<p>In her first interview since being nominated as the presidential candidate for the Democratic party, Kamala Harris, alongside her VP pick, Tim Walz, reiterated that she would not change Biden's policy on arms for Israel.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Harris said she remains "unequivocal and unwavering” in her “commitment to Israel’s defence and its ability to defend itself” while adding: "That's not gonna change."</p>

<p>She says “far too many innocent Palestinians have been killed”, and that “we have got to get a deal done”.</p>

<p>"This war must end, and we must get a deal that is about getting the hostages out."</p>

<h2><strong>On Trump</strong></h2>

<p>Asked about Donald Trump questioning her racial identity, Harris shrugged it off saying it was part of the "same old tired playbook" and urged the CNN interviewer&nbsp;to move to the next segment.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, it was last month that Trump questioned Harris' race during a panel hosted by the&nbsp;National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ).&nbsp;</p>

<p>“She was always of Indian heritage, and she was only promoting Indian heritage. I didn’t know she was Black until a number of years ago when she happened to turn Black," said Trump.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-elections-2024-latest-survey-gives-kamala-harris-a-boost-trump-leads-by-3-754122"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;US Elections 2024: Latest survey gives Kamala Harris a boost, Trump leads by 3%</strong></a></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Harris' stance on various policies&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Quizzed what she would do on her first day in the office, if elected, Harris did not list any specific steps, like signing executive actions or orders.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Day one, it’s going to be about one, implementing my plan for what I call an opportunity economy. I’ve already laid out a number of proposals in that regard, which include what we’re going to do to bring down the cost of everyday goods, what we’re going to do to invest in America’s small businesses, what we’re going to do to invest in families.”</p>

<p>As for her reversals on fracking and decriminalising illegal border crossings, Harris said her 'values' had not changed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“I think the most important and most significant aspect of my policy perspective and decisions is my values have not changed,” she said.</p>

<p>“You mentioned the Green New Deal. I have always believed – and I have worked on it – that the climate crisis is real, that it is an urgent matter to which we should apply metrics that include holding ourselves to deadlines around time.”</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/kamala-harris-says-wont-stop-fighting-for-student-debt-relief-after-supreme-court-blocks-bidens-save-plan-754347"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Kamala Harris says 'won't stop fighting' for student debt relief after Supreme Court blocks Biden's SAVE plan</strong></a></p>

<h2><strong>Appoint a Republican in cabinet</strong></h2>

<p>Harris said she was not against the idea of appointing a Republican in her cabinet as she believed in 'diversity of opinion'.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I think it’s really important. I have spent my career inviting diversity of opinion. I think it’s important to have people at the table when some of the most important decisions are being made that have different views, different experiences," said Harris.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"And I think it would be to the benefit of the American public to have a member of my cabinet who was a Republican," she added.</p>

<p>Harris also revealed that she learned about Biden stepping away from the prez race when she was with her family and just had pancakes and bacon.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Questioned whether she asked for Biden’s endorsement, Harris said the president “was very clear that he was going to support me”.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In her first interview since being nominated as the presidential candidate for the Democratic party, Kamala Harris, alongside her VP pick, Tim Walz, reiterated that she would not change Biden's policy on arms for Israel.

In her first interview since being nominated as the presidential candidate for the Democratic party, Kamala Harris, alongside her VP pick, Tim Walz, reiterated that she would not change Biden's policy on arms for Israel. Harris said she remains "unequivocal and unwavering” in her “commitment to Israel’s defence and its ability to defend itself” while adding: "That's not gonna change." She says “far too many innocent Palestinians have been killed”, and that “we have got to get a deal done”. "This war must end, and we must get a deal that is about getting the hostages out." On Trump Asked about Donald Trump questioning her racial identity, Harris shrugged it off saying it was part of the "same old tired playbook" and urged the CNN interviewer to move to the next segment. Notably, it was last month that Trump questioned Harris' race during a panel hosted by the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ). “She was always of Indian heritage, and she was only promoting Indian heritage. I didn’t know she was Black until a number of years ago when she happened to turn Black," said Trump. Watch | US Elections 2024: Latest survey gives Kamala Harris a boost, Trump leads by 3% × Harris' stance on various policies Quizzed what she would do on her first day in the office, if elected, Harris did not list any specific steps, like signing executive actions or orders. "Day one, it’s going to be about one, implementing my plan for what I call an opportunity economy. I’ve already laid out a number of proposals in that regard, which include what we’re going to do to bring down the cost of everyday goods, what we’re going to do to invest in America’s small businesses, what we’re going to do to invest in families.” As for her reversals on fracking and decriminalising illegal border crossings, Harris said her 'values' had not changed. “I think the most important and most significant aspect of my policy perspective and decisions is my values have not changed,” she said. “You mentioned the Green New Deal. I have always believed – and I have worked on it – that the climate crisis is real, that it is an urgent matter to which we should apply metrics that include holding ourselves to deadlines around time.” Also read | Kamala Harris says 'won't stop fighting' for student debt relief after Supreme Court blocks Biden's SAVE plan Appoint a Republican in cabinet Harris said she was not against the idea of appointing a Republican in her cabinet as she believed in 'diversity of opinion'. "I think it’s really important. I have spent my career inviting diversity of opinion. I think it’s important to have people at the table when some of the most important decisions are being made that have different views, different experiences," said Harris. "And I think it would be to the benefit of the American public to have a member of my cabinet who was a Republican," she added. Harris also revealed that she learned about Biden stepping away from the prez race when she was with her family and just had pancakes and bacon. Questioned whether she asked for Biden’s endorsement, Harris said the president “was very clear that he was going to support me”. (With inputs from agencies)

Kamala Harris' 1st interview as Democrat prez candidate: From economy to Trump to Israel, here's what she said

<p>A 24-year-old man, distributing milk in the early hours of Thursday (Aug 29), died after a speeding SUV driven by a teenage boy knocked down his two-wheeler in Goregaon area here, police said.</p>

<p>The incident took place in Aarey Colony around 4 am.</p>

<p>Navin Vaishnaw died after a Mahindra Scorpio which was on the wrong side collided with his two-wheeler, said a police official.</p>

<p>The teenage driver tried to flee, but he was caught by police.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pune-porsche-case-bombay-hc-releases-pune-porsche-crash-minor-accused-735022"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Pune Porsche case: Bombay HC releases Pune Porsche crash minor accused</strong></a></p>

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<p>As the accused driver is 17 years old, a case was also registered against the SUV owner Iqbal Jivani (48) and his son Mohammed Faz Iqbal Jivani (21), he said.</p>

<p>After hitting the two-wheeler, the SUV hit an electric pole. The teenage driver tried to flee, but he had sustained injuries and was caught by police.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pune-porsche-accident-17-year-old-boy-claims-family-driver-behind-deadly-crash-724722"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Pune Porsche accident: Teen, father now reportedly claim family driver was behind deadly crash</strong></a></p>

<p>His blood samples were sent to a laboratory to ascertain whether he was under the influence of alcohol, the official said.</p>

<p>Police were also investigating whether the accused had partied with his friends before the accident.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>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.</em></p>


A 24-year-old man, distributing milk in the early hours of Thursday (Aug 29), died after a speeding SUV driven by a teenage boy knocked down his two-wheeler in Goregaon area here, police said.

A 24-year-old man, distributing milk in the early hours of Thursday (Aug 29), died after a speeding SUV driven by a teenage boy knocked down his two-wheeler in Goregaon area here, police said. The incident took place in Aarey Colony around 4 am. Navin Vaishnaw died after a Mahindra Scorpio which was on the wrong side collided with his two-wheeler, said a police official. The teenage driver tried to flee, but he was caught by police. Watch | Pune Porsche case: Bombay HC releases Pune Porsche crash minor accused × As the accused driver is 17 years old, a case was also registered against the SUV owner Iqbal Jivani (48) and his son Mohammed Faz Iqbal Jivani (21), he said. After hitting the two-wheeler, the SUV hit an electric pole. The teenage driver tried to flee, but he had sustained injuries and was caught by police. Also read | Pune Porsche accident: Teen, father now reportedly claim family driver was behind deadly crash His blood samples were sent to a laboratory to ascertain whether he was under the influence of alcohol, the official said. Police were also investigating whether the accused had partied with his friends before the accident. 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.

India: Minor in speeding SUV runs over man in Mumbai's Goregaon

<p>External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has made it clear that India is not in favour of having extended dialogue with Pakistan, adding that the actions of the neighbouring nation had consequences.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Jaishankar was speaking at a book launch event in the capital city of New Delhi, where he touched upon several topics, including the approach of the Narendra Modi government in dealing with Pakistan.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The era of uninterrupted dialogue with Pakistan is over. Actions have consequences," said Jaishankar.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"So far as J&amp;K is concerned, Article 370 is done. So, the issue is what kind of relationship we can contemplate with Pakistan...What I do want to say is that we are not passive, and whether events take a positive or a negative direction, either way, we will react," he added.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> | Speaking on Pakistan at a book launch event in Delhi, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar says, "The era of uninterrupted dialogue with Pakistan is over. Actions have consequences. So far as J&amp;K is concerned, Article 370 is done. So, the issue is what kind of… <a href="https://t.co/41ZSq9VQHs">pic.twitter.com/41ZSq9VQHs</a></p>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1829401657135837605?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 30, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p><strong>Watch:&nbsp;Pakistan: Baloch Liberation Army claims responsibility for militants attacks in Balochistan</strong></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistan-baloch-liberation-army-claims-responsibility-for-militants-attacks-in-balochistan-753883/embed" width="560"></iframe></p>

<h2><strong>PM Modi receives SCO invite</strong></h2>

<p>Jaishankar's statement comes a day after Pakistan said it was formally extending an invitation to the Indian prime minister for the upcoming&nbsp;Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, slated to be held in Islamabad in October.</p>

<p>"An invitation has also been sent to the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi," said&nbsp;Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, Pakistan Foreign Office spokesperson.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, it is highly unlikely that PM Modi will travel to Pakistan, given the tense relations between New Delhi and Islamabad. The statement by Jaishankar further proved that India was not willing to go back on its strategy of keeping communication minimal with its Pakistani counterparts.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pm-modi-to-travel-to-pakistan-islamabad-formally-invites-indian-leader-for-sco-summit-754370"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;PM Modi to travel to Pakistan? Islamabad formally invites Indian leader for SCO summit</strong></a></p>

<p>PM Modi in his first term attempted to forge a working relationship with Pakistan but the continuous terror attacks from the other side forced him to take a much conservative position which resulted in New Delhi completely shunning Islamabad on all platforms.</p>

<p>The strategy opted during his second tenure as the PM has carried onto the current regime and might remain the de facto&nbsp;modus operandi for years to come. India has laid the preconditions for resumption of talks and that includes Pakistan not using 'terrorism' as a legitimate tool for diplomacy.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has made it clear that India is not in favour of having extended dialogue with Pakistan, adding that the actions of the neighbouring nation had consequences.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has made it clear that India is not in favour of having extended dialogue with Pakistan, adding that the actions of the neighbouring nation had consequences. Jaishankar was speaking at a book launch event in the capital city of New Delhi, where he touched upon several topics, including the approach of the Narendra Modi government in dealing with Pakistan. "The era of uninterrupted dialogue with Pakistan is over. Actions have consequences," said Jaishankar. "So far as J&K is concerned, Article 370 is done. So, the issue is what kind of relationship we can contemplate with Pakistan...What I do want to say is that we are not passive, and whether events take a positive or a negative direction, either way, we will react," he added. #WATCH | Speaking on Pakistan at a book launch event in Delhi, External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar says, "The era of uninterrupted dialogue with Pakistan is over. Actions have consequences. So far as J&K is concerned, Article 370 is done. So, the issue is what kind of… pic.twitter.com/41ZSq9VQHs — ANI (@ANI) August 30, 2024 × Watch: Pakistan: Baloch Liberation Army claims responsibility for militants attacks in Balochistan PM Modi receives SCO invite Jaishankar's statement comes a day after Pakistan said it was formally extending an invitation to the Indian prime minister for the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit, slated to be held in Islamabad in October. "An invitation has also been sent to the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi," said Mumtaz Zahra Baloch, Pakistan Foreign Office spokesperson. However, it is highly unlikely that PM Modi will travel to Pakistan, given the tense relations between New Delhi and Islamabad. The statement by Jaishankar further proved that India was not willing to go back on its strategy of keeping communication minimal with its Pakistani counterparts. Also read | PM Modi to travel to Pakistan? Islamabad formally invites Indian leader for SCO summit PM Modi in his first term attempted to forge a working relationship with Pakistan but the continuous terror attacks from the other side forced him to take a much conservative position which resulted in New Delhi completely shunning Islamabad on all platforms. The strategy opted during his second tenure as the PM has carried onto the current regime and might remain the de facto modus operandi for years to come. India has laid the preconditions for resumption of talks and that includes Pakistan not using 'terrorism' as a legitimate tool for diplomacy. (With inputs from agencies)

India's EAM Jaishankar declares 'era of uninterrupted dialogue with Pakistan' over

<p>Three terrorists have been killed in the two ongoing encounters in North Kashmir's Kupwara district. Security forces launched major operations in areas close to the Line of Control on Wednesday (Aug 28) night. So far three terrorists have been killed in the gunfight, while security forces are carrying out searches at both places. There is a third encounter going on in the Rajouri district of Jammu region.</p>

<p>The first operation started in the Shamshu area of the Macchal sector in the Kupwara district. Security forces have neutralised two terrorists at the operation site. The operation is still in progress and due to bad weather, the search operation can take longer than expected.</p>

<p>"Based on intelligence inputs with respect to likely infiltration bids, a joint operation was launched by the Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police on the intervening night of 28-29 Aug 24 in general area Machhal, Kupwara. Suspicious movement was observed in bad weather and was engaged with effective firing by own troops; two terrorists are likely to have been neutralised. The operation is in progress.," the Indian Army said in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/terrorist-attack-in-jammu-kashmir-police-post-one-indian-army-personnel-injured-753034"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Terrorist attack in Jammu &amp; Kashmir Police post, one Indian Army personnel injured</strong></a></p>

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<p>The second operation was launched at the Tangdhar area of Kupwara. One terrorist has been killed at the said operation. Security forces said it was an infiltration bid which was foiled by the forces.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><br />
''OP PHILLORA, TANGDHAR, Kupwara: Based on intelligence inputs regarding likely infiltration bids, a Joint anti-infiltration Operation was launched by #IndianArmy and Jammu and Kashmir Police on the intervening night of 28-29 Aug 24 in general area Tangdhar, Kupwara. One terrorist is likely to have been neutralised. The operation is in progress," the Indian army said.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-army-deploys-500-special-forces-commandos-to-hunt-pakistani-terrorists-in-jk-742668"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;India Army deploys 500 Special Forces commandos to hunt Pakistani terrorists in J&amp;K</strong></a></p>

<p>The third operation started during the intervening night in the Kheri Mohra Lathi area of Rajouri district. Security forces exchanged fire with around two to three terrorists in the area.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
''On 28-08-2024 at 2130 hrs, a search operation was launched by Security forces in the general area of village Kheri Mohra Lathi and Danthal area. During search operation at about 2345 hrs, a contact was established with terrorists and an exchange of fire took place between terrorists and security forces near Kheri Mohra area. Further details awaited," Jammu and Kashmir Police said&nbsp;</p>

<p>All the three operations are still on in Jammu and Kashmir. Security has been put on high alert on the LoC and international borders.</p>


Three terrorists have been killed in the two ongoing encounters in North Kashmir's Kupwara district. Security forces launched major operations in areas close to the Line of Control on Wednesday (Aug 28) night.

Three terrorists have been killed in the two ongoing encounters in North Kashmir's Kupwara district. Security forces launched major operations in areas close to the Line of Control on Wednesday (Aug 28) night. So far three terrorists have been killed in the gunfight, while security forces are carrying out searches at both places. There is a third encounter going on in the Rajouri district of Jammu region. The first operation started in the Shamshu area of the Macchal sector in the Kupwara district. Security forces have neutralised two terrorists at the operation site. The operation is still in progress and due to bad weather, the search operation can take longer than expected. "Based on intelligence inputs with respect to likely infiltration bids, a joint operation was launched by the Indian Army and Jammu and Kashmir Police on the intervening night of 28-29 Aug 24 in general area Machhal, Kupwara. Suspicious movement was observed in bad weather and was engaged with effective firing by own troops; two terrorists are likely to have been neutralised. The operation is in progress.," the Indian Army said in a statement. Watch | Terrorist attack in Jammu & Kashmir Police post, one Indian Army personnel injured × The second operation was launched at the Tangdhar area of Kupwara. One terrorist has been killed at the said operation. Security forces said it was an infiltration bid which was foiled by the forces. ''OP PHILLORA, TANGDHAR, Kupwara: Based on intelligence inputs regarding likely infiltration bids, a Joint anti-infiltration Operation was launched by #IndianArmy and Jammu and Kashmir Police on the intervening night of 28-29 Aug 24 in general area Tangdhar, Kupwara. One terrorist is likely to have been neutralised. The operation is in progress," the Indian army said. Also read | India Army deploys 500 Special Forces commandos to hunt Pakistani terrorists in J&K The third operation started during the intervening night in the Kheri Mohra Lathi area of Rajouri district. Security forces exchanged fire with around two to three terrorists in the area. ''On 28-08-2024 at 2130 hrs, a search operation was launched by Security forces in the general area of village Kheri Mohra Lathi and Danthal area. During search operation at about 2345 hrs, a contact was established with terrorists and an exchange of fire took place between terrorists and security forces near Kheri Mohra area. Further details awaited," Jammu and Kashmir Police said All the three operations are still on in Jammu and Kashmir. Security has been put on high alert on the LoC and international borders.

Jammu and Kashmir: 3 terrorists killed in 2 operations in Kupwara, another ongoing in Rajouri

<p>The incidents of student suicides has&nbsp;surpassed the population growth rate and overall suicide trends,&nbsp;an alarming report based on data by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB)&nbsp;on Wednesday (Aug 28) has revealed.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The report titled&nbsp;"Student suicides: An epidemic sweeping India", released at the&nbsp;Annual IC3 Conference and Expo 2024 stated that&nbsp;student suicide cases surged by four per cent annually while&nbsp;overall suicide numbers increased by two per cent.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The incidence of student suicides continues to surpass both population growth rates and overall suicide trends. Over the last decade, while the population of 0-24-year-olds reduced from 582 million to 581 million, the number of student suicides increased from 6,654 to 13,044," the report added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-plus-kota-factory-of-suicides-665512"><strong>Watch | Gravitas Plus: Kota factory of suicides</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>Decadal rise in suicides&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Over the last decade (2013-22), around 104,000 student suicides were recorded which indicates a 64 per cent rise when compared to the prior decade (2013-12).&nbsp;</p>

<p>The southern states and union territories viz., Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Puducherry, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Lakshadweep had the highest proportion of all student suicides across the country at 29 per cent.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, Maharashtra (1,764), Tamil Nadu (1,416), Madhya Pradesh (1,340), Uttar Pradesh (1,060) and Jharkhand (824) accounted for 49 per cent of total suicide cases across India.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Rajasthan, with the infamous Kota coaching city, where thousands of&nbsp;students relocate to crack engineering and medical entrance exams,&nbsp;is ranked 10th with 571 student suicides.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/two-teens-found-hanging-from-tree-in-indias-up-one-of-the-victims-father-claims-its-murder-753804"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Two teens found hanging from tree in India's UP, one of the victim's father claims it's murder</strong></a></p>

<p>The report highlighted that male students constituted more than half (53 per cent) of total student suicides in 2022. It added that between 2021 and 2022, male student suicides decreased by six per cent while female suicides increased by seven per cent.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It is important to acknowledge that the actual number of student suicides is likely underreported. This under-reporting can be attributed to several factors, including the social stigma surrounding suicide and the criminalisation of attempted and assisted suicide under Section 309 of the Indian Penal Code," the report noted.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p><em>Note: Get help &amp; support for suicide. </em></p>

<p><em>If you or someone you know wants help for mental well-being, don't hesitate to talk to a professional. You can contact local authorities and also encourage the person to contact a suicide prevention hotline. WION does not make any recommendations.</em></p>


The incidents of student suicides has surpassed the population growth rate and overall suicide trends, an alarming report based on data by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) on Wednesday (Aug 28) has revealed.

The incidents of student suicides has surpassed the population growth rate and overall suicide trends, an alarming report based on data by the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) on Wednesday (Aug 28) has revealed. The report titled "Student suicides: An epidemic sweeping India", released at the Annual IC3 Conference and Expo 2024 stated that student suicide cases surged by four per cent annually while overall suicide numbers increased by two per cent. "The incidence of student suicides continues to surpass both population growth rates and overall suicide trends. Over the last decade, while the population of 0-24-year-olds reduced from 582 million to 581 million, the number of student suicides increased from 6,654 to 13,044," the report added. Watch | Gravitas Plus: Kota factory of suicides × Decadal rise in suicides Over the last decade (2013-22), around 104,000 student suicides were recorded which indicates a 64 per cent rise when compared to the prior decade (2013-12). The southern states and union territories viz., Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Puducherry, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Lakshadweep had the highest proportion of all student suicides across the country at 29 per cent. Notably, Maharashtra (1,764), Tamil Nadu (1,416), Madhya Pradesh (1,340), Uttar Pradesh (1,060) and Jharkhand (824) accounted for 49 per cent of total suicide cases across India. Rajasthan, with the infamous Kota coaching city, where thousands of students relocate to crack engineering and medical entrance exams, is ranked 10th with 571 student suicides. Also read | Two teens found hanging from tree in India's UP, one of the victim's father claims it's murder The report highlighted that male students constituted more than half (53 per cent) of total student suicides in 2022. It added that between 2021 and 2022, male student suicides decreased by six per cent while female suicides increased by seven per cent. "It is important to acknowledge that the actual number of student suicides is likely underreported. This under-reporting can be attributed to several factors, including the social stigma surrounding suicide and the criminalisation of attempted and assisted suicide under Section 309 of the Indian Penal Code," the report noted. (With inputs from agencies) Note: Get help & support for suicide. If you or someone you know wants help for mental well-being, don't hesitate to talk to a professional. You can contact local authorities and also encourage the person to contact a suicide prevention hotline. WION does not make any recommendations.

More students are committing suicides in India than population growth rate: Report

<p>The United States on Wednesday (Aug 28) announced new&nbsp;sanctions&nbsp;on West Bank settlers over violence against Palestinians, urging greater accountability efforts by its ally Israel, which responded with anger to the move.</p>

<p>The&nbsp;sanctions&nbsp;were announced on the same day that Israel launched a wide-scale attack on the West Bank that it said killed nine Palestinian fighters, despite warnings by President Joe Biden's administration against expanding the war in Gaza.</p>

<p>"Extremist settler violence in the West Bank causes intense human suffering, harms Israel's security and undermines the prospect for peace and stability in the region," State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said in a statement.</p>

<p>"It is critical that the government of Israel hold accountable any individuals and entities responsible for violence against civilians in the West Bank," he said.</p>

<p>The latest sanction targets included Hashomer Yosh, an Israeli group that has supported the unauthorized settler outpost of Meitarim Farm in the south Hebron Hills.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-war-israel-launches-fresh-operations-in-west-bank-754069"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Israel war: Israel launches fresh operations in West Bank</strong></a></p>

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<p>Volunteers from the group earlier this year fenced off a village whose 250 Palestinian residents had all been forced to leave, the State Department said.</p>

<p>Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who relies on support from far-right politicians who advocate for the establishment of new settlements on Palestinian land, denounced the move.</p>

<p>"Israel views with utmost severity&nbsp;the imposition of&nbsp;sanctions&nbsp;on citizens of Israel. The issue is in a pointed discussion&nbsp;with the US," Netanyahu's office said in a statement.</p>

<p>Hashomer Yosh's website, using the biblical name for the West Bank, says the group helps "various farmers throughout Judea and Samaria, who bravely protect our lands and stand strong in the face of economic difficulties and frequent agricultural crime."</p>

<p>The Israeli settlements in the West Bank are illegal under international law.</p>

<p>The State Department also imposed&nbsp;sanctions&nbsp;against Yitzhak Levi Filant, who was accused of leading armed settlers in setting up roadblocks and patrols with a goal of attacking Palestinians.</p>

<p>Since Hamas's unprecedented October 7 attack on Israel triggered war in Gaza, Israeli forces have also stepped up operations in the West Bank, a Palestinian territory occupied by Israel since 1967 and separated geographically from Gaza by Israeli territory.&nbsp;</p>

<p>At least 640 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank by Israeli troops or settlers since the start of the Gaza war, according to an AFP count based on Palestinian official figures.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Biden administration has repeatedly voiced concern to Netanyahu about settler violence and about the expansion of settlements, but has made little impact on the Israeli government's decision-making.</p>

<p>Last month, the United States imposed&nbsp;sanctions&nbsp;on Lehava, a group of more than 10,000 members, which the State Department described as the "largest violent extremist organization in Israel."</p>

<p>US&nbsp;sanctions&nbsp;generally bar targets from the US financial system, leading Israeli banks to restrict dealings with sanctioned individuals for fear of repercussions.</p>

<p>The Biden administration, which has been pushing for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, has held off on imposing&nbsp;sanctions&nbsp;on government ministers leading the settlement policy.</p>

<p>Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who also heads civil affairs at the defence ministry, earlier this month approved a new settlement on a UNESCO World Heritage Site near Bethlehem, saying he wanted to "fight against the dangerous project of creating a Palestinian state by creating facts on the ground."&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>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&nbsp;audience.</em><br />
&nbsp;</p>


The United States on Wednesday (Aug 28) announced new sanctions on West Bank settlers over violence against Palestinians, urging greater accountability efforts by its ally Israel, which responded with anger to the move.

The United States on Wednesday (Aug 28) announced new sanctions on West Bank settlers over violence against Palestinians, urging greater accountability efforts by its ally Israel, which responded with anger to the move. The sanctions were announced on the same day that Israel launched a wide-scale attack on the West Bank that it said killed nine Palestinian fighters, despite warnings by President Joe Biden's administration against expanding the war in Gaza. "Extremist settler violence in the West Bank causes intense human suffering, harms Israel's security and undermines the prospect for peace and stability in the region," State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said in a statement. "It is critical that the government of Israel hold accountable any individuals and entities responsible for violence against civilians in the West Bank," he said. The latest sanction targets included Hashomer Yosh, an Israeli group that has supported the unauthorized settler outpost of Meitarim Farm in the south Hebron Hills. Watch | Israel war: Israel launches fresh operations in West Bank × Volunteers from the group earlier this year fenced off a village whose 250 Palestinian residents had all been forced to leave, the State Department said. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who relies on support from far-right politicians who advocate for the establishment of new settlements on Palestinian land, denounced the move. "Israel views with utmost severity the imposition of sanctions on citizens of Israel. The issue is in a pointed discussion with the US," Netanyahu's office said in a statement. Hashomer Yosh's website, using the biblical name for the West Bank, says the group helps "various farmers throughout Judea and Samaria, who bravely protect our lands and stand strong in the face of economic difficulties and frequent agricultural crime." The Israeli settlements in the West Bank are illegal under international law. The State Department also imposed sanctions against Yitzhak Levi Filant, who was accused of leading armed settlers in setting up roadblocks and patrols with a goal of attacking Palestinians. Since Hamas's unprecedented October 7 attack on Israel triggered war in Gaza, Israeli forces have also stepped up operations in the West Bank, a Palestinian territory occupied by Israel since 1967 and separated geographically from Gaza by Israeli territory. At least 640 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank by Israeli troops or settlers since the start of the Gaza war, according to an AFP count based on Palestinian official figures. The Biden administration has repeatedly voiced concern to Netanyahu about settler violence and about the expansion of settlements, but has made little impact on the Israeli government's decision-making. Last month, the United States imposed sanctions on Lehava, a group of more than 10,000 members, which the State Department described as the "largest violent extremist organization in Israel." US sanctions generally bar targets from the US financial system, leading Israeli banks to restrict dealings with sanctioned individuals for fear of repercussions. The Biden administration, which has been pushing for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, has held off on imposing sanctions on government ministers leading the settlement policy. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who also heads civil affairs at the defence ministry, earlier this month approved a new settlement on a UNESCO World Heritage Site near Bethlehem, saying he wanted to "fight against the dangerous project of creating a Palestinian state by creating facts on the ground." 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.

Netanyahu opposes US slapping new sanctions on Israeli settlers in West Bank

<p>The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Thursday (Aug 29) said it had killed five more militants in a large-scale operation in the occupied West Bank, taking the death toll to 14 in the second day of 'counter-terrorism' operations.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Following exchanges of fire, the forces eliminated five terrorists who had hidden inside a mosque in Tulkarem," the military said, having gunned down nine militants in&nbsp;simultaneous raids in several West Bank cities a day before.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The IDF said a well-known local commander named Mohammed Jaber, known as Abu Shujja who had been part of the Islamic Jihad militant group, was also killed in the operation.</p>

<p>Notably, Shujja was linked to several attacks on Israelis, including a deadly shooting in June. According to reports, he was planning more attacks before the Israeli forces allegedly neutralised him.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Abu Shujaa, commander of the Tulkarem Brigade of the Al-Quds Brigades&nbsp;died along with several brothers of his brigade after a heroic battle against the soldiers of the (Israeli) occupation", the militant group confirmed in a statement.</p>

<p>There were reports that Shujja had been killed earlier this year but made a surprise appearance at the funeral of one of the militants where he was granted a heroic welcome from the crowd who hoisted him on their shoulders.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The terrorist Muhhamad Jabber, "Abu Shujaa”, was eliminated following exchanges of fire during counterterrorism operations in Tulkarm.<br />
<br />
Jabber, "Abu Shujaa”, was the head of a terrorist network in Nur Shams. Additionally, he was involved in carrying out numerous terrorist… <a href="https://t.co/0Z7Hv5OREc">pic.twitter.com/0Z7Hv5OREc</a></p>
— Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) <a href="https://twitter.com/IDF/status/1829029336898322649?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 29, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Ever since the war broke out in October last year, violence has soared in the West Bank -- a&nbsp;Palestinian territory occupied by Israel since 1967 and separated geographically from Gaza by Israeli territory. According to UN numbers, as many as 637 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank by Israeli forces or settlers since the start of the war against Hamas.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-war-israel-launches-fresh-operations-in-west-bank-754069" target="_blank"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Israel war: Israel launches fresh operations in West Bank</strong></a></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-war-israel-launches-fresh-operations-in-west-bank-754069/embed" width="560"></iframe></p>

<h2><strong>US imposes sanctions</strong></h2>

<p>The incident comes a day after the United States imposed new sanctions on&nbsp;West Bank settlers over violence against Palestinians.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Extremist settler violence in the West Bank causes intense human suffering, harms Israel's security and undermines the prospect for peace and stability in the region," State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said in a statement.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-opposes-us-slapping-new-sanctions-on-israeli-settlers-in-west-bank-754151"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Netanyahu opposes US slapping new sanctions on Israeli settlers in West Bank</strong></a></p>

<p>The latest sanction targets included Hashomer Yosh, an Israeli group that has supported the unauthorised settler outpost of Meitarim Farm in the south Hebron Hills.</p>

<p>Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticised the US move and said the issue was raised in a discussion with the White House.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Thursday (Aug 29) said it had killed five more militants in a large-scale operation in the occupied West Bank, taking the death toll to 14 in the second day of 'counter-terrorism' operations.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Thursday (Aug 29) said it had killed five more militants in a large-scale operation in the occupied West Bank, taking the death toll to 14 in the second day of 'counter-terrorism' operations. "Following exchanges of fire, the forces eliminated five terrorists who had hidden inside a mosque in Tulkarem," the military said, having gunned down nine militants in simultaneous raids in several West Bank cities a day before. The IDF said a well-known local commander named Mohammed Jaber, known as Abu Shujja who had been part of the Islamic Jihad militant group, was also killed in the operation. Notably, Shujja was linked to several attacks on Israelis, including a deadly shooting in June. According to reports, he was planning more attacks before the Israeli forces allegedly neutralised him. "Abu Shujaa, commander of the Tulkarem Brigade of the Al-Quds Brigades died along with several brothers of his brigade after a heroic battle against the soldiers of the (Israeli) occupation", the militant group confirmed in a statement. There were reports that Shujja had been killed earlier this year but made a surprise appearance at the funeral of one of the militants where he was granted a heroic welcome from the crowd who hoisted him on their shoulders. The terrorist Muhhamad Jabber, "Abu Shujaa”, was eliminated following exchanges of fire during counterterrorism operations in Tulkarm. Jabber, "Abu Shujaa”, was the head of a terrorist network in Nur Shams. Additionally, he was involved in carrying out numerous terrorist… pic.twitter.com/0Z7Hv5OREc — Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) August 29, 2024 × Ever since the war broke out in October last year, violence has soared in the West Bank -- a Palestinian territory occupied by Israel since 1967 and separated geographically from Gaza by Israeli territory. According to UN numbers, as many as 637 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank by Israeli forces or settlers since the start of the war against Hamas. Watch | Israel war: Israel launches fresh operations in West Bank US imposes sanctions The incident comes a day after the United States imposed new sanctions on West Bank settlers over violence against Palestinians. "Extremist settler violence in the West Bank causes intense human suffering, harms Israel's security and undermines the prospect for peace and stability in the region," State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said in a statement. Also read | Netanyahu opposes US slapping new sanctions on Israeli settlers in West Bank The latest sanction targets included Hashomer Yosh, an Israeli group that has supported the unauthorised settler outpost of Meitarim Farm in the south Hebron Hills. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu criticised the US move and said the issue was raised in a discussion with the White House. (With inputs from agencies)

West Bank raids: IDF kills 5 more Palestinian militants, including well-known local commander

<p>The risk of a regional war in the Middle East has lowered after Israel and Hezbollah exchanged heavy blows over the weekend, a top US general has claimed, according to a <em>Reuters </em>report.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Air Force General Charles Q. Brown, Jr., chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff flew to Israel hours after Hezbollah launched hundreds of rockets from the southern region of Lebanon. Quizzed if the weekend clash, dubbed one of the biggest since the war began in October last year, lowered the&nbsp;near-term risk of a broader war, Brown replied: “Somewhat, yes."</p>

<p>"You had two things you knew were going to happen. One’s already happened. Now it depends on how the second is going to play out," he added, referring to Iran.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>“How Iran responds will dictate how Israel responds, which will dictate whether there is going to be a broader conflict or not.”</p>

<p>Iran-backed Hezbollah had planned to launch large-scale missile and drone attacks in the central regions of Israel, particularly targeting&nbsp;IDF intelligence units and the Mossad headquarters. However, on Sunday (Aug 25) early morning, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), launched a pre-emptive strike that took the sting out of the Hezbollah attack.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After Israel's pre-emptive strikes, Hezbollah&nbsp;said it launched 'more than 320' Katyusha rockets while Israel claimed only 220 rockets and around 20 drones were fired.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-israel-tensions-us-ready-to-defend-israel-in-fight-against-iran-proxies-748982" target="_blank"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Iran-Israel tensions: US ready to defend Israel in fight against Iran &amp; proxies</strong></a>&nbsp;</p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/iran-israel-tensions-us-ready-to-defend-israel-in-fight-against-iran-proxies-748982/embed" width="560"></iframe></p>

<h2><strong>US better prepared to aid Israel</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Brown stated that even if Iran launched an all-out attack against Israel, the US was better prepared to aid Tel Aviv in defence than it was on April 13, earlier this year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, since the start of August, the Pentagon has moved warships, submarines and fighter jets to the Middle East to avoid escalation of a regional war.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Israel has been anticipating a retaliatory attack that may escalate into war after back-to-back assassinations of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and top Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-deploys-warships-and-fighters-jets-to-protect-israel-from-hamas-iran-and-hezbollah-triple-whammy-746730"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;US deploys warships and fighter jets to protect Israel from Hamas, Iran and Hezbollah triple whammy</strong></a></p>

<p>Washington is especially wary after Iranian Supreme Leader&nbsp;Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said avenging&nbsp;Haniyeh's blood was their 'duty' and vowed retaliation against Israel.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The criminal and terrorist Zionist regime martyred our dear guest in our house and made us bereaved,"&nbsp;Khamenei said.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We consider it our duty to avenge his blood in this bitter and difficult incident that happened in the territory of the Islamic Republic,” he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The risk of a regional war in the Middle East has lowered after Israel and Hezbollah exchanged heavy blows over the weekend, a top US general has claimed, according to a Reuters report.

The risk of a regional war in the Middle East has lowered after Israel and Hezbollah exchanged heavy blows over the weekend, a top US general has claimed, according to a Reuters report. Air Force General Charles Q. Brown, Jr., chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff flew to Israel hours after Hezbollah launched hundreds of rockets from the southern region of Lebanon. Quizzed if the weekend clash, dubbed one of the biggest since the war began in October last year, lowered the near-term risk of a broader war, Brown replied: “Somewhat, yes." "You had two things you knew were going to happen. One’s already happened. Now it depends on how the second is going to play out," he added, referring to Iran. “How Iran responds will dictate how Israel responds, which will dictate whether there is going to be a broader conflict or not.” Iran-backed Hezbollah had planned to launch large-scale missile and drone attacks in the central regions of Israel, particularly targeting IDF intelligence units and the Mossad headquarters. However, on Sunday (Aug 25) early morning, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), launched a pre-emptive strike that took the sting out of the Hezbollah attack. After Israel's pre-emptive strikes, Hezbollah said it launched 'more than 320' Katyusha rockets while Israel claimed only 220 rockets and around 20 drones were fired. Watch | Iran-Israel tensions: US ready to defend Israel in fight against Iran & proxies US better prepared to aid Israel Brown stated that even if Iran launched an all-out attack against Israel, the US was better prepared to aid Tel Aviv in defence than it was on April 13, earlier this year. Notably, since the start of August, the Pentagon has moved warships, submarines and fighter jets to the Middle East to avoid escalation of a regional war. Israel has been anticipating a retaliatory attack that may escalate into war after back-to-back assassinations of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and top Hezbollah commander Fuad Shukr in Beirut. Also read | US deploys warships and fighter jets to protect Israel from Hamas, Iran and Hezbollah triple whammy Washington is especially wary after Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said avenging Haniyeh's blood was their 'duty' and vowed retaliation against Israel. “The criminal and terrorist Zionist regime martyred our dear guest in our house and made us bereaved," Khamenei said. “We consider it our duty to avenge his blood in this bitter and difficult incident that happened in the territory of the Islamic Republic,” he added. (With inputs from agencies)

Risk of all-out war in Middle East lowered after Israel-Hezbollah clash? Top US general reveals...

<p>In one of the biggest air attacks launched by Russia in the ongoing war with Ukraine, at least seven people were killed while dozens were wounded. Missiles and drones were fired into more than half of Ukraine's regions on Monday (Aug 26), confirmed the head of the country's Air Force, Mykola Oleshchuk said.</p>

<p>Oleshchuk revealed that Moscow launched 127 missiles, of which 102 were intercepted while his forces also battled 109 drones projected&nbsp;into the Ukrainian territory.&nbsp;</p>

<p>In a video address, President Volodymyr Zelensky described it as one of the biggest "combined strikes" on Ukraine over the course of the war.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“And like most previous Russian strikes, this one is just as base, targeting critical civilian infrastructure,” he said.</p>

<p>Zelensky also urged the allies to supply Ukraine with long-range ammunition required to stop such strikes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Each of these strikes repeatedly reminds us of the critical need for long-range capabilities—to give our Defense Forces sufficient long-range weapons to destroy the terrorists precisely at the locations from which they launch their attacks."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">The elimination of the consequences of the Russian strike is still ongoing. In total, over 120 missiles of various types and more than a hundred “Shaheds” were launched. The missile launch areas against Ukraine included, among others, the airspace of the Kursk and Belgorod… <a href="https://t.co/jXM3oNAadw">pic.twitter.com/jXM3oNAadw</a></p>
— Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) <a href="https://twitter.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1828126588795527334?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 26, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Meanwhile, Russia’s defence ministry in a statement said it had launched a “massive precision-guided weapons strike on critical energy infrastructure facilities”.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-ukraine-war-more-than-half-of-ukraine-targeted-753494"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Russia-Ukraine War: More than half of Ukraine targeted</strong></a></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Biden condemns attack</strong></h2>

<p>US President Joe Biden condemned the attack and said the US, alongside all the allies will continue to&nbsp;support Ukraine despite Russia's increased aggression.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"I condemn, in the strongest possible terms, Russia’s continued war against Ukraine and its efforts to plunge the Ukrainian people into darkness. Let me be clear: Russia will never succeed in Ukraine, and the spirit of the Ukrainian people will never be broken," said Biden.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-and-ukraine-were-close-to-ceasefire-talks-until-this-happened-751074"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Russia and Ukraine were close to ceasefire talks until this happened...</strong></a></p>

<p>"I have re-prioritised US&nbsp;air defence exports so they are sent to Ukraine first. The United States also is surging energy equipment to Ukraine to repair its systems and strengthen the resilience of Ukraine’s energy grid," he added.</p>

<p>The air attack comes in the backdrop of Ukrainian forces making major headways in the Kursk region. Earlier this month, Kyiv punched through the border in a surprise attack, ahead of possible talks regarding a ceasefire in the region.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>

<p>&nbsp;</p>


In one of the biggest air attacks launched by Russia in the ongoing war with Ukraine, at least seven people were killed while dozens were wounded. Missiles and drones were fired into more than half of Ukraine's regions on Monday (Aug 26), confirmed the head of the country's Air Force, Mykola Oleshchuk said.

In one of the biggest air attacks launched by Russia in the ongoing war with Ukraine, at least seven people were killed while dozens were wounded. Missiles and drones were fired into more than half of Ukraine's regions on Monday (Aug 26), confirmed the head of the country's Air Force, Mykola Oleshchuk said. Oleshchuk revealed that Moscow launched 127 missiles, of which 102 were intercepted while his forces also battled 109 drones projected into the Ukrainian territory. In a video address, President Volodymyr Zelensky described it as one of the biggest "combined strikes" on Ukraine over the course of the war. “And like most previous Russian strikes, this one is just as base, targeting critical civilian infrastructure,” he said. Zelensky also urged the allies to supply Ukraine with long-range ammunition required to stop such strikes. "Each of these strikes repeatedly reminds us of the critical need for long-range capabilities—to give our Defense Forces sufficient long-range weapons to destroy the terrorists precisely at the locations from which they launch their attacks." The elimination of the consequences of the Russian strike is still ongoing. In total, over 120 missiles of various types and more than a hundred “Shaheds” were launched. The missile launch areas against Ukraine included, among others, the airspace of the Kursk and Belgorod… pic.twitter.com/jXM3oNAadw — Volodymyr Zelenskyy / Володимир Зеленський (@ZelenskyyUa) August 26, 2024 × Meanwhile, Russia’s defence ministry in a statement said it had launched a “massive precision-guided weapons strike on critical energy infrastructure facilities”. Watch | Russia-Ukraine War: More than half of Ukraine targeted × Biden condemns attack US President Joe Biden condemned the attack and said the US, alongside all the allies will continue to support Ukraine despite Russia's increased aggression. "I condemn, in the strongest possible terms, Russia’s continued war against Ukraine and its efforts to plunge the Ukrainian people into darkness. Let me be clear: Russia will never succeed in Ukraine, and the spirit of the Ukrainian people will never be broken," said Biden. Also read | Russia and Ukraine were close to ceasefire talks until this happened... "I have re-prioritised US air defence exports so they are sent to Ukraine first. The United States also is surging energy equipment to Ukraine to repair its systems and strengthen the resilience of Ukraine’s energy grid," he added. The air attack comes in the backdrop of Ukrainian forces making major headways in the Kursk region. Earlier this month, Kyiv punched through the border in a surprise attack, ahead of possible talks regarding a ceasefire in the region. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia launches 'biggest' air attack of war on Ukraine, 7 dead

<p>The political deadlock in France is nowhere near to being resolved after President Emmanuel Macron ruled out naming a left-wing government on Monday (Aug 26).&nbsp;</p>

<p>Citing threat to the "institutional stability" of the country, Macron said he would initiate fresh talks to find a new prime minister.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“My responsibility is that the country is not blocked nor weakened," said Macron in a statement, calling on&nbsp;"all political leaders to rise to the occasion by demonstrating a spirit of responsibility".</p>

<p>Macron added that a left-wing government&nbsp;"would be immediately censored by all the other groups represented in the National Assembly and&nbsp;the institutional stability of our country therefore requires us not to choose this option".&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, the left-wing parties had pushed Macron to name 37-year-old economist and civil servant Lucie Castets as prime minister. However, the president has remained steadfast in his defiance.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Contrary to most opinion polls that predicted a sweep by Marine Le Pen's far-right National Rally (RN) party, the second round of the French parliamentary elections served a major twist in July.&nbsp;The left-wing New Popular Front (NFP) alliance&nbsp;won the most seats, beating both the far right and President Emmanuel Macron's centrist coalition.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/france-seven-weeks-after-the-elections-no-prime-minister-in-sight-752876"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;France: Seven weeks after the elections, no Prime Minister in sight</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>What next for France?</strong></h2>

<p>The 577-seat National Assembly was left divided with NFP having over 190 seats, followed by Macron's centrist alliance at around 160 while the far-right was limited to 140 seats.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Since then, NFP,&nbsp;particularly the hard-left France Unbowed (LFI) has demanded to form the government but Macron and his allies have vowed to vote the coalition down if any confidence vote takes place.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Meanwhile, LFI leader Jean-Luc Melenchon called for a strong response and urged the public and politicians to move a "motion for impeachment" against the president.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Currently,&nbsp;Gabriel Attal is serving as the caretaker government leader since the election results were announced in early July.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/emmanuel-macron-from-a-banker-to-the-youngest-president-of-france-738657"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Emmanuel Macron: From a banker to the youngest President of France</strong></a></p>

<p>For Macron, the outcome of the parliamentary elections, called three years ahead of schedule came as a surprise as he attempted to reshape the political landscape of France.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The president now has the task to steer France through its most severe political uncertainty in decades which appears to have been engineered by his 'snap' decision.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em>&nbsp;</p>


The political deadlock in France is nowhere near to being resolved after President Emmanuel Macron ruled out naming a left-wing government on Monday (Aug 26). Citing threat to the "institutional stability" of the country, Macron said he would initiate fresh talks to find a new prime minister.

The political deadlock in France is nowhere near to being resolved after President Emmanuel Macron ruled out naming a left-wing government on Monday (Aug 26). Citing threat to the "institutional stability" of the country, Macron said he would initiate fresh talks to find a new prime minister. “My responsibility is that the country is not blocked nor weakened," said Macron in a statement, calling on "all political leaders to rise to the occasion by demonstrating a spirit of responsibility". Macron added that a left-wing government "would be immediately censored by all the other groups represented in the National Assembly and the institutional stability of our country therefore requires us not to choose this option". Notably, the left-wing parties had pushed Macron to name 37-year-old economist and civil servant Lucie Castets as prime minister. However, the president has remained steadfast in his defiance. Contrary to most opinion polls that predicted a sweep by Marine Le Pen's far-right National Rally (RN) party, the second round of the French parliamentary elections served a major twist in July. The left-wing New Popular Front (NFP) alliance won the most seats, beating both the far right and President Emmanuel Macron's centrist coalition. Watch | France: Seven weeks after the elections, no Prime Minister in sight × What next for France? The 577-seat National Assembly was left divided with NFP having over 190 seats, followed by Macron's centrist alliance at around 160 while the far-right was limited to 140 seats. Since then, NFP, particularly the hard-left France Unbowed (LFI) has demanded to form the government but Macron and his allies have vowed to vote the coalition down if any confidence vote takes place. Meanwhile, LFI leader Jean-Luc Melenchon called for a strong response and urged the public and politicians to move a "motion for impeachment" against the president. Currently, Gabriel Attal is serving as the caretaker government leader since the election results were announced in early July. Also read | Emmanuel Macron: From a banker to the youngest President of France For Macron, the outcome of the parliamentary elections, called three years ahead of schedule came as a surprise as he attempted to reshape the political landscape of France. The president now has the task to steer France through its most severe political uncertainty in decades which appears to have been engineered by his 'snap' decision. (With inputs from agencies)

Emmanuel Macron refuses to name left-wing government to lead France, citing 'institutional stability' threat

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:15,&quot;w&quot;:926,&quot;h&quot;:35,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1909}">The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Shin Bet, on Tuesday (August 27), successfully rescued Israeli-Bedouin hostage Qaid Farhan al-Qadi, who had been held by Hamas since October 7.&nbsp;</p>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:68,&quot;w&quot;:926,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1962}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:68,&quot;w&quot;:302,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1962}">The daring rescue operation</strong></h2>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:113,&quot;w&quot;:926,&quot;h&quot;:35,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2007}">The operation, which took place in Rafah, was executed by Division 162, Brigade 401, Yahalom anti-tunnel special forces, and the Shayetet 13 naval commandos.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:163,&quot;w&quot;:926,&quot;h&quot;:35,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2057}">According to the Jerusalem Post, the hostage, identified as 52-year-old Farhan al-Qadi from Rahat, a mainly Arab town, is in good health and is currently undergoing additional health checks at an undisclosed hospital.&nbsp;</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:213,&quot;w&quot;:926,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2107}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:213,&quot;w&quot;:764,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2107}">Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:88,&quot;y&quot;:213,&quot;w&quot;:684,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:121,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2107}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/risk-of-all-out-war-in-middle-east-lowered-after-israel-hezbollah-clash-top-us-general-reveals-753588">Risk of all-out war in Middle East lowered after Israel-Hezbollah clash? Top US general reveals...</a></strong></p>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:249,&quot;w&quot;:926,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2143}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:249,&quot;w&quot;:290,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2143}">Israel's successful rescues</strong></h2>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:293,&quot;w&quot;:926,&quot;h&quot;:35,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2187}">This rescue marks the fourth successful operation to free live hostages from Hamas, though several previous missions have involved recovering the bodies of dozens of hostages killed by the militant group.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:343,&quot;w&quot;:926,&quot;h&quot;:35,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2237}">Al-Kaadi is the eighth live hostage to be rescued from Gaza. Notably, he is the first live hostage to be rescued from a tunnel, with previous rescues having occurred above ground.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:393,&quot;w&quot;:926,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2287}">With this, the number of remaining hostages has gone down to 108 from an initial count of 250.&nbsp;</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:426,&quot;w&quot;:926,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2320}">Details regarding the operation, including any confrontation with Hamas forces, have not been shared by the IDF.&nbsp;</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:458,&quot;w&quot;:926,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2352}">Both IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Herzi Halevi and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant have praised the operation.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:491,&quot;w&quot;:926,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2385}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:491,&quot;w&quot;:797,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2385}">Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:88,&quot;y&quot;:491,&quot;w&quot;:717,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:121,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2385}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/russia-warns-france-against-intimidating-pavel-durov-telegram-ceos-custody-extended-till-aug-28-753699">Russia warns France against intimidating Pavel Durov; Telegram CEO's custody extended till Aug 28</a></strong></p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:523,&quot;w&quot;:926,&quot;h&quot;:35,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2417}">Halevi in a statement, said, "We do everything we can to save hostages. The IDF and the Shin Bet showed courage, determination, and taking initiative in a complex operation."</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:573,&quot;w&quot;:926,&quot;h&quot;:35,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2467}">Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, in a statement on X, said "We are committed to seizing every opportunity to bring the hostages back to their homes."</p>

<div bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:623,&quot;w&quot;:926,&quot;h&quot;:189,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2517}" class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:147,&quot;y&quot;:634,&quot;w&quot;:647,&quot;h&quot;:167,&quot;abs_x&quot;:180,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2528}" class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:152,&quot;y&quot;:634,&quot;w&quot;:637,&quot;h&quot;:167,&quot;abs_x&quot;:185,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2528}" class="twitter-tweet">
<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:213,&quot;y&quot;:673,&quot;w&quot;:550,&quot;h&quot;:75,&quot;abs_x&quot;:246,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2567}" dir="ltr" lang="en">The IDF and ISA have rescued Qaid Farhan Alkadi from Gaza where he was held hostage, and brought him to his family in Israel. This operation was part of the IDF’s daring and courageous activities conducted deep inside the Gaza strip.<br bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:674,&quot;y&quot;:703,&quot;w&quot;:0,&quot;h&quot;:14,&quot;abs_x&quot;:707,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2597}" />
<br bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:488,&quot;y&quot;:718,&quot;w&quot;:0,&quot;h&quot;:14,&quot;abs_x&quot;:521,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2612}" />
This operation joins a series of actions…</p>
— יואב גלנט - Yoav Gallant (@yoavgallant) <a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:570,&quot;y&quot;:761,&quot;w&quot;:94,&quot;h&quot;:14,&quot;abs_x&quot;:603,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2655}" href="https://twitter.com/yoavgallant/status/1828414653510066647?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 27, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:913,&quot;y&quot;:624,&quot;w&quot;:20,&quot;h&quot;:20,&quot;abs_x&quot;:946,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2518}" class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:828,&quot;w&quot;:926,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2722}">Israeli campaign group the Hostages and Missing Families Forum called al-Qadi's rescue "miraculous" but pushed for a negotiated deal.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:860,&quot;w&quot;:926,&quot;h&quot;:35,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2754}">"However, we must remember that military operations alone cannot free the remaining hostages who have suffered 326 days of abuse and terror," it said.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:910,&quot;w&quot;:926,&quot;h&quot;:35,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2804}">Insisting that only a ceasefire could ensure the return of other captives, the campaign group said, "A negotiated deal is the only way forward."</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:960,&quot;w&quot;:926,&quot;h&quot;:35,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2854}">"We urgently call on the international community to maintain pressure on Hamas to accept the proposed deal and release all hostages," it added.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:1010,&quot;w&quot;:926,&quot;h&quot;:17,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2904}"><em bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:1010,&quot;w&quot;:182,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2904}">(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Shin Bet, on Tuesday (August 27), successfully rescued Israeli-Bedouin hostage Qaid Farhan al-Qadi, who had been held by Hamas since October 7.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and Shin Bet, on Tuesday (August 27), successfully rescued Israeli-Bedouin hostage Qaid Farhan al-Qadi, who had been held by Hamas since October 7. The daring rescue operation The operation, which took place in Rafah, was executed by Division 162, Brigade 401, Yahalom anti-tunnel special forces, and the Shayetet 13 naval commandos. According to the Jerusalem Post, the hostage, identified as 52-year-old Farhan al-Qadi from Rahat, a mainly Arab town, is in good health and is currently undergoing additional health checks at an undisclosed hospital. Also read | Risk of all-out war in Middle East lowered after Israel-Hezbollah clash? Top US general reveals... Israel's successful rescues This rescue marks the fourth successful operation to free live hostages from Hamas, though several previous missions have involved recovering the bodies of dozens of hostages killed by the militant group. Al-Kaadi is the eighth live hostage to be rescued from Gaza. Notably, he is the first live hostage to be rescued from a tunnel, with previous rescues having occurred above ground. With this, the number of remaining hostages has gone down to 108 from an initial count of 250. Details regarding the operation, including any confrontation with Hamas forces, have not been shared by the IDF. Both IDF Chief of Staff Lt.-Gen. Herzi Halevi and Defence Minister Yoav Gallant have praised the operation. Also read | Russia warns France against intimidating Pavel Durov; Telegram CEO's custody extended till Aug 28 Halevi in a statement, said, "We do everything we can to save hostages. The IDF and the Shin Bet showed courage, determination, and taking initiative in a complex operation." Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, in a statement on X, said "We are committed to seizing every opportunity to bring the hostages back to their homes." The IDF and ISA have rescued Qaid Farhan Alkadi from Gaza where he was held hostage, and brought him to his family in Israel. This operation was part of the IDF’s daring and courageous activities conducted deep inside the Gaza strip. This operation joins a series of actions… — יואב גלנט - Yoav Gallant (@yoavgallant) August 27, 2024 × Israeli campaign group the Hostages and Missing Families Forum called al-Qadi's rescue "miraculous" but pushed for a negotiated deal. "However, we must remember that military operations alone cannot free the remaining hostages who have suffered 326 days of abuse and terror," it said. Insisting that only a ceasefire could ensure the return of other captives, the campaign group said, "A negotiated deal is the only way forward." "We urgently call on the international community to maintain pressure on Hamas to accept the proposed deal and release all hostages," it added. (With inputs from agencies)

Israeli forces rescue 52-year-old hostage from Hamas' tunnel in Gaza; eighth live hostage rescue since Oct 7

<p><meta name="uuid" content="uuidmsljD2Mrl7BI" /></p>

<p>United Nations aid operations in Gaza ground to a halt on Monday (Aug 26) after Israel issued new evacuation orders on Sunday for Deir Al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip where the UN operations centre was located, said a senior UN official.</p>

<p>The evacuation order came as the UN prepares to begin on Saturday a campaign to vaccinate an estimated 640,000 children in Gaza, where the World Health Organization (WHO) said a 10-month-old baby had been paralysed by the type 2 poliovirus, the first such case in the territory in 25 years.</p>

<p>"We're unable to deliver today with the conditions that we're in," said the senior UN&nbsp;official, speaking on condition of anonymity. "As of this morning, we're not operating in Gaza."</p>

<p>The United Nations had relocated its main operations centre for the Gaza Strip and most UN personnel to Deir Al-Balah, the official said, after Israel ordered the evacuation of Rafah in the south of Gaza several months ago.</p>

<p>"Where do we move now?" said the official, adding that UN staff had to be moved so quickly that equipment was left behind.</p>

<p>The Israeli military's humanitarian unit (COGAT) did not immediately respond to a request for comment.</p>

<p>The senior UN official said UN staff on the ground had been directed to try and find a way to keep operating. He said UN operations had not been formally suspended.</p>

<p>"We're not leaving (Gaza) because the people need us there," the official said. "We're trying to balance the need of the population with the need for safety and security of the UN personnel."</p>

<p>Sam Rose, a senior field director for the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), said UNRWA was still managing to deliver health and other services on Monday, but noted that while&nbsp;UNRWA operated differently to the rest of the UN system it still faced the same challenges.</p>

<p>"We are being squeezed into ever smaller areas of Gaza," he told reporters on Monday. "The humanitarian zone declared by Israel has shrunk. It's now about 11 per cent of the entire Gaza Strip. But this isn't 11 per cent of land that is fit for habitation, fit for services, fit for life."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-hamas-war-un-says-9-gaza-aid-members-may-have-been-involved-in-october-7-attack-747565"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Israel-Hamas War: UN says 9 Gaza aid members may have been involved in October 7 attack</strong></a></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2>Food aid halved</h2>

<p>The current war in the Gaza Strip began on Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas gunmen stormed into Israeli communities, killing around 1,200 people and abducting about 250 hostages, according to Israeli tallies.</p>

<p>Since then, Israel's military has levelled swathes of the Palestinian enclave, driving nearly all of its 2.3 million people from their homes, giving rise to deadly hunger and disease and killing at least 40,000 people, according to Palestinian health authorities.</p>

<p>"The humanitarian response here is being completely strangled and limiting our ability of what we can do," said Louise Wateridge, spokesperson for UNRWA in Gaza, on Monday.</p>

<p>The UN has long complained of obstacles to getting aid into Gaza - Israel inspects and approves all trucks - and says it is also struggling to distribute aid amid&nbsp;"total lawlessness" within the enclave of 2.3 million people, where a global hunger monitor last month said there is a high risk of famine.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hamas-war-us-preparing-to-temporarily-remove-gaza-pier-heres-why-731893"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Israel-Hamas war: 'US preparing to temporarily remove Gaza pier due to...'</strong></a></p>

<p>The UN World Food Program (WFP) said on Monday that in the past two months it "managed to bring in only half of the 24,000 metric tonnes of food aid required for operations serving 1.1 million people." WFP said it was hampered by worsening conflict, a limited number of border crossings and damaged roads.</p>

<p>Rose said that more than 3,000 people would work on the polio vaccination campaign that is due to start on Saturday.</p>

<p>"Over 1,000 of them drawn from UNRWA, which is essentially the largest primary health care provider left in the Gaza Strip. The vaccines have come in. We're calling for calm. We're calling for humanitarian pauses," he said.</p>

<p><em>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.</em></p>


United Nations aid operations in Gaza ground to a halt on Monday (Aug 26) after Israel issued new evacuation orders on Sunday for Deir Al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip where the UN operations centre was located, said a senior UN official.

United Nations aid operations in Gaza ground to a halt on Monday (Aug 26) after Israel issued new evacuation orders on Sunday for Deir Al-Balah in the central Gaza Strip where the UN operations centre was located, said a senior UN official. The evacuation order came as the UN prepares to begin on Saturday a campaign to vaccinate an estimated 640,000 children in Gaza, where the World Health Organization (WHO) said a 10-month-old baby had been paralysed by the type 2 poliovirus, the first such case in the territory in 25 years. "We're unable to deliver today with the conditions that we're in," said the senior UN official, speaking on condition of anonymity. "As of this morning, we're not operating in Gaza." The United Nations had relocated its main operations centre for the Gaza Strip and most UN personnel to Deir Al-Balah, the official said, after Israel ordered the evacuation of Rafah in the south of Gaza several months ago. "Where do we move now?" said the official, adding that UN staff had to be moved so quickly that equipment was left behind. The Israeli military's humanitarian unit (COGAT) did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The senior UN official said UN staff on the ground had been directed to try and find a way to keep operating. He said UN operations had not been formally suspended. "We're not leaving (Gaza) because the people need us there," the official said. "We're trying to balance the need of the population with the need for safety and security of the UN personnel." Sam Rose, a senior field director for the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), said UNRWA was still managing to deliver health and other services on Monday, but noted that while UNRWA operated differently to the rest of the UN system it still faced the same challenges. "We are being squeezed into ever smaller areas of Gaza," he told reporters on Monday. "The humanitarian zone declared by Israel has shrunk. It's now about 11 per cent of the entire Gaza Strip. But this isn't 11 per cent of land that is fit for habitation, fit for services, fit for life." Watch | Israel-Hamas War: UN says 9 Gaza aid members may have been involved in October 7 attack × Food aid halved The current war in the Gaza Strip began on Oct. 7, 2023, when Hamas gunmen stormed into Israeli communities, killing around 1,200 people and abducting about 250 hostages, according to Israeli tallies. Since then, Israel's military has levelled swathes of the Palestinian enclave, driving nearly all of its 2.3 million people from their homes, giving rise to deadly hunger and disease and killing at least 40,000 people, according to Palestinian health authorities. "The humanitarian response here is being completely strangled and limiting our ability of what we can do," said Louise Wateridge, spokesperson for UNRWA in Gaza, on Monday. The UN has long complained of obstacles to getting aid into Gaza - Israel inspects and approves all trucks - and says it is also struggling to distribute aid amid "total lawlessness" within the enclave of 2.3 million people, where a global hunger monitor last month said there is a high risk of famine. Also read | Israel-Hamas war: 'US preparing to temporarily remove Gaza pier due to...' The UN World Food Program (WFP) said on Monday that in the past two months it "managed to bring in only half of the 24,000 metric tonnes of food aid required for operations serving 1.1 million people." WFP said it was hampered by worsening conflict, a limited number of border crossings and damaged roads. Rose said that more than 3,000 people would work on the polio vaccination campaign that is due to start on Saturday. "Over 1,000 of them drawn from UNRWA, which is essentially the largest primary health care provider left in the Gaza Strip. The vaccines have come in. We're calling for calm. We're calling for humanitarian pauses," he 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.

UN halts aid operations in Gaza Strip after Israeli evacuation orders

<p>Japan has slammed the first-ever incursion of a Chinese aircraft into its airspace by calling it "unacceptable" and a&nbsp;"serious violation" of its sovereignty.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The incursion took place on Monday (Aug 26) for a two-minute period around 11:29 am (0229 GMT) near the uninhabited Danjo Islands, which prompted the Japanese authorities to scramble its fighter jets in the region.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The violation of our country's airspace by Chinese military aircraft is not only a serious violation of our country's sovereignty, but also a threat to our safety, and we consider it utterly unacceptable,” Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi told a news conference.</p>

<p>The Danjo Islands are a group of&nbsp;small islets, located&nbsp;in the East China Sea off Japan's southern Nagasaki region, and are not disputed territory.</p>

<p>“We understand that this is the first confirmed and announced airspace incursion by a Chinese military aircraft since we started the anti-airspace incursion measures," he added.</p>

<p>Tokyo said China's military activities in recent years near its territory had started to increase, prompting the government to keep an even closer eye.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The government will continue to watch China's military activities with keen interest, and will take all possible measures to ensure vigilant surveillance and prevent airspace violations."</p>

<p>According to experts, China may have been probing Japan's air defence network and seeking intelligence as Tokyo extends&nbsp;its cooperation with the US and other countries in the volatile region.&nbsp;<br />
<br />
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/chinas-y-9-reconnaissance-plane-flew-over-japans-danjo-islands-753518"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;China's Y-9 Reconnaissance Plane flew over Japan's Danjo Islands</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>China issues statement&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>More than 24 hours after the incident, China issued a statement saying it had "no intention"&nbsp;of violating foreign airspace.</p>

<p>The statement came after US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan arrived in Beijing on Tuesday. According to reports, the issue might be brought up as Japan is Washington's closest ally in the region.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>The incursion comes against the backdrop of Chinese vessels and their repeated maritime provocations near disputed islands in the East China Sea - escalating regional tension.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japanese-broadcaster-nhk-apologises-for-staffer-claiming-senkaku-islands-as-chinese-territory-751978"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Japanese broadcaster NHK apologises for staffer claiming Senkaku Islands as ‘Chinese territory’</strong></a></p>

<p>Prior to Monday's incursion, China had sent its aircraft into&nbsp;Japanese territorial airspace on just two occasions.</p>

<p>The first instance came in 2012 when a&nbsp;propeller plane was detected, and another time in 2017 involving a small drone — occurred near the Japanese-controlled Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea. Notably, China claims the Senkaku Islands as its own and calls it&nbsp;the Diaoyu.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Japan has slammed the first-ever incursion of a Chinese aircraft into its airspace by calling it "unacceptable" and a "serious violation" of its sovereignty. The incursion took place on Monday (Aug 26) for a two-minute period around 11:29 am (0229 GMT) near the uninhabited Danjo Islands, which prompted the Japanese authorities to scramble its fighter jets in the region.

Japan has slammed the first-ever incursion of a Chinese aircraft into its airspace by calling it "unacceptable" and a "serious violation" of its sovereignty. The incursion took place on Monday (Aug 26) for a two-minute period around 11:29 am (0229 GMT) near the uninhabited Danjo Islands, which prompted the Japanese authorities to scramble its fighter jets in the region. “The violation of our country's airspace by Chinese military aircraft is not only a serious violation of our country's sovereignty, but also a threat to our safety, and we consider it utterly unacceptable,” Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi told a news conference. The Danjo Islands are a group of small islets, located in the East China Sea off Japan's southern Nagasaki region, and are not disputed territory. “We understand that this is the first confirmed and announced airspace incursion by a Chinese military aircraft since we started the anti-airspace incursion measures," he added. Tokyo said China's military activities in recent years near its territory had started to increase, prompting the government to keep an even closer eye. “The government will continue to watch China's military activities with keen interest, and will take all possible measures to ensure vigilant surveillance and prevent airspace violations." According to experts, China may have been probing Japan's air defence network and seeking intelligence as Tokyo extends its cooperation with the US and other countries in the volatile region. Watch | China's Y-9 Reconnaissance Plane flew over Japan's Danjo Islands × China issues statement More than 24 hours after the incident, China issued a statement saying it had "no intention" of violating foreign airspace. The statement came after US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan arrived in Beijing on Tuesday. According to reports, the issue might be brought up as Japan is Washington's closest ally in the region. The incursion comes against the backdrop of Chinese vessels and their repeated maritime provocations near disputed islands in the East China Sea - escalating regional tension. Also read | Japanese broadcaster NHK apologises for staffer claiming Senkaku Islands as ‘Chinese territory’ Prior to Monday's incursion, China had sent its aircraft into Japanese territorial airspace on just two occasions. The first instance came in 2012 when a propeller plane was detected, and another time in 2017 involving a small drone — occurred near the Japanese-controlled Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea. Notably, China claims the Senkaku Islands as its own and calls it the Diaoyu. (With inputs from agencies)

Japan slams China for incursion of military aircraft into its territory, Beijing responds

<p>Sanjay Roy, the main accused in the Kolkata horror murder-rape case has claimed during the polygraph test that the victim was already dead when he reached the seminar hall of the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Roy was subjected to a lie-detector test on Sunday (Aug 25) by a team of experts that had travelled to West Bengal's capital city from New Delhi. According to a report in <em>TOI</em>, the test yielded several false and unconvincing answers from Roy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The publication, citing sources stated that&nbsp;Roy appeared unnerved and anxious during the lie-detector test.&nbsp;As the CBI confronted him with several pieces of evidence, he cited multiple alibis.</p>

<p>Roy, a serial womaniser with a serious porn addiction, claimed that he ran away from the premises in fear when he spotted the dead body of the victim.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, according to Kolkata police, Roy had confessed to committing the crime in the aftermath of the incident. However, since then, he has made a U-turn, claiming that he was being framed for the incident.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Kolkata rape and murder case exposes failures on multiple fronts</strong></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What questions were asked?</strong></h2>

<p>According to sources, this test involved&nbsp;three types of questions: relevant, irrelevant, and control questions. Some of the questions posed to Roy were:&nbsp;</p>

<ul>
	<li>Is your name Sanjay Roy?</li>
	<li>Were you in the hospital on the day of the incident?</li>
	<li>Have you ever lied?</li>
	<li>Did you rape the victim?</li>
	<li>Did you kill the victim?</li>
	<li>Is the colour of tomato red?</li>
	<li>Was anyone else involved in the murder?</li>
	<li>Did you flee the hospital after the murder?</li>
	<li>Have you ever molested the victim before?</li>
	<li>Do you watch pornographic films?</li>
	<li>Did you visit a red-light area before the murder?</li>
	<li>Was your Bluetooth device broken in the seminar hall?</li>
	<li>Have you answered all the questions correctly?</li>
</ul>

<p>A total of seven people in connection to the case were subjected to the lie-detector test over the course of the weekend.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>CBI raids principal's home</strong>&nbsp;</h2>

<p>Notably, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Sunday also raided 15 locations, including the premises of former&nbsp;Kar Medical College principal Sandip Ghosh in connection to the case.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The raid on Ghosh's residence lasted over 12 hours and started late after he kept the agency officials waiting for more than 70 minutes.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After the murder-rape incident first came to light, a case alleging financial irregularities at the Kolkata hospital has been filed against Ghosh, who seemingly has close relations with the upper echelons of Trinamool Congress (TMC) -- the ruling party in the state.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Sanjay Roy, the main accused in the Kolkata horror murder-rape case has claimed during the polygraph test that the victim was already dead when he reached the seminar hall of the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.

Sanjay Roy, the main accused in the Kolkata horror murder-rape case has claimed during the polygraph test that the victim was already dead when he reached the seminar hall of the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. Roy was subjected to a lie-detector test on Sunday (Aug 25) by a team of experts that had travelled to West Bengal's capital city from New Delhi. According to a report in TOI, the test yielded several false and unconvincing answers from Roy. The publication, citing sources stated that Roy appeared unnerved and anxious during the lie-detector test. As the CBI confronted him with several pieces of evidence, he cited multiple alibis. Roy, a serial womaniser with a serious porn addiction, claimed that he ran away from the premises in fear when he spotted the dead body of the victim. Notably, according to Kolkata police, Roy had confessed to committing the crime in the aftermath of the incident. However, since then, he has made a U-turn, claiming that he was being framed for the incident. Watch | Kolkata rape and murder case exposes failures on multiple fronts × What questions were asked? According to sources, this test involved three types of questions: relevant, irrelevant, and control questions. Some of the questions posed to Roy were: Is your name Sanjay Roy? Were you in the hospital on the day of the incident? Have you ever lied? Did you rape the victim? Did you kill the victim? Is the colour of tomato red? Was anyone else involved in the murder? Did you flee the hospital after the murder? Have you ever molested the victim before? Do you watch pornographic films? Did you visit a red-light area before the murder? Was your Bluetooth device broken in the seminar hall? Have you answered all the questions correctly? A total of seven people in connection to the case were subjected to the lie-detector test over the course of the weekend. CBI raids principal's home Notably, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) on Sunday also raided 15 locations, including the premises of former Kar Medical College principal Sandip Ghosh in connection to the case. The raid on Ghosh's residence lasted over 12 hours and started late after he kept the agency officials waiting for more than 70 minutes. After the murder-rape incident first came to light, a case alleging financial irregularities at the Kolkata hospital has been filed against Ghosh, who seemingly has close relations with the upper echelons of Trinamool Congress (TMC) -- the ruling party in the state. (With inputs from agencies)

Kolkata doctor rape-murder case: What main accused, Sanjay Roy, told CBI during polygraph test

<p>As French judicial authorities extended the detention of&nbsp;Pavel Durov, the likes of Elon Musk and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. among others came out in support of the founder and Telegram CEO.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Musk was the first to come out in solidarity and posted an interview clip of Pavel with former <em>Fox News </em>anchor, Tucker Carlson wherein the Telegram boss talked about the US authorities wanting him to install a backdoor in the app which would allow the likes of the FBI, CIA and other security agencies to monitor the users.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Musk posted a #FreePavel hashtag and later wrote,&nbsp;"POV: It’s 2030 in Europe and you’re being executed for liking a meme."</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="qme"><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/FreePavel?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#FreePavel</a><br />
<a href="https://t.co/B7AcJWswMs">pic.twitter.com/B7AcJWswMs</a></p>
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1827572720936030703?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 25, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">POV: It’s 2030 in Europe and you’re being executed for liking a meme <a href="https://t.co/OkZ6YS3u2P">https://t.co/OkZ6YS3u2P</a></p>
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) <a href="https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1827484648454418881?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 24, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Musk also slammed Mark Zuckerberg by quote-posting a user who questioned why the Meta CEO had not been arrested for similar allegations as those faced by Durov.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Because he already caved into censorship pressure. Instagram has a massive child exploitation problem, but no arrest for Zuck, as he censors free speech and gives governments backdoor access to user data," wrote Musk.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/telegram-ceo-pavel-durov-arrested-in-france-753254"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Telegram CEO Pavel Durov arrested in France&nbsp;</strong></a></p>

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<p>Meanwhile, RFK Jr. slammed the Emmanuel Macron government for attempting to curb free speech.</p>

<p>"France just arrested Pavel Durov, founder &amp; CEO of the encrypted, uncensored Telegram platform. The need to protect free speech has never been more urgent," wrote RFK Jr.&nbsp;</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">France just arrested Pavel Durov, founder &amp; CEO of the encrypted, uncensored Telegram platform. The need to protect free speech has never been more urgent.</p>
— Robert F. Kennedy Jr (@RobertKennedyJr) <a href="https://twitter.com/RobertKennedyJr/status/1827540616282055012?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 25, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<h2><strong>Why has Durov been arrested?</strong></h2>

<p>Durov was arrested by&nbsp;French authorities on Saturday evening (Aug 24) at Le Bourget airport near Paris when he was travelling from Azerbaijan on a private jet. He was arrested for Telegram failing to curb fraud, drug trafficking, cyberbullying, organised crime, and promotion of terrorism on the messaging app.</p>

<p>After his arrest, Telegram issued a statement, stating&nbsp;Durov had "nothing to hide" despite the allegations suggesting otherwise.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Telegram abides by EU laws, including the Digital Services Act -- its moderation is within industry standards," the company said in a statement published via the app.</p>

<p>"Pavel Durov has nothing to hide and travels frequently in Europe.&nbsp;It is absurd to claim that a platform or its owner are responsible for abuse of that platform."</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/telegram-chief-executive-pavel-durov-arrested-in-france-expected-to-appear-in-court-753047"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Telegram chief executive Pavel Durov arrested in France, faces possible indictment</strong></a></p>

<p>With a net worth, estimated by Forbes, at $15.5 billion, Durov left Russia in 2014. His departure followed his refusal to comply with a Russian court order demanding access to Telegram’s encrypted messages.</p>

<p>In August 2021, Durov became a French citizen. He moved himself and Telegram to Dubai in 2017. Reports indicate that he has also acquired citizenship in the United Arab Emirates and St. Kitts and Nevis, a Caribbean nation.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


As French judicial authorities extended the detention of Pavel Durov, the likes of Elon Musk and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. among others came out in support of the founder and Telegram CEO.

As French judicial authorities extended the detention of Pavel Durov, the likes of Elon Musk and Robert F. Kennedy Jr. among others came out in support of the founder and Telegram CEO. Musk was the first to come out in solidarity and posted an interview clip of Pavel with former Fox News anchor, Tucker Carlson wherein the Telegram boss talked about the US authorities wanting him to install a backdoor in the app which would allow the likes of the FBI, CIA and other security agencies to monitor the users. Musk posted a #FreePavel hashtag and later wrote, "POV: It’s 2030 in Europe and you’re being executed for liking a meme." #FreePavel pic.twitter.com/B7AcJWswMs — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 25, 2024 × POV: It’s 2030 in Europe and you’re being executed for liking a meme https://t.co/OkZ6YS3u2P — Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 24, 2024 × Musk also slammed Mark Zuckerberg by quote-posting a user who questioned why the Meta CEO had not been arrested for similar allegations as those faced by Durov. “Because he already caved into censorship pressure. Instagram has a massive child exploitation problem, but no arrest for Zuck, as he censors free speech and gives governments backdoor access to user data," wrote Musk. Watch | Telegram CEO Pavel Durov arrested in France × Meanwhile, RFK Jr. slammed the Emmanuel Macron government for attempting to curb free speech. "France just arrested Pavel Durov, founder & CEO of the encrypted, uncensored Telegram platform. The need to protect free speech has never been more urgent," wrote RFK Jr. France just arrested Pavel Durov, founder & CEO of the encrypted, uncensored Telegram platform. The need to protect free speech has never been more urgent. — Robert F. Kennedy Jr (@RobertKennedyJr) August 25, 2024 × Why has Durov been arrested? Durov was arrested by French authorities on Saturday evening (Aug 24) at Le Bourget airport near Paris when he was travelling from Azerbaijan on a private jet. He was arrested for Telegram failing to curb fraud, drug trafficking, cyberbullying, organised crime, and promotion of terrorism on the messaging app. After his arrest, Telegram issued a statement, stating Durov had "nothing to hide" despite the allegations suggesting otherwise. "Telegram abides by EU laws, including the Digital Services Act -- its moderation is within industry standards," the company said in a statement published via the app. "Pavel Durov has nothing to hide and travels frequently in Europe. It is absurd to claim that a platform or its owner are responsible for abuse of that platform." Also read | Telegram chief executive Pavel Durov arrested in France, faces possible indictment With a net worth, estimated by Forbes, at $15.5 billion, Durov left Russia in 2014. His departure followed his refusal to comply with a Russian court order demanding access to Telegram’s encrypted messages. In August 2021, Durov became a French citizen. He moved himself and Telegram to Dubai in 2017. Reports indicate that he has also acquired citizenship in the United Arab Emirates and St. Kitts and Nevis, a Caribbean nation. (With inputs from agencies)

From RFK Jr. to Elon Musk, calls rise to free Telegram CEO Pavel Durov

<p>Having eliminated Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Iran, Israel is on the prowl to hunt his successor Yahya Sinwar. Both the US and Israel have been cooperating for more than 10 months to triangulate Sinwar's position to take him out but it looks like the operation might take a while.&nbsp;</p>

<p>According to a report in <em>The New York Times</em>, citing unnamed officials from both sides, Washington feels the arrangement between the two countries was "very lopsided", with Israel gaining far more than the US was receiving in return.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The White House has reportedly shared information leading to Hamas leaders other than Sinwar, hoping to receive reciprocated Israeli intelligence about remaining American hostages in Hamas captivity but Israel has not been as forthcoming.&nbsp;</p>

<p>For Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, killing Sinwar would help send a message that Hamas' top leadership had been completely wiped out - making it easier for him to end the military campaign in Gaza.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, the task has been made difficult, especially after Sinwar started using analogue mode of communication. According to the report, at the beginning of the war, Sinwar's communications were conducted electronically but due to scarcity of fuel to power generators, Sinwar was using couriers to evade interception.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The joint Israeli-American intelligence force set up to track Sinwar is still cooperating but with both sides holding their cards tightly, the Hamas chief continues to live a charmed life.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hamas-chief-haniyehs-assassination-iran-orders-attack-on-israel-report-746163" target="_blank"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Hamas chief Haniyeh’s assassination: Iran orders attack on Israel: Report</strong></a></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/hamas-chief-haniyehs-assassination-iran-orders-attack-on-israel-report-746163/embed" width="560"></iframe></p>

<h2><strong>Who is Sinwar?</strong></h2>

<p>Born in Khan Younis in 1962, Sinwar is seen as one of the&nbsp;uncompromising top officials of Hamas. In the early 1980s, Sinwar was repeatedly arrested by Israel because of his involvement in anti-occupation activism held at the Islamic University in Gaza.</p>

<p>After completing his graduation, Sinwar set up a network of fighters who were trained for armed resistance against Israel. Later, this group became the well-known Qassam Brigades, which is the military wing of Hamas.</p>

<p>Alongside now-killed Mohammed Deif, the head of&nbsp;Qassam Brigades, Sinwar planned the October 7 attacks, whose foundations were set in place after IDF carried out a raid on Al Aqsa mosque in May 2021.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-confirms-hamas-military-leader-deifs-death-in-airstrike-day-after-haniyehs-assassination-746225"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Israel confirms Hamas military leader Deif’s death in airstrike, day after Haniyeh's assassination</strong></a></p>

<p>In the 23 years he spent in Israel's jail, Sinwar learnt Hebrew and also got well-versed in Israel's political affairs. In 2011, he was released as part of the prisoner exchange deal in which Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit was released from Hamas.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Having eliminated Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Iran, Israel is on the prowl to hunt his successor Yahya Sinwar. Both the US and Israel have been cooperating for more than 10 months to triangulate Sinwar's position to take him out but it looks like the operation might take a while.

Having eliminated Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Iran, Israel is on the prowl to hunt his successor Yahya Sinwar. Both the US and Israel have been cooperating for more than 10 months to triangulate Sinwar's position to take him out but it looks like the operation might take a while. According to a report in The New York Times, citing unnamed officials from both sides, Washington feels the arrangement between the two countries was "very lopsided", with Israel gaining far more than the US was receiving in return. The White House has reportedly shared information leading to Hamas leaders other than Sinwar, hoping to receive reciprocated Israeli intelligence about remaining American hostages in Hamas captivity but Israel has not been as forthcoming. For Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, killing Sinwar would help send a message that Hamas' top leadership had been completely wiped out - making it easier for him to end the military campaign in Gaza. However, the task has been made difficult, especially after Sinwar started using analogue mode of communication. According to the report, at the beginning of the war, Sinwar's communications were conducted electronically but due to scarcity of fuel to power generators, Sinwar was using couriers to evade interception. The joint Israeli-American intelligence force set up to track Sinwar is still cooperating but with both sides holding their cards tightly, the Hamas chief continues to live a charmed life. Watch | Hamas chief Haniyeh’s assassination: Iran orders attack on Israel: Report Who is Sinwar? Born in Khan Younis in 1962, Sinwar is seen as one of the uncompromising top officials of Hamas. In the early 1980s, Sinwar was repeatedly arrested by Israel because of his involvement in anti-occupation activism held at the Islamic University in Gaza. After completing his graduation, Sinwar set up a network of fighters who were trained for armed resistance against Israel. Later, this group became the well-known Qassam Brigades, which is the military wing of Hamas. Alongside now-killed Mohammed Deif, the head of Qassam Brigades, Sinwar planned the October 7 attacks, whose foundations were set in place after IDF carried out a raid on Al Aqsa mosque in May 2021. Also read | Israel confirms Hamas military leader Deif’s death in airstrike, day after Haniyeh's assassination In the 23 years he spent in Israel's jail, Sinwar learnt Hebrew and also got well-versed in Israel's political affairs. In 2011, he was released as part of the prisoner exchange deal in which Israeli soldier Gilad Shalit was released from Hamas. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel-Hamas war: After hunting Haniyeh, Israel on prowl for Sinwar but there's a catch

<p>The National Conference (NC) and Congress party have hit a roadblock on seat sharing after they announced the pre-poll alliance for the upcoming assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir. According to sources, the Congress party has demanded some seats but the NC is unwilling to give them.</p>

<p>To discuss the seat-sharing issue with the NC, the Congress party flew in KC Venugopal to Srinagar. Senior Congress leader Salman Khurshid has been in the Kashmir Valley for the last few days, holding meetings regarding seat sharing. Both the Congress leaders will meet Omar Abdullah and other NC leaders on Monday at his residence to decide on the seat-sharing issue.</p>

<p><strong>Also watch |&nbsp;Explained: Kashmir question &amp; Article 370 | Story from Kashmir accession to Parliament's integration</strong></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/explained-kashmir-question-article-370-story-from-kashmir-accession-to-parliaments-integration-668767/embed" width="560"></iframe></p>

<p>''I can give you an update after the meeting is over, the big update is that some Congress senior leaders are coming to meet our senior leaders Dr Farooq Abdullah and Omar Abdullah. They needed some clarification over some issues and it's always better to sit face to face to clear them. We will see what happens but whatever has to happen will happen today only as it's the last day,'' said senior NC leader Nasir Aslam Wani.<br />
&nbsp;<br />
Venugopal and Khurshid reached the residence of Farooq Abdullah to discuss the seat-sharing issue between the two parties. Tuesday (Aug 27) is the last day for filing nominations for the first phase of assembly elections. Although NC has filed nominations of two candidates for D.H. Pora and Doda, the rest of the seats are still open.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ladakh-gets-five-new-districts-this-is-what-it-means-for-ut-753354"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Ladakh gets five new districts; this is what it means for UT</strong></a></p>

<p>The decision of both parties will be out on Monday as deliberations have been continuously going on between and within both the parties. Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections will be held in three phases starting on September 18. The counting will be held on October 4.</p>


The National Conference (NC) and Congress party have hit a roadblock on seat sharing after they announced the pre-poll alliance for the upcoming assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir.

The National Conference (NC) and Congress party have hit a roadblock on seat sharing after they announced the pre-poll alliance for the upcoming assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir. According to sources, the Congress party has demanded some seats but the NC is unwilling to give them. To discuss the seat-sharing issue with the NC, the Congress party flew in KC Venugopal to Srinagar. Senior Congress leader Salman Khurshid has been in the Kashmir Valley for the last few days, holding meetings regarding seat sharing. Both the Congress leaders will meet Omar Abdullah and other NC leaders on Monday at his residence to decide on the seat-sharing issue. Also watch | Explained: Kashmir question & Article 370 | Story from Kashmir accession to Parliament's integration ''I can give you an update after the meeting is over, the big update is that some Congress senior leaders are coming to meet our senior leaders Dr Farooq Abdullah and Omar Abdullah. They needed some clarification over some issues and it's always better to sit face to face to clear them. We will see what happens but whatever has to happen will happen today only as it's the last day,'' said senior NC leader Nasir Aslam Wani. Venugopal and Khurshid reached the residence of Farooq Abdullah to discuss the seat-sharing issue between the two parties. Tuesday (Aug 27) is the last day for filing nominations for the first phase of assembly elections. Although NC has filed nominations of two candidates for D.H. Pora and Doda, the rest of the seats are still open. Also read | Ladakh gets five new districts; this is what it means for UT The decision of both parties will be out on Monday as deliberations have been continuously going on between and within both the parties. Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections will be held in three phases starting on September 18. The counting will be held on October 4.

Jammu and Kashmir: Congress-NC alliance hits roadblock on seat sharing

<p>Days after dropping out of the presidential race and endorsing Donald Trump, independent White House candidate Robert F Kennedy Jr&nbsp;has revealed what forced him to take the call.&nbsp;</p>

<p>RFK stated that his campaign failed to gain steam due to "censorship" by the media.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"It became clear to me that I did not have a path to victory," Kennedy said. "Sixteen months of censorship, of not being able to get on any network really except for Fox," said RFK in&nbsp;an interview with Shannon Bream on "Fox News Sunday".&nbsp;</p>

<p>"When Ross Perot ran, in the 10 months that he ran, he had 34 appearances on the networks. I had two appearances in 16 months, so I was blocked out of the networks, and I was blocked out of the debate. I had no path to victory."</p>

<p>As for extending his support to Trump and not the Democrats, RFK said the former president had been reaching out to his campaign periodically, with the two speaking just a few hours after the failed assassination attempt against the republican leader last month.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"He [Trump] invited me to form a unity government. We agreed that we'd be able to continue to criticize each other on the issues where we don't agree, but these issues are so important and they're a way of unifying the country," Kennedy added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-rfk-jr-endorses-trump-as-he-suspends-his-campaign-752874"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;US: RFK Jr. endorses Trump as he suspends his campaign</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>Kennedy's support for Trump</strong></h2>

<p>Kennedy, 70, the son of late Democrat&nbsp;politician and US Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy and nephew of the late President John F. Kennedy, started his campaign as a Democrat, challenging President Joe Biden for the nomination.</p>

<p>However, In October last year, Kennedy dropped out of the Democratic primary race to pursue his independent bid for the presidency. For a short period, both the Biden and Trump campaigns showed signs they were worried that Kennedy could draw enough support to change the election outcome.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-presidential-election-rfk-jr-endorses-trump-but-how-much-momentum-will-it-give-752900"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;US presidential election: RFK Jr. endorses Trump, but how much momentum will it give?</strong></a></p>

<p>The tide has since changed and Kennedy's support to Trump is expected to provide a marginal gain to the former president. RFK, however, has trained his guns on the Democrats for not being 'democratic' enough in choosing their presidential candidate.&nbsp;</p>

<p>After Biden dropped out of the race, the Democrats named Kamala Harris as their candidate despite the vice president not having won a single primary.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Days after dropping out of the presidential race and endorsing Donald Trump, independent White House candidate Robert F Kennedy Jr has revealed what forced him to take the call.

Days after dropping out of the presidential race and endorsing Donald Trump, independent White House candidate Robert F Kennedy Jr has revealed what forced him to take the call. RFK stated that his campaign failed to gain steam due to "censorship" by the media. "It became clear to me that I did not have a path to victory," Kennedy said. "Sixteen months of censorship, of not being able to get on any network really except for Fox," said RFK in an interview with Shannon Bream on "Fox News Sunday". "When Ross Perot ran, in the 10 months that he ran, he had 34 appearances on the networks. I had two appearances in 16 months, so I was blocked out of the networks, and I was blocked out of the debate. I had no path to victory." As for extending his support to Trump and not the Democrats, RFK said the former president had been reaching out to his campaign periodically, with the two speaking just a few hours after the failed assassination attempt against the republican leader last month. "He [Trump] invited me to form a unity government. We agreed that we'd be able to continue to criticize each other on the issues where we don't agree, but these issues are so important and they're a way of unifying the country," Kennedy added. Watch | US: RFK Jr. endorses Trump as he suspends his campaign × Kennedy's support for Trump Kennedy, 70, the son of late Democrat politician and US Attorney General Robert F. Kennedy and nephew of the late President John F. Kennedy, started his campaign as a Democrat, challenging President Joe Biden for the nomination. However, In October last year, Kennedy dropped out of the Democratic primary race to pursue his independent bid for the presidency. For a short period, both the Biden and Trump campaigns showed signs they were worried that Kennedy could draw enough support to change the election outcome. Also read | US presidential election: RFK Jr. endorses Trump, but how much momentum will it give? The tide has since changed and Kennedy's support to Trump is expected to provide a marginal gain to the former president. RFK, however, has trained his guns on the Democrats for not being 'democratic' enough in choosing their presidential candidate. After Biden dropped out of the race, the Democrats named Kamala Harris as their candidate despite the vice president not having won a single primary. (With inputs from agencies)

RFK Jr reveals why he dropped out of presidential race and endorsed Trump

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<p>German police on Saturday (Aug 24) arrested the suspect behind a knife rampage that left three people dead at a local festival in an attack claimed by the Islamic State group.</p>

<p>The assailant fled after striking in the western town of Solingen late on Friday, sparking a day-long manhunt.</p>

<p>"We have just arrested the true suspect," North Rhine-Westphalia region interior minister Herbert Reul said on public television late Saturday evening.</p>

<p>"The man we have been looking for all day has, since a short time ago, been (put) in detention," he said, adding that police had evidence to convict him.</p>

<p>In a statement on Telegram, IS's Amaq propaganda arm said "the perpetrator of the attack on a gathering of Christians in the city of Solingen in Germany yesterday was a soldier of the Islamic State".</p>

<p>IS said the attack was carried out as "revenge for Muslims in Palestine and everywhere", in an apparent reference to Israel's war with Palestinian militant group Hamas in the Gaza Strip.</p>

<p>The claim has yet to be verified. German officials have said that "a terrorist motive cannot be excluded".</p>

<p>According to the newspapers Bild and Spiegel, the suspect was a 26-year-old Syrian who arrived in Germany in December 2022 and had been granted a protected immigration status often given to those fleeing the war-torn country.</p>

<p>He was not previously known to the security services as an extremist, the outlets reported.</p>

<p>A police spokesman had told AFP earlier that officers had arrested a man in a raid at a hostel for asylum seekers, not far from the scene of Friday's attack.</p>

<p>Earlier on Saturday, a prosecutor said another person had also been arrested: a 15-year-old&nbsp;suspected of failing to report a criminal act.</p>

<p>Witnesses had allegedly seen the teen discussing the attack just before it happened with a man who could be the killer, said Markus Caspers, prosecutor of Duesseldorf, just west of Solingen.</p>

<p>The three people killed Friday were men of 56 and 67 years of age and a 56-year-old woman, officials said.</p>

<p>The victims had "no known ties between them",&nbsp;Caspers told a press conference.</p>

<p>Four of the people wounded in the attack were in a "serious" condition, officials said, revising down an earlier figure of five.</p>

<p>Chancellor Olaf Scholz had said the perpetrator "must be caught quickly and punished".</p>

<p>The attack took place as thousands of people gathered for the first night of a "Festival of Diversity", part of a series of events to mark Solingen's 650th anniversary.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/knife-attack-in-germanys-solingen-perpetrator-aimed-specifically-for-peoples-throats-say-police-752942"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Knife attack in Germany's Solingen: Perpetrator aimed specifically for people's throats, say police</strong></a></p>

<h2>High terror alert</h2>

<p>Germany has been on high alert for possible Islamist&nbsp;attacks.</p>

<p>Since the outbreak of the war in Gaza on October 7, the risk of&nbsp;Islamist&nbsp;plots had "worsened considerably", Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said, warning that "the threat posed by&nbsp;Islamist&nbsp;terrorism remains high".</p>

<p>Jihadists have carried out several attacks&nbsp;in Germany in recent years, the deadliest being a truck rampage at a Berlin Christmas market in 2016 that killed 12.</p>

<p>In May, a police officer was killed and five people were wounded in a knife attack at a far-right rally in the city of Mannheim, with an Islamist motive suspected.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/germany-knife-attack-police-wont-rule-out-terrorist-motive-15-year-old-detained-753027"><strong>Alo read |&nbsp;Germany knife attack: IS claims responsibility, calls it 'revenge' for 'Muslims in Palestine'</strong></a></p>

<p>Friday's attack occurred as thousands of people gathered in front of a stage for the first night of the three-day festival.</p>

<p>Witness Lars Breitzke told the Solinger Tageblatt newspaper he was a few metres away from the attack, not far from the stage, and "understood from the expression on the singer's face that something was wrong".</p>

<p>"And then, a metre away from me, a person fell," said Breitzke, who at first thought it was someone who had had too much to drink.&nbsp;</p>

<p>When he turned around, he saw other people lying on the ground in pools of blood.</p>

<p>Solingen mayor Tim-Oliver Kurzbach said the whole city was in "shock, horror and great grief".</p>

<p>Faeser called for the country to "remain united" as she denounced "those who want to stir up hatred" during a visit to the site of the tragedy.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Let us not be divided", she said.</p>

<p>Solingen is a city of some 150,000 people located between Duesseldorf and Cologne.</p>

<p>As many as 75,000 visitors had been expected to attend the "Festival of Diversity", which has now been cancelled.</p>

<p>Scholz's centre-left coalition faces regional elections next week in the east of the country, where the far-right AfD is leading strongly in the polls.</p>

<p>Germany took in more than a million asylum seekers in 2015-2016 at the height of Europe's migrant crisis.</p>

<p>The influx was deeply divisive in Germany and fuelled the popularity of the AfD.</p>

<p><em>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.</em></p>


German police on Saturday (Aug 24) arrested the suspect behind a knife rampage that left three people dead at a local festival in an attack claimed by the Islamic State group.

German police on Saturday (Aug 24) arrested the suspect behind a knife rampage that left three people dead at a local festival in an attack claimed by the Islamic State group. The assailant fled after striking in the western town of Solingen late on Friday, sparking a day-long manhunt. "We have just arrested the true suspect," North Rhine-Westphalia region interior minister Herbert Reul said on public television late Saturday evening. "The man we have been looking for all day has, since a short time ago, been (put) in detention," he said, adding that police had evidence to convict him. In a statement on Telegram, IS's Amaq propaganda arm said "the perpetrator of the attack on a gathering of Christians in the city of Solingen in Germany yesterday was a soldier of the Islamic State". IS said the attack was carried out as "revenge for Muslims in Palestine and everywhere", in an apparent reference to Israel's war with Palestinian militant group Hamas in the Gaza Strip. The claim has yet to be verified. German officials have said that "a terrorist motive cannot be excluded". According to the newspapers Bild and Spiegel, the suspect was a 26-year-old Syrian who arrived in Germany in December 2022 and had been granted a protected immigration status often given to those fleeing the war-torn country. He was not previously known to the security services as an extremist, the outlets reported. A police spokesman had told AFP earlier that officers had arrested a man in a raid at a hostel for asylum seekers, not far from the scene of Friday's attack. Earlier on Saturday, a prosecutor said another person had also been arrested: a 15-year-old suspected of failing to report a criminal act. Witnesses had allegedly seen the teen discussing the attack just before it happened with a man who could be the killer, said Markus Caspers, prosecutor of Duesseldorf, just west of Solingen. The three people killed Friday were men of 56 and 67 years of age and a 56-year-old woman, officials said. The victims had "no known ties between them", Caspers told a press conference. Four of the people wounded in the attack were in a "serious" condition, officials said, revising down an earlier figure of five. Chancellor Olaf Scholz had said the perpetrator "must be caught quickly and punished". The attack took place as thousands of people gathered for the first night of a "Festival of Diversity", part of a series of events to mark Solingen's 650th anniversary. Also read | Knife attack in Germany's Solingen: Perpetrator aimed specifically for people's throats, say police High terror alert Germany has been on high alert for possible Islamist attacks. Since the outbreak of the war in Gaza on October 7, the risk of Islamist plots had "worsened considerably", Interior Minister Nancy Faeser said, warning that "the threat posed by Islamist terrorism remains high". Jihadists have carried out several attacks in Germany in recent years, the deadliest being a truck rampage at a Berlin Christmas market in 2016 that killed 12. In May, a police officer was killed and five people were wounded in a knife attack at a far-right rally in the city of Mannheim, with an Islamist motive suspected. Alo read | Germany knife attack: IS claims responsibility, calls it 'revenge' for 'Muslims in Palestine' Friday's attack occurred as thousands of people gathered in front of a stage for the first night of the three-day festival. Witness Lars Breitzke told the Solinger Tageblatt newspaper he was a few metres away from the attack, not far from the stage, and "understood from the expression on the singer's face that something was wrong". "And then, a metre away from me, a person fell," said Breitzke, who at first thought it was someone who had had too much to drink. When he turned around, he saw other people lying on the ground in pools of blood. Solingen mayor Tim-Oliver Kurzbach said the whole city was in "shock, horror and great grief". Faeser called for the country to "remain united" as she denounced "those who want to stir up hatred" during a visit to the site of the tragedy. "Let us not be divided", she said. Solingen is a city of some 150,000 people located between Duesseldorf and Cologne. As many as 75,000 visitors had been expected to attend the "Festival of Diversity", which has now been cancelled. Scholz's centre-left coalition faces regional elections next week in the east of the country, where the far-right AfD is leading strongly in the polls. Germany took in more than a million asylum seekers in 2015-2016 at the height of Europe's migrant crisis. The influx was deeply divisive in Germany and fuelled the popularity of the AfD. 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.

Suspect who killed 3 in Germany knife attack arrested by authorities

<p>Hezbollah had planned to launch large-scale missile and drone attacks in central Israel on Sunday (Aug 25) morning before Tel Aviv came up with its pre-emptive strikes, a report in <em>Times of Israel&nbsp;</em>has claimed, citing IDF intelligence sources.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Iran-backed outfit was aiming for the&nbsp;Glilot base near Herzliya, where several IDF intelligence units and the Mossad headquarters are based. The attack was supposed to start around 5 am local time but the Israeli forces drew first blood.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>Lebanon's state-run news agency reported that Israeli strikes in the southern region on Sunday were "the most violent" since the war in Gaza against Hamas began in October last year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As soon as the Israeli fighter jets were scrambled out of the hangars to launch the attacks, IDF issued a statement to residents of southern Lebanon to seek safer pastures.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Fighter jets are now attacking targets of the Hezbollah terrorist organisation that posed an immediate threat to the Israeli home front," the IDF said in a statement.</p>

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<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-launches-pre-emptive-strikes-on-lebanon-753106"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Israel launches pre-emptive strikes on Lebanon</strong></a></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>'Whoever harms us'</strong></h2>

<p>Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu chaired a cabinet meeting after the pre-emptive strikes and vowed that Tel Aviv would respond to anyone who tried to 'harm us'.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We are determined to do everything to protect our country, return the residents of the north safely to their homes and continue to follow a simple rule: Whoever harms us — we harm them," said Netanyahu.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“This morning we detected Hezbollah’s preparations to attack Israel. In consultation with the defence minister and the IDF chief of staff, we instructed the IDF to act proactively to remove the threat," he added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-launches-pre-emptive-strike-in-lebanon-to-prevent-large-scale-hezbollah-attack-753044"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Israel launches pre-emptive strike in Lebanon to prevent large-scale Hezbollah attack</strong></a></p>

<p>Meanwhile,&nbsp;Defence Minister Yoav Gallant announced a 48-hour nationwide state of emergency from 06:00 am (0300 GMT) Sunday.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The declaration on the state of emergency enables the IDF (Israeli military) to issue instructions to the citizens of Israel, including limiting gatherings and closing sites where it may be relevant," Gallant said, in a statement issued by his office.</p>

<p>After Israel's pre-emptive strikes, Hezbollah also announced it had launched attacks in northern Israel. Hezbollah said it had launched 'more than 320' Katyusha rockets while Israel claimed only 220 rockets and around 20 drones were fired.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Hezbollah had planned to launch large-scale missile and drone attacks in central Israel on Sunday (Aug 25) morning before Tel Aviv came up with its pre-emptive strikes, a report in Times of Israel has claimed, citing IDF intelligence sources.

Hezbollah had planned to launch large-scale missile and drone attacks in central Israel on Sunday (Aug 25) morning before Tel Aviv came up with its pre-emptive strikes, a report in Times of Israel has claimed, citing IDF intelligence sources. The Iran-backed outfit was aiming for the Glilot base near Herzliya, where several IDF intelligence units and the Mossad headquarters are based. The attack was supposed to start around 5 am local time but the Israeli forces drew first blood. Lebanon's state-run news agency reported that Israeli strikes in the southern region on Sunday were "the most violent" since the war in Gaza against Hamas began in October last year. As soon as the Israeli fighter jets were scrambled out of the hangars to launch the attacks, IDF issued a statement to residents of southern Lebanon to seek safer pastures. "Fighter jets are now attacking targets of the Hezbollah terrorist organisation that posed an immediate threat to the Israeli home front," the IDF said in a statement. FIRST VISUALS: Missiles seen fired over Israel-Lebanon border as Israeli Defence Forces conduct preemptive strike against Hezbollah targets#Lebanon #Israel READ MORE: https://t.co/Ur1X2rIU6R pic.twitter.com/8j4vXAUzD8 — WION (@WIONews) August 25, 2024 × Watch | Israel launches pre-emptive strikes on Lebanon × 'Whoever harms us' Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu chaired a cabinet meeting after the pre-emptive strikes and vowed that Tel Aviv would respond to anyone who tried to 'harm us'. “We are determined to do everything to protect our country, return the residents of the north safely to their homes and continue to follow a simple rule: Whoever harms us — we harm them," said Netanyahu. “This morning we detected Hezbollah’s preparations to attack Israel. In consultation with the defence minister and the IDF chief of staff, we instructed the IDF to act proactively to remove the threat," he added. Also read | Israel launches pre-emptive strike in Lebanon to prevent large-scale Hezbollah attack Meanwhile, Defence Minister Yoav Gallant announced a 48-hour nationwide state of emergency from 06:00 am (0300 GMT) Sunday. "The declaration on the state of emergency enables the IDF (Israeli military) to issue instructions to the citizens of Israel, including limiting gatherings and closing sites where it may be relevant," Gallant said, in a statement issued by his office. After Israel's pre-emptive strikes, Hezbollah also announced it had launched attacks in northern Israel. Hezbollah said it had launched 'more than 320' Katyusha rockets while Israel claimed only 220 rockets and around 20 drones were fired. (With inputs from agencies)

Great escape for Israel? Hezbollah planned to attack IDF, Mossad headquarters in central region

<p>The Israeli military on Sunday (Aug 25) launched pre-emptive strikes in Lebanon to prevent large-scale strikes from the Iranian-backed Hezbollah. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF)&nbsp;said they had detected preparations by Iran-backed Hezbollah to launch rockets and missiles.</p>

<p>The residents in areas of southern Lebanon where Hezbollah primarily operates were warned of the strikes and urged to "leave Immediately".&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Fighter jets are now attacking targets of the Hezbollah terrorist organisation that posed an immediate threat to the Israeli home front," the IDF said in a statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"Following these attacks and in accordance with the assessment of the situation held by the Home Front Command, life-saving instructions will be distributed in some areas of the country," it added.&nbsp;</p>

<p>IDF Spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said Tel Aviv had launched the attacks in self-defence while anticipating that Hezbollah would soon fire "rockets, and possibly missiles and UAVs, towards Israeli territory". ‌</p>

<p>Meanwhile, residents of Golan Heights, the area where Hezbollah last fired rockets at a park and killed children, were also ordered by the IDF to stay near bomb shelters and avoid unnecessary movements.&nbsp;</p>

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<p>According to Lebanese media, around 40 Israeli strikes had been reported in the region as of the last update. Meanwhile, Hezbollah also announced that it had launched attacks in northern Israel.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"As part of the initial response to the brutal Zionist aggression on the southern suburbs of Beirut, which led to the death of the great Jihad leader, Mr Fuad Shukr, our forces began a large-scale air attack towards the Zionist entity and towards a specific Israeli military target to be announced in the future."</p>

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בעקבות תקיפות אלו ובהתאם להערכת המצב שהתקיימה בפיקוד העורף, יופצו הנחיות מצילות חיים בחלק מאזורי הארץ. תעקבו אחר ההנחיות המעודכנות בפלטפורמות של דובר צה"ל ופיקוד העורף <a href="https://t.co/LtbYA1odYM">pic.twitter.com/LtbYA1odYM</a></p>
— דובר צה״ל דניאל הגרי - Daniel Hagari (@IDFSpokesperson) <a href="https://twitter.com/IDFSpokesperson/status/1827525115292123508?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 25, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-hezbollah-tensions-israeli-airstrikes-in-southern-lebanon-kill-8-752965"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Israel-Hezbollah tensions: Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon kill 8</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>Israel vs Hezbollah</strong></h2>

<p>Tel Aviv has&nbsp;been trading fire with Hezbollah across the southern Lebanon border in parallel with the Gaza war as rising hostilities increase the threat of a full-scale regional war.&nbsp;</p>

<p>More than 600 people in Lebanon have been killed since the start of the clashes last October, including more than 400 Hezbollah combatants and over 130 civilians, according to a Reuters toll.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/middle-east/israels-security-cabinet-faces-assassination-threat-from-iran-hezbollah-750716"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Israel's security cabinet faces assassination threat from Iran, Hezbollah</strong></a></p>

<p>Israel's pre-emptive strike on Sunday could further push Iran to launch its military campaign, especially after Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh was killed on its soil.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Tehran has vowed to avenge the loss of Haniyeh but refrained from launching an all-out attack against Israel with the likes of the US and other Western nations recommending caution to avoid a spillover effect in the region.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Israeli military on Sunday (Aug 25) launched pre-emptive strikes in Lebanon to prevent large-scale strikes from the Iranian-backed Hezbollah. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said they had detected preparations by Iran-backed Hezbollah to launch rockets and missiles.

The Israeli military on Sunday (Aug 25) launched pre-emptive strikes in Lebanon to prevent large-scale strikes from the Iranian-backed Hezbollah. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said they had detected preparations by Iran-backed Hezbollah to launch rockets and missiles. The residents in areas of southern Lebanon where Hezbollah primarily operates were warned of the strikes and urged to "leave Immediately". "Fighter jets are now attacking targets of the Hezbollah terrorist organisation that posed an immediate threat to the Israeli home front," the IDF said in a statement. "Following these attacks and in accordance with the assessment of the situation held by the Home Front Command, life-saving instructions will be distributed in some areas of the country," it added. IDF Spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said Tel Aviv had launched the attacks in self-defence while anticipating that Hezbollah would soon fire "rockets, and possibly missiles and UAVs, towards Israeli territory". ‌ Meanwhile, residents of Golan Heights, the area where Hezbollah last fired rockets at a park and killed children, were also ordered by the IDF to stay near bomb shelters and avoid unnecessary movements. FIRST VISUALS: Missiles seen fired over Israel-Lebanon border as Israeli Defence Forces conduct preemptive strike against Hezbollah targets#Lebanon #Israel READ MORE: https://t.co/Ur1X2rIU6R pic.twitter.com/8j4vXAUzD8 — WION (@WIONews) August 25, 2024 × According to Lebanese media, around 40 Israeli strikes had been reported in the region as of the last update. Meanwhile, Hezbollah also announced that it had launched attacks in northern Israel. "As part of the initial response to the brutal Zionist aggression on the southern suburbs of Beirut, which led to the death of the great Jihad leader, Mr Fuad Shukr, our forces began a large-scale air attack towards the Zionist entity and towards a specific Israeli military target to be announced in the future." מטוסי קרב תוקפים כעת מטרות של ארגון הטרור חיזבאללה שהיוו איום מיידי על העורף הישראלי. בעקבות תקיפות אלו ובהתאם להערכת המצב שהתקיימה בפיקוד העורף, יופצו הנחיות מצילות חיים בחלק מאזורי הארץ. תעקבו אחר ההנחיות המעודכנות בפלטפורמות של דובר צה"ל ופיקוד העורף pic.twitter.com/LtbYA1odYM — דובר צה״ל דניאל הגרי - Daniel Hagari (@IDFSpokesperson) August 25, 2024 × Watch | Israel-Hezbollah tensions: Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon kill 8 × Israel vs Hezbollah Tel Aviv has been trading fire with Hezbollah across the southern Lebanon border in parallel with the Gaza war as rising hostilities increase the threat of a full-scale regional war. More than 600 people in Lebanon have been killed since the start of the clashes last October, including more than 400 Hezbollah combatants and over 130 civilians, according to a Reuters toll. Also read | Israel's security cabinet faces assassination threat from Iran, Hezbollah Israel's pre-emptive strike on Sunday could further push Iran to launch its military campaign, especially after Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh was killed on its soil. Tehran has vowed to avenge the loss of Haniyeh but refrained from launching an all-out attack against Israel with the likes of the US and other Western nations recommending caution to avoid a spillover effect in the region. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel launches pre-emptive strike in Lebanon to prevent large-scale Hezbollah attack

<p>In an era marked by environmental challenges, the concept of eco-anxiety has emerged as an overwhelming toll on our hearts and minds.</p>

<h2><strong>Eco-Anxiety: The silent struggle</strong></h2>

<p>As people around the world grapple with environmental issues causing climate crisis, ranging from pollution, deforestation, forest fires and heat waves, there has emerged a profound sense of worry and helplessness.&nbsp;</p>

<p>This in many cases leads to a new form of psychological distress, for which experts have coined the term: "Eco-Anxiety".</p>

<p>The American Psychological Association (APA) recognises it as a "chronic fear of environmental doom".&nbsp;</p>

<p>The term encapsulates the psychological impact of ecological concerns faced by individuals as they witness the degradation of our environment and see its visible effects like smog-blanketed skies — daily reminders of the challenges our planet and we face.</p>

<h2><strong>Pollution and mental health</strong></h2>

<p>Recently, the Indian capital New Delhi has been living under a blanket of toxic air, which has made it hard for people to breathe.&nbsp;</p>

<p>There were days when the AQI (Air Quality Index) levels plummeted to a hazardous level of up to 999 in some areas. Naturally, this gave rise to a number of health problems. While many landed in hospitals, others battled a silent enemy.</p>

<p>Recent research has also shed light on the connection between pollution and mental health. Studies indicate that exposure to air pollution can contribute to an increased risk of mental health issues.</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/new-delhi-gets-a-breather-overnight-rains-bring-clear-smog-657159">New Delhi gets a breather, overnight rains bring relief, clear smog</a></strong></p>

<p>Talking to WION, Shannon Olsson, a chemical ecologist with over 20 years of experience said that for Delhi, the well-known pollution causes like vehicular emissions, stubble burning etc "come together in (a) perfect storm to create these incredibly high pollution levels which are really a little hard to comprehend even when you're in Delhi".</p>

<h2><strong>A sense of helplessness&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Olsson, who is the Danish Academy of Technical Sciences (ATV) Special Scientific Envoy to India, said that natural disasters, coupled with wars and the many crises lead to a "helplessness that you feel as an individual".</p>

<p>"You feel like, what can I possibly do to try to control this? It feels like you have very little control and that produces obviously a fear because also these things are dangerous."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/baltic-sea-situation-dire-due-to-human-activities-and-global-warming-report-654606">Baltic Sea in 'dire' state due to human activities and global warming: Report</a></strong></p>

<p>Olsson, the Founder and Global Director at the echo network says that eco-anxiety can manifest helplessness similar to what one feels when "they've lost a loved one or lost a job," which then "causes huge anxiety" especially among "children and our youth who are growing up in these environments where they feel very, very insecure about their own futures."</p>

<p>This sense of helplessness is also felt by parents.</p>

<p>Talking to WION, Neha Sonawane, a lawyer and a new mother, summed up the eco-anxiety felt by parents in one line: "As I started on this journey of parenthood, it is mostly this feeling of overwhelming sense of responsibility for the world".</p>

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<h5>"My child would inherit the reality of climate change along with man made disasters and wars".</h5>
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<p>"I don't know how much my small footprint matters in this larger carbon footprint, but I can try and I can hope that I teach my child a kind, more sustainable method of living," she added.</p>

<h2><strong>How to deal with eco-anxiety?</strong></h2>

<p>Like any other mental health concern, seeking professional help is a must. Along with that, it takes effort.</p>

<p>"Anything like air pollution, it can't be dealt with by one person, it requires a concerted effort and I think this is one of the major limiting factors," says Olsson.</p>

<p>Living sustainably is another way.</p>

<p>"There are lots of ways that we can reduce our impact on the environment by reusing items by reducing our usage of things like plastic by trying to walk as much as possible by trying to reduce or trying to take public transport as it's available to us."</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/science/astronomers-want-to-give-space-a-socially-conscious-makeover-push-for-renaming-magellan-galaxies-658473">Scientists call to rename Magellan galaxies alleging their namesake had a violent legacy</a></strong></p>

<p>"There's many things that we can do and there's lots of alternatives coming out all the time so just keeping our minds open to what is available to us. And there's lots of cool startups in India right now that are doing really great things, really wonderful, sustainable things that helps me a lot because it helps me to know that there are really wonderful people doing great things and that reduces my anxiety by just seeing that light in other people," she adds.</p>

<p>However, as per Olsson, all is not bad.</p>

<p>"As a scientist I can tell you if you look at the statistics, the world is actually getting better. Overall, people are living better, things are getting better. The world is actually not as bad as it seems. We just have to keep that hope and keep trying."&nbsp;</p>

<p>"So the important thing I say is, do not give up, do not just sit down and say there's nothing, the world is ending. Because it's not."</p>


In an era marked by environmental challenges, the concept of eco-anxiety has emerged as an overwhelming toll on our hearts and minds. Eco-Anxiety: The silent struggle As people around the world grapple with environmental issues causing climate crisis, ranging from pollution, deforestation, forest fires and heat waves, there has emerged a profound sense of worry and helplessness.

In an era marked by environmental challenges, the concept of eco-anxiety has emerged as an overwhelming toll on our hearts and minds. Eco-Anxiety: The silent struggle As people around the world grapple with environmental issues causing climate crisis, ranging from pollution, deforestation, forest fires and heat waves, there has emerged a profound sense of worry and helplessness. This in many cases leads to a new form of psychological distress, for which experts have coined the term: "Eco-Anxiety". The American Psychological Association (APA) recognises it as a "chronic fear of environmental doom". The term encapsulates the psychological impact of ecological concerns faced by individuals as they witness the degradation of our environment and see its visible effects like smog-blanketed skies — daily reminders of the challenges our planet and we face. Pollution and mental health Recently, the Indian capital New Delhi has been living under a blanket of toxic air, which has made it hard for people to breathe. There were days when the AQI (Air Quality Index) levels plummeted to a hazardous level of up to 999 in some areas. Naturally, this gave rise to a number of health problems. While many landed in hospitals, others battled a silent enemy. Recent research has also shed light on the connection between pollution and mental health. Studies indicate that exposure to air pollution can contribute to an increased risk of mental health issues. Also read | New Delhi gets a breather, overnight rains bring relief, clear smog Talking to WION, Shannon Olsson, a chemical ecologist with over 20 years of experience said that for Delhi, the well-known pollution causes like vehicular emissions, stubble burning etc "come together in (a) perfect storm to create these incredibly high pollution levels which are really a little hard to comprehend even when you're in Delhi". A sense of helplessness Olsson, who is the Danish Academy of Technical Sciences (ATV) Special Scientific Envoy to India, said that natural disasters, coupled with wars and the many crises lead to a "helplessness that you feel as an individual". "You feel like, what can I possibly do to try to control this? It feels like you have very little control and that produces obviously a fear because also these things are dangerous." Also read | Baltic Sea in 'dire' state due to human activities and global warming: Report Olsson, the Founder and Global Director at the echo network says that eco-anxiety can manifest helplessness similar to what one feels when "they've lost a loved one or lost a job," which then "causes huge anxiety" especially among "children and our youth who are growing up in these environments where they feel very, very insecure about their own futures." This sense of helplessness is also felt by parents. Talking to WION, Neha Sonawane, a lawyer and a new mother, summed up the eco-anxiety felt by parents in one line: "As I started on this journey of parenthood, it is mostly this feeling of overwhelming sense of responsibility for the world". "My child would inherit the reality of climate change along with man made disasters and wars". × "I don't know how much my small footprint matters in this larger carbon footprint, but I can try and I can hope that I teach my child a kind, more sustainable method of living," she added. How to deal with eco-anxiety? Like any other mental health concern, seeking professional help is a must. Along with that, it takes effort. "Anything like air pollution, it can't be dealt with by one person, it requires a concerted effort and I think this is one of the major limiting factors," says Olsson. Living sustainably is another way. "There are lots of ways that we can reduce our impact on the environment by reusing items by reducing our usage of things like plastic by trying to walk as much as possible by trying to reduce or trying to take public transport as it's available to us." Also read | Scientists call to rename Magellan galaxies alleging their namesake had a violent legacy "There's many things that we can do and there's lots of alternatives coming out all the time so just keeping our minds open to what is available to us. And there's lots of cool startups in India right now that are doing really great things, really wonderful, sustainable things that helps me a lot because it helps me to know that there are really wonderful people doing great things and that reduces my anxiety by just seeing that light in other people," she adds. However, as per Olsson, all is not bad. "As a scientist I can tell you if you look at the statistics, the world is actually getting better. Overall, people are living better, things are getting better. The world is actually not as bad as it seems. We just have to keep that hope and keep trying." "So the important thing I say is, do not give up, do not just sit down and say there's nothing, the world is ending. Because it's not."

Pollution, climate crisis, and more: 'Eco-anxiety' driving up 'impending sense of doom'

<p>Oprah Winfrey made a surprise appearance on the third day of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago on Wednesday (Aug 21) much to the surprise of thousands of supporters gathered at the&nbsp;United Center.</p>

<p>The former talk show host instantly went after Republican vice presidential candidate, JD Vance, over his controversial 'childless cat lady' remark.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"When a house is on fire, we don't ask about the homeowner's race or religion, we don't wonder who their partner is or how they voted, no, we just try to do the best we can to save them," said Winfrey.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"And if the place happens to belong to a childless cat lady. Well, we try and get that cat out too," Winfrey&nbsp;said to laughs and applause.</p>

<p>Winfrey took the stage as Tim Walz officially secured party nomination for the vice president post. Apart from slamming Vance, Winfrey also took veiled shots at the Republican party.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"There are people who want you to see our country as a nation of us against them, people who want to scare you, who want to rule you."&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/breaking-us-vice-presidential-candidates-tim-walz-jd-vance-agree-to-october-1-debate-750486"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;US Vice Presidential candidates Tim Walz, JD Vance agree to October 1 debate</strong></a></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>What did Vance say?</strong></h2>

<p>Vance in a 2021 interview with former <em>Fox News </em>host, Tucker Carlson,&nbsp;had said that the US was being run "by a bunch of childless cat ladies who are miserable at their own lives and the choices that they've made and so they want to make the rest of the country miserable too".</p>

<p>After he was announced as Donald Trump's running mate, the video surfaced, leading to intense backlash with Hollywood star Jennifer Aniston calling out Vance.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, the Republican leader doubled down on the criticism and defended the remark stating it was made in a sarcastic way.&nbsp; &nbsp;</p>

<p>"Apparently it was a sarcastic comment. People are focusing so much on the sarcasm and not on the substance of what I actually said. The substance of what I said, I'm sorry, it's true," said Vance.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-is-rakesh-bhatt-hindu-priest-who-started-dnc-day-3-in-chicago-with-vedic-prayers-752104"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Who is Rakesh Bhatt? Hindu priest who started DNC Day 3 in Chicago with Vedic prayers</strong></a></p>

<p>Vance, father of three, said he was not criticising those who do not have children.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"The remark was about criticising the Democratic Party for becoming anti-family and anti-children. was trying to say that having children, whether as a father or a mother, is a life-changing event that significantly shapes your worldview in a pretty profound way."</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Oprah Winfrey made a surprise appearance on the third day of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago on Wednesday (Aug 21) much to the surprise of thousands of supporters gathered at the United Center.

Oprah Winfrey made a surprise appearance on the third day of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) in Chicago on Wednesday (Aug 21) much to the surprise of thousands of supporters gathered at the United Center. The former talk show host instantly went after Republican vice presidential candidate, JD Vance, over his controversial 'childless cat lady' remark. "When a house is on fire, we don't ask about the homeowner's race or religion, we don't wonder who their partner is or how they voted, no, we just try to do the best we can to save them," said Winfrey. "And if the place happens to belong to a childless cat lady. Well, we try and get that cat out too," Winfrey said to laughs and applause. Winfrey took the stage as Tim Walz officially secured party nomination for the vice president post. Apart from slamming Vance, Winfrey also took veiled shots at the Republican party. "There are people who want you to see our country as a nation of us against them, people who want to scare you, who want to rule you." Watch | US Vice Presidential candidates Tim Walz, JD Vance agree to October 1 debate × What did Vance say? Vance in a 2021 interview with former Fox News host, Tucker Carlson, had said that the US was being run "by a bunch of childless cat ladies who are miserable at their own lives and the choices that they've made and so they want to make the rest of the country miserable too". After he was announced as Donald Trump's running mate, the video surfaced, leading to intense backlash with Hollywood star Jennifer Aniston calling out Vance. However, the Republican leader doubled down on the criticism and defended the remark stating it was made in a sarcastic way. "Apparently it was a sarcastic comment. People are focusing so much on the sarcasm and not on the substance of what I actually said. The substance of what I said, I'm sorry, it's true," said Vance. Also read | Who is Rakesh Bhatt? Hindu priest who started DNC Day 3 in Chicago with Vedic prayers Vance, father of three, said he was not criticising those who do not have children. "The remark was about criticising the Democratic Party for becoming anti-family and anti-children. was trying to say that having children, whether as a father or a mother, is a life-changing event that significantly shapes your worldview in a pretty profound way." (With inputs from agencies)

Oprah Winfrey takes veiled dig at JD Vance over 'childless cat lady' remark during surprise DNC speech

<p>India will spend nearly $300 million in two years to expand water bodies like lakes and build drains in seven cities including Mumbai, Chennai and Bengaluru to mitigate floods and conserve water, a government official told Reuters on Wednesday (Aug 21).</p>

<p>Flooding, often fatal, is common in Indian cities every monsoon as rapid urbanisation devours city lakes and waste clogs drains. Such flooding has been preceded by severe water shortages in recent years, especially in Delhi and Bengaluru, where once-plenty water storage spaces have shrunk.</p>

<p>Ratings agency Moody's warned in June that India's growing water stress could affect its growth, which at a projected 7.2 per cent this April-March fiscal year is the highest among major economies.</p>

<p>The federal government spending, the first flood control measure focused on water bodies, was approved recently and will also incorporate early-warning systems, said Krishna S. Vatsa, one of the three members of the National Disaster Management Authority.</p>

<p>"It could become one of the most significant approaches to flood mitigation in the cities," Vatsa said in an interview.</p>

<p>"While the importance of stormwater drainage in reducing the runoff cannot be overlooked, they also need to be supplemented by some of the nature-based solutions such as increasing the capacity of rivers and lakes to carry rainwater."</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;India Monsoon: Heavy rains triggers floods 7 landslides</strong></p>

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<p>He said of the 25 billion rupees ($298 million), Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata would each receive 5 billion rupees, while Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Pune will get 2.5 billion rupees each. No allotment was made for the capital Delhi, since the cities were chosen based on the frequency of floods and an assessment of resulting losses there, Vatsa said.</p>

<p>However, he warned that longer-term measures were also needed, especially since the country was witnessing huge volumes of rain in a short span of time.</p>

<p>More than 300 mm (11.8 inches) of rain lashed India's financial capital Mumbai in six hours early on July 8, authorities have said.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/after-himachal-and-kerala-indias-flood-fury-turns-to-maharashtra-747359"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;After Himachal and Kerala, India's flood fury turns to Maharashtra</strong></a></p>

<p>"Whenever a city receives 100 mm of rainfall, there is bound to be inundation," Vatsa said. "You need a certain level of investment continuously which is supported by a whole lot of governance measures so that the problem could be reduced."</p>

<p><em>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.</em></p>


India will spend nearly $300 million in two years to expand water bodies like lakes and build drains in seven cities including Mumbai, Chennai and Bengaluru to mitigate floods and conserve water, a government official told Reuters on Wednesday (Aug 21).

India will spend nearly $300 million in two years to expand water bodies like lakes and build drains in seven cities including Mumbai, Chennai and Bengaluru to mitigate floods and conserve water, a government official told Reuters on Wednesday (Aug 21). Flooding, often fatal, is common in Indian cities every monsoon as rapid urbanisation devours city lakes and waste clogs drains. Such flooding has been preceded by severe water shortages in recent years, especially in Delhi and Bengaluru, where once-plenty water storage spaces have shrunk. Ratings agency Moody's warned in June that India's growing water stress could affect its growth, which at a projected 7.2 per cent this April-March fiscal year is the highest among major economies. The federal government spending, the first flood control measure focused on water bodies, was approved recently and will also incorporate early-warning systems, said Krishna S. Vatsa, one of the three members of the National Disaster Management Authority. "It could become one of the most significant approaches to flood mitigation in the cities," Vatsa said in an interview. "While the importance of stormwater drainage in reducing the runoff cannot be overlooked, they also need to be supplemented by some of the nature-based solutions such as increasing the capacity of rivers and lakes to carry rainwater." Watch | India Monsoon: Heavy rains triggers floods 7 landslides × He said of the 25 billion rupees ($298 million), Mumbai, Chennai and Kolkata would each receive 5 billion rupees, while Ahmedabad, Hyderabad, Bengaluru and Pune will get 2.5 billion rupees each. No allotment was made for the capital Delhi, since the cities were chosen based on the frequency of floods and an assessment of resulting losses there, Vatsa said. However, he warned that longer-term measures were also needed, especially since the country was witnessing huge volumes of rain in a short span of time. More than 300 mm (11.8 inches) of rain lashed India's financial capital Mumbai in six hours early on July 8, authorities have said. Also read | After Himachal and Kerala, India's flood fury turns to Maharashtra "Whenever a city receives 100 mm of rainfall, there is bound to be inundation," Vatsa said. "You need a certain level of investment continuously which is supported by a whole lot of governance measures so that the problem could be reduced." 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.

Indian govt to spend $300mn to thwart floods, conserve water

<p>The hostage-truce deal to halt the ongoing war in Gaza might be on the brink of collapse, a report in&nbsp;<em>Politico&nbsp;</em>has claimed, citing US and Israeli officials.</p>

<p>The news comes in the backdrop of Tel Aviv backing a 'bridging proposal' put forth by the US, Egypt and Qatar after several weeks of negotiations. The deal in its current shape is believed to be the strongest form of the deal ever since the war broke out in October last year. However, Hamas in a public statement has conveyed that it will not accept the pact.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“We don’t know if Sinwar wants this deal.&nbsp;But if we don’t get the deal there’s a chance that Iran attacks and this escalates into a full-blown confrontation," one US official was quoted as saying by the publication.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The report added that although US officials were presenting an optimistic front to the public regarding the signing of the deal, the White House was aware of the dire situation.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong>Watch |&nbsp;West Asia Peace Talks: Israel accepts US proposal, says Blinken</strong></p>

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<h2><strong>What has Israel said?</strong></h2>

<p>Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday (Aug 19) for the first time, publically endorsed the latest US formula to strike a peace deal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Netanyahu's office in a statement said that the PM during a three-hour meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken "reiterated Israel's commitment to the current American proposal on the release of our hostages, which takes into account Israel's security needs, which he strongly insists on".</p>

<p><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tel-aviv-explosion-hamas-and-islamic-jihad-claim-responsibility-vow-more-attacks-751383" target="_blank">Tel Aviv explosion: Hamas and Islamic Jihad claim responsibility, vow more attacks</a></strong></p>

<h2><strong>What is Hamas' response?</strong></h2>

<p>Hamas has rejected the US version of the pact stating that any ceasefire deal must result in a&nbsp;permanent end to Israel's war on Gaza. The militant outfit also accused the US of merely "buying time for Israel to continue its genocide" by proposing an amended deal.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“The Israelis have retreated from issues included in Biden’s proposal. Netanyahu’s talk about agreeing to an updated proposal indicates that the US administration has failed to convince him to accept the previous agreement,” a Hamas spokesperson was quoted as saying by Al Jazeera.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, the proposal aims to resolve disputes regarding the ongoing presence of Israeli forces along the Gaza-Egypt border and in the Netzarim Corridor in central Gaza, as well as other contentious issues.</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The hostage-truce deal to halt the ongoing war in Gaza might be on the brink of collapse, a report in Politico has claimed, citing US and Israeli officials. The news comes in the backdrop of Tel Aviv backing a 'bridging proposal' put forth by the US, Egypt and Qatar after several weeks of negotiations.

The hostage-truce deal to halt the ongoing war in Gaza might be on the brink of collapse, a report in Politico has claimed, citing US and Israeli officials. The news comes in the backdrop of Tel Aviv backing a 'bridging proposal' put forth by the US, Egypt and Qatar after several weeks of negotiations. The deal in its current shape is believed to be the strongest form of the deal ever since the war broke out in October last year. However, Hamas in a public statement has conveyed that it will not accept the pact. “We don’t know if Sinwar wants this deal. But if we don’t get the deal there’s a chance that Iran attacks and this escalates into a full-blown confrontation," one US official was quoted as saying by the publication. The report added that although US officials were presenting an optimistic front to the public regarding the signing of the deal, the White House was aware of the dire situation. Watch | West Asia Peace Talks: Israel accepts US proposal, says Blinken × What has Israel said? Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday (Aug 19) for the first time, publically endorsed the latest US formula to strike a peace deal. Netanyahu's office in a statement said that the PM during a three-hour meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken "reiterated Israel's commitment to the current American proposal on the release of our hostages, which takes into account Israel's security needs, which he strongly insists on". Also read | Tel Aviv explosion: Hamas and Islamic Jihad claim responsibility, vow more attacks What is Hamas' response? Hamas has rejected the US version of the pact stating that any ceasefire deal must result in a permanent end to Israel's war on Gaza. The militant outfit also accused the US of merely "buying time for Israel to continue its genocide" by proposing an amended deal. “The Israelis have retreated from issues included in Biden’s proposal. Netanyahu’s talk about agreeing to an updated proposal indicates that the US administration has failed to convince him to accept the previous agreement,” a Hamas spokesperson was quoted as saying by Al Jazeera. Notably, the proposal aims to resolve disputes regarding the ongoing presence of Israeli forces along the Gaza-Egypt border and in the Netzarim Corridor in central Gaza, as well as other contentious issues. (With inputs from agencies)

Gaza hostage-truce deal might be on edge of collapse: Report

<p>Michelle Obama was in her element as she targeted Donald Trump on the second day of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) on Tuesday (Aug 20). The former first lady called out Trump for his controversial statement about undocumented migrants taking "Black jobs".&nbsp;</p>

<p>“Who’s going to tell him that the job he is currently seeking might be one of those Black jobs?” Michelle said, referencing Trump's remarks.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Michelle also criticised the Republican leader for his 'narrow' outlook that made him feel 'threatened' by the success of Black folks.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“For years, Donald Trump did everything in his power to try to make people fear us,” Michelle continued. “His limited, narrow view of the world made him feel threatened by the existence of two hardworking and highly educated, successful people who happen to be Black.”</p>

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<p dir="ltr" lang="en">.<a href="https://twitter.com/MichelleObama?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MichelleObama</a>: Who's going to tell Donald Trump that the job he's currently seeking might just be one of those 'Black jobs'? <a href="https://t.co/i1S4RWF7TS">pic.twitter.com/i1S4RWF7TS</a></p>
— Kamala HQ (@KamalaHQ) <a href="https://twitter.com/KamalaHQ/status/1826093758019928342?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 21, 2024</a></blockquote>
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<p>Michelle closed her salvo by revisiting the popular 2016 catchphrase,&nbsp;“When they go low, we go high.”</p>

<p>“We have the power to pay forward the love, sweat and sacrifice of our mothers and fathers and all those who came here before us. Let us work like our lives depend on it," she added.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-elections-2024-donald-trump-says-entitled-to-make-personal-attacks-750776" target="_blank"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;US Elections 2024: Donald Trump says 'entitled to make personal attacks'</strong></a></p>

<p><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/us-elections-2024-donald-trump-says-entitled-to-make-personal-attacks-750776/embed" width="560"></iframe></p>

<h2><strong>What did Trump say?</strong></h2>

<p>During the first presidential debate against Joe Biden in June,&nbsp;Trump courted controversy by stating that immigrants were taking the jobs that usually employed&nbsp;'Blacks'.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p>

<p>"They're taking Black jobs now and it could be 18, it could be 19 and even 20 million people," said Trump.&nbsp;</p>

<p>"His [Biden] big kill on the Black people is the millions of people that he’s allowed to come in through the border. They're taking Black jobs, and they're taking Hispanic jobs, and you haven't seen it yet, but you're going to see something that's going to be the worst in our history," he added.</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/donald-trumps-latest-gaffe-calls-kamala-harris-the-president-at-michigan-rally-751816"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Donald Trump's latest gaffe: Calls Kamala Harris 'the president' at Michigan rally</strong></a></p>

<p>While Trump claimed that migrants were usurping the jobs, data showed that the Black unemployment rate remains near a historic low in the US. The share of Black Americans with jobs stands at 59.1 per cent which is near the peak of 60.4 per cent set last year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Between 2019 and 2023, the wages for Black workers rose 1.4 per cent, after adjusting for inflation, compared to a 0.9 per cent increase for Hispanics and a 0.5 per cent hike for White workers, according to the US Bureau of Labour Statistics.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Michelle Obama was in her element as she targeted Donald Trump on the second day of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) on Tuesday (Aug 20). The former first lady called out Trump for his controversial statement about undocumented migrants taking "Black jobs".

Michelle Obama was in her element as she targeted Donald Trump on the second day of the Democratic National Convention (DNC) on Tuesday (Aug 20). The former first lady called out Trump for his controversial statement about undocumented migrants taking "Black jobs". “Who’s going to tell him that the job he is currently seeking might be one of those Black jobs?” Michelle said, referencing Trump's remarks. Michelle also criticised the Republican leader for his 'narrow' outlook that made him feel 'threatened' by the success of Black folks. “For years, Donald Trump did everything in his power to try to make people fear us,” Michelle continued. “His limited, narrow view of the world made him feel threatened by the existence of two hardworking and highly educated, successful people who happen to be Black.” .@MichelleObama: Who's going to tell Donald Trump that the job he's currently seeking might just be one of those 'Black jobs'? pic.twitter.com/i1S4RWF7TS — Kamala HQ (@KamalaHQ) August 21, 2024 × Michelle closed her salvo by revisiting the popular 2016 catchphrase, “When they go low, we go high.” “We have the power to pay forward the love, sweat and sacrifice of our mothers and fathers and all those who came here before us. Let us work like our lives depend on it," she added. Watch | US Elections 2024: Donald Trump says 'entitled to make personal attacks' What did Trump say? During the first presidential debate against Joe Biden in June, Trump courted controversy by stating that immigrants were taking the jobs that usually employed 'Blacks'. "They're taking Black jobs now and it could be 18, it could be 19 and even 20 million people," said Trump. "His [Biden] big kill on the Black people is the millions of people that he’s allowed to come in through the border. They're taking Black jobs, and they're taking Hispanic jobs, and you haven't seen it yet, but you're going to see something that's going to be the worst in our history," he added. Also read | Donald Trump's latest gaffe: Calls Kamala Harris 'the president' at Michigan rally While Trump claimed that migrants were usurping the jobs, data showed that the Black unemployment rate remains near a historic low in the US. The share of Black Americans with jobs stands at 59.1 per cent which is near the peak of 60.4 per cent set last year. Between 2019 and 2023, the wages for Black workers rose 1.4 per cent, after adjusting for inflation, compared to a 0.9 per cent increase for Hispanics and a 0.5 per cent hike for White workers, according to the US Bureau of Labour Statistics. (With inputs from agencies)

'Who’s going to tell him....': Michelle Obama targets Trump at DNC speech over 'Black jobs' remark

<p>In an attempt to fish out thousands of tonnes of munitions submerged in the depths of water bodies in Switzerland, the authorities have launched a competition to gather ideas.</p>

<p>The three best ideas will share a massive prize pot of&nbsp;50,000 Swiss francs ($57,800), according to a statement published by the Federal Office for Defence Procurement (Armasuisse).&nbsp;The government is looking for ideas that are safe and environmentally friendly.</p>

<p>“With the launching of an idea competition, armasuisse wants to increasingly involve academia and industry in the considerations on how environmentally friendly and safe recovery of deep lake ammunition could be carried out, should this ever become an issue,” read the statement.&nbsp;</p>

<p>“This could be the case if, against all expectations, the release of pollutants from submerged ammunition were to be established during ongoing lake water monitoring," it added.</p>

<p>The competition is open to the public and the last date to submit entries is February 2025. A panel of experts will assess the entries and announce the results in April 2025.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/wion-climate-tracker-world-war-2-bomb-emerges-due-to-drying-of-po-river-508790"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;WION Climate Tracker: World War 2 bomb emerges due to drying of Po river</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>Challenges to retrieving munitions&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>According to reports, there is an estimated 3,300 tonnes of submerged ammunition in Lake Lucerne and 4,500 tonnes in Lake Neuchatel alone. They were dunked in the lakes between 1918 and 1964.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Some munitions are at a depth of 150 to 220 metres while others, especially in Lake Neuchatel are just six or seven metres below the surface.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/world-war-ii-biggest-bomb-explodes-underwater-during-attempt-to-defuse-it-335215"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;World War II&nbsp;biggest bomb explodes underwater during attempt to defuse it</strong></a></p>

<p>According to reports, the submerged munition is covered by&nbsp;a fine sediment layer and recovery attempts may damage the sensitive lake ecosystem and kill the tourism around it.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Experts argue that even if the ideas are suggested quickly, it could take years and billions in funding to get the operation underway. However, the Swiss government is of the view that the ideas could form the basis of future research into dealing with the issue of submerged munitions.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Notably, the threat of munitions lying unattended in public spaces is not a new phenomenon in Switzerland, In 1947, the alpine village of Mitholz suffered a massive blast when 3,000 tonnes of ammunition, stored in the mountain by the military, overlooking the village exploded.&nbsp;</p>

<p>As many as nine people were killed in the blast and the entire village was destroyed. Such was the magnitude of the blast that it was heard 160 kilometres away in Zurich.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


In an attempt to fish out thousands of tonnes of munitions submerged in the depths of water bodies in Switzerland, the authorities have launched a competition to gather ideas.

In an attempt to fish out thousands of tonnes of munitions submerged in the depths of water bodies in Switzerland, the authorities have launched a competition to gather ideas. The three best ideas will share a massive prize pot of 50,000 Swiss francs ($57,800), according to a statement published by the Federal Office for Defence Procurement (Armasuisse). The government is looking for ideas that are safe and environmentally friendly. “With the launching of an idea competition, armasuisse wants to increasingly involve academia and industry in the considerations on how environmentally friendly and safe recovery of deep lake ammunition could be carried out, should this ever become an issue,” read the statement. “This could be the case if, against all expectations, the release of pollutants from submerged ammunition were to be established during ongoing lake water monitoring," it added. The competition is open to the public and the last date to submit entries is February 2025. A panel of experts will assess the entries and announce the results in April 2025. Watch | WION Climate Tracker: World War 2 bomb emerges due to drying of Po river × Challenges to retrieving munitions According to reports, there is an estimated 3,300 tonnes of submerged ammunition in Lake Lucerne and 4,500 tonnes in Lake Neuchatel alone. They were dunked in the lakes between 1918 and 1964. Some munitions are at a depth of 150 to 220 metres while others, especially in Lake Neuchatel are just six or seven metres below the surface. Also read | World War II biggest bomb explodes underwater during attempt to defuse it According to reports, the submerged munition is covered by a fine sediment layer and recovery attempts may damage the sensitive lake ecosystem and kill the tourism around it. Experts argue that even if the ideas are suggested quickly, it could take years and billions in funding to get the operation underway. However, the Swiss government is of the view that the ideas could form the basis of future research into dealing with the issue of submerged munitions. Notably, the threat of munitions lying unattended in public spaces is not a new phenomenon in Switzerland, In 1947, the alpine village of Mitholz suffered a massive blast when 3,000 tonnes of ammunition, stored in the mountain by the military, overlooking the village exploded. As many as nine people were killed in the blast and the entire village was destroyed. Such was the magnitude of the blast that it was heard 160 kilometres away in Zurich. (With inputs from agencies)

Switzerland offering $58,000 to fish out ammunition from lakes

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:15,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:50,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1765}">Israel on Monday (August 19) voiced its backing for the United States' new hostage proposal. Describing it as a "bridging proposal," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the first time publicly endorsed the latest US formula.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:80,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:50,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1830}">His office in a statement said that the PM during a three-hour meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken "reiterated Israel's commitment to the current American proposal on the release of our hostages, which takes into account Israel's security needs, which he strongly insists on".</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:146,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1896}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:146,&quot;w&quot;:544,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1896}">Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:88,&quot;y&quot;:146,&quot;w&quot;:463,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:121,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1896}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-records-first-polio-case-in-25-years-amid-raging-state-of-war-751255">Gaza records first polio case in 25 years amid raging state of war</a></strong></p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:178,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:33,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1928}">This comes after Israel on Saturday (August 17) cautiously welcomed the American proposal and in a PMO statement said that it "contains components that are acceptable to Israel."</p>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:231,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1981}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:231,&quot;w&quot;:291,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1981}">Hamas rejects US proposal</strong></h2>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:276,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:50,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2026}">Hamas, as per the Times of Israel, rejected the US proposal on Sunday night. The militant group reportedly said using the proposal Netanyahu "sets new conditions and demands" to thwart the talks and prolong the war in Gaza.&nbsp;</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:342,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2092}">It further claimed that the US-backed text was in alignment with Israel's demands.</p>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:377,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2127}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:377,&quot;w&quot;:202,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2127}">US' latest proposal</strong></h2>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:422,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:33,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2172}">The United States-backed proposal seeks to finalise a hostages-for-ceasefire deal by the end of this week.&nbsp;</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:471,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:50,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2221}">According to the report, the proposal aims to resolve disputes regarding the ongoing presence of Israeli forces along the Gaza-Egypt border and in the Netzarim Corridor in central Gaza, as well as other contentious issues.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:537,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2287}"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/tel-aviv-explosion-hamas-and-islamic-jihad-claim-responsibility-vow-more-attacks-751383">Tel Aviv explosion: Hamas and Islamic Jihad claim responsibility, vow more attacks</a></strong></p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:569,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:67,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2319}">However, Hebrew media on Saturday citing unnamed officials familiar with the talks reported that the proposal fails to provide for an ongoing Israeli presence on the Philadelphi Corridor on the border with Egypt. Similarly, it does not offer a plan for preventing the return of armed Hamas forces to the northern part of the Strip in central Gaza, as insisted by Benjamin Netanyahu.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:652,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2402}"><em bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:652,&quot;w&quot;:182,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2402}">(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Israel on Monday (August 19) voiced its backing for the United States' new hostage proposal. Describing it as a "bridging proposal," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the first time publicly endorsed the latest US formula.

Israel on Monday (August 19) voiced its backing for the United States' new hostage proposal. Describing it as a "bridging proposal," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the first time publicly endorsed the latest US formula. His office in a statement said that the PM during a three-hour meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken "reiterated Israel's commitment to the current American proposal on the release of our hostages, which takes into account Israel's security needs, which he strongly insists on". Also read | Gaza records first polio case in 25 years amid raging state of war This comes after Israel on Saturday (August 17) cautiously welcomed the American proposal and in a PMO statement said that it "contains components that are acceptable to Israel." Hamas rejects US proposal Hamas, as per the Times of Israel, rejected the US proposal on Sunday night. The militant group reportedly said using the proposal Netanyahu "sets new conditions and demands" to thwart the talks and prolong the war in Gaza. It further claimed that the US-backed text was in alignment with Israel's demands. US' latest proposal The United States-backed proposal seeks to finalise a hostages-for-ceasefire deal by the end of this week. According to the report, the proposal aims to resolve disputes regarding the ongoing presence of Israeli forces along the Gaza-Egypt border and in the Netzarim Corridor in central Gaza, as well as other contentious issues. Also read | Tel Aviv explosion: Hamas and Islamic Jihad claim responsibility, vow more attacks However, Hebrew media on Saturday citing unnamed officials familiar with the talks reported that the proposal fails to provide for an ongoing Israeli presence on the Philadelphi Corridor on the border with Egypt. Similarly, it does not offer a plan for preventing the return of armed Hamas forces to the northern part of the Strip in central Gaza, as insisted by Benjamin Netanyahu. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Bridging proposal’: Netanyahu publicly endorses US’ hostages-for-ceasefire deal; Hamas rejects

<p>A US woman has sued Hard Rock Cafe &amp; Hotel in the Dominican Republic for half a million dollars after she fell out of a golf&nbsp;cart and injured herself, according to a report in the&nbsp;<em>NY Post</em>.</p>

<p>The woman, identified as Taylor O'Leary, a resident of Brooklyn, New York, said she tumbled out of the buggy whose seat was slippery and wet. The incident took place in July 2022 and resulted in her suffering multiple unspecified injuries, according to a filing in the Brooklyn Federal Court.&nbsp;</p>

<p>O'Leary said she was a guest at the hotel when she got hurt in the accident, which suggests that the&nbsp;hotel and its corporate owner, Hard Rock Cafe International, are liable to pay damages.</p>

<p>The 27-year-old woman was at the Hard Rock Gold Club in Punta Cana whose 18-hole golf course has been designed by the legendary Jack Nicklaus. The green fee is listed at $300.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The five-star luxury resort, located alongside the magnificent Macao Beach, routinely hosts the likes of pop icons such as Shakira, Justin Bieber and Mariah Carey who prefer to unwind here.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/women-employees-sue-apple-over-pay-bias-731872"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Women employees sue Apple over pay bias</strong></a></p>

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<h2><strong>Previous incidents&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Seeking compensation for such incidents is not an alien news in the US. Last year, a jury in a South Florida court awarded $800,000 in damages to the family of a little girl after she suffered second-degree burns&nbsp;when a flaming-hot McDonald's Chicken McNugget fell on her thigh in 2019.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The family was awarded $400,000 for the suffering and mental anguish suffered in the past four years as well as $400,000 for the future.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/doesnt-pay-his-bills-former-twitter-executives-sue-elon-musk-for-withholding-130mn-in-unpaid-benefits-696613"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Doesn't pay his bills: Ex-Twitter CEO Parag Agrawal, other former execs sue Musk over $130mn unpaid benefits</strong></a></p>

<p>The incident took place in August 2019&nbsp;when&nbsp;Philana Holmes&nbsp;took her son and daughter to a Tamarac McDonald’s and bought the Happy Meals. When handed the order, she was given no warning that the food might be scalding hot as she immediately passed it along to her daughter and son in the back seat and drove away.</p>

<p>Her daughter, Olivia, an autistic child who was four years old at the time, started screaming and crying after the McNugget fell on her thigh.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Upon pulling up into a nearby parking lot to help the child, Holmes&nbsp;noticed the burn and took photos on her phone, which included audio clips of the child’s screams, which were later presented in the court as evidence.&nbsp;</p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


A US woman has sued Hard Rock Cafe & Hotel in the Dominican Republic for half a million dollars after she fell out of a golf cart and injured herself, according to a report in the NY Post.

A US woman has sued Hard Rock Cafe & Hotel in the Dominican Republic for half a million dollars after she fell out of a golf cart and injured herself, according to a report in the NY Post. The woman, identified as Taylor O'Leary, a resident of Brooklyn, New York, said she tumbled out of the buggy whose seat was slippery and wet. The incident took place in July 2022 and resulted in her suffering multiple unspecified injuries, according to a filing in the Brooklyn Federal Court. O'Leary said she was a guest at the hotel when she got hurt in the accident, which suggests that the hotel and its corporate owner, Hard Rock Cafe International, are liable to pay damages. The 27-year-old woman was at the Hard Rock Gold Club in Punta Cana whose 18-hole golf course has been designed by the legendary Jack Nicklaus. The green fee is listed at $300. The five-star luxury resort, located alongside the magnificent Macao Beach, routinely hosts the likes of pop icons such as Shakira, Justin Bieber and Mariah Carey who prefer to unwind here. Watch | Women employees sue Apple over pay bias × Previous incidents Seeking compensation for such incidents is not an alien news in the US. Last year, a jury in a South Florida court awarded $800,000 in damages to the family of a little girl after she suffered second-degree burns when a flaming-hot McDonald's Chicken McNugget fell on her thigh in 2019. The family was awarded $400,000 for the suffering and mental anguish suffered in the past four years as well as $400,000 for the future. Also read | Doesn't pay his bills: Ex-Twitter CEO Parag Agrawal, other former execs sue Musk over $130mn unpaid benefits The incident took place in August 2019 when Philana Holmes took her son and daughter to a Tamarac McDonald’s and bought the Happy Meals. When handed the order, she was given no warning that the food might be scalding hot as she immediately passed it along to her daughter and son in the back seat and drove away. Her daughter, Olivia, an autistic child who was four years old at the time, started screaming and crying after the McNugget fell on her thigh. Upon pulling up into a nearby parking lot to help the child, Holmes noticed the burn and took photos on her phone, which included audio clips of the child’s screams, which were later presented in the court as evidence. (With inputs from agencies)

US resident sues Hard Rock Hotel for $500,000 after falling out of golf cart

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:14,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:50,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1954}">The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza reported a grim milestone on Sunday (Aug 18). It has claimed that the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has claimed the lives of at least 40,099 people in the Gaza Strip.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:80,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:33,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2020}">The ministry also reported that 92,609 individuals have been wounded since the war erupted following Hamas's deadly attack on Israel on October 7.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:129,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:33,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2069}">As the death toll in Gaza continues to rise, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu blamed the militant group Hamas on Sunday for blocking ceasefire negotiations.&nbsp;</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:178,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:67,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2118}">His remarks come ahead of US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's arrival in Israel. Blinken, as per AFP, is expected to push for a ceasefire deal to prevent a broader regional conflict.&nbsp;On Monday, the US diplomat will meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, and President Isaac Herzog, according to a US official with Blinken.&nbsp;</p>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:265,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2205}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:265,&quot;w&quot;:528,&quot;h&quot;:25,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2205}">Netanyahu blames Hamas for ceasefire stalemate</strong></h2>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:310,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:33,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2250}">Urging the international community to direct their pressure at Hamas, Netanyahu said, "Hamas, up to this moment, remains obstinate. It did not even send a representative to the talks in Doha".&nbsp;</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:359,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:33,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2299}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:359,&quot;w&quot;:588,&quot;h&quot;:33,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2299}">Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:359,&quot;w&quot;:588,&quot;h&quot;:33,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2299}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hezbollah-leader-fuad-shukr-was-lured-to-his-apartment-via-phone-call-minutes-before-deadly-israeli-strike-751100">Hezbollah leader Fuad Shukr was lured to his apartment via phone call, minutes before deadly Israeli strike</a></strong></p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:407,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:33,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2347}">"Therefore, the pressure should be directed at Hamas and (Yahya) Sinwar, not at the Israeli government," Netanyahu said during a cabinet meeting, referring to Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:456,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:50,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2396}">"We are conducting negotiations, not a scenario in which we just give and give. There are things we can be flexible on and there are things that we cannot be flexible on, which we will insist on," he asserted.&nbsp;</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:522,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:50,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2462}">Netanyahu emphasised that "strong military pressure and strong diplomatic pressure" are crucial in bringing Hamas to the negotiating table, and that "enormous efforts" were being made to bring home Israeli hostages.</p>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:592,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2532}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:592,&quot;w&quot;:618,&quot;h&quot;:51,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2532}">UN chief appeals for humanitarian pause amid Gaza polio outbreak</strong></h2>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:663,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:33,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2603}">Amid the ongoing conflict, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on Friday (August 16) called for a humanitarian pause to allow for a polio vaccination campaign in Gaza.&nbsp;</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:712,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:50,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2652}">Addressing reporters, Guterres highlighted the critical need for immediate assurances to facilitate the campaign, especially after the first confirmed polio case was detected in a 10-month-old child in Deir al-Balah.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:778,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:33,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2718}"><strong bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:778,&quot;w&quot;:618,&quot;h&quot;:33,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2718}">Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:778,&quot;w&quot;:618,&quot;h&quot;:33,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2718}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/idf-chiefs-knew-about-october-7-attacks-in-advance-but-never-informed-top-officials-report-751012">IDF chiefs knew about October 7 attacks in advance but never informed top officials: Report</a></strong></p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:826,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:33,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2766}">"Let’s be clear: The ultimate vaccine for polio is peace and an immediate humanitarian ceasefire," Guterres stated.&nbsp;</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:875,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:33,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2815}">He emphasised that a "polio pause is a must" is essential and that "It is impossible to conduct a polio vaccination campaign with war raging all over."</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:924,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:50,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2864}">Guterres said that the UN was poised to vaccinate children under 10, but that "challenges are grave." To stop the spread of polio, at least 95 per cent coverage during each of the two rounds of the campaign will be needed.</p>

<p bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:990,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2930}"><em bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:990,&quot;w&quot;:182,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2930}">(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza reported a grim milestone on Sunday (Aug 18). It has claimed that the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has claimed the lives of at least 40,099 people in the Gaza Strip.

The Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza reported a grim milestone on Sunday (Aug 18). It has claimed that the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has claimed the lives of at least 40,099 people in the Gaza Strip. The ministry also reported that 92,609 individuals have been wounded since the war erupted following Hamas's deadly attack on Israel on October 7. As the death toll in Gaza continues to rise, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu blamed the militant group Hamas on Sunday for blocking ceasefire negotiations. His remarks come ahead of US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's arrival in Israel. Blinken, as per AFP, is expected to push for a ceasefire deal to prevent a broader regional conflict. On Monday, the US diplomat will meet with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, and President Isaac Herzog, according to a US official with Blinken. Netanyahu blames Hamas for ceasefire stalemate Urging the international community to direct their pressure at Hamas, Netanyahu said, "Hamas, up to this moment, remains obstinate. It did not even send a representative to the talks in Doha". Also read | Hezbollah leader Fuad Shukr was lured to his apartment via phone call, minutes before deadly Israeli strike "Therefore, the pressure should be directed at Hamas and (Yahya) Sinwar, not at the Israeli government," Netanyahu said during a cabinet meeting, referring to Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar. "We are conducting negotiations, not a scenario in which we just give and give. There are things we can be flexible on and there are things that we cannot be flexible on, which we will insist on," he asserted. Netanyahu emphasised that "strong military pressure and strong diplomatic pressure" are crucial in bringing Hamas to the negotiating table, and that "enormous efforts" were being made to bring home Israeli hostages. UN chief appeals for humanitarian pause amid Gaza polio outbreak Amid the ongoing conflict, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres on Friday (August 16) called for a humanitarian pause to allow for a polio vaccination campaign in Gaza. Addressing reporters, Guterres highlighted the critical need for immediate assurances to facilitate the campaign, especially after the first confirmed polio case was detected in a 10-month-old child in Deir al-Balah. Also read | IDF chiefs knew about October 7 attacks in advance but never informed top officials: Report "Let’s be clear: The ultimate vaccine for polio is peace and an immediate humanitarian ceasefire," Guterres stated. He emphasised that a "polio pause is a must" is essential and that "It is impossible to conduct a polio vaccination campaign with war raging all over." Guterres said that the UN was poised to vaccinate children under 10, but that "challenges are grave." To stop the spread of polio, at least 95 per cent coverage during each of the two rounds of the campaign will be needed. (With inputs from agencies)

Blinken arrives in Israel; Netanyahu blames Hamas for ceasefire stalemate

<p>Over two years after the war broke out, Ukraine and Russia were on the precipice of engaging in indirect ceasefire negotiations in Doha, Qatar, earlier this month. The discussions, however, never went beyond the initial planning stage after Kyiv launched a surprise ground offence in Russia's western Kursk region, according to a report in the <em>Washington&nbsp;Post, </em>citing diplomats and officials familiar with the matter.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The Qataris were expected to serve as mediators with negotiations centring around both sides halting strikes on energy and power infrastructure.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Moscow has&nbsp;been pounding Kyiv's power grid with a barrage of cruise missiles and drone strikes for more than a year, Meanwhile, Ukraine has returned the favour by destroying Russia's oil facilities with long-range drone attacks.&nbsp;</p>

<p>However, the willingness to sit across the table and talk about a partial ceasefire signalled a change in strategy from Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Ukrainian counterpart&nbsp; Volodymyr Zelensky, the diplomats stated.</p>

<p>But after the Kyiv offensive, Russian officials postponed their meeting with the Qatari officials. The publication said Moscow "didn't call off the talks" albeit asked to be given some time.&nbsp;</p>

<p>The&nbsp;Ukrainian presidential office said in a statement that the summit in Doha was postponed “due to the situation in the Middle East".&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/ukraines-incursion-into-russia-day-11-ukraine-says-strengthening-positions-in-kursk-750997"><strong>Watch |&nbsp;Ukraine's incursion into Russia: Day 11 | Ukraine says strengthening positions in Kursk</strong></a></p>

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<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h2><strong>Ukraine's&nbsp;Kursk offensive&nbsp;</strong></h2>

<p>Ukraine agreeing to a partial ceasefire may have been a misdirection as an NBC report has claimed that Kyiv was planning an incursion-style attack on Russia for nearly a year.&nbsp;</p>

<p>Since the war broke out in February 2022, Kyiv launched its largest attack on the internationally recognised Russian territory of Kursk on August 6.&nbsp;</p>

<p><a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ukraine-penetrating-2km-deeper-into-russias-kursk-india-issues-advisory-750172"><strong>Also read |&nbsp;Ukraine forces advance 2 km inside Russia’s Kursk, claims Zelensky&nbsp;</strong></a></p>

<p>The attack, described as a "high stakes gamble" is meant to divert Russia's attention from other parts of the front line, especially Donbas where Moscow has been steadily making advances since the start of the year.</p>

<p>However, Moscow is of the view that Kyiv wants to capture the Kursk nuclear power plant.&nbsp;</p>

<p><strong><em>Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.</em></strong></p>

<p><em>(With inputs from agencies)</em></p>


Over two years after the war broke out, Ukraine and Russia were on the precipice of engaging in indirect ceasefire negotiations in Doha, Qatar, earlier this month.

Over two years after the war broke out, Ukraine and Russia were on the precipice of engaging in indirect ceasefire negotiations in Doha, Qatar, earlier this month. The discussions, however, never went beyond the initial planning stage after Kyiv launched a surprise ground offence in Russia's western Kursk region, according to a report in the Washington Post, citing diplomats and officials familiar with the matter. The Qataris were expected to serve as mediators with negotiations centring around both sides halting strikes on energy and power infrastructure. Moscow has been pounding Kyiv's power grid with a barrage of cruise missiles and drone strikes for more than a year, Meanwhile, Ukraine has returned the favour by destroying Russia's oil facilities with long-range drone attacks. However, the willingness to sit across the table and talk about a partial ceasefire signalled a change in strategy from Russian President Vladimir Putin and his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky, the diplomats stated. But after the Kyiv offensive, Russian officials postponed their meeting with the Qatari officials. The publication said Moscow "didn't call off the talks" albeit asked to be given some time. The Ukrainian presidential office said in a statement that the summit in Doha was postponed “due to the situation in the Middle East". Watch | Ukraine's incursion into Russia: Day 11 | Ukraine says strengthening positions in Kursk × Ukraine's Kursk offensive Ukraine agreeing to a partial ceasefire may have been a misdirection as an NBC report has claimed that Kyiv was planning an incursion-style attack on Russia for nearly a year. Since the war broke out in February 2022, Kyiv launched its largest attack on the internationally recognised Russian territory of Kursk on August 6. Also read | Ukraine forces advance 2 km inside Russia’s Kursk, claims Zelensky The attack, described as a "high stakes gamble" is meant to divert Russia's attention from other parts of the front line, especially Donbas where Moscow has been steadily making advances since the start of the year. However, Moscow is of the view that Kyiv wants to capture the Kursk nuclear power plant. Disclaimer: A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on Ukraine-Russia war on the ground and online. While WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

Russia and Ukraine were close to ceasefire talks until this happened...

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