Iran Revolutionary Guards (IRGC)&nbsp;said Tuesday (Oct 1)&nbsp;that its missile attack on Israel targeted "three military bases" near&nbsp;Tel Aviv.

"We targeted three military bases around Tel Aviv", Israel's commercial hub, the Guards said in a statement carried by news agency ISNA.

Tehran Times, Iranian state-backed media, earlier reported that Israel's Nevatim air base was targeted in the attack. The air base reportedly houses Israel's F-35 fighter jets.

Responding to the attacks,&nbsp;President Masoud Pezeshkian of Iran said&nbsp;“a&nbsp;decisive response was given to the Zionist regime’s aggression."

“In accordance with the legitimate rights and with the goal of ensuring peace and security for Iran and the region, a decisive response was delivered to the Zionist regime’s aggression,” Pezeshkian’s post on X read.

However, Israel claimed the attack didn't impact the capacity of its armed forces.

IDF spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari told reporters that the Israeli Air Force “continues to operate at full capacity, and tonight will also continue to strike powerfully in the Middle East, as has been the case for the past year.”&nbsp;

White House said&nbsp;Iran's ballistic missile assault on Israel was "defeated and ineffective" in a statement.&nbsp;

"Based on what we know at this point, this attack appears to have been defeated and ineffective," Jake Sullivan, United States President Joe Biden's National Security Advisor, told reporters.

(With inputs from agencies)

Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.

Iran Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) said Tuesday (Oct 1) that its missile attack on Israel targeted "three military bases" near Tel Aviv. "We targeted three military bases around Tel Aviv", Israel's commercial hub, the Guards said in a statement carried by news agency ISNA.

Iran Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) said Tuesday (Oct 1) that its missile attack on Israel targeted "three military bases" near Tel Aviv. "We targeted three military bases around Tel Aviv", Israel's commercial hub, the Guards said in a statement carried by news agency ISNA. Tehran Times, Iranian state-backed media, earlier reported that Israel's Nevatim air base was targeted in the attack. The air base reportedly houses Israel's F-35 fighter jets. Responding to the attacks, President Masoud Pezeshkian of Iran said “a decisive response was given to the Zionist regime’s aggression." “In accordance with the legitimate rights and with the goal of ensuring peace and security for Iran and the region, a decisive response was delivered to the Zionist regime’s aggression,” Pezeshkian’s post on X read. However, Israel claimed the attack didn't impact the capacity of its armed forces. IDF spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari told reporters that the Israeli Air Force “continues to operate at full capacity, and tonight will also continue to strike powerfully in the Middle East, as has been the case for the past year.” White House said Iran's ballistic missile assault on Israel was "defeated and ineffective" in a statement. "Based on what we know at this point, this attack appears to have been defeated and ineffective," Jake Sullivan, United States President Joe Biden's National Security Advisor, told reporters. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.

West Asia crisis: Iran says targeted three military bases, commercial hub near Tel Aviv in missile attack

Israeli Defence minister Yoav Gallant said Monday (Sep 30) that the “next phase of the war against Hezbollah will begin soon” amid reports that the Jewish nation has now amassed hundreds of tanks near the Lebanon border. Gallant told a gathering of local council heads in northern Israel that the IDF will “change the situation and return the residents home.”

The Washington Post has reported that Israel has notified the US about its plans for a limited ground operation in Lebanon that may start imminently.

The Israeli military, in a statement, said it was “preparing for the next steps in the fighting”. The Times of Israel reported that the chief of Israel’s northern command, Maj Gen Ori Gordin, has recently approved tactical battle plans with officers who would potentially be involved in a ground offensive in Lebanon.

<h2>Netanyahu’s warning to Iran</h2>

The Israeli PM, Benjamin Netanyahu, meanwhile issued a warning to Iran, saying there was no region in West Asia which was out of the country’s reach. Netanyahu also addressed Iranian people, adding Israel’s enemy was the Iranian government, not the Iranian people, and that when the government fell, its people would be better off.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwi-472Co-uIAxUuxzgGHUsZC0YQxfQBKAB6BAgNEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-opens-multiple-fronts-in-war-763313" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/videos/israel-opens-multiple-fronts-in-war-763313&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi-472Co-uIAxUuxzgGHUsZC0YQxfQBKAB6BAgNEAE">Israel Opens Multiple Fronts In War</a>

The warning came as Iranian proxies in Yemen warned Israel of escalation following Israeli strikes on Houthis a day earlier.

On Sep 29, Israel bombed Houthi targets in Yemen in strikes that killed at least four people and wounded 29 others, according to the Houthi-run health ministry.

<h2>US puts troops on stand by</h2>

Pentagon earlier said it had put an unspecified number of American troops on prepare to deploy orders.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwi-472Co-uIAxUuxzgGHUsZC0YQxfQBKAB6BAgQEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-passed-on-the-opportunity-to-eliminate-hamas-chief-sinwar-heres-why-763156" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-passed-on-the-opportunity-to-eliminate-hamas-chief-sinwar-heres-why-763156&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi-472Co-uIAxUuxzgGHUsZC0YQxfQBKAB6BAgQEAE">Israel passed on the opportunity to eliminate Hamas chief Sinwar. Here's why</a>

Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh told reporters, “US secretary of state Lloyd Austin increased the readiness of additional US forces to deploy, elevating our preparedness to respond to various contingencies. I’m just not going to get into specifics for [operational security] reasons, but these forces cover a wide range of capabilities and missions.”

(With inputs from agencies)

Israeli Defence minister Yoav Gallant said Monday (Sep 30) that the “next phase of the war against Hezbollah will begin soon” amid reports that the Jewish nation has now amassed hundreds of tanks near the Lebanon border.

Israeli Defence minister Yoav Gallant said Monday (Sep 30) that the “next phase of the war against Hezbollah will begin soon” amid reports that the Jewish nation has now amassed hundreds of tanks near the Lebanon border. Gallant told a gathering of local council heads in northern Israel that the IDF will “change the situation and return the residents home.” The Washington Post has reported that Israel has notified the US about its plans for a limited ground operation in Lebanon that may start imminently. The Israeli military, in a statement, said it was “preparing for the next steps in the fighting”. The Times of Israel reported that the chief of Israel’s northern command, Maj Gen Ori Gordin, has recently approved tactical battle plans with officers who would potentially be involved in a ground offensive in Lebanon. Netanyahu’s warning to Iran The Israeli PM, Benjamin Netanyahu, meanwhile issued a warning to Iran, saying there was no region in West Asia which was out of the country’s reach. Netanyahu also addressed Iranian people, adding Israel’s enemy was the Iranian government, not the Iranian people, and that when the government fell, its people would be better off. Also read: Israel Opens Multiple Fronts In War The warning came as Iranian proxies in Yemen warned Israel of escalation following Israeli strikes on Houthis a day earlier. On Sep 29, Israel bombed Houthi targets in Yemen in strikes that killed at least four people and wounded 29 others, according to the Houthi-run health ministry. US puts troops on stand by Pentagon earlier said it had put an unspecified number of American troops on prepare to deploy orders. Also read: Israel passed on the opportunity to eliminate Hamas chief Sinwar. Here's why Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh told reporters, “US secretary of state Lloyd Austin increased the readiness of additional US forces to deploy, elevating our preparedness to respond to various contingencies. I’m just not going to get into specifics for [operational security] reasons, but these forces cover a wide range of capabilities and missions.” (With inputs from agencies)

West Asia crisis: Israel says ‘next phase of war on Hezbollah’ to begin soon, US puts troops on alert

Iran launched a ballistic missile attack on Israel in retaliation for its recent killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and an Iranian commander in Lebanon. Watch in for more details!

Iran Attacks Israel: Dozens Of Explosions Boom Across Jerusalem

The United States has claimed that it has indications about an imminent Iranian ballistic missile attack on Israel, reported news agency AFP, citing a senior official in the White House. The official also warned Iran of "severe consequences" if it goes ahead with such plans.

"We are actively supporting defensive preparations to defend Israel against this attack," the official said in a statement.

This comes amidst Israel's ongoing "limited" ground operation in Lebanon against the Hezbollah network.

As per reports, the Iranian attack would be similar to the attack launched by Tehran in April. Iranian forces had then&nbsp;launched over 300 missiles and drones on Israel but&nbsp;the US&nbsp;and Western and Arab allies eliminated all threats in the air itself.

<h2>Israel on high alert</h2>

Following the intel from the US,&nbsp;IDF spokesperson R.-Adm. Daniel Hagari said Tuesday (Oct 1)&nbsp;his country was in a state of high preparedness and the military was ready to respond to any attacks from Iran.

"Following developments in Iran, we are in [a state of] high preparedness. IDF is prepared and ready both on the offensive and defensive front. There will be consequences if Iran attacks Israel. Our US partners in CENTCOM are ready alongside us. We will know how to handle [any attack],"&nbsp;Hagari said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwipq932t-2IAxUTha8BHX9ZAQAQxfQBKAB6BAgIEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/chief-of-iranian-intel-unit-turned-out-to-be-mossad-agent-ex-iran-prez-reveals-763598" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/chief-of-iranian-intel-unit-turned-out-to-be-mossad-agent-ex-iran-prez-reveals-763598&amp;ved=2ahUKEwipq932t-2IAxUTha8BHX9ZAQAQxfQBKAB6BAgIEAE">Chief of Iranian intel unit turned out to be Mossad agent, ex-Iran prez reveals</a>

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also&nbsp;warned of&nbsp;“days of great challenges” ahead amid threats of an Iranian attack.

“What I ask of you is two things,” said Netanyahu. “One, to strictly obey the directives of the Home Front Command. It saves lives.”

The US embassy in Israel has asked all of its staffers to take shelter 'until further notice'.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq and non-state actors like Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

The United States has claimed that it has indications about an imminent Iranian ballistic missile attack on Israel, reported news agency AFP, citing a senior official in the White House.

The United States has claimed that it has indications about an imminent Iranian ballistic missile attack on Israel, reported news agency AFP, citing a senior official in the White House. The official also warned Iran of "severe consequences" if it goes ahead with such plans. "We are actively supporting defensive preparations to defend Israel against this attack," the official said in a statement. This comes amidst Israel's ongoing "limited" ground operation in Lebanon against the Hezbollah network. As per reports, the Iranian attack would be similar to the attack launched by Tehran in April. Iranian forces had then launched over 300 missiles and drones on Israel but the US and Western and Arab allies eliminated all threats in the air itself. Israel on high alert Following the intel from the US, IDF spokesperson R.-Adm. Daniel Hagari said Tuesday (Oct 1) his country was in a state of high preparedness and the military was ready to respond to any attacks from Iran. "Following developments in Iran, we are in [a state of] high preparedness. IDF is prepared and ready both on the offensive and defensive front. There will be consequences if Iran attacks Israel. Our US partners in CENTCOM are ready alongside us. We will know how to handle [any attack]," Hagari said. Also read: Chief of Iranian intel unit turned out to be Mossad agent, ex-Iran prez reveals Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu also warned of “days of great challenges” ahead amid threats of an Iranian attack. “What I ask of you is two things,” said Netanyahu. “One, to strictly obey the directives of the Home Front Command. It saves lives.” The US embassy in Israel has asked all of its staffers to take shelter 'until further notice'. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq and non-state actors like Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

West Asia crisis: Iran may launch missile attack on Israel any moment, warns US official

A former Iranian president has claimed that the chief of an Iranian intelligence unit aimed at countering Israeli agents had himself turned out to be a Mossad spy. Former president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad made this shocking revelation in an interview with CNN Turk on Monday (Sep 30). He added that 20 other agents in Iranian intelligence turned out to be Israeli secret operatives. All of them were tasked with monitoring Israeli intelligence activities in Iran.

Ahmadinejad claimed that the double agents may have provided crucial information on the Iranian nuclear programme to their Israeli masters.

The former president added that the agents also helped Israel steal documents related to the nuclear programme in 2018. The documents were allegedly taken from Tehran to Israel and were later revealed to the world by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu himself.

Ahmadinejad further said that those double agents could never be punished by Iran as they were able to escape to Israel before their actual identities were revealed in 2021.

Reports of Israeli “infiltration” into Iranian spy network are not uncommon. In 2022, a senior adviser to former president Hassan Rouhani admitted that Iranian officials in Tehran always fear for their lives due to the “infiltration.”

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwj87IS-qO2IAxU4jq8BHQk3GNUQxfQBKAB6BAgQEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/projectiles-fired-into-north-israel-claims-military-hours-after-start-of-ground-operation-in-lebanon-763410" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/projectiles-fired-into-north-israel-claims-military-hours-after-start-of-ground-operation-in-lebanon-763410&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj87IS-qO2IAxU4jq8BHQk3GNUQxfQBKAB6BAgQEAE">Projectiles fired into north Israel hours after start of ground operation in Lebanon, claims military</a>

The revelation by Ahmadinejad comes after it was revealed last week that an Iranian mole may have informed the Israeli military about Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah's location, hours before the fatal airstrike on Sep 28.

The spy informed Israeli officials that Nasrallah would be at Hezbollah's underground headquarters to attend a meeting with top members of the militant outfit, reported French newspaper Le Parisien. It added that Nasrallah arrived at the location in the exact vehicle as Abbas Nilforoushan, the deputy commander of Iran's Quds Force in Lebanon.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwj87IS-qO2IAxU4jq8BHQk3GNUQxfQBKAB6BAgMEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/wion-world-of-sports/israeli-official-accuses-us-of-endangering-idf-soldiers-by-leaking-lebanon-ground-operation-plans-763539" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/wion-world-of-sports/israeli-official-accuses-us-of-endangering-idf-soldiers-by-leaking-lebanon-ground-operation-plans-763539&amp;ved=2ahUKEwj87IS-qO2IAxU4jq8BHQk3GNUQxfQBKAB6BAgMEAE">Israeli official accuses US of endangering IDF soldiers by leaking Lebanon ground operation plans</a>

Last month, British outlets claimed Mossad had hired Iranian security agents to plant the bomb in three rooms of the guesthouse where Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was staying.

“They are now certain that Mossad hired agents from the Ansar al-Mahdi protection unit. Upon further investigation, they discovered additional explosive devices in two other rooms,” an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) official was quoted as saying by the publication.

(With inputs from agencies)

A former Iranian president has claimed that the chief of an Iranian intelligence unit aimed at countering Israeli agents had himself turned out to be a Mossad spy.

A former Iranian president has claimed that the chief of an Iranian intelligence unit aimed at countering Israeli agents had himself turned out to be a Mossad spy. Former president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad made this shocking revelation in an interview with CNN Turk on Monday (Sep 30). He added that 20 other agents in Iranian intelligence turned out to be Israeli secret operatives. All of them were tasked with monitoring Israeli intelligence activities in Iran. Ahmadinejad claimed that the double agents may have provided crucial information on the Iranian nuclear programme to their Israeli masters. The former president added that the agents also helped Israel steal documents related to the nuclear programme in 2018. The documents were allegedly taken from Tehran to Israel and were later revealed to the world by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu himself. Ahmadinejad further said that those double agents could never be punished by Iran as they were able to escape to Israel before their actual identities were revealed in 2021. Reports of Israeli “infiltration” into Iranian spy network are not uncommon. In 2022, a senior adviser to former president Hassan Rouhani admitted that Iranian officials in Tehran always fear for their lives due to the “infiltration.” Also read: Projectiles fired into north Israel hours after start of ground operation in Lebanon, claims military The revelation by Ahmadinejad comes after it was revealed last week that an Iranian mole may have informed the Israeli military about Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah's location, hours before the fatal airstrike on Sep 28. The spy informed Israeli officials that Nasrallah would be at Hezbollah's underground headquarters to attend a meeting with top members of the militant outfit, reported French newspaper Le Parisien. It added that Nasrallah arrived at the location in the exact vehicle as Abbas Nilforoushan, the deputy commander of Iran's Quds Force in Lebanon. Also read: Israeli official accuses US of endangering IDF soldiers by leaking Lebanon ground operation plans Last month, British outlets claimed Mossad had hired Iranian security agents to plant the bomb in three rooms of the guesthouse where Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was staying. “They are now certain that Mossad hired agents from the Ansar al-Mahdi protection unit. Upon further investigation, they discovered additional explosive devices in two other rooms,” an Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) official was quoted as saying by the publication. (With inputs from agencies)

Chief of Iranian intel unit turned out to be Mossad agent, ex-Iran president reveals

New details have emerged regarding the death of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah on September&nbsp;27 in an Israeli strike&nbsp;on Beirut. Israeli news outlet Channel 12 has reported that the explosion itself didn’t kill Nasrallah but the 64-year-old militant most likely suffered asphyxiation as toxic gases leaked into his secret chamber.

Israel reportedly targeted the secret hideout of Nasrallah using 80 tonnes of “bunker-busting” bombs. The attack came as Nasrallah prepared to hold a meeting with senior Hezbollah leadership at the headquarters of the Lebanon-based militant group.

The strike was executed by Israeli Air Force (IAF) fighter jets at the group’s underground Central Headquarters, reportedly located beneath a residential building in the Dahieh area of Beirut.

According to media reports, Lebanese officials recovered Nasrallah’s dead body with no visible wound marks after the IDF strikes.

This indicates that he may have died of toxic gases in the room as the headquarters building came crashing down.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiBheKAiu2IAxVjyzgGHYY7OWAQxfQBKAB6BAgIEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/west-asia-crisis-israel-says-hezbollah-leader-hassan-nasrallah-eliminated-in-beirut-strike-762745" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/west-asia-crisis-israel-says-hezbollah-leader-hassan-nasrallah-eliminated-in-beirut-strike-762745&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiBheKAiu2IAxVjyzgGHYY7OWAQxfQBKAB6BAgIEAE">West Asia crisis: Hezbollah confirms leader Hassan Nasrallah's death in IDF strikes on Beirut</a>

A security official, meanwhile, claimed that Nasrallah may have died of blunt trauma and not due to toxic gases.

Even as several conspiracy theories emerge in media and social media, the militant group has maintained a silence over the issue, while vowing strong retaliation against Israeli aggression.

United States President Joe Biden was quick to call Nasrallah’s death a “measure of justice”.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiBheKAiu2IAxVjyzgGHYY7OWAQxfQBKAB6BAgSEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iranian-mole-gave-away-hezbollah-chief-hassan-nasrallahs-location-report-claims-762929" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/iranian-mole-gave-away-hezbollah-chief-hassan-nasrallahs-location-report-claims-762929&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiBheKAiu2IAxVjyzgGHYY7OWAQxfQBKAB6BAgSEAE">Iranian mole gave away Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah’s location? Report claims...</a>

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who apparently green-lighted the strikes from New York, called the operation as necessary and a potential “historic turning point” in the region.

Nasrallah had been leading Hezbollah for over three decades, playing a key role since the 2006 Lebanon War against Israel. He was also involved in regional politics, supporting the Assad regime in Syria during the Syrian Civil War.

Nasrallah oversaw Hezbollah’s transformation from a guerrilla group focused on resisting Israeli occupation into a significant political player in Lebanon.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.

New details have emerged regarding the death of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah on September 27 in an Israeli strike on Beirut. Israeli news outlet Channel 12 has reported that the explosion itself didn’t kill Nasrallah but the 64-year-old militant most likely suffered asphyxiation as toxic gases leaked into his secret chamber.

New details have emerged regarding the death of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah on September 27 in an Israeli strike on Beirut. Israeli news outlet Channel 12 has reported that the explosion itself didn’t kill Nasrallah but the 64-year-old militant most likely suffered asphyxiation as toxic gases leaked into his secret chamber. Israel reportedly targeted the secret hideout of Nasrallah using 80 tonnes of “bunker-busting” bombs. The attack came as Nasrallah prepared to hold a meeting with senior Hezbollah leadership at the headquarters of the Lebanon-based militant group. The strike was executed by Israeli Air Force (IAF) fighter jets at the group’s underground Central Headquarters, reportedly located beneath a residential building in the Dahieh area of Beirut. According to media reports, Lebanese officials recovered Nasrallah’s dead body with no visible wound marks after the IDF strikes. This indicates that he may have died of toxic gases in the room as the headquarters building came crashing down. Also read: West Asia crisis: Hezbollah confirms leader Hassan Nasrallah's death in IDF strikes on Beirut A security official, meanwhile, claimed that Nasrallah may have died of blunt trauma and not due to toxic gases. Even as several conspiracy theories emerge in media and social media, the militant group has maintained a silence over the issue, while vowing strong retaliation against Israeli aggression. United States President Joe Biden was quick to call Nasrallah’s death a “measure of justice”. Also read: Iranian mole gave away Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah’s location? Report claims... Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who apparently green-lighted the strikes from New York, called the operation as necessary and a potential “historic turning point” in the region. Nasrallah had been leading Hezbollah for over three decades, playing a key role since the 2006 Lebanon War against Israel. He was also involved in regional politics, supporting the Assad regime in Syria during the Syrian Civil War. Nasrallah oversaw Hezbollah’s transformation from a guerrilla group focused on resisting Israeli occupation into a significant political player in Lebanon. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.

West Asia crisis: ‘Blunt trauma, suffocation,’ conspiracy theories emerge around Nasrallah’s death

Four people were killed in an Israeli strike on a Beirut apartment block on Monday (Sep 30) as Israel carried out the first such raid on the heart of Lebanon's capital since the outbreak of the war in Gaza last year, the news agency AFP reported citing a Lebanese source.

Four people were killed in an Israeli strike on a Beirut apartment block on Monday (Sep 30) as Israel carried out the first such raid on the heart of Lebanon's capital since the outbreak of the war in Gaza last year, the news agency AFP reported citing a Lebanese source. The source said that Monday's strike, which was a drone attack, targeted an apartment belonging to two members of the Lebanese Islamist group Jamaa Islamiya in Kola district. It was the first strike within the city's walls since the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel last year. "At least four people were killed in an Israeli drone strike targeting a flat belonging to Jamaa Islamiya in Beirut's inner city," the source told AFP. Three members of left-wing militant group killed Of the four victims killed, three belonged to the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), a left-wing militant group. In a statement, the PFLP said that its military security chief Mohammad Abdel-Aal, military commander Imad Odeh, and Abdelrahman Abdel-Aal were killed. Also read | Four killed as Israeli airstrikes pound key Yemeni port after Houthis fire missiles targeting central Israel Television footage showed the partially flattened floor of the building targeted by the strike, in the predominantly Sunni neighbourhood of Kola, near the road linking the capital to Beirut airport. The PFLP is one of the militant groups that is fighting against Israel. Hundreds killed in Lebanon since last week Iran-aligned Lebanese militant group Hezbollah has engaged in cross-border fire with Israel for almost a year and says it is acting in support of Hamas, who attacked Israel on October 7, triggering the war in the Gaza Strip. Israeli attacks have killed hundreds in Lebanon since last Monday, the deadliest day since the country's 1975-1990 civil war, AFP reported. Lebanon's Health Ministry has said more than 1,000 Lebanese have been killed and 6,000 wounded in the past two weeks, without saying how many were civilians. The government said a million people - a fifth of the population - have fled their homes. Also watch | What do you need to know about Hezbollah? × The intensifying Israeli bombardment over two weeks has killed a string of top Hezbollah officials, including its leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah. Many of Israel's attacks have been carried out in the south of Lebanon, where Hezbollah has most of its operations or Beirut's southern suburbs. Monday's attack in the Kola district was the first strike within Beirut's city limits. (With inputs from agencies)

West Asia crisis: Four killed in Beirut as Israel carries out first strike on heart of Lebanon's capital

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (Sep 30) spoke to his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu over the phone and discussed the raging conflict in West Asia.

“Spoke to Prime Minister @netanyahu about recent developments in West Asia. Terrorism has no place in our world. It is crucial to prevent regional escalation and ensure the safe release of all hostages. India is committed to supporting efforts for an early restoration of peace and stability,” PM Modi posted on X.

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Spoke to Prime Minister <a href="https://twitter.com/netanyahu?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@netanyahu</a> about recent developments in West Asia. Terrorism has no place in our world. It is crucial to prevent regional escalation and ensure the safe release of all hostages. India is committed to supporting efforts for an early restoration of peace and…
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The call between the two leaders comes amidst fiery escalation in the region, in the aftermath of Israeli strikes on Beirut that killed Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah.

Washington Post recently reported that&nbsp;the Jewish nation might be&nbsp;planning a limited ground operation in Lebanon and has informed the United States about it.

India has offered steadfast support to Israel in its fight against terrorism, while also striking a cautious note on the increasing civilian death toll. Following Hamas' deadly attack on Israel on Oct 7, India was one of the first nations to have backed the Jewish nation in its fight against terrorism.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwiWlKnbk-uIAxVTklYBHbaSK9cQxfQBKAB6BAgPEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-brings-political-rival-gideon-saar-into-government-patriotic-and-right-thing-to-do-763026" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-brings-political-rival-gideon-saar-into-government-patriotic-and-right-thing-to-do-763026&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiWlKnbk-uIAxVTklYBHbaSK9cQxfQBKAB6BAgPEAE">Netanyahu brings political rival Gideon Sa’ar into government: 'Patriotic and right thing to do...'</a>

Taking to social media, PM Modi had issued a statement expressing solidarity with Israel.

"Deeply shocked by the news of terrorist attacks in Israel. Our thoughts and prayers are with the innocent victims and their families. We stand in solidarity with Israel at this difficult hour,” stated Modi on X.

Netanyahu, in his recent UNGA address, showed a map on the podium, which portrayed India as a blessing in the West Asian region along with regional powers like Saudi Arabia and UAE, whereas his&nbsp;'curse map' highlighted countries like Iran and its partners.

Netanyahu said the “Curse&nbsp;map" is an arc of terror that Iran has created and imposed from the Indian Ocean to the Mediterranean.

(With inputs from agencies)

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (Sep 30) spoke to his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu over the phone and discussed the raging conflict in West Asia.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday (Sep 30) spoke to his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu over the phone and discussed the raging conflict in West Asia. “Spoke to Prime Minister @netanyahu about recent developments in West Asia. Terrorism has no place in our world. It is crucial to prevent regional escalation and ensure the safe release of all hostages. India is committed to supporting efforts for an early restoration of peace and stability,” PM Modi posted on X. Spoke to Prime Minister @netanyahu about recent developments in West Asia. Terrorism has no place in our world. It is crucial to prevent regional escalation and ensure the safe release of all hostages. India is committed to supporting efforts for an early restoration of peace and… — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) September 30, 2024 × The call between the two leaders comes amidst fiery escalation in the region, in the aftermath of Israeli strikes on Beirut that killed Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah. Washington Post recently reported that the Jewish nation might be planning a limited ground operation in Lebanon and has informed the United States about it. India has offered steadfast support to Israel in its fight against terrorism, while also striking a cautious note on the increasing civilian death toll. Following Hamas' deadly attack on Israel on Oct 7, India was one of the first nations to have backed the Jewish nation in its fight against terrorism. Also read: Netanyahu brings political rival Gideon Sa’ar into government: 'Patriotic and right thing to do...' Taking to social media, PM Modi had issued a statement expressing solidarity with Israel. "Deeply shocked by the news of terrorist attacks in Israel. Our thoughts and prayers are with the innocent victims and their families. We stand in solidarity with Israel at this difficult hour,” stated Modi on X. Netanyahu, in his recent UNGA address, showed a map on the podium, which portrayed India as a blessing in the West Asian region along with regional powers like Saudi Arabia and UAE, whereas his 'curse map' highlighted countries like Iran and its partners. Netanyahu said the “Curse map" is an arc of terror that Iran has created and imposed from the Indian Ocean to the Mediterranean. (With inputs from agencies)

West Asia crisis: ‘Terrorism has no place in our world,’ PM Narendra Modi speaks to Netanyahu

Gaza-based militant group Hamas said Monday (Sep 30) one of its top leaders in Lebanon was killed in a strike on the country’s south in the day earlier.

“Fatah Sharif Abu al-Amine, the leader of Hamas… in Lebanon and member of the movement’s leadership abroad” was killed in an air strike on his “home in the Al-Bass camp in south Lebanon”, a statement released by Hamas said.

The statement added that Fatah was killed along with his wife, son and daughter in what it dubbed a “terrorist and criminal assassination”.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwjUte-puuqIAxXoUGwGHUD0ORYQxfQBKAB6BAgQEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-puts-forward-condition-for-permanent-ceasefire-in-gaza-until-that-happens-756069" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/netanyahu-puts-forward-condition-for-permanent-ceasefire-in-gaza-until-that-happens-756069&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjUte-puuqIAxXoUGwGHUD0ORYQxfQBKAB6BAgQEAE">Netanyahu puts forward condition for permanent ceasefire in Gaza: 'Until that happens..'</a>

Earlier, National News Agency, the official media arm of the Lebanese government, reported an air strike on Al-Bass near the city of Tyre in what came as the first such attack on a refugee camp.

Earlier same day, the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), a secular left-wing group, said three of its members were killed in a strike on Beirut’s Kola district.

It’s not unusual for Israel to target Hamas officials in Lebanon since the war started in Gaza a year ago. Similar strikes have been carried out by Israel in January and August, in which Hamas deputy leader Saleh al-Aruri and six other militants in Hezbollah’s south Beirut stronghold were killed. Israel also killed Hamas commander Samer al-Hajj in a strike on a vehicle in the south Lebanon city of Sidon.

<h2>Iran to not confront Israel</h2>

As Israel intensifies its assault on Iranian&nbsp;proxies in the region, including Hezbollah, Hamas and Houthis, Iran has said it will not send its forces to Lebanon or Gaza for confronting Israeli troops.

"There is no need to send extra or volunteer forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran," said foreign ministry spokesman Nasser Kanani, adding that Lebanon and fighters in the Palestinian territories "have the capability and strength to defend themselves against the aggression."

(With inputs from agencies)

Gaza-based militant group Hamas said Monday (Sep 30) one of its top leaders in Lebanon was killed in a strike on the country’s south in the day earlier. “Fatah Sharif Abu al-Amine, the leader of Hamas… in Lebanon and member of the movement’s leadership abroad” was killed in an air strike on his “home in the Al-Bass camp in south Lebanon”, a statement released by Hamas said.

Gaza-based militant group Hamas said Monday (Sep 30) one of its top leaders in Lebanon was killed in a strike on the country’s south in the day earlier. “Fatah Sharif Abu al-Amine, the leader of Hamas… in Lebanon and member of the movement’s leadership abroad” was killed in an air strike on his “home in the Al-Bass camp in south Lebanon”, a statement released by Hamas said. The statement added that Fatah was killed along with his wife, son and daughter in what it dubbed a “terrorist and criminal assassination”. Also read: Netanyahu puts forward condition for permanent ceasefire in Gaza: 'Until that happens..' Earlier, National News Agency, the official media arm of the Lebanese government, reported an air strike on Al-Bass near the city of Tyre in what came as the first such attack on a refugee camp. Earlier same day, the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), a secular left-wing group, said three of its members were killed in a strike on Beirut’s Kola district. It’s not unusual for Israel to target Hamas officials in Lebanon since the war started in Gaza a year ago. Similar strikes have been carried out by Israel in January and August, in which Hamas deputy leader Saleh al-Aruri and six other militants in Hezbollah’s south Beirut stronghold were killed. Israel also killed Hamas commander Samer al-Hajj in a strike on a vehicle in the south Lebanon city of Sidon. Iran to not confront Israel As Israel intensifies its assault on Iranian proxies in the region, including Hezbollah, Hamas and Houthis, Iran has said it will not send its forces to Lebanon or Gaza for confronting Israeli troops. "There is no need to send extra or volunteer forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran," said foreign ministry spokesman Nasser Kanani, adding that Lebanon and fighters in the Palestinian territories "have the capability and strength to defend themselves against the aggression." (With inputs from agencies)

West Asia crisis: Hamas confirms top leader Sharif Abu al-Amine killed in IDF strike in Lebanon

The United Nations (UN) World Food Programme (WFP) said on Sunday (Sep 29) that it had launched an emergency operation to provide meals for one million people affected by the escalating conflict in Lebanon.

The United Nations (UN) World Food Programme (WFP) said on Sunday (Sep 29) that it had launched an emergency operation to provide meals for one million people affected by the escalating conflict in Lebanon. In a statement, the WFP said, "A further acceleration of the conflict this weekend underscored the need for an immediate humanitarian response." The WFP added that it was distributing ready-to-eat food rations, bread, hot meals and food parcels to shelters across Lebanon. Israel on Sunday said that it was carrying out new air strikes on dozens of Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, two days after killing the Iran-backed militant group's leader, Hassan Nasrallah, in bombing raids outside Beirut. 'Bombing of Lebanon is compounding fragility of...' The killing of Nasrallah marked a sharp escalation in nearly a year of tit-for-tat cross-border fire between Israel and Hezbollah since the latter's Palestinian ally Hamas staged its unprecedented attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. Also read | Hezbollah chief killing: Militant groups will carry on confronting Israel, says Iran's Parliament speaker The WFP said on Sunday that the ongoing bombing in Lebanon was compounding the fragility of a population burdened by accumulated crises. In a statement, the agency's country director for Lebanon Matthew Hollingworth said, "In just a few days, WFP assistance has reached thousands of newly displaced people." "As the crisis deepens, we are preparing to assist up to one million people through a mix of cash and food support," Hollingworth added and called out the international community to mobilise $105 million to fund the operation through to the end of the year. One million people may be displaced by Israeli attacks: Lebanon PM Lebanon's Prime Minister Najib Mikat said on Sunday that Israel's intensifying attacks on the country may have displaced up to one million people, the news agency AFP reported. PM Mikat held an emergency cabinet meeting on the ongoing conflict. "The number of displaced people... could reach a million. Let's not forget the large influx from the south and the Bekaa" Mikat told reporters following the meeting. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes the utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Lebanon, Iran, Syria, Iraq, and non-state actors like the Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos, and videos.

Israel-Hezbollah conflict: UN agency launches emergency operation to provide food to 1 mn people in Lebanon

The Israeli military on Saturday (Sept 28) launched new strikes targeting Iran-aligned Lebanese militant group Hezbollah in eastern Lebanon. In a statement, the military said it was currently striking terror targets belonging to the Hezbollah terrorist organisation in the area of Beqaa" in eastern Lebanon.

The Israeli military on Saturday (Sept 28) launched new strikes targeting Iran-aligned Lebanese militant group Hezbollah in eastern Lebanon. In a statement, the military said it was currently striking terror targets belonging to the Hezbollah terrorist organisation in the area of Beqaa" in eastern Lebanon. The military added that sirens sounded in northern Israel after Hezbollah said it struck there. Hezbollah claimed a rocket attack on northern Israel, the first retaliation after heavy Israeli strikes pounded Beirut's southern suburbs overnight. "Defending Lebanon and its people, and responding to the barbaric" Israeli attacks "on cities and villages and civilians", Hezbollah fighters targeted kibbutz Kabri in northern Israel "with a salvo of Fadi-1 rockets", Hezbollah said in a statement, the news agency AFP reported. The pre-dawn strikes in Beirut's suburbs A wave of Israeli airstrikes hit Beirut's southern suburbs early on Saturday as Israel stepped up attacks on Hezbollah. According to a report by the news agency Reuters, more than 20 airstrikes hit the suburbs before dawn on Saturday. These strikes come after Israel launched a massive strike on Hezbollah that apparently targeted its leader Hassan Nasrallah. There was no immediate confirmation of Nasrallah's fate after Friday's heavy strikes, but a source close to Hezbollah told Reuters he was not reachable. The Iran-aligned Lebanese militant group has not commented on Nasrallah yet. Top Hezbollah commanders targeted Israel has not said whether it tried to hit Nasrallah, but a senior Israeli official said top Hezbollah commanders were targeted. "I think it's too early to say... Sometimes they hide the fact when we succeed," the official told reporters when asked if the strike on Friday had killed Nasrallah. Also read | Beirut rocked by multiple explosions as Israel targets Hezbollah's headquarters Earlier, another source close to Hezbollah told Reuters that Nasrallah was alive. Iran's Tasnim news agency also reported he was safe. A senior Iranian security official told Reuters that Tehran was checking his status. The Israeli military said in a statement that it had killed the commander of Hezbollah's missile unit, Muhammad Ali Ismail, and his deputy Hossein Ahmed Ismail. Lebanese health authorities confirmed six dead and 91 wounded in the initial attack on Friday - the fourth on Beirut's Hezbollah-controlled southern suburbs in a week and the heaviest since a 2006 war. Also watch | Race to Power: Is the Israel-Hezbollah conflict helping Netanyahu politically? × The toll appeared likely to rise much higher. More than 700 people were killed in strikes over the past week. Iran accuses Israel of using US bombs in Beirut Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi accused Israel of using several US "bunker buster" bombs to strike Beirut on Friday. "Just this morning, the Israeli regime used several 5,000-pound bunker busters that had been gifted to them by the United States to hit residential areas in Beirut," Foreign Minister Araqchi told a United Nations Security Council (UNSC) meeting on the Middle East. (With inputs from agencies)

Israeli troops launch new strikes on Hezbollah after group claims rocket attack in northern Israel

The UN refugee chief said Saturday that more than 50,000 people had fled to Syria amid escalating Israeli air strikes on&nbsp;Lebanon.

"More than 50,000 Lebanese and Syrians living in&nbsp;Lebanon&nbsp;have now crossed into Syria fleeing Israeli air strikes," Filippo Grandi said on X.

He added that "well over 200,000 people are displaced inside&nbsp;Lebanon".

A UNHCR spokesman said the total number of displaced in&nbsp;Lebanon&nbsp;had reached 211,319, including 118,000 just since Israel dramatically ramped up its air strikes on Monday.

The remainder had fled their homes since Hezbollah militants in&nbsp;Lebanon&nbsp;began low-intensity cross-border attacks a day after its Palestinian ally Hamas staged its unprecedented attack on Israel on October 7, triggering war in the Gaza Strip.

Israel has shifted the focus of its operation from Gaza to&nbsp;Lebanon, where heavy bombing has killed more than 700 people, according to&nbsp;Lebanon's health ministry, as cross-border exchanges escalated over the past week.

Most of those Lebanese deaths came on Monday, the deadliest day of violence since&nbsp;Lebanon's 1975-1990 civil war.

"Relief operations are underway, including by UNHCR, to help all those in need, in coordination with both governments," Grandi said.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION&nbsp;audience.

The UN refugee chief said Saturday that more than 50,000 people had fled to Syria amid escalating Israeli air strikes on Lebanon. "More than 50,000 Lebanese and Syrians living in Lebanon have now crossed into Syria fleeing Israeli air strikes," Filippo Grandi said on X.

The UN refugee chief said Saturday that more than 50,000 people had fled to Syria amid escalating Israeli air strikes on Lebanon. "More than 50,000 Lebanese and Syrians living in Lebanon have now crossed into Syria fleeing Israeli air strikes," Filippo Grandi said on X. He added that "well over 200,000 people are displaced inside Lebanon". A UNHCR spokesman said the total number of displaced in Lebanon had reached 211,319, including 118,000 just since Israel dramatically ramped up its air strikes on Monday. The remainder had fled their homes since Hezbollah militants in Lebanon began low-intensity cross-border attacks a day after its Palestinian ally Hamas staged its unprecedented attack on Israel on October 7, triggering war in the Gaza Strip. Israel has shifted the focus of its operation from Gaza to Lebanon, where heavy bombing has killed more than 700 people, according to Lebanon's health ministry, as cross-border exchanges escalated over the past week. Most of those Lebanese deaths came on Monday, the deadliest day of violence since Lebanon's 1975-1990 civil war. "Relief operations are underway, including by UNHCR, to help all those in need, in coordination with both governments," Grandi said. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits for grammar and punctuation. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

West Asia crisis: UN refugee agency says 50,000 people from Lebanon fled to Syria; 200k displaced

The conflict between Israel and Iran-aligned Lebanon-based militant group Hezbollah is escalating with each passing day. More than 700 people in Lebanon were killed in Israeli strikes over the past week.

The conflict between Israel and Iran-aligned Lebanon-based militant group Hezbollah is escalating with each passing day. More than 700 people in Lebanon were killed in Israeli strikes over the past week. On Saturday (Sep 28), a wave of airstrikes hit Beirut's southern suburbs as Israel stepped up attacks on Hezbollah. These strikes came a day after Israel knocked out six buildings in Beirut's southern suburb of Haret Hreik. The Israeli military said the strike, which killed and wounded dozens of people, hit the headquarters of Hezbollah in Beirut. On Saturday, the Israeli military said that Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah was eliminated during Friday's strikes. "Hassan Nasrallah will no longer be able to terrorize the world," the IDF said in a post on X. Hezbollah, on Saturday, confirmed that its leader Nasrallah was killed a day ago due to the Israeli strike. So, who was Hassan Nasrallah and how did he transform Hezbollah into one of the most powerful paramilitary groups in West Asia? Here's a look: A profile of Hassan Nasrallah Nasrallah, 64, was born in 1960 into a poor Shiite family in Beirut’s impoverished northern suburb of Sharshabouk. He studied theology and joined the Amal movement, a Shiite political and paramilitary organisation, before becoming one of Hezbollah’s founders. Also read | West Asia crisis: Israel says Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah 'eliminated' in Beirut strike Nasrallah has led the Lebanon-based militant group for the last three decades. He built a power base as Hezbollah became part of a cluster of Iranian-backed factions and governments known as the Axis of Resistance. Two days after its leader Sayyed Abbas Musawi, was killed in an Israeli helicopter gunship raid in south Lebanon, Hezbollah chose Nasrallah as its secretary-general in February 1992. In 1997, the United States (US) designated Hezbollah as a terrorist organisation. How Hezbollah transformed under Nasrallah Under his leadership, the Lebanese militant group has fought wars against Israel and taken part in the conflict in Syria, helping tip the balance of power in favour of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad Under Nasrallah, Hezbollah was credited with leading the war of attrition that led to the withdrawal of Israeli troops from south Lebanon in 2000. Following the Israeli withdrawal, Nasrallah rose to iconic status both within Lebanon and throughout the Arab world. Also watch | Race to Power: Is the Israel-Hezbollah conflict helping Netanyahu politically? × Nasrallah reshaped Hezbollah into an archenemy of Israel, cementing alliances with Shiite religious leaders in Iran and Palestinian militant groups such as Hamas, a report by the news agency Associated Press said. His role in current West Asia crisis A day after the Israel-Hamas war began on October 7, 2023, Hezbollah began attacking Israeli military posts along the border calling it a “backup front” for Gaza. In speeches throughout the conflict, the 64-year-old argued that Hezbollah’s cross-border strikes had pulled away Israeli forces that would otherwise be focused on the Palestinian militant group Hamas and insisted that Hezbollah would not halt its attacks on Israel until a ceasefire was reached in Gaza. Nasrallah maintained a defiant tone, even as tensions rose dramatically in recent weeks with Israel announcing a new phase in the conflict intended to push Hezbollah back from the border to allow thousands displaced from northern Israel to return, the Associated Press report said. (With inputs from agencies)

Hassan Nasrallah: What you should know about the Hezbollah leader Israel says it has killed

After Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah was killed in Israeli strikes on Friday (Sep 27), Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has reportedly moved to a safe location with heightened security measures in place.

News agency Reuters citing officials in Tehran reported that Iran was constantly in touch with its proxies in Gaza and Lebanon to determine what steps should be taken next.

Khamenei on Saturday (Sep 28) also condemned Israel's&nbsp;"short-sighted" policy after strikes on Lebanon.&nbsp;

"The massacre of the defenceless people in Lebanon once again revealed the ferocity of the Zionist rabid dog to everyone, and proved the short-sighted and stupid policy of the leaders of the usurping regime," Khamenei said in a statement, without providing any information on&nbsp;Hezbollah's fate.

Iran's foreign ministry also said that&nbsp;the path of Hezbollah's chief Hassan Nasrallah will continue despite his killing.

"The glorious path of the leader of the resistance, Hassan Nasrallah, will continue and his sacred goal will be realised in the liberation of Quds (Jerusalem), God willing," said foreign ministry spokesman Nasser Kanani in a post on social media X mourning the Hezbollah chief's&nbsp;death.&nbsp;

<h2>'Most senior leaders eliminated'</h2>

Israel's military said Saturday that "most" senior leaders of Hezbollah had been killed after it announced the death of Hassan Nasrallah. Hezbollah confirmed the death of its leader hours after Israel claimed it.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ved="2ahUKEwi9ubiKweWIAxVHnmMGHW7NK_QQxfQBKAB6BAgKEAE" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/west-asia-crisis-multiple-israeli-airstrikes-hit-beiruts-southern-suburbs-762666" jsname="YKoRaf" ping="/url?sa=t&amp;source=web&amp;rct=j&amp;opi=89978449&amp;url=https://www.wionews.com/world/west-asia-crisis-multiple-israeli-airstrikes-hit-beiruts-southern-suburbs-762666&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi9ubiKweWIAxVHnmMGHW7NK_QQxfQBKAB6BAgKEAE">Israeli troops launch new strikes on Hezbollah after group claims rocket attack in northern Israel</a>

Earlier, the Israel Army chief said in a statement that they had been preparing for the attack on Nasrallah for a long time.

"This attack was prepared for a long time, executed at the right moment with great precision, and now we are moving forward with careful preparation for the next steps," said Israeli army chief Herzi Halevi, in a video released by the military.

Opposition leader Yair Lapid congratulated the Israel Defense Forces (IDF)&nbsp;for the said killing of&nbsp;Nasrallah in a post on X.

"I congratulate the security establishment, the IDF and the Air Force for the elimination of the rabbi murderer Hassan Nasrallah. Let all our enemies know that whoever attacks Israel is a son of death. This is an important achievement for the deterrence and security of the State of Israel," he posted, in support of the government's anti-Hezbollah actions in Lebanon.

(With inputs from agencies) 
 
Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq and non-state actors like Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

After Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah was killed in Israeli strikes on Friday (Sep 27), Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has reportedly moved to a safe location with heightened security measures in place.

After Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah was killed in Israeli strikes on Friday (Sep 27), Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has reportedly moved to a safe location with heightened security measures in place. News agency Reuters citing officials in Tehran reported that Iran was constantly in touch with its proxies in Gaza and Lebanon to determine what steps should be taken next. Khamenei on Saturday (Sep 28) also condemned Israel's "short-sighted" policy after strikes on Lebanon. "The massacre of the defenceless people in Lebanon once again revealed the ferocity of the Zionist rabid dog to everyone, and proved the short-sighted and stupid policy of the leaders of the usurping regime," Khamenei said in a statement, without providing any information on Hezbollah's fate. Iran's foreign ministry also said that the path of Hezbollah's chief Hassan Nasrallah will continue despite his killing. "The glorious path of the leader of the resistance, Hassan Nasrallah, will continue and his sacred goal will be realised in the liberation of Quds (Jerusalem), God willing," said foreign ministry spokesman Nasser Kanani in a post on social media X mourning the Hezbollah chief's death. 'Most senior leaders eliminated' Israel's military said Saturday that "most" senior leaders of Hezbollah had been killed after it announced the death of Hassan Nasrallah. Hezbollah confirmed the death of its leader hours after Israel claimed it. Also read: Israeli troops launch new strikes on Hezbollah after group claims rocket attack in northern Israel Earlier, the Israel Army chief said in a statement that they had been preparing for the attack on Nasrallah for a long time. "This attack was prepared for a long time, executed at the right moment with great precision, and now we are moving forward with careful preparation for the next steps," said Israeli army chief Herzi Halevi, in a video released by the military. Opposition leader Yair Lapid congratulated the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) for the said killing of Nasrallah in a post on X. "I congratulate the security establishment, the IDF and the Air Force for the elimination of the rabbi murderer Hassan Nasrallah. Let all our enemies know that whoever attacks Israel is a son of death. This is an important achievement for the deterrence and security of the State of Israel," he posted, in support of the government's anti-Hezbollah actions in Lebanon. (With inputs from agencies) Disclaimer: WION takes utmost care to accurately and responsibly report conflicts in West Asia involving Israel, Iran, Syria, Iraq and non-state actors like Islamic State, among others. In this context, claims and counterclaims are being made online and offline. WION cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, social media posts, photos and videos.

West Asia crisis: Iran's Khamenei moved to safe location amid 'short-sighted' attacks in Beirut

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump will be meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky later on Friday (Sept 27). The meeting will take place at the Trump Tower in New York. The meeting comes just hours after US President Joe Biden&nbsp;announced more than $8 billion in new military aid for Ukraine.

The conflict between Israel and Iran-aligned Lebanese militant group Hezbollah is escalating. On Thursday, the Israeli military announced that&nbsp;a precision airstrike in Beirut killed Muhammad Hussein Srour, the Commander of Hezbollah's Aerial Command.

In other news from around the world, Boeing is in the headlines again. The US government's&nbsp;National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has issued&nbsp;“urgent safety recommendations” for some Boeing 737s- warning that critical flight controls could jam.

Click on the headlines to read more:

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/a-long-sought-meeting-donald-trump-to-meet-ukrainian-president-zelensky-today-762369">A long-sought meeting: Donald Trump to meet Ukrainian President Zelensky today</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/09/27/457071-untitled-1.png?imwidth=400" />

Republican presidential candidate and former United States (US) president Donald Trump would meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday (Sept 27).&nbsp;Trump made this announcement on Thursday,&nbsp;&nbsp;just hours after Democratic President Joe Biden announced more than $8 billion in new military aid for Ukraine.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/idf-eliminates-hezbollah-drone-commander-in-beirut-strike-over-700-dead-as-conflict-escalates-in-lebanon-762370">IDF eliminates Hezbollah drone commander in Beirut strike; over 700 dead as conflict escalates in Lebanon</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/04/08/423730-succession-2024-04-08t003304000.jpg?imwidth=400" />

As tensions escalate in the Middle East, concerns about a potential 'all-out war' between Israel and Hezbollah are growing. The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) announced via a post on social media platform X that a precision airstrike in Beirut on Thursday (Sept&nbsp;26) has taken out Muhammad Hussein Srour,&nbsp;the Commander of Hezbollah's Aerial Command.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/more-trouble-for-boeing-us-govt-issues-urgent-safety-warning-for-some-737s-762381">More trouble for Boeing: US govt issues urgent safety warning for some 737s</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/09/27/457079-untitled-2.png?imwidth=400" />

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) of the United States (US) government has issued&nbsp;“urgent safety recommendations” for some Boeing 737s- warning that critical flight controls could jam, American media reported on Thursday (Sept 26).

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/alabama-executes-prisoner-alan-miller-in-states-second-ever-nitrogen-asphyxiation-execution-762359">Alabama executes prisoner Alan Miller in state's second-ever nitrogen-asphyxiation execution</a>

<img alt="main img" src="https://cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/styles/story_page/public/2024/09/27/457065-untitled.png?imwidth=400" />

Alabama on Thursday (Sept 26) executed convicted murderer Alan Miller&nbsp;in the second-ever nitrogen-asphyxiation execution since the US state&nbsp;pioneered the method which it says is less painful than lethal injections but human rights experts say may amount to torture.

Watch |&nbsp;Japan destroyer passes through Taiwan Strait, angering China

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Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump will be meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky later on Friday (Sept 27). The meeting will take place at the Trump Tower in New York.

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump will be meeting Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky later on Friday (Sept 27). The meeting will take place at the Trump Tower in New York. The meeting comes just hours after US President Joe Biden announced more than $8 billion in new military aid for Ukraine. The conflict between Israel and Iran-aligned Lebanese militant group Hezbollah is escalating. On Thursday, the Israeli military announced that a precision airstrike in Beirut killed Muhammad Hussein Srour, the Commander of Hezbollah's Aerial Command. In other news from around the world, Boeing is in the headlines again. The US government's National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has issued “urgent safety recommendations” for some Boeing 737s- warning that critical flight controls could jam. Click on the headlines to read more: A long-sought meeting: Donald Trump to meet Ukrainian President Zelensky today Republican presidential candidate and former United States (US) president Donald Trump would meet Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday (Sept 27). Trump made this announcement on Thursday, just hours after Democratic President Joe Biden announced more than $8 billion in new military aid for Ukraine. IDF eliminates Hezbollah drone commander in Beirut strike; over 700 dead as conflict escalates in Lebanon As tensions escalate in the Middle East, concerns about a potential 'all-out war' between Israel and Hezbollah are growing. The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) announced via a post on social media platform X that a precision airstrike in Beirut on Thursday (Sept 26) has taken out Muhammad Hussein Srour, the Commander of Hezbollah's Aerial Command. More trouble for Boeing: US govt issues urgent safety warning for some 737s The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) of the United States (US) government has issued “urgent safety recommendations” for some Boeing 737s- warning that critical flight controls could jam, American media reported on Thursday (Sept 26). Alabama executes prisoner Alan Miller in state's second-ever nitrogen-asphyxiation execution Alabama on Thursday (Sept 26) executed convicted murderer Alan Miller in the second-ever nitrogen-asphyxiation execution since the US state pioneered the method which it says is less painful than lethal injections but human rights experts say may amount to torture. Watch | Japan destroyer passes through Taiwan Strait, angering China ×

Morning brief: Trump to meet Zelensky today; West Asia crisis updates, and more

The Israeli army chief has told his troops that the ongoing strikes in Lebanon may serve as a precursor to "possible entry" of soldiers into the “enemy territory.”

"You hear the jets overhead; we have been striking all day," General Herzi Halevi told troops.

"This is both to prepare the ground for your possible entry and to continue degrading Hezbollah," he is believed to have told the military.

The Israeli army chief said that the motive of this operation would be to “safely return the residents of the north," as thousands of Israelis have been evacuated from border areas.

"To achieve that, we are preparing the process of a manoeuvre, which means your military boots, your manoeuvring boots, will enter enemy territory, enter villages that Hezbollah has prepared as large military outposts, with underground infrastructure, staging points, and launchpads into our territory and carry out attacks on Israeli civilians," Halevi said.

"You will go in, destroy the enemy there, and decisively destroy their infrastructure.”

This comes after the Israeli military on Wednesday mobilised reserve brigades to the northern border with Lebanon for "operational missions" in the area.

<h2>India issues advisory</h2>

India on Wednesday asked its citizens to leave Lebanon immediately in view of the recent developments and escalations.

"As a reiteration of the Advisory issued on 1 August 2024 and in view of the recent developments and escalations in the region, Indian nationals are strongly advised against travelling to Lebanon till further notice," the Indian embassy in Beirut&nbsp;said in a statement.

"All Indian nationals already in Lebanon are also strongly advised to leave Lebanon. Those who remain for any reason are advised to exercise extreme caution, restrict their movements and remain in contact with Embassy of India in Beirut through our email ID: cons.beirut@mea.gov.in or the emergency phone number +96176860128," the statement added.

<h2>Biden warns of all-out war</h2>

US President Joe Biden, on&nbsp;Wednesday, warned of the possibility of an "all-out war" in the Middle East but said he was hopeful a settlement was still achievable for the conflict-torn region.

"An all-out war is possible," Biden said when asked about the situation. "What I think is, also, the opportunity is still in play to have a settlement that could fundamentally change the whole region."

(With inputs from agencies)

The Israeli army chief has told his troops that the ongoing strikes in Lebanon may serve as a precursor to "possible entry" of soldiers into the “enemy territory.

The Israeli army chief has told his troops that the ongoing strikes in Lebanon may serve as a precursor to "possible entry" of soldiers into the “enemy territory.” "You hear the jets overhead; we have been striking all day," General Herzi Halevi told troops. "This is both to prepare the ground for your possible entry and to continue degrading Hezbollah," he is believed to have told the military. The Israeli army chief said that the motive of this operation would be to “safely return the residents of the north," as thousands of Israelis have been evacuated from border areas. "To achieve that, we are preparing the process of a manoeuvre, which means your military boots, your manoeuvring boots, will enter enemy territory, enter villages that Hezbollah has prepared as large military outposts, with underground infrastructure, staging points, and launchpads into our territory and carry out attacks on Israeli civilians," Halevi said. "You will go in, destroy the enemy there, and decisively destroy their infrastructure.” This comes after the Israeli military on Wednesday mobilised reserve brigades to the northern border with Lebanon for "operational missions" in the area. India issues advisory India on Wednesday asked its citizens to leave Lebanon immediately in view of the recent developments and escalations. "As a reiteration of the Advisory issued on 1 August 2024 and in view of the recent developments and escalations in the region, Indian nationals are strongly advised against travelling to Lebanon till further notice," the Indian embassy in Beirut said in a statement. "All Indian nationals already in Lebanon are also strongly advised to leave Lebanon. Those who remain for any reason are advised to exercise extreme caution, restrict their movements and remain in contact with Embassy of India in Beirut through our email ID: cons.beirut@mea.gov.in or the emergency phone number +96176860128," the statement added. Biden warns of all-out war US President Joe Biden, on Wednesday, warned of the possibility of an "all-out war" in the Middle East but said he was hopeful a settlement was still achievable for the conflict-torn region. "An all-out war is possible," Biden said when asked about the situation. "What I think is, also, the opportunity is still in play to have a settlement that could fundamentally change the whole region." (With inputs from agencies)

Israel prepares for ‘possible invasion’ of Lebanon; India issues advisory

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Monday (Sept 23) that Israel wanted to drag the Middle East into a full-blown war by provoking Iran to join the nearly-old conflict between Israel and Tehran-backed Lebanese militant group Hezbollah.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Monday (Sept 23) that Israel wanted to drag the Middle East into a full-blown war by provoking Iran to join the nearly-old conflict between Israel and Tehran-backed Lebanese militant group Hezbollah. "We do not wish to be the cause of instability in the Middle East as its consequences would be irreversible," President Pezeshkian told the press after his arrival in New York to attend the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), the news agency Reuters reported. "We want to live in peace, we don't want war. It is Israel that seeks to create this all-out conflict," Pezeshkian added. 'Will defend any group that defends itself' On being asked by reporters whether Iran would enter the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, Pezeshkian said, "We will defend any group that is defending its rights and itself." He did not elaborate. Also read | Iran's Guards ban communications devices after pager explosions in Lebanon against Hezbollah Pezeshkian's call to resolve the Middle East conflict through dialogue came after Israel unleashed an intense wave of air strikes against Hezbollah on Monday, making it the deadliest day in Lebanon in nearly a year of conflict between Israel and the Tehran-backed group. Tens of thousands of people have been displaced from towns and villages on both sides of the border by near-daily exchanges of fire between Israeli forces and Hezbollah. Israel said it preferred a diplomatic solution that would have Hezbollah moved farther back from the border. However, Hezbollah, which also says it wants to avoid all-out conflict, said that only an end to the war in Gaza would stop the fighting. Lebanon says Israeli airstrikes kill at least 492 In the latest news from the Israel-Hezbollah conflict, the Israeli military said that it launched airstrikes against the Lebanese militant group on Monday, which Beirut said killed 492 people and sent tens of thousands fleeing for safety. Also watch | World DNA: Israel says it struck about 1,600 Hezbollah targets × Israel warned people in Lebanon to evacuate areas where it said Hezbollah was storing weapons. "Israel's war is not with you, it's with Hezbollah. For too long Hezbollah has been using you as human shields," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Monday. (With inputs from agencies)

'Israel wants to drag Middle East into full-blown war by...': Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian

The Israeli military said on Tuesday (Sept 24) that it struck dozens of Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon overnight. Hezbollah, the Iran-aligned Lebanese militant group, said on Tuesday that it launched volleys of missiles at Israeli military bases.

The Israeli military said on Tuesday (Sept 24) that it struck dozens of Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon overnight. Hezbollah, the Iran-aligned Lebanese militant group, said on Tuesday that it launched volleys of missiles at Israeli military bases. As per reports, Ibrahim Qubaisi, a top Hezbollah commander responsible for directing missile attacks towards central Israel, was killed in the attack. Ibrahim Qubaisi, also known as Abu Musa, was the head of the terror group's missile unit. He was killed Tuesday in one of the strikes on Beirut’s Dahieh district, when a six-storey residential building was hit by the IDF. The Israeli military said more than 50 projectiles were fired into northern Israel in less than 10 minutes on Tuesday morning, most of which were intercepted. These attacks by the Israeli military and Hezbollah came a day after Lebanon said that Israeli airstrikes killed nearly 500 people and sent tens of thousands fleeing for safety. A look at Monday's airstrikes in Lebanon On Monday, Israel launched air strikes on Hezbollah strongholds in Lebanon that killed 492 people, including 35 children, while more than 1,600 people were injured, according to the Lebanese health ministry. Also read | 'Israel wants to drag Middle East into full-blown war by...': Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian A Lebanese official told the news agency Reuters that this was the country's highest daily death toll from violence since the 1975-1990 civil war. After almost a year of war against Hamas in Gaza on its southern border, Israel is shifting its focus to the northern frontier, from where Hezbollah has been firing rockets into Israel in support of the Palestinian militant group, also backed by Iran. After some of the heaviest cross-border exchanges of fire since hostilities flared in October 2023 as the Gaza war erupted, Israel warned civilian people in Lebanon to evacuate areas and move away from locations where Hezbollah has stored weapons. Thousands of people from south Lebanon fled for safety. The United Nations (UN) said on Tuesday that tens of thousands of people had fled their homes in Lebanon since Monday, amid Israeli strikes. "Tens of thousands of people were forced from their homes yesterday and overnight, and the numbers continue to grow," UN refugee agency spokesman Matthew Saltmarsh told reporters in Geneva. Also watch | Newspoint: US sending more troops to West Asia × Israeli Army chief Herzi Halevi said Monday's strikes hit the combat infrastructure that Hezbollah had been building for two decades, while Defence Minister Yoav Gallant called Monday "a significant peak" in the operation. '89 temporary shelters set up' Speaking to Reuters, Lebanese Minister Naseer Yassin said that 89 temporary shelters in schools and other facilities had been set up, with the capacity for more than 26,000 people as civilians fled what he called "Israeli atrocities." This development came after Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati urged the United Nations and world powers to deter what he called Israel's "plan that aims to destroy Lebanese villages and towns." (With inputs from agencies)

West Asia crisis: Top Hezbollah commander, head of missile unit, killed in Israeli strike on Beirut

United States (US) President Joe Biden said on Sunday (Sep 22) that Washington would do everything possible to prevent an escalation of war in the Middle East, as hostilities flared between Israel and Iran-aligned Lebanese militant group Hezbollah.

United States (US) President Joe Biden said on Sunday (Sep 22) that Washington would do everything possible to prevent an escalation of war in the Middle East, as hostilities flared between Israel and Iran-aligned Lebanese militant group Hezbollah. Addressing a press conference at the White House, President Biden said he was worried about rising regional tensions. He said that the US administration was "going to do everything we can to keep a wider war from breaking out." "And we're still pushing hard," the president added. Israel and Hezbollah threaten to escalate cross-border attacks Biden's remarks came as both Israel and Hezbollah on Sunday threatened to escalate their cross-border attacks despite a chorus of international calls for both sides to step back from the brink of all-out war. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said after intense rocket fire from Lebanon that Israel has dealt "a series of blows on Hezbollah that it could have never imagined." Hezbollah deputy chief Naim Qassem, meanwhile, said the group was in a "new phase" in its battle against Israel. Also read | Netanyahu says Hezbollah will ‘get the message’ after Israeli strikes ‘it never imagined’ Both released statements after attacks on northern Israel that caused damage in the Haifa area. Israel has signalled a focus shift to Iran-backed Hezbollah after nearly a year of cross-border fire that began in October in what Hezbollah calls support for Hamas militants fighting Israel, a report by the news agency AFP said. An Israeli air strike in a densely populated Hezbollah stronghold in southern Beirut last Friday killed the head of Hezbollah's elite Radwan Force, Ibrahim Aqil. Lebanon's health ministry said the strike killed 45 people. It came after a series of coordinated communications device blasts last Tuesday and Wednesday across Lebanon that killed 39 people and wounded almost 3,000, and which were blamed on Israel. 'Lebanon can become another Gaza' Ahead of the annual General Assembly, UN Chief Antonio Guterres warned of the risk of Lebanon becoming "another Gaza" and said it was "clear that both sides are not interested in a ceasefire" in the Gaza war. Also watch | Hezbollah calls new phase of battle × Months of near-daily exchanges have killed hundreds in Lebanon, mostly fighters, and dozens in Israel and the annexed Golan, forcing tens of thousands on both sides from their homes. (With inputs from agencies)

Israel- Hezbollah tensions | US will do everything possible to prevent escalation of war in Middle East: Biden

Iran-aligned Lebanese militant group Hezbollah said on Saturday (Sept 21) that a second senior commander was among 15 of its fighters killed in an Israeli air strike on its Beirut stronghold the previous day.

Iran-aligned Lebanese militant group Hezbollah said on Saturday (Sept 21) that a second senior commander was among 15 of its fighters killed in an Israeli air strike on its Beirut stronghold the previous day. Hezbollah said Ahmed Mahmud Wahbi led the military operations of its elite Radwan Force in support of Hamas between October 7 when the Palestinian militant group attacked Israel, triggering the Gaza war at the start of this year. The Israeli military said that its air strike on Beirut's southern suburbs on Friday eliminated Radwan Force chief Ibrahim Aqil and several other commanders. Who was the first Hezbollah commander killed in Israeli strike? On Friday, the Israeli military said citing sources that Aqil had been killed with other senior members of an elite Hezbollah unit in the airstrike. The Lebanese militant group confirmed Aqil's death in a statement just after midnight that called him "one of its top leaders," without providing details of how he died. Also read | Who was Ibrahim Aqil, chief of Hezbollah's elite Radwan Force, killed in Israeli strike In a second statement issued later, Hezbollah said Aqil was killed in Beirut's southern suburbs of Dahiyeh in what it called a "treacherous Israeli assassination." According to Lebanon's health ministry, at least 14 people were killed in the strike and the death toll was expected to rise as rescue teams worked through. The ministry did not reveal whether the toll included Aqil or any other Hezbollah commanders. 66 people injured in strikes Earlier, the ministry said at least 66 people were injured, nine of whom were in critical condition. Till now, only Wahbi and Aqil are the commanders Hezbollah said that had been killed in Friday's strike. Citing a security source, a report by the news agency Reuters said at least six other Hezbollah commanders died in the strike. The militant group said that several of its members were killed but it did not disclose whether they were commanders or its foot soldiers. (With inputs from agencies)

West Asia crisis: Hezbollah names second commander killed in Israeli air strike on Beirut

Palestinian militant group Hamas on Sunday (Sept 15) praised Yemen's Houthi rebels for their missile attack in central Israel earlier in the day. In a statement, Hamas said that Israel would not enjoy security unless it ended its offensive in the Gaza Strip.

Palestinian militant group Hamas on Sunday (Sept 15) praised Yemen's Houthi rebels for their missile attack in central Israel earlier in the day. In a statement, Hamas said that Israel would not enjoy security unless it ended its offensive in the Gaza Strip. Hamas considers the missile attack a "natural response to the Zionist entity's aggression against our Palestinian people ... We affirm that the Zionist enemy will not enjoy security unless it ceases its brutal aggression against our people in the Gaza Strip," the group said in a statement. Hamas' remarks came hours after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a warning to the Iran-aligned Houthi rebels after they launched the missile attack. "This morning, the Houthis launched a surface-to-surface missile from Yemen into our territory. They should have known by now that we charge a 'heavy price' for any attempt to harm us," Prime Minister Netanyahu said at the start of a cabinet meeting, according to a statement from his office. The missile strikes in central Israel Earlier on Sunday, Houthi rebels, who control northern Yemen, struck central Israel with a missile for the first time and warned of more strikes to come in solidarity with the Palestinians. Also read | Hamas chief lauds Hezbollah’s Nasrallah for support against Israel since Oct 7 Houthi military spokesman Yahya Sarea said the group struck with a new hypersonic ballistic missile that travelled 2,040 km (1270 miles) in just 11 1/2 minutes. Israel's military said the missile fell in an open area and nobody was hurt. A report by the news agency Reuters said that air raid sirens had sounded in Tel Aviv and across central Israel moments before the missile landed at around 6.35 am local time, sending residents running for shelter. Loud booms were heard, which the military said came from missile interceptors. "Following the sirens that sounded a short while ago in central Israel, a surface-to-surface missile was identified crossing into central Israel from the east and fell in an open area. No injuries were reported," the Israeli military said. Previous attacks on Israel The Houthis have fired missiles at Israel repeatedly in what they say is solidarity with the Palestinians since the Gaza war began with a Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023. Previously, Houthi missiles have not penetrated deep into Israeli air space, with the only one reported to have hit Israeli territory falling in an open area near the Red Sea port of Eilat in March. Also watch | World DNA: Israelis continue demand for return of hostages × Apart from missiles, the Houthis have also attacked Israel with drones, including one that hit Tel Aviv for the first time in July, killing a man and wounding four people. That attack prompted Israeli air strikes on Houthi military targets near the port of Hodeidah that killed six and wounded 80. (With inputs from agencies)

Houthis' missile attack in Israel: Hamas praises strike, Netanyahu warns Iran-aligned rebels

The Chief of staff of Iran's armed forces has said that Tehran will deliver a calculated response to Israel for the assassination of Hamas chief. Watch WION to know more.

West Asia Crisis: Chief of staff of Iran's armed forces reissues threat to Israel

Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of the Shia&nbsp;Islamist militant group&nbsp;Hezbollah, claimed in a speech on Sunday (August 25) that Israel's&nbsp;preemptive attacks in&nbsp;Lebanon had no impact on the&nbsp;retaliatory operations of Hezbollah.

"We delayed our operation amid a buildup of Israeli and US forces in the region, we could not afford failure, we also discussed retaliating together as a Resistance or separately, we also wanted to give enough time for ceasefire negotiations," he said in his televised speech.

"But since Netanyahu is having new demands for the ceasefire and negotiations are going nowhere, we decided to proceed," he added.

Nasrallah accused the United States of being complicit in Israel's actions. "The US is capable of pressuring Netanyahu to accept a ceasefire, but they won't, they are complicit in everything Israel does," he said.

Nasrullah claimed that&nbsp;all Hezbollah drones successfully entered Israeli airspace and&nbsp; added&nbsp;that the group had no intention of using precision missiles in Sunday's attack, but may deploy them in the near future.

He&nbsp;added that the Israeli military began strikes on&nbsp;Lebanon about 30 minutes before Hezbollah’s operation, but the targeted areas had nothing to do with the operation.

He added that Hezbollah's goals did not involve targeting civilians, despite Israel's attacks on civilians in Lebanon. "From the start, we had goals: no civilian targets, despite the fact that Israel is targeting civilians in Lebanon. We want to protect civilians in Lebanon, and this is why we did not target civilians in Israel. We decided that our targets will be military and have to do with the assassination of Sayyed Fouad Shukr, military intelligence, and the air force," Nasrallah stated.

He also mentioned that their primary target was the Gelilot base, which hosts the Israeli Military Intelligence Directorate’s Unit 8200 and is located near Tel Aviv.

Nasrallah dismissed any claims that Hezbollah intended to hit civilian targets, stating, "Any narrative that we were going to hit civilian targets and that they preempted this is a lie. If any civilian was killed in this operation, it must have been from the enemy's interceptors."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/israel-hezbollah-trade-missiles-as-latest-flare-up-throws-west-asia-on-edge-top-points-753176">Israel, Hezbollah launch strikes as latest flare-up puts West Asia on edge</a>

He also rejected Israel's assertion that they targeted 6,000 rockets and drones, asserting, "Israel failed to hit any of Hezbollah's strategic or ballistic missiles."

"The time assigned for the operation was after Fajr prayer at 5:15 am. All missile and drone launchers were set and programmed the night before. Our launchers were north of the Litani river, south of it, and also&nbsp;in&nbsp;the&nbsp;Beqaa. Israel's preemptive strike had no impact on Hezbollah's retaliatory operations," he said.

The Israeli military claimed that Hezbollah was planning to launch rockets and missiles toward Israel. According to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), around 100 fighter jets "struck and destroyed thousands of Hezbollah rocket launcher barrels" at over 40 sites.

Earlier, IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari said in a video posted on X, formerly Twitter, "A short while ago, the IDF identified the Hezbollah terrorist organization preparing to fire missiles and rockets toward Israeli territory. In a self-defense act to remove these threats, the IDF is striking terror targets in Lebanon."

Hezbollah confirmed that it had successfully launched the "first phase" of an attack on Israeli military positions in response to the assassination of Fuad Shukr, one of Hezbollah's top commanders, in an Israeli airstrike on Beirut in July.

(With inputs from agencies)

Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of the Shia Islamist militant group Hezbollah, claimed in a speech on Sunday (August 25) that Israel's preemptive attacks in Lebanon had no impact on the retaliatory operations of Hezbollah.

Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of the Shia Islamist militant group Hezbollah, claimed in a speech on Sunday (August 25) that Israel's preemptive attacks in Lebanon had no impact on the retaliatory operations of Hezbollah. "We delayed our operation amid a buildup of Israeli and US forces in the region, we could not afford failure, we also discussed retaliating together as a Resistance or separately, we also wanted to give enough time for ceasefire negotiations," he said in his televised speech. "But since Netanyahu is having new demands for the ceasefire and negotiations are going nowhere, we decided to proceed," he added. Nasrallah accused the United States of being complicit in Israel's actions. "The US is capable of pressuring Netanyahu to accept a ceasefire, but they won't, they are complicit in everything Israel does," he said. Nasrullah claimed that all Hezbollah drones successfully entered Israeli airspace and added that the group had no intention of using precision missiles in Sunday's attack, but may deploy them in the near future. He added that the Israeli military began strikes on Lebanon about 30 minutes before Hezbollah’s operation, but the targeted areas had nothing to do with the operation. He added that Hezbollah's goals did not involve targeting civilians, despite Israel's attacks on civilians in Lebanon. "From the start, we had goals: no civilian targets, despite the fact that Israel is targeting civilians in Lebanon. We want to protect civilians in Lebanon, and this is why we did not target civilians in Israel. We decided that our targets will be military and have to do with the assassination of Sayyed Fouad Shukr, military intelligence, and the air force," Nasrallah stated. He also mentioned that their primary target was the Gelilot base, which hosts the Israeli Military Intelligence Directorate’s Unit 8200 and is located near Tel Aviv. Nasrallah dismissed any claims that Hezbollah intended to hit civilian targets, stating, "Any narrative that we were going to hit civilian targets and that they preempted this is a lie. If any civilian was killed in this operation, it must have been from the enemy's interceptors." Also read: Israel, Hezbollah launch strikes as latest flare-up puts West Asia on edge He also rejected Israel's assertion that they targeted 6,000 rockets and drones, asserting, "Israel failed to hit any of Hezbollah's strategic or ballistic missiles." "The time assigned for the operation was after Fajr prayer at 5:15 am. All missile and drone launchers were set and programmed the night before. Our launchers were north of the Litani river, south of it, and also in the Beqaa. Israel's preemptive strike had no impact on Hezbollah's retaliatory operations," he said. The Israeli military claimed that Hezbollah was planning to launch rockets and missiles toward Israel. According to the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF), around 100 fighter jets "struck and destroyed thousands of Hezbollah rocket launcher barrels" at over 40 sites. Earlier, IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari said in a video posted on X, formerly Twitter, "A short while ago, the IDF identified the Hezbollah terrorist organization preparing to fire missiles and rockets toward Israeli territory. In a self-defense act to remove these threats, the IDF is striking terror targets in Lebanon." Hezbollah confirmed that it had successfully launched the "first phase" of an attack on Israeli military positions in response to the assassination of Fuad Shukr, one of Hezbollah's top commanders, in an Israeli airstrike on Beirut in July. (With inputs from agencies)

Hezbollah leader Nasrallah blasts Israel, says preemptive strikes ‘had no impact’ on retaliatory operations

American Airlines announced on Sunday (Aug 18) that it has cancelled its flights to and from Israel until April 2025, Israeli media reported. The airline extended its suspension of flights to Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport until next April.

American Airlines announced on Sunday (Aug 18) that it has cancelled its flights to and from Israel until April 2025, Israeli media reported. The airline extended its suspension of flights to Tel Aviv’s Ben Gurion Airport until next April. According to a report by Israeli broadcaster KAN, the airline did not provide any specific details about the suspension. 20 airlines have suspended Israel flights so far Since the Israel-Hamas war began on October 7, 2023, several major international carriers have suspended their flights to Israel. Some of these major airlines include United Airlines, Lufthansa, Air France, and Cathay Pacific. KAN earlier reported that as of August 7, the total number of foreign airlines that have suspended flights to and from Israel reached 20. Gaza ceasefire talks The development of American Airlines cancelling its flights to and from Israel came as talks would again start to end the Israel-Hamas war. US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, is on his ninth tour to the region since the conflict began. On Monday, Blinken met Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and President Isaac Herzog. The fresh round of ceasefire talks began in Qatar last week but paused without a breakthrough. The talks will resume this week based on a US "bridging proposal." Hamas has cast doubt on the chances of reaching a deal. "This is a decisive moment, probably the best, maybe the last opportunity to get the hostages home, to get a ceasefire and to put everyone on a better path to enduring peace and security," Blinken told reporters on Monday. (With inputs from agencies)

West Asia crisis: American Airlines cancels all flights to Israel until April 2025

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