Israel's parliament passed a law on Monday making death by hanging a default sentence for Palestinians convicted in military courts of deadly attacks, fulfilling a pledge by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s far-right allies.
The law would only apply ​to Israelis convicted of murder whose attacks aimed at "ending Israel's existence", meaning it would mete out the death penalty for Palestinians but not for Jewish Israelis who committed similar crimes, critics ‌say.

Israel Sets Death Penalty Law For Palestinians Convicted of Deadly Attacks

Israel Sets Death By Hanging as Default Sentence For Palestinians Convicted of Lethal Attacks

Reports of rising violence by Israeli settlers in the West Bank are drawing growing concern, with Palestinians facing near-daily attacks in several areas. Homes and vehicles have reportedly been torched, while incidents described as “revenge attacks” and mob assaults are increasing. The surge is adding another layer of tension to an already volatile situation, with fears that the cycle of violence could spiral further.


Israel-Palestine Conflict: Increase in Israeli 'Revenge' Attacks & Rise in Lynching Cases

A new report from the Union of Jewish Students has found alarming levels of antisemitism on UK university campuses, with students reporting exclusion, harassment, and troubling rhetoric tied to global conflicts. According to the research, nearly one in five students would be reluctant to house‑share with a Jewish peer, and many have witnessed chants or actions tied to extremist groups. In this video we explore the data, student voices, and responses from institutions and advocacy groups. 


Antisemitism on UK Campuses: New Report Reveals Troubling Trends

More than 30 U.S. senators and House lawmakers are pressing the U.S. government to launch an independent investigation into the killing of 19‑year‑old Palestinian‑American Nasrallah Abu Siyam, who was shot and killed by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank in February.


Lawmakers Push for Probe into Palestinian-American Killing

Israeli strikes on Gaza have killed at least seven people, with Khan Younis and Rafah among the areas targeted.


Israel Strikes Gaza: At Least Seven Killed In Khan Younis, Rafah | WION

Scream 7 premiered in Los Angeles on Wednesday night. During the event, dozens of pro-Palestine protesters marched outside the venue, calling for a boycott of the horror film. In support of Palestine, they were seen carrying flags and signs that read, ''Cancel Paramount+” and “Stand For Free Speech Boycott Scream 7.” Nearly 25 protesters gathered outside Paramount Studios, where the premiere was being held. On the red carpet, where stars like Neve Campbell and Courteney Cox, were walking and speaking to media, the voices of demonstrators were firmly held. &nbsp;&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/bbc-orders-probe-into-serious-mistake-over-bafta-racial-slur-1772077546939">BBC orders probe into 'serious mistake' over BAFTA racial slur</a> Carrying flags, drums, and bullhorns, they continuously chanted against the movie and the studio. “Paramount, Paramount, what do you say?” and “Palestine will live forever!” they said.&nbsp;Speaking on the red carpet, “Scream 7” director Kevin Williamson talked about protest, saying that he's don't know if canceling Paramount+ is the way to do it.&nbsp;“We live in a world where a lot of bad things are happening out there, and I think a lot of people want to be heard and they want to have their voice heard about the bad stuff that’s happening,” Williamson told Variety.&nbsp;&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/hollywood/-is-he-gay-pedro-pascal-s-cozy-photographs-with-rafael-olarra-sparks-speculations-about-new-romance-on-the-internet-1772032798721">Pedro Pascal's photos with Rafael Olarra sparks speculations about new romance</a>&nbsp;“My heart goes out to them. I don’t know if canceling Paramount+ is the way to do it. But I think people should listen to their inner self and do what feels good for them,” he said.&nbsp;

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">Melissa Barrera seemingly reacts to Pro-Palestine protestors calling to boycott Scream 7 at its premiere, due to her firing for criticizing Israel. <a href="https://t.co/BpSWaAZGsT">pic.twitter.com/BpSWaAZGsT</a>&mdash; Ahmed Hathout 🇵🇸 (@ahmedhathoutt) <a href="https://twitter.com/ahmedhathoutt/status/2026874556904796334?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 26, 2026</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

<h2>What’s the reason behind the protest?</h2>The demonstrators took to the streets to protest the firing of former series star Melissa Barrera. After Hamas’ Oct. 7, 2023, attack and Israel’s retaliation, Barrera shared an Instagram post in which she expressed support for Palestine.&nbsp;Later, “Scream” producer Spyglass Media Group revealed that had dropped the actress from the franchise because of her views.&nbsp;Spyglass Media Group said at the time, ''Spyglass’ stance is unequivocally clear: We have zero tolerance for antisemitism or the incitement of hate in any form, including false references to genocide, ethnic cleansing, Holocaust distortion or anything that flagrantly crosses the line into hate speech.”&nbsp;After Barrera was fired, &nbsp;actress Jenna Ortega, the film’s original director, Christopher Landon announced left the project.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>More about Scream 7&nbsp;</h2>Scream 7, the new addition in the long-running horror franchise, stars Campbell alongside fellow original cast members Courteney Cox, Matthew Lillard and David Arquette and, as well as Isabel May, Jasmin Savoy Brown, Mason Gooding, Anna Camp, Joel McHale and Mckenna Grace.&nbsp;

Nearly 25 protesters gathered outside Paramount Studios, where the premiere was being held. On the red carpet, the voices of demonstrators were firmly held.  

Scream 7 premiered in Los Angeles on Wednesday night. During the event, dozens of pro-Palestine protesters marched outside the venue, calling for a boycott of the horror film. In support of Palestine, they were seen carrying flags and signs that read, ''Cancel Paramount+” and “Stand For Free Speech Boycott Scream 7.” Nearly 25 protesters gathered outside Paramount Studios, where the premiere was being held. On the red carpet, where stars like Neve Campbell and Courteney Cox, were walking and speaking to media, the voices of demonstrators were firmly held. Also read: BBC orders probe into 'serious mistake' over BAFTA racial slur Carrying flags, drums, and bullhorns, they continuously chanted against the movie and the studio. “Paramount, Paramount, what do you say?” and “Palestine will live forever!” they said. Speaking on the red carpet, “Scream 7” director Kevin Williamson talked about protest, saying that he's don't know if canceling Paramount+ is the way to do it. “We live in a world where a lot of bad things are happening out there, and I think a lot of people want to be heard and they want to have their voice heard about the bad stuff that’s happening,” Williamson told Variety. Also read: Pedro Pascal's photos with Rafael Olarra sparks speculations about new romance “My heart goes out to them. I don’t know if canceling Paramount+ is the way to do it. But I think people should listen to their inner self and do what feels good for them,” he said.

Nearly 25 protesters gathered outside Paramount Studios, where the premiere was being held. On the red carpet, the voices of demonstrators were firmly held. &nbsp;

20+ pro-Palestine protesters rally outside Scream 7 premiere, call for Paramount ban

Despite a ceasefire, Gaza's humanitarian crisis remains severe. As the Muslim holy month of Ramadan gets underway, hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians are struggling to survive amid critical shortages of food, clean water and medical supplies.

Gaza Humanitarian Crisis Remains Severe, Displaced Palestinians Face Food Shortage

U.S. President Donald Trump has unveiled plans for a 20,000-strong International Stabilization Force in Gaza, joined by countries including Indonesia, Morocco, Turkiye and Albania. The initiative aims to protect civilians, train police, and assist reconstruction, while sparking tensions with Israel over Turkish troop involvement. Reports also suggest that Trump is also planning to build a mega base for 5000 troops in Gaza. 


Israel-Gaza War | Trump Gaza Army: ISF to Deploy 20,000 Troops Across Gaza | Gravitas

Israel has issued a 60-day deadline for Hamas to disarm, warning of another round of conflict if the conditions are not met. The ultimatum comes amid continuing tensions surrounding Gaza’s security and post-war future. The development adds to already fragile dynamics in the region as diplomatic and military pressures intensify.


Israel-Gaza War: Israel Gives 60-Day Deadline to Hamas to Disarm or Face Another Round of War | WION

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Gaza’s reconstruction would not proceed without the disarmament of Hamas, linking rebuilding efforts to security conditions. Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump pledged billions of dollars in aid for Gaza, signalling potential financial support for post-conflict recovery. The remarks come amid continuing international debate over Gaza’s future and regional stability.


Netanyahu: No Gaza Rebuilding Without Hamas Disarmament; Trump Pledges Billions In Aid | WION

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued a stern deadline to Hamas regarding the reconstruction of Gaza, following extensive damage from recent conflicts. The ultimatum stresses Israel’s conditions for rebuilding and the role Hamas must play in coordinating humanitarian and infrastructure efforts.


Israeli PM Issues Ultimatum To Hamas on Gaza Rebuilding

Peer-reviewed research published in The Lancet Global Health shows that more than 75,000 people were killed violently in Gaza during the first 16 months of the conflict, between October 7, 2023 and January 5, 2025—about 25,000 more than earlier estimates. The study’s survey of thousands of households suggests that the toll of direct violence may have been significantly undercounted, with women, children, and older adults making up a large proportion of the fatalities. These findings highlight the heavy human cost of the war and raise questions about the accuracy of official counts.


Gaza: New Estimates Show 75,000 People Killed in Gaza During the First 16 Months of War |WION

The Palestinian envoy has officially launched a bid to become President of the 81st United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) session. This move highlights Palestine’s diplomatic efforts on the global stage and could influence international discussions on peace and security.


Palestinian Representative Announces Run for UNGA President at 81st Session

Israel's security cabinet approved measures on February 8, 2026, to expand control over the occupied West Bank, easing land sales to Jewish settlers and boosting enforcement in Palestinian areas, amid Gaza ceasefire talks. The moves drew global criticism for undermining the Palestinian Authority and two-state prospects, though no direct Trump opposition statements emerged in reports.



Gaza Ceasefire: Israel Expands West Bank Powers Amid Backlash

Saudi Arabia and seven other muslim countries on Monday (Feb 09) denounced fresh measures announced by the Israeli government to expand its presence and additional steps to tighten control of the West Bank, including allowing more settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory.&nbsp;Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Defence Minister Israel Katz announced the new provisions on Sunday. These include allowing Jewish Israelis to buy West Bank land, as per a joint statement from ministers.&nbsp;The foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Jordan, the UAE, Qatar, Indonesia, Pakistan, Egypt and Turkey "condemned in the strongest terms the illegal Israeli decisions and measures aimed at imposing unlawful Israeli sovereignty", a Saudi statement said.&nbsp;They are an attempt at "entrenching settlement activity, and enforcing a new legal and administrative reality in the occupied West Bank, thereby accelerating attempts at its illegal annexation and the displacement of the Palestinian people", the foreign ministry statement added.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-avoided-lok-sabha-over-naravane-memoir-row-not-security-concerns-rahul-gandhi-claims-1770646011052">PM avoided Lok Sabha over Naravane memoir row, not security concerns, Rahul Gandhi claims</a>&nbsp;Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas described the decision as a de facto annexation of the West Bank and urged the US president and the United Nations Security Council to intervene.&nbsp;The measure will also allow Israeli authorities to take charge of managing some religious sites and increase the scope of Israeli interference and enforcement in areas run by the Palestinian Authority.&nbsp;Finance Minister Smotrich said these steps are aimed at "deepening our roots in all regions of the Land of Israel and burying the idea of a Palestinian state".&nbsp;The timing of the decision raised eyebrows, as it comes days ahead of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to the United States, where he is due to meet the US president. Donald Trump previously stated his disapproval of Israeli annexation of the West Bank and endorsed the US stance on the issue.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Israel announced new measures, including allowing its citizens to buy land in the West Bank and expanding Jewish settlements there, aimed at tightening its grip on the territory.

Saudi Arabia and seven other muslim countries on Monday (Feb 09) denounced fresh measures announced by the Israeli government to expand its presence and additional steps to tighten control of the West Bank, including allowing more settlements in the occupied Palestinian territory. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Defence Minister Israel Katz announced the new provisions on Sunday. These include allowing Jewish Israelis to buy West Bank land, as per a joint statement from ministers. The foreign ministers of Saudi Arabia, Jordan, the UAE, Qatar, Indonesia, Pakistan, Egypt and Turkey "condemned in the strongest terms the illegal Israeli decisions and measures aimed at imposing unlawful Israeli sovereignty", a Saudi statement said. They are an attempt at "entrenching settlement activity, and enforcing a new legal and administrative reality in the occupied West Bank, thereby accelerating attempts at its illegal annexation and the displacement of the Palestinian people", the foreign ministry statement added. Also Read: PM avoided Lok Sabha over Naravane memoir row, not security concerns, Rahul Gandhi claims Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas described the decision as a de facto annexation of the West Bank and urged the US president and the United Nations Security Council to intervene. The measure will also allow Israeli authorities to take charge of managing some religious sites and increase the scope of Israeli interference and enforcement in areas run by the Palestinian Authority. Finance Minister Smotrich said these steps are aimed at "deepening our roots in all regions of the Land of Israel and burying the idea of a Palestinian state". The timing of the decision raised eyebrows, as it comes days ahead of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's visit to the United States, where he is due to meet the US president. Donald Trump previously stated his disapproval of Israeli annexation of the West Bank and endorsed the US stance on the issue.

Israel announced new measures, including allowing its citizens to buy land in the West Bank and expanding Jewish settlements there, aimed at tightening its grip on the territory.

Eight Muslim nations condemn Israel's 'illegal' West Bank control measures in joint statement

Gaza continues to come under Israeli fire even as a ceasefire fails to translate into lasting peace. Deaths and strikes persist, underscoring the fragility of truce efforts and the absence of a durable political settlement as violence continues on the ground.

Israel-Gaza War: Gaza Bleeds Under Israeli Fire as Ceasefire Fails to Bring Lasting Peace 

Senior Israeli officials have been urging the United States to launch military strikes against Iran, according to US officials, as tensions over Tehran’s nuclear programme and regional actions persist. Despite sustained pressure from Jerusalem, including from defence and intelligence chiefs, President Donald Trump has so far resisted ordering direct attacks on Iran, with aides saying he “really does not want to do it.” Analysts say Trump’s reluctance stems from concerns over the broader risks of escalation, even as Washington continues to deploy forces to the region and pursue diplomatic talks with Tehran aimed at averting conflict.


Iran-US Tensions: Israel Urges US Strikes on Iran as Trump Resists Military Action, Officials Say

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has submitted his response to the October 7 probe, shifting responsibility toward the Israel Defense Forces and the Shin Bet. The reply comes amid intense scrutiny over security failures surrounding the attacks, as questions over political and institutional accountability continue to dominate public debate.

Israel: Israel's Netanyahu Submits Reply to Oct 7 Probe, Deflects Blame Toward IDF, Shin Bet | WION

The brother of Israel’s Shin Bet chief has been indicted, with officials alleging that a cigarette trade financially benefited Hamas. Authorities say the case centres on illicit trading activities, raising concerns over indirect funding channels linked to militant groups.


Israel: Brother of Israeli Shin Bet Chief Indicted Over Alleged Cigarette Trade | WION

At least 20 Palestinians were killed in Israeli airstrikes and shelling as fighting continues in the Gaza Strip, according to local health officials.


Israel-Gaza War: At Least 20 Palestinians Killed in Israeli Strikes & Shelling 

A Gaza panel has unveiled a new and controversial logo, drawing criticism from Israel, which says the design is nearly identical to the Palestinian Authority’s symbol. The resemblance has triggered debate over political messaging and symbolism amid heightened regional tensions.


Isreal-Gaza" Gaza Panel Unveils New Logo, Israel Flags Similarity With Palestinian Authority Symbol

Thousands marched in Tel Aviv on Saturday, demanding that the Israeli government address violence against Arab communities. The protest highlighted the stark disparity in police handling of crimes, with only 8% of killings in Palestinian communities leading to charges, compared to 55% in Jewish communities. Activists argue that the government's failure to act is fueling violence and discrimination, with the recent toll on Palestinian lives continuing to rise.


Thousands Of Israelis Protest Discrimination Against Arabs

Israel has said there will be no future role for Hamas in Gaza once the war ends, outlining its post-war position amid continued fighting. The statement comes as international efforts intensify to shape Gaza’s future governance and humanitarian reconstruction while ceasefire talks remain fragile.


Israel-Hamas War: Israel Says No Future Role for Hamas in Gaza | WION

The Palestinian Foreign Minister, Dr Varsen Aghabekian Shahin, had said India's potential major role in the reconstruction of Gaza, emphasising New Delhi's longstanding support and expertise in development assistance.


Palestinian FM Praises India's Solidarity With Palestine 

The Palestinian Foreign Minister, Dr Varsen Aghabekian Shahin, had said India's potential major role in the reconstruction of Gaza, emphasising New Delhi's longstanding support and expertise in development assistance.

Speaking to WION's Sidhant Sibal, Dr Shahin praised India's historical solidarity with Palestine, including consistent support in international forums and provision of humanitarian and development aid to Gaza and the West Bank."India is a great country, and we've had a great relationship with India for the last decades," she said. 

She noted that "there are several projects that have been and still ongoing, with support from India."

With Gaza facing vast destruction following prolonged conflict, Dr Shahin stressed the enormous resources required for rebuilding. "The reconstruction of the Gaza Strip, given the vast destruction in Gaza, will require enormous support in terms of human resources, in terms of money, in terms of technical assistance, you name it," she said."

Palestine FM Shahin Sees India's Role in Gaza Reconstruction

Israel has recovered the remains of Ran Gvili, the last hostage held in Gaza. The 24-year-old Israeli police officer was killed during the October 7 Hamas attack, with the military saying the recovery could help move forward US President Donald Trump’s peace plan.


Israel-Gaza Tensions: Israel Recovers Remains Of Ran Gvili, Last Hostage In Gaza | WION

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu met US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, with discussions focusing on the second phase of the Gaza ceasefire, Netanyahu’s office said.


Isreal-Gaza War: Israeli PM Meets US Envoys As Talks Focus On Next Phase Of Gaza Ceasefire

Hospitals in Gaza say Israeli forces killed at least 11 Palestinians on Wednesday, including two 13-year-old boys and three journalists, in the latest violence to undermine a three-month-old ceasefire.

Israel-Gaza Conflict: Three journalists among 11 Palestinians killed by Israeli forces in Gaza

Two infants have died in a day care centre in Jerusalem, in what authorities are investigating as a possible heating system malfunction, Israeli officials said. Emergency responders were called to the facility after reports that the babies were unresponsive.


Jerusalem Daycare Incident Leaves Two Infants Dead, Heating Failure Probed | WION 

palestine

Palestine, News on Palestine, stories on Palestine, articles on Palestine, Palestine stories at Wion, Palestine news, Palestine latest news