began when the Palestinian militant group Hamas launched unprecedented attacks against Israel on Oct 7, killing about 1,140 Israelis, mostly civilians.

Israel, in response, launched retaliatory attacks vowing to destroy the Palestinian militant group.

Saturday's strikes came after the United Nations Security Council approved a resolution demanding "immediate, safe and unhindered" deliveries of life-saving aid to Gaza "at scale".&nbsp;

It also called for the creation of "conditions for a sustainable cessation of hostilities", but did not seek an immediate end to combat.

The Gaza health ministry said dozens of Palestinians were killed this week and publicly "executed" in northern Gaza.

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The Israeli "massacre resulted in the death of dozens" of people in Jabalia camp and Jabalia town, ministry spokesman Ashraf al-Qudra said.

<h2>Five soldiers killed in Gaza since Friday&nbsp;</h2>

Meanwhile, the Israeli military said that five of its soldiers lost their lives in the fighting since Friday (Dec 22).

The army said in a statement that four of its soldiers were killed on Friday, whereas a fifth was killed on Saturday in the Palestinian territory's north.

This brought the number of troops killed inside the Gaza Strip to 144 since the start of Israel's large-scale ground offensive on October 27.

<h2>UN resolution urges more aid</h2>

On the other hand, members of the UN Security Council, late on Friday passed a resolution demanding "immediate, safe and unhindered" deliveries of life-saving aid be rushed to Gaza "at scale".

Israel has said Gaza crossings under its control were closed for aid deliveries on Saturday&nbsp;"in line with the agreement reached with the US, Egypt and the UN", leaving only the Rafah crossing on the Egyptian border open.

(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.

Gaza officials on Saturday (Dec 23) said that the Israeli strikes had claimed the lives of more than 200 people in 24 hours amidst an upsurge in attacks in the West Bank.

Gaza officials on Saturday (Dec 23) said that the Israeli strikes had claimed the lives of more than 200 people in 24 hours amidst an upsurge in attacks in the West Bank. Israel continued with its counter-offensive aiming at the southern Gaza Strip, with clouds of grey and black smoke rising over Khan Yunis city, as per news agency AFP reports. In the past 24 hours, at least 201 deaths were reported by the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza, taking the toll to 20,258 since the war broke out, and most of the victims were women and children as per claims by Hamas. The fighting between the two sides began when the Palestinian militant group Hamas launched unprecedented attacks against Israel on Oct 7, killing about 1,140 Israelis, mostly civilians. Israel, in response, launched retaliatory attacks vowing to destroy the Palestinian militant group. Saturday's strikes came after the United Nations Security Council approved a resolution demanding "immediate, safe and unhindered" deliveries of life-saving aid to Gaza "at scale". It also called for the creation of "conditions for a sustainable cessation of hostilities", but did not seek an immediate end to combat. The Gaza health ministry said dozens of Palestinians were killed this week and publicly "executed" in northern Gaza. Also read: Yemen's warring parties commit to new ceasefire, agree to UN-led peace process The Israeli "massacre resulted in the death of dozens" of people in Jabalia camp and Jabalia town, ministry spokesman Ashraf al-Qudra said. Five soldiers killed in Gaza since Friday Meanwhile, the Israeli military said that five of its soldiers lost their lives in the fighting since Friday (Dec 22). The army said in a statement that four of its soldiers were killed on Friday, whereas a fifth was killed on Saturday in the Palestinian territory's north. This brought the number of troops killed inside the Gaza Strip to 144 since the start of Israel's large-scale ground offensive on October 27. UN resolution urges more aid On the other hand, members of the UN Security Council, late on Friday passed a resolution demanding "immediate, safe and unhindered" deliveries of life-saving aid be rushed to Gaza "at scale". Israel has said Gaza crossings under its control were closed for aid deliveries on Saturday "in line with the agreement reached with the US, Egypt and the UN", leaving only the Rafah crossing on the Egyptian border open. (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.

Israeli strikes on Gaza killed 200 in 24 hours, claims Hamas

The Palestinian group Islamic Jihad said on Thursday (May 11) that one of its military leaders was killed in a pre-dawn strike launched by Israeli forces in the Gaza Strip.&nbsp;

A statement from the Al-Quds Brigades, which is the armed branch of the group, read: "Ali Ghali... commander of the rocket launch unit... was assassinated in the south of the Gaza Strip along with other martyrs." Besides the announcement by the Palestinian group, the Israeli army also said that it targeted Ghali in the strike.&nbsp;

More than 22 Palestinians were reportedly killed over two days as Israel's army and Gaza militants exchanged heavy cross-border fire. This is the worst escalation of violence to hit the coastal territory in months.&nbsp;

Palestinian health officials claimed that among the total fatalities, at least five women and five children, as well as three senior Islamic Jihad commanders and four gunmen have been killed since the fighting began.&nbsp;

Israeli officials have said Egypt was working on a possible truce with the militant group Islamic Jihad as blaring sirens warned of incoming rockets in the Tel Aviv area and Israel's south.&nbsp;

Islamic Jihad spokesman Dawoud Shehab said that Cairo had begun brokering a ceasefire. Egypt previously mediated in previous rounds of fighting.&nbsp;

WATCH |&nbsp;Israeli missile strikes continue across Gaza border, Islamic Jihadists retaliate over 100 rockets&nbsp;

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Meanwhile, Israel's Foreign Minister Eli Cohen told public broadcaster Kan that the government was examining Egypt's proposals. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in broadcast remarks that Islamic Jihad had sustained a serious blow. However, the prime minister cautioned: "The campaign is not over yet."&nbsp;

More than 130 targets were hit, including rocket-launching sites, the Israeli military said. Netanyahu said that more than 400 rockets were fired, but a quarter of which fell short in Gaza.&nbsp;

As rockets streaked through the sky, Israeli TV showed air defence systems intercepting rockets above Tel Aviv skies.&nbsp;

The Israeli military said that for the first time, an air-defense system known as David's Sling intercepted a rocket. The system, developed with the US, is meant to intercept medium-range threats and is part of a multi-layered air defence that also includes the better-known Iron Dome anti-rocket system. Israeli media said a previous attempt to use the system several years ago had failed.&nbsp;

The army said that schools would remain closed and restrictions on large gatherings would remain in place in southern Israel until at least till Friday. Residents were instructed to stay near bomb shelters.&nbsp; 
 
Meanwhile, in a move that could further raise tensions, Israeli police said they would permit a Jewish ultranationalist parade to take place next week. The parade, meant to celebrate Israel's capture of east Jerusalem and its Jewish holy sites, marches through the heart of the Old City's Muslim Quarter and often leads to friction with local Palestinians.&nbsp;

<h2>Urgent calls for de-escalation&nbsp;</h2>

The White House said that national security advisor Jake Sullivan emphasised the need for de-escalation during a call on Wednesday with the head of Israel's National Security Council, Tzachi Hanegbi.&nbsp;

"Sullivan ... noted continued regional efforts to broker a ceasefire, and emphasized the need to deescalate tensions and prevent further loss of life," according to a White House readout.

The Arab League also condemned the "aggressive (and) barbaric Israeli raids on the Gaza Strip, which targeted civilians, children and women in residential neighbourhoods".&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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The Palestinian group Islamic Jihad said on Thursday (May 11) that one of its military leaders was killed in a pre-dawn strike launched by Israeli forces in the Gaza Strip.

The Palestinian group Islamic Jihad said on Thursday (May 11) that one of its military leaders was killed in a pre-dawn strike launched by Israeli forces in the Gaza Strip. A statement from the Al-Quds Brigades, which is the armed branch of the group, read: "Ali Ghali... commander of the rocket launch unit... was assassinated in the south of the Gaza Strip along with other martyrs." Besides the announcement by the Palestinian group, the Israeli army also said that it targeted Ghali in the strike. More than 22 Palestinians were reportedly killed over two days as Israel's army and Gaza militants exchanged heavy cross-border fire. This is the worst escalation of violence to hit the coastal territory in months. Palestinian health officials claimed that among the total fatalities, at least five women and five children, as well as three senior Islamic Jihad commanders and four gunmen have been killed since the fighting began. Israeli officials have said Egypt was working on a possible truce with the militant group Islamic Jihad as blaring sirens warned of incoming rockets in the Tel Aviv area and Israel's south. Islamic Jihad spokesman Dawoud Shehab said that Cairo had begun brokering a ceasefire. Egypt previously mediated in previous rounds of fighting. WATCH | Israeli missile strikes continue across Gaza border, Islamic Jihadists retaliate over 100 rockets × Meanwhile, Israel's Foreign Minister Eli Cohen told public broadcaster Kan that the government was examining Egypt's proposals. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in broadcast remarks that Islamic Jihad had sustained a serious blow. However, the prime minister cautioned: "The campaign is not over yet." More than 130 targets were hit, including rocket-launching sites, the Israeli military said. Netanyahu said that more than 400 rockets were fired, but a quarter of which fell short in Gaza. As rockets streaked through the sky, Israeli TV showed air defence systems intercepting rockets above Tel Aviv skies. The Israeli military said that for the first time, an air-defense system known as David's Sling intercepted a rocket. The system, developed with the US, is meant to intercept medium-range threats and is part of a multi-layered air defence that also includes the better-known Iron Dome anti-rocket system. Israeli media said a previous attempt to use the system several years ago had failed. The army said that schools would remain closed and restrictions on large gatherings would remain in place in southern Israel until at least till Friday. Residents were instructed to stay near bomb shelters. Meanwhile, in a move that could further raise tensions, Israeli police said they would permit a Jewish ultranationalist parade to take place next week. The parade, meant to celebrate Israel's capture of east Jerusalem and its Jewish holy sites, marches through the heart of the Old City's Muslim Quarter and often leads to friction with local Palestinians. Urgent calls for de-escalation The White House said that national security advisor Jake Sullivan emphasised the need for de-escalation during a call on Wednesday with the head of Israel's National Security Council, Tzachi Hanegbi. "Sullivan ... noted continued regional efforts to broker a ceasefire, and emphasized the need to deescalate tensions and prevent further loss of life," according to a White House readout. The Arab League also condemned the "aggressive (and) barbaric Israeli raids on the Gaza Strip, which targeted civilians, children and women in residential neighbourhoods". (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.

Islamic Jihad says military leader killed in Israeli strike in Gaza