Israel woke up to a barrage of thousands of rockets fired from the Gaza Strip at least one person has been killed in Israel and 15 others injured.

Israel: Fire breaks out across Israel as rickets rain down from Gaza

Israel’s military to make AI an integral part of its warfare

6 rockets have been launched by Syria towards Israel, three on the Saturday night while three more within hours according to Israeli military. The Army has said that it was retaliating with artillery strikes on the areas in Syria from where rockets were fired.

Israeli Army: 6 rockets fired in two separate barrages

The United States says that its ally Israel has the right to defend itself after a barrage of rockets from Lebanon following soaring tension over Jerusalem. Molly Gambhir reports.

Gravitas: Rockets fired from Lebanon into Israel

ISRO has largely been focusing on launching towering rockets like the PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle), GSLV (Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle) and the SSLV (Small Satellite Launch Vehicle). But on Wednesday noon, ISRO's lead facility Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) launched its 200th consecutive 'RH-200' Rohini Sounding rocket.&nbsp;While this is a routine launch, what makes it special is the fact that ISRO's journey in rocketry began with sounding rockets.&nbsp;

Sounding rockets are small, low-cost, solid-fuelled rockets meant for experimental purposes, meteorology, and atmospheric studies. They are used to probe the earth's atmosphere or to test newly developed sub-components, before actually flying them on larger rockets or on satellites.

These rockets take far lesser time to assemble and launch, given that they use solid fuel, which is less sophisticated when compared to liquid fuels. Typically, sounding rockets are launched at sub-orbit (lesser than 100 kilometres) in altitude and are not spacefaring rockets. However, there are larger sounding rockets that are also capable of reaching the low earth orbit (550kms altitude)

November 21, 1963, is widely regarded as the beginning of the Indian Space programme, as the maiden launch of the sounding rocket took place from the then Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station (now a part of the larger VSSC campus).

Back then, the US-made 'Nike Apache' rocket was the first to be launched from Indian soil. Thereafter, two-stage rockets imported from Russia (M-100) and France (Centaure) were also launched.&nbsp;

While M-100 could carry a payload of 70 kg to an altitude of 85 km, the Centaure was capable of reaching 150 km with a payload of approximately 30 kg. In 1970, the Hydrometeorological Services of the USSR signed an agreement with ISRO to launch their meteorological sounding rockets, M-100, every week, from TERLS. This programme&nbsp;continued uninterruptedly till 1993.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

In 1967, ISRO started launching a series of indigenous sounding rockets named 'Rohini' from TERLS. RH-75, with a diameter of 75mm, was the first truly Indian sounding rocket, which was followed by RH-100 and RH-125 rockets. The sounding rocket programme was indeed the bedrock on which the edifice of launch vehicle technology was built. The experience gained was of immense value in the mastering of the solid propellant technology and allied systems of the launch vehicles. Several scientific missions with national and international participation have been conducted using the Rohini sounding rockets.

At present, India operates three sounding rocket variants —RH-200, RH-300-Mk-II and RH-560-Mk-III. These cover a payload range of 8 to 100 kg and can fly to an altitude of 75-550kms.&nbsp;

Wednesday's launch marks the 200th&nbsp;consecutive flight of the indigenous RH-200 'Rohini' sounding rocket. The event at Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, will take place in the presence of former Indian president Ram Nath Kovind, Chairman, ISRO, Dr S Somanath and Director, VSSC, Dr. S. Unnikrishnan Nair and officials from the space agency.

WATCH WION LIVE HERE: 

<iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" loading="”lazy”" src="https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&amp;mute=1" width="100%"></iframe>

ISRO has largely been focusing on launching towering rockets like the PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle), GSLV (Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle) and the SSLV (Small Satellite Launch Vehicle).

ISRO has largely been focusing on launching towering rockets like the PSLV (Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle), GSLV (Geosynchronous Satellite Launch Vehicle) and the SSLV (Small Satellite Launch Vehicle). But on Wednesday noon, ISRO's lead facility Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre (VSSC) launched its 200th consecutive 'RH-200' Rohini Sounding rocket. While this is a routine launch, what makes it special is the fact that ISRO's journey in rocketry began with sounding rockets. Sounding rockets are small, low-cost, solid-fuelled rockets meant for experimental purposes, meteorology, and atmospheric studies. They are used to probe the earth's atmosphere or to test newly developed sub-components, before actually flying them on larger rockets or on satellites. These rockets take far lesser time to assemble and launch, given that they use solid fuel, which is less sophisticated when compared to liquid fuels. Typically, sounding rockets are launched at sub-orbit (lesser than 100 kilometres) in altitude and are not spacefaring rockets. However, there are larger sounding rockets that are also capable of reaching the low earth orbit (550kms altitude) November 21, 1963, is widely regarded as the beginning of the Indian Space programme, as the maiden launch of the sounding rocket took place from the then Thumba Equatorial Rocket Launching Station (now a part of the larger VSSC campus). Back then, the US-made 'Nike Apache' rocket was the first to be launched from Indian soil. Thereafter, two-stage rockets imported from Russia (M-100) and France (Centaure) were also launched. While M-100 could carry a payload of 70 kg to an altitude of 85 km, the Centaure was capable of reaching 150 km with a payload of approximately 30 kg. In 1970, the Hydrometeorological Services of the USSR signed an agreement with ISRO to launch their meteorological sounding rockets, M-100, every week, from TERLS. This programme continued uninterruptedly till 1993. In 1967, ISRO started launching a series of indigenous sounding rockets named 'Rohini' from TERLS. RH-75, with a diameter of 75mm, was the first truly Indian sounding rocket, which was followed by RH-100 and RH-125 rockets. The sounding rocket programme was indeed the bedrock on which the edifice of launch vehicle technology was built. The experience gained was of immense value in the mastering of the solid propellant technology and allied systems of the launch vehicles. Several scientific missions with national and international participation have been conducted using the Rohini sounding rockets. At present, India operates three sounding rocket variants —RH-200, RH-300-Mk-II and RH-560-Mk-III. These cover a payload range of 8 to 100 kg and can fly to an altitude of 75-550kms. Wednesday's launch marks the 200th consecutive flight of the indigenous RH-200 'Rohini' sounding rocket. The event at Vikram Sarabhai Space Centre, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, will take place in the presence of former Indian president Ram Nath Kovind, Chairman, ISRO, Dr S Somanath and Director, VSSC, Dr. S. Unnikrishnan Nair and officials from the space agency. WATCH WION LIVE HERE:

ISRO conducts 200th consecutive launch of 'RH-200' sounding rocket; here's all you need to know 

India is selling indigenously-made Pinaka rockets to Armenia amid an escalating conflict with neighbouring Azerbaijan. Is this move aimed at countering the emerging Pakistan-Turkiye-Azerbaijan nexus? Priyanka Sharma tells you.

Gravitas: India sells indigenous rockets to Armenia

The Russian Ministry of Defense is in the process of purchasing millions of rockets and artillery shells from North Korea for its ongoing fight in Ukraine, according to a newly downgraded U.S. intelligence finding. Molly Gambhir tells you more.

WION Fineprint | US: Russia to buy rockets, artillery shells from North Korea

Tensions are mounting again between Israel and Palestine and the exchange of air raids and rocket attacks has continued. At least 32 Palestinians were killed within 2 days.

Israel & Gaza rebels exchange fire: At least 32 Palestinians killed within 2 days

Tensions are mounting again between Israel and Palestine and the exchange of air raids and rocket attacks has continued. At least 24 Palestinians were killed within 2 days.

Israel hit Gaza with deadly air strikes, at least 24 Palestinians killed within 2 days

Tensions are mounting again between Israel and Palestine and the exchange of air raids and rocket attacks has continued. At least 29 Palestinians were killed within 2 days.

Israel-Palestine tensions flare up as PIJ hits Israel with longer-range missiles

The United States has promised to send more precision rocket systems to Kyiv soon after Moscow signaled it was aiming to seize more Ukrainian territories.

US to send more precision rocket systems to Ukraine after Moscow warns of intensifying attacks

Israel has launched a rocket attack on the Gaza strip. It hit Gaza's rocket manufacturing plant. Attacks come in the backdrop of US President Joe Biden's visit.

Israel launches rocket attack on Gaza strip; Attacks in the backdrop of Biden's visit

In a first NASA is set to launch rockets from a facility outside the United States, our next report tells you from where and why.

Australia's commercial facility to launch NASA rockets

US President Joe Biden has agreed to provide Ukraine with advanced rocket systems that can strike with precision at long-range Russian targets as part of a $700 million weapons package expected to be unveiled on Wednesday.

US President Joe Biden agrees to provide Ukraine with longer range missiles

This unique competition in Thailand allows people to fire rockets! Not just any rockets, but these are filled with homemade explosives. Watch this report.

This Thailand competition allows people to fire explosive-filled rockets | WION Edge

As Russia continues to intensify its military offensives on Ukraine, the authorities have now confirmed that at least about five people have died and nine others have been wounded in the northeastern city of Kharkiv.

Russian rockets target residential buildings in Kharkiv; 5 dead, several injured

While reporting on Russia-Ukraine conflict, Anas Mallick's live broadcast gets interrupted by a rocket strike on Ukraine's capital Kyiv. Coincidentally, he was responding to a question on the perils of war reporting. Palki Sharma brings in more.

Gravitas: Rockets fired during WION broadcast

Several rockets landed in the Baghdad International Airport compound and near an adjacent US air base on Friday, damaging at least one disused civilian aeroplane,&nbsp;Iraqi police sources said.

The police sources did not report any other damage or any injuries. The damaged aircraft was an out-of-use&nbsp;Iraqi Airways plane, they said.

Iraq's state news agency reported, citing the country's aviation authority, that there was no disruption to travel.

The US&nbsp;air base, known as Camp Victory, is located around the perimeter of Baghdad's civilian airport.

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Rocket attacks have regularly struck the complex in recent years and are blamed by US and some&nbsp;Iraqi officials on Iran-aligned Shi'ite militia groups who oppose the US&nbsp;military presence in the region.

On Jan. 5, Katyusha rockets hit&nbsp;Iraqi military bases hosting US forces near Baghdad's international airport and west of the&nbsp;Iraqi capital.

A series of attacks this month, some of which the United States blames on Iran-aligned militia groups, have targeted bases or installations hosting US&nbsp;military and diplomatic personnel but have caused no U.S. casualties.

The Iran-aligned militia have in previous years carried out dozens of similar attacks, mostly causing little harm. But the attacks have become more sophisticated in the past year, including with the use of fixed-wing and multi-rotor drones.

Several rockets landed in the Baghdad International Airport compound and near an adjacent US air base on Friday, damaging at least one disused civilian aeroplane, Iraqi police sources said.

Several rockets landed in the Baghdad International Airport compound and near an adjacent US air base on Friday, damaging at least one disused civilian aeroplane, Iraqi police sources said. The police sources did not report any other damage or any injuries. The damaged aircraft was an out-of-use Iraqi Airways plane, they said. Iraq's state news agency reported, citing the country's aviation authority, that there was no disruption to travel. The US air base, known as Camp Victory, is located around the perimeter of Baghdad's civilian airport. Also read | Now, robot conducts surgery on pigs successfully without any help Rocket attacks have regularly struck the complex in recent years and are blamed by US and some Iraqi officials on Iran-aligned Shi'ite militia groups who oppose the US military presence in the region. On Jan. 5, Katyusha rockets hit Iraqi military bases hosting US forces near Baghdad's international airport and west of the Iraqi capital. A series of attacks this month, some of which the United States blames on Iran-aligned militia groups, have targeted bases or installations hosting US military and diplomatic personnel but have caused no U.S. casualties. The Iran-aligned militia have in previous years carried out dozens of similar attacks, mostly causing little harm. But the attacks have become more sophisticated in the past year, including with the use of fixed-wing and multi-rotor drones.

Several rockets hit Baghdad airport compound, civilian plane damaged

On New Year, Israel and Gaza Strip seem to be celebrating the moment with a pinch of rocket fire. &nbsp;

After Gaza Strip fired rockets a day earlier, Israel's military launched strikes against militant targets in the Hamas-ruled territory early on Sunday. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Three huge explosions could be seen and sounds of fighter jets could be heard in a video filmed in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip. &nbsp;

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No immediate confirmation has been given on the casualties. &nbsp;

According to the Israeli military, the attacks looked to destroy a rocket manufacturing facility and a military post of Hamas. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The military also blamed the militant group for any violence emerging from its territory. &nbsp;

The airstrikes come in retaliation after two rockets were fired from Gaza on Saturday. They had landed in the Mediterranean Sea off central Israel. &nbsp;

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iraq-thousands-mark-2020-killing-of-iran-general-qassem-soleimani-441653" hreflang="en">Iraq: Thousands mark 2020 killing of Iran general Qassem Soleimani</a>

As the militant groups in Gaza often test-fire missiles towards the sea, it may be unclear whether the rockets looked to hit Israel or not. &nbsp;

Till now, there were no reports of any casualty or damage from the Saturday's rocket fire. &nbsp;

In Gaza, Palestinian militants shot and injured an Israeli civilian near security fence on Wednesday. Later, Israel gave a reply in tank fire targeting several Hamas sites. &nbsp;&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

On New Year, Israel and Gaza Strip seem to be celebrating the moment with a pinch of rocket fire. After Gaza Strip fired rockets a day earlier, Israel's military launched strikes against militant targets in the Hamas-ruled territory early on Sunday.

On New Year, Israel and Gaza Strip seem to be celebrating the moment with a pinch of rocket fire. After Gaza Strip fired rockets a day earlier, Israel's military launched strikes against militant targets in the Hamas-ruled territory early on Sunday. Three huge explosions could be seen and sounds of fighter jets could be heard in a video filmed in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip. Also Read: Ukraine closes ports to Russian ships, says Russian media No immediate confirmation has been given on the casualties. According to the Israeli military, the attacks looked to destroy a rocket manufacturing facility and a military post of Hamas. The military also blamed the militant group for any violence emerging from its territory. The airstrikes come in retaliation after two rockets were fired from Gaza on Saturday. They had landed in the Mediterranean Sea off central Israel. Also Read: Iraq: Thousands mark 2020 killing of Iran general Qassem Soleimani As the militant groups in Gaza often test-fire missiles towards the sea, it may be unclear whether the rockets looked to hit Israel or not. Till now, there were no reports of any casualty or damage from the Saturday's rocket fire. In Gaza, Palestinian militants shot and injured an Israeli civilian near security fence on Wednesday. Later, Israel gave a reply in tank fire targeting several Hamas sites. (With inputs from agencies)

Israeli military, Gaza militants 'celebrate' New Year with exchange of rocket fire

Iraq's security forces on Sunday released a statement saying that two rockets targetted Baghdad's highly secure Green Zone. US embassy is located in the Green Zone. Security forces said that the attack took place early Sunday. "The Green Zone in Baghdad was the target of two Katyusha rockets. The first was shot down in the air by C-RAM defence batteries, the second fell in a square, damaging two vehicles," the statement said.

Two Katyusha rockets fired at Baghdad's ultra-secure Green Zone

Iraq's security forces on Sunday released a statement saying that two rockets targetted Baghdad's highly secure Green Zone. US embassy is located in the Green Zone. Security forces said that the attack took place early Sunday.

"The Green Zone in Baghdad was the target of two Katyusha rockets. The first was shot down in the air by C-RAM defence batteries, the second fell in a square, damaging two vehicles," the statement said.

AFP quoted a security source to say that the shot down rocket fell near the US embassy, while the second came down roughly 500 metres (1,640 feet) away.

Previously, the source told AFP that two rockets had been shot down near the US embassy.

Captain Bill Urban, spokesman for the US Central Command, told AFP the incident caused no casualties.

He said no shots hit the embassy or the so-called Union III area where US-led coalition forces are based. 
No one claimed responsibility for the attack.

In recent months, dozens of rocket assaults or drone bomb attacks have targeted American troops and interests in Iraq. 
The attacks are rarely claimed but are routinely pinned on pro-Iran factions.

The latest rocket fire comes after the announcement this week of the end of the "combat mission" in Iraq of the US-led coalition against the Islamic State group.

But roughly 2,500 American soldiers and 1,000 coalition soldiers will remain deployed in Iraq to offer training, advice and assistance to national forces.

Pro-Iran factions in Iraq are calling for the departure of all US forces stationed in the country.

Sunday's attack also coincides with the 10th anniversary of the departure of US troops from Iraq on December 18, 2011, after the invasion and overthrow of former dictator Saddam Hussein in 2003.

Washington then deployed its troops to the country in 2014 to fight IS, which had captured large swathes of the nation in a lightning offensive.

(With inputs from agencies)

Iraq's security forces on Sunday released a statement saying that two rockets targetted Baghdad's highly secure Green Zone. US embassy is located in the Green Zone.

Iraq's security forces on Sunday released a statement saying that two rockets targetted Baghdad's highly secure Green Zone. US embassy is located in the Green Zone. Security forces said that the attack took place early Sunday. "The Green Zone in Baghdad was the target of two Katyusha rockets. The first was shot down in the air by C-RAM defence batteries, the second fell in a square, damaging two vehicles," the statement said. AFP quoted a security source to say that the shot down rocket fell near the US embassy, while the second came down roughly 500 metres (1,640 feet) away. Previously, the source told AFP that two rockets had been shot down near the US embassy. Captain Bill Urban, spokesman for the US Central Command, told AFP the incident caused no casualties. He said no shots hit the embassy or the so-called Union III area where US-led coalition forces are based. No one claimed responsibility for the attack. In recent months, dozens of rocket assaults or drone bomb attacks have targeted American troops and interests in Iraq. The attacks are rarely claimed but are routinely pinned on pro-Iran factions. The latest rocket fire comes after the announcement this week of the end of the "combat mission" in Iraq of the US-led coalition against the Islamic State group. But roughly 2,500 American soldiers and 1,000 coalition soldiers will remain deployed in Iraq to offer training, advice and assistance to national forces. Pro-Iran factions in Iraq are calling for the departure of all US forces stationed in the country. Sunday's attack also coincides with the 10th anniversary of the departure of US troops from Iraq on December 18, 2011, after the invasion and overthrow of former dictator Saddam Hussein in 2003. Washington then deployed its troops to the country in 2014 to fight IS, which had captured large swathes of the nation in a lightning offensive. (With inputs from agencies)

The spate of rocket attacks targetting the fortified Green Zone do not seem to end. &nbsp;

In another attack, two Katyusha rockets hit the highly secured area in Baghdad, reported Iraq’s state news agency citing security forces on Sunday. &nbsp;

According to the report, the C-RAM defence system destroyed one rocket in the air while the other landed near the area's festivals arena. It caused damage to two cars, it added. &nbsp;&nbsp;

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No casualties were reported in the incident. &nbsp;

An investigation by the security officials has already begun at the site, the report added. &nbsp;

Several foreign embassies, which include the US embassy and other government buildings, are located in the Green Zone. &nbsp;

Some groups, which seem to be backed by Iran, regularly target the area. &nbsp;&nbsp;

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Earlier, three rockets had hit a Baghdad neighbourhood near the Green Zone without causing any casualties, an Iraqi security official said. &nbsp;

"Three Katyusha rockets fell in the Mansur district of Baghdad," the source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told AFP. &nbsp;

The rockets struck near a Red Crescent hospital, a bank and the district's water management department, the source added. &nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The spate of rocket attacks targetting the fortified Green Zone do not seem to end. In another attack, two Katyusha rockets hit the highly secured area in Baghdad, reported Iraq’s state news agency citing security forces on Sunday.

The spate of rocket attacks targetting the fortified Green Zone do not seem to end. In another attack, two Katyusha rockets hit the highly secured area in Baghdad, reported Iraq’s state news agency citing security forces on Sunday. According to the report, the C-RAM defence system destroyed one rocket in the air while the other landed near the area's festivals arena. It caused damage to two cars, it added. Also Read: Hundreds of scientists ask Biden to cut the US nuclear arsenal No casualties were reported in the incident. An investigation by the security officials has already begun at the site, the report added. Several foreign embassies, which include the US embassy and other government buildings, are located in the Green Zone. Some groups, which seem to be backed by Iran, regularly target the area. Also Read: Iran nuke deal talks hit pause again as Tehran’s negotiator heads home for consultations Earlier, three rockets had hit a Baghdad neighbourhood near the Green Zone without causing any casualties, an Iraqi security official said. "Three Katyusha rockets fell in the Mansur district of Baghdad," the source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told AFP. The rockets struck near a Red Crescent hospital, a bank and the district's water management department, the source added. (With inputs from agencies)

Two Katyusha rockets target Iraq’s fortified Green Zone, says report

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is conducting studies and mini-projects to enable the vertical landing of its rockets. According to senior officials, this possibility is being explored primarily about the heavy-lift rocket GSLV Mk3, which is powered by three stages of engines - solid-fuel, liquid-fuel, and cryogenic fuel. 
ISRO is aiming to recover the first two rocket stages of the GSLV Mk3 as this would imply a huge cost-advantage and savings, owing to reusability.

At present, all of ISRO’s rockets are expendable, which means that the rocket stages separate from the vehicle and fall into the sea after their stipulated burn time. Reusability involves recovering the rocket’s stages at sea or on land (vertical landing) and refurbishing, servicing, testing and qualifying them before flying again.

Dr VT Baskar, Project Director of ISRO’s GSLV Mk3, had outlined the work on reusable rocket projects during an interaction helmed by Dr S. Unnikrishnan Nair, Director of ISRO’s Human Spaceflight Centre. Themed ‘Human Spaceflight and Space exploration missions’, this session was part of a 3-day virtual conference organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry and ISRO.

On the cost-cutting measures ISRO was undertaking with regards to rocket launches, Dr Baskar said that recovering the first and second stages (S200 solid-fuel rocket boosters, and L-110 liquid-fuel stage respectively) would offer a lot of cost advantage.

"Studies and Centre-level mini-projects are approved for landing experiments. We have to develop enabling technologies such as the capability to safely land a winged-body or large-body, " he said. More importantly, he added that the critical experiment to land rockets on their legs (vertical landing) would be carried out this year or in the next year (2022).

Elaborating on the major modifications that are in store for the GSLV Mk3 rocket, Dr Baskar said that the vehicle’s L110 stage would be replaced with a semi-cryogenic engine and its C25 cryogenic engine would be replaced by the C32 engine. Besides replacing the existing engines with powerful counterparts, ISRO would also be working on mini and microelectronics to reduce the avionics mass and also use high-strength composite materials for the rocket motor casing.

On the timelines for the upgrade, he said that the mini electronics and the C32 Cryo engine were immediate targets, whereas the semi-cryogenic engine and composite material rocket casing were expected in 2-3 years. 
Throwing light on ISRO’s upcoming exploratory and science missions, Dr S. Unnikrishnan Nair, Director, Human Spaceflight Centre, said that two missions - Xposat and Aditya L1 were likely to be launched in the second and third quarter of 2022, respectively.

"Aditya L1 is a space-based observatory that will be placed in a halo orbit near the Lagrange point which is an ideal place to observe the Universe being 1.5 million km from earth. Xposat is an X-Ray Polarimeter satellite to study the Polarization of Cosmic X-Rays. It is going to be launched by SSLV, which is a small rocket that will have a development flight by this year-end," he said. He added that Chandrayaan 3 - India’s third Lunar mission - was also getting realised.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is conducting studies and mini-projects to enable the vertical landing of its rockets. According to senior officials, this possibility is being explored primarily about the heavy-lift rocket GSLV Mk3, which is powered by three stages of engines - solid-fuel, liquid-fuel, and cryogenic fuel.

The Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) is conducting studies and mini-projects to enable the vertical landing of its rockets. According to senior officials, this possibility is being explored primarily about the heavy-lift rocket GSLV Mk3, which is powered by three stages of engines - solid-fuel, liquid-fuel, and cryogenic fuel. ISRO is aiming to recover the first two rocket stages of the GSLV Mk3 as this would imply a huge cost-advantage and savings, owing to reusability. At present, all of ISRO’s rockets are expendable, which means that the rocket stages separate from the vehicle and fall into the sea after their stipulated burn time. Reusability involves recovering the rocket’s stages at sea or on land (vertical landing) and refurbishing, servicing, testing and qualifying them before flying again. Dr VT Baskar, Project Director of ISRO’s GSLV Mk3, had outlined the work on reusable rocket projects during an interaction helmed by Dr S. Unnikrishnan Nair, Director of ISRO’s Human Spaceflight Centre. Themed ‘Human Spaceflight and Space exploration missions’, this session was part of a 3-day virtual conference organised by the Confederation of Indian Industry and ISRO. On the cost-cutting measures ISRO was undertaking with regards to rocket launches, Dr Baskar said that recovering the first and second stages (S200 solid-fuel rocket boosters, and L-110 liquid-fuel stage respectively) would offer a lot of cost advantage. "Studies and Centre-level mini-projects are approved for landing experiments. We have to develop enabling technologies such as the capability to safely land a winged-body or large-body, " he said. More importantly, he added that the critical experiment to land rockets on their legs (vertical landing) would be carried out this year or in the next year (2022). Elaborating on the major modifications that are in store for the GSLV Mk3 rocket, Dr Baskar said that the vehicle’s L110 stage would be replaced with a semi-cryogenic engine and its C25 cryogenic engine would be replaced by the C32 engine. Besides replacing the existing engines with powerful counterparts, ISRO would also be working on mini and microelectronics to reduce the avionics mass and also use high-strength composite materials for the rocket motor casing. On the timelines for the upgrade, he said that the mini electronics and the C32 Cryo engine were immediate targets, whereas the semi-cryogenic engine and composite material rocket casing were expected in 2-3 years. Throwing light on ISRO’s upcoming exploratory and science missions, Dr S. Unnikrishnan Nair, Director, Human Spaceflight Centre, said that two missions - Xposat and Aditya L1 were likely to be launched in the second and third quarter of 2022, respectively. "Aditya L1 is a space-based observatory that will be placed in a halo orbit near the Lagrange point which is an ideal place to observe the Universe being 1.5 million km from earth. Xposat is an X-Ray Polarimeter satellite to study the Polarization of Cosmic X-Rays. It is going to be launched by SSLV, which is a small rocket that will have a development flight by this year-end," he said. He added that Chandrayaan 3 - India’s third Lunar mission - was also getting realised.

ISRO to experiment vertical landing of rockets aims to make GSLV Mk3 reusable

Lebanon's&nbsp;Hezbollah&nbsp;movement said it&nbsp;fired&nbsp;"dozens" of&nbsp;rockets&nbsp;Friday at open areas of the disputed Shebaa Farms district, drawing retaliatory Israeli strikes for a second straight day.

It is the first time that&nbsp;Hezbollah&nbsp;has directly claimed an attack on&nbsp;Israel&nbsp;since 2019, as tensions boil along the border following a week of tit-for-tat exchanges.

The latest round of rocket fire on Friday morning came "in response to the Israeli air raids" that hit south Lebanon on Thursday,&nbsp;Hezbollah&nbsp;said in a statement.&nbsp;

"The Islamic Resistance shelled open territory near positions of Israeli occupation forces in the Shebaa Farms with&nbsp;dozens&nbsp;of&nbsp;rockets," it said.

An AFP correspondent in south Lebanon said he heard several explosions and saw smoke rising from the Shebaa Farms.

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The Israeli military said it was "currently striking the launch sources in Lebanon".

On Thursday,&nbsp;Israel&nbsp;carried out air strikes &nbsp;on Lebanon for the first time in seven years in response to a previous salvo of cross-border rocket fire. It had prviously&nbsp;

Israel&nbsp;has warned repeatedly that it will not allow a power vacuum and a deepening economic crisis in Beirut to undermine security on its northern border.

The Israeli military said it "views the state of Lebanon as responsible for all actions originating in its territory, and warns against further attempts to harm Israeli civilians and&nbsp;Israel's sovereignty".

The Shebaa Farms district is claimed by Lebanon and&nbsp;Hezbollah, but the United Nations, which has maintained a peacekeeping force in south Lebanon since 1978, regards it as part of the Syrian Golan Heights, which&nbsp;Israel&nbsp;has occupied since 1967 and unilaterally annexed in 1981.

Lebanon's Hezbollah movement said it fired "dozens" of rockets Friday at open areas of the disputed Shebaa Farms district, drawing retaliatory Israeli strikes for a second straight day.

Lebanon's Hezbollah movement said it fired "dozens" of rockets Friday at open areas of the disputed Shebaa Farms district, drawing retaliatory Israeli strikes for a second straight day. It is the first time that Hezbollah has directly claimed an attack on Israel since 2019, as tensions boil along the border following a week of tit-for-tat exchanges. The latest round of rocket fire on Friday morning came "in response to the Israeli air raids" that hit south Lebanon on Thursday, Hezbollah said in a statement. "The Islamic Resistance shelled open territory near positions of Israeli occupation forces in the Shebaa Farms with dozens of rockets," it said. An AFP correspondent in south Lebanon said he heard several explosions and saw smoke rising from the Shebaa Farms. Also read | Hezbollah says it downed an Israeli drone The Israeli military said it was "currently striking the launch sources in Lebanon". On Thursday, Israel carried out air strikes on Lebanon for the first time in seven years in response to a previous salvo of cross-border rocket fire. It had prviously Israel has warned repeatedly that it will not allow a power vacuum and a deepening economic crisis in Beirut to undermine security on its northern border. The Israeli military said it "views the state of Lebanon as responsible for all actions originating in its territory, and warns against further attempts to harm Israeli civilians and Israel's sovereignty". The Shebaa Farms district is claimed by Lebanon and Hezbollah, but the United Nations, which has maintained a peacekeeping force in south Lebanon since 1978, regards it as part of the Syrian Golan Heights, which Israel has occupied since 1967 and unilaterally annexed in 1981.

Hezbollah says it fired 'dozens' of rockets toward Israel

At least three&nbsp;rockets&nbsp;struck&nbsp;Kandahar&nbsp;airport&nbsp;in southern Afghanistan overnight, an official told AFP on Sunday, as the Taliban pressed on with their sweeping offensive across the country.

"Last night three&nbsp;rockets&nbsp;were fired at the&nbsp;airport&nbsp;and two of them&nbsp;hit&nbsp;the runway... Due to this all flights from the&nbsp;airport&nbsp;have been cancelled,"&nbsp;airport&nbsp;chief Massoud Pashtun told AFP.

Pashtun said work to repair the runway was underway and expected the&nbsp;airport&nbsp;to be operational later on Sunday.

An official at the civil aviation authority in Kabul confirmed the rocket attack.

The Taliban have for weeks launched withering assaults on the outskirts of&nbsp;Kandahar, stirring fears that the insurgents were on the verge of capturing the provincial capital.

Kandahar's air base is vital to providing the logistics and air support needed to keep the militants from overrunning Afghanistan's second-biggest city.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/us-senate-in-rare-saturday-session-on-1-trillion-infrastructure-bill-402098">Also read |&nbsp;US Senate in rare Saturday session on $1 trillion infrastructure bill</a>

The attack on the&nbsp;airport&nbsp;came as the Taliban inched closer to overrunning two other provincial capitals -- Herat in the west and Lashkar Gah in the south.

The Taliban's significant territorial gains during the final stages of the US military withdrawal have largely been in sparsely populated rural areas.

But in recent weeks they have brought increasing pressure on several provincial capitals and seized key border crossings.

The capture of any major urban centre would take their current offensive to another level and fuel concerns that the army is incapable of resisting the Taliban's battlefield gains.&nbsp;

The government has repeatedly dismissed the Taliban's steady territorial gains over the summer as lacking strategic value.&nbsp;

At least three rockets struck Kandahar airport in southern Afghanistan overnight, an official told AFP on Sunday, as the Taliban pressed on with their sweeping offensive across the country.

At least three rockets struck Kandahar airport in southern Afghanistan overnight, an official told AFP on Sunday, as the Taliban pressed on with their sweeping offensive across the country. "Last night three rockets were fired at the airport and two of them hit the runway... Due to this all flights from the airport have been cancelled," airport chief Massoud Pashtun told AFP. Pashtun said work to repair the runway was underway and expected the airport to be operational later on Sunday. An official at the civil aviation authority in Kabul confirmed the rocket attack. The Taliban have for weeks launched withering assaults on the outskirts of Kandahar, stirring fears that the insurgents were on the verge of capturing the provincial capital. Kandahar's air base is vital to providing the logistics and air support needed to keep the militants from overrunning Afghanistan's second-biggest city. Also read | US Senate in rare Saturday session on $1 trillion infrastructure bill The attack on the airport came as the Taliban inched closer to overrunning two other provincial capitals -- Herat in the west and Lashkar Gah in the south. The Taliban's significant territorial gains during the final stages of the US military withdrawal have largely been in sparsely populated rural areas. But in recent weeks they have brought increasing pressure on several provincial capitals and seized key border crossings. The capture of any major urban centre would take their current offensive to another level and fuel concerns that the army is incapable of resisting the Taliban's battlefield gains. The government has repeatedly dismissed the Taliban's steady territorial gains over the summer as lacking strategic value.

Rockets hit Kandahar airport in southern Afghanistan

Three rockets targetted Iraq airbase that hosts US soldiers on Monday, said a spokesman for US-led coalition in Iraq. There have been no casualties.

Colonel Wayne Marotto, a spokesman for the international coalition in Iraq, said on Twitter that the Ain al-Assad base "was attacked by three rockets" in the early afternoon. He said in his tweet that the damage was being assessed.

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Initial report: At approx. 2:45 PM local time, Ain Al-Assad Air Base was attacked by three rockets. The rockets landed on the base perimeter. There are no injuries and damage is being assessed. For more information see <a href="https://twitter.com/SecMedCell?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SecMedCell</a>
— OIR Spokesman Col. Wayne Marotto (@OIRSpox) <a href="https://twitter.com/OIRSpox/status/1412027260681523202?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">July 5, 2021</a></blockquote>
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The attack took place on Ain al-Assad facility situated in western province of Anbar. This attack is latest in the list of attacks against US interest in Iraq.

US forces, whose 2,500 troops are deployed in Iraq as part of an international coalition to fight the jihadist Islamic State group, have been targeted more than 40 times this year.

No group claimed responsibility for the attack immediately.

Monday's attack has come a week after deadly US airstrike against pro-Iran fighters in Iraq and Syria.

Pentagon said that the airstrikes were carried out as a retaliation for attacks against US interests. Secretary of State Antony Blinken declared they sent a "strong message" not to keep attacking American forces. &nbsp;

The Hashed-al-Shaabi, an Iraqi paramilitary alliance that includes several Iranian proxies and has become the main power broker in Baghdad, said the raids killed four of its fighters in the Qaim region near the border with Syria.

The June 27-28 overnight strikes targeted operational and weapons storage facilities at two locations in Syria and one in Iraq, the Pentagon said.

Hours later, pro-Iran militias fired several shells at an American base in eastern Syria.

Iran-aligned groups operate in Iraq, which counts both Tehran and Washington as allies, and in war-torn Syria, where Iran is a key backer of the Damascus regime.

(With inputs from agencies)

Three rockets targetted Iraq airbase that hosts US soldiers on Monday, said a spokesman for US-led coalition in Iraq. There have been no casualties. Colonel Wayne Marotto, a spokesman for the international coalition in Iraq, said on Twitter that the Ain al-Assad base "was attacked by three rockets" in the early afternoon.

Three rockets targetted Iraq airbase that hosts US soldiers on Monday, said a spokesman for US-led coalition in Iraq. There have been no casualties. Colonel Wayne Marotto, a spokesman for the international coalition in Iraq, said on Twitter that the Ain al-Assad base "was attacked by three rockets" in the early afternoon. He said in his tweet that the damage was being assessed. Initial report: At approx. 2:45 PM local time, Ain Al-Assad Air Base was attacked by three rockets. The rockets landed on the base perimeter. There are no injuries and damage is being assessed. For more information see @SecMedCell — OIR Spokesman Col. Wayne Marotto (@OIRSpox) July 5, 2021 × The attack took place on Ain al-Assad facility situated in western province of Anbar. This attack is latest in the list of attacks against US interest in Iraq. US forces, whose 2,500 troops are deployed in Iraq as part of an international coalition to fight the jihadist Islamic State group, have been targeted more than 40 times this year. No group claimed responsibility for the attack immediately. Monday's attack has come a week after deadly US airstrike against pro-Iran fighters in Iraq and Syria. Pentagon said that the airstrikes were carried out as a retaliation for attacks against US interests. Secretary of State Antony Blinken declared they sent a "strong message" not to keep attacking American forces. The Hashed-al-Shaabi, an Iraqi paramilitary alliance that includes several Iranian proxies and has become the main power broker in Baghdad, said the raids killed four of its fighters in the Qaim region near the border with Syria. The June 27-28 overnight strikes targeted operational and weapons storage facilities at two locations in Syria and one in Iraq, the Pentagon said. Hours later, pro-Iran militias fired several shells at an American base in eastern Syria. Iran-aligned groups operate in Iraq, which counts both Tehran and Washington as allies, and in war-torn Syria, where Iran is a key backer of the Damascus regime. (With inputs from agencies)

Rockets fired at Iraqi base hosting US troops: Coalition

Palestine's envoy to India Adnan Mohammad Jaber&nbsp;Abualhayjaa&nbsp;has said that his government has been&nbsp;'working for the ceasefire from the first day'&nbsp;when it comes to the ongoing situation with Israel.

According to him,&nbsp;over 200 people have lost lives in West Bank and Gaza due to actions&nbsp;of&nbsp;Israel.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

Speaking to WION&nbsp;Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal exclusively, Amb Adnan&nbsp;Abualhayjaa&nbsp;hoped that India won't make reference to Temple Mount, as it is&nbsp;'encouraging Israelis in the manner which may lead to religious war'.

Temple Mount, which is the holiest site in Judaism, is known to Muslims as Haram al-Sharif, the third holiest site in Islam after Mecca and Medina.&nbsp;

He also condoled the death of Indian&nbsp;national Soumya Santhosh.

Santhosh,&nbsp;a caregiver,&nbsp;died in Israel's Ashkelon in a rocket strike&nbsp;and&nbsp;is survived by&nbsp;nine-year-old son and husband.

This is his first-ever interview amid the ongoing escalating violence between Israel and Palestine. The fighting began&nbsp;after violence&nbsp;erupted&nbsp;in Jerusalem and possible eviction of Palestinians in the Sheikh Jarrah and Silwan&nbsp;neighbourhood.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

WION: What is the current situation when it comes to the ongoing conflict?&nbsp;Will&nbsp;you&nbsp;call it a full-scale war?&nbsp;

Adnan Mohammad Jaber: The current situation in Palestine is mainly for&nbsp;two&nbsp;reasons. First is the occupation, as long as the occupation continues. Who is ignoring the Oslo Agreement, who is ignoring all the agreements with Palestinian authorities, who is killing, jailing every day in the West Bank, restricting the movement of Palestinian people via the 600 military checkpoints, is controlling 60% of the west bank, restricting the people's movement, controlling tax money of Palestinians, refusing elections in&nbsp;Jerusalem?

Secondly, there was the&nbsp;fourth election in Israel and&nbsp;Netanyahu&nbsp;has failed to form a government. Netanyahu&nbsp;knows&nbsp;how to make problems, so he started&nbsp;telling&nbsp;the right-wing of the Israelis to go to Al Aqsa to restrict the worshippers from&nbsp;praying.

Before it became&nbsp;a&nbsp;military&nbsp;issue, it was the issue of Al Aqsa and Sheikh Jarrah area where they want to displace 28 families living in their houses for 70 years. He wants to put obstacles in forming the government, so he has started with these problems because if other parties are able to form the government, Netanyahu, because of corruption, might go to jail.&nbsp;

Surely,&nbsp;it's a war, and a very bad war&nbsp;because the victims&nbsp;of this war&nbsp;are&nbsp;civilians&nbsp;mainly. We are on the eighgth day of the war and we have lost 218 people in the West Bank and Gaza, more than 5,600 people have been injured. In the West Bank,&nbsp;there are&nbsp;no weapons&nbsp;with Palestinian people, no rockets, nothing.&nbsp;250 of the wounded&nbsp;got injured&nbsp;due to&nbsp;the metal bombs. Israelis are&nbsp;committing war crimes on both sides, in Gaza and in the West Bank.&nbsp;Hope it will end soon.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

WION: How do you think the international community can support Palestine?&nbsp;

Adnan Mohammad Jaber: Israel is an exact copy of South Africa during the apartheid time. We live in an apartheid regime in Palestine.

There are&nbsp;two&nbsp;kinds of&nbsp;laws in Israel. There is a law for the Jewish people&nbsp;and&nbsp;there is a law for a Palestinians,&nbsp;who have&nbsp;Israeli nationality and there is another law, the military law for Palestinian people living in the occupied area, West Bank, including Jerusalem and Gaza&nbsp;Strip.

The international community could help a lot, first of all, they should boycott Israel, exactly as South Africa had&nbsp;been boycotted. Secondly, Americans should stop&nbsp;pressurising&nbsp;other countries to&nbsp;not&nbsp;take action against Israel. Many of the European countries&nbsp;want&nbsp;to&nbsp;take action&nbsp;but don’t act due to&nbsp;American pressure. Hope&nbsp;there will be real pressure from the international community to follow the United Nations&nbsp;resolution. Israel is the only country&nbsp;in the world which is over the international community.&nbsp;Not just&nbsp;UN resolutions, they refuse everything. Hundreds of resolutions, from the security council to the general assembly of the UN. It is the only country that can refuse everything.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

WION: Will Palestinian authorities call for a ceasefire?&nbsp;

Adnan Mohammad Jaber: We&nbsp;were&nbsp;in the beginning&nbsp;and&nbsp;had talks with some Arab countries like Egypt. Because Egypt normally coordinates in these matters. With&nbsp;Qatar...&nbsp;we spoke with France, Britain. Our foreign minister was in Europe, he was working hard with the European Union for the ceasefire. From the first day, we started to work on the ceasefire. We called on the security council, to have a resolution for the ceasefire. But&nbsp;three&nbsp;times, Americans refused, including on Sunday.&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;

WION: Then there is the issue of Hamas's rocket attacks, something that has been condemned globally...&nbsp;

Adnan Mohammad Jaber: First of all,&nbsp;let me present my condolences for that lady who passed away in Israel. We feel sorry that we have lost one Indian in this conflict. So,&nbsp;my condolences to the Indian people and her family.

Secondly, the rockets of Hamas are a reaction, not an action. The main thing is the occupation. I am&nbsp;ok&nbsp;with destroying all weapons&nbsp;and&nbsp;Israel and Palestine not using weapons. When we signed the Oslo agreement, we signed it to live side by side in peace, security, coordinate in everything together as&nbsp;neighbours. Since that time, 1993, up to now, Israel is refusing everything, destroying everything. I think we will go to the question of&nbsp;two&nbsp;state solutions and they are destroying&nbsp;two&nbsp;state solutions. Rockets is a reaction, and hope,&nbsp;we won't see any aggression on the Palestinian people in Gaza and West Bank.&nbsp;

WION: Can President Mahmoud Abbas prevail over Hamas, and is Hamas trying to exploit political space?&nbsp;

Adnan Mohammad Jaber: President Mahmoud Abbas&nbsp;is&nbsp;in connection with the leaders of Hamas&nbsp;and&nbsp;was working for the ceasefire from the first day. Any war&nbsp;inflicts damages on&nbsp;both sides.&nbsp;You need to control the Israelis and their crimes, otherwise, we will see another war. Without&nbsp;the&nbsp;end&nbsp;of&nbsp;this occupation,&nbsp;difficult&nbsp;for&nbsp;neighbours&nbsp;to live side by side, according to the international resolutions.&nbsp;Agreements have been signed with the Israelis,&nbsp;but&nbsp;there is no security in the area at all.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;&nbsp;

WION: Is Hamas trying to use the political vacuum in Gaza, West Bank vis a vis the election schedule?&nbsp;

Adnan Mohammad Jaber: We are a democratic state,&nbsp;and have&nbsp;democratic institutions. If Hamas via elections, takes&nbsp;advantage and wins&nbsp;the election,&nbsp;we have no problem. Let Hamas control the country. They are the main party of the Palestinian&nbsp;people,&nbsp;they have a political department as the&nbsp;organisation. If they win the elections, we will welcome that and we will give them the authority. we have no&nbsp;problem,&nbsp;this is a democracy.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

WION: How do you see India's statement at the UNSC? New Delhi reiterated its&nbsp;'strong support to the just Palestinian cause and its unwavering commitment to the&nbsp;two-state&nbsp;solution".&nbsp;

Adnan Mohammad Jaber: India is&nbsp;a&nbsp;very close friend&nbsp;of&nbsp;Palestine and I would like to thank Indian&nbsp;government for&nbsp;strongly supporting&nbsp;the cause of the Palestinian people.

Only one thing, there is something which I have seen in the statement, which is Al Masjid Al Aqsa/Temple Mount,&nbsp;which is a new expression. Al-Masjid Al Aqsa since the British was nominated to rule&nbsp;by&nbsp;Palestine.&nbsp;In&nbsp;1929,&nbsp;a mission had come from the United Nations after some conflict between the Palestinian Muslims and Jews at that time. They checked everything in Al Aqsa and said Al Aqsa is a Muslim place and Jewish people pray near the wall. It was like that without any problem. Secondly, Al&nbsp;Aqsa mosque&nbsp;is registered in UNESCO as a Muslim place.

So,&nbsp;hope this&nbsp;is not&nbsp;used again&nbsp;as&nbsp;encouraging Israelis in that matter will lead to religious war,&nbsp;which is not acceptable to anyone. India is supporting Palestine&nbsp;and&nbsp;we thank them very much, not only&nbsp;on the political&nbsp;level,&nbsp;but they also helped in many other things,&nbsp;such as&nbsp;building hospitals, schools, diplomatic institutions, women empowerment centers,&nbsp;so&nbsp;they help Palestine in many ways.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;

WION:&nbsp;What is&nbsp;current situation of the Covid crisis when it comes to the Palestinian territories.&nbsp;

Adnan Mohammad Jaber: Now,&nbsp;a little bit better. Last month, before it was very bad, still a little bit better but we don't have enough vaccines to say the truth. It's not bad, these days at least. It is much better than&nbsp;two&nbsp;months ago.&nbsp;

Palestine's envoy to India Adnan Mohammad Jaber Abualhayjaa has said that his government has been 'working for the ceasefire from the first day' when it comes to the ongoing situation with Israel.

Palestine's envoy to India Adnan Mohammad Jaber Abualhayjaa has said that his government has been 'working for the ceasefire from the first day' when it comes to the ongoing situation with Israel. According to him, over 200 people have lost lives in West Bank and Gaza due to actions of Israel. Speaking to WION Diplomatic Correspondent Sidhant Sibal exclusively, Amb Adnan Abualhayjaa hoped that India won't make reference to Temple Mount, as it is 'encouraging Israelis in the manner which may lead to religious war'. Temple Mount, which is the holiest site in Judaism, is known to Muslims as Haram al-Sharif, the third holiest site in Islam after Mecca and Medina. He also condoled the death of Indian national Soumya Santhosh. Santhosh, a caregiver, died in Israel's Ashkelon in a rocket strike and is survived by nine-year-old son and husband. This is his first-ever interview amid the ongoing escalating violence between Israel and Palestine. The fighting began after violence erupted in Jerusalem and possible eviction of Palestinians in the Sheikh Jarrah and Silwan neighbourhood. WION: What is the current situation when it comes to the ongoing conflict? Will you call it a full-scale war? Adnan Mohammad Jaber: The current situation in Palestine is mainly for two reasons. First is the occupation, as long as the occupation continues. Who is ignoring the Oslo Agreement, who is ignoring all the agreements with Palestinian authorities, who is killing, jailing every day in the West Bank, restricting the movement of Palestinian people via the 600 military checkpoints, is controlling 60% of the west bank, restricting the people's movement, controlling tax money of Palestinians, refusing elections in Jerusalem? Secondly, there was the fourth election in Israel and Netanyahu has failed to form a government. Netanyahu knows how to make problems, so he started telling the right-wing of the Israelis to go to Al Aqsa to restrict the worshippers from praying. Before it became a military issue, it was the issue of Al Aqsa and Sheikh Jarrah area where they want to displace 28 families living in their houses for 70 years. He wants to put obstacles in forming the government, so he has started with these problems because if other parties are able to form the government, Netanyahu, because of corruption, might go to jail. Surely, it's a war, and a very bad war because the victims of this war are civilians mainly. We are on the eighgth day of the war and we have lost 218 people in the West Bank and Gaza, more than 5,600 people have been injured. In the West Bank, there are no weapons with Palestinian people, no rockets, nothing. 250 of the wounded got injured due to the metal bombs. Israelis are committing war crimes on both sides, in Gaza and in the West Bank. Hope it will end soon. WION: How do you think the international community can support Palestine? Adnan Mohammad Jaber: Israel is an exact copy of South Africa during the apartheid time. We live in an apartheid regime in Palestine. There are two kinds of laws in Israel. There is a law for the Jewish people and there is a law for a Palestinians, who have Israeli nationality and there is another law, the military law for Palestinian people living in the occupied area, West Bank, including Jerusalem and Gaza Strip. The international community could help a lot, first of all, they should boycott Israel, exactly as South Africa had been boycotted. Secondly, Americans should stop pressurising other countries to not take action against Israel. Many of the European countries want to take action but don’t act due to American pressure. Hope there will be real pressure from the international community to follow the United Nations resolution. Israel is the only country in the world which is over the international community. Not just UN resolutions, they refuse everything. Hundreds of resolutions, from the security council to the general assembly of the UN. It is the only country that can refuse everything. WION: Will Palestinian authorities call for a ceasefire? Adnan Mohammad Jaber: We were in the beginning and had talks with some Arab countries like Egypt. Because Egypt normally coordinates in these matters. With Qatar... we spoke with France, Britain. Our foreign minister was in Europe, he was working hard with the European Union for the ceasefire. From the first day, we started to work on the ceasefire. We called on the security council, to have a resolution for the ceasefire. But three times, Americans refused, including on Sunday. WION: Then there is the issue of Hamas's rocket attacks, something that has been condemned globally... Adnan Mohammad Jaber: First of all, let me present my condolences for that lady who passed away in Israel. We feel sorry that we have lost one Indian in this conflict. So, my condolences to the Indian people and her family. Secondly, the rockets of Hamas are a reaction, not an action. The main thing is the occupation. I am ok with destroying all weapons and Israel and Palestine not using weapons. When we signed the Oslo agreement, we signed it to live side by side in peace, security, coordinate in everything together as neighbours. Since that time, 1993, up to now, Israel is refusing everything, destroying everything. I think we will go to the question of two state solutions and they are destroying two state solutions. Rockets is a reaction, and hope, we won't see any aggression on the Palestinian people in Gaza and West Bank. WION: Can President Mahmoud Abbas prevail over Hamas, and is Hamas trying to exploit political space? Adnan Mohammad Jaber: President Mahmoud Abbas is in connection with the leaders of Hamas and was working for the ceasefire from the first day. Any war inflicts damages on both sides. You need to control the Israelis and their crimes, otherwise, we will see another war. Without the end of this occupation, difficult for neighbours to live side by side, according to the international resolutions. Agreements have been signed with the Israelis, but there is no security in the area at all. WION: Is Hamas trying to use the political vacuum in Gaza, West Bank vis a vis the election schedule? Adnan Mohammad Jaber: We are a democratic state, and have democratic institutions. If Hamas via elections, takes advantage and wins the election, we have no problem. Let Hamas control the country. They are the main party of the Palestinian people, they have a political department as the organisation. If they win the elections, we will welcome that and we will give them the authority. we have no problem, this is a democracy. WION: How do you see India's statement at the UNSC? New Delhi reiterated its 'strong support to the just Palestinian cause and its unwavering commitment to the two-state solution". Adnan Mohammad Jaber: India is a very close friend of Palestine and I would like to thank Indian government for strongly supporting the cause of the Palestinian people. Only one thing, there is something which I have seen in the statement, which is Al Masjid Al Aqsa/Temple Mount, which is a new expression. Al-Masjid Al Aqsa since the British was nominated to rule by Palestine. In 1929, a mission had come from the United Nations after some conflict between the Palestinian Muslims and Jews at that time. They checked everything in Al Aqsa and said Al Aqsa is a Muslim place and Jewish people pray near the wall. It was like that without any problem. Secondly, Al Aqsa mosque is registered in UNESCO as a Muslim place. So, hope this is not used again as encouraging Israelis in that matter will lead to religious war, which is not acceptable to anyone. India is supporting Palestine and we thank them very much, not only on the political level, but they also helped in many other things, such as building hospitals, schools, diplomatic institutions, women empowerment centers, so they help Palestine in many ways. WION: What is current situation of the Covid crisis when it comes to the Palestinian territories. Adnan Mohammad Jaber: Now, a little bit better. Last month, before it was very bad, still a little bit better but we don't have enough vaccines to say the truth. It's not bad, these days at least. It is much better than two months ago.

Working on ceasefire, says Palestine's envoy; Hopes India won't make reference to 'Temple Mount', condoles death of Indian national

Nearly 3,000 rockets have been fired from Gaza towards Israel on Sunday as the two countries entered the seventh day of continued violent protests.

The Israel army reported that the rockets were fired from Hamas-controlled Gaza on Sunday and termed it as an ‘intense attack'.

"Hamas has been carrying out a very intense attack in terms of rate of fire," General Ori Gordin told local reporters.

The army has also claimed that Israel is facing the highest ever rate of rocket attacks. Gaza authorities have also reported a record daily death toll of 33, caused due to the Israeli airstrikes, officials claimed.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-palestine-conflict-stretches-into-seventh-day-385378">Watch |</a>

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-palestine-conflict-stretches-into-seventh-day-385378/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Gaza’s rebuttal has come after Israel’s airstrikes on Sunday killed 17 people, taking the death toll in Palestine to 174 people, of which 47 are children.

Meanwhile, Iran's&nbsp;Revolutionary Guards Quds Force commander has also lent its support to the Palestinian community and has termed the strikes by Israel as "crimes".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israeli-strikes-on-gaza-kill-17-people-on-sunday-taking-death-toll-to-174-385372" hreflang="en">Israeli strikes on Gaza kill 17 people on Sunday, taking death toll to 174</a>

The commander made a phone call to the Islamist factions' officials and assured Tehran’s support for all the Palestinians facing the attacks by Israel.

Brigadier General Ismail Qaani talked to the head of Hamas' political bureau,&nbsp;Ismail Haniyeh, and the secretary-general of the Islamic Jihad group, Ziyad al-Nakhalah.

He assured the leaders that Iran "stands alongside the nation of Palestine" and "praised the development of Palestinian resistance and its capabilities in defending the people of Palestine".

Qaani also said his force supports “the Palestinians' right to confront the aggression and crimes of the Zionist enemy”.

Nearly 3,000 rockets have been fired from Gaza towards Israel on Sunday as the two countries entered the seventh day of continued violent protests. The Israel army reported that the rockets were fired from Hamas-controlled Gaza on Sunday and termed it as an ‘intense attack'.

Nearly 3,000 rockets have been fired from Gaza towards Israel on Sunday as the two countries entered the seventh day of continued violent protests. The Israel army reported that the rockets were fired from Hamas-controlled Gaza on Sunday and termed it as an ‘intense attack'. "Hamas has been carrying out a very intense attack in terms of rate of fire," General Ori Gordin told local reporters. The army has also claimed that Israel is facing the highest ever rate of rocket attacks. Gaza authorities have also reported a record daily death toll of 33, caused due to the Israeli airstrikes, officials claimed. Watch | Gaza’s rebuttal has come after Israel’s airstrikes on Sunday killed 17 people, taking the death toll in Palestine to 174 people, of which 47 are children. Meanwhile, Iran's Revolutionary Guards Quds Force commander has also lent its support to the Palestinian community and has termed the strikes by Israel as "crimes". Also read | Israeli strikes on Gaza kill 17 people on Sunday, taking death toll to 174 The commander made a phone call to the Islamist factions' officials and assured Tehran’s support for all the Palestinians facing the attacks by Israel. Brigadier General Ismail Qaani talked to the head of Hamas' political bureau, Ismail Haniyeh, and the secretary-general of the Islamic Jihad group, Ziyad al-Nakhalah. He assured the leaders that Iran "stands alongside the nation of Palestine" and "praised the development of Palestinian resistance and its capabilities in defending the people of Palestine". Qaani also said his force supports “the Palestinians' right to confront the aggression and crimes of the Zionist enemy”.

Nearly 3,000 rockets fired from Gaza towards Israel, army claims

Palestinians fired uninterrupted barrages of rockets into Israel, as its military pounded Gaza with air strikes through the early hours of Tuesday, in a dramatic escalation of clashes in Jerusalem.&nbsp;Nine children were among the 20 dead in Gaza on Monday.

Explosions shook buildings throughout Gaza and rocket sirens sent Israelis in many southern towns scurrying for shelter overnight. Two Palestinians were killed and more than 100 wounded in air strikes, Palestinian officials said.&nbsp;

Six Israelis were wounded by a rocket, medics said.&nbsp;

On Monday, scores of rockets were launched into Israel. Many&nbsp;were intercepted by missile defences.&nbsp;

The events were unleashed by Gaza militants firing on the Jerusalem area for the first time since a 2014 war, crossing what Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called a 'red line'.&nbsp;

The upsurge in violence came as Israel celebrated 'Jerusalem Day', marking its capture of East Jerusalem in the 1967 Arab-Israeli war.&nbsp;

The escalation began with confrontations at al-Aqsa Mosque in the heart of the walled Old City on the compound known to Jews as Temple Mount and to Muslims as the Noble Sanctuary - the most sensitive site in the Israel-Palestinian conflict.&nbsp;

The Palestine Red Crescent Society said more than 300 Palestinians were injured in clashes with Israeli police, who fired rubber bullets, stun grenades and tear gas in the compound. Police said 21 officers were hurt in the skirmishes.&nbsp;

Although the trouble died down after a few hours, there were other focal points of tension, such as the Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood of East Jerusalem just north of the Old City, where several Palestinian families face eviction from homes claimed by Jewish settlers in a long-running legal case.&nbsp;

Hamas, the Islamist militant group that controls Gaza, set an evening deadline for Israel to remove its police from Al-Aqsa and Sheikh Jarrah. When it expired, sirens wailed in Jerusalem and rockets pounded the city's outskirts.&nbsp;

Israel views all of Jerusalem as its capital, including the eastern part annexed after the 1967 war in a move that has not secured international recognition.&nbsp;

Palestinians want East Jerusalem for the capital of a state they seek in Gaza and the Israeli-occupied West Bank.&nbsp;

Hamas and the smaller Islamic Jihad militant group claimed responsibility for the rocket fire on Jerusalem.&nbsp;

The Israeli military said it struck targets that included militant operatives, attack tunnels and the home of a Hamas battalion commander.&nbsp;

Of the 20 Palestinians killed on Monday, seven, including three children, were family members, who died in an explosion in the town of Beit Hanoun.&nbsp;It is unclear if it had been caused by an Israeli strike or a Palestinian rocket that had fallen short.&nbsp;

An Israeli military spokesman said about a third of the Palestinian rockets fired had fallen short and caused damage and casualties inside Gaza.&nbsp;

International efforts to stem the violence appeared to have already. A Palestinian official said that Egypt, Qatar and the United Nations, which have mediated truces between Israel and Hamas in the past, were in contact with the group's leader Ismail Haniyeh.&nbsp;

Tension had been building for weeks during the Muslim holy month of Ramzan, amid clashes between Israeli security forces and Palestinian protesters prompting international concern that events could spiral out of control.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies) &nbsp;

Palestinians fired uninterrupted barrages of rockets into Israel, as its military pounded Gaza with air strikes through the early hours of Tuesday, in a dramatic escalation of clashes in Jerusalem.

Palestinians fired uninterrupted barrages of rockets into Israel, as its military pounded Gaza with air strikes through the early hours of Tuesday, in a dramatic escalation of clashes in Jerusalem. Nine children were among the 20 dead in Gaza on Monday. Explosions shook buildings throughout Gaza and rocket sirens sent Israelis in many southern towns scurrying for shelter overnight. Two Palestinians were killed and more than 100 wounded in air strikes, Palestinian officials said. Six Israelis were wounded by a rocket, medics said. On Monday, scores of rockets were launched into Israel. Many were intercepted by missile defences. The events were unleashed by Gaza militants firing on the Jerusalem area for the first time since a 2014 war, crossing what Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called a 'red line'. The upsurge in violence came as Israel celebrated 'Jerusalem Day', marking its capture of East Jerusalem in the 1967 Arab-Israeli war. The escalation began with confrontations at al-Aqsa Mosque in the heart of the walled Old City on the compound known to Jews as Temple Mount and to Muslims as the Noble Sanctuary - the most sensitive site in the Israel-Palestinian conflict. The Palestine Red Crescent Society said more than 300 Palestinians were injured in clashes with Israeli police, who fired rubber bullets, stun grenades and tear gas in the compound. Police said 21 officers were hurt in the skirmishes. Although the trouble died down after a few hours, there were other focal points of tension, such as the Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood of East Jerusalem just north of the Old City, where several Palestinian families face eviction from homes claimed by Jewish settlers in a long-running legal case. Hamas, the Islamist militant group that controls Gaza, set an evening deadline for Israel to remove its police from Al-Aqsa and Sheikh Jarrah. When it expired, sirens wailed in Jerusalem and rockets pounded the city's outskirts. Israel views all of Jerusalem as its capital, including the eastern part annexed after the 1967 war in a move that has not secured international recognition. Palestinians want East Jerusalem for the capital of a state they seek in Gaza and the Israeli-occupied West Bank. Hamas and the smaller Islamic Jihad militant group claimed responsibility for the rocket fire on Jerusalem. The Israeli military said it struck targets that included militant operatives, attack tunnels and the home of a Hamas battalion commander. Of the 20 Palestinians killed on Monday, seven, including three children, were family members, who died in an explosion in the town of Beit Hanoun. It is unclear if it had been caused by an Israeli strike or a Palestinian rocket that had fallen short. An Israeli military spokesman said about a third of the Palestinian rockets fired had fallen short and caused damage and casualties inside Gaza. International efforts to stem the violence appeared to have already. A Palestinian official said that Egypt, Qatar and the United Nations, which have mediated truces between Israel and Hamas in the past, were in contact with the group's leader Ismail Haniyeh. Tension had been building for weeks during the Muslim holy month of Ramzan, amid clashes between Israeli security forces and Palestinian protesters prompting international concern that events could spiral out of control. (With inputs from agencies)

At least 20 dead as Israel strikes Gaza after Palestinian rocket firings 

Just three days ahead of a strategic dialogue with US, two rockets hit near an Iraqi airbase that hosts US soldiers. The base is located north of Baghdad.

No immediate claim of responsibility for the attack was received. No casualties or property damage has been reported.&nbsp;

Sunday's was the 14th attack against American interests -- including troops, the Baghdad embassy or Iraqi supply convoys to foreign forces -- since US President Joe Biden took office in January.

Two Americans and an Iraqi civilian have been killed in the attacks.&nbsp;

An Iraqi civilian working for a firm maintaining US fighter jets for the Iraqi airforce was also wounded in one attack.

Such operations are claimed by obscure groups experts say are smokescreens for Iranian-backed organisations long present in Iraq.

Qais al-Khazali, a senior pro-Iran figure in the state-sponsored Hashed al-Shaabi paramilitary force, recently declared that the "resistance" was carrying out attacks and would step them up "unless the US withdraws all its combat forces from across Iraq".

The latest attack came as Washington prepares to launch a strategic dialogue with the government of Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhemi, who has regularly received threats from pro-Iran factions.

Kadhemi faces the delicate task of balancing the interests of neighbouring Iran and the US, arch-rivals who are both deeply involved in Iraqi politics.

(With AFP inputs)

Just three days ahead of a strategic dialogue with US, two rockets hit near an Iraqi airbase that hosts US soldiers. The base is located north of Baghdad. No immediate claim of responsibility for the attack was received.

Just three days ahead of a strategic dialogue with US, two rockets hit near an Iraqi airbase that hosts US soldiers. The base is located north of Baghdad. No immediate claim of responsibility for the attack was received. No casualties or property damage has been reported. Sunday's was the 14th attack against American interests -- including troops, the Baghdad embassy or Iraqi supply convoys to foreign forces -- since US President Joe Biden took office in January. Two Americans and an Iraqi civilian have been killed in the attacks. An Iraqi civilian working for a firm maintaining US fighter jets for the Iraqi airforce was also wounded in one attack. Such operations are claimed by obscure groups experts say are smokescreens for Iranian-backed organisations long present in Iraq. Qais al-Khazali, a senior pro-Iran figure in the state-sponsored Hashed al-Shaabi paramilitary force, recently declared that the "resistance" was carrying out attacks and would step them up "unless the US withdraws all its combat forces from across Iraq". The latest attack came as Washington prepares to launch a strategic dialogue with the government of Prime Minister Mustafa al-Kadhemi, who has regularly received threats from pro-Iran factions. Kadhemi faces the delicate task of balancing the interests of neighbouring Iran and the US, arch-rivals who are both deeply involved in Iraqi politics. (With AFP inputs)

Rockets hit near Iraq airbase hosting US soldiers

NBA game on the second day of the new season has been postponed due to coronavirus and Rockets star James Harden was fined for violating protocols.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/federer-serena-among-entries-for-australian-open-351980" hreflang="en">Federer, Serena among entries for Australian Open</a>

On Wednesday, the game between Oklahoma City Thunder and the Houston Rockets at the Toyota Center in Houston was postponed due to league's health and safety protocols.

"The National Basketball Association game scheduled for tonight between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center has been postponed in accordance with the league's Health and Safety Protocols," the NBA said in a statement.

James Harden was unavailable for the match against the Thunder due to a violation of the health and safety protocols.

NBA on Wednesday announced that Harden has been fined $50,000, saying the Rockets guard violated rules when he attended a private indoor party on Monday. According to the rules of the league, attending indoor social gatherings of 15 or more people or entering bars, lounges, clubs or similar establishments is prohibited.

"Houston Rockets guard James Harden has been fined $50,000 for violating the league's Health and Safety Protocols, which among other things prohibit attending indoor social gatherings of 15 or more people or entering bars, lounges, clubs or similar establishments," NBA President of League Operations Byron Spruell said in a statement about two hours after the game was postponed.

"Harden violated these rules when he attended a private indoor party on Monday, December 21."

As per NBA, three Rockets players' test either returned &nbsp;positive or inconclusive for Covid-19 under the NBA's testing program.

NBA game on the second day of the new season has been postponed due to coronavirus and Rockets star James Harden was fined for violating protocols. Also read: Federer, Serena among entries for Australian Open On Wednesday, the game between Oklahoma City Thunder and the Houston Rockets at the Toyota Center in Houston was postponed due to league's health and safety protocols.

NBA game on the second day of the new season has been postponed due to coronavirus and Rockets star James Harden was fined for violating protocols. Also read: Federer, Serena among entries for Australian Open On Wednesday, the game between Oklahoma City Thunder and the Houston Rockets at the Toyota Center in Houston was postponed due to league's health and safety protocols. "The National Basketball Association game scheduled for tonight between the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center has been postponed in accordance with the league's Health and Safety Protocols," the NBA said in a statement. James Harden was unavailable for the match against the Thunder due to a violation of the health and safety protocols. NBA on Wednesday announced that Harden has been fined $50,000, saying the Rockets guard violated rules when he attended a private indoor party on Monday. According to the rules of the league, attending indoor social gatherings of 15 or more people or entering bars, lounges, clubs or similar establishments is prohibited. "Houston Rockets guard James Harden has been fined $50,000 for violating the league's Health and Safety Protocols, which among other things prohibit attending indoor social gatherings of 15 or more people or entering bars, lounges, clubs or similar establishments," NBA President of League Operations Byron Spruell said in a statement about two hours after the game was postponed. "Harden violated these rules when he attended a private indoor party on Monday, December 21." As per NBA, three Rockets players' test either returned positive or inconclusive for Covid-19 under the NBA's testing program.

James Harden fined as Rockets game postponed as Covid bites NBA

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