Israel’s war in Gaza threatens to spill into Lebanon and beyond. Escalating strikes and counterstrikes along the border between Israel And Lebanon are raising fears of a possible new front, even as its fighters remain mired in bloody urban combat in Gaza to the south in its campaign to destroy Hamas.

Fears of regional escalation as Israel warns of ‘multi-front’ war

Gaza Health officials report dozens killed in an Israeli strike as the focus on Israel's war against Hamas militants shifts to the besieged territories. Israel's relentless air and ground offensive has left much of Gaza in ruins and killed over 20,000 people mostly women and children.

Israel-Hamas war | At least 195 killed in Israeli strikes in past 24 hours: Hamas-run ministry

Another barrage of attack escalate tensions in the Red Sea - Israel's ongoing military operations in Gaza continues to witness a push back by Yemen's Houthis and on the maritime front.

Houthis 10-hour onslaught in Red Sea after US announces Naval coalition | World News | WION

The United States' two busiest airports on Wednesday became the sight of rallies, as pro-Palestinian protesters blocked morning traffic, engaging in violent skirmishes with the police.

Carrying signs that read "free Palestine" and "divest from genocide", among other things, protesters blocked roads around the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). The coast-to-coast demonstrations, as per Reuters, ended with dozens of arrests.

<h2>Unruly demonstrators</h2>

As per the Los Angeles Police Department, 36 people were taken into custody at LAX, where demonstrators became unruly.

In a statement, the police said, "Protesters threw a police officer to the ground, used construction debris, road signs, tree branches and blocks of concrete to obstruct" a road into the airport. The entrance was reopened within 45 minutes with "no impacts to fights," reported the Los Angeles City News Service.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-claims-hamas-oct-7-attack-retribution-for-killing-of-soleimani-palestinian-militant-group-says-no-674175">Iran claims Hamas Oct 7 attack retribution for killing of&nbsp;Soleimani; Palestinian militant group says 'no'</a>

They also attacked "uninvolved passersby in their vehicles," said the statement, adding that most of those arrested have been booked on rioting charges. One person has been detained on battery charges for assaulting a police officer. &nbsp;

In Queens, at the protest near the JFK Airport, 26 people were arrested for disorderly conduct and impeding vehicular traffic, reported the Port Authority Police Department of New York. The roadway was reopened after 20 minutes.

The protests come as the casualties in Gaza continue to increase, and as the UN Health Agency reported that thousands of people are trying to flee fighting. Since the war began nearly three months ago, more than 21,000 have been killed, and another 55,000 have been injured in Gaza, as per the Hamas-run health ministry.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-army-claims-to-have-destroyed-hamas-tunnels-under-gazas-rantisi-hospital-674235">Israeli army claims to have destroyed Hamas' tunnels under Gaza’s Rantisi hospital</a>

On Thursday, a report by the UN said the human rights situation in the occupied West Bank was rapidly deteriorating.&nbsp;

Urging Israel to "end unlawful killings" against the Palestinian population, UN rights chief Volker Turk said: "The use of military tactics and weapons in law enforcement contexts, the use of unnecessary or disproportionate force, and the enforcement of broad, arbitrary and discriminatory movement restrictions that affect Palestinians are extremely troubling."

(With inputs from agencies)

The United States' two busiest airports on Wednesday became the sight of rallies, as pro-Palestinian protesters blocked morning traffic, engaging in violent skirmishes with the police.

The United States' two busiest airports on Wednesday became the sight of rallies, as pro-Palestinian protesters blocked morning traffic, engaging in violent skirmishes with the police. Carrying signs that read "free Palestine" and "divest from genocide", among other things, protesters blocked roads around the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). The coast-to-coast demonstrations, as per Reuters, ended with dozens of arrests. Unruly demonstrators As per the Los Angeles Police Department, 36 people were taken into custody at LAX, where demonstrators became unruly. In a statement, the police said, "Protesters threw a police officer to the ground, used construction debris, road signs, tree branches and blocks of concrete to obstruct" a road into the airport. The entrance was reopened within 45 minutes with "no impacts to fights," reported the Los Angeles City News Service. Also read | Iran claims Hamas Oct 7 attack retribution for killing of Soleimani; Palestinian militant group says 'no' They also attacked "uninvolved passersby in their vehicles," said the statement, adding that most of those arrested have been booked on rioting charges. One person has been detained on battery charges for assaulting a police officer. In Queens, at the protest near the JFK Airport, 26 people were arrested for disorderly conduct and impeding vehicular traffic, reported the Port Authority Police Department of New York. The roadway was reopened after 20 minutes. The protests come as the casualties in Gaza continue to increase, and as the UN Health Agency reported that thousands of people are trying to flee fighting. Since the war began nearly three months ago, more than 21,000 have been killed, and another 55,000 have been injured in Gaza, as per the Hamas-run health ministry. Also read | Israeli army claims to have destroyed Hamas' tunnels under Gaza’s Rantisi hospital On Thursday, a report by the UN said the human rights situation in the occupied West Bank was rapidly deteriorating. Urging Israel to "end unlawful killings" against the Palestinian population, UN rights chief Volker Turk said: "The use of military tactics and weapons in law enforcement contexts, the use of unnecessary or disproportionate force, and the enforcement of broad, arbitrary and discriminatory movement restrictions that affect Palestinians are extremely troubling." (With inputs from agencies)

Pro-Palestine rallies in US block JFK and LAX airports, dozens arrested as protesters turn unruly

Israelis trust the IDF significantly more than they trust Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, The Israel Democracy Institute said in its latest Israel Voice Index released on Tuesday, which focused on the war with Hamas.

Israel-Hamas war: Israeli PM Netanyahu's popularity plummets amid war with Hamas

Israeli PM Netanyahu is losing trust of his people, could Netanyahu be replaced?

Israel-Hamas war: Israel’s people are going through a crisis & they do not trust Netanyahu

An Israeli airstrike on a residence block in southern Lebanon has killed a Lebanese-Australian man, his wife, and his brother, who the armed group Hezbollah claims was one of their members.

Two Australians killed by Israeli airstrike in Lebanon

Israel-Hamas war: At least 195 killed in Israeli strikes in past 24 hours

The US has accused Iran of aiding Houthi Pirates. More than 20 countries have joined the US-led coalition to protect Red Sea shipping from attacks by Yemen's Houthi rebels; However Spain will not participate in coalition against Red Sea attacks. Watch the video to know more!

Red Sea Attacks: Spain says no to EU operation against Houthis

Israel is engaged in the war in Gaza while battles on multiple fronts continue. Tensions are surging in West Bank as violence escalates while Iran backed Hezbollah and Houthis continue to engage in skirmishes with Israeli army and its allies.

Israel-Hamas war: Israel Army says, 'Hezbollah paying heavy price for attacks on Northern border'

Australians killed by Israeli airstrike in Lebanon

Israelis trust IDF more than Netanyahu: Report

US&nbsp;President Joe Biden and Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani discussed on Tuesday the need to release hostages held in Gaza and efforts to boost humanitarian aid, the White House said.

Qatar and Egypt were mediators between Israel and the militant group Hamas in the late November truce. Current diplomatic efforts on a new truce have yielded little public progress so far.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-being-attacked-from-seven-sides-says-defence-minister-gallant-raises-fear-of-escalation-across-gulf-673851">Israel being attacked from seven sides, says Defence Minister Gallant, raises fear of escalation across Gulf</a>

"The two leaders discussed the urgent effort to secure the release of all remaining hostages held by Hamas, including American citizens," the White House readout said, adding they also talked about increasing access to aid.

The Qatari State News Agency said the emir received a phone call from Biden to discuss the latest developments and current joint mediation efforts for calming the situation in the besieged enclave to reach a permanent ceasefire.

US President Joe Biden and Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani discussed on Tuesday the need to release hostages held in Gaza and efforts to boost humanitarian aid, the White House said.

US President Joe Biden and Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani discussed on Tuesday the need to release hostages held in Gaza and efforts to boost humanitarian aid, the White House said. Qatar and Egypt were mediators between Israel and the militant group Hamas in the late November truce. Current diplomatic efforts on a new truce have yielded little public progress so far. Also read | Israel being attacked from seven sides, says Defence Minister Gallant, raises fear of escalation across Gulf "The two leaders discussed the urgent effort to secure the release of all remaining hostages held by Hamas, including American citizens," the White House readout said, adding they also talked about increasing access to aid. The Qatari State News Agency said the emir received a phone call from Biden to discuss the latest developments and current joint mediation efforts for calming the situation in the besieged enclave to reach a permanent ceasefire.

Biden, Qatar's Emir discuss Gaza hostages, boosting aid - White House

Yemen's Houthi movement attacked two commercial ships in the Red Sea with naval drones on Monday, the Iran-backed group said, the latest in a surge of attacks over Israel's military campaign in Gaza.

Israel-Hamas war: US downs multiple drones, missiles fired by Houthis over Red Sea, says Pentagon

The cost of Israel's ongoing war with Hamas in the Gaza strip is estimated to be as high as $51 billion, according to preliminary figures reported by the Calcalist financial newspaper. This figure, equivalent to 10% of Israel's gross domestic product, is based on several key assumptions, including the conflict lasting between eight to 12 months.

Israel-Hamas war: Israel defence spending to climb | Hamas war to cost Israel more in 2024 | WION

The renewed talks for a potential truce in the Israel-Hamas War there are reports of Discord between Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his defence minister Yoav Gallant. The Israeli media reports that Netanyahu has barred Gallant from holding talks with the Mossad chief on the hostage release deal.

Israel-Hamas war: Israel Army says, 'War in Gaza will last many more months' | World News | WION

Another truce deal to happen soon? Biden, Qatar's Emir discuss hostage release & Gaza aid. Hamas rejects ceasefire deal by Egypt, Israel continues strikes. Watch to know more!

Israel-Palestine war: Another truce deal to happen soon?

UN calls crisis in Gaza 'a human Chess board'; Gaza on a communication blackout again | WION

Russia will soon deploy its newest howitzers against Ukrainian forces as part of what Moscow calls its "special military operation," the head of the Rostec state defence conglomerate said in remarks published on Wednesday.

Russia-Ukraine war: Russia to deploy howitzers near Finland border

Israeli Minister of Strategic Affairs Ron Dermer will engage in high-level talks with top US Officials in Washington. A spokesperson from the white house national security council has confirmed the meeting, which was expected to occur on Tuesday. Now, Dermer, a close ally of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, will meet with US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan and Secretary of State Antony Blinken.

Netanyahu's confidant Ron Dermer in US for talks after concerns on arms supply delay

Israel-Hamas war: Nine Israeli soldiers wounded in Hezbollah strike

Tensions escalate in West Bank, Lebanon & Red Sea

Houthis claim responsibility for drone attack on Israeli port city of Eilat, Red Sea commercial vessel. Watch the video to know more.

Red Sea Attack: Houthis launch drones over Israel's Eilat

Israel on Tuesday (Dec 26) returned&nbsp;the remains of 80 Palestinians who had lost their lives in Gaza. The bodies were taken from morgues and graves, and were put through careful scrutiny to ensure that there were no hostages among them.

News agency AFP, quoting unnamed sources within the territory's health ministry, reported that the bodies which had been transported to Israel were being returned through the Red Cross.&nbsp;

<h2>What will happen to the bodies?</h2>

The international organisation handed over the remains to Hamas authorities, who buried them in a mass grave, reports AFP. A photojournalist with the news agency reportedly witnessed blue body bags being lowered into a trench in Rafah, in the far south of Gaza.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/broken-pelvises-mutilated-bodiesdid-hamas-use-rape-as-weapon-of-war-666257">Explained: 'Broken pelvises, mutilated bodies'...Did Hamas use rape as weapon of war in Israel?</a>

After Israel carried out its inspection of the bodies, they were returned to the Red Cross, transported via the Kerem Shalom crossing—the vital link connecting Israel and the Gaza Strip.&nbsp;Following this, a truck carried the bodies to their final resting place in the mass grave.

<h2>Israeli hostages</h2>

The backdrop to this can be traced back to the unfortunate events of October 7 when Hamas militants launched an attack on southern Israel. There, they abducted approximately 200&nbsp;hostages and them to the Gaza Strip. Approximately 129 hostages still remain in Hamas captivity in Gaza.

Around 1,140 people lost their lives in the initial attack, as per Israel.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-being-attacked-from-seven-sides-says-defence-minister-gallant-raises-fear-of-escalation-across-gulf-673851">Israel being attacked from seven sides, says Defence Minister Gallant, raises fear of escalation across Gulf</a>

Since the beginning of the war, more than 20,900 have been killed in Israel's retaliatory attacks on Gaza—most of them women and children, reports the health ministry in the Hamas-controlled Gaza. Additionally, around 55,000 people have been wounded.

Israel has vowed to destroy the Palestinian militant organisation. Even as international calls for a ceasefire gain traction, Israel has repeatedly reiterated that the war will continue till Hamas is destroyed.

On Tuesday, in a televised statement, Israel's Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi said that the war would go on "for many months".

"There are no magic solutions, there are no shortcuts in dismantling a terrorist organisation, only determined and persistent fighting," he said, adding "We will reach Hamas' leadership too, whether it takes a week or if it takes months."

(With inputs from agencies)

Israel on Tuesday (Dec 26) returned the remains of 80 Palestinians who had lost their lives in Gaza. The bodies were taken from morgues and graves, and were put through careful scrutiny to ensure that there were no hostages among them.

Israel on Tuesday (Dec 26) returned the remains of 80 Palestinians who had lost their lives in Gaza. The bodies were taken from morgues and graves, and were put through careful scrutiny to ensure that there were no hostages among them. News agency AFP, quoting unnamed sources within the territory's health ministry, reported that the bodies which had been transported to Israel were being returned through the Red Cross. What will happen to the bodies? The international organisation handed over the remains to Hamas authorities, who buried them in a mass grave, reports AFP. A photojournalist with the news agency reportedly witnessed blue body bags being lowered into a trench in Rafah, in the far south of Gaza. Also read | Explained: 'Broken pelvises, mutilated bodies'...Did Hamas use rape as weapon of war in Israel? After Israel carried out its inspection of the bodies, they were returned to the Red Cross, transported via the Kerem Shalom crossing—the vital link connecting Israel and the Gaza Strip. Following this, a truck carried the bodies to their final resting place in the mass grave. Israeli hostages The backdrop to this can be traced back to the unfortunate events of October 7 when Hamas militants launched an attack on southern Israel. There, they abducted approximately 200 hostages and them to the Gaza Strip. Approximately 129 hostages still remain in Hamas captivity in Gaza. Around 1,140 people lost their lives in the initial attack, as per Israel. Also read | Israel being attacked from seven sides, says Defence Minister Gallant, raises fear of escalation across Gulf Since the beginning of the war, more than 20,900 have been killed in Israel's retaliatory attacks on Gaza—most of them women and children, reports the health ministry in the Hamas-controlled Gaza. Additionally, around 55,000 people have been wounded. Israel has vowed to destroy the Palestinian militant organisation. Even as international calls for a ceasefire gain traction, Israel has repeatedly reiterated that the war will continue till Hamas is destroyed. On Tuesday, in a televised statement, Israel's Chief of Staff Herzi Halevi said that the war would go on "for many months". "There are no magic solutions, there are no shortcuts in dismantling a terrorist organisation, only determined and persistent fighting," he said, adding "We will reach Hamas' leadership too, whether it takes a week or if it takes months." (With inputs from agencies)

Israel returns 80 bodies it took from morgues and graves in Gaza for 'examination'

The Israeli army early on Wednesday announced three more soldiers were killed in the clashes in the northern Gaza Strip.

Israeli army says 3 more soldiers killed in battles in northern Gaza

Senior commander of Iran's Revolutionary Guards Corps Sayyed Reza Mousavi has been killed in an Israeli airstrike near Damascus, Syria. Mousavi was a close aide of Qasem Soleimani. Iran has vowed to avenge Mousavi's death.

Gravitas | Sayyed Reza Mousavi: Iran's senior commander killed in Israeli airstrike

Aid agencies issued a warning, stating that families' only chance of survival is being severely limited by the ongoing Israeli offensive, which is pushing Palestinians in Gaza to the verge of mass starvation. The grave situation surfaced one day after the United States vetoed a resolution calling for a cease-fire in the United Nations, impeding the provision of food and other necessities to the area.

Israel-Hamas war: Gazans struggles to find clean drinking water; Telephone, internet services cut

"We have already reacted and taken action in six of these areas, and I say this clearly: Anyone who acts against us could be our next target; no one is immune." The fight in Gaza, according to Gallant, will be "a long, hard war."

Israel-Hamas war | Anyone who acts against Israel is a potential target: Gallant

Hamas and its ally Islamic Jihad militant group have reportedly rejected the Egyptian proposal to renounce power in the Gaza strip in return of a ceasefire.

Hamas, Islamic Jihad reject Egypt's proposal to renounce power in Gaza for ceasefire: Reports | WION

Israel's main ally the US has kept up its support while expressing concerns over the growing casualty toll and humanitarian crisis in Gaza. However, despite a spot in casualties on the Israeli side too prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has vowed to fight until Israel reaches its goals.

Israel-Hamas war: Israel PM Netanyahu visits soldiers in Gaza, pledges to 'continue until the end'

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