Our correspondent Jodi Cowan spoke with a former advisor to Israeli Prime Minister and Military expert Colonel Miri Eisin on how the shadow war between Israel and Iran is now out in the open... WION's Jodie Cohen interview with Colonel Miri Eisin, Israeli PM's former advisor. Watch in for more details!

Israel war: Rafah offensive stalled due to Iran attack: Colonel Miri Eisin

Watch the top headlines of the hour: - G7 leaders reaffirm support for Israel - Two officers killed in New York shootin - Hush money probe: Stormy times for Doanld Trump - China keeps key policy rate unchanged - Russia aims to capture Chasiv Yar by May 9: Ukraine

Two officers killed in New York shooting | China keeps key policy rate unchanged

Over the weekend Iran carried out its retaliatory attack against Israel. Israel and its allies intercepted hundreds of drones and missiles sent by it. There's a lot of history, geopolitics and proxy wars involved but for now we look at the two countries and its two leaders. Watch in for more details!

Iran attacks Israel: How Netanyahu's next step could change his political future

Watch the top headlines of the hour: - Biden set to host Iraqi PM - Singapore PM to step down on May 15 - Israel: Will respond when time is right - IDF strikes Hezbollah in Lebanon

Biden set to host Iraqi PM | Singapore PM to step down on May 15

Watch the top headlines of the hour: - Can Biden restrain Netanyahu - Israel: Will respond when time is right - IDF strikes Hezbollah in Lebanon - Two officers killed in New York shooting

India's wholesale inflation rises | US President Joe Biden set to host Iraqi PM

Can Biden restrain Netanyahu | Israel: Will respond when time is right

<p>On Sunday (April 14), Pope Francis issued a strong plea against escalating violence, following Iran's unprecedented missile and drone strike on Israel, cautioning about the risk of a widespread unrest&nbsp;in the region.</p>

<p>"I make a pressing appeal for an end to any action which could fuel a spiral of violence that risks dragging the Middle East into an even greater conflict," the Argentinian pontiff said after&nbsp;his Sunday prayer in Saint Peter's Square at the Vatican.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I am praying and following with concern, but also pain, the news that has come in recent hours about the worsening situation in Israel due to Iran's intervention," the pope told worshippers.</p>

<p>"No one should threaten the existence of others. All countries must, however, side with peace and help Israelis and Palestinians to live in two states, side by side and in security," he said.</p>

<p>Francis reiterated their right to do so and repeated his call for a ceasefire in Gaza and negotiations.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/west-asia-crisis-hamas-welcomes-irans-attack-on-israel-top-updates-711132">Also read |&nbsp;West Asia crisis: Hamas welcomes Iran’s attack on Israel | Top updates</a></p>

<h2><strong>Top points on Iran's attack on Israel</strong></h2>

<ul>
	<li>Iran launched over 300 drones and missiles at Israel, with coordinated attacks from its proxies and allies on Israeli positions.</li>
	<li>An Israeli army spokesperson described the attack as a "massive swarm" of drones and missiles.</li>
	<li>Iran claimed self-defence after an attack on its diplomatic mission in Damascus and hoped to avoid further escalation.</li>
	<li>The Israeli army reported intercepting and thwarting the majority of Iran's attack, with troops deployed to defend Israeli territory.</li>
	<li>President Joe Biden reaffirmed support for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and announced plans to coordinate a diplomatic response with other G7 nations.</li>
	<li>The US stated it would not participate in offensive operations against Iran.</li>
	<li>Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu pledged both defensive and offensive responses, citing preparations for a direct Iranian attack over the years.</li>
	<li>Various countries, including EU members, condemned Iran's actions, with the UN Security Council convening an emergency meeting.</li>
	<li>India expressed serious concern about escalating hostilities and called for immediate de-escalation and a return to diplomacy.</li>
	<li>Ongoing conflicts, including the Gaza war between Israel and Hamas, have heightened tensions in the region, drawing involvement from Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and Iraq, with Egypt urging restraint.</li>
</ul>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Iran attacks Israel: Iran warns of escalation if Israel retaliates, cites Article 51 of UN</strong></p>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-attacks-israel-iran-warns-of-escalation-if-israel-retaliates-cites-article-51-of-un-711197/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


On Sunday (April 14), Pope Francis issued a strong plea against escalating violence, following Iran's unprecedented missile and drone strike on Israel, cautioning about the risk of a widespread unrest in the region.

On Sunday (April 14), Pope Francis issued a strong plea against escalating violence, following Iran's unprecedented missile and drone strike on Israel, cautioning about the risk of a widespread unrest in the region. "I make a pressing appeal for an end to any action which could fuel a spiral of violence that risks dragging the Middle East into an even greater conflict," the Argentinian pontiff said after his Sunday prayer in Saint Peter's Square at the Vatican. "I am praying and following with concern, but also pain, the news that has come in recent hours about the worsening situation in Israel due to Iran's intervention," the pope told worshippers. "No one should threaten the existence of others. All countries must, however, side with peace and help Israelis and Palestinians to live in two states, side by side and in security," he said. Francis reiterated their right to do so and repeated his call for a ceasefire in Gaza and negotiations. Also read | West Asia crisis: Hamas welcomes Iran’s attack on Israel | Top updates Top points on Iran's attack on Israel Iran launched over 300 drones and missiles at Israel, with coordinated attacks from its proxies and allies on Israeli positions. An Israeli army spokesperson described the attack as a "massive swarm" of drones and missiles. Iran claimed self-defence after an attack on its diplomatic mission in Damascus and hoped to avoid further escalation. The Israeli army reported intercepting and thwarting the majority of Iran's attack, with troops deployed to defend Israeli territory. President Joe Biden reaffirmed support for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and announced plans to coordinate a diplomatic response with other G7 nations. The US stated it would not participate in offensive operations against Iran. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu pledged both defensive and offensive responses, citing preparations for a direct Iranian attack over the years. Various countries, including EU members, condemned Iran's actions, with the UN Security Council convening an emergency meeting. India expressed serious concern about escalating hostilities and called for immediate de-escalation and a return to diplomacy. Ongoing conflicts, including the Gaza war between Israel and Hamas, have heightened tensions in the region, drawing involvement from Lebanon, Syria, Yemen, and Iraq, with Egypt urging restraint. Also watch | Iran attacks Israel: Iran warns of escalation if Israel retaliates, cites Article 51 of UN (With inputs from agencies)

Pope Francis cautions about ‘spiral of violence’ following Iran’s attack on Israel

<p>Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu once again said that the IDF would advance into Rafah, and that "no force in the world" could stop the looming invasion of the Gazan city which currently houses about 1.4 million displaced Palestinians.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Netanyahu's comments came while addressing new IDF recruits where he claimed that Israel will eradicate Hamas. The Israeli prime minister's comments come despite mounting pressure from the United States and European leaders to not press forward with the invasion in Rafah in the absence of an adequate civilian evacuation plan.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-approve-operational-plans-on-rafah-says-netanyahu-706324">‘US pressure will not stop us,’ says Netanyahu as Israel approves ‘operational plans’ for action in Rafah</a></strong></p>

<p>"We will complete the elimination of the Hamas battalions, including in Rafah," Netanyahu said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Israel says that Rafah is the operating site of four of the remaining six battalions of Hamas that are aided by the presence of other Palestinian militant groups.</p>

<p>"There is no force in the world that will stop us," he added. "Many forces are trying to do this, but it will not help, because this enemy, after what it has done, will not do it again. It will cease to exist."</p>

<p>The Israeli prime minister stated that Israel's primary goal remains the safe return of all hostages who remain captives of Hamas since&nbsp;the October 7 attack.&nbsp;</p>

<p>It remains unclear how many of the remaining 133 hostages are alive. At least five of them are US citizens.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Netanyahu: Entry into Rafah 'will happen- there is a date' - WION</strong></p>

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<p>Netanyahu's purported warning comes just a day after he claimed that there was a scheduled date for the Rafah incursion.</p>

<p>Washington has told Netanyahu that a proper plan must be put in place to evacuate civilians from Rafah before the IDF begins its operation in the city.</p>

<p>The unprecedented&nbsp;humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to jeopardise the lives of millions in the blockaded Palestinian enclave where hunger and waves of potential famine are adding to the crisis of loss of over 33,000 lives. A ceasefire plan remains under negotiation in Cairo but its prospect continues to be threatened by Netanyahu's plan to invade Rafah.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu once again said that the IDF would advance into Rafah, and that "no force in the world" could stop the looming invasion of the Gazan city which currently houses about 1.

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu once again said that the IDF would advance into Rafah, and that "no force in the world" could stop the looming invasion of the Gazan city which currently houses about 1.4 million displaced Palestinians. Netanyahu's comments came while addressing new IDF recruits where he claimed that Israel will eradicate Hamas. The Israeli prime minister's comments come despite mounting pressure from the United States and European leaders to not press forward with the invasion in Rafah in the absence of an adequate civilian evacuation plan. Also read | ‘US pressure will not stop us,’ says Netanyahu as Israel approves ‘operational plans’ for action in Rafah "We will complete the elimination of the Hamas battalions, including in Rafah," Netanyahu said. Israel says that Rafah is the operating site of four of the remaining six battalions of Hamas that are aided by the presence of other Palestinian militant groups. "There is no force in the world that will stop us," he added. "Many forces are trying to do this, but it will not help, because this enemy, after what it has done, will not do it again. It will cease to exist." The Israeli prime minister stated that Israel's primary goal remains the safe return of all hostages who remain captives of Hamas since the October 7 attack. It remains unclear how many of the remaining 133 hostages are alive. At least five of them are US citizens. Also watch | Netanyahu: Entry into Rafah 'will happen- there is a date' - WION × Netanyahu's purported warning comes just a day after he claimed that there was a scheduled date for the Rafah incursion. Washington has told Netanyahu that a proper plan must be put in place to evacuate civilians from Rafah before the IDF begins its operation in the city. The unprecedented humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to jeopardise the lives of millions in the blockaded Palestinian enclave where hunger and waves of potential famine are adding to the crisis of loss of over 33,000 lives. A ceasefire plan remains under negotiation in Cairo but its prospect continues to be threatened by Netanyahu's plan to invade Rafah. (With inputs from agencies)

Netanyahu says no force in the world can stop Israel's military operations in Rafah

US President Joe Biden said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's Gaza policy was a "mistake" and urged Israel to call for a ceasefire, in an interview aired Tuesday. Biden also stepped up pressure on Israel to let more aid into devastated Gaza. Watch in for more details!

Biden slams Bibi's war tactics, says 'Netanyahu making a mistake on Gaza'

US President Biden says Netanyahu’s approach to war in Gaza is a ‘mistake’

Biden says Netanyahu making 'mistake' on Gaza, urges Israel to push for ceasefire

Israel-Hamas war: US President Biden urges Israel for a six-to-eight weeks ceasefire

US President Biden says Netanyahu making 'mistake' on Gaza

As the global pressure grows on Israel over the Rising death toll in Gaza its allies including the United Kingdom find themselves in same boat but defying backlash the UK foreign secretary David Cameron has said that the UK would continue to send arms to Israel. Watch in for more details!

UK won't stop arms deliveries to Israel: David Cameron

US President Biden criticizes Netanyahu’s approach to war with Hamas as mistake

Biden says Israel's Netanyahu making a 'mistake' on Gaza, as he urges for ceasefire

The Israeli Prime Minister said on Monday a date was set for an invasion of Rafah. Rafah is the last refuge for Palestinian civilians displaced by a relentless bombardment that has flattened their home neighborhoods. Watch in for more details!

Israel War: Netanyahu says entry into Rafah 'will happen-there is a date'

Watch in top headlines of the hour: - Israeli PM Netanyahu sets date for Rafah invasion - US: Another Indian student found dead - AUKUS: Australia downplays Japan's role - March marks another record in global heat - Millions watch stunning spectacle

South Korea's $7 billion AI boost | Netanyahu sets date for Rafah invasion

Watch in top headlines of the hour: - Israeli PM Netanyahu sets date for Rafah invasion - US: Another Indian student found dead - AUKUS: Australia downplays Japan's role - Delhi HC verdict on Kejriwal plea - Indian markets scale new highs - March marks another record in global heat - Millions watch stunning spectacle

Netanyahu sets date for Rafah invasion | March marks another record in global heat

The Israel-Hamas war continues to rage on. The death toll is piling up in Gaza. Efforts are underway to establish peace. Meanwhile, the U.S. continues to support Israel. Watch this video for all details.

What military support does the US provide to Israel?

Thousands of Israeli anti-government protesters rallied in Tel Aviv demanding the release hostages still held by the Hamas group in Gaza and to hold early elections. Watch in for more details!

Israel War: Anti-Netanyahu protesters press for the return of hostages

Watch in Top Headlines of the hour: - Tel Aviv: Wave of anti-Netanyahu protests - Fresh peace talks to start in Cairo - US alert amid Iran 'revenge' threat - ISRO Chief interview - WION Exclusive

Tel Aviv: Wave of anti-Netanyahu protests | Fresh peace talks to start in Cairo

<p><strong>Israel-Hamas war</strong>: Six months on, the world is counting the losses in West Asia that began after Hamas militants attacked southern Israel that left about 1,200 dead. The retaliatory state of war in the blockaded Palestinian enclave of Gaza has killed an estimated 33,000 Palestinians.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Hamas onslaught on October 7 included an unprecedented massacre at a music festival which concluded with the Palestinian militant group taking some 250 hostages inside Gaza.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions-blogs/no-hamas-you-dont-attack-a-music-fest-palestinians-lost-perception-war-with-reign-of-terror-646464">No Hamas, you don't attack a music fest: Palestinians lost perception war with reign of terror</a></strong></p>

<p>As Israel's retaliatory state of war began with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's call to 'destroy' Hamas, hundreds of thousands of Gaza residents moved towards south of the blockaded Palestinian enclave.&nbsp;</p>

<p>WION's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/true-humanitarian-crisis-gazans-walk-30-km-south-many-sheltering-at-al-shifa-hospital-reluctant-to-move-646463">Sneha Swaminathan reached out</a> to a student in the middle of the crisis who described the desperate nature of humanitarian crisis.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The situation is now extremely dire. Many people have left their homes on foot, covering a distance of 33 kilometres. It's a painful scene with a huge number of families leaving the city, carrying their belongings, mattresses, and suitcases," he said.</p>

<h2><strong>Israel-Hamas war: What is the scale of human losses?</strong></h2>

<p>In 182 days since, about 134 Israelis and others continue to remain captives, many presumed to be imprisoned underground and some tortured and sexually abused.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Among killed are also the ones who were neither Israeli nor Palestinian but foreign nationals out there to help, such as six of the seven aid workers of World Central Kitchen who were killed in three separate strikes from an Israeli drone earlier this week.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Israel war: US on high alert for Iranian threat in West Asia</strong></p>

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<p>Besides, the Palestinian death toll rising above 33,000 is&nbsp;widely described as an undercount.&nbsp;Many thousands of uncounted Palestinian dead lie under the rubble of over 85 per cent of buildings in Gaza that have been partially or completely destroyed in Israeli airstrikes.</p>

<h2><strong>Hamas losses: Has Israel 'destroyed' Palestinian militant group?</strong></h2>

<p>According to Israel, Hamas has lost an estimated 10,000 men. This accounts for&nbsp;more than a third of their fighting force, along with three battalion commanders and seven members of the ruling political bureau.</p>

<p>The group has lost or used up almost all its arsenal of rockets. But most of its key leaders remain alive.</p>

<p>Despite the retaliatory hellfire brought upon Gazans due to Hamas's attack on Israel, the approval of Palestinian group's role in the war reportedly stands at about 70 per cent, according to the veteran Palestinian pollster Khalil Shikaki.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Spotlight on lack of reform of global governance mechanisms</strong></h2>

<p>Among emerging powers in the global order, the lesson from Gaza has been that it is time for new voices to join the top table.</p>

<p>The United States vetoed pro-Palestine resolutions&nbsp;three times since the war began, showing how exactly the rules are&nbsp;bent.</p>

<p>South Africa’s foreign minister, Naledi Pandor, described Gaza as the last manifestation of the conflict against colonialism and imperialism, and went to the international court of justice to prove her point.</p>

<p>The Turkish president, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, spoke of a similar crisis. “The current international system, devoid of fundamental concepts such as solidarity, justice and trust, cannot fulfil even its minimum responsibilities,” he said.</p>

<h2><strong>Joe Biden's failed Jordan summit</strong></h2>

<p>The Israel-Hamas war also exposed the limits of Washington's diplomatic overdrive. In fact, it suffered defeat after defeat across the capitals around the world when dealing with matters related to war in Gaza.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/spotlight-on-washingtons-waning-political-capital-after-gaza-hospital-blast-sinks-bidens-jordan-summit-648187">Spotlight on Washington's waning political capital after Gaza hospital blast sinks Biden's Jordan summit</a></strong></p>

<p>US President Joe Biden's wartime visit&nbsp;to West Asia early on in October was upended by a deadly strike at a&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-least-500-killed-after-israeli-airstrikes-target-hospital-claims-gaza-health-ministry-648141">Gaza hospital that killed hundreds of Palestinians</a>, in the deadliest civilian casualty event of the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. On October 17, when&nbsp;Biden's&nbsp;Air Force One took off from Joint Base Andrews to Tel Aviv, protesters halfway across the world in the Jordanian capital of Amman attempted to&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pro-palestine-protests-break-out-across-west-asia-after-gaza-hospital-strike-648170">breach security barriers</a>&nbsp;placed close to the Israeli embassy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As Biden's plane was still inside the US air space, the announcement came from Amman's foreign ministry.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Jordanian kingdom cancelled a scheduled four-war summit between Joe Biden, Jordan's King Abdullah II, Egypt's President&nbsp;Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, and the Palestinian Authority leader&nbsp;Mahmoud Abbas.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After a brief ceasefire that led to a brief halt in fighting and exchange of Israeli hostages with Palestinian prisoners, the diplomatic efforts have failed to halt Israel's retaliatory onslaught in Gaza.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-capitals-between-killed-and-killers-dohas-vital-role-for-peace-in-west-asia-660534#google_vignette">The Capitals: Between killed and killers, Doha's vital role for peace in West Asia</a></strong></p>

<p>While Cairo and Doha have been doing their part to ensure halt in fighting, Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains determined to realise his goal of destroying Hamas despite massive protests against his administration across Israel.&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Iran's strategic influence amid Gaza war</strong></h2>

<p>Through its Houthi allies attacking shipping in the Red Sea, and Hezbollah targeting Israeli positions in the border areas,&nbsp;Iran has asserted itself as a crucial strategic influencer over three major economic choke points: the Suez canal at the north of the Red Sea, the Bab el-Mandeb strait at its south and the strait of Hormuz at the entrance to the Gulf.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/red-sea-ship-attacks-inside-disrupted-shipping-route-over-west-asias-gate-of-tears-673216">Red Sea ship attacks: Inside disrupted shipping route through West Asia's 'gate of tears'</a></strong></p>

<p><img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2023/12/25/401386-untitled-design-2023-12-25t002340471.png?imwidth=400" /></p>

<p>Six months on, the outcome of the war remains unclear. The decimation of Hamas doesn't amount to its absolute destruction, as was Israel's stated goal. But the flux in West Asia continues to remodel the rules of global engagements during conflict.&nbsp;</p>


Israel-Hamas war: Six months on, the world is counting the losses in West Asia that began after Hamas militants attacked southern Israel that left about 1,200 dead.

Israel-Hamas war: Six months on, the world is counting the losses in West Asia that began after Hamas militants attacked southern Israel that left about 1,200 dead. The retaliatory state of war in the blockaded Palestinian enclave of Gaza has killed an estimated 33,000 Palestinians. The Hamas onslaught on October 7 included an unprecedented massacre at a music festival which concluded with the Palestinian militant group taking some 250 hostages inside Gaza. Also read | No Hamas, you don't attack a music fest: Palestinians lost perception war with reign of terror As Israel's retaliatory state of war began with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's call to 'destroy' Hamas, hundreds of thousands of Gaza residents moved towards south of the blockaded Palestinian enclave. WION's Sneha Swaminathan reached out to a student in the middle of the crisis who described the desperate nature of humanitarian crisis. "The situation is now extremely dire. Many people have left their homes on foot, covering a distance of 33 kilometres. It's a painful scene with a huge number of families leaving the city, carrying their belongings, mattresses, and suitcases," he said. Israel-Hamas war: What is the scale of human losses? In 182 days since, about 134 Israelis and others continue to remain captives, many presumed to be imprisoned underground and some tortured and sexually abused. Among killed are also the ones who were neither Israeli nor Palestinian but foreign nationals out there to help, such as six of the seven aid workers of World Central Kitchen who were killed in three separate strikes from an Israeli drone earlier this week. Also watch | Israel war: US on high alert for Iranian threat in West Asia × Besides, the Palestinian death toll rising above 33,000 is widely described as an undercount. Many thousands of uncounted Palestinian dead lie under the rubble of over 85 per cent of buildings in Gaza that have been partially or completely destroyed in Israeli airstrikes. Hamas losses: Has Israel 'destroyed' Palestinian militant group? According to Israel, Hamas has lost an estimated 10,000 men. This accounts for more than a third of their fighting force, along with three battalion commanders and seven members of the ruling political bureau. The group has lost or used up almost all its arsenal of rockets. But most of its key leaders remain alive. Despite the retaliatory hellfire brought upon Gazans due to Hamas's attack on Israel, the approval of Palestinian group's role in the war reportedly stands at about 70 per cent, according to the veteran Palestinian pollster Khalil Shikaki. Spotlight on lack of reform of global governance mechanisms Among emerging powers in the global order, the lesson from Gaza has been that it is time for new voices to join the top table. The United States vetoed pro-Palestine resolutions three times since the war began, showing how exactly the rules are bent. South Africa’s foreign minister, Naledi Pandor, described Gaza as the last manifestation of the conflict against colonialism and imperialism, and went to the international court of justice to prove her point. The Turkish president, Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, spoke of a similar crisis. “The current international system, devoid of fundamental concepts such as solidarity, justice and trust, cannot fulfil even its minimum responsibilities,” he said. Joe Biden's failed Jordan summit The Israel-Hamas war also exposed the limits of Washington's diplomatic overdrive. In fact, it suffered defeat after defeat across the capitals around the world when dealing with matters related to war in Gaza. Also read | Spotlight on Washington's waning political capital after Gaza hospital blast sinks Biden's Jordan summit US President Joe Biden's wartime visit to West Asia early on in October was upended by a deadly strike at a Gaza hospital that killed hundreds of Palestinians, in the deadliest civilian casualty event of the ongoing Israel-Hamas war. On October 17, when Biden's Air Force One took off from Joint Base Andrews to Tel Aviv, protesters halfway across the world in the Jordanian capital of Amman attempted to breach security barriers placed close to the Israeli embassy. As Biden's plane was still inside the US air space, the announcement came from Amman's foreign ministry. The Jordanian kingdom cancelled a scheduled four-war summit between Joe Biden, Jordan's King Abdullah II, Egypt's President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi, and the Palestinian Authority leader Mahmoud Abbas. After a brief ceasefire that led to a brief halt in fighting and exchange of Israeli hostages with Palestinian prisoners, the diplomatic efforts have failed to halt Israel's retaliatory onslaught in Gaza. Also read | The Capitals: Between killed and killers, Doha's vital role for peace in West Asia While Cairo and Doha have been doing their part to ensure halt in fighting, Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu remains determined to realise his goal of destroying Hamas despite massive protests against his administration across Israel. Iran's strategic influence amid Gaza war Through its Houthi allies attacking shipping in the Red Sea, and Hezbollah targeting Israeli positions in the border areas, Iran has asserted itself as a crucial strategic influencer over three major economic choke points: the Suez canal at the north of the Red Sea, the Bab el-Mandeb strait at its south and the strait of Hormuz at the entrance to the Gulf. Also read | Red Sea ship attacks: Inside disrupted shipping route through West Asia's 'gate of tears' Six months on, the outcome of the war remains unclear. The decimation of Hamas doesn't amount to its absolute destruction, as was Israel's stated goal. But the flux in West Asia continues to remodel the rules of global engagements during conflict.

Explained: Between killed, killers and captives, Gaza completes a semester of war

<p>With each passing day, the strained relationship between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Joe Biden is reaching new heights. Most recently it is fueled by the Israeli strike in Gaza which resulted in the deaths of seven aid workers, including one American from the World Central Kitchen charity.</p>

<p>Amid this, the leaders of the two nations held their first interaction since the strike on aid workers. The conversation, which comes at a time when Israel is preparing to enter Rafah and has finalised its operational plans, started at&nbsp;11:45 ET (9:15 IST), as per an Israeli official, media reports said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably,&nbsp;the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva on Friday (Apr 4) is set to deliberate on a draft resolution advocating for a weapons embargo on Israel. The council will also push for a condemnation of “the use of starvation of civilians as a method of warfare”.</p>

<p>This comes as Israeli officials continue to maintain that the strike was unintentional.</p>

<p>Jose Andres, the head of World Central Kitchen, accused Israel of deliberately targeting the charity workers, and said, "This was not just a bad luck situation where, 'Oops, we dropped a bomb in the wrong place,'"&nbsp;</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/greek-military-chief-dimitris-houpis-to-visit-india-as-defence-ties-strengthen-707811">Greek military chief Dimitris Houpis to visit India as defence ties strengthen</a></p>

<p>Biden on April 2 expressed his "outrage" over Israel's strike. He also criticised Israel for failing to adequately safeguard the civilians in the war zone.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>US abstained from UNSC resolution&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>The United States on March 25 abstained from a UN Security Council Resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. This drew strong disapproval from Israel as Netanyahu canceled an Israeli delegation's visit to Washington.</p>

<p>Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/technology/apple-reportedly-set-to-build-home-robots-as-its-next-big-thing-707814">Apple reportedly set to build home robots as its 'next big thing'</a></p>

<p>Biden has also called Israel's plans to invade Rafah as equal to crossing a 'red line'.</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-war-outrage-over-the-killing-of-aid-workers-707793">Israel War: Outrage over the killing of aid workers</a></strong></p>

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<p>White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stated that the administration will continue to engage in "tough conversations" with Israeli counterparts.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


With each passing day, the strained relationship between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Joe Biden is reaching new heights. Most recently it is fueled by the Israeli strike in Gaza which resulted in the deaths of seven aid workers, including one American from the World Central Kitchen charity.

With each passing day, the strained relationship between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Joe Biden is reaching new heights. Most recently it is fueled by the Israeli strike in Gaza which resulted in the deaths of seven aid workers, including one American from the World Central Kitchen charity. Amid this, the leaders of the two nations held their first interaction since the strike on aid workers. The conversation, which comes at a time when Israel is preparing to enter Rafah and has finalised its operational plans, started at 11:45 ET (9:15 IST), as per an Israeli official, media reports said. Notably, the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva on Friday (Apr 4) is set to deliberate on a draft resolution advocating for a weapons embargo on Israel. The council will also push for a condemnation of “the use of starvation of civilians as a method of warfare”. This comes as Israeli officials continue to maintain that the strike was unintentional. Jose Andres, the head of World Central Kitchen, accused Israel of deliberately targeting the charity workers, and said, "This was not just a bad luck situation where, 'Oops, we dropped a bomb in the wrong place,'" Also Read | Greek military chief Dimitris Houpis to visit India as defence ties strengthen Biden on April 2 expressed his "outrage" over Israel's strike. He also criticised Israel for failing to adequately safeguard the civilians in the war zone. US abstained from UNSC resolution The United States on March 25 abstained from a UN Security Council Resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. This drew strong disapproval from Israel as Netanyahu canceled an Israeli delegation's visit to Washington. Also Read | Apple reportedly set to build home robots as its 'next big thing' Biden has also called Israel's plans to invade Rafah as equal to crossing a 'red line'. Watch | Israel War: Outrage over the killing of aid workers × White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stated that the administration will continue to engage in "tough conversations" with Israeli counterparts. (With inputs from agencies)

Biden, Netanyahu hold talk - first after WCK aid workers killed in Israeli strikes

In a phone call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, US President Joe Biden asked for an immediate ceasefire. According to the White House Biden made it clear the need for Israel to implement concrete steps to address civilian harm and the safety of humanitarian Aid workers. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hamas war: Netanyahu warns of 'enormous implications' for US security

US President Joe Biden and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke Thursday for the first time since an Israeli strike in Gaza killed seven aid workers, including one American, from the World Central Kitchen charity. Watch in for more details!

Biden and Netanyahu speak for first time following Gaza aid deaths

Israel war: Biden calls for ceasefire in Gaza during phone conversation with Netanyahu

US weapons sales to Israel have been under increased scrutiny amid outrage over the reported deaths of tens of thousands of people in Gaza since the start of the war, including seven aid workers killed in an Israeli airstrike this week. Watch in for more details!

US shows no indication of restricting weapons for Israel

Israel fires two military personnel after concluding they mistakenly fired at an aid workers convoy in Gaza that killed 7 foreign nationals. Its the first of the steps taken by the Netanyahu govt after a phone call with Biden where US stated clear red lines.

Will Israel act on Biden's ultimatum on Gaza?

Amid the unrelenting aggression by Israel. Washington is working to coordinate a multinational effort to set up a maritime aid corridor into Gaza. This is a part of a US Strategy of flooding the zone with humanitarian assistance. Watch in for more details!

Israel war: People in Gaza forced to survive on 245 calories per day: Report

Watch in Top Headlines of the hour: - Gaza toll exceeds 33,000, over 75,000 injured - Biden's ultimatum to Netanyahu - Houthis: Targeted 90 ships in the Red Sea - Baltimore: Biden to visit Bridge collapse site - India's Homegrown cancer treatment

Gaza toll exceeds 33,000, over 75,000 injured | Biden's ultimatum to Netanyahu

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