Israeli airstrikes across southern Lebanon on Friday killed at least eight fighters and one child, according to security sources, as armed group Hezbollah responded with artillery rounds and rockets across the border.

Israel-Hezbollah tensions: Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon kill 8

An arms-selling network, allegedly linked to Houthi rebels, has been openly trading weapons on the social media platform X, formerly known as Twitter. The group is accused of carrying out attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea. Arms dealers based in Houthi-controlled Yemen have reportedly been using the social media site to buy and sell weapons, including rifles, handguns, and grenade launchers. Dozens of arms dealers, based in the Yemeni capital Sanaa, which is controlled by the Houthi rebels, are effectively using X as a storefront.

Houthi-linked Weapons Openly Sold on X, Formerly Twitter

While the world is fixated on the increasing Iran-Israel tensions, Yemen is facing an unprecedented humanitarian crisis.

Yemen's rebels threaten to restart war

Israel and Hamas have blamed each other for not agreeing on a ceasefire deal. Is a ceasefire in Gaza really in sight, as US Claims?

Why is Israel demanding control over 2 Gaza corridors?

As per reports, the conflict in West Asia has intensified, with Hezbollah firing over 50 rockets into Israel's Golan Heights following an Israeli airstrike in Lebanon. This escalation raises concerns about a broader regional conflict, potentially involving Iran’s strategic interests. As the U.S. positions military assets in the region to deter further aggression, questions linger about the Gaza ceasefire. Meanwhile, the conflict’s impact may have expanded to North America, with bomb threats emailed to around 125 Jewish Institutions in Canada.

Will Iran-Israel Conflict Spread Beyond West Asia?

America's carrier strike group three has arrived in the West Asian region it is being led by the feared USS Abraham Lincoln which is set to replace the USS Theodore Roosevelt operating in the region currently, since July 2024. here's all you need to know about the mighty warship USS Abraham Lincoln.

USS Abraham Lincoln leads strike group

With the chances of a ceasefire deal on Gaza hanging in balance US President Joe Biden has pushed Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to reach a deal with Hamas. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hamas war: Latest round of truce talks a 'do or die' for peace?

According to reports in the Israeli media, in a meeting with the families of those held hostage by Hamas, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said there is unlikely to be a hostage deal. Netanyahu’s comments put the fate of the Gaza ceasefire deal in serious doubt as well as the lives of over 100 Israeli hostages.

Israel-Hamas war: Netanyahu abandons hostages for PM post

Lebanon’s Hezbollah has launched more than 50 rockets, hitting several private homes in the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights. The attack on Wednesday came a day after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with fellow mediators Egypt and Qatar as he pressed ahead with the latest diplomatic mission to secure a cease-fire in the war in Gaza, even as Hamas and Israel signalled that challenges remain.

Israel-Hezbollah war: Hezbollah fires over 50 rockets towards Golan Heights

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 |&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>

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."

<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}">Hamas rejects US proposal</h2>

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;

It further claimed that the US-backed text was in alignment with Israel's demands.

<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}">US' latest proposal</h2>

The United States-backed proposal seeks to finalise a hostages-for-ceasefire deal by the end of this week.&nbsp;

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 |&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>

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)

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

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.&nbsp;

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;

<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}">Netanyahu blames Hamas for ceasefire stalemate</h2>

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;

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>

"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.&nbsp;

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.

<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}">UN chief appeals for humanitarian pause amid Gaza polio outbreak</h2>

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;

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 |&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>

"Let’s be clear: The ultimate vaccine for polio is peace and an immediate humanitarian ceasefire," Guterres stated.&nbsp;

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)

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

A commander in Hezbollah’s elite Radwan force was killed in a drone strike in southern Lebanon earlier today, the IDF says. Watch to know more!

Israel-Hezbollah War: Israelis trike kills 10 Syrians in Lebanon

With ceasefire fire talks in Cairo, due to resume next week. Israeli negotiators in a meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, expressed cautious optimism about moving towards a deal following the updated US proposal. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hamas war: Israel negotiators voice 'cautious optimism' over Gaza deal

Israel-Hezbollah War: Hezbollah commander killed in Israeli strike

Israel-Hamas war: Gaza ceasefire talks to resume next week after no breakthrough

Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz has accused Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of getting involved in a conflict with the sons of assassinated Hamas political bureau chief Ismail Haniyeh over his alleged funds in Turkish banks, a claim denied as “disinformation” by Ankara.

Israel alleges Turkey refused to release Haniyeh's fortune

At least one person has died after Israeli settlers torched homes and vehicles on a rampage through a Palestinian village. Several people were seriously injured in the events. Watch in for more details!

Israeli settlers torch entire village in Palestinian West Bank

Lebanon's Hezbollah on Friday released a video showing what appeared to be underground tunnels and large missile launchers, amid fears of all-out war between the Iran-backed group and Israel. Watch in for more details!

Israel vs Hezbollah: Hezbollah flaunts underground missile launch site

The latest ceasefire talks in Doha have ended without a breakthrough, but technical teams will continue meetings and negotiators will meet again next week to end the war. The White House has come up with a new proposal. Watch in for more details!

Israel-Hamas War: White House presents new proposal for Gaza ceasefire

Israel-Hamas War: Gaza ceasefire negotiators to resume next week

The US has warned Iran that its newly elected government and economy could suffer a devastating blow if it were to mount a major attack against Israel, a US official said. The warning has been communicated to Tehran directly as well as through intermediaries, said the official, who declined to provide specifics.

Israel-Iran tensions: Amid truce talk, US official warns Iran

Israel is bracing for a possible retaliatory strike from Iran, where Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was assassinated. But there is a separate war front opening in West Asia, that targets America. Are these signals of a brewing war already being waged in the shadows? Let us untangle it for you.

Attacks on US bases rise in West Asia: Is a quiet war already on?

Israel-Hamas War: US, Qatar & Egypt issue joint statement

Israel-Hamas War: PM Modi talks to Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu

Gaza has recorded its first polio case in 25 years, the Palestinian Authority health ministry said on Friday, after UN chief Antonio Guterres called for pauses in the Israel-Hamas war to vaccinate hundreds of thousands of children.

Israel-Hamas war: Gaza reports its first polio case in 25 years

Israeli negotiators and international mediators met in Qatar on Thursday for talks aimed at halting fighting in Gaza and securing the release of hostages held by the Hamas terror group, with a potential deal touted as the best hope of heading off an even larger regional conflict.

Israel-Hamas war: Gaza ceasefire talks to resume in Doha

Al-Aqsa Mosque, the holy site located in Jerusalem's old city has become a flashpoint amid the already volatile region of West Asia. This week, Israel's national security minister visited the contested compound with dozens of Israelis.

Ben Gvir's visit to holy site draws anger

A fresh round of Gaza ceasefire negotiations is scheduled to begin on Thursday in Qatar. However, Hamas announced on Wednesday that it will not participate in these discussions, casting doubt on the possibility of a negotiated truce that could prevent an Iranian attack on Israel.

Israel-Hamas war: Israel intensifies Gaza bombardment

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas told a special session of the Turkish parliament on Thursday (August 15) that he would travel to Gaza, while adding, "Our life is not more worthy than the life of a child."

Abbas said this as the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza reported that the death toll in the Israeli assaults so far has crossed 40,000.&nbsp;

<h2>I'll go to Gaza: Abbas</h2>

To thunderous applause from Turkish lawmakers, Abbas said, "I have decided to go to Gaza with other brothers from the Palestinian leadership."

He said he would do that "even if this would cost my life".

"Our life is not more worthy than the life of a child," he added.

Abbas, the leader of the Fatah Palestinian movement, a rival to Hamas as per AFP, is based in Ramallah in the West Bank.&nbsp;

The Gaza Strip is controlled by Hamas, who took power in 2007. Nobody apart from a handful of humanitarian workers is allowed to visit the Palestinian group-controlled territory.

Abbas, as per AFP, has not visited the Gaza Strip since 2007.

"Gaza is ours as a whole," stressed Abbas, adding, "We don't accept any solution that would divide our territories," he told the Turkish parliament he was addressing during a special session.&nbsp;

"There cannot be a Palestinian state without Gaza. Our people will not surrender," he promised.

<h2>Abbas prays for assassinated Hamas leader&nbsp;Haniyeh</h2>

Abbas also commemorated Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh, who was killed in Tehran, from the Turkish parliament floor.&nbsp;

He said prayers for the assassinated leader, whose picture, framed by red carnations, was seated in one of the front chairs in the parliament.

Ismail Haniyeh, as per the report, was a frequent visitor to Turkey and had close ties with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who has been a fierce critic of Israeli conduct in the war in Gaza. He has even labelled Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu "the butcher of Gaza".

Commending Erdogan's "courageous" stance, Abbas also slammed the international community for its silence on the massacres carried out by Israel.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas told a special session of the Turkish parliament on Thursday (August 15) that he would travel to Gaza, while adding, "Our life is not more worthy than the life of a child.

Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas told a special session of the Turkish parliament on Thursday (August 15) that he would travel to Gaza, while adding, "Our life is not more worthy than the life of a child." Abbas said this as the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza reported that the death toll in the Israeli assaults so far has crossed 40,000. I'll go to Gaza: Abbas To thunderous applause from Turkish lawmakers, Abbas said, "I have decided to go to Gaza with other brothers from the Palestinian leadership." He said he would do that "even if this would cost my life". "Our life is not more worthy than the life of a child," he added. Abbas, the leader of the Fatah Palestinian movement, a rival to Hamas as per AFP, is based in Ramallah in the West Bank. The Gaza Strip is controlled by Hamas, who took power in 2007. Nobody apart from a handful of humanitarian workers is allowed to visit the Palestinian group-controlled territory. Abbas, as per AFP, has not visited the Gaza Strip since 2007. "Gaza is ours as a whole," stressed Abbas, adding, "We don't accept any solution that would divide our territories," he told the Turkish parliament he was addressing during a special session. "There cannot be a Palestinian state without Gaza. Our people will not surrender," he promised. Abbas prays for assassinated Hamas leader Haniyeh Abbas also commemorated Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh, who was killed in Tehran, from the Turkish parliament floor. He said prayers for the assassinated leader, whose picture, framed by red carnations, was seated in one of the front chairs in the parliament. Ismail Haniyeh, as per the report, was a frequent visitor to Turkey and had close ties with Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who has been a fierce critic of Israeli conduct in the war in Gaza. He has even labelled Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu "the butcher of Gaza". Commending Erdogan's "courageous" stance, Abbas also slammed the international community for its silence on the massacres carried out by Israel. (With inputs from agencies)

Palestinian leader Mahmoud Abbas vows to visit Gaza, says ‘our life is not more worthy’ than a child’s

Israel has green-lit a new settlement on a UNESCO World Heritage Site near Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank, according to a Wednesday (August 14) announcement by Bezalel Smotrich, the far-right finance minister and head of civil affairs at the Israeli defence ministry.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Smotrich revealed that his office had "completed its work and published a plan for the new Nahal Heletz settlement in Gush Etzion," a bloc situated south of Jerusalem.

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:133,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1883}">Settlements, permissions and more</h2>

The move comes amidst ongoing international criticism of Israeli settlements in the West Bank, all&nbsp;deemed illegal under international law regardless of Israeli planning permissions.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gaza-war-backlash-costing-starbucks-heres-what-we-know-750141">Gaza war backlash costing Starbucks? Here's what we know</a>

Smotrich, who resides in a settlement, took to social media platform X to defend the decision, declaring, "No anti-Israeli and anti-Zionist decision will stop the development of settlements."&nbsp;

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חיבור גוש עציון לירושלים - משימה לאומית! 
 
יישוב חדש בגוש עציון; פורסם קו כחול של 602 דונם להקמה של היישוב נחל חלץ. 
 
היום סיים המנהל האזרחי את עבודתו המקצועית ופרסם קו כחול חדש ליישוב נחל חלץ בגוש עציון. 
 
פרסום הקו הכחול מאפשר להניע את הליכי הקמת היישוב נחל חלץ, אחד מהיישובים… <a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:223,&quot;y&quot;:461,&quot;w&quot;:155,&quot;h&quot;:14,&quot;abs_x&quot;:256,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2211}" href="https://t.co/qK4sLwx1ik">pic.twitter.com/qK4sLwx1ik</a>
— בצלאל סמוטריץ' (@bezalelsm) <a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:399,&quot;y&quot;:489,&quot;w&quot;:94,&quot;h&quot;:14,&quot;abs_x&quot;:432,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2239}" href="https://twitter.com/bezalelsm/status/1823642987080957996?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 14, 2024</a></blockquote>
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"We will continue to fight against the dangerous project of creating a Palestinian state by creating facts on the ground," he added.

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The approval of the Nahal Heletz settlement has drawn sharp criticism from Israeli anti-settlement groups.&nbsp;

Peace Now condemned the plan as a "wholesale attack" on the region. Highlighting its historical and cultural significance, the group said that the area was "renowned for its ancient terraces and sophisticated irrigation systems, evidence of thousands of years of human activity".&nbsp;

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The World Heritage Site of Palestine, known as the Land of Olives and Vines – Cultural Landscape of Southern JLM, Battir, southwest of JLM, is under direct threat from ongoing &amp; planned Israeli settlement activities within the zone of the site, situated in Area C of the WB. <a href="https://t.co/OpCoirODNq">pic.twitter.com/OpCoirODNq</a>
— Peace Now (@peacenowisrael) <a href="https://twitter.com/peacenowisrael/status/1823028864358199489?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 12, 2024</a></blockquote>
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The settlement is set to encroach on the Palestinian village of Battir, reports AFP.

The approval of this settlement follows a controversial act by National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, who drew global condemnation by participating in prayers at the Al-Aqsa mosque compound in East Jerusalem, a site where Jewish prayers are prohibited.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/trending/new-zealand-candy-laced-with-fatal-levels-of-meth-distributed-by-charity-400-candies-still-out-there-750107">New Zealand: Candy laced with fatal levels of meth distributed by charity; 400 candies still 'out there'</a>

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:7,&quot;y&quot;:869,&quot;w&quot;:649,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:40,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2619}">Nahal Heletz</h2>

The Nahal Heletz settlement, which had received preliminary approval along with four other settlements in June, lies between Gush Etzion and Bethlehem.&nbsp;

Peace Now warns that this settlement threatens the Palestinian cultural and natural heritage in a region considered of "highest cultural value to humanity."&nbsp;

"These actions are not only fragmenting Palestinian space and depriving large communities of their natural and cultural heritage, they also pose an imminent threat to an area considered to be of the highest cultural value to humanity," said the organisation.

(With inputs from agencies)

Israel has green-lit a new settlement on a UNESCO World Heritage Site near Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank, according to a Wednesday (August 14) announcement by Bezalel Smotrich, the far-right finance minister and head of civil affairs at the Israeli defence ministry.

Israel has green-lit a new settlement on a UNESCO World Heritage Site near Bethlehem in the occupied West Bank, according to a Wednesday (August 14) announcement by Bezalel Smotrich, the far-right finance minister and head of civil affairs at the Israeli defence ministry. Smotrich revealed that his office had "completed its work and published a plan for the new Nahal Heletz settlement in Gush Etzion," a bloc situated south of Jerusalem. Settlements, permissions and more The move comes amidst ongoing international criticism of Israeli settlements in the West Bank, all deemed illegal under international law regardless of Israeli planning permissions. Also read | Gaza war backlash costing Starbucks? Here's what we know Smotrich, who resides in a settlement, took to social media platform X to defend the decision, declaring, "No anti-Israeli and anti-Zionist decision will stop the development of settlements." חיבור גוש עציון לירושלים - משימה לאומית! יישוב חדש בגוש עציון; פורסם קו כחול של 602 דונם להקמה של היישוב נחל חלץ. היום סיים המנהל האזרחי את עבודתו המקצועית ופרסם קו כחול חדש ליישוב נחל חלץ בגוש עציון. פרסום הקו הכחול מאפשר להניע את הליכי הקמת היישוב נחל חלץ, אחד מהיישובים… pic.twitter.com/qK4sLwx1ik — בצלאל סמוטריץ' (@bezalelsm) August 14, 2024 × "We will continue to fight against the dangerous project of creating a Palestinian state by creating facts on the ground," he added. Critics slam the settlement The approval of the Nahal Heletz settlement has drawn sharp criticism from Israeli anti-settlement groups. Peace Now condemned the plan as a "wholesale attack" on the region. Highlighting its historical and cultural significance, the group said that the area was "renowned for its ancient terraces and sophisticated irrigation systems, evidence of thousands of years of human activity". 1/12 The World Heritage Site of Palestine, known as the Land of Olives and Vines – Cultural Landscape of Southern JLM, Battir, southwest of JLM, is under direct threat from ongoing & planned Israeli settlement activities within the zone of the site, situated in Area C of the WB. pic.twitter.com/OpCoirODNq — Peace Now (@peacenowisrael) August 12, 2024 × The settlement is set to encroach on the Palestinian village of Battir, reports AFP. The approval of this settlement follows a controversial act by National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, who drew global condemnation by participating in prayers at the Al-Aqsa mosque compound in East Jerusalem, a site where Jewish prayers are prohibited. Also read | New Zealand: Candy laced with fatal levels of meth distributed by charity; 400 candies still 'out there' Nahal Heletz The Nahal Heletz settlement, which had received preliminary approval along with four other settlements in June, lies between Gush Etzion and Bethlehem. Peace Now warns that this settlement threatens the Palestinian cultural and natural heritage in a region considered of "highest cultural value to humanity." "These actions are not only fragmenting Palestinian space and depriving large communities of their natural and cultural heritage, they also pose an imminent threat to an area considered to be of the highest cultural value to humanity," said the organisation. (With inputs from agencies)

Historic UNESCO site threatened? Israel approves new settlement in West Bank near Bethlehem

The United States White House has warned that Iran could launch a "significant" attack on Israel this week. Briefing the press on Monday (August 12), National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said: "We have to be prepared for what could be a significant set of attacks."

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:85,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1771}">Concerns about escalation</h2>

Kirby said that the US shares "the same concerns and expectations that our Israeli counterparts have with respect to potential timing here."

Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:277,&quot;w&quot;:692,&quot;h&quot;:34,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2163}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-issues-notam-restrictions-as-global-community-awaits-possible-attack-on-israel-747396">Iranian attack on Israel looming? Tehran issues NOTAM, urges aircraft to change their routes</a>

"Could be this week," added Kirby.

The US National Security Council's comments came as the United States, in response to the escalating tensions, deployed an aircraft carrier strike group and a guided missile submarine to the region, in a show of support for Israel.&nbsp;

<h2 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:283,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:26,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:1969}">Why will Iran attack Israel?</h2>

Iran's probable attack would be retaliation for the recent assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, an act that Israel is suspected of committing but has not officially claimed.&nbsp;

Tehran has previously expressed its determination to retaliate against Israel for Haniyeh's&nbsp;assassination.

Last week, during a G7 conference call on August 5, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, had warned of a potential coordinated attack by Iran and Hezbollah against Israel.

Reports from Barak Ravid on Axios, citing three US and Israeli officials, at the time, had supported this prediction, and suggested that the attack could take place that day.

An Israeli official, speaking to CBS News, had indicated that Israel anticipates a "more aggressive" assault compared to Iran's attack on April 13.

Also read |&nbsp;<a bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:88,&quot;y&quot;:558,&quot;w&quot;:591,&quot;h&quot;:16,&quot;abs_x&quot;:121,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2244}" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-asserts-legal-right-to-retaliate-to-hamas-leader-ismail-haniyehs-assassination-747345">Iran asserts 'legal right' to retaliate to Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh's assassination</a>

The same day, Iran had declared that it had the "legal right" to respond to the assassination of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran last week. The attack has been attributed to Israel amidst the ongoing Gaza conflict.

"No one has the right to doubt Iran's legal right to punish the Zionist regime," said Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanani during a regular news conference, in obvious reference to Israel.

While asserting its right to retaliate, Nasser Kanani emphasised that Iran "does not seek to aggravate tensions in the region," which have been on the rise since the Israel-Hamas war erupted in early October and escalated further following the Wednesday attack in Tehran.

"We believe the consolidation of stability and security in the region will be achieved by punishing the aggressor and creating a deterrent against the adventurous behaviour and extraterritorial terrors of the Zionist regime," he stated.

<h3 bis_size="{&quot;x&quot;:8,&quot;y&quot;:774,&quot;w&quot;:723,&quot;h&quot;:52,&quot;abs_x&quot;:41,&quot;abs_y&quot;:2460}">Prez Biden speaks to other leaders&nbsp;</h3>

Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden spoke to leaders of France, Germany, Italy and the UK to discuss de-escalating tensions in the Middle East and a ceasefire in Gaza.

The leaders of all five countries expressed support for Israel against any Iranian threat, said a White House joint statement.

The leaders endorsed the call for renewal of talks for ceasefire to conclude a hostage-truce deal as soon as possible.

They “stressed there is no further time to lose,” the statement says.

&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The United States White House has warned that Iran could launch a "significant" attack on Israel this week. Briefing the press on Monday (August 12), National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said: "We have to be prepared for what could be a significant set of attacks.

The United States White House has warned that Iran could launch a "significant" attack on Israel this week. Briefing the press on Monday (August 12), National Security Council spokesperson John Kirby said: "We have to be prepared for what could be a significant set of attacks." Concerns about escalation Kirby said that the US shares "the same concerns and expectations that our Israeli counterparts have with respect to potential timing here." Also read | Iranian attack on Israel looming? Tehran issues NOTAM, urges aircraft to change their routes "Could be this week," added Kirby. The US National Security Council's comments came as the United States, in response to the escalating tensions, deployed an aircraft carrier strike group and a guided missile submarine to the region, in a show of support for Israel. Why will Iran attack Israel? Iran's probable attack would be retaliation for the recent assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, an act that Israel is suspected of committing but has not officially claimed. Tehran has previously expressed its determination to retaliate against Israel for Haniyeh's assassination. Last week, during a G7 conference call on August 5, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, had warned of a potential coordinated attack by Iran and Hezbollah against Israel. Reports from Barak Ravid on Axios, citing three US and Israeli officials, at the time, had supported this prediction, and suggested that the attack could take place that day. An Israeli official, speaking to CBS News, had indicated that Israel anticipates a "more aggressive" assault compared to Iran's attack on April 13. Also read | Iran asserts 'legal right' to retaliate to Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh's assassination The same day, Iran had declared that it had the "legal right" to respond to the assassination of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran last week. The attack has been attributed to Israel amidst the ongoing Gaza conflict. "No one has the right to doubt Iran's legal right to punish the Zionist regime," said Iranian foreign ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanani during a regular news conference, in obvious reference to Israel. While asserting its right to retaliate, Nasser Kanani emphasised that Iran "does not seek to aggravate tensions in the region," which have been on the rise since the Israel-Hamas war erupted in early October and escalated further following the Wednesday attack in Tehran. "We believe the consolidation of stability and security in the region will be achieved by punishing the aggressor and creating a deterrent against the adventurous behaviour and extraterritorial terrors of the Zionist regime," he stated. Prez Biden speaks to other leaders Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden spoke to leaders of France, Germany, Italy and the UK to discuss de-escalating tensions in the Middle East and a ceasefire in Gaza. The leaders of all five countries expressed support for Israel against any Iranian threat, said a White House joint statement. The leaders endorsed the call for renewal of talks for ceasefire to conclude a hostage-truce deal as soon as possible. They “stressed there is no further time to lose,” the statement says. (With inputs from agencies)

White House warns ‘significant’ Iranian attack on Israel can happen this week

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