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<p>Iranian President&nbsp;Masoud&nbsp;Pezeshkian said on Monday (Sept 23) that Israel wanted to drag the Middle East into a full-blown war by provoking Iran to join the nearly-old conflict between Israel and Tehran-backed Lebanese militant group Hezbollah.</p>

<p>"We do not wish to be the cause of instability in the Middle East as its consequences would be irreversible," President Pezeshkian told the press after his arrival in New York to attend the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), the news agency Reuters reported.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We want to live in peace, we don't want war.&nbsp;It is Israel that seeks to create this all-out conflict," Pezeshkian added.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>'Will defend any group that defends itself'</strong></h2>

<p>On being asked by reporters whether Iran would enter the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, Pezeshkian said, "We will defend any group that is defending its rights and itself." He did not elaborate.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/irans-guards-ban-communications-devices-after-pager-explosions-in-lebanon-against-hezbollah-761103">Iran's Guards ban communications devices after pager explosions in Lebanon against Hezbollah</a></strong></p>

<p>Pezeshkian's call to resolve the Middle East conflict through dialogue came after Israel unleashed an intense wave of air strikes against Hezbollah on Monday, making it the deadliest day in Lebanon in nearly a year of conflict between Israel and the Tehran-backed group.</p>

<p>Tens of thousands of people have been displaced from towns and villages on both sides of the border by near-daily exchanges of fire between Israeli forces and Hezbollah. Israel said it preferred&nbsp;a diplomatic solution that would have Hezbollah moved farther back from the border.</p>

<p>However, Hezbollah, which also says it wants to avoid all-out conflict, said&nbsp;that only an end to the war in Gaza would stop the fighting.</p>

<h2><strong>Lebanon says Israeli airstrikes kill at least 492</strong></h2>

<p>In the latest news from the Israel-Hezbollah conflict, the Israeli military said that it launched airstrikes against the Lebanese militant group on Monday, which Beirut said&nbsp;killed 492 people and sent tens of thousands fleeing for safety.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch | World DNA:&nbsp;Israel says it struck about 1,600 Hezbollah targets</strong></p>

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<p>Israel warned people in Lebanon to evacuate areas&nbsp;where it said Hezbollah was storing weapons.</p>

<p>"Israel's war is not with you, it's with Hezbollah. For too long Hezbollah has been using you as human shields," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Monday (Sept 23) that Israel wanted to drag the Middle East into a full-blown war by provoking Iran to join the nearly-old conflict between Israel and Tehran-backed Lebanese militant group Hezbollah.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Monday (Sept 23) that Israel wanted to drag the Middle East into a full-blown war by provoking Iran to join the nearly-old conflict between Israel and Tehran-backed Lebanese militant group Hezbollah. "We do not wish to be the cause of instability in the Middle East as its consequences would be irreversible," President Pezeshkian told the press after his arrival in New York to attend the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), the news agency Reuters reported. "We want to live in peace, we don't want war. It is Israel that seeks to create this all-out conflict," Pezeshkian added. 'Will defend any group that defends itself' On being asked by reporters whether Iran would enter the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, Pezeshkian said, "We will defend any group that is defending its rights and itself." He did not elaborate. Also read | Iran's Guards ban communications devices after pager explosions in Lebanon against Hezbollah Pezeshkian's call to resolve the Middle East conflict through dialogue came after Israel unleashed an intense wave of air strikes against Hezbollah on Monday, making it the deadliest day in Lebanon in nearly a year of conflict between Israel and the Tehran-backed group. Tens of thousands of people have been displaced from towns and villages on both sides of the border by near-daily exchanges of fire between Israeli forces and Hezbollah. Israel said it preferred a diplomatic solution that would have Hezbollah moved farther back from the border. However, Hezbollah, which also says it wants to avoid all-out conflict, said that only an end to the war in Gaza would stop the fighting. Lebanon says Israeli airstrikes kill at least 492 In the latest news from the Israel-Hezbollah conflict, the Israeli military said that it launched airstrikes against the Lebanese militant group on Monday, which Beirut said killed 492 people and sent tens of thousands fleeing for safety. Also watch | World DNA: Israel says it struck about 1,600 Hezbollah targets × Israel warned people in Lebanon to evacuate areas where it said Hezbollah was storing weapons. "Israel's war is not with you, it's with Hezbollah. For too long Hezbollah has been using you as human shields," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday. (With inputs from agencies)

'Israel wants to drag Middle East into full-blown war by...': Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian

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<p>United States President Joe Biden said on Friday (Apr 12) that he expected Iran to attack Israel "sooner, rather than later" and warned Tehran not to proceed, the news agency Reuters reported. On being asked by reporters about his message to Iran, President Biden said, "Don't," and underlined Washington's commitment to defend Israel.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"We are devoted to the defence of Israel. We will support Israel. We will help defend Israel and Iran will not succeed," he added.</p>

<h2><strong>Hezbollah fires missiles towards Northern Israel</strong></h2>

<p>Biden's remarks came as Iran-backed <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/middle-east/iran-backed-hezbollah-fires-dozens-of-missiles-towards-northern-israel-710671">Hezbollah fired dozens of missiles towards Northern Israel</a></strong>. According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), some 40 rockets were fired from Lebanon at northern Israel, some of which were intercepted, while others impacted open areas or fell short in Lebanon.</p>

<p>There were no injuries in the attack.&nbsp;</p>

<p>For the past few days, Israel has been bracing for an attack by Iran or its proxies as warnings grew of retaliation for an attack on Iran's embassy compound last week in Syria's Damascus that killed a senior commander in the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps' overseas Quds Force and six other officers.</p>

<h2><strong>Countries warn citizens against travel to Israel, Iran</strong></h2>

<p>Several countries including India, France, Poland, and Russia have warned their citizens against travelling to Israel and Iran.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/india-news/middle-east-crisis-list-of-countries-that-have-issued-advisory-against-travel-to-israel-palestine-lebanon-710679">Middle East crisis: List of countries that have issued advisory against travel to Israel, Palestine &amp; Iran</a></strong></p>

<p>"In view of the prevailing situation in the region, all Indians are advised not to travel to Iran or Israel till further notice. All those who are currently residing in Iran or Israel are requested to get in touch with Indian Embassies there and register themselves," the Indian foreign ministry said in a statement on Friday.</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Travel advisory for Iran and Israel:<a href="https://t.co/OuHPVQfyVp">https://t.co/OuHPVQfyVp</a> <a href="https://t.co/eDMRM771dC">pic.twitter.com/eDMRM771dC</a></p>
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<p>The French foreign ministry advised citizens to "refrain absolutely" from travelling to Iran, Lebanon, Israel, or the Palestinian territories in the coming days.</p>

<p>Germany, meanwhile, asked its citizens to leave Iran, adding, "German citizens are at concrete risk of being arbitrarily arrested and interrogated and being given long prison sentences. Dual citizens with Iranian and German nationality are especially at risk."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


United States President Joe Biden said on Friday (Apr 12) that he expected Iran to attack Israel "sooner, rather than later" and warned Tehran not to proceed, the news agency Reuters reported.

United States President Joe Biden said on Friday (Apr 12) that he expected Iran to attack Israel "sooner, rather than later" and warned Tehran not to proceed, the news agency Reuters reported. On being asked by reporters about his message to Iran, President Biden said, "Don't," and underlined Washington's commitment to defend Israel. "We are devoted to the defence of Israel. We will support Israel. We will help defend Israel and Iran will not succeed," he added. Hezbollah fires missiles towards Northern Israel Biden's remarks came as Iran-backed Hezbollah fired dozens of missiles towards Northern Israel. According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), some 40 rockets were fired from Lebanon at northern Israel, some of which were intercepted, while others impacted open areas or fell short in Lebanon. There were no injuries in the attack. For the past few days, Israel has been bracing for an attack by Iran or its proxies as warnings grew of retaliation for an attack on Iran's embassy compound last week in Syria's Damascus that killed a senior commander in the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps' overseas Quds Force and six other officers. Countries warn citizens against travel to Israel, Iran Several countries including India, France, Poland, and Russia have warned their citizens against travelling to Israel and Iran. Also read | Middle East crisis: List of countries that have issued advisory against travel to Israel, Palestine & Iran "In view of the prevailing situation in the region, all Indians are advised not to travel to Iran or Israel till further notice. All those who are currently residing in Iran or Israel are requested to get in touch with Indian Embassies there and register themselves," the Indian foreign ministry said in a statement on Friday. Travel advisory for Iran and Israel:https://t.co/OuHPVQfyVp pic.twitter.com/eDMRM771dC — Randhir Jaiswal (@MEAIndia) April 12, 2024 × The French foreign ministry advised citizens to "refrain absolutely" from travelling to Iran, Lebanon, Israel, or the Palestinian territories in the coming days. Germany, meanwhile, asked its citizens to leave Iran, adding, "German citizens are at concrete risk of being arbitrarily arrested and interrogated and being given long prison sentences. Dual citizens with Iranian and German nationality are especially at risk." (With inputs from agencies)

West Asia crisis: US expects Iran to attack Israel soon, Biden warns Tehran not to proceed

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<p>A missile attack by Houthi rebels on Sunday (Feb 18) severely damaged a Belize-flagged ship travelling through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait that connects the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. According to a report by the news agency Associated Press on Monday, the damage to the ship forced the crew to abandon the vessel. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) centre reported that the ship sustained damage after “an explosion in close proximity to the vessel.”</p>

<p>“Military authorities report crew have abandoned the vessel,” the UKMTO said, adding, the crew were safe.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/red-sea-crisis-houthis-use-unmanned-underwater-vessels-for-first-time-us-says-691537">Red Sea crisis: Houthis use unmanned underwater vessels for first time, says US</a></strong></p>

<p>Private security firm Ambrey reported that the vessel, which is British-registered and Lebanese-operated, had been on its way to Bulgaria after leaving Khorfakkan in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Shipping data from&nbsp;MarineTraffic.com identified the vessel&nbsp;as the Rubymar.</p>

<h2><strong>'Made sure crew exited safely'</strong></h2>

<p>In a statement issued following the missile attack, Houthi spokesperson Yahya Saree said the ship was at risk of potentially sinking. "The ship suffered catastrophic damages and came to a complete halt. During the operation, we made sure that the ship’s crew exited safely," Saree said.</p>

<p>This missile attack comes as the Iran-backed Houthi rebels claimed that they shot down a US drone in the port city of Hodeidah. However, they did not offer any evidence for this claim.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Gravitas | Behshad: Iran's mysterious 'spy ship' in the Red Sea</strong></p>

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<p>Since the Israel-Hamas war started on Oct 7 last year, the Houthis have made repeated drone and missile attacks against international commercial shipping in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait in what they say is support for the Palestinians.</p>

<p>The attacks have prompted several companies to halt Red Sea voyages and take a longer and more expensive route around Africa.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, US forces said that they were carrying new airstrikes targeting the Iran-backed rebels, including the one that targeted the first Houthi underwater drone seen since they began launching attacks in Nov 2023.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A missile attack by Houthi rebels on Sunday (Feb 18) severely damaged a Belize-flagged ship travelling through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait that connects the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden.

A missile attack by Houthi rebels on Sunday (Feb 18) severely damaged a Belize-flagged ship travelling through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait that connects the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. According to a report by the news agency Associated Press on Monday, the damage to the ship forced the crew to abandon the vessel. The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) centre reported that the ship sustained damage after “an explosion in close proximity to the vessel.” “Military authorities report crew have abandoned the vessel,” the UKMTO said, adding, the crew were safe. Also read | Red Sea crisis: Houthis use unmanned underwater vessels for first time, says US Private security firm Ambrey reported that the vessel, which is British-registered and Lebanese-operated, had been on its way to Bulgaria after leaving Khorfakkan in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Shipping data from MarineTraffic.com identified the vessel as the Rubymar. 'Made sure crew exited safely' In a statement issued following the missile attack, Houthi spokesperson Yahya Saree said the ship was at risk of potentially sinking. "The ship suffered catastrophic damages and came to a complete halt. During the operation, we made sure that the ship’s crew exited safely," Saree said. This missile attack comes as the Iran-backed Houthi rebels claimed that they shot down a US drone in the port city of Hodeidah. However, they did not offer any evidence for this claim. Also watch | Gravitas | Behshad: Iran's mysterious 'spy ship' in the Red Sea × Since the Israel-Hamas war started on Oct 7 last year, the Houthis have made repeated drone and missile attacks against international commercial shipping in the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandab Strait in what they say is support for the Palestinians. The attacks have prompted several companies to halt Red Sea voyages and take a longer and more expensive route around Africa. Meanwhile, US forces said that they were carrying new airstrikes targeting the Iran-backed rebels, including the one that targeted the first Houthi underwater drone seen since they began launching attacks in Nov 2023. (With inputs from agencies)

Middle East crisis: Houthi missile attack damages Belize-flagged ship, crew forced to abandon vessel

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<p>Palestinian militant group Hamas said on Sunday (Feb 4) that the <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-uk-carry-out-joint-air-raids-against-houthi-targets-in-yemen-hit-36-sites-686775">wave of American and British strikes in Yemen </a></strong>would bring "further turmoil" to the Middle East. On Saturday, the militaries of the United States (US) and the United Kingdom (UK) launched strikes against 36 Houthi targets at 13 locations&nbsp;in Yemen, the third such joint operation in response to repeated attacks on Red Sea shipping by the Iran-backed rebels.</p>

<p>Citing a statement from Hamas, a report by the news agency AFP said that the Palestinian militant group called the bombing of Houthi targets "a blatant assault on the sovereignty of a sister Arab country, and an escalation that will drag the region into further turmoil."</p>

<p>The Houthis did not announce any deaths in these strikes. According to the Pentagon, the strikes hit buried weapons storage facilities, missile systems, launchers, and other capabilities the Houthis used to attack Red Sea shipping.</p>

<h2><strong>Houthis vow response after strikes</strong></h2>

<p>Also on Sunday, Houthi rebels vowed a response to the American and British strikes. "The strikes will not pass without a response and consequences," Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Sarea, the news agency Reuters reported.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">Last night, <a href="https://twitter.com/RoyalAirForce?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@RoyalAirForce</a> Typhoons successfully took out specific Houthi military targets in Yemen, further degrading the Houthis’ capabilities.<br />
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Recent attacks on UK and international vessels are unacceptable. It’s our duty to protect innocent lives and preserve freedom. <a href="https://t.co/AV1a22G8QM">pic.twitter.com/AV1a22G8QM</a></p>
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<p>"These attacks will not deter us from our ethical, religious, and humanitarian stance in support of the resilient Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip," Sarea added and pointed out that the group would press on.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;How does the US earn from wars?</strong></p>

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<p>The Houthis control swathes of Yemen and have said their attacks in the Red Sea are in solidarity with Palestinians as Israel continues its offensive in the Gaza Strip.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The US has carried out more than a dozen strikes against Houthi targets in the past several weeks. Sunday's strikes come a day after the US launched separate strikes against Iran-linked targets in Iraq and Syria in retaliation for the killing of three US soldiers in Jordan last week.</p>

<h2><strong>US, UK fuelling chaos: Iran reacts to Yemen strikes</strong></h2>

<p>Condemning the strikes in Yemen, Iran said on Sunday that the US and the UK contradicted their declared intention of avoiding a wider Middle East conflict. In a statement, Iran Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanani said the strikes were in "clear contradiction with the repeated claims of Washington and London that they do not want the expansion of war and conflict in the region."</p>

<p>Kanani accused the two countries of "fuelling chaos, disorder, insecurity and instability" by supporting Israel in its war against Hamas.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Palestinian militant group Hamas said on Sunday (Feb 4) that the wave of American and British strikes in Yemen would bring "further turmoil" to the Middle East. On Saturday, the militaries of the United States (US) and the United Kingdom (UK) launched strikes against 36 Houthi targets at 13 locations in Yemen, the third such joint operation in response to repeated attacks on Red Sea shipping by the Iran-backed rebels.

Palestinian militant group Hamas said on Sunday (Feb 4) that the wave of American and British strikes in Yemen would bring "further turmoil" to the Middle East. On Saturday, the militaries of the United States (US) and the United Kingdom (UK) launched strikes against 36 Houthi targets at 13 locations in Yemen, the third such joint operation in response to repeated attacks on Red Sea shipping by the Iran-backed rebels. Citing a statement from Hamas, a report by the news agency AFP said that the Palestinian militant group called the bombing of Houthi targets "a blatant assault on the sovereignty of a sister Arab country, and an escalation that will drag the region into further turmoil." The Houthis did not announce any deaths in these strikes. According to the Pentagon, the strikes hit buried weapons storage facilities, missile systems, launchers, and other capabilities the Houthis used to attack Red Sea shipping. Houthis vow response after strikes Also on Sunday, Houthi rebels vowed a response to the American and British strikes. "The strikes will not pass without a response and consequences," Houthi military spokesperson Yahya Sarea, the news agency Reuters reported. Last night, @RoyalAirForce Typhoons successfully took out specific Houthi military targets in Yemen, further degrading the Houthis’ capabilities. Recent attacks on UK and international vessels are unacceptable. It’s our duty to protect innocent lives and preserve freedom. pic.twitter.com/AV1a22G8QM — Rishi Sunak (@RishiSunak) February 4, 2024 × "These attacks will not deter us from our ethical, religious, and humanitarian stance in support of the resilient Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip," Sarea added and pointed out that the group would press on. Also watch | How does the US earn from wars? × The Houthis control swathes of Yemen and have said their attacks in the Red Sea are in solidarity with Palestinians as Israel continues its offensive in the Gaza Strip. The US has carried out more than a dozen strikes against Houthi targets in the past several weeks. Sunday's strikes come a day after the US launched separate strikes against Iran-linked targets in Iraq and Syria in retaliation for the killing of three US soldiers in Jordan last week. US, UK fuelling chaos: Iran reacts to Yemen strikes Condemning the strikes in Yemen, Iran said on Sunday that the US and the UK contradicted their declared intention of avoiding a wider Middle East conflict. In a statement, Iran Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanani said the strikes were in "clear contradiction with the repeated claims of Washington and London that they do not want the expansion of war and conflict in the region." Kanani accused the two countries of "fuelling chaos, disorder, insecurity and instability" by supporting Israel in its war against Hamas. (With inputs from agencies)

US, UK strikes on Yemen will bring ‘further turmoil’ to Middle East: Hamas

<p>A drone strike on the Al-Tanf military base killed three US troops and injured 34 others, Washington said on Sunday (Jan 28).</p>

<p>This was the first deadly strike against US forces since the war between Israel and Hamas erupted on Oct 7 last year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>US <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/three-us-troops-killed-in-drone-attack-on-base-in-jordan-military-684606">President Joe Biden</a></strong> blamed Iran-backed militants for the strike and vowed that Washington would respond.</p>

<p>There has so far been no claim of responsibility for the strike.&nbsp;</p>

<p>A Jordanian government spokesperson initially said on Sunday that the attack did not happen in Jordan but it targeted the military base in Syria,&nbsp;where US forces have been deployed as part of an international anti-jihadist coalition.</p>

<p>Eight of the 34 injured personnel required evacuation.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Where is Al-Tanf based?</strong></h2>

<p>According to reports, Al-Tanf is located in Syria on the Iraqi border and within miles of the Jordanian border.</p>

<p>Since 2016, the US garrison at Tanf has served as a launching point for operations against Islamic State, and training for Syrian opposition factions fighting the terrorist group.</p>

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<p>The drone strike which killed three US troops happened at the military outpost Tower 22, which is near Al-Tanf.</p>

<p>A report by the news agency Reuters said that Tanf has also assumed a role as part of an American strategy to contain Iran's military build-up in eastern Syria.</p>

<p>Little is publicly known about the base. Reuters reported that Tower 22 is located close enough to US troops at Tanf that it could potentially help support them. It is a strategically important location in Jordan.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It is not yet known how many US troops are actually stationed on Tower 22, and it is also unclear what type of weapons are kept at the base, and what air defences are used.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Jordan condemns attack</strong></h2>

<p>On Sunday, the Jordanian government condemned the drone strike and said that the attack "did not result in any casualties among officers of the Jordan Armed Forces."</p>

<p>The government said that US troops at Al-Tanf have been cooperating with Jordan "in countering terrorism and securing the border."</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;West Asia crisis: Three US soldiers killed, at least 34 injured in Jordan drone attack</strong></p>

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<p>Meanwhile, Iran denied US President Biden's accusation that it supported militant groups behind the drone strike. "These claims are made with specific political goals to reverse the realities of the region," IRNA quoted foreign ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani as saying.</p>

<p>Kanaani added that such statements threatened "regional and international peace and stability."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A drone strike on the Al-Tanf military base killed three US troops and injured 34 others, Washington said on Sunday (Jan 28). This was the first deadly strike against US forces since the war between Israel and Hamas erupted on Oct 7 last year.

A drone strike on the Al-Tanf military base killed three US troops and injured 34 others, Washington said on Sunday (Jan 28). This was the first deadly strike against US forces since the war between Israel and Hamas erupted on Oct 7 last year. US President Joe Biden blamed Iran-backed militants for the strike and vowed that Washington would respond. There has so far been no claim of responsibility for the strike. A Jordanian government spokesperson initially said on Sunday that the attack did not happen in Jordan but it targeted the military base in Syria, where US forces have been deployed as part of an international anti-jihadist coalition. Eight of the 34 injured personnel required evacuation. Where is Al-Tanf based? According to reports, Al-Tanf is located in Syria on the Iraqi border and within miles of the Jordanian border. Since 2016, the US garrison at Tanf has served as a launching point for operations against Islamic State, and training for Syrian opposition factions fighting the terrorist group. Click here to follow all updates on the Middle East crisis The drone strike which killed three US troops happened at the military outpost Tower 22, which is near Al-Tanf. A report by the news agency Reuters said that Tanf has also assumed a role as part of an American strategy to contain Iran's military build-up in eastern Syria. Little is publicly known about the base. Reuters reported that Tower 22 is located close enough to US troops at Tanf that it could potentially help support them. It is a strategically important location in Jordan. It is not yet known how many US troops are actually stationed on Tower 22, and it is also unclear what type of weapons are kept at the base, and what air defences are used. Jordan condemns attack On Sunday, the Jordanian government condemned the drone strike and said that the attack "did not result in any casualties among officers of the Jordan Armed Forces." The government said that US troops at Al-Tanf have been cooperating with Jordan "in countering terrorism and securing the border." Also watch | West Asia crisis: Three US soldiers killed, at least 34 injured in Jordan drone attack × Meanwhile, Iran denied US President Biden's accusation that it supported militant groups behind the drone strike. "These claims are made with specific political goals to reverse the realities of the region," IRNA quoted foreign ministry spokesman Nasser Kanaani as saying. Kanaani added that such statements threatened "regional and international peace and stability." (With inputs from agencies)

Where is Al-Tanf, the site of deadly drone strike that killed 3 US troops, located?

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<p>Israel has intensified its ongoing offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip, despite the <strong><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/top-un-court-orders-israel-to-take-steps-to-prevent-genocide-in-gaza-report-back-in-a-month-683996">International Court of Justice (ICJ) ordering the Benjamin Netanyahu administration</a></strong> to prevent genocidal acts in its war with the Palestinian militant group. According to a report by the news agency AFP on Saturday (Jan 27), overnight strikes were reported on Khan Younis, the current epicentre of Israel's assault on Gaza.</p>

<p>The Palestinian Red Crescent Society said some of the dead and wounded had been taken to the city's barely functioning Al-Amal hospital. Fierce fighting between the Israeli military and Hamas militants has raged for days around Khan Younis, forcing tens of thousands to flee further south to Rafah on the border with Egypt.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/middle-east-crisis-live-unsc-to-meet-next-week-after-icjs-gaza-ruling-684133"><strong>Click here to follow all updates on the Middle East crisis</strong></a></p>

<p>The Palestinian Red Crescent Society also said that Israeli tanks were targeting Al-Amal hospital and it was under siege with heavy gunfire. Thousands of civilians remained trapped in southern Gaza as fighting intensified.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>The ICJ ruling</strong></h2>

<p>On Friday, the ICJ, the top court of the United Nations (UN), said that Israel must prevent genocidal acts in its conflict with Hamas and allow humanitarian aid into Gaza. Israel must facilitate "urgently needed" humanitarian aid to the Palestinian territory, the ICJ said.</p>

<p>However, it stopped short of calling for an end to the fighting. The genocide case against Israel at the ICJ was brought by South Africa. A long vocal supporter of the Palestinian cause, South Africa accused Israel of breaching the 1948 UN Genocide Convention, set up after World War II and the Holocaust.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-israeli-intelligence-chiefs-to-meet-qatar-officials-to-discuss-second-gaza-hostage-deal-report-683891">US, Israeli intelligence chiefs to meet Qatar officials to discuss second Gaza hostage deal: Report</a></strong></p>

<p>Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected the case as "outrageous" while Hamas hailed the court's ruling.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Following the ruling, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, said it had sacked several employees accused by Israel of involvement in Hamas' Oct 7, 2023 attack. The United States in response said it had suspended additional funding to the agency.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Reactions to ICJ ruling on Israel's war in Gaza</strong></p>

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<p>Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) denied Israel's charges it had colluded with Hamas by ignoring Israeli evidence of the group's "military use" of Gaza hospitals.</p>

<h2><strong>Death toll in Gaza crosses 26,000</strong></h2>

<p>The health ministry in the Gaza Strip said on Friday that the death toll in the war-torn region climbed to 26,083. A total of 183 people were killed in the last 24 hours, the ministry said, adding, 64,487 people have been wounded.</p>

<p>Hamas' Oct 7 attack on Israel killed 1,140 people, official figures showed. Hamas militants also seized about 250 hostages and Israel says around 132 of them remain in Gaza, including the bodies of at least 28 dead captives.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Israel has intensified its ongoing offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip, despite the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ordering the Benjamin Netanyahu administration to prevent genocidal acts in its war with the Palestinian militant group.

Israel has intensified its ongoing offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip, despite the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ordering the Benjamin Netanyahu administration to prevent genocidal acts in its war with the Palestinian militant group. According to a report by the news agency AFP on Saturday (Jan 27), overnight strikes were reported on Khan Younis, the current epicentre of Israel's assault on Gaza. The Palestinian Red Crescent Society said some of the dead and wounded had been taken to the city's barely functioning Al-Amal hospital. Fierce fighting between the Israeli military and Hamas militants has raged for days around Khan Younis, forcing tens of thousands to flee further south to Rafah on the border with Egypt. Click here to follow all updates on the Middle East crisis The Palestinian Red Crescent Society also said that Israeli tanks were targeting Al-Amal hospital and it was under siege with heavy gunfire. Thousands of civilians remained trapped in southern Gaza as fighting intensified. The ICJ ruling On Friday, the ICJ, the top court of the United Nations (UN), said that Israel must prevent genocidal acts in its conflict with Hamas and allow humanitarian aid into Gaza. Israel must facilitate "urgently needed" humanitarian aid to the Palestinian territory, the ICJ said. However, it stopped short of calling for an end to the fighting. The genocide case against Israel at the ICJ was brought by South Africa. A long vocal supporter of the Palestinian cause, South Africa accused Israel of breaching the 1948 UN Genocide Convention, set up after World War II and the Holocaust. Also read | US, Israeli intelligence chiefs to meet Qatar officials to discuss second Gaza hostage deal: Report Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu rejected the case as "outrageous" while Hamas hailed the court's ruling. Following the ruling, the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA, said it had sacked several employees accused by Israel of involvement in Hamas' Oct 7, 2023 attack. The United States in response said it had suspended additional funding to the agency. Also watch | Reactions to ICJ ruling on Israel's war in Gaza × Meanwhile, the World Health Organization (WHO) denied Israel's charges it had colluded with Hamas by ignoring Israeli evidence of the group's "military use" of Gaza hospitals. Death toll in Gaza crosses 26,000 The health ministry in the Gaza Strip said on Friday that the death toll in the war-torn region climbed to 26,083. A total of 183 people were killed in the last 24 hours, the ministry said, adding, 64,487 people have been wounded. Hamas' Oct 7 attack on Israel killed 1,140 people, official figures showed. Hamas militants also seized about 250 hostages and Israel says around 132 of them remain in Gaza, including the bodies of at least 28 dead captives. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel-Hamas war: Israeli offensive intensifies in Gaza despite ICJ ruling