Historically one of the most highly educated places in the world, Israeli strikes have now left no university or school in Gaza. But in the midst of rubble and dust, a teenage scientist is defying all odds.

Genius teenager defies odds, gets named Newton of Gaza

Long before Netanyahu’s goal of eliminating Hamas, the Israeli leader has been trying to dismantle UNRWA. Why does Netanyahu want the global aid agency for Palestinians out?

The key UNRWA provision that irks Netanyahu

More than four months into the war and five US diplomatic visits later, there is still no progress on hostage release and truce talks. Have global negotiators failed Gaza?

Israel rejects Hamas’ proposal, 4 months into the Gaza war

The U.S. Central Command forces on Thursday conducted seven "self-defense" strikes against four Houthi unmanned surface vessels and seven mobile anti-ship cruise missiles that were prepared to be launched against ships in the Red Sea, the U.S. military said.

US conducts more strikes on Houthi targets in Yemen

An artist in Syria tells tales of resistance and heartbreak through his paintings, as he fondly remembers his besieged homeland.

A Palestinian painter’s tale through his art

An international low when anticipated Israeli operation in southern city of Rafah is growing every passing hour. Eight groups have warned that any Israeli military Advance into Southern Gaza's Rafah area could cause a bloodbath.

International alarm grows over Israel's anticipated Rafah operation

U.S. has confirmed that it has conducted additional strikes on Iran-linked Houthi rebels. This comes as U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken is heading to West Asia again on his new crisis tour of the region. Blinken seeks to push forward a proposal to halt the devastating conflict in return for the release of hostages.

Bomb, strikes and cries: Life in Gaza | Will Israel-Hamas agree to a peace plan?

Hamas has laid out its demands. U.S. President Joe Biden says they are "over the top". What are these demands and will Israeli PM Netanyahu agree to them?

Gravitas | Will Netanyahu agree to Hamas' proposal?

Netanyahu has rejected Hamas' proposal for a truce. Top U.S. diplomat Blinken says there is hope for more negotiations. Amid all this Russian President Putin has said that Moscow is in talks with Hamas to release hostages. Will Putin broker a peace deal in Gaza?

Gravitas | Will Putin emerge as the winner in Gaza war?

Palestinian Authority PM Mohammad Shtayyeh has called on rival group Hamas to join the PLO's political program. The PLO was forced out of Gaza by Hamas in 2007 and has since been restricted to ruling the West Bank while Hamas has ruled Gaza.

Israel-Palestine Conflict: Palestinian authority PM Shtayyeh invites Hamas to join PLO

Saudi Arabia told the United States that it can't have any relations with Israel in the absence of recognition of the Palestinian state, a report published by the news agency Reuters said on Wednesday (Feb 7).&nbsp;

As quoted, a statement released by a ministry said that Riyadh repeated its request for permanent members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to acknowledge a Palestinian state on the 1967 lines, with East Jerusalem as its capital.&nbsp;

The statement read, "Kingdom has communicated its firm position to the US administration that there will be no diplomatic relations with Israel unless an independent Palestinian state is recognised on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital."&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-war-hamas-proposes-a-four-month-gaza-truce-plan-says-report-687870">Israel war: Hamas proposes a four-month Gaza truce plan, says report</a>&nbsp;

Riyadh reiterated "its call to the permanent members of the UN security council that have not yet recognised the Palestinian state, to expedite the recognition of the Palestinian state on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital".&nbsp;

This statement comes after comments by White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby, who told reporters on Tuesday that talks on Saudi-Israeli normalisation were "ongoing".&nbsp;

Kirby also said that Washington had "received positive feedback from both sides that they're willing to continue to have those discussions".&nbsp;

This comes amid, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's planned visit to Saudi Arabia this week. He also stopped in Egypt, Qatar and then Israel. US President Joe Biden's administration has been pressing Saudi Arabia to recognise Israel.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/middle-east-crisis-houthi-rebels-target-two-more-vessels-in-red-sea-including-one-carrying-coal-to-india-687759">Middle East crisis: Houthi rebels target two more vessels in Red Sea, including one carrying coal to India</a>&nbsp;

Blinken is aiming to finalise a truce deal to limit the escalation happening due to the Israel-Hamas war, which started after the October 7 attacks by Hamas militants.&nbsp;

Before the Israel-Hamas war, Riyadh had even set out criteria, including security guarantees from Washington and assistance in constructing a civilian nuclear programme. But all the progress appears to have gone in vain.&nbsp;

Watch: Israeli claims of UNRWA culpability remain unsubstantiated

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<h2>October 7 attack&nbsp;</h2>

Hamas militants launched an unprecedented cross-border attack on Israel, killing about 1,140 people, mostly civilians, claim Israeli authorities. Hamas had also taken some 250 people as hostages, some of them were later returned as part of a deal in exchange for Palestinian prisoners.&nbsp;

After the attack, Israel responded with several strikes on Gaza and has continued its offensive since then killing at least 27,708 people as of February 6, according to the Hamas-run territory's health ministry.&nbsp;

Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

Saudi Arabia told the United States that it can't have any relations with Israel in the absence of recognition of the Palestinian state, a report published by the news agency Reuters said on Wednesday (Feb 7).

Saudi Arabia told the United States that it can't have any relations with Israel in the absence of recognition of the Palestinian state, a report published by the news agency Reuters said on Wednesday (Feb 7). As quoted, a statement released by a ministry said that Riyadh repeated its request for permanent members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to acknowledge a Palestinian state on the 1967 lines, with East Jerusalem as its capital. The statement read, "Kingdom has communicated its firm position to the US administration that there will be no diplomatic relations with Israel unless an independent Palestinian state is recognised on the 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital." Also read: Israel war: Hamas proposes a four-month Gaza truce plan, says report Riyadh reiterated "its call to the permanent members of the UN security council that have not yet recognised the Palestinian state, to expedite the recognition of the Palestinian state on the 1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital". This statement comes after comments by White House National Security Council spokesman John Kirby, who told reporters on Tuesday that talks on Saudi-Israeli normalisation were "ongoing". Kirby also said that Washington had "received positive feedback from both sides that they're willing to continue to have those discussions". This comes amid, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken's planned visit to Saudi Arabia this week. He also stopped in Egypt, Qatar and then Israel. US President Joe Biden's administration has been pressing Saudi Arabia to recognise Israel. Also read: Middle East crisis: Houthi rebels target two more vessels in Red Sea, including one carrying coal to India Blinken is aiming to finalise a truce deal to limit the escalation happening due to the Israel-Hamas war, which started after the October 7 attacks by Hamas militants. Before the Israel-Hamas war, Riyadh had even set out criteria, including security guarantees from Washington and assistance in constructing a civilian nuclear programme. But all the progress appears to have gone in vain. Watch: Israeli claims of UNRWA culpability remain unsubstantiated × October 7 attack Hamas militants launched an unprecedented cross-border attack on Israel, killing about 1,140 people, mostly civilians, claim Israeli authorities. Hamas had also taken some 250 people as hostages, some of them were later returned as part of a deal in exchange for Palestinian prisoners. After the attack, Israel responded with several strikes on Gaza and has continued its offensive since then killing at least 27,708 people as of February 6, according to the Hamas-run territory's health ministry. Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report ongoing developments on the Israel-Palestine conflict after the Hamas attacks. However, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. (With inputs from agencies)

Saudi Arabia says no ties with Israel until Palestinian state is 'recognised'

Qatar's prime minister said on Tuesday Hamas had reacted positively to the latest plan for a ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages.

Israel-Hamas war: Ceasefire proposal gets 'positive' response from Hamas: Qatar PM

Saudi Arabia has told the United States it will not open diplomatic relations with Israel unless an independent Palestinian state is recognised on 1967 borders with East Jerusalem as its capital.

Saudi Arabia: No Israel ties without recognition of Palestinian state

Saudi Arabia: No ties with Israel unless Gaza war ends

The talks of a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas aren't going anywhere. Hamas has demanded the release of Marwan Barghouti. He is a leading figure of the group's main political rival. He is also the highest-profile prisoner held by Israel. Will Israel release Barghouti?

Gravitas | The secret obstacle in the Gaza ceasefire: Marwan Barghouti

Spain has pledged to send the equivalent of $3.8 million in additional aid to the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares told lawmakers on 5 February.

Spain increases funding for UNRWA in Gaza

More than a fifth of the hostages being held by Hamas militants in Gaza are dead, claims an internal assessment conducted by the Israeli military.

As per the Israeli military report, 32 of the 136 hostages captured by Hamas and its allies during their Oct. 7 attack on Israel have died since the start of the ongoing war in the Middle East. The report curated by Israeli intelligence officers has been reviewed and reported on by the New York Times.

<h2>Families notified</h2>

As per the report citing four military officials speaking on the condition of anonymity, families of the deceased Hamas hostages have been informed after the deaths were confirmed.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/middle-east-crisis-us-strikes-two-houthi-drones-in-yemen-in-self-defence-687383">Middle East crisis: US strikes two Houthi drones in Yemen in 'self-defence'</a>

The officials told NYT that at least 20 other hostages may also have been killed in detention. They said that the military was in the process of assessing the veracity as of now unconfirmed intelligence.

This figure, of 32 dead hostages, as per the report, is higher than any number previously disclosed by the Israeli authorities. In a comment to the publication, the Israeli military disclosed that most of the dead were killed on Oct 7 itself.

<h2>Worsening tensions</h2>

Tensions between Israel and Hamas are continuously on rise. This news is likely to worsen the situation. As per the report, it may cause a furore in Israel where debate over the government course of action to bring back the hostages has divided opinions.

Some, as per Reuters, have accused international organisations, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government of not doing enough to ensure the hostages' return.

The Oct 7 attack claimed 1,200 lives. Around 250 people were taken to the Palestinian enclave as hostages. Of these, roughly half have been freed — most of them during a temporary truce in November of last year, when they were exchanged for 240 Palestinian prisoners and detainees held in Israeli jails.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/furious-biden-calls-netanyahu-bad-fuking-guy-as-middle-east-crisis-deepens-report-687236">Furious Biden called Netanyahu ‘bad fu*king guy’ as Middle East crisis deepens: Report</a>

Since then, the issue of what price Israel should pay to get the more than 100 remaining hostages back, and how to balance that goal against its other stated war objective, to destroy Hamas, has become increasingly polarising.

Israel has vowed to annihilate Hamas in Gaza after the militant group's fighters rampaged through Israeli towns. The country's government has said that its military operations in Gaza will bring back the hostages.

However, families have increasingly been putting pressure on Netanyahu, with the leader's popularity falling to rock bottom over the war.

Last week, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu told the families of hostages that a "real effort" was being made towards their return. However, he said that it was too early to say how such a move would play out.

(With inputs from agencies)

More than a fifth of the hostages being held by Hamas militants in Gaza are dead, claims an internal assessment conducted by the Israeli military. As per the Israeli military report, 32 of the 136 hostages captured by Hamas and its allies during their Oct.

More than a fifth of the hostages being held by Hamas militants in Gaza are dead, claims an internal assessment conducted by the Israeli military. As per the Israeli military report, 32 of the 136 hostages captured by Hamas and its allies during their Oct. 7 attack on Israel have died since the start of the ongoing war in the Middle East. The report curated by Israeli intelligence officers has been reviewed and reported on by the New York Times. Families notified As per the report citing four military officials speaking on the condition of anonymity, families of the deceased Hamas hostages have been informed after the deaths were confirmed. Also read | Middle East crisis: US strikes two Houthi drones in Yemen in 'self-defence' The officials told NYT that at least 20 other hostages may also have been killed in detention. They said that the military was in the process of assessing the veracity as of now unconfirmed intelligence. This figure, of 32 dead hostages, as per the report, is higher than any number previously disclosed by the Israeli authorities. In a comment to the publication, the Israeli military disclosed that most of the dead were killed on Oct 7 itself. Worsening tensions Tensions between Israel and Hamas are continuously on rise. This news is likely to worsen the situation. As per the report, it may cause a furore in Israel where debate over the government course of action to bring back the hostages has divided opinions. Some, as per Reuters, have accused international organisations, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government of not doing enough to ensure the hostages' return. The Oct 7 attack claimed 1,200 lives. Around 250 people were taken to the Palestinian enclave as hostages. Of these, roughly half have been freed — most of them during a temporary truce in November of last year, when they were exchanged for 240 Palestinian prisoners and detainees held in Israeli jails. Also read | Furious Biden called Netanyahu ‘bad fu*king guy’ as Middle East crisis deepens: Report Since then, the issue of what price Israel should pay to get the more than 100 remaining hostages back, and how to balance that goal against its other stated war objective, to destroy Hamas, has become increasingly polarising. Israel has vowed to annihilate Hamas in Gaza after the militant group's fighters rampaged through Israeli towns. The country's government has said that its military operations in Gaza will bring back the hostages. However, families have increasingly been putting pressure on Netanyahu, with the leader's popularity falling to rock bottom over the war. Last week, Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu told the families of hostages that a "real effort" was being made towards their return. However, he said that it was too early to say how such a move would play out. (With inputs from agencies)

Middle East crisis: 32 Israeli hostages in Hamas custody dead, claims report

Israel threatened a new ground assault on Rafah, a small city on the southern border with Egypt where over half of Gaza's 2.3 million people are now living, mostly in makeshift tents.

Israel-Hamas war | Israel says it will expand operations in Rafah

A Palestinian doctor working at al-Ahli al-Arab hospital in Gaza City was detained by Israeli forces during their takeover of the hospital.

Israel-Palestine war: Gaza doctor reveals disturbing details of detention under IDF

Israel-Palestine war: Antony Blinken heads back to West Asia to push for hostage deal

Qatar is pushing negotiations between Israel and Hamas, amid pressure on Netanyahu to bring the hostages home. What are the non-negotiables that have forced the two sides into a deadlock?

Israel-Hamas hostage deal remains precarious

Amid rising tensions across the Red Sea corridor, Yemen's Houthis could potentially target the critical undersea cable network next. What are the ramifications of these reports? Should the west be worried?

Red Sea underwater cables under threat from Houthis?

An overwhelming majority of the Palestinians in the Gaza strip are descendants of refugees. And these descendants of refugees have been turned into refugees all over again. The Israel-Gaza war that has dragged on for more than 119 days now has sparked a humanitarian catastrophe in the Gaza strip. At this moment tens of thousands of Palestinians have been killed in the Gaza strip, and an overwhelming 70% of those are said to young women and children. But the plight of those who are caught in this Israeli offensive is beyond what words can describe. In the biting cold of the winter, a huge number of the displaced Palestinians who have now been rendered homeless are living in tents. The humanitarian aid that is being allowed into the Gaza strip has been described as a drop in the ocean. And starvation, chronic hunger and disease has now become the reality of Gaza. Mohammed Saleh gets you more details

Starvation grips Gaza's Children as Israeli continues with deadly offensive

Britain's top diplomat, former prime minister David Cameron on Thursday (Feb 1st) said that his country could officially recognise a Palestinian state after a cease-fire. Speaking&nbsp;during a visit to Lebanon, he&nbsp;said this could be done without waiting for the outcome of what could be years-long talks on a two-state solution between Israel and the Palestinians.

<h2>Terms and conditions applied</h2>

The British Foreign Secretary said that the UK's recognition of an independent State of Palestine "can't come at the start of the process, but it doesn't have to be the very end of the process."

"It could be something that we consider as this process, as this advance to a solution, becomes more real," said Cameron.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/hamas-gives-initial-positive-confirmation-on-truce-plan-says-qatar-686142">Hamas gives 'initial positive confirmation' on truce plan, says Qatar</a>

"What we need to do is give the Palestinian people a horizon towards a better future, the future of having a state of their own."

However, he stated that no recognition could come while Hamas remained in Gaza.&nbsp;

"You can't have a two-state solution with Gaza still controlled by the people responsible for 7 October," he said, referring to the Hamas attack that triggered the ongoing war in Gaza.&nbsp;

Cameron also said the first step towards this must be a "pause in the fighting" in Gaza, which he said would eventually turn into "a permanent, sustainable ceasefire".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/seven-hostages-rescued-as-turkish-police-detain-gunman-protesting-gaza-war-at-procter-gamble-factory-686155">Seven hostages rescued as Turkish police detain gunman protesting Gaza war at Procter &amp; Gamble factory</a>

The ex-prime minister labelled the prospect "absolutely vital for the long-term peace and security of the region."

<h2>International support for two-state</h2>

Globally, many Western nations, including the United Kingdom and the United States, have voiced their support for the idea of an independent Palestinian state existing alongside Israel, reports The Guardian. However, they stress that Palestinian independence must come as part of a negotiated settlement.

Israel and its Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have consistently been against the creation of an independent Palestinian state after the end of the ongoing war. Netanyahu, in December, even boasted that he was instrumental in stopping Palestine's statehood.

Watch | Red Sea Crisis: US military says it downed Houthi missiles in Red Sea

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Speaking at a press conference in Tel Aviv, he claimed that he had halted the progression of the Oslo peace process. Calling the Oslo Accords "a fateful mistake", he said that Israel would not "repeat the mistake of Oslo".

As per news outlet Common Dreams, he also said that the results of the "little Palestinian state in Gaza" brought about by the Israeli withdrawal from Gaza in 2005 demonstrated the dangers of allowing Palestinian sovereignty in the West Bank.

(With inputs from agencies)

Britain's top diplomat, former prime minister David Cameron on Thursday (Feb 1st) said that his country could officially recognise a Palestinian state after a cease-fire.

Britain's top diplomat, former prime minister David Cameron on Thursday (Feb 1st) said that his country could officially recognise a Palestinian state after a cease-fire. Speaking during a visit to Lebanon, he said this could be done without waiting for the outcome of what could be years-long talks on a two-state solution between Israel and the Palestinians. Terms and conditions applied The British Foreign Secretary said that the UK's recognition of an independent State of Palestine "can't come at the start of the process, but it doesn't have to be the very end of the process." "It could be something that we consider as this process, as this advance to a solution, becomes more real," said Cameron. Also read | Hamas gives 'initial positive confirmation' on truce plan, says Qatar "What we need to do is give the Palestinian people a horizon towards a better future, the future of having a state of their own." However, he stated that no recognition could come while Hamas remained in Gaza. "You can't have a two-state solution with Gaza still controlled by the people responsible for 7 October," he said, referring to the Hamas attack that triggered the ongoing war in Gaza. Cameron also said the first step towards this must be a "pause in the fighting" in Gaza, which he said would eventually turn into "a permanent, sustainable ceasefire". Also read | Seven hostages rescued as Turkish police detain gunman protesting Gaza war at Procter & Gamble factory The ex-prime minister labelled the prospect "absolutely vital for the long-term peace and security of the region." International support for two-state Globally, many Western nations, including the United Kingdom and the United States, have voiced their support for the idea of an independent Palestinian state existing alongside Israel, reports The Guardian. However, they stress that Palestinian independence must come as part of a negotiated settlement. Israel and its Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have consistently been against the creation of an independent Palestinian state after the end of the ongoing war. Netanyahu, in December, even boasted that he was instrumental in stopping Palestine's statehood. Watch | Red Sea Crisis: US military says it downed Houthi missiles in Red Sea Speaking at a press conference in Tel Aviv, he claimed that he had halted the progression of the Oslo peace process. Calling the Oslo Accords "a fateful mistake", he said that Israel would not "repeat the mistake of Oslo". As per news outlet Common Dreams, he also said that the results of the "little Palestinian state in Gaza" brought about by the Israeli withdrawal from Gaza in 2005 demonstrated the dangers of allowing Palestinian sovereignty in the West Bank. (With inputs from agencies)

Britain could officially recognise a Palestinian state after cease-fire, says top UK diplomat

The international court of justice delivered a much-anticipated judgment in the genocide case levelled by South Africa against Israel. The court ruled that Israel must prevent genocidal acts in the besieged strip but stopped short of ordering an immediate ceasefire.

South Africa corners Israel over war in Gaza, former says 'Israeli actions plausibly genocidal'

Netanyahu has said that the United Nations Agency for Palestinian refugees has been infiltrated by Hamas. This comes after several Nations have suspended funding.

PM Netanyahu says UNRWA is totally infiltrated by Hamas

Will the UK recognise the Palestinian state? UK'S Foreign Secretary David Cameron says that his govt is considering a proposal to formally recognise Palestine. Molly Gambhir tells you more.

Gravitas | Will the UK recognise the Palestinian state?

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) has confirmed that it has been flooding tunnels in Gaza with large volumes of water in its effort to attack the terrorist infrastructure of Hamas. Watch in this report for more details!

Israel-Hamas War: Israel confirms flooding Gaza tunnels to halt Hamas attacks

Israeli Special Forces dressed as civilians and medical staff, infilitrated a hospital in the occupied West Bank. The forces killed three people, they claimed as 'Hamas terrorists'.

Israel-Hamas war: Israeli troops, disguised as doctors, raid West Bank hospital

On Sunday (Jan 28), three members of the United States troops were killed in a drone attack in Jordan. The US has blamed Iran-backed Iraqi militia Kataib Hezbollah for the attack that killed specialists Kennedy Ladon Sanders, 24, Breonna Alexsondria Moffett, 23, and Sergeant William Jerome Rivers, 46 and wounded dozens more.&nbsp;

Speaking to the press on Monday (Jan 29), Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh blamed Iran for enabling groups to attack the United States.&nbsp;

Singh said,&nbsp;"In terms of, attribution for the attack, we know this is an IRGC-backed militia. It has the footprints of Kataib Hezbollah. But we are not making a final assessment on that. Our teams here are continuing to do the analysis, but we know that Iran is behind it. And, certainly, as we've said before, here in this briefing room, Iran continues to arm and equip these groups to launch these attacks."

But, who is Kataib Hezbollah? Here's everything we know.

<h2>Kataib Hezbollah — Establishment and more&nbsp;</h2>

As per Reuters, the militant group Kataib Hezbollah was founded in the aftermath of the 2003 US-led invasion of Iraq.&nbsp;

"Founded in 2007, KH seeks to establish an Iran-aligned government in Iraq, expel US and coalition forces from the country, and advance Iranian interests throughout the Middle East," states Counter Terrorism Guide.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/who-are-william-rivers-kennedy-sanders-and-breonna-moffett-the-us-soldiers-killed-in-jordan-685084">Who are William Rivers, Kennedy Sanders and Breonna Moffett - the US soldiers killed in Jordan?</a>

It is one of the elite Iraqi armed factions closest to Iran. While it is primarily based in Iraq and Syria; as per the US National Counterterrorism Center, it also possibly operates in Bahrain, Iran, Lebanon, and Saudi Arabia.

Soon after it was founded, the group developed a reputation for its deadly attacks against both military and diplomatic targets. In the 2000s, it started carrying out the attacks using a mixture of sniper, rocket and mortar attacks and even roadside bombs.

<h2>Kataib Hezbollah — Leader</h2>

The group was led by dual Iraqi-Iranian citizen, Jamal Jaafar Ibrahimi alias Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, who was killed in 2020 by a US drone strike. Iranian Quds Force commander Qassem Soleimani was also killed in the strike at Baghdad's international airport. Ibrahimi&nbsp;was allegedly the mastermind behind the US and French embassy bombings in Kuwait in 1983 and the assassination attempt on Kuwait’s emir in 1985.

As per UK-based news agency Reuters, the shadowy group has no announced leadership structure. However, quoting Iraqi officials and members of the group, the news agency reports that the group is believed to have thousands of fighters and an arsenal of drones, rockets and short-range ballistic missiles.

Watch |&nbsp;Three US soldiers killed, 34 injured in drone strike in Jordan

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However, as per National Counterterrorism Center, Kataib Hezbollah's current overall leader is Ahmad al-Hamidawi. He was named a Specially Designated Global Terrorist in February 2020.

<h2>Kataib Hezbollah — Ideology</h2>

Kataib Hezbollah, as per reports is the most powerful armed faction in the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, and also the "most secretive" and elite of Iraq's predominantly Shi'ite militias.&nbsp;

According to the US Department of State, Kataib Hezbollah is "a radical Shia Islamist group with an anti-Western establishment and jihadist ideology."

On its website, the group states that its first goal "was and still remains: thwarting the American project in the region, defeat of the occupation, and expelling them from Iraq, broken and humbled…. As for our jihadi pillars, there are four. Firstly, waging jihad against the occupation until the last American is expelled from Iraq."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pentagon-vows-action-after-jordan-attack-releases-names-of-3-us-soldiers-killed-684938">Pentagon vows action after Jordan attack, releases names of 3 soldiers killed as Iran denies involvement</a>

It is an umbrella group of hardline Shi'ite armed groups that claimed more than 150 attacks on US forces since the start of the Gaza war. The militant group was designated as a foreign terrorist organisation in July 2009 by the United States.

The group reportedly has a transnational Shi'ite ideology and views the borders between Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon as Western constructs. It also considers US troops in Iraq as foreign occupiers and has even called for their forceful expulsion.

Kataib Hezbollah is known to have fought alongside other Shi'ite militias against mostly Sunni rebels during Syria's civil war. Ever since that, it has continued to operate in Syria.

Kataib Hezbollah, is also known to be a prominent militia within Iraq's Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF). Initially established in 2014 to combat the Islamic State, the PMF has evolved into an officially recognised security force with fighters receiving state salaries. Notably, Kataib Hezbollah members, some of whom are designated as terrorists by the US, hold influential positions in the PMF, reports Reuters.

Despite being technically under the command of Iraq's prime minister as part of the PMF, Kataib Hezbollah often operates independently, challenging and defying government directives to cease attacks on US forces.&nbsp;

In addition to its military activities, Kataib Hezbollah is believed to have ventured into the political arena. Although the group neither confirms nor denies these political links publicly, it is widely perceived to have formed a political party that participated in the 2021 elections. Remarkably, the group secured several seats in the Iraqi parliament, signalling its expanding influence beyond the realm of armed operations.

(With inputs from agencies)

On Sunday (Jan 28), three members of the United States troops were killed in a drone attack in Jordan. The US has blamed Iran-backed Iraqi militia Kataib Hezbollah for the attack that killed specialists Kennedy Ladon Sanders, 24, Breonna Alexsondria Moffett, 23, and Sergeant William Jerome Rivers, 46 and wounded dozens more.

On Sunday (Jan 28), three members of the United States troops were killed in a drone attack in Jordan. The US has blamed Iran-backed Iraqi militia Kataib Hezbollah for the attack that killed specialists Kennedy Ladon Sanders, 24, Breonna Alexsondria Moffett, 23, and Sergeant William Jerome Rivers, 46 and wounded dozens more. Speaking to the press on Monday (Jan 29), Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh blamed Iran for enabling groups to attack the United States. Singh said, "In terms of, attribution for the attack, we know this is an IRGC-backed militia. It has the footprints of Kataib Hezbollah. But we are not making a final assessment on that. Our teams here are continuing to do the analysis, but we know that Iran is behind it. And, certainly, as we've said before, here in this briefing room, Iran continues to arm and equip these groups to launch these attacks." But, who is Kataib Hezbollah? Here's everything we know. Kataib Hezbollah — Establishment and more As per Reuters, the militant group Kataib Hezbollah was founded in the aftermath of the 2003 US-led invasion of Iraq. "Founded in 2007, KH seeks to establish an Iran-aligned government in Iraq, expel US and coalition forces from the country, and advance Iranian interests throughout the Middle East," states Counter Terrorism Guide. Also read | Who are William Rivers, Kennedy Sanders and Breonna Moffett - the US soldiers killed in Jordan? It is one of the elite Iraqi armed factions closest to Iran. While it is primarily based in Iraq and Syria; as per the US National Counterterrorism Center, it also possibly operates in Bahrain, Iran, Lebanon, and Saudi Arabia. Soon after it was founded, the group developed a reputation for its deadly attacks against both military and diplomatic targets. In the 2000s, it started carrying out the attacks using a mixture of sniper, rocket and mortar attacks and even roadside bombs. Kataib Hezbollah — Leader The group was led by dual Iraqi-Iranian citizen, Jamal Jaafar Ibrahimi alias Abu Mahdi al-Muhandis, who was killed in 2020 by a US drone strike. Iranian Quds Force commander Qassem Soleimani was also killed in the strike at Baghdad's international airport. Ibrahimi was allegedly the mastermind behind the US and French embassy bombings in Kuwait in 1983 and the assassination attempt on Kuwait’s emir in 1985. As per UK-based news agency Reuters, the shadowy group has no announced leadership structure. However, quoting Iraqi officials and members of the group, the news agency reports that the group is believed to have thousands of fighters and an arsenal of drones, rockets and short-range ballistic missiles. Watch | Three US soldiers killed, 34 injured in drone strike in Jordan However, as per National Counterterrorism Center, Kataib Hezbollah's current overall leader is Ahmad al-Hamidawi. He was named a Specially Designated Global Terrorist in February 2020. Kataib Hezbollah — Ideology Kataib Hezbollah, as per reports is the most powerful armed faction in the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, and also the "most secretive" and elite of Iraq's predominantly Shi'ite militias. According to the US Department of State, Kataib Hezbollah is "a radical Shia Islamist group with an anti-Western establishment and jihadist ideology." On its website, the group states that its first goal "was and still remains: thwarting the American project in the region, defeat of the occupation, and expelling them from Iraq, broken and humbled…. As for our jihadi pillars, there are four. Firstly, waging jihad against the occupation until the last American is expelled from Iraq." Also read | Pentagon vows action after Jordan attack, releases names of 3 soldiers killed as Iran denies involvement It is an umbrella group of hardline Shi'ite armed groups that claimed more than 150 attacks on US forces since the start of the Gaza war. The militant group was designated as a foreign terrorist organisation in July 2009 by the United States. The group reportedly has a transnational Shi'ite ideology and views the borders between Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon as Western constructs. It also considers US troops in Iraq as foreign occupiers and has even called for their forceful expulsion. Kataib Hezbollah is known to have fought alongside other Shi'ite militias against mostly Sunni rebels during Syria's civil war. Ever since that, it has continued to operate in Syria. Kataib Hezbollah, is also known to be a prominent militia within Iraq's Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF). Initially established in 2014 to combat the Islamic State, the PMF has evolved into an officially recognised security force with fighters receiving state salaries. Notably, Kataib Hezbollah members, some of whom are designated as terrorists by the US, hold influential positions in the PMF, reports Reuters. Despite being technically under the command of Iraq's prime minister as part of the PMF, Kataib Hezbollah often operates independently, challenging and defying government directives to cease attacks on US forces. In addition to its military activities, Kataib Hezbollah is believed to have ventured into the political arena. Although the group neither confirms nor denies these political links publicly, it is widely perceived to have formed a political party that participated in the 2021 elections. Remarkably, the group secured several seats in the Iraqi parliament, signalling its expanding influence beyond the realm of armed operations. (With inputs from agencies)

Explained | Who is Kataib Hezbollah, the Iran-backed group allegedly behind strike on US troops in Jordan?

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